FALL 2001. CRAFTING COMPLEX CREATIONS. "They Keep Moving My Cheese" Most of us would agree that we are most comfortable keeping things just the way they are rather than making a change. Spenser Johnson's #1 Best Seller, "Who Moved My Cheese?", is a story about dealing with change. His characters are two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two "little people", Hem and Haw. Each character represents response to the need to change. The "Cheese" is the metaphor in the story representing whatever we are seeking in business or life - success, happiness, money, fun. The challenge comes as the "cheese" keeps moving within a maze and the characters must respond and adapt in order to survive, as they look for the new cheese. The maze represents the business or organization in which we work or our home life or neighborhoods in which we live. In the end, some of the characters achieve success, finding their way in the maze to "new cheese" while others, refusing to adapt to change, succumb to fears of the unknown and perish. It is easy to see every sector of the Monument Industry in Johnson's story of change. For the manufacturers, factors influencing change abound - labor, its cost and availability, the environment, energy costs, foreign competition, new products, and demand for faster service. Any one of these factors could affect change by the manufacturer but, in reality, all of these conditions are at work simultaneously giving the manufacturer little choice but to adapt. The challenge is to anticipate change and be willing to change again and again, constantly looking for that "new cheese". The monument retailer is also surrounded by change. Factors such as a more educated and demanding customer, new sellers entering the market increasing competition, the growing acceptance of alternative burial practices such as cremation, lawn crypts and community mausoleums are all moving their cheese. Like Johnson's characters Hem and Haw, many in the Industry have yet to recognize these changes. They feel safe and secure with the status quo; the cheese has always been there; why would they have to go out in search of new cheese? Hem and Haw are shocked and outraged to think that someone would move their cheese - this is unfair they say. The fact is, as Johnson points out, that we all must realize that change happens and circumstances which may have favored us in the past, change. Yet we can't control change and are not entitled to have things stay the same. In fact, we must understand that change does not bring bad things, rather change brings us the chance to make things better. Is something moving your cheese? How are you responding to change? Sniff and Scurry kept moving, ready to accept change, even Haw finally realized that survival meant change, but Hem never could make the adjustment to change. He was sure that he was safe doing things the same way, the cheese had always been there, it would come back - it didn't! "Who Moved my Cheese?" by Spenser Johnson, M.D. G.P. Putnam's Sons; New York, New York 1998. EGA Marks 50th Anniversary at Annual Meeting. Former E.G.A. Presidents honored included, seated left to right, B. Frank Coggins, Jr., 1967-68; James "Yank" Welch, 1968-69; Allan McGarity, 1976-77, 1985-86; Joe Fendley, 1983-84; George Gaines, 1956-57; Shirley McNeely, 1987-88, 1988-89; standing, E.G.A. Executive Vice President (ret.) William A. Kelly, 1955-1991; Marty Walker, 1989-90, 1990-91; Gordon McIntosh, 1996-97; Robert Mize, Ill, 1993-94, 1994-95; Willie Simmons, 1974-75; Chester Almond, 1975-76, 1982-83, 1984-85; Otis Childs, 1981-82; Tom Oglesby, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1995-96; Keith Harper, 1997-98, 1998-99; John Campbell, 1999-2000; and Horace Harper, 1977-78, 1978-79. Not present was Paul Giannoni, 1958-59. The members of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., observed the organization's 50th Anniversary at their Annual Membership Meeting at the Elberton Civic Center, Wednesday, June 20. Highlights included recognition of charter members and past presidents, tributes from groups and leaders such as Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, and distribution of commemorative memen­tos. Milestones in E.G.A.'s efforts to make Elberton the "Granite Capital of the World" were also noted. A large crowd of representatives from E.G.A.'s 142 member companies received commemorative booklets which reviewed, by decades, the storied history of the Association's growth into the nation's largest Monument Industry trade organization. The booklet was included in a special anniversary edition of the ELBERTON GRANITEER. Each member company also received gold-embossed, 50th Anniversary commemorative coffee mugs. Representatives from eight charter member compa­nies were presented ornate metallic disks recognizing their 50 years of membership for attachment to their E.G.A. membership plaques. Also honored were 16 E.G.A. past presidents who received specially engraved coffee mugs as expressions of appreciation for their contributions. Review of Events The oldies! surviving member of the Past President's group, George Gaines, reviewed the status of the fledgling Association during his 1956-57 presidency. William A "Bill" Kelly, who served as E.G.A. Executive Vice President from 1955 until 1991, reviewed some of the significant accomplishments and challenges during his 36 years of service. Among the accolades praising E.G.A. for its contributions over the years were resolutions and congratulatory messages from Gov. Roy Barnes, the Elbert County Board of Commissioners, the Elberton City Council, and the local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber also selected E.G.A. as "Industry Of The Month" during July in conjunction with the anniversary observance. Representatives from E.G.A. Charter Members honored at the Annual Meeting included, seated left to right, Robert W. Mize, Ill, of APEX GRANITE COMPANY (now APEX-MIZE GRANITE COMPANY); Allan McGarity, HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., who is holding a membership plaque with the special Anniversary Commemorative Medallion; John Campbell, DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY; Barry Avery, CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY; standing, Willie Simmons, SUPREME GRANITE COMPANY, INC.; George Oglesby, KEYSTONE GRANITE COMPANY; and John Mclanahan of REPUBLIC GRANITE COMPANY and ELBERTON GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. STAR GRANITE COMPANY, INC. is also a Charter Member. A Major Force Gov. Barnes noted that E.G.A. "has been a major force in the promotion of one of Geor­gia's most unique natural resources - Elberton Granite". He added that "due to E.G.A.'s tireless efforts, Elberton is uni­versally recognized as the 'Granite Capital of the World"' and its gran­ite is known "for its high standards of quality for domestic use and export" impacting both Elbert County and the state's economy. Earlier, Monument Builders of North Amer­ica President Jed Hen­drickson, owner of Santa Barbara Monumental Company of Santa Bar­bara, California, congrat­ulated E.G.A. and said the organization and its members "have given the Monument Industry (the benefit) of their combined years of experience." "E.G.A. has been a wonderful supporter of MBNA, as well as help­ing state and local associations. E.G.A.'s sponsorship of convention education sessions, Happy Hours, and the Elberton Granite Training Institute, has raised the level of the entire industry." During the Annual Meeting, members also elected new Trustees, received an Annual Report from Executive Vice President Tom Robinson, and recog­nized new members. Following the business meeting, President John McLanahan ceremoniously cut an anniversary cake and members were treated to a special, sumptuous cocktail-buffet and enjoyed fellowship with their colleagues. Commemorative resolutions and letters of commendation were received from Gov. Roy Barnes, top-left; the Chamber of Commerce, top-right; City Council, lower-left; and the County Com­mission, lower-right. Special metallic medallions were presented to Charter Members for attachment to their membership plaques, above. The Chamber of Commerce designated E.G.A. as "Industry Of The Month" for July in recognition of the 50th Anniver­sary. Shown with a metal sign in front of the Granite Center is, left to right, Visiting Trustee Michael Rutherford of PYRAMID STONE INDUSTRIES, and Trustees John Campbell, DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY; E.G.A. President John Mclanahan, REPUBLIC GRANITE COM­PANY; Bob Paul, EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY; Tom Oglesby, KEYSTONE MEMORI ALS, INC.; Jim Welch, WELCH'S GRANITE COMPANY, INC.; and Marty Walker, WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Brian Seymour represented new E.G.A. Member THE DRAFTING SHOPPE and received the firm's membership plaque. Other new 2000-2001 members are BLUE SKY QUARRIES, INC., and KUSTOM BUILT MEMORIALS, LLC. Gold-embossed coffee mugs were presented to E.G.A. members and Past Presidents. Scenes from EGA 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting. A large crowd representing E.G.A.'s 142 Member-Companies attended the organization's Annual Meeting commemorating the 50th Anniversary. E.G.A. Past President James "Yank" Welch, right, and son, Jim, of WELCH's GRANITE COMPANY, INC. E.G.A. President John Mclanahan and wife, Lynn, and his grandmother, Mrs. Dot Mclanahan, widow of Clarence Mclanahan, a Granite Industry leader and E.G.A. Past President. Steve Johnson, left, of JOHNSON MACHINE SHOP, INC., Mark Hill of MIDDLETON GRANITE COMPANY, his father, Calvin Hill of HILLCREST GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and E.G.A. Past President Otis Childs. George Tyler, left, of CENTURY GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and E.G.A. Past President Chester Almond, and COLONIAL GRANITE COMPANY Owner Gordon McIntosh, also a Past President. E.G.A.'s first woman President, Shirley McNeely of GRANITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, Past President George Gaines, standing, and retired E.G.A. Executive Vice President William A. "Bill" Kelly. Past Presidents Frank Coggins, Jr., seated left, of GRANITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, and Horace Harper, right, of HARPER'S QUARRY, INC., and Horace's wife, Gail, and her nephew, Forrest Daniel of DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY. Elaine Oglesby and husband, Tom, of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., and an E.G.A. Past President. Jerry King and wife, Trudy, of KING'S MONUMENT COMPANY, INC. Walter McNeely, left, of DYE GRANITE, INC., and Charles Grimes of GRIMES BROTHERS GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Jack Vickery, left, of APEX-MIZE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Mark Wallace and father, Roger, of WALLACE GRANITE SALES, and E.G.A. Past President Robert Mize Ill of APEX-MIZE and MIZE GRANITE SALES, INC. Mike Fernandez, left, of DESIGN MART, Bob Paul of BLUE RIDGE QUARRIES, INC., James Walters of EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Bob's father, Elliott Paul of QUARRY ENTERPRISES, INC. Christine Reynolds and son, Hal, of REYNOLDS MARBLE AND GRANITE COMPANY. Pat Rutherford and Ricky Dorsey of PYRAMID STONE INDUSTRIES, INC. Lisa Haynes and husband, Jeff, of H. H. & H. GRANITE SALES, INC. Ricky Burton, left, and parents, Garland and Jerri Burton - all of BURTON MONUMENT COMPANY, INC. Waymon Worley, left, of S & W GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Bill Bell and son, Nick, of BELL GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Among the "senior" E.G.A. staff-past and present - enjoying reminiscences of distant and not-so-distant events and activities involving E.G.A. - were, left to right, E.G.A. Executive Vice Presi­dent Tom Robinson, retired Executive Vice President Bill Kelly, and Promotion Specialist Hudson Cone. The trio has a total of 83 years of service to E.G.A . James Turner, left, and Mike Beri, both of BICKNELL SUPPLY Company. Phil Walker, left, of WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Arnold Jaudon of B & B GRANITE QUARRIES, INC., and Gerald Moon of G.B. MOON GRANITE MEMORIALS, INC. Tony Mills, Jr., left, his brother, Steele, and their Uncle Stanley, and Stanley's son, Josh, all of L&M GRANITE, CO., INC. Carolyn Miller, left, of LEXINGTON BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and her sister-in-law and brother, Lita and Cleve Miller of SERVICE GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Randy Peppers and Kelli Seymour, left, of VERIBEST BLUE QUARRIES, INC., and Marvin Higginbotham of MOON ROCK GRANITE QUARRIES, INC. Jim Boyd, left, of BOYD GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Mark Crook of MILES SUPPLY COMPANY OF GEORGIA, INC. A Egon Hinss, left, and parents, Inge and Hartmut Hinss of HIGH TECH STONE, INC. Wilton Slay, left, and wife, Jessie, of TRINITY MACHINE SHOP, INC., and