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Meet Lady Pippa, the juvenile Northern Cardinal.
She found the Le Avian Cafe buffet and she's dining on the exquisite Le Black Oil de la Sunflower.
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
Lady Pippa is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Darien. She realizes that she is avian royalty; therefore, she is modeling her beautiful new hairdo in her official portrait.
Y'all make welcome.....the beautiful and most royal Lady Pippa!
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Law Enforcement from all over the state of Georgia pay tribute to Sheriff Ladson O'Connor
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
Article by Norma Beaird
Tribute Photo of Sheriff Ladson O'Connor by 53 Hours
Today, we witnessed the most amazing tribute and funeral procession that we have ever seen. The Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders of the State of Georgia paid tribute to Georgia's Montgomery County Sheriff, Ladson O'Connor.
The funeral was held today, June 20, 2015 at 11:00 am in Saliba Chapel on the campus of Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia. Saliba Chapel was at capacity at 1,000 people. Cars and trucks were parked and lined up from the entrance to the chapel all the way out to Highway 280.
Parking lots were filled and side streets were double and triple-parked for blocks around the Brewton-Parker College campus. Family, friends and Law Enforcement were parked anywhere there was a vacant space, to include the local Dollar General and Great Wall Chinese Restaurant. We would have needed to photograph from the vantage point of a helicopter to accurately capture the number of people who attended the funeral.
All over Montgomery County, residents, churches, government agencies and businesses paid tribute to Sheriff O'Connor. Allcare Pharmacy of Mount Vernon made blue & black ribbons for residents to display. One particular resident displayed a lovely patriotic wreath surrounded by the blue & black ribbons.
This very special patriotic display in honor of Sheriff Ladson O'Connor and all Law Enforcement is at the home of retired Montgomery County Sheriff Jim Higgs.
Montgomery County citizens were seated in lawn chairs at the local Mount Vernon Inn & Suites located on Highway 280. We parked next to a couple in a truck who were originally from New Jersey, but who had made Mount Vernon their home seven years ago. As Law Enforcement officers drove by, the kind lady in the truck next to us would tell them "Thank You". Like us, they knew that there would be no way to find a seat in Saliba Chapel due to the sheer number of family, friends and Law Enforcement attending the funeral. However, we all wanted to be there to pay our respects to a man who gave his life defending the citizens of Montgomery County.
Before the funeral service, Sheriff Ladson O'Connor's casket travelled from downtown Mount Vernon in front of the Montgomery County Courthouse, then turned east on Highway 280 and travelled onto the campus of Brewton-Parker College where the funeral was held in Saliba Chapel. The North Carolina Troopers Association Caisson Unit was photographed by Kathy Bradford, Associate Editor of The Advance Newspaper in Vidalia, Georgia as they were preparing for Sheriff O'Connor's funeral.
The North Carolina Trooper's Association Caisson Unit preparing for the funeral
Photograph by Kathy Bradford, Associate Editor, The Advance - Vidalia, Georgia
After the funeral service, a very, very long procession began with Law Enforcement from all over the state of Georgia. Words cannot express this most beautiful expression of admiration and respect for our local sheriff. The funeral procession after the funeral service lasted close to an hour.
We talked to a sweet lady who brought her little boy to watch the funeral procession. Her husband drove in the procession, representing the Wheeler County Sheriff's Department. We all stood there together as cars, motorcycles and SUV's of sheriff and police departments passed by. We watched as state rangers, ambulances, fire trucks and even a prison van participated in the funeral procession.
Wheeler County Sheriff's Department
We parked behind the Chinese Restaurant and attempted to photograph the many, many Sheriff and Police cars from all over the state of Georgia. We probably missed a few due to the enormity of the funeral procession, but what we didn't miss was the love, respect and admiration that the community and people from all over the state of Georgia had for Sheriff Ladson O'Connor.
We first became acquainted with Sheriff Ladson O'Connor when, on our quiet little Mayberry-like street down from Ailey Baptist Church, we began to have problems with drug dealers parking near a tree-lined pond. Consequently, this is not an area where you would think that drugs would be a problem. Our street is off of Highway 280; and unfortunately, it became a convenient stopping point for drug trafficking. Before Sheriff O'Connor took office, our house had been burglarized in 2012. This event forced us to recognize that we had a bad problem in this area.
We had spoken with Sheriff O'Connor about the problem on our street down at the pond, and within a few days, a lot of the traffic and drug dealing abruptly stopped. He always told us, "If you need us, just call." He was a man of his word. On two different occasions we called him, once with a license plate number, and he always responded. Since Sheriff O'Connor has been in office, he has made many arrests and has taken down many meth labs. We were grateful to know a man who was proactive about the crime problem in our county.
