400 Edition December/January 2009

400 Edition W h a t ’s

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DEC/JAN 2009

G e o r g i a

Health Care Quaint Downtowns

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December/January 2009 Volume 5, Issue 10

Contents

The Last Thing I Saw, page 6

Health Care

Columns

5 To Your Health

16 Local Liver Transplant Recipient Rides in Rose Parade

6 Reflections

21 It’s The Journey For Circle Of Friends

10 Getting Informed

22 Free Up Your Defenses

11 Your Vision Source

29 Tools

12 Comma Momma

9 Stay Fit and Reduce Arthritis Pain

14 Through a Woman’s Eyes

Quaint Downtowns 13 Rebirth of Old Apartment Buildings

15 Skin Deep 18 Notes from a Nature Watcher 20 Lumpkin Gold

17 Quaint Downtown Dawsonville

20 Fun by 400

19 Dahlonega: Quaint in Any Season

23 Leibel on the Law

31 Historic Downtown Jasper Walking Tour

30 Mind & Heart

32 Blue Ridge 32 Sweet Small-Town Shopping

33 Gardening 34 Knowing Wine 34 Good Eating—Sage Woodfire Tavern 35 Real Men Cook­—Baked Ziti

A list of major distribution points in North Georgia can be found online at www.400edition.com.

December/January 2009 Carole Lee, Founder/Creative Design Linda Merritt, Founder/Sales/Executive Editor Beth Snider, Founder/Sales/Creative Design Rhonda Bailey, Associate Editor/Sales Will Dunne, Sales/Distribution Stacy Guidice, Sales/Distribution Sarah Mansfield, Sales/Distribution Bob Merritt, Sales/Distribution Brooke Morris, Creative Design Cindy Proctor, Sales/Distribution Sharon Waldrop, Sales/Distribution Nancy Wright, Proofing

Contributing Writers: Anne Amerson

Steven Leibel

Charles Cook

Dr. Joyce Nations

Clay Cunningham

Donald Pruitt

Dr. Mark Feinsilber

John Roberts

Nancy Forrest

O’Connell & Sanders

Robin Toms Grier

Linda Ragland

Bill Hutcheson

Dawn Rowley

Martha Hynson

Patrick Snider

Sharon Keating

Staff Writers: Rhonda Bailey

Bob Merritt

Carole Lee

Linda Merritt

Jim Leeds

Beth Snider

Nancy Wright

400 Edition is published monthly in Dahlonega, Georgia, with distribution in thirteen 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 by the 28th 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 866-867-7557.

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 20th 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.

400 Edition

420 Wal-Mart Way, Suite 171 Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 Phone: 706-867-6455 Toll Free: 866-867-7557 Fax: 678-623-0605 www.400edition.com info@400edition.com

From the Editor...

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hanksgiving has come and gone and as usual we all ate too much. We laugh at how long it takes to cook all the food that is then devoured within a mere twenty or thirty minutes. Oh well, I’m just thankful we have all those good things, a happy home to enjoy them in, and family and friends around to share them. I know we take many things for granted. I hope and pray that the world will not change too much and we can continue to have the things we hold dear.

I don’t like to write about negative things, so am not going to say a lot about the gloom and doom we hear on the news channels day in and day out. I think the news media have just created a lot of hoopla about most everything that goes on in the world. It’s scary, because you don’t know what to believe and what is just false information. When did that happen?

I remember a time you could believe what you heard on the news. A lot of what we hear these days is just some person’s opinion—and we all have one of those.

While this issue is out we will celebrate Christmas. For the first time in many years I have most of my Christmas shopping done. I even found some shops that wrapped my gifts because they hadn’t gotten so busy. That’s a customer service feature I thought was lost in the past I received a devotion a few days ago that made me think about what we may need in the New Year. It was comparing a yearly medical

checkup to a spiritual checkup. We don’t like to take a critical look at ourselves, and sure don’t want to ask trusted friends or family to tell us what they see. But just as we have a medical checkup to find a problem in advance so it can be dealt with, we need to do a spiritual checkup and catch the problems early. Do we have a pleasing attitude toward family members, friends, and yes, even strangers? Are we willing to forgive and forget? Do we try to love ourselves and others as God loves us? Why not make these your wish list for 2009?

I would like to thank our readers and advertisers for their support during 2008.

Without you this magazine could not exist. Many of you have been with us since we put out our first issue over five years ago. Also thanks to our sales and distribution family, our writers, and my partners. You are the best of the best.

Until next month…stay happy!

On the Cover

Fa-la-la-la-la…It’s not too late to get into a festive mood for Christmas. If you need a little help getting there, you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in one of our featured Quaint Downtowns—Dahlonega. Picture-perfect for the holidays, Dahlonega Old Fashioned Christmas is in full swing in Lumpkin County. You can find out more about the events, shops, and restaurants there at www.Dahlonega.org. Achieving and maintaining this picturesque environment is not an accident.

Read more about how Dahlonega has maintained its old-fashioned appeal on page 19.

Local companies like Appalachian Community Bank help keep traditions alive in small towns throughout North Georgia. At a time when the news about megabanks seems to go from bad to worse, many local community banks are thriving.

One reason for their success is that they still treat customers like neighbors—because they are. Learn more about Appalachian Community Bank and how they are growing on page 19.

We will always need the medical profession, but it is amazing how much diet, exercise, and refraining from habits that have a negative impact can prevent or eliminate many common ailments. Health care is important to everyone sooner or later, which is why we’ve collected some helpful health-related articles for this issue. Several of our columnists also offer sage health care advice that might inspire your New Year’s resolutions.

Last year, the 400 Edition owners were inspired by the wealth of nostalgic, well-preserved downtown areas across North Georgia. If you travel the back roads rather than the freeways, you can enjoy the delight of cruising through quaint areas such as Jasper, Blue Ridge, Dawsonville, and Dahlonega. There are so many more that we could present, but space is limited, so we encourage you to get out of the malls and the strip centers and walk around a time-preserved square for change of scenery.

There is no doubt that the economy has been hard-hit. We know that some of our readers have lost retirement funds, jobs, and homes, and we keep you in our prayers. You can feel the effect on us as well, in the slim set of pages in your hands. Thankfully, we live in a country in which we have the freedom to explore new opportunities and ideas, so be sure to tell the companies with which you do business that you support 400 Edition by supporting its advertisers.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

Don’t hold back; tell us how you really feel about 400 Edition. We love receiving feedback from our readers and advertisers. Call us at 706-867-6455, toll free at 866-867-7557, or send an email to info@400edition.com.

Northside Hospital

To Your Health

Help Your Waistline Survive The Holidays—Healthy Eating Tips For The Holiday Season

D

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, lowcalorie 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. Don’t waste calories on other beverages.

• Bring a dish of your own to share. 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, not when you feel stuffed.

• Set pre-meal goals. Setting limits before entering into a high-calorie situation allows you to keep 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.

Northside Hospital offers a full range of outpatient weight management and nutrition services in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs, designed to help you achieve optimal health and feel your best. To learn more, visit www.northside.com.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition

The Last Thing I Saw

by Bob Merritt

Life is a mirror. We look forward, that’s the future.

We look back, remember and learn—that’s a reflection.

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or some time now I have listened to people as they said to me how they wished I would write this article on diabetes. As time goes by, I find this disease interfering with my life more and more. I must admit I am a hardheaded man, and just because I am writing from that perspective, it should be limited to only other hardheaded men. Women fill doctors’ waiting rooms and suffer the same symptoms and results as men do. The difference between the two sexes regarding diabetes is, the women seem to accept the prognosis of the doctor and immediately set out to do something about it. We men seem to go into a personal denial and resist the advice of our doctors. I am one of these men.

Had I started paying attention and taking care of myself back in 1991, I could have avoided a lot of things I have to endure now.

Only in the last two years, and especially in the last year, have I really been trying. In last month’s issue of this publication, one advertisement hit home because it showed a comparison of seeing well and almost going blind. Denial says it could never come to that for you, but I am here to give personal testimony that it can, and probably will if you don’t get under a physician’s and eye doctor’s care.

The following personal account can best be understood by the visual comparison in the ad by Dr. Joyce Nations & Associates. Please pay particular attention to the example of normal vision and the one with diabetic retinopathy.

A little over a year ago I left home to call on customers in Cumming. About a mile south of the Dawsonville area on GA 400, something began to happen to my vision. The cars became a blur, as did all the roadside signs. I knew there was a stop light somewhere in the area but I couldn’t see it. As the car in front of me hit his brakes, his brake lights came on and I followed his cue. I drove like this until I could make out a safe place to get off and, with the aid of a stop light, made a safe turn, and I headed home. If I was going to be struck blind, I reasoned it would be better

400 Edition

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

if I was in an area I was best known in. I made it home to Dahlonega by using the less traveled roads, and by the end of the day most of the blur was gone.

The next day found me in Dr. Nations’ office, and even though the blur was gone, I took it as a warning of things to come. In situations like this we can imagine the worst, and that’s good, because it could really become the worst. I feared not being able to see familiar faces, the annual changes of nature, the growing up of grandchildren, or not being able to drive myself from place to place.

Many things that I would be losing popped into my mind as Dr. Nations did anything but sugar-coat what my future would be like if I didn’t take charge. She referred me to a good doctor in Atlanta who has done laser surgery on my eyes, and while I am still “a work in progress,” diabetes won’t leave me alone. With insulin and a couple of new pills, the physicians have gotten my blood sugar fairly well under control; but still diabetes tries an end run to gain the advantage. The help of the dietician is valuable in this fight, for with the proper diet and exercise, the battle can be won. In my case a lot of damage has already been done, and it has been due to my failure to respond to the advice of my doctors.

Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the path to overcoming or controlling the disease is the same. Your eyes are not the only vital parts at risk. There’s also the danger of foot or leg amputation, organ malfunction, walking comas from low blood sugar, as well as the results of high blood sugar.

Make no mistake about it—if you have diabetes, you can fight the border line back to complete life; but if you have Type 1 or Type 2 in a progressive stage, you are in a fight for your life. You can arm yourself with the advanced arsenal that has been developed in the last year and live a long useful life; but being hardheaded won’t do you any good. Take it from one who is going through it and hoping I haven’t waited too late. The problems most diabetics are being treated for started a long time ago. Good luck and God bless.

Antiques

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Fred’s Beds & Furniture With a great mix of new, used, and consignment furniture, Fred’s Beds & Furniture offers bargain hunters amazing deals on just about anything you can think of! Fred’s also offers many choices of Simmons, Golden and RestMaster bed sets at well below suggested retail prices and backs up its claim to have “The Best Mattress Prices!” It’s worth the trip!

Open Monday thru Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am to 5:00pm. Closed Sundays.

Located in the Old Matt Schoolhouse at Hwy 369 & Bannister Road in North Forsyth County – 5 miles West of Hwy 400. 5710 Namon Wallace Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Phone – 678-455-1190 FAX – 678-455-1191 www.freds-beds.com *See our ad on page 17.

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Cottonwood Village Antiques 10,000 square feet of merchandise: collectible firearms and militaria, fine art, period estate furniture, glassware, china, tools, pottery and linens. Visit the Country Store for handmade herbal soaps and lotions, soy candles, homemade jams, jellies and vegetables, Nora Mill whole grains and fresh local produce. BuySell-Trade.

4300 Dawsonville Highway (Highway 53) 770-205-7800 www.cottonwoodvillage.net *See our ad on facing page.

400 Edition

Fran-Tiques Located less than 2 hours from Atlanta, in scenic Union County. Something for everyone— fabulous, unique finds in every nook and cranny. True antiques to collectibles, including furniture, glassware, silver, china, books, vintage clothing, jewelry, linens, and lace. Open 7 days a week.

505 Cleveland Street, Blairsville, GA 1/2 mile from the Square on Highway 129.

706-745-1705 *See our ad on page 22.

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Yonah Mountain Treasures One of North Georgia’s most unique stores, Yonah Mountain Treasures features the work of more than 75 area artists, potters, woodworkers, and others.

This store is a museum, art gallery, book nook, and country store all in one. In addition, Yonah Mountain Treasures has wonderfully unique items that will add to the décor of any mountain home or cabin.

Here, you’ll find original paintings by Judy Bynum George, Susan Hage, Cornbread, Jack DeLoney, and John Kollock. They have wooden creations, custom picture framing, imported jewelry, and even old photo restoration. And at Yonah Mountain Treasures, candy is always “A Dollar A Dip!” Highway 75, two miles north of Cleveland, GA, next to the Yonah Burger. 706-348-8236. *See our ad on facing page.

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December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

Iron Accents Owner Valerie Kirves & designer Teri Winans (previously of Endless Treasures) have merged the worlds of iron, architecturals, antiques & design to create a wonderfully eclectic mix of old and new.

Shoppers are sure to enjoy browsing the various vignettes throughout the store that feature unique handcrafted pieces including new & vintage furniture, home décor, garden accessories, architecturals, seasonal florals, and gift items.

Located in Clermont, Georgia, on the corner of highway 129 and Oxford Road just 8 miles south of Cleveland and north of Gainesville.

6415 Cleveland Highway Open Monday - Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm to 6:00pm.

770-539-9093 or www.ironaccents.com *See our ad on page 11.

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The shops of the Jasper Antique Association You will find fine glassware, collectibles, decorative accessories, primitives, Victorian era furniture, shabby chic, kitchen collections, quilts, linens, artwork, garden items, and much more.

Antiques & Treasures Shop 1227-B East Church St. 706-253-7467 Antique Shelf 613-B East Church St. 706-253-4858 Trena’s Trinkets & Treasures 25 South Main St. 706-692-7467 Weeks Jewelry & Gifts

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57 North Main St. 706-253-9211 Nana’s Outback (off Hwy 53) 12 Summit St. 706-253-6214 *Call for hours.

See our ad on page 31.

Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors Buy Unique. Buy Antique. Queen of Hearts truly has something for everyone.

Spend an afternoon shopping our extensive collections at your leisure. Give a gift – to yourself or for someone else – with meaning, something to be treasured

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and passed down for generations. Gift certificates are available. Three Atlanta locations make shopping convenient wherever you are.

