400 Edition W h a t ’s
u p
i n
N o r t h
November 2009
G e o r g i a
Veterans Day
Happy Thanksgiving! From Our House to Yours
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Contents
Thanksgiving
9 Carving and Slicing Techniques
November 2009 Volume 6, Issue 6
Columns 8 Historic Forsyth
11 History of Thanksgiving—Fact or Fiction?
10 Reflections
15 My Favorite Thanksgiving
18 Through a Woman’s Eyes
16 Cornucopia—The Horn of Plenty 21 Turkey Storage Advice 29 Recipes from the Past
19 To Your Health 20 Mind & Heart 22 Fun by 400 23 Comma Momma
Veterans Day
30 Knowing Wine
31 Good Eating—Kani House
5 Tomb of the Unknowns
17 Freedom at a Price 28 Famous Soldier Quotes
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November 2009 Carole Lee, Founder/Creative Design Linda Merritt, Founder/Sales/Executive Editor Bob Merritt, Director of Sales Beth Snider, Founder/Sales/Creative Design Nancy Wright, Proofing
From the Editor...
Contributing Writers: Anne Amerson
Sharon Keating
Clay Cunningham
Steven Leibel
Dr. Mark Feinsilber
Dr. Joyce Nations
Nancy Forrest
Donald Pruitt
Robin Toms Grier
Linda Ragland
Martha Hynson
Patrick Snider
Staff Writers: Rhonda Bailey
Linda Merritt
Carole Lee
Beth Snider
Bob Merritt
Nancy Wright
400 Edition is published monthly in Dahlonega, Georgia, with distribution in three 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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ur North Georgia part of the world looks quite different from one month ago. Now the trees are in beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, and gold. Just driving into town is a beautiful experience in color. I always think about how God just took his paint brush and totally changed the looks of the trees. Also since a month ago, some of the trees have entirely lost their leaves, indicated by the piles of leaves on our yard. We have a huge hickory tree by our back deck that is so beautiful to see out the kitchen window during the summer. I always dread all those leaves falling because the tree is so bare and not nearly as pretty. The squirrels have been gathering the hickory nuts for about a month. Somewhere around our yard there must be many, many pounds of those nuts hidden for a cold winter day. We have already had a good freeze, so all of our outside flowers are gone for the season. If you are planning to come north to see the changing leaves in November—you better hurry. I don’t think they will last past mid-month. We had fun getting content for this Thanksgiving issue. Even as hard as these times may be for a lot of folks, we still have many more comforts than the people who celebrated the first recorded Thanksgiving. From what I’ve read, that first Thanksgiving was probably earlier in the year than November, so bitter cold may not have been a factor. I’ve lived on Cape Cod and I know it is very cold there in November. The Indians, or the Pilgrims, did not have double ovens, a sixburner stove, or a microwave to help prepare that famous meal. I like the point made in one of our articles, that the Indians kept a pot on the fire at all times and ate whenever they got hungry. I like that idea, but it must have been food without a lot of calories; did you ever see an overweight Indian? They also didn’t have a huge supermarket, complete with bakery and deli, where they could shop for their food. Instead they had to hunt, or grow, the food and cook it over an open fire. They didn’t have a dishwasher but had to wash their utensils in the river. Oh, my goodness—they didn’t have a big-screen TV to watch football games all afternoon in a warm, cozy family room. Times have changed, but the reason for Thanksgiving is still the same. It is a time to get folks together
to share a meal and to give thanks for all God has given us, no matter how great or small. So when you have your family and friends around the table on Thanksgiving Day, tell them how much they mean to you and that we should be thankful every day, not just on this one day. Thanks to all of our advertisers this month. Without you, this magazine would not be possible. Our December issue will feature Christmas. Your business may want to take this opportunity to buy an ad to thank your employees or the public for their support during the year. We hope you enjoy our fall cover this month. Cornstalks, pumpkins, pots of colorful mums, and a wreath with fall flair will make any doorway cheerful and inviting. I receive hundreds of emails during a month. Most of my emails are related to the magazine, but there are some in other categories. Some are funny, some are sad, some you just delete, and some are worth passing on. This is one that is worth passing on. You know there has been a lot of talk about removing “In God We Trust” from everything on the face of the earth. One of the removal sites is our postage stamps. So why not start writing “In God We Trust” on the back of your envelopes? After all, it is our national motto. We must take back our nation from all the people who think that anything that offends them should be removed. It’s been reported that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there’s such a uproar about having “In God We Trust” on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Could it be that WE just need to take action and tell the 14% to sit down and shut up? Quit whining about how bad everything is and take charge of your life. We will honor our veterans on Wednesday, November 11. These brave men and women fought, and are still fighting, to give us our freedom. Let’s do our part and fight for those same freedoms. Show our veterans that they did not use their time and lives in vain. Our flag still stands for freedom. Until next month…stay happy!
Tomb of the Unknowns T
he Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, is also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and has never been officially named. The Tomb of the Unknowns stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater. The white marble sarcophagus has a flat-faced form and is relieved at the corners and along the sides by neo-classic pilasters, or columns, set into the surface. Sculpted into the east panel, which faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. The Tomb sarcophagus was placed above the grave of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. West of the World War I Unknown are the crypts of unknowns from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Those three graves are marked with white marble slabs flush with the plaza.
Two unknowns from World War II, one from the European Theater and one from the Pacific Theater, were placed in identical caskets and taken aboard the USS Canberra, a guidedmissile cruiser resting off the Virginia capes. Navy Hospitalman 1st Class William R. Charette, then the Navy’s only active-duty Medal of Honor recipient, selected the Unknown Soldier of World War II. The remaining casket received a solemn burial at sea. Four unknown Americans who died in the Korean War were disinterred from the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Army Master Sgt. Ned Lyle made the final selection. Both caskets arrived in Washington May 28, 1958, where they lay in the Capitol Rotunda until May 30. That morning, they were carried on caissons to Arlington National Cemetery. President Eisenhower awarded each the Medal of Honor, and the Unknowns were interred in the plaza beside their of World War I comrade.
The Unknown of World War I On Memorial Day, 1921, four unknowns were exhumed from four World War I American cemeteries in France. U.S. Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger, who was wounded in combat and highly decorated for valor, and who received the Distinguished Service Medal in “The Great War, the war to end all wars,” selected the Unknown Soldier of World War I from four identical caskets at the city hall in Chalons-sur-Marne, France, October 24, 1921. Sgt. Younger selected the unknown by placing a spray of white roses on one of the caskets. He chose the third casket from the left. The chosen unknown soldier was transported to the United States aboard the USS Olympia. Those remaining were interred in the Meuse Argonne Cemetery, France. The Unknown Soldier lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda from his arrival in the United States until Armistice Day, 1921. On November 11, 1921, President Warren G. Harding officiated at the interment ceremonies at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Unknown of Vietnam The Unknown service member from the Vietnam War was designated by Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Allan Jay Kellogg, Jr., during a ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, May 17, 1984. The Vietnam Unknown was transported aboard the USS Brewton to Alameda Naval Base, California. The remains were sent to Travis Air Force Base, California, May 24. The Vietnam Unknown arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, the next day. Many Vietnam veterans and President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan visited the Vietnam Unknown in the U.S. Capitol. An Army caisson carried the Vietnam Unknown from the Capitol to the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 28, 1984. President Reagan presided over the funeral, and presented the Medal of Honor to the Vietnam Unknown. The president also acted as next of kin by accepting the interment flag at the end of the ceremony. The interment flags of all Unknowns at the Tomb of the Unknowns are on view in the Memorial Display Room. (The remains of the Vietnam Unknown were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant.)
The Unknown of World War II and Korea On August 3, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to select and pay tribute to the unknowns of World War II and Korea. The selection ceremonies and the interment of these unknowns took place in 1958. The World War II Unknown was selected from remains exhumed from cemeteries in Europe, Africa, Hawaii, and the Philippines.
www.arlingtoncemetery.org
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
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from the ground up.
Fall Brings Thanksgiving and New Beginnings by Tammi Scales he fall season means changes and new beginnings. Our staff at White Interiors hopes that your changes are happy ones and your new beginnings are prosperous for the coming year. We also have changes. We would like for you visit our unique store and meet our new additions. Our professional designer and our salespeople are eager and willing to help you with all your design, furniture, and gift needs. We at White Interiors also have some new beginnings. We would like to introduce our new designer, Lauren Salter. Lauren comes to us with 15 years experience and is a top designer in her field. She can help you design the home that you have always dreamed of, or just fluff up an existing room that you have been wanting to change. We Lauren Salter know you will be as happy with her talents as we are. We feel very lucky to have her as part of our team. When you visit us, look at our new chairs. There is nothing like sitting in a comfortable chair that feels like a marshmallow. It makes you want to sit in front of the fireplace and cover up with a quilt and drink hot chocolate or some other libation. We also have great colors for the fall. You have the opportunity to check out the latest products from our top-notch vendors. And let’s not forget the high quality grade of leather. There is nothing like one piece of additional furniture, leather or fabric to make a statement for your entire room. Another one piece that makes a room pop could be an oil painting, and we have a vast array
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designed to respect your site and the environment.
planned to harmonize your lifestyle and budget.
fabricated of enduring products with a lifetime structural warranty.
Read our 17 Green Principles at lindal.com/ green17 Independently Distributed by:
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to choose from. If you like animals, or country, or rustic scenes or even florals, then our store is the place to find them. There is always that combination of colors that makes your room inviting and makes that special statement about you and your beautiful home. A special painting will speak volumes for you; we have many on hand and may have just the one you have been searching for. One other piece that we suggest is a coffee table, and we have many for you to check out. Our stock includes different woods, stains, and styles. We have rustic ones with the drawers that pull from each side, or traditional ones with the great iron legs. Or we can have one made by David Louden of Louden Furniture, designed especially for you. We are confident we can provide that special item you may have been searching for. We can help you make your rooms speak for themselves. We have all our Christmas items in stock and we know that you will find that right gift for that special person. Let us help you to make your Christmas shopping an easier task this year. We have a vast number of items for you to choose from and we would be glad to help you. As we approach the fall season and Thanksgiving, remember to honor and thank our troops who are deployed around the world, many in harm’s way. Let us never forget their dedication and sacrifice that keep us free. We at White Interiors support our military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations and wish them a safe and prosperous year. Remember, White Interiors is handpicked just for you!
Dawsonville, GA
706-216-2511
www.lindal.com/blueridge
Decorate for Christmas with
Wreaths and garlands, woven with ribbon and ornaments for your banisters, mantle, and front door. Bows of holiday ribbon. Centerpieces for the dining table. Beautiful ornaments on pre-lit trees.
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Let White Interiors create custom-made decorations to turn your home into a Christmas wonderland. From the front door, to the banisters, to the dining table, our staff can help you create a beautiful holiday
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atmosphere. Call 706-216-1230 or come by the store at 278 GA 400 North, Suite 1100, in Dawsonville to schedule our designer or to place your order for custom-made decorations for your home.
