2009 United Bank Calendar

For their 2009 calendar, United Bank chose images taken by six West Central Georgia Shutterbugs and honored them, along with other photographers whose images were selected, at a reception held at the Zebulon office on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Shown here (left to right) are Melba Brown, Shakeira Trice, Linda Best, Anna Mary Ellerbee, and Ellen Tew. (Not shown: Marcia Fisher)

Relay for Life 2009 Calendar

Photos taken by four West Central Georgia Shutterbugs at the 2008 Relay for Life have been chosen for the "Relay for Life Memories 2009" calendar, published by Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) Bosom Buddies, a support group for women who are cancer survivors. The 12-month calendar features photographs of many of those attending the event and were taken by (L-R): Ellen Tew, King Davis, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, and Yvette Tolson. Calendars may be purchased for $10 from any Bosom Buddies member or from Trinkets and Treasures (the gift shop located in the lobby of Upson Regional Medical Center) or the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council Gallery and Gift Shop (located on the courthouse square). Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will support Relay For Life in Upson County and provide the American Cancer Society with funds to fight cancer. For additional information, contact San Short at Upson Regional, 706-647-8111 ext. 1165.

Photo by Charlotte Bennett.

Shutterbugs Win Awards at the Georgia National Fair

Nine members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs received ribbons in the Photography Competition at the Georgia National Fair in Perry in October. Linda Best earned a second place ribbon in the Beginner Section. Krista Williams earned the Award of Excellence in the Advanced Division, as well as the Cokes Camera Center Award, along with five ribbons. Other Shutterbugs who received ribbons in the Advanced Division were: Johnnie Ann Gaskill (9), Yvette Tolson (3), Bonny Shockley (2), Melba Brown (1), Fawne DeRosia (1), Marcia Fisher (1) and Marcia Miller (1). Out of the 1800 photos entered in this year’s competition, Shutterbugs earned 26% of the ribbons awarded in the Advanced Division for color photos and 21% of the ribbons awarded in that division for monochrome images.

Shutterbugs attribute much of their success to the things they learn during their meetings, as well as the encouragement they get from one another. They meet the second Tuesday in each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop, located on the courthouse square. Guest speaker for the November 11th meeting will be Jerry Beasley, past president of the Middle Georgia Camera Club in Macon, who will talk about “How to Take Tack-Sharp Photos.” Visitors are welcome to attend. All attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item (for people or pets) to be donated to a food distribution organization.

Krista Williams, of Thomaston, was thrilled with the multiple awards she received at the Georgia National Fair, especially the Award of Excellence, which is given annually for the photo the judges consider to be the very best one in the Division.

Photo of Yvette Tolson by Charlotte Bennett. Article by Johnnie Ann Gaskill. Photo of Krista Williams by Malcolm Williams.

Scarecrows in the Garden

Sherry Kunde, a member of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs, visited the University of Georgia Research and Education Garden the day the exhibit "Scarecrows in the Garden" opened. She enjoyed photographing all 17 scarecrows created by individuals, local organizations, and businesses, especially "Miss Bodacious Boo-livia Bloomers" who was sponsored by the Special Events Committee UGA Griffin Campus 2007 Master Gardener Class. While visiting the Garden, Sherry also took many photos of bees, butterflies, and flowers. Although the scarecrows were only in the garden between Oct. 13th and 26th, the garden itself is lovely throughout the year. It is located on West Ellis Road (off the Hwy. 19/41 Bypass) in Griffin and is open to the public weekdays (except holidays) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Sunday, November 30th, from 1-4 p.m., Santa will be inside the Garden Education Building to visit with children of all ages. Photos will be available. For more information, please contact Barbara King (barwking AT bellsouth DOT net) or visit the Garden's website.

Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill.