Appalachian Country Living Magazine October/November 2015

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Inside Out

living the

porch

life

OUTDOOR LIVING & INDOOR COMFORT

SHOWS US HOW

MERCIER ORCHARDS CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF GROWING

COVERED BRIDGE ESTATES- COME HOME TO NATURE

IT’S APPLE TIME! SIX ALL-TIME FAVORITE DESSERT RECIPES

Disconnect from your busy world & Discover the north Georgia mountains at Covered Bridge Estates in Ellijay, GA.

A peaceful mountain community less than a hour north of Atlanta!

Whether you’re searching for your first mountain home, vacation retreat or planning your retirement, Covered Bridge Estates is right for you.

Our community offers an abundance of lifestyle opportunities. Watch wildlife from your balcony. Take a leisurely walk on paved roads throughout the gated community. Covered Bridge Estates is just a stone's throw away from Carter's Lake and the entrance to the Appalachian Trail where recreation opportunities such as hiking, boating, and mountain biking abound. Enjoy the convenience of local vineyards, dining & antique shops. Visit the historic downtown square, and enjoy the Annual Apple Festival. Covered Bridge Estates... the next place you will want to call home.

Community Features · Professionally planned community · Gated entrance w/cameras · Homesites starting in mid 30's · 1 to 3-acre build-able homesites

· Model open daily · Homes starting in mid 200's · Several home plans to choose from 1700 - 2500 sq. ft. of living area

Contact Mike Kunkel at 706-669-4177 or mike@estatesatcoveredbridge.com Or Visit www.estatesatcoveredbridge.com

The MistyRidge puts the“Great” in Great Room A Room to fit your point of view.

Reliability tested by time.

Big, open and loving. The way families should be. The way nature always is, whether perched on a Georgia mountain side or nestled in a hollow in the hill country of Texas.

Adorned with a landscape that invites adventure and the treasure of great times together.

We only use naturally cured logs at Satterwhite. This means excessive shrinking will not compromise your home, thus ensuring reliability. This material advantage is also backed by a guarantee of sound construction techniques, enduring design and simple attention to detail in every home we craft. It’s been that way since 1974.

Customized to your lifestyle.

At Satterwhite Log Homes, we want your home to be “your” home! So, we encourage you to “customize” any of our 45 standard floorplans... or design your own.

Add that sun porch for your resident green thumb, enlarge the master bedroom or bath, or include an upstairs playroom for the little ones.

Driving directions: Just 5 miles North of Ellijay on Highway 515N

www.satterwhiteloghomes.com

40 YE A R A

SARY NNIVER

GEORGIA

EASTERN SALES OFFICE • MODEL HOME

14378 Hwy 515 N, Ellijay, GA 30536

1-800-918-6881

Company Experience - Family owned and operated

for 40 years.

Superior House Logs - Milled from dead-standing timber for stability.

Totally Custom - Your plans or ours. Design staff

ready to create your dream home.

Our Locations - Serving the US from Utah, Texas and Georgia.

Call Don Estes or Ron Lomonaco for more information: 706-636-6881 email: georgia@slh.net

WELCOME TO AC MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Sexton

A

August here on the mountain was mostly uneventful with the exception of the much increased tourist traffic on our remote dirt road. While our tiny rustic cabin is up on ‘the hill’ our property runs all the way down to the lower Toccoa.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway passes by us right across the river everyday with passengers waving and having a great time. Kayakers and tubers come laughing and splashing down the river and cabin renters are happily enjoying family time in the mountains. When I’m busy working, Maxine likes to run down to the river and visit the tourists, especially those grilling steaks. One evening I got a call from some renters asking me to come Maxine says, “Boo Hoo Hoo! Mom broke her ankle on our walk. She’s get my dog (her tag has my phone gonna have plates, and pins and number), when I went down to get screws, sniff sniff. No more walks for Maxine, there she was on the couch 12 weeks. I hope she can at least still with several kids, eating popcorn and open the cookie jar!” watching a movie. The little girls had put bows in her hair and didn’t want her to leave. Maxine knows how to live life to the fullest, that’s for sure!

One of the hottest trends this fall is porch living. Outdoor Living Indoor Comfort, featured on the cover, gives us the tools we need to make our outdoor spaces stylish and comfortable all year-round. Gorgeous porch and patio furniture to fit your lifestyle and your budget paired with seamless porch enclosures will make Outdoor Living a true comfort, find out how on page 24.

Finally it’s Fall Festivals and Apple Time. There’s so much going on you’ll have a tough time choosing. Fall Arts in the Park, the Georgia Apple Festival, The Marble Festival, Georgia Mountain Fall Festival and Talking Rock Heritage Days are surely favorites, but don’t miss out on some of the smaller festivals and fairs that are just as entertaining for the entire family.

Apples, apples and more apples! This year the Ellijay Lions Club ladies shared their best down-home apple dessert recipes, which you’ll find on page 30. Mercier Orchards celebrates 70 years of growing. U-Pick, hayrides, fried apple pies and other goodies await your arrival. To make your visit complete visit Mecier Orchard’s Craft Hard Cider Tasting Room featuring quite a variety of ciders and wines, what a way to spend a glorious, crisp fall day.

The upcoming December/January issue features our annual Holiday Shopping Guide. Skip the malls– spend a few days here in the mountains visiting our quaint Historic Downtown districts decorated for the season. Drive through the mountains to visit off-the-beaten-path craft shops and artist studios. Enjoy great food, wine, craft brews and spectacular scenery while supporting our Mom and Pop businesses and local artists. Make holiday shopping a holiday in its self, I sure do!

CALENDAR | EVENTS EDITOR Andrea Simmonds GARDEN| LANDSCAPE EDITOR Kevin Johnson trainingdunnright@gmail.com HISTORY EDITOR Leslie Barker Thomas PresHist@etcmail.com OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR Greg Dunn trainingdunnright@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES Angela Huffstetler 706. 851. 8190 | adswithangela@gmail.com Ann Merry 770. 324. 2384 | annmerry@ymail.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Appalachian Country Living 706. 492. 5070 LAYOUT/DESIGN Blue Ridge Media Group CONTRIBUTORS Robin Bland, Stuart Borders, Tracey Burnette, Caitlyn Carr, Rose Daves, Primy Davenport, Kim Foster, Donna Gaddis Photography, Julie Heinsman, Rosemary Hendricks, Tom & Nancee Jackson, Betty Kossick, Deborah Logan, Maxine, Merle Naylor, Eran Norton, Peggy Sexton, Emma Lou Stover, Abigail Summar, Kathryn Davis Watkins, Billy Zoom APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 1250 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706. 492. 5070 hello@blueridgemediagroup.com www.aclivingmagazine.com

PLEASE RECYCLE

Appalachian Country Living Magazine is published six times a year. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American copyright conventions. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Appalachian Country Living is printed in the United States of America. The articles contained in this magazine are works of journalism and do not represent the opinions or ideas of Appalachian County Living Magazine and the publisher assume no responsibility for the content of advertisements. While we welcome submissions, the magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Please do not send originals. The magazine is given away free by advertisers and at selected businesses in the region. A one year subscription is $20 per year for six issues. For renewals, new subscriptions, or any other correspondence, write to PO Box 1250 Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

JUNE/JULY 2015

Small energy leaks can really add up.

Do you know how much energy your home is wasting?

The average home has enough air leaks to create an opening over 3 feet wide. So schedule a Whole House Energy Assessment, performed by a program participating contractor, to find out where your home is losing energy. Complete a home energy assessment and you’ll get up to a $225 rebate. And if you make the home energy improvements, you could get up to $2,350 in rebates. Learn more at georgiapower.com/wholehouse or call 1-800-310-5607.

Š 2015 Georgia Power. All rights reserved. Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power customer. Valid through December 2015. Rebate eligibility varies based on improvements made and energy reduction achieved. Rebate request must be submitted with receipt within 60 days of purchase or installation of qualifying improvements. Full details available online.

CONTENTS

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Spotlight, Colonel 7 Restaurant Poole’s Famous BBQ

Visit the Famous Pig Hill and Get Some of the Best BBQ in Ellijay

10 Southeast Llama Rescue

Protecting the Quality of Life and Improving the Well Being of Abused, Neglected and Unwanted Lamas

the Craft Hard Cider 16 Join Renaissance

Mercier Orchards Celebrates 70 years with Their New Craft Cider Tasting Room

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16

Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort

Adding Comfort and Style to Your Home, Lake House, Vacation Cabin or Family Weekend Retreat

24 Ellijay’s Covered Bridge Estates

Nature Makes it Beautiful, Covered Bridge Estates Makes it Home

Apple Deserts That Will 30 Local Make You Swoon

The Ladies of the Ellijay Lions Club Share Their Secret Apple Recipes

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ON THE COVER IVINGMA WWW.ACL GAZINE.COM | OCTOBER /NOVEMB ER 2015

 O I  

  



LIVING & OUTDOOR MFORT INDOOR CO

HOW SHOWS US

ORCHARDS MERCIER ING 70 CELEBRAT GROWING YEARS OF

6

BRIDGE COVERED COME HOME ESTATESTO NATURE

E TIME! IT’S APPL IME FAVORITE SIX ALL-T RECIPES DESSERT

Bringing us closer to nature than ever before, Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort LLC gives you everything you need to live the porch life all year-round. OLIC is a familyfocused, Jasper, Georgia based business designed to help you better enjoy your porch, patio, gazebo, and other outdoor living spaces as well as indoor spaces, including your closets and garage.

Photo by Donna Gaddis Photography, Jasper, GA.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

COL. POOLE’S Georgia Bar-B-Q

PO Box 727 East Ellijay, GA 30539 706. 635. 4100 Oscar and Edna Poole Darvin Poole

www.poolesbarbq.com

GREAT GREEK GYRO WRAPS Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri 11am-10pm Sat 11:30-10pm Sun Closed

Like us on Facebook!

15 West Cross Street/Hwy. 515 East Ellijay, Georgia 30540

706. 781. 0996

Dine In or Carry Out Mon-Thur 11am–3pm • Fri 11am–7pm 513–E Murphy Highway • Blairsville, GA Behind Mikeʻs Find Us On Trip Advisor®

Poole’s Bar-B-Q Colonel Poole knows about Barbeque.

What started as an eight by twelve shack in 1989, Poole’s BarB-Q is now world –famous for its great food, friendly service, and the Pig Hill of Fame.

Poole’s Bar-B-Q is an All-American establishment with delicious options for any diner. They offer beef, pork and chicken barbeque plates with Colonel Poole’s in-house barbeque sauce.

There are a plethora of side dishes to choose from: barbeque beans, creamy mac-n-cheese, crisp coleslaw, potato salad, Brunswick stew, freedom fries, and onion rings. For the younger (or maybe just less hungry) crowd, Poole’s offers Junior plates.

If you’re not in the mood for barbeque, Poole’s offers pork ribs, chicken strips, corn dogs and hot dogs.

Call 706. 635. 4100 for more information or check out www.poolesbarbq.com. Best yet, come visit them! Their hours of operation are Thursdays from 11 am to 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Look for the Pig Hill of Fame right off Highway 515 at 164 Craig Street East Ellijay, GA 30540. AC

Beer & Wine Downtown Blue Ridge Only!

Serenity Garden Café

SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER AT TWO LOCATIONS

Downtown

657 E Main Street • Blue Ridge, GA Daily 8am-9pm 706. 258.4949

Riverside

100 Bridge Street • McCaysville, GA Daily 8am-9pm Closed Wednesdays 706. 964.4949

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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An amazing family adventure on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is only a short drive away. It all starts at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. The train winds alongside the beautiful Toccoa River on a four hour round trip with a stop in the twin border towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN.

Arrange a trip at brscenic.com or 1-877-413-TRAIN 241 DEPOT STREET • BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513 » 1-877-413-8724 • 1-706-632-8724

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BRSCENIC.COM

4/30/15 8:50 PM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING ADVENTURE

blue ridge mountain baby hikes Outdoor Adventure Editor Greg Dunn and Family Take Us on Some of the Most Beautiful Day Hikes in the Area

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Hiking, mountain biking, and paddling are three of my favorite ways to enjoy the mountains of North Georgia. Great trails abound in every direction, but life can sometimes get in the way.

Six months ago, my life was changed in a way that I never thought possible. My wife Carrie and I were blessed with our first little boy, Finn.

Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you how much I love to get in the woods.

For years, my friends with kids would try to let me know “how little time you will have when you have one of your own,” but I didn’t really believe them. I thought they were just being lazy and making excuses. Sorry friends, I guess you were right. Since Finn came, I am lucky to get a couple quick rides in a week, usually from the house on the road. What’s funny about my lack of adventure lately, is that I haven’t really missed it. This little boy has got me by the heart-strings!

Being a family that loves and enjoys the outdoors is very important to us so now that Finn is getting bigger we are thinking of ways to get him into the woods. I’ve gone from reading about the latest carbon fiber this and that, to researching the most trick baby backpacks and baby bicycle trailers, you know normal guy stuff.

It’s amazing how much gear is out there for baby’s. Its also amazing how expensive some of this stuff is! $400 for a backpack? What? Luckily for us we have lots of friends with lots of kids that outgrow stuff, including a couple of really nice baby packs.

Like his Daddy, Finn loves it outside, so we had a pretty good idea that he would like his new pack. We took a few walks in the neighborhood to get everything adjusted and to get him used to it and he had a blast. Next on our agenda is to get him out on some real trails which we are planning this weekend. There are so many directions one can go from downtown Blue Ridge to find beautiful scenery, but with a baby we want to keep it relatively close and not too strenuous so I have compiled a list of some OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

The outdoor adventuring Dunn family– Carrie Paisley, Greg and baby Finn– ready to head out for a day hike. Never too early to teach your little ones about conservation, preservation and the importance of how to enjoy our precious wilderness. great hikes within thirty minutes of town that will give you the most bang for your baby buck: Ocoee Whitewater Center With over 40 miles of trails from single track to paved walking paths, this area is very baby friendly. Go on a weekend when they are releasing the upper section and enjoy watching all of the kayakers pulling all kinds of crazy moves.

Aska Area Fall Branch Falls Follow Aska Road for approximately 8 miles, turn right on Stanley Creek Road, continue for 3 miles, the parking area is on the left. The cascading falls will be about a mile up with a nice wooded platform to hang out on and check out the scenery.

