Soque Bulletin- March 18, 2014

SOQUE BULLETIN March 18, 2014   1) Big Changes for the SRWA! 2) Our Dear Friend John Kollock - a man who loved the Soquee 3) Volunteer this Thursday - Protect new trees by helping cut WEED MATS, followed by BEER Taste Off at NEW OFFICE 4) Community Garden First Meeting - Thursday March 20th, 6pm 5) Welcome new staff and board to the SRWA     1) Big Changes for the SRWA! Well, what can we say. We survived the FIRE! It's been a tumultuous almost two weeks in more ways than one. For those who may not have heard the local news, on March 5th at 11pm a fire broke out at Sweetbreads restaurant located directly behind our building. By 11:45 our building was engulfed in flames (see photo above). Fortunately for a few minutes in between we had time to run into the office and retrieve our computers and a few pieces of art. Since then it's been a mad dash to getting up and running again. First we found an office space in a great location right around the corner from where we'd been 1387 Washington Street. The building is owned by the Habersham County Commission and we're getting setup quickly.   Office supply donations are coming in fast. We've had about 20 people come by or call the office donating office supplies, furniture, copier machines, etc. We are at about 50% capacity already for operating a functional office. Just in case you have extra items we do encourage donations as our insurance won't cover everything we lost. Here's the list that ran in the paper the other day with a couple of extra things we've added.   The phone number above is off by one number. Correct number is 706-754-9382 if you'd like to call before you drop something off. We are also looking for a small refrigerator and a small hot water heater (this office doesn't have hot water). The place is feeling more and more like home by the minute, thanks to the graciousness of so many visitors and donors. It's been really nice to have so many friends, and new acquiantences drop by. Whiskey even got some dog toys today to replace his stuffed possum trophy. There is a very STRONG CHANCE that the SRWA is going to look at options to PURCHASE a PERMANENT OFFICE. If you don't have office supplies to donate but would like to make a contribution feel free to donate to our CAPITAL FUND for a new office and you can be a part of our permanent home. Thanks to everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and efforts on our behalf. And don't forget to support the other businesses displaced by the fire, Natalie Jane's, Sweetbreads (attend their bruch at Grace Calvary this Sunday at 11am), Edward Jones, Sharky's and Parker Antiques. Somehow this is all gonna lead to new and bigger things! 2) Our Dear Friend John Kollock - a man who loved the Soquee In Memoriam of Our Dear Friend John Kollock - a man who loved the Soquee John Kollock loved the Soque River....and so much more. He loved so many things and he imbued in all those around him his love for the world. In the photo above he is on the serving side of the wine table at our Soque Roast in 2011 (the year Vince Dooley was our guest). The serving side was where John wanted to be. John served many, many people a glass of wine during "wine time" at his home the Misty House almost every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. If you ever enjoyed wine time with John and Nancy then you probably had a wonderfully relaxed yet appropriately intellectually stimulating conversation while enjoying the chirping of birds, the buzzing of pollinators, and all the other smells, sights and sounds that made an afternoon with the Kollock's magical.    John was a true friend to the Soque and to the SRWA. His contributions to our understanding and our appreciation of the Soque River are a permanent part of the history of the Soque River itself. I hope you enjoy this piece of Soquee History that John wrote in 1999.    The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of John Kollock be made to the Soque River Watershed Association (PO Box 1901, Clarkesville GA, 30523 or online) or theGrace Calvary Episcopal Cemetery Fund  (PO Box 490, Clarkesville, GA, 30523 (706) 754-2541).       Soquee River Days   Following is the story, written by John Kollock, to accompany the watercolor "Soquee River Days" which was released in 1999.   Sukym, Skwiyi, Sakwi, Suki, Sukee, Soque, Soquee…it has been spelled many ways since the time of the Cherokee.  In James Mooney's Myths of the Cherokee it is spelled Soquee and also refers to Sakwiyi as "being a former settlement on the Soquee River, a head-stream of the Chattahoochee, near Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia.  Also written Saukee and Sookee.  The name has lost its meaning."  George White in The Statistics of the State of Georgia written in 1849 refers to the Soquee River; as does Health Resorts of the South in 1892; and more recently Soquee appears on a survey map of property done in 1948 and the General Highway Map of Habersham County done by the Federal Highway Administration in 1987. How then did our little river lose its final E.  Perhaps it is part of the new fashion of cutting our language down into letters like UPS, AMA, PDQ and so forth.  I suppose in the coming years of Y2K we will find names like Naccooche, Chattahooche, and Cheroke in common use.  Already we find that majestic river below us being called the "hooch". The actual village site mentioned is open to speculation.  A large flat-topped hill above the Hardman Bridge and the fields surrounding where a quantity of artifacts have been found, suggests a possible location.  