Historic Forsyth
by Donald Pruitt
A Special Chemistry Equation
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n recent months, I have written about three teachers in the early years of Forsyth County High School (now Forsyth Central) who influenced me as well as many other classmates. Now, I will close this series by describing the one teacher who most affected my higher education and, in turn, my early work career. This teacher was Gloria Holland Poss. When Gloria Holland came to teach at the new FCHS campus in 1955, she had just graduated with a chemistry degree from Brenau College. After waiting for six years, now high school students had new science classrooms, with the lab equipment and chemicals necessary to conduct experiments or plan projects not possible at the old high school. Indeed, Miss Holland had many fresh ideas about teaching, as did other fresh faces in the education field like Gloria Ingram and Claude Emory Terry. In those early classes, she had several students who would go on to college and be confronted with more complex chemistry. I will concentrate on the two students about whom I know the most unflattering material: Robert (“Woodie”) Burnette, and me. Both Woodie and I were A students, but we were predisposed to “cut up.” He loved the newly created Mad Magazine, with its goofy freckled-faced gap-toothed comic image named Alfred E. Neuman. His motto was, “What, me worry?” At the start of our junior year, Woodie entered “A. Neuman” on the sign-up sheet. It took several days for Mrs. Poss (she had now married Joel Poss, a former CHS basketball star) to realize she had been tricked and she proceeded to
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use her large legal-size clipboard to whack Woodie when he was outed as the culprit while he proclaimed his innocence. Another prank initiated by him involved a Bunsen burner in a chemistry lab experiment. We were doing flame tests to determine elements in solution. Several of us decided to test for any elemental contents in “flatulence gas.” Unfortunately, Woodie pulled the tubing loose supplying the propane gas to the Bunsen burner. What ensued was a much larger flame erupting from the propane supply nozzle, which terrified all the female students. Mrs. Poss rushed in and turned off the gas supply. You guessed it—Woodie got whacked with the large clipboard! I recognize that by now, many anticorporal-punishment advocates are gasping for breath. Well, it was still common in the 1950s and it did no harm to us. My only real negative brush with Gloria Poss took place in my senior year. As you might expect, Robert Burnette was somewhat connected to this. Since both of us were entering large engineering schools, we asked Mrs. Poss to allow us to audit her algebra class, as FCHS at the time did not offer either trigonometry or calculus. This class was made up of mostly sophomore and junior girls. Here we were, college-bound seniors. Mrs. Poss had assigned us problems to be completed in class and I did not do the problems. I was promptly sent to the principal’s office, whereupon Mr. Lambert administered a paddling to me. That was the one and only time that I was paddled in my secondary school years. I deserved it! Mrs. Poss was always encouraging
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me. When I was named the Outstanding Chemistry Student at the University of Georgia in 1961, I attributed much of that achievement to her for instilling in me a good basic understanding of chemistry, as well as a love of it. She would later leave teaching and become a part of Lockheed’s Georgia Nuclear Aircraft Laboratory in Dawson County before returning to teaching. She never had a lot to say about her experiences, and there seem to be a lot of Internet legends connected to just what went on there and the effects it had on what is now called Dawson Forest. Oh, and by the way, Mr. Robert Burnette experienced much success in the oil-well drilling effort at Prudhoe Bay in Alaska. At our 50th Class Reunion last year, it was learned that he and his wife now reside on their yacht as they travel back and forth from Key West, FL, to the coast of Maine! Donald (Don) Pruitt is a 1958 graduate of FCHS and a 1963 UGA graduate. While Don and his wife, Sula Echols Pruitt, have lived outside of Forsyth County since 1963, he has a love of Forsyth County history and genealogy. He still has family here and tries to return “home” from North Carolina, where he has lived for 39 years. Donald is a long-time member of the Historical Society of Forsyth County. He can be contacted by email at sazabylex@windstream.net.
Just in time for Thanksgiving— Carving and Slicing Techniques
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o obtain the highest yield from cooked turkey, it is essential to have proper carving and slicing techniques. These techniques are also important for eye-appealing presentation. Here are some simple techniques to use when carving and slicing: • Allow turkey products of more than 10 pounds to stand at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the turkey. Netting and cooking bags are easier to remove after the recommended 10 minutes standing time. The maximum standing time should be 20 minutes.
• Slice or carve on a sanitized cutting surface. Knives, pans, and covers should be sanitized too. Resanitize board and knives every 30 minutes. • Wear disposable food-handling gloves while carving, or thoroughly wash your hands frequently. • Immediately after the 10 to 20 minute holding time, carve turkey from its carcass into major sections (i.e., breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings). • To serve turkey hot, place the sections in pans. Cover with film to retain heat and moisture and to minimize the possibility of contamination. Hold at 140ºF or higher in a hot holding device (e.g., cabinet, steam table, bainmarie). Turkey must be at least 140ºF when placed in the holding pans. The heating device will only maintain temperature. A maximum holding time of 20 to 30 minutes is recommended.
Slice at a slight angle to achieve a more oval-shaped piece of meat for special plate presentation or for oval-shaped sandwich bread.
• Carve the fully cooked breast or half-breast roast lengthwise with the muscle. • Let netted roast stand 10 minutes after cooking for easy removal of netting. • For ease of machine slicing, chill turkey first. • Because salt performs an important binding function, “nosalt” or “low-salt” products do not slice as easily, especially roasts made from more than one muscle.
4. To slice thigh meat, hold firmly on cutting surface with fork. Cut slices evenly and parallel to the bone.
Carving the breast
Turkey breasts are typically sliced into generous slices.
Presentation carving method
Carving Whole-Body Turkey and Parts
The whole-body turkey is a favorite for carving presentation in a buffet. These step-by-step instructions show the best procedures for maximum yield and most attractive presentation.
Carving the drumstick and thigh.
1. Remove drumstick and thigh by pressing leg away from body. The joint connecting leg to backbone will often snap free or may be severed easily with a knife point. Cut dark meat completely from the body by following body contour carefully with a knife.
1. Place knife horizontally, parallel to and as close to wing as possible. Make deep cut into breast, cutting to the bone. This is the base cut. All breast slices will stop at this horizontal cut.
2. After making the base cut, carve downward, ending at base cut slightly higher up on breast. Keep slices thin and even.
Kitchen carving method
• Slice the sections into serving pieces, plate, and garnish. • If turkey is not to be served immediately, slice and shingle no more than one inch deep in shallow steam table pans. Cover with film, refrigerate at 35ºF to 40ºF. We recommend that cooked, sliced turkey reach 40ºF in two hours or less.
2. Place drumstick and thigh on cutting surface and cut through connecting joint.
Slicing Turkey Products
The carving and slicing techniques listed for whole turkey and parts also apply to turkey products. Here are some additional slicing tips: • Slice fully cooked turkey rolls, slabs, ovals, and other shapes crosswise to desired thickness.
3. Tilt drumstick to a convenient angle, slicing toward cutting surface as shown.
1. Remove half of the breast at a time by cutting along keel bone and rib cage with sharp knife. 2. Place half-breast on cutting surface and slice evenly against the grain. Repeat with second half-breast as additional slices are needed. Used with permission, National Turkey Federation, www.eatturkey.com.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
Life is a mirror. We look forward, that’s the future. We look back, remember and learn—that’s a reflection.
Heroes Among Us
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s I was growing up, my heroes were on the big screen. The story of war showed all parts of the human weaknesses but it showed our strengths also. Since the first shot was fired to gain our freedom, many thousands of men and women have put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom. I would like to present to you two men who are representative of all the fallen heroes who fought for the freedom you and I hold today. Many gave the supreme sacrifice— their lives—while others returned wounded, their lives shattered, while others lived to tell about it, in time.
by Bob Merritt saved his life on many an occasion. As he left his foxhole it would be immediately occupied by another soldier who was instantly killed or wounded. Walter was captured once and spent one day in captivity, as the whole Polish compound escaped that night. They were all slated to be shot the next day. Walter lived a somewhat charmed life and a movie should be made of it someday. Walter picked up a love for photography and perfected it well enough to get a job when the war was over as the photographer for the Atlanta Braves. The people he met and the stories he can tell. He has a museum wall of his heroes. Although he is retired he still dabbles in photography. Recently Walter Victor was honored by his home town of Dupont, Pennsylvania, with a parade and a day in his honor. It was an honor well deserved. Thanks to a group, Honor Flight Foundation Of Fayette, Inc., out of Fayetteville, Georgia, Victor spent three memorable days in Washington, D.C., receiving honors and accolades. In an interview with Linda Payne, the group’s volunteer interviewer, Walter was determined to be healthy enough for the threeday trip. The flight and all was free and in his honor. He was not the only recipient of this honor. A large group of men from that era also made the trip. Every year many men are chosen by this group, realizing it may be their last chance to stand before the great wall of brothers that served in World War Two. A fitting tribute to a 92-year-old living hero. All that is left now is your thanks when you see him.
Noah Harris On June 17, 2005, 1st Lt. Walter Victor Walter left Dupont, Pennsylvania, to escape a life in the coal mines. He answered Uncle Sam’s call of “I Want You” and joined the army at the ripe old age of seventeen. After a hurried up basic training he was thrust headlong into the Second World War. Walter sat down with me a few years back and told me his story and we printed it. It was a story about a small-town boy brought face to face with situations he would have rather avoided, but that is his story. Looking at Walter now as he shuffles around his Dawsonville, Georgia, home, we have to remember our own youth to see in our mind’s eye Walter ever doing the things he did. I realize many returning soldiers do not like to talk about that time in their life, but Walter isn’t one of them. The incredible thing about his account is it is all true and verified with documents, medals, and honors. Here lately a bothersome knee X-rayed out as having at least eight slices of shrapnel in it. Yes, he complained about it; but it took all these years and a bulldog of a son to get the VA to X-ray and document the existence of the metal in his knee. Walter related to me that he learned real quick that continually moving forward
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Noah Harris gave up his life for God and country. He had his whole future ahead of him. He was the young man every mother and father would be proud of. He spent a successful three years in high school excelling in his grades, football, and wrestling. Before he attended the university of Georgia, Noah tried out for the varsity cheerleading squad and made it, erasing any idea that all male cheerleaders were sissies. He was the captain of the squad during his senior year. That is where he met and fell in love with Ashley Case. She was referred to as “Noah’s true love.” It was pressing on his mind that he had some unfinished business, so he joined the army and was deployed to Iraq. After a long stay he returned home for a short stay. His mother and father, Lucy and Rick Harris, cherished every moment. Needless to say, he spent a lot of time with Ashley. The day came when he had to return to duty, and as he said his good-byes, he
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turned and walked away, only to take a few steps, then turn back for a final look at the people he was doing this to protect. With a determination in his step he finally turned away and never looked back. He felt he had a mission and his men needed him. He was right. Noah laid down his life one night for his brothers, his family, and you and me. A fine young man gone too soon. His story is the story of countless young men and women who chose to serve their country. Each individual has their own story. Those that returned are to be honored, and those that didn’t should be remembered daily, as should their parents and loved ones. One of the things that has struck me the most is the devotion of his parents, Rick and Lucy Harris. There is no doubt that Noah was a special blessing and they have related that very well in their book, Simply American: A Gentle Warrior and His People. I sat and listened as they read excerpts from their book. I was caught up in his life story and as they alternated reading, I gained a new insight into the love and devotion they had for their son. You really need to buy this book. Simply American is inspiring to read, and to see and hear Rick and Lucy read with passion. There is a sadness as the audience joins the parents as they relate Noah’s love for life, hopes for the future, and his love for freedom and country. I realize I have spent a lot of time on the value of the book but it’s because of its value. Fathers weep while mothers sob. As we all learn to deal with death, some find a way that is better than others. Noah was a gift from God on loan for a short while and the recording of that life is a gift for others, celebrating a life and easing the pain for others put in such a painful situation. Rick and Lucy Harris shared a life using the God-given ability of writing. Congratulations to Rick and Lucy Harris; your son will never be forgotten. Thanks for Noah and thanks for being such devoted parents. Serving in different wars in different countries, and generations apart, but for the same reason: freedom. Freedom for our country, the world, and a country longing to be free. These two men are representative of the thousands of soldiers who answered our country’s call and served her well. On this Veterans Day (November 11), remember them in your prayers. As long as there are events that may threaten our freedom, there will always be sons and daughters who will rise to the occasion. Love them a little bit better today; who knows what the future holds. God Bless America.
History of Thanksgiving—Fact or Fiction?
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by Vanessa McBrayer
he first Thanksgiving may not have included food at all. Fact. Actually, the word “Thanksgiving” was never used to describe the feast held by the “Pilgrims and Indians” at the time of the event in 1621. Some historians believe that the word Thanksgiving is meant to describe religious ceremonies that the first European settlers would have to “give thanks” for a bountiful crop. The Native American tribes held ceremonial dances to give thanks for their harvests long before the arrival of the settlers. However, most people today consider the feast held by the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621 as the first Thanksgiving.
vegetables they ate were peas, beans, onions, lettuce, radishes, and carrots. They ate pumpkin but had it stewed, not in pies. They did not have cakes and pies for dessert because they did not have ovens, and the sugar that the Pilgrims brought with them on the Mayflower was not enough to have lasted until the feast.
The first Thanksgiving was never repeated. Fact. The shared event was never repeated. It is a significant event in history because of the cooperation and interaction of the two groups. Thanksgiving is a tradition created and repeated by Americans. President Lincoln declared it a national holiday more than 200 years after the first Thanksgiving in 1621.
The Pilgrims had eating styles similar to what we have today. Fiction. What the Pilgrims ate was greatly determined by their social standing. The most delicious dishes were placed close to the most important people at the table, and instead of everyone filling their plates with their favorite foods, they ate what was closest to them. Another difference between us and the Pilgrims is that they did not use forks but used their fingers instead. Also, instead of eating three meals a day the way we traditionally do, they would have one large meal a day, served in the middle of the day. This meal was called a “noonmeat.” On the other hand, the Native Americans kept pots of food cooking all day and ate whenever they got hungry.
