400 Edition W h a t ’s
u p
i n
N o r t h
Our Winter Wonderland
February 2011
G e o r g i a
FREE
February 2011 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: Dr. Mark Feinsilber
Steven Leibel
Nancy Forrest
Dr. Joyce Nations
Martha Hynson
Patrick Snider
Joyce Jordan
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...
T
here is a chilly rain falling today as I write this. Things look a little dreary and drab out of my office window, but I already have visions of green grass, flowering trees, and warm breezes gently blowing across our yard. I’m counting the days until spring. I can’t think of too many good adjectives for winter. The good days are when I can stay in my nice warm home and not have to worry about the weather. Many folks love the cold weather; takes us all to make a village, huh? February 2 is Groundhog Day and maybe he won’t see his shadow, which means spring will come early. At least I think that is how it goes. One of the really wonderful things about having this magazine is the people we come in contact with. I have to tell you about my newest treasures in this category. They are Herb and Mary McClure. Several months ago I received a telephone call from Mary. We talked about an article from our Historic Forsyth column; she knew someone in one of the pictures. She told me about her husband Herb, and that he was a writer and would like to submit a historical article to be printed. He sent me the article about the McClure family history and we printed it a few months ago. They have called me a few times, always so sweet and saying they hope they haven’t taken up too much of my time. Let me tell you, they make my day. Now Herb has put together a DVD about turkeys that most of you fellows, and maybe ladies, would want to
watch. There is information about it on page 8. Thanks, Herb and Mary, for coming into my world, making me smile, and making me glad I know folks like you. While we are on that subject, my daughter Rhonda works for the Lumpkin County Senior Center with the Meals on Wheels volunteers. She recently had one gentleman retire from doing Meals after twenty years. That is a lot of caring. If you have time on your hands and want to be of service to someone, contact your local Senior Center and tell them you would like to be a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Your rewards will outweigh the small amount of time it takes for you to make these deliveries. Most of these seniors just want someone to talk to for a few minutes. You could very well be the only company some of them have in an otherwise very lonely day. Think about it. Until next month…stay happy!
On the Cover T
he weatherman was right about the snow coming to Georgia this time. Out of habit, we usually listen to his reports with our skeptic’s hat on. But by the looks of the grocery stores, we changed our habits this time. If you didn’t get enough bread and milk early, you just had to do without. It started snowing and didn’t look like it was going to amount to much; but before you knew it, the snow started to get deeper and deeper, and drifts got bigger and bigger. Things basically just shut down all over North Georgia, and even to the south of us. Thank goodness we do a lot of our work on the computer and by telephone. A lot of shop owners, restaurants, entertainment sites, churches, schools, and government offices were at a standstill. The poor firemen, policemen, and DOT workers were about the only folks out. Even the eighteen-wheelers were at the mercy of the snow and ice, backed up for hours around Atlanta. This early January snow probably holds a record for being on the ground longer than any snow in years. It was beautiful, and families had a blast playing in it, building snowmen, and sliding down the numerous hills around here. One person said they met all their neighbors out on the street playing in the snow. Any other time, they would all be at work or school and never see each other. Our cover is a typical picture of North Georgia during our snowy interlude. The hemlock trees look like decorated Christmas trees. This is our driveway, and the bottom of the fence shows just how deep the snow had drifted up against it. Every time there is ice, we pray this huge old hemlock can withstand the weight. 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
February 2011 Volume 7, Issue 9
Mind & Heart, page 10
Columns
6 Leibel on the Law
8 Shades of Scarlett
9 Common Cent$ Investing
10 Mind & Heart 11 Your Vision Source 12 Through a Woman’s Eyes 14 Reflections 15 Health Matters 16 To Your Health 17 Historic Forsyth 18 Comma Momma 22 Knowing Wine 22 Real Men Cook — Linda Lou’s Mandarin Orange Salad 23 Good Eating — The Winchester Woodfire Grill
A list of major distribution points in North Georgia can be found online at www.400edition.com. February 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
Choosing a Reverse Mortgage: Is a Fixed-Rate HECM Right for You? A
reverse mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners age 62 and over to convert their home equity into cash. And unlike other types of home equity-based loans, monthly mortgage payments are not required. Most reverse mortgages have adjustable interest rates that vary according to market conditions. But many consumers don’t realize that fixed-rate reverse mortgages are also available. With a fixed-rate reverse mortgage, you lock in an interest rate for the entire life of the loan— so you don’t have to worry that it may increase. This option may be preferable for borrowers who wish to receive their reverse mortgage loan proceeds in a lump sum, and want the certainty of a stable interest rate. Tony Cusumano, a reverse mortgage consultant with MetLife Bank, suggests that consumers consider a few important questions when choosing a reverse mortgage. “It’s important to ask yourself not only, ‘Do I need a reverse mortgage?’ but also ‘What are my particular needs, and which type of reverse mortgage best meets those needs?’” Explains Mr. Cusumano, “A fixed-rate reverse mortgage may be suited, for example, to older homeowners who would be more comfortable knowing that their interest rate will not change, and who also want to receive their proceeds as a lump sum, so they can immediately use the money to pay off any existing debts, make needed home improvements, or adapt their home to their current needs.” With all reverse mortgages, the borrowers continue to own their home, and can continue to live in it as long as they want. The loan doesn’t have to be repaid until they permanently leave or sell the home. However, they are still responsible for paying homeowner’s insurance and property taxes, and maintaining the home in reasonable condition.
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February 2011 • www.400edition.com
The vast majority of reverse mortgages—approximately 90%— are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs). These are the only reverse mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). All reverse mortgages include fees and closing costs, the amount of which varies by lender. MetLife Bank was the first national lender in the industry to announce the elimination of the origination and monthly servicing fees from its fixed-rate HECM, available in all 50 states. This pricing option reduces the cost to homeowners and enables them to receive additional loan proceeds. Notes Tony Cusumano, “MetLife Bank also offers the highest principal limit allowed in a fixed rate HECM reverse mortgage. And although you can choose from among several different payment options to receive your proceeds, by choosing to take the loan proceeds in a lump sum at closing, you can receive MetLife Bank’s lowest interest rate.” For consumers who may be considering a reverse mortgage, MetLife Bank offers free educational materials—including a comprehensive information kit and video—without obligation. For more information about a MetLife Bank Fixed-rate HECM or other reverse mortgage products, contact Tony Cusumano at 678-393-9588.
*Although there are no monthly mortgage payments, interest accrues on the portion of the loan amount disbursed. All loans are subject to property approval. Appraised property value may affect loan amount. Certain conditions and fees apply. Mortgage financing provided by MetLife Bank, N.A., Equal Housing Lender. © 2010 METLIFE, INC. R0410104282[exp0411][All States][DC]
Helping Heroes Home I
n response to a growing need to support military members returning from active duty, Cell Phones for Soldiers today announced an expansion of their services by offering free cell phones to all armed forces returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. To achieve this goal, the charity is calling on all Americans to donate their old phones to the cause. The free phones are drawn from those donated by individuals and corporations; to achieve this goal, an additional one million phones will need to be donated in 2011. Cell Phones for Soldiers would like to thank Veterans & Family Memorial Care Providers nationwide for their efforts. Dahlonega Funeral Home, the exclusive certified Veterans & Family Memorial Care Provider for Dahlonega, is one of over 800 family-owned funeral homes in 45 states that collected 2,578 phones this year; that translates into 154,680 FREE Calling Minutes for our heroes overseas. “We are well on our way to our One Million Minute goal for 2011,” said Lauren W. McDonald III, owner of Dahlonega Funeral Home. “With tens of thousands of our brave troops returning from active duty this year, the need to help them get back on their feet here at home has never been greater,”
said Brittany Bergquist, cofounder of Cell Phones for Soldiers. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this tremendous service to our brave men and women.” The Helping Heroes Home campaign relies on the donations of used phones. Qualifying phones are refurbished and given to requesting soldiers, along with a month of calling time. Other donated phones will be either recycled or used to fund the charity’s free callingcard program for troops overseas. Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by Brittany Bergquist and her brother Robbie in 2004. To date, they have provided more than 60,000,000 minutes of free calling cards, thanks to a national network of individual and corporate supporters donating phones and money. “There are more than 130 million phones retired every year in the United States,” said Robbie Bergquist. “If just 2% of all Americans were to donate their phones, we could supply every troop with a phone as a small measure of the gratitude of a nation.” To donate your old “retired” cell phone, bring or mail phones to Dahlonega Funeral Home, 20 Gibson Road., Dahlonega, GA 30533; 706-864-3683. To learn more about the program, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
Panera Bread Supports Breast Care at Northside Hospital
I
n October 2010, Panera Bread invited its customers to join them in the fight against breast cancer by purchasing Panera’s signature Pink Ribbon Bagels. More than 6,250 bagels were sold at Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Athens, Gainesville, John’s Creek (Duluth), Lawrenceville, Norcross, and Vinings, with a portion of the proceeds going to Northside Hospital’s Breast Care Program. Panera recently presented a check to Northside. “Northside Hospital is grateful for the support of local businesses like Panera Bread,” said Susan Casella, R.N., C., breast health coordinator, Northside Hospital. “This money will go directly to supporting our breast cancer patients and we look forward to partnering with Panera again in 2011.” The Panera Pink Ribbon Bagel follows the tradition of “thinking pink” in the quest to eradicate breast cancer disease. Shaped like a pink ribbon and baked fresh daily at Panera Bread bakery-cafes in October, the bagel features cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey, and brown sugar. For every bagel sold at the six Atlantaarea participating stores, ten cents
expertise to create a total approach to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. For more information, visit www.northside.com. For more information about Panera Bread and to find a location near you, visit www.panerabread.com.
