Northeast Georgia Living • Winter 2015 by Electric City Printing

Vol. 16 No. 4 â&#x20AC;˘ Display until March 20, 2016

NORTHEAST GEORGIA VIEWS

M E R R Y

A Season For ... emories to last forever. nthusiasm to quench fatigue.

Melissa Herndon Publisher/Chairman/Editor-In-Chief

◆ PUBLICATION DESIGN

A.W. Blalock ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Scott Goodwin ADVERTISING DESIGN

eindeer to decorate lawns. ecipes for trays of cookies. knee. oungsters sitting on Santa’ s

A.W. Blalock Brenda Ritchey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jackie Sheckler Finch Mollie Herndon Pamela A. Keene Sydnah Kingrea Sara Powell William D. Powell Russell Sorrow M.J. Sullivan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

lived and hrist, born of the virgin Mary, the world. died, then rose again to save

C H R I S T M A S

Jackie Sheckler Finch Melissa Herndon Sydnah Kingrea William D. Powell Phil Pyle M.J. Sullivan

alos for angels.

ADVERTISING SALES

easons to shop.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

. nnocence in the eyes of a child

Patricia Adams Sydnah Kingrea Mollie Herndon CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Mollie Herndon DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION

Mollie Herndon

now for sledding. ends. raveling to visit family and fri anger scenes. rtfully decorated trees. ilent Night, Holy Night ...

don Happy New Year! Melissa Hern

SOCIAL MEDIA

Sydnah Kingrea

◆ We invite you to share your views on Northeast Georgia Living. Please mail your comments to P.O. Box 270, Franklin Springs, Ga. 30639, or email us at negaliving@yahoo.com. Visit us at facebook.com/ NortheastGeorgiaLivingMagazine. Northeast Georgia Living, ISSN 1545-5769, is published quarterly in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter by Marketing & Media Resources at 454 College Street, Royston, Ga. 30662. 706-246-0856. Subscription price is $14.00 annually. USPS Number 021-578 at Royston, Ga. 30662. Postmaster: Send address changes to Northeast Georgia Living Magazine, P. O. Box 270, Franklin Springs, Ga. 30639-0270. The cover and contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. However, we reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all contributed material.

www.NortheastGeorgiaLiving.com 2 Northeast Georgia Living

LETTERS JUST WANTED YOU TO know how much I continue to enjoy each and every issue of Northeast Georgia Living. What a welldone magazine in every aspect. You are doing a wonderful job at the helm of your team ... your leadership comes through page after page. I hope all is well with you and your family. Sarah Smith Hartford House Alto, Georgia From our facebook page: I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE! Wonderful articles ... great photography ... full of good, helpful information! Mary Beth Hughes Tallulah Falls, Georgia

BACK ISSUES CATCH UP ON Northeast Georgia. Back issues of Northeast Georgia Living for Fall/Winter 2000 through Fall 2015 are available in limited quantities for $5 per copy. (Sorry, Spring/Summer 2002 is no longer available.) Send your name and mailing address along with a check or money order pay-able to: Northeast Georgia Living, P.O. Box 270, Franklin Springs, GA 30639. Please specify the issue(s) and quantities desired.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Easy to give! Fun to receive! BRING NORTHEAST GEORGIA home! A one-year subscription of four issues – Spring, Summer, Fall and Holiday/ Winter – is only $14, and GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS are only $12. To subscribe, visit Northeast GeorgiaLiving.com or call 706-246-0856 today.

4 Northeast Georgia Living

In This Issue

42 55 O, Christmas Tree WHETHER FRESH CUT FROM a Georgia mountainside tree farm or artificial with golden lights and decorations, the Christmas tree is one of the loveliest sights of the season. By Pamela A. Keene

Arts: Memory Lane

DRIVING ALONG SCENIC HIGHWAY 197 in Batesville, north of Clarkesville, an interesting-looking green house with an unusual signpost will catch your eye. The sign, mounted on a wooden door held up by two posts, reads, “Memory Lane,” and the business it identifies is home to an eclectic collection of art. By Sara Powell

Trails: Chocolate

NEARLY EVERY DOWNTOWN DISTRICT in our region has a delightful array of shops, including highquality chocolate shops. We have visited a few of our favorites in order to provide you with a list of some excellent options to consider when you have your next craving. By Sydnah Kingrea

Fitness & Attitude

PEOPLE IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA are getting serious about their attitudes toward fitness and healthful living. Their strategies might involve joining a workout facility, hiring a personal trainer to coach them or encouraging a friend to make the commitment with them. By Sara and William D. Powell