Aska Area Stanley Creek Trail Continue past the trailhead for Fall Branch Falls for another ¾ mile, and you will see a pull off on your left. This is an unmarked trail that zig zags back and forth across the creek up the mountain into the Rich Mountain Wilderness. This is one of the more technical “baby hikes” due to creek crossings but also one of the most scenic.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Aska Area Deep Gap Trail This is the main parking area for Aska trails including Green Mountain, Flat Creek, Long Branch and Stanley Gap. Their are lots of options here from an out and back to the top of Stanley Gap to a 5.5 mile loop on flat creek.

All of the trails that I have listed are in my opinion some of the most scenic. The fact that they are so close to town makes them a great choice if you decide to get the little ones out to enjoy nature.

Despite their accessibility please remember that you are still entering National Forest and Wilderness areas so be prepared, especially when hiking with kids. Take plenty of extra water, snacks and day supplies to keep everyone comfortable and you’re sure see some of the most beautiful spots around! ACLM

FOR GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS OR TAKING YOUR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL CONTACT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR GREG DUNN VIA EMAIL Trainingdunnright@gmail.com WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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GOLF COURSE AND RESORT COMMUNITY OPENS JUST OUTSIDE OF BLUE RIDGE

Managing Partners, Peter Knutzen & Kevin Hermetz, share their vision for Blue Ridge’s Only Resort Community Blue Ridge, with its small town charm, changes its appeal with the seasons: spectacular outdoor pursuits in the spring and summer, unparalleled leaf peeping in the fall, mild winters with a sneak peek of the snow, and the place to be when winter thaws and outdoor living calls you back to the mountains. For generations, the Blue Ridge Mountains have served as a refreshing retreat for those who live in the region’s cities. Now, Blue Ridge has something else to offer, Old Toccoa Farm, the area’s first resort community.

For over 13 years, my family and I have enjoyed the hospitality of the people here and we’ve come to embrace the overall beauty of this area. Everyday there seems to be a new entrepreneur arriving in town to enhance the Blue Ridge experience. When you couple that with the natural amenities that abound, it’s quite special. And now, we find ourselves adding to the specialness of Blue Ridge with Old Toccoa Farm.

With 4,000+ feet of blue ribbon trout waters, a mile of walking trails, managed access to outdoor-pursuits (think fly fishing, 10

sporting clays, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, zip-lining, boating, and rafting), Old Toccoa Farm has all the components to enjoy an authentic mountain lifestyle.

This fall, a collection of smaller footprint cottages will be coming out of the ground, each a perfect example of “less is more” living.

These cottages will set the tone for the architectural vision for the community and with over $1.0 million in residential home site sales this summer, the expectations are set for a busy fall and winter of further home construction.

Evidence of momentum at Old Toccoa Farm includes the opening of our golf course, a golf experience unlike anything else offered in the area and many are saying in the region. With over 50 rounds on Opening Day and a steady booking of players since, Blue Ridge finally has a home course they can be proud of.

Our Dan Proctor, Dave Axland and Bunker Hill-designed course is a par 70, links-feel course totaling 6,850 yards. The course winds through 125 acres of ridges and meadows, featuring over 280 feet of elevation change with spectacular views of the Chattahoochee

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

and Cherokee Nation Forests and surrounding valleys.

The golf course is just the first of a full complement of planned amenities for the community. The best part of the game of golf is sharing it with others. We’re currently on schedule to open a practice area and chipping and putting greens this fall, a family par 3 course in the spring of 2016 and we are working diligently to complete the remaining nine holes.

Open seven days a week, tee times available from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Weekday/weekend rates from $35-65. Book a tee time by calling 706-946-GOLF. For property tours, call 706-946-HOME. OldToccoaFarm.com.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

Seiridium Canker of Leyland Cypress Landscape & Garden Editor Kevin Johnson Talks About Diagnosing and Treating one of Our Landscape Favorites

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Leyland Cypress, x Cupressocyparis leylandii, is a very common and popular landscape tree used throughout the Appalachian area. This coniferous evergreen is often used for screens and hedges due to its fast growing nature.

Leyands can easily grow 4-5 feet in a year. They have been relatively easy to care for with little to no disease problems except maybe the rare bagworm infestation. Things have certainly changed. We receive as many calls from folks concerned about Leyland Cypress as we do for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Because the Leyland Cypress is commonly found in our landscapes, it’s important to understand what’s happening to them.

Several years ago I attended an industry conference. During one of the seminars the speaker from U.G.A covered Seiridium Canker of Leyland Cypress. This was the first time I heard of this disease. Over the next few months I started paying attention to Leyland Cypress and things became very apparent. A tree that was virtually maintenance free was in trouble.

Seiridium Canker is possibly the most damaging disease affecting Leylands damaging small newly planted specimens and large mature trees alike. Cankers, which appear as sunken darkish brown or purplish patches on the bark, form on stems and branches causing dieback.

Often homeowners mistake the cankers for bark boring insects, sadly, this is hardly ever the case. Dead branches turn brown and disease spores rapidly spread to uninfected parts of the Cypress or to uninfected trees by rainwater and irrigation. Seiridium Canker can also be spread through pruning.

Currently there are no chemical control measures to treat Seiridium Canker so spraying fungicides on infected trees simply doesn’t work.

We do recommend pruning out infected limbs, although pruning is sometimes impossible on very large/tall Leylands. As always, be sure to sterilize your loppers or pruning tools between cuts using a 1 to 9 bleach – water solution.

For new landscapes, providing proper spacing OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a graceful, rapidly growing evergreen tree that is adapted for growth within the 6-10a USDA hardiness zones. The tree will ultimately attain a majestic height of up to 40 feet.

Planting too close together and in poorly drained soils, Leyland cypress is prone to root rot and several damaging canker diseases, especially during periods of prolonged drought. Disease management is a consideration for Leyland cypress.

between trees will allow for air flow, reducing the risk of the pathogen spreading from tree to tree as easily. Avoiding stress by watering Leylands during times of significant drought and avoiding tree wounding also helps to reduce the risk of infection. The good news is I’ve seen very mature Leyland’s develop Seiridium Canker and continue to survive.

There are also several other cankers and root rot issues affecting the Leyland Cypress that may present to the homeowner as Seiridium Canker.

Therefore, it’s always important to get the right diagnosis so that you can address the problem correctly. ACLM

For additional reading on the subject visit: • http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail. cfm?number=B1229 • http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/notes/ Ornamental/odin17/od17.htm

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Kevin Johnson is the owner of Green Leaf Lawn and Ornamental, LLC, based in Blue Ridge. For more information about the devastating hemlock woolly adelgid and treatment options, Kevin can be reached toll free at 866. 883. 2420 or by email at growitgreen@etcmail.com.

Or check out his web site at www.wetreatlawns. com or visit www.hemlocks.org for more info.

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SOUTHEAST

LLAMA

RESCUE EASILY TRAINED, LLAMAS ADAPT TO MANY DIFFERENT SITUATIONS AND HAVE NUMEROUS ENJOYABLE USES. EXTREMELY VERSATILE, THEY COME IN A WIDE VARIETY OF COLORS, SIZES, PERSONALITIES– ONE THAT MIGHT JUST BE PERFECT FOR YOUR FARM!

WORDS: BETTY KOSSICK PHOTOS: SOUTHEAST LLAMA RESCUE

Greetings from the Home of Llama and Alpaca Rescue!

The Southeast Llama Rescue’s [SELR] mission is to protect the quality of life and improve the well being of abused, neglected, unwanted and behaviorally unmanageable llamas 12

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through prevention, education, intervention, placement and lifelong care. SELR is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization incorporated in North Carolina.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING COMMUNITY

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This page: Finnegan is an Appaloosa Llama, very popular because of their handsome coat. Valentine is a heavy wool llama that was born into rescue.

Opposite: Gossamer is a pure Chilean llama from Chile and recently went to his furever home in North Carolina.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

There are many groups in the United States that rescue various kinds of our animal friends from abuse, abandonment, lack of proper care, owners who die or are unable to continue caring for them, and many other reasons. The words of Albert Schweitzer, preacher, philosopher, physician, noted musician, 1950 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, ring true for this kind of rescue, “Until mankind can extend the circle of compassion to include all living things, he will never himself know peace.” The heart of one such organization’s is finding homes for llamas and alpacas: Southeast Llama Rescue (SELR) formalized in 2000 and is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization incorporated in North Carolina.

SELR rescues those charming creatures with their long necks and baby-sweet looks. You might ask, “What is the difference between llamas and alpacas?” Alpacas look like small llamas yet both alpacas and llamas are shorn like sheep. Further, they are members of the camel (camelid) family. In addition to the well-known, one-humped Dromedary camel of the Middle East and the two-humped Bactrian camel of Asia, there are four native members of the camel family in the Americas today: the domesticated llama, regarded throughout the world as the premier symbol of South American animals; the domesticated alpaca, selectively bred for its fine, multi-hued wool; the free-ranging guanaco, probable progenitor of the llama and historically common herbivore of the arid lands of South America; and the wild vicuña, fine-fleeced denizen of the central high Andean mountains.

East Ellijay, Adoption Coordinator, Deborah Logan notes, “When we receive a surrendered animal, if they are a fit for what someone is looking for they are almost immediately routed to their new home. There are restrictions for the kind of space that llamas and alpacas require.

Our guidelines states that no more than four llamas or six alpacas should occupy one acre

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

of land. They actually do not require a ton of space but if sequestered on a small lot they can quickly turn it into a “dry lot” as they are browsers and will eat bushes, small trees, etc.

“The llamas and alpacas are advertised on the web pages when we do not have adoptive homes waiting within a reasonable distance of where the animals were surrendered or are currently being fostered or they are not a match for applicants who have gone through the approval process and are currently waiting for just the “right one.” The “right” one for you could be far different than for others,” Logan points out.

She also informs that in the past year 50 llamas and alpacas were placed. Surrenders and adoptions numbers fluctuate. Animals are surrendered due to change of circumstances for the owners such as death of a spouse, medical issues, relocation, etc. Also, interest is increasing for adoptions as a result of prospective adopters learning about SELR as a resource, but with fewer adoptions taking place in the cold of winter or the heat of summer. “We often get surrenders in relatively large numbers and adoptions are typically in pairs.

Logan advises, “An adopter needs to be aware of the kind of animals that llamas and alpacas interact well with and those they do not. For instance: Though camelids are not regularly recommended to share space with horses, individual situations are evaluated. Some very successful situations occur, but adopters must keep the size difference in mind – a bite or a kick from a horse could devastate the smaller animal. Many camelids live happily with livestock guard dogs such as Anatolian Shepherds, Great Pyrenees and other breeds raised specifically for that purpose.

“There are organizations similar to clubs for llama/alpaca owners, with the primary one for llamas in this area being the Southern States Llama Association (they have alpaca owners as WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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John “Cornbread” Anderson DAWSONVILLE’S AROUND BACK AT ROCKY’S PLACE GALLERY FEATURING:

WORDS : ROBIN BLAN & TRACEY BURNETTE PHOTOS: CAITLYN CARR Imagine going from home grown to world renown. John “Cornbread” Anderson did just that; he was born and raised in a small, rural Georgia town and busied himself with jobs such as farming, butchering, beekeeping, working the law, and fixing diesel trucks.

In his imagination, he was in the woods tracking deer, studying the region’s various bird populations, calling turkeys, planting strawberries, and chasing guinea hens and chicks around the farm yard– and yes– this attention to guineas has become Cornbread’s signature in regard to his art pieces. Folks know those guineas anywhere and everywhere!!!

Once he put these wide-eyed animals on board, canvas, and tin, his everyday routine suddenly turned from the various odd jobs he did into that of a full-time artist.

When he was a young boy in grade school, he and his classmates were lined up in front of the bulletin board to take their class picture as we all used to do back then. Hanging behind his class was their artwork made of kites, Cornbread’s kite was decorated with a fish with a big wide-eye. So from right then– in grade school until now– he has always painted his subject matter with that large wide-eye looking back at you– right into your soul.

In the last 20 years, Cornbread has gone from being known and collected locally to having his paintings collected, and shipped all over the world, going from home grown to world renown!!! He’s been asked to paint, and exhibit in Paris, France– but this hometown boy turned down the offer– good ole Southern soil is just fine for this artist.

Aside from his guineas, Cornbread is also known for other animals that are indigenous to our area.

He’s been known to walk the back roads doing his own research, looking to find that perfect scene of wildlife to be created in his next masterpiece.

Also popular among his collectors are pieces featuring foxes, coons, and a variety of birds– from bluebirds, cardinals, turkeys, and crows– to his more recent paintings of titmice, scarlet tanagers, and nuthatches.

If you would like to see some unusual and different art pieces by Cornbread, come by the gallery– Around Back at Rocky’s Place– and check out his lathe-turned guineas, fishing lures and his birds made out of sisal twine.

Although one can easily spot and identify a Cornbread piece, his work is actually as rich and as diverse as his former occupations. John “Cornbread” Anderson is a man of many wonders, and as his fame originated with his guineas and other fowl– the gallery likes to refer to him as the 21st century John James Audubon.

John “Cornbread” Anderson is the real thing, and his art continues to soar, and as they say–“the sky is the limit.” Around Back at Rocky’s Place is proud to show the best selection by John “Cornbread” Anderson in the universe.

Stop on in to see for yourself. Who knows you might just go home with a new favorite piece of Cornbread!

Around Back at Rocky’s Place 3631 Hwy. 53 East at Etowah River Road Dawsonville, GA 706-265-6030 gallery@aroundbackatrockysplace.com www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Hours: Saturdays,11am-5pm Sundays, 1pm-5pm, And also by appointment.

AC LIVING COMMUNITY

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A LLAMA RACE?

Top: Jack and Rose Mattladge, super volunteers, with their granddaughters Amy and Holly showing off their four beautiful female llamas at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rome, GA. Above: SELR volunteers get together and take their llamas out for a fun picnic lunch hike, giving the pack llamas a workout. Left: Llamas come in many varieties. Toby is a 5 year old Silky Llama bred for his soft & luxurious wool. well) and they offer new SELR adopters a free year membership. The Southeastern Alpaca Association is another active organization. There are also quite a few state-specific organizations as well as groups focused on one aspect, such as fiber, packing or carting for instance,” Logan adds.