Alpharetta: 678-297-7571 Stonewood Village 670 N. Main St.; Buford: 678-714-0643 Next to Hobby Lobby, 4125 GA Hwy 20; Marietta: 678-453-0600 next to Old Time Pottery, 2949 Canton Rd. Open 7 days a week: Monday-Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-6:00pm. *See our ads on pages 13 & 20.

Seven Ways to Stay Fit and Reduce Arthritis Pain

by Don Tucker

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ave the pain and stiffness of arthritis kept you from being as active as you would like? Perhaps those morning jogs in the middle of winter are not as enjoyable as they used to be?

Have you been wondering how you’re going to keep up with your children or grandchildren? Here are seven ways to help you stay fit without aggravating your arthritis.

Seek Warmth. Warmth is very soothing to arthritic joints. It relaxes the surrounding muscles and helps to lubricate thinning cartilage. Consider taking a warm shower before exercise.

Always exercise in a warm environment, if possible; and if it’s cold outside, bundle up. Use heat rubs or wraps to provide additional warmth.

Build Up Slowly. Be realistic.

You have arthritis. It’s time to slow down a little. Ease into exercise and build gradually to a moderate intensity. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, start with a 5-minute workout and add one minute each day until you get to 20 minutes per day. Personally, I like doing core exercises first (ab crunches, side bends, etc.) because they are low-impact and provide a great warm-up for your entire body.

Avoid Impact. If your favorite activity is sprinting out the door in your old running shoes wearing nothing but shorts and a tank-top in the middle of January, you may have to compromise a little. High-impact activities like running, basketball, and most contact sports wreak havoc on joints that are already compromised by arthritis. Try a 15-20minute ride on a stationary bike while sipping coffee and watching the morning news in your toasty warm exercise room.

Also, try water aerobics, walking, weight training, or circuit training for an effective low-impact workout.

Coordinate Exercise with Medication. If you are taking

something for pain, time the dosages so peak pain relief occurs during your workout. Take enough pain medication to be comfortable, but don’t overdo it.

Too much pain medication can make you drowsy and increase the risk of injury

by blocking your body’s natural warning signals.

Use the Two-hour Rule.

If you are still in pain two hours after exercise, chances are the intensity is too high. Listen to what your body is telling you. Your body is extremely efficient at letting you know when you are overdoing it. Excess joint pain, fatigue, and stiffness are all indicators to slow down.

Use Exercise Aids. Make exercise less painful with padded gloves and dumbbells. Wear high-quality shoes to reduce impact and improve body mechanics while walking. Wear a comfortable warm-up suit and warm wraps for soothing warmth. Learn how to work around problem areas by choosing different exercises, stances, grips, and body positions.

Lose Excess Body Weight. Simple biomechanics are

at work here. The heavier you are, the more stress on your joints. Make your best effort to be physically active at least 30 minutes per day and eat sensibly to normalize body weight. Seek out a reputable dietician or nutritionist if you have a difficult time losing.

Always remember there will be good days and bad. Arthritis is a disease of “flare-ups.” On good days, take advantage and raise the intensity a little; on bad days, shorten your workouts and make them light, relaxing, and fun.

Don Tucker is a certified personal trainer who specializes in designing fitness programs for people of all ages with chronic illness. He holds the NSCA-CPT and is First Aid/CPR certified by the American Heart Association. He is the owner of Designed to Move Personal Training and has been helping clients improve quality of life in Alpharetta, Roswell, and Johns Creek since 2005.

He publishes a monthly health and fitness newsletter, Designed to Move News, and is available for speaking engagements on a wide variety of fitness-related topics. For further information, call 404-444-4924 or visit www.personaltraineralpharetta.com.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition

Getting Informed —Making Millions on the Internet, Part I

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’ll bet that got your attention! Of course the subtitle is “And Other Scurrilous Claims.” Ever wonder why those folks who claim they can tell you how to make millions on eBay (or any other way, for that matter) are found only on late night infomercials? Why aren’t they the subject of front page articles in the Wall Street Journal, or buying commercials during the Super Bowl, with Brad Pitt as their spokesperson? After all, if they can teach us to make millions, it’s because they already have done so themselves, right?

The same argument applies to those companies who guarantee that their search engine optimization (SEO) efforts will result in a number one ranking in Google. Is their company number one in a search for “search engine optimization”?

If not, how can you believe their claims when they can’t provide evidence of the same results for their company?

At a time when it seems that America is on welfare, as my mom says, with trillion dollar bailouts for the big companies, these types of scams will become even more prevalent. As desperate small business owners search for a panacea to solve their economic problems, many will be taken in by bogus claims and promises.

I’m not saying that you can’t make a living on the Internet. In fact, I ran across the site MomsWhoThink.com, and marveled at both the simplicity of their concept and the presence of high-profile advertisers—LeapFrog, Lane Bryant, and even Microsoft. If those companies are paying for those advertising spots, the two moms who really were thinking may have already paid for their children’s college. How did they snag those types of advertisers? Great content, and lots of viewers looking at that great content! They may not be making millions—but it is possible that they are making several hundred thousands of dollars.

So how do those successful sites become so successful? They offer good stuff—information in this case—that viewers want, and they make it easy to find. (This is probably a good time to say that I can’t claim to personally agree with everything on the site, as it would take a year to

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read everything posted there.) We’ll use the site MomsWhoThink.com (MWT) as an example of how successful sites work, and to illustrate some key concepts that can help a site at least reach the tens of thousands of dollars mark.

Start with a Great Idea

Sound simple? It is and it isn’t. Let’s face it—the Internet has been in full swing for over a decade, so a lot of the easy topics are already taken. For MWT, the topic was “mom things,”—not from a Parenting magazine standpoint, but from a real mom point of view. When you’re a mom coming home from work, with dinner to cook and five loads of laundry to wash, knowing that you still have to plan for your youngest child’s eighth birthday party this coming Saturday could put you at the end of your rope. On the MWT site, however, you can find a checklist to help you prepare for the party, ideas on themes, games to play, recipes for treats, and a rundown of how to handle behavioral issues should they arise.

The site has a wealth of information on many topics, but it is all geared toward mothers. This particular concept is especially good because there’s not much that won’t fit into the category, thus providing a near infinite source of future topics.

Know the Market You Serve

On the MWT site, the market is mothers. That’s a vast market, even if you’re just considering those mothers in the United States. Of course, since it’s the Internet, that market is expanded to the world.

Some sites are very successful by catering to a more focused group, such as hobbyists or special interest groups. When you are putting together a site, the target market is important, because it determines how you will present and even write copy appearing on the site. A plan that has the whole world as your market is not really much of a plan. Be specific and define who you expect to view your site.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

by Beth Snider

Organize Your Content

Those of you who have created web sites in the past will likely agree with me that organizing content (text, images, and applications) is one of the most challenging aspects of creating a site. One of the reasons for the challenge is that the person developing the content is usually so familiar with the topics that it can be easy to make assumptions that viewers may not make themselves.

Access to information is generally presented to viewers via menus, icons, links, and banners.

When preparing a site, you must think like the viewer and not like yourself. It can be a tough process. If you have budget, you can hire focus groups to help you make sure that pathways to information are clear. If you don’t have budget, ask your friends and relatives to help. When you receive feedback from others, try to review it in an unbiased fashion, and remove your feelings of ownership of the information.

In my opinion, the MWT is well organized, especially considering the amount of data on the site. There are one too many menus for my personal (and professional) taste, but this is likely the site’s attempt to appeal to the way everyone uses the Internet.

Space is limited, so next month I’ll review some other concepts that will help you turn your good ideas into revenue-producing sites. After my remarks in the introduction, I know you’re all wondering if I have been successful in doing this, since I’m providing advice on the subject. To date, I’ve done a much better job of helping other people go through these steps to launch their sites.

Some of those sites have been extremely successful and others mildly so. I, personally, am just waiting for the right idea!

Beth Snider is a founder of 3by400, a North Georgia-based business consulting company that specializes in marketing and automating organizations. Visit her company’s website at www.3by400.com. Send your IT questions to beth@3by400.com.

Your Vision Source!

by Dr. Joyce M. Nations

’Tis the season

…for coughing and sneezing. What does that mean for your eyes? Well, the same virus that is responsible for the flu can also cause a common condition known as pink eye. As is the case for the flu, the late fall to winter is the time when this eye condition is most likely to strike. And no one is immune to contracting pink eye, as it can affect patients from infants to the elderly.

The medical term for pink eye is viral conjunctivitis, and the most common cause of this annoyance is a type of virus known as adenovirus.

The virus replicates on the conjunctiva of the eye just as it would on the mucous membranes within the mouth and pharynx. The conjunctiva is the Saran Wrap-type mucous membrane lining which covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. Not only does it provide a protective lining to the surface of the eye, but it also serves as one of the eye’s main immune mediators. In its normal state, you would not really see or notice your conjunctiva, as it is a clear structure which is very thin and also adherent to the surface of the eye. When anything irritates the surface of the eye, the conjunctiva turns a pinkish-red color as the blood vessels within it enlarge and try to mount an immune response to the virus particles.

How would you know if you had pink eye? Those who acquire viral conjunctivitis typically notice tearing, burning, itching, and crusting of the eyelids upon wakening. Oftentimes, there is a history of general flu-like symptoms such as fever, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and body aches anytime from one to three weeks prior to the onset of pink eye type symptoms. If you think that you have pink eye, you may also want to ask yourself if you have been exposed to anyone in the previous couple of weeks who may have had general flu-like symptoms. If the answer is yes, you may want to visit your optometrist to be evaluated.

It is not known how many people are affected by viral conjunctivitis per year; however, it is most common to see epidemics in school settings, amongst family members, and in work settings.

It is well known that viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and oftentimes, it will start in one eye and then spread to the other eye by direct contact. What many don’t realize is that if a person who has pink eye touches their eye and then a keyboard, anyone who touches that

keyboard (even hours later) and then rubs their eyes can easily acquire pink eye.

Just because your eye turns a pinkish-red color does not mean you have pink eye. It is quite possible that you may have bacterial conjunctivitis, which is usually accompanied by a yellowish discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis has an entirely different treatment regimen which would require antibiotic eye drops. It is important for your optometrist to make this differentiation between bacterial versus viral conjunctivitis, as bacterial conjunctivitis can cause sight-threatening complications by destroying the cornea, the clear portion of the eye.

As far as treating viral conjunctivitis, the mainstays are those remedies which relieve the symptoms of the condition. There is no medication which will expedite your recovery from pink eye. Just as antibiotics are unnecessary in the treatment of the flu, so are antibiotic eye drops not indicated in the treatment of pink eye. The main treatment recommendations for pink eye are to place artificial tear drops in the eye, and also to use cool compresses over the eye. This can best be performed by wrapping a hand towel around a bag of ice and placing it over the eyes for five minutes, two to three times per day.

For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation.

Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within three weeks.

Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis. Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters. Don’t share towels or wash cloths. Also avoid shaking hands and be sure to wash your hands so you don’t pass it on!

Dr. Nations practices at Cherokee Eye Group at 591 East Main Street in Canton and at Dawson Eye Group at 5983 Hwy. 53 East, Suite 250, in Dawsonville. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree and her Masters of Public Health degree in 1993 from the University of Alabama. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Georgia Optometric Association, and Vision Source.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition

11

Comma Momma Close Still Doesn’t Count, Part 4

by Nancy Wright

A

s we’ve said in earlier columns, “close doesn’t count” when it comes to word choices. Here are a few more of those word pairs that frequently trip speakers and writers up.

Duplicity/duplication.

Any reasonably intelligent person would probably expect these two words to be synonyms, as a colleague clearly did when she sent me the following email message: “Was having email trouble so I sent you a bunch of stuff from my gmail account. Sorry for the duplicity.” But the two words are not synonyms, and you run the risk of hearing sniggers if you use duplicity to mean duplication—because in normal usage, duplicity means deceitfulness.

Whoops.

Turbine/turban. A turbine

is a piece of equipment that converts one kind of energy into another kind of energy by the force of some fluid pushing against paddles or blades.

A turban, on the other hand, is that cloth thingie you wear wrapped around your head.

Naturist/naturalist.

Naturist is the term nudists prefer instead of nudist. A naturalist, on the other hand, is someone who is versed in natural history (plants and animals and such). John Roberts, who writes 400 Edition’s “Notes From A Nature Watcher” column, is a naturalist, and would probably have snorted his morning coffee on reading the following sentence in The New York Times [emphasis added by me]: “And while those kinds of offerings still exist for Mr. Massa and his fellow naturalists, as they prefer to be called, the real boom in nude vacations is coming at the high end of the business, as upscale hotels and resorts...”

Flaunt/flout. To flaunt is to

wave it (whatever “it” happens to be) under everybody’s nose. To flout is to show contempt for. “She flouted convention by dyeing her hair purple and chartreuse and then flaunting her garish hair all over town.”

Phase/faze. Phase is most

commonly seen as a noun meaning “stage of development.” Faze is a

12 400 Edition

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

verb meaning “to be disconcerted by,” and is almost always used in the negative: “They were unfazed” or “It didn’t even faze him.” Seen in a local paper recently: “The crew was unphased by what the rest of us saw as impending doom.” Eeek.

Home in on/hone in on. To hone means to sharpen.

“Sharpening in on” is not what we’re doing here. The correct expression is (or was originally!) “home in on.”

“Hone in on,” however, is an eggcorn—that is, an erroneous usage (based on a mishearing of home), but a usage that might make a twisted kind of sense. The improper use of hone instead of home in this construction is widespread: The narrator of a National Geographic Explorer program intoned, “A cat’s exceptional eyesight lets it hone in on its prey.” Likewise, the writer of an article in the local EMC magazine tells us that bees are being trained to find land mines, so that humans can “hone in on the buried explosives.”

One dictionary declares, “Hone

is sometimes wrongly used where home is meant: This device makes it easier to home in on (not hone in on) the target.”

But another dictionary is giving this as an example of correct usage: “The missiles honed in on the military installation.”

Wait, what? Oh my. The prescriptivists (those language folks who want us to play by strict language rules) are swooning. But the descriptivists (they’re the ones who talk about the way language is actually used) are saying “Get a grip, people; this is the way language has always changed over time.”

