400 Edition W h a t ’s
u p
i n
N o r t h
December 2010
G e o r g i a
Old-Fashioned Christmas Right here in Dahlonega!
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December 2010 Carole Lee, Founder/Creative Design Vanessa McBrayer, Account Manager Linda Merritt, Founder/Sales/Executive Editor Bob Merritt, Director of Sales Aaron Snider, Account Manager Beth Snider, Founder/Sales/Creative Design Nancy Wright, Proofing
Contributing Writers: Anne Amerson
Steven Leibel
Dr. Mark Feinsilber
Dr. Joyce Nations
Nancy Forrest
Patrick Snider
Martha Hynson
John P. Vansant, MD
Staff Writers: Carole Lee
Aaron Snider
Vaness McBrayer
Beth Snider
Bob Merritt
Nancy Wright
Linda Merritt 400 Edition is published monthly in Dahlonega, Georgia, with distribution in six counties. Viewpoints expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publishers, staff or advertisers. 400 Edition is not liable for inaccurate or erroneous information posted in advertising or event submissions. Ads must be submitted and paid in full by the 20th of every month, unless arrangements have been made in advance. Content and presentation of advertisements is subject to editorial review and modification. Ad dimensions and pricing may be obtained by calling 706-867-6455 or 866867-7557. These specs may also be viewed at www.400edition.com. Writers may submit material to editor@400edition. com. Submissions are subject to approval by the editor and may be edited for space, requirements, and style. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of each month. Contents of this publication become the property of 400 Edition and the original author and cannot be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. This publication is printed by Walton Press in Monroe, GA.
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From the Editor...
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he December issue is always a fun one to prepare for our readers. It is always so colorful, from the front to the back cover. The cover sometimes involves quite a few people, and this month was no exception. The costumes and the busy preparations take you back in time and you can almost hear the clop-clop of horses rather than cars and trucks traveling around the square in Dahlonega. Once again, thanks to our friends at White Interiors for advertising on our back cover. We attended their Open House a few days ago and the store was bustling with customers. This is a great place to buy gifts for your friends and family. There are also beautiful items for your home, especially at this holiday time. Thanks to all of our advertisers. They make this publication possible. We have many new advertisers this month and we hope you stop by and take advantage of their sales and good products. Our fall was beautiful, even if it was short-lived. My kids laugh at me for saying over and over how beautiful the trees were. But I ask you, have you ever seen more lovely yellows, oranges, and reds as they laced their way through our woods and mountains? I’m always sad to see the fall
go because I do not like cold weather; now I’m looking forward to spring. But then, if we didn’t have winter, it wouldn’t seem like Christmas. Christmas is a special, special time. We enjoy the gift buying and giving, the extra good food and munchies, the way this time seems to bring friends and family close together. It also makes us miss those who are unable to be with us. Through all of the festivities, please remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. It all goes back to a baby born in a manger. Angels, shepherds, and the wise men were His first visitors. This baby changed the world as no other has or will. Until next month…stay happy!
On the Cover
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here is music in the air . . . are you listening? Follow the sound and enjoy an authentic hometown feel in the enchanting North Georgia mountain town of Dahlonega. Beth Snider captured that feel in our cover this month. Thank you to Beth and all the folks who came dressed in their old-fashioned attire to pose for this wonderful picture. Also thank you to Joel Cordle and the merchants on the square who readied their storefronts for the season and this photo shoot. And don’t forget Santa—he got us all into the Christmas mood. What a truly extraordinary place Dahlonega is during the holiday season, with its Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration. The small town sparkles with thousands of twinkling white lights and elaborate old-fashioned decorations adorning the beautiful historic shops. Experience the warmth and tradition of an Old Fashioned Christmas in historic Dahlonega. You can enjoy a special shopping experience with choices in toys, clothing, furniture, jewelry, home accents, art, antiques and collectibles, handmade chocolates, fudge, and candies, Georgia wines, cigars, gourmet foods, candles, outdoor equipment, unique gifts for every taste. Hungry and tired of shopping? There are many good restaurants to choose from, all locally owned, no chains, something for every taste. For a complete listing of special Christmas season events, look on pages 20 and 21 or go to www.dahlonega.org. Don’t hold back; tell us how you really feel about 400 Edition. We love receiving feedback from our readers and advertisers. Call us at 706-867-6455, toll free at 866-867-7557, or send an email to info@400edition.com.
Contents
December 2010 Volume 7, Issue 7
Christmas
Columns
4 Caring for Blooming GIfts
14 Reflections
6 Dahlonega Christmas Lights
8 The Power of Love During Christmas
18 Scene-Stealing Holiday Stuffing 30 Giftable Holiday Goodies 38 The Secret to a Flavorful Holiday
continued
15 Shades of Scarlett 19 Health Matters 23 Leibel on the Law 26 Historic Forsyth 28 Mind & Heart 29 Your Vision Source
Columns
36 Knowing Wine
5 To Your Health
37 Good Eating – The Blue Bicycle
6 Through a Woman’s Eyes
39 Real Men Cook – Clam Chowder
11 Comma Momma
A list of major distribution points in North Georgia can be found online at www.400edition.com. December 2010 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
green
from the ground up.
Caring for Blooming Gifts P
oinsettias, African violets, cyclamen, azaleas,
holiday cacti, and kalanchoe— all are popular holiday gifts to give and receive. But once they are settled in their new homes, how do we keep them healthy and thriving? Here are some tips to keep in mind. Include the key points on a care tag with the plants you give as gifts.
Keep soil moist, not wet. Saturate the soil with room-temperature water in the morning so foliage can dry before nighttime. If water drains out immediately, the plant is rootbound and needs to be repotted with fast-draining soilless potting mix. Water cyclamen and African violets from the bottom by setting them in a tray of water for a few minutes and letting the soil soak up water. Turn on the lights. Flowering houseplants often don’t rebloom because of insufficient light. Place plants in a south-facing window or set them under full-spectrum grow lights. Provide optimum temperatures. Indoor temperatures of 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit are usually adequate for most flowering houseplants, although tropicals such as holiday cacti and gardenias need cooler temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to set buds.
by Kathy Bond-Borie
Fertilize. Use a dilute soluble fertilizer according to label directions when plants are in active growth and flowering. When plants take a rest, stop fertilizing. Once a month, flush the pots for a few minutes until water drains from the holes, to remove any built-up fertilizer salts. Raise humidity. Many flowering houseplant species are accustomed to high year-round humidity. Run a humidifier near the plants, or group the plants together on a 2-inch layer of pebbles in a tray of water. The water should not touch the pots. Control pests. Oftentimes you can control spider mites by dunking plants upside down in a sink full of soapy water. Sprays of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil will control many pests. For more tips and garden information, visit www. garden.org. A former floral designer and interior plantscaper, Kathy Bond-Borie has spent 20 years as a garden writer/editor, including her current role as Horticultural Editor for the National Gardening Association. She loves designing with plants, and spends more time playing in the garden—planting and trying new combinations—than sitting and appreciating it. Courtesy of Family Features
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Read our 17 Green Principles at lindal.com/ green17 Independently Distributed by:
Blue Ridge Cedar Homes Dawsonville, GA
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Northside Hospital Brightens the Hopes of Cancer Patients
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or the 22nd year, Northside Hospital will honor those affected by cancer with the lighting of giant Christmas trees atop its campuses in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Cumming. All three trees will be lit Saturday, December 4, with a free community celebration from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming. This annual holiday tradition is expected to bring together more than 3,000 people and will include entertainment by the Sawnee Ballet, the South Forsyth Middle School Chorus, and others, and photos with Santa Claus and many other activities for the kids. For the fourth consecutive year, WSB-TV anchor Fred Blankenship will serve as the emcee. “We look forward to Celebration of Lights each year, and the hope and promise that it brings to our patients and staff,” said Patti Owen, director of oncology services, Northside Hospital. “While we celebrate the start of the holiday season, this event gives us a time to pause to remember all of the December 2010 • www.400edition.com
families affected by cancer.” Every year, more cases of cancer are treated at Northside Hospital than at any other community hospital in Georgia, and the hospital recently was chosen by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to join the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP), a national network of community cancer centers, offering expanded research opportunities and state-of-the-art cancer care. Northside is one of only three hospitals in the southeast to have this designation. Each light on the Christmas trees represents someone whose life has been touched by cancer. Lights can be purchased in honor or memory of loved ones, with all proceeds to benefit education, research, and treatment through Northside’s Cancer Care Program. Lights will be available for purchase at the Celebration of Lights event on December 4 and throughout the holiday season. To make a secure donation online or to download an order form, visit www.northside.com/community/ foundation.aspx. Festive cards will be sent to all honorees and families of those memorialized. All gifts are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.northside.com.
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
To Your Health
Snoring And Sleep Apnea— When You’re Tired of Being Tired by Cynthia Blount, RN, BSN, CPHQ, director, Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers
H
ave you been told that you snore loudly? Do you feel tired even after a full night of sleep? While restless nights and daytime fatigue may seem to affect everyone from time to time, long-standing occurrences of these conditions could be a sign of something more serious—sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that occurs when a person experiences repeated pauses in breathing, sometimes hundreds of times a night and often for a minute or longer. As a result, they are unable to reach the deepest, most restful stages of sleep, and feel extremely sleepy during the day. There are two types of sleep apnea: • Obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe • Central sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep
Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common than central sleep apnea. Although a person may experience episodes of choking or gasping for air throughout the night, they may not remember the next morning. Many cases go undiagnosed.
Snoring and sleep apnea
Snoring is not the same as sleep apnea. Snoring is simply a loud sound that is caused by an obstruction in your airway. Although the problem in itself is not a harmful condition, loud habitual snoring is typically a symptom of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea—a serious health risk
Sleep apnea can have a major impact on your health. Left untreated, it causes your blood
oxygen levels to drop and puts added stress on your body; this can lead to other serious conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke. See your health care provider if… • you’ve been sleeping poorly for a month or more • drowsiness prevents you from carrying out your daily routine • you’re unusually tired during the day
Rest easy—help is nearby
The Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers offer comprehensive care for sleep apnea through successful evaluation and treatments including CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), oral appliance therapy, behavioral modifications, and home portable sleep studies. Free screening devices also are available for patients to use overnight. The centers are equipped with the latest technology in diagnosing and treating sleep/wake disorders and have highly specialized teams of sleep professionals who provide compassionate care to each patient. For your convenience, we have three locations—in Atlanta/Sandy Springs, Forsyth, and Cherokee— each of which are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Physician referral is not always needed. For more information, see www.northside. com or call the location nearest you. Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Center, Atlanta/Sandy Springs (404) 851-8135 Northside Hospital-Forsyth Sleep Disorders Center, Cumming (770) 887-3293 Northside Hospital-Cherokee Sleep Disorders Center, Canton (770) 345-2568
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
Milton High School to Host Georgia Regional Cheerleading Competition
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ilton High School will host all-star, collegiate, school, and recreational cheerleading teams from throughout the Southeast on Saturday, December 4, at Coastal Cheer & Dance Events’ Georgia Regional Competition. The event, which will take place in the school’s main gym from 11:00am to 4:00pm, will be a first-time fundraiser for the Milton High School Cheerleading football, basketball, and competition squads. The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau group sales team and the Coastal Cheer & Dance Events organizers met at a recent trade show and discussed the Alpharetta area’s excellent facilities, ease of access, and upscale accommodations; this kept Alpharetta front and center in the organizers’ minds. Janet Rodgers, President and CEO of the Alpharetta CVB, says, “Because of our partnership with Milton High School, we were able to offer Coastal Cheer & Dance a top notch facility in a great location. We appreciate everyone’s efforts in bringing this exciting event to our area and look forward to hosting a successful competition.” The Georgia Regional Competition is a qualifier for both U.S. Finals and National Championship competitions. Cheerleading teams from various age and skill levels will compete with two-and-ahalf-minute routines. Teams are scored by professional judges on cheer motions, dance, tumbling, stunting, showmanship, choreography, and more. Milton’s JV and varsity competition cheer squads will not compete in the Georgia Regional Competition but will host and help staff the event. The public is invited to attend the competition; admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-10, and free for children 5 and under. There will be food and drink concessions, with proceeds benefiting Milton High School Cheerleading. For the most up-to-date list of teams competing, or for more information on rules and scoring, phone 866-946-2232 or visit www.gocoastal.com.
400 Edition
Through a Woman’s Eyes by Martha Hynson
Lessons for a Lifetime When she speaks her words are wise and she gives instruction with kindness. Proverbs 31:26
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s I’m writing this article, it’s not yet Thanksgiving, but I just read a friend’s message on Facebook, saying she already has three Christmas trees up at her house. Main Street in my town has had Christmas lights up since before Halloween. Why are people so eager for the Christmas season? I think most of us are anxious to start the celebration because we long for more of the spirit of love and kindness that defines Christmas. We want this season of goodwill to last as long as possible. Of course the flip side of this is that we can get so caught up in trying to have the “perfect” Christmas that, instead of conveying a spirit of peace and goodwill, we can become stressed and impatient with others. I wonder if the Proverbs 31 woman ever spent a day in a crowded mall searching for that overpriced, hard-to-find, must-have gift before going home to bake cookies, wrap presents, and take three kids in three different directions to various holiday events. If she had, I wonder if her words might have been a little less wise and kind… Actually the struggle to control the tongue is not a byproduct of 21st century life. The Bible has a lot to say about it. I know because those passages are frequently the ones that jump out at me. I keep a prayer journal, and prayers for wisdom and kindness have been recurring themes over the years. As I look back at what God has impressed on me in response to those prayers, I realize they’re some of the same things I teach my kindergarten students, and yet they can take a lifetime to develop. One thing I need to remember is that words begin as thoughts. When I’m helping children learn to read, I tell them that when they come to a word they don’t know, they should think about what they just read, “get their mouth ready” (make the beginning sound) and sometimes the right word will just “pop out.” Sometimes when I’m in a conversation and emotions are running high, words do seem to just pop out of my
t’s time to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights on Highway 9 south of Dahlonega. There are four families who work really hard to make your Christmas
mouth, but in reality my thoughts have gotten my mouth ready to say them. If my thoughts are negative, my words will be, as well. It sounds simple, but if I want to speak kind words, I need to think kind thoughts. I also need to learn to really listen to others. Kindergarteners are famous for yelling out excitedly instead of waiting for their turn to speak. Even when they do remember to raise their hands, they tend to bounce up and down waving their hands in the air while someone else is speaking. I remind them that they can’t be listening if they’re busy thinking about what they want to say. Proverbs 10:10 says, “When words are many, sin is not absent. He who holds his tongue is wise.” Most importantly, I need to remember that I can’t do it alone. James 2:8 says, “No man can tame the tongue.” I need God’s help in order to speak words that are wise and kind. This takes me right back to the two principles I just mentioned. In order to think right thoughts, I need to spend time meditating on God’s word, and I need to be quiet and listen for His still small voice. Then I need to go one step further, by obeying. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” One of the main rules in kindergarten is to follow directions the first time. This is a great rule when it comes to following God, too. Thankfully though, He is a God of second, third, and fourth chances. He will even use the times I blow it to help my words become wise and kind by reminding me that I need to extend to others the same forgiveness He has shown me. After all, the person I’m dealing with may have just spent hours in a crowded shopping mall looking for that overpriced, hard-to-find, must-have gift... Martha Hynson is a wife, mom, teacher, and freelance writer from Watkinsville, Georgia. Check out her blog at marthahynson.blogspot.com.
brighter. Go out of Dahlonega on Highway 9 south. Approximately four miles from the square, you will come to the home of Mr. & Mrs. Pat Cain on your right. Then go approximately one more mile to Ben Higgins Road and turn left. Charles and Barbara Brown are at 259 Ben Higgins Road on left. They offer you hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Across the street are Dan and Dola Davis. They have beautiful trees
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
and much more. Next go back to Highway 9 south and turn left. Just past the intersection of Highway 52, just around the curve you will come to the home of J. D. and Syble Brown (2773 Dawsonville Highway). You will see dolphins jumping in the pond, deer drinking out of a stream—and they have not forgotten that Jesus is the reason for the season. They have tried to make each of their displays tell a story. The lights will be on for the month of December.