There is an internal registry where all animals are tracked that flow through SELR – they have an internal number assigned to them and are kept up with where they are (either foster or adoptive home) and their status, but after adoption nobody is bound to SELR other than they have a contractual obligation to return the animal to SELR if they can no longer care for it and they must notify us of a death within 24 hours. All SELR people are volunteers, so aside from the coordinators and a few longtime key volunteers, the rest are ad hoc volunteers who respond to requests for assistance. Volunteers, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

financial support, and heart are what keep SELR going.

Logan advises that interested parties need to get your application off to your state coordinator so the process gets rolling. “You never know when your future llama or alpaca will turn up!! ACLM To volunteer, make a donation, adopt/surrender a llama or alpaca, please contact: Deb Logan, Southeast Llama Rescue Adoption Coordinator 628. 358. 0945 For more information or to make a tax deductible donation online, please visit: www.southeastllamarescue.org You can also find SELR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Southeast-Llama-Rescue

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

April 11, 2015, the Great Llama Race held its third annual event, staged at World’s Fair Park in the middle of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The event’s founder and CEO of Casa deSara, Lori Santoro, and assistant, Ally Ketron launched this quirky but clever event in 2013, to raise funds for a school for impoverished children in Boliva.

Casa deSara provides education, healthcare and nutrition to children in the Americas, with the main program in Bolivia. As the organization grows to serve more children, so does the budget.

What they needed was a fund-raising event.

As plans grew the idea of a Llama Race evolved since llamas are the national animal of Bolivia.

But where to find llamas in Tennessee? George and Pat Brandon of Indian Creek Llama Sanctuary and Deborah Logan, with Southeast Llama Rescue (SELR) stepped in to help find llamas.

In short time, the event evolved into llamas racing with local celebrities, llamas in costumes, an obstacle course for kids and llamas, llama games– llama everything!

Casa deSara wanted to connect with local schools as the recipients for a portion of the proceeds. Each school’s llama would be sponsored by an individual or local business and celebrity runners were drafted to lead a llama in the race. Thus, Knoxville elementary and high schools hopped aboard, with all grades, though not all the students are in the race, some work behind the scenes helping in various ways, but all feel a part of the race. So don’t miss the 2016 Great Llama Race next spring!

For more Information about The Great Llama Race please contact: 865.690.3323 or visit www.The GreatLlamaRace.com Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheGreatLlamaRace WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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MERCIER ORCHARDS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF FRUITFUL HARVEST

Ian Flom is the cidermaster at Mercier Orchards, a family-owned fruit farm located just outside of Blue Ridge. Mercier’s offers everything from U-Pick strawberries and apples to homemade apple fritters and local honey. The orchard, its acres expansive over rolling hillsides, is crowned with a massive country store, restaurant, and tasting room. Flom, a tall bearded man in his thirties, is cheerfully gregarious and eager to show me the entire facility, where apples are pressed, juice is fermented, and fizzy, alcoholic cider is made.

I stand in the tasting room in front of a long bar. The decor is rustic chic, with reclaimed wood planks and corrugated sheet metal everywhere. Bottles of apple wine and hard cider, all Mercier’s brand, are lined up in front of me like soldiers.

The driest and most traditional ciders are fermented until all the sugar from the original juice is gone. The result is tart and unmistakably alcoholic. Other ciders are “back sweetened” by adding fruit juice or sugar to them after fermentation. These are dangerously tasty, innocent and light.

We go from dry to sweet, and start with Legends. It’s roughly twice as alcoholic as beer.

Ian won’t tell me what kinds of apples are in it—it’s a trade secret—but I can taste faint hints of something crisp and sour. The flavor is smoky and mellow, with a musty but pleasant finish.

Next is Adele’s Choice, named after the orchard’s original owner. Ian tells me that this cider in particular pairs well with various 16

cheeses. The apples used were harvested early in the season before they had a chance to develop much sugar.

Grumpy Granny is made entirely from Granny Smith apples. It tastes very green, tart but smooth.

Old #3 is named after the original farm stand crates used by the Merciers, which were all mysteriously printed with that number. Made with Gold Rush apples, it’s back sweetened with apple juice. There is absolutely no alcohol taste and since they also sell it by the keg, I start silently planning my next party.

Black Bee is made of Arkansas Black apples and back sweetened with clover honey. This has a dark, seductive taste with strong notes of honey and fruit.

Apple Bramble is pale pink, with that musty vibe I’ve come to recognize. Blackberries jump out and the finish is smooth.

Just Peachy is a peach wine made from homegrown Mercier’s peaches and cane sugar.

The flavor is fascinating; it tastes exactly like liquid cotton candy. The initial blast quickly gives way to a delicate sugarcane perfume that floats on my breath like a powdery cloud. Ian tells me he hears that exact description a lot.

Finally, there’s Rock Steady Red, which they’ve only just invented. Mercier’s had a bumper crop of strawberries this year and decided to make hard cider out of them. It’s a bright candy red and sharply delicious, without a hint of alcohol.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WORDS : ABIGAIL SUMMAR FOR BLONDE ANARCHY PHOTOS: MERCIER ORCHARDS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

A CRAFT HARD CIDER RENAISSANCE IN THE MOUNTAINS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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DR. FLOYD HENDRICKS’ INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND HOW IT CHANGED THE APPLE INDUSTRY

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS

Rosemary Hendricks, Wife of Internationally Renowned Dr. Floyd Hendricks, Gives Us the Backstory

Love Loss & What I Wore Written by Nora & Delia Ephron Reader’s Theater Thursday thru Sunday Sept 24th thru 27th, 2015 Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Rated PG-13

Bill Mercier, left and Internationally renowned Dr. Floyd Hendricks, right, agree that Hendrick’s development of the Integrated Pest Management program is the best thing that happened to our local apple industry.

steeL MagnoLIas

By Robert Harling A comedy–drama about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana.

Thursday thru Sunday October 1st thru 18th, 2015 Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Rated PG-13 A talented singer-songwriter who has opened for some of the biggest country stars.

KURT THOMAS BAND Saturday October 24th Back by popular demand!

Armed with a bottleneck slide & harmonica, Michelle will rock the theater.

MICHELLE MALONE Friday November 13th

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LIVEMUSICISBETTER

2591 EAST 1ST STREET • BLUE RIDGE, GA

706. 632. 9223

BUY ONLINE @ WWW.BLUERIDGECOMMUNITYTHEATER.COM

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“As a relatively new bride, second marriage, I asked my husband why he chose to be a plant pathologist and why did he settle at UGA?” His answer, “Why did I choose plant pathology? I didn’t, plant Pathology chose me!”

Hendricks enrolled as a veterinarian student at NC State. And tells his story. “As a student, I was to ‘show’ a bull. No one told me he was a rambunctious bull. As I got the rope tied securely, we went out of the pen and he took off with me still holding onto the rope for dear life. He dragged me through mud, muck and whatever you could find in a bull pen.

When I finally let go of the rope, I thought, anyone who didn’t have sense enough to let go of the rope, doesn’t need to be a vet! The very next day, I changed my major to plant pathology, because the courses looked easy.”

His wife Rosemary continues, “This was a good choice not only for him, but also for agriculture as a whole.” Floyd became well known for his work as a Plant Pathologist and dedicated much of his research in pest management.

He earned his BS and MS at NC State. And there, a wise professor, saw his potential and recommended USC Berkeley where Floyd was offered a scholarship for the PhD program.

While at Berkeley, the term “organic” was used as a name for healthy crops. However, at that time in the late ‘50s, the term didn’t include essential growing practices. Hendricks continued his passion for pest management and soon developed a program that had very specific growing recommendations. He dubbed this program Integrated Pest Management, or IPM and Dr. Hendricks became internationally known.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Assuming the role of Professor Emeritus brought his program to UGA in 1963 where he was assigned crop disease management for many of the fruit crops in Georgia. He dedicated his work, not only to diagnosing diseases, but also to recommend spray guides (IPM) for the growers.

Floyd’s work at UGA included the apple industry in NW Georgia. Through organizing grower meetings, asking questions, finding out what problems they had in the past, and meeting with them individually throughout the state, he found that they were interested in the new “organic” fruit.

The use of Integrated Pest Management began to be well accepted among the apple growers. Bill Mercier was one of the most staunch supporters of the IPM Program. Both Bill and Dr. Hendrix concentrated on producing the finest, sweetest apples possible with as little pest management pesticides as possible.

They also concentrated on producing a beautiful apple without using Alar (daminozide), a chemical growth hormone sprayed to keep fruit from falling off the trees before they are ripe, making a showy apple for the consumers. Approved for use in 1963, Alar was pulled from the market in 1989 due to cancer risks for consumers.

Dr. Hendrix’s Integrated Pest Management system worked so well that there was no pesticide residual found on his growers apples, if the IPM programs was strictly followed. The apple industry flourished, the rest is history. ACLM Dr. Hendrix of Jasper, GA is survived by his wife, Rosemary Kromidas Hendrix; his brother, James W. Hendrix and his devoted caregiver & friend Emma King.

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Above: The only apple orchard in Georgia that can say they grow, press, ferment, and bottle their own product. Mercier Orchard’s rustic tasting room is the perfect setting for sampling hard cider and wine.

Left: Just Peachy Hard Cider, Old #3 Hard Cider, Apple Bramble Hard Cider, Adele’s Choice Hard Cider, Summer Sweet Peach Wine and Fall Harvest Apple Wine. Pick up some for your friends and family!

Our tasting done, Ian leads me to the production rooms where he shows me floating conveyor belts, where apples are mechanically sorted. Huge rollers crush the fruit while other machines remove the solids. Nothing goes to waste; apple pulp is used as animal feed and given to any farmer willing to truck it away.

Pallets of bottles and jars are stacked high to the warehouse ceilings.

Ian lists some differences between craft cider and commercial cider. Large cider production relies on apples sourced from as far away as China. Homogeneity is the mass producer’s goal OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

and flavor suffers as a result. Small operations like Mercier’s are dependent on the quality of that year’s harvest. Some ciders may be unavailable some years if certain apple varieties didn’t thrive. Craft hard cider is an art, and men like Ian are inextricably tied to the land and its natural cycles.

For all its conveyor belts, presses, and sorting machines, Mercier’s is creating a product using traditions thousands of years old. And when I taste the end result, it’s not hard to see why craft hard cider is making such a comeback. There’s a little bit of magic in every bottle. ACLM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Mercier Orchards is a family owned and operated apple orchard now in it’s 4th generation. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 70 years of fruitful harvest! The combination of our U-PICK events, Bakery & Deli, Market Store, and now our Farm Winery makes us a great choice for a day trip by yourself or with the family! Spend the day experiencing what makes us unique! We’re constantly improving our products and our store to give you the best experience that we can possibly offer.

Mercier Orchards 8660 Blue Ridge Drive PO Box 425 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Open 7 days a week from 7:00am - 7:00pm Closed New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Phone: 706-632-3411 Toll Free: 800-361-7731 www.mercier-orchards.com WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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The Carrolton model, a recently completed Feature home located in Covered Bridge Estates has now been sold. Jackson & Associates General Contractors, Inc. has recently begun construction on another one of their enchanting rustic retreats in this well maintained development, further enhanced by all that nature has to offer.

Nature’s Beauty & Quality Craftsmanship WELCOME HOME TO COVERED BRIDGE ESTATES

Nature makes it beautiful. we make it home.

WORDS & PHOTOS : ELLIJAY ASSOCIATES

Located in an idyllic setting at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, in Ellijay, Georgia, Covered Bridge Estates, developed by Ellijay Associates, LLC, has recently completed its newest feature home in the premiere gated community. This secluded development sits between scenic Carters Lake and the Gilmer County Airport off highway 382 and yet it is just minutes from shopping, feel the nature.

The current 2,000 square feet Craftsmen styled home which recently sold in the mid 300’s, after only being completed for less than 60 days, this home was designed by the awardwinning firm of Don Gardener Architects, accentuating its 2.17 acre lot.

In addition, the newest featured home which is scheduled to break ground this month is almost 1,900 square feet designed by architect Sidney Haynes, of Macon, Georgia. Haynes walks each site before he draws his plans to assure his design flows with and is a part of the land. Jackson & Associates General Contractors are the builders, with a well-earned reputation in the construction and renovation industry. Their work totals almost 1,000 residential units. President Tom Jackson of the contracting company noted, “Our team is capable of building anything from a rustic retreat to a posh penthouse; thus, providing the homeowner with the dream home they’ve envisioned.”

The newest home which we have recently broke ground on is the latest in home interior custom design at Covered Bridge Estates.

Which will include a great room plan for entertaining, a grilling deck, a spacious master suite along with an oversized two car garage.

From Left: Outdoor living at it’s best. Rustic charm with modern amenities– stainless steel appliances with natural quartz accents. Exposed beams with a linear fireplace boasting chic glass beads.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Jackson, also stated that they intend to break ground on 2 more feature homes between now and the end of the year.

Jackson has stated that he will include an array of well-chosen designer amenities such as kitchen wood cabinets by Eudora, soft close hinges, stainless appliances and many more features. Most rooms are designed with vaulted or raised ceilings. A storage area is located above the oversized two-car attached garage, accessible from inside the home.

For outdoor relaxation, this model home touts both the front and rear porches The great room is equipped with a gas designer fireplace and wood floors in the living and dining areas, with stone flooring in the kitchen, the options in this home are literally too numerous to list Another plus to having the service of Jackson and Associates is that Jackson is an LEED AP and can accommodate any additional “green needs” desired. LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-inclass building strategies and practices.

To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. “Also, my firm prefers to work with qualified local tradesmen in the community,” Jackson said.

Jackson & Associates Athena model home at Bougainvillea Place, in Ellenton Fl, was recently awarded the architectural award for it price point in the Sarasota/Manatee parade of homes.

Covered Bridge Estates is a professionally planned, gated community, enhanced with Flat Creek winding its way through the neighborhood. Phases 1 and 2 include more than 157 acres of property, with 88 home sites ranging in size from one to three acres. Ellijay Associates LLC, welcomes prospective site buyers to bring their own builder provided he or she is properly licensed and insured or they may use one of the Ellijay suggested builders.

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WHEN YOU ARE READY TO BUY, LOOK TO UNITED COMMUNITY BANK Call the bank rated #1 in customer satisfaction,* and let us help you fulfill your dreams today.