Me, I’m just gritting my teeth and hoping this one won’t be on the quiz.

Nancy Wright does occasional editing and proofreading, and formats technical books for a specialty publishing house in California. She and her husband live in White County; you can contact her at adairmill@ windstream.net. Or you can visit the forums at www.400edition. com and share your thoughts with Comma Momma and other readers.

Rebirth of One of the Nation’s Oldest Apartment Buildings A

Historic renovation and new construction blend in Roswell project

tlanta-based builder H&G Construction Concepts LLC announces the completed historic renovation of The Bricks II, one of the oldest buildings standing in Metro Atlanta and one of the nation’s oldest brick apartment buildings, located at 45 Sloan Street in Roswell.

The Bricks II was originally built for factory workers by Scottish masons and it is certainly the oldest factory worker housing in the entire region, making it culturally very valuable.

The historic renovation and new-construction project, designed by the renowned urbanist Lew Oliver, spectacularly transformed the Roswell Cotton Mill workers’ apartment building (circa 1839) into an exceptional townhome project, while at the same time inspiring the construction of two new townhomes, which together form The Bricks II. During the renovation, the original structure of the old building was preserved, and creative ways to use historic and recycled materials were incorporated to produce an amazing, open, and upscale space that integrates modern amenities and 10-foot ceilings with

Hottest Happy Hour in

the historic charm of the old building.

The project required ten months of tenacious work and devoted construction management skills. “Every day of the construction process was extremely challenging but the final results make it exceptionally rewarding,” Andres Gonzalez, partner of H&G Construction Concepts said.

The project is located at the intersection of Sloan and Mill streets, an area that is becoming increasingly popular due to the noticeable building renaissance the town has experienced.

On this corner, the old building has witnessed the history of the city for almost 170 years, since its construction by businessman Roswell King, who owned The Mill and built The Bricks as apartments for some of his employees and their families.

In the newconstruction phase, items such the cedar balconies were built to blend perfectly with the existing structure; modest HardiePlank siding walls and seamless metal roofs gave continuity to the exposed aged brick walls. “If these walls could talk they would enlighten us with the countless historic moments they have secretly kept…,” said Paula Henao, Construction Concepts’ partner.

Special items from the 1830s building, such as the front doors, the fireplaces with their mantels, and the

Alpharetta. Daily Drink Specials begin at 4PM. Ladies Night on Thursdays beginning at 4PM. Live Brazilian Samba Jazz beginning at 6PM. Lounge and Bar open until 2 AM! 11405 Haynes Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 Reservations: 770-569-9199 SageWoodFireTavern.com

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with us, shop in leisure, enjoy refreshments and let us help fulfill your holiday gift list. One trip-One list-Many giftsMany choices. Give a gift with meaning, something to be treasured, and able to be passed down for generations.

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December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

ceiling beams, have been revamped and reinstalled in key areas of the townhouses to accentuate their historic style. Over 2,000 square feet of new construction was cleverly added to the existing structure to increase the living area, providing the new townhouses with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a wine foyer.

Designers and builder put a lot of effort into developing the project while respecting the environment; that’s why The Bricks II features permeable stone pavers and gravel driveways, stormwater filtration prior to its discharge into the City’s infrastructure, recycled bricks salvaged from a demolished downtown building (known to be the stable for General Sherman’s troops in 1864 and the manufacturing plant of Southern Furniture Company in 1888), antique heart pine beams converted into floorboards, and tin roofing tiles used as wall covering for new fireplaces.

The City of Roswell’s Historic District is the setting for this astonishing renovation, located just a few steps away from the Town Square and a few minutes away from Canton Street, the two community gathering spots that make Roswell so alive.

Alpharetta is

overflowing with holiday cheer.

We are making shopping merry by offering special hotel rates and the chance to win shopping, dining, hotel stays and spa certificates worth more than $1,500 with Unwrap the Magic. And we’re throwing in a personal shopper, too!

Register online or visit by December 30.

Alpharetta Welcome Center 20 North Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

800-294-0923, www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com

400 Edition 13

Through a Woman’s Eyes

20/20 Vision

I

I can’t believe it’s time, once again, to make New Year’s resolutions! One that I make, year after year, is to do a better job taking and organizing family photos. Thankfully, other family members are much better at this than I am, which is great, except that when you aren’t the one taking the pictures, you tend to be in more of them. While on vacation last summer, my daughter, Jaynee, got a shot of me that will go down in family history. I had walked from the condo to the pool area, just as Jaynee, along with her husband and son, were coming back from the beach. My daughter gave me an odd look and, after snapping a picture, said, “Do you not notice anything strange?”

Meanwhile, my son-in-law was cracking up. I suddenly wanted to dig a hole in the sand and crawl in it.

“Take off your sunglasses,” Jaynee said. I did and was surprised

14 400 Edition

by Martha Hynson

to find that a lens was missing.

This picture of me will be a constant reminder of what a goofball I can be. Imagine walking around wearing broken glasses and not even realizing it. But, wait a minute; don’t I do that all the time? The truth is, my perception of myself and the world around me is often distorted, as I view life through lenses that have been broken by the culture in which I live.

I have a feeling I’m not the only goofball looking at life through broken glasses. As we begin a new year, how many women and young girls will resolve to lose weight in an effort to look like the airbrushed pictures of the rich and famous? And how many of us, as we hear advertisers scream that we need more, more, more, will tell ourselves that, if we were only more organized, we could have, be, and do it all—perfectly!?

Proverbs 31, which describes

“the wife of noble character,” has some wonderful wisdom for women. For many years, however, even my understanding of this scripture was skewed because I was viewing it through my damaged glasses. Verse 14, for example, seemed to be telling me to get more organized. It says, “she is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.”

Other verses seemed to focus on appearance. Verse 22 says, “she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”

These verses troubled me because they seemed to contradict Jesus’ teaching that tells us not to worry about what we eat or wear.

As I prayed about this and searched the scriptures, God began to replace my broken lenses. He reminded me that Jesus calls himself the Bread of Life. In light of this, “bringing her food from afar” took on new meaning. What I want, He seemed to say, is for you

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

to go deep into my word, so that you can offer your family food that will nourish their souls.”

He brought my vision even more into focus with verse 22.

Purple, He reminded me, is the color of royalty. You are a daughter of the King. Psalm 45:11 says, “The King is enthralled by your beauty.” This verse isn’t telling us to focus on trying to look beautiful. It’s reminding us that we already are!

My prayer for you in the coming year is that, if you’re a goofball like me, looking at life through broken glasses, you will allow God to repair them so that you can see all things through the lens of His unfailing love.

Martha Hynson is a wife, mom, teacher, and freelance writer from Watkinsville, Georgia.

Skin Deep Love, Joy, and Relaxation

by Sharon Keating, BSN, NCMES

T

he end of the year is upon us again and some of you are probably thinking, “And do I ever see it in the mirror!” Aging is a paradox; we want to rack up the years, but we certainly do NOT want to see them in the mirror, do we?

One gift we can give ourselves is relaxation and time to care for ourselves. As women, we are caregivers for those we love, yet we often neglect ourselves. It only takes a few minutes to develop a routine for relaxation and skin care. To wrap up the year, I have collected some suggestions to assist you as you think about developing a relaxing skin care regime.

Travel – When flying in a

pressurized aircraft cabin, it is important to drink at least 8 ounces of water per hour of flight to maintain a healthy hydration level. Other fluids do not count, so other beverages consumed are in addition to water for adequate hydration. If you are feeling thirsty, then you are probably already dehydrated. It is helpful to cleanse and hydrate your skin really well before leaving on your flight and wear minimal or no foundation while flying. Then it’s possible to spritz the face with water or reapply moisturizer.

Remember to bring your favorite sunblock along for your destination.

Sun Protection – Pack your

biggest, most fashionable sunglasses, sunblock, and hat. Remember that UV rays are emitted by fluorescent lighting, and protection from aging radiation is also needed indoors.

Caffeine Consumption – Limit

caffeine, as it is dehydrating and can interfere with sleep patterns. Many people claim that caffeine does not interfere with their sleep—until they stop completely and are pleasantly surprised at how well they sleep!

Sitting at the Computer – Keep your back straight; posture is important to avoid muscle strain and pain. Use a headset if you spend long periods of time on the phone. Get up and stretch every hour. Take a quick stroll through the office and get a glass of water.

Sleep – is our friend! When we

sleep, our bodies have an opportunity to rebuild and rejuvenate. Sleep is one of the healthier ways to deal with stress and can cure a multitude of evils, including pain and a bad attitude. Everything looks better after a good night’s sleep (or a nap), including your face in the mirror.

Satin pillow cases can help reduce the sleep lines on the faces. And studies show that adults still need 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Skin Care – The most important

time to cleanse the face is at night, to remove the make-up, oils, toxins, and anything that we may have been exposed to during the day. Since the body rebuilds during sleep, it is vitally important to apply treatment creams and nourishment that supply the “food” that the cells need for renewal and maintenance of youth.

A simple regime that includes the basic necessities is cleanse, vitamin A, antioxidants, hydrate. Repeat for daytime, and add a sunblock under make-up. Remember that moisturizers do NOT have enough sunscreen to provide the protection needed to prevent accelerated aging. I find that skin care and tooth care can easily be done during the same block of time, and soon skin care becomes a habit just like brushing your teeth.

The results are well worth the few minutes of effort it takes, and this is also a relaxing ritual that begins the unwinding process.

Enjoy your family and friends and the holidays. Relax, unwind, laugh, sleep.

Think about your favorite things, and indulge if possible. Music is a mood enhancer, as are candles; incorporate them into your day or evening. Focus on eating well. And have a very blessed and prosperous New Year in spite of these uncertain times! Enjoy the Skin You are IN! Serenity Medical Health & Beauty Spa 706-265-6467. Gift Certificates are available. We have a gift for you: An extra $20 will be added to each $100 Gift Certificate that you purchase through December 24, 2008.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition 15

Local Mom, Liver Transplant Recipient, Wins Astellas Ride Of A Lifetime In Rose Parade Lauren Donkar to Ride on the Donate Life Float in the 2009 Rose Parade

A

lpharetta resident and liver transplant recipient Lauren Donkar was selected to ride atop a float in the New Year’s Day Rose Parade®, one of the most celebrated entertainment events in the world. Donkar is one of five national winners of the Astellas Ride of a Lifetime essay contest who will ride on the 2009 Donate Life Rose Parade float, themed “Stars of Life.” The contest is sponsored by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. The float is a celebration of individuals whose lives have been touched by transplantation.

“I wouldn’t be alive today if I didn’t have a liver transplant,” said Donkar. “It’s a shocking reality, but that’s why I look at life differently now. I hope being a part of the Donate Life Rose Parade float will raise awareness for organ donation and transplantation.”

The Astellas Ride of a Lifetime contest asked transplant recipients to write a short essay explaining how their transplant experience transformed their life. The contest entry forms were distributed at transplant centers across the country and were also made available online at www.

TransplantExperience.com. An independent third-party panel of judges, along with one Astellas representative, selected the five essay winners whose lives were clearly transformed as a result of their organ transplant.

“No two transplant recipient stories are alike, but each involves a life-changing journey that starts with one person’s selfless decision to be an organ donor,” said Maribeth Landwehr, Director, Corporate Communications for Astellas. “Astellas created this contest to celebrate each and every unique transplant story and to salute the science of transplantation, the donors, and the recipients whose lives have been saved.”

As she helps to decorate the Donate Life

16 400 Edition

Life Rose Parade Float Committee and Vice President of Communications for OneLegacy. “I hope people around the country are inspired by stories like Lauren’s and take steps to sign up as organ donors on their state donor registry.”

Lauren Donkar’s Story

Rose Parade float and attends special events, Donkar will also have the chance to meet the other 25 float riders from around the country whose lives have been transformed by organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation.

The float is coordinated by OneLegacy in partnership with Astellas and nearly 60 other organizations nationwide. OneLegacy is the nonprofit, federally designated transplant donor network serving the Greater Los Angeles area.

“Lauren is a great example of how organ transplantation allows recipients to impact the lives of others and truly be ‘stars of life,’” said Bryan Stewart, Chairman of the Donate

The fall of 2006 was supposed to be the happiest time in Lauren Donkar’s life— she was expecting her first child. But as her due date edged closer, things took a turn for the worse. Donkar developed preeclampsia and needed an emergency C-section. Twelve hours later, her liver ruptured. Donkar spent a month in a coma, and ultimately needed two liver transplants to survive. But as she stared death in the face, she fought for her life so that one day she could hold her infant daughter in her arms. She held her daughter, Allie, for only the second time when Allie was five weeks old.

Two years later, Donkar is an active mom. She works part time as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She plays tennis, and she raises money for transplant awareness.

“My doctors say I was one of the sickest patients they have ever seen,” said Donkar. “Without the transplant, I wouldn’t be alive today to celebrate the milestones of my life and my daughter’s.”

About Astellas

Astellas is a recognized leader in transplantation and has been committed to the field of immunology for more than 20 years. Dedicated to supporting the advancement of care for patients, Astellas continues to build upon its legacy and leadership in transplantation by investing in ongoing clinical research and new product development.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

Quaint Downtown Dawsonville

A

by Linda Merritt

s I made my Old Courthouse plans for this issue, I knew I wanted to recognize the town of Dawsonville. The definition of quaint is “having an old-fashioned attractiveness or charm, and oddly picturesque.”

There are certainly many picturesque spots around downtown Dawsonville, as you can see from these pictures I arts and crafts displays, clogging, took recently. and other entertainment. Dawsonville Dawsonville was incorporated is also the hometown of NASCAR on December 10, 1859, and is the champion Bill Elliott. county seat of Dawson County. The Yes, there are still places where city and county were named after the past and the present can coWilliam C. Dawson, a compiler of exist, where small town culture and the laws of Georgia and commander values are served up with mountain of a brigade in the Creek Indian War hospitality.

Less than an hour north of 1836. Dawson also served in both of Atlanta, surrounded houses of the by the Blue Ridge state legislature Presbyterian Church Mountains and flanked and in Congress by 39,000-acre before the Civil Lake Lanier, Dawson War. County and Historic Among the Dawsonville form a first structures community with many built in downtown facets.