The Power of Love at Christmas
by Dr. Jim Gaines
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he Old Man would never admit it but he was worried. It was supposed to have been a joyous Christmas announcement. Aunt Karen was pregnant but she was having complications. What at first was joy had turned into concern and worry. What was to be good news looked to be turning out to be a major catastrophe. However, Aunt Karen was optimistic and was doing what she could to help her five-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They had just found out that the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after day Michael sang Christmas songs to his little sister in Mommy’s tummy, unaware of the fears of the doctors and family. He was building a bond of love with his sister even before they met. He had even written a letter to Santa Claus for her. Although the pregnancy was progressing, there were problems. For weeks and weeks Aunt Karen had to stay in bed. Every night Michael would rub his mother’s tummy and sing Christmas songs to his unborn sister. The Old Man was frantic with worry. Oh, how he wanted a girl child in the family of boys. Weeks before her due date, the labor pains came and Aunt Karen was rushed off to the hospital, leaving Michael with the Old Man. After a long and difficult delivery, Michael’s sister Hope was born and she was very sick. The days crept by and Hope got worse. The specialist regretfully had to tell my aunt and uncle that there was little chance that Hope would survive, and that they needed to prepare for the worst. I have seen the Old Man cry but twice, and this was the first time. He kept Michael when Aunt Karen and Uncle Bill went to make arrangements at the cemetery. He kept
Michael when the family went to talk to the preacher. Hope kept getting worse. One day the Old Man and Michael’s parents felt that they had to tell Michael about his sister’s condition. They sat him down and explained in detail about what was probably going to happen and that soon Hope was going to Heaven to be with Baby Jesus. Michael’s only response was, “I want to go sing to her.” From that moment on, every day Michael would ask to see his sister so he could sing to her, and every day he heard the same reply: “No, they do not let kids in the Intensive Care rooms.” Week four in Intensive Care; it looked like the funeral would come before the week was out. But Michael kept begging his parents and the Old Man to be allowed to go see his sister and sing to her. I remember well the day the Old Man sat Michael down and tried to explain to him that kids were not allowed to go into the Intensive Care rooms at the hospital. But Michael insisted, and begged to go even more. Finally, in desperation, the Old Man decided that no matter what Michael’s parents said or what the rules at the hospital were, Michael was going to see his sister and sing to her one last time. So a few days before Christmas Eve, Michael and the Old Man slipped into Hope’s Intensive Care room and Michael held her little hand and started singing “Silent Night” to his sister. That had been his favorite song he sang to her before she was born. All of a sudden bells began to go off and two nurses ran into the room. The Old Man feared the worst and finally asked one of them what was happening. She told him that they had been monitoring Hope’s vital signs from their station
and that all of a sudden they jumped almost to normal. “What were you doing just now?” the nurse demanded. The Old Man said that the boy was just singing to his sister. “Tell him to sing some more,” and he did. For five hours Michael sang to his sister and she kept getting better. When he woke up the next morning he demanded to go back to the hospital and sing, not bothering to even look at the gifts under the Christmas tree. For days Michael went into Hope’s Intensive Care room and sang. Crowds of nurses and doctors stood in amazement as slowly she began to get better and better. The love and songs of her big brother were doing what medical science could not do. She was moved to a regular infant room and finally we got the greatest Christmas announcement ever. Hope was coming home. It was a very special Christmas Day for the family. All the presents were left unopened while we all eagerly waited with the Old Man for Hope to come home. When the door finally opened and Hope’s parents stepped into the house with their little miracle in their arms, to everyone’s surprise Michael started singing “Silent Night.” The whole family joined in, and it was then that I saw the Old Man cry for the second time. This is the season for Hope, and when you sing “Silent Night” this year, remember a little boy’s love and the Old Man’s tears. Remember another child who came to us years ago by the same miracle of love. Dr. Gaines is the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville.
The Avenue® Forsyth Partners with South Forsyth High School
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leven Forsyth County retailers and restaurateurs will receive extra support for their holiday marketing initiatives this year courtesy of marketing students at South Forsyth High School. As part of its Partners in Education initiative, The Avenue Forsyth is partnering with students in the school’s DECA program to develop grassroots marketing programs for many of the lifestyle shopping center’s tenants. Student teams were assigned an Avenue retailer or restaurant, and are working side-by-side for five months with a mentor from the store to develop and execute an integrated marketing campaign. The students are required to research their assigned store, including target audiences and competitors,
400 Edition
and incorporate the results into a marketing initiative designed to drive awareness, traffic and sales. “Partnering with The Avenue is a great way to give our students handson experience,” said Debra Moore, Marketing Instructor, South Forsyth High School. “We’re working with students this year to really focus on solutions that are realistic within today’s retail marketing budgets— grassroots, no-cost, and social media initiatives that will meet our retailers’ goals without requiring a significant budget investment.” After the students execute their plans this holiday season, they will present the results to a panel of industry professionals, The Avenue staff, and participating retailers. The winning teams will receive a
shopping spree at The Avenue and scholarship funds. Participating retailers and restaurants include American Threads, Bravura, e.k. taylor, Häagen-Dazs, Natural Body, Omega Diamond Jewelers, RW Design & Exchange, Sage, Straw Dog, Ten Thousand Villages, and Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches. “As a local business, working with these talented DECA students has provided us a cutting-edge boost to our ongoing marketing efforts,” said Shelley Caine, owner, e.k. taylor. “The grassroots programs they are implementing take advantage of their social media expertise—helping us reach our target audiences just in time for our grand opening this holiday season.”
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
About The Avenue The Avenue, introduced by Cousins Properties Incorporated in 1998, is an outdoor lifestyle center concept with eight locations throughout the Southeast. The Avenue offers a dynamic mix of premier national retailers, and select local merchants and specialty restaurants reflective of local demand and fashion trends. The shopping destination features an open-air, pedestrian-friendly setting convenient to major metropolitan areas. Shoppers can visit The Avenue at one of its five metro Atlanta locations, or in suburban Nashville, suburban Memphis, TN, or Viera, FL. For more information about The Avenue, please visit www. shoptheavenue.com.
Christmas
Merry
From these local Cumming businesses Fred’s Beds & Furniture 5710 Namon Wallace Rd Cumming, GA 30028 678-455-1190 www.freds-beds.com Discover one of Forsyth County’s hidden jewels! Get the best mattress prices on all new top quality bedding, as well as great deals on new and consignment furniture. Check often as consignment items come and go daily! Family owned & operated since 2002.
Monkey Joe’s 5055 Post Road (Next to Midway Park) Cumming, GA 30040 770-887-5678 Forsyth County’s premier birthday party and play center! Book your birthday now! Visit our sanitized play centers today! Happy Holidays from Monkey Joe’s!
Main Street Interiors 2202 Canton Highway Cumming, GA 30040 770-887-9708 www.mainstreetinteriors.com Unique and eclectic home accessories and furnishings! Offering interior design services, window treatments, furniture & accessories, remodeling services. Creating unique and comfortable living spaces since 1994. Now open: Marketplace @ Main Street -Consignment Finds.
Monkey Joe’s 700 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30076 678-381-0400 North Fulton’s premier birthday party and play center! Book your birthday now! Visit our sanitized play centers today! Happy Holidays from Monkey Joe’s!
Ferguson’s Meat Market 3360 Matt Highway Cumming, GA 30040 fergusonsmeatmarket.com 770-844-9517 “Big enough to serve you, small enough to know you.” We sell Certified Angus Beef® and delicious cuts of pork, chicken, baby back ribs, shrimp, salmon and much more. We cater corporate and family affairs. Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30am to 7:00pm.
The Carpet Store 602 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Cumming, GA 30040 770-889-7558 www.tcsflooring.com We have a beautiful showroom where you can come in and shop quality name brand products and all of the latest styles in hardwood, carpet, laminate, and vinyl. It is our goal to make sure that our customers are met with great results and satisfaction every time.
The Cigar Shoppe 4320 Heards Circle, Suite 800 Cumming, GA 30041 770-888-9396 www.thecigarshoppe.net Over 1000 varieties of cigars. Three separate lounge areas with pool, poker, and chess tables. Big screen TV’s for the big game. A phenomenal bar with over 70 different beers from all around the world. Come on by, smoke a stogie and relax.
The Cigar Shoppe’s Wine Store 4320 Heards Circle, Suite 800 Cumming, GA 30041 770-888-9396 www.thecigarshoppe.net A beautiful decorated SMOKE FREE wine lounge with patio (opening soon).The best wine list in all of North Georgia. Over 4,000-Bottle Wine Cellar with hard-to-find wines that you can enjoy at great prices.
Country Boy Trailers 1550 Atlanta Highway Cumming, GA 30040 770-887-8508 www.countryboy-trailers.com Sales – Parts – Service. Christmas Specials. UWS Tool Boxes, Hitches and Towing Products, Horizon Smokers, and much more.
The Inside Out 425 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 330 Cumming, GA 30041 770-889-0425 www.house2home.tv Gas logs, fire pits, fireplace accessories, all weather wicker, grills, and outdoor furniture. Make your deck a beautiful place to entertain with our all weather furniture.
Merry Christmas from s le b ta S & d n u ro g p m a C Trackrock
Trackrock Campground & Cabins 141 Trackrock Camp Road Blairsville, GA 30512 706-745-2420 www.trackrock.com The best RV facility in the area. There are 95 level/shady sites, 30 or 50 amp, laundry facilities, large modern bath houses, picnic tables, and family game room. There are also cabins available for rent. The views are spectacular.
Trackrock Stables 202 Trackrock Camp Road Blairsville, GA 30512 706-745-5252 www.trackrock.com With over 250 acres bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest, Trackrock Stables offers an adventure you will long remember. You have the opportunity to learn horsemanship as you ride across crystal clear mountain streams and canter through peaceful green meadows. Lessons and camps available.
MetLife Company Now Offers Reverse Mortgages I n today’s tough economy, Americans age 62 and older are realizing that a reverse mortgage can be an important part of their financial future. With limited or dwindling retirement savings, concerns about outliving their assets, or just the desire to live more comfortably, increasingly savvy seniors are realizing the benefits reverse mortgages can offer. However, until recently, there were really only a few well-known, long-standing companies offering the product. In 2007, however, the MetLife company entered the reverse mortgage industry through MetLife Bank. “When I tell people that I’m a MetLife Bank reverse mortgage consultant, they often ask—are you with the MetLife?” says Tony Cusumano. “I’m always happy to tell them that MetLife Bank is a MetLife company.” A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners age 62 or older to tap into the equity that’s been built up in their home. The homeowner can then use the cash they receive in a variety of ways, such as paying for monthly living expenses, home improvements, and health care. Of course, the homeowners must continue to pay property taxes, have homeowners insurance, and maintain the home. The borrower continues to own and live in the home without making monthly payments, and the
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December 2010 • www.400edition.com
loan doesn’t become due until the last surviving borrower passes away, sells the house, or leaves it for more than 12 months. Although there are no monthly mortgage payments, interest accrues on the portion of the loan amount disbursed. “Because of the way the reverse mortgage product is designed, it may be a good solution for many people, and may help them maintain financial independence while remaining in their homes,” notes Tony Cusumano. “One of the best things about my job is that I get to see firsthand how a reverse mortgage can make such a positive impact on people’s lives—and I’m very proud to be doing so as part of the MetLife company. When people hear the MetLife name, they feel even more comfortable about who they’re doing business with.” For those considering a reverse mortgage, getting all the facts is important for making an informed decision. MetLife Bank offers a free educational video and information kit that explains all the benefits, eligibility requirement, and cost implications. To request this free, no-obligation material, call Tony Cusumano at 678-469-2235. All loans are subject to property approval. Certain conditions and fees apply. Mortgage financing provided by MetLife Bank, N.A., Equal Housing Lender. © 2010 METLIFE, INC R0410103452[exp0411][All States][DC]
Comma Momma A
s we’ve seen in earlier columns, “close doesn’t count” when it comes to word choices, at least if your goal is to speak or write standard English. Here’s another assortment of words that are often muddled. The words in each of these examples sound alike. That means you’re fine when you speak any of these words, but you’ll get yelled at (or at least laughed at) if you get it wrong when you write them. Border/boarder. Border is the edge of something. Boarder is someone who rents a room from your grandmother. In the course of my day job, I recently ran across boarder misused in print. Lapses like that are common enough from authors who are not native speakers of English, and I generally don’t twitch when it comes from them; I’d be guilty of that, and worse, if I were writing a technical book in their language. But this time I was horrified to see that boarder was misused, not by the author—but by one of the editors (“Please put a boarder around this image”). Arrrrgh. Role/roll. Role means a part being played (“She’s excellent in the role of Lady Macbeth”). Roll means all sorts of things as a noun— including a list of names (“the class roll”) or the warm yeasty bread you have with your dinner— and even more things as a verb (“roll out the barrel,” “roll your eyes,” and so on).
Close Still Doesn’t Count – Part 8
Pedal/petal. Yes, these two words actually shouldn’t sound the same. But in ordinary speech you’d be hard pressed to distinguish between the two pronunciations. Pedal is what’s on your bicycle or the floor of your car. Petal is part of a flower. One author described the flaps around a circle in a drawing as “looking like the pedals of a flower.” (And we won’t even bring up the third sound-alike here, peddle, meaning to sell.) Lode/load. Lode is a deposit of ore, and is most often seen in the phrase “the mother lode.” Load is weight or cargo or something similar. And I guess we could drag lowed in here as well (“The cattle lowed in the morning mist”). Sight/site. In the usages where these two get confused, sight is something you look at (“going to Atlanta to see the sights”). Site means location (“the site of the accident”). Granted, sometimes the distinction may appear murky: “going to Atlanta to see the sites that have been proposed for the festival.” The next three sound-alikes are among those that give grammarians the fantods, and mark you as careless, or uneducated, or both, when you get them wrong in print, even in a quick posting on some social networking site. In a schoolwork or business context, they’re major crimes. Trust me on this.
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
by Nancy Wright Your/you’re. Your is a possessive pronoun: “Your dog just bit me.” You’re is a contraction of you are: “You’re in a heap of trouble.” Your elegant and expensive engraved invitation that says “Your invited to our wedding” is guaranteed to trigger shudders all over the county. Its/it’s. Its is a possessive pronoun: “its purpose.” It’s is a contraction of it is: “It’s hard to get this right.” There/their/they’re. There means in that place. Their is a possessive pronoun (“their house”). They’re is a contraction of they are (“They’re late.”). Aisle (or isle or I’ll?) rap (or wrap?) this hole (or whole?) thing up so (or sew or sow?) yew (or you?) can see (or sea?) weather (or whether or wether?) you can pull more examples in (or inn?) the (or thee?) same vain (or vein or vane?) out of the heir (or air or err?). Bon appétit. Nancy Wright formats technical books for a specialty publishing house in New York. She and her husband live in White County; you can contact her at adairmill@windstream.net.