ELLIJAY

JASPER

558 Industrial Boulevard | Ellijay, GA 30540

118 Whitfield Drive | Jasper, GA 30143

Scott Morris, Mortgage Originator P 706-635-5411 D 706-697-7304 E scott_morris@ucbi.com NMLS# 501424

Renee Burgess, Mortgage Originator P 706-253-9393 D 706-299-5711 E renee_burgess@ucbi.com NMLS# 501421

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706.253.1418 Tuesday Thru Friday 10-6 & saTurday 10-4 14 M ark WhiTField sTreeT Jasper, Ga 30143 Facebook “f ” Logo

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WWW.reviveusaGainJasper.coM accepTinG GenTly used FurniTure, accessories & hoMe decor ©2015 United Community Bank | United Community Bank NMLS ID# 421841. United Community Mortgage Services is the mortgage lending division of United Community Bank. We are an approved seller/servicer for the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Normal credit criteria apply. *As reported by Customer Service Profiles.

Your Home Decor Store Providing beautiful home design through high quality merchandise, while always offering top notch customer service.

11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily | 706. 258. 2700 652 E. Main Street, Historic Downton Blue Ridge, GA

www.wrapsodyinblueridge.com 22

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Cozy Craftsmen Style homes combined with naturally inspired interiors and textures.

Paved roads are already installed. Water, cable, telephone, and electricity is connected to each home site. Amenities already existing and those proposed are: open pavilion and community center adjacent to Flat Creek, with a park, picnic area, outdoor fireplace or just a leasurely walk along the community paved roads which will provide you just over 3 miles.

Only minutes away are 100 miles of bicycle trials, hiking trails, golf, fishing, boating, kayaking, tubing, jet-skiing, hunting, horseback riding, an abundance and variety of good dining at area restaurants, outdoor, cafes, antique shops, a variety of boutiques, apple orchards, and vineyards.

With Gilmer county Airport nearby, pilots are drawn to visit the new Fixed Base Operator and hangars. Airport manager Jim Smith always welcomes visitors. Historic downtown Ellijay offers delightful meandering on the circle.

Engelheim Vineyards is the newest neighbor operated by retired Colonel Gary Engel and his wife Jan. In 2011 they had their first vintage and they are already winning coveted awards.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Covered Bridge Estates is nestled near many outstanding natural attractions such as Amicalola State Park, where the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi is found. Yet it is less than an hour from Atlanta. The home sites at Covered Bridge Estates lots start in the mid- $30’s with homes starting in the mid$280’s. “Nature makes it beautiful, we make it home.”

Ellijay Associates LLC is the original developer of Covered Bridge Estates. There’s never been a foreclosure, it’s owned totally

by Ellijay Associates LLC and is debt-free, an anomaly in the business. Covered Bridge Estates is considered a definite positive addition to the communities and families of the north Georgia mountains, as well as the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce. The managing partners of Ellijay Associates LLC are reputed for their residential projects beyond Georgia such as the recently completed Grande Bay Resort on the island of St. John, the united States Virgin Islands. ACLM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Interested is touring this handsome bit of north Georgia grandeur? Mike Kinkel, the on-site project manager, is located at the Covered Bridge Estates sales center Monday through Friday.

Call Mike at 706-889-6839 or email him at mike@estatesatcoveredbridge.com Driving directions to Covered Bridge Estates: Highway 5 in Ellijay from the north turns right, from the south turns left onto Howard Simmons Road (CVS/Chik-fil-A). travel 1.2 miles until road ends at Old Highway 5, turn left and proceed another 1.5 miles. Turn right onto 382 West (Conoco/Greens Country Store). Travel another 3.7 miles west of Old Highway 5, and the entrance to Covered Bridge Estates greets you on your left.

For floor plans and more information visit: www.estatesatcoveredbridge.com

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OUTDOOR LIVING INDOOR COMFORT ADDING COMFORT AND STYLE TO YOUR HOME, LAKE HOUSE, VACATION CABIN OR FAMILY WEEKEND RETREAT

WORDS: ABIGAIL SUMMAR FOR BLONDE ANARCHY PHOTOS: DONNA GADDIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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North Georgia is famous for its beautiful views, cool weather, and outstandingly lush mountain forests. No cabin in the region is complete without at least one deck or porch, and many have several porches, one for each floor. Sitting outside with a cold drink on a hot day, or a hot drink on a cold day, is as Appalachian as fried apple pie and moonshine.

But it can be a dirty business, this outdoor enjoyment.

Pollen season, that time in spring when it seems like every thing that grows out of the ground is conspiring to shed as much yellow dust as it can, is the bane of homeowners and vacationers everywhere. It covers everything, from cars to park benches to porch furniture. The pollen is a fine dust when dry, and a sludgy yellow gunk after a hard rain. It stains, is sticky and hard to remove when wet, and it’s also allergenic. Unless you fancy cleaning the furniture every time you want to have a cocktail on the porch, you have to find a way to keep the pollen out. Enclosing the porch is the obvious answer.

Enter Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort, a family-run company based in Jasper. Owner Julie Heinsman has come up with the perfect solution for those of us who want to enjoy our outdoor rooms without all the stress and hassle of keeping them clean: custom porch enclosures.

Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort’s products aren’t made of glass, like traditional glass room porch enclosures. They’re flexible and lightweight, manufactured to withstand speeding golf balls. The company originally created these clear, window-like vinyl panels specifically for homes built on golf courses—but of course, they can just as effectively protect a porch from storm-whipped leaves, sticks, and hail.

Above Left: Eze-Breeze® Floor-to-Ceiling Side Sliders give your porch or patio the wide open views and scenery you love.

Below Left: Our Floor-to-Ceiling Vertical Sliders let you kick back, relax and enjoy your porch all year-round.

Above Right: Combine Vertical Sliders with Side Sliders to perfectly fit your porch or patio and your lifestyle.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Eze-Breeze, as they’re called, filter UV light, keep out bugs and dirt, and offer floor-to-ceiling views, unlike traditional glass windows. And because they’re light, they’re easy to remove and clean—a crucial distinction in an area filled with retirees and vacationers. No more balancing precariously on ladders to scrub down the windows. Simply pop them out and clean them wherever it’s convenient.

“We really wanted to emphasize a lower-stress lifestyle,” says Heinsman.

She should know—she left a corporate career as Vice-President of Marketing for PGT Industries, which manufactures Eze-Breeze products.

Moving from Venice, Florida to Georgia to be closer to her family, she traded in conference rooms and city life for a bucolic existence on her own horse farm in Pickens County. “I noticed the pollen problem immediately and wondered what I could do about it.” In 2011, she contacted PGT about selling their panels in Appalachia, and Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort was born.

Heinsman’s company installs them and they can be custom fitted to just about any outdoor space. Unlike a typical glass room, her enclosed porches still feel like a porch—not heated or cooled, not walled in. The panel design preserves an open feel but can be closed to keep out unwanted rain, bugs, and of course, pollen. And it’s cheaper than glass.

“One thing about a porch is you have to clean it constantly. With our enclosures, it’s always clean and ready to use. You can relax with less stress, which is why it’s perfect for vacation cabins.” John Heinsman, Julie’s father, is onboard with the less-stress mantra. He goes with her on sales calls and does some of the painting for the installations. But his real contribution to the company is a bit unusual: he raises the chickens that lay the eggs they give to clients.

“It’s a country thing, you know? People like eggs and Dad loves those chickens,” Heinsman says with obvious pride. New customers are always glad to get farm-fresh eggs, with their creamy bright yellow yolks. “It sets us apart,” she chuckles.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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Arm | Standard Style Cushions reminiscent of the lovely wrought| ComfortFLEX™ iron sets thatFill | Velcro Ties Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort, LLC3” x 3/4” Rectangular our parents and grandparents used to have, but offers a large selection of high-quality custom Collection Details with a new, fresh look. patio furniture to beautify your porch, patio • Rust resistant, domestically mil Come visit our Jasper, GA Showroom• for help and outdoor living areas. Porches, patios, Sandblasted & powder coated f • Stainless steel hardware in customizing your patio furniture, selecting and decks are ideal places to relax, dine, or to • Full circumference, heliarc weld cushion replacements, sling style furniture, patio entertain. Our custom-crafted patio furniture • Internally reinforced extrusions 5566W# 4166W# #W2214 #W2255 #W2257 umbrellas, fire pits, as well as dining sets, and can help make these areas a stylish extension of • Recyclable aluminum riahC egnuoL namottO Ottoman Lounge Chair Lounge Chair Swivel Rocker W D H W D H SH AH W D H SH AH HAhome, HS H vacation D W H Dor W individual pieces. your house, cabin mountain Deep Seating Cushion Details 31 25 18 31 35 33 17 24 31 35 33 17 24 32 71 93 33 83 61 02 03 Unlimited Potential! Choose the Patio • Recyclable retreat.

• Naturally mold, mildew & odor Furniture ideal for your outdoor living space: We are proud to carry the Windward • Quick drying, water drains righ • Dining Sets Design Group’s line of outdoor furniture. Since • Hypo-allergenic • Flame resistant • Deep Seating 1991 Windward has crafted quality outdoor • In addition to our extensive • Adirondack Chairs furnishings in wicker, aluminum, and MGP (a collection of stocked fabrics th Sunbrella , Bella Dura, Twitche • Sling Seating & Lounge Chairs marine-grade polymer) that will not rot, splinter, #W22255 #W22355 Outdura cut yardage programs • Sliders, Gliders &SofaRecliners Resin Wicker warp, or fade. Our extensive line of quality, Loveseat • Also available in box & welt W D H SH AH W D H SH AH Seating & Tables made-to-order outdoor fabrics allows you to57 35 33 17 24 82 35 33 17 24 5526set.

6W#22Pick | www.windwarddesigngroup.com • Umbrellas, Fire Pits & More! totally customize your patio your taesevoL W favorites, or we will be HAhappy HS H toDhelp W you select 08 32 71 93 33 65 Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort, LLC using your existing or favorite color palettes.

Outdoor Living, Indoor moc.pComfort uorgngiseddalso rawdnoffers iw.www | 81447 Harmony School Road Jasper, GA 30143 Open Wednesday-Saturday 10-4 beautiful wrought iron furniture, made in the 706-301-5698 USA by Meadowcraft. This outdoor furniture is

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®

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

OLIC also offers a plethora of storage and organization options for closets and garages. Continuing their stated goal of reducing clients’ daily stress and giving them access to a more relaxed lifestyle, the closet and garage systems are designed to work with any space, big or small, and come in a variety of fashionable colors and styles.

If enclosures and storage weren’t enough, the company has expanded into selling high quality outdoor furniture. Carrying everything from wicker to aluminum to wrought iron, OLIC’s showroom contains dining sets, fire pits, umbrellas, and a huge variety of seating and tables. The fabrics are fade-resistant and the materials used are designed to weather sun, wind, rain, snow, and of course, yellow North Georgia pollen.

Like OLIC’s enclosures and storage systems, the furniture can be customized to suit any space and color scheme imaginable. Customers can visit the Jasper showroom and create a made-to-order custom patio, sun room, or porch. Everything is tailored to each individual space, including the enclosures, paint colors, fabric patterns, and shelving systems. As Heinsman is careful to emphasize, the company strives to make clients feel better in their daily lives by reducing stress and clutter and empowering people to enjoy their favorite outdoor rooms whenever they wish.

In a region where it seems like everybody has a dank, unused deck or porch used more as an outdoor storage shed than a relaxing lounge, Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort is setting the standard for what customers can and should expect from their patio, deck, or sun room.

Bringing living room luxuries outside, the company makes a point of selling only premium brands and materials that can withstand the OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Peace of mind. Our systems are of the highest quality, beauty and strength, creating storage solutions that will work beautifully in your closet, pantry, laundry room, or garage for years to come. fluctuating North Georgia seasons. Their enclosures open for ventilation or close to keep out the elements while letting in an abundance of natural light. Their furniture is both stylish and comfortable, designed to survive even the harshest weather, year after year. And their organization systems remove clutter from their customers’ daily lives, freeing them up to enjoy their home stress-free. Ease of use is the name of the game, and this north Georgia company is winning. ACLM Outdoor Living and Indoor Comfort’s Showroom in Jasper is centrally located to serve all of North Georgia including Big Canoe, Dawsonville, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Canton, Woodstock, Cumming, Marietta, Alpharetta, Milton and south to Atlanta.

Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort, LLC 447 Harmony School Road Jasper, GA 30143 Open Wednesday-Saturday 10-4 For a Free In-Home Consultation, call: Office: 706-301-5698 Cell: 404-550-0270 Visit our website for more information: www.myenclosedporch.com

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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FALL MEANS IT’S

! e m i T e l p Ap

WORDS : ELLIJAY LIONS CLUB MEMBERS PHOTOS: BLUE RIDGE MEDIA GROUP

30

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING RECIPES

When it Comes to Autumn Apples…

Each year when autumn visits –and scatters leaves around We’re charmed with the varied colors piled on the ground; And wafting in the air is that unique pungent-scent Of apples hanging heavy on the low branches, bent.

The fragrant fruit is gathered and prepared for eating Using both grandma’s recipes and the “latest thing,” Maybe adding pecans, a perfect compliment Or pairing with cheese to please both lady and gent.

Apple recipes abound and cooks often vie To see who makes the best apple cobbler or pie.

And for supper, perhaps fried apples on our platter Often with cinnamon and spices as some prefer.

But no matter how they’re cooked or eaten out of hand Apples in Appalachia are the food of command.

by Betty Kossick

Apple Pecan Sandie Cheesecake

Recipe by: Lions Club Member and Secretary, Merle Naylor Crust 12 Pecan Sandies, crushed ½ Cup chopped pecans 1/3 Cup butter, melted Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Line a 9” cheesecake pan with parchment paper Combine above ingredients and press into the bottom and small amount on sides of pan Wrap the pan with aluminum foil so water cannot penetrate the cheesecake.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Filling 3 8 oz. packages of cream cheese at room temp 1 ½ cups of sugar 1 ½ cups of sour cream 1 tsp. vanilla 3 eggs ½ cup chopped pecans 4 Pecan Sandies, crumbled Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Beat in sour cream and vanilla, and add eggs until mixture is well combined.

Fold in pecans and Pecan Sandies, then pour the filling into the crust.

Place the pan on a large baking sheet and add 4 cups of water to the pan.

Bake the cheesecake for 80 minutes or until the center is set.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Remove the pan from the baking sheet and unwrap the aluminum foil. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature while making topping.

Apple Caramel Topping 4 tbsp. of butter 4 cups thinly sliced apples ½ cup of sugar 1 Tbsp. flour 2 Tsp. apple pie spice Melt the butter in a pan and add the other ingredients. Cook until crisp/tender.

