Lake living 1r by Community Newspapers

APRIL 2015

Lake Living

A guide guide to to the the good good life life in in Stephens, Stephens, Franklin, Franklin, and and Hart Hart

Published with pride by the Lake Hartwell Region of Community Newspapers, Inc. • Franklin County Citizen Leader • The Toccoa Record • The Hartwell Sun

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Lake Living

Contents

April 2015

VOL. 11, NO. 1

05 2015 Lake Hartwell Antique 06 08 10 12 20 22

Boat Festival Leesa Gallo, pet stylist & artist DNR has a new vision on the Lake Currahee Military Museum ‘Soul & Soil in Hartwell’ Nick Smith The Driving Force behind the Lions Club

24 Matthew Jordan, Semi-pro 26 29 30 32 34 35

remote control racer Centro Cristiano La Voz del Espiritu Santo A passion for bees The buzz on raising honey bees Hartwell Memorial Day Weekend Events USA Triathlon Sanctioned Race Community Events

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Lake Living is produced and developed by the Lake Hartwell Region of Community Newspapers Inc., Athens, Georgia

The Toccoa Record

Tom Wood, CNI Chairman Dink NeSmith, CNI President Robert Rider, Regional Publisher

NORTHEAST GEORGIA

Franklin County Citizen Leader

STEPHENS FRANKLIN

67 W. Doyle St., Toccoa, GA 706-886-9476 Fax 706-886-2161 tlaw@thetoccoarecord.com www.thetoccoarecord.com Tom Law, Publisher Todd Truelove, Staff Writer Duane Winn, Staff Writer Sue Fletcher, Advertising Sales Selena Crumpton, Advertising Sales

12150 Augusta Rd., Lavonia, GA 706-356-8557 Fax 706-356-2008 sscoggins@franklincountycitizen.com www.franklincountycitizen.com Shane Scoggins, Publisher Denise Matthews, Editor Kandice S. Eberhardt, Staff Writer Jan Dean, Advertising Sales

HART

ELBERT

The Hartwell Sun

8 Benson St., Hartwell, GA 706-376-8025 Fax 706-376-3016 mhynds@thehartwellsun.com www.thehartwellsun.com Robert Rider, Publisher Peggy Vickery, General Manager Mark Hynds, Editor Lauren Peeples, Staff Writer David Butler, Staff Writer Carole Byrum, Advertising Sales Christine Blomberg, Advertising Sales

The Elberton Star

25 N. Public Sq., Elberton, GA 706-283-8500 Fax 706-283-9700 gjones@elberton.com www.elberton.com Gary Jones, Publisher Mark Berryman, Editor Cary Best, Sports Editor Valerie Evans, Advertising Sales

CNI - Athens

2365 Prince Ave., Suite A, Athens, GA • 800-226-0692 Fax 706-548-0808 athenssales@cninewspapers.com Ryan Shaffer, Advertising Sales

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2015 Lake Hartwell Antique Boat Festival Returns to Lake Hartwell April 18, 2015

The Hart County Chamber of Commerce recently announced that the 22nd Lake Hartwell Antique Boat Festival will return to Lake Hartwell on April 18, 2015. The Antique Boat Festival is the oﬃcial start of the tourist season for Hartwell. The Blue Ridge Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society in partnership with the Hart County Chamber of Commerce have pulled out all the stops to make this the best boat festival yet. The annual festival will again be held at Hartwell Marina. All the activities start at 10 a.m. and run through 3 p.m. The wooden boats will be coming from all over the East Coast, New York, Ohio, and the Carolinas.

For the fourth year in a row, the Festival will have the Porsche Club of Georgia and the Carolinas showcasing cars. Porsche owners from as far away as Greensboro, Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina; as well as Athens and Atlanta, along with Columbia, Spartanburg and Greenville, South

Carolina; will make the drive to participate in the celebration. The Porsche Parade through downtown is a real treat for car buﬀs. Arts and crafts return as well. Food vendors will be there and for children, there will be a “Float a Boat Challenge.”

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Leesa Gallo, pet stylist & artist

Leesa Gallo prepares her poodle Schae for a competition at the Atlanta Pet Fair in March. Schae was painted with characters from Alice in Wonderland.

“Alice in Wonderland” theme for this year’s annual dog grooming competition By Denise Matthews Franklin County Citizen Leader Alice left Wonderland recently to go to the Atlanta Pet Fair, colorfully emblazoned on Schae, the standard poodle belonging to Leesa Gallo. Before the pet fair, Gallo, a pet stylist at Tugaloo Animal Hospital in Lavonia, was getting ready for the annual dog grooming competition, putting the finishing touches on Schae and her much beloved rescue dog, Honey. “I have been working on her for about a month now,” Gallo said, as she turned Schae to and fro, adding yellow and blue and pink to her soft, white, fluff of fur. “My theme this year is ‘Alice In

Wonderland.’” Standing patiently as Gallo worked her artistic magic, Schae’s previously snowwhite coat began to take on vividly hued images of the Cheshire Cat, Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Queen and the Caterpillar. While creating works of art on dogs may seem a daunting task to many, for Gallo, it is just a walk in the park. The long-time professional groomer, originally from Texas, has competed in many pet styling competitions, bringing home honors in 2012 with her daughter’s German Shepherd, Stryder, and her beloved Honey. “I adore animals,” Gallo said. “Ever since I could pick up a brush I have been LAKE LIVING APRIL 2015

grooming dogs.” Patting the patient, well-mannered Schae, lovingly, Gallo looked a little sad as she shared that this would probably be the poodle’s last year in competition. “She will be 9 next month,” Gallo said. “I am going to retire her and because of her sweet temperament, I have plans for her to become a service dog.” Gallo said Schae “adores” children and hopes that she can go St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital to cheer the small patients there. “I will paint her up some to bring a smile to their faces,” Gallo said. Honey, too, was getting all “dogged” up for the competition. “She has connecting hearts cut into her fur,” Gallo said, setting a smiling Honey on the table. Tail wagging, her doggy grin shining, Honey showed oﬀ her “heartfelt” design. “She will compete in Abstract Runway.” Adopted by Gallo from the shelter when she was 8 weeks old, Honey is a “honey” of a dog. “She is my sweetheart,” Gallo said, hugging the happy little hound. Looking forward to the event, Gallo hoped to bring home more awards this year, but even if she didn’t, she still enjoys

Gallo’s dog Honey was also entered in competition at the Atlanta Pet Fair. Interlocking hearts were shaved into her fur.

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Georgia Department of Natural Resource’s sonar boat made its debut on Lake Hartwell in February.

DNR has a new vision on the lake

By Mark Hynds The Hartwell Sun

When a 64-year-old kayaker from South Carolina went missing in February on Lake Hartwell, scores of law enforcement agencies jumped into action to try and locate the man. One of those agencies was the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and its recently acquired sonar boat. Corp. Craig Fulghum, a boating safety oﬃcer on Lake

Hartwell, participated in the search. Fulghum said it was the ﬁrst time the dedicated sonar boat was used on Lake Hartwell. “We’ve had the side-scan sonar for several years,” said Fulghum. “But we had to mount it to a patrol boat. Now we can just hitch and up and go. The individuals who run the boat are familiar with everything. If we have a situation like we had with the kayaker, it’s ready to go so it saves a lot

of time.” Fulghum said the sonar looks like a torpedo. It’s tethered to high deﬁnition diagnostic equipment. “You can see the bottom of the lake in an HD setting,” said Fulghum. The sonar creates an image of a larger area on the bottom. It moves through the water just above ﬂoor. The harder an object, the more sound it creates which equates to a better image. Softer objects, such as sand, are

not as loud. The object throws a shadow, which can be measured by the sonar. This helps us discount and clear items,” said Fulghum. “If you know a person is six feet tall and the object measures only three feet, you can move on.” The boat is currently housed on Lake Lanier. The DNR’s Region II oﬃce is located in Gainesville. Corp. Adam Loudermilk, who works for the DNR out

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of Banks County and patrols Lanier, is one of the boats operators. He said that in addition to the side-scan sonar, the new boat is equipped with a sectorscan sonar and an underwater camera or ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). Loudermilk said a side-scan sonar has to be pulled along by the boat, but the sector-scan is stationary “The side-scan won’t work unless the boat is moving,” said Loudermilk. “The sector-scan is like a tripod that sits on the bottom of the lake. It takes a 360 degree sonar image kind of like a weather radar.” Loudermilk added that a lot of lakes, including Hartwell, have standing timber on the ﬂoor. That makes it more diﬃcult to maneuver the side-scan sonar. With the sector-scan, they can just place it inside the timber, allowing them to go all

the way to the bottom. The sector-scan has a radius of 1,100 feet, but on the screen, which is typically a laptop computer, you get a more accurate read at only about 100 feet. “Personally, I like to keep it around 50 feet,” said Loudermilk. “That way you get much more detail. At a 1,000 feet, something like a body would only be a dot on the screen. That dot is a lot bigger when you read it at 50 feet.” Loudermilk said determining what an object is on the sonar screen takes a little imagination. He said a lot depends on the direction you are looking at it. “Are you looking at it from the side, are you looking at from the head or from the feet? Loudermilk said if they locate a target, they will drop a marker, which is a four-foot metal cage. Since its metal, the sonar will pick it up easily.

an issue. Many times divers can’t see beyond their face. The sonar helps us ﬁnd an area of interest, then we can send the divers down to clear the spot.” Loudermilk agreed and added that because the equipment is so heavy and diﬃcult to transport, they can get to a site much quicker since everything is already on the boat. “There’s a lot more room on the pontoon boat as well,” he said. In addition to searching for people, the sonar has been used to locate articles such as murder weapons. “It’s typically deployed with drownings, but we’ll assist any county that calls on us,” said Fulghum. Fulghum said the boat doesn’t guarantee success every time. “It’s not a saving grace for sure. But, it gives us a better opportunity to bring closure faster, especially in a case like we had last month.”

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They will then take a measurement from the target to the marker, trying to get the marker within a foot of or on top of the target. Then, they will send the underwater camera down to verify the object, without having to send a diver down. Loudermilk said maneuvering the camera can be diﬃcult once it goes below the surface, especially in a lake setting where visibility is diﬃcult. “It’s like driving a remote control car you can’t see anymore.” The camera has a sonar on it as well, which assists the operator in getting the camera where it needs to go. Fulghum said one of the biggest advantages to the sonar is that it reduces the time divers have to be in the water. “There are a lot of dangers with diving, especially if conditions aren’t favorable,” said Fulghum. “Visibility is also

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The Currahee Military Museum in Toccoa is housed in a portion of a former railroad depot on Alexander Street.

Currahee Military Museum A WWII Heros’ vision comes to life By Duane Winn The Toccoa Record First Lt. Reed Pelfrey was one of a kind. That’s from no less than an authority than his wife, Peggy. Pelfrey’s story is a wellknown one, especially his exploits with the 101st Airborne, 502 PIR, pathfinder, OSS, CBI. He is regarded as the first officer from the South, aboard the first plane over the target area, to make the jump in Normandy during the D-Day invasion of World War II. Pelfrey, featured in the History Channel’s production, “Brothers in Arms,” served in both the European 10

APRIL 2015 LAKE LIVING

Reed Pelfrey.

and Paciﬁc theaters of action during World War II, earning a Bronze Star and French

Liberation medals among numerous others. Pelfrey’s diverse military

credits include being a tank platoon leader, a mortar platoon leader, a jump school graduate, a combat infantryman and a member of an intelligence unit. However, Pelfrey regarded his World War II experiences as nothing out of the ordinary, like so many veterans. “He knew they had a job to do and they did it, that’s all,” said Peggy. Pelfrey, a native of Kentucky, passed away nearly two years ago. He would have been 94 years old on Thursday, Jan. 29. The time has just ﬂown,” said Peggy. “It doesn’t seem like it was that far (ago).” It’s an occasion that sparks Peggy’s exhaustive storehouse

of memories about her husband’s wartime experiences. True to his nature, Pelfrey didn’t share with his wife many tales of guts and glory. “He remembered all the good things,” said Peggy, a Toccoa native who met her husband-to-be at an American Home Products Corporation party. Many of those good things involved Pelfrey’s friend, “Fink.” “They were always getting into one scrape or another,” Peggy said. Such as the time they had to jump out of a hot-air balloon as part of their airborne training. It took plenty of courage but he deﬂected it with his ever-present humor. “He said he just let out a scream and over he went,” said Peggy. Pelfrey, at the completion of his training, asked his superiors how he had done.

Peggy Pelfrey, a volunteer for the Currahee Military Museum, has a personal connection. Her husband, 1st Lt. Reed Pelfrey, was the first officer from the South to make the jump in Normandy during World War II.

He was told he amassed one of the highest scores, pretty good for someone “who goofed oﬀ ” as much as he did. Some tales, though, were harrowing. He contracted appendicitis while stationed in China. The Chinese had to build a landing strip to allow a plane to trans-

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port him for medical care. Pelfrey never had the occasion to talk to the pilot or doctors who saved his life. Following his military service, he worked in the public relations department of General Motors before he joined American Home Products Corporation as a district sales

manager until his retirement in 1983. The Pelfreys were involved in the start-up of the Currahee Military Museum in Toccoa. “As far as I know,” said Peggy, “some of the pictures are still there where he hung them.” Peggy said her husband reveled in taking school groups through the museum. Many of the students were so impressed with Pelfrey’s demeanor and knowledge that they wrote him letters of thanks in return. As a current volunteer for the Currahee Military Museum, Peggy has met several visiting military veterans who knew her husband and have added to her treasure trove of anecdotes about her husband. The stories they relate to her reinforce a conclusion she reached a long time ago. “He was one of a kind, for sure,” Peggy said.