Pecans: Nut Houses & Pecan-Filled Recipes

ENJOY OUR UNIQUELY SOUTHERN treat this winter – healthful and delicious pecans. Visit a nut house where you can buy this season’s pecans, then make one of our pecan-filled recipes. By William D. Powell

58 Holiday Gift Guide LET US LIGHTEN YOUR load this holiday season by providing you with some of our top picks for the Holiday Gift Guide. This year, we have included Gifts That Give Back in order to give you the opportunity to help those in need simply by holiday shopping. By Sydnah Kingrea

6 Northeast Georgia Living

DEPARTMENTS Made in Georgia Holiday & Winter Favorites

ENJOY OUR SHOWCASE OF wonderfully crafted food, art and more created in Georgia. This issue features Alta Cucina Italia Balsamic Vinegars, High Tea Cookies and Pearson Farm Pecans. By Mollie Herndon

Spotlight Northeast Georgia Holiday & Winter Hits

CHECK OUT OUR TOP picks for festivals, food, art, music, performances and holiday and winter fun in Northeast Georgia. By Mollie Herndon

Gardening Winter Botanicals

ADD LIFE AND JOY to your home with indoor flowering plants. Christmas cactus, poinsettias and paperwhites brighten the season. By Pamela A. Keene

Antiques Fostoria American

The “prismatic fire” created by Fostoria American glass – first manufactured in 1915 – can be found in glassware and a multitude of serving pieces. By M.J. Sullivan

Vines Engelheim Vineyards

WHEN COLONEL GARY ENGEL retired from the military in 2004, he and his wife, Jan, enlisted together in a new venture as vintners, opening Engelheim Vineyards’ chalet-style winery and tasting room to the public in 2014. By M.J. Sullivan

Eat, Drink & Be Merry Enrico’s Italian Restaurant 20 Owner and chef Steve Conrad offers the tastes of Italy in a casual setting and serves traditional Italian dishes, many of which come from old family recipes. By William D. Powell

Making a Living Lakeside Home & Hardware

With everything from bolts to home accessories, Lakeside Home & Hardware is a full-service hardware with building and gardening supplies as well as furniture and fine gifts. By Pamela A. Keene

Books Home

HOME IS A HEARTWARMING story that reminds readers that a home can be anywhere, because it is where you make it. By Sydnah Kingrea

Destination An Iceland Christmas

THE BEAUTY AND WONDER of Iceland come together at Christmas in sweeping landscapes, intensely blue glaciers, folklore and its people’s love of books By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Let’s Go Somewhere Today Day Trip

RETREAT TO THE MONASTERY of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. By Pamela A. Keene

Let’s Go Somewhere Today Events

HOLIDAY AND WINTER EVENTS include holiday markets and ice skating. By Mollie Herndon

Reflections ... like a cardinal

IN THE SPIRIT OF Thoreau, I have set off into the woods behind my grandfather’s house. Christmas is past, but the winter and her wet cold still grip the forests. By Russell Sorrow

Cover Notes PHOTOGRAPH BY PHIL PYLE HIGH TEA COOKIES BY SUZANNE JOHNSON

Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 7

MADE IN GEORGIA

holiday &winter

BY MOLLIE HERNDON

favorites

Pearson Farm Pecans

What started out over 100 years ago as a small farm in Fort Valley, Ga., has grown into a successful family business called Pearson Farm. Although they started out with peaches, they have come to be known for their pecans as well. These farmgrown pecans are some of the best-quality pecans in Georgia. They offer a variety, including inshell, cinnamon-roasted, chocolate-covered and sea salt. They also have gift bags of pecans, which are great stocking stuffers for the holidays! For further information on these pecans and the farm’s other products, please call 888-4237374 or visit www.pearson farm.com.

With a passion for baking and her mother’s recipe in tow, Suzanne Johnson has been creating delectable tea cookies since 2002. Her company, High Tea Cookies, offers beautifully decorated cookies that taste just as good as they look. Suzanne uses the same recipe that her family has passed down for decades – it dates back as far as the Civil War! This old-fashioned recipe is still as delicious today as it was then. The cookies, which are available in seasonal designs, can also be custom designed for any occasion and are great as party favors or as game day treats! They can even be monogrammed! We’re sure that you’ll love looking at these cookies and enjoy eating them even more. For further information on these tasty treats, call 706436-9020 or visit www.high teacookies.com.