Allison Brown of TRINITY GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Ronnie Brown, left, and Jim Gulley of MILES SUPPLY COMPANY OF GEORGIA, INC. Laura Carrington and husband, Mark, of BLUE STEEL QUARRY, INC. Jeff Willis, left, and wife, Trisha, and Jeff's father, John, all of WILLIS GRANITE COMPANY, INC. FOR 2001-2002 YEAR Trustees Select New Officers To Lead Association ELBERTON GRANITE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 2001-2002 Seated left to right, Jerry King of KING'S MONUMENT COMPANY, INC., Mark Hill of HILLCRES T GRANITE COMPANY, INC., President John McLanahan of REPUBLIC GRANITE COMPANY, Marty Walker of WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Bob Paul of EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., standing, Executive Vice President Tom Robinson, Jim Welch of WELCH'S GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Bill Simmons of SWEET CITY QUARRIES, INC., Gregory Ruff of RIVER EDGE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Tom Oglesby of KEY STONE MEMORIALS, INC. One of the most important items of business at the Annual Meeting was the election of three new members for three-year terms to the E.G.A. Board of Trustees. Following the Annual Meeting, the Board met on July 16 and elected officers for the 2001-2002 year. New Trustees selected by the membership are Jerry King of KING'S MONUMENT COMPANY, INC., Gregory Ruff of RIVER EDGE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Bill Simmons of SWEET CITY QUARRIES, INC. The Board, including the new members, chose to remain with proven leadership and on July 16 selected John D. McLanahan for a second successive term as E.G.A. President. Mr. McLanahan is a fourth-generation member of a family which has provided a succession of leaders for the Elberton Granite Industry. He succeeded his grandfather, the late Clarence R. McLanahan, as director of operations for REPUBLIC GRANITE COMPANY and ELBERTON GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. Republic also operates Highpoint and Sterling granite companies. Elberton Granite Industries operates the "Sterling Gran­ite" and "Sunset Pink" granite quarries in Elbert County. Other Officers Other officers include Marty Walker of WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Vice President, and Bob Paul of EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Treasurer. Elected to serve on the Executive Committee with President McLanahan were Jim Welch of WELCH'S GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Tom Oglesby of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. The other carry­over Board member is Mark Hill of HILLCREST GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Thomas A. "Tom" Robinson, CM, was re-elected as E.G.A. Executive Vice President. Mr. Robinson, who joined the E.G.A. staff in 1980, is responsible for daily operations, implementing policies and programs, and representing the Association at local, state, and national levels. Former E. G.A. President John Campbell, left, presents an honorary plaque and gavel to current President John McLanahan who the E.G.A. Board of Trustees recently re-elected to a second successive term. The addition of SOUTHERN MAUSOLEUMS, INC., as a new Voting Member is the result of a significant Monument Industry transaction involving the sale of the mausoleum specialty firm to Tom Oglesby of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. The company, formerly owned by the Rock of Ages Corpora­tion, is one of the Monument Industry's major manufacturers of prefabricated and other types of mausoleums and above-ground interment structures. "We recognize the tremendous potential provided by the mausoleum market in this country," said Mr. Oglesby. "We have the background and know-how to provide the consumer with the best in upscale mausoleum design and construction. Our plant is the only facility in the U.S. devoted entirely to mausoleum and related product production. We have an excellent staff with the expertise and equipment to meet customer needs from the drawing board to installation." Mr. Oglesby was one of the original organizers of the company when it was founded in 1990 and the plant was equipped for mausoleum production. Facilities are located on Highway 17 one-half mile northwest of Elberton. Corporate Officers Officers in the new Southern Mausoleums organiza­tion include Mr. Oglesby, Elaine Oglesby, George Oglesby, and Terrell Guinn. Tom Jensen is Plant Superintendent and Charles Echols is Supervisor of Production. Graphics specialist Jesse Hernandez is in charge of design. The all-metal plant includes approximately 35,000 sq. ft. of work area on a 23-acre tract. Major equipment includes two huge diamond wire saws used to cut extra-large slabs used to produce roof stone and sidewall sections; a diamond rotary block saw with a 10-ft. blade; two automatic, gantry polishing systems; two diamond side polishers; and a turning lathe to produce columns and other turned granite objects. Specialized computer equipment includes a state-of-the-art design and imaging system - one of the few in the L.S. "It gives us rapid turnaround time in all phases of design and sales, including preparation of shop tickets," said 1r. Oglesby. Included is a wide variety of mausoleum designs which may be presented to customers as color renderings with or without modifications in one day. Colors of granite to be offered include "Keystone Blue", "Topaz", "St. Albans Pink", "Missouri Red". "North American Pink", "Barre Gray", and "Impala Black". Other colors will be available on request. This magnificent, "Missouri Red Granite" walk-in mausoleum was fabricated for the George T. Oglesby Family and is an example of the workmanship available from Southern Mausoleums. The late Mr. Oglesby was the father of SMI Preside Tom Oglesby. Southern Mausoleum officers include Terrell Guinn, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Oglesby, and George Oglesby. Three More Companies Join E.G.A. For several years, E.G.A. has enjoyed the distinction of being the nation's largest organization of wholesale granite quarriers and monument manufacturers - and the membership continues to grow. Three more companies recently joined E.G.A. to bring the membership to a total of 142 members - thus enabling the Association to offer even stronger support and participation to a wide variety of programs and services assisting members as well as monument retailers and allied organizations. The new members are introduced in the stories below. B & B GRANITE QUARRIES, INC. - Voting Member. New Voting Member, B & B GRANITE QUARRIES, INC., is owned by Arnold Jaudon, one of the Elberton area's most enter­prising young quarriers. The recently­formed company is operating the "Starlight Blue Granite" Quarry for­merly owned by B & B Quarry, Inc., whose owner, Lanier "Boots" Oglesby, retired. The quarry is located on Hearthstone Road off Highway 77 in Oglethorpe County approximately 15 miles south of Elberton. Mr. Jaudon said the quarry is approximately 150-ft. long, 120-ft. wide, and 90-ft. at its deepest point. Currently, a mobile crane, two air compressors, and a large dump truck are the major equipment items at the facility. Mr. Jaudon said he expects to expand production. He said that the granite, fine-grained and medium-to-dark-blue in color, will be sold to monument manufacturers. The facility originally oper­ated as the Scarborough Granite Quarry. Mr. Jaudon and his father-in-law, Marvin Higginbotham, co­own Moon Rock Quarries, Inc. This quarry is located only 100 yards from the B&B operation. Arnold trained under legendary quarryman Jamie "Blue" Black and has been employed at the Moon Rock quarry for the past 11 years. He has been in charge of operations for the past four years and he will continue to over­see production at both facilities. Arnold is a member of the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Depart­ment and he and his wife, Kathy, attend the Dewy Rose Baptist Church. They have one daughter. Kathy is on the staff at Elbert Memorial Hospital. Arnold is the son of Starke Jaudon who was a Foreman at several of the Elberton area's largest quarries before joining the National Guard as a full-time staff member. He is now retired. ARNOLD JAUDON. DIAMOND CUT & POLISH, INC. - Sustaining Member. MO MEHRABI. New E.G.A. Sustaining Member DIAMOND CUT & POLISH, INC., primarily manufactures diamond segments for sawing and pol­ishing granite, marble and concrete and diamond wire for saws. The company, located approximately seven miles northwest of Elberton on the Deep Creek Road, is a new company founded by Mohsen "Mo" Mehrabi. The firm operates in a new, all-metal 2,200-sq.-ft. plant. Mr. Mehrabi said he designed the building and placed equipment for efficient material flow and production. He also personally designed and built most of the high-tech equipment - most of it automatic - used in the pro­duction of diamond segments and wire. Mr. Mehrabi said his firm has the capability to custom-manufacture diamond products for specific applications throughout the U.S. Sharon Bell is Production Manager and in charge of customer relations at Diamond Cut. An affiliated firm owned by Mr. Mehrabi and Keith Harper, of Harper's Quarry, Inc., is the Quarry Master Company. This firm is a diamond wire saw company which sells or leases wire sawing systems for quarry or other uses. Mo, a native of Tehran, Iran, attended Punjab University in India and majored in Mechanical Engineering. He became an expert in the metal products field in Iran and also worked in the design of wire saws. He immigrated to California and joined a large Elberton Granite Industry diamond equipment company as Chief Engineer in 1994. Mo and his wife, Pari, have one daughter who is majoring in pharmacy at the University of Georgia. Pari is Production Manager of the Granite Sales & Supply Corporation abrasive brick plant in Elberton. Mr. Mehrabi says his hobby is "working and studying ways to improve my business and its products." Member spotlight. (Ed. Note - The GRAITEER regularly spotlights member-firms in order to acquaint readers with the various Elberton Granite companies and their personnel and to lead to a better understanding and appreciation of these companies who bring you this magazine and innu­merable other services.) Hunter Granite Owner Says Integrity, Quality, Service Keeps Customers. Bentley Ruff, Owner of HUNTER GRANITE SALES, INC., has what he considers a formula for success in the Monument Industry - "operate on honest, Christian values and have good work crew and good customers". Mr. Ruff, who founded the company in 1996, adds: "We try to emphasize quality, fairness, and honesty and this has resulted in us keeping pretty much the same customers and work force that we started out with." Bentley explained that "quality and good service are the main reasons we have maintained our customer base. We try to make sure nothing goes out the door that is not good quality." He added that the firm produces a diversity of memorial products, ranging from traditional style monuments to larger, more complex items such as veterans memorials. Bentley organized Hunter Granite - named after his son, Hunter, now 12 - in 1996 and purchased monument manufacturing facilities off the Hartwell Highway one mile north of Elberton from Lanier "Boots" Oglesby. Bentley operated the monument company as Oglesby Granite Sales until 2000 when all operations were incorpo­rated under Hunter Granite Sales. Fully Equipped Plant Manufacturing facilities include a completely-equipped, 18,000 sq. ft., all-metal plant. Major equipment includes four automatic dia­mond saws- two block saws and a joint saw and slant saw, and four bridge cranes. Modem equipment also includes a gantry-type auto­matic slab polishing system, an automatic top-and-end polisher, and a profile grinding machine. E.G.A. Sustaining Member WILSON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC, INC. built one of the block saws, the top-and-end polisher, and the profile grinding machine. Key personnel at Hunter Granite Sales include Plant Foreman Greg Jordan, Dean Guest and Betty Carter, who assist with sales and customer relations, and bookkeeper Carol Sims. Mr. Guest, who has operated D & J Trucking Company since 1979, hauls all freight for Hunter Granite. Most sales and marketing activities are conducted in-house. The staff also includes brothers Leon and William Reid and Randy and Tony Downer, Charles Tate, Tim Jones, Clarke Dye, James Witcher, Thomas Nelson, and Bob Bruce. Customer Base The company primarily markets "Peerless Blue Granite." "It is one of the more quality granites quarried in the Elberton area," said Mr. Ruff. The company's primary sales territory includes Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and other southwestern, midwestern and southeastern states. An Elbert County native, Bentley formerly worked for a local poultry processing company and later as a machinery operator for a structural stone firm. He began selling granite in 1990. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Ruff and his brothers, Gregory, Brad, and Kyle operate E.G.A. Member RIVER EDGE GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Bentley is married to the former Dee Ann Roberts and they are members of the Gethsemane Baptist Church. The Hunter Granite Sales Monument manufacturing plant and office facilities are located on the Hartwell Highway one mile north of Elberton. A large expansion was added onto the back of the original plant. This elegant, columnar-type memorial honoring an international Latin American church leader is an example of the workmanship available from Hunter Granite Sales. E.G.A. Members Leaders In State Champion Shooting Event. These two large trophies from Central Gran­ite were presented to Main Event winners. E.G.A. staff member Hudson Cone, right, presented a trophy shotgun to AA Classification Winner Brian Gaines. E.G.A. was a corporate sponsor of the AA Classification. These 50 marble trophies were crafted by the Reynolds Company and awarded to division winners in the shooting competition. Greg Noggle, 2000 State Champion Sporting clays shooter, takes aim during the recent competition. He finished in the top 20 0f his division. E.G.A. recently supported the 2001 Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship as a corporate sponsor. The competition brought an estimated 500 competitive shotgunners and associates to Elberton the weekend of June 20-22. The contest was held at the Elbert County Gun Club and representatives from E.G.A. Member-Firms were leaders in the management of the event and also as competitive shooters. Championship officials thanked E.G.A and its members for their support, prompting E.G.A. Executive Vice President Tom Robinson to add: "The Elbert County Gun Club has made competitive shooting a wholesome form of family recreation for our community. Having the State Championship held in Elberton was quite an honor. It had an obvious positive economic impact on the community - attracting participants from as far away as Michigan." E.G.A.'s sponsorship included the presentation of a trophy shotgun to Brian Gaines, overall winner of the Class AA Competition. E.G.A. Member Participation Harold Reynolds, Owner of REYNOLDS MARBLE & GRANITE COMPANY, who has served as President of the Gun Club for the past seven years, and the current president, Dr. Jason Cox, were key organizers of the event. Harold was a State Champion gunner in last year's competition and placed second in the Hunters Class category this year. Greg Noggle of RELIANCE GRANITE COMPANY was the Class AA State Champion in 2000 and was in the top 20 shooters in sporting clays competition this year. Perhaps the most significant contributions by a granite companies was the fabrication of championship trophies. Reynolds Marble and Granite produced 50 marble trophies, ranging in height from 6 to 11-inches, from marble donated by The Georgia Marble Company. Mr. Reynolds and Dr. Cox used stone working skills and a diamond band saw to produce the trophies awarded to first through fifth place winners in the various compe­titions. The top three trophies in the divisions were shaped like the State of Georgia inset in pedestals with 2001 inscriptions. Greg Vickery of CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY, a Division of the Georgia Marble Company, and a leader in the gun club, manufactured impressive 2-ft. -high trophies for the Georgia and out-of-state overall Main Event champions. The two trophies consisted of panels shaped like the State of Georgia inset in large pedestals with deep, over­sized scotias and nosings. The bases had steep washes. The State of Georgia trophy was fabricated from polished "Belfast Jet Black Granite" and the Out-Of-State trophy from Georgia Marble. The local club facilities are located on a wooded tract on which several inactive quarries are located. Several shooting stations are at the former quarry sites. Mr. Reynolds credited B. Frank Coggins, Jr., of E.G.A. Member GRANITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, a Division of Coggins Industries, Inc., for substantial assistance to the gun club site development. STAR GRANITE COMPANY, INC., sponsored a shooting station in the State Championship competition. Southern Granite Produces Complex Stone Structure. The limestone lattice arbor pieces are set at geometric angles. The red and black granite ball fountain (inset) is in front of the lattice structure. One of the most unique stone projects completed by an Elberton firm recently was the installation of a 22-piece limestone arbor lat­tice and an 18,000-lb. granite ball fountain depicted on the front cover of this issue of the GRANITEER. Components for the limestone structure were fabricated by SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, ING., for a scenic meditation area on a lake-island park on the grounds of the Mayo Clinic hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. The Southern firm also supplied the granite ball fountain. "It was a challenging project, mainly because of the complexity of the lattice which required huge pieces of "Cordova Creme Limestone", soft yellow in color, to be sawed and tooled to joint precisely at many different angles," said Southern Granite Owner David Edwards. Mr. Edwards installed the stone components which required a crane with an 185-ft.-long boom to lift the heavy pieces from the shore of the lake to the island. No bridge existed which would support the weight of the stone units. Large Limestone Pieces Mr. Edwards said that only one firm contacted, the Texastone Company of Big Springs, Texas, would agree to quarry limestone pieces big enough for the project specifications. He said the lattice components weigh a total of 126 tons and range in size from 16-ft.-long, 30-in.-tall, and 30-in.-wide to pieces 17-ft., 8-in.-long, 8-in.­wide and 15-in.-high. Five tractor-trailer loads of stone were used in the project. The lattice is approximately 17-ft.-high and 17-ft.-wide. The upper segments are supported by three columns set on 18-in.-high, rectangular bases and one free-stand­ing column. The components are set at angles - with no two angles set exactly the same, said Mr. Edwards. The structure will withstand winds up to 180 miles per hour. Geometric Assembly The pieces joint geometrically and are designed so that the four top, parallel pieces are placed east to west. Glass prisms are set between the top pieces so that sun rays shining through change colors and location as the sun moves and the rays hit the aggregate stone floor. The island park, which includes five limestone benches, was designed by Urbana, Illinois, artist Bill Carlson as an area of scenic beauty for meditation, especially for terminally ill patients at the hospital. The lake, island improvements, and park were financed in their entirety by an anonymous benefactor. Mr. Edwards said the ball fountain, which is set in front of the lattice, includes a 48-in.-diameter ball comprised of two sections of "Paradise Black Granite" and a center wedge of "Vintage Red Granite". The three pieces were epoxied together - then rounded and polished to fit perfectly in the base and soffit where a stream of water suspends the large ball. Spots of red granite are inset in the black sections of the ball and black spots are inset in the red segment. Southern Granite Owner David Edwards personally installed the lattice and fountain which required a crane with a 185-ft. boom to lift stone pieces from the lake shore to the island. Elegant Celtic Cross By Majestic Granite Company. The Celtic Cross, such as the design on the back cover of this issue of the GRANITEER, is one of the most beautiful and symbolic of all Crosses. This memorial also exemplifies the high standards of craftsmanship of the manufacturer, MAJESTIC GRANITE COMPANY. Extensive hand-tooling and the firm's high-tech contour diamond wire saw were used to produce the magnificent design erected by Wichman Monument Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga. Hand-carved and sand sculptured ornamentation on the Cross includes bas-relief floral carving on a background tooled 1/2-in. deep. A Latin Cross and wreath are carved at the center bf the nimbus. The intricate curved surfaces and rounded hollows at the nimbus-cross arm intersection were executed by the contour diamond wire saw and expert stone crafts­men. The steeled, "Sterling Blue Granite" memorial is 11-ft., 6-in. high and 3- ft. long in the nimbus-cross arm area. The Cross tapers to a 3-ft. long, 2-ft., 1-in. wide, 2-ft. high pedestal which has a check at the top and concave scotias and nosings. An epitaph and floral carvings are on the pedestal. The family name is on the sub-base which is 3-ft., 8-in. long, 2-ft., 6-in. wide, and 8-in. high with a drop wash top. The bottom base is 6-ft., 8-in. long, 3- ft., 2-in. wide, and 10-in. high. Two turned vases are on the extra-long base. The Cross and a commemorative bench, with a 4-ft. long seat and sup­port posts 1-ft., 2-in. square, honor the memory of the late Joseph Schrnissrauter, a well-known Chattanooga businessman who invented a revolutionary textile printing process. E.G.A. Members Donate Floor Tiles To Theatre. Members of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., recently donated 500 sq.-ft. of Elberton Granite floor tiles as part of a project to restore the old Elbert Theatre. The former movie theatre is a community landmark which has long been in disuse and interested citizens are refurbishing the facility as a boost for the downtown area and as a center for cultural activi­ties. E.G.A. Executive Vice President Tom Robinson said "the donation of the tiles for the lobby area has a monetary value of more than $5,000." The tiles measured 1-ft. x 1-ft. and were 3/8-in. thick. KEYSTONE GRANITE COMPANY donated a block of "Keystone Blue Granite" which E.G.A. Members shipped to the Dakota Granite Company tile plant at Milbank, South Dakota, who contracted with E.G.A. for the fabrication. Anderson Trucking, Inc., then hauled the finished tiles back to Elberton free of charge. Bob Paul of EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY, a member of the Elbert Theatre Board of Directors, expressed the Board's gratitude to the E.G.A. Membership: "The community will be forever grateful to the members of E.G.A. for their generous contributions to the theatre renovation. The granite floor is a beautiful enhancement to the lobby area. It is appropriate in the "Granite Capital of the World" that our most famous local product will always be a part of what is sure to become one of this community's most valuable facilities." E.G.A. Member representatives, left to right, Bob Paul of Eagle Granite Company, Inc., and a member of the Elbert Theatre Board of Directors, E.G.A. President John Mclanahan of Republic Granite Company, and George Oglesby of Keystone Memorials, Inc., display samples of the floor tiles installed in the theatre lobby. New Granite Interiors Division At Baston Monuments. Michael Baston, Owner of Baston Monuments, Inc. announced that his company has cre­ated a new division, Baston Granite Interi­ors, for the production and installation of counter tops and other granite interior items. His brother Bobby and their father, Mike Baston, Sr., manage the new affiliate firm. The new division operates in the rear section of a new 11,880 sq. ft. addition recently built onto the Baston Monument plant on the Middleton Road approximately one mile east of Elberton. The front section of the addition houses the company's new Sandblast Engraving Department. Mike Baston, Sr., who is Foreman at the new operation, said the company is equipped with all new, mostly automatic, machinery for all types of countertop production. The equipment includes a combination sinkhole drill/polisher, a French made, Thibaut automatic edge polisher capable of producing up to 12 different types of countertop edges, an automatic diamond rotary saw with a 16-in. blade, and a crane-equipped delivery installation truck. The Galaxy 3000 sinkhole machine, produced by the Galeski Company in Germany, was purchased from E.G.A. Sustaining Member HIGH TECH STONE, INC., and the diamond saw was manufactured by E.G.A. Associate Member CROWN CON­STRUCTION. Michael Baston said that in addition to counter tops, the new company will produce and install signs, fireplaces, and granite interior items for kitchens, bathrooms, or foyers. He said his father is one of the most experienced granite interiors craftsmen in Elberton and will be in charge of both production and installations. The company will install in a 150-200 mile radius of Elberton. This French-made, automatic edging machine will produce up to 12 different types of counter top edges. This is the Galaxy machine which will drill, cut, and polishing or faucet holes in granite pieces for kitchen or bathroom use. Mike Baston, Sr. and his son Bobby with their company’s new crane-equipped granite interiors installation truck. Successful