Meet Gail Elrod! Gail was born and raised in the Pendergrass area, attended North Jackson Elementary School and then graduated from Jefferson High School.
“When Dennis and I married, we knew the country life was for us. Being semi-retired, I enjoy gardening, working outside, and occasional camping. Jackson County is a very special place for me,” Gail said.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
A: I have been married to Dennis for 50 years. Dennis retired in 2010 from the Jefferson Post Office after 40 years. He enjoys playing golf, looking after a small herd of cattle, and gardening, in that order. We have two daughters, Brook and Brandy. Brook is married to Ben Buckelew, they have two daughters, Reece (15) and River (12). Brook teaches math at Duluth H. S. and Brandy lives in Nebraska where she is completing her internship in Behavioral Psychology at Boys Town.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: Seventy-five thousand four hundred eighty hours. That’s how long I have had the honor to be in education. I started my teaching career at Jefferson Elementary. After 29 years, I moved into leadership as Assistant Principal at East Jackson Elementary. After retiring in 2011, I did interim work at Commerce City and at the present time, I am working at Northeast GA RESA as a reading consultant through a grant funded by GOSA (Governor’s Office of Student Achievement). Being a teacher/educator represents a professional goal that I set for myself a long time ago. I felt that I had something to offer and the personal support system to make it happen. What I found is that what I believed it took to reach my goal was different that what was needed and required. I still believe I have something to offer. But, in addition to having a strong love for children and believing in myself, I have 40+ years of living the life. I now know and understand that my experience is far more important than the excitement of becoming a teacher. I know that what I have done and will continue to do matters. What I do plays an important role in changing the outcome for many students. From time to time in teaching we are challenged in ways we could never imagine. Teaching during a pandemic was a prime example. The true task of teaching was peeled back and tremendous work was done with hope and pride. Teaching can open doors. Teaching provides options. Teaching is an avenue to inspire, encourage and lead to positive outcomes. That’s what I love about what I do.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: I never get tired of barbecue. The Iron Pig is one of my favorites. We are also lucky to have Cream & Shuga, Sugar ‘n Spice, and of course Talmo Grill.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: I have lived in Jackson County and the Pendergrass area my entire life.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: Mr. Jack Purcell is the most interesting person I have met. He has traveled to many places and can remember so much. Being a master story teller doesn’t hurt either.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: I have never been to Hawaii, but hear the scenery is something special.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: ‘Family Stone’ continues to be one of my favorite movies. It never gets old seeing how a family goes through struggles, many that we all might experience. But at the end, the family unit survives and is stronger than ever.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: There are people in your life that lift you up and make you better. Unfortunately, there are also those people who can bring you down. Work to spend more time with people who build you up. Find ways to get more out of and put more into great relationships in your life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I would like to go to Disney World on more time. I went when our children were small and now I would like to go with our grandchildren. Hopefully, that will happen soon.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
A: Alabama!!! County music is my favorite genre.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: The town of Braselton and Braselton Bros. will always be special to me. As a child, going to “the store” was a big thing. Even though things don’t look the same in Braselton, I still see Henry Edward in the grocery store, Lewis in the furniture, John Oliver and Brazzie upstairs, and Herman and Kit in the hardware. Those are memories that progress can’t erase.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: I would enjoy having lunch with Dr. Charles Stanley. He seems to be such a genuine and knowledgeable individual who has a tremendous impact on others. I bet he would enjoy eating at the Local Station in Braselton.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: Even though the landscape of Jackson County has changed, the small town feel remains the same.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: Enjoying more coffee on the front porch!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: I enjoyed playing badminton in college and represented Gainesville Jr. College at state in 1968. Don’t ask me how I did!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: Ireland – Ireland offers the contrast of city life in Dublin to rural sheep tending in the mountains to the beauty of the historic castles. Ireland is a place you can fill your days with continuous adventures.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: December is my favorite month which means Christmas is my favorite holiday. My tree is decorated with ornaments collected throughout the years. It’s like visiting with old friends.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: Starting each day sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee. It’s quiet and a perfect time to thank God for my many blessings. For me, it just doesn’t get any better than that.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: My family has always been my strongest support system and biggest cheerleaders.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: I love the smell of coffee and banana bread first thing in the morning.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Home was a place of acceptance, security, and love.