At least we liked to think so when we were young. The Soquee River is unique in that it begins and ends within Habersham County.  The headwaters rise in the Chattahoochee Forest around Goshen Mountain and gather force from the many little streams and branches that flow down into it as it passes – Oakey Creek, Roper Creek, Goshen Creek, Baker Branch, Long Branch, Shoal Branch, Ben Tatum Branch, Porter Mill Branch, Glade Creek, Deep Creek, and Hazel Creek – to mention a few. By the time the Soquee reaches Clarkesville there is enough water to supply the town.  Further downstream at a series of rapids it once powered an Iron mill and later the Habersham Mills.  Eventually at the county line the Soquee gives up her name to the Chattahoochee, and together they flow to help fill Lake Lanier and eventually supply, in a much filtered and recycled form, the drinking water for Atlanta.              In the early years of the century the Soquee was a different color.  I grew up thinking that all moving water was red.  In those days corn was the main farm crop.  The much plowed red clay fields drained away in wet weather and tinted the water.  When we wore bathing suits in swimming, which was not often, the heavy wood garments would become clogged with grit.  Even after skinny dipping it was usually necessary to take an ice cold shower under the cistern to get the clay out of your hair.              When Kentucky 31 Fescue was introduced to the area the fields turned to pasture land and the river began to clear up.  Today there is much more concern for the well-being of the waterways.  Chemicals, subdivisions, and industry make it necessary to monitor the watershed.  The work of those concerned is greatly to be applauded.  It is hopeful that in the years of the next century the river may regain its original pre-pioneer quality.  And perhaps it will even regain its missing E. 3) Volunteer this Thursday - Protect new trees by helping cut WEED MATS, followed by BEER Taste Off at NEW OFFICE For those who are itching to volunteer for the SRWA there's an opportunity this Thursday at 4pm. Come on by the new office and bring some STRONG SCISSORS with you. We'll be cutting geotextile mat in about 2 foot squares to wrap around the tree seedlings we planted this winter at various locations.   We hope to have several hundred before we're done. If you have a folding table you could bring that too so we have space to spread out and do the work.    After the work is done, if you are so inclined we are finally gonna have the BEER TASTE OFF. At our Christmast Beer Tasting two beers were tied for first. Well we're gonna crack 'em open and see which one deserves the prize. If you'd like to bring your own prize winner we encourage it. We won't go too long as there's a garden meeting right after, but it should be a good way to end a Thursday. You could be the tiebreaker for our BEER TASTE OFF   4) Community Garden First Meeting - Thursday March 20th, 6pm Spring is pretty much here and that means it's time to re-open the Green Way Community Garden, Clarkesville, GA. If you're not already familiar with our garden, go take a stroll along the Clarkesville Greenway behind Old Clarkesville Mill until you see our cute little garden. Then once the gardening bug has struck, print out the attached Garden Description and Guidelines, read 'em through, and either mail or drop off your application with a check.  Find guidelines and app here: http://www.soque.org/pdfs/GREEN_WAY_GUIDELINES_2013.pdf Don't dawdle, there's only 28 plots available. Our first garden meeting is this Thursday, March 20th at the Habersham County Extension office behind the old courthouse. Attendance is strongly encouraged for this first meeting to insure you get a plot and know what to expect this garden season. Hope to see you in the garden soon! 5) Welcome new staff and board to the SRWA The SRWA has added several new board and staff over the last several months and we wanted to introduce you to them. NEW STAFF - Kim Griswold joined the SRWA team in February of 2014 as our Administrative Assistant and contributes significant business management skills from her nineteen years of experience and an MBA from Brenau University. Kim is also involved in several community outreach organizations within Habersham county such as the Cornelia Kiwanis Club. She has twin girls that attend Tallulah Falls School. NEW BOARD - Dan Calhoun was the Soque Partnerships lead technical advisor for the last 10 years plus. He also works for USGS (geological survey) where he gets paid to go caving occassionaly (as pictured here) NEW BOARD - Jerry Harkness is a Habersham County native and current City Councilman for the City of Demorest. This is the first time that we've had a sitting elected offical on the SRWA Board and we're thrilled since our Soque Partnership projects will focus on Hazel Creek for the next 2 years which flows right through Demorest. We also plan to collaborate on a greenway trail along Ivy Street and Hazel Creek. NEW BOARD - Janet Westervelt is a long-time volunteer to the SRWA and resident of Demorest. She is currently an educator at a Montesorri School in the Atlanta area. She has a strong passion for rivers, hiking and conservation activities.     Welcome to all these great new faces and talents to the SRWA, Justin Ellis Executive Director Soque River Watershed Association www.soque.org 706-754-9382   Donations to the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) are tax deductible.   You can JOIN the SRWA or make a Donation by clicking HERE

