2022 is well under way and what to expect from this year? We are now going into our third year dealing with COVID and all the issues related to it. For the last two years now, we have watched as COVID has wreaked havoc on all aspects of life around the world. We have sympathy for those whose lives have forever been changed by this pandemic, and we mourn those lives that have been lost. So, to say that we are all a bit apprehensive about this new year would be an understatement. Not to dismiss the tragedy that is the human side of the pandemic, there is also an economic tragedy to contend with as well, and it has taken its toll on the business and industry of America. The monument industry has not been spared from any of this and for the last two years now, we have watched the tragedy unfold, hoping that it would be short lived, sadly, it has not. Each time we think that we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and we are climbing out we are hit with another obstacle that sets us back. So, will 2022 be the year we retake our industry and begin to move back to normal? We are hopeful, but as I have stated in the past, “what is the new normal?” I am not sure that any of us know the answer to that question. In fact, to answer that question, we probably will have to redefine what normal is going forward. However, as I read through this edition of the Graniteer, I see that there are some very “normal” things going on in Elberton, and that gives me hope. First and foremost, I see that we are still producing beautiful monuments from our Elberton Granite. That means that we are still harvesting granite from our quarries and that it is still being delivered to our manufacturers. I also see that Elberton is still providing opportunities for new business to develop and that those businesses are hiring new employees. I see that current EGA members are working to expand their businesses and to develop new equipment and machinery. I also see that EGA, and its members are investing in our future by offering training to our retail partners and to our local high school students. Finally, I see that EGA and its members are traveling to promote their products and to maintain the relationships fostered over many generations. So, are we hopeful for the new year, you better believe we are. The EGA and its members recognize that the current state of our industry is less than desirable for many reasons; however, we refuse to let it beat us. We are planning for the future and we are continuing to do what we do best, which is to service our customers and provide them with the finest granite monuments available. We know you have a choice where you do business, and we appreciate that you do business with EGA. Be safe my friends. Christmas 2021 brought about the Annual Christmas Party hosted by The Elberton Granite Association. The event was held at the Elberton Country Club. Members enjoyed gathering to share in the Christmas cheer and fellowship with each other in a non-work environment. The evening began with cocktails and laughter before settling down to a great spread of various meats and side dishes. The EGA staff looks forward to this event every year as it is their opportunity to interact with the members on a personal level.The Elberton Granite Association would like to extend our warmest welcome to our newest Associate Member, Lewis Transcontinental, LLC. Lewis Transcontinental is owned by Tanner Lewis, also owner of Porcelains Unlimited. Tanner ventured into the shipping industry after having grown up in the trucking business. His family owns a 100-year old trucking company that his great aunt started. Tanner spent a number of years learning the in’s and out’s of the business. When he saw an opportunity to get in on his own while the demand was still high, he jumped on it. Lewis Transcontinental is the newest provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain services in the granite and monument industry in the southeastern U.S., with expansion plans for the continental U.S. They move granite, heavy freight, dangerous loads, and other product by truck and rail, electronically tracking it throughout its lifecycle—from quarry or plant, through transport, to commercial end-user delivery. The goal of the company is to offer safe shipping of heavy loads via road and rail across the United States from anywhere the shipment is to anywhere it needs to go. Lewis Transcontinental offers a wide variety of options and perks with their ground freight, rail to port consolidation pickups, freight forwarding, long-haul and heavy load services along with logistics consulting services. New trucks and upgraded machinery have been purchased to give Lewis Transcontinental that leading touch in their attempt at keeping a step ahead of the perceived needs. The latest purchase was a fleet of Kenworth T680’s. These trucks are a true game changer in the business of shipping and transport. They have an aggressive aerodynamic design and a fully integrated, highly efficient PACCAR Powertrain.¬¬¬ Lewis wanted to recreate that feeling of family in his trucking company much like the one her grew up in. With and open mind and open door, everyone is welcome at Lewis Transcontinental. To hear more about what L TC can do for you, stop by the shop, check out the trucks and welcome our newest team members. Lewis Transcontinental Grows with New Employees LEWIS TRANSCONTINENTAL recently hired Bridgette Gunn as Office Administrator. Bridgette previously worked for a local drafting company where she learned the ins and outs of the granite industry. When given the opportunity to extend her knowledge and abilities to trucking, she accepted. She began working with Lewis Transcontinental September of 2021. Her professional responsibilities include scheduling trucks along with preparing invoices and bills of lading. She is excited about her position and looks forward to serving the granite industry with hauling needs. Austin Pruitt is the newest employee to begin work at Lewis Transcontinental. Austin previously worked for member-firm Matthews Granite as a stone shaper. Austin was anxious to