was donated to Northside’s Breast Care Program to provide more education and support services to the hospital’s breast cancer patients. Throughout the country, Panera Bread contributes to a variety of breast cancer causes. “We are proud of our success with this year’s Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign,” said Marianne Harris, spokesperson for Panera. “We are extremely excited to far surpass that number next year with strategic planning prior to the kick-off.” Northside Hospital continues to be the leader in the fight against breast cancer, diagnosing and treating more cases than any other community hospital in the Southeast. The strength of Northside’s Breast Care Program is that it not only offers women compassionate psychological support, it also provides a multi-disciplinary team of dedicated, specially trained professionals who combine their
Pictured (l-r) Susan Casella, breast health coordinator, Northside Hospital; Mike Duffessy, district manager, Panera; Stephanie Figueroa, catering sales manager, Panera; Kelli Buchwald, community relations manager, Northside Hospital; Marianne Harris, Human Resources, Panera; Dimitri Erie, bakery market manager, Panera – Johns Creek; Frank Bishop, general manager, Panera – Johns Creek.
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
Yahoola Spring Powwow T
he Yahoola United Cherokee Museum and Cultural Education Center, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has set Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27, as the date of the first annual Yahoola Spring Powwow. The powwow is being held to help raise funds toward the construction of a world-class museum in Dahlonega. This historic event is being held atop Crown Mountain at Findley Ridge (behind the Shell station at 891 S Chestatee Street). Come take a tour of an authentic Cherokee home containing items typically in use prior to the 1800s; watch a dugout canoe being crafted. A Plains style encampment, including a tepee, will be constructed, to show the differences between the western and eastern tribes. Don’t want to just watch? Join in traditional primitive archery and tomahawk throw competitions. Test your skills while having fun. Jana Mashonee, Grammy nominee and seven-time Nammy winner, will be performing on Saturday at 3:00pm. Brothers of the Spirit Flutes will be playing Native American flute music on Saturday and Sunday. Wright Flight, a Dahlonega band, will be playing Native American music.
Have you ever eaten an “Indian taco”? You can try that and other foods from Buffalo Burgers, from Fry Bread to Italian Ice. Vendors will be selling Native American-style items. Have you ever seen Native American dancing? Throughout the afternoon you can see performances demonstrating various styles of dancing. Some dances you will be able to participate in. Kids will especially enjoy dancing, and building memories for years to come. For more information, visit www. yahoolacherokeemuseum.com or call 706-482-8353
400 Edition
Leibel on the Law Insurance by Steven K. Leibel
A
lthough we rejoice in the beauty of the winter snow, we should be mindful of the treacherous conditions that the snow often masks. The perils of ice and slippery ground surfaces often lay quietly beneath the snowy surface. Winter brings special hazards that often result in slips and falls, and auto accidents. In Georgia there is no requirement that an insurance company pay anyone any money, regardless of fault. It is up to the insurer to decide if and when they want to pay a claim. If an insurance company will not pay a claim, a person’s only redress is to file suit against the person who hit them. The insurance company will then defend the person accused of being at fault. The defendant in the lawsuit will not be the insurance company but the individual or company who caused the accident. As a personal injury attorney, I advise my clients to purchase adequate insurance coverage that can protect them and their loved ones if they suffer an automobile accident. In today’s world I advise people to buy medical payments coverage to pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault. Medical payments coverage protects those who ride in your car. It also covers medical bills for those in your family should they be riding in another person’s vehicle as well as your own. This valuable coverage is important because it pays for all medical bills (up to the defined policy limit) regardless of whether a person has health insurance or not. For those without health insurance it is a must. Medical pay oftentimes can avert a crisis, as it keeps medical bill collectors away. This coverage is also essential for those receiving Medicare or Medicaid, or those with employer self-funded health insurance plans. This is because those covered under those types of plans may have to reimburse the plan or the government for their coverage. Oftentimes medical pay coverage can be used to pay the government or employer pay plans back. This effectively allows you to settle your case without worry about how you are to pay them back. I also advise people to carry add-on underinsured/ uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage provides for an additional layer of protection for each covered person. This means that if you are involved in an automobile accident, add-on coverage adds an additional amount you can collect if the person who hits and injures you doesn’t have adequate coverage to compensate you for your injuries. This coverage normally extends to those riding in the car with you. I always recommend that your coverage should be equal to what you carry in case you hit someone. Many insurers offer disability coverage and or lost wages coverage. I know that in these times, people who get injured can’t afford to be off work. Thus if your insurer has lost wage protection, you should look into it. There is nothing worse than to be hurt, out of work, and poor. Adequate coverage can at least keep you afloat. February 2011 • www.400edition.com
As auto insurance is required for all owners of vehicles, people who are injured have some level of protection when involved in an accident. The same cannot be said of premises liability. When someone is injured on another’s property, the results can be devastating. Generally people who are injured on someone else’s property do not have any protections. Unless the landowner had purchased medical payments coverage for those injured, regardless of fault, most people cannot get any funds without the assistance of a lawyer. I advise people who have been injured on someone else’s property not to speak to the landowner’s insurance company without talking to an attorney first. This is because there are many ways that the insurance company can avoid payment to those injured on their insured property. Premises liability law is complicated. Because of the many perils out there, I advise my clients to purchase any employer-offered plan covering disability. Oftentimes employers provide a minimum level of disability and workers compensation, which can be supplemented by purchasing additional insurance. When a person is out of work without any other source of income, everything can be lost. Business owners should specifically include themselves under workers compensation. This coverage is extremely inexpensive in the context of being included in an existing plan, and provides essential medical coverage when injured on the job. Getting a qualified attorney to help you is an important safeguard of your rights. With complicated medical payback issues, an attorney’s help is necessary. Additionally, some insurance companies will attempt to trick you into settling your case by sending a letter and a check. If you cash the check without reading the language on the check, there will be issues about whether you settled your claim, no matter how badly you were hurt. An experienced lawyer can help guide you to a better conclusion than you are likely to reach by going it alone. 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.
Shades of Scarlett
by Joyce Jordan
“Roses
are red; grass is green; you’ve got a figure like a B-17!” It’s not exactly what every girl dreams of on Valentine’s Day, but I was thrilled because it came from a seventh-grade boy I had a crush on. That’s the sort of romantic silliness that went on when I was growing up. Valentine’s Day was not the commercial juggernaut it is today,
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but for children at least, it was big. When I was even younger, we would take Valentines up and down our street where our friends lived, and we would do it at night, accompanied usually by our mothers. The children ran up and put their Valentine on the front porch and then knocked on the door and hid in the bushes to enjoy the surprise. Sometimes, we would throw little pebbles, but you always ran the risk of hitting someone if they opened the door too soon. I don’t remember how we kept from running into each other while delivering, but we managed. In my time, I knew of no subdivisions. You lived in a neighborhood, or on a street where everyone visited each other on the porch in nice weather, the kids played up and down the street, and you could hear “Suppertime!” ring out from many houses in the evening. My mother was a good “hollerer.” Or she would whistle, even though she always told us, “Whistling girls and crowing hens always come to some bad end.” Let me tell you a love story, seeing that it’s Valentine time. I asked my mother how she came to marry Daddy. She said she knew this nice handsome young man who used to walk her home from church on Sunday nights. She really liked him and it seemed he felt the same about her. Well, my daddy would walk home a little way behind them, whistling all the way, to let Mama know he was there! This kept up until the other young man gave up. My parents were both working during the Great Depression, like so many, making enough to eke out a living. Mama injured a finger on a machine and was laid off. She was not devastated, because that’s not how she was; but she was very worried. Daddy came over to the house and told her he wanted to marry her and take care of her. They lived in the
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
same town— Buckhead— and had known each other; and she had, over time, changed her mind and heart about Daddy. So she consented, and the rest, as they say, is history. Daddy kept his word, and they added my baby sister and me to the family in a few years. He was a Christian man, strong, witty, loyal, loving, hardworking; but he wasn’t a flowers/candy/card kind of man. Not many men of that generation were. They didn’t just say “I love you;” they practiced it, every day. So it was with surprise and delight that I found a beautiful Valentine card tucked away in a box of things Mama had kept in her cedar chest. Daddy gave it to her for a hope chest when they were engaged. I was cleaning the cedar chest out before passing it on to my firstborn daughter, Shelley. I read the card, and the words written in Daddy’s perfect school-taught script. I had to read it through tear-filled eyes. In a frame in my doctor’s office are the words: “Love doesn’t make the world go round; it makes the ride worthwhile.” Happy Valentine’s Day; enjoy the ride!
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.
Common Cent$ Investing by Robin Grier
Will You Outlive your Money?