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‘Soul & Soil in Hartwell’ A tour of six Hart County churches including the Prayer Garden at the Hart County Botanical Garden and an art exhibit featuring the churches at the Art Center

May 16 • Hosted by United Garden Club Council of Hartwell

By Lauren Peeples The Hartwell Sun Spring is here and Hart County citizens have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the rich history of six Hart County churches during a tour of the buildings and gardens on May 16. The tour is hosted by the United Garden Club Council of Hartwell. This year’s theme is “Soul and Soil in Hartwell,” and will include the Prayer Garden at the Hart County Botanical Garden, as well as an art exhibit of the featured churches at the Art Center in downtown Hartwell. The in-town tour features six sanctuaries and grounds including Hartwell First Baptist Church, Hartwell First United Methodist Church, Hartwell First Presbyterian Church, Faith Lutheran Church, St. Andrews Episcopal and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. “Have you ever wanted to be able to walk around and really look at the amazing beauty of these church sanctuaries or spend time in their gardens? This is your opportunity,” said tour committee chair Luanne Burgess. “View the pictorial history of these 12

APRIL 2015 LAKE LIVING

All photos by Bill Powell churches at the Art Center and enjoy the various outdoor sanctuaries at the Hart County Botanical Garden all while supporting the projects of the United Garden Club Council of Hartwell and the Hart County Ministerial Association.” The tour is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission cost is $12 per person. Proceeds beneﬁt community beautiﬁcation projects of the United Garden Club Council and the Ministerial Association. For more information, call Burgess at 706436-5308 or email luburgess2002@yahoo. com.

b SOUL & SOIL IN HARTWELL TOUR a

Faith Lutheran Church 691 Benson Street In spring 1991, the spiritual and religious needs of the local Lutherans were awakened. The “Faithful Seven,” as they came to be known, discussed forming a Lutheran Church in Hartwell. Prior to this time, the Lutherans were traveling to Elberton, Toccoa, Anderson and Athens to attend a Lutheran church. With much preparation and approval, Faith Lutheran Church was established and held its Inaugural service June 20, 1993. At that time, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church allowed the Lutherans to use their church to hold services and other activities. With both congregations growing, Cy and Maxine Greer thought it was time for Faith Lutheran to have the use of its own church

building. While the church owned a lot on Benson Street, gifted by Beth McCurley in 1995, raising funds for building was unrealistic. However, in scouting about Hartwell for an existing structure, the Greers decided the paint store would be the new church

home and gifted the building to the congregation. After renovation to the building by the congregation, and with the wood-working skills of John Doroshenko who crafted the altar furniture, services were held at 900 Benson Street in Jan. 1999.

In time, members began plans to build a church on the current lot at 691 Benson Street. On Reformation Sunday, October 28, 2007, members held the ﬁrst worship service in the new church building. Continued on page 14

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Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church 1009 Benson Street Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church was established June 17, 1982. In the late 1800s, the northeastern region of Georgia experienced an inﬂux of Catholic immigrants. Among these were three Czechoslovakian families, the Dokers, the Kotals and the Sokols, who all settled in Hart County. As there was no local Catholic church, the three families would travel more than 25 miles to Anderson, S.C., by mule and wagon in order to attend mass at least three or four times a year. Later, a priest from Greenville, S.C., came by train to Anderson, where he was met by one of the families and brought to Hart County for mass, prayers and religious education.

In the 1940s, Father Walter Donovan from Athens, oﬀered mass in the homes of the Kotal and Doker families. However, during the 1950s, his increasing engagements in Athens meant he was no longer able to celebrate mass every Sunday in Hartwell. The Catholic community in Hart County had to travel to Elberton.

In 1953, Mary Nell Doker wrote to Monsignor Joseph Moylan, an administrator for the Diocese of SavannahAtlanta asking that a church be established. The next year, a farmhouse situated on 17 acres was converted to a chapel, which the community used until a permanent structure was completed in 1976.

From 1954 to 1964, the church was staﬀed by the Verona Fathers from Washington. After 1964, various Diocesan priests from surrounding churches were placed in charge of the church. A new church was built in 1976-1977. On June 4, 1982, Father Pat McCormick was installed as the ﬁrst resident pastor. The church grew and a new fellowship hall and religious education building were added, as well as stained glass windows to the sanctuary. The original farmhouse burned in 2002 by a spark in the attic started by a squirrel. In 2007, Founder’s Hall was added. The church maintains three gardens including the Memorial Garden, the Garden of the Unborn and the Garden of Mary.

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Hartwell First United Methodist Church 200 East Howell Street The Hartwell Methodist Episcopal Church, South was instituted in 1854. Reverend Howell Parks served as Senior Pastor and Reverend William S. Turner as the Junior Pastor. The church was on the Howell Circuit, which was composed of Hartwell, Bethesda, Cokesbury, Providence, Macedonia, Mt. Zion and later was to include New Harmony and Liberty Hill. Having no church building, services were held in the temporary courthouse, a wooden structure on the northeast corner of the public square. When the first brick courthouse in the center of the square was finished in 1858, the court room was used as a temporary place for Sunday School and worship. The first church building was built by John R. Kay in 1859. It was a large frame building painted white. The use of the building was extended to other denominations. In 1891, a new bell, weighing 1,050 pounds, was purchased for the church. During the early years, the church remained a part of a circuit, with preaching services being held once a month. Construction of the present sanctuary was completed in 1898. The Gothic style plan

was by Willis F. Denney, architect of Atlanta. The sanctuary was painted a soft shade of rose with white fringe around the walls where they joined the ceilings. The art glass windows are made of Tiffany glass. The large front window in memory of John R. Kay was donated by the citizens of Hartwell. The old building was sold at public auction on July 17, 1897. A.G. McCuy bought the building to be converted into other buildings. The auditorium offered a seating capacity of 450 with elevated floor after the amphitheater style. The lecture room, separated from the auditorium by rolling partitions had a seating capacity of 250 and provided space for an organ, Sunday School, prayer meeting and all other purposes except preaching. The north and east fronts presented a handsome

appearance with a symmetrical tower 85-feet high. The Methodist Church became the ﬁrst building in Hartwell other than the Hartwell Mill to have electricity. Through the early years and until the middle of the century, the Hartwell Church was connected with the Hartwell Camp Grounds.

The sanctuary was redone in 1963. There was a three stage building program. The ﬁrst stage was the building of the gym and family life center. The second phase was the complete renovation of the educational building and the third phase was the remodel of the sanctuary. In 1987, Hartwell First United Methodist Church was awarded a listing on the National Historical Registry. Continued to page 16

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b SOUL & SOIL IN HARTWELL TOUR a

First Baptist Church of Hartwell 81 East Howell Street In May 1854, lot number 12 on the corner of East Howell and Chandler Street was designated for the Baptist Church. By 1859, citizens met at the Hart County courthouse to organize the church. Following, Reverend J.T.W. Vernon held services in the courthouse, and later, it was moved to the First United Methodist Church. The ﬁrst church was a wooden structure built in 1870 when Reverend Benjamin Thornton was pastor. In 1896, the second church was a yellow brick structure. Sunday School classes met in the basement. An annex building named the Doc Adams Building also housed classrooms for Sunday School and later served as the Fellow-

ship Hall and then the church oﬃce. A three-story educational building was completed in 1951. It included six Sunday School departments and a small chapel. A building program for the present sanctuary began in 1960. Ground breaking ceremonies were held in April

1965. The building was completed in Aug. 1966. A multi-purpose activity building and gym were built, along with a playground in 1975. From 1999 to 2002, the Board of Deacons recommended a master plan/site utilization study. In Nov. 2002, a new two-story educational

wing was dedicated. The building included a nursery/preschool department, a children’s department, a music suite and a fellowship hall with a small stage and kitchen. In 2009, renovations of the church sanctuary took place and were completed in time to celebrate 150 years of church history.