Let the apple topping cool to room temperature and put on the top of the cheesecake.

Refrigerate overnight and serve with warm caramel topping.

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Around Back at

Rocky’s Place

Rustic American Bar & Grill Regional & Seasonal Fare

The Ultimate Folk Art Gallery in the South!

Representing a Plethora of Self-Taught Artists!

Established in 2002

Best Selection by the artist “Cornbread” in the Universe!

“God Bless the U.S.A.” “Full Plume Tom Turkey by Cornbread”

Saturday 11 - 5 • Sunday 1 - 5 Monday - Friday by appointment

MON–THURS 4pm–11:30pm | FRI–SAT 11:30am–11:30pm SUN 12:30pm–11:30pm

706. 258. 2539

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3631 Highway 53 E. at Etowah River Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-6030

CMYK / .eps

733 EAST MAIN STREET, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

chestersblueridge.com

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B L U E

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Thru October: Subject to Availability.

Come Experience a Taste of Heaven Tasting Room Hours Thursday thru Monday: 12:30pm – 6pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 706. 635. WINE [9463] 127 Lakeview Road Ellijay, GA 30540 www.engelheim.com 32

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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!

Visit Our Hard Cider Tasting Room, Fresh Bakery, and Farm Market!

MERCIER-ORCHARDS.COM APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

800-361-7731 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING RECIPES

Apple Pie with Topping

Apple Dumplings

Apple Dapple Cake

Apple Pie with Topping

Cut together until it looks like coarse cornmeal and sprinkle over apples before baking. Bake at 350 – 375 degrees for 1 hour. To keep outer crust from darkening too soon, tear the aluminum foil into length and cover outer crust before baking. Remove 10 minutes before baking is finished.

Pour into 9x13 pan and bake at 325 for 45-50 minutes.

Recipe by: Ellijay Lions Club Member and PR Director, Kathryn Davis Watkins Plain Pastry for two 8, 9 or 10” pastry shells 1 Tsp. salt 2 Cups all-purpose flour 2.3 Cups shortening 5 – 7 Tbsp. cold water Mix salt and flour together, cut in shortening with knife until the size of small peas.

Sprinkle 2 tbsp. of water over half of the mixture and gently toss with a fork, then push to side of bowl and repeat with other half of mixture; form two balls.

Flatten on lightly floured surface using a rolling pin (if no rolling pin is handy – flatten by pressing with edge of floured hand, from center, 3 times across in both directions until 1/8” thick).

Gently place in pie plate making sure fitted to bottom; using knife, cut excess dough from edge, moisten the edge and crimp with fingers or fork tines and brush with egg white.

Filling 5 ½ cups apples- peeled, cored and sliced thin or chopped up – Granny Smith most recommended ½ cup white sugar ¼ cup brown sugar 3 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour ¼ tsp. salt ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. nutmeg

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

1 can (10) “Butter Me Not” biscuits 1 cup of sugar 5 small Red Delicious Apples, peeled and halved 1 tsp. of cinnamon 2 cups of water ½ Stick of butter Roll each biscuit flat; place apple half on each biscuit. Fill the core with butter and sugar and then wrap the biscuit around the apple and seal; place in baking pan. Mix water, sugar and cinnamon in boiler; bring to a boil, then pour over biscuits. Bake at 325 for 1 hour.

Apple Dapple Cake

Recipe by: Ellijay Lions Club Member Emma Lou Stover

Mix together then add to apple slices and place into shells.

Topping ¾ cup of flour ¼ cup white sugar ¼ cup brown sugar 1/3 cup butter – cold

Apple Dumplings

Recipe by: Ellijay Lions Club Member Eran Norton

Cake 1 ½ cups of oil 2 cups of sugar 3 eggs 3 cups of flour plus 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. soda 1 Tsp. of vanilla Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Cream oil and sugar Add the eggs and beat well Slowly add the flour and vanilla Add 3-5 cups of chopped apples and 1 cup of chopped nuts. Mixing well

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Topping 1 stick of butter 1 cup of light brown sugar ¼ cup of canned cream 1 tsp.vanilla Boil for about 2 minutes then pour topping on while cake is hot.

Apple Cheese Danish

Recipe by: Ellijay Lions Club Member Primy Davenport This recipe makes 2- 12 x 8 x 1” Danish Dough 4 ½ cups of plain bread flour 2 envelopes rapid rise yeast 5 tbsp. of sugar 1 tsp. of salt 1 cup of milk ½ cup of water 4 tbsp. of unsalted butter Combine 1 ½ cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt in large mixing bowl.

Heat milk, water and butter until very warm (120 degrees) – DO NOT BOIL. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.

Add ½ cup flour at a time and beat for 2 minutes; add last of the flour and stir in to make soft dough.

Knead lightly on floured surface until smooth and elastic, 8 – 10 minutes. Then let rest for about 15 – 20 minutes. Punch down and divide dough into 2 pieces.

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Gilmer Arts & Heritage Center 207 Dalton Street Ellijay, GA 30540 706 635-5605

Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association

DISCOVER FALL AT OUR STORE! It’s time for falling leaves and football games, hatrides and haunted houses. Fall is here! Stop in today to shop our new seasonal products.

Store Hours: Monday- Saturday 10am - 6pm 35 South Main St. Jasper, GA 30143 706. 253. 6996

www.daisyboutique.com

Gilmer Arts Players Proudly Present

B.E.S.T. Series Season Premier

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

THE ART OF MARK THE PIANO MEN Starring Jim Witter HENDRY Photography and and his band

Directed by Leslie Ellis October 22, 23, 24, 25 & 30, 31 Fridays & Saturdays 7pm. Sunday 2pm.

Seating is limited Gilmer Arts Dalton St. Tickets $15, Members $13.50

B.E.S.T. Art Series Proudly Present

A Musical Journey Through the 70’s Saturday November 7th, 7:30 pm Ellijay Elementary Auditorium 32 McCutchen Street Advanced tickets $27

Community Chorus Proudly Presents

Basketry Opening Reception Friday, November 13th, 5-7pm The exhibit runs through December 17th, 2015 Gilmer Arts Dalton St. Free to the public

A HOLIDAY CONCERT

A great preparation for the holiday season!

50 voices strong performing wonderful choral works, suitable for all ages.

December 5th, 7 pm Gilmer High School Tickets $10, children under 12 free

To Order Tickets Call 706 635-5605 Or Visit www.GilmerArts.org

Visit Us At Our New Location!

A FULL SERVICE

SALON

Lisa Mitchell Hair Design

518 River Street Ellijay, GA 30540 Garden Accents • Plants Windspinners • Fountains Nursery • Pottery & More www.mountainridgegardenshop.com • 706. 698. 2815

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides AT THE

HELL’S HOLLOW ADVENTURE OUTPOST

| Hair | Skin | Nails | Men’s Barber |

706. 632. 8824

DOWNTOWN BLUE RIDGE, GA WALK-INS WELCOME 34

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706. 408. RIDE Beginners to Experts | Mountainside Trails | Special Events | Groups & Parties | Customized Trips

319 Hell’s Hollow Road 30513 | 706. 408. 7433 www.blueridgemountaintrailridesathellshollow.com APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING RECIPES Now in its 44th year, the Georgia Apple Festival Continues to be One of Everyone’s Favorites For many visitors to Gilmer County, fall is the perfect time to visit. There are crisp apples, colorful rustling leaves and cool mountain breezes to enjoy. AND the best time to come is October for the annual Apple Festival held the second and third weekends.

Anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 will visit the Festival, walking the aisles of handmade crafts, unique gifts and delicious foods offered next to the river at the Lions facility. Fresh fried pies, cold apple cider and buttery apple dumplings and funnel cakes can be found tempting, but so can the Greek gyro, Cajun cooking, blooming onion or the bratwurst and let’s don’t forget the boiled peanuts! Children can ride on a train at the children’s center that has been expanded. Ever seen a blacksmith at work? Take the time to watch.

The proceeds from the Apple Festival are split between the Ellijay Lions and the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber uses their part of the profit to fund their office to promote the county businesses through its programs and member services. It provides an integral connection that keeps Gilmer County a productive environment for local business.

Residents and visitors frequently use the chamber for recommendations, directions and general information about the area. The work the Chamber does is very important to the continued growth of the county.

The Ellijay Lions Club facility and grounds are maintained through member dues freeing up the profit from their hard work at the Apple Festival to charity. The Ellijay Lions uses one hundred percent of its portion to fund various charities; local, State and International, such as educational programs, Star Student, scholarships, food pantry, ‘Special Friends’ program, cadets for the Civil Air Patrol, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, GA Lions Camp for the Blind, GA Lions Lighthouse Foundation, totaling about 34 different charities plus some one-time donations.

The Gilmer Lions Club works hard to make a difference. They are the proud sponsors of the Ellijay LEO Club made up of students from Gilmer High School. Ellijay Lions sponsored the first Boy Scout Troop formed in Ellijay, January 1935 and continue to sponsor both the Boy & Girl Scouts.

How can you help? Visitors to the Apple Festival can always help the community by donating a pair of old eyeglasses, loose lenses, hearing aids or cell phones at the Apple Festival entrance. The Lions Club recycles these items or sells them to buy new vision and hearing devices for people in need.

For more information about the Apple Festival contact: 706. 636. 4500 or www.georgiaapplefestival.org For more info about the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce contact: 706. 635. 7400 or www.gilmerchamber.com

Apple Cheese Danish

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Place on floured wax paper and roll out ¼” to ½” thickness to cover bottom and sides of 2 greased 12x8x1 pans and let rise until doubled in thickness.

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Apple Filling 4 – 6 apples, depending on size 1 – 2 cups of sugar, depending on tartness of apples 1 – 2 tsp. of apple pie spice or cinnamon.

Cloves and nutmeg to taste ¾ cup of water Peel and core the apples then cut them into ½” slices. Bring the water and sugar to a boil. Add apples and spices and return to a boil; turn off the heat and let cool.

Cheese Filling 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Fiesta blend cheese 1 8 oz package of cream cheese ½ tbsp. of milk– for easier spreading– more milk may be added Heat all ingredients and mix well Icing 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar 1 tsp. of Vanilla Enough milk to make thick icing to drizzle over Danish When dough in pans has doubled in thickness, spread with cheese mixture.

Drain apples and place on top of cheese mixture, sprinkle lightly with apple pie spice Fold dough over mixture and pinch across the top.

Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool – drizzle with icing while still warm, NOT HOT.

For more information about The Lions Club contact: 706. 635. 5900 or www.ellijaylions.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Recipe by: Ellijay Lions Club Member Rose Daves, from her mother’s recipe files Pastry For double – crust 9 – 10 inch pies 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour ¾ tsp. salt 2/3 cup solid vegetable shortening 4 – 6 tbsp. water

Sift salt and flour together, cut in shortening with pastry blender until pieces are the size of small peas.

Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. of water over part of mixture, gently toss with fork, and push to side of bowl.

Repeat until all is moistened. Form two balls.

Flatten on lightly floured surface and refrigerate wrapped in foil until ready for use. Tip: For extra tender pastry, cut in half of shortening until like cornmeal; cut in remaining size of small peas.

Apple Filling 8 tart apples; peeled, cored and sliced 1 cup of sugar 1 tsp. of cinnamon 3 tbsp. butter Dash of nutmeg 1 tsp. lemon juice Line pie plate and fill with sliced apples.

Mix sugar, spices and lemon juice then sprinkle over the apples.

Using knife, place dots of butter on apples then moisten the edge of the crust with water.

Place on the top crust and flare. Cut the top of the center of the crust, be creative! Bake at 425 degrees for 50 minutes or until golden.

A very special thank you to the ladies of the Ellijay Lions Club for baking and sharing their favorite apple recipes. And for the hard work they do all year, not just during the Georgia Apple Festival!

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North Georgia Furniture & Home Decor It is our goal to deliver comfort, style and quality furniture, bedding and accessories at very competitive prices. We pride ourselves in delivering American made products whenever possible!

My Paw Paw Will Save You Money!

Like many good things in life, North Georgia Furniture & Home Decor is a little hard to find, but certainly worth the effort!

2142 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay GA 30540

Located 2 miles from Dairy Queen on Highway 282 in Ellijay

706. 635. 4202 Visit us on the web at: http://ngfh.net

More than Just a Place to Live, You Can Call This Home.

AMENITIES INCLUDE • Fully Furnished Kitchen • Dishwasher • Washer & Dryer Connections • Private Outdoor Patio or Balcony

• Energy Efficient Appliances • Mini-Blinds • Spacious Living Area • On-Site Laundry Facilities • Clubhouse

• Fitness Center • Sheltered Gazebo, Picnic & BBQ Area • Computer Center • Library • Located Minutes from Shopping

RENTAL INFO • Housing Choice Vouchers Accepted • Certain Income Restrictions Apply • Smoke-Free Housing Community

Broadview Cove 93 Broadview Drive Blue Ridge, GA 30513 1-706-843-2445

Big Sky Village 301 Skyview Drive Hiawassee, GA 30546 1-706-896-6708

Rents From $296 – $400

Rents From $375 – $405

MAKE ACE IN ELLIJAY THE PLACE FOR YOUR HOME SHOPPING! • Building Supplies • Hardware • Garden Center • Lumber • Furniture & Appliances • Outdoor/Hunting Clothing • Carhartt Clothing • Women’s & Children’s Clothing • Men’s & Women’s Boots

305 SOUTH MAIN STREET • ELLIJAY GA 30540 36

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

706. 635. 2236 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

The Glory of the WORDS : BETTY KOSSICK

The apple is said to be the most perfect food. In fact, some call it a magical fruit. It’s earned the reputation that if you eat one a day, it holds the MDs at bay. So is it true that apples truly do have health benefits?

Dietitians, nutritionists, and doctors all agree that apples provide superior health benefits, especially if eaten whole, with their skins intact. The apple’s peel is the most essential part because it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making the red, gold or green ball of sweetness or tartness a perfect whole food.

So what kinds of proprieties does an apple hold? To start: vitamins A, B 1, B 2, B 6 C, E and K, as well as niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and other vitamins in small amounts. An apple contains valuable minerals for good health a well: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, sodium, copper, zinc, and other trace amounts.

For those who are concerned with weight management, the apple is a charm to keep one satisfied and healthy, offering only 95 calories for a medium sized apple.