The Pilgrims and Indians ate turkey and ham like we eat today. Fiction. The main meat dishes were venison and wild fowl—which included swan and eagle. They also had seafood such as cod, eel, clams, and lobster. Mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie were enjoyed at the first feast in 1621. Fiction. Potatoes were not a popular food back then. Instead, the
The two groups had similar cooking methods and ate many of the same foods. Fact. Both ate many of the same foods and used stewing and roasting as their main cooking methods. Roasting would require that one person be designated to sit for hours turning the spit to make sure that the meat was cooked evenly.
fourth Thursday of November. Fiction. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days and may have occurred as early as September.
The Mayflower was supposed to land in New York. Fact. The Pilgrims had intended to go to the Hudson River region of present-day New York, which would have been considered “Northern Virginia” then. Due to treacherous seas, they landed in present-day Cape Cod, Massachusetts, instead. Benjamin Franklin thought our national bird should be the turkey instead of the bald eagle. Fact. In a letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin wrote that the wild turkey would be a more appropriate symbol because it is “a much more respectable bird,” “a true original Native of America,” and “though a little vain and silly, a Bird of Courage.”
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began as a Christmas Parade. Fact. The first Macy’s Parade was held in 1924 and was a Christmas parade. It was held by the employees of the department store and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo. It was changed to a Thanksgiving Parade to kick off the holiday shopping season. The Lions game on Thanksgiving has been an annual event taking place every year since 1934. Fiction. It did not occur for five years during World War II. In 2007, George W. Bush granted pardons to two Thanksgiving turkeys named May and Flower. Fact. He then had them flown to Orlando to be Grand Marshals of the Disney World Thanksgiving Parade. The annual Presidential Turkey Pardon is said to have begun with President Lincoln when he pardoned his son’s pet turkey.
The first “Thanksgiving lasted for three hours and occurred on the
Georgia Buccaneers Football
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o you have what it takes to be a Buccaneer? Do you love to play football, compete at a high level, and play on a successful team? The Georgia Buccaneers are one of the newest minor league football teams, and in their first season were able to reach the Deep South Football League Championship Game. In a matter of a few short months, the Buccaneers became one of the premier teams in the Southeast and the top minor league team in the State of Georgia. The Buccaneers are currently looking for players for the 2009-2010 season, which begins March 6, 2010. If you are interested in playing for the Buccaneers and would like more information about tryouts, practices, and fees, please visit www.gabuccaneers.com, or call Hunter Collins at 678-513-0702. Tickets can also be purchased on the web site. November 2009 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
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Dahlonega Literary Festival The Dahlonega Literary Festival and Writer’s Conference is a celebration of books, authors, and literacy. The 6th Annual Festival will be held November 6-8, in and surrounding Dahlonega’s Historic Public Square. This year’s festivities include the following:
Aspiring Writer’s Conference
Speakers will include a literary agent, a successful fiction writer, and Steve Savage, a top marketing expert and author of Guerrilla Business Secrets. The fee to attend the conference, held at North Georgia College and State University, is only $75. To register for the writer’s conference, contact Sharon Bacek, sgbacek@windstream.net.
Literary Events
A literary IQ quiz, a scavenger hunt, book signings, and readings by some of today’s top authors, including Catherine Coulter, Sheree Bykofsky, Steve Savage, Williams Rawlings, Jr., Philip Lee Williams, River Jordan, Lynda Fitzgerald, Gregory Watkins, and Raymond Atkins (no charge for attending these events).
Literary Trade Show
The Trade Show will feature books, publishing, and various products related to the literary field. The fee to register a booth is $50, and forms may be obtained from Barbara Weltzien, jlw1530@yahoo.com.
Safe Hiking Tips Rangers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources offer these tips for safe hiking: • Avoid hiking alone. • Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. • Stay on marked trails. As you hike, pay attention to trail blazes and landmarks. A double blaze indicates a change in trail direction or intersection, so be sure to follow the correct trail. • Never climb on waterfalls. • Always carry quality rain gear, and turn back in bad weather. • Dress in layers and avoid cotton. • All hikers should carry a whistle, which can be heard far away and takes less energy than yelling. • Carry plenty of drinking water, and never assume stream water is safe to drink. • Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they do, be able to give details about your location. • Don’t rely on a GPS to prevent you from getting lost. Batteries can die, or the equipment can become damaged or lost. See www.georgiastateparks.org. for more information.
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Button’s Thanksgiving M
iss Mary was pretty particular about Thanksgiving. Everything had to be just right for all the family who came to eat with her and the Old Man. That is why all the animals around the house and in the house infuriated her. You see, the Old Man was a one-man adoption agency for lost and homeless animals. I remember there were always dozens of what Miss Mary called “strays” living at their house. Word must have passed around the animal kingdom of North Alabama, because every animal that needed shelter and food usually ended up at the Old Man’s farm. We planted more seed into birds than we did into the fields. But the strays gave the Old Man a great sense of pleasure. He was always pulling for the underdog and always ready to love the unlovable. I especially remember late one spring night when there was a knock at the farmhouse door. When the Old Man answered the door it was the local Conservation Officer. (We called them Game Wardens and I was scared to death of them). The officer had a young whitetail deer fawn. It seems that someone had moonlighted the fawn’s mother and had been immediately arrested by the officer. But the fawn was homeless and hungry. “Would you take him in,” the officer pleaded. “Of course,” the Old Man replied. We named him Button because he had two little buttons where one day he would sprout great antlers. We raised Button until he was big enough to turn loose in the wild. He loved his new home on a large farm in Hurricane Valley where there was no hunting, and close to the old cemetery where the Old Man was to be buried. I had Button on my mind when I entered the room to hear Max Lucado, a missionary/pastor friend of mine, speak. I was running late and when I got my seat my friend was telling the story of Carmelita. It seems that Max was attending his first funeral in Brazil. It was the service for the mother of his first convert, and her name was Dona Neusa. My friend had noticed standing by the casket a tall dark woman who looked nothing like the rest of the family. On this occasion her dress was very simple and her face solemn. All of the other family members were very verbal in their grief as most South Americans are. But Carmelita just stared earnestly at the casket with deep-set brown eyes. There was something noble about the way she stood, my friend was saying. She did not weep openly. Nor did she seek the comfort from the other mourners. She just stood there, curiously quiet. Max had, the night before, gone with Cesar Coutinho to tell his adopted sister of their mother’s death. As they drove together, Cesar told the story of Carmelita’s adoption into the Neusa family. Twenty years earlier Cesar’s family had been visiting a remote village in the interior of Brazil and Dona had noticed a young girl dressed in rags, very dirty and hungry, playing in the streets. She inquired and found out that the girl’s name was Carmelita and that her prostitute mother had deserted her. Dona’s heart was touched, and November 2009 • www.400edition.com
by Dr. Jim Gaines
when the Neusa family returned home, Carmelita went with them. Max said that as he stood in the chapel he tried to see and read the emotions on Carmelita’s face during the service. How her life had been changed. He wondered if she was reliving that childhood memory of climbing into a car and driving away with a strange family. One moment without love, a home, or a future; the next moment she had all three. Suddenly, the service was over and Max, being wedged in the back of the chapel, thought he would be the last to leave. But upon walking out he heard a quiet sob and turned to see Carmelita standing by the coffin, rubbing the wood as if she were caressing her adopted mother’s face. Carmelita did not wail or cry, but through the tears Max heard her say over and over, “Obrigada, obrigada. (Thank you, thank you).” A final farewell of thanksgiving. Driving home through the Atlanta traffic after an exhausting plane ride from Texas, I was deep in thought. We all have much in common with Carmelita. We all were frightened orphans. We too were without love, a future, and an eternal home. And those of us who are Christians were rescued by a compassionate visitor named Jesus. When Thanksgiving rolls around this month I am going to remember Carmelita’s story. Because not too long ago I was ragged, poor, and an orphan, but Jesus rescued me and continues to look after me. I will be eternally grateful to Him for what He has done for me. When I visited the Old Man’s grave last, I noticed there were several deer tracks all over the freshly mowed grass that covered his coffin. There was a deer bed to the right side where a large deer had rested for several hours overlooking Hurricane Valley and the Old Man’s farm. The cemetery caretaker said that every evening in the quiet of the day a large whitetail buck came to the Old Man’s gravesite and laid down for a while. I wondered, could this be Old Button come back to pay his respects and thanksgiving to the Old Man, as I had? Perhaps he had uttered as I did when he got up to go his way… “Thank you, thank you.” A farewell of gratitude and adieu of thanks. Maybe I will see Button there one day and we will pay our respects together. The Old Man saved both our lives. Happy Thanksgiving. Dr. Jim Gaines is pastor of First Baptist Church Dawsonville. He studied at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, did postdoctoral work at Union Theological Seminary New York and Vanderbilt, and has written and published several magazine articles in theological journals and secular works.
Freedom In The Driveway
J
ust look at what the golf car did for the game of golf. It allowed the golfer to get in more holes, enjoy the ride from tee to tee, and finish the game with energy left and time to get in a little work. The golf car industry has gone a lot further, and today a new freedom has been born. All across the country, adults of all ages are adding a golf car to their driveway. Many are regular golf cars; but many are a new variety with the lift kit that gives a smoother ride and adds that “go anywhere” attitude. No longer is the golf car used just for trips to the mailbox. The lift adds a roaming range that equates to freedom of the neighborhood. The feeling of boredom and isolation is gone when you slide behind the steering wheel of a STAR golf car and gently press on the pedal. You notice I didn’t say gas pedal, and that’s why I lean in favor of the STAR golf car. With no gas fumes to fill the air, it helps the world breathe easier; the STAR takes its
place in the environmental cleanair fight without the loss of speed or power. It is a fact that you and your friends can wheel through the neighborhood at twenty-five miles per hour if you choose to do so. One of the most popular newfound freedoms is its use to get to the tennis court, golf course, and swimming pool. In most states it is legal to use your golf car to go to the grocery store, and it is street legal. The STAR can open up a new world to the senior citizens who have felt isolated for years. What loving daughter or son wouldn’t like to give someone special the gift of freedom and mobility this fall and Christmas season? I know you would, and this is the perfect time, with the tax incentive now offered on the electric STAR model. The lift kit on the STAR makes it especially versatile. On the farm, it doubles as a workhorse when doing chores ranging from picking the garden, gathering eggs, hauling hay, and maneuvering
in the ice and snow. The STAR is much cheaper than a four-wheeler and is becoming more popular in deer camps. The STAR is so popular the grandchildren will want to drive it around the farm—and they can, because it’s so simple to use. Within the STAR family there are a lot of models, styles, colors, and safety features. A few of the standard features: custom aluminum wheels, DOT rated tires, windshield, turn indicators, brakes, lights, horn, rear view mirror, and seat belts for every passenger. Many standard upgrades are available, including hardwood trims and enclosures. The owner and sales staff at North Atlanta Golf Cars believe the popularity and versatility of the STAR will have a place far into the future,
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
and their promise of outstanding service will guarantee your freedom of movement far into the future. Where can you find your STAR? North Atlanta Golf Cars is located in Dawsonville at 8660 Hwy. 53 East, just a couple of miles east of Georgia 400. For more information call Perry Hall, General Manager, or owner Paul Sanders, at 706- 265 2172 or 800944-2189. Be sure to tell them you saw them in 400 Edition.