migrate over to learn the shipping side of the granite industry as he serves as Operations Manager for Lewis Transcontinental. His job requires him to locate and schedule freight that is to be shipped. “This has been a great career shift and opportunity for me. It has been fun starting a company from the ground up. Lewis Transcontinental looks forward to doing business with you!” Austin Pruitt Miles Supply Adds Employee To Sales & Marketing Grant Clark began working with Miles Supply as a part-time shipping/receiving clerk of the warehouse in 2015. Recently he was promoted from this position to that of Sales & Marketing. Grant attended Castleton University where he received a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Grant’s new position is to develop strategies to expose Miles Supply and the 8,000+ products that they offer to the correct target group. He will be working on the social media platforms and helping with website management so as to create an online space where consumers can see the vast variety of natural stone related items that Miles Supply offers. “What I like most about working for Miles is the inside look at the natural stone industry I’m able to capture on a daily basis. There are so many moving parts and directions one can go, I’m always fascinated to see the design and construction that takes place. The Miles team is also full of great individuals across all locations who are a pleasure to work with.” - Grant Clark Walker Granite Builds Addition to Their Manufacturing Plant WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, an EGA Member-Firm began construction of a brand-new addition to their plant January of 2020. The building process took just under two years due to the economic shutdown due to Corona Virus. Several months, the process had to be put on hold. Walker Granite Company contracted fellow EGA member DON JONES ENTERPRISES for the work of constructing the addition. The new building serves to house Walker’s newest machinery, a WILSON INDUSTRIAL slab polisher along with extra room for slab storage. The building also holds ample room for future industrial growth for production within the company. Two cranes are installed in the new addition, one crane has a 5-ton weight limit while the other can maintain up to 10-tons. Design Mart Donates Software To High School Granite Lab Design Mart is partnering with Elbert County High School’s Granite Lab to provide monument design software for all the students’ Chromebooks as seen in the images shown here. Design Mart donated more than 30 subscriptions to the Elbert County High School Granite Lab, which is designed to give students real world experience with the machinery and techniques used in the monument industry. Many skills are taught including diamond sawing, top polishing, hand polishing, automatic sandblasting, manual sandblasting, CAD operation, stencil cutting, laser etching, and wireless crane operation. The cloud-based Monument Designer allows students to use standard templates or design their own monuments from scratch. Upon completion of a design, they can export their work from the Online Designer to the lab’s MonuCad and Gerber systems for stencil cutting and to the etching system for laser etching in the lab. While students have access to CAD and etching programs, the course is not dedicated solely to learning these programs, and the Online Designer helps them get up and running quickly. With Design Mart’s Online Designer students can access hundreds of Design Mart’s prebuilt monuments as well as thousands of individual components and blank shapes for students who wish to build custom monument designs from scratch. Prior to any instruction, Granite Lab teacher Michael Williams says the students were already watching Design Mart’s tutorial videos and creating their own monuments. According to Williams, students seem to enjoy working in color and making their own creations from scratch. “One of their favorite things is creating monuments for celebrities who have passed away,” Williams said. For more information visit www.designmart.com or https://designmart.com/online-catalog-and-monument-designer/monument-designer/about-online-monument-designer/, email d-mart@designmart.com, or call 800-736-7455. Johnson Machine Shop Builds 4-Spindle Coring Machine This special 4-spindle diamond coring machine was built by JOHNSON MACHINE SHOP for HILLCREST GRANITE. It is constructed of heavy structural steel. The frame is constructed with 8-inch square tubing and is welded to insure maximum stability and rigidity. Complete water and hydraulic systems are built into the machine and need only to be connected to the electrical and water source. The machine is self-contained with motors and controls wired-in ready to operate from the customer’s fused disconnect. The machine may be controlled as desired by the operator. Amp meter reads out to assure regulated pressure of material. All electrical and hydraulics are located for operators’ convenience with built-in controls. Variable pressure assures fast, economical, and clean operation. Automatic raise and lower is controlled by limit switches. Johnson Machine Shop Fabricates Tilt Turn Table JOHNSON MACHINE SHOP built this tilt turn table. It was designed to tilt up to load stone easily, especially for granite counter tops, and will turn 360 to easily move the stone to be cut with the diamond saw. The frame of this tilt turn table is constructed of heavy 8-inch square tubing and 8”x2” rectangular tube along with 4-inch square tubing for the tabletop frame. A rack and pinion gear with a 2hp motor and a 60/1 speed reducer is used to motorize the turn table with variable speed. The turn table is driven and self-contained variable speed motor to turn the table and hydraulic power unit to tilt the table with two hydraulic cylinders. The table is operated by a 4-push remote pendant with forward and reverse to turn the table and up and down to tilt the table. This tilt table is perfect for allowing independent control of lift and tilt to precisely position the load without the need for manual lifting. Monument Photography Suggestions