Blood Drive At Star Granite. he staff at STAR GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and representatives from several other E.G.A. Member-Firms conducted a successful blood drive July 24 at the Star plant and offices. This is the eleventh consecutive year the bloodmobile from the ANMED Blood Donation Center in nearby Anderson, South Carolina, has used Star Granite as a base for suc­cessful blood drives in Elbert County. ANMED provides vital blood supplies for ortheast Georgia and Western South Carolina. Buddy Case of the Star staff reported that 60 pints of blood were donated during the half day the bloodmobile was at Star. He said ANMED officials stated that the total was more than was given at five nearby sites in South Car­olina, including one at a vastly larger industrial plant. Mr. Case coordinated the blood drive and fellow staff members at Star enlisted volunteer donors. Star Granite President Rusty Adams said he hoped to continue participation in the blood drive in the future. "We are proud that our company and its employees are willing to donate their time and blood in this most worthwhile project. I want to thank everyone, including other people in the Granite Industry, who gave time and blood." Participating in the blood drive at Star Granite Company were Leslie Turpin, left, of BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY, Katie Fulbright and Buddy Case of Star Granite, and, in the background, Josh Mills, left, and his father, Stanley, of L & M GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Members of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., awarded $500 college scholarships to deserving graduates of Elbert County Comprehensive High School and Oglethorpe County High School in May. The Association annu­ally bestows the scholarships as a gesture of support for the com­munity's young people. Selections are based on overall achieve­ment and excellence in academics and general school activities. This year's recipients were Blake Noggle and Jonathon Rhodes at ECCHS and Jennifer Smith at OCHS. Blake Noggle Blake is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Noggle of RELIANCE GRANITE COMPANY. He attends West Georgia College at Carrollton and is majoring in Computer Science. Blake was an outstanding football player for the ECCHS Blue Devils and worked in the school's Diversified Cooperative Training work­study program. He also worked part-time in the family monument manufacturing business. Blake was active in the youth pro­gram at the Elberton Christian Church. Jonathon Rhodes Jonathon is the son of Mrs. Kay Rhodes of QUALITY MONUMENT SALES, INC., and is attending Georgia Southern College at Statesboro where he is majoring in Business Management. He hopes to manage the family granite business after graduation. Jonathon was also a star athlete at ECCHS where he was a three-year football letterman, a Region Champion wrestler, and a member of the track team. Jonathon worked at Quality Monument Sales as a participant in the ECCHS Youth Apprenticeship Program and was also involved in the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America work­study program. He is a member of the Fortsonia Baptist Church. Jennifer Smith. Jennifer is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Huitt Smith of Oglethorpe County. Mr. Smith owns S & S Trucking Company of Comer, Georgia and hauls granite for several E.G.A. Member Firms. She is attending Athens Technical College and is majoring in Elementary Education. She plans to graduate from the University of Georgia. At Oglethorpe County High, she was a Football Cheerleader and participated in the Youth Apprenticeship Program and worked part-time for an insurance company. An avid softball player, she is a member of the Clouds Creek Baptist Church where she is involved in youth programs. Antique Car Club Includes Granite Industry On Multi-State Tour. A group of 38 antique car buffs from two states recently made Elberton a key stop in their 1,325-rnile annual multi-state tour. The visit to Elberton on June 20 was organized by Penn-Ohio Model A Ford Club members Kim and Margaret Mudgett, Owners of Mudgett's Memorials in Zanesville, Ohio. The Mudgetts attended E.G.A.'s ELBERTON GRANITE TRAINING INSTI­TUTE and were so impressed with the Granite Industry that they included the Granite Capital on the tour whose southernmost destination was Stone Mountain. The Ohions and Pennsylvanians visited the E.G.A.'s Granite Museum & Exhibit, the Georgia Guidestones, and made arrangements with their wholesale supplier, KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. to tour their monument plant before continuing on to Stone Mountain and turning North toward Zanesville. "The members of our club were quite impressed with Elberton and the Granite Industry," said Kim Mudgett. "Like most people, they didn't have any idea about what all is involved in producing a monument. They also deeply appreciated the genteel Southern Hospitality from everyone in the Granite Capital". Ohio memorialist Kim Mudgett with his classic Model A Ford. Members of the Penn-Ohio Model A Ford Club and their vintage cars assemble at the Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit. CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY Crafted from polished "Belfast Jet Black Granite", this highly-personalized, screen-type monument commemorates a 12-year-old youth killed in a dirt bike accident. It was installed in the rural Canaan Church Cemetery by Upshur Monuments of Buckhannon, West Virginia. The 2-fl., 6-in.-long, 5-fl.­high upright tablet includes etchings of the boy and his bike, his dog, a deer, raccoons in trees, and a hovering angel. The design also includes etchings, by Buckhannon artist Roger Marsh, of the boy and his sister on the back of the tablet. The wings are 2-ft, 6-in.-long and 2-fl.-high. The family name is on a polished chamfer on the 9-fl.­long base. Officials at the Upshur firm, who designed the monument, said the memorial has attracted widespread attention in the Buckhannon area and praised the staff at Central for their cooperation and expertise. J & B GRANITE COMPANY A large, -realistic replica of a Freightliner tractor trailer truck driven by his father marks the gravesite of nine-year-old Bernard Frazier, Jr., in the Fuller Church Cemetery at Ider, Alabama. J & B Granite duplicated the truck in explicit detail for Skyline Monument Company of Huntsville, Alabama. Polished and contrasting steeled finishes comprise the details of the truck cab and wheel carriage assembly. The 9- fl. -long, 10-in. wide, 4-ft., 6-in.-high "Pyramid Blue Granite" tablet is on a 12-ft.-long base. The youth's name is on one side and the epitaph "Parked In Heaven" is on the reverse side. AMERISTONE An outstanding -example of creative design and craftsmanship, this memorial incorporates two half-serpentine tablets on an 8-ft.-long base. Fabricated from variegated "Ebony Mist Granite", the memorial honors the memory of a deceased young physician, Dr. William F. Lombard Ill. A caduceus, symbolic of the medical profession, and Dr. Lombard's name engraved on an Open Book panel, are on the smaller, 2-ft., 6-in.-long tablet and the names of his parents, Mr. & Mrs. William Lombard, Jr., of Greensboro, Georgia, are on a 4-ft., 2-in.-long tablet. Both tablets are 2-ft., 6-in.-high. The monuments are separated by a vase with a Praying Hands carving. The family name is on a polished chamfer on the base. The large cemetery plot at the rural Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery near Greensboro also includes a bench and a lawn-level marker with information about Dr. Lombard. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. -This 12-ft.-high monument is an extraordinary example of design and craftsmanship combined with judicious exploitation of contrasting finishes to achieve a powerful statement of faith and family memorialization. Erected by Black Monument Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Woodlawn Cemetery, attributes include carvings con­trasting with the deep red color of the polished "Wausau Red Granite". Frosted borders outline the tablet shape. A center polished Cross is on a larger frosted Cross background accented by radiating frosted rays. The 7-ft.-high tablet,4-ft.-long and 1-ft., 6-in. wide, is on a pedestal 4-ft., 6-in.-long, 1-ft., 8-in. wide and 1-ft., 6-in.-high. Grape-and-vine carvings adorn the pedestal. The family name is on a 5-ft., 8-in.-long, 1-ft., 10-in. wide, 2-ft.-high sub-base atop a 6-ft.-long, 2-ft. wide, 1-ft., 6-in.-high base. Both the pedestal and sub-base have polished washes and the base has a polished margin. Inscriptions and carvings are repeated on the reverse side of the tablet and Bible verses are engraved on the sides. MAJESTIC GRANITE COMPANY - A large columnar memorial - challenging to manufac­ture because of its complexity- was recently produced for Hamby Company of Oneonta, Alabama. Extra-long pieces and exacting production was required for all units to joint per­fectly. The design features 11 polished "Majestic Gray Granite" pieces, including a 12-ft.-long cap and base, two end columns, and seven interior column-panels - one for each letter of the Edwards Family name. Interior columns are 1- ft., 3-in.-long, 6-in. wide, and 2-ft., 6-in.-high. Large, stylized, polished "E's" are on frosted backgrounds in recessed oval panels on the 1-ft, 3-in.-long, 2-ft., 6-in.-high end columns. Hamby Monument Owners Tanya and Bruce Hamby said the monument was designed by the customer, Victor Edwards, a retiree "who knew what he wanted. He even gave us a scale model." The memorial is in the Hopewell Community Cemetery near Garden City, Alabama. SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC. - This appealing, contemporary-style memorial was fabricated from all-polished "Jet Black Granite". The pleasingly proportioned modernistic elements of the memorial, commemorating a deceased Bowling Green, Kentucky, law enforcement officer, includes a shallow serpentine top and convex ends - all with chamfered edges. A deep check at the bottom adds to the contemporary look. Ornamentation, in addition to interlocking wedding bands, includes a bronze Fraternal Order of Police emblem, 6 ¼-in. in diameter, inset in the center of the monument. The monument was erected in Bowling Green Gardens by Bowling Green Monument Company. TRINITY GRANITE COMPANY, INC.- This impressive "North American Pink Granite" monument marks the large estate lot of the Joel Anderson Family in Elberton's Forest Hills Memorial Park. The all-polished, 8-ft.­long, 2-ft., 6-in.-high tablet is on a 10-ft., 6-in.-long base and incorporates sand sculptured Praying Hands on a frosted oval background recessed ½-in. Additional carving includes a frosted-finish Cross and ribbon band outlining the oval top and shape-carved cultured roses. The late Joel Anderson, Jr., is interred in the lot. He was the husband of long-time Elbert County Court Clerk Pat Anderson and the son of retired Granite Industry craftsman Joel Anderson, Sr. WELCH'S GRANITE COMPANY, INC. - Expeditious use of contrasting colors of granite and clever use of angular, straight lines of design combine to make this memorial an outstanding creation. The center tablet, base, and vases were fabri­cated from polished "Flash Black Granite" and the wings from polished "Mt. Airy Granite". The 1-ft., 8-in.-long, 3-ft., 4-in.­high tablet features a gabled top and a sand sculptured cultured rose on a textured oval background panel recessed ½­in. The family name is on a polished chamfer on the base. Individual names are on the steeply tapered wings. The memorial was erected by Blue Ridge Monument of Salem, Virginia, in the Sunset Cemetery at Christianburg, Virginia. COLONIAL GRANITE COMPANY - Craftsmen employed expert stone carving to produce this memorial reflecting young Cameron Paxton's love for mountain climbing and the peaks around Franklin, North Carolina. Gene Shields of Shields Memorial Service in Franklin, family members, Colonial officials, and The Drafting Shoppe design/drafting firm in Elberton, all collaborated on the design providing a rustic look symbolizing the mountains. Stylized lettering and carving is on the steeled panel which is recessed three-inches. A sandblown carving depicts Cameron climbing a rocky cliff. Supreme Granite Company manufactured the turned vase mounted in a cutout in the left corner. The 4-ft., 6-in. Long, 3- ft., 6-in.-high, "American Dark Blue Granite" memorial is in the Louisa Methodist Church Cemetery near Franklin. JOHNSON & SON MEMORIALS, INC. – The Johnson firm recently manufactured a noteworthy, picturesque memorial complex for the cemetery lot of the Joseph A. Hall Family in Southwest Georgia. The polished, "Royal Jet Black Granite" units consist of three large, oval monuments set on a two-piece base 18-ft. Long, four grave ledgers, a bench, and a vase. The cemetery lot is enclosed by "Elberton Blue Granite" coping. The center, 5-ft., 6-in. -long tablet includes etchings of doves on a dogwood tree branch, Mr. and Mrs. Hall's names and birthdates, and the names of their children and grandchildren. The flanking, 4-ft.