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Andy’s Dawgs
Located at 77A Memorial Drive, a few blocks east of the square near Wachovia Bank in Dahlonega, Andy’s Dawgs serves the traditional American hot dog. Andy’s specialty is the Chili Dawg, made with Angus Beef wieners and homemade chili that is similar to that found at that worldfamous drive-in near Georgia Tech. The Slaw Dawg is also a favorite. Andy’s chili recipe was handed down from his uncle Jack , whose restaurant was a favorite in Cumming in the ’60s and ’70s. Andy’s Dawgs features fresh Idaho fries, Sweet Potato chips, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Angus Burgers, IBC Root Beer and Yoo-hoo’s. Come by and get a taste of real American tradition, Oh, don’t forget to try the fresh homemade Fried Apple Pies. Open 11:00am to 2:30pm Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; and 11:00am to 7:30pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Closed on Sunday. 706-482-0111
Cavender Creek Cabins
Need a central location from which to enjoy the host of fall festivals? Or is a cozy romantic retreat more your style? Our complex is North Georgia’s premier cabin resort. Cavender Creek Cabins are set in the breathtaking natural beauty of the North Georgia mountains and blend a rustic setting with luxurious accommodations to create a variety of unique atmospheres that will please even the most demanding guest. Our romantic and familysize cabins are situated only four miles from the historic Dahlonega Square. Most cabins offer a hot tub located outside on a covered porch, overlooking beautiful Cavender Creek or our private pond. Visit our web site and be sure to take our virtual tours. www.CavenderCreek.com - 706-864-7221 or 1-866-373-6307
The building is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, and has been the host of a weekly pickin’ and grinnin’ for over ninety years; this now occurs 3 to 6pm most every Sunday afternoon. Live acoustic music is offered most Thursday through Sunday evenings as well, with some of the region’s/nation’s most renowned performing artists taking the stage to offer wonderfully intimate ‘dinner theatre’ style entertainment. Most evening guests are served prior to the concert’s beginning, but an eclectic six-page ‘new south’ focused menu and wide choice of dining areas give patrons plenty of seating/dining options – with live entertainment or without! Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday: 11am to 8pm+; Thursday: 8am to 9pm+; Friday & Saturday: 8am to 10pm+; Sundays: 8am to 8pm+. A delicious Breakfast menu is also served Thursday through Sunday 9am to 11:30am. www.thecrimsonmoon.com - 706-864-3982
Crown Mountain Limo
Planning a wedding in the North Georgia mountains? Visiting Dahlonega and want to sample the award-winning wines produced here? Well, we provide a service you’ll need. Call Crown Mountain Limo for professional, timely, and, most of all, safe transportation services. Let us chauffeur you to these events, as well as to proms, birthday and anniversary celebrations, concerts and plays, and much more. Our beautiful black Cadillac limousine will make you feel like royalty, and in our 14-passenger vans and mini party bus, you will be treated like royalty. We are your driving specialists. Call Suzanne at 706-867-7372 to reserve your special event with us. Whether you are local, or coming in from out of town, we treat you like family. We are Crown Mountain Limo & Group Transportation, Inc. Don’t drink and drive; let us keep you all safe. 706-867-7372
The Fudge Factory
Cranberry Corners
Since 1995, Cranberry Corners, one of “North Georgia’s Most Eclectic Mercantiles,” has been a cornerstone at 44 North Park Street on Dahlonega’s Historic Square. This family-run store is where to shop for unique gifts, collectibles, antiques, handcrafted items, and custom gift baskets. The year-round Christmas section features an enormous selection. Their motto? “At Cranberry Corners, there are no strangers…Just friends we’ve yet to meet!” Open Monday through Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 12:00pm-5:30pm. www.cranberrycorners.com or call 706-864-6577.
The Crimson Moon Cafe
The Crimson Moon Cafe is located on the historic Public Square of Dahlonega. It is housed in the circa 1858 Parker-Nix Storehouse, now owned by the proprietress, Dana Marie LaChance, and is the second oldest commercial building on ‘the square.’
A landmark of the historic Dahlonega Square, The Fudge Factory offers handmade and hard-to-find confections and candies. The Fudge Factory is best known for their fresh fudge in almost every imaginable variety. Other delights include brittles, truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels and fruit, Nuggets (like “Turtles”), pralines, divinity, and toffee. The Fudge Factory has treats like jaw breakers, gummy anything and everything, gourmet pecans, rock candy, taffy, and other traditional candies. In addition to tasty treats to eat on a stroll around the Square, The Fudge Factory offers extraordinary custom boxes and other favors filled with your favorite treats for all types of events. Located on the north side of the square, across Main Street from the Welcome Center. Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm, FridaySaturday 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-6:00pm www.DahlonegaFudgeFactory.com - 706-864-2256
Be sure to tell them you
More Local events & places at www.Dahlonega.org
My Favorite Thanksgiving Paul Thomas Chocolates
Dahlonega is a sweeter place, thanks to Paul Thomas Chocolates at 39 South Chestatee Street. Founder of Hoffman Chocolates in Florida, Paul and Lori Hoffman have brought the joy and complexity of making fine chocolate to the North Georgia mountains. You’ll want to smell and taste the sweet delights at Paul Thomas Chocolates, located just off the square. Specialties include milk and dark chocolate-covered pretzels, nuts, and fruit, and truffles. Take home a piece of Dahlonega with a one-of-a-kind, chunky Dahlonega Gold Bar. Stop by to see what topnotch ingredients, a lifetime of expertise, and a true passion for candymaking can produce. Open Monday-Thursday 9:30-6:00, Friday & Saturday 9:30-8:00, and Sunday 11:00-5:00. Now you can order online! www.PaulThomasChocolates.com - 706-864-6333
The Gold Shop
Custom jewelry from the site of America’s First Major Gold Rush. The Gold Shop in Dahlonega has been serving their customers since 1977. Rachel and Leonard Wilkerson had mined gold for a living and even mined over half the gold presently atop the dome of the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta. Their specialty items are rings, pendants, and earrings set with raw natural gold found in the rivers around Dahlonega. Many unique pieces of jewelry and custom work are done with diamonds and colored stones. The shop is located inside Mary’s Mini-Mall on the Dahlonega Square. Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 10:00am to 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday, 10:00am to 9:00pm. www.thegoldshoponline.com - 706-864-7227 North Georgia Hair Cutters is a family-oriented hair salon, barber shop, and tanning salon owned by James and Vikki Condrey. Vikki has been running with scissors since 1986 and manages the shop. The shop is located at 408 West Main Street just outside the Historic Public Square of Dahlonega. They offer great service, along with the best haircut at a budget price. They feature a discounted buzz cut for all NGCSU Cadets, active military, R.O.T.C., and public service employees. Discounts are also offered to NGCSU students and senior citizens. North Georgia Hair Cutters specializes in hair cutting, styling, perms, and color, high and low lights. Their salon features a fire truck cutting station for kids, as well as a play area, TV, free Wi-Fi, and a study area for students. They take appointments as well as walk-ins. They also sell all professional namebrand hair products. Master Card, Visa, and Discover accepted. The shop operates on Monday and Tuesday 7:30am to 5:00pm, Wednesday thru Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Check them out on Facebook. 706-482-0541.
saw them in 400 Edition! or 1.800.231.5543
W
hen I reflect on Thanksgivings of the past, it seems like they all blend together to form one collective memory of hot, steaming side dishes sitting pretty in their festive containers, and family members getting to know each other again. However, there was one special Thanksgiving almost two decades ago that stands out from the others. I was ten years old and I know it was particularly warm for that time of year because everyone wore short sleeves and the front yard was filled with sunflowers. Normally, we went to my grandmother’s house for the huge family feast; but for some reason my mother insisted on having it at our house instead. I helped her prepare by dusting the living room and making banana pudding. These small chores brought me much pride. My mother’s oldest sister and her family drove across the country to be there and I met them all for the first time. Her daughter was the same age as me and we were instant best friends and called each other “city cousin and country cousin”—myself being the latter. It was the first time we had ever had out-of-town guests stay with us and it was exciting to be sharing our lives with another family. Everyone came bearing covered dishes filled with home-cooked goodness. My mother had never cooked a frozen turkey before and was shocked and embarrassed to realize that she had cooked the frozen bird with the plastic pouches of innards still inside. It did not affect the taste at all and we stuffed ourselves well past the point of contentment. My mother and her youngest sister were extremely close and they loved keeping old family traditions alive. Each one grabbed an end of the turkey’s wishbone and pulled. My aunt had been battling terminal brain cancer and we all knew what she was wishing for and that my mother let her win. Since her diagnosis about a year earlier, she had come to every family occasion with a video camera. After dinner, she went around to each family member and videoed their responses to her question: “What are you thankful for?” My mother said, “My new car.” In a sarcastic tone because of my
by Vanessa McBrayer
mother’s answer, my father said he was thankful that he just got laid off from work. My grandfather said he was thankful for his beer, and my grandmother said, “My children.” My uncle, who passed away three months later, ironically said, “Just to be here.” My aunt who had cancer said she was thankful for her beautiful new wig, and her husband said he was thankful that she was in remission. At that moment, we all wished we had said that. Once the dishes were washed and put away, the children gathered around our front porch picnic table for a pumpkin pie eating contest. I came in second to my older and more competitive cousin. We got cleaned up and headed outside for a sunset walk in the field below our house. We joked, laughed, and sang rhymes while running through the tall grass. We truly loved being all together and I remember seeing the autumn leaves floating in the breeze and feeling just as free. My aunt stayed well just long enough to have a second child, who is now like a sister to me, and then the cancer came back and took her away from us. We are so thankful for all of the videotapes and we know now that she wanted us to remember her just the way she was and how we were together. It’s funny, because as I reflect on that Thanksgiving Day, I realize that none of us had any idea at the time how cherished those memories would someday be.
Vanessa McBrayer, her husband, three cats, a dog, and five fish make their home in Dawsonville. Her hobbies are writing, hiking, gardening, and traveling. Life Philosophy: Appreciate the simple things in life.
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Cornucopia — The Horn of Plenty
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he cornucopia is a time-honored symbol of abundance, long associated with Thanksgiving. However, it was symbolic well before this holiday existed. The word cornucopia actually dates back to the 5th century BC. It derives from two Latin words: “cornu,” meaning horn (as in the name of that one-horned creature, the unicorn) and “copia,” meaning plenty (a relative of such words as “copious” and “copy”). Thus, cornucopia literally means horn of plenty, and the names are used interchangeably. It was usually depicted as a curved goat’s horn, filled to overflowing with fruit and grain, but could actually have been filled with whatever the owner wished. Still, have you ever wondered how this copious horn came to be? There are two historically understood origins of the cornucopia, and both come from Greek mythology. The first involves a feud between the renowned he-man, Hercules, and the river-god, Achelous, the greatest river in Greece. The two were suitors for Dejanira, a young maiden of extraordinary beauty who was the daughter of King Oeneus of Calydon. The competition (the legendary Fifth Labor of Hercules) amounted to a colossal wrestling match, during which Hercules repeatedly gained the upper hand. Achelous, who was able to change his physical form, changed first into a snake, and then into a bull in order to gain leverage against Hercules. While Achelous was in bull form, Hercules tore off one of his horns and in doing so, diverted the river. The Naiads (nubile water-nymphs) treated the horn as a sacred object, filling it with fragrant flowers. The Roman Goddess of Plenty (Copia) later adopted the horn, and dubbed it (appropriately enough) The Horn of Plenty, or Cornucopia. Incidentally, Hercules later married Dejanira and the two produced an abundance of children. Ancient peoples were fond of uncovering hidden meanings in their mythological tales. The battle
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between Achelous and Hercules is explained by saying Achelous was a river that overflowed its banks during rainy seasons. When the fable says that Achelous loved Dejanira, and sought marriage with her, the interpreted meaning was that the river flowed in its winding path through part of Dejanira’s kingdom. It was said to take the form of a snake, because of its serpentine course, and that of a bull, because of the guttural roaring sound it made as it flowed. When the river swelled, it created itself another channel. Thus its head was horned. Hercules prevented these periodic overflows by building embankments and canals; therefore he was said to have vanquished the river-god Achelous and cut off his horn. Finally, the lands—formerly subject to overflow—became very fertile, and this is what’s meant by the horn of plenty. The second and less complicated version of the cornucopia’s origin is actually older than the first, and involves Zeus, the greatest of all the gods. When Zeus was born, his mother Rhea sent him to Crete to be cared for, thereby hiding him from his father, Cronus, who would have otherwise eaten him. Melisseus, king of Crete, had several daughters, and they took on the task of raising Zeus. The nurses hung Zeus in a cradle from a tree, so that he could not be found in heaven, nor on earth, nor in the sea. Their she-goat, Amalthea, provided milk for the young god. Zeus eventually broke off one of Amalthea’s horns, and endowed the horn with the wonderful power of becoming filled with whatever its possessor desired. He gave the horn to the king’s daughters as a form of thanks, and from then on, the horn— or cornucopia—became a symbol of plenty and whoever had it in his or her possession would never starve. Mythology was a popular theme in classical paintings, and the cornucopia became a
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
decorative motif, often portrayed as a curved goat’s horn overflowing with fruit and grain. The horn of plenty was regarded as the symbol of inexhaustible riches and plenty; and it became associated with several deities, especially Tyche (Roman: Fortuna), the goddess of riches and abundance. The cornucopia, depicted with its mouth turned upward as opposed to its modern downward orientation, also became the emblem of Dionysus (Bacchus), Demeter (Ceres), and several others. Today, of course, the cornucopia often finds its way to the Thanksgiving table as a centerpiece. Typically, it’s in the form of a woven, slightly curving, conical basket that is filled to overflowing with fresh flowers and/or fruits and vegetables. Many people have such a basket that they bring annually to their local flower shop to be filled anew with a harvest of seasonal products. But if you don’t have a cornucopia of your own already, your professional florist probably does (or can get one for you with advance notice). A horn of plenty centerpiece looks great with a lush and varied assortment of materials, so along with the fresh flowers, consider adding some dried wheat or cattails to the design. Dark brown lotus pods can add wonderful textural contrast as well. Perhaps a few colorful gourds or miniature pumpkins can be used to add interest. Ask your florist to “be creative” as your centerpiece is designed this year. And remember, if you can’t make it back to the family homestead for Thanksgiving dinner this year, you can always have your local florist send a seasonal floral arrangement anywhere in the country, just to let those folks know that you’re thinking about them. The cornucopia—a perfect symbol of gratitude for all that we have—including each other. Have a wonderful holiday! Reprinted with permission from FlowerShopNetwork.com. To see original newsletter go to http://www.flowershopnetwork. com/pages/newsletter/ NewsletterOctober2005.php.