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The First Presbyterian Church of Hartwell 41 South Carter Street

next to the church property was purchased and used for Sunday School classes and the minister’s office. The house was torn down in 1968 when the present fellowship hall was constructed. Family night suppers and Sunday School classes first met in the new fellowship hall in 1969. The original 1892 building was bricked and renovated at that time. Elder Frank Morris announced in May 1979 that the note of the building fund had been paid off. In 1977, the church invited the senior citizens of Hart County to meet in the fellowship hall five days a week until a permanent home could be found. The Hartwell Pre-School met daily at First Presbyterian from 1988 through June 1992. The playground behind the fellowship hall was built at that time.

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In fall 1881, a small group of Presbyterians met in the parlor of the home of Emily Cater to organize a Presbyterian church in Hartwell. Through their efforts, on Jan. 1, 1882, the Rev. R.W. Milner, Presbyterian Evangelist, held a service in the Baptist Church. When the town of Hartwell was incorporated, lot number 94 on Carolina Street was designated for a Presbyterian Church. Later this lot was sold, and on March 25, 1891, the present church location on Carter Street was purchased from Fannie N. McCurry for $100. From 1882, when the Presbyterian Church was organized, until 1892, when the present building was completed, Presbyterians held their worship services in the Methodist Church. On the fifth Sunday in January 1892, the Rev. Archie Simpson of Toccoa held the service of dedication of the new church building. An organ was purchased shortly after the dedication. The church bought its first manse, a house on South Forest Avenue, in 1918. The church became self-supporting with a full-time minister, Rev. Charles McDonald, in April 1959. Also in 1959, a small house

The church sanctuary was transformed in 2004 by the addition of six memorial stained glass windows, fulﬁlling the long-standing vision of June Flowers. Memorial windows also grace the narthex and the library room ﬁnished by Elder Jack Strickland. The window over the front entrance depicts the Holy Spirit as a dove and

was designed and produced by local artists. It was installed in 1994 as a memorial to David Cheatham. Janell Grice, a Master Gardener and church member, designed the garden that ﬁlls the space between the sanctuary and fellowship hall. The garden was completed in 2007. The Presbyterian women had long desired a new church banner. Gail Anne Gold, Roberta Vest and Janet Uteg made that project happen in time for the banner to be displayed at the Association of Smaller Congregations Conference in April 2007. The banner incorporates three symbols including the Celtic cross, the Holy Spirit as a dove and the church building. Uteg constructed the quilted banner based on an original design by Roberta Vest. Continued to page 18

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St. Andrews Episcopal Church 579 Fairview Avenue On a visit to the Charles Kidd family of Hartwell, the Rev. Roddy Reid suggested the family, with other Episcopalians, should start an Episcopal mission in Hartwell. An organization meeting was held in late 1947. Several services were held at homes before the Presbyterians oﬀered the use of their church for monthly night services. In 1955, members began using the Community Clubhouse for weekly Sunday morning services. The congregation decided to construct a building of their own. Since so few people were involved, it was decided that it was necessary it be built debt free and that help from other sources be solicited. The plans were drawn by

Gerald Tutt with the help of Bill Yon. Olin J. Johnson, Sr. donated the land. To raise money, the ladies of the church held bake, arts and crafts and rummage sales. Donations were also received. Since the land and bricks were donated, it was estimated the new building could be built for an additional $17,000 with

$10,000 in hand. The ﬁrst service in the new chapel was held on Easter Sunday in 1961 and on June 19, 1961, the new building was consecrated. To have the building debt free for consecration, three men in the congregation made a personal bank loan for the remaining funds needed. The

congregation continued to grow. When the plans were drawn for the ﬁrst church, the intention was to build a larger sanctuary for worship connected to the old structure already existing parish room and kitchen. In spring 1987, construction began on a new building and completed in November of that year. In 1988, the kitchen was enlarged, a new Sunday School room added and the old sanctuary was converted into the parish hall.

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Nick Smith A charming young man with a big personality and a big smile By Denise Matthews B F Franklin County Citizen Leader

Above: Jeffrey Pearson helps Nick Smith get ready to ride around Jala’s Home Decor and Furniture during a recent visit to the Royston store.

Nick Smith is small in stature, but has a gia personality. giant In a store teeming with people, one young man, 23-year-old Nick, stood out, and it ma wasn’t because he is only 35 inches tall. was IIt was his mile-wide, totally infectious smile that had everyone seeking him out to say hello. “H “He is my hero,” Alicia Pearson, owner of Jala’s Home Décor, said, beaming at the energetic young man. So much so that she and husband Jeff rey had asked him to cut the ribbon at the opening of their new n store in Royston. Nic Nick and his mother, Shelly, both from Jefferson ferson, became friends with the Pearsons during a car pur purchase. “We sold Alicia and Jeff a car and they fell in love with wit Nick,” Shelly explained. Fast friends ever since, sin Nick has become almost a member of the Pearson family, which is not unusual for those who fall under the spell of the tiny young man’s charm. That charm and zest for life is ever present despite the many health issues he has overcome and continues to face due to his diminutive size. Born with primordial dwarfism – he is symmetrically small with all organs in proportion – Nick is in a very small minority.

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Nick Smith (center) was a special guest at the ribbon cutting of Jala’s Home Decor in Royston. Others at the ribbon cutting were (from left) Billy Parham, Gary McCurley, Shelly Smith, Jeffrey Pearson (owner), Nick Smith, owner Alicia Pearson, Ryan Swails, Stephen Fortman, Harold Rhoades, Ben Garland, Candy Rhoades and Debbie Hines. A ribbon cutting sponsored by the Royston Main Street Program was held at the new business.

“There are only 100-200 like him in the world,” Shelly said. The middle child with two 6-foot-5-inch brothers, Shelly said it was a rare recessive gene that produced her sweet Nick. And during his 23 years he has had to endure many surgeries, which included one for a brain aneurysm, vascular

issues and scoliosis, Shelly said. His health problems slow him down, but do not diminish Nick’s love of people and enjoyment in life, Shelly said. An honor graduate of East Jackson High School last year, Nick was also crowned prom king. He is currently taking acting

classes in Monologues and More in Athens for adults with disabilities and Shelly said, “hopes soon to be in a play.” Nick added that he “likes to ride bikes, loves superheroes, karate and to dance.” And, his mom chuckled, “his dream girlfriend is iCarly.”

Shelly said Nick’s biggest struggle right now is making the transition from his pediatrician to an adult doctor, but hopes to get things worked out soon. That aside, Nick continues to make lots of friends, brighten the world with his smile and enjoy life in a big way.

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The Driving Force behind the Lions Club By Duane Winn The Toccoa Record

Toccoa Lions Club president Bill Graham.