Alta Cucina Italia Balsamic Vinegars

Alta Cucina, based in Atlanta, Ga., is a company that brings the flavors of Italy to the South. They use only the finest, most natural ingredients from Italy and Georgia in their products, which they incorporate into their beloved family recipes. As winners of the 2015 Flavor of Georgia Contest, they have excelled in the development of bold Italian flavors. Their balsamic vinegars are particularly bold and delicious. They have balsamic vinegars flavored with fig, Georgia peach and blackberry that are sure to please any palate. You can enjoy them alone or use them in dressings and salads and on meats! There are countless ways to enjoy these sweet and savory vinegars. For further information on these and other products by Alta Cucina, please call 770-369-4231 or visit www.altacucinaitalia.com.

8 Northeast Georgia Living

Special Photos; Cookies by Phil Pyle and Melissa Herndon

High Tea Cookies

Georgia has an abundance of human and natural resources. Here are a few of our favorite examples of entrepreneurship that result in products you will want to become familiar with this holiday and winter.

SPOTLIGHT NORTHEAST GEORGIA

holiday &winter

BY MOLLIE HERNDON

hits

Dawsonville Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Dec. 5 Get in the spirit of Christmas by bringing the entire family to the Annual Dawsonville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Dawsonville! Admire the floats and displays, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. After the parade, enjoy a tree lighting, pictures with Santa, music, dancing and more! For further information on this event, please call 706-265-6278 or visit www.dawson.org.

“Annie” The Musical

Dec. 4-5 & 11-12 Come and see the beloved musical “Annie” performed live on stage by Savannah River Productions at the Rock Gym in Elberton! Set in the early 1930s during the Great Depression, the musical tells the story of Annie, a spunky, curly-haired orphan who lives in a girls’ shelter in New York. After being taken in by billionaire Oliver Warbucks over the Christmas holiday, Annie’s life is forever changed. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Show time is 7 p.m. For further information on this event, please call 706-376-7397 or visit www.savannahriver productions.org.

“Season of Light” Holiday Presentation

Dec. 4 & 11 Enjoy the Rollins Planetarium’s dazzling displays in a presentation titled “Season of Light,” a show that celebrates the winter months and holiday season. This show – presented by Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College – dives into the traditions that we celebrate during the holidays and gives interesting evidence as to why some events may have occurred during this season. For information, please call 800-241-3754 or visit www.yhc.edu.

Dec. 12 Join in the festivities at the Holly Jolly Christmas Tour of Trees! View several trees and wreaths, all uniquely and beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Also enjoy children’s activities, face painting, storytelling, live music, refreshments and more! This event – held from 3-6 p.m. at the Union County Community Center in Blairsville – is perfect for the entire family. For further information on this event, please call 706-745-5789 or visit www.blairsvillechamber.com.

10 Northeast Georgia Living

Special Photos

Holly Jolly Christmas Tour of Trees

Garden

Gateways The garden path for the holidays and winter leads ... indoors! Take advantage of bulbs and their beauty by forcing them into early blossom indoors during the winter like these paperwhites. PHOTOGRAPH BY PHIL PYLE

GARDEN BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Winter Botanicals

Poinsettia 14 Northeast Georgia Living

Christmas Cactus even a yellow-blossomed variety that has just been introduced.” While poinsettias are often treated like annuals – one season of blooms, then discard the plant – Christmas cactuses earn their keep because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for, and because they are reliable re-bloomers. Although it’s a succulent, a Christmas cactus will benefit from an occasional spritz of water and a little all-purpose fertilizer until about a month before it’s set to bloom. Keep them in a bright spot with plenty of natural light and water them when they dry out, and you’ll be rewarded with year after year of winter color. Create showier blooms by forcing the bulbs of amaryllis or paperwhite narcissus. “Paperwhites will usually bloom three or so weeks after they’ve been planted, and amaryllis will flower in about six weeks,” says Hans Lengeveld of Longfield Gardens, an online garden store that specializes in premium bulbs and plants. “Amaryllis is definitely my favorite, because they are virtually fool proof, surprise people with their beauty, and the flowers last a long time. They’re like a little miracle every day.” Lengeveld suggests that selection is critical to the success of forcing amaryllis bulbs. Look for large, firm bulbs of good quality. Plant them either in soil or in a dish with pebbles and water, and only cover the bottom two-thirds of the bulb. “They need a good sunny spot away from drafts that’s not too warm; temperatures of less than 70 degrees are ideal,” he says.