A
re you getting ready to retire? One of the biggest concerns for retirees is whether their retirement savings will last the rest of their lives—will they run out of money? Social Security is not the guaranteed source of retirement income it once was, and people generally don’t want to depend on public assistance or their children during their retirement years. Whether you might run out of money hinges upon several factors: how much money you’ve saved, how long you need your savings to last, and how quickly you spend your money, to name a few. You’ll be better off if you can tackle these issues before retirement by maximizing your retirement nest egg. But if you are entering retirement and you still have concerns about making your savings last, there are several steps you can take even at this late date. Here are some tips and ideas to help make sure you don’t outlive your money.
Make minor changes to your spending patterns. Minor
changes can make a difference. You’d be surprised how quickly your savings add up when you implement a written budget and make several small changes to your spending patterns. If you have only minor concerns about making your retirement savings last, small changes to your spending habits may be enough to correct this problem.
Manage IRA distributions carefully. If you’re trying to
stretch your savings, you’ll want to withdraw money from your IRA as slowly as possible. Not only will this conserve the principal balance, but it will also give your IRA funds the opportunity to continue growing tax deferred during your retirement years. However, bear in mind that you must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs (but not Roth IRAs) after age 70½.
Use caution when spending down your investment principal. Don’t assume you’ll be able to live on the earnings from your investment portfolio and your retirement account for the rest of
your life. At some point, you will probably have to start drawing on the principal. But you’ll want to be careful not to spend too much too soon. This can be a great temptation, particularly early in your retirement, because the tendency is to travel extensively and buy the things you couldn’t afford during your working years. A good guideline is to make sure you don’t spend more than five percent of your principal during the first five years of retirement. If you whittle away your principal too quickly, you won’t be able to earn enough on the remaining principal to carry you through the later years.
Do a regular portfolio review.
Your investment portfolio will likely be one of your major sources of retirement income. As such, it is important to make sure that your level of risk, your choice of investment vehicles, and your asset allocation are appropriate in view of your long-term objectives. While you don’t want to lose your investment principal, you also don’t want to lose out to inflation. A review of your investment portfolio is essential in determining whether your money will last.
Continue to invest for growth.
Traditional wisdom holds that retirees should value the safety of their principal above all else. For this reason, some people totally shift their investment portfolio to fixed-income investments, such as bonds and money market accounts, as they approach retirement. The problem with this approach is that it completely ignores the effects of inflation. You will actually lose money if the return on your investments does not keep up with inflation. The allocation of your portfolio should generally become progressively more conservative as you grow older, but it is wise to consider maintaining at least a portion of your portfolio in growth investments. If you have any questions, you may contact Robin or Kerry at 770-887-2772, or by email at rgrier@harborfs.com or kcapeheart@harborfs.com. You can also visit the website at www.robingrier.com February 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
Mars and Venus on Valentine’s Day
Mind and heart mind & heart
T
he month of February tends to be distinguished in our collective consciousness by fewer days, the birthdates of two presidential icons (Lincoln and Washington), the Super Bowl, and last but not least, Valentine’s Day. I was surprised to learn after doing a bit of research that Valentine’s Day, formally known as “Saint Valentine’s Day,” was first established in A.D. 500 by Pope Gelasius I to commemorate one or more of the early Christian martyrs named Valentine. Much later, in 1969, Pope Paul VI officially deleted it from the Roman calendar of saints, but its religious observance continued. It was during the High Middle Ages (a time of courtly love) that the day became associated with the notion of romantic love, originally within the circle of the famous English literary figure Geoffrey Chaucer. Since then, it has remained a day in which lovers express their affections for one another by exchanging cards, confections, and other gifts of the heart. Prior to the 19th century, virtually all Valentine’s Day cards or letters were handwritten, and other traditional heart-shaped gifts were also fashioned by hand. Obviously, this required that the giver (in those days, typically the male) actually invested some thought and creativity into the endeavor, thereby ensuring a more direct expression of his own true feelings for his paramour. The advent of mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards, most containing “canned,” generic Valentine’s sentiments (admittedly, some very well-written) have, in my opinion, created at least a partial disconnect between the card giver and his/her own ability
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to articulate deep, personal feelings. In effect, one only has to add simple closing lines like “Your loving husband, Bill” or “Love, always” to these cards to create the illusion that real, original sentiment has been exchanged. It seems that we have all become accustomed to this convenient diet of “Hallmark Moments” to commemorate many events, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Running parallel to the depersonalization of sentiment is the shameless commercialization of the holiday and the accompanying inflation of the requisite gift proportions, epitomized by Valentine’s Day TV commercials depicting men happily buying expensive jewelry for their girlfriends or wives (“He went to Jared’s!”, etc.). The social pressure to “keep pace” with one’s peers in the Valentine’s Day gift-giving arena can be daunting at times, yet many men tend to overestimate or misunderstand what women really want. As suggested above, already disconnected from the practice of verbally exchanging genuine, original sentiments of love, some men of today assume that a generic card and an expensive bauble will please their lover as much or more than a simpler, more original gift. As an example, many of my female patients have told me over the years that all they really wanted for Valentine’s Day from their partner was “a nice card with his real feelings in it; maybe some flowers along with it. The jewelry and the dinner out are nice, but they’re really secondary for me.” It seems that the Valentine’s Day mentality of women has not changed all that much February 2011 • www.400edition.com
Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D.
since Chaucer’s time of courtly love; but men, enabled by commercial depersonalization and rampant materialism, have somehow devolved away from being able to give their partners what is really meaningful to them on this day. My point here is not that there is anything inherently wrong with giving nice, even expensive, gifts on Valentine’s Day, but that it is important that such gifts be accompanied by the (preferably, written) expression of original, heartfelt feelings for one’s partner; that the expression of these loving feelings not be overshadowed by the magnitude of the gift. Whenever men mention Valentine’s Day to me in therapy, I encourage them to keep gifts simple, but make them personal…i.e., you don’t have to go to Jared’s. 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
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o you ever wonder how we see in color? Color vision is possible due to receptors in the retina in the back of the eye known as cones. Each cone has light sensitive pigments that let you see red, green, or blue light wavelengths. The pigment inside of the cones registers the different colors and sends the information to the brain through the optic nerve so that you may see the different shades of color. Color blindness, or color vision deficiency, is the decreased ability to distinguish certain shades of color. It is very rare to be completely color blind, a condition called achromatopsia. Most people with color deficiencies can see colors but have difficulties distinguishing between certain colors. The most common color deficiency is with reds and greens. This does not mean that individuals cannot see these colors at all, but that they have a harder time differentiating between them. They see these colors differently from the way most people see them, and may have trouble naming different hues. A less common color deficiency is with blue and yellow color vision. This causes problems with differentiating shades of blue and green. Both of these forms of color vision deficiency disrupt color perception, but they do not affect the sharpness of vision (visual acuity). Color vision deficiency is usually genetic and will affect both eyes. If it is due to an illness or an injury, it will usually affect just one eye. Specific diseases that can cause color deficits are diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic alcoholism. Medications, chemical exposure, and aging can all affect color vision. About 8% of Caucasian males are born with color deficiency, with women typically just carriers of the gene. Only about .5% of women have a color deficiency. It is possible to have a color vision defect and not know it. If you are born with a red-green deficiency, quite often you have learned to see the “right” color. For example, you refer to the color you see in tree
leaves as green. It may be different from the green that someone with no color deficiency sees, but you learn it as green. There is no cure for an inherited color deficiency. Greater awareness of the condition can help minimize any difficulties. If the color deficiency is from an injury or disease, then treating these conditions may improve color vision. A red tinted contact lens or special tinted eyeglasses can increase some people’s ability to distinguish colors; but it will not make them see color. Most with color vision deficiency compensate for their inability to see certain colors with other clues and details. For example, a driver may rely on the position of the lights on a traffic signal instead of on the actual colors. A color vision deficiency can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that will include testing with pseudoisochromatic plates. These plates are specially designed pictures composed of colored dots forming hidden numbers that can only be seen by people with normal color vision. Early detection of color deficiency in children is critical, because many learning materials rely upon color perception. Remember to have your eyes checked yearly to look for any color vision problems, as well as any other eye diseases. Dr. Nations practices at Cherokee Eye Group at 591 East Main Street in Canton and at Dawson Eye Group at 5983 Highway 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.