Dawsonville were Located just a few a log courthouse miles west of GA400 and a wooden on Highway 53, historic reinforced jail. In Dawsonville hearkens 1860 the original back to its founding courthouse in the mid 1800s, a was replaced time when the region by the historic was a quaint mountain courthouse farming community.

Today the historic that still stands in the middle of the town square, courthouse, jail, and downtown square. The original jail other original period architecture was destroyed by fire soon after it was stand as reminders of a bygone era. completed, during a failed escape The charm of yesteryear and the attempt. The county was without a jail energy of a thriving, contemporary until 1881, when the historic jail was community make historic Dawsonville completed. During the period when the perfect location for leisure, no jail was available, county officials lifestyle, or business.

Whether you’re relied on jails in surrounding counties coming for a visit, an opportunity, to house prisoners. The old jail is or a lifetime, Dawsonville is a good located west of the courthouse and, place to be. along with the historic courthouse, is listed in the National Register of Source: dawson.org and Historic Places. Both the jail and the www.dawsonville.com courthouse have undergone extensive renovation to restore them to their original appearance.

The Dawson County/ True Value Hardware, Est. 1947 Dawsonville Welcome Center is currently housed in the historic jail.

Dawsonville hosts a number of festivals and events, including the Mountain Moonshine Festival in October, when the town square comes alive with cars,

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition 17

Notes from a Nature Watcher E

by John Roberts

Cavender Creek Cabins

Need a central location from which to enjoy the holidays in North Georgia? 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 Historic Holly Theatre

Spend your New Year’s Eve hearing CBS recording artists and local hometown talent Midnight Clear for a celebration of the coming year and a benefit concert for the Historic Holly Theatre. After winning the CBS Early Show Battle of the Bands, Midnight Clear has performed on national television, as well as touring England and France. Tickets for the 8:00pm, December 31 event are $20 for general admission and $45 for VIP tickets. VIP tickets include entry to the private reception and an opportunity to meet the band.

Seating is limited, so purchase tickets at the Holly box office or on the web site. While you’re getting your benefit tickets, don’t forget that Season Tickets are now available and make a fantastic Christmas gift. www.HollyTheater.com - 706-864-3759

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. Located just off the square, you’ll want to smell and taste the sweet delights at Paul Thomas Chocolates.

Specialties include milk and dark chocolate; chocolate-covered pretzels, nuts, and fruit; and truffles. Take home a piece of Dahlonega with you—one-of-a-kind, chunky Dahlonega Gold Bars. Stop by to see what top-notch ingredients, a lifetime of expertise, and a true passion for candy-making can produce. www.PaulThomasChocolates.com - 706-864-6333

More Local events & places at Dahlonega.org

xcept for oaks in the red oak family, most of our hardwoods on the upper elevations are now sporting bare limbs. The leaves have showered us for the past few days, covering our deck and most of the ground. A rare rain helped several leaves gain enough weight to turn loose of the trees and re-cover the recently-raked areas. One morning after our first serious freeze I witnessed one of my favorite shows. A nearby maple tree suddenly looked as if it had tired of its leaves.

They fell in a shower that happened almost instantly, leaving only a few leaves, mostly near the trunk, sheltered by larger limbs. It had been cold enough overnight to freeze the moisture that had collected in the abscission layers. As it froze and expanded, it separated the leaves from the tree but held them in place until it warmed up enough to melt the anchoring layers of ice and release nearly all the leaves at once. It is nice that the red oaks retain their leaves until the new buds dislodge them, since this year they have been and still are exceptionally pretty. The “Leaf Peepers” have been treated to an extra long and extra good peeping season this year.

Unfortunately, although our red oaks still have very pretty leaves, they have very few acorns this year, a sharp reminder about the lingering effects of last year’s devastating “Easter Freeze.” The red oak flowers were killed by the freeze so there are essentially no acorns this year. This year, the flowers were safe so next year’s red oak acorn crop should be normal. At least this year’s bumper crop of white oak acorns has amply provided for most of our wild critters.

I have been watching the lake for our southbound duck friends

that have rested with us for the past few years, but so far have seen nary a bill nor a feather. I hope they did not fall prey to hunters or some other problem.

Many of our other regular friends are keeping the bird seed industry healthy. The snow birds appeared one afternoon nearly as if they had all arrived on a bus. The next morning we had a light dusting of snow to welcome then. Towhees, chickadees, tufted titmice, wrens, and blue jays hang out with us much of the year. A very friendly kinglet stopped by to rest up before continuing south, flashed his ruby crown at us through the window, and proceeded to what he considered his rightful, favored spot at the feeder. These friends make life very interesting for us and both of our cats. ’Tober, our calico, chatters at them until her jaw gets tired and then turns her back to the window so she can get some sleep. Frankie, our flame point Siamese, tries to track them around the house whenever a bird flits past a window. A rather large moth got in the other night and Frankie chased it for about 30 minutes. When he realized it was not a small bird he let his sister kill and eat it. I am happy that these predators are not in the wild threatening our bird friends. We keep a feral outdoor cat very well fed and will capture him soon to see that he gets neutered before he starts another family. Our birds have enough problems without more feral cats with which to contend.

John Roberts is a Georgia Master Naturalist who is Camp Host at Trackrock Campground near Blairsville, Georgia. He is also a retired USDA-ARS Research Plant Pathologist, having spent over 40 years as a scientist in wheat breeding and pathology.

Cover story— Dahlonega: Quaint in Any Season

D

ahlonega seeks to build its future by preserving its past, building partnerships, expanding its assets, and planning for quality growth. Now recognized as a regional center for history, tourism, and education, Dahlonega began its initial downtown revitalization efforts more than 25 years ago and is now recognized as a national Main Street City. The city has enjoyed successes with streetscape improvements, a reinvigorated downtown district, partnership with North Georgia College & State University, and citizen participation in numerous community programs.

Downtown is home to 50 retail stores, 17 restaurants, and 30 thriving service businesses. The options for shopping and dining are truly unique, because each business is operated by local, independent owners. Downtown Dahlonega’s arts and cultural activities and businesses have garnered many awards, and attract customers from all over North Georgia.

The city has just completed a

master plan to guide downtown preservation and development from 2008-2028. Elements of the plan include preserving the historic appearance of the interior of the city, extension of the streetscapes beyond the edges of the central business district, expanding the central business district, and linking it with the city’s new design guidelines for entry corridors.

The City of Dahlonega’s Downtown Master Plan should stimulate compatible private business investment in the city; improve pedestrian amenities; increase pedestrian traffic from the Public Square outward to the edges of the central business district; and increase pedestrian traffic from in-town residential areas into the central business district. The Master Plan should be a guidebook for maintaining and improving the appearance of streetscape and landscape features, boosting economic development by encouraging pedestrian shopping and spending, as well as increasing

fitness opportunities for local residents to walk and jog within the in-town area.

Pedestrian amenities to be added should include brick sidewalks, appropriate signage, benches, lighting, and trees.

Overall, the objective is to expand the commercial interior of the city while maintaining the sense of continuity and “sense of place” to ensure that the city of Dahlonega remains one of Georgia’s jewels.

Dahlonega expects opportunities for new residential development near the downtown area through sensitive restoration of existing housing stock and through addition of new infill housing. These new housing options should provide a significant positive economic impact on downtown businesses, helping to sustain their success as well as the long-term care of historic commercial properties.

To find out what’s happening in Dahlonega, go to Dahlonega.org and DahlonegaMerchants.org.

Appalachian Community Bank Opens Full-Service Office in Dahlonega

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ppalachian Community Bank welcomes you to its new full-service banking center located at the corner of Morrison Moore Parkway and Mechanicsville Road. This branch offers customers in Dahlonega and surrounding communities a wide array of banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, commercial and consumer loans, real estate financing, mortgage lending, and other financial products.

Appalachian Community Bank’s knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to serve you: President, Eddie Wayne; Loan Assistant, Sondra Champe; Branch Manager, Jeff Armstrong; Customer Service Representatives, Bobbie Jo Lea and Michelle Antonia Eaton; and friendly Tellers, Ashley Lee, Noelle Lingerfelt, Cassie Lomax, Kevin Gilstrap, and Megan Copeland. Teresa Boulware is now Branch Manager at Appalachian Community Bank’s Dawsonville Downtown Office.

Appalachian Community Bank recognizes the importance of supporting the communities it serves. It joins forces with local organizations and devotes time and resources to educational programs, charities, cultural groups, and economic development initiatives.

In fact, the bank is the primary sponsor of Dahlonega’s 2008 Old Fashioned Christmas.

The bank’s new 2,000-square-foot facility features a large lobby with many

Old Fashioned Christmas The Historic Holly Theater The 1940’s Radio Hour will return you to 1942 America during the holidays with a live broadcast of “The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade” from the Hotel Astor’s Algonquin Room. December 18-20 at 8:00pm.

Paul Thomas Chocolates Christmas Carol Sing-Along featuring Matt Carter on the keyboard.

December 19 from 5:00-7:00pm.

Visit with Santa Claus at the Dahlonega Visitor’s Center.

December 20 and 21, from 1:00-6:00pm.

Upstairs Downstairs Live holiday and classical music by Tee Smith with complimentary mulled wine and cookies. December 20 from 2:00-4:00pm.

Progressive Dinner Gallery Walk Themed Peace on Earth in honor of National Peace Day, the walk starts at Hummingbird Lane Art Gallery and ends at Paul Thomas Chocolates and Upstairs Downstairs. December 21 at 5:00pm.

amenities, including free coffee, morning refreshments, state-of-the-art digital television screens, and a wheelchairaccessible entrance. The banking office also has drive-thru lanes, night deposit, and a 24-hour-a-day accessible automatic teller machine (ATM). Lobby hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00am to noon on Saturday. Drive-thru hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:30am to 6:00pm on Friday.

Saturday drive-thru hours are 8:30am until noon.

Appalachian Bancshares, Inc., is based in Ellijay, Georgia, and is the holding company of Appalachian Community Bank, a Georgia state-chartered bank, Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B., a federally chartered thrift, and Appalachian Real Estate. The Company, through Appalachian Community Bank (which also operates in Gilmer County, Georgia, under the trade name of Gilmer County Bank) and Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B., provides a full range of community banking services through its thirteen banking offices, located in Ellijay, East Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Dawsonville, McCaysville, Dahlonega, and Dalton, Georgia, and in Ducktown, Tennessee, and Murphy, North Carolina. Common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol APAB. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.apab.com.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition 19

Fun 400 by

Courtesy of ActivityConnection.com. Answers on page 28.

New Year’s Day Word Search The list of words below can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forwards, and backwards.

BEGINNING CALENDAR CELEBRATION CONFETTI FIRST FOOTBALL FUN JANUARY MIDNIGHT NEW

NOISEMAKERS PARADE PARTY RESOLUTIONS ROSES TIME TRADITIONS

Lumpkin Gold Is Dahlonega Quaint?

E

ver since learning that the subfocus for the December/January issue of 400 Edition was to be “Quaint Downtowns,” I’ve been trying to figure out whether or not Dahlonega’s downtown qualifies as being “quaint.”

Since the best answer I could come up with was “maybe so, maybe not,” I decided to sound out other opinions on the matter.

“No, I don’t consider downtown Dahlonega quaint at all,” one “nugget” who has lived in Dahlonega all her life replied without hesitation. “Maybe it would seem that way to somebody from New York City, but I don’t see it that way at all.”

“Well, then,” I asked, “what is your definition of ‘quaint’?”

“To me, ‘quaint’ implies being simple and stuck in the past, not moving ahead, and that doesn’t sound like the Dahlonega I know,” she explained after pondering for a moment. “I see our downtown as picturesque but not quaint.”

With these words ringing in my ears, I telephoned an out-of-town friend to get her opinion.

“Why of course Dahlonega’s downtown is quaint!” she responded

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by Anne Dismukes Amerson

with enthusiasm. “My husband and I fell in love with the town the first time we saw it back in 1978 because of its unique and quaint atmosphere.”

Pressed for her definition of “quaint” and how Dahlonega fits into it, she was full of complimentary adjectives.

“Walking around the Dahlonega square, I always experience a warm, friendly, and welcoming sense of being ‘at home.’ I also have a sense of warmth, safety, and beauty, as well as an awareness of time-honored values and goodness.”

“Is Dahlonega quaint because it has preserved the old-time appearance of its Public Square?” I asked. “Does being quaint mean resisting progress and staying the same?”

“No, Dahlonega has evolved and is anything but static, even in the historical district,” she replied thoughtfully.

“However, Dahlonega has preserved its unique character through all the growth and remains true to itself.” (High praise but true and well put.).

By this time it was becoming clear to me that the word “quaint” is very subjective, meaning entirely different things to different people. Even the dictionary has multiple meanings,

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

ranging from “pleasingly old and antique,” to “unusual and curious,” to “fanciful, whimsical or obsolete,” along with a number of earlier synonyms that have become archaic or obsolete.

It seems that whereas “quaint” can mean old-fashioned, things are not quaint just because they are old. There are other qualities that creep in and color the meaning. For example, early Gold Rush celebrations seem quaint because people wore old-fashioned clothing, and men grew beards for the occasion because they would be locked up in jail if they were smooth-shaven!

It was a local festival and merchandise sold was locally grown or made. It’s hard to use the word “quaint” in regard to contemporary Gold Rush festivals except for a few events such as the hogcalling contest.

It’s quite possible that people back in the 1950s and ’60s wouldn’t have considered Gold Rush to be a quaint event. If “old age is always ten years older than I am,” perhaps quaintness is always a half a century ago!

Is Dahlonega’s downtown quaint?

What about other downtowns? To each his/her own definition!

It’s The Journey For Circle Of Friends Local Walking Team Raises Another $56,000 For Atlanta 2-Day Walk For Breast Cancer

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he local Circle of Friends walking team raised another $56,000 in 2008 for the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. In just four years, this amazing group of ladies has raised over $200,000 for the cause about which all of them have become so passionate. For the third consecutive year, the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $1 million. Once again the Circle of Friends finished in second place in team fundraising, thanks to the generous support of their local communities. It is more than just walking 30 miles in two days. They spend many months training and fundraising together and individually to prepare for this 30-mile walk.