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Our Dear Friend John Kollock - a man who loved the Soquee

In Memoriam of

Our Dear Friend John Kollock - a man who loved the Soquee

John Kollock (on the left) loved the Soque River....and so much more. He loved so many things and he imbued in all those around him his love for the world. In the photo above he is on the serving side of the wine table at our Soque Roast in 2011 (the year Vince Dooley was our guest). The serving side was where John wanted to be. John served many, many people a glass of wine during "wine time" at his home the Misty House almost every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. If you ever enjoyed wine time with John and Nancy then you probably had a wonderfully relaxed yet appropriately intellectually stimulating conversation while enjoying the chirping of birds, the buzzing of pollinators, and all the other smells, sights and sounds that made an afternoon with the Kollock's magical. 

John was a true friend to the Soque and to the SRWA. His contributions to our understanding and our appreciation of the Soque River are a permanent part of the history of the Soque River itself. I hope you enjoy this piece of Soquee History that John wrote in 1999. 

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of John Kollock be made to the Soque River Watershed Association (PO Box 1901, Clarkesville GA, 30523 or online) or the Grace Calvary Episcopal Cemetery Fund  (PO Box 490, Clarkesville, GA, 30523 (706) 754-2541).

Soquee River Days

Following is the story, written by John Kollock, to accompany the watercolor “Soquee River Days” which was released in 1999.

Sukym, Skwiyi, Sakwi, Suki, Sukee, Soque, Soquee…it has been spelled many ways since the time of the Cherokee.  In James Mooney’s Myths of the Cherokee it is spelled Soquee and also refers to Sakwiyi as “being a former settlement on the Soquee River, a head-stream of the Chattahoochee, near Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia.  Also written Saukee and Sookee.  The name has lost its meaning.”  George White in The Statistics of the State of Georgia written in 1849 refers to the Soquee River; as does Health Resorts of the South in 1892; and more recently Soquee appears on a survey map of property done in 1948 and the General Highway Map of Habersham County done by the Federal Highway Administration in 1987.

How then did our little river lose its final E.  Perhaps it is part of the new fashion of cutting our language down into letters like UPS, AMA, PDQ and so forth.  I suppose in the coming years of Y2K we will find names like Naccooche, Chattahooche, and Cheroke in common use.  Already we find that majestic river below us being called the “hooch”.

The actual village site mentioned is open to speculation.  A large flat-topped hill above the Hardman Bridge and the fields surrounding where a quantity of artifacts have been found, suggests a possible location.  At least we liked to think so when we were young.

The Soquee River is unique in that it begins and ends within Habersham County.  The headwaters rise in the Chattahoochee Forest around Goshen Mountain and gather force from the many little streams and branches that flow down into it as it passes – Oakey Creek, Roper Creek, Goshen Creek, Baker Branch, Long Branch, Shoal Branch, Ben Tatum Branch, Porter Mill Branch, Glade Creek, Deep Creek, and Hazel Creek – to mention a few.

By the time the Soquee reaches Clarkesville there is enough water to supply the town.  Further downstream at a series of rapids it once powered an Iron mill and later the Habersham Mills.  Eventually at the county line the Soquee gives up her name to the Chattahoochee, and together they flow to help fill Lake Lanier and eventually supply, in a much filtered and recycled form, the drinking water for Atlanta.

            

In the early years of the century the Soquee was a different color.  I grew up thinking that all moving water was red.  In those days corn was the main farm crop.  The much plowed red clay fields drained away in wet weather and tinted the water.  When we wore bathing suits in swimming, which was not often, the heavy wood garments would become clogged with grit.  Even after skinny dipping it was usually necessary to take an ice cold shower under the cistern to get the clay out of your hair.
            