Apple

Apples are like shields against disease. Though they aren’t cure alls, a big surprise is that many cancers can be held at bay by eating apples because of the high fiber content. It’s been known for generations about the benefits of fiber in controlling constipation and hemorrhoids, and providing regularity. Crohns Disease is another malady that benefits from apple eating. Even diabetes and asthma symptoms are aided by apple consumption. Apples are credited to staving off Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The reasons: those diseases are associated is because they develop from a breakdown of the brain. Apples are like a preventative medicine.

Yet as far as enjoying an apple’s taste, the total of an apple’s characteristics and it the sweetness or tartness is more than what any individual vitamin or mineral provides. An apple really can’t be overstated—and have you ever known anyone who doesn’t savor the round ball’s succulence?

With 55 million tons of apples produced annually worldwide, China leads in production with the United States second.

Apples have fine lasting qualities. They can be stored for long periods in cool storage and still taste like fresh-picked.

However, at room temps they ripen very quickly; thus, it isn’t the best keeping environment for apples. Preparation and preservation of them is done in many forms such raw, cooked, canned, juiced, dried (and reconstituted), fermented and made into wine. The keeping quality of an apple was welltested in applesauce form by John Glenn when he took a vial of it on a space flight.

Whether it’s an apple in the hand, in pies, cobblers, tarts, cakes, doughnuts, fried pies, fritters, breads, cookies, applesauce, smoothies, jams, jellies, sweet cider or fermented, used as an oil substitute in baking or used as a part of an enhancement to various other food combinations such a salads, even sandwiches—and the old stand-by fresh sliced apples and cheese wedges, you always are in for a tasty treat with apples on the menu. ACLM

HORSE CREEK STABLE BED & BREAKFAST

Romantic Farm Stay Bed & Breakfast

www.HorseCreekStable.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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INSIDE ARTS 10/01 thru 10/10 3rd Quarter Artist in Residence: John Stanford Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blue Ridge, GA Come experience the subtle beauty of nature and the awe –inspiring plein air work of John Stanford. 10:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. Contact Information: www.blueridgearts.net or 706-632-2144.

10/01 thru 10/11 Fall Plein Air Exhibit Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blue Ridge, GA Come enjoy a spectacular exhibit filled with images from local scenery painted during our Fall Plein Air Event. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Contact Information: www. blueridgearts.net or 706-6322144.

10/2 thru 11/7 Clay Council Ceramic Show Cherokee Arts Center First Friday Opening Receptions 10/2 and 11/6 Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North St. Canton, GA 30114 Visit www.cherokeearts.org or 770.704.6244 10/10 Hot Summer Nights Goldhagen Art Glass Studio, Hayesville, NC Live music and Glassblowing Demonstrations. Watch David Goldhagen as he crafts fine art glass using ancient glassblowing techniques. Reservations are recommended. $10 includes admission, parking and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a piece of hand blown fine art glass. 7:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Contact Information: goldhagenartglass.com or 828-389-8847.

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10/17 thru 11/14 Southern Appalachian Artists Guild National Juried Show Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blue Ridge, GA This show brings in a variety of artists from across the nation to The Art Center. $5000 in cash prize money will awarded to the winners.

Opening reception is October 17, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Contact: www.blueridgearts. net or 706-632-2144.

10/18 thru 01/09 4th Quarter Artist in Residence Marie Spaeder Haas & Mary Keasler Artist’s reception will be October 17, 5- 7pm. Come see an exhibit unlike any other with the combined creativity and visions of watercolor artist Marie Spaeder Haas and quilter Mary Keasler. Regular Hours: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blue Ridge, GA Contact: www.blueridgearts. net or 706-632-2144.

11/17 thru 12/17 Gilmer Arts B.E.S.T. Series Proudly Present The Art Of Mark Hendry Photography and Basketry.

Opening Reception Friday, November 13th, 5-7pm. Free!

Gilmer Arts & Heritage Center, 207 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. Info: www.gilmerarts. org or call 706. 635. 5605 11/21 WhoDunit Mystery Art Fundraiser A rare opportunity to get artworks from local and regional artists at an incredible price!

The mystery is trying to figure out who your artist is. Each $50 ticket guarantees you an original piece of art. 7-9:00 p.m. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. www.blueridgearts.net or 706-632-2144.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

NORTH GEORGIA'S GUIDE TO AREA

ARTS | DINING & DANCE | EVENTS & SHOWS | MUSIC | THEATER

11/28 Christmas Open House at the Art Center Celebrate the Holidays at the Art Center November 28, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. during our Annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy snacks and cider while we ring in the holiday season with live artists and carolers. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, www.blueridgearts.net or 706-632-2144.

11/1 thru 12/18 Holiday Show and Sale Cherokee Arts Center Opening reception Dec. 4th 6:00pm.

Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North St. Canton, GA 30114 Visit www.cherokeearts.org or contact info@cherokeearts. org 770.704.6244

EVENTS Open Year-Round Hike Inn, Amicalola Falls Park & Lodge, Dawsonville.

Everyone who makes the five-mile trek through the mountains to the Hike Inn in the Chattahoochee National Forest does so for a different reason. No matter the reason.

Everyone leaves with a sense of belonging. Reservations and info: www.hike-inn.com 10/1 - 11/2 – Open Everyday 45th Annual Oktoberfest, Helen Festhalle. Beer, brats, bands and Lederhosen. $8.00 Monday – Friday, $9.00 on Saturday, free on Sunday!

For info contact the Helen Chamber of Commerce at 706. 878. 1619 or visit www. helenchamber.com 10/1 - 11/14 Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Excursions Starts at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, GA- the train winds alongside the beautiful Toccoa River with one stop in the twin border

towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee.

Various Departure Times.

Reservations recommended at least 3 weeks in advance. For info and tickets call toll free at 1-877-413-TRAIN [8724], or online at www.brscenic.com 10/03-10/25 Fall Lake Cruises Join us for our Annual Fall Lake Cruises--a spectacular seasonal event at The Ridges Resort & Marina! $20 for Adults and $5 for Children under 12. Contact The Ridges Marina. For info please visit: theridgesresort.com.

10/03 5th Annual Homebuilder’s Showcase/Show Exhibitors from every aspect of the building industry. Food vendors & prize drawings. Saturday from 9-5 p.m. Free. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Blue Ridge, GA. Jean Marie @ 828-644324910/03 10/03 The Run Above the Clouds 10K Road Race.

9:00 a.m. 2331 Highway 60, Suches, GA. Information: 706747-2401.

10/03 Run with the Realtors 5k & 10k Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA Registration Opens at 7:00 a.m. 5K Race Starts at 8:00 a.m. 10K Race Starts at 8:45 a.m. Contact: ashleyowens@ negboard.com.

10/03 13th Annual S.A.F.E Poker Run This Charitable Event supports the programs and services of S.A.F.E. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $25 registration fee includes T-shirt and lunch Registration forms on our website and at S.A.F.E thrift stores. Union Power Sports, Blairsville, GA Contact: 706-379-1901.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

10/03-10/04 John C. Campbell Fall Festival Visit 200 fine craft exhibitors tucked along the school’s winding wooded paths. Music, dancing, and activities for children. $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for ages 12-17, free for under 12. John C. Campbell School, Brasstown, NC. www.folkschool. org or 800-365-5724.

10/03 & 10/04 Indian Summer Festival Art show, 10k run, square dancing, weaponry demonstrations, food, music, auction, live theatre from the students and More! Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please bring cash. Woody Gap School, Suches, GA. www. ucschoolswoody.ss5.sharpschool.com or 706-745-5789.

10/03 & 10-04 35th Annual Georgia Marble Festival Food, arts, crafts, live music, children’s area, a parade, 5K run/walk, Miss Georgia Marble and more! This twoday celebration includes many different activities including tours of the marble quarry, ONLY given during the festival!

Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce. www.georgiamarblefestival.com or 706692-5600.

10/09 thru 10/17 Georgia Mountain Fall Festival 9-day event features exciting musical performances, Arts & Craft vendors, educational demonstrations, flower show and the Official GA State Fiddlers’ Convention. Gates: $12.00 Includes Music Shows Children under 12 Free. FREE PARKING GA Mountain Fair Grounds, Hiawassee, GA www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com or 706-896-4191.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING CALENDAR 10/10 & 10/11 and 10/17 & 10/18 44th Annual Georgia Apple Festival Over 300 vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items, on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. This year promises many new crafts as well as favorites from past festivals.

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Parade and antique car show each year. The antique car show is held at the Civic Center on Oct 11th. The parade is on Oct 18th at 10:00 a.m. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, GA. Visit: www.georgiaapplefestival.org or 706-635-7400.

10/10 & 10/11 and 10/17 & 10/18 Apple Arts Fest Downtown Ellijay on the square, enjoy easy access to local shops and restaurants.

Free and pet friendly! For more information: Gilmer Chamber at 706-635-7400 or www.gilmerchamber.com.

10/10 & 10/11 and 10/17 & 10/18 Annual Blairsville Sorghum Festival Arts, crafts, exhibits, food, music, activities, square dance, biskit eating, pole climbing, log sawing, horseshoe pitching, rock throwing and sorghum mill grinding cane & cooking sorghum.

Adults $4, kids under 12 free. Free parking. Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA. www.

Blairsvillesorghumfestival.org or 706-745-5789.

10/17 Vogel State Park Fall Hoedown Celebrate Autumn’s arrival with a 2:00 p.m. cake-walk, 5:00 p.m. chili & drinks, 6:30 p.m. campfire and dancing, 8:00 p.m. professional storytelling around the bonfire. $3 per person for hayrides noon – 7:00 p.m. Parking $5.

Vogel State Park, Blairsville, GA. www.gastateparks.org or 706-745-2628.

10/17 Paws in the Park Parade, demonstrations, rabies clinic, micro-chipping, contests, prizes, photos with

your pet, and more! Parade at 10:00 am, costume competition to follow. Benefits the Humane Society of Blue Ridge.

Downtown Blue Ridge. www. humanesocietyofblueridge.org or 706-632-5224.

paintings, homemade snacks and canned goods. Music performances each day. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free. Old Farmers Market, Blue Ridge, GA, next to Swan Drive In. Contact: 423-761-9985.

10/17 Paws in the Park 5K Fun Run and Mutt Milee FAST Certified 5K run.

Registration at 7:00 a.m. race begins at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds go to the Humane Society of Blue Ridge. www.humanesocietyofblueridge.org or 706632-5224.

10/19 thru 01/06 Holiday Show and Sale, Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Pick up beaytiful handmade gifts for your family and friends for the holidays. TuesSun: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, The Art Center 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Contact: www.blueridgearts.net or 706-632-2144.

10/17 & 10/18 21st Annual Talking Rock Heritage Days Festival Historic Downtown Talking Rock. Vendors from around the state join with shop owners for a 2-Day Festival that includes food, fun and music. Parade, North GA Fire Safety Clowns, Hobby Rail Cars, Car Show.

Blue grass on Sat., Gospel on Sun.9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information please visit their website: www. talkingrockga.com. Contact Information: 706-692-5600 or info@talkingrockga.com.

10/17 & 10/18 3rd Annual American Indian Festival Tkaktkacatikitu Aztec Dancers, Women of Heart, Chickamauga Spirit Drum, Traditional Native Flute Players, Kids Korner with Story Tellers, Vendor Crafts, Food Vendors. 10:00am. 2 miles south of Blue Ridge.1512 Appalachian Hwy. next to flea market. Contact: 706-4550464 or 706-897-5799.

10/17-10/18 Dahlonega’s Gold Rush Days Festival Over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District. Gold Rush 5K, 8:00 am, Festival 9:00am.

Sponsored by the Dahlonega Jaycees. Info: 706-864-3513 www.dahlonegajaycees.com 10/17 & 10/18 and 10/24 & 10/25 Fall Fest Arts and Crafts Show Arts and crafts vendorspottery, wood carvings, quilts,

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

10/24 North Georgia Motorcycle Show Awards in 9 classes.

Modern American, Vintage American, Modern European, Vintage European, Modern Japanese, Vintage Japanese, Competition, Custom, Special Interest. Entertainment, door prizes and food. 10:00 a.m.

3:00 p.m. North GA Technical College, 121 Meeks Ave. Blairsville, GA 30512. Contact 706-745-7700.

10/24-10/25 48th Annual Moonshine Festival Visit an old Moonshine still; listen to stories from both “Trippers” and Revenuers.

Arts & crafts, food, music and activities for the entire family. Parade of Authentic Moonshine & Revenue cars, vendors and petting zoo.

Downtown Dawsonville. Free!

706-216-5273 or www.kareforkids.org/moonshine 11/13 Skies Over Georgia This traditional star show allows audiences to explore the heavens as they appear above the mountains of north Georgia. Learn how to identify the planets and stars, take a guided tour of the constellations, hear some of their fascinating stories. 7pm. Adults: $5, Children: $3, Tickets in advance online! www.yhc.edu or at the door 30 minutes prior to show. Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College.

11/14 10th Annual Taste of Pickens New restaurants showcase their proudest creations, old-favorites dish out proven crowd-pleasers. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Each $10.00 ticket is good for eight servings, with all proceeds going to Pickens County’s food ministry, C.A.R.E.S. Chattahoochee Technical College, Jasper, GA Contact: 706-253-4777.

11/14 Tortoise and the Hare 50K/30K Trail Run. Introducing the TORTOISE and the HARE 50K™! Runners will submit their estimated finishing time and that will determine your starting time. This brings everyone to the finish in a small time frame to celebrate your finish! Registration on Ultrasignup.678-400-9050 or visit www.tortoiseandthehareracing.com 11/20 & 12/4 Season of Light This show explores the traditions surrounding the world’s most holiday customs—from the burning Yule log and the lighting of luminarias, to sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows. Explores possible astronomical explanations for the star of Bethlehem. Rollins Planetarium. 8 pm. Adults: $5, Children: $3, Tickets online at www.yhc.edu or at the door 30 minutes prior to show.

11/26 Blue Ridge Turkey Trot Join us downtown for the Blue Ridge, Georgia Turkey Trot Race/Walk Thanksgiving Day, November 26th! A race for the whole family and all abilities from walkers to the serious competitor. Registration 7am.

Race at 8am. Bring a canned food item for the food pantry! www.blueridgeturkeytrot.com 11/27 Blue Friday Why fight the mall crowds, instead of Black Friday come and celebrate Blue Friday in quaint downtown Blue Ridge the day after Thanksgiving.