Each of them walks for the same cause but for different reasons.

As it is with almost everyone that they encounter, some form of cancer has directly touched most of their lives. The team of 26 ladies has five breast cancer survivors and one ovarian cancer survivor. Two young members have lost their mothers to cancer—one to breast cancer and another to lung cancer. In addition, several of teammates have lost a sister-in-law and/or motherin-law to breast cancer. Several others walk in honor of their mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or other loved ones.

This year the miracle story of the team—and perhaps of the entire group of 1,200 walkers— was Deedra Cofield of Dawsonville. In April of 2007 Deedra was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Three months later she had surgery to remove the 4-cm tumor (most never get over 1 cm). The doctors removed most of the tumor but had to leave a very small section. She had many complications during and after the surgery, including a brain stem stroke, and was in a coma on a ventilator and feeding tube for nine days.

Deedra remained in rehab at Emory for six weeks.

Her youngest son, who was only 18 months old at the time, actually forgot who she was during her

long hospital stay; but Deedra says that her 4-yearold son showed a true example of unconditional love. She could not swallow or talk for months and suffered loss of hearing in her left ear, vocal cord paralysis, and facial paralysis on the left side.

Several months of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy followed. In early 2008 Deedra went through six weeks of radiation, in addition to eye surgery to repair cornea damage which was due to the facial paralysis. Deedra was finally able to return to work as a teacher in August 2008.

Fifteen months ago, Deedra’s family was told by her neurosurgeon that she might never walk again. One of her goals was to participate in the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer with her friends this year. Her friend Amy Swafford says that Deedra needed to know that she could do it. Amy actually registered Deedra for this year’s walk in September 2007—just three months after the surgery to remove her brain tumor. Her most recent MRI, a few weeks ago, showed no re-growth of the tumor and that actually some shrinkage had taken place.

In her own words, Deedra says: The doctor says he’s not sure HOW the tumor had shrunk but I know! My God is an awesome God! I would just like to thank my “Circle of Friends” team for believing in me and supporting me throughout the walk. Although I was only able to complete 8 of the 30 miles, you all helped me prove to myself that I am able! Thank God for what He has done for me and for what I believe He is still going to do! Of course, I could not stop without saying thank you so much to my dear husband, mom and dad, and family. They have helped me through so much during this long journey—I could never tell you what it means to me to have you all “on my side.” Last, but not least,

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

thank you to my roomies, Amy Swafford and Jennifer Walls, who walked beside me the whole time I walked. You both encouraged me and wouldn’t let me give up. Thanks, girls!

The Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer is produced by It’s The Journey, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for Atlanta-area breast cancer organizations via the 2-Day Walk, the Atlanta Breast Cancer Challenge, and other events throughout the year.

In just five years, the 2-Day Walk has raised more than $5.5 million and awarded 87 grants to local breast cancer organizations. Join thousands of Atlantans October 3-4, 2009, for the 7th annual 2-Day Walk and become a part of something truly wonderful, not just for you, but for the entire community. All money raised here, stays in and around the metro Atlanta area. The Atlanta 2Day Walk’s goal is to give back over 70 percent of funds raised to Atlanta-area breast cancer organizations supporting education, research, early detection, awareness, and support services.

Twenty-five ladies have already registered for the 2009 walk as part of the Circle of Friends team. They invite YOU to join them. The only requirements are a dedication to training and a commitment to fundraising. If you are not physically able to walk from 10 to 30 miles, you can join them as a volunteer for the walk. For more information, check out their website at www.CircleOfFriendsTeam.com.

The Circle of Friends wishes to thank their hundreds of supporters of this worthy cause.

And finally, because October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, these ladies want to encourage everyone to have annual mammograms and to be vigilant in their monthly self-exams.

400 Edition 21

Free Up Your Defenses

by Marie L. Loscavio, Ed. D., and Dr. Rebecca F. Stephens, Ph.D.

H

ave you ever spotted a deer in the headlights? Have you ever felt like a deer in the headlights? Then you know what trauma is!

Typically we think of trauma as being caused by catastrophic events, such as exposure to combat, rape, abuse, terrorist attacks, or a host of other unexpected violent or devastating events.

Such events can result in the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, numbing, hyper-arousal, and often depression. Not everyone experiencing negative effects from such external or horrific catastrophes suffers from PTSD. And not every traumatic event has to be monumental to have intense and lasting effects on those who experience it.

Trauma can take two forms.

Unusual, extraordinary events are Trauma with a capital T— or Big Trauma. Common, everyday events producing ill effects can be classified as trauma with a lowercase t.

Common traumas come in many forms. Some, which we may label as stressful, may be coded in the brain as traumatic events: losing a job or financial security, discovering a spouse has been unfaithful or wants a divorce, realizing your child is addicted to drugs, learning your brother has cancer, or a plethora of other tragedies. Any of these events can be traumatic.

With both big and small traumas, impaired functioning can improve as time passes because humans are resilient; we are designed to heal. As functioning improves, negative emotions accompanying a traumatic event lessen as part of the brain’s natural ability to process information.

Not everyone is able to resolve trauma completely and regain full mental health. The emotional component of the trauma stays active, even if the individual does not suffer from PTSD. Such individuals learn to function fairly well, but they are among the “walking wounded” and their defenses work overtime.

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Symptoms of incompletely processed trauma may include insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

These individuals may find themselves getting angry or upset over insignificant matters. They often develop physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal upsets, and aches and pains attributed to an unknown physical cause. Additional stressors produce additional trauma and a vicious cycle is established.

Negative effects, both emotional and physical, increase and eventually overwhelm the overused defense system.

Unresolved trauma—either big or small—can be successfully treated. The most promising treatment today is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR. This revolutionary treatment, in use for over twenty years, has been used successfully with returning war veterans suffering from PTSD. Approved by the Department of Defense and the Office of Veterans Affairs, EMDR is also providing relief for many victims of common traumas.

EMDR works by bilaterally stimulating the brain so that emotions and negative thoughts are resolved or “cleaned out.”

The result is that the traumatic event loses its emotional loading.

EMDR mobilizes inherent healing mechanisms, and thus allows the processing of the disabling event and associated thoughts, beliefs, and sensations. Resolution and relief from stress are the welcomed result.

As more research is conducted, it is becoming apparent that EMDR is effective for treating other mental health issues as well.

For now, EMDR’s effectiveness for treating those affected by traumatic episodes gives hope to many who suffer needlessly.

Dr. Loscavio is a licensed psychologist and Dr. Stephens is a licensed psychologist and a licensed associate professional counselor. Both are trained in EMDR and their practice is Cognova Counseling Associates in Marble Hill. They can be contacted at 770-893-3800.

Leibel on the Law Medical Coverage

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sa personal injury lawyer, I am shocked by how many people get into automobile accidents without medical coverage to pay for their bills. Fortunately, there is a whole system of health coverage, often overlooked by the consumer, that is affordable, comprehensive, and readily available without much qualification.

This system provides reasonable and necessary medical coverage, most often at a doctor of your own choosing. It is called medical payments coverage, and is obtained through your automobile insurance policy. It covers diagnostic tests, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and chiropractic bills—all up to a maximum dollar limit. Although it is comprehensive, it only covers those health conditions that arise as a result of an automobile accident.

Many people are under the common misconception that if someone hits you, then all medical bills will be paid by their insurance company. That is not the case. In today’s legal system a comprehensive settlement will be made after people are usually finished treating, if a case will settle at all. If the at fault party’s insurance carrier doesn’t wish to settle, then no money for medical bills or any other type of compensation will be made until settlement or after a trial. Thus, one cannot count on a case resolving in time to avoid bill collectors and other financial consequences.

This med pay coverage also provides for medical protection if you or an immediate family member rides in someone else’s car that is struck, and covers anyone in your car if you have that policy.

In the event of an accident, the automobile insurance company will pay up to a contractual limit for all reasonable and necessary medical care connected with the accident.

Unlike fault coverage, medical payments are made regardless of fault.

In the event that you have health insurance, medical payments coverage will pay for all of your deductibles, and can cover treatments that your health insurance will not provide.

Medical payments coverages are usually in increments of $1,000, $3,000, $5,000, $10,000,

by Steven K. Leibel $25,000, and $50,000. That means the coverage you choose is the limit they will pay per person in the car. Obviously I recommend the maximum, as emergency room bills and hospital stays can be very expensive. A typical MRI can cost over $1,000 depending upon the number of views necessary.

The fact that this coverage is often overlooked is problematic.

Everyone who drives must be offered this type of coverage. Since it is very inexpensive, it is a great value. Unfortunately it does not cover lost wages, but some insurers do offer lost income benefits in the event of an accident. Good uninsured/underinsured policies can also help with medical bills under certain circumstances. It would be wise to discuss those policies with your insurance agent.

In times like these, medical payments coverage can help provide access to good medical care. Good diagnostic testing and treatment can often lead to a better settlement with the opposing party’s insurance company.

As a family man and as a lawyer, I recommend that this protection be seriously considered. If no health insurance is carried by a person, then I advise that the maximum be obtained if at all possible. Good health is a right that can only be guaranteed through payment of services.

Steven Leibel is a Georgia personal injury Superlawyer with offices in Dawson County and in Dahlonega.

He obtained the largest wrongful death verdict in Dawson County. He currently serves as a member of the Georgia Bar Board of Governors for the Enotah Circuit. He is a Commission member of the Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission. He is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell for his legal ability and ethical conduct. He can be reached at 706-867-7575 or 404-892-0700. Questions about his column can be sent to his email at steven@leibel.com. Nothing in this column can be construed as the giving of legal advice. Legal advice can only be made through an attorney-client relationship. The statements made in this column are for general education purposes only.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition 23

Events, Events,

Tip: Keep in mind that 400 Edition is released on or about the 15th of each month.

That means your event needs to be submitted via our web site 30-45 days prior to your event date, and no later than the 1st 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.

Alpharetta

Babishka’s Basket

December 17-18 at 6:30pm and 7:30pm at ACT1 Theatre, 180 Academy Street. Based on the Russian folktale, this touching production brings forth healing and forgiveness. It is about a woman whose life is changed forever by an ageless wise man who brings blessings. Free event. For more information, call 770- 663-8989 or go to lkmatchen@bellsouth.net.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Through December 20 at 2:00pm at ACT1 Theatre, 180 Academy St. Hilarious Christmas tale running Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Tickets $12.00-15.00. For more

information, call 770-663-8989 or email lkmatchen@bellsouth.net.

Music in the Glen Christmas Concert

December 20 at 7:30pm at St. Aidan’s Church, 13560 Cogburn Road. Magical evening of Irish music, song and dance. Songs accompanied by Irish pipes, fiddle, harp and cello. $7.00 adults; $3.00 10 and under. For more information, call 770-521-0207 or go to staidans.org.

Friends of the Library Book Sale First Saturday of every month, beginning at 10:00am at 138 Canton Street. This is the Friends principal source of income to support library programs and purchase books and

capital improvements. See website to donate books! Call 770-475-9214 or email statham@mindspring.com for information.

Atlanta Kids’ Circle

From 6:30pm-8:00pm at Northside, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite C225. Call 404-843-1880 to sign up and learn start date of program. Program runs 4-weeks on consecutive Thursdays.

No charge for this event. This 4-week program is a support program for children 5-12 who have a parent or grandparent with cancer. Children who participate in this program will: (1) Learn about changes caused by illness in the family through songs, games and creative activities, (2) Learn to identify their own feelings about cancer and how it affects them personally, and (3) Learn strategies for coping with stress and ways to take care of themselves.

Priscilla, the Pink Pig, Rides Again

Through January 4 at Macy’s Lenox Square upper-level parking deck.

The ride travels along train tracks to carry children and parents through a life-sized storybook that includes the original Pink Pig, Green Dog and other holiday friends. Macy’s donates a portion of the proceeds from each ride to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

For more information and hours of operation, call the Macy’s Special Events Hotline at 770-913-5639 or visit macys.com/pinkpig.

Give The Gift of Blood

December 23 from 7:00am-5:00pm at Northside Hospital, 980 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Classroom B. According to the American Red Cross, about four million people need blood each year in the United States, which equates to one person every two seconds. As long as you are healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds and are 17 or older, you can give blood every 56 days.

For more information, call Debbie Lucca at 404-845-5185 or email debbie.lucca@northside.com.

47th Annual Boat Show

January 14-18 beginning at 11:00am at Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C. Enjoy five days of nonstop fishing and boating activities including seminars, kids’ activities and prize giveaways.

Climb aboard hundreds of the newest yachts, pleasure boats, houseboats, fishing boats, ski boats and personal watercraft and shop the latest marine

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December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

electronics and boating accessories.

Tickets are Adults-$9.00; Youth (13-15) $5.00; and children 12 and under are free. On Wednesday, January 14, there will be a special $5.00 admission all day. Show hours are 11:00am-9:00pm, Wednesday-Friday; 10:00am-9:00pm on Saturday; and 10:00am-6:00pm on Sunday. For information and special offers, visit AtlantaBoatShow.com or call 954-441-3220.

Dealing with Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate Cancer New support groups at the Wellness Community-Northside, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite C-225.

Lung Cancer – second Wednesday of the month from Noon–2:00pm; Prostate Cancer–third Thursday of the month from 1:00pm-3:00pm and Colorectal Cancer–fourth Monday of the month from 11:00am–1:00pm. The programs are led by licensed therapists.

Caretakers are welcome to attend the lung and colorectal group. Please RSVP to 404-843-1880. There is no charge for this event.

Support Groups for Cancer Patients

Mondays from 1:00pm-3:00pm and Wednesdays from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The Wellness Community-Northside, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite C225. No charge. Explore new ways to deal with stress and cancer. Requires attendance at a Newcomers Meeting, a brief interview and a commitment to regular attendance. RSVP 404-843-1880.