Get Down & Dirty With Your Subject. There is a distinct difference between a monument photographed standing up angled down and a monument that you have taken the time to get down on its level. The monument shot while standing up and angling your camera down all of a sudden appears to be disproportionate. The sides appear to be angled and depending on the height and angle the photo is taken from it appears to make the top of the monument wider than the bottom of the monument. This also distorts the artwork that is put onto the monument as well as the fact that it shows a great deal of background clutter that makes the photograph look busy. This image, while still accomplishing the mission of photographing the stone, does not honor the work and time put into the monument. The monument shot from a position at its own level with the photographer kneeling, appears dimensional and proportionate just as it was created to be. The images on the stone appear correctly and nobody’s face or name is contorted. This style of photography also removes a great deal of background images that can make the photograph appear messy and busy. Though it takes more attention, time, and effort, this image honors its purpose so much more. It also allows the beauty of the stone and craftsmanship that was put into it to shine through. Take Lots Of Photos. In today’s world it doesn’t cost anything extra to take 5 or 6 more photos than needed. This practice is a wonderful one to adopt. There is absolutely nothing more disheartening than getting back to your office or home and excitedly opening your new photos only to realize that they are out of focus and blurred. If you have taken multiple shots, you are allowing room for error. It is beneficial to get into the habit of taking multiple shots and saving yourself time and frustration. This practice also offers different options for the ad or layout designer to work with. For Graniteer purposes, it is much easier to showcase a monument when different photography can be shown. Variety Is The Spice of Life In Photography As Well. In the same regard as taking multiple photos, it is wise to also take multiple angles. It will only take a few moments extra to photograph the front, back and an angled shot of a monument as opposed to just a front view. Readers absolutely love to see the entire monument that has been created. You have worked hard on this monument. Show it off! Let the reader see how the lines and shadows play on the stone. Weather Plays a Role. Remember that in many situations, the stone may not be ready to be photographed. For instance, plan your trip to take the photograph carefully. Look for the position of the sun and judge from its position whether shadows or reflections may be easier to avoid at a different time of day. If you are photographing a polished stone, you may want to wait to photograph it when the sun is either rising or setting to alleviate or lessen shadows or reflections. You also want to look for a day that may be a little overcast to offer a soft light for the photograph instead of a strong sunny day. Wait for a time that the stone is dry. If it has recently rained, your camera will pick up wet spots in the stone even if your eye does not. Moisture spots in a photograph can make the granite in the monument appear uneven and unpleasing. Reflections Are For Remembering, Not Photographs. The nemesis of photographing monuments are the reflections that often appear on any polished surface. Black and darker colored stones, especially, are notorious for telling a story of its surroundings. Though sometimes reflections are unavoidable, there are several ways to accomplish photographing the stone as best as possible. When taking the photograph from the front and you are properly positioned directly down in front of the monument and on its level, you may want to think about turning off your flash. If the monument is polished, your flash will appear as a bright circle on the front of the monument. Often the flash will cover some of the verbiage, or worse, a photograph put onto the stone. If the flash is absolutely necessary, then try off centering the stone in the frame on the camera. This will put the flash off center also and hopefully avoid covering up important details about the stone. The same result could also be gained by maybe stepping back from the stone somewhat. Technology has come a long way in today’s day and age and often, you can gain a good effect by stepping back just a little and giving the photograph a little bit of background. (Just make sure that the background is not littered with trucks or unsightly objects.) You can also consider wearing clothing that may resemble the same shade of monument that you are photographing. This can help with getting your own reflection in the stone. Another saving grace to photographing stones is the minor purchase of a black sheet. In my own experience, if I am attempting to photograph a polished stone and continue to get images showing up, I will ask someone to hold up a black sheet between the monument and whatever image is being reflected. As shown in the photo above, it works wonders to alleviate distracting reflections that take away from the stone’s beauty and purpose. Look At What You Are Photographing. When you are preparing to photograph your monument. Get into position and look at your viewfinder. It will show you a digital version of what your photo will look like. Ask yourself a few questions. Can you see the entire monument? Photographs are most pleasing when the entire monument is shown, including the base. It is very easy to get in a hurry in today’s world and snap a photograph thinking all is fine. But slow down. Take your time. Look at your viewfinder. It is important to show the entire monument. Is the Monument Clean? If you can see debris on the monument such as leaves, grass clippings or bird droppings, grab some paper towels and brush the monument off as best as possible. It is not a bad idea to keep paper towels and a water bottle stored near your camera so that they are easily available. Are the Lines of the Monument Straight? When you are