Historic Downtown Blue Ridge, GA. www.bestofblueridge.biz.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

11/27 Light Up Ellijay Return to Whoville and stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas! Live music, craft vendors, and food from local restaurants beginning at 4 p.m. Lighted parade and Santa Claus at 6 p.m. Lighting of the tree afterward. Historic Downtown Ellijay, GA. Contact Information: 706-635-4711.

11/28 thru 11/29 15th Annual Mistletoe Market and Sugarplum Tea Room Start your holiday shopping at the Mistletoe Market. Arts & Crafts to spark the holiday season. Homemade soups, sandwiches, goodies. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. North Georgia Technical College, Blairsville, GA. 706-896-0932.

11/28 Light Up Blue Ridge Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 11:45 am Parade through town, Tuba Christmas Performance, events throughout the day. The Great Tree is back! It’s 27 feet tall, a sight to wow children and adults alike, lit at 6:00 p.m. Downtown Historic Blue Ridge, GA. For more info: quinngudakunst@ gmail.com or llbeanery@ etcmail.com.

11/28 thru 12/31 Christmas Village & Light Up The Basin Each evening the Basin will be glowing with holiday lights and old-fashioned charm. Santa will be in his shop at Christmastime and is here throughout the entire holiday– get your photo made with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Visit www.greatercopperbasin.com or 706-964-6531 11/30 – 12/31 Tour of Trees Over 30 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths on display throughout the Community Center. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Union County Community Center, Blairsville, GA. 129 Union County Recreation Road Blairsville, GA 30512. Visit www.blairsvillechamber.com.

Contact Information: 706-7455789.

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Join Us as We Celebrate the Heritage of Our Small Community in the North Georgia Mountains Antiques • Arts And Crafts • Parade at 10am North GA Fire Safety Clowns • Hobby Rail Cars Around Noon Car Show On Saturday • Good Food • Live Music Bluegrass/Country Saturday • Southern Gospel Sunday FREE PARKING AND ADMISSION Located At 4675 Hwy 136 West, Talking Rock, GA 30175 Just Follow The Signs On Hwy 515 For More Information Or Vendor Applications Contact

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING CALENDAR

KIDS OF ALL AGES Thru December Train Rides Blue Ridge Scenic Railway A great family adventure starts at the historic depot, built in 1905, in downtown Blue Ridge, GA. Total excursion is 26 miles (4 hours round-trip) winding along the beautiful Toccoa River in passenger’s choice of vintage, climate controlled rail cars or open-air rail cars.Passengers have a 2 hour layover in McCaysville/ Copperhill; plenty of time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques, snack on ice cream, or walk across the old bridge in town to view the river. For tickets, schedules and rates: www.brscenic.com or call 877-413- TRAIN (8724) Ongoing Misty Mountain Model Rail Road Tour The tours are ongoing Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday. Tours start at 1:30 p.m. and go to 3:00 p.m.

Sundays at 2:30. Admission: children free everyone else $5.00. Blairsville, GA. Contact Information: www.mistymountainrailroad.com or 706-4002085.

Ongoing Weekends Blue Ridge Ghost Tours Walking tour that offers a variety of stories that include all kinds of different stories of folklore, legend, ghosts and paranormal. 7pm and 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Downtown Historic Blue Ridge.

Call 706-258-2665.

Of course we tell ghost stories from all over the county, however, we also touch local legends, folklore and stories of the paranormal in general.

Ongoing Weekends in October Historic Ghost Walk and Hauntings Tour Historic Hauntings Tour - 2 hour guided tour. 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Adults $15, Children $5. Downtown Dahlonega, GA. Contact Information: www.dahlonegha. org or 706-482- 8795.

10/1 thru 10/31 Woodstock Scarecrow Invasion Throughout the month of October Scarecrows will be lining Main Street in Downtown Woodstock. You can vote for your favorite scarecrow at the Woodstock Visitors Center. www.whatsupwoodstock.com 10/01 thru Nov Apple Time at Mercier Orchards Mercier Orchards celebrating over 70 years of fruitful harvest! U-PICK events, Bakery & Deli, Market Store, and now our Farm Winery makes a great choice for a day trip by yourself or with the family!

Take a tractor ride with the family! Breathe in the beautiful mountain air and take in the beauty surrounding you in the orchards. Weather plays a role so be sure to call and confirm. U PICK New Hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 706-632-3411 or visit www.mercier-orchards.com 10/1 thru 10/31 Build Your Own Scarecrow Get ready for Scarecrow Invasion at Penney’s Mountain Ridge Garden Shop. Bring $15, your scarecrow’s clothes and your imagination and we’ll help you build your own scarecrow! Mon thru Sat, Sept. 25 - Oct 31, and Sundays during Apple Festival.

For details or to schedulea group: 706-698-2815 10/1 – 10/31 Ellijay Scarecrow Invasion The Scarecrows go up Oct 1 and stay up through Oct 31.

We have over 300 themed Scarecrows decorating the town for the month of October providing a festive and fun attraction. Throughout Ellijay. For more info contact the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce at 706-635-7400 or visit www. gilmerchamber.com Ongoing thru 11/10 Burt’s Farm Pumpkin Patch Find your perfect pumpkin or winter squash, take a hay ride or shop for fall décor at the country store. 9am – 5pm.

Burt’s Farm, 5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534. www.burtsfarm.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

10/01 thru 11/01 Pumpkin Fest & Scarecrow Trail at the North Georgia Zoo Join us for lots of fall festivities! This year’s scarecrow trail will be bigger than ever!

Saturdays 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. & Sundays 12:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm, Cleveland, GA. For more info: www.myfavoritezoo.com or (706) 348 7279 10/23 & 10/30 Halloween Laser Spooktacular, Rollins Planetarium Get ready to mash with monsters in this spellbinding sing-along featuring classic Halloween hits such as “Monster Mash,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Purple People Eater” along with a sprinkling of crowd-pleasing current pop and rock songs.

Enjoy legendary Halloween personalities, enhanced by our Chronos star projector, make for a fun time on an epic scale. 7 & 8 pm. Adults: $5, Children & Non-YHC Students: $3Purchase tickets in advance online! www.yhc.edu Tickets also at the door 30 minutes prior to show. Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College 10/25 Pumpkin Express Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Join us for a trip to Farmer Brown’s field where children and adults can pick out a souvenir pumpkin, greet Farmer Brown, and then return to Blue Ridge. Two rides, 1pm and 3pm. Seats are sold first come first serve, so get your tickets early! Adults $30, Kids $25.

Visit www.brscenic.com for tickets and more info or call 877-413- TRAIN (8724) 10/25 7th Annual Fall-A-Bration 7th Annual Fall-A-Bration and Trunk-or-Treat. Bring the kids in costume and visit local businesses who have spooktacular set ups, while taking advantage of the Blue Otter Specials! The Ridges Resort, Hiawassee, GA. Contact Information: 706-896-2262.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

10/30 A Night at the Chastain House Cherokee County Paranormal and Blue Ridge Ghost Tours presents a night at the Chastain House in Blue Ridge, GA. If you ever wanted to be an investigator here is your chance. 2 investigations . The first is from 7pm to 10 and the second from 11 pm to 2 am. Money raised goes to its’ restoration. $40.00. For reservations call 706-258-2665.

10/30 McCaysville/Copperhill Safety Zone & Costume Contest Trick-or-Treating, costume contest, scream contest and parade. All stores and restaurants are open late! Everyone can be on the *candy* walk.

The parade staging is at the First Baptist Church of McCaysville and the contest judging is at the main intersection of the two towns! Visit www.greatercopperbasin. com/events-meetings/ or call 706-964-6531.

10/30 thru 11/08 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Sleepy Hollow is renowned for its ghosts and the haunting atmosphere that pervades the imaginations of its inhabitants and visitors. The most infamous spectre in the Hollow is the Headless Horseman, said to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper who had his head shot off by a stray cannonball during “some nameless battle” and who rides forth to the scene of battle in nightly quest of his head. Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 pm, Sundays, 2pm.Blue Ridge Community Theater, Blue Ridge, GA. Visit: blueridgecommunitytheater. com/ or calls 706-632-9223.

10/31 Halloween Safe Zone Downtown Blue Ridge Hundreds of costumed kids and grown-up kids. Bring your pets in costume as well. Fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with the blowing of the train whistle.

Downtown merchants will be passing out candy. If you have any questions please contact the Blue Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 706-632-5680.

10/31 Hometown Halloween Downtown Blairsville Ghosts and Goblins will be lurking downtown on the square. Games, costume contests and lots of trick or treats provided by local businesses.

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Contact Information: 706-347-3503.

10/31 Halloween on the Square The City of Ellijay offers a safe opportunity for children to Trick or Treat downtown Ellijay. There are usually a variety of other events to make Halloween and Trick or Treating downtown more fun! For more information on Halloween on the Square contact the Better Hometown Office at City of Ellijay 706635-4711.

10/31 Kids Fest The Park at Cuty Center, Woodstock, GA. Halloween trick or treat activities for our younger ghouls and goblins, including moonwalks, DJ Ronnie, Time the Magician, Adam the Juggler, games, the ever popular stringed apple and pumpkin bowling games, face painting , costume contest, and candy give away.

Event is 3pm to 7pm, costume contest at 6pm at the Gazebo.

Movie in the Park at 7pm. www.whatsupwoodstock.com 11/13 The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather Rollins Planetarium.

Take a rollercoaster ride across the universe with the lovable, wacky cast of alien characters from the awardwinning TV series, The Zula Patrol, while learning about astronomy and weather. Ride along with the Zula Patrol as they try to save the solar system’s weather from interplanetary villain Dark Truder.

Appropriate for children and families. 7pm. Adults: $5, Children & Non-YHC Students: $3Purchase tickets in advance online! www.yhc.edu Tickets also at the door 30 minutes prior to show. Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College

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AC LIVING SHOP LOCAL

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AC LIVING CALENDAR 11/21 thru 12/19 Night Train to Santa’s Pavillion Leave from Blue Ridge Depot for the 4 hour train ride while Santa and his elves visit with the children in each car and gives each child a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas memento and candy cane.

Santa will pose for pictures on the train or in the Christmas Pavilion during the 2 hour layover. Depart: 4:00 PM Returns: 8:00 PM. Open-Air Car Available By Request ONLY**Cars are assignedseats are not. Seats are sold first come first serve. Visit www.brscenic.com for tickets and more info or call 877413- TRAIN (8724) 11/20 & 12/4 Let It Snow, Rollins Planitarium This family friendly show with modern visualizations features a variety of holiday classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. A fun and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.

7pm. Adults: $5, Children $3, YHC Tickets in advance online! www.yhc.eduTickets at the door 30 minutes prior to show.

Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris 11/27-12-24 Santa Express Train Ride Take a ride to Santa’s Village on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! On board, your family will hear a Christmas story, sing Christmas carols, and visit with the North Pole’s jolliest elf himself, Santa, as he walks through each train car visiting and posing with the kids for photos. Each passenger also receives the traditional Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Memento.

Visit www.brscenic.com for tickets and more info or call 877-413- TRAIN (8724) 11/28 Cartoon Christmas Celebration Grinch Maze, Frozen Karaoke, Minion Photo Booth, Rudolph Scavenger Hunt, Ride A-long Hay Ride with Snoopy as he hunts for the Red Baron, Visit

with Santa at his Home on the Road, and Story Telling with Mrs. Claus. FREE! Autumn Hill Nursery, 4256 Earney Rd., Woodstock, GA 30188. www. autumnhillnursery.com 11/29 thru 12/13 Day Train to Santa’s Pavillion Leave from Blue Ridge Depot for the 4 hour train ride while Santa and his elves visit with the children in each car and gives each child a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas memento and candy cane.

Santa will pose for pictures on the train or in the Christmas Pavilion during the 2 hour layover. Depart: Various dates, depart at Noon Open-Air Car Available By Request ONLY**Cars are assignedseats are not. Seats are sold first come first serve. Visit www.brscenic.com for tickets and more info or call 877413- TRAIN (8724) 12/5 Christmas Jubilee Kick off the holiday season with our traditional Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights at 5:30pm. Bring your children after the parade to the Park at City Center to visit Santa with their wish lists, The Mayor and Santa will flip the switch to light the Park and Christmas tree!. Join the 2nd Annual Woodstock Christmas Run right before the parade!

For more info check out www. woodstockchristmasrun.com The Elm Street Theater will present a free performance of The Christmas Carol at 2pm.

Contact www.whatsupwoodstock.com

MUSIC Every Evening Bell Music from the Courthouse Tower Blairsville Historical Society, Blairsville Town Square, 7:00 - 7:30 p.m., music varies by the season.

Thursdays thru October Pickin’ In The Park join music pickers and grinners along the Toccoa River at this amazing. Free event.

Bring your musical instrument and join in. Or bring a lawn

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

chair and picnic basket to listen in. Dancing shoes are a must! 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park.

On River Road 2 miles upstream from McCaysville, GA. 706-964-6531.

10/11 Gospel Music Show GA Mountain Fall Festival, 2:00 PM. GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com or (706) 896-4191

Fridays thru October Friday Night Concert Series at the Blairsville Historical Society Ongoing every Friday 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Admission is free. Downtown Blairsville, Blairsville, GA. For more information please contact the Blairsville Chamber of Commerce: 877-745-5789.

10/12 John Berry & Steve Jordan Band GA Mountain Fall Festival, 2:00 PM & 7:00PM.. GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191

10/04 Concert Bank Senior Showcase The Young Harris College Concert Band will kick off the music season with a spectacular program featuring solos by talented seniors in the YHC band program. Sunday, October 4 · 3:00 p.m. @ Glenn Auditorium, Young Harris, GA. For more information please visit their website: yhc.edu.

10/09 The Osmonds & Annual Amateur Country Music Show. GA Mountain Fall Festival, 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM. GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com or (706) 896-4191 10/10 The Mickey Gilley & Annual Amateur Country Music Show GA Mountain Fall Festival, 2:00 PM & 7:00PM. GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com or (706) 896-4191 10/10 5th Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Marching Band Festival More than 2,000 marching band members from nearly 24 area high school bands are expected to participate.

Bands will range in size from 40 members to more than 150 members. Beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing through 9:30 p.m. Fannin County High school, Blue Ridge, GA. Contact Information: 706-6322081.