Exploring Dreamwork

Every Tuesday from 12:3pm-2:00pm at Northside, 5775 Peachtree Dunwood Road, Suite C-225. Join us every Tuesday for this class where we share dreams, personal stories, journal entries, programs and anything that is stirring to the heart. Learn to appreciate symbols and metaphors – free emotions, and positively impact the immune system.

Each participant receives a “how to” manual: “The Healing Power of Dreams and Nightmares.” No previous experience necessary. Join Tallulah Lyons, M.Ed. for this class. Call 404-843-1880 for information.

Support Groups for Gynecological Cancer Patients

First Thursday of each month from Noon-2:00pm. Northside Atlanta, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite C225. Explore new ways of dealing with the stress of cancer and learn techniques

Events!

to become partners with their health care team. This networking group is for women who have or have had gynecological cancer including ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer. RSVP 404-843-1880. No charge.

Support for Men Who Are Supporting Women

Second Thursday of the month from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Northside, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody, Suite C225. If you’re a man who is caring for a woman with cancer, this is the group for you.

Join other men for this once-a-month support group to openly discuss the challenges and triumphs of having a wife, girlfriend or daughter with cancer.

Theater, Hampton Square, 11 Mountain Street. This years Christmas production is divided into a trio of Christmas treats that will light up the stage. 1. “The Nativity Tale” (ages 3-19) The true meaning of Christmas as celebrated in scripture and song.

2. “The Jingles and the Commercial Kids”(ages 8-19) honor our sponsors with creative and humorous original skits and songs. 3. The “Hobo and the Miracle” accompanied by original music and dance. For more information, call 706-632-9223 or go to blueridgecommunitytheater.com.

Santa Train Rides

Second Thursday of the month from Noon-2:00pm at Northside, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite C225. Join us for this monthly offering where individuals diagnosed with any type of blood cancer, and their loved ones can join in an open and supportive environment. This group supported by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Through December 23 beginning at 1:30pm at Depot (downtown). Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s coming by train. Fill out activity books and sing carols on the train. And of course , visit with Santa himself. The train runs Fridays, Saturdays, with additional trips the week before Christmas. The trip lasts two and a half hours and has no stops. It is a day your family will remember for the rest of your lives. For more information, call 800-934-1898 or go to brscenic.com.

Blairsville

Canton

Blood Cancer Support

Smokie Mountain Melodies

Chorus with Sweet Adelines International meets every Tuesday, 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church of Union County on 515, just down the highway from North Georgia Technical College. If you love barbershop music and can carry a tune, join us. For information call 706-379-1078.

Blue Ridge

Christmas Mystery in the Mountains

December 6 beginning at 6:00pm at Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. A murder mystery train ride! Proceeds will benefit the children of Fannin County through the Ferst Foundation. Production by “Laughing Matters,” a professional acting troup. Final act will take place at the BRMAA building (downtown) with food and beverage and silent auction. Purchase tickets at Fannin Chamber of Commerce, Appalachian Community Bank, Bank of Blue Ridge.

Cost is $65.00 per person or $100.00 per couple. For more information, contact Wayne Burke at 706-258-7327 or email Propertyman12000@yahoo.com.

Hobo and the Miracle

Through December 21 beginning at 6:00pm at Blue Ridge Community

Drop-in Breast Cancer Support Group

First Thursday of each month from 10:00am-Noon at Northside Hospital, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center. Meet with other people who have or have had breast cancer and together examine the emotional and psychological effects and changes, in addition to sharing ideas and information. There is no charge.

Call 404-843-1880 for information.

Cumming

The Joy of Connecting

December 16 at 6:00pm. An exciting networking opportunity for women who are serious about growing their business. This monthly experience is open to anyone interested in building relationships, expanding her business and having fun! Invite friends to come, and remember to bring business cards and brochures. For additional information log onto www.

TheJoyofConnecting-CummingGA.com.

We meet once per month on the third Tuesday. For more information, contact Annette Walden at 770-887-6792 or Annette@PaintedLadyEnterprises.com.

Christmas Eve Services

December 24 at Cumming First United Methodist Church, 770 Canton

Highway. 10:00am-Service of Hope for those experiencing loss or grief; NoonService of Holy Communion; 3:00pmChildren’s Christmas Service; 6:00pm and 8:00pm-Traditional Candlelight Communion Services; 10:30pm-Concert of Christmas. Call 770-887-2900 or go to cfumcga.com.

Classic Southern Rock

December 31 from 8:00pm-10:00pm at the Cumming Playhouse, 101 School Street. As most of you know, The Estes Brothers Band has been playing music around North Georgia for many years at high schools, colleges, bars, parties, etc. Call 770-781-9178 or go to playhousecumming.com for ticket information.

Volunteers Needed

Forsyth Senior Services is currently looking for volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program. Substitutes are needed long and short term for meal routes. Routes run M-F, and usually take about 2 hours. Kitchen assistance is also needed on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to help pack out meals. The Friendly Visitor Program is looking for volunteers to give a “Friendly Visit” to a homebound senior. The goal of this program is to decrease social isolation. Volunteers are matched with seniors using similar interest, hobbies and demographics. The Alzheimer’s Respite program is looking for volunteers for the “Sunshine Club”.

The program runs M-F from 11:15am3:15pm. Volunteers assist participants in a variety of activities under the direction of staff members. For information on any of these opportunities call Jennifer Howell at 770-781-2178.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespear” abridged

January 8-18 (two weekends) with Thursday – Sunday matinee. Presented

by Off Broadway Professional Company and North Fulton Drama Club. Tickets $20.00 for adults; $15.00 for seniors, students and groups of 25 or more. Call 770-781-9178 or go to playhousecumming.com for information.

Economic Outlook Breakfast

January 13 at 7:30am at Northside Hospital-Forsyth. Frank K. Norton Jr., President of The Norton Agency will share insights into the economic state of Northeast Georgia, the GA 400 Corridor and Forsyth County as well as predictions for the future from his company’s 2008 Native

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400 Edition 25

Events,

Intelligence Report. The cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members and includes breakfast. RSVP to cfccoc@cummingforsythchamber.org or 770-887-6461. For more information, contact Maggie Schmitz at 770-887-6461 or cfccoc@cummingforsythchamber.org.

Barbershop Singers

Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1125 Bettis Tribble Gap Road. Forsyth County Barbershop Singers invite men ages 18-105 to visit our rehearsals. Men, if you like to sing, this is for you. No experience required. For information call Jerry Frank at 770-886-8670 or email Jerry_frank@bellsouth.net.

Support Group for People with Cancer & Their Loved Ones

Tuesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Northside Hospital, 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 180. Join other cancer patients and their loved ones as they search for answers to the cancer challenge. Rachel Newby, LMSW, of The Wellness Community, Atlanta, will be the facilitator. Cancer survivors and their loved ones are encouraged to attend this free group for education and exchange of ideas. RSVP at 404-843-1880.

Counseling for Senior Adults

Monthly, second and fourth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:30pm, free individual counseling, by a qualified therapist, at the Forsyth County Senior Center, 595 Dahlonega Highway. Please call Mary Johnson to schedule an appointment at 770-781-2178.

Take An Alaskan Cruise

Forsyth County Senior Services is planning a trip from May 15-25. For more information call Sonya Camarillo at 770-781-2178.

Dahlonega

Old Fashioned Christmas

Beginning December 6 on the square.

The month long celebration begins with the lighting of the square and a parade. Plenty of other festive holiday events continue almost daily throughout December until after New Year’s with caroling, entertainment, wine sampling, live theater Christmas events.

Esther: It’s Tough Being A Woman

Beginning January 8 for ten week Bible study by Beth Moore on Thursdays

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December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

at 9:30am and 7:00pm at the Dyer home. Join Beth in an in-depth and very personal examination of this great story of threat and deliverance. She peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary and applicable the story of Esther is to our lives. If you’ve ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the study for you.

This portion of God’s Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried, and pressured lives. Workbooks are available at God’s Way Christian Book Store or Lifeway Book Stores.

For more information, please call Carol at 706-867-7647.

Book Discussion

January 13 at 1:00pm at the Lumpkin County Senior Center. Guest author, Anne Amerson will share her new book, “Dahlonega’s Gold.” The books are available at Hummingbird Lane, the Gold Museum, the Welcome Center, the General Store, and Cranberry Corners. Email rhonda@3By400.com for information or call 706-864-2358 for directions to the center.

Ellijay

Open House

December 17 at 2:00pm at 368 Craig Street East. The Gilmer Chamber of Commerce invites you to their Christmas Open House. Stop by and enjoy hot spiced cider and Christmas goodies. For more information, contact Fran at 706-635-7400.

Gainesville

New Year’s Eve Dance

December 31-January 1 from 8:00pm1:00am at Gainesville Civic Center.

Dance into 2009 while supporting the Humane Society! Featuring Great Music, tons of fun, a balloon drop with cash and prizes, cash bar, champagne toast & breakfast buffet! For tickets and information, go to www.JBJAMS.com or call 770-531-2394 or email jbjams@bellsouth.net.

Everyone Is A Work of Art

Through February 15 at Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street. The artist, Gregory Johnson, will be at the opening reception on December 4. The exhibition of twenty figurative bronzes have been selected from a body of work done during the last fifteen years. Soft, classical compositions realistically rendered of common people, children and historic figures represent a purity of his emotion and commitment

Events!

to unique subjects. Admission is free. Call 770-536 2575 or go to quinlanartscenter.org for information.

Hiawassee

Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild

Second Tuesday at 6:00pm, 308 Big Sky Drive (behind the Holiday Inn).

The Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild, Inc will meet. If you would like to learn more about the guild, we invite you to the next meeting as our guest. Contact us at 706-896-0932 or mtnregartscraftsguild@hotmail.com or visit mtnregartscraftsguild.org.

Jasper

Festival of Trees

December 15-29, during library hours at Pickens County Library. Beautiful trees decorated by local service organizations and businesses will be on display during this holiday season. For more information, call 706-692-5411 or go to sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Genealogy Explorers

December 27 at 10:00am at Pickens County Library. Discussion of Church and Court Records, research tools, and procedures. For more information, call 706-692-5411 or go to sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Welcome to Inkworld

January 2 at 2:00pm at Pickens County Library. A magical land created by author Cornelia Funke. There will be trivia competitions, guessing games and fun-for-all based on the book and movie Inkheart. One lucky winner will take home $25.00 in gift certificates to the Riverstone 15 to watch the movie.

This program is for young people 11-15 years old. Call the library to register. For more information, call 706-692-5411 or go to sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Game Time

January 5 beginning at 2:00pm at Pickens County Library. Join us for board games, card games, and lots of family fun for everyone. Any child under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 706-692-5411 or go to sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Hawaiian Luau

January 12 beginning at 6:30pm at Pickens County Library. Get ready to hula and play limbo, tacky tourist relay, and other fun games. We will play trivia games and maybe even learn some of the Hawaiian language. This program is for high school students only.

Call the library to register. For more information, call 706-692-5411 or go to sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Roswell

Wedding Reenactment

December 18 at 6:30pm at Bullock Hall. See the reenactment of Mittie Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt’s 1853 wedding. Be a guest at this important wedding which produced the 26th president of the US, Theodore Roosevelt. $12.00 adults and $6.00 children. Tours on the half hour, last an hour. For more information, call Marsha Saum at 770-992-1731 or email info@cvb.roswell.ga.us.

The Nutcracker

December 19 at 7:30pm; December 20 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm; December 21 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm at Blessed Trinity Catholic School. See website for tickets. Go to www.metropolitanballet. org, call 678-297- 2800 or email metroballet@earthlink.net for information.

A Chris “MESS” Carol

Through December 20 at 11:00am at Kudzu Playhouse, 10743 Alpharetta Highway. Christmas play for children by children. $6.50 for children 3-9. For more information, call 770-594-1020 or email kudzuplayhouse@aol.com.

A Christmas Carol

Through December 20 at 6:00 pm at The Rosewater Theatre. Classic tale presented in the Theatre in the Round.

See website for times and cost. For more information, call 770-640-5500 or go to rosewtertheatre.com.

A Christmas Carol

Through December 24 at Kudzu Playhouse. Traditional Charles Dickens holiday classic for the whole family.

Prices $13.00-$19.50. For more information, call 770-594-1020, email kudzuplayhouse@aol.com or go to kudzuplayhouse.org.

Please forgive our error last month— Jasper’s Night of Lights contact, Marie Noland, can be reached at 770-856-4076 or marie@pickenstoday.com.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition 27

Events, Events!

A Dollhouse Christmas

Through December 30 at 10:00am at Barrington Hall. Meticulously decorated large-scale dollhouses and room boxes decorate this 1842 historic home. For information, call 770-640-3253 or email info@cvb.roswell.ga.us.

Christmas Across the USA

Through January 4 at 10:00am at Bulloch Hall. Historic home decorated with highlights from 12 US cities.

Christmas festivities also include Christmas High Teas on December 2, 3, 8, 9, and 16. Mittie Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt’s 1853 Wedding Reenactment on December 18 on the half-hour from 6:30pm-8:30pm is a unique holiday event. Also the Southern Trilogy Candlelight Tour which includes tours of Smith Plantation, Barrington Hall and Bulloch Hall on November 29 from 5:00pm-9:00pm is a magical evening, featuring all 3 homes bathed in candlelight, with trolley transportation from home to home. For more information on costs, times and reservations (recommended) visit the website at visitroswellga.com call 770-640-3253 or email info@cvb.roswell.ga.us.

Christmas Around the World

Through January 7 at 10:00am at

Smith Plantation. Plantation tours of antibellum home decked out with decorations from around the world. For more information, call 770-640-3253 or email info@cvb.roswell.ga.us.

Southern Comforts

Medical Office Building (Towne Lake), 1st Floor conference room, 100 Stone Forest Drive. Open to anyone at risk for or already diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

Participants will learn how to count carbohydrates, learn the difference between insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, learn about blood glucose levels and obtain nutrition and healthy meal tips. The cost is $35.00.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 404-845-5555 and press “0.”

Waleska

Through December 24 beginning at 8:00pm at The Towne Lake Arts Center.

The Dickens’ classic comes brilliantly to life with original songs and your favorite carols. For more information, contact G L Grooms at 678-494-4251 or director@tlaclive.org.