looking into the viewfinder, are the lines of the edges of the monument as straight as possible? This can be easily adjusted with very mild changes to the angle that you are holding the camera. What Does My Background Look Like? If you have traveled to a cemetery or park, there is likely things like other monuments or vehicles behind your monument. You want to try to position yourself so that those things are not a part of your photograph. This can be accomplished by getting down on the monument’s level so that the face of the monument covers a great deal of the background images. Also, park away from your monument so that the reflection of your vehicle does not compete with attention in the face of your monument. The Good News. Photoshop will fix many of these photography issues. However, as with any work of art, the less digital enhancement used, the truer the beauty of the monument can be. 2021 Monument Retailers Course Successfully Completed This year’s class of 2021 kicked off with a bang this past November. The test of holding the class later in the year was a huge success in bypassing the many hot days that the class has seen in past years. This year marks 41 years that the Elberton Granite Association has put on this class that allows retailers from across the nation to gather together and experience the different steps taken from unearthing a block of granite to shipping the finished product to the customer and even setting the monument once it arrives to its final destination. This was accomplished by visiting two quarries, various manufacturing plants, industry suppliers of products and services along with classroom instruction and a visit to Elmhurst, Elberton’s Historic Cemetery. This year’s class consisted of 22 students that represented 17 different retailers. Twelve states were represented this year with people traveling from Georgia, Oklahoma, Michigan, Idaho, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Illinois, Mississippi, and Alabama. This class, of course, would not be the success that it is without the support and efforts given by the EGA members that step up to assist with the class. The class had the opportunity to have instruction by and/or visit A.Q. Stone Design Company, Bicknell Supply Company, Blue Sky Quarry, Design Mart, Eagle Granite Company, Georgia Mausoleums, Granite Sales & Supply, Henry & Henry, Inc., Jenson Etching, Miles Supply of Elberton, Porcelains Unlimited, and River Edge Granite Company. Bicknell Supply Company, Granite Sales & Supply and Miles Supply of Elberton sponsored breakfast for the class on the days that began at their locations. Bobby Mattos, CM of Bras & Mattos Monument Company and Mike Johns, CM of Johns-Carabelli Company were the guest speakers at this year’s Monument Retailers Course hosted by The Elberton Granite Association. The classroom portion was filled with instruction and team projects that encouraged the class to think outside the box and to think beyond just a piece of granite. Classroom time brought many team projects and discussions that allowed the classmates to learn how important teamwork and networking can be in their day-to-day jobs and orders. Bobby Mattos, CM of Bras & Mattos Monument Company and Mike Johns, CM of Johns-Carabelli Company kept the class busy with projects and lessons that focused on teamwork, networking and thinking outside the box. Quinn Floyd, Owner/Operator of A.Q. STONE DESIGN joined the class to discuss the depths of imagination and artistry required to make that “One of a Kind” monument for a customer. He shared how he and his team work to ensure that their designs are unique and one-of-a-kind. The class enjoyed a visit to one of Elberton’s first drive-in quarries, BLUE SKY QUARRY. Here the class was able to watch and see the difference of quarrying at ground level as opposed to quarrying in a quarry hole. The difference between monument quality granite and dimensional stone granite was also discussed. EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY was gracious enough to allow the class to walk through their plant. Here the class saw how a block of granite becomes a monument and mausoleum. They were able to see everything from working machinery to hand carving. Beaverdam Quarry, owned by EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY was among one of the first stops for the class this year. Here, the class witnessed how granite is quarried from the earth. Timing allowed the class to witness two blocks being lifted by crane. Mike Fernandez, owner of DESIGN MART discussed with the class the need for company websites along with the need for marketing materials to have in the office. Mike also demonstrated Design Mart’s online design software and the many benefits offered with that subscription. Mike Fernandez, owner of DESIGN MART traveled with the class to Elberton’s Historic Elmhurst Cemetery. Here, he discussed the different uses of symbolism in monuments and how it has changed over the years. The class was encouraged to take a deeper look at meanings of things used in design and incorporate it into their monument designs. Leslie Turpin and the team at BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY provided the class breakfast along with their demonstration on the different products available for cleaning, repairing and setting natural stone. Leslie answered questions on the many products available. As part of one of the classroom projects, the class visited EGA’s Downtown Display. Here, each team was asked to select a monument for their projects. They were then asked to take that design and change a few things about it to make it their own. This was a successful project in showing the class that just a few small things can change a monument completely. Jesse Hernandez, owner of GEORGIA MAUSOLEUMS took the class on a tour of his mausoleum plant. Here the class was given the opportunity to see how a block is brought into his warehouse and how it is used to build different styles of mausoleums and monuments. The class visited Elberton’s Veteran’s Park located across from Elmhurst Cemetery where they were able to see several