APRIL 2015 LAKE LIVING

The Toccoa Lions Club recognized seven of its members March 12, 2015. These Lions have more than 300 combined years of service to the community. Each of these Lions has served in many positions and have worked tirelessly and unselfishly. They have been active in other community service. They certainly have made Toccoa and Stephens County a better place to live,” club president Bill Graham said.. The following Lions were recognized: Dr. Frank Edmonds (60 years), Loyd Prewett (55 years), Claud Smith (50 years), Wayne Carpenter (50 years), M.C. Stowe (40 years), Marvin Mauldin (40 years) and Willie Woodruff Jr. (15 years). Pictured (from left) Wayne Carpenter, Claud Smith, Loyd Prewett and M. C. Stowe.

positive and lasting contributions to people’s lives He has personal experience on that front. Lions Club International was a godsend to Graham when he was experiencing vision problems. (Graham is legally blind.) So you wouldn’t expect Graham to be shy about extolling the merits of Lions — and he isn’t. One of his joys is reminding people of the good work of the Lions who are no longer active members but made lasting contributions in past years that shaped Toccoa and indeed, northeast Georgia. “They don’t toot their own horns, so I do it for them,” said Graham. The Toccoa branch had three members — Andy Crawford, the late Willard Kimsey and Frank Edmonds — who served at least 60 years or longer. Crawford joined the Lions

two years before Graham was born. Members Loyd Prewett, Claud Smith and Welton Carpenter have each served at least 50 years. Forty-year members are M.C. Stowe and Marvin Mauldin, and ﬁve others have been members for 20 years or longer. Graham believes the Lions’ focus on public service and a willingness to serve contribute to that type of membership

longevity. And, unlike many fraternal organizations, members “have a lot of fun” carrying out their service projects. Don’t get the idea, though, that the Lions Club is an aging organization that gathers solely to talk about the past. “Lions Club has been tremendously innovative,” said Graham. Crawford, Kimsey and Edmonds came of age before the advent of the computer era,

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Lions Willard Kimsey, Vernon Smith and Andy Crawford gather at the Toccoa Lions Club on July 24, 2014 Noon Club meeting. At the time, they had a combined 177 years of Lions service. July 23,2014 was Smith’s 101st birthday. Kimsey died in February, 2015 at the age of 92.

Jack Barnard, Bill Graham and Bryan Gordon are preparing to install Keep Toccoa Beautiful/Toccoa Lions Club signs on Lions Clubs Day.

but Graham, a former Toccoa Lion of the Year, taught computer science at Piedmont College and is a believer in the use of the internet and social media outlets such as Facebook to get the Lions’ mission across to the uninitiated. One of the by products of the eﬀort, Graham hopes, is that it will attract younger members to the cause. Graham is also a mov-

said, the Toccoa Lions have no plans to change the things that work, such as the annual Chilly Open golf tournament, its participation in the Georgia Lighthouse Sight Conservation Program and its partnership with the Open Arms Clinic. Many of the local Lions’ eﬀorts wouldn’t be possible without the help of local optometrists, pharmacies and

ing force in the Leo Club, a branch of the Lions that reaches out to young people in the hope that they will become traditional Lions when they get older. Lions Club International is transitioning toward the future. But the staples of the organization aren’t changing anytime soon. On the local front, Graham

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David Butler The Hartwell Sun

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said. “When you think about it my track is about people coming out and having fun with their kids and getting to enjoy the sport.” Competition is a big part of the reason Jordan built the racetrack. Jordan has won more than 40 races since joining the sport as a semi-pro six months ago. “I’m more semi-pro in the southeastern part of Georgia, but I would like to expand

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races throughout the months from February until October. Jordan said local Hart County residents can come to his track and spend a Saturday afternoon with their children racing their cars. “We have local people bring their kids every Saturday and see who has the best car and the best skills,” Jordan

Remote control racing is not just a hobby for Hart County resident Matthew Jordan, it is a passion. RC cars may seem like just another toy, but racers such as Jordan have turned it into a semi-professional race career. Jordan has been racing remote control cars since the age of 29 and turned semi-pro six months ago. “Every Saturday that I’m not going to a race somewhere we have races here at my parent’s house,” Jordan said. “I built this track so that I could keep getting better and for people to be able to come out here and compete.” Jordan said another reason he and his father built the track was for a younger generation to get involved in RC racing. Lake Hartwell RC Complex holds RC car

that in the future,” Jordan said. “After this year, if I can place in a couple more national races, then I would like to turn professional.” Jordan said he spends between $400-$500 per month racing in different competitions. Those costs go toward his race admission fees, fixing his cars and keeping his track running. “I usually compete in different races throughout the year in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and this year I’m competing in Florida,” Jordan said. According to Jordan, he has learned a lot since joining the RC racing world. “RC racing has taught me about getting a younger generation and getting them involved in the sport,” Jordan said. “It’s also taught me the sportsmanship about racing.” Jordan said if his races continue to go the way they have in the past, he could see himself turning pro in the next year. “I want to continue getting better before I turn pro, but it has always been a dream of mine to become a professional,” said Jordan.

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Centro Cristiano La Voz del Espiritu Santo

Church Celebrates Five Years of Serving God By Denise Matthews Franklin County Citizen Leader LAVONIA – Rosio and Carlos Benitez recently celebrated the ﬁfth anniversary of their church, Centro Cristiano La Voz del Espiritu Santo. It was a milestone event that brought in 400 participants from far and wide to the Lavonia church. “We had a big turnout,” Rosio enthused in talking of the celebration. “We have been blessed.” It is the blessings that Rosio talks about the most in remembering the events that brought her and her husband, Carlos, to Lavonia four years ago. Both originally from El Salvador, Rosio moved to the U.S. at age 8 and Carlos was 15. Rosio grew up in Stone Mountain and Carlos in Georgia. “We met in a church in Atlanta,” Rosio said. Married in 2008, the two lived in a new apartment building, with Carlos working at the Curry Honda Dealership and Rosio working as a paralegal for Totra Law Firm. “We had a good life and made a good living,” Rosio said. Then in 2010, they were called by God to establish a church in Lavonia. “Our church prayed about it for six months,” Rosio said. “A decision was made to have an election between two couples. The couple with the most votes would go to Lavonia to work with the church there.” Carlos and Rosio were one of the two

Rosio and Carlos Benitez pastor at their church Centro Cristiano La Voz del Espiritu Santo. The church recently held its fifth anniversary celebration with more than 400 attending.

couples in the election and a chagrined Rosio admitted that she had hoped that they would not be chosen to go – even though she said that she had told the Lord if she and Carlos were chosen, it would be as His will. “I am a city girl,” she laughed. “I am used to being next to a Walmart and Target. I had never been to the country.” In truth, Rosio said she had never even heard of Lavonia, though she had driven past the exit on trips to New York and New Jersey. As secretary of the church, Rosio said