Beginning January 8 at 950 Forrest Street. The Georgia Ensemble Theatre will continue its Sweet 16th Birthday celebration as we launch into 2009 with the hit romantic comedy, directed

by Artistic Director Robert J. Farley and featuring Atlanta favorites Jill Jane Clements and Steve Coulter.

Information is available on the theatre’s website at get.org.

Trail of Tears Association

January 10 beginning at 10:30am at the Funk Heritage Center. Our meetings are free and open to the public. The meeting will begin with a presentation by archaeologist Erin L. Andrews. The Funk Heritage Center is located on the campus of Reinhardt College.

Woodstock

Diabetes Prevention Class

A Christmas Carol

The Lazy Elves

Through December 24 beginning at 10:00am at Towne Lake Arts Center.

The elves want to play rather than work!

What will happen if they don’t finish the toys on time? For more information, contact G. L. Grooms at 678-494-4251 or director@tlaclive.org.

Second Tuesday of the month from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Northside-Cherokee

Fun 400 by

Answers from page 20.

New Year’s Day Word Seek Solution

Courtesy of ActivityConnection.com.

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Courtesy of ActivityConnection.com.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

Tools I graduated from LSU dental school in 1983. It was a momentous occasion of celebration, replete with copious amounts of food and drink. I’ve often heard it said that the people in New Orleans “live to eat.” Perhaps it’s true.

There are many secret family recipes, including the illustrious mystery of my Mother’s Cheese Straw recipe. She only taught me to make them some 5 years ago, and swore me into the hush of secrecy. Of course, the real secret is not just in the smattering of ingredients, but in the tools, and that’s all I can say about that recipe.

In cooking, the tools are what make the case for the fantastic finish in the food. An example would be the much loved and requested Crème Brulée.

Without the torch to melt and brown the sugar coating, it is rather like warm vanilla pudding. The torch brings the dessert to its culmination of ecstasy in the mouth. Bread needs an oven. You get the idea.

So, you call the dental office for a “teeth cleaning.” What you see today is much more. Dentists today are able to take digital radiographs (formerly known as x-rays) which have greatly reduced amounts of radiation exposure. The lead apron is no longer necessary and the sensors are re-useable as well, which limits the waste and chemicals released into the environment. Frequently, you might be offered pictures of your mouth taken with a digital camera. The camera is similar in concept to the camera at your home that is used to take vacation pictures; but the major difference is that these dental cameras are designed with a long, waterproof case fashioned with a tiny camera that takes pictures inside your mouth. Now you, the patient, can see what the dentist is able to see.

One of the newest tools is called Vizilite, and utilizes phosphorescence in liquid that the patient swishes for mere seconds. The liquid adheres to cancer or other questionable cells in the mouth. The use of a black light illuminates the interior with a wild purple glow. Now, dentists are in the forefront of being able to diagnose oral cancers, which are among some of the most aggressive cancers today.

This innovation has already saved lives, some right here in Dawsonville.

Restorative materials are being revolutionized every year. These are the materials and new tools that allow better tooth color matching than ever before. Newer options include CEREC, porcelain-ceramic crowns made while you wait. These are actually designed by the dentist on a computer, and carved out of a block of solid porcelain.

What a treat to watch your new tooth being cut into design in a special milling unit. The opacity of years before, where the teeth looked white but flat

by Frank Kruse, D.D.S. and without much reflective quality, is gone. Now you can have porcelain for that great smile.

New, ergonomically designed chairs help the patient stay cool and comfortable. Electric hand pieces allow the dentist to work more quickly, and with less noise. The new computer integrations allow you to see the before and after pictures of your newly reconstructed tooth structure. All of these new tools are just a few of the many improvements designed to help patients’ visits be comfortable, relaxed, and of shorter duration.

During my years in practice as a general dentist, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to learn and work with some of the best doctors in the field. They each worked in different ways, loud and joking, quiet and kind, but always with an excellence that I could only aspire to attain. I tried to learn as much as possible from my apprenticeships; practiced new techniques, and began to strive to find perfection in my skills so that I could bring new technology and tools to help people in my community. Thanks to the innovations of science and technology, we have the tools today to make a person’s dream smile come true.

Just so that everything is complete, the truth that I also love to cook is well known. Yes, I do own some new kitchen tools as well. Sometimes, though, a good recipe is all it takes to delight someone you love. Here’s one of my favorites, popular in New Orleans, but as of today, no longer a secret family recipe. Shhhh! Don’t tell my mom!

Bread Pudding

1 loaf French bread or other slightly stale bread 1 quart milk 3 eggs 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 cup fruit Soak bread in milk; crush with hands till well mixed. Then add eggs, sugar, and vanilla, and stir well. Add fruit and lightly stir. Pour butter in bottom of thick 9 x 11 pan, add bread mixture, and bake till very firm. Let cool; then cube pudding and put in dessert dish. When ready to serve, add sauce and heat under broiler to warm.

Whiskey Sauce 1 stick butter or margarine 1 cup sugar 1 egg Cook sugar and butter in double boiler till very hot and well dissolved. Then add beaten egg and whip very fast so egg doesn’t curdle. Let cool and add whiskey to taste. Or rum. Or cognac.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

400 Edition 29

Family Caregiving for the Chronically Ill

Mind and heart mind & heart

O

ne of the most challenging roles one might face in his or her lifetime is providing care to a loved one (spouse, parent, etc.) with a chronic, disabling illness. This is a role that sometimes can be thrust unexpectedly upon us, or one that can instead be gracefully and voluntarily assumed. In either case, there are issues surrounding the fulfilling of this role that are certainly worthy of some discussion.

There is little question that the internal mandate felt by many partners and family members of the chronically ill to step up and offer help and support is powerful indeed. In the case of a chronically ill spouse, the choice of the primary caregiver is usually an obvious one, and is firmly grounded in the “sickness and health” covenant of the marriage itself. When the chronically ill person is a parent or an adult sibling, the issue of who is to be the primary caregiver is at times less clear, and some diffusion of responsibility can occur among the relatives. Nevertheless, in many families, I have observed that there is often one individual who becomes entrusted with this role, due to his or her age seniority, historically responsible behavior, availability, financial resources, and/or willingness to help. In some cases, the role simply becomes one’s own by sheer default.

In others, the caregiving role can sometimes be shared among several family members, which can be very helpful if the various caregivers can coordinate their efforts amicably and cooperatively.

Naturally, the primary focus of the primary caregiver is upon the “patient”; i.e., the loved one. Most primary caregivers find themselves in a role requiring that they wear many “hats,” including but not limited to the following: chauffeur (including driving to various physician appointments); household manager (shopping, paying bills, managing health care finances, etc.), short-order cook (preparing meals for special diets, etc.); health care professional (overseeing medications, giving injections, etc.); and, in some cases, interpersonal companion. As a caregiver of a chronically ill person, one might be required to fight with health care insurers, disability insurers, and physicians. Alongside all this, of course, is the rest of one’s own life: relationships, children, career, etc.

Caring for someone with a chronic illness often requires the adjustment of career and financial goals, and in some cases brings the realization that certain life hopes and dreams will be unrealized.

Some of my own patients functioning

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December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D.

over time in the role of caregiver have allowed themselves, sometimes in the privacy of therapy only, to verbalize statements such as “This isn’t how my life, or his/hers, was supposed to be.

I’m not supposed to be taking care of an invalid for another 20-30 years.”

Although the above remark might sound callous or selfish to some outsiders, it is important to acknowledge that feeling frustration, anger, and resentment within the caregiver role is common and only human. These feelings have validity, and need to be expressed without incurring damage to the patient-caregiver relationship.

In recent years, more attention has been given to helping caregivers take better care of themselves within their role in a classic “doctor, heal thyself” spirit. Caregiver support courses and groups have proliferated across the country, and many caregivers are learning to free themselves from the guilt surrounding taking personal time for themselves, recognizing the importance of other social outlets and activities (exercise, hobbies, etc.), and how to improve communication skills within the family of the chronically ill person. To quote David Levy, a well-known speaker and writer on family caregiving: “When families are confronted with chronic illness, the disease tends to be the center of the universe, with everything happening in association with the illness. Life can quickly revolve around medicine-taking, doctor appointments, and how the patient feels.” Hopefully, the “caregiver support” movement will continue to grow and help make the lives of those unselfishly working in these roles easier.

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.

Historic Downtown Jasper Walking Tour

O

ften called the “First Mountain City,” Jasper, the county seat of Pickens County, was incorporated as a town December 22, 1857. The city was named in honor of Sergeant William Jasper of South Carolina, who died during the siege of Savannah during the Revolutionary War.

Old Pickens County Jail

Completed in 1906 to replace the second county jail, this third jail housed the family of the sheriff or one of his deputies on the first floor and prisoners on the second until 1982. The structure contains the original cell blocks and a gallows. The Old Jail is listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings. Today it houses a Pickens County Museum, including a law enforcement exhibit. The Old Jail and museum are sponsored by the Marble Valley Historical Society, www.marblevalley.org. The society also maintains and interprets the Quinton-Kirby Cabin next door. The Old Jail was featured on the cover of the August/September 2008 Fall Festival issue of 400 Edition.

Quinton-Kirby Cabin

The logs in this cabin are from the farm of Charles Dunbean, a Cherokee, whose residence was on Dunbean Hill near the present-day Hambrick Insurance office on East Church

Street. In 1998 the cabin was moved to its present site and is used for educational purposes by the Marble Valley Historical Society to illustrate Pickens County heritage.

Pickens County Courthouse

This is the third county courthouse on this site fronting the Old Federal Road. Completed in 1949, it replaced the former courthouse, which burned in 1947. This Stripped Classical modern building was designed by architects Bothwell and Nash. The labor for the construction of this building was provided by the Pickens County Convict Camp. The marble in this building was donated by the Georgia Marble Company.

Monuments at the Courthouse

The Military monument, dedicated in 1949, was designed by J.B. Hill, who also designed the Oglethorpe monument. The marble for the monument was contributed by the Georgia Marble Company. David Collins, who was killed in the Iraq War, is the most recent casualty recorded on this monument. “Learning is Fun” was designed

by William Sunderland of Atlanta. He utilized the finishing plant at the Georgia Marble Company in Tate. Sunderland presented this sculpture to the county in October 2002. The two Georgia Historical Markers at this site commemorate the County and the Old Federal Road.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

Lenning Hotel/Woodbridge Inn

Edmond Lenning owned and operated the Lenning House on the Old Federal Road as early as 1880. The original structure consisted of two rooms of log construction. Since that time several expansions and renovations have occurred. Following Lenning’s death, family members operated a boarding house and later a hotel and restaurant. The Old Lenning Hotel is now the Woodbridge Inn and has been operated

by Brenda and Joe Ruffert since December 1976.

Moore Building

The two southernmost sections of Moore Furniture are historic sites on Main Street. The multi-paned window marks the site of the early Jasper post office. Until the 1980s it was the “social gathering place” for the citizens of Jasper.

Maxine and G.L. Moore purchased the post office building in the 1980s. When the Rexall store next door closed, the Moores purchased it to expand their store.

This article highlights some of the historic sites in Jasper. For a full tour you can download a Walking Tour Brochure prepared by the Marble Valley Historical Society, Inc., from the Pickens County Chamber’s web site at www. pickenschamber.com/Historical-Sights-andAttractions.32.0.html; telephone 706-692-5600.

400 Edition 31

Blue Ridge T

he future arrived in Fannin County as of 1889 as a result of the railway that came through the area. The railroad would carry passengers, supplies, and modern conveniences to this new frontier, while hauling raw materials to the lowlands.

Blue Ridge became a boom town as a result of “the great iron highway.”

Entrepreneurs, investors, and tourists headed to North Georgia in the late 1800s and early 1900s for much the same reason they do today. Visitors flocked to the mountains to get away from overcrowded cities, and stayed in one of the many hotels or summer homes, not just for a weekend, but for longer periods of recuperation.

Mineral potions were all the rage during this era, and Fannin County had pure mineral springs. Many people attested to the curative powers of the mineral springs and their own personal healing miracles. Most felt it was a combination of good water, fresh air, wholesome food, and the absence of stress offered by the beautiful landscapes and the laid-back mountain lifestyle. Visitors returned home after each visit with a fresh outlook, and they have been returning

Image courtesy of Jan Hackett, Fannin Coun ty Chamber of Commerce.

seasonally for over a hundred years.

Fast-forward to today, and Blue Ridge is still a thriving resort town that offers the same amenities that were offered decades ago. The downtown area is something not to be missed, with its wonderful shops, restaurants, and antique stores. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has been revived and brings over 60,000 visitors a year to this beautiful area. It is an event in itself. It is a 13-mile journey to the area of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, a pair of towns straddling the state line and divided by one street. You

Sweet Small-Town Shopping S

ixteen years ago, my husband and I moved from the metropolis of Dallas, Texas, to Mount Ida, Arkansas, population 900. The closest Wal-Mart was 45 minutes away. A few years later, we moved to our home in the small North Georgia town of Ellijay, and were thrilled to discover it had its own Wal-Mart!

But over the last thirteen years, we have gained an appreciation, not for the large stores, but for the smaller, independently owned retailers. In fact, we have discovered that there are multiple benefits of shopping locally owned businesses.

Walking into a new shop is always an experience to remember. Owners of unique, small-town businesses and restaurants offer a personal touch that increases my “sense of place.”

Savoring a meal or browsing through a diverse group of shops, often found in historic districts and accessible by foot, connects me to a sense of community. I feel part of something real and intimate.

When I shop locally, I feel good about the money I spend. I read some research that estimated only 14% of revenue taken in by major retailers is re-spent within the state, and most of that goes to payroll. The remaining 86% of the revenue flows back to corporate headquarters and into the hands of out-of-state suppliers.

By contrast, comparative statistics indicate 54% of the revenue of locally owned retailers is re-spent within the

32 400 Edition

state, and most of that is going to the surrounding two counties.

Not only do local retailers support a variety of other local business through this revenue by purchasing inventory and supplies locally, but they also contribute to many local charities and community needs.

In fact, this study found that local retailers contribute more than four times as much of their income to charitable causes than does Wal-Mart, and two times as much as Target.