pieces of granite art. The main focus was a monument made from Georgia Gray done by GLASS ART IMAGING. A class just is not a class without a trip to the Georgia Guidestones. The class took a tour of the massive monument. Discussions of how impressive it is to have such large slabs of solid granite set into one place were made. The guidestones are impressive to any person who can appreciate the amount of work and effort put into fabricating such a large piece of art. It is always fun to visit JENSON ETCHING during the retailers class. The class is taken on a tour through the facility where they get to see the etching done via laser machine, impact machine and hand etching done by artists such as Anne Jenson herself along with her team. GRANITE SALES & SUPPLY CORPORATION provided the class breakfast along with a demonstration on the use of Monu-Mask. Class members were given the opportunity to make this a “hands-on” demonstration and were permitted to roll the product on, paint the stone, and peel the product back off when complete. Ryan Albertson of HENRY & HENRY spent time with the class at their Elberton depot. Ryan discussed the do’s and don’ts of trucking along with how the monuments get to their final destination. Ryan explained how the trucks are loaded and the best way to handle when the loaded trucks reach the retailer’s place of business. As with any good training, many questions were asked and answered. MILES SUPPLY OF ELBERTON provided breakfast for the class as they discussed the several products available through their store. After the discussion and food, the class was taken on a tour of the back of the warehouse where they were able to discuss how diamond tipped saw blades can be serviced to prolong the amount of time that a blade can be used before being replaced. The Elberton Granite Museum is one of the first stops for the class where they are introduced to a video describing much of what they will be seeing later in the week as they visit quarries and plants. The class is permitted to look through all of the history of how the granite industry was founded and built in Elberton, Georgia. Paige Huff of PORCELAINS UNLIMITED introduced the class to the many different things that are available through Porcelains Unlimited from the different shapes and sizes to the Eternal Timekeeper. Paige demonstrated how the Eternal Timekeeper worked and passed out samples to the class to take back to their shops. Greg Ruff and his team at RIVER EDGE GRANITE COMPANY did a demonstration on different ways to set monuments along with the many helpful products that they have found to be staples. The class began in the office where Greg demonstrated using domo to set a vase then taken outside where his team demonstrated how to set a full monument and base. The 5th Annual Museum Foundation Golf Tournament has moved to April 22, 2022! SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE! Hole-In-One Contest • Closest To Pin • Longest Drive Putting Contest • Awards Ceremony & Buffet Sponsor Platinum, Gold & Silver Sponsors • Hole Sponsors Gift Bag Sponsors Visit www.egaonline.com for more information, or contact Matthew Pruitt at 706-283-2551. mpruitt.ega@gmail.com All proceeds of the Elberton Granite Association’s Annual Golf Tournament are used to benefit the renovation and upkeep of the Elberton Granite Museum. More details to come this FALL. 5TH ANNUAL MUSEUM FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT RESCHEDULED TO SPRING 2022. EGA Celebrates Four Companies That Have Been Members Since the Beginning! - 70 Years! Since the 1800s Elberton, Georgia, has provided granite for personal memorials as well as architectural projects. Generations of craftsmen have contributed to our reputation for high quality and unparalleled customer service. Our members have integrated technology into quarrying and finishing granite, but hands-on craftsmanship is still our most important tool. Our standard sets the bar for good business The Elberton Granite Association represents the quality of excellence, longevity, durability, merit, and virtue of the granite industry. We comprise the largest national list of wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, quarries, and business owners in this and neighboring industries. March 29, 1951, steps were taken to create The Elberton Granite Association. That first year was a whirlwind of activity as members came together to demonstrate faith in themselves and their colleagues. In the words of William “Bill” Kelly - EGA Manager, Executive Vice President, “The members of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., are once more exhibiting a very tangible faith in the future of Elberton Granite and the monument industry in general...They are, in effect saying, “we believe in our own ability to be a worthwhile component of the granite industry.” Four of the member-firms that stood up in the year of 1951 still remain as EGA member-firms after a faithful 70 years. CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY (in operation since 1924), DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY (in operation since 1928), KEYSTONE GRANITE COMPANY (in operation since 1942) and STAR GRANITE & BRONZE (in operation since 1951 and now under the ownership of MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL.) The Elberton Granite Association is most grateful to these members that have stayed the course and maintained their membership. There have been many changes throughout the 70 years that EGA has served the granite industry and each and every year is a success story to the members that continue to keep it going. The members of The Elberton Granite Association and the men and women that step up to help lead the way are the heart of the success story of the granite industry in Elberton, Georgia. The Winter 2021/2022 Downtown Display Setting The Downtown Display Winter 2021 Twice a year, The Elberton Granite Association changes out the downtown display for seven new monuments, giving different members of the Association an opportunity to “shine in the light”. The many people in the town of Elberton take