Freedom at a Price by Aaron Snider
“All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.” —Winston Churchill
W
hat do you think of when you hear the word “military”? How about “war”? A lot of the people I know think these two words go hand in hand, and in some cases they do. But what about the words “parent” and “military”? I know a lot of people think those words go hand in hand, because they have parents, or siblings, or even children in the armed forces. Unfortunately, many of those without relatives in the armed forces associate the military with war, violence, and death. The problem I see is that there are too many people who see others in the armed forces in that sense, when it couldn’t be further from the truth. The men and women serving in our armed forces are people like you and me. They feel the sun beating down on them on those hot days in Afghanistan. They feel the pain and hurt caused by losing someone they cared about in a fire fight. And they feel the love and relief when they come home to their families and friends. But they feel the honor in returning to the fields of battle to serve our country once more. I don’t have much experience with having a direct relative in the military. The only person I know in my family who has been in any recent war is my uncle, and that
was years ago in Desert Storm, the First Gulf War. But even then, facing the threat of danger from terrorist countries, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, I know that the people in our armed forces responded to the call, and gave their lives so we don’t lose ours. And ten years later, we were facing the same threat. When the events of 9/11 hit, the people of America were scared, and action was needed. So the people of the United States armed forces prepared for the long and grueling battle that awaited them almost seven thousand miles away. During the time spent over there, troops missed their children’s birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases, and things that people in America were able to celebrate because the troops were doing all they could to keep the citizens here safe. So now, what do think of when you hear the word “armed forces”? I hope you think of the compassionate and caring men and women giving their lives for the freedoms we celebrate and take for granted so often. Remember the men and women of our armed forces this November 11, a date we celebrate as Veterans Day. And remember the sacrifices that have been made by these men and women and their families, and the lives that have been given so that we may share in the rights that all men have in this beloved nation. God bless America! Aaron Snider is a freshman at Gainesville State College. November 2009 • www.400edition.com
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Through a Woman’s Eyes
by Martha Hynson
Is She Ready for the Real World?
M
y baby chick is growing up. A couple more years and she’ll be ready to fly out of the nest. Somehow, I don’t think I’ll be ready. More importantly, how do I make sure she’s ready? How do I prepare her for a world that’s changing every day? What’s most important? It’s not that I just realized this day was coming. Oh no, I began worrying long ago. From the moment my children were born, I’ve worried about the future. At first, the main goal was just to keep them alive so they would have a future. A stroll through the baby department at Walmart tells me I’m not alone. There are so many gadgets intended to keep babies safe it makes you wonder how they ever survived without modern technology. You may enter the childproofing aisle with just one concern, but you’ll come away with lots of new ideas for things to worry about! If looking around the baby department doesn’t set your mind to worrying, looking around at other mothers surely will. We all want our children to grow up safe and happy and when we see other moms doing things differently it can cause us to second-guess ourselves. When my oldest child was in preschool, she enjoyed watching a cartoon called the Smurfs. They seemed harmless enough—even cute— until another mom told me they were satanic! Wow, who knew?! Although I really didn’t understand the reasoning, I didn’t want to take any chances, so no more little blue guys for my daughter! As our kids grew, we got them involved in sports. This seemed like a good way to prepare them for life. After all, we had learned lots of good stuff playing on teams. Amazingly, I found that what we’d learned in
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fifteen games over a summer, now apparently took seventy-five. Seemed a little excessive, but of course we wanted our kids to have as good an opportunity to succeed as everyone else…right? I’m not sure our grandmothers worried so much about preparing their kids for the future. It just happened. Mama Jess, a wonderful southern lady who passed away earlier this year, at the age of 98, told me that when she was young, the kids in her family were driving by the time they were eight years old because her grandmother never learned to drive and she needed someone to take her to town! I, on the other hand, become nervous when my fifteen-year-old slides behind the wheel. Of course, the traffic back then was not what it is today, and Mama Jess was never tempted to talk on a cell phone as she chauffeured her granny! Yes, our ancestors are lucky they missed out on all the worry that goes along with technology. It’s a challenge to balance my concerns about possible dangers associated with the use of things like Internet and cell phones with the fact that technology use is a necessary fact of life in our world. It’s even more of a challenge since my kids understand these things much better than I do! Now that I think about it, I may have more in common with mothers of previous generations than I thought. Maybe Mama Jess’ grandma did worry about her kids driving, but she let them do it anyway because it was necessary. I never asked my eight-year-old to drive a car, but my kids have all helped me navigate the information superhighway of the World Wide Web. Recently, in fact, I asked my daughter November 2009 • www.400edition.com
to set me up a Facebook account. “Lots of women my age have them,” I said. “Mom,” she replied, “just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you have to!” Ha ha smartypants! (I mean, lol) I bet if Mama Jess had said that to her grandma when she asked her to drive her downtown, she would have washed her mouth out with soap! Ally’s little remark, however, may help me keep my worrying under control. If only I can stop looking at what others are doing, and focus on what’s truly important for my daughter to know, I can find peace in the midst of our ever-changing world. I can’t know the future, so how can I prepare my daughter for what she may face? Thankfully, there is One who never changes, who does know the future, and who loves my daughter passionately. If she knows that truth, I can be confident that she is prepared. Thousands of years ago, King David, wanting to prepare his son for life, gave him some words of wisdom. He said, “ Get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.” 1 Chronicles 28: 9. If I do everything humanly possible to prepare my daughter for the future, but don’t point her to God, then I’ve failed to do the one thing that really matters. And that is more dangerous to her future than surfing the Internet while watching the Smurfs! Martha Hynson is a wife, mom, teacher, and freelance writer from Watkinsville, Georgia.
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
To Your Health
Help Your Waistline Survive The Holidays Northside Hospital offers healthy eating tips for the holiday season
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id you know that the average Thanksgiving meal can add up to 1900 calories? Yet the average person should only consume about 2000 calories in an entire day. Between the turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pie, the holidays can be the most difficult time of the year to maintain your weight and stick with a healthy diet. According to the National Institutes of Health, average weight gain during the holiday season is only about a pound, but this weight accumulates over the years and may be a major contributor to obesity. Weight gain prevention is much easier than trying to diet after the holidays. And if you’ve been trying to lose weight, be realistic during the holidays. Just try maintaining your current weight. You can pick back up with your weight loss plan later. Here are some helpful holiday eating guidelines: • Don’t skip meals to “save room” for a holiday feast. If you fast, you will end up bingeing later. • Eat before the feast. Eating a light, low-calorie meal that includes fiber from fruits and vegetables before going to a holiday party or dinner will keep you in control of your appetite and make it harder to overeat. • Drink lots of water. At least eight cups a day is recommended. Don’t waste calories on other beverages. • Bring your own dish. Bring a healthy dish to dinner and you can be guaranteed that the dish is good for you. • Plan ahead. Survey all the food available first, then pick only what you really want. Turkey is
lean and healthy, especially the white meat; it is the skin and trimmings that will get you. Try filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, preferably not those doused with cheese or sauce. Also, try choosing one starchy food – either stuffing, bread, OR potatoes… not all of them. • Focus on moderation. Stop eating when you no longer feel hungry; don’t keep eating until you feel stuffed. • Set pre-meal goals. Setting limits before entering into a high-calorie situation allows you to maintain control of your eating. Make plans to not have seconds, or plan to allow yourself just one indulgence. • Eat dessert a few hours after the meal so you have time to digest your dinner. Indulge on those things you only get during the holidays and eat a partial serving of each dessert. • Emphasize conversation and socializing instead of the food. We don’t realize how much we have eaten when we pick at food while standing. This makes it important to sit down to eat. When you do overeat, try going for a walk or eating lighter during the next couple of days. Remember, one meal will not cause you to gain weight. If, after following these recommendations, you still find yourself in need of a little help after the holidays, Northside Hospital’s New Start, Weight Smart is a 12-week program that can help you meet your weight loss goals successfully and keep the weight off permanently. For more information, visit www.northside.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 19
Troubled Young Adult Children: What Can Parents Do to Help?
Mind and heart mind & heart
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f you are the parent of an older teen or young adult (i.e., roughly between ages 18-22), it is likely that you have already recognized some of the limitations of how much you can, or should, intervene in your child’s problems at this life stage. Coming of age legally essentially ends what a parent can “leverage” to happen in their children’s lives and, in many ways, this is certainly developmentally fitting. However, there are many late teens and young adults who are still residing in their parents’ homes for a variety of reasons (financial, educational, maturity issues, etc.), thereby providing their parents a front row seat to whatever dysfunction may be playing out in the theater of their lives. A particularly challenging situation is that of parents with an “adult child” residing with them and struggling with substantial emotional, addictive, and/or legal issues. In some cases, the child may never have left home after high school for college or other independent living scenarios, choosing instead to remain home to save money and attend the local community college and/or to work or, in some cases, to do neither. In others, the child may have left home earlier, subsequently encountered serious problems at school or elsewhere, and ended up returning home on a default basis. In either scenario, distinct control and boundary issues arise when parents try to cope with the dysfunctional behavior that they may be aware is occurring in their child’s life. The situation becomes particularly frustrating and unhealthy if the child becomes caught up early in the adult legal system and the parents feel a need to rescue him or her from it, thereby neutralizing its potentially corrective consequences. The dilemma faced by most caring parents that I have counseled who have troubled adult children seems to center around trying to decide how much to do. The line between helpful, proactive
20 400 Edition
assistance and unhealthy “enabling” can be a fine one indeed for parents to walk. Contemporary “pop” and media psychology has made many parents aware that unconditional helping/rescuing behavior on their part without reciprocal responsibility from the adult child essentially makes them become part of the overall problem. Despite this awareness, many parents still struggle with how to calibrate the level of their help in such a way that their child retains the lion’s share of responsibility for resolving his/her issues. In many such cases, I have found that a more “grown-up” version of family contracting is a useful approach to help balance the at times opposing forces of parental help/intervention and adult child responsibility. For example, if a nineteen-year-old young man flunks out of college, in part due to his excessive substance usage, and ends up being allowed to return home to rebuild his life and start over, I believe there should be terms and conditions applied to this arrangement to ensure that it is healthy and productive for all concerned. While these terms and conditions can vary considerably from one family to the next, some typical requirements that parents have set in the past have included, but have not been limited to, the following: 1) the securing of gainful employment by the adult child, either full- or part-time, with possible financial contribution towards “room and board”; 2) a willingness to help with ongoing household chores, at this stage without having to be coaxed or nagged into it; 3) in cases where substance abuse has been an issue, a commitment to keeping the family home a drugfree environment, with submission to random drug screening if this is felt to also be necessary; 4) a willingness to become involved in individual counseling or other forms of mental health treatment (AA meetings, etc.) related to resolving the original issues that brought about the situation;
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D.
5) if a return to college is intended for those who have previously been unsuccessful there, for the adult child to share in the costs of this endeavor. My own unofficial research has shown that students who pay for part or all of their collegiate expenses tend to invest more in their studies and achieve at a generally higher level. Even a small, proportional contribution on their part helps here. If these examples of contracted family living stipulations seem harsh to parents, remember that besides providing loving help, the goal of such arrangements is to promote an enhanced sense of responsibility and accountability for the adult child who is in difficult circumstances (probably at least in part because these qualities had remained underdeveloped). As a parent, it may be one of the last “corrective” acts of parenting that you may be called upon to do.
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.
