Completed Projects:

• Cannon Restoration: A piece of North Georgia College & State University history, the 1902 three-inch breech gun, or cannon, returned to its old home on the university’s Retreat Triangle this month after a four-year absence, and a $4,500 restoration project, sponsored by the North Georgia Parents’ Association. The wooden wheels on the cannon had deteriorated and the NGPA, under the leadership of Barney Poole, raised the funds to replicate the wheels with two die-cast aluminum replacements. The NGPA donated $2,000 with additional contributions coming from alumni and students. The cannon has been on campus since at least 1969, according to Col. Tom Palmer, commandant of cadets, who was a student at the time. The other cannon, a 75 mm pack howitzer, now outside the military science department, will still “sound” reveille and retreat when it is fired every weekday. The century-old cannon will be on display at the triangle until a permanent home is found. Retired Master Sgt. Al Nowak, commandant’s office, pressure washed the triangle’s brick foundation after the cannon was set up.
• New and improved Parent’s Association website; www.ngpa.net.

On-going Projects:

• Parent Handbook: prepared by North Georgia Parents Association filled with useful information for parents of cadets, resident women, and commuters. Provided to new Parent Association members at INTRO’s.
• Special Funds (funded by NGPA, administered by the School).
• Uniform Assistance Fund: Assists Corps students with initial uniform expense. The cadet repays the fund when the Army submits the Uniform allowance (approx 9 weeks after school begins). Fund is administered by the School.
• Emergency Text Book Fund: Assists all students (based on need). Fund is administered by the School.
• Freshman Patch Sew-on (post-FROG week). To date (Fall ‘03), we have sewed on 1752 patches for this year's FROG’s! That is a guaranteed savings of $2490.00-$3000.00 for the Cadets. The Cadets have told us they were having to pay $1.25/patch for the BDU blouses & $2.00/patch for the Class A jackets at the area cleaners. This will be done again after each FROG week.
• Coordinate events at the Fall Parents Weekend and Spring Alumni-Parents weekend.
• Provide water and information at major weekend events involving the parents.
• INTRO breakout sessions for new parents (Corps, Resident Women and Commuters) that provides access to parents who have been there, done that, whom you can talk with and get answers to your questions.
• Sorority Rush: Provide refreshments (drinks, pizza).
• Saber replacement: Current ceremonial Saber’s used by Cadets in Parades and formal functions are in dire need of replacement.  The one’s in use are in bad shape and the Parent’s association in conjunction with the NGCSU foundation are in process of replacing them. The NGPA is purchasing 4 sabers with  Sam Brown Belt this month. Two Saber’s have been purchased and donated by individuals.  If anyone wishes to donate please click here and fill out the form.

Patch sew on a huge success; Again! On Sat. Jan 22, 2005, the "Betsy Ross Brigade"  sewed on 188 +/- patches.  That brings us to a grand total of 3962 +/- since beginning Jan. 11, 2003.  The estimated savings for the Cadets for this event is $564 & that brings us to a grand total savings of $11,886.00 to date (that's @ $3 per patch, which is an adjusted estimate price based on the quoted prices of $2 - $5 per patch from the area cleaners & seamstresses). 

We would like to thank all the sewing volunteers that have contributed their time & efforts to this project!  The Cadets never fail to make it all worth while & the spirit & dedication of the parents is very rewarding!  The NGPA has set an excellent example of leadership for our Cadets during all our past projects, but we are most grateful to the  parents who continue to devote their time & energy to this project! 

We would like to especially thank the following parents & Cadets for their time during this last "Betsy Ross" event!

Charlie & Charlotte Hamm
Pat Pritchett
Mary & Daniel Spencer
Mary & Laura Raterman
Nancy Horton
C/Cpl. Justin Wheeler
Cadet Jones-I can not remember her name, but Cadet Jones & her troops delivered food to us during our sewing day & pampered us endlessly!

Thanks to all the "Betsy Ross Brigade"!

Proposed Projects:

In process of gathering information, ideas.  Will be discussed in detail during the upcoming council meeting this month.  As always, volunteers are needed to serve on the following  committees; Membership/Finance Committee; Fund Raising / Marketing; Student Life.

Email us at NorthGaParentsMail@yahoo.com with your comments, suggestions, recommendations.