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
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Through a Woman’s Eyes
by Martha Hynson
Doable or Destructive She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27
“I ’m
so tired!” “I wish I could have just one more hour in my day.” “I need to go home and clean my house, but I have to do some shopping after work. I get stressed just thinking about it!” These comments were made to me in conversations with other women in one single, ordinary day. Watching over the affairs of a household is not for the faint of heart. The woman described in Proverbs 31 knew that. She was a hard worker. She was also kind, generous, and loving, which makes me think she knew something else that 21st century women desperately need to know— the difference between “doable hard” and “destructive hard.” Watching over the affairs of my household is “doable hard.” It takes lots of planning, hard work, patience, and flexibility, and sometimes I may need outside help, but I can do it. It’s when I slip from watching over the affairs of my household to trying to control them that I move into the “destructive zone.” Proverbs 14:1 says, “A wise woman builds her house but a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.” Ironically, when I spend time trying to control something that is actually out of my control, I don’t have time to accomplish what I truly need to do. I end up becoming frazzled and impatient and lose control of the very thing I should be controlling—myself! I’ve had loads of opportunities throughout my life to learn this lesson—often the hard way—but one experience in particular helps
remind me of this truth. After years of being a stay-at-home mom, I graduated from college and landed exactly the job I wanted, teaching first grade at our neighborhood school. As the year progressed, there were rumors that, due to budget cuts, some teachers would be moved to other schools or possibly lose their jobs. This would be based on seniority, so I would be one of the first impacted. Although the possibility of losing my job was stressful, getting through my first year of teaching was so overwhelming that I had little time to devote to worrying over the situation. Before I could think about what might happen the following year, I had to get through that year! So, it was as much a matter of survival as a conscious decision that kept me from being drawn into the gossip and speculation that was going on over how things might unfold. At one point, our principal asked if I was aware that another teacher had said some negative things about me in an effort to promote herself and keep her job. When I answered that I had no idea this was happening, she replied that it was by the grace of God that I didn’t know, and left it at that. She couldn’t have been more right. God gave me the grace to realize that, if I focused on the “what ifs,” I would not have the energy to handle my legitimate responsibilities. It was by His grace that, when another friend, also a first-year teacher, called to vent her frustration, I was able to remind her that God was in control. When she told me how she had been calling
around trying to make sure she would have a job for the next year, I remember thinking that maybe I should be doing the same, but responsibilities at home and at school filled my days, so I just continued to trust God to work it out. In March, I learned my job had been cut, but in May I was offered a first grade position at a school just ten minutes from home. I settled into my new school and another busy year. One spring day, the assistant principal dropped by my room and told me that a second grade position at my previous school would be available the following year, and I had the option of returning there. After some thought and prayer, I decided to stay put. That evening, my principal called and told me that enrollment at my present school was down. If they lost a teacher, it would be me since I was the last hired. I thanked her and promptly accepted the second grade position at my old school. By the time summer rolled around, however, things had changed and the opening was actually in first grade. I was right back where I had started! In 2011, I hope I can remember the lesson I learned that year—if I focus on the “doable,” God will wonderfully handle the rest. Martha Hynson is a wife, mom, teacher, and freelance writer from Watkinsville, Georgia. Check out her blog at marthahynson.blogspot.com.
Arbor Day Student Art & Essay Contest Winners
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he Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee and the Georgia Forestry Service has announced the winners of the 2011 Arbor Day Student Art and Essay Contest. Over 25 works of art and 15 essays were entered by 3rd and 5th grade elementary students from 10 schools in Gainesville-Hall County, along with home schoolers.
Essay contest for fifth graders
Topic: “What role should trees play in meeting our country’s energy needs?” First Place: Chalet Watkins, Friendship Elementary (teacher: Annette Taylor)
Art contest for third graders
Topic: “Trees, the Perfect Renewable Resource!” First place: Joshua Castillo, McEver Elementary (teacher: Kristi Copous) Runners-up: Alivia Farley, Lula Elementary (teacher: Larrece Groover) and Eduardo Gutierrez, Myers Elementary (teacher: Parris Halley)
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Runners-up: Brooklyn Wilson, Lula Elementary (teacher: Vicki Savage) and Lindsey Grater, Lanier Elementary (teacher: Marilyn Hamblen) The Annual Arbor Day Celebration is February 18 at 10:00am at the new Gainesville Public Service Complex. Open to the public, the event is sponsored by the Hall County Master Gardeners, Full Bloom Nursery, Keep Hall Beautiful, Premier Georgia Printing, and Georgia Power Company. Festivities include student contest recognition and a joint city/ county proclamation with Tree City USA recognition. Winning Arbor Day art by Joshua Castillo of McEver Elementary
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
American Heart Month by Allison Dupont, M.D.
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ebruary is definitely a month in which you begin to see quite a few red hearts. Valentine’s Day is not the only reason; February is American Heart Month. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation’s number one killer. To urge Americans to join the fight against these diseases, the Congress issued a joint resolution in 1963 requesting that the president annually declare February “American Heart Month.” The main goal of American Heart Month is to focus on the most common, preventable forms of cardiovascular disease, predominantly coronary artery disease (CAD)—the blockages or disease of the blood vessels that lead to the heart. Unfortunately, coronary artery disease causes some, if not most, of these vital arteries to become blocked with plaque, leading to a heart attack and possibly death. Various types of heart disease are congenital, or present at birth (thus being less avoidable); but
coronary artery disease is the result of plaque buildup in vital blood vessels. Certain factors can cause the disease to be acquired or developed, or can worsen an already existing condition. ♥ Having high blood pressure ♥ A family history of heart
disease
♥ Having diabetes ♥ Being overweight ♥ Being physically inactive ♥ Having high cholesterol ♥ Age (55+/ low estrogen levels) ♥ Smoking ♥ Ethnicity: being African-
American or Hispanic
If you don’t know which of these risk factors affect you, see your doctor and have a discussion about your heart health. Your valentine will thank you, too. So put down that heart-shaped box of chocolates and go for a walk. And have a heart—tell someone you love about American Heart Month.
Special Exhibition Of White County Pottery
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he Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia opened for its 2011 season on Tuesday, January 18, with a special exhibition of three items of early White County pottery. The exhibition joins the permanent displays on the making and use of folk pottery, and a collection of more than 150 pieces representing a 200-year heritage of folk pottery, along with a temporary exhibition of Arie Meaders decorative folk pottery of the mid-20th century. “One of the items, dated 1843, will be a permanent donation to our collection and will become the oldest artifact of folk pottery in the museum collection,” said Museum Director Chris Brooks. “The pickle jar is attributed to Clemonds Chandler of Mossy Creek, and with the 1843 date, includes initials said to be those of his brother-in-law Samuel P. Densmore. Mamie Gettys Atkinson, originally from White County and a descendant of the Chandler-Densmore families, has donated the jar to the museum. The jar has an ash version of alkaline
glaze known to later Meaders potters as ‘Shanghai’ glaze, suggesting a memory of Asian inspiration.” Jerry Satterfield of White County has loaned the museum a miniature jug attributed to Craven family potters, dated August 1862. On loan from Mildred Knight is a stoneware, alkaline-glazed inkwell, estimated to be mid-19th century. “It is unusual to find a miniature jug or inkwell from this period,” comments Brooks, “as almost all folk pottery of that time would have been utilitarian ware, necessary for household use.” The Folk Pottery Museum is located on Georgia Highway 255, ¼ mile from the intersection with Georgia Highway 17, approximately four miles southeast of Alpine Helen. Operating hours are MondaySaturday, 10:00am to 5pm; Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00pm. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children. For further information, visit www.folkpotterymuseum.com or telephone 706-878-3300. February 2011 • www.400edition.com
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by Bob Merritt Life is a mirror. We look forward, that’s the future. We look back, remember and learn—that’s a reflection.
Where Is The First Baptist Church Of Dawsonville?
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t one of our recent Men’s Prayer Breakfasts, our pastor, Jim Gaines, had the program. He told us he had done a survey to find out how many people knew where the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville was located. In a Dawsonville grocery store, he approached twenty people who were strangers to him, and to his surprise (as well as ours), only eleven out of twenty knew for sure where it was. One made a good guess, while another said, “I think it’s that big rich church on Highway 9.” These are not good survey results for a church like ours; but I am not too surprised. As big as our church is—600 members—our outreach in this geographical area is lacking. We have a few, and very few, who participate in visitation night on Tuesdays. I am guilty myself, so I take this opportunity to commit myself to this opportunity. It is easy for newcomers to fall through the cracks and get lost if no one approaches them. It is almost as if God is saying, “You can move but I won’t let you hide” when a church member shows up on your doorstep. Hopefully this article will stir many
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of our members to join those who are actively working in our visitation program. I also hope that if you have been missed before, you will accept this as a personal invitation to visit us. If you are a newcomer, or a resident of one of the surrounding counties, we hope you will visit us, or search out a church in your neighborhood. Churches are full of well-intentioned members who know what they should be doing but find being lazy just too easy. That is what has happened in our church. The pastor reminds us about the visitation need and we always see the visitation packets on the table ready to go—and I am sure that the same people are taking care of it all. The world we live in today dictates that we wake up and get our priorities straight in order to preserve a legacy and future for our kids, our grandchildren, and beyond. I don’t have to remind you about the danger our country, churches, and families are in. We have had it good, and so should the generations to come. This is the challenge we at the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville pledge ourselves to, so expect a visit from us. Soon, I hope, but we will be there. Do your family a favor and check us out. There are other churches in the area, and I am sure there
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
is one of your denomination or faith. They are looking for you. Our family lives in Dahlonega; but we travel to Dawsonville to worship with the friends who are like family. We checked out many Baptist churches in Gainesville, Murrayville, Dahlonega, and Cumming; but for me and my family, the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville said, “You are home” and that is where we’ll stay. Dawson County is blessed with churches of all denominations, so I am confident you will find one; my prayer is that you will find your place to worship and build your family’s faith. At our church we offer the same programs and worship opportunities as the other churches, and we are not saying that we are better than any other Christian church, because we are not. We have set out to win souls for Christ and share our faith with others by thought, word, and deed. Our church offers many programs that will strengthen your life as you share the joy of living with likeminded people. Aside from our Sunday morning services that begin at 11:00am and end at 12:00pm, we have Bible study in Sunday School classes taught by teachers from our membership. We have a choir that is second to none. We take pride in our young people, from infant to college student, and have training classes for all. The volunteer training comes from people just like you and me, and I stand in awe of the dedication of the volunteers who lead the youth through their spiritual journey. We are a very active church, so I know we will rise to the challenge God and Dawson County have offered us. I tell you all this to let you know we are a church on the move. If you just want to come and sit during some good preaching, that’s fine; I just want to let you know we have other things for you. If you are talented in leadership, following, teaching, or singing, you are needed. You may be like me, with limited talents; but I always find a way to use them. Don’t get me wrong, I slack off too. I find things I had rather do; but I am led to do what I can, when I can. I join a lot of good men who mow yards or do carpentry, plumbing, moving, and other things that are asked of us. And our women! What would we do without them? They cook, teach, and support all the church activities and the men beside them. What this all boils down to is a plea for a visit from you and your family. We are a friendly, loving family that is only missing one thing, and that is YOU. I pray we’ll see you there. See www.firstbaptistdawsonville.com for listings of all church services; for more information call 706-265-2612. First Baptist Church of Dawsonville is located at 900 Highway 9 North. From GA400, take Highway 53 West toward Dawsonville. Turn right at the second light onto Perimeter Road. Turn right onto Highway 9; the church will be on your right.