-long tablets are for the Hall couple's two sons. One of the monuments is for the late Eric "Bunkie" Hall. A large etching depicts the young man engaged in one of his favorite hobbies, skeet shooting. An etching of his dog is on his grave ledger. The etchings are by noted Elberton artist Troy Ayers. The Thomasville (Georgia) Monument Company erected the memorials in the Zion Grove Assembly of God Church Cemetery near Moultrie, Georgia. “The Cross… The Ultimate Symbol of Christian Faith”. REYNOLDS MARBLE AND GRANITE COMPANY - This magnifi­cent "Colorado Yule Marble" Cross - exceptional in both workmanship and size - was erected by R. Ward Sutton Cemetery Service of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in the local Pineview Cemetery. A modification of a design in the famed McNeel Design Book, the Latin Cross with fleurees on the top and arm ends is 10-ft. tall overall and is a result of meticulous sawing and hand-tooling by the manufacturer. Chamfers on the Cross trunk and the pedestal provide eight surfaces which taper to washes and nosings. The octagon-shaped base has a hand-tooled margin. The name of the Ferebee Family, which is prominent in the Rocky Mount area, is engraved in hand carved, round-raised letters on the pedestal. J & R FINISHING COMPANY - An imposing, multi-pieced memorial 8­ft. tall honors the memory of Cheryl Vickery who is interred in the Harmony Christian Church Cemetery near Commerce, Georgia. J & R Owner Johnny Perry designed the polished "Jet Black Granite" memorial whose focal point is the large Latin Cross. Etchings on the Cross depict Mrs. Vickery gazing down from Heaven on her three grandchildren. Bible verses are inscribed on the large, hand-crafted, half round pedestal and on the beveled base. Biographical information about Mrs. Vickery and her family are on a beveled marker outlined by religious carvings and dogwood branches. Outstanding Granite Workmanship By E.G.A. Firms. The impressive examples of cemetery features, public monuments, veterans memorials, and signage featured on the following pages will be displayed in the E.G.A. REFERENCE LOAN NOTEBOOK SERIES used so successfully by memo­rial/sis to get design ideas and market these specialty-type items. The coupon on page 30 may be used to borrow the Loan Notebooks for up to 30 days. Cemetery Features IN LUMBERTON, NORTH CAROLINA. A towering Latin Cross was recently manufactured by OLD OAK MONUMENT COMPANY, LLC and erected as the central feature of a new cemetery at Lumberton, North Carolina. Old Oak Owner Doug Smith said an oversized block of select "Palmetto Blue Granite" was required to produce the steeled-finish Cross which is 12-ft., 10-in.-tall. It was erected in the new, 25-acre Floyd Memorial Gardens which was designed through the E.G.A. Cemetery Planning Service. The cemetery is owned by Terry Floyd of Floyd Monument Company. The Cross, which required exacting sawing and hand tooling, is 3-ft., 6-in.- wide at the arms, 1-ft., 2-in.-wide, and 10-ft., 6-in-high. It is on a 3-ft., 8-in.-long, 3-ft.-wide, and 1-ft., 4-in.-high sub-base on a base 5-ft., 8-in.-long, 4-ft., 8-in.-wide and 1-ft.-high. The cross trunk is 1-ft., 2-in.-long at the top and tapers to 2-ft. at the bottom. The components are doweled with stainless steel pins. AT GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA. A distinctive and complex multi-unit cemetery feature utilizing different colors of granite and materials was recently fabricated by KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., to identify a large new "Garden Of Honor" section. The new 800-lot section in Memorial Park Cemetery in Gainesville, Georgia, is reserved for peace officers and firemen. The seven-piece steeled "Topaz Blue" and polished "American Black" granite feature was designed by renowned designer and cemetery planner Bob Young of Canton, Georgia, who also planned the cemetery section. The feature components are cleverly designed with varying widths to provide offset and recessed surfaces. The monument has an overall length of 12-ft., 10-in. and is 6-ft., 6-in.-high. A 60 x 38-in. bronze plaque depicting police and fire fighter badges and depicting the public safety officers in action is attached to the 7-ft., 2-in.-long, 1-ft., 2-in.-wide, 5-ft., 8-in.-high center tablet. The title of the cemetery section is engraved on a 7-ft., 6-in.-long cap with check. Polished 5-ft., 2-in.-high "American Black Granite" wings - one for polish and the other for firemen - are on 2-ft.-long pedestals. Public Monuments - Veterans Memorials IN SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA. The stone-working expertise at SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., coupled with the firm's high-tech, computerized granite turning lathes, and close cooperation with the customer has resulted in production of a large granite sphere memorial in Santa Barbara, California. The perfectly round, polished sphere replaces an armillary sundial in the Lotusland Topiary Garden and was designed and installed by Jed Hendrickson of Santa Barbara Monumental Company, Inc. "The accuracy of Southern Granite's work is such that the sphere measures almost exactly the 22-in. specified in the design," said Mr. Hendrickson. Madame Ganna Walska, a noted local opera singer, established the Lotusland Garden on her estate. A foundation recently restored the garden and officials decided to salute major donors and Chairperson Carol Valentine with the sphere memorial on the missing sundial's original limestone pedestal. A 5/s-in. dowel pin was used for mounting the spheroid. Mr. Hendrickson, who is President of the Monument Builders of North America, said the dedication text is located near the top of the sphere and the 59 donor names are arranged in parallel latitudes around the surface and make almost a complete circle. Because of the curvature, it was necessary to cut two-dimensional stencil strips with the exact amount of curve to properly fit on the three-dimensional sphere, according to Mr. Hendrickson. Each line of text was cut separately and applied individually. The design talents of LANDMARK GRANITE COMPANY, INC., President Vince Fernandez are evident in this unique memorial honoring one of the founders and developers of the "Grand Strand" Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area. Mr. Fernandez designed the memorial, erected by Coastal Monument Company, Inc., of Conway, South Carolina, for a playground named for the late Mrs. Elsie Adams Burroughs. The playground is at the famed Broad­way-At-The-Beach entertainment-shopping park. The polished "Jet Black Granite" monument, 3-ft., 6-in.-long, 8-in.­wide, and 4-ft., 6-in.-high, represents a dolphin riding the crest of an ocean wave. Mr. Fernandez said the sponsors wanted the design to reflect a children’s theme and also symbolic of the coastal area and he submitted five designs. The monument includes lettering on the polished wave section. The frosted-finish dolphin representation is outlined by polished borders. Mrs. Btmoughs was a pioneer Grand Strand area developer. Members of the Burroughs Family suggested that the region be named Myrtle Beach and it is one of the fastest-growing recreational areas on the East coast. The Broadway-At-The-Beach theme park annually attracts thousands of tourists and the monument is likely to be viewed by many memorialists attending the Monument Builders of North America Convention at Myrtle Beach next January. AT CALERA, ALABAMA. A notable dedication memorial was recently produced by BURTON MONUMENT COMPANY, INC., for the Loftin-Bush Memorial Field baseball park at Calera, Alabama. The field was named for 8-year-old baseball player Cameron Bush and his grandfather, Bob Loftin, who were killed in a traffic mishap on the way to baseball practice. Mr. Loftin was extensively involved in youth sports. The memorial was designed by Steve Rockco of Rockco Monument Company of Monte­vallo, Alabama, near Calera. The polished "Ruckersville Blue Granite" monument consists of a 2-ft., 1-in.-long, 2-ft., 8-in.-wide, and 3-ft., 6-in.-high column and base. A bronze dedi­cation plaque is attached to the beveled top of the column and a baseball diamond is sand carved on the front. The upright has rounded edges. The Calera Dixie Youth baseball league sponsored the memorial. An impressive memorial was recently fabricated by QUICK SAW GRANITE COMPANY, INC., as a permanent reminder of a continuing act of terrorism in the U.S. - the burning of over 200 black churches during the past decade. The large memorial was erected by Barwick Monument Company of Manning, South Carolina, on the campus of pre­dominantly black Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. The steeled "Elberton Blue Granite" memorial consists of three large panels on a 10-ft.-long base. The taller, 8-ft.-high center panel has a dis­tinct gable top. A large polished black granite panel is inset in the center tablet and an etching depicts a church enveloped in flames. The message "Black Churches Are Still Burning... We Are Not Satisfied" is engraved on the center tablet. The names of over 200 churches, the dates they burned, and their locations are inscribed on the monument. The South Carolina Burned Church Coalition, pastors of some of the burned churches, Allen University, the Center For Democratic Renewal, the National Council of Churches, and the Congress of National Black Churches all spon­sored the memorial which is dedicated to the Rev. Mack Charles Jones. Their names are engraved on the base. Barwick Monument Company Owner J.M. Barwick, Jr. designed the monument. VETERANS MEMORIAL IN DRESDEN, OHIO. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., recently manufactured an outstanding monument dedicated to veterans from the Dresden, Ohio, area who served during all of the nation's major wars. The polished "American Black Granite" monument was erected by Mudgett's Monuments of Zanesville, Ohio. It was designed by Kim Mudgett, owner of the retail firm, who used E.G.A.'s LOAN REFERENCE NOTEBOOK OF WAR MEMORIALS as a source for design ideas. The memorial, which includes two benches, is set in the entranceway to the Dresden Com­munity Cemetery. It includes a 3-ft., 2-in.­long, 8-in.-wide, 4-ft., 10-in.-high center panel flanked by two wings 1-ft., 6-in.-wide, 2-ft., 8- in.-high set on an 8-ft.-long base with a pol­ished margin. A bronze American Eagle is atop the center tablet on which the dedication inscription is engraved. The emblems of the five military service branches and the Great Seal of the State of Ohio are also on the tablet. The names of area veterans killed or missing in action in the nine major military actions are listed in frosted letters on the wings. The benches have 4-ft.-long seat sections mounted on 1-ft.-high supports which are convex-shaped with nosings. The memorial was sponsored by the local Veterans Association. The memorial was sponsored by the local Veterans Association, composed of area veterans groups, local citizens, and the Longaberger Basket Company. Attractive Signs By E.G.A. Members. IN FRANKLIN, NORTH CAROLINA. An attractive contemporary sign was recently fabricated by COLONIAL GRANITE COMPANY and erected at the West Franklin Church in Franklin, North Carolina. Gene Shields of Shields Memorial Service in Franklin modified a similar sign featured in the ELBERTON GRANITEER to finalize the church design. The polished "Jet Black Granite" sign panel is 7-ft.-long and is on a polished "American Dark Blue Granite" base 7-ft., 4-in.-long. The sign panel is inset in three posts with steeply beveled tops and decorative vee line panels on the front and back simulating flutes. The church name is in frosted outline letters. IN CLARKESVILLE, TENNESSEE. A large and imposing granite sign was manufactured by BOYD GRANITE COMPANY, INC., to mark the location of one of Clarkesville, Tennessee's leading industries. Clarkesville Memorial Company designed the 16-ft.-long, 4-ft.-high, all-steeled "Robin Blue Granite" sign. The sign identifies the Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems plant in a series of stylized letters of varying sizes and colors. The sign also includes a large company logo. Boyd Granite Vice President Jim Boyd said the immense size of the sign panel necessitated the quarrying of an extra-large granite block from the firm's "Robin Blue Granite" Quarry. LOAN REQUEST. IN FORTSONIA, GEORGIA. A n awe-inspiring example of artistic reli­gious symbolism is achieved in this sign by BASTON MONUMENTS, INC., and erected at the Baptist Church in the Fortsonia Community near Elberton. Noted local etching artist Ann Jenson, a member of the church, exe­cuted the finely-detailed picturesque scenes of Christ tending sheep on one side and ministering to children on the other. Baston Monuments Owner Michael Baston, also a member of the Fortsonia church, worked with a committee of church members and Mrs. Jenson on the design. The church name is in frosted outline letters on the polished "Jet Black Granite" sign panel which has a half-serpentine configuration. The panel is 7-ft.