Local businesses in Ellijay would back up those research figures. For example, Cowan’s Book Nook was birthed out of a desire to allow every child in Gilmer County to have access to a book, and to decrease the illiteracy rate. Last year, they gave approximately $3500 worth of books to local literacy programs, such as the Craddock Center and the county library.

Huff’s Drugs contributes to local recreation department teams and school athletics, works with the county’s Faith Hope and Charity thrift store by offering discounted medicines to their patrons, and donates a percentage of their Boy Scout product sales back to the local troop. Collectively, all of these generous efforts make an impact on the lives of those living in our community.

On another note, I love the diversity and unique choices that small businesses offer. Large retailers

can experience two states just by crossing the street. The revived railway has brought industry to both the areas and is something that your family will never forget. It winds along the Toccoa River, which is noted for having some of the purest waters in all of North Georgia, and heralded for the best trout fishing in the state. Add to these attractions one of nature’s secrets: Lake Blue Ridge, boasting 3600 acres of the purest waters around.

Whether you spend a day on the lake, or go tubing on the river, you will always enjoy the area.

Tourism is still the main attraction to Blue Ridge, and the merchants of downtown go the extra mile to make your visit as enjoyable as it can possibly be.

Please do not miss this quaint small town!

employ a small number of buyers to sift through competing products and services to determine which are the most appealing to the masses.

In contrast, while individual shops may carry smaller selections than a big chain, the multiplicity of these independent retailers creates great diversity. On our square alone you’ll find Whistle Tree Pottery, Wild Mountain Trading Co., Antique Hound, Bear Tracks Coffee, and Country Charms. I like the idea that independent local businesses owners are free to express their individual uniqueness and share their gifts and talents with me and all consumers.

And while I know the papers are stuffed with large chain promotions, I have experienced just as many bargains locally. I’ve found local businesses to be well aware of our current economic situation. They want to make their product and services affordable. Before visiting small-town shops and restaurants, I look online at local newspapers and directories, or browse free local magazines, such as 400 Edition, for specials offers, coupons to redeem, and posted events (many times free).

So instead of being swallowed up by the masses in a large retail store, especially during the holiday season, I encourage you to join me in taking time to enjoy shopping for personal and unique gifts for the ones we love at a locally owned business in a quaint small town. If your experience

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

by Michelle Harrison is like mine, you’ll be glad you did!

Resources: “Protecting Locally Owned Retail, ” by Stacy Mitchell, Main Street News, February 2004 “The Benefits of Doing Business Locally,” by Jeff Milchen, American Independent Business Alliance, 2005

In June of 2008, Michelle Harrison, one of the three founding members of HelloNorthGeorgia.com, decided to purchase software from her younger brother, the president and CEO of 360Directories.com. Her desire, along with two of her talented and gifted friends (Ginger Berger and James Ball), is to provide a valuable resource to North Georgia communities by giving small businesses the opportunity to market themselves individually and collectively. Their goal is to have a comprehensive, quality, online directory which visually represents local businesses and area attractions.

For more information go to www.

HelloNorthGeorgia.com or email us at info@HelloNorthGeorgia.com.

Gardening

by Linda Ragland, Master Gardener

Your Christmas Tree After The Holidays

Will it be mulch, protection for baby fish, or a beautiful landscape tree?

By

now most of us have dragged a tree into the house and spent hours trying to get it straight and secure in the holder, then crawling under the thing to try to get more water in the reservoir than on the floor. While branches poke your ears and dead greenery creeps down under your shirt, the realization dawns that you will have to repeat this uncomfortable watering slither at least once a day.

Ah, but it’s worth it.

I will always remember our excitement when Daddy would bring in the cedar tree he had just cut down in the woods behind our house. Children have a heightened sense of smell, especially at Christmas, and the fresh cedar was overwhelming. We would lie in front of the tree for hours inhaling the smell of Christmas, totally awed by the colored twinkling lights.

Plants and trees that remained green all year have always had special meanings for people, particularly during the gray winter months. Long before Christians decorated with evergreens, ancient people believed boughs of pine, spruce, or holly over their doors and windows provided protection from illness and evil. People all over the world considered evergreens a symbol of rebirth and everlasting life. After the winter solstice, lengthening days, greenery, and fruited hollies were symbols that life would indeed again flourish.

The Christmas tree tradition as we know it is believed to have started in Germany in the 16th century. Devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them. German settlers erected the first tree in America in the 1830s but due to Puritan beliefs they didn’t become popular until later in the 19th century, when German and Irish settlers outnumbered the Puritans. Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer, is credited with first using lighted candles on the trees. The belief is that while walking home one winter night he was awed by beautiful stars twinkling through evergreen trees. He decided to recreate the scene for his family by erecting a tree in his home and wiring lighted candles in the branches.

Joe and I used to spend every Christmas in Europe and enjoyed the celebrations of every country we visited. We were charmed and delighted by the hostess of a bed & breakfast in Germany lighting candles on a tree, and amused when the teenage son embarrassingly assured us they had regular electric lights on their family tree upstairs. The joy of Christmas is everywhere in Europe, with Christmas markets, beautiful Cyclamens in practically every window, and the heavenly smell of chestnuts roasting in the streets. Crèches awaiting the baby Jesus, who will arrive Christmas day, are in front of nearly every church and practically everywhere else including, strangely, inside an aquarium. We had to assure our grandson that the baby would not be eaten by the “fishes.”

Many of us like to buy a tree balled in burlap in hopes of planting it outside after the holidays.

A lot of us, ahem, proceed to kill those expensive trees due to serious handling mistakes. If you decide to buy a live tree, there are a few things you can do to enjoy it for many years.

protect it from sun and wind until the ground thaws.

5. If the hole is dug or the ground is warm enough to dig, fill around the root ball with loose soil, pressing out all air pockets, and water it well. Make sure you first cut and remove any nylon string or anything twining around the trunk, and remove or cut slits in the burlap. A wire basket is fine if the burlap is cut in many places, or removed, and the wire around the top and sides of the root ball are cut and spread out. The roots will grow through the wire and help secure the tree.

6. The number one reason most plants don’t survive is they are planted too deep, smothering the roots. Plants should never be planted any deeper then

they were in the nursery. In fact, in our heavy clay soil it is better for the top of the root ball to be a couple of inches above the ground level.

7. Don’t fertilize the tree until spring and then only with organic fertilizer such as composted cow manure.

8. If the tree will be planted in a windy location, it is a good idea to stake it for the first year until it can establish strong roots.

Live trees are a lot of work but absolutely worth the effort.

1. Decide where it will be planted and go ahead and dig the hole; but be sure to barricade it so no one will trip or fall into it.

Keep the dirt in a wheelbarrow where it won’t freeze, so you will be able to cover the root ball with loose dirt if the ground is frozen.

2. Soak the root ball well before the tree is taken into the house and keep it moist but not soggy the entire time it is inside. Don’t drown the roots by leaving them in a tub full of water, but don’t let them dry out completely either.

3. Try to site the tree in a cool area of the house away from heat registers or a fireplace.

The less time in the house, the more success you will have in keeping it alive; so move it out and plant it as quickly as possible.

4. If the ground is frozen and you didn’t pre-dig a hole, you will need to pack some sort of mulch around the root ball to

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

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400 Edition Wining & Dining 34

by Beth Snider and Stacy Guidice

Restaurant Reviews for the GA 400 Corridor Sage Woodfire Tavern

11405 Haynes Bridge Road | Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-569-9199 | www.sagewoodfiretavern.com Fare: New American | Price: Moderate | Atmosphere: City Chic We recently had the opportunity to meet for lunch in Alpharetta and unanimously agreed that Sage Woodfire Tavern was the place. Although the restaurant has been pleasing diners for many years, the owners and staff have maintained the stylish facility in an impeccable way.

Our chatty group of ladies required that our patient server Peter return to our table three times to secure our order—and even then we still weren’t sure what we wanted. Peter’s excellent recommendations paved the way for a delightful meal.

The Sage Woodfire Tavern menu features an assortment of market-fresh fish and seafood, handcut steaks, chops, and chicken. They also offer a wide variety of gourmet salads, unique pastas, hamburgers, and Italian Panini.

Beth quickly chose the special: pumpkin seed encrusted Mahi Mahi with saffron scented rice, a beurre blanc sauce, and green beans. The

Mahi Mahi was cooked to perfection and the beurre blanc added just the right flavor and moisture to the saffron rice.

Stacy went for the Woodfire Grilled Salmon Paillard, a light, mouth-watering lunch salad with salmon fire-grilled over hickory, fresh mozzarella bundles, grilled marinated Portobello mushroom, and zucchini slices, presented over fresh greens tossed in a balsamic dressing. Stacy’s goal was to include some of each element in every bite, as they proved the perfect combination when tasted together.

Our other guest, Debbie, was tempted by the Portobello Chicken Panini, an ample sandwich featuring grilled chicken, Portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and green onion mayonnaise on a French baguette.

Every dish was full of flavor and enthusiastically finished off by our group. The real star, however, was the level of service we received. Our server

Knowing Wine

by Nancy Forrest

Rosé

A rosé wine’s color resembles the color of a typical red wine but with only enough color to turn it pink. It is made from red grape varieties and is a delightful sipping wine. It turns a blush or pinkish color from red grapes whose skins were removed after the fermentation process begins.

Its color ranges from an orange tint to a rosy pink.

White wine is considered a day drink, and red wine an evening drink.

Rosés can be drunk at any time of day. They are not white wines, but have the characters of white wine, and much fewer tannins than red wines. The color varies depending on the grapes used. Red grapes are crushed but the skins are not allowed to add deep color to the wine. Since rosé wines clearly have had skin in their juice (which is what causes the pinkish to reddish colors), they all have at least a little bit of tannin as well.

They typically have floral on the nose and flavors of strawberries, red berries, fruit, and melons. They pair well with ham and shrimp. As a matter of fact, rosés go with almost

anything, from chicken to barbecue, and are truly versatile. Regular red wines have many tannins, and white wines have acid. Rosé just happens to be the happy medium between red and white that works with almost everything.

This gives it the ability to pair with many foods wonderfully. Try rosés when you make different types of dinners at home. I guarantee they will pair. It is one of the few wines that would go with any style of dish. When unsure what to take to someone’s house when invited to a dinner, bet on a dry rosé.

To create a rosé, red grapes are crushed and only allowed skin contact for a few days (2-3 days), after which the skins are removed before fermentation starts. Some pale rosés may only have skin contact for a few hours, which produces a very delicate color. The skin removal decreases the tannins and leaves the taste more similar to a white wine.

There are other ways to produce a rosé:

Saignée

This term refers to the process called “bleeding the grape.” Bleeding juice early off red-wine grapes is indeed the traditional way to make a rosé. This process removes some of the pink juice from the vats at

Peter was eager to meet every need and the bus staff quickly removed refuse, used silver, and plates.

Our glasses were never half empty at Sage. As we were leaving, we noticed Peter using a flashlight under the tables to ensure that every crumb and speck of dust was cleaned. Each employee was attentive and fastidious, performing their jobs politely and with efficiency.

You can dine at Sage Woodfire Tavern Monday through Thursday from 11:00am to 10:00pm; Friday from 11:00am to 11:00pm; and Saturday from 5:00pm to 11:00pm. Their lounge and bar are open until 2:00am and they are closed on Sunday. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant for a business lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special occasion feast, you won’t go wrong at Sage Woodfire Tavern.

Give them a try and be sure you tell them you read about them in 400 Edition!

Wines of the Month Banfi, Centine Rosé, Italy, 2005 Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Floral aromas. Full bodied. Very aromatic. Crisp and dry with wild berry flavors. Clean finish.

an early stage in the process. The Banfi, Rosé Regale, Italy, 2005 removed juice is then fermented Aromas of rose petals separately, and raspberries. Sparkling rosé. producing the rosé as a byproduct Josefina Syrah Rosé, Paso Robles, CA 2006 of the red wine. It Tangy nose with melon, apple, produces a much and blueberry. Charcoal. more concentrated rosé. Many times Pink Ink, Sullivan Vineyards Rosé, Napa wine producers Valley, CA 2006 bleed off juice to Aromas of pear, strawberry, caramel, create a stronger, butterscotch, and lemon. Rich with a clean finish. more concentrated tannic red wine.

European rosés are usually dry They turn this bledand made from Rhone style red off juice into a profitable rosé. grapes. Many from the U.S. are sweet. The term “blush wine” is used for ones that are made in the U.S. Blending is mixing red wine into a This term “blush” is associated with white to add color. This method is sugary, relatively sweet wine. White uncommon and not recommended.

Zinfandel and White Merlots are Rosés are wonderful. made by bleeding a red Zinfandel Sophisticated consumers are trying or Merlot grape. White Merlots are more different wines, among them also generally on the sweeter side rosés. They are typically very crisp and a bit more complex than White and light and wonderful in warm Zinfandels, but still light and crisp. weather. Any red grape can be a Rosé wines are usually deeper in rosé: White Cabernet; Pinot Noir color than blush type wines.

Rosé, Malbec, etc. There is no limit This wine is versatile, and is to the admiration of the various always a summertime favorite of colors and hues. Rosés are typically mine. When I can’t make a decision an excellent buy and can be served between a white and a red, I pick warm or chilled. The beautiful color rosé because I know it will have a is one of the rosé’s natural appeals wonderful bouquet and satisfy me. and the demand for rosé is rising.

They are just downright tasty.

Blending

Baked Ziti

, t h g i r s i t x e te r u t c i p e c a l rep

Real Men Cook —Baked Ziti 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and thinly sliced 1 16-ounce package dry ziti pasta 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese 2 eggs, beaten 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese 1 26-ounce jar spaghetti sauce, or your favorite recipe

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook for about 6 minutes, or until almost tender. (It will cook the rest of the way in the oven.)

Drain. Mix together the ricotta cheese and eggs in a small bowl. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and Romano cheese.

by Patrick Snider Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Arrange layers of sausage, cheese mixture, ziti pasta, and more sauce, all the way to the top of the pan. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 1 hour or until heated through and cheese is lightly browned.

December/January 2009 • www.400edition.com

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