When Kentucky 31 Fescue was introduced to the area the fields turned to pasture land and the river began to clear up.  Today there is much more concern for the well-being of the waterways.  Chemicals, subdivisions, and industry make it necessary to monitor the watershed.  The work of those concerned is greatly to be applauded.  It is hopeful that in the years of the next century the river may regain its original pre-pioneer quality.  And perhaps it will even regain its missing E.

Soque Bulletin- January 24, 2014 - this is an old post

SOQUE BULLETIN January 25, 2014   1) Level Grove Tree Planting - this Monday, January 27th - 10am 2) SRWA's 2013 Accomplishments 3) 2014 Tree Sale success 4) Hike to the Source of the Soque - February 22nd     1) Level Grove Tree Planting - this Monday, January 27th - 10am It's finally happening. After a long wait for a little window of good weather we are going to go for our tree planting at Level Grove Elementary school this Monday at 10am. Volunteers NEEDED! Here's our plan: We will be planting all bareroot trees, hardwoods on flatground areas covered with leaf mulch (zones 1 and 2 and maybe 5), and pines on the slopes (zones 3 and 4). Hardwoods will be a mixture of green ash, white oak, persimmon and tulip poplar. All volunteers need are shovels (we'll have a few extras), gloves, and strong backs (a wheelbarrow or two would also be useful). When you arrive park in the parking lot to the far left and we'll give everyone a quick tutorial. Should be fun. If we're lucky we'll plant slightly over 1,000 trees that day. Here's the google address 2525 Level Grove Rd, Cornelia, GA (it's actually a little further down the road) If you think you can make it send us quick e-mail so we can get and idea of how many to expect. soque@windstream.net 2) SRWA's 2013 Accomplishments  Before we get two much further into the new year we wanted to be sure and give a quick recap of the incredible year we had in 2013 and say thanks to all of you who attended an event, put in some volunteer time, or sent in a check of support.   Click on the picture above or here to read the whole LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS. We realized after we completed it that there were even more projects like the City of Clarkesville's Stormwater Inventory, and more that we failed to put on the list. 3) 2014 Tree Sale success We completed our second annual community tree sale on Friday, January 24th and were mighty pleased with the interest and turnout. Altogether we sold over $2,500 worth of trees, about 530 trees total to almost 50 individuals some coming from Clayton, Cleveland and Hiawassee. Big thanks to all those who purchased trees and best of luck in getting them planted possibly even as we speak. Special thanks to those who provided our very inexpensive trees: Southern Roots Tree Nursery, the Georgia Forestry Commission and especially Sidney Roland who provided all the blueberry plants which was a great new item this year and grown locally too. He lent us his grandson Simon Miller who was a huge help in getting the tree orders out to your cars. Big thanks Simon! 4) Hike to the Source of the Soque - February 22nd   View from the top of Tray Mountain   Have you ever wondered “Where does the Soque River begin?”   WHO:  You! WHAT:  Hike to the source of the Soque River (specifically, the Middle Prong of the Left Fork Soque River, the highest elevation tributary (3800’) in the network of streams that make up the Soque). WHEN:  Saturday, February 22, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (approximate time back to carpool site) WHERE:  Meet at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the put-in for Cool River Tubing, approximately 1 mile north of Helen on Hwy. 75 (corner of Alt. 75).  We will carpool (up a pretty rough Forest Service Road) to Tray Gap where the hike will begin. WHY:  Because it will be fun and you will learn something! The hike itself is relatively short (approximately 3 miles round trip), but some sections are strenuous.  We’ll park at Tray Gap, hike a short section of the Appalachian Trail over the summit of Tray Mountain (4,430 feet - the 7th highest peak in GA) and drop off a ridge to find the source.  Some bushwhacking will be required. Please bring a sack lunch, plenty of water, and appropriate dress for the weather (including comfortable hiking shoes/boots), and anything else you may wish to have (camera etc.). This is a free event, but registration will be limited to the first 20 attendees.  To register, or for more information, please e-mail dhughes@northgatech.edu, or call Duncan Hughes at (706) 754-7872.      Thanks folks and hope to see you outside soon, Justin Ellis Executive Director Soque River Watershed Association www.soque.org 706-754-9382