notice that the display has changed but it often isn’t discussed just what goes into making this happen. The monuments are made by the members and River Edge Granite collects them from each one. Once all the monuments are gathered, an early morning or a late evening is then taken to remove the old display and set the new monuments. This ensures that the display is never empty and has a constant showing of the fabulous works of art that are made in Elberton, Georgia. DAKOTA MAHOGANY GRANITE This monument was made by MIZE GRANITE SALES. The intricately designed tablet features a variety of finishes such as polish, frost and rock pitch. A beautiful shape carved rose intertwines with a polished cross to complete the design. A unique shape was cut to form the tablet, offering a one-of-a-kind flair. The base is polished on the top with rock pitch on each edge, completing the look of uniqueness perfectly. MATTHEWS BLUE GRANITE MATTHEWS GRANITE, a division of MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL, created this stunning cross monument from Everlasting Blue granite. The monument stands 8-ft., 6-in. tall. The monument is all steel finish aside from the polished family name on the cross. The cross sits atop a sub base that features a 10-in. drop wash leading to a base that has a large scotia before settling into straight edges. STANDARD BLUE GRANITE BROWNSTONE MEMORIALS created this steel finished, four-piece Standard Blue granite monument for the 2021 winter display for downtown Elberton. The pillars on each end of the tablet has shape carved roses sandblasted in them. A scotia is cut atop each one. The tablet has a special shaped top that leads to each pillar tying the pieces together. The steel finished base mimics the scotia atop the pillars. This monument displays the top notch quality that Brownstone strives for. MAJESTIC BLUE GRANITE This rounded monument with two frosted hearts protruding from the rounded stone was made from Majestic Blue granite by MAJESTIC GRANITE COMPANY. All external sides of the monument are polished. The base measures 5-ft. 1-in. long and has a polished top with rock pitched edges on all four sides. The polish, frost design and rock pitch all put together compliment this stone beautifully. GEORGIA GRAY GRANITE This beautiful serp top monument was fabricated from Georgia Gray granite by J & R FINISHING COMPANY. Shape carving was used to complete the sandblasting of jeep and praying hands designs that adorn the front of the monument. A frosted panel and bible pages hold the family name and the names of the monument’s owners. The base measures 7-feet long and is polished on the top with rock pitch on all four sides. JET BLACK GRANITE This monument was made by L & M GRANITE COMPANY and designed by MEMORIAL ART. The band carving around the ends of the tablet were hand drawn by Memorial Art making it a one-of-a-kind design. The 18” tall starburst in the center of the tablet holds a bronze 16” cross. The tablet is polished on three sides with steel finish on the two ends creating a multi-piece look. The sub base is all steel finished while the base has a polished top with rock pitch on the edges. PYRAMID BLUE GRANITE J & B GRANITE COMPANY created this unique double headstone with a cutout for the vase to sit atop. The monument was made from Pyramid Blue granite and features detailed shape carved flowers on each side. Frosted panels are sandblasted within the polished finish to hold the details of the family. The vase is a turned all polish vase. The base has a 2-inch polish margin with the remainder of it being rock pitched. The desire for “pre-need” monuments presented a drastic incline in the last several years and is steadily increasing. This pre-need monument was crafted by EGA member-firm, SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY for Bowling Green Monuments in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Scott memorial is set in Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This magnificent monument stands 9-feet tall and is made from a total of 12,815 pounds of dark blue granite. This memorial consists of nine different pieces all using polish and/or rock pitch finishes to complement each other and tie the pieces together. The tall tablet is polished on all external surfaces with a custom shape and 1.5-inch wide and 1-inch-deep polished checks. The family name is sandblasted into the front and back of the monument. The tablet sits atop an all polished subbase that features large polished scotias on each end. The base was fabricated with a 2-inch polished margin that transitions to rock pitch along all four edges. Flanked on each side of the main monument are two solid custom cut benches. The bench seats are polished on front, back and top with rounded, rock pitched ends. The bench seats rest atop bases that mimic the base of the center monument with a 2-inch polished margin and rock pitched edges. Sandblasted on the front and back of each bench are the logos of the family’s greatest accomplishments which are a gated community and golf course along with the family’s construction company. Sitting in front of the upright memorial and benches are two grass markers for husband and wife. The grass markers are each polished on top with rock pitch on the edges. The Scott pre-need monument was topped off with EGA Certified Memorial sandblasted marks. An EGA Certified Memorial is guaranteed against any defects in workmanship or materials by the Elberton Granite Association, Inc. of Elberton, Georgia. Southern Granite Company became a voting member of the Elberton Granite Association in 1980. It is a family owned and operated business employing four generations as of this date. Southern was founded in 1946 by brothers J.A., Emory and Willie Edwards. David Edwards, J.A.’s son joined the company in 1970 and today David’s wife, Vicki along with their children Jason and Melissa continue the legacy of the company. Southern prides itself on the ability to accomplish intricate designs along with elaborate moldings, contours and members. Southern Granite Company utilizes the latest technology and equipment