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she saw the votes as they were counted. She still chuckles at the results. “Carlos and I got every single vote. The other couple only received two votes – and they were from me and Carlos!” she laughed. The Lord had spoken, Rosio said, so they began their pilgrimage to Lavonia. “Carlos drove to Lavonia for a year and a half on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to preach and do the music,” Rosio explained. “I did not move here until we both were anointed.” Carlos and Rosio both ﬁnally made the move, moving into the Pointe South community, another ﬁrst for Rosio. “I did not know what a mobile home was,” she chuckled. “And then I was living in one.” It wasn’t long before she was not only living in a mobile home, Rosio, who is bilingual, also began working for the owner of Pointe South, Sam Harbin, full time Nov. 25, 2011. Carlos also got a full-time job and the two then began dividing their time between work and their church. “It will be the largest Hispanic church of the four in Lavonia,” Rosio said. “We started with two and now have more than 50 members and are growing.” The church is located in the David Strickland building behind Northeast Georgia Credit Union, but it was too small to house the recent celebration. “We held the event in Holy Calvary

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Church,” Rosio said. “It was filled.” Beaming with happiness, Rosio said their church is at the heart of everything that she and Carlos do every day. “Our priority is to get the Word out,” Rosio said. “We want everyone to know that there is someone bigger looking out for us and to worship Him.” Both being ministers, Rosio said she takes care of anything at the church that Carlos can’t get to. He is pretty busy being the church musician as well as pastor. “I play piano, bass and guitar,” Carlos said of his musical abilities. Pastor Rosio works at the church and fulfills her duties as church secretary. “I am the secretary for the main church in Atlanta,” she explained. “I supervise three churches, two in Maryland, one in Tennessee and one

in Mexico. We also have 13 churches in El Salvador and are opening one in Haiti as well.” Rosio said there have been some bad times, such as the car wreck she was in in 2010. “I hit the windshield and began having seizures,” she explained. But the Lord has been good and she has been seizure free for the past two years without medication. It is the Lord, Rosio stressed, who stays behind her and Carlos and their church, the Lord who blesses them and keeps them going. “We have put down roots here,” she said. “Lavonia is expanding and growing and we see more Hispanic people moving here. It is a great blessing to be here and we are here to help anybody we can. It is not our church, it is God’s church and he will send what we need.”

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Fun Facts HONEY BEES • There are three types of bees in the hive - Queen, Worker and Drone. • The queen may lay 600800 or even 1,500 eggs each day during her 3-4 year lifetime. This daily egg production may equal her own weight. She is constantly fed and groomed by attendant worker bees. • Honey bees fly at 15 miles per hour. • Honey bees’ wings stroke at 11,400 times per minute, thus making their distinctive buzz. • Honeybees are the only insect that produce food for humans. • Honeybees will usually travel approximately 3 miles from their hive. • Honeybees are the only bees that die after they sting. • Honeybees are responsible for pollinating approx 80% of all fruit, vegetable and seed crops in the U.S. • Honeybees have five eyes, 3 small ones on top of the head and two big ones in front. They also have hair on their eyes! • Bees communicate with each other by dancing and by using pheromones (scents). • Honeybees never sleep. HONEY • To make one pound of honey, the bees in the colony must visit 2 million flowers, fly over 55,000 miles and will be the lifetime work of approximately 768 bees. • A single honey bee will only produce approximately 1/12 tsp. of honey in her lifetime. • Honey is the ONLY food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including water.

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Ray Civitts, 54 of Toccoa, vice president of Community Bank and co-owner with his wife of Mountain Sweet Honey, examines a hive of female Italian bees. Civitts said he and his wife hope to reach the northeast Georgia community through their passion for making and selling organic honey. – Photo by Emily Jenkins, UGA photojournalism student.

Female Italian bees rest on a honeycomb they have produced at Mountain Sweet Honey owned by Julie and Ray Civitts in Stephens County. The honey produced by these bees will be extracted and sold to area residents and stores. Some of the honey for sale will be shipped throughout the nation. – Photo by UGA photojournalism student Emily Jenkins.

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The buzz on raising honey bees As long as bee stings don’t harm you, beekeeping can be a wonderful hobby for someone who doesn’t have a great deal of money and some large land to produce their own honey and also sell it to make extra income. Raising honey bees and harvesting honey can be a lucrative business or even a part-time sideline. Honey bees require care and maintenance but a lot less than other farm animals or pets. Another good reason to raise honey bees is to pollinate your crops. Honey bee populations are declining across North America and if this trend continues, farm crops that require pollination will decline. Keeping honey bees near your crops ensures a greater harvest. Setting up

your hives requires a modest upfront investment in hives and equipment but your ﬁrst honey crop will oﬀset those costs. Instructions 1. Decide how many hives

you want to keep. If you are keeping bees as a hobby, you may want only one or two hives. If you are keeping bees as a business, you could have 10 or more. Each hive will ultimately produce 50 to 100

lbs. of honey per year depending on the size and number of supers. Purchase enough hives plus an extra or two so that when the bees swarm, they have a new home to go to. You can purchase hives and other beekeeping equipment from many established online sources. Choose one in which the owners have a history of beekeeping themselves, so that they can assist you if you have any questions or run into trouble along the way. 2. Purchase the auxiliary beekeeping tools and equipment you’ll need. At a minimum, you’ll need a smoker to calm the bees, beekeeper protective clothing, which will consist of a bee-proof veil, hat, gloves, and a full length jumper, and a hive tool to sep-

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arate and lift the honeycombs. Purchase a good introductory book to keeping bees if you have never done so before. This will give you in-depth answers to hive management. Read the book thoroughly before purchasing your bees as they will need to be cared for properly upon arrival. 3. Find a location for your beehives. Hives should be set up where people will not get in the way of the bees’ flight paths into the hives. The location should also be far away from loud noises and vibrations as these things agitate bees and could make them sting. Hives do not need to be located directly in pollinating crops as bees will fly for several miles in search of pollen and nectar. The hives should be located on study flat ground and the hive opening should face east or south so that the hive is warmed by morning sunlight. 4. Now it’s time to order the

bees. There are several types of honey bee you can order. Your local extension oﬃce can help you decide what’s best for your area of the country. Always order your bees from a reputable breeding source. Some states require bee breeders to be

of being populated by Africanized bees. African bees are highly aggressive and are easily oﬀended. They tend to swarm oﬀenders and sting all at once, creating an overload of venom in the victim. That is why it’s important to choose pure

Lake Hartwell Beekeepers meet the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lavonia, in the Family Life Center. Experienced keekeepers or those just wanting information about beekeeping are welcome. For information call Shairon Kerlin at 706-356-7788. licensed so if that is the case in your state, check to make sure the breeder is licensed. You can sometimes obtain bees from a beekeeper who eliminates swarms for homeowners. It is recommended to stay away from that source as the sward could be feral and runs the risk

strains of European bees from a reputable breeder. 5. Introduce your bees to the hives as per the instructions of the breeder. You will have to provide the bees with sugar water while they begin to build up honey in the combs. The bees will begin navigating their

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pollen routes within a few days. Check on the bees frequently in the first few weeks to make sure they are getting successfully established. In the first year of honey production, the bees will require most of the honey produced for their own needs. You may harvest small amounts but let the hive store sufficient honey for the winter. After the first year, you will be harvesting substantial amounts of honey from each hive. The quality and taste of the honey will be different depending on the types of flowers the bees have harvested honey from. Some beekeepers move their hives into fields of specific flowers in order to obtain a certain flavor and character. If you’re game, work a hive with somebody who knows how, buy a colony or two, and get busy: Spring is the time to get started