“Keeping them near a bright window and turning them periodically will help keep them from stretching.” Popular paperwhites can fill a home with fragrance in short order. Easy to force, one of the keys to success is making sure there is enough bright light, which will keep them from becoming too tall. Because their bloom cycle is fairly short, consider planting some bulbs right away, then starting a second batch a couple of weeks later. They can be planted in soil or placed on pebbles in a shallow bowl filled with water just up to the bottom of the bulbs. To combat the chances of ending up with droopy plants that tend to topple over from the weight of their blooms, place multiple bulbs in a tall, clear, cylindrical vase. Or use a colorful ribbon to gather the leaves into a bunch about two-thirds of the way up. “For variety, there are some new offerings available this year,” Lengeveld says.“We are offering for the second year our exclusive Scilla Maderiensis, a tropical bulb that produces nice foliage and pretty lavenderpurple blooms. If planted at the same time as your amaryllis and paperwhites, it will bloom after the paperwhites and before the Amaryllis, so you will have ongoing color.” Winter botanicals can brighten your home all winter long. They also make great hostess or holiday gifts, even for the person who may not have a green thumb. Take a chance this season with a combination of indoor flowering plants. You’ll look like an experienced gardener, and you’ll bring joy and hope to dreary winter days with the bright colors and diverse blooms. ◆

Photos by Phil Pyle

dd life and joy to your home with winter-blooming botanicals. Through the use of indoor flowering plants – from stately amaryllis to traditional poinsettias – you can brighten your home all season long. “Winter-blooming plants and bulbs are a way to be hopeful and look toward spring when it’s dreary, rainy and cold outside,” says Ellen Davenport of Sunny Hill Greenhouses in Canon, not far from Royston. “They lift the spirits and remind us of rebirth and the birth of Jesus.” At this time of year, colorful poinsettias grace retail outlets, from box stores to groceries. Available in many new colors, including varieties with orange and variegated blooms, they’re a perfect complement to holiday greens, wreaths and garlands. To many people, they’re the “official” blossom of Christmas, bought in bunches to place on front porches, in foyers and on the hearth. Christmas cactuses, with their graceful, draping branches punctuated by tubular blooms, are another popular holiday choice that’s widely available each winter. Choose from white, red, orange and hot pink. “This year’s new colors include Sunset Dancer, with an interesting orange blossom, and Limelight Champagne, which is beige,” Davenport says. “There’s

ANTIQUES STORY AND PHOTOS BY M.J. SULLIVAN

Fostoria American

Celebrating 100 Years of Crystal Beauty

ccording to an ad published in 1915 by the Fostoria Glass Company, their newly released American pattern was the most striking design they had ever created. Calling it “prismatic in effect,” the ad stated that “by either artificial or sunlight it produces all the ‘prismatic’ fire to a greater extent than any table glassware pattern” they had ever produced. So it is not surprising that the American line, manufactured from 1915 until 1986, has the distinction of being the longest continually produced pattern in the domestic glassware industry. This impressive pattern developed from an original 95 items into a selection of 340 items, including serving pieces, dinnerware, barware, stemware and vases. The first American pieces were produced in clear crystal and were generally

needle-etched, wheel-cut and fire-polished, giving the glass a lustrous appearance and silky feel. In the 1920s pastels were added, as well as darker colors, including opaque black. Later it was manufactured in ruby, and in both white and pastel milk glass. In time this desirable line was exported to England. Because of American’s popularity, look-alike patterns were introduced by other manufacturers. Philip Ebeling, who was credited with designing the American line for Fostoria, also worked for the Jeannette Glass Company, where he created their Cubist pattern. While bearing similarities to American, it does not have the distinction of being fire-polished. Also, the cubes appear flatter and seem more concave than convex. Another similar design is Whitehall,

produced by the Indiana Glass Company. According to Leslie Pina in her book Fostoria American Line 2056, one way to distinguish between the American and Whitehall patterns is by the mold marks. “Whitehall often has more pronounced mold marks as well as thicker and blunter edges.” She goes on to state, “The Indiana Glass Company also made American look-alikes for Home Interiors. Since these later reproductions can be identified as such, they should not adversely affect the market.” When Fostoria closed in 1983, the new owner, Lancaster Colony Corporation, took possession of the original molds and subsequently contracted with the DalzellViking Company to continue producing the American pattern. Items were manufactured until 1986 in both crystal and ruby. These newer releases are often difficult to distinguish from the original glassware because of the care with which they were cast. James Turmon, a retired antiques dealer and elegant glass specialist, can