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Who Are We? M
y surname is “McClure,” [as in] Herbert L. (Herb ) McClure. Oftentimes, people ask: “What McClure are you?” There are several sets of McClures in this area. Most of them are not kin, and they seem to not know their ancestral heritage. I was raised in Forsyth County, Georgia, on my grandpa’s farm. He lived on the banks of the Chestatee River, which is now under Lake Lanier. The lake caused my family to relocate to Hall County, Georgia. I lived in Hall County, where I worked in the fishing and hunting trade for a long time. Today I live in northern White County and I am retired. I do outdoor nature activities mostly known as turkey hunts. When I was growing up on my grandpa’s farm, I was told that this farm also was my great grandpa’s farm. John Arthur McClure (18771962) was my grandpa. John M.L. McClure (1837-1900) was my great grandpa. There were uncles and aunts, along with cousins, living on this farm as well. Beyond this kin, no one seemed to know anything of John M. L.’s ancestors, other than that he came from Fannin County, Georgia. There was a relic sword said to have “belonged to John M. L. brought home from the Civil War.” This intrigued me very much, so I decided to learn more about him and his ancestors. This led me to trace my kin all the way back to Ireland. (More about this later.) John M. L. did come from Fannin County to Dawson County, circa 1857. He is listed in the 1859 marriage records of Dawson County as marrying Darlisca Black. John became a miller by trade (Black’s Mill). But no record of a Civil War connection was found. Family members knew that he served. Don Mashburn, Forsyth Historian, theorized that “John being a miller, he was vital to the community, therefore he was exempted from military service.” That seemed probable, because he was in the 1864 census of able males. Mr. Mashburn also stated that “John could have gone as an individual and no record was made.” After much research and some help, I traced my lineage of ancestral kin back to Ireland. This was my heritage: 1. Father: George Leon McClure (1916-2005) raised in Forsyth County, Georgia, lived in Hall County, Georgia
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by Herb McClure
2. Grandfather: John Arthur McClure (1877-1962) raised in Forsyth County, Georgia, lived in Forsyth County, Georgia 3. Great grandfather: John M. L. McClure (1837–1900) raised in Fannin County, Georgia, lived in Dawson and Forsyth County, Georgia 4. 2nd Great grandfather: Reece J. McClure (1806-1875) raised in Pendleton District, South Carolina, lived in Rabun and Fannin County, Georgia 5. 3rd Great grandfather: John Jr. McClure (1760-1856) raised in Botetourt County, Virginia, lived in Pendleton District, South Carolina, Rabun and Habersham County, Georgia 6. 4th Great grandfather: John Sr. McClure (1725-1778) raised in Donegal, Ireland, lived in Rockbridge County and Botetourt County, Virginia 7. 5th Great grandfather: Halbert McClure (1684-1756) raised in Donegal, Ireland, came to Virginia on “Borden’s Grant” 1737, lived in Augusta County, Virginia These early McClures were “Scottish,” who went to Ireland for a short time before coming to Philadelphia, then to the great valley of northern Virginia. The maiden names of the mothers, the women the McClure men married, are a big part of who we are: 1. George L. McClure: Alice Henning; 2nd wife Arrie Cranford 2. John Arthur McClure: Bertha Ann Jay 3. John M. L. McClure: Darlisca Black 4. Reece J. McClure: Mary Parks; 2nd wife Julie A. Parker 5. John Jr. McClure: Lillian Bowen; 2nd wife Margaret McClain 6. John Sr. McClure: Mary Malcom; 2nd wife Mary Allen 7. 5th Great grandfather: Agnes (from Ireland) Now after compiling the maiden and the surnames and tracing them back to Ireland, I learned of my pedigree. In addition to learning my ancestral tree, I discovered that all of the generations left interesting tidbits of their lives. This was astonishing to me. Take John Jr. (1760–1856);
he and his father, John McClain, father, John Sr. had lived at Pendleton (1725–1778), at one time. He were both in the had left and moved Revolutionary to Rabun County, War. John Sr. Georgia, in 1821. was a seasoned John Jr. and Margaret colonial also left Pendleton backwoods and went to Rabun Indian fighter County. They settled who fought on the Tallulah River in the French near Dicks Creek. and Indian John Jr. was there for Wars under the gold. Today this Washington in area is under Lake John Jr. and Margaret the Pennsylvania Burton. McClure. Photo made arena, before John acquired from “tin-plate” out of the Revolutionary some three thousand John M. L. McClure’s Cause. When acres of land after family Bible. the Revolutionary disposing of his Cause occurred, Pendleton, South John Jr., age 16 in 1776, and his Carolina, assets. There are many father went off with their “buckskin recorded land transactions of John clad” neighbors to join the cause. Jr. in Rabun County Courthouse. They were marched off to Long He is in the 1830, 1834, and Island, New York. Here the British 1840 census of Rabun County. overpowered the young Continental John Jr. was Justice of Inferior Court Army and sent them retreating to in 1830. He leased and hired gold Pennsylvania. miners to work his holdings. At that John Jr. left recorded pension time he was in his 70’s and 80’s. applications—in Rabun County, John Jr. appears in the Habersham Georgia (1844), and Habersham County Census in 1850, living with County, Georgia (1855)—that his son Andrew. In Habersham tell of his five years and eleven County, John Jr. left a will dated months of fighting service in the April 25th, 1855, leaving all of his Revolutionary Cause. John Jr. tells assets to his son, Andrew. John Jr. of his company under General passed away the next March, 1856. Lee, joining together with General He was 96 years old. Washington’s army. On December Two of John Jr.’s children left 26th, 1776, they crossed the their names in the archives around Delaware, fought in the “Battle North Georgia. (1) Livisia McClure of Trenton, also in the battle of married Frazier Galloway. She Princeton,” January 1777. He spoke the Indian language, which states “he wintered at Valley Forge” she learned from her father, John and was in the battle of Monmouth Jr. She and her husband were sent in June 1778. When he re-enlisted to a remote Indian village in 1822 in the State of Pennsylvania, he was to teach the Indian children. Frazier in a group that helped stop a lot was a blacksmith for them. They of “Indian up-risings” in Northern went to Fighting Town Village, Pennsylvania and New York. He which is located in today’s Fannin was in the fight at Stillwater. He was County. (2) Reece J. McClure in discharged in 1782. John Sr. has 1835 was sent by the Governor to a will probated in Botetourt County, the Indian lands where he used his Virginia, dated 1778. No record of knowledge of the Indian language cause of death has been found. to try to persuade the Indians to go John Jr. enlisted in the new west. Governmental Army. He spent Reece came back to Fighting eight years of service as an Indian Town to live and raise his family. spy. This was in the wilderness of He was Postmaster of Chestnut Kentucky (1782–1790), a story in Gap, Fannin County, for 30 years. itself. John Jr., now 30 years of age, Yes, John M. L. came from Fannin married Lillian Bowen of Tazewell, County. He acquired a large farm Virginia (1790). The couple moved in North Forsyth County. He is to Pendleton, South Carolina, buried at New Hope Methodist where they lived for 38 years. Here, Church Cemetery, Forsyth County, John Jr. amassed a large amount Georgia. of land. Lillian died in 1828. John Jr. remarried a widow named Margaret McClain. Margaret’s
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 13
by Bob Merritt Life is a mirror. We look forward, that’s the future. We look back, remember and learn—that’s a reflection.
When That Time Comes
one of us like to think of life without our spouse, so we tend to shy away from the subject. I have personally been guilty of doing just that; yet as I get older, I count it a blessing to have somehow broached this subject, only to learn that my wife was trying to decide how to bring up the subject. We have had our talk and feel comfortable with our decisions. I know it’s not really the case, but we jokingly say that we are too busy to die. My favorite saying is something I may have heard somewhere: “I’m not afraid of dying, I just can’t find a convenient time.” Joking aside, it is a discussion a husband and wife should have, and it’s best to have it before sickness sets in. Linda and I are in reasonably good health; but we had our talk, visited a lawyer, and talked with the kids. We all feel better because of the steps we took. None of us will ever get out of this world alive and for sure we won’t take a penny with us; so we might as well figure out NOW what to do with earthly possessions THEN. The things that are big are easier to take care of if there is a will. It’s the little things that tend to slip through the cracks; so make your list as I tell this story. About two months ago we journeyed to Lawton, Oklahoma, to attend the burial of Linda’s brother-inlaw, Tom Gunn. Tom had worked through a lot of illness, including losing a kidney to cancer, having throat cancer, and living with diabetes. At 84, Tom seemed to have it all. He had a wife who idolized him, a son and daughter who loved him dearly. Tom was a Christian, and loved by all of the church members and the entire community. He was a retired veteran, so he had a military burial. It was a sad time; yet it was a joyful time, as all we Christians understand. We stayed a number of
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days and nights with Linda’s sister Betty, his wife. It was quickly understood that Betty was going to stay put, at least for the time being. She resisted some of the decisionmaking on her behalf, because she and her beloved husband had already had those discussions. With all that settled, the kids did make some suggestions that she appreciated. Her son Tommy took charge and said, “Mom, you can’t reach those top shelves and Dad isn’t here to do it for you.” Our eyes immediately went to the top shelf of her kitchen cabinets. They were high. “A carpenter is going to be here tomorrow to lower the shelves.” Tommie was 6’4” and Betty was barely five feet. He did things so well that no one, including him, noticed the difficulty Betty had in doing a number of things. If Tom had noticed, he would have taken care to change or adjust. Tommy told his mother of the adjustments that would make her life easier. “Also, Mom, when the carpenter comes, he is going to remove the screen door to the garage since it is a danger to you and you don’t need it anymore. Also, he is going to build you some steps adjusted to your height, and he will put in some metal handrails to make it easier and safer.” The latch on the back gate was busted, and while Tom could master the gate and the trash cans, Betty could not. It got fixed. And while he was at it, Tommy got the city to come up the steep drive to get the trash cans. I tell you this to point out how sometimes the little things can create a hardship, unintentionally, on the remaining spouse, especially if it is the wife. Men, look around you and observe the movements of your wife and you may be able to make some changes for her while you are
alive. She will love you for it. That time at Betty’s made me aware of a few more things Linda and I needed to talk about. At one of our Men’s Prayer Breakfasts, I had the program and told this story; then I asked the men to write down at least one thing they still had to do to ensure an easier life for their wives if they were to die tomorrow. Some wrote two or three things, and I have listed them here so you all will have something to start the discussion. Some may sound repetitive and if they are, just pass over them. • A list of policies, accounts, and passwords, and a list of people to notify • Instructions about what to do with personal items • Financial security for wife and kids • Have a list of phone numbers, email addresses, contacts for all financial accounts, insurance business, etc. • List of passwords, user IDs for computer, email addresses, online accounts • Prepay for funeral, cremation. • Make sure she has someone to take her to the doctor and to church, and help pay bills. • Make sure will is up to date and proved. • Up to date on home and general maintenance, plumber, electrician, understanding of automobile maintenance scheduling • Where the retirement income is • Who does the yard work and outside contracts • How to dispose of my toys, who gets what, when, sell what • Share computer passwords for finance. • Make sure water improvements
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
are made. • Leave formulas for special mixed paints, dealer. • How to dispose of storage items • Leave instructions about what to do with boat, motorcycle, golf clubs. • Make sure will is good in Georgia, seek lawyer’s advice. • Outline and explain her income. • Make her a list of all outstanding debts. • List pension contacts and identify insurance. • Update all bills and accounts with account numbers. • Get all insurance policies together, life, home, flood, etc. • Instructions on selling my toys, cars, boat, guns, motorcycle • Make a list of suggestions— associate with Christians you can trust. • Ask for help and direction from the church. • Seek the help of professionals in needed areas. • Advice: Continue to please God and remember Romans 8:28 • Advice: Do not clutter your life with things that are not important. One man had it all figured out and was ready to go anytime. He left these comments: “No wife, one son, two grandchildren. Sell house, collect insurance, and 401K. Burial arrangements made.” One man said his wife told him, “I will know what I know when I need to know it.” Have a good life together and think about her future without you. I’m betting she is pretty scared when thinking about it. Get it out in the open and get it behind you. Now go out and have a wonderful life…together.
Shades of Scarlett D
o you remember when you were a child, and when December 1 rolled around, it seemed like forever till Christmas? Then as time went by and you reached adulthood, December became the shortest month of the year. Back in the day, many folks didn’t start shopping or decorating until about two weeks before the 25th, if that soon. There were several reasons. Christmas was still primarily a celebration of faith instead of a commercial blast. It was centered around family and church. Secondly, we all lived at a slower pace; I still believe that’s why I’ve lived this long. And, thirdly, when I was born, our country was in the midst of the Great Depression, and money was scarce or non-existent. One of the great things about my parents and family was that they never talked about being poor, or “without.” They all helped one another, and others when they could, and I was a loved and happy (if slightly “ignorant”!) little girl. Peer pressure was not an issue; our peers were having a hard time, too. On Sundays, people actually went visiting after church and Sunday dinner. Families and friends sat around and talked and the children played outside if weather permitted. This particular Sunday in December, my family and the people we were visiting, and the children,
were gathered in the modest living room, in a semicircle, watching the radio. Yes, watching the radio. I really don’t know why, but when we listened to the radio, we looked at it. Maybe “the better to hear.” Maybe we had a premonition about television. There was a religious program on, and everyone was enjoying the singing and the sermon, when suddenly the program was interrupted with special news. It was Sunday, December 7, 1941. Mama and the other women began to cry, and the men talked among themselves about the fearful announcement. I cried, not because I understood what had happened, but because my mama was crying. Trying not to frighten us, the adults didn’t come right out and say that we were at war, but I remember hearing the word “draft” and “so many died today” and other sober words. Mama explained later, in her quiet, reassuring way. Because she was strong, I felt safe with her and Daddy and my baby sister Alice. But I knew something monumental had happened. I was 6½ years old. Christmas took a back seat that year. Oh, not in the excited eyes of children looking for Santa, and not in church. The pageant went on with bathrobeclad shepherds, and angels in white robes, and the wise men in construction-paper crowns. We sang the beloved carols, and celebrated the birth of Jesus.
Christmas Day was much like all the others for the children, with Santa’s toys and books, and gifts from Mama and Daddy. We didn’t notice that the gifts were simple and modest; we knew well the art of appreciation for whatever we had. And then, there was the Blackwell family gathering. It was also much the same for us, except that Mama’s three brothers were destined to be a part of World War II. That Christmas the hugs were tighter, the laughter treasured, the prayers were longer. This year, as you celebrate Christmas, please remember all our troops, scattered about the world in places some of us can hardly pronounce. Their families look at empty chairs, and carry on bravely. As we celebrate the Gift given to the world in a lowly manger, please take time to be thankful for all those who have served, and are serving our country, so that we can be free to
by Joyce Jordan
celebrate Christmas. And free to breathe the air of liberty. From me to you, a blessed Christmas.
Joyce Jordan is a native Georgian who enjoyed a 30-yr. career as a journalist and radio personality, working in Forsyth and Lumpkin Counties. She’s now a freelance writer, living happily in Dawsonville,GA.
Tom, Marion, & Bill
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
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Christmas
Merry
From these local Dahlonega businesses Bobber’s Fish House 51 Grove Street North Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-867-9151 You’ll find the best southern-fried Mississippi catfish and seafood you have ever tasted. Our prices are affordable and the food is incredible! We have a large parking lot, with plenty of room for buses and motor homes. Bikers and car clubs are always welcome!
Picket Fence 45 North Park Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-4007 With the largest selection of collectibles, decor, and gifts, the Picket Fence is the best place to find unique holiday decor and gifts all year long. Owner and local artist Kitty Craven hand-paints many of the one-of-a-kind artwork found here.
Accents by Moggy 28 Grove Street North, Suite 200 Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-1320 Do you want to give your home a new look for the holidays and the new year? Moggy can help you with new window treatments, pillows, or decorating for the holidays. From simple to lavish.
