Blairsville, Ga – Commissioner Lamar Paris proclaimed August 25 as “Let’s Move Day” to get children outside and moving.

Childhood obesity affects nearly one in three American children and linked to asthma, type two diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep problems, depression, and bullying. Some contributing factors include lack of exercise, large portions, refined/processed foods, not enough whole grains, fruits, or vegetables, and inability for low-income families to access healthy food.

The Blairsville Seventh-day Adventist Church’s hosting national “Let’s Move Day” on Sunday, August 25 at Meek’s Park from 2 to 4 p.m. Paris, Union General Wellness Center and Young Harris College have joined together in support of fighting the childhood obesity epidemic.

“It’s for ages 5 thru 15,” explained, Tom Lighthall “I read something recently that our young people are watching the screen 10 to 12 hours a day, now that’s according to school, home and so on and so forth. In that 10 or 12 hours, how much activity are they doing, it’s practically nil.”

“Let’s Move Day” started in 2010 by Former First Lady Michelle Obama to solve childhood obesity within one generation, so kids can reach adulthood at a healthy weight.

“Let’s try to do 60 minutes of activity a day for our kids,” Lighthall stated, “Spread it around and let people know that we’re there to help our kids.”

Glenn and Joann Hamby Day

Paris proclaimed June 14 as Glenn and Joann Hamby Day in Union County.

Glenn and Joann Hamby are well-respected, life-long members of Union County. Married in 1962, the couple has always been active church members at Shady Grove Baptist. Glenn served as head of the Sunday School Department, Church Administrative Board Chairman, and on the Church Cemetery Committee and various others.

As part of Cemetery Committee, Glenn helped to expand the property, and it’s known as one of the most beautiful in Union County.

Glenn has run the local Owltown Baseball Card Shop for many years and has coached Union County’s children in the sport for many years.

“Glenn Hamby and Kenneth Jenkins were probably the two best baseball players to come out of Union County,” remarked Paris, “Behind the old pool hall, Glenn catch and Kenneth would pitch the ball. When they were out there, it would sound like a bomb going off every time Glenn caught it.”

Joann’s a revered educator teaching children for over 30 years after receiving her masters and specialist degree. She also teaches Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and serves as Shady Grove’s Church Trustee and Historian.

George Berry Day

Paris and Mayor Jim Conley proclaimed June 29 as George Berry Day in Blairsville and Union County.

George Berry born in Union County on July 5, 1937, graduated from Young Harris College in 1957 and joined the Army Reserves before being called to active duty in 1961.

“He got in the phone book and started looking for numbers,” explained Paris, “One of those happened to be the city of Atlanta.”

The crisis passed without the need for troops. Berry found himself in Atlanta without a job, so he applied and got a job as a tax clerk for the city of Atlanta. Eventually, he worked his way up to Deputy Director of Finance and worked with Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen and Mayor Maynard Jackson.

Jackson named min Commissioner of Aviation in 1978 and Berry played a significant role in the construction of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

“He was responsible for getting transportation, train, and new runways. He played a huge role as the airport,” stated Paris, “His first job at the airport at the Atlanta airport was to go all over the state of Georgia and find clocks for the airport.”

In 1983, Berry became Commissioner of Department of Industry and Trade by Governor Joe Frank Harris and served until 1990.
Berry’s responsible for growing international trade and tourism across the state of Georgia. His dedication to service for the state of Georgia is unsurpassed.

“We’re proud that his humble beginnings started right here in Union County and the historical society recognized his accomplishments,” Paris said.

811 Day

Blairsville and Union County have partnered together to support 811 on August 11 to encourage contractors and homeowners to call 811 before digging.

“Thousands of times each year, the underground infrastructure in Georgia is damaged by those who do not have underground lines located prior to digging, resulting in service interruption, environmental damage and threat to public safety,” said Paris.

In 2005, the FCC designated 811 to provide a quick and easy way for contractors and homeowners to check for underground lines on their property.