Health Matters: Speaking from the Heart by John P. Vansant, MD, FACC
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“ For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This verse from Proverbs 23:7 places remarkable emphasis and power on how our “thought life” serves to guide our actions, reactions, and activities. Can one’s thoughts and attitudes play a major role in an individual’s physical health and wellbeing? Can our psychosocial circumstances prevent or create disease and illness? When we speak of psychosocial conditions (characteristics) we are referring to one’s individual life circumstances, including factors such as stressful events, anxiety, anger, interfamily conflict, death of loved ones, depression, and, most notably, feelings of social isolation. In previous articles, we discussed and explored the topic of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), the commonly associated risk factors, how we may effectively alter or even prevent CAD, and how specific treatments may lead to better outcomes and a decrease in severe adverse events (heart attack or death). It is clinically proven that by preventing or controlling factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, obesity, and avoidance of smoking will potentially decrease one’s probability of having CAD or having an adverse outcome if CAD is present. With that said, is there a Paul Harvey moment here regarding “…the rest of the story…”? Much data has accumulated in the attempt to correlate psychosocial circumstances with the occurrence of and individual response to various medical illnesses, including cancer, rheumatic disease, and, more recently, cardiovascular disease. Such data has brought forth several realizations. Psychosocial factors of profound stress not only cause acute cardiac events but may actually contribute to the development of atherosclerosis leading to the presence of CAD. The association of psychosocial factors and CAD is especially prominent in individuals at high risk for the development of CAD. A large group of such patients was evaluated in the Family Heart Study. It demonstrated that a high degree of social support reduced the chances of a heart attack in women who were already at high risk for adverse events to occur. Similarly, cardiovascular events were studied in a large group of middle-aged widowers. A 40% increase in the mortality rate in the first 6 months following bereavement
was observed; more than 50% of the deaths were attributed to cardiovascular causes. Many studies support the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease. Depression is associated with increased death from cardiovascular events in patients who already have known CAD. Not only is the mere presence of depression harmful; its severity is also clinically important. Major depression develops in 20% of patients after a heart attack. It is well defined that depression and other psychosocial stress factors are related to a poor prognosis among patients recovering from an acute heart attack. Additionally, high levels of social support decreased the death rate of depressed patients who suffered from a heart attack. It has become common practice in cardiac rehabilitation programs to emphasize social support activities to improve symptoms and provide for improved clinical outcomes. The mechanism(s) and the pathophysiology of how psychosocial situations actually affect a positive or negative health result is complex and still undergoing extensive evaluation. Although much of the current data is still speculative, the facts are indisputable. What we feel and think about ourselves, our emotional conditions, and associated spiritual beliefs may well define our risk, prevention, and outcome regarding CAD, beyond and in addition to the standard measurable predictors we have so long acknowledged. 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.
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
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NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
To Your Health
Chronic Back Pain: Relief and Prevention by John J. Moss, M.D., medical director, Northside Hospital Spine Center
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hronic back pain affects more than one in five people and is most common in middle-aged and older adults. Whether due to a new, isolated injury, or a persistent problem, don’t let the pain get the best of you. Even as persistent as chronic back pain is, you can lessen its effects by making smart lifestyle changes:
• Practice good posture. Proper posture is one of the first lines of defense against back pain. Keep your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet aligned. When sitting, preserve the curve in your lower back by tucking a rolled towel behind you. Get up at least once an hour to stretch. • Use your legs, not your back, to lift heavy objects. Place one foot slightly ahead of the other, bend your knees, tighten your stomach muscles, pick up the load and lift, keeping your back straight and the object close to your body. Do this whenever you scoop something up, whether it’s the dog’s dish, the bath mat, or a grocery bag. • Make your move. Regular exercise can help speed recovery for many patients with chronic back pain. It helps reduce stress, and increases flexibility and strength in the muscles that support your back. • Stretch often. Stretching and strengthening the muscles that support your legs, back, and abdomen is a sound way to prevent back pain. Consider any type of physical activity in which you participate as an athletic event. Take at least 15 minutes to warm up/stretch before getting started. • Tune out tension. Fight back pain with quiet, calm, relaxing music. A recent study found that people with herniated disks significantly reduced their low back pain by listening to music and doing relaxation exercises every day. • Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds can put added strain on your back. Lose that weight through healthy diet and exercise. • Wear sensible shoes. Alternate between flats and two-inch heels. Wear well-fitting athletic shoes during your leisure time.
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February 2011 • www.400edition.com
• Lighten your load. If you carry a heavy (more than five pounds) shoulder bag or purse, consider getting rid of unnecessary items. Switch shoulders often or use a rolling cart. • Rise and shine. You’ll probably spend at least one-third of your life in bed, so you need a mattress firm enough to support your back. If you have to put a board underneath it for support—or if your back hurts when you wake up—it’s probably time to get a new mattress. Don’t just pop right up when getting out of bed. Instead, roll onto your side, bend both knees and drop your feet over the side as you push up with both arms to a sitting position. Scoot to the edge of the bed and stand. • Sleep on your side with a pillow tucked between your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and, if you must sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to keep your back in a more natural position. • Talk to your doctor about other options for back pain management. Remember, chronic back pain doesn’t have to control you – you can control it. Back pain relief is available. The Northside Hospital Spine Center, in Forsyth and Atlanta, makes evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of neck and back pain as easy as possible. No physician referral is needed. For more information, call 404-459-1809 or visit www.northside.com/spinecenter. Check out www.northside.com/ Healthcast and watch spine and back specialists discuss the latest treatments.