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve 469 Old Dahlonega Highway Dahlonega, GA 30533 678-537-6765 www.chestateewildlife.com Chestatee Wildlife Preserve is a nonprofit corporation and fully licensed rescue, exotic animal and wildlife preserve. Over 100 animals, with many different species, live at CWP. The Preserve is a magical place to walk around or feed some of the animals.
Cavender Creek Cabins Fax: 706-864-9388 706-864-7221 or 866-373-6307 Take Advantage Of Our Winter Special! For the month of December, pay for TWO nights and receive the THIRD night FREE! Holidays or special events are not included. To make reservations call 706864-7221 or 866-373-6307 or take a virtual tour on www.cavendercreek.com Hosts: Paul, Mary, and Brian Hanson
Gold City Landscaping 7490 Chestatee South 2 Miles East of GA400 on Hwy. 60 Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-867-6209 or 770-540-2129 We deliver. There are all types of mulch, pine bark, pine straw, screen topsoil, fill dirt, many types of rock and gravel, and statuary in our inventory.
DuMond’s Patio Grill 77A Memorial Drive Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-867-6991 DuMond’s is just off the square in Dahlonega. All food is prepared daily from scratch by the capable hands of Chef Dave DuMond. A mix of fire-roasted meats; fresh, cut-to-order salads; and hand-sliced sandwich meats; there is something for everyone at DuMond’s.
Woodland’s Edge 36 North Park Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-5358 The premier shop in Dahlonega for all your outdoor needs. Whether you are going hiking or just for an outdoor excursion, you can choose from the wide selection of outerwear, lifestyle clothing, hiking apparel, and accessories this fine shop has to offer.
North Georgia Haircutters 408 West Main Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-482-0541 We offer a great service along with the best haircut at a low to medium price, specializing in women’s, men’s, and children’s haircuts. Special discount for military, NGCSU students, public service employees, and senior citizens. Come check out our new Spa.
Dahlonega Market Place 100 Public Square North Dahlonega, GA 30533 Our beautiful facility is the perfect location for your private social occasions, as well as corporate entertaining and meetings. The Market Place is a 3,600-square-foot historic building decorated with subtle elegance, and it is available to host events from 20 to 200 guests.
T’was the night of your ball, who do you call? T’was the night of your ball, and all through the house, not a hair is curling, you can’t find your blouse. Your stockings are hung by the chimney with care; you then realize, “I have nothing to wear!” The children are nestled all snug in their beds, while Mother tries to figure out what to do with
her hair. “How do I make my evening hair, look like I’ve done nothing, and don’t have a care?” She begins to pick up this piece and place it here. “Give me a pin so it won’t fall, I need to hurry and not be late for the ball.” A French twist, a chignon, a bun, or a fall? “I need some help, but who do I call?”
“The hands of an expert are what I need, someone with vision, talent, and speed.” The team at LAVA HAIR STUDIO is a phone call away. We are here for you tomorrow and today! Give us a call, so you don’t miss your sleigh.
Styling Tips from Lava Hair Studio Q: What are the new looks for the holiday season this year?
to reflect natural shine more so than redheads and blondes.
Karen: A natural look with loose, fuller, romantic curls. Hiding your hair in an updo is not always the best look for you; think about creating a softer, fuller look that really shows off your beautiful fall color. Big loose curls on longer hair are easy to pin back to create a simple, classy look. Shorter hair looks great when blown dry with Arrojo volume foam; this gives your hair lasting volume at the crown, and assists in creating a softer look with the bangs to really accentuate your eyes.
Q: When should you wear a style tighter and closer to the head? Karen: A tighter look with your hair up is always stunning when you put it in a ponytail holder to the side, with beautiful loose curls and a simple accent piece around the hairband.
Q: What is the secret to a great holiday party hair style?
Q: What determines when to wear a softer, looser, fuller updo style?
Karen: The secret is simple. The right tools and products to use on your hair will set you up for a long-lasting, wearable, and beautiful look to make your holiday season shine.
Karen: Softer looks are always beautiful on redheads and blondes. Brunettes tend to look fabulous with simple updos because their hair tends
Q: What three secrets should every woman know when it comes to doing her own holiday updo style?
• Bobby pins to secure your look are the secret to lasting holiday hold; make sure the color matches your hair color. • Always be sure to hide your bobby pins. Open your bobby pin and push straight in, as if you were putting a comb in your hair, to secure the look. • Products for the hair are essential to a smooth outcome for your holiday look. Using Arrojo thermal protector before styling with dryers and irons, and a small amount of Arrojo texture paste on each hair section before curling, will help to eliminate frizz and give your hair a beautiful, polished, sleek look.
Q: Last but not least, why are you so passionate about holiday hair? Karen: Holiday hair is a way to express your individuality with confidence and style. When your hair looks fabulous, you feel fabulous. Being a woman is a beautiful gift, so we should embrace our outer beauty to reflect our inner beauty to the world.
Karen Covington is the owner of Lava Hair Studio located next to the North Georgia Premium Outlets. Give them a call at 706-429-0001 or make your appointment online at www.LavaHairStudio.com.
Caramelized Onion with Pancetta and Rosemary Stuffing
Roasted Vegetable and Cornbread Stuffing
Roasted Fennel with Lemon Stuffing
Scene-Stealing Holiday Stuffing W
hile turkey is in the spotlight
at most holiday meals, the prize for best supporting dish definitely goes to stuffing. People often reach for the stuffing before any other side dish on the table. This season, why not serve more than one variety? In addition to a traditional favorite, try something new. According to the team at Campbell’s Kitchen, who create and test recipes year-round, there are numerous combinations of flavors appropriate for a great stuffing recipe. Dress your table and your taste buds with a Roasted Vegetable and Cornbread Stuffing, which is made easy with a Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing base, fresh butternut squash, sweet onions, ground cumin, and chopped cilantro. The secret ingredient is Swanson Chicken Broth, which adds layers of flavor and keeps stuffing from drying out. Other delicious options include Caramelized Onion with Pancetta and Rosemary Stuffing, and a Roasted Fennel with Lemon Stuffing. All are sure to delight holiday guests gathered around the dinner table. For more scene-stealing stuffing recipes, visit www.GreatStuffingDebate.com. To find great holiday menu ideas and cooking tips, visit www.campbellskitchen.com/ swansonbroth.
Caramelized Onion with Pancetta and Rosemary Stuffing Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 30 minutes Bake: 30 minutes Makes: 12 servings (about 3/4 cup each) 6 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves 3 cups Swanson Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness, or Certified Organic) 1/4 cup sherry 1 package (14 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing Heat the oven to 350°F. Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 15 minutes or until well browned, stirring occasionally. Stir the pancetta, garlic, celery, and rosemary into the saucepan and cook until the pancetta is well browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in the broth and sherry, and heat to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the stuffing, and mix lightly. Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole. Cover the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until the stuffing mixture is hot.
Roasted Fennel with Lemon Stuffing
Roasted Vegetable and Cornbread Stuffing Prep: 30 minutes Roast: 30 minutes Bake: 30 minutes Makes: 16 servings (about 3/4 cup each) 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced (about 6 cups) 2 medium sweet onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup olive oil 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted 3 cups Swanson Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness, or Certified Organic)
1 package (4 ounces) cubed pancetta (about 1 cup)
1 package (14 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing
Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Bake: 30 minutes Makes: 12 servings (about 3/4 cup each) 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 1 cup thinly sliced shallots 1 jar (7.4 ounces) roasted peeled chestnuts, coarsely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups) 16 dried figs, stems removed, cut in quarters (about 1 cup) 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup) 2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 package (12 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Cubed Stuffing
3 cups Swanson Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness, or Certified Organic)
4 cloves garlic, chopped
Chestnut, Fig, and Honey Stuffing
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 medium fennel bulbs, trimmed and diced (about 3 cups) 2 medium sweet onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Stir the squash mixture, cilantro, celery, and broth in a large bowl. Add the stuffing, and mix lightly. Stir in the sausage, if desired. Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 3 1/2-quart casserole. Cover the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until the stuffing mixture is hot.
4 cups Swanson Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness, or Certified Organic)
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
Prep: 25 minutes Roast: 30 minutes Bake: 30 minutes Makes: 12 servings (about 3/4 cup each)
2 large sweet onions, diced (about 3 cups)
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Heat the oven to 400°F. Place the fennel, onions, and garlic in a large bowl. Add the oil and toss to coat. Spoon the fennel mixture onto two rimmed baking sheets. Roast for 30 minutes or until the fennel mixture is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Stir the fennel mixture, lemon zest, parsley, pine nuts, and broth in a large bowl. Add the stuffing, and mix lightly. Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole. Cover the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until the stuffing mixture is hot.
2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
1 package (14 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Cornbread Stuffing 1 package (about 4 ounces) chorizo sausage, chopped (optional) Heat the oven to 400°F. Place the squash, onions, and garlic in a large bowl. Add the cumin and oil, and toss to coat. Spoon the squash mixture onto two rimmed baking sheets. Roast for 30 minutes or until the squash mixture is lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
Heat the oven to 350°F. Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots, chestnuts, figs, and celery, and cook until the celery is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir the honey and broth into the saucepan and heat to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the parsley and stuffing, and mix lightly. Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole. Cover the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until the stuffing mixture is hot. Easy substitution: You can substitute 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for the chestnuts.
Health Matters: Speaking from the Heart
by John P. Vansant, MD, FACC
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or years, the general public has been bombarded by advertisements, medical talking points, and the food industry’s “added” vitamins in our daily food sources. No doubt you have been well informed as to the critical needs for vitamin B complex (especially B12), vitamin C, and others, such as vitamin E. You have most likely been told of the importance of vitamin D for your bone strength and development as it relates to the body’s ability to absorb and utilize calcium. The past decade has revealed remarkably advanced insight and awareness of how much we have not known or appreciated about the diverse and critical role vitamin D plays in our overall health. What you do not know may be robbing you of a better and healthier lifestyle. In the words of the late Paul Harvey, “Now, for the rest of the story…” Vitamin D can be acquired through exposure to sunlight, from food, or by taking vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D is produced in our skin cells in response to exposure to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Given enough sun exposure, our bodies may make an efficient amount of vitamin D. The amount of vitamin D produced in the skin varies greatly depending on age, geographic location or latitude, time of day, air pollution, and the use of sunscreen. It is a common misconception that the ingestion of milk or milk products may provide ample dietary needs. However, milk, which does not naturally contain vitamin D, typically is fortified with only 100 IU per cup. Many experts feel that adults generally need approximately 2000 IU per day to maintain normal blood levels of vitamin D. It is estimated that up to 80% of Americans may have insufficient vitamin D levels, due to a combination of lack of sun exposure, the increased use of sunscreen, an aging population with diminished ability for production/metabolism, some adverse drug effects, and poor dietary intake. Vitamin D has been recognized for its beneficial effect in potentially decreasing the risk of a variety of medical conditions and diseases. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased risk of various cancers (breast, colon, prostate, and others), cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, macular degeneration, depression, and musculoskeletal pain.
The potential link between vitamin D and these conditions is still under investigation. Recent developments have shown vitamin D to be an important factor in the function of our body’s immune system. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis, Type-1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. A high prevalence of low vitamin D levels has been observed among individuals with inflammatory arthritis. A recent study found that more severe RA symptoms were associated with low vitamin D levels. Similar findings have been reported in patients with SLE. A simple blood test to determine your vitamin D level is typically reported as three test values: vitaminD 25-hydroxy total, 25-hydroxy D2, and 25-hydroxy D3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the type that is produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight. It is also the type found in fatty fish like salmon. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferal) is the plant form. Typically, prescription vitamin D products are made with D2. However, recent studies have shown D3 to be more efficient and is considered to be the superior supplement of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency appears well on its way to becoming a national epidemic. The healthcare community is becoming more proactive in incorporating routine screening of vitamin D levels in their patient population in hopes of avoiding the adverse effects on one’s health when low vitamin D blood levels are present. John P. Vansant, MD, FACC, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Nuclear Medicine. Among other appointments, he formerly served as Associate Professor of Radiology, Director of Nuclear Medicine, and Chief of Nuclear Cardiology services at Emory University Hospital. He is nationally recognized for his achievements in the clinical advancement of Nuclear Cardiology.
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
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Dahlonega Old experience with choices in toys, clothing, furniture, jewelry, home accents, art, antiques and collectibles, handmade chocolates, fudge, and candies, Georgia wines, cigars, gourmet foods, candles, outdoor equipment, unique gifts for every taste. The choices are wonderful here in the premium destination for shopping and dining in North Georgia. Downtown has 15 restaurants to choose from, all locally owned, no chains, something for every taste. Enjoy relaxed shopping and dining in the pedestrianfriendly downtown area. You’ll find free parking on the street and in convenient nearby parking lots. Experience the warmth and tradition of an Old Fashioned Christmas in historic Dahlonega. For a complete listing of special Christmas season events, go to www.dahlonega.org and click on “Festivals.” Some of the special events you will find:
Friday, December 3 Remember To Shop Locally For The Holidays! Merchants are open Fridays and Saturdays until 8:00pm Shop Historic Downtown Dahlonega—the premium destination for shopping and dining in North Georgia. Downtown Dahlonega holds history, charm, AND 50 retail stores featuring the very finest thoughtful and unique gifts. Enjoy your shopping in the friendly Old Fashioned Christmas atmosphere of Historic Downtown Dahlonega. www.dahlonega.org Sleigh bells ring . . . are you listening? Follow the bells and enjoy your Christmas shopping with an authentic hometown feel in the enchanting North Georgia mountain town of Dahlonega. What a truly extraordinary place Dahlonega is during the holiday season, with its Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration. The small town sparkles with thousands of twinkling white lights and elaborate oldfashioned decorations adorning the beautiful historic architecture. And the shopping is fantastic. Downtown has 50 retail stores, all unique, locally owned, no chains, no bland big boxes. You can enjoy a special shopping
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Experience the lighting of the Downtown Luminaries at dusk; visit with Santa Claus; and shop for Christmas treasures during the Merchant’s Open House and Shop Walk.
Saturday, December 4
Don’t miss the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade; visit Santa Claus; and experience the Lighting of the Tree at the Visitor Center. Santa Claus will be in town visiting with the children each weekend through December 18-19; Saturdays 1:00pm to 6:00pm; Sundays 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Bring your wish list and visit with Santa!
Complimentary wine every
Saturday through Christmas at Georgia Wines Tasting Room. Two free wines tastings. Mulled wine & cookies 11:00-3:00pm. Holiday photo opportunity in the Courtyard (backdrop painted by local artist Bill Lawson). www.upstairsdownstairsga. com
Free cider
offered by the Gourmet Food Market every Saturday 11:003:00pm. Enjoy old fashioned mulled cider. Located inside the Upstairs Downstairs Building. rayandjudybbq. com
Free candle every Saturday 11:00-
2:00pm. Complimentary holiday tealight candle and Christmas candy. Located in the Upstairs Downstairs Building. julscandles.com
Free candy canes every Saturday
noon-3:00pm.
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Located in the Upstairs Downstairs Building
Complimentary coffee and gourmet food samples. Simple
Taste Buds offers samples galore every day, all day, during December. Located in the Upstairs Downstairs Building.
Free concert
by nationally recognized Celtic band Emerald Rose at Cranberry Corners. Friday, December 3, 7:00pm.
Holiday Ideal Living Home at
Achasta through December 2010. View the Ideal Living Home at Achasta, A Linger Longer Residential Development, open to the public and decorated for the holidays through December. The Ideal Living Home will feature the
ld-Fashioned Christmas latest in sustainable and energy efficient home building technologies. December 3 from 5:30 to 7:30. Judy Linn plays Christmas song and other favorites in both French and English at Paul Thomas Chocolates. www. paulthomaschocolates.com
Christmas music and a sing-along. Selections from The Nutcracker Suite will highlight this performance, which will also include other well-known pieces, and a string quartet. For more information, call 706-867-9444 or visit www. northgeorgiachambersymphony.org.