SOQUE - 2014 TREE SALE announcement

There are 4 days left to pre-order trees to PLANT in the NEW YEAR! Help to spread the word by printing and posting this FLIER   This year's community tree sale is off to a great start with over 250 trees already sold. You can reserve trees online now! Then come and pickup your trees on Friday, January 10th at the Mauldin House across from Clarkesville Library from 3-6pm. New this year are local blueberries! You can get 10 plants for just $25. Here's a full list of trees available BAREROOT  - $2.00 each White oak Persimmon River birch Green ash Tulip poplar Red Maple - SOLD OUT Blueberry (bundles of 10 only) for $25 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon Containers - $6 and $8 each River birch Red maple Tulip poplar Sycamore Green ash Northern red oak Southern red oak Black gum Amer. hornbean Elderberry Sweet gum Black cherry Pin oak Button bush Arrowwood viburnum Winged elm American elm Red cedar Shummard  oak White oak Persimmon Red mulberry  7 Gallon Container - $30 each River birch  Sweet gum  Black gum Sycamore  Tulip poplar  Red maple Pin oak  Shumard oak  Red cedar and one White oak   The easiest way to order is ONLINE. The BEST time to invest in a tree that will leave a long and lasting legacy was 20 years ago, the SECOND BEST TIME is NOW (-chinese proverb). We could use your help. We have a goal to plant 5,000 trees in the NEW YEAR. In order to do that we need to raise just $2 per tree planted. So far we've raised almost $7,000. That's 70% of the way there. If you'd like to see your charitable giving make a tangible difference in 2014 this is a great way to do it. Read this article about one of our upcoming planting projects at Level Grove Elementary scheduled for Thursday January 9th, and if you think you'd enjoy lending a hand planting trees come on out at 10:30 that day. Bring a shovel and gloves!  Thanks to all those who have donated to this effort already.   YOU CAN HELP TO PLANT THE FORESTS OF TOMORROW by MAKING A SMALL GIFT TODAY Have a Happy New Year, Justin Ellis Executive Director     Donations to the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) are tax deductible.

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Soque Bulletin - 12.1.13 - Tree Planting & Christmas Party

Soque Bulletin December 1, 2013 For those who may be interested in volunteering to plant trees just a quick reminder that two of our Winter Tree Planting Projects start this week. PROJECT #1 -  Level Grove Elementary. 10:30 am tomorrow morning (Monday, December 2nd). Plant 50 maple, poplar and other container trees  in zones 1 & 2. The address for the school is 186 Memory Hill Creek, Cornelia, GA The School System's maintenance crew will be helping us by augering the holes before we place the trees and pack them in. Bring shovels, gloves, a knife (for cutting root bound trees), and maybe a hat and water. There's a chance of rain so a rain jacket may be in order as well. Project #2 - Alley's Farm. Tuesday, December 3rd at 9am.  Plant 50 container trees   along a small stream that was recently restored using natural channel design techniques. The address is 1377 E Glade Creek Rd, Clarkesville, GA Both of these projects are phase I of a two phase planting. We'll be returning to both sites in January to plant 100's of bare root trees.   If you'd like to volunteer feel free to come by either of those days or send a quick e-mail to soque@windstream.net if you'd like to volunteer for a future project. You can also support our WINTER TREE CAMPAIGN by:   1) MAKING A DONATION - For every $2 we receive we'll be able to plant 1 tree. You can donate ONLINE  2) ORDERING TREES - Take a look at the trees offered in our annual tree sale. You must Pre-Order by Friday, January 3rd for pick up on Friday, January 10th at the Mauldin House parking lot in Clarkesville (gravel parking lot across from library) from 3-6pm. To see our selection and place an order visit the ONLINE ORDERING SITE   YOU ARE INVITED! In less than two weeks we'll be holding our 5th Annual SRWA Christmas Party. The date is Friday, December 13th starting at 6pm. The evening festivities are simple.   BEER TASTING - Last year we had 35 different beers in our blind tasting. All attendees are asked to bring TWO 12oz bottles of the same beer to enter into the tasting (you can drink the rest yourself), or if you prefer you can contribute one BOMBER size beer or larger (that's 22oz). We do ask that all beer be CRAFT beer which means that it came from a small, independently owned brewery. If you're not sure what to get we encourage beer from the following breweries (Terrapin, Southern Tier, Lagunita's, Founders, Left Hand Brewing, New Belgium, Bell's, Stone, Rogue, Oskar Blues, Thomas Creek, Victory)​ ​ POTLUCK DINNER / DESSERTS / SNACKS - A small dish for the occassion always makes the party a good place to show off something mouth watering. Dishes featuring food from local farms is always a favorite, but savory desserts, good cheeses, and other peculiarities are encouraged....especially if they go well with beer. ​ During the beer tasting everyone will have a score card that you are encouraged to fill in and submit. At the end of the night we'll write on a giant board the names of all the beers everyone tasted with the scores they received. The person who brings the highest scored beer will win a cool prize. The party is at the home of Justin and Ching-Yu at 237 Wilson Street, Clarkesville, GA  30523. We look forward to bringing in the holidays with everyone.   Happy Holidays, Justin Ellis Executive Director soque@windstream.net 706-754-9382