10/13 Sammy Kershaw & Across the Wide GA Mountain Fall Festival, 2:00 PM & 7:00PM.. GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191 10/14 Ricky Skaggs & Goldwing Express GA Mountain Fall Festival, 2:00 PM & 7:00PM.. GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191 10/15 Ronnie McDowell & ElvisRoy Perren GA Mountain Fall Festival, 2:00 PM & 7:00PM.. GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191 10/16 Acoustic Blends Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts … or Join the Jam! You’re welcome to bring your own libations and munchies, or you can purchase water, sodas and snacks while you enjoy some eclectic, spontaneous and fun music! Free & Public Invited. 7pm. 3rd Friday of Every Month. Gilmer Arts Association, 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. www.gilmerarts.org 10/17 Fiddlers’ Convention GA Mountain Fall Festival, 10:00 AM, Fiddler’s Convention Finals 7:00PM.

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GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Contact www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com or (706) 896-4191 10/24 Kurt Thomas Band An inspiring high school graduation performance and $80 were all it took to get singer/songwriter Kurt Thomas hooked on the music business. And now, the small town country boy from Dahlonega, GA has recorded four CD’s and opened for some of the biggest names in country music. 7:30pm Blue Ridge Community Theater, Blue Ridge, GA. Contact: 706-6329223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 11/01 9 String Theory Music from around the world finds a fresh new voice in 9 String Theory, a unique musical collaboration of Russian domra virtuoso Angelina Galashenkova-Reed and award winning American Classical guitarist, John Huston. $18.00 - students : $10.00. John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC . Contact: 828-837-1863 or www.folkschool.org 11/7 B.E.S.T. Series Jim Witter’s “Piano Men” Take a musical journey through the ‘70’s featuring the timeless hits of Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor, Henry Chapin & others. Starring Jim Witter and his band, this multi-media rock musical has received rave reviews in the USA and Europe! Advanced tickets $27.

7:30 pm. Ellijay Elementary Auditorium, 32 McCutchen Street, Ellijay, GA. Tickets: 706 635-5605 or visit www.gilmerarts.org 11/13 Michelle Malone Blues Back by popular demand!!!

Armed with a bottleneck slide, harmonica, and her signature soul-filled vocals; Michelle Malone will be rocking the theater! 7:30 pm - Blue Ridge Community Theater, Blue Ridge, GA. Contact Contact: 706-632-9223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com

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AC LIVING SHOP LOCAL

VACATION RENTALS WHITEWATER RIVER & TROUT STREAM LAKE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS HOT TUBS CONTACT JOY 706. 635. 3952 / 404. 791. 4388 stressbuster@ellijay.com www.stressbustercabinrentals.com

Sundance Gallery

American-Made Pottery! Gifts, Jewelry, Crafts, Garden & Home Decor

Christmas MOUNTAIN COUNTRY

TOUR OF HOMES December 5, 2015 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tickets $10 & $15

Self-guided tour of six beautiful homes in Hiawassee and Young Harris, GA supporting Crop Walk – an organization devoted to feeding the hungry.

706-781-3938

4397 Town Creek School Rd Blairsville, GA 30512 (Across from Alexander’s Store) Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

SundanceGalleryGifts@yahoo.com SundanceGalleryGifts.com

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(706) 896-4966 or (800) 984-1543

www.mountaintopga.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

AC LIVING CALENDAR 11/14 The Rock Stars of Blue Grass: Dailey and Vincent The Fannin County Empty Stocking Program is proud to present our 3rd Annual Wishes Come True Benefit Concert featuring Dailey & 7:00 p.m.

Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center, Blue Ridge, GA. Tickets are $20.00 for General Admission seating and vailable online at www. fannincountyemptystocking. org or at United Community Bank (Blue Ridge Main Branch).

12/5 Community Chorus Holiday Concert A great preparation for the holiday season! We invite you to come hear this group, 50 voices strong perform wonderful choral works, suitable for all ages. $10. Children under 12 free with an adult.

7pm. Gilmer High School, Elljay, GA. Tickets, call 706 635-5605 or visit www.gilmerarts.org

THEATER 10/01 thru 10/04 Steel Magnolias Come out and see the classic dramatic comedy Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling performed by the wonderful actresses and actors at the Blue Ridge Community Theater, Blue Ridge, GA. Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, 7:30 pm, Sundays 2pm. Tickets Info: 706-6329223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 10/09 thru 10/18 A Sting in the Tale A successful pair of mystery playwrights is out of creative ideas. They craft the perfect victim, but someone is mistakenly killed. Enter a stage-struck detective who is more interested in a career on stage than in solving the case. By Brian Clemens & Dennis Spooner. Fri & Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:30pm. Peacock Performing Arts Center, Hayesville, NC. Contact: 828389-2787 or www.peacockperformingarts.com

10/22 thru 31 The Canterville Ghost A no-nonsense American family buys an old mansion in rural England, scoffing at warnings of a fierce and violent resident ghost. The spirited Americans may have found their match in the equally spirited and clever ghost, who is determined to scare them out or worse. $15.

7pm. Seating is limited. Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton Street Ellijay, GA. Tickets: www.gilmerarts. org or 706 635-5605 10/23 thru 11/28 Little Shop of Horrors A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi musical, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. 8:00. Holly Theater, Dahlonega, GA. Contact: 706-864-3759.

10/31 thru 11/01 Let’s Murder Marsha A happy housewife named Marsha, hopelessly addicted to reading murder mysteries overhears her loving husband discussing her upcoming birthday surprise with an interior decorator. To her ears, though, it sounds like they are planning to murder her!

Licklog Players Community Theater, Hayesville, NC Contact: 828-389-8632 or www.lickogplayers.org.

11/06 thru 11/14 The Addams Family Musical The Addams Family Musical features a brand new original story based on the beloved comic strip created by Charles Addams and includes appearances by Gomez, his lovely Morticia, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Wednesday, Pugsly, Grandma Addams and more. Tickets: $12 & $17. 7:30 p.m.10:00 p.m. Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin, NC. Contact: 866-273-4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com 11/27 thru 12/13 Dickens’ Christmas Carol Adapted by Michael LandonSmith. An hilarious version of the Christmas Classic you know and love. Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, 7:30

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

pm, Sundays 2pm. Blue Ridge Community Theater, Blue Ridge, GA. Contact: www. blueridgecommunitytheater706-632-9223.

11/27 thru 12/13 It’s a Wonderful Life: a Radio Play on the Stage Radio “actors” perform this well-known holiday play. You’ll see the cast change characters in the blink of an eye, watch the emcee flirt with the organ player, and watch the Sound Effects guys create all those noises. Come be part of the “Live Radio Audience” for this family-friendly trip back in time. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays 2pm. Tater Patch Players, Jasper, GA. Info: www.taterpatchplayers.org or 706-2532800.

WINE & TASTINGS Ongoing The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro Experience our Wine Flights that include domestic and international wines. A full flight includes 6 wines for tasting for $12 or select a light flight which is 3 wines for tasting for $6.50. The flight is predetermined and changes weekly. Monday - Thursday: 11:30-7:00, Friday: 11:3010:00, Saturday: 11:30-11:30, Sunday: 12:00-6:00. 632 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513. 706-946-VINE (706946-8463) Fridays Chocolatasm! Wine & Chocolate Pairings Featuring 6 handmade chocolates made by Chocolatier John Paul Kearins paired with 6 delicious wines.

Fridays 6pm. Reservations required and must be made by Wednesday. The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro. 632 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513. 706-946VINE (706-946-8463) Saturdays Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards Relax on the Chimney Patio overlooking 13 acres of lush vineyard while enjoyiong some great local music. $10.00 in-

cludes Live Music, 5 Tastings and Cartecay Vineyards’ Logo Wine Glass. Cheese plates and other fare available for purchase. 1:30 pm. 5704 Clear Creek Rd. Ellijay GA 30536.

706-698-9463 www.cartecayvineyards.com Every Saturday in October Grapes and Ghosts Wine Tour Our all new Grapes and Ghosts event combines Dahlonega Walking Tours signature paranormal stories with many new stories on a .6 mile wine tour walk. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Admission: $20 ADULTS ONLY. Carriage House, Dahlonega, GA Contact: 706-482-8795.

Saturdays thru October Vino and Vibes Hightower Creek Vineyards Our Vino and Vibes series we will be having performers! We are open from 12-6pm, music is from 2-5pm. $10.00 and includes a glass of wine or wine tasting. Hightower Creek Vineyards Hiawassee, GA .

706-896-8963.

Saturdays thru October Fireside Music Saturdays Come sit by the fireplace, sip some wine, order a cheese board, and enjoy the views of our beautiful mountains. Free live music every Saturday in October. Times: 6 :00 p.m.9:00 p.m. Paradise Hills Resort & Spa. Hiawassee, GA Contact Information: 706-745-7483. www.paradisehillsresort.com/ Saturdays Vine Keeper’s Kitchen Crane Creek Vineyards A single, simple, farm-fresh lunch option will be available.

11am, Subject to sell out early in the day. Cheese plates, featuring Sweetwater Valley Farm cheeses, will also be available Contact Information: 706-3791236. www.cranecreekvineyards.com/ First Wednesday of Every Month Women in Wine Series We are kicking off 2015 with this new monthly series at the Tasting Room. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month.

This month series: Younque Cosmetics & Premier Jewelry

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A fun way to enjoy yourself, learn something new and meet others. Price $20.00 per person (includes two glasses of wine & food). Times: 5:30 7:30 p.m. Paradise Hills Resort & Spa. Hiawassee, GA Contact Information: 706-745-7483. http://www.paradisehillsresort.com/ 10/10 & 10/17 11/14 & 11/28 Live Music Engelheim Vineyards Enjoy fall sipping a nice glass of wine surrrounded by the beautiful vineyards and enjoyable local music. Engelheim Vineyards, 127 Lakeview Road Ellijay, GA 30540. 706-6359463 or www.engelheim.com 10/24 3rd Annual Harvest Festival At Crane Creek Vineyards as we celebrate the completion of the year’s harvest. Hayrides, grape stomping, tours of the winery, a kid art tent and fun for the whole family! Tickets are $20 for adults, ages 13-20 are $10, and kids under 13 are free. Contact Information: 706-379-1236. www. cranecreekvineyards.com/ 11/01 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Join Engelheim Vineyards for our Knight’s of Columbus wine tasting benefit the GIlmer County Boys & Girls Club on Sunday November 1st at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person (includes tasting and Engelheim Vineyards wine glass). There will be hors d’oeuvres and music, and a 50/50 raffle & silent auction.

Engelheim Vineyards, Ellijay, GA Contact Information: 706636-2772.

11/28 Black Friday Holiday Wine Release Free samples of our newly released wine. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. Cheese boards available for purchase. 12:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. Paradise Hills Resort & Spa. Hiawassee, GA Contact Information: 706-745-7483. www.paradisehillsresort.com/

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AC LIVING HISTORY

history of indian georgia

– part three

History Editor Leslie Barker Thomas Digs Deep Into The Cultural Past with This Four Part Series About Our Native Ancestors

T

Cherokee Traditions

The colonists did not understand the laws of “balance” that the Cherokees had practiced from the beginning of time. Blood law meant a “life for a life”. If one of their numbers was killed either accidentally or purposely murdered, balance had to be restored. It was clan law and restitution was made with the death of a member of the offending clan. This didn’t necessarily mean the offender but because Cherokees understood that the offense demanded a sacrifice often a member without family would take the place of the offender who had his whole life ahead of him and perhaps had a young family to support. The Cherokees had a high value for the lives of their countrymen but little regard for those not of the tribe; all others were considered non-entities. If the white settlers or other tribes were the cause of the death, it was still a “life for a life.”

Government officials did not take the killing of non-offending settlers lightly. The newspapers reported the supposed unprovoked raids with explicit details. Often these stories were embellished with many more casualties listed than actually occurred and added incidences of stolen stock such as horses or mules to the tally, which lead to raids into the Cherokee Nation by bounty hunters as well as militia to bring back the offenders for trial.

The Cherokees set up their government loosely based on that of the American government. Twelve delegates would form the National Council from eight districts within the Nation. The eight districts consisted of Hickory Log, Chickamaugee, Chatoogee, Amoah, Etowah, Tahquohee, Aquohee, and Coosewatee.

These twelve would choose the Principle Chief, 46

Assistant Principle Chief and National Treasurer.

This body would create the laws and approve any further treaties outside the Nation. John Ross was the Assistant Principle Chief when both Chiefs Pathkiller and Hicks died (1827-28). Ross was made Principle Chief (1828-1866) at that time. We are fortunate to have written records from mixed-blood Cherokee John Ross and others such as Assistant Chief Richard Taylor from the Catoosa county area regarding the governmental structure and history.

Some twenty-four treaties had been made and broken by 1819. The National Council declared at that point that no one would give up any more of the tribal lands. Whoever did so would be subject to the old blood laws of the tribe and would be killed. These laws had been suspended in 1810 through treaties with the American government. The Cherokees formed a police force known as the Cherokee Light Horse Guard headed up by Stand Watie to implement the laws and expel intruders from the nation.

President James Monroe in 1820 offered the National Council monies to convince the Georgia Cherokees to remove to the west. The council sent representatives to visit with the Old Settlers in Arkansas. They returned more determined to stand their ground and not cede any more lands.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs was formed in 1824 and sent their agents into the Cherokee Nation. They disbanded the Light Horse Guard and implemented the Georgia Guard to evict, arrest, and enforce laws upon those who trespassed into Indian Territory. The Cherokees felt they had honestly abided by the treaties to co-exist and educate their children, form governments, farm crops, and trade with their white neighbors. The fears of the government that the Cherokees would succeed had come to past and the Georgia Legislature insisted that the President enforce the removal act of 1830. It was during this course of events that encampments, forts and stockades began being built throughout the Indian Territory initially under the auspices of providing protection for the Cherokees from those who chose to break the laws. ACLM Leslie Barker Thomas is a resident of Ellijay and the President of the Gilmer County Historical Society, President, Georgia Chapter Trail of Tears Association and Communication Chair Cartecay UMC. “When history is erased, people’s moral values are also erased.” –Ma Jian

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John Ross, Principle Chief of the National Council 1828-1866

Richard Taylor, Assistant Principle Chief of the National Council

Stand Waite, Head of the Cherokee Light Horse Guard Gilmer County Historical Society Historic Tabor House & Civil War Museum 138 Spring Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540 706. 276. 1861. Open Thurs–Sat 10am to 2pm www.gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org/

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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