to ensure they can offer distinctive and elegant memorials and monuments to fit every need. This monument surely proves that this family company is on the top of their game. DARK BLUE GRANITE This Jet Black serptop monument was manufactured by CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY for Adnerb Enterprise Memorials and Monuments in Ft. Gaines, Georgia. The front of the tablet along with the back are polished with laser etching done by JENSON ETCHING. The sides and top are rock pitch. The base has a polished top and rock pitch edges. Coping was fabricated by FLATWOODS GRANITE using Flatwoods Blue granite. This monument is located at Old Judson Cemetery in Hardridge Creek, Alabama. This uniquely special cut monument was crafted by EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY for Mark S. Labuda Memorials and Monuments in Edgewater, Maryland. Dakota Mahogany granite was used for the monument and the top, front and back are polished with rock pitch straight ends. The family name is encased in a carved panel with square raised hand-tooled letters that are polished. The matching base is polished on the top with the sides rock pitch. This beautiful monument was made by RIVER EDGE GRANITE COMPANY from Peerless Blue granite for Remembrance Memorials located in Alpharetta, Georgia where the monument was designed. The tablet is sandblasted on both front and back with specially designed artwork including a family tree that bears the initials of family on the back as well as deeply shape-carved vertical acanthus leaf bands. It is all polished with a shine that is followed through onto the base with a 1.5” polish that leads to rock pitching at the bottom. Included in this memorial is also a flat marker with Dr. Codner’s name, dates, and epitaph. The marker is polished with a frosted panel holding the sandblasted verbiage. This monument is located in Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS created this couple’s monument from American Black granite for Campbell Monument Company in Provencal, Louisiana. The tablet portion of the monument is polished on top, front and back and has a 2-inch polished round on each side. A shell rock border encompasses both sides and bottom of the monument. The sides are rock pitch. The base is polished on the top with rock pitch edges and sits atop an Economy Gray granite foundation. This monument can be found at the American Cemetery in Natchitoches, Louisiana. EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY is known for quality granite and quality craftsmanship in their monuments and mausoleums. This beautiful 6 crypt walk-in mausoleum is a fine example of each. Eagle used Blue Ridge granite to create this masterpiece for Sunset Ridge Memorial Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A polish was perfected on the exterior surfaces and finished with a bronze door and stained-glass window in the back. The Bank Style roof features thumb molding around all the edges. Two steeled turned tapered columns with flutes are set inside two large corner pilasters. Oversized turned planters sit atop the front steps. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS fabricated this memorial to commemorate “The First Five” football players from UGA that paved the way for an integrated team for the Georgia college located in Athens, Georgia. The monument is made of eleven total pieces of Galaxy Jet Black granite and twenty-six total pieces of Topaz Blue pieces weighing a total of 29,253 pounds. The Topaz Blue tablet has a steel finish on all 5 sides and is sandblasted with the story of how the five players changed the face of Bulldog football. Also made of Topaz Blue is a multi-piece, curved wall cap taht serves as a sub-base to the black tablets. The five Galaxy Jet Black tablets are all polished with an angled top and straight ends. JENSON ETCHING was given the task of laser etching the images of the football players on the tablets. Keystone Memorials sandblasted the names and verbiage about each player. While the monument appears unique in itself, the slight curve to the whole display only adds to the fact that this monument is like none other. It stands tall just outside of Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. RICHARD APPLEBY HORACE EDWARDS KING ROBERT HORACE CHUCK KINNEBREW CLARENCE ALFONZA POPE LARRY BERNARD WEST. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS was contracted to create this Korean War Defenders monument for Cycadia Monument Company in Palm Harbor, Florida. The monument was made from Galaxy Jet Black granite and is polished on both front and back. The edges and top have a rock pitch surface. Keystone cut the monument with a straight top and straight ends. This monument is located in the Veterans’ Monument Park that is adjacent to Manatee Memorial Hospital and Bradenton Riverwalk in Bradenton, Florida. “Keystone managed to come through for us just as they always do” stated Kevin Cantrell with Cycadia Monument Company. Westin Hilton Head Resort, located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina was the chosen location for Southern Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association for 2021. Members of The Elberton Granite Association joined others in the granite industry to come together and not only discuss business and new techniques, products, and services but to catch up on much lost time. Break out sessions were a big hit where groups and speakers were able to give more personalized instruction and demonstrations. Let’s not forget the value of face-to-face networking and the benefits of people coming together to bounce ideas and thoughts off other others of like-mind. (This page was misprinted in the fall 2021 edition and we, at the EGA, wanted to reprint it correctly.) Tanner Lewis with PORCELAINS UNLIMITED; Jeremy & Stephanie Weaver, Dallas, TX Victoria Quero, Sarasota, FL; Carrie Guest, STAR GRANITE & BRONZE; Joe Owens, Delaware, OH; Jennifer Willis, STAR GRANITE & BRONZE; Jon & Mary Anne Parham, MATTHEWS GRANITE; and Jackson Madnick, Wayland, MA The Catholic Cemeteries is a Catholic faith network committed to cemetery