-long, 8-in.-wide, and 3-ft., 10- in.-high. It is on a "Baston Blue Granite" base 9- ft.-long, 1-ft., 2-in.-wide, and 1-ft., 4-in.-high. Veterans Memorial, Signs Color Brochures Available The popularity of two volumes in E.G.A. 's Reference Loan Notebook series - the Granite Signs and War Memorials notebooks - led to the creation of two full-color brochures which memorialists have successfully used to generate sales. The Granite Sign Designs folder includes color photographs of 13 attractive signs of varying shapes and colors of granite. The Veterans Memorials brochure includes nine outstanding memorials erected as tributes to veterans, places, and events honoring those who served protecting our freedoms. To obtain a free sample of each of these colorful and effective brochures, or to inquire about the purchase of multiple quantities, contact E.G.A . Granite Center Visitors. Jerry King, left, Co-owner of KING'S MONUMENT COMPANY, INC., recently accompanied Dianne and Dick DiMatteo on a visit to the Granite Center. Mr. and Mrs. DiMatteo, of Dewitt, New York, are Sales Representatives for the King firm in New England, Eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Kevin Brown, left, Vice President in Charge of Sales for CENTURY GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Century Sales Representative Stewart Cone, right, point out interesting items in the ELBERTON GRANITEER to their retail customer, Jeff Frenzel, of South Park Monuments, Pearland, Texas. James Walters, left, of EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., welcomes the visitors during a tour of the large monument finishing plant. The awe-struck Japanese, accompanied by several of their Elberton hosts, posed for photographs at the SWEET CITY QUARRIES, INC., '!Royal Blue Granite" Quarry. Hudson Cone of the E.G.A. staff presents a special E.G.A. 50th Anniversary coffee mug to chaperone lkuyo Iida during a luncheon for the students at the Elberton Civic Center. The delighted Japanese visitors enjoyed a photo session following their tour of the Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit. A visit to the Georgia Guidestones mystery monument was another highlight of the group's Granite Industry tour. Japanese Sister City Visitors Enjoy Granite Industry Tour. This past July marked the 18th year high school students from the granite-producing centers of Elberton, Georgia, and Mure Cho, Japan, have exchanged visits during Summer months. The Sister City Program is one of the nation's longest-running inter­national student exchange projects... and the Elberton Granite Association is a major participant. Six Mure high school girls and a chaperon, Ikuyo "Orie" Iida, vis­ited the "Granite Capital of the World" from July 16-26. A highlight of their stay was when they toured an E.G.A. Member and Granite Center facilities. The excursion included visits to the SWEET CITY QUARRJES, INC., "Royal Blue Granite" Quarry, EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., monument finishing plant, and the WILKES TRANSPORT, INC., freight terminal. The students also visited the Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit, Georgia Guidestones and toured Elmhurst Cemetery. E.G.A. treated the visitors and representatives from their host families to a luncheon at the Elberton Civic Center where E.G.A. Promotion Specialist Hudson Cone presented gift packets to each student. The gift packets included special coffee mugs commemorating E.G.A.'s 50th Anniversary, souvenir "Granite Capital" tee shirts, and informational materials about the Elberton Granite Industry. Following a ten-day visit, the Japanese returned to Mure accompanied by a group of outstanding Elbert County Comprehensive High School students. The contingent included Keri Lovinggood, the daughter of SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Sales Manager David Lovinggood and Twyla Lovinggood of BOYD GRANITE COMPANY, INC. New Plant, High-Tech Equipment At Diamond Cut. E.G.A. Sustaining Member DIAMOND CUT & POLISH, INC., is operating in a new, 2,200 sq. ft., all-metal plant and most of the firm's ultra high-tech equipment was designed and built by the firm's owner, Mohsen "Mo" Mehrabi. The facility, on the Deep Creek Road approximately seven miles northwest of Elberton, primarily produces diamond segments for rotary saws and wire saws. Mr. Mehrabi emphasizes that a unique aspect of his company is that he will readily custom-produce diamond products for specific applica­tions for use in the granite, marble and concrete industries. Mr. Mehrabi designed the plant for efficient material flow and production, and it also has an extra-high roof to reduce interior temperatures since heat rises to ceiling areas. Equipment includes a wire saw strand plastic injection molding unit designed and modified by Mr. Mehrabi to operate more efficiently than stan­dard models. Diamond bead segments are held in place on wire saw cable strand by extra-hard plastic - which is implanted on the wire by the auto­matic Diamond Cut machine. "The machine produces a high-quality product with less breakage and it is designed so that the operator doesn't have to be skilled," said Mr. Mehrabi. Temperatures up to 3,000 degrees in a controlled atmosphere are attainable in a large, heavy-duty fur­nace built by Mr. Mehrabi. The furnace is used to super-heat materials used in diamond segment produc­tion. Other equipment includes sintering, hot and cold press machines for production of different types of segments for dif­ferent functions. Mr. Mehrabi explained that variable heat and precisely- controlled environ­ments - including vacuum and hydrogen atmospheres - are essential for produc­tion of the highest quality diamond segment components. Mr. Meharabi also designed a locally-built, variable speed rotator­mixer - to perfectly blend compounds necessary for diamond segment production. Mo Meharabi with the sophisticated diamond wire plastification machine he designed to be superior to standard models. The hot-press sintering system uses pressure and extreme heat on material in molds to manufacture diamond segments. This cold press machine compresses diamond segmented materials into rings which are attached to metal tubes which slip onto wire saw cable strand. This is the new Diamond Cut & Polish production and office facility on Deep Creek Road. Temperatures up to 3,000 degrees are attainable in this huge furnace with extra-thick steel walls. New Offices At Bobby Moon Granite Sales. A spacious new, two-story office building was recently built at the BOBBY MOON GRANITE SALES monument and counter top production plants on the Old Middleton Road in East Elberton. "We have badly needed more office space and a more comfortable, functional office facility for a long time," said owner Bobby Moon. The new, all-metal office includes a total of 1,280-sq. ft. and was built onto the side of the front end of a 3,420-sq. ft. addition to the monument plant completed in 1999. The new offices include a lobby area and large general office and Mr. Moon's private office on the ground floor. The upstairs, to be used mostly for file storage and a counter-top materials display, also includes a kitchenette. All new furniture was purchased for the new spaces. Bobby's wife, JoAnn, who is Office Manager, said she welcomes the new office spaces and additional room. She added that Kandice Andrews, a student at Emmanuel College, is now working part­time doing general office work at the company. She is working for both the monument and countertop division operations. Kandice is the daughter of Don and Connie Andrews of Elberton. Kandice Andrews, left, and JoAnn Moon at their new desks in the ground floor lobby general office area. Bobby Moon in his new office, surrounded by countertop sample displays. More Heavy Equipment At Sterling Quarry. The new Caterpillar bulldozer is being utilized to expand the "Sterling Granite" Quarry. The massive Euclid truck dumps tons of earth and grout removed from the quarry expansion. The addition of four new pieces of heavy-duty equipment is boosting overall quarrying operations at the ELBERTON GRANITE INDUSTRIES "Sterling Granite" Quarry, particularly in the areas of quarry expansion and overburden removal on the southern rim. Elberton Granite Industries President John McLanahan said the machines "represent a substantial investment to help us operate more efficiently to better meet our needs for high-quality granite rough stock." The machines include a heavy-duty, off-road Euclid dump truck, a Caterpillar D-7 bulldozer and two large caterpillar 988B front end loaders. The mammoth Euclid dump truck - commonly used in ore mining operations - will haul up to 40 tons of material. It is being used mostly to move the large amounts of earth and grout displaced by the bulldozer and other earth-moving machines. The front-end loaders are also being used to remove overbur­den and also to load saw blocks of granite. The huge scoop pans on the front of the machines may be interchanged with fork prongs frequently used to lift granite blocks. New Tilt-Head Saw At Wiles Granite. A new tilt-head, multi-purpose diamond saw is in operation at the WILES GRANITE COMPANY, INC., monument plant. Owner Danny Wiles said the machine "is a big labor-saver which eliminates a lot of handling and turning of granite pieces in production. It definitely an operator-friendly system." Mr. Wiles said he and Clay Rice designed the saw which will rotate 360- degrees and is especially valuable for making horizontal, angular or any type of irregular cut in any direction. The operator easily adjusts and operates the saw at the desired angle and speed by using hand-held controls. The saw is especially useful for sawing checks, cutouts, notches or beveled surfaces. New Diamond Coring Drill At Welch's Granite. A new diamond bit core drill system is in use at the WELCH'S GRANITE COMPANY, INC., monument finishing plant, reported Owner Jim Welch. The machine, designed and manufactured by E.G.A. Sustaining Member TRINITY MACHINE SHOP, INC., is used to core holes in vases or monuments designed with vase holes. The machine has a variable-speed motor so that barrel speeds will vary accord­ing to the type and hardness of granite and the size of hole being cored. This adds to operational performance and prolongs the life of the diamond segments attached to the rim of the core barrel. The barrel diameters range from 6 to 12-in. Standard drill barrels will usually core to a depth of 16-in. Granite pieces as high as 4-ft. can be processed by the machine. Operator Tim Mclendon adjusts the new core drill machine at Welch's Granite. Mccannon Granite Company, Inc. Type: Diamond Block Saw Began Operation: July 2001 Built By Wilson Industrial Electric, Inc. Blade Diameter 11-ft. 6-in. No. of diamond Segments: 180. Wiles Granite Company, Inc. Type: Diamond Block Saw Began Operation: July 2001. Built By: Crown Construction. Blade Diameter: 11-ft. 6-in. No. of Diamond Segments 180. New Countertop Machine at Star. Rusty Adams, President of Star Granite Company, Inc. reported that Star’s Granite Interiors Division is continuing to add the latest in high-tech equipment to more efficiently produce counter tops and other interior granite items. Mr. Adams said the firm recently installed a German-made Galeski-4000 sink hole processing machine at the specialty plant on the Hartwell Highway north of Elberton. The machine, sold by E.G.A. Sustaining Member HIGH TECH STONE, INC., is a multipurpose system which uses interchange­able attachments to drill, cut, and polish sink or faucet holes in granite pieces to be used in kitchens or bathrooms. The machine is mounted on wheels for easy movement to wherever it is needed. It will grind and polish incline surfaces, edges, profiles, drill round or slotted holes. It has height adjustments on either side and the slab cart will handle granite panels up to 5-ft., 3-in. long and 3-ft. 3-in. wide. It has a centrally located handle and machine guide for easy operation. Donald Smith operates the new Galeski sink hole machine at Star Granite's Interiors Division. Granite Sales Marketing New Sandblast Abrasives. Ronnie Lovinggood, General Manager at E.G.A. Associate Member GRANITE SALES & SUPPLY CORPORATION, reported that the company is now marketing Detroit brand sandblast abrasive. He said Granite Sales is believed to be the only firm in Elberton distributing the popular sandblast grit which he said was a high-performance material. Mr. Lovinggood said both zirconium and aluminum oxide abrasives are available. He said the zirconium, mostly used in automatic systems where it can be recycled for repeated use, comes in 36/54 grit sizes and the aluminum oxide in 36/30 grit sizes. Sandblast Equipment, Rubbing Paper From Miles. Charles Martin, Owner of E.G.A. Sustaining Member MILES SUPPLY COMPANY OF GEORGIA, INC., reported