The Christmas House - World Nativity Traditions. Friday, December 3, 4:00-7:00pm;
21st Annual “Breakfast with Santa”
Judy Linn Guitar at Paul Thomas Chocolates.
Saturday, December 4, 1:00-7:00pm; Sunday, December 5, 1:00- 6:00pm. Presented by the Dahlonega Woman’s Club at the Community House on the corner of N. Park and Hawkins St. (two blocks from the square). Admission fee $8.00 with all proceeds going to the local community. Tickets available at Paul Thomas Chocolate, at the door, or by email (ynativities@yahoo.com). Come experience the wonder of Christ’s birth depicted in approximately 100 nativity sets from Europe, Africa, South and Central America, the South Pacific, and North America, including creches designed by Native Americans and Appalachian craftsman. Also included in the display will be a full collection of official White House Christmas Ornaments, various trees, wreaths, and Christmas villages. Cookies and cider will be served.
Christmas Music
at The Porter House. Friday, December 3, at 7:00pm. Porter House will be hosting festive music for the holidays. Stop in and enjoy some favorite holiday tunes, a hot cup of eggnog, and a delicious meal. Located at 24 E Main Street, Dahlonega. Call 706-867-9881 or visit online at www. phsteakhouse.com
Dahlonega Baptist Church Golden Bells Handbell Choir at the Visitor Center. Saturday, December 4, 4:00-4:30pm. Dahlonega Baptist Church’s Golden Bells handbell choir performs traditional Christmas carols and hymns.
North Georgia Chamber Symphony, Inc., presents A Holiday Concert. Saturday, December 4,
at 7:30pm at the Dahlonega United Methodist Church, NGCS, Inc., presents its Fall Concert, complete with
presented by R-Ranch in the Mountains. Saturday, December 4, 9:00am -12:00pm. Bring the children for free craft making (2 tickets), a free pony ride, and a free yummy breakfast. Watch for Santa and Mrs. Claus’ arrival... then tell him what your hopes are for Christmas. $2.00 donation for adult breakfast. Come and enjoy the fun. Take Route 9 to Stone Pile Gap Road. For more information: 706 864-6444 or www.rranchga.com.
Main Events Friday, December 3
Luminaries, Santa Claus and and Merchant’s Open House and Shop Walk
Saturday, December 4
Christmas Parade, Santa Claus and Lighting of the Tree at Visitors Center
Saturday, December 11
Santa Claus - Visitors Center (1:00pm - 6:00pm)
Sunday, December 12
Santa Claus - Visitors Center (1:00pm - 5:00pm)
Saturday, December 18
Santa Claus - Visitors Center (1:00pm - 6:00pm)
Sunday, December 19
Santa Claus - Visitors Center (1:00pm - 6:00pm)
Couples and Doubles.
December 9, 6:30-8:00pm. Couples and Doubles date night is a night for friends and holiday lovers. Shop by candlelight and enjoy complimentary Truffle Hot Cocoa and Spice Chai Tea. Enjoy the wonder. Located at Paul Thomas Chocolates at 102 Public Square North.
Dip Your Own Peppermint Stick. December 11
and 18, 11:00am-1:00pm. Dip your own peppermint stick in a big vat of chocolate. Children 10 and under please. No charge. Located at Paul Thomas Chocolates at 102 Public Square North.
Christmas Caroling.
December 12, 3:00-5:00pm, and December 17, 6:00-8:00pm. Christmas Singalong with Matt Carter on keyboards. Sing “The 12 Days of Christmas” like never before. Participation is so much fun. Located at Paul Thomas Chocolates at 102 Public Square North.
Sleigh Bell Tour.
Sunday, December 12, 1:00pm6:00pm. Spend the day doing a Self-Guided Driving Tour from one lovely bed & breakfast inn to another in the heart of North Georgia Wine Country. Each bed & breakfast inn will be decked out for the holidays, and offering tours and yummy refreshments at each stop. Tickets cost $12.00 per person and include a brochure with a map and directions to each of the seven inns. Present the ticket to each innkeeper to be stamped. Tickets can be purchased at the Dahlonega Visitors Center at 13 S. Park Street, Dahlonega, 706-8643513, www.dahlonega.org, or at participating B&B Inns. Visit www. innsofDahlonega.com for driving map and more information.
For information call 800-231-5543 or visit www.dahlonega.org Click on “Festivals”
“Fly Away, High Away, Bye Bye”
by Sari M. Reid
[This is the conclusion of the story of Biscayne that began in the November issue.]
F
or about three weeks, we went back and forth to the park to see how Biscayne was coming along. “She is such a pig!” said Lauretta. “She grabs two mice, one in each claw, and snatches a third one with her bill!” She continued, “Another time, she even bullied a male hawk and took his food.” She told us about how you feed captive birds of prey. First, you order frozen dead mice. Second, you defrost them. And finally, you put them in the cage to be eaten. She said, “The mouse supplier ends his phone calls with, ‘Have a mice day!’” We all laughed. Two weeks or so after New Year’s, we visited the park again, on a Sunday. Lauretta said to John, “She’s ready to go home! Let me go get her so you can release her back into your neighborhood.” “You want me to do it?” John asked in disbelief. “Yes,” she said. “You found her, so you should release her.” John looked at me with such excitement that I dreaded becoming a typical killjoy wife, but I had to voice the need to protect my dogs. Lauretta insisted it was the proper way to release a wild bird. “She needs to go back to her own territory.” She was right and I had to go along with it. Later, Lauretta came back with Biscayne. She showed John how to place her in a portable bird box with the two leather gloves. He did so without incident. On the way home, there was this overwhelming thrill about transporting a wild hawk in the back of our truck. When we arrived, I took time to call a few neighbors with children to see the release. It was one of those occasions you want to share with everyone. John was completely immersed in the moment. He unlatched the box and opened the door with bated breath. He said, “Go play!” the way he always does when he captures a mouse, bug, or spider in the house and lets it go outside. We waited... and waited...and waited. Biscayne just sat there on her perch. We continued to watch; some light laughter came from the crowd. John tried to coax Biscayne out of the box by tipping it forward; she only leaned back to keep her balance. This happened several times. It was getting quite comical. He even added a little tap; still nothing. The unusual operation in progress attracted more neighbors interested in what was going on at the Reid residence. You could see Biscayne getting tense about the crowd of curiosity seekers that continued to grow. And then she made her first move. She crouched down on her perch, assessed her environment with extended tongue, fidgeted a bit—then swooped out gracefully into freedom. She
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made this magnificent sharp left bank towards a tall tree, landed effortlessly on a branch, and drew her outstretched wings close to her once again. We all cheered for her! The crowd dispersed and John and I walked inside, talking about the story having such a nice ending. I asked John how he felt handling such a majestic winged creature in his hands. He replied, “As you know, I have flown solo in a plane before and this experience surpassed it tenfold!” Later, John stepped out on the doorstep and Biscayne flew right above him and screeched several times. I grumbled, “I hope she doesn’t think we have thawed frozen mice!” The first year, we occasionally saw her flying around, sometimes with a mate. She appeared to have adapted well. We told many people about the story, thinking that was the end of it...fly away, high away, bye bye. Then one morning, we were driving on a small country road about half a mile from our house. And a hawk, with prey, flew right across the front of our truck at low altitude and dropped whatever it carried on the pavement. December 2010 • www.400edition.com
John stopped immediately. The hawk continued to fly towards some trees at the edge of the large field next to the road. “Do you think it’s Biscayne?” “Possibly,” John replied. I became very uncomfortable as John put the truck in Park right in the middle of the road. He grabbed a manila folder from the floorboard and got out to see if the small animal was still alive. “If it is injured, let the hawk finish it off!” I cringed in anticipation of the final verdict. I saw John scoop it up and place it in the tall grass next to the road; then he came back to the truck. I pointed out to him where the hawk had perched itself on a tall Georgia pine. It appeared to be watching everything. When John got in, I cautiously questioned, “What was it? Was it bleeding? Was it dead?” “I didn’t see any blood,” he replied, “but it is a mole and appeared to be alive but maybe in shock.” John handed me the folder and I saw a bright red smear on it. My stomach churned in helpless regret. “It’s bleeding, what do we do? Do we save the mole? Will the hawk find it and eat it?” All that he could reply was, “I don’t know.” Not knowing was unsettling. John added a little reminder of hope for me. “The mole is still alive.” “But it’s injured,” I gasped. “What a horrible ending to our beautiful story!” It was hard to accept that nature will ultimately take over, regardless of what tale I might tell. I convinced myself that our adventure had finally ended. I was wrong. I am not exaggerating and I am telling you the truth: Less than 15 minutes after the rescue of the mole, still distraught, I walked into a pharmacy and was astonished by what I heard playing in the background. It was “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” by Elton John. Here are some of the lyrics: “…And someone saved my life tonight sugar bear. You almost had your hooks in me didn’t you dear… Sweet freedom whispered in my ear…Fly away, high away, bye bye…They’re coming in the morning with a truck to take me home. Someone saved my life tonight…So save your strength and run the field you play alone.” So for the sake of my story, I affectionately named the mole “Sugar Bear.” Sari Reid has a BS in Computer Science from DePaul University and owns an online Embroidery/ Dog Boutique at www. yorkiedoodle.com. Last Christmas, Sari and her husband, John, stayed in a dog friendly cabin at Amicalola State Park with their dogs Sparky and Poppy.
Leibel on the Law The Rule of Law by Steven K. Leibel
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s we enjoy our wonderful holidays, we should give thanks for all of the blessings that our free country gives to us. The freedom to enjoy our families. The freedom to earn a living, and the freedom to enjoy safe and available food. What we often forget is how the rule of law gives us the protections of a free and open society. Unlike other societies, our country believes and follows the rules of law. The absence of bribery and corruption gives us freedom to keep the money we earn. The rule of law protects us from unwarranted intrusions from the police and other government officers. Our traditions of freedom can be traced back to our Judeo-Christian heritage of laws for all of our people, without favor or prejudice to any. In our system, the rules presume that we are innocent, without our having to prove that we are not guilty. In contract law, we can voluntarily have duties to one another. In every contract there are presumptions of good faith and fair dealings. In divorce and family law there are similar duties of good faith, including the providing of support to our children. Even in our retirement plans there
are legal protections to safeguard our investments. Clearly we should all be thankful to all of those people who enforce and interpret our laws. Our free society would not exist but for the rule of law. In this holiday season we breathe the air of freedom and justice. God bless our country and the laws by which we are given our liberty. Steven Leibel is a Georgia personal injury lawyer with offices in Dawson County and in Dahlonega. He currently serves as a member of the Georgia Bar Board of Governors for the Enotah Circuit. He is a Commission member of the Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission. He is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell for his legal ability and ethical conduct. He can be reached at 706-867-7575 or 404-892-0700. Questions about his column can be sent to his email at steven@leibel.com. Nothing in this column can be construed as the giving of legal advice. Legal advice can only be made through an attorney-client relationship. The statements made in this column are for general education purposes only.
Community Blood Drives
E
very two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. In response to this ongoing need, Northside Hospital hosts community blood drives throughout the year at each of its hospitals in Atlanta, Forsyth, and Cherokee.
Upcoming blood drives: Tuesday, December 7,
7:00 to 9:00am Northside/Alpharetta Medical Campus 3400-C Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta
Thursday, December 16
1:00pm to 6:00pm Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Education Building 201 Hospital Road, Canton
Friday, December 17
11:00am to 4:00pm Northside Hospital 980 Doctors’ Centre, Ground Floor, Classroom B 980 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Atlanta
All donors will receive a free T-shirt and free parking. (In Atlanta, all nonNorthside employee donors will be reimbursed the $3 parking deck fee. There is no charge for parking at the Alpharetta and Canton locations.) A single blood donation can help at least three patients. If every eligible donor donated at least twice a year, we wouldn’t have seasonal blood shortages. The only source of blood is volunteer blood donations. As long as you are healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are 17 or older, you can give blood every 56 days. For more information or to schedule an appointment:
Atlanta: Trinita Patton, 404-851-8146 trinita.patton@northside.com Cherokee:
Tracy Posey, 770-720-5117 tracy.posey@northside.com
Alpharetta: Janice Campbell, 770-667-4081 janice.campbell@northside.com
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
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Merry
Christmas
From these local Dawsonville businesses Steamers Coffee Company 706-216-1770 www.steamerscoffeecompany.com Premium coffees and espresso drinks. Locally owned with that hometown atmosphere. “A vacation in every cup.” Driving directions: ½ mile north of the North Georgia Premium Outlets at the intersection of GA 400 and Hwy 53 across from Burger King. Brooksher Feed & Farm Supply 647 Highway 136 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-344-1431 If you need it on your farm, we probably have it. We offer many brands of feed for your farm animals. Also have in stock several kinds of seeds, wire, posts and farm tools. Seasons Greetings to all of our customers.
Frank Kunkel & Son Jewelers 66 South 400 Center Lane Dawsonville, GA 30534-6183 706-216-5479 Jingle bells or wedding bells, diamonds are always in. Come by our store for good pricing and quality. Our master craftsmen can create your own unique setting.
North Georgia Outfitters 83 West First Street Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-0020 www.NorthGeorgiaOutfitters.com We don’t just sell it...we live it! Having problem finding just the right gift? We can help you with hunting, fishing, horseback, archery, and river adventures.
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Byrd’s Mini Storage 4 Locations To Serve You Dawsonville 706-216-4470 Dawsonville 706-265-4470 Dahlonega 706-864-8672 Alto 770-869-2332 www.byrdsministorage.com “Store Your Holiday Decorations”
All American Storage 37 Hidden Creek Road Jasper GA 30143 706-253-7259 “Best Rates in Town”
Zaxby’s Zaxby’s in Dawsonville would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season. Just bring in a receipt from the Outlet Mall or WalMart dated in the month of December and receive 10% off your order. Offer valid only at Zaxby’s Dawsonville. Mon-Sun 11am-10pm.
400 Floor Covering, Inc. 8425 Highway 53 East Dawsonville, GA 706-216-2875 We carry Mohawk, Shaw, Beaulieu, Armstrong, Alloc, and many more brands. Come by, pick out your floor covering and let us install it for you.
Premium Car Wash 804 Highway 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 (Behind the Outlet Mall) 706-216-3094 Three-minute Express Washes from $6. Free self-service vacuums with purchase of complete full-service washes. Complete detail services for autos, SUV, RV & boats. Window tinting. Truck accessories. Free valet service to Outlet Mall with full service purchase. Captain D’s 45 Nordson Overlook, Dawsonville, GA 706-216-5246 597 Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 770-889-3985 Thank you for rating us the Best Seafood in Dawsonville. Show us this ad and receive 10% off your purchase. No other coupons or discounts. Expires January 16, 2011. We look forward to serving you soon! Carole’s Southern Charm 802 GA 400 South Dawsonville, GA 706-126-4500 Have you discovered Carole’s Southern Charm? Christmas items, gifts, children’s accessories, custom silk floral arrangements, collectibles, patio furniture, ladies’ accessories, and much, much more: ...a gift store like no other. We are located next to the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall. Cover To Cover Used Books 42 Grant Road East Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-3772 www.covertocoverusedbooks.com Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00am to 5:30pm, Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm. We accept books in good shape for trade credit. Come check out our selection and our new expansion.
