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October 4, 2008 - The Union County Interagency Group recently partnered up with Blairsville’s Home Depot to combine the annual Interagency Fall Festival of Community Services and the annual Home Depot Children’s Fire Safety Day. The event, while concentrating on providing information, also offered free give-a-ways, live music, expert advice, and fun activities.

Hundreds of kids participated in the festivities which included hands-on building projects, clowns, jugglers, face painting, animals, visits from Air Rescue 1, visits from local emergency teams, and free food. Adults received information about various ways to save money on insurance, ways to plan for the future, and ways to improve quality of life.

Union County Interagency Group President Anna Gladdin and Interagency Group Secretary Dana Ensley were on hand to welcome guests. They also had a big money tree from United Community Bank for one lucky winner. Other Interagency Group members provided an array of informative presentations and free gifts.

Home Depot Customer Service Representative Norma Garrett, Home Depot Associate Stacy Burch, and other Team Depot volunteers worked hard to organize the event and to feed the crowd. Hot dogs, chili, baked beans, cokes, bottled water, and chips were available throughout the day.

After visiting all the exhibits, visitors enjoyed relaxing under the big tent while kids ate or worked on fun projects. Norma says, “It’s because of our manager, John Wischmeyer, that we are able to sponsor events like this in our local community. John really believes in giving back.”

The combined event was a huge success. Booths and exhibits featured everything from diabetic footwear and exercise facilities to home healthcare and domestic violence. Visitors collected lots of valuable information.

Fire safety was a “hot” topic at the event. Advice included the following tips: never play with matches, always have an adult to help with cooking projects, remind parents to check batteries in smoke alarms, and practice an escape plan regularly. Firemen and emergency workers taught children what to do if their clothes catch fire. “Stop, drop, and roll” is easy to remember and extremely effective in emergency situations.

An updated Union County Resource List was handed out at the event and is currently available free of charge from the Union County Interagency Group. The 2008 Union County Resource List includes aging services, alcohol and drug related services, animal welfare groups, childcare services, consumer information, domestic violence services, educational facilities, emergency contact information, employment services, financial advisors, various ministries, health services, housing options, immigrant services, legal assistance programs, mental retardation associations, transportation services, networking opportunities, and veteran services. Contact information on everything from AARP to the Union County Recreation Department is listed.

WCNC 102.7 FM Radio personality Jeff Crane did a great job as Master of Ceremonies. Thanks to Jeff and everyone else that helped make the event a success. Special thanks go to Home Depot Manager John Wischmeyer and Customer Service Representative Norma Garrett for allowing the Interagency Group to partner up with Home Depot Fire Safety Day.

Blairsville and the community would like to express their gratitude to Home Depot and the Interagency Group for hosting this yearly event. Home Depot Associates and Interagency Group members work hard to prepare for the children’s Home Depot Fire Safety Day and Fall Festival of Community Services.

Home Depot offers ongoing free projects and other services. The Union County Interagency Group meets at 12:00 noon on the second Wednesday of each month at the Civic Center in Blairsville, Georgia. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the next meeting on November 12, 2008. For more information or to join the UCIG, please email anna_gladdin@ucbi.com or visit www.unioncountyinteragency.org.