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SOQUE - Support Tree Planting PROJECTS

"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." -Ralph Waldo Emerson   November 25, 2013 Dear Justin, Last year the Soque River Watershed Association began what we believe is one of the best projects we've ever worked on. Simply stated we started PLANTING and SELLING TREES. All together 2,500 trees were planted in January of 2013! Volunteers helped to plant 1,500 trees to restore a barren school grounds at Fairview Elementary, another 350 trees along a streamside farm, 660 trees were sold to the public, and 60 fruit trees were planted at 5 schools and 2 public parks.  It was a surprise to us how much FUN planting all these trees was for us, our volunteers, our project partners, and the wider community. Perhaps it was a sense that one day, maybe 5, maybe 10 years from now we'll re-visit these areas and be amazed at what they have become... an emerging forest helping to restore the soil, the riverbanks, and rainwater able to soak into the earth!   Based on the success of those projects we decided to be EVEN MORE AMBITIOUS with a goal to double the number of trees planted this winter to 5,000. In order to achieve this goal WE NEED YOUR HELP! One of this year's projects is at Level Grove Elementary School. This photo shows how before tree planting leaf mulch is applied (big thanks to City of Cornelia and the School System Maintenance Dept) to stabilize the soil and allow more rain to soak into the ground. For other details of the site check out this SLIDE SHOW We'd like to ask for your help this year. We are essentially seeking sponsors for each tree that we plant.  Since we are able to order bulk trees at a discount the average price per planted tree is only about $2.00. That means that for every $20 gift we can plant 10 bareroot maple trees. A $50 gift will help us plant up to six 3-gallon trees of river birch or winged elm. A $100 gift actually plants 5,000 square feet of trees or a quarter acre. These are tangible differences you can see and watch grow in the years ahead!     We're about half way to our goal so far ($5,300 raised of our $10,000 goal). Please help us plant a new generation of trees and forests that will contribute to our communiy's beauty and environmental stability for decades to come. There's 3 ways to get involved. For the super ambitious you can do all three: 1) DONATE - Perhaps the most vital contribution you can make, and insures we meet our project goals is to make a small donation. You can donate ONLINE or mail a check to PO Box 1901, Clarkesville, GA 30523. A gift of $10, $20, $50, or $100 will make a huge difference. 2) VOLUNTEER - There are several PLANTING DAYS that we need volunteers to help with. The first two are coming up in just one week. On Monday, December 2nd we'll plant 50 container trees at Level Grove Road starting at 10:30am. The next day on Tuesday, December 3rd we'll plant 50 more container trees at Alley's Farm on Glade Creek Road at 9am. To volunteer for these send an e-mail to soque@windstream.net. There will be additional planting days in January. Stay tuned. 3) ORDER TREES - We'd also love for you to order trees to plant at your own home or business. Our annual tree sale will be on Friday, January 10th at the Mauldin House parking lot in Clarkesville (gravel parking lot across from library) from 3-6pm. To see our selection and place an order visit the ONLINE ORDERING SITE   YOU CAN HELP TO PLANT THE FORESTS OF TOMORROW by MAKING A SMALL GIFT TODAY Thank your for your interest and support, Justin Ellis Executive Director   You can also simply print out this e-mail and mail in this bottom section here.  ____ Yes, I'd like to make an extra gift of ___________ to support the SRWA's winter tree campaign. TOTAL ENCLOSED _______________ Mail check to: SRWA PO Box 1901  Clarkesville, GA 30523   a Huge THANK YOU to those who have already made a contribution to the  TREE CAMPAIGN   Milton Watson, Ralph Singer, Helen Norton, Cheryl Lusnia, Sarah Lanier, Anne and Alan Hall, JD Wellons, Jim Toler, Doug Henry, Ben Maxwell, Richard Hagler, Harold Smith, Fieldale Farms, Bruce Keenan, Zeke Williams, Dennis Clines, Winnie Hicks, Audrey Moylan and Ted Doll All business donors of $100 or more will also receive recognition on all our web media, Facebook, etc. The Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) is a tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the United State Internal Revenue Code. Our Federal ID number is 31-1608576. Contributions to SRWA are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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Soque River Watershed Association PO Box 1901 Clarkesville, GA 30523 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