Historic Forsyth I
most likely in the same household with her youngest n northwestern Forsyth County, most people daughter, Nancy Warner Jones, and her son-in-law, are familiar with Poole’s Mill Bridge that sits on Dugald Monroe. (1840 US Federal Census, Warkers Settingdown Creek. Years ago, people could drive Township, Forsyth County, Georgia) across the bridge and would frequent the creek for a Further evidence tied these families together. In swim during the warm summer months. Today, the Mary Bondurant Warren’s book entitled Whites Among old covered bridge has the distinction of being on the the Cherokees, George Welch listed Benjamin Jones National Register of Historic Places, and the good in his employment, as required by government officials. fortune to be a part of Forsyth County Parks and In the 1830 US Federal Census of Gwinnett County, Recreation. When visiting Poole’s Mill Park, a person Benjamin Jones and Frank Jones were living next door cannot help but be intrigued by the timelessness of to George Welch. On December 20, 1828, the state the bridge and its surroundings. The county park of Georgia had extended its boundaries to take the is nestled in a wooded area with few man-made Cherokee Nation into the counties of Carroll, DeKalb, structures. The short walk from the parking lot to the Gwinnett, Hall, and Habersham. Cherokee County bridge is scenic and can be breathtaking in the spring was formed from these extensions in 1831, and one when the dogwoods are in bloom. Upon approaching year later, ten counties were carved out of Cherokee. the bridge’s entrance, the visitor will find a historical Forsyth County was created as a result of that division marker with a brief history of the site. The inscription of Cherokee County in 1832. The Jones and Welch reads: “Cherokee Chief George Welch constructed families were probably living on land in 1830 that a grist mill here on his extensive home place c. 1820. would later become a part of Forsyth County. Of An uncovered bridge was later added. With the 1838 course, more research is needed to further document removal of the Cherokees, the land was sold to Jacob the relationships between the Scudder, Jones, and Scudder. Dr. M. L. Pool purchased it from Scudder’s Welch families. family in 1880. Abandoned in 1947, the mill burned George Washington Welch was the son of David in 1959. The original bridge washed away in 1899 Welch and Elizabeth McSwain, and was replaced with the present 96-foot a mixed blood Cherokee structure in 1901. Constructed in the Town George W. Welch’s Grist Mill who descended through the lattice design by Bud Gentry, the bridge’s Downing family. He and his web of planks crisscrossing at 45- to 60wife, Margaret, had seven degree angles is fastened with wood pegs, children: David, Lemuel or trunnels, at each intersection.” Bruton, Sidney Elizabeth, Through research, historians have Diana, Margaret Ann, George been able to document a relationship W. Jr., and Rosannah. George between Jacob Scudder and George was a miller and a merchant Welch. On May 7, 1812, Jacob Scudder who operated a stand (store) (1788-1870) married Diana Jones (1795on the Old Federal Road. At 1867), in Jackson County, Georgia. By this time, there was great 1814, Jacob had moved to the Cherokee tension and division among Nation with his young family. He became the Cherokee people. A vast a prosperous merchant and registered majority were in favor of Indian Trader in the Cherokee Nation. remaining in their homelands Around 1819, George W. Welch (1798east of the Mississippi River. 1840) married Margaret Jones (1804In the early 1830s, George aligned himself with a 1851). Margaret and Diana were the daughters of Treaty Party of Cherokee. Twenty-one members of this John Warner Jones (1764-1820) and Mary Polly Tullos minority were persuaded by federal agents to sign the (1765-1840). Other known children of John and Polly New Echota Treaty on December 29, 1835, that would are Benjamin (1801-1849), Lemuel (1802-1858), and sell the land to the United States government. George Nancy Warner (1808-1880). Welch was one of twenty Cherokees who travelled John and Polly had married in Fauquier County, to Washington, D.C., and signed the amended New Virginia, on September 28, 1788, and migrated to Echota Treaty on March 1, 1836. The treaty was Georgia. John was recorded on the 1809 Tax List for ratified on May 23, 1836. Jackson County, Georgia. In 1835, Polly was a widow A series of tragic events followed the ratification living in Jones District of Hall County, where she drew of this treaty. As reported in Don L. Shadburn’s a lot in the Cherokee Land Lottery. By 1840, she was
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
by Myra Reidy
Unhallowed Intrusion, George Welch in 1836 wrote in a letter to fellow Cherokee William Rogers that his house had been waylaid by the Indians, who were seeking an opportunity to kill him. On June 15, 1836, George Welch was dispossessed of his grist mill, which stood near the location of Poole’s Mill Bridge. He and his family moved to Land Lot 469-3-2 in Cherokee County, which was shared with his mother, Elizabeth Welch, and Rising Fawn. In September of 1836, George Welch, along with a handful of Cherokee, signed a federal petition that registered them for citizenship under the provisions of the New Echota Treaty and voluntarily relinquished all of their claims and interests in and to the lands lying east of the Mississippi River. George’s last known record before his death was found in a merchant’s ledger from Lewis Blackburn’s store dated from 1838-39. He was said to have died on March 20, 1840, and was buried near the Ophir Post Office. One story stated that he died in a logging accident. However, a person can only wonder if he was assassinated for his alignment with the Treaty Party and participation in the ratification of the New Echota Treaty. On August 21, 1844, Margaret Jones Welch remarried John Conner in Cherokee County. Conner was appointed guardian of Margaret Ann and Rosannah Welch. Margaret Jones Welch died in 1851. Her children remained in Cherokee County, Georgia, for many years. In the 1850s, David Welch, his wife, Harriett Elizabeth Smithwick, and their children (George W., Sarah Elizabeth, and Richard Wilis) left Georgia for Indian Territory. David, Harriett, and two of their children died in Little Rock, Arkansas, in a cholera epidemic. Only their oldest son, George W., survived, and was adopted by Nathaniel Ring, a coroner in Little Rock, Arkansas. By the mid-1880s, Lemuel Bruton, Sidney Elizabeth, Diana, Margaret Ann, George W. Jr., and Rosannah had migrated with their families to the Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory that was later to become Oklahoma. The Welch, Scudder, and Jones families were early settlers of Forsyth County, Georgia. Their histories, like so many of the pioneers of this county, should be retold for future preservation. The Forsyth County Heritage Book is a place where such family histories can be preserved. The Historical Society of Forsyth County has extended its deadline for article submissions and orders for the heritage book to January 31. Do not miss this opportunity to record Forsyth County’s heritage and history. Myra Reidy is a volunteer for the Historical Society of Forsyth County and the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears. Contact information: myrareidy@live.com
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Comma Momma L
istening to an audio book recently, I was forcibly reminded of the pronunciation pitfalls of our language. The reader, a volunteer like all the readers for the particular site I visit, was not a native speaker of English, and spoke with a heavy accent. In the course of just a few chapters of the nineteenthcentury mystery I was listening to, she encountered a number of common English words whose pronunciations depend entirely on how they’re used. For example, when the text said something like “I will record the events here,” the reader pronounced record as RECKerd—the correct pronunciation when record, the noun, is intended (“for the record, your honor”), but incorrect when it’s record, the verb, in which case it would be ruh-CORD. In “Allow me to present…” the reader pronounced present as PREZ-unt; again, this is the pronunciation of the noun (as in “birthday present”) but not the verb (pruh-ZENT). After the first couple of instances, I started listening for
others, and was astounded by how many words of this sort appeared in the book. Attribute ATT-ruh-byoot or uh-TRIB-yut Conduct KAHN-duct or kun-DUCT Refuse REFF-yooce or ruh-FYOOZ Protest PRO-test or pruh-TEST Progress PRAHG-ress or pruh-GRESS One of the words represented an adjective/verb confusion, rather than noun/verb, but the problem was the same: Perfect PURR-fect or per-FECT Native speakers unconsciously absorb many things about their language as they grow up in it, including when to pay attention to how a word is used—its context. Non-native speakers without a lifetime in the language are at a distinct disadvantage. Another place this disadvantage shows up is in text-to-speech computer programs. In order to get it right,
Context, Context, Context by Nancy Wright the computerized voice would have to have the same sensitivity to context that native speakers have; that would take some serious programming. English is full of words like this, words with identical spellings but with different meanings and pronunciations depending upon usage. Look at the word produce. It’s pruh-DOOCE when it’s used as a verb, but it’s PRO-dooce for the fresh fruits and vegetables you buy at the grocery store. And desert: It’s pronounced duh-ZERT when it’s used as a verb (“Did he actually desert his family?”), but DEZ-urt for a hot dry place. You can probably come up with other examples. Difficulties with context are not limited to non-native speakers. Sometimes even native speakers get it wrong. Many years ago, in another state, a friend of mine was volunteering in a classroom the day the teacher was reading to the children from the classic children’s book Heidi. There were numerous references in the story to “the lead goat.” But the teacher didn’t pronounce lead to
rhyme with bead; she pronounced it to rhyme with head. Say “lead goat” aloud a few times using that incorrect pronunciation, and it will not be difficult to conjure up the mental image: a life-sized goat made of lead, like some outsized Monopoly token. My friend was naturally appalled, and tried desperately to think of some way of communicating the correct pronunciation (and thus the correct meaning) to the children while at the same time not offending the teacher. When it was my friend’s turn to interact with the children about the book, she succeeded in her first objective. But the second—well, that turned out to be rather messy. 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.
A New Year, A New Bookstore
I
n this age of Kindles and other e-readers, it is nice to see a local bookstore flourish. Cover To Cover Used Books, located in Dawsonville at GA400 and Grant Road, celebrated at the end of January with a re-opening of its newly expanded store. Thanks to great customers and increasing local support, Cover To Cover decided to enlarge its store space. In addition to the wide selection of used books, the store now offers an Artisan Gallery that provides local artists and crafters (in a variety of mediums) a place to display their wares. Cover To Cover features a large selection of quality pre-read books at a discount and encourages customers to bring in their gently used books for an additional discount. In today’s economy, with big business struggling, it is not easy for our smaller independent businesses to survive.
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Patricia Moyer, owner of Cover To Cover, attributes the expansion and success of the store to the overwhelming support of her customers, the Dawson Chamber of Commerce, and the owner and manager of Trend Storage.
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
She says, “We at Cover To Cover view our clients as family and not merely customers; we strive to create a friendly and warm environment for everyone to enjoy. A majority of our customers have been with us since we opened our doors in August of 2009 and they continue to be our greatest allies in wanting us to succeed. I do not like the term ‘independent’ because it implies the ability to succeed alone. I prefer to say ‘privately owned, community backed,’ because without their help and support, we would not be here. Dawson County is a great community and we are proud to be a part of it.” Sharon (the manager), Mandy (assistant manager), and Patricia would like to personally invite everyone to stop by and say hello. They are always happy to help new and repeat customers feel welcome.
Events, 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.
February 1 – National Freedom Day February 2 – Groundhog Day February 3 – Chinese New Year February 6 – Super Bowl February 8 – Boy Scout Day February 14 – Valentine’s Day February 18 – Arbor Day February 21 – Presidents Day
Alpharetta
The Michael O’Neal Singers – “GLORIA: Expressions of Joy”
February 13, 3:00pm. Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street; $10 general admission. February 15, 7:30pm. Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road NW, Atlanta; $10 general admission. The Michael O’Neal Chamber Singers have emerged as one of the Southeast’s finest vocal ensembles with their choral variety and polished presentation. Performing sacred and secular selections, the 24-member group appears on concert series and for corporate, civic, and private events. For more information: 770-594-7974 or www.mosingers.com.
Youth Fishing Derby
March 12, 8:00 to11:00am. Brookside Office Park Lake, 3625 Brookside Parkway. Children ages 4-12 are invited to test their fishing skills at this annual event. Bring fishing gear and bait.
Canton
based on age. For more information and an entry application: www.sawneeart. org/Cornerstone.html.