The next sheriff will certainly have big shoes to fill.
We hope that we can convey the experience that we had this morning. The photos below show just how much representation came from all over the state. Thank you to each and every member of law enforcement for your service and dedication to keeping the people of Georgia safe. May God richly bless you.
Representation:
The following Georgia cities, towns and counties of Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders were represented in the funeral procession after the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Some counties brought two or three vehicles. This doesn't include the unmarked vehicles. Plus, due to the fact that the procession was almost an hour long and there were so many vehicles, we may have missed a few. Hopefully, we have included everyone.
***Denotes out of state
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department
Mount Vernon Police Department
Vidalia Police Department
Toombs County Sheriff’s Department
City of Lyons Police Department
Soperton Police Department
Treutlen County Sheriff’s Department
Jacksonville Police Department
Wheeler County Sheriff’s Department
Telfair County Sheriff’s Department
Lumber City Police Department
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department
Eastman Police Department
Dublin Police Department
East Dublin Police Department
Oak Park Police Department
Graham Police Department
Hazlehurst Police Department
Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Department
Tattnall County Sheriff’s Department
Evans County Sheriff’s Department
Candler County Sheriff’s Department
Metter Police Department
Bulloch County Sheriff’s Department
Liberty County Sheriff’s Department
Long County Sheriff’s Department
Bloomingdale Police Department
Chatham County Sheriff’s Department
Effingham County Sheriff’s Department
Garden City Police Department
Port Wentworth Police Department
Rincon Police Department
Jesup Police Department
Waycross Police Department
Glynn County Police Department
McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department
Bibb County Sheriff’s Department
Houston County Sheriff’s Department
Peach County Sheriff’s Department
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
Twiggs County Sheriff’s Department
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department
Cook County Sheriff’s Department
Lee County Sheriff’s Department
Tift County Sheriff’s Department
Columbus State University Police Department
Hall County Sheriff’s Department
Henry County Sheriff’s Department
Henry County Police (Governor’s Office of Highway Safety)
Decatur Police Department
Newton County Sheriff’s Department
Morgan County Sheriff’s Department
Walton County Sheriff’s Department
Holly Springs Police Department
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department
Whitfield County Sheriff’s Department
Habersham County Sheriff’s Department
Burke County Sheriff’s Department
Richmond County Sheriff’s Department
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department
***North Carolina Troopers Association Caisson Unit
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
Georgia State Patrol
Georgia State Ranger
Georgia Department of Corrections Field Supervision Team
Higgston Fire Department
Toomb-Montgomery E.M.S.
Medixx Ambulance - Vidalia
Central EMS - Roswell
Sheriff Ladson O'Connor
Served as Sheriff of Montgomery County
Elected in 2012 and served 2013 - 2015
Bulloch County Sheriff's Department (front)
Henry County Police Department (back)
Montgomery County Sheriff's K-9 Unit
This vehicle is an example of the positive impact that Sheriff O'Connor made on the Sheriff's Department
Montgomery County, Georgia Sheriff's Department
Mount Vernon Police Department (Montgomery County)
Toombs County Sheriff's Department
Vidalia Police Department (Toombs County)
Georgia State Patrol
City of Lyons Police Department (Toombs County)
Monroe County Sheriff's Department
Monroe County Sheriff's K-9 Unit
Dublin Police Department (Laurens County)
Cherokee County Marshal
Cherokee County Sheriff's Department
Twiggs County Sheriff's Department
Port Wentworth Police Department (Chatham County)
Columbus State University Police - Columbus, Georgia (Muscogee County)
Henry County Sheriff's Department
Higgston Fire Department (Montgomery County)
Metter Police Department (Candler County)
Toombs-Montgomery E.M.S.
Treutlen County Sheriff's Department
Peach County Sheriff's Department
Central EMS - Roswell, Georgia (Fulton County)
City of Oak Park Police Department (Emanuel County)
Holly Springs Police Department (Cherokee County)
Decatur Police Department (Dekalb County)
Jesup, Georgia Police Department (Wayne County)
Georgia State Ranger
Liberty County Sheriff's K-9 Unit
Graham Police Department K-9 Unit (Appling County)
Bibb County Sheriff's Department
Georgia Department of Corrections Field Supervision Team
Effingham County Sheriff's Department
Long County Sheriff's Department
Rincon Police Department (Effingham County)
Garden City Police Department (Chatham County)
Tattnall County Sheriff's Department
Hall County Sheriff's Department
McIntosh County Sheriff's Department
Waycross Police Department (Ware County)
Jacksonville, Georgia Sheriff's Department
Newton County Sheriff's Department
East Dublin Police Department (Laurens County)
Evans County Police Department
Habersham County Sheriff's Department
Eastman Police Department (Dodge County)
Candler County Sheriff's Department
We have received very thoughtful comments and really appreciate everyone sharing their heart. This has deeply affected Curtis and me. We want everyone to know that if you have other names of sheriff or police departments who participated, or other state agencies, we will gladly add them to the list. If anyone has pictures of the North Carolina Troopers Caisson Unit, we will be more than happy to post your pictures and give you full credit for the picture. From the comment section, we've learned that a Deputy Sheriff came from Mississippi. If anyone has further info, please let us know. Please send names or pictures to editor(at)lkjournal(dot)com - Thank you.