Soque Bulletin - October 4th, 2013

SOQUE BULLETIN October 4, 2013   YOU are Inivted to Attend the FALL SOQUE CELEBRATION at Blackhawk Fly Fishing on Friday, October 18th, 6:30-9:30pm registration begins at 6pm tickets just $15 ORDER ONLINE NOW   A few reasons we think you might enjoy attending our 2013 SOQUE FALL CELEBRATION Ever since 2009 the SRWA has held a FALL PARTY next to a river or stream in the Soque Watershed. You may recall our 3 ROASTS (featuring special guests Vince Dooley, Gov. Sonny Perdue, and Ted Turner). The last several years we've partied Carribean style at historic Sutton Mill.  This year we're excited to give folks a chance to see Blackhawk Fly Fishing one of the premiere trophy trout outfitters in all of North Georgia. This section of the upper Soque River is highly regarded as one of the prettiest in the County. Here's a quick list of what you'll get to see and experience:   Take a Tour of the RIVER - walk through hemlock groves and experience the Peace and Tranquility of the SOQUE. Watch a Fly Fishing Demo by one of Blackhawk's expert guides (never seen a trout? now you can!) Enjoy a Local Food Dinner including veggies/herbs grown locally (some right on the farm) and some of Abby J's very hot selling SALSAS! Hang out at the Fishing Lodge with porch seating or sofas in front of the fireplace. Bid on Auction Items of local art, fishing and other river related goodies from our very supportive business partners Eat, drink and be merry - We'll have a bar featuring really good beer and wine. PIE POTLUCK contest - Got a cooking bug? Bring a seasonal pie (pecans, apples, pumpkins, butternut squash, etc.) and you could win a SWEET PRIZE!  Sneak Peak of the SRWAs 2020 Vision - see what we plan to accomplish over the next 6 years, and 3 months....including countywide recreational trails, increased River and Farm tourism events, and more miles of restored streams Win the RAFFLE - every ticket purchased is also a raffle ticket SUPPORT THE SRWA and the SOQUE!   3 WAYS TO SUPPORT   Buy Tickets / Raffle Tickets for just $15 each (includes dinner) - The great thing about this years event is even if you can't attend, each ticket purchased enters your name for a RIVER RAFFLE PRIZE PACKAGE for TWO. You can purchase tickets at our office in downtown Clarkesville (above Edward Jones), from any board member, or ONLINE.   Donate a SILENT AUCTION ITEM - Last year $2,500 of the $6,200 we raised at our Fall Party came from donations to our silent auction. These gifts make a tremendous difference in our capacity towards our mission, and its a great way to promote a business as we can put your business cards next to your item. E-mail soque@windstream.net Volunteer at the Event - We need about 10 volunteers for the event to put in two-three hours of time in exchange for a free ticket. We'll have an early shift and a late shift so you can still enjoy being part of the party. E-mail soque@windstream.net Can't make the event but still want to SUPPORT - All donations to the SRWA between now and the end of the year will be counted towards our goal to raise $10,000 in order to plant 5,000 trees in 2014. This is part of our new  SOQUE 2020 CAMPAIGN that we're rolling out this month. You can Support Online Now If you know of others who might be interested in attending you can forward this e-mail with the link below or print out this FLIER and share with friends and family. Hope you can attend and Big Thanks, Justin Ellis Executive Director soque@windstream.net www.soque.org 706-754-9382 The Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) is a tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the United State Internal Revenue Code. Our Federal ID number is 31-1608576. Contributions to SRWA are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you receive a free gift with your membership or donation please deduct its value from the total gift.

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Soque River Watershed Association PO Box 1901 Clarkesville, GA 30523 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.