The “prismatic fire” created by Fostoria American glass – first manufactured in 1915 – can be found in glassware and a multitude of serving pieces. Above, a platter and pedestal bowl were grouped to create an elegant setting for a pine branch and ornament arrangement. 16 Northeast Georgia Living

attest to the quality and beauty of the American pattern. He began his education and career at the age of 14, when he discovered there were treasures under the tent at local carnivals and fairs. “By pitching coins at a rotating device I was able to win glassware and china for my mom. We used the china, but the carnival glass we kept boxed up. Knowing what I know now, I’m glad we did,” says Turmon. Once he began selling his carnival glass and other desirable finds at flea markets and to private buyers, Turmon realized that there was serious money to be made in glassware. That began his quest for a better understanding of elegant glass. From then on, he devoured everything he could read on the subject. Before long, he was selling his finds at elegant glass show venues all over the Southeast. In the antiques world, Turmon is regarded by many peers as a self-taught expert. After almost 50 years in the business, Turmon recently turned his inventory over to his son and now serves in an advisory capacity. However, his new role has not diminished his exuberance for fine glassware and for Fostoria’s American pattern. “I have a high regard for American’s beautiful prismatic design. It is easily recognized by its fire-polished brilliance and the true cubic pattern of the glass. It is a quality you can feel with your hands.” He adds that pieces exported to England – like the wash bowl & pitcher, hotel bowl, soap dish, sugar & creamer with tongs, flower frog bowl and the three-handled bowl – are more difficult to find. During his career some of his rarest finds were iced tea glasses with handles, water bottles and ketchup bottles. He still regrets missing, by just a matter of minutes, the purchase of a rare wash bowl & pitcher. “Even the American pieces that were made at Dalzell after Fostoria closed are of a high quality. Collectors would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the old and the new. That is why the American pattern continues to hold its value,” says Turmon. In order to maintain the beauty of this distinctive glassware, Turmon cautions that, as with all elegant glassware, it should never be put in the dishwasher. This prevents permanent etching of the glass by harsh detergents. If glassware problems already exist, Turmon recommends contacting Kim Carlisle & Associates for glass restoration at 317-402-5406. ◆ Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 17

VINES STORY AND PHOTOS BY M.J. SULLIVAN

Engelheim Vineyards

hen Colonel Gary Engel retired from the military in 2004, he and his wife, Jan, enlisted together in a new venture as vintners. Neither Gary nor Jan, who currently serves as a flight attendant for American Airlines, were strangers to international travel and as such were familiar with wine regions around the globe. While stationed on active duty in Europe’s Rhine Valley, the couple was favorably influenced by the area’s wine culture, and this experience helped them make the decision to one day adopt that lifestyle as their own. Engel, who grew up in a farming community in his native Alabama, already had an affinity for the land. In addition, he recalls as a child seeing his mother make sweet wine to give as Christmas gifts. “I was both curious and fascinated by the whole fermenting process. So when the challenge presented itself to grow my own grapes and personally try my hand at 18 Northeast Georgia Living

winemaking, I welcomed the opportunity,” Engel says. “There is an old adage that if you have land that can grow apples, you can also grow grapes. Since Gilmer County is one of the most prolific apple regions in the state, we chose to purchase land here,” says Engel. Pleased also with the elevation,

topography and results of soil tests, the couple felt comfortable with their choice. The couple decided on the name Engelheim (German for “angel home”) for their undertaking and in 2009 began planting nine varieties of American hybrid and vinifera grapes. By September of 2014, they had opened their tasting room to the public, inside their Bavarianchalet-style winery. In 2015 their land choice and hard work bore fruit when their estate-grown vintages were recognized at the prestigious San Francisco Wine Chronicle Wine Competition. There they garnered a double gold medal for their 2013 Sweet Molly; two silvers, one for their 2012 Merlot, one for their 2013 Traminette; and a bronze for their 2012 Trilogy. Engel attributes much of the winery’s early achievement not only to their premium grapes but also to the talent and skill of Serenity Cellars’ winemaker, Joe Smith, who advised him regarding the winemaking process. Engel says that Joe’s ongoing instruction and mentoring have been an invaluable asset for producing award-winning wines. In addition, Engel credits his dedicated staff with much of the winery’s success. This staff includes Mike Sullivan, who manages the tasting room. Sullivan also serves as the contact person for coordinating special events and promoting public relations, including ongoing blogging activity. Another key employee, Mike Ott, Owner Gary Engel (left) and his wife, Jan, opened Engelheim Vineyards’ chaletstyle winery and tasting room to the public in 2014.