Turkey Storage Advice from the National Turkey Federation
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ollowing proper storage procedures is important for food safety and to maintain the best quality of the turkey. When you return from the grocery store with raw turkey, place it in the refrigerator in the original wrapper; a hard-chilled turkey should not be placed in the freezer. If the turkey is frozen and the thawing process does not need to begin, store in the freezer. Care must be taken to properly store leftover cooked turkey. The leftover turkey
Whole Turkey Turkey Breasts
should be carved from the bone and the stuffing removed. All leftovers should be stored in shallow containers and refrigerated or frozen within two hours of cooking. NTF recommends that cooked, sliced turkey reach 40 degrees F within two hours or less. When reheating, be sure the turkey reaches a temperature of 165 degrees F. Turkey gravy should be used within 1 to 2 days; be sure to bring the gravy to a boil before serving.
Storage of Raw Turkey Refrigerated storage Freezer storage at 0 at 35-40 degrees F degrees F or below 1 to 2 days 12 months 1 to 2 days 3 months
Storage of Leftover Cooked Turkey Refrigerated storage at Freezer storage at 0 35-40 degrees F degrees F or below Leftover Turkey 3 to 4 days 3 to 4 months
Share a Meal with Senior Citizens
Senior Services offers Home-Delivered Meal Holiday Gift Certificate Program
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hare the gift of a meal with home-bound senior citizens in Forsyth County this holiday season through the HomeDelivered Meal Holiday Gift Certificate Program. Purchase a holiday gift certificate through Forsyth County Senior Services, and meals will be delivered to home-bound senior citizens through the Meals on Wheels program. You can provide a meal for one day, or meals for an entire week, month, or year. The cost of one meal is $3.39, one week is $16.95, one month is $74.58, and one year is $894.96. All gifts are taxdeductible. Checks should be made payable to Forsyth County Senior
Services, Holiday Gift Certificate Program and should be mailed or delivered to Forsyth County Senior Services, 595 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040. From Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, all meals delivered to senior citizens will include a special certificate wishing the recipient happy holidays from the meal provider. Although funding for meal programs has decreased with budget cuts, the need for meals has increased. The goal of Senior Services is to provide 2,500 meals this holiday season. To receive additional information, call 770-781-2178.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 21
Fun 400 by
Courtesy of ActivityConnection.com. Answers on page 24.
Gobble, Gobble! The list of words to the right of the puzzle can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally, backwards, and forwards. T N P H I C N F W A T T L E P Q I D G D
L H A E W Z E E I R C T O P E P I R A J
F I A F C A S O N A O O Q X N O G U J G
G Y L N T K T C G M D W T J O E E M G Q
B K D H K K I T S P R R R W O I R S V A
A K E I D S R E V Y A D G E U N B T F A
M R F C T E G J M M Z O A O T G M I F L
S P Y U B A F I E G Z O P H R F V C S Q
V D Z Q M E T F V U I N U N Q Y A K E H
T O O U N U A Z U I G S G M S S J R J C
K G L P R Q O R O T N E L C N U R A C A
L P O K L I A T D N S G V L C T K S V R
P C E B A O D N S T R U T I Z E C C G V
L Y F Q B E T D K U R X R W F O W L K E
X O V J A L B T S A E R B R I N Y S K D
F D H O O L E P T X J F E C O N L F Z R
E H A M Z F W D D L L B V D N I S F K U
O E N E H R Q H Y Q E V E E N F V E B P
E K J V Y C J X U O E A J D V W S V O S
L Y Q V T U X X B M M N J P B A L V K H
Famous Battles Match the campaign/battle with the corresponding war. Battles:
1. _____ Battle of the Bulge
BEAK
NEST
BEARD
PECK
BREAST
PLUMAGE
CARUNCLE
RAFTER
CARVED
SNOOD
DRUMSTICK
SPUR
FAN
STRUT
FEATHERS
STUFFED
FOWL
TAIL
GIZZARD
THANKSGIVING
GOBBLE
TOM
HEN
TURKEY
JAKE
WATTLE
JENNY
WINGS
MOLT
Wars:
a. American Revolutionary War b. American Civil War c. World War I d. World War II e. Korean War f. Vietnam War
2. _____ Operation Torch 3. _____ Battle of Marne
4. _____ Heartbreak Ridge
5. _____ Battle of Bull Run 6. _____ Hamburger Hill 7. _____ Pork Chop Hill
8. _____ Battle of Midway Island
9. _____ Battle at Chosin Reservoir 10. _____ Operation Rolling Thunder 11. _____ Battle of Bunker Hill 12. _____ Battle of Ypres
13. _____ Battle of Leyte Gulf 14. _____ Battle of Britain
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November 2009 • www.400edition.com
15. _____ Operation Pile Driver 16. _____ Eastertide Offensive 17. _____ D-Day
18. _____ Guadalcanal
19. _____ Battle of Verdun 20. _____ Inchon
21. _____ Tet Offensive
22. _____ Battle of Coral Sea 23. _____ Battle of Liege
24. _____ Battle of Gettysburg 25. _____ Battle of Brandywine
Comma Momma I Just Won’t Go There
S
ometimes I’ll go completely around the block to keep from using certain words or constructions. Some of them are words that sound wrong even when they’re used correctly. Whom is one of these. To my ear, whom always sounds pretentious, whether it’s used properly or improperly. Many people use whom where who would be correct, because they think whom sounds more upper-class. “In general,” one dictionary’s usage note says, “who tends to predominate over whom in informal contexts. Whom may sound stuffy even when correctly used, and when used where who would be correct, as in Whom shall I say is calling? whom may betray grammatical ignorance.” Writer Calvin Trillin puts it this way: “As far as I’m concerned, ‘whom’ is a word that was invented to make everyone sound like a butler.” John McIntyre, former copy editor at The Baltimore Sun, offers this advice to professional journalists: “If your grasp on the distinction between subject and object is a tenuous one, the safe bet is to use who in all cases, since whom is the thing you’re apt to get wrong. At the worst, you’ll be thought casual rather than ignorant. Purists will fret, but they enjoy that. It gives their lives meaning.” One purist understood and cared about the difference to his dying day. The New York Times reported: “Eugene Ehrlich, a
by Nancy Wright
self-educated lexicographer ... died on April 5 at his home in Mamaroneck, N.Y. He was 85 ... Some family members were so used to Mr. Ehrlich’s habit of correcting grammar that some studied up before visiting him. On his deathbed, Mr. Ehrlich heard somebody ask, ‘To who?’ ‘To whom,’ he said, with a weak voice and great authority.” Here’s another example of a usage that sounds wrong even when it’s right: “August is a great time for we humans to ...” It should be us humans. Test it this way: Take out the word humans and you’d find it perfectly natural to say “a great time for us to.” Inserting humans into the sentence doesn’t change the grammar. Nevertheless, the correct form, us humans, sounds plain wrong. I’d write it another way, since I take little delight in being right when many readers will think I’m wrong. Other words I avoid are those whose meanings have changed over time because people have used them wrong for so long that the wrong meaning has become acceptable. (Gaaah. Where are we going and why are we in this handbasket?) Comprise is in that category. One usage note had this to say: “The traditional rule states that the whole comprises the parts and the parts compose the whole ... Even though careful writers often maintain this distinction, comprise is increasingly used in
place of compose, especially in the passive: The Union is comprised of 50 states. Our surveys show that opposition to this usage is abating.” Well, that’s just great. That means somebody will call me an illiterate bozo however I use comprise. To be safe, I just recast my sentences to use some form of compose instead, because I at least know what that word means and how to use it. Other words or phrases that I won’t use because they muddle me so: Derogate. Belie. Beg the question. Decry. You can probably add others from your own list. Nancy Wright does occasional editing and proofreading, and 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.Visit the forums at www.400edition.com to read some earlier columns.
Give The Gift Of Meals
Waiting list for Meals on Wheels—first time in the history of the Lumpkin County Senior Center
O
ver the course of our lives, many of us will either receive, or know someone who receives, Meals on Wheels (MOW). Many senior adults in our community depend on the Meals on Wheels program for their nutritional and social well-being. As with many services over the last year, the Lumpkin County MOW program has suffered from budget cuts. For the first time in the history of the senior center, we have a waiting list for meals. If you are able, please give the gift of meals to a senior during this holiday season. From Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Day, meals will be delivered with a gift certificate. One nutritious meal is delivered daily for a cost of $3.39; for one week the cost is $16.95, for one month, $73.45, and for one year, $881.45. Please make checks payable to Lumpkin County Senior Center and send to 266 Mechanicsville Road, Dahlonega GA 30533. All gifts are tax deductible. For additional information, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels or other services through the senior center, call 706-864-2358.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 23
Events! Events, by
Fun 400 Answers from page 22.
Thanksgiving
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.
Veterans Day—November 11 Thanksgiving—November 26
Alpharetta
Holiday Bazaar in the Park
November 14, 9:00am5:00pm at Calvin Farmer Park in Ball Ground. For more information go to www. ballgroundbusinessassociation. com or contact Jeannie Way at 770-735-1544 or bgjeannie@ellijay.com.
Brasstown, NC
Blacksmith Auction at John C. Campbell Folk School
Wars:
a. American Revolutionary War b. American Civil War c. World War I d. World War II e. Korean War f. Vietnam War
Battles:
1. __d__ 2. __d__ 3. __c__ 4. __e__ 5. __b__ 6. __f__ 7. __e__ 8. __d__ 9. __e__ 10. __f__ 11. __a__ 12. __c__ 13. __d__ 14. __d__ 15. __e__ 16. __f__ 17. __d__ 18. __d__ 19. __c__ 20. __e__ 21. __f__ 22. __d__ 23. __c__ 24. __b__ 25. __a__
Battle of the Bulge Operation Torch Battle of Marne Heartbreak Ridge Battle of Bull Run Hamburger Hill Pork Chop Hill Battle of Midway Island Battle at Chosin Reservoir Operation Rolling Thunder Battle of Bunker Hill Battle of Ypres Battle of Leyte Gulf Battle of Britain Operation Pile Driver Eastertide Offensive D-Day Guadalcanal Battle of Verdun Inchon Tet Offensive Battle of Coral Sea Battle of Liege Battle of Gettysburg Battle of Brandywine Courtesy of ActivityConnection.com.
24 400 Edition
(Brasstown, NC) – Saturday, November 7, 1:00pm-5:00pm. Our annual Blacksmith Auction presents some of the finest artist blacksmith and other fine craft items for sale. Proceeds benefit the craft programs at the Folk School. Admission: Free. For more information, visit www.folkschool.org or call 1-800-FOLK-SCH.
Canton
GERD Seminar
Northside Hospital-Cherokee is hosting free monthly seminars about the latest advancement in the evolution of surgical procedures for the treatment of GERD: TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication). The seminar dates: Thursday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Dec. 10. All seminars will be held 6:30pm-7:30pm in Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s Education Building, 201 Hospital Road, Canton. The event is free; however, registration is requested. Call 404-845-5555 to register.
12th annual Heritage Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 21, from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Heritage
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
Baptist Fellowship, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, just north of Great Sky between Canton and Waleska. Featuring gift baskets, ornaments, crafts, and delicious food, the annual event draws hundreds of visitors who flock to the site for the affordable goodies and old-fashioned flavor of the bazaar. New this year is the Churches of Cherokee County calendar. Also included are a Garden Room; Silent Auction; the Festival of Trees, with ornaments and fully decorated trees on display and for sale; homemade fried apple pies, soups and chili, and ham and sausage biscuits. Benefits outreach in the community, and church mission projects. For more information, contact the church office at 770-479-9415.
Clarkesville
Third Annual Holiday Treasure Hunt
Saturday, December 5, 10:00am, from Clarkesville to Lake Burton. The merchants of the Scenic 197 Association present seasonal decorations, artist demonstrations, and specially selected unique gifts. Plan your route to end the day at the historic Batesville Store to hear old moonshiners recount the glory days at 4:00pm. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will follow as the Treasure Hunt and prize winners are announced. Participants need not be present to win. Further information and downloadable maps are available by logging on to Scenic197.com
Cumming
5th Annual Christmas in Central Park
November 21, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday, November
Events, Events! 22, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This exciting event is sponsored by Forsyth County Parks & Recreation Dept. and Sawnee Artists Association and will feature unique arts and crafts and items for the holidays, food booths, children’s activities, music, and entertainment. And best of all, admission is free! Entertainment will be ongoing throughout both days, and Saturday evening will end with the “Lighting of the Tree” at 6:15pm. Pictures with Santa will be available 10:30am-5:30pm on Saturday, and 10:30am-3:30pm on Sunday, and Mrs. Claus will be there too. For more information, call Paula Chambers at 678-455-8540.