February 19, 8:15am to 4:00pm; registration opens7:45am. Old Cherokee Court House, 100 North Street. Potential beekeepers, gardeners, and families learn beginning beekeeping skills. Preregistration $35 ($40 at door). Lunch and handouts provided, club membership included. Door prizes and raffle. Registration form online: www.cherokeebeeclub. com or www.ugaextension.com/ cherokee. For more information: BJ Weeks, 770-735-3263, or UGA Ext. Office 770-479-0418.
Valentine Race
Cherokee Beekeepers Club Annual Bee School
Cumming
Register early since space is limited. Adults must accompany children. The City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department sponsors this event. For more information: 678-297-0102 or tollfree 800-294-0923.
Blairsville
Glenda Gooch House Benefit
February 18. First Baptist Church. UGA Coach Mark Richt is the featured speaker, with all proceeds of ticket sales going to The Glenda Gooch House. Tickets are available at eight locations of United Community Bank. The Glenda Gooch House is a hospitality house that offers a home away from home for families of patients in Union General Hospital or local nursing homes. There is no charge to the family. The facility has been in operation for two years, and to date has had 135 families as guests. For more information: www.theglendagoochhouse.org.
“Dearly Beloved”
February 3 through 27. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 8:00pm; Sunday matinee 3:00pm. Cumming Playhouse. The Gypsy Theatre Company, which has brought you such favorites as “Steel Magnolias,” “The Odd Couple,” “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Graduate,” is very pleased to be presenting its next production, “Dearly Beloved.” Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion, this knee-slapping show will leave you chuckling all the way home. For more information: 770-781-9178 or www. playhousecumming.com.
February 14, 8:30am. Cumming Town Center. Individuals, couples, or duos—we’ve got a race for you. Celebrate Valentine’s or just come out and celebrate. We have the 5K and 10K singles, the 5K and 10K couples or duos, and the 10K two-person relay (each person runs 5K). All racers will start and finish at Cumming Town Center. The course is a 5K out/back, so 10K runners will do it twice. Race starts at 8:30am. All preregistered athletes are guaranteed a race T-shirt. For more information: www.fivestarntp.com, or Lowell Starr, 770-633-5511.
The Joy of Connecting
February 15, 7:00pm to 9:30pm at The Columns at Pilgrim Mill. The Joy of Connecting is a relaxed dinner/ networking gathering for women business owners, entrepreneurs, other professionals that are seriously
Second Annual Private School and Home School Art Show
February 12, 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Cornerstone Schools, 4888 Browns Bridge Road. Sponsored by Sawnee Artists Association and Cornerstone Schools. This year’s theme is “Dream in Color.” Open to students ages 5 through 15. Entries must be submitted by February 7. Judging categories are
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Events, interested in strengthening and growing their business. All participants receive the opportunity to present their business and receive an attendance roster. No membership requirements. Reservations and pre-payment required. Contact Annette at Annette@ PaintedLadyEnterprises.com or visit our website at www.TheJoyofConnectingCummingGA.com. For more information, contact Annette Walden Mason at 770-887-6792.
Creekside MOPS Spring Consignment Sale
February 25-26, 9:00am to 1:00pm. Creekside United Methodist Church. Semi-annual consignment sale. Thousands of great bargains on children’s clothing, maternity clothing, baby furniture, baby equipment, toys, and much more. Many items half-off on Saturday. Private preview sale on Thursday, February 24, from 8:00pm-9:00pm; anyone is welcome to attend the preview sale with a $5 donation. Still accepting consignors for this high-traffic sale. If you are interested in being a consignor, visit www.creekside.net. Consignors are not required to work the sale, and since we use My Consignment Manager, you can easily transfer your items to and from our sale without reprinting your tags (in most cases). For more information: Creekside MOPS, 770888-8449, MOPS@creekside.net, or www.creekside.net.
Dahlonega
Arsenic and Old Lace
February 3 through 6 and February10 through 13. Holly Theater, 69 West Main Street. This farcical black comedy revolves around Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, NY, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. Tickets $15. For more information: info@ hollytheater.com or 706-864-3759.
A Russo & Noe Valentine
February 14, 7:00pm. Holly Theatre, 69 West Main Street. An evening of the best and most romantic music of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s written by such greats as Cole Porter, Sammie Kahn, and Johnny Mercer. Perennial Georgia favorites Russo and Noe will bring their Rat Pack-ish stylings to the stage of the Holly for one night only. Bring your sweetie and snuggle to some of the best music ever written and performed. Tickets: $12. For more
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February 2011 • www.400edition.com
information: info@hollytheater.com or 706-864-3759.
HomeGrown Revival
February 19, 8:00pm, Holly Theatre. Progressive Folk String Band: Original music with mountain roots. Seth Livengood plays and sings with an impassioned honesty; Taylor Hadaway, on doghouse bass with hands and bow. Jason Kenney is a musician’s musician. His “smokin’ hot” strings are so set-free. Lara Polangco-Kenney is an inspired singer whose voice is both angelic and powerful. Visit www.reverbnation. com\homegrownrevival to listen to their music. Tickets: $12 adult, $6.50 children 12 and under.
Dawsonville
Musical Jam
Friday nights from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Senior Center at Veterans Memorial Park. Hosted by the Dawson County Senior Center. Everyone is invited to bring an instrument and play, sing along, or just watch and listen. Beginners welcome. The musical genres include gospel, bluegrass, and country, with a touch of jazz standards and blues. This is an ongoing event held inside in winter and at the pavilion in summer. The Senior Center is located at Veterans Memorial Park on Highway 9 North in Dawsonville. For more information: Carroll Cannon, carjancannon@windstream,net, or the Senior Center, 706-579-1339.
Deputy Chase Johns We Care Fund Raiser
February 12, 5:00pm to 11:00pm at Thunder Road. We want to help Deputy Chase Johns recover, and assist as much as possible with medical and living expenses. Spaghetti dinner with salad, tea, coffee, or water, for a donation of $10 for adults, and $5 for kids 10 and under; all proceeds to assist the family. A raffle will be held the same day, for a shotgun and rifle; Mossberg turkey gun new in the box. Raffle tickets $5 each or five for $20, available at several locations around town, or call M. Gilbertson at 678-343-8942 for location. A new DPMs AR-15 is also being raffled; tickets $10 each, or six for $50. The lucky winner will have to redeem the weapon and do the paperwork at 400 Jewelry & Loan. For more information: Mickey Gilbertson, 678-343-8942 or bountyhunter_ga@yahoo.com.
Puppy Love & Kitty Kisses
February 12. A fine dining experience
Events, Events!
at Peach Brandy Cottage to benefit the Dawson County Humane Society. Serving times begin at 6:00pm to 7:30pm. A perfect evening for you and your valentine with dinner, dancing, and door prizes. $50 (includes tax and gratuities). Choose from three entrees, choice of several vegetable dishes, salad, and two specialty chocolate desserts. Appetizers and cash bar provided. For more information and ticketing: Terri, 706-265-6360.
Valentine Vows at the Historic Dawson County Courthouse
February 14. Love is in the air in Dawson County. For a third year, Dawson County Magistrate Court will celebrate Valentine’s Day with free marriage and vow renewal ceremonies at the Historic Dawson County Courthouse. Make your special event part of history by holding your wedding or vow renewal ceremony on February 14, 2011, in the oldest working courthouse in Georgia. Judges will be available from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The courthouse will feature décor for the occasion, and light refreshments will be served. Bring your camera to capture this momentous occasion. A marriage license from Probate Court is required for new marriages; no license is required for vow renewals. Contact the Magistrate Court at 706-344-3730 to schedule your ceremony. Space is limited; please schedule by February 9.
Women’s Conference - iCan
March 11, 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Christ Fellowship Church. In a world of impersonators, impostors, and imitators, it’s easy to get caught up in finding the next best thing. Imitation perfume, purses or even shoes are never as good as the original. Much like clothing, we put on identities, characteristics, and traits that are not our own. Instead they are acquired and learned. They are not the real us. Join us as we delve into understanding our identity in God, becoming the person He would have us be. Guest speaker is Frances Autry from New Orleans, LA. Register in advance at www.EssenceWomen.org. Child care available for $5.00 per child. For more information, contact Beth Snider at 706864-9995 or beth@3by400.com.
Gainesville
Free Seminar on Depression
February 1, 6:00pm to 7:30pm; Hall County Library Spout Springs Branch. February 24, 6:00pm to 7:30pm; Walters Auditorium, Northeast Georgia Medical Center. At the seminars, Psychiatrists Jeffery R. Black, MD,
and Thomas G. Cobb, MD, of Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Psychiatry, will discuss depression signs, symptoms, and treatment options. A free sandwich supper will begin at 5:30pm. To register, or for more information: 770-219-3840.
Helen
36th Annual Fireside Art & Craft Show
February 19-20, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Unicoi State Park, 1788 Highway 356. Handicapped accessible. More than 60 of the Southeast’s finest artists and crafts people will be here for this Unicoi tradition. This indoor juried show has a reputation for excellence and is a nice balance between fine arts and quality crafts. $5 parking. For more information: 800-573-9659, ext. 305.
Jasper
Red Cross Blood Drive
February 3, noon to 6:00pm. Bent Tree, Club Tamarack. Walk-ins welcome, or call 770-894-4194 for appointment. For more information: Scott Fantz, 770-894-
4194 or sfantz@mindspring.com.
Marietta
Winter Show at the Defoor Centre
February 10, 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Art from Shijun Munns, Gay Allen, Mark Collins, Ailan Olsen, Corey Barksdale. For more information: www.defoorcentre.com and www. scribblesstudios.com.