oversees the care of the vineyard and addresses issues such as vine dressing, maintenance and irrigation. According to Engel, his efforts are an integral element of the winery’s continued productivity. Working with individual event planners, the winery hosts a diverse variety of activities. One of the most unique of these is a small group day spa offered periodically on weekdays when the winery is closed to the public. These sessions include massage and spa treatments administered in a private, relaxed atmosphere by trained personnel. Other scheduled events at the winery include parties, rehearsal dinners and vineyard weddings. Live music in the tasting room on weekends is an ongoing feature at Engelheim as well. In the planning stages is an events center designed to accommodate larger gatherings, such as corporate functions and indoor wedding-related activities. A project is also underway to build an underground cellar for storing wine at controlled temperatures. As their family-oriented business continues to grow, future plans also include more hands-on involvement by the Engel’s three children, Emily, Katie, William and their families. According to Engel, growing competitive quality wine grapes in Georgia can be more difficult than producing wine grapes on the West Coast because of factors like humidity, fungus, early spring frosts and significant rainfall. But he attests that it is well worth the effort. “Growing grapes in Georgia presents multiple challenges, but the quality of our fruit can compete with anything California has to offer. The wine industry in Georgia is still in its infancy, but year after year our standard continues to improve. We are just beginning to discover our premium wine grape capabilities. I project that within ten years Georgia’s wine industry will have doubled in size,” says Engel. “Although we all work hard, when it comes to the success of the winery, Jan and I give all of the glory to God. We can custom-mix our fertilizer, prune the vines to perfection and try to protect new buds from frost, but ultimately everything comes from Him. He’s the one who actually makes the grapes.” ◆ To plan a visit to Engelheim Vineyards, visit them online at www.engelheim.com or telephone them at 706-635-9463. Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 19

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY STORY AND PHOTOS BY WILLIAM D. POWELL

Enrico’s

Italian Restaurant

he distinctive garlic aroma of Italian food and an attractive entry area greet guests at Enrico’s Italian Restaurant, which has served Young Harris and the surrounding communities for the past 19 years. Owner/Chef Steve Conrad offers the traditional tastes of Italy in a casual dining setting. Steve, though born in New Jersey, was raised in south Florida in a family that owned a local chain of authentic Italian pizzerias. He grew up on his mother’s good Italian food and in his father’s pizzerias! Working for his father at the age of 12 and cooking pizzas by 13, he had to stand on a small crate to reach the oven. Steve eventually started a family of his own, and during the summers they would retreat to his family’s summer home in

Owner and chef Steve Conrad (left) offers the tastes of Italy in a casual dining setting in Young Harris. Angela Repp prepares to serve some of Enrico’s tradiHiawassee. After one of these visits Steve and his wife decided they would rather raise their children in the mountains of north Georgia than in south Florida. With the help of his father, Steve opened his own Italian restaurant, Enrico’s, in the fall of 1996. Commenting on what is great about Italian food, Steve says, “We eat everything!” Clarifying the statement, he said that almost anything can be considered Italian with the right preparation and sauces. Of course old family recipes play a big part in the success of 20 Northeast Georgia Living

tional Italian dishes, many of which come from old family recipes. Enrico’s, along with the consistent quality of the food and service. Sure-to-please appetizers include fresh mozzarella caprese, fried calamari and eggplant fries. Minestrone soup and a special soup such as shrimp bisque are served nightly. A Caesar or house salad is served with either chicken or shrimp.

Classic Italian dinner entrées include veal and chicken prepared three different ways. The piccata style is prepared with a lemon white wine sauce, mushrooms and capers. The Enrico style is sautéed with roasted red peppers, portabella mushrooms and a touch of sherry wine in a marinara sauce. Lastly, Marsala features a wine sauce with mushrooms and onions. Other traditional Italian dinners include fettuccine Alfredo, baked lasagna, chicken Parmigiana, ravioli and linguine. Three steaks are offered, each with an Italian flair. Seafood dishes are one of the restaurant’s specialties. Shrimp Angotti is based on his mother’s family recipe and is sautéed with mushrooms and spinach in a roasted cream sauce and tossed with penne pasta. Each course has recommendations from a large in-house stock of beer or wine to complement the meal. Monday through Saturday, Enrico’s offers $10 early bird specials between 4 and 6 p.m. Tuesday’s pizza night is especially popular with the Young Harris college students. Well-liked by couples is a “Two for $32” special that includes a choice of an appetizer or dessert and two entrées. Chef specials are available as well – any item that has “Enrico” in the name is either a family recipe or one of Steve’s creations. The dessert menu features a variety of perennial favorites, including their signature ones: cannoli, tiramisu and Italian love cake. Cappuccino or espresso is suggested with dessert. Enrico’s colorful interior features red tablecloths and art – including murals of Italy – and has three fireplaces. During the cold months a dinner reservation can include a table near one of the fireplaces. A banquet room with a capacity for 50 people can be reserved for special occasions. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated with a white tablecloth, photos and a complimentary signature dessert. The key to the restaurant business for Steve is doing what he likes to do, which is “making people happy with good food and good service.” Plan an outing to Young Harris to have dinner at Enrico’s. ◆ Enrico’s Italian Restaurant is located at 687 Main St., Suite 5, in Young Harris and is open for dinner every night except Sunday. For reservations call 706-3791950. For an in-depth look at the menu, visit their comprehensive website: enricos italianrestaurant.com. Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 21