Caribbean Cruise
February 19-25, 2010. Offered by Forsyth County Senior Services is. For more information call 770-781-2178.
Cumming Playhouse
November Line-up – The Mood Swingers, November 6-15, Friday and Saturday 8:00pm, Sunday 3:00pm. Firecracker Jazz Band, November 20, Friday 8:00pm. Sentimental Journey Orchestra, November 21, 8:00pm. The Cumming Playhouse Singers, “Music of the Masters,” November 28, Saturday 8:00pm. “Christmas in Cumming,” November 29, Sunday 3:00pm. “Sanders Family Christmas,” December 1-13, TWTFS 8:00pm, Sunday 3:00pm. For more information, see www.playhousecumming.com or call 770-781-9178. The Cumming Playhouse is located at 101 School Street.
Looking for Volunteers
Forsyth County Senior Services is looking for volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program, kitchen assistance, and volunteers to give a friendly visit to a homebound senior. Call 770-781-2178 for more information on these and other services.
Dahlonega
Travel to Savannah, Jekyll
Island, and Beaufort, SC
Leave from the Lumpkin County Senior Center at 8:00am on March 8 and return March 12. $439 covers the cost for transportation, four nights lodging, eight meals, tours, and gratuities. Deposit of $75 due in November 2009. For more information call Rhonda at 706-864-2358.
Gold Rush Cup Fly Fishing Challenge
The Gold Rush Chapter of Trout Unlimited, based in Dahlonega, has announced that it will sponsor the first annual Gold Rush Cup Fly Fishing Challenge, to be held on the beautiful and picturesque waters of the Chestatee River. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 21, from 8:00am-6:00pm (a rain date will be provided). Directions to the venue can be found online at www.goldrushtu.org or www.froghollowflyfishing. com. Attendance is open to the public, with fly casting and tying demonstrations being provided by Gold Rush Chapter members. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Event tickets are $5.00 per person; children 12 and under are free. A number of raffle items will also be available.
Race Against Domestic Violence
November 7 – Registration 8:00am, Run-Walk begins at 9:00 am. Cost is $25 the day of the event; students can enter for $15. The 5K (3.1 mile) course winds along the quiet, paved, private paths of the Cottrell Cattle Ranch in Dahlonega. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female in each category. All pre-registered participants will receive a goody bag including an official event T-shirt. Please contact Nicole for more information at 706-864-1306 ext. 6, or online at www.noonealone.org.
The Hubbard Street 2 Dance Company
November 15 – The Holly Theater presents The Hubbard Street 2
Dance Company. Any student with an interest in performance is invited to attend a free, education-based “meet and greet” from 9:00am until 1:00pm on the day of the performance. A chance to watch the dancers warm up and dance to size themselves to our stage, plus movement with the dancers onstage and a couple of hours of questions and answers about anything from make-up to shoes and agents, make this a remarkable opportunity for students of all ages. This is free! All a student has to do is get here. Please RSVP to info@hollytheater.com or call 706-864-3759. The cost to attend the 2:00pm performance is $30.00. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.hollytheater.com
Silver Sneakers
Join us every Tuesday and Friday at 9:30am at the Lumpkin County Senior Center for muscular, strength, range-of-motion exercise. Call 706-864-2358 for information.
Dawsonville
Woodland Christmas Open House
Thursday, November 12, 4:00pm to 7:00pm at White Interiors located at 278 GA400 North in Dawsonville (behind Ryan’s Steakhouse). The store will be lavishly decorated for the holiday season. Enjoy a cup of cheer. Take advantage of the unique ornaments
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
plus creative and economical gift ideas. Sign the Gift Registry for suggestions that you might fancy under your tree on Christmas morning. To receive 10% off your purchases from November 12 to December 31, 2009, bring two nonperishable food items to support the food drive at Dawson County’s Ric Rack, an organization that gives assistance to needy families in our community. For more information, call 706-216-1230.
Community Clean Up Day
Saturday, November 21, 2009 – Dawson County District Two For information call Cathy Brooks at 706-344-3501 ext. 255.
Appalachian Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26, 11:00am, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. Experience a traditional Thanksgiving buffet with old-fashioned fun. Displays and Appalachian cultural demonstrations will be presented at the lodge. Reservations for the Thanksgiving buffet are required (space fills quickly). $5 parking. 706-344-1505.
Helen
Visiting Artist Series at Unicoi
State Park and Lodge, Saturdays and Sundays, November 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15. Several talented artists and craftspeople from Georgia and surrounding states will demonstrate and have samples of their work
400 Edition 25
Events, Events,
for sale. The program takes place each weekend from Memorial Day through mid-November. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Southern Appalachian Mushrooms
November 7, 10:00am–12:30pm,
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge. Learn why fungi are critically important to the survival of our ecosystem. Following a slideshow and lecture by botanical photographer Debra Davis, participants will have an opportunity to participate in a non-collecting identification foray.
Register in advance. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Saturday Evening Concert Series
Saturdays, November 7 and 14, Unicoi State Park and Lodge. Some of the best musicians in the area perform a variety of music, from Appalachian Mountain to bluegrass to Southern gospel. “Pass-thehat” donations plus $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
2009 Festival of Trees
Friday, November 27, through Saturday, December 12, 9:00am. Unicoi State Park and Lodge. View beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi lodge. This event is hosted by White County Chamber of Commerce. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Jasper
Fourth Annual Taste of Pickens
November 14, 11:00am until 2:30pm. Come early for the widest selection of foods. ‘Taste’ returns to last year’s venue, officially known as the Appalachian Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College (Appalachian Tech). This sampling of the specialty offerings of over 30 restaurants will benefit C.A.R.E.S (Pickens’ Community Food Pantry), giving food and financial assistance to the hungry. A $10 ticket entitles you to eight selections—entrees or desserts—from over 30 restaurants and caterers.
Roswell Ghost Tour
November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 – each Friday and Saturday night. Reservations required. Experience the charm and mystery of the Deep South through ghost stories. In the heart of this historic village, you will be surprised by how many spirits reside behind the walls of the antebellum mansions. Deep ravines with their mill ruins hold secrets of exiled mill workers whose toilsome moans may still be heard. $15 adults; $10 for children 12 and under. www.roswellghosttour.com or 770-649-9922.
Starry Night
November 7 – An evening of music, food, spirits, and socializing to benefit and celebrate “stars” in our community: 220+ at-risk children who work hard to succeed in school and in life with the help of STAR House. The festivities begin at 6:30pm; $100 per person; www.starhousefoundation.org or 678-306-4600.
Holiday Decorating and Tablescapes
Saturday, November 7, 6:00pm -10:30pm at Chattahoochee Tech in Jasper. For more information see www.pickensfurball.org or www.pickensanimalrescue.org.
November 17- 24 – with Dusky Turner at The Chandlery on Canton Street. Get into the holiday spirit with easy decorating, tablescapes, and entertaining ideas by Dusky Turner. Appetizers and beverages provided, and you will be educated and entertained. Call for specific dates and times. 770-993-5962
Roswell
Roswell Tellabration
3rd Annual Pickens Fur Ball Fundraiser
Arsenic and Old Lace
November 5-22 – a comedy by Joseph Kesselring, presented by Georgia Ensemble Theatre. This delightfully wicked comedy involves a theatre-hating drama
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critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police as he debates whether to go through with his recent engagement to the woman he loves. His two spinster aunts regularly murder lonely old men by poisoning them with arsenic-laced wine. www.get.org or 770-641-1260.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
November 20 – at the Roswell Adult Recreation Facility, 7:30pm. Sponsored by the Magnolia Tellers, the Roswell Folk & Heritage Bureau, and the Roswell Ramblers, this evening of “tales” is part of
Events, Events!
a world-wide storytelling event. 770-640-3253.
I Collect Christmas
November 21-December 30 – at Barrington Hall. Fascinating and whimsical Christmas collectibles are featured. Whether an extensive collection of 19th century antique ornaments, or vintage nutcrackers, there is something to thrill the collector in each of us. The historic home will be beautifully decorated in traditional Southern style. Tours on the hour from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Mon.-Sat., and from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Sundays. (Closed Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) 770-640-3855.
The 12 Days of Christmas
November 21-January 3 – at Historic Bulloch Hall. Beginning with a perfect partridge nestled in a pear tree, visitors will go from room to room (you may sing if you wish) experiencing the many delightful interpretations of those melodious 12 days. Decorated by local civic groups, individuals, and shops, the house will enchant all who visit during the holidays. Self-guided tours of the home decorated for the holidays in this favorite (and fun) theme. Mon.- Sat. 10:00am-4:00pm; Sun. 1:00pm-4:00pm. (Closed Nov. 26 and 27; December 25; January 1) 770-992-1731.
Winter Wonderland
November 21-January 10 – on the Plantation at Smith Plantation Home. Heritage Flora and Fauna native to Smith Plantation is this year’s theme, featuring antebellum plants, birds, and wildlife, as the Roswell Garden Club takes Smith Plantation to new heights with seasonal décor. Tours on the hour, Mon.-Sat from 10:00am-3:00pm and from 1:00pm- 3:00pm on Sundays. 770-641-3978.
Community Thanksgiving Service
November 22 – 7:00pm at Roswell First Baptist Church on Mimosa Blvd., presented by Roswell
First Baptist Church, Roswell Presbyterian Church, and Roswell UMC. A unique Thanksgiving service, preached by Dr. Lane Alderman, with music by choirs and orchestras of First Baptist Church of Roswell. 770-587-6980.
www.kudzuplayhouse.org.
Tallulah Falls
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Sunday, November 1, 5:00pm– 7:00pm; Monday, November 2,
5:30pm–7:30pm; Tallulah Gorge State Park. Hike by the light of the full moon to the park’s suspension bridge where you will learn about sensory awareness and how animals survive. Register in advance. 706-754-7981.
A Christmas Carol
November 27 -December 24 – at Kudzu Playhouse. Charles Dickens shows the audience Ebenezer Scrooge in his dingy, cold quarters on Christmas Eve. This traditional holiday classic is filled with old English Christmas carols guaranteed to fill you with the Christmas spirit and warm your heart. Brink Miller will continue his longrunning (14 years) performance as Scrooge in this community tradition. 10743 Alpharetta Hwy (Brannon Square). 770-594-1020 or www.kudzuplayhouse.org
A Christmas Carol
November 27-December 19 – presented by Rosewater Theatre on the Rendezvous Stage. A unique perspective on this classic tale full of drama, laughter, and music, with special effects and lighting, as three ghosts show Scrooge the error of his ways. A morality tale. 633 Holcomb Bridge Road; www.rosewatertheatre.com or 770-640-5500.
Christmas Belles
November 27-December 19 – presented at Rosewater Theatre. The small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters are not exactly in a festive mood. The feuding sisters must pull together to present a Christmas program the citizens of Fayro will never forget. 633 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-640-5500.
Babes In Toyland
November 28-December 24 – presented by Kudzu Playhouse. This Christmas tale features some of Herbert’s most famous songs, among them “Toyland,” “March of the Toys,” “Go To Sleep, Slumber Deep,” and “I Can’t Do the Sum.” 770-594-1020; or November 2009 • www.400edition.com
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Famous Soldier Quotes As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. — John Fitzgerald Kennedy Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. — G.K. Chesterton To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. — George Washington All right, they’re on our left, they’re on our right, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us...they can’t get away this time. — Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, USMC History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. — General Dwight D. Eisenhower On 22 December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, Anthony Clement McAuliffe was acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division in charge of the defense of Bastogne, Belgium. The advancing German forces called on his garrison to surrender. The Americans were surrounded. Instead, Anthony McAuliffe wrote: “To the German Commander: NUTS! The American Commander.” Bastogne was successfully held by the Americans. Americans never quit. — General Douglas MacArthur Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don’t have that problem. — Ronald Reagan Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. — General George S. Patton, Jr. I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight. — General George S. Patton, Jr.