Adam’s Little Italy Hwy. 53 East, Suite 110 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-429-0009 All ORIGINAL In-House Recipes! Brick Oven Pizzas. Housemade Breads. Freshly-cut Salads. The Very BEST Lasagna. Weekly Off-Menu Specials and Desserts. Beer and Wine.
Ted and James Bearden
Bearden Funeral Home 334 Highway 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-3159 Obit Line 706-265-4444 www.beardenfuneralhome.com “A Tradition in Community Service” We are family owned and operated and whether it is services with traditional burial, or cremation, you will be treated with the highest standards of professionalism and compassion. Dawsonville Poolroom 101 East 1st Street Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-2792 The Dawsonville Pool room is legendary for its auto racing theme and memorabilia. Owner Gordon Pirkle is a walking encyclopedia of unofficial racing and NASCAR history. The casual, fun atmosphere is very comfortable, the burgers, sweet tea, and hand-cut fries are legendary. They also do catering. K.C. Fuller & Associates, LLC 137 Prominence Court, Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-216-4806 www.kcfullercpa.com K.C. Fuller & Associates, LLC, offers a wide array of accounting services, with the emphasis on “service.” This includes tax planning and preparation for individuals and businesses; monthly or quarterly accounting services; small business management advisory services; elder care and estate tax planning services.
Lakeside Tire & Lube 163 Auraria Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-216-4973 We specialize in fast, reliable $19.95 oil changes, batteries, wiper blades, shocks, ATV tires, drum brakes, lawn tires, tire repair, speed computer balance, coolant fluid change, and much more. Need tires? We carry Michelin and several other brands.
White Interiors 278 Highway 400 N # 100 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-216-1230 www.whiteinteriorsllc.com Santa and Jesse want to wish you a Merry Christmas. If you need gifts that are handpicked for you, come to our store. We also have lots of decoration to make your home beautiful for the holidays.
Kimmey, Murphy & Horsley, PC 135 Prominence Ct., Suite 130 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-216-7228 www.kimmeylaw.com Happy Holidays from Kimmey, Murphy & Horsley, PC. Let over 35 years of excellent service assist you with Bankruptcy, Civil, Criminal, Workman’s Comp, Personal Injury, and Auto Accident Claims. Attorneys Lance Kimmey, Craig Murphy and Nathanael Horsley.
Fajita Grill Mexican Restaurant 384 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-1331 Come in for the best Mexican food in North Georgia. Try one of the many combinations, fajitas, something off the grill, or specialty dishes. The service is excellent and the prices are very reasonable.
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Historic Forsyth
by Myra Reidy
T
he Historical Society of Forsyth County generation did not take the time to preserve it. and County Heritage Inc. are sponsoring History is simply a story or tale. Before the new publication on the heritage of Forsyth written history, story-telling was how one County. This hardbound book is part of the generation passed down information to the next Georgia County Heritage series. The anticipated generation. The Forsyth County Heritage Book completion and publication should occur in late 2011 can be thought of as an opportunity for the 2011. All current residents, former residents, and families, clubs, civic groups, and churches to those with roots in Forsyth County may submit a pass their stories down to the generations coming family household history of 500 words, and one along behind them. These stories are a part of the photograph, to be printed free. Churches, clubs, heritage waiting to be told and recorded. and organizations are encouraged to submit a 250The Brannon-Heard House is an excellent word article, with one free photo. Military stories example of a tale to be shared for future of 100 words are welcomed for submission, along preservation. During the November meeting, with one picture of the service man or woman Martha Tribble McConnell, Co-President of in uniform. The deadline for stories, photos, and the Historical Society of Forsyth County, gave book orders is December 31, 2010. a brief history of the hotel to the members and You may be hesitant about submitting a visitors. The Georgia Historic Resource Report story to this heritage book because you’re not suggested that the structure was built about 1907 a professional writer, genealogist, or historian. by Charlie Brannon. He was the son of William B. The good news is that you do not have to be a and Phoebe Edmondson Brannon and was raised professional writer, genealogist, or historian. in the Big Creek Community. The Forrest and Every family, club, civic organization, or church Casandra Green family lived nearby where all has a story to be shared with present and future they attended Sharon Baptist Church. Charlie and generations. Most people do not think about the Amanda married on July 24, 1881, and had eight fact that ten, twenty-five, fifty, or even a hundred known children: Arizona, Cleveland, Emily, Toy, years from now, someone may be interested in Warren, Eva Lila, Cassie, and John. In 1900, the the stories that they have to tell. However, I can attest that there are, and will be, others who are eager to know these stories. Individuals come on a regular basis to research their family histories at our local historical society’s headquarters. Many of these people travel great distances, and plan their vacations around their research trips. One day in the future, a person will pick up the Forsyth County Heritage Book 2011 to look for his family’s name. Or maybe this individual will be seeking more information on his church or civic group’s history. In either case, it would be a shame if the story that he is searching for could Brannon-Heard House - 1907-2010 not be found because the present
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December 2010 • www.400edition.com
Brannon family was still living in the Big Creek Community. According to the 1910 U.S. Federal Census for the Cumming District of Forsyth County, Ga., Amanda Brannon was listed as the keeper of the hotel, and her husband, Charlie, as a farmer. Warren Brannon died in 1922 after contracting TB during WWI. Charlie passed on in April of 1930. Amanda continued to operate the hotel with the aid of her son, John, who never married. He died in January 1941, and Amanda died in April of 1951. Charlie, Amanda, and John were buried in the Cumming Cemetery with Warren Brannon. Louis Clifton Heard and Ruby Edna Nichols Heard married on June 2, 1934, and had made their home in the Shady Grove Community. According to the 1920 U. S. Federal Census of the Chattahoochee District of Forsyth County, Louis Clifton (born: September 27, 1911) was listed as the son of William David and Alice (Martin) Heard; other children in the household were Homer (16 years), Carrie (15 years), Minnie (13 years), Nettie (10 years) and Ernest (5 years). In 1945, Louis Clifton, a self-taught barber, built a shop in the City of Cumming and purchased the Brannon Hotel. In 1946, he and his wife, along with their two children, Herman and Virginia, moved to town. This was the first time that the Brannon-Heard Hotel was used as a primary dwelling for a family. At the November meeting, Herman Heard, a local businessman and barber by profession, shared his family’s connection to this beautiful building with the Historical Society of Forsyth County. Herman grew up in the barber shop—shining shoes and then cutting hair as barber next to his father. He shared delightful tales about his childhood in the Brannon-Heard House. Herman recalled playing marbles with Robert Ingram outside the house, and churning butter on the porch while he watched other boys play football on Saturday. After Herman and his wife, Margorie, married in the early 1960s, they
lived in the Brannonwho worked in Heard House for a short Cumming lived time before moving into at the hotel during their first home. the week, since Many people have the unpaved memories of this grand roads made old house. Linda Heard, traveling to town Director of The City of daily impossible. Cumming Playhouse & There was even a Historic School, recalled traveling dentist a story of Louis Clifton who had an office Heard’s cow. This cow that he practiced lived in a pasture behind out of at the hotel. the house and produced In later years, the so much milk that the building housed an Heards could provide it antique store. for others living in town, In 2006, the Cumming Public School. Schoolteachers such as the Mashburn Brannon-Heard boarded at the Brannon-Heard House. family. Louise Gravitt House was Castleberry reminisced purchased by The about her first apartment City of Cumming with her husband, for the purpose Marcus. As newlyweds, of restoration they rented two rooms on and to make the the first floor of the hotel. building again These two rooms, with functional. Today, bricked fireplaces and this house stands hardwood floors, could proudly at the end be found off of the front of Pilgrim Mill hallway. Over the years, Road awaiting the others also have roomed holidays. This is at the hotel. one story that has As documented in been preserved for High school students standing with their bus driver, the local newspaper present and future Mr. Castleberry; picture dated about 1936. George articles, the Brannon generations. Corn is the student near the driver. The Cumming Hotel was always full Public School can be seen in the background. The Old of patrons. Teachers Myra Reidy is a from the Cumming volunteer for the Cumming School is located to the rear of the bus; this School boarded at Historical Society building was replaced with the Cumming Gym. the hotel, which of Forsyth County was a short distance and the Georgia they completed their business in from the schoolhouse. Traveling Chapter of the Trail of Tears. Cumming. Men from the county salesmen stayed at the hotel while Contact: myrareidy@live.com
Save Dates While Saving Lives with the HSNEGA Calendar!
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he Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA) 2011 Calendar, one of HSNEGA’s annual fundraisers, is now available for purchase. Available for $10 each, the 2011 Calendar can be purchased at HSNEGA or Tailwaggers (located on Murphy Boulevard off Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville). Copies also can be purchased by phone (770-532-6617) and sent to you by mail; an additional fee applies. The 2011 Calendar features some of the coolest pets in the area—from purebred pups to all-American mutts. “This year was the first year we opened the calendar to public pet parents throughout northeast Georgia, and we were thrilled with the response we received,” say Julie Edwards, director of Development & Marketing for HSNEGA. “Last year, we featured shelter animals, but this year, we wanted to be able to feature some of the great animals we’ve seen at our events and out in the community.” All finalists received a professional photography session and an 8x10 portrait from Celestial Studios in Gainesville (valued at $200). Every pet entered was included in the calendar in the photo gallery. “It was very difficult for our judges to choose the 13 finalists from among all the entries,” Edwards says. “We had some really remarkable entries, and the finalists represent a
nice mix of rescue, shelter, and purebred animals.” All money raised from the entry fees and sale of the calendar will be go to support the animals at HSNEGA until they are adopted, including covering costs for their shelter and nourishment, vaccinations, and spay-neuter surgery. Calendar sponsors covered the costs for printing the calendar. Sponsors include Vectra 3D, Deceased Pet Care, Smiley’s Pets, Tailwaggers, SolAirsoft, Conditioned Air Systems, Celestial Studios, Gypsy Paws, Oakwood Animal Hospital, Colorwise, and Lanier Tent Rental. To learn more, call the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia at 770-532-6617. About HSNEGA: Serving Northeast Georgia since 1913, the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is a private, not-forprofit 501(c)3 regional shelter serving the needs of animals, pet owners, and the community at large concerning animal welfare issues. Our mission is to prevent animal cruelty and the neglect and exploitation of animals while assuring that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively, and humanely protected by an aware and caring society. In October 2009, the HSNEGA became a selective admission shelter and no longer euthanizes animals based on space limitations or duration of stay.
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 27
Holiday Overindulgence: A Mother’s Christmas Epiphany
Mind and heart mind & heart
W
ith the holiday season soon upon us, there are stirrings within many of my patients of thoughts and feelings related to this time of year. Children begin anticipating time off from school and the promise of gift items that they have already been “marketing” to their parents well in advance, while adults look forward to concentrated time with nuclear and extended family members and to the delighted looks on their children’s faces when the aforementioned presents are in fact delivered. Of course, holiday family visits can also bring up other, more troublesome relationship issues, many grounded in the parents’ own childhood experiences with their own parents. I am reminded of a pre-Christmas event that occurred last year with one of my patients, a married mother of two young children. It seems that her own parents were already in town from out of state for their annual Christmas visit, and my patient was yet again dreading the inevitable corrective and critical comments that were almost sure to be forthcoming from her chronically controlling and overbearing mother. Although she was feeling somewhat empowered by her own work that had been progressing in therapy, about setting better boundaries with her mother about her adult right to live her life on her own terms, there were still lingering concerns about comments that might be made by grandmother about her penchant for overindulging her children and other family members with Christmas gifts. It seems that critical comments about her parenting practices offered up by the grandmother had a particularly strong potential to anger her (as they rightly would for most parents), yet she had been unable as yet to voice these feelings to her mother for fear of “spoiling” the Christmas spirit for the family as a whole. To complicate matters further, her own spouse
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had been voicing some independent and realistic concerns about how much was being spent on Christmas gifts for the kids, and my patient seemed to be caught in a bind between the practical concerns of her husband and the controldriven agenda of her own mother. On the one hand, she was slowly beginning to embrace her husband’s thinking that perhaps they were being too extravagant with the children’s Christmas gifts, while another part of her was resisting acting on this realization for fear of appearing to be capitulating to the preferences of her own mother (and, to some extent, to those of her husband). This would also, of course, run counter to the agenda that she had forged in therapy to strengthen her own independent thinking and the ability to exercise her own free will. Resolution of this bind in the weeks leading up to Christmas came, strangely enough, from her own subconscious. She related an unusual dream to me that she had had only a few nights before, which featured her sitting alone in some form of town hall meeting listening to a panel of citizens heatedly debating how county funds should be spent to best meet the needs of the public. She recalled thinking that no one seemed to be making any sense whatsoever during the meeting, and she began to feel very frustrated and anxious. She ended up leaving early and walking around outside the building for a while in the cool evening air, gathering her thoughts. After some time to reflect, she re-entered the hall and the debate inside, eventually voicing her beliefs strongly (behavior that was typically out of character for her) to the group and then leaving again before she could hear any reactions to her ideas, this time driving home. At this point the dream ended, and my patient reported awakening in a sweat, feeling somewhat short of breath. One obviously does not need a degree in
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D.
psychology to appreciate the treasure trove of interpretive material present in this dream, but suffice it to say at this juncture that my patient made good use of what she personally gleaned from it. With some therapeutic support, she was able to separate the decision about how much to spend for her children’s Christmas gifts from the unholy control agenda of her mother, and to objectively align herself with her spouse around the notion that less extravagance made sense from both practical and value-related standpoints. As such, an initial “middle ground” of spending was established that fell somewhere between the press of her own boundless generosity and her husband’s pragmatic conservatism. As difficult as it was for her to return some of the gifts already purchased to the stores, she seemed content in the realization that she had made an independent decision that promoted more balanced material values to her children. In effect, this became her Christmas gift to herself; one that will hopefully continue to guide her each year. Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience treating adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families; and is a founding member of the Behavioral Health Association of Forsyth (BHAF). His practice is located at 6030 Bethelview Road, Suite 401, in Cumming. Appointments or other consultations can be arranged by calling the administrative office at 770-205-5760, and more detailed information can be found at www.APSDoc.com.
Your Vision Source!
by Dr. Joyce M. Nations
D
id you know that you can get inflammation around the colored part of your eye? The iris is the colored part of the eye that is responsible for controlling the size of the pupil and the amount of light that is allowed through to the back of the eye. The iris muscles can dilate the pupil to allow more light in or constrict the pupil to allow less light to pass through. The iris is part of the uveal tract which extends to the back of the eye. Inflammation can affect both the anterior and posterior parts of the eye. When the inflammation affects the blood vessels of the eye, it is referred to as uveitis. The most common type is anterior uveitis (or iritis), which is inflammation of the blood vessels of the front part of the eye. Posterior uveitis affects the blood supply to the retina and the choroid. The blood vessels will release white blood cells into the eye to fight the inflammation. Symptoms of uveitis can include redness, pain, photophobia (light sensitivity), blurred vision, and floating spots in the eye. Typically it affects only one eye at a time. It can be idiopathic, which means there is no known cause, or it can be related to a systemic condition. Some systemic conditions that can cause uveitis include autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), infection, exposure to toxins, or any type of inflammatory systemic disease (such as arthritis). Many times uveitis occurs one time, with no known cause. However, if it is chronic and there is not an already-established cause, then further testing will need to be performed, including blood work. When evaluating the eye, the optometrist will assess how severe the uveitis is. The doctor will look at the eye under a slit lamp or microscope. The doctor will assess the injection (or redness) of the eye, the amount of white blood cells in the anterior chamber, as well as the pressure of the eye. The doctor will also dilate the eye, in order to completely examine the posterior part of the eye, to determine if the problem is localized to the front or is also involving the back. Treatment is usually done with eye drops. Steroid medications are given to control the inflammation
and will be dosed according to the uveitis severity. Dilating drops are also generally given in order to immobilize the iris to help control pain and inflammation. If the uveitis is severe enough or is affecting the posterior part of the eye, then sometimes oral steroids or steroid injections are needed. Uveitis patients are also seen back in the office every day, to every several days, until the inflammation is resolving. Eye pressure as well as grading of the cells will be assessed to monitor progress. Uveitis can cause complications in the eye as well. Cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, as well as blindness, can be serious complications, especially if left untreated. It is very important to make sure to see your optometrist immediately should you have any eye pain, redness, or decreased vision. Prompt diagnosis is important, especially regarding treatment. The earlier uveitis is diagnosed, generally the easier it is to treat and to prevent complications. Good control of systemic conditions is also vital in preventing eye-related inflammation. It is important to follow up regularly with your primary care doctor and to make sure your optometrist is aware of any systemic conditions. Be sure to schedule yearly eye exams with your eye doctor and to follow up sooner if you have any eye-related problems. Dr. Nations practices at Cherokee Eye Group at 591 East Main Street in Canton and at Dawson Eye Group at 5983 Hwy. 53 East, Suite 250, in Dawsonville. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree and her Masters of Public Health degree in 1993 from the University of Alabama. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Georgia Optometric Association, and Vision Source.