MAKING A LIVING STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Lakeside Home & Hardware

adies take note: Lakeside Home & Hardware in Gainesville is much more than a hardware store. It has become the go-to place for gifts, home décor, home entertaining supplies, accent furniture, rugs, items for children and babies, artwork and accessories. “When couples come into the store, the man goes to the right into the hardware, and the woman heads left to our expanded gifts and home furnishings area,” says Craig Shoemaker, general manager of the True Value located at 3540 Thompson Bridge Road (state Route 60) just west of Gainesville. “We are not a conventional hardware in many ways, not just because we offer our home section, but also because you can find a wide variety of items at competitive prices and get great customer service. Our goal is to engage our customers and help them solve their problems when people come here.” Opened in 2000, Lakeside Home & Hardware changed its affiliation last year to True Value. “They’re one of the largest hardware co-ops and buying services in the nation. But beyond that, they are extremely well-known for customer service and helping stores understand and 22 Northeast Georgia Living

With everything from bins of bolts to beautiful home accessories, Lakeside Home & Hardware is a full-service hardware with building and gardening supplies as well as furniture and fine gifts.

better serve their customers.” For instance, Shoemaker says that a customer can go online, order a particular product and have it shipped at no charge to the store. Because a major warehouse in Atlanta supports the company’s exten-

sive catalog, turnaround time can be shortened. “Some people aren’t comfortable just looking online, so they can come to the store, and we can help them locate an item if we don’t have it in stock.” Lakeside carries items for individuals and contractors, including hardware and paint, swimming pool chemicals, and electrical, plumbing, gardening and pet supplies. They also carry outdoor furnishings – including a variety of models of the Big Green Egg – and sturdy Breezesta patio furniture, which is made from recycled plastic milk cartons so as to be environmentally friendly. The new Yeti coolers, tumblers, drinkware and accessories are extremely popular – so much so that they virtually fly off the shelves now that people know where to purchase them. The selection of products for the outdoors includes fountains, birding supplies and deck décor. The garden department sells seasonal plants, tools, fertilizer and garden-care items. An extensive paint section between the hardware and the home section offers Benjamin Moore paints. Shoemaker calls the paint area a “unifier” between the men and the women. The home and gift department was recently expanded and features many name brand products, including fine handmade metalware by Beatriz Ball, as well as original one-of-a-kind artwork from all over the Southeast. These items make great gifts or additions to your own home. Lamps, side chairs, desks and incidental tables are for sale and also serve as display areas for decorative vases, home accessories, kitchenware and artwork. The children’s area in the back of the store features a special section of Melissa & Doug educational toys and a variety of gift items for newborns and infants. Several years ago, Shoemaker retired from furniture manufacturing and sales, moved from the Carolinas to Gainesville, and was hired to work on the sales floor at Lakeside. That part-time job evolved into his current full-time role as general manager, giving him the chance to build strong relationships with customers in the area. “For us, we want to become important to our local consumers,” he says. “And, as I said, we’re more than a traditional hardware. When people come here, they’re greeted by our staff, who are here to help them. We are truly your neighborhood place to shop.” ◆ Holiday/Winter 2015-2016

BOOKS

ome is a heartwarming story that reminds readers that a home can be anywhere, because it is where you make it. From a house in the country to an underground lair, each person has his or her own unique home, no matter how odd it may seem to others. With whimsical illustrations and fun examples of homes, including those of a Slovakian duchess and a “Moonian” (someone who lives on the moon), this sweet book is sure to entertain all children and adults who read it. You’ll encounter cute characters and animals as well as colorful and geometrical home drawings. This short story highlights that everyone is different and that no particular place is a wrong place to live. Some folks choose to live on the road, for example, and even raccoons have homes of their own. Your child will enjoy seeing all the different shapes and sizes that can make up a home and all the adorable critters that probably live nearby. The artwork created by the author, Carson Ellis, is beautiful and lends the story a comforting, nostalgic feel similar to the one that many of us get around the holidays. Grab a copy of Home, an endearing tribute to all types of homes, to share with your family this holiday season. ◆ 24 Northeast Georgia Living