that his firm is marketing P.K. Lindsay sandblast engraving systems and a new type of monument rubbing paper. Mr. Martin said the items should bene­fit both the wholesale and retail segments of the Monument Industry. The Lindsay machine tanks come in different sizes - holding from 15 up to 600 pounds of abrasive grit. The Lindsay company manufactures its own air compressors "The Lindsay name is one of the most established in the industry - known primarily for excellent quality shape carving equip­ment. However, the machines come in a variety of sizes including heavy­duty models for plant use and portable units for use in cemeteries," said Mr. Martin. Lindsay machines are manufactured in Deerfield, New Hampshire. Mr. Martin also announced that Miles Supply is now the exclusive dis­tributor for a new type of monumental rubbing paper used to duplicate monument shapes, carving, and lettering. "The new white rubbing paper includes new features not offered in the familiar, blue-colored paper," said Mr. Martin. He added that the blue paper is still available. He said an advantage of the white paper is that it can be scanned into computer-assisted-design systems. Also, it is not affected by temperature or ultra-violet light. The paper is available in roll 2 1/2­in. wide and 100-ft. long and may be purchased by the roll or in cases of ten. Miles Supply Sales Representatives Rob Starrett, left, and Kent King demon­strate use of the new white rubbing paper now available from their company. Miles Supply Sales Representatives Ronnie Brown, left, and Kent King with various sizes of P.K. Lindsay sand­blast tanks now sold by Miles Supply. Donald Smith operates the new Galeski sink hole machine at Star Granite's Interiors Division. Paladin Distributing Samedia Diamond Equipment. Mark Cunningham, Owner of E.G.A. Sustaining Member PALADIN PROCESS MACHINERY, INC., announced that his stone working machinery fabricating and supply firm is now marketing French-made SAMEDIA Diamond Tools. They include diamond saw blades, diamond wire for contour or quarry machines, marble gang saw blades, and coring bits. "SAMEDIA diamond products are recognized as being among the best perform­ing on the world market," said Mr. Cunningham. "They have 40 years of experi­ence producing diamond tools for the stone industry." He said SAMEDIA equip­ment is used in all-natural stone industries. Mr. Cunningham added that rotary saw blades range in diameter from 5 in. to diamond block saw size. He said different rotary blade models were designed and extensively tested specifically for monu­mental, structural, and countertop stone production. McNeel Design CD'S Available From Design Mart. The most acclaimed design series in the Monument Industry, the McNeel Designs, have been formatted for CD-ROM and are now available from DESIGN MART. The designs, which mclude all memorial styles, were created and published in the 1940's by the former McNeel Marble Company of Marietta, Georgia. "This rare collection is the result of study and work of some of America's most noted designers, architects, and craftsmen and is believed to be the most comprehensive such collection ever assembled," said Design Mart President Mike Fernandez. Mr. Fernandez noted that the 336 pages feature high-quality air brush drawings and pho­tographs including benches, boulders, civic monuments, columns, sarcophagi, screens, Crosses, statues, war memorials, etc., and also include epitaphs, lettering, symbols, emblems, and cemetery lot plans. Mr. Fernandez said McNeel books in good condition are valued as high as $2,500. How­ever, through the purchase of copyrighted CD's, the collection is now affordable and user-friendly. A working knowledge of the Windows software system is all that is required to use the multi-vol­ume set of CD's compatible with the Adobe Acrobat Reader standard with most computers. Mr. Fernandez said that in 1996, Design Mart initiated an inquiry on the McNeel Book through the Library of Congress and that the search determined that a 1942 copyright had not been renewed after 28 years - as required by the 1909 law. If the copyright had been renewed in 1970, current laws passed in 1976 and enacted in 1978 would have applied. However, now the book may be copied, but the CD's compiled by Design Mart are registered, copyrighted, and protected from duplication as collective and derivative works. For more information, con­tact Design Mart at P.O. Box 56, Elberton, Georgia 30635, call 706-283-6503, e-mail dmart@designrnart.com or the web site at w.w.w.designrnart.com. Creative-Premier Marketing Angel Images. Rebecca Beggs and Candy Crenshaw, Co-owners of CREATIVE-PREMIER DESIGNS announced that their firm is marketing a second computer software series of angel images for monumental carving. Entitled the CPD Angels Collection Series II Library, the package offers 31 different angelic figures ranging from cherubs to classic angel religious symbols. The images are available in both CD and diskettes for use in Al, CDR, DWG, DXF, EPS, PLT, GCD, and 2D formats. For more information, contact Creative-Premier Designs, P.O. Box 11 18, Elberton, Georgia 30635, phone 706-283-5064, or e-mail design@creative-premier.com. Young People Join Family Monument Business. AT BURTON MONUMENT COMPANY Johnny Burton, Co-owner of BURTON MONUMENT COMPANY, INC., announced that his son, Brad, and stepson, Adam Jones, are both working at the monument finishing and custom sawing and polishing firm. The young men are learning all phases of company operations. Brad, who recently graduated from Elbert County Comprehensive High School, is currently learning granite polishing procedures. As a high school student, he took Granite Technology courses taught as part of the school's Youth Apprenticeship Program which includes instruction in Granite Industry cost and estimating and also monu­mental drafting. Brad learned stone crafting techniques from his father, and grandfather, Garland Burton, who also co-owns the company. Adam Jones is working in diamond sawing operations. He also is a recent ECCHS graduate. He is the son of Janet Burton, Johnny's wife, who is Sales Manager at the monument finishing company. Mrs. Burton, the former Janet Jones, and Johnny were married last year. AT L&M GRANITE COMPANY Brothers Stanley and Tony Mills, Owners of L & M GRANITE COMPANY, INC., reported that their sons are members of the staff at the monument manufacturing concern and are extensively involved in production operations. The young men are Josh Mills and Tony Mills, Jr. Both are currently stone cutters but are proficient in all phases of monument production since both have worked at the company as full-time and part-time employees for years. Both of the young men are graduates of Elbert County Comprehensive High School. Josh is 21 and Tony is 24. Josh is single while his cousin is married and has two children. Both joined the family business immediately after graduation from high school. "We are proud that the boys have taken an interest in the business and have seen fit to make their careers in granite," said Stanley and Tony. Burton Monument Co-owner Johnny Burton, center, with son, Brad, left, and step-son Adam Jones. Tony Mills, Jr., second from left, and his cousin, Josh, second from right, with their fathers Tony, Sr., left, and Stanley, right. Veteran Employee Retires At Star Bobby Drake, a well-known Granite Industry craftsman, recently retired after 19 years on the staff at STAR GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and a career in the Elberton Granite Industry which spans several decades. Star Granite President Rusty Adams hosted an Employee Appreciation Cookout on July 24 and presented Mr. Drake with a color TV set and a specially engraved knife which Mr. Drake collects. "I want to congratulate Bobby for his many years of dedicated ser­vice," said Mr. Adams. "It is loyal people like him which has made our company one of the leaders in the American Monument Industry. We wish him a long and happy retirement which he has definitely earned." Mr. Drake expressed appreciation to Mr. Adams. "I appreci­ate and respect Rusty and the rest of the people I have worked with over the years here at Star and also at several other granite compa­nies where I was employed. I especially want to thank them for the retirement gifts and their many expressions of appreciation." Mr. Drake is a Journeyman Granite Polisher and worked in produc­tion at Star Granite. His son, Stacy, is also employed at the company. Congratulating Bobby Drake, second from right, upon his retire­ment at Star Granite, was left-to-right, his son, Stacy, Plant Superintendent Gary Dixon, and Star President Rusty Adams. At Star Granite Company. KATHY R. RICE was recently promoted to the position of Regional Manager in the Sales and Cus­tomer Relations Department at STAR GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Myra L. Woodall, Director of Marketing, commented: "We were very fortunate to have Kathy rejoin our company last year as a Customer Service Specialist. In recognition of her dedication and hard work, she has earned this promotion. "Because of her previous association with Star Granite in the capacity of Regional Manager, I have every confidence in her abilities to serve the needs of our customers. She is extremely knowledgeable about our product lines and her strongest qualities mirror those of Star Granite," concluded Mrs. Woodall. Mrs. Rice will be responsible for strengthening Star's existing client base and developing future clients utilizing the firm's telemarketing system to generate new business. She will also attend state and regional meetings and travel extensively to meet customers. Kathy, the mother of two chil­dren, Kristal and Dustin, is the daughter of Bo Ruff, Owner of Triple "R" Granite Sales, Inc. At Century Granite Company TRISH MILLER has been named Manager of Customer Services at CENTURY GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Sales Manager Kevin Brown said Mrs. Miller will be in charge of in-house sales and marketing. The Dallas, Texas, native has been employed by Century for the past two years. She attended East Texas State University at Commerce, Texas, where she majored in Education. She has previous experience in retail sales. She and her husband, Fred, have three children and attend the Lighthouse Church in Elberton. At J & L Enterprises, Inc. CINDY EDWARDS is working in Sales and Customer Relations at J & L ENTERPRISES, INC. The daughter of Larry and Joyce Edwards, Owners of the monument finishing company, she will be involved in telemarketing and other sales-related activities. Cindy will also work in drafting and computer-assisted design. She attended the Medical College of Georgia and the Augusta, Georgia, Technical Institute where she received a degree in Dental Hygiene. She also studied Computer Science at the Athens Technical College. A Dental Assistant for the past 15 years, Cindy has two children, Tammie and Dalton. At Diamond Cut & Polish SHARON BELL was recently named Manager of Production and Customer Relations at DIAMOND CUT & POLISH, INC. The company is a new firm, owned by Mo Mehrabi, which manufactures dia­mond tools and stone working machinery. Mrs. Bell is involved in all phases of production, including operation of the company's ultra-high-tech equipment which produces diamond segments for rotary and wire saws. Mrs. Bell has worked in the Granite Industry for a number of years in sales, as office manager, and as a draftsperson. She and her husband, Nick, Vice President of Bell Granite Company, Inc., have three children and attend Rock Branch Baptist Church. She is the daughter of Dianne Gully who is on the staff at Dixie Granite Company. At Boyd Granite Company KEVIN THOMAS is working in Sales and Customer Relations at BOYD GRANITE COMPANY, INC. William C. "Hoppy" Boyd, President of the large monument manufacturing firm, said Kevin will be working in telemarketing and in-house sales, especially in the field of designing and drafting with Boyd's computer-assisted-design system. A graduate of Elbert County Comprehensive High School Kevin graduated from Athens Technical College with a degree in Drafting. An avid golfer, he is a mem­ber of the Elberton First Baptist Church. E.G.A. Staffer Honored For University Support Hudson Cone, E.G.A.'s longtime Promotion Specialist and Associate Editor of the GRANITEER, was honored June 7 when he received an award in apprecia­tion for his devotion to the University of Georgia and UGA's Bulldog athletic teams. UGA Assistant Director of Development Barbara Hartman presented the Dan McGill Award to Mr. Cone at the annual joint luncheon meeting of the Elbert County Bulldog Club & Alumni Society and Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. The award, named after UGA's legendary retired tennis coach and athletic publicist, is given by the University's Bulldog Club. It is presented "for loyalty, dedi­cation, and commitment to the Bulldogs and the University of Georgia." Mr. Cone, a graduate