Brasstown, NC
Empty Bowls at John C. Campbell Folk School
March 12, 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Select a handcrafted bowl from a collection donated by area potters. Next, fill your bowl with a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread, and dessert. Enjoy live entertainment and the company of new and old friends. Take your bowl home with you to keep as a reminder of hunger in our local and global communities. Tickets are $25. For more information: John C. Campbell Folk School, 800-FOLK-SCH or info@ folkschool.org.
Leap for Literacy
February 19, 10:00am. Thompson Creek Park at Lake Lanier. A chance to sponsor a “costumed” polar bear or individual to leap into the lake in support of Wee Books early childhood literacy program. Celebrity judges will choose winners in categories such as Most Creative Costume, Funniest Routine, Oldest Leaper, and more. DJ available to play your music. Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity to win bragging rights as part of a winning team, or leap, run, or tap your toe in the water as an individual. For more information and to preregister teams: 706-216-0173.
Bunko - Ladies Night Out
February 25, 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Dawson County High School. Bunko tickets are $20; this gets you into the game, one raffle ticket, and supper. Additional raffle tickets are available for purchase at the door. Purchase tickets ahead of time or at the door. For more information: Vicki Pisell at 770-297-1176 or vicki.pisell@cancer. org.
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400 Edition Wining & Dining
Knowing Wine Viognier
T
he origin of the Viognier grape is unknown, but some speculate it was brought by the Romans to the Rhône regions of France. Viognier is presumed to be a very ancient grape, and was once fairly common. The grape almost became extinct in 1965 from insect infestation. In modern times, this rare white grape is grown almost exclusively in the northern Rhône regions of France. Although difficult to grow, planting of this grape has increased since the 1990s worldwide, particularly in New Zealand and South Africa. In the U.S., California has approximately 2000 acres of this grape. It can also be found in North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, and Virginia. The Viognier grape is a deep golden color, with rich flavor and a creamy texture. It is prone to mildew and needs to be picked when fully ripe or else it loses its aromas and rich taste. It is a grape with low acidity and high alcohol, so it is often used to blend and soften wines made predominantly with the red Syrah grape. It also acts as a stabilizing agent and enhances the aromas of the wine it is blended with. Viognier wines are known for their floral aromas (noted often as orange blossoms) and are predominately dry. They are intended to be consumed young (typically under three years). Viogniers tend to lose many of their floral aromas and become flat with age. Viognier pairs well with spicy foods (like
Wine of the Month
Thai, Chinese, and Mexican dishes). Viognier pairs equally well with many stronger and salty style cheeses. Here’s a guide to some of the flavors and aromas associated with the various Viogniers: Acacia
Mango
Anise
May blossom
Apricots, ripe apricots, dried apricots
Mint
Autumn and springtime in one glass Breeze blown perfume of springtime orchard flowers
Orange blossom Pears, musky / ripe / William Perfumed Pineapple
Candied peel
Primroses
Cream
Roses
Crème fraiche
Smoke
Guava
Spicy flower perfumes
Hay (mown)
Tangerine
Honeysuckle
Clay Station Viognier, Lodi, CA
Oak (light), oak (heavy), wood (sweet)
Butter
This full-bodied soft wine has flavors of honey, peach, mango, and nectar.
Toast
Jasmine
Tobacco
Kiwi
Vanilla
Lime
Violet
Lychees
Real Men Cook
by Nancy Forrest
by Patrick Snider
Linda Lou’s Mandarin Orange Salad 2 large cans mandarin oranges (drained) 4 cans Eagle Brand condensed milk 2 lemons Vanilla wafers Whipped cream In mixing bowl, squeeze juice from lemons into Eagle Brand milk. Mix for about two minutes. Add drained oranges and stir to combine. Arrange layer of vanilla wafers in bottom of large serving bowl. Pour in some of the orange mixture. Alternate vanilla wafers and mixture until all are used, finishing with vanilla wafers. Refrigerate for two or three hours before serving. If desired, top with whipped cream or preferred equivalent. Can be used as a dessert or with the meal.
by Brooke Morris
Restaurant Reviews for the GA 400 Corridor The Winchester Woodfire Grill 110 Mountain Vista Boulevard Canton, GA 30115 770-345-8000
Price: Moderate | Fare: Steak & Seafood | Atmosphere: Country Western Elegance Locally owned and operated. Have you ever heard the cliché, “Where have all the cowboys gone”? Well, I can attest that the heart of the cowboy rides on; I’ve found it at the Winchester Woodfire Grill in southeast Canton. I decided on the Winchester because I’ve driven by it a hundred times and have always wondered, but have never gone in. When I was given the opportunity to take my wife on a much deserved date, I knew we had to try it. So we slipped on our evening best and headed out, not knowing what to expect. When we walked into the Winchester, we immediately knew that we’d made an excellent choice. The dim lighting, soft music, aroma of steaks sizzling over a hickory woodchip grill, and the historic architecture all provided the promise of a great evening out. Everything about the Winchester boasts an atmosphere reminiscent of a brief period in American history when cowboys rode the range and the Winchester rifle was the law. We could tell that our server was hand-picked from a line-up of the finest the hospitality industry has to offer. In an attractive and very professional manner, Dalton gave us a brief and intriguing history lesson about the building, the staff, and the fare. He described the intricate processes leading to their offerings of perfectly aged and seasoned steaks, wild-caught seafood, and hand-selected specialty wines, whiskeys, and bourbons. From memory, he recited a long list of enticing entrees and specials for the evening. I thought to myself, “If Dalton is a representation of the Winchester, I know we’re in for a treat.” After briefly looking over the substantial menu, we decided on taking Dalton’s advice. My wife—a lobster fiend—ordered the eightounce steak and boiled lobster tail with garlic dipping butter and seasoned spinach. I decided on the
good ol’ Jack Daniel’s glazed pork chop with mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. Dalton smiled and said, “Excellent choices, I’ll bring you some bread and butter to get you started.” Let me tell you, the butter he brought was no ordinary butter. It was the first time I’d had red-pepper-jelly-with-chili-seasoned whipped butter. The bread was well textured and had a perfectly warmed, melt-in-your-mouth center. I’d have ordered another basket—or five—but Dalton assured us there would be too much food to finish, so I again took Dalton’s advice and surrendered the promise of more.
Though the bottom of the menu says, “Please allow ample time for your food to be prepared, as it’s made to order,” we didn’t wait long before Dalton set before us the evening’s main affair. Before I describe the sensation, I want you to know that I’ve been to some very fine restaurants, from Milan to The Cayman Islands, West Palm Beach, and St. Lucia; therefore I feel I have a pretty good idea of what great food is supposed to look like. Dalton’s presentation was flawless and the intricate aromas of the chef’s creation made my tongue very impatient.
Being a lobster connoisseur, my wife is very experienced in the art of the perfect lobster tail. The fiery red tail was one of the largest I’ve ever seen served. I mean, what are they feeding those Canadian lobsters? It was magnificent. Her steak was perfectly seasoned, tender, hot, and juicy with a slightly pink center, just how she likes it. My Jack Daniel’s glazed pork chop boasted the classic taste of Jack Daniel’s whiskey and a hint of the sweet-smoky wood fire grill. Everything was cooked to absolute perfection. The complements to the main course were excellent and very well seasoned. I normally salt and pepper everything, but that was not necessary at the Winchester. Upon filling ourselves to capacity, I still found myself scraping the bottom of my plate— and my wife’s—to polish off the last bit of flavor I could possibly get. She had one last bite of lobster left, which I swallowed before she could change her mind about finishing it. Just as we mustered the strength to push back from the table, Dalton brought us a dessert that he urged we try. Though we had decided on keeping the tab low and opting for dessert elsewhere, when someone puts a dessert within arm’s reach, I no longer have puppy belly and I just have to have a little taste. Well, with the Chocolate Eruption, it’s impossible to have “just one taste.” Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, cheesecake, Oreo crust, butter nut toffee, chocolate drizzle, chocolate mousse, chocolate shavings, chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate… I had to
February 2011 • www.400edition.com
wrap it up as a safety precaution— something with this much sweetness is simply immoral and can be very dangerous. The check came: surprisingly affordable for an evening of this caliber. I was very impressed. After our dining experience, Dalton took us out back to show us the Winchester’s view, one of the best in all of Cherokee County. We noticed wrought-iron seating outside on the deck overlooking the view and decided that we’d have to come back during a warm spring day to sit outside. He also showed us the saloon, the fireplace, the two private dining areas, and the large seating area, which would be perfect for events. At the end of our tour, we shook hands with our new friend and grabbed a few chocolate mints for the road. What a great place. Being from Texas, I have a bit of cowboy in my blood and found this to be the place to get back in touch with my roots. If your inner cowboy (or girl) needs to be embraced, you’ll love the Winchester. It has everything about the fine old American countrywestern dining experience you can think of. I personally recommend the steak. (Though my pork chop was grand, I secretly coveted my wife’s plate.) Restaurants with this class of food, drinks, service, and atmosphere are very hard to find. This may be the only one I know of for the price, and at a location this convenient. I highly recommend the Winchester and hope you’ll soon get to experience this masterpiece overlooking the rolling North Georgia hills.
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Happy Valentine’s Day