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Memorial Day weekend in Hart County oﬀers a variety of entertainment options each year. It starts on Saturday, morning, May 23, with the Challenge of the Centuries Bike Ride and wraps up on Monday with annual Memorial Day service to honor our veterans on May 25. The 25th Challenge of the Centuries Bike Ride is a two-day ride that starts each morning in Hartwell. Riders can tackle courses ranging from 35 to 100 miles. Saturday’s routes head southeast pass-

ing over the Hartwell Dam, then into the countryside of South Carolina. Day two heads northwest to Bowersville and picturesque countryside, with the longest route going all the way up and through Toccoa after an “Assault on Dick’s Hill.” Rides start at 8 a.m. Cost to ride for both days is $50 or $40 for one day. Save $5 if you register before April 30. Both indoor and outdoor camping is available at the Bell Family YMCA. Campground opens at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hartwell, proceeds from the oﬃcial BRAG training ride beneﬁt several local charities. For more information, contact Rob Rosenbloom at cofcbikeride@ gmail.com. You can also visit challengeofthecenturies.blogspot.com for more information. If classic cars are your thing, then check out the annual “Cars

706-376-8590 or via email hartchamber@hartcom.net. Music lovers can spend Saturday evening listening to eclectic mix of sounds on the shores of Lake Hartwell. The Lake Hartwell Music Festival is back for a third edition. The tunes begin at 1 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. This year’s event returns to Long Point Recreation Area at the end of Old Highway 29. This year’s homegrown lineup of bands includes Clay Page, Phil Duncan, Barefoot Bandwagon, Di-Mar-Co, Pink Truck, Derrick Dorsey Band, Reservoir Dogs and 3&20. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. Ages 6-12 are $5 in advance

and $10 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free. Bring the family, bring some chairs and bring a cooler (no glass). It’s a party with a purpose and all proceeds will benefit HYDRA, a non-profit community group located that offers year-round programs that provide support, education and encouragement for the youth in Hart County. Of course the reason for the weekend is Memorial Day, which honors those who have served and continue to serve our country. American Legion Post 109 will host its annual Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. in the Hart County Courthouse. The event is free and open to the public.

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USA Triathlon Sanctioned Race - June 27 By Peggy Vickery The Hartwell Sun Before the fun, food and ﬁreworks of the annual Pre4th Extravaganza celebration, triathletes will have the chance to swim, bike and run along the shores of Lake Hartwell. The Lake Hartwell Olympic & Sprint Triathlon is coming to the Big Oaks Recreation Area for a triathlon June 27, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Olympic distance will be: The swim takes place in Lake Hartwell. The course is 1500 meters clockwise with buoys being placed at 150-200 meter intervals. Bike- The bike course is a 40k(24.8 miles) loop on rolling hills and the Run-The 10k (6.2 miles) run is an out and back course, moderately shaded, fairly ﬂat, with aid stations each mile.

For the Sprint Triathlon: The swim takes place in Lake Hartwell. The course is 500 meters clockwise with buoys being placed at 100-200 meter intervals- The bike course is a 20k (12.4 miles) loop on rolling hills The Run- The 5k (3.1 miles) run is an out and back course, moderately shaded, fairly ﬂat, with aid stations each mile In addition to the triathlons, there will be Duathlons for the Olympic and Sprint. This is a USA Triathlon sanctioned race and you have to be 14 years or older to participate. “Being the same day as the Pre-4th, we hope to bring even

more people to the area,” said Bell Family YMCA Director Cory Knight. “We have the perfect place to host this and we hope people will take advantage of the whole weekend.” The Bell Family YMCA in Hartwell is sponsoring these events and all proceeds will go toward scholarships. This helps with families who need ﬁnancial help to attend the Y. Kids are able to attend summer camp, take swimming lessons, be in rolled in the after school programs and much more. Cost for the Olympic event is $75 for individuals and $115 for relay teams. For the sprint the cost is $55 for individual

and $85 for team. Registration for the event will be online at www.goraceproductions.com. There will also be race-day registration beginning at 6 a.m. T-shirts will be given out to race participants as long as supplies last. The website will have all the information needed to participate including maps of the courses and directions to Big Oaks. For more information about the event, contact the Bell Family YMCA in Hartwell at 706-856-9622 or go to goraceproductions.com.

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Community Events Please email events to composition@thehartwellsun.com. Photos welcome. Next Lake Living will be published on June 11.

Franklin April 18 • Johnny Cash - A Tribute Show. Cultural Center. 706-356-1926 or 706-3565725

information call 706-356-8202 or email lavoniacofc@gmail. com.

May 1 • The Hanger Band - Jazz on Main. Downtown Lavonia. 706-356-1926 or 706-356-5725 May 2 • The Lavonia Spring Festival. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on East and West Main Streets. This popular annual event features arts, crafts, entertainment, children’s amusements, exhibits, choochoo rides and favorite festival foods. For

May 16 • Royston Classic Car Show. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Royston Wellness and Community Park. Event open to cars, trucks, bikes, special interest. For information, please call Royston Main Street, 706-245-7577

May 17 • Cemetery Tour, Refreshments and music, Lavonia. 706-356-1926 or 706-356-5725 June 1 - 8 • Highland Walk Junior Golf Camp. Victoria Bryant State Park, Royston. Weekdays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Whether a player is swinging the club for the first time or looking to refine his or her skills, Junior Golf Camp is a fun way for kids to learn the lifelong game of golf. By the end of the week, players will have learned fundamental skills, etiquette, rules and sportsmanship. 1/2 Day Session $150; All Day Session

$250. Discounted rate for additional siblings. $5 parking. 706-245-6770. June 6 • The Lawhead Brothers Band - Beach Party on Main. Lavonia Downtown. 706-356-1926 or 706-3565725 June 19-28 • Franklin Feudin’ 2 - Land of Spirit Folk Life Play. Cultural Center. 706-3561926 or 706-356-5725 June 27 • Get Outdoors Day. Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring your family for a day of games on the beach, including volleyball, horseshoes, putt-putt

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and a sand castle building contest. $5 parking. 706-3564362. July 10 • Main Street Music: Tugalo Holler. Lavonia Downtown. 706-356-1926 or 706-356-5725 September 26 • Your State Parks Day at Tugaloo. Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tugaloo State Park will be having family fun with to celebrate the end of summer. We will have canoe races in the cove by the park office. After the races we will also have a volunteer event to clean up the shoreline after a very busy summer season. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.

Hartwell April 10 & 11 • Hart County Botanical Garden Annual Plant Sale from 9 - 5 p.m.

each day will be held at the Botanical Gardens located on Elberton Hwy. 77 South, just minutes from Downtown. April 14 • Pilot Club of Hartwell Annual Pancake Supper fundraiser at McDonald’s. Eat-in or drive through from 5 - 7 p.m. $2 for all the pancakes you can eat. Drinks, sausage, etc. are extra. Tickets may be bought from any Pilot Club member, or at the door, or contact Susan Knighton at 706-436-0655. April 18 • 22nd Hartwell’s Antique Boat Festival at Hartwell Marina, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Check out the beautifully restored Antique Boats, shop the arts and craft fair, listen to the entertainment and view the Porsche Club of the Americas display of cars. This is the official kick off for the spring and summer season and is free to the public.