advocacy and education. Miami, Florida was chosen this year as the location for the conference which was held September 20th through the 24th. Elberton Granite Association member-firms along with various vendors throughout the United States gathered for four days of networking and education along with checking out the newest services and products available. This conference provides the perfect atmosphere to assist Catholic cemetery personnel in the continuous improvement of cemetery services in the respective Archdioceses and Dioceses served by them. Miami, Florida proved to be the perfect backdrop for just such an event. Paige Huff with PORCELAINS UNLIMITED Brandon Prince, Diocese of Palm Beach; Lori Salberg, ICCFA Presenter and Stacey Hover , with EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY The 2021 Convention for Wisconsin Association of Monument Builders was held September 24 - 26th at the Best Western Hotel & Convention Center on Fox River in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The family of monument builders get together annually to network and fellowship with the intention of staying up to date with the latest technologies and future possibilities for their businesses. 2021 Cleveland Study Tour The Elberton Granite Association was honored to attend the Cleveland Study Tour, 2021. The days were filled with demonstrations, classes, hands on activities, tours and a great game of golf. The group was able to tour Cleveland Quarries, Lakeview Cemetery/Garfield Memorial, several retail establishments, and Amherst Sandstone Village. Nashville, Tennessee Kentucky Tennessee Carolinas Association A. Abbey Metcalf & Lydia Johnson, Clarksville, TN; Paige Huff, PORCELAINS UNLIMITED B. Lori Ashwell, South Boston, VA; Jayce & Kyle Bagwell, BICKNELL SUPPLY; Raymond Fugate, Lydia Johnson, Derek Wilson, Joshua Johnson, Randy Scott & Abbey Metcalf, Clarksville, TN C. Ron Bartholomew, Rolesville NC; Kyle Bagwell, BICKNELL SUPPLY; Jason Holcomb, Cleveland, TN D. David Davis, HENRY & HENRY; Abbey Metcalf & Lydia Johnson, Clarksville, TN; Billy & Charlotte Fox, HENRY & HENRY E. Tony & Connie Mills, L & M GRANITE; Vickie & Anthony Rowland with grandchildren, Ryleigh & Andy Raper, Autumn & Daniel Raper, Bethel Springs, TN; and Rhonda & Mitch Williams, L & M GRANITE F. Vickie Rowland, Bethel Springs, TN; Quinn Floyd, A.Q. STONE DESIGN G. Richard & Pam Schultz, Madison, TN; Jonathan & Breanna Evans, PYRAMID MATERIALS Elberton Granite Association Still Offers One Free Design Download A Month In 2004 the Elberton Granite Association began offering a monthly free download of a cut file on the egaonline website. Each month the design is changed to a different file. To this day, EGA still offers a free monthly download for their members and nationwide retailers to utilize. The files consist of a jpg of the file to be used for sales presentations or such along with four options of cut file formats. Formats offered are .DXF, .PLT, .EPS and .AI files to accommodate whichever CAD system that you may need. To get to the EGA’s website, go to www.egaonline.com and under the “Industry” tab is an option for “Design Download”. Once that page is opened, scroll to the bottom for the five different file options that can be downloaded. Allen Burt “Bo” Ruff December 4, 1936 - October 1, 2021 Mr. Allen Burt “Bo” Ruff, 84, of Lexington Highway, Elberton, husband of 49 years to the late Margaret Fields Ruff, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021, at his residence. Mr. Ruff was born in Elberton on December 4, 1936, son of the late Allen Sanford Ruff and Henrietta Burt Ruff. He was a member of Falling Creek Baptist Church and Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25. Bo was owner/operator of former EGA member-firm, Triple R Granite Company and an avid hunter and fisherman. He will be remembered for supporting his grandchildren and hardly ever missing a ballgame. Survivors include his children: Greg and Angie Ruff of Winterville, Mitch and Lisa Ruff of Elberton, and Kathy Ruff Coggins of Elberton; brother, Jerry Ruff of Elberton; sister, Betty and Dub Melton of Winterville; grandchildren: Kristal Rice, Nick Ruff, Dustin Rice, Jessica Sharp, and Garrett Ruff; great-grandchildren: Rylan Sharp, Abel Rice, and River Sharp; and numerous nieces and nephews. 2022 Upcoming Events - FEBRUARY - StonExpo February 1 - 3, 2022 Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, Nevada www.intlsurfaceevent.com - MARCH - CALIFORNIA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION & PACIFIC NORTHWEST MONUMENT BUILDERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL JOINT CONVENTION March 17 - 19, 2022 Dublin, California Contact Jed Hendrickson www.californiamonument.org INTERNATIONAL CEMETERY, CREMATION & FUNERAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPO March 22 - 25, 2022 Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, Nevada 1-800-645-7700 iccfaconvention.com info@iccfa.com - JUNE - SCCFA ANNUAL CONVENTION June 12 - 14, 2022 Hilton Daytona Beach Resort Daytona Beach, Florida thesouthern.office@gmail.com SOUTHERN MONUMENT BUILDERS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION June 23 - 25, 2022 Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront Rockwall, Texas smonumentbuilders@gmail.com - JULY - MID-AMERICA MONUMENT BUILDERS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION July 28 - 30, 2022 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma Contact Ruth Bell, CM; 785-738-2257 bellmemorials@nckcn.com - SEPTEMBER - CAROLINAS / KENTUCKY / TENNESSEE MONUMENT BUILDERS JOINT CONVENTION September 8 -10, 2022 Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Contact Brad Myers bradsobomemorials@gmail.com CATHOLIC CEMETERY CONFERENCE ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPOSITION September 18 - 22, 2022 Palm Springs, California info@catholiccemeteryconference.org - OCTOBER - AICA ANNUAL MEETING October 1 - 4, 2022 Portland, Maine jed@monuments-aica.com - NOVEMBER - EGA MONUMENT RETAILERS COURSE Elberton, Georgia Granite Capital of the World www.egaonline.com granite@egaonline.com