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 29
Giftable Holiday Goodies N
othing spreads holiday cheer quite like sharing some homemade goodies with friends and neighbors. I love giving creamy, chocolaty fudge to folks—it’s always a hit and it’s so easy to make. I have a new cookie recipe to share this year, too, and I’m very excited about it. These lemon cookies have just the right amount of bright, lemony flavor that balances beautifully with the white morsels in every bite. And dipping them in the melted morsels not only adds more of that great taste, it makes them very pretty, too. I hope you have as much fun as I do baking and sharing your favorite recipes this holiday season. You can find even more giftable goodie recipes at www. VeryBestBaking.com.
Very Best Fudge This recipe makes 4 pounds or 48 two-piece servings 3 cups granulated sugar 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 cups miniature marshmallows 4 cups (24 ounces) or two 12ounce packages Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract Line 13 x 9-inch baking pan or two 8-inch-square baking pans with foil. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in 4- to 5-quart heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, morsels, nuts, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared pan(s). Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces. Store tightly covered in refrigerator.
Premier White Lemon Cookies Makes about 5 dozen cookies 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup grated lemon peel 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Premier White Morsels, divided 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening Combine flour and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar, lemon peel, and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until fluffy. Add flour mixture just until blended. Stir in 1 cup morsels. Divide dough into 4 even pieces. Gently shape each piece into an 8 x 1-inch diameter log. Wrap logs tightly in wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. (Note: Dough logs may be frozen up to 1 month in advance. Place wrapped logs
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
by Jenny Harper in plastic freezer storage bags.) Preheat oven to 350° F. Unwrap logs; cut each log with serrated knife into 16 slices, about 1/2-inch thick. If necessary, reshape edges of cookies. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes or until edges are set. Cool for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Line baking sheets with wax paper. Microwave remaining 1 cup morsels and vegetable shortening in small, uncovered, microwavesafe bowl on medium-high (70%) power for 1 minute; stir. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Dip half of each cookie into melted morsels. Scrape off excess against side of bowl. Place on prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until set. Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com. Photos courtesy of Nestlé
Dawson County Leaders Graduate From The Georgia Academy For Economic Development
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he Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development recently announced the Dawson County graduates from the 2010 Region Two Multi-Day Training Program. Class participants represented a number of professional and non-professional economic development fields, including elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators, and social service providers from thirteen counties in North Georgia. The Academy provided each of the graduates an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and state levels. Dawson County graduates at the November 10 ceremony included Will Wade, First Citizens Bank; David McKee, Dawson County Planning & Development; Clint Bearden, Law Offices of David Ralston; and Calvin Byrd, Dawsonville City Council (pictured with Rope Roberts, Georgia Power Company; Mike Grundmann, Quickstart; and Niki Knox, Georgia EMC) Created in 1993 by then-Governor Zell Miller’s Development Council, the Academy assembles a cross section of economic development professionals and resources to provide this training in all twelve service delivery regions in Georgia. The Board of Directors of the Academy consists of 22 members representing public and private economic development organizations and agencies from across Georgia. Since its organization, the Academy has provided training for thousands of professional and non-professional economic developers around the state, and since 1998 the Academy has been offered annually. “One of the goals for the multi-day regional Academies is to encourage multi-county cooperation,” says Saralyn Stafford, Executive Director of the
Georgia Academy for Economic Development. “Many times the participants discover the issues facing their community are the same as those facing other communities in their region, and can then combine limited resources to address the issue.” Georgia EMC and Georgia Power provide facilitators for the program, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs provides staff support to this important program. The Academy’s multi-day program, taught one day a month over a four-month period, includes training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on business recruitment and retention, tourism product development, downtown development, quality planning, redevelopment, and other essentials for community success. In addition, the curriculum features specific leadership skills such as consensus building, ethics in public service, collaborative leadership, and other segments needed for effective community leadership in economic development. Local elected officials receive certification training credits through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association for completion of this program, and the program is certified for 3.25 CEUs through the UGA Georgia Center for Continuing Education. The next Region Two Georgia Academy for Economic Development will begin in August 2011. For more information on this, please contact Kathy Papa at 770-965-8561 or by email at Kathy. papa@dca.ga.gov. December 2010 • www.400edition.com
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Events,
Tip: Keep in mind that 400 Edition is now released on or about the 1st of each month. Your event needs to be submitted via our web site 30-45 days prior to your event date and no later than the 20th of the month. We have to have all the information requested on the submission form, so be sure your form is complete. Just go to 400edition.com and click “Submit an Event” on the home page. December 2, Hanukkah begins December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 21, Winter solstice December 25, Christmas Day December 26, Kwanzaa begins December 31, New Year’s Eve
Holiday Concerts
The North Georgia Chamber Symphony, Inc., directed by Laurin Smith, will present a series of holiday concerts in four Northeast Georgia cities during the first few days of December. The program will include a variety of classical and popular selections, with holiday-themed numbers including “The Nutcracker Suite” by P. I. Tchaikovsky, “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin, and “Coventry Carols” arranged by Owen Goldsmith. Special guest performers will be the North Georgia Children’s Chorus conducted by Janey Chapman and Ruth Purcell. And, at intermission, a Tchaikovsky string quartet will be performed by professional musicians playing with the chamber symphony. The concerts will be held Thursday, December 2, at 7:30pm at Bowen Center for the Arts in Dawsonville; Friday, December 3, at 7:00pm at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Blairsville; Saturday, December 4, at 2:00pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gainesville; and Saturday, December 4, at 7:30pm at Dahlonega United Methodist Church. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information on the chamber symphony, go to northgeorgiachambersymphony.org or call 706-867-9444.
Blairsville
Christmas on the Square
December 4. Santa Claus 1:00pm to 4:00pm (must be in line by 3:30) in the Court Room. Christmas Parade, 4:30pm. Tree lighting at end of parade.
Christmas Tree Lighting
December 11, 4:30pm to 6:45pm. Vogel State Park, located 11 miles south of Blairsville on U.S. 19/129. Join us for a tree lighting, caroling, hayrides, Santa Claus visit, bonfires, hot chocolate, and
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cider. For the “Give A Gift Toy Drive” sponsored by the Union County Sheriff’s Department, bring an unwrapped gift for kids of 0-12 years of age. No toy guns, knives, or dangerous items. For more information: 706-745-2628. www.gastateparks.org/info/vogel/
Canton
Free Diabetes Education Workshop
December 1, 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s Education Building, 201 Hospital Road in Canton. Free community diabetes education workshop to help patients who have received a diabetes diagnosis better understand and manage their disease. Topics will include what affects blood sugar levels, importance of meal planning, carbohydrate counting, and more. The program is supported in part by Roche, the maker of Accu-Chek products, who also will be at the event to demonstrate their blood glucose monitoring systems. The Diabetes Education Workshop is free; however, registration is required. For more information: 678-493-1501.
“A Classic Christmas”
December 12, 3:00pm. The Cherokee Chorale will present its Christmas concert, “A Classic Christmas,” at the Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. The 70voice Chorale, conducted by Jenny Rawson, will sing the Christmas portion of Messiah by G. F. Handel, and a series of familiar carols, including Suite No. 4 of The Many Moods of Christmas arranged by Robert Shaw and R. R. Bennett. Tickets ($10 for adults, $5 for students) may be purchased at the door before the concert, or in advance from any Chorale member, the Arts Center and Chamberhouse in Canton, Three
Events, Events! Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat, Jasper Drug in Jasper, and FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock. For more information: 678439-8625 or www.cherokeechorale.org.
Mountain Heart - Modern Day Bluegrass
December 18, 8:00pm. Cherokee Arts Center Theater, located in downtown Canton behind the Courthouse; plenty of parking. Mountain Heart is the band that has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music is presented and played. The Jot-em Down Boys will be the opening group. Mountain Heart, or members of the band, have either won or been nominated for multiple Grammys, ACM, CMA, and IBMA awards. They have appeared on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in excess of 100 times. Tickets are on sale by phone or can be purchased at the door for $22 per adult. For more information: www.cherokeearts.org or 770-704-6244.
Cumming
The 2010 North Atlanta Christmas Spectacular
December 4, 6:00pm, and December 5, 2:00pm and 6:00. Presented by First Redeemer Church, 2100 Peachtree Parkway (GA 400, Exit #13 Hwy 141, east three miles). The public is invited to experience Christmas as never before. Childcare will be available for children from birth - 4 years of age. The two-part Christmas pageant, complete with traditional music, living portraits with staging, elaborate costumes, and a Biblical narrative presented in a giant Broadway-style musical production, has a cast of over 400. The church website (www.firstredeemer.org) will direct you to a link where tickets may be purchased. For more information: 678-513-9400.
The Very Best Time of the Year
December 14, 8:00pm. Cumming Playhouse Singers Christmas Concert. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School Street. For more information or to purchase tickets: 770-781-9178 or www.playhousecumming.com.
Northside Hospital-Forsyth Offers Free Stroke Screening
December 11, 9:00am to 12:00pm, Northside Hospital-Forsyth Bennett Education Center, Classrooms A & B, 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive. No matter your race or gender, or whether you’re in the prime of life or enjoying your golden years, you may be at risk for a stroke. The best protection you
can take is to know your personal risk. Northside Hospital-Forsyth is offering a free screening to determine risk for stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. The comprehensive screening will be administered by health care professionals and include a risk assessment, blood pressure reading, total cholesterol (HDL, ratio of TC/HDL), blood glucose, carotid ultrasound screening, sleep apnea screening, smoking cessation counseling, and a one-on-one consultation with a physician. The screening is free, but registration is required. Call 404-8455555 and press “0” to schedule an appointment.
“Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical”
December 3-5, 9-12, and 16-19. Book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin. The Historic Holly Theater, 69 West Main Street. For more information: 706-864-3759 or email info@hollytheater.com.
The Christmas House - World Nativity Traditions
December 3, 4:00-7:00pm; December 4, 1:00-7:00pm; December 5, 1:006:00pm. The Community House on the corner of N. Park and Hawkins St (two blocks from the square). Presented by the Dahlonega Woman’s Club. Admission $8.00; all proceeds go to
Ninja Challenge Obstacle Course January 15, 8:30am-5:00pm. Central Park. All ages race through an obstacle course including a tire run, balance beam, and much more. It finishes with a board break. For more information: Lowell Starr, 770-633-5511 or lstarr3@mindspring.com.
Christmas in Cumming
December 10, 4:00-10:00pm; December 11, 10:00am-5:00pm. The show, held inside the heated Cumming Livestock Barn located on the City of Cumming Fairgrounds, attracts over 7,500 people. There will be over 100 festive booths in the show. Admission $1; children 12 and under free. Free photos with Santa in the barn on Friday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and Saturday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Christmas light show, hayrides, roasting marshmallows, and caroling on Friday evening from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Come hear the sweet sounds of local 5th grade and church choruses starting at 7:00pm on Friday. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop for unique hand-made gift items for someone special. For more information: Bill Watson, 770-423-1330 or www.jrmmanagement.com.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas
November 26-December 31. The Capitol Christmas Tree’s arrival kicked off Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas, a month-long celebration that began on November 26 with the Lighting of the Square. Santa will arrive in a real hometown parade on Saturday, December 4. Plenty of other festive holiday events will continue almost daily throughout December and will include caroling, entertainment, wine sampling, and live theater Christmas events. For more information: www.Dahlonega.org or 800-231-5543.
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Events!
the local community. Come experience the wonder of Christ’s birth depicted in approximately 100 nativity sets from Europe, Africa, South and Central America, the South Pacific, and North America, including creches designed by Native Americans and Appalachian craftsman. Also included in the display will be a full collection of official White House Christmas Ornaments, various trees, wreaths, and Christmas villages. Cookies and cider will be served. Tickets available at Paul Thomas Chocolates, at the door, or by email (ynativities@yahoo.com).
Dawsonville
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
December 2, 5:30pm. Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Dawsonville City Hall. Complimentary cocoa and hot cider to help keep you warm while you enjoy great entertainment. City staff has heard from the North Pole that Santa Claus will be making a special appearance again this year! Children will receive one complimentary photo with Santa.
“Journey of Faith”
December 10, 7:00pm; December 11, 7:00pm; December 12, 11:00am. First Baptist Church of Dawsonville. Feel like your life is shattered? Need a miracle to set things right again? Begin your journey this Christmas. For more information and directions: www.firstbaptistdawsonville.com.
Hiawassee
Breakfast with Santa
December 11, 7:00am-10:30am. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Dining Room. This is a family fun breakfast with Santa; reservations are recommended. The entire resort will be decorated for the holidays, the Brasstown Bell Ringers will be putting on a free concert, and a children’s holiday workshop will be going on as well. For more information: Karen Rogers, 706-379-4606 or krogers@brasstownvalley.com.
Free Holiday Bell Concert
December 11, 10:00am-2:00pm. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. The Brasstown Bell Ringers will hold a free concert in the lobby of the main lodge. Come hear all your favorite holiday music played by over 200 handbells. For more information: Karen Rogers, 706-379-4606 or krogers@brasstownvalley.com.
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December 2010 • www.400edition.com
Christmas Dinner at Brasstown
December 25, 12:00pm-5:00pm. Brasstown Valley Resort Dining Room. Bring your family and join ours for our annual Christmas dinner buffet. All your gourmet favorites and wonderful treats the whole family will enjoy. A complete menu is available for your review; reservations are strongly recommended. For more information: Brasstown Dining Room, 706-379-4617 or brasstownvalley.com.
Jasper
4th Annual Night of Lights Christmas Celebration
December 4, 3:00-9:00pm. Main Street in Jasper. Let it Snow themed parade at 6:00pm. Visit Santa from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Entertainment, food, crafts, kids area, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and much more. For more information: Ross Galbreath, 706-253-5188 or jaspergachristmas@yahoo.com.
Roswell
Christmas Memories Michael O’Neal Singers With the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet
December 5, 3:00pm. Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd in Historic Roswell. Family-friendly concert of both sacred and secular Christmas favorites, and a visit from Santa Claus himself! Children aged 12 and under are admitted free, and will have a chance to visit with Santa personally after the concert. The Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet, a nationally recognized ensemble, is returning for its fourth appearance with The Michael O’Neal Singers, and will perform alone as well as with the MOS chorus. This year’s program will appeal to all ages, with holiday songs both traditional and modern, and even an audience sing-along.
