Gordon County Christian Ministerial Alliance donates to schools

The Gordon County Christian Ministerial Alliance recently donated to local families in need through the social workers for Calhoun City and Gordon County schools, who will utilize the funds as needed for their students and families under stress from COVID-19. Representing New Echota United Methodist Church and GCCMA, Rosellen Burns and music director Jody Bryson presented the organization’s donation to both school systems. Top: Pictured are, from left, Jody Bryson, Rosellen Burns, school social workers Amanda Schutz, CHS Family Engagement Coordinator Marie Funes and CMS Family Engagement Coordinator Jessica Tucker.

Above: Pictured are, from left, Rosellen Burns, school social workers Jesse Calderon and Georgette Hunt, and Jody Bryson.

ATLANTA — A bill letting some family members visit Georgians in hospitals or nursing homes during health emergencies like coronavirus cleared the state House of Representatives Monday after an emotional debate.

The legislation, which passed 113-57 and now moves to the Georgia Senate, was revised numerous times as it went through the chamber’s Human Relations and Aging Committee to address safety concerns expressed by hospital and nursing home administrators.

Under the scaled-back version of the measure the House passed, “legal representatives” designated to make decisions – which could include a family member – would be allowed to visit a hospital patient for up to one hour a day.

“Essential caregivers” – which also could include a relative – could visit nursing home residents for up to two hours daily.

From a practical standpoint, supporters said legal representatives or caregivers would pose no more of a health threat to the patients or residents they visit than the many facility staff who regularly come into their rooms.

“If we can have the myriad of staff coming and going into these facilities, why can’t that one legal representative come in for one hour a day … that person who can help them make decisions and understand what they’re going through?” said Rep. Jesse Petrea, RSavannah, the Human Relations and Aging Committee’s chairman. “That’s what this bill does.”

The Calhoun boys soccer team defeated Lumpkin County 4-0 on Monday evening at home.

Scoring for the Jackets were Edward Soto, Mikey

Lopez, Marvin Castillo and Julian Santiago.

On defense, Carlos Orozco recorded the shutout in goal.

The Yellow Jackets are scheduled to take on Blessed Trinity Friday night in Roswell.

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