Late tonight on June 20th, as we were driving down Highway 280, we passed by Brewton-Parker College and saw the college arch bathed in fluorescent spotlights, bringing attention to the blue & black ribbons in honor of Sheriff O'Connor. This dramatic scene reminded me, that even though the night seems forever and sorrow burdens the heart, that God will shine a light in the midst of darkness.
Curtis and I went back the house to get the camera so that we could share a beautiful memory. Sheriff O'Connor also shined a light in the darkness and Montgomery County will be forever indebted to him and his willingness to rise above the evils of this world.
Brewton-Parker College Arch
After we photographed the Brewton-Parker arch, we drove through downtown Mount Vernon and saw the white satin wreath with the blue & black ribbon on display under a light at City Hall. Again, another reminder of light shining in the darkness.
Mount Vernon, Georgia City Hall
Our Sheriff and Police Departments, State Troopers, Fire Departments, Paramedics and all emergency responders put their lives on the line every day to help and protect the citizens of Georgia. This was a huge reminder of that fact.
Today, I also remembered my grandfather, Daniel Floyd Hall, who was a fireman on the Augusta Fire Department for 25 years. Thank you again, Papa. I also want to thank my cousins who served on the Richmond County Sheriff's Department and another who retired from the FBI. I thank my friends and neighbors who served on the Augusta Police Department, the Augusta Fire Department and who served as Private Investigators.
If you're an emergency responder, no matter the city, town or state, we say...
"Thank You"
Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sheriff Ladson O'Connor, Mayor Joey Fountain, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department and the citizens of Montgomery County. Sheriff O'Connor leaves behind a wife and four children. Please help us pray for them, that God will give them peace in this time of great sadness and grief.
Click here for the poem - The Road that Leads to Heaven
1 Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18
(King James Version)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Photography by Curtis Beaird
Article by Norma Beaird
When we think of artwork, we sometimes think of oil paintings displayed in a museum. We think of lovely pencil drawings and watercolor canvases hanging on a wall in the home or office. We may remember captivating sculptures in a foyer or unique handmade crafts of various cultures and traditions.
However, each and every day, God provides us with beautiful artwork in nature. Every time we walk outside, we behold a canvas of majestic color, such as blue skies covered in white, cotton clouds. We behold enchantingly colorful birds perched high in the forest green trees. Sometimes, we see a burst of sunshine in a sunflower or a delicate lavender Passion Flower touched by the wings of a skipper.
One thing is for sure.....we see the hand of God.
Nature's artwork
Every day, all day,
ever-changing,
a variety of color and texture,
all you have to do is walk outside
and experience the glory of God's divine creation.
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Jet, the juvenile Red-Bellied Woodpecker is having a showdown with
Beep-Beep, the Carolina Chickadee
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
Well, it looks as though Jet won that go-around!
Wyatt, the Eurasian Collared-Dove, takes his turn at the popular suet bar.
"If you sit on it and claim it, it's yours!"
Bambi, the juvenile Downy Woodpecker...
She is waiting on Papa Pistol to check out the latest offering on the daily buffet!
And last.....but not least.....Scooter, the Eastern Gray Squirrel
He found the suet bar and camped out for a while, enjoying dinner at Le Avian Cafe!
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Photography by Norma Beaird
Poem by Curtis and Norma Beaird
We have traded...
Compassion for indifference
Freedom for tyranny
Production for complacency
Energy for apathy
Prudence for carelessness.
Faith for magic
Integrity for popularity
Modesty for exhibitionism
Humility for arrogance
Knowledge for propaganda.
Education for indoctrination
Science for spectacle
Vision for confusion
Truth for impulse
Anticipation for fear.
Creativity for conformity
Awareness for distraction
Imagination for boredom
Excellence for mediocrity
Generosity for selfishness.
Wisdom for folly
Honesty for duplicity
Reverence for skepticism
Sincerity for deception
Righteousness for wickedness.
Are we happy?
2 Thessalonians 2: 1 - 17
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
King James Version
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Meet Jet, the juvenile Red-Bellied Woodpecker
....the second fledgling of the season to visit the feeder station.
Photography by Norma Beaird
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
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