It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. — General George S. Patton, Jr. In war, you win or lose, live or die—and the difference is an eyelash. — General Douglas MacArthur I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world! — General Douglas MacArthur It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious. — President George Washington The battle of Iwo Island [Jima] has been won. The United States Marines, by their individual and collective courage, have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat.... Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue. —Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Ah! never shall the land forget, How gushed the life-blood of her brave. — William Cullen Bryant It is never very crowded at the front. — Creighton W. Abrams, Jr. There’s no glory like those who save their country. — Alfred Lord Tennyson For love of country they accepted death. — James A. Garfield Who kept the faith and fought the fight; the glory theirs, the duty ours. — Wallace Bruce Do you know what a soldier is, young man? He’s the chap who makes it possible for civilized folk to despise war. — Allan Massie
Best Sale in Town
Put November 13 on your calendar because that is when Rug Outlet is starting their rug sale. The big top will go up and the prices will go down. Everything in their showroom is on sale. Stop by and shop for rugs to get your home ready for the holidays. Rug Outlet is located at 6140 GA400 in Cumming and 880 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. Contact them at 770-518-6003 or 770-887-6003.
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November 2009 • www.400edition.com
Recipes from the Past Early American recipes from the Plimoth for Kids pages of Plimoth Plantation, a bicultural museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts
A 17th Century Wampanoag Recipe: Succotash
Made from corn and beans, this is a nourishing dish that has been made by generations of Native People. In the old way, a woman soaked the corn and beans overnight in a kettle of water. The next day, she cooked green onions (scallions) in a small amount of bear fat. The corn and beans were added, enough to feed a family (there were no measuring cups in those days). Then a good amount of water was added and the pot was left to simmer over the open fire until it made a rich broth. Sometimes corn flour or crushed nuts were added to help thicken the broth. Chunks of meat could be added to give the dish more flavor. Corn and beans are Native foods. Now you know that this dish began with Native People on this continent. Today it is popular all over America.
Modern Recipe for Succotash* Ingredients: 1 can yellow corn 1 can red kidney beans or lima beans, drained 1 medium white onion, or one cup scallions, chopped 3 tablespoons oil 1 lb. lean ground beef Salt and pepper to taste
Cook onion in oil until lightly browned. Add beef, stirring constantly until browned. Add corn, beans, salt, and pepper to meat mixture. Add enough water to cover, and simmer on a low flame. If it starts to get dry, add a little more water. You can simmer the succotash for up to 30 minutes.
*Based on a recipe from In My Wetu, a Plimoth Plantation publication, 1983.
A 17th Century Colonial Recipe: Stewed Pompion
This is a delicious recipe for pumpkin. It is one of the earliest written recipes from New England. The recipe is in a book written by John Josselyn, who traveled to New England in the 1600’s. (John Josselyn, Two Voyages to New England.) John Josselyn called this recipe a “standing dish.” That means that this sort of pumpkin dish was eaten every day, or even at every meal. He also called it “ancient” because English housewives had cooked this recipe in New England for a long time. This is his recipe the way it appeared in his book:
whole day, and as they sink, they fill again with fresh Pompions, not putting any liquor to them; and when it is stew’d enough, it will look like bak’d Apples; this they Dish, putting Butter to it, and a little Vinegar, (with some Spice, as Ginger, &c.) which makes it tart like an Apple, and so serve it up to be eaten with Fish or Flesh: It provokes Urine extreamly and is very windy. Notes about the recipe: The English people in the 1600’s called all pumpkins and squash “pompions.” Back in John Josselyn’s time there was no such thing as a spelling test! People who could write spelled words any way they liked. Just like today, in the 1600’s, English people knew that that some foods had an effect on the human body. John Josselyn says at the end of this recipe that this food provokes urine and causes gas (windy)! This is the same recipe written in a
modern style to try at home. Adults will need to help with this recipe. A Dish of Stewed Pompion 4 cups of cooked squash, roughly mashed 3 tablespoons butter 2 to 3 teaspoons cider vinegar 1 or 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt In a saucepan over medium heat, stir and heat all the ingredients together. Adjust seasonings to taste, and serve hot. Used with permission, Plimoth Plantation, www.plimoth.org. Plimoth Plantation is a not-for-profit museum in Plymouth, MA, supported by admissions, contributions, grants, and generous volunteers. Plimoth Plantation is a bicultural museum and offers powerful personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s. Its exhibits, programs, live interpreters, and historic settings encourage a new level of understanding about present-day issues affecting communities around the world.
The Ancient New England standing dish. But the Housewives manner is to slice them when ripe, and cut them into dice, and so fill a pot with them of two or three Gallons, and stew them upon a gentle fire a
Hey Grandpa, What’s for Supper? Join the Dawson County Senior Center for a good ole’ southern supper and quilt raffle On Friday, November 6, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, the public is invited to attend a down-home traditional southern supper to benefit services and activities of the Dawson County Senior Center. Feast on smoked ham, pinto beans with cornbread, slaw and onions, iced tea, and homemade fried pies for only $5.00 per plate—eat in or take out. A quilt raffle wraps up the evening with a lucky winner taking home one of Miss Margie Weaver’s famous heirloomquality, queen-size double quilts featuring a double wedding ring pattern. Tickets
may be purchased for $1.00 each, or six for $5.00. Winner need not be present to win. Tickets for the supper and quilt raffle can be purchased at the Senior Center at Veterans Memorial Park, the Dawson County Administration office located at 76 Howard Avenue, Suite 120, or at the front desk of the Rock Creek Sports Complex at 445 Martin Road off Highway 9. For more information, contact the Dawson County Senior Center at 706344-3700.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
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400 Edition Wining & Dining
Knowing Wine by Nancy Forrest
Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Othello, II. iii. (315)
Ordering Wine in a Restaurant
F
or some of us, ordering wine in a restaurant can be intimidating. Sometimes the wine list is large and overwhelming. Don’t be intimidated by a wine steward’s approach to what you should order. There is nothing wrong with telling the steward that you’d prefer something drier, lighter, or less expensive. You can always ask the steward to recommend a wine; after all, it’s his job to know wine. Choice and selection of wine varies by the type of establishment you are visiting. Higher end restaurant or steak houses usually offer a large list, with unfamiliar wine styles or wines that are more interesting and different. Some offer a separate “reserve” wine list, which is typically pricey. Chain restaurants generally have lists with commonly known vineyards (like Gallo, Turning Leaf, etc.). The selection is generally smaller and contains vineyards that produce high volume wines. These chain lists are usually picked by the distributor and sold to the chain in large quantities for distribution to their multiple locations. The initial decisions are whether to order red or white, bottle or glass. If you only want a recommendation on the red, let the waiter, wine steward, or sommelier know. Wines made from a particular grape variety you know you like might be another criterion. You should also guide the waiter with your general preference in a wine (sweet, fruity, full bodied, etc.) when asking for a recommendation. In an ethnic restaurant it generally makes sense to order wine from the country of the restaurant (i.e. Italian, French, South American). Your food choice will also be a determining factor in pairing the wine. The staff should know what wine goes well with certain items on their menu. A good wine list contains about 20-30 wines of varying qualities and prices. It will offer wines from several countries for variety and interest. Some may be common and familiar and some may not be so well known. The list should have some details and tasting notes about the wine, along with the country and vintage. Some restaurants may even offer a “progressive wine list.” A progressive list has wines grouped by varietal (chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, etc.). Generally, the wines at the top of the progressive list have the lightest body, and going down become more full bodied and pricier.
Wine of the Month
Raw Power, Shiraz, Australia Medium bodied. Fruity with raspberry, blackberry, chocolate, leather, and nutmeg. Light tannins. Have with pizza or burgers.
Available at: The Wine Store
8455 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 641-1900 www.thewinestoreinc.com Visit BIN 75, The Wine Store’s own tasting room next door. Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm Once you decide what you’re eating, if you’re unsure about ordering a bottle, have the server suggest something by the glass to go with your meal. If you decide to purchase a bottle, designate a price range and ask your server for a recommendation of a few from the list in that range. Generally buying by the bottle is a better value. The restaurant markup on a bottle of wine is typically at least twice the retail price, and less expensive wines have a higher markup than expensive bottles. If there are more than two people in your party, see what everyone else is ordering.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
It can be challenging to pair wines with a variety of dishes and keep everyone at your table happy with a bottle selection. If everyone has steak, you can safely order a bolder red in your price range. A nice crisp white goes well with fish, salads, chicken, or pasta. A medium bodied red (like a pinot noir) also goes with fish and most meat dishes. The advantage of ordering by the glass is that each person can pair a wine with their meal. Ordering by the glass also means it is possible to order a different kind of wine on the next round. If you’re uncomfortable pronouncing the name of the wine, simply use a reference number or point to it on the menu. When the wine arrives at your table, make sure it is what you ordered. I once went to a restaurant and ordered a glass of Kendall Jackson cabernet sauvignon. Somewhere between my first and second glass the bartender changed (or another bartender poured the second glass). The second glass was a watered-down house wine that I quickly identified as not being the Kendall Jackson. Watch the waiter cut the foil and open the cork. Check to see if the bottle is slightly cool. Once the wine is open, the server should leave the cork (it should be damp, not dry or crumbly) and pour a small tasting amount in a glass for you to try. Swirl and sniff the sample for any irregular smells (like wet cardboard). If it smells good, take a sip, and if it tastes fine, then acknowledge this to the waiter. Don’t hesitate to let the server know if the taste is unpleasant or bitter. It is certainly not unheard of for a bad bottle to appear among the many cases of wine stocked by popular restaurants. Even a great bottle can go bad if the cork is faulty or the seal is compromised. Another option is to take your own bottle to the restaurant. Call ahead and make sure they allow this, and to find out what the corkage fees (opening the bottle for you) are (usually $10-$25). Also make sure the wine you are bringing is not on their wine list. Ordering a wine should be just as enjoyable as drinking it. Once you’re accustomed to selecting and sampling, it will become even more so; and remember that the advice of the steward, who is familiar with the wine list, is part of the service provided to you by the restaurant.
by Rhonda Bailey
Restaurant Reviews for the GA 400 Corridor Kani House
55 Highway 400 South | Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-344-1494 | www.kanihouse.com Fare: Japanese | Price: Lunch prices moderate, dinner high | Atmosphere: Japanese cuisine with a theatrical flair.
O
ne of the joys in life is celebrating birthdays with good friends, and it was time to celebrate my friend Lynn’s birthday. Our family had celebrated my nephew Andrew’s birthday at Kani House last month and Lynn wanted to try it out for her celebration lunch. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting, with low lighting and a huge aquarium as you come in the door. There is a choice of a hibachi grill, a sushi bar, or a regular dining area. We always enjoy the antics of the hibachi chef with his steady stream of jokes, flipping eggs into his hat and rice at the patrons. After placing our drink orders, we all got house salads with a choice of ginger or ranch dressing. The appetizer list is hard to resist. One in our group ordered Spring Rolls, and another Crab Fritters, which were both delicious. In addition to the wide variety of
appetizers or sushi to choose from, there’s a selection of seven salads, and making a choice can be difficult. The entrees consist of a choice of steak, chicken, shrimp, scallops, or vegetables, or a combination, with steamed or fried white or brown rice. The chef is always willing to flip a stray shrimp your way or give an extra portion of fried rice. Vanilla ice cream or sherbet are served as dessert during the dinner hour. Toward the end of this experience, to acknowledge the birthday girl or guy, the wait staff has them don a ceremonial birthday hat and encourages the rest of the group to sing “Happy Birthday” while a staff person beats a drum.
We all agreed that the food was great, the atmosphere comfortable, and the staff entertaining. Kani House will definitely be added to our short list of places for celebrating. There are other Kani House locations in Cumming, Duluth, Mall of Georgia, and Woodstock. See their web site for more information (www.kanihouse.com).
Best Supporting Cast Member Award goes to… T
he Thanksgiving meal’s main dish always seems to get the most press—but we all know it’s the supporting cast that really makes the meal special. In the southern U.S., these are some favorite side dishes that contribute to that all-important perfect bite.
If you haven’t yet tried it, you’ll find that the flavors and textures in this pea salad recipe definitely contribute to the perfect bite—especially when enjoyed with a bite of turkey or ham, and that wonderful yeast roll! Here’s the recipe:
Stuffing Gravy Cranberry sauce or salad Sweet potato soufflé or candied yams Creamed corn or corn casserole Green beans or green bean casserole English peas Mashed potatoes Macaroni and cheese (got to be homemade) Yeast rolls (you can get great frozen ones)
2 cans early peas, drained 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2-3 tablespoons vinegar 2-3 tablespoons sugar Salt and pepper to taste
And the feast just wouldn’t be complete without pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies!
In a medium bowl, combine peas, onion, bell pepper, celery, and tomato halves. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir vinegar mixture into pea mixture and let chill for two hours. Serve cold.
November 2009 • www.400edition.com
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