of the University's Henry W. Grady School of Journalism, has served as President of the local Bulldog Club for the past seven years has been involved in numerous projects involving the placement of Elberton Granite monuments on the UGA campus. "While I am grateful and appreciative for this honor, I want to say that it would have not been possible without the support and help of a lot of really great people - both here in Elberton and at the University," Mr. Cone stated. "I was fortunate to attend the University of Georgia. It has played an important role in whatever success and accomplishments I have achieved. I enjoy trying to pay back, in some small measure, the tremendous benefit I received." E.G.A. staff member Hudson Cone proudly displays the Dan McGill Award he received for loyalty to the University of Georgia. Coach VanGorder, left, thanks Vince Fernandez for his customized pen set and plaque. Landmark Granite Mementos To Bulldog Coach University of Georgia Bulldog Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder was the guest speaker recently at the joint meeting of the local Bulldog Club & Alumni Society and Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. A highlight of the meeting was when LANDMARK GRANITE COMPANY, INC., President Vince Fernandez presented a customized pen set and plaque to the coach. The polished "African Jet Black Granite" pen set was 18-in. long and 2-in. high. A large "G" logo was engraved on a recessed background on the top and a red Georgia football helmet and the coach's name were on the beveled front. The 1-ft. square, polished, "Mt. Airy White Granite" plaque was engraved with a caricature of a hostile Bulldog and the words "Junkyard Dawgs" - the rally­ing cry for Bulldog defensive teams. Vince was named after legendary Bulldog Coach Vince Dooley and played offensive lineman on some of Dooley's greatest teams in the mid-1980's. Vince and his father, Landmark Owner Manuel Fernandez, are frequent contributors of granite items to the UGA Athletic Association. Approximately 65 students in third grade classes from the Comer Elementary School in Madison County recently toured the ELBERTON GRANITE MUSEUM & EXHIBIT. The tour was arranged by Tammy Huguley and Mark Crawford. Tammy, second from right in photo, is a member of the NORTH GEORGIA MONUMENT COMPANY sales staff and the wife of Company President Tim Huguley. Their daughter, Shelby, was in the touring group. Mark, right, her brother-in-law, is on the NORTH EAST GRANITE QUARRY, INC., staff. The students visited the BLUE SKY QUARRIES, INC., Quarry where they wore hard hats donated by BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY. in Spokane, Washington... At The Pacific Northwest Monument Builders and the California Monument Association Convention. The 11th Annual Meeting of these two organizations consisted of an information packed program that covered OSHA Regulations, hiring "the best" employees, and reaching more customers through e-commerce. E.G.A. participated and recorded the following convention highlights. Left to right, John Tresko, Spokane, Washington, Mike Mowat, Bill Tresko of Spokane, Janet Runbeck of Tacoma, Washington, Dorothy Tresko, Dick and Don Tresko of Spokane, Ron Bohman, Spokane and Tom Oglesby of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. Left to right, Vicki Fuerstenberg, CM, and Bruce Fuerstenberg of Vancouver, Washington, Ted Stetler, Missoula, Montana and Jay Kown of CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY, A Division of the Georgia Marble Company. Looking Presidential is, left to right, Jed Hendrickson, CM, Santa Barbara, California, President of the Monument Builders of North America, Kay Stilson, Lewiston, Idaho, Pacific Northwest President and David Simich, Napa, California, President of the California Monument Association. E.G.A. is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2001. Jim Wilson of Hillsboro, Oregon was the winner of a $50 cash prize and an E.G.A. 50th Anniversary commemorative coffee mug. Left to right are Pacific Northwest Monument Builders Rob and Keely Stilson, Lee Stilson, Kay and Gary Stilson of Lewiston, Idaho, David and Staci Elmore, Marty and Ted Stetler all of Mis­soula, Montana, and Vicki and Bruce Fuerstenberg of Vancouver, Washington. The California Delegation to the 11th Annual Joint convention in Spokane, Washington with KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., Sales Representative, Griff Henshaw, third from the left. At the Monument Builders of the Southwest Convention. Scenic and historic San Antonio was the site of the Southwest group's ultra-successful 57th Annual Convention and Trade Show. The meeting included a wide gamut of informative and entertaining events including monument displays, an "Ask The Experts" seminar, the limitless attractions of the city's downtown Riverwalk area, and the festive E.G.A. Happy Hour - depicted in the following photographs - prior to the concluding banquet. A key part of the program was the "Ask The Experts" segment which included, left to right, Kent King of MILES SUPPLY COMPANY OF GEORGIA, INC., and Vince Fernandez of LANDMARK GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Mr. & Mrs. David Sadler and son of Hobbs, New Mexico, Michael Rutherford of STONE GRAPHICS, INC., and David's parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Sadler of Slayton, Texas. MBSW President Robert Davidson and Mrs. Davidson, left, Leslie Turpin of BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Peters of Ft. Worth, Frank Collemer of Bicknell, and Perry Giles of Waxahachie. Mr. & Mrs. Joe Moellendorf of Fredericksburg won $50 and a commemorative coffee mug as part of E.G.A.'s 50th Anniversary Observance celebrated at the convention. Mike Coon, left, of Stockdale, Danny Wiles of WILES GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Mr. & Mrs. Joe Moellendorf of Fredericksburg, and Mrs. Wiles. Veteran Texas memorialist Calvin Kleypas, left, of San Antonio, and Vince Fernandez and son, Alex, of LANDMARK GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Rob Starrett, left, of MILES SUPPLY COMPANY OF GEORGIA, INC., Mr.& Mrs. Sidney Bergoon of Rockport, Kent King of Miles Supply, and Ted Parker of CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY, A Division of the Georgia Marble Company. in Biloxi, Mississippi... At The Louisiana - Mississippi Monument Builders Association Convention. The luxurious Palace Hotel and Casino was the site of the 2001 Annual Convention of the Louisiana-Mississippi Monument Builders. An informative program focusing on improving all aspects of customer service was presented in a fun-filled atmosphere. The members of the Elberton Granite Association supported the convention with an update on E.G.A. activities and plans for its 50th Anniversary Celebration. E.G.A. hosted a festive Happy Hour prior to a delicious Gulf Coast Seafood Banquet. George Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc. Reggie McIntosh, Foxworth, Mississippi, and Dave Pace and his daughter Jesse of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Ronnie Rodrigue of Gonzales, Louisiana, is all smiles after winning EGA’s 50th Anniversary cash prize of $50 and a commemorative coffee mug. Adolph Ingram of Landmark Granite Company, Inc. Body and Sue Campbell, Provencal, Louisiana, Bobby Landry Amite, Louisiana and Vince Fernandez and his son Alex of Landmark Granite Company, Inc. Walter and Shirley McNeely, left, of DYE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Mona and Ronnie Rodrigue of Gonzales, Louisiana. Ian Turpin, left, Amite, Louisiana, Jay Kown, CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY, Greg Patzer, Executive Vice President of the Monument Builders of North America and Bobby Landry, Amite, Louisiana. Lamar and Anne Walker of Walker Granite Company, Inc. and Larry and Judy Parker of Jackson, Mississippi. Charlie Oubre, left, New Iberia, Louisiana, Rob Starrett and Kent King of MILES SUPPLY COMPANY OF GEOR GIA, INC. and Steve Farley of New Iberia, Louisiana. Reggie McIntosh, left, Foxworth, Mississippi, Lyn Oubre, New Iberia, Louisiana, Ronnie Rodrigue, Gonzales, Louisiana, and Mary and James Turner, BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY. in Kansas City... Mid-America Monument Builders and the Northwest Monument Builders met in a combined meeting that brought retailers from nine states to Kansas City. MBNA's Knowledgequest, with Paul DiMatteo of South Port­land, Maine, presented the educational session but there were numerous opportunities for discussion and fellowship at the many table top displays. E.G.A. salutes the leadership of these organizations for their efforts at consolidating these two meetings to the benefit of all. Some of the fun and fellowship was recorded in the following photos at the E.G.A. Happy Hour. At The Mid-America Monument Builders and Northwest Monument Builders Joint Convention. E.G.A. is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2001. Bill Cavanaugh of Nashua, Iowa won E.G.A.'s $50 prize and a 50th anniversary commemorative coffee mug. Left to right, Glen & Connie Whitener, Blytheville, Arkansas, Josh, Jim and Ruth Bell of Beloit, Kansas, Janet Clark, Karen Tremblay and Alan Johnson of Clay Center, Kansas, Ron and Cinda Hicks, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Elaine and Tom Oglesby of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. convention camera in Kansas City... Ted Bloemker, left, Leslie and Kevin Smith, Fremont, Nebraska, Al Hutchins of CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY, A Division of the Georgia Marble Company, and Kevin Bloemker also of Fremont, Nebraska. John Mclanahan, left, REPUBLIC GRANITE COMPANY and Dick Kollmann of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Dot and Mike Rutherford, left, of STONE GRAPHICS, INC., and Tanya and Marty Hall of Indianola, Iowa. James and Melinda Oglesby, left, of BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY and Glen and Connie Whitener, Blythville, Arkansas. Harry and Connie Smith, left, Lewisville, Arkansas, Ronnie Brown, center, and Jeff Salvador of MILES SUPPLY COMPANY. Left to right Julie Scott and Don Seymore, Dexter, Missouri, Sharon and Kenneth Dodds, Ottawa, Kansas, Susie and Bob Nelson, St. Joseph, Missouri and Anita and Bob Nelson, Jr. of SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC. and Polly and Kevin Owens, Farmington, Missouri. Left to right, Ted and Kevin Bloemker, Fremont, Nebraska, Bobbie Jo and Todd Barnes, Garnett, Kansas, Polly and Kevin Owens, Farmington, Missouri. Julie Scott and Don Seymore, Dexter, Mis­souri, Renee Anderson, Austin, Minnesota, Brent Holt, KEYSTONE GRANITE COMPANY and Jeff Anderson, Austin, Minnesota. in Dayton, Ohio... At the Great Lakes Region Memorial Expo. The inaugural Great Lakes Region Expo held at the Dayton Convention Center was rated a resounding success by those attending. No less than 42 wholesale exhibitors utilized more than 70 display booths which included full monument displays. Monument retailers from the states of Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee partici­pated in the event which included informational seminars. The concluding banquet program featured Southern Granite Com­pany Sales Manager David Lovinggood who had the crowd erupting with laughter with his "Humorous Outlook On Life In The Granite Industry". The following are random photographs taken at E.G.A. Member displays. Jim Heether, left, of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., Jay Hardy of Greenfield, Ohio, Phil Longstreth of Galion, Ohio, and George Oglesby of Keystone. Jeff Foulks, left, of Auburn, Indiana, James Turner and Dwain Harris of BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY, John Balconi of Sandusky, Ohio, and Jim Moomey and son Jim.my of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Amy Burnett, Youngstown, Ohio and son Kevin, her parents Mr. & Mrs. John Burnett, Jerry & Trudy King of King’s Monument Company, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Chris St. John and children Katy and Brad of Jackson, Michigan. Ed Dynowski of Solon, Ohio and King’s Monument Sales Representative Kurt Luckemeyer. Jeff Salvadore, Kevin Spaulding, and Ronnie Brown, all of Miles Supply Company, Inc. and Sean Jones of Piqua, Ohio. Mr. & Mrs. Mike McConnell Charlotte Fox and husband, Billy Fox, all of Henry & Henry, Inc. and Jay Weierman of Dayton, Ohio. Jim Wilhoit of Muncie, Indiana, David Edwards of Southern Granite Company, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Chris St. John of Jackson, Michigan and children Brad and Katy, Mr. Edwards’ daughter Melissa Dias and David Lovinggood, both of Southern and Tim Allison of Canton, Ohio. Tom Wietecha of Southfield, Michigan, and daughter and son Nancy and Gary, Mrs. Wietecha, John Kovach of Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Barry Avery of Central Granite Company, a Division of the Georgia Marble Company. Ageless Symbol of Christianity and Heritage.