Messiah Sing-Along
December 19, 3:00pm. Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd in Historic Roswell. Musicians from all around the metro Atlanta area in a traditional Michael O’Neal Singers event. Along with soloists from The Michael O’Neal Chamber Singers and accompaniment by the Riverside Chamber Players and Organist Tom Alderman, hundreds of singers will perform the Christmas portion of George Frederick Handel’s inspired masterpiece Messiah. Scores will be available for purchase the day of the concert.
Making A Few Home Changes
D
uring the holidays, everyone likes it warm and cozy. There is no more comforting feeling than carpet under the feet and a fire in the fireplace. This month I want to extend an invitation to you from The Inside Out and The Carpet Store. More homes today seem to have gas fireplaces with decorative logs. There is an undeniable advantage to today’s fireplaces. You can have gas logs in your living room fireplace, on the deck, or in front of the couch. I got a good education when I visited the showroom at The Inside Out. This is fireplace season, and no place has a more complete line of gas logs and fireplace accessories. The largest house or smallest apartment can add a different kind of warmth for family and friends. Some of the different log fireplaces could bring a spark of romance and set the mood for the evening. The use of the various models is limited only by the imagination. Visit The Inside Out today, and when you are there, check out their latest addition, the wrought iron bar. It is new, and bound to catch on. You can be the first in your group to own one. See their ad in this issue,
by Bob Merritt
or visit them at 425 Peachtree Highway (Exit 13 E off Ga400) in Cumming, or call 770-889-0425. The Carpet Store in Cumming lays all kinds of floors, but this is the season for carpeting. We had wood flooring laid last summer, and as beautiful as it is, I miss the warmth of carpeting. Prepare to be surprised by the top-of-the-line manufacturers represented by The Carpet Store. In today’s world the whole house doesn’t have to be carpeted. It seems today’s home is a mix of carpet, hardwood, and laminate flooring. The line of wood floors is unlimited when it comes to colors, styles, and kinds. When you walk in The Carpet Store’s front door, you will probably be awed by the samples of flooring under your feet. These people are professionals, and qualified to guide your selection process. They have an ad in this issue under “Christmas in Cumming.” Call them at 770-889-7558 or visit them at 602 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Cumming. Check out their web site at www.tcsflooring.com. This holiday season, step out of bed onto a warm carpeted floor.
Fire Department Starts Annual Aerial’s House Toy Collection Eighth annual event helps children in need
T
he Forsyth County Fire Department is asking local citizens to help make this holiday season special for children in need, through the eighth annual Aerial’s House toy collection. Forsyth County fire stations and the Fire Department Headquarters at 3520 Settingdown Road are now accepting new, unwrapped toys for Aerial’s House. Toys for Aerial’s House may also be dropped off under the Christmas tree in the lobby of the County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street in Cumming. “Aerial’s House has helped brighten the holiday season for local
children for years and it is something Fire Department personnel look forward to every year,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “All firefighters naturally want to make a difference in their community, so collecting toys for children in need is a fantastic way to truly help make the holiday season special for local families.” To receive additional information regarding Aerial’s House, call Fire Department Headquarters at 770781-2180, ext 0. For information regarding the distribution of toys collected through Aerial’s House, call the Forsyth County Family YMCA at 678-341-6337.
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
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400 Edition Wining & Dining
Knowing Wine
by Nancy Forrest
Italian Wine
I
talian wines go with Italian food like spaghetti goes with meatballs. Over sixty percent of the wine grown in Italy is red. Large jugs of Italian table wines are inexpensive and are made for an Italian family style dinner. These table wines are more fruit forward and medium bodied. For example a Lambrusco is a dry red sparkling wine that goes well with red spaghetti sauce and BBQ. With over 2000 native grape types grown in Italy, high end Italian wines have a wide range of quality designations. Best known are the country’s Chianti, and wines from Tuscany (superTuscans).
Wine of the Month
Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne 2005
• Barbaresco – These northern wines are made from the noble Nebbiolo grape and are also higher end. They are more palatable when young, and somewhat softer than Barolo. They may be more affordable than high-end Barolos, ranging in price from $35-$100 (depending on producer). • Chianti – The central regions of Italy are responsible for the best known of all Italian red wine. Chianti is made from the Sangiovese grape with small amounts of other grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon. There are many good value Chiantis. They feature a high acidity and hints of plum and wild cherry.
Most common red Italian wine grape varietals •
Sangiovese – Tuscany. Its wines are full of cherry fruit, earth, and cedar.
•
Nebbiolo – The most noble
of Italy’s varietals. It is known for its bouquet of strawberries, and of wild mushroom, truffle, roses, and tar.
• Amarone – These come from the northeastern Valpolicella area. They are made from grapes that have been partially dried and have flavors of cherry, raisins, plums, and spice. Medium bodied with ruby purple color. Cherry, mineral, and vanilla aromas. Well balanced with soft tannins and oak. Pairs well with most foods. Good value.
•
Montepulciano – Its wines
•
Barbera – The most widely grown red
•
it is very high in tannins when young, it typically ages well, up to 15-20 years, becoming mellow with age.
develop silky plum-like fruit, friendly acidity, and light tannin.
wine grape of Piedmont. The wine has bright cherry fruit, a very dark color, and a food-friendly acidity.
Dolcetto – Flavors of Concord grape, wild blackberries, and herbs permeate the wine.
Most common white Italian wine grape varietals •
Moscato – Mainly used in the slightly
•
Pinot Grigio – Also known as Pinot
Italian wine types/areas • Super-Tuscans – These central Italian wines are typically comprised of mostly Sangiovese blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, or Syrah. They are on the higher end of both quality and price ($25-$100).
• Barolo– This northern wine is made
from the noble Nebbiolo grape and is also higher end. It is a full-bodied red, very dry, high in acidity, alcohol, and tannin. It is described as chewy. Because
sparkling semi-sweet Moscato d’Asti.
Gris. Characterized by crispness and cleanness. It is usually delicate and mild.
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
• Pinot Grigio – This white wine is aromatic and flavorful. • Asti (Asti Spumante) – This wine from the Piedmont area of Italy is a sparkling white wine made from the Muscat grape, and generally of lesser quality. • Marsala – This is the best known wine from southern Italy, and is fortified (usually with brandy). • Montalcino – This is Tuscany’s second most famous wine zone, after Chianti. Wines from this region are made entirely from Sangiovese grapes and are high in acidity, with overtones of blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, and vanilla.
by Vanessa McBrayer
Restaurant Reviews for the GA 400 Corridor The Blue Bicycle
671 Lumpkin Campground Rd., Suite 116 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-2153, www.bluebicycle.net Fare: Gourmet fine dining | Price: Moderate | Atmosphere: Contemporary elegance
W
hat is a bistro? When hearing the word, you may picture a small French restaurant that serves wine and lists its specials on a chalkboard. Guy and Kati Owen, the owners of The Blue Bicycle, explain that a bistro to them is a mixture of friendly faces and great food. I would have to agree. My visit to The Blue Bicycle, located next to North Georgia Premium Outlets, occurred on a chilly November evening. Entering the restaurant, I was instantly warmed by the sights and smells of gourmet food and nicely dressed couples and friends gathered to indulge themselves in carefully thought-out dishes and not-so-carefully thought-out conversations. The latest rumor is true: They are expanding, and by the time you read this, they should have finished adding some more space, with dining tables and a bar. Liquor will not be available before 2011, but they will be offering beer and wine until then. My brother Michael, a corporal in the US Army, and his wife, Holly, joined my husband and me for dinner on this particular evening. We took delight in a whimsical mural depicting a couple riding a two-seater bicycle on one wall, and an actual blue bicycle hanging on another wall. Another source of amusement was the unique assortment of salt and pepper shakers sitting on each table.
We started our dinner with hot, freshly cooked Potato Chips ladled with Bleu cheese sauce and bacon. It was a generous portion that the five of us—Holly is eating for two—could share for just $7.50. Once you’ve experienced it, it becomes the thing you crave when you are really hungry and wish that you could have whatever you want at that moment. Trust me on this one. I ordered the fresh fish special. It is not listed on a chalkboard anywhere. Instead, it is carefully recited from memory by our waitress: Trigger Fish laid over julienne vegetables in a citrus beurre blanc. My husband ordered the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with red onion compote,
while my brother and sister-in-law both ordered the steak special: Petite Tenderloin of Beef topped with grilled french horn mushrooms and broccolini drizzled with vincotto and EVOO.
We all started with Caesar salads, a perfect balance of romaine lettuce, house-made dressing, and parmesan cheese. When our dinner arrived, we gasped at the steaming dishes artfully plated and drizzled with sauces. My fish was perfectly prepared, with a crispy exterior and a tender, flakey interior laid over crispy vegetables and paired with the most palate-pleasing sauce. My husband exclaimed that his pork was “mm, mm good,” and I saw that he carefully concocted his bites so that each included a piece of meat, mashed potatoes, and a dab of red onion compote. My brother and sister-in-law thoroughly enjoyed their steaks with grilled potatoes and broccolini—which is similar to broccoli but has more florets and longer, thinner stalks. My brother described his meal by saying, “They make a mean steak.” I assume this is a compliment, because he devoured every bite, in much the same way I soak up every bit of time with him that I can before he leaves for his second yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. This meal was more than just a meal. It was a time to treasure each other’s company. We opted not to have dessert; but from past experience I know that their desserts are to die for, and the hazelnut chocolate mousse is
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
refreshingly light in case there’s no room left but you still want a sweet finish. The staff at The Blue Bicycle are experts in professional hospitality and Chef Guy Owens is a master of his craft. He has earned Executive Chef certification from the American Culinary Federation. Kati says that their home is full of cookbooks and cooking magazines and they are constantly researching to create their unique dishes that bring together harmonious blends of textures and flavors. I asked her why they chose the name The Blue Bicycle; she said that it is named after one of Guy’s old blue bicycles (remember the one on the wall?). And since their dishes change with the seasons, everything is always fresh; so, “like a bicycle ride through the countryside, you never know exactly what you will see until you turn the next bend.” One thing is for sure; whatever lies around the next bend for The Blue Bicycle is going to be a delicious, never pretentious, reasonably priced experience to treasure.
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400 Edition Wining & Dining
The Secret to a Flavorful Holiday T
breast side up, on a he secret to rack in shallow roasting creating a crowdpan. Spray the turkey pleasing holiday spread with the cooking spray. is combining a healthy Brush with the stock helping of tradition with mixture. Insert a meat a pinch of creative new thermometer into the recipes that showcase thickest part of the meat, beloved holiday flavors. not touching the bone. Basil, thyme, and black Roast at 325°F for pepper provide the perfect 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until kiss of flavor to Roast the thermometer reads Turkey with Mushroom 180°F., the drumstick Stuffing. Basting the bird moves easily, and the with an infusion of these stuffing reaches 165°F. Roast Turkey with Mushroom Stuffing three, along with Swanson Baste occasionally with Chicken stock and lemon the stock mixture. Begin juice, ensures that the 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed checking for doneness meat will be moist and after 3 hours of roasting time. Let the 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed juicy, and the outside of the bird will turkey stand for 10 minutes before roast to a beautiful golden brown. 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper slicing. Green Bean Casserole—the iconic 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped (about *Bake any remaining stuffing in a recipe that combines Condensed Cream 1/2 cup) covered casserole with the turkey for 30 of Mushroom soup, green beans, and minutes or until the stuffing is hot. 1 small onion, coarsely chopped (about french fried onion topping—was created 1/4 cup) 55 years ago by Dorcas Reilly of the Campbell Test Kitchen, and is still a 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (about 1 1/2 favorite today. To change it up a bit, add ounces) Prep: 15 minutes shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red 4 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Cook: 20 minutes bell pepper, toasted sliced almonds, or Stuffing Makes: 6 servings (about 1 cup each) crumbled bacon. For a side dish that’s sure to become 1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds) 3 1/2 cups Swanson Chicken Broth a new holiday tradition, try Toasted Corn (Regular, Natural Goodness or Certified Vegetable cooking spray & Sage Harvest Risotto. This blend of Organic) savory and sweet is a welcome departure Stir 1 3/4 cups stock, lemon juice, basil, 5 large potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces from ordinary creamed corn or rice pilaf. thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in (about 7 1/2 cups) Tender corn is toasted in a pan with bell a small bowl. 1/2 cup light cream pepper and onion, then combined with Heat the remaining stock, remaining long-grain rice, broth, and the perennial black pepper, celery, onion, and 1/2 cup sour cream holiday herb, sage, for a rich and creamy mushrooms in a 4-quart saucepan over 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives treat. medium-high heat to a boil. Reduce 2 tablespoons butter And, since no holiday would be the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 complete without the mashed potatoes, minutes or until the vegetables are tender. 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled try Ultimate Mashed Potatoes, which Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add live up to their name with unparalleled the stuffing to the richness. saucepan and mix For more delicious recipe and menu lightly. ideas, preparation tips, and helpful Remove the hints for the entire holiday season, visit package of giblets www.CampbellsKitchen.com. and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Spoon the stuffing Prep: 25 minutes lightly into the neck Cook: 3 hours 30 minutes and body cavities.* Stand: 10 minutes Fold any loose skin Makes: 12 servings over the stuffing. 3 1/2 cups Swanson Chicken Stock Tie the ends of the drumsticks together. Ultimate Mashed Potatoes 3 tablespoons lemon juice Place the turkey,
Ultimate Mashed Potatoes
Roast Turkey with Mushroom Stuffing
December 2010 • www.400edition.com
(reserve some for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Generous dash ground black pepper
1 cup fresh or drained canned whole kernel corn
Heat the broth and potatoes in a 3quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain, reserving the broth. Mash the potatoes with 1/4 cup broth, light cream, sour cream, chives, butter, bacon, and black pepper. Add the additional broth, if needed, until desired consistency. Garnish with the remaining bacon.
1 large orange or red pepper, chopped (about 1 cup) 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup) 1 3/4 cups uncooked regular longgrain white rice
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole Prep: 10 minutes Bake: 30 minutes Makes: 12 servings (about 3/4 cup each) 2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free, or Healthy Request) 1 cup milk 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 8 cups cooked cut green beans 2 2/3 cups French’s French Fried Onions
4 cups Swanson Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness, or Certified Organic) 1 teaspoon ground sage
Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans, and 1 1/3 cups onions in a 3-quart casserole. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining onions. Bake for 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Toasted Corn & Sage Harvest Risotto Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 35 minutes Makes: 6 servings (about 1 1/4 cups each)
Real Men Cook
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Celery Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the corn, pepper, and onion and cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are lightly browned. Add the rice to the saucepan and cook and stir for 30 seconds. Stir in the broth and sage and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir in the soup. Cook for 2 minutes or until the rice mixture is hot. Sprinkle with the cheese.
by Patrick Snider
6 ounces salt pork, finely chopped
Clam Chowder
2 cups chopped onions 1 clove garlic, chopped 3 tablespoons flour 6 6.5-ounce cans minced clams, with juice reserved 1 1/2 cups bottled clam juice 2 10-1/2-ounce cans cream of celery soup 3 cups fish stock 2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes 2 cups heavy cream In a large, heavy pot, slowly render the salt pork. Remove the cracklings and set them aside. Slowly cook the onions and garlic in the fat, stirring frequently, for about 6 minutes, or until cooked through but not browned. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add reserved clam juice, bottled clam juice, soup, and fish stock, and whisk to remove any flour lumps. Bring the liquid to boil, add the potatoes, lower the heat, and simmer until the potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Stir in the clams, salt-pork cracklings, and heavy cream. Heat the chowder until it is the temperature you prefer. Serve in large soup bowls with oyster crackers on the side. December 2010 • www.400edition.com
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