April 18 - 25 • Lake Hartwell Clean Up Green Up. Volunteers from scout groups, civic clubs, local residents, businesses, family units and friends of the lake are needed to pick up litter and other non-natural debris on and around Lake Hartwell. Contact: Hartwell Lake Project Office, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator, 5625 Anderson Hwy., Hartwell, GA 30643.

p.m. This is a free concert to the public and food will be available. You are welcome to bring a chair and a picnic supper if you like.

May 2 • 37th Annual Hartwell Dam Run, sponsored by the Hart Running Club. This is a 5k, 10k and one mile Fun Run at Big Oaks Recreation area. Run across the Hartwell Dam from South Carolina to Georgia and thru some beautiful woodlands with lake views. Go to active. com to register.

May 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17 • Hairspray at Hart County Community Theatre. Call the HCCT Box Office for more information at 706-376-5599 or email hcct@hartcom.net

May 2 • First Saturdays at Hartwell Marina, hosted by the Hartwell DDA, from 7 - 10

May 8 • Golf Tournament at Hartwell Golf Club. Sponsored by the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence. For more information call 706-377-4884 or 706-377-4141.

May 15 • American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” fundraising event at Hart County Middle School.

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May 23 • 8th Annual Hart Chamber’s “Cars & Guitars” Car Show and Antique Festival event in downtown Hartwell from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come out to see the beautiful antique and classic cars, shop the antique and memorabilia section (New for 2015), plenty of things for kids and classic rock and roll music all day. May 23 • LAKE HARTWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL, will be held at Long Point Recreation Area. More details to come. June 6 • First Saturdays at Hartwell Marina, hosted by the Hartwell DDA, from 7-10pm. This is a free concert

to the public and food will be available. You are welcome to bring a chair and a picnic supper if you like. June 11 • “Music from Les Miserables” at the Savannah River Playhouse, Hartwell. 706-376-7397.

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June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28 • “Les Miserables” at the Rock Gym in Elberton, produced by the Savannah River Playhouse. Saturday, June 20, matinee lunch at 12:00 with the show immediately following. Saturday, June 27, dinner at 6 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. Dinner $40 or Show $20. Call 706-376-7397 for more information. June 26 • DANCIN’ On DEPOT, a Downtown Hartwell dance party located on Depot St. This event is hosted by the Hartwell DDA. $5 to enter, children 5 and under free.

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June 27 • Pre-Fourth Craft Extravaganza in Downtown Hartwell from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. This huge craft fair takes over the downtown square and is sponsored by the Hartwell Service League. It is in it’s 37th year and gets over 10,000 visitors. June 27 • Pre-Fourth Fireworks at Hartwell Dam’s Big Oaks Recreation Area. This fireworks show has food and things for kids, from 6 - 9 p.m., the Community Band will be playing patriotic music from 8 - 9 p.m. and the Fireworks show starts about 9:15 p.m. July 3 • Free Concert at Hartwell Marina from 7 - 9 p.m., hosted by the Hartwell DDA. Food is available and just bring your chairs and your family. August 1 • 2nd Annual Teen Summit in Bowman, M.E.C.

Experience

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence. For more information call 706377-4884 or 706-377-4141. August 6 • Fox on the Fairway at the Savannah River Playhouse, Hartwell. 706-376-7397. September 10 • Open Mic Night at the Savannah River Playhouse, Hartwell. 706376-7397. September • 3rd Annual Silent Auction. Sponsored by the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence. For more information call 706377-4884 or 706-377-4141. September 26 • Hartwell’s 3rd Annual Farm Fest, This festival is a salute to our Agricultural roots celebrating everything hand picked, hand made and home grown. Arts

& Crafts, Ag Day exhibitions, Music, Petting zoo, rides, kids activities, and much more. Contact the Chamber of Commerce if you would like to be a vendor at 706-376-8590. More details announced later.

May 2 • Currahee Artist Guild Spring Arts and Crafts Show. Historic Downtown

Stephens

May 9 • National Train Day. Historic Depot

April 17 • Marimba Concert with Janice Potter. 7 p.m. at Schaefer Center April 24 • “Get on Up” - 7:00 pm at Schaefer Center May 2 • Taste of Toccoa. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This festival is Toccoa’s premier food event with a fun-packed experience for the entire family with rides and entertainment. Your favorite restaurants and caterers will be offering “a taste” of their menu. Historic Downtown Toccoa

May 2 • City of Toccoa Classic Car Show. Historica Downtown

June - July • Summer Movies at the Schaefer Center. Every Thursday night 7:00 p.m. at Schaefer Center June 4 - “Paddington” at Schaefer Center June 11 - “Guardians of the Galaxy” at Schaefer Center June 18 - “Maleficent” at Schaefer Center June 25 - “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” June - July • Ida Cox Music Festival. 7 – 10 pm Every Saturday night Historic Downtown

...this is no way to spend your hard-earned weekend...

Carolina Wren Park

111 E. Whitner Street, Downtown Anderson

April-October 6:00pm - Live music at each Thursday’s Block Party April 15th Sounds in the Park 6:00pm - jazz of Bruce Helgeson Trio April 17 th Movies in the Park 8:10 pm “Big Hero 6” (no glass or alcohol) April 24th & 25th Art on the Town Friday 5:00pm- Art Crawl along Main Street 9:00pm - food & music at Carolina Wren Park Saturday 10:00am- Children’s art activities street performers along Main Street until 4pm

AUTO REPAIR 706-282-0690

May 25 th Sounds in the Park 6:00pm - Beach Music DJ

June 19 th -22 nd Shakespeare in the Park

Oil Changes - Complete Brake Service Tune Ups - Air Conditioning Muffler & Exhaust Systems - Transmissions Shocks - Fleet Maintenance Radiator Service Tires: Sales & Repair - Belts, Hoses & More! Hours: M-F 8-6

www.downtownanderson.com 38

APRIL 2015 LAKE LIVING

196 B I G A ROAD • TOCCOA, GA

149218

June 20th Saturday B4 Father’s Day Car Show 10:00am - all along Main Street

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June 9 th Sounds in the Park 6:00pm – bluegrass of Crossroads String Band

OWNER: DEE & JIM ONDA

It’s more than a hobby... It’s a lifestyle. Hartwell Lake’s Finest Full Service Marina

(706) 376-5441

5-92977

Slips~Dry Stack~Storage~Boat Sales~Service Gas~Pump Out~Ship Store~Pontoon Rentals 149 Hartwell Marina Road Hartwell, GA 30643

Your Best Choice In NE Georgia With Two Convenient Locations To Serve You.

13325 Jones Street Lavonia, GA 30553 706-356-2212 or 877-356-2212 fortlavonia@windstream.net www.fortsrealty.com

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205 E Franklin Street Hartwell, GA 30643 706-856-5050 or 888-409-5054 forthartwell@hartcom.net www.fortsrealty.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

LAKE LIVING APRIL 2015

Exceptional. Accessible.

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Call 706.475.1700 or visit $ .org/!