BY SYDNAH KINGREA

DESTINATION STORY AND PHOTOS BY JACKIE SHECKLER FINCH

An Iceland Christmas

The beauty and wonder of Iceland come together at Christmas in sweeping landscapes, intensely blue glaciers, folklore – like the Yule Lads (left) – and its people’s love of books.

or children in Iceland, the Christmas celebration starts early and involves 13 bearded men known as the Yule Lads. “We have them instead of Santa Claus,” says tour guide Viktor Gudmansson. “But you have to be good or you’ll get in trouble with them.” The frightening-looking lads are the ´ children of a mean couple named Gryla and Leppaludi. Part troll and part animal, ´ searches for naughty children to Gryla boil in her cauldron. She can only capture children who misbehave, and those who repent must be released. The Yule Lads are named for the mis26 Northeast Georgia Living

chievous tricks they play on those who are naughty. Names like Door Slammer, Sausage Pilferer, Window Peeper, Spoon Licker and Pot Scraper. The Yule Lads come down from the mountains in December and lurk around villages at night. Starting on Dec. 12, children leave a shoe in the window of their home, and if they have been good that day, they will find a small gift in the morning from the Yule Lads. If they have been naughty, the shoe will hold a rotten potato. So it goes until Dec. 24 when, with great festivities, the holiday is celebrated and gifts are opened. Taking a circumnavigation cruise on the Ocean Diamond around Iceland intro-

duced me to the wonders of this beautiful country and to some of its customs and beliefs. Our 10-day itinerary set off from the capital city of Reykjavik and stopped every day in a different place until we returned round circle to Reykjavik. The Land of Fire and Ice is so beautiful

´ Gryla

it looks like another world. About the size of Kentucky, Iceland is a country like no other: 15 active volcanoes, 10,000 thundering waterfalls, 800 hot springs, immense lava fields, glaciers covering 11.5 percent of the country. Then there are the whales, puffins, fuzzy Icelandic horses (don’t dare call them ponies), erupting geysers, postcard-pretty fjords, northern lights and midnight sun. The population of Iceland is about 323,000, and a surprisingly high percentage of Icelanders believe in the Hidden People – elves and trolls. And even those who don’t believe usually take care not to insult the mystical creatures. For as long as he can remember, Viktor says, he has been a believer. “Most certainly. I have never seen the trolls or elves, but I am not dead yet,” he says with a smile. “There is still hope.”

Elves and trolls take revenge I arrived in Reykjavik about a half day before I was due to embark on my cruise ship and used the time to take a tour around the well-known Golden Circle. As we were driving, tour guide Magnus pointed out a big rock in the middle of a road. The roadway was built around the obstacle, Magnus said, because the boulder was believed to be the home of some elves, and no one wanted to risk incurring the little people’s wrath. Trolls can only travel during the dark, Magnus added. “If sunlight hits them, they turn to stone,” he said – which might account for so many rocks and stones on the Icelandic landscape. Did he believe? I asked Magnus. “I do believe in trolls and elves,” he answered. “They protect nature, and you have to respect them.” To prove his point, Magnus told me about a project to build a golf course on the outskirts of ReykjavÌk in 2004. Construction crews moved a rock believed to be the dwelling of elves. Calamity resulted. Construction equipment broke down. Workers became sick and injured. After too many bad things happened to be considered just bad luck, the chief engineer issued a public apology to the elves and promised never to do it again. The weird happenings ceased and the golf course was completed on schedule. Strange occurrences abound when folks don’t respect the supernatural, Viktor agrees. Cell phones disappear. Eyeglasses Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 27

are never seen again. A finger gets broken. A tooth starts aching. Cars won’t start. “One woman I know lost a watch,” Viktor says. “It was on her nightstand where she always kept it. It had belonged to her grandmother and was one of those old-fashioned windup kind.” Looking back over her day, the woman remembered that she had cleaned an unsightly pile of stones out of her flowerbed, cursing the mess. Could she have unwittingly insulted a family of elves? Not wanting to take a chance, the woman went to the flowerbed and said she was sorry for her earlier words. “Two days later she found the watch on her porch,” Viktor says. “It was still ticking, so someone must have wound it. An elf? Whatever you believe. She believed.”

Christmas books are a long Icelandic tradition Another Icelandic Christmas custom involves the exchange of books. On my cruise, I learned that Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country. New books are typically published only during the Christmas season, a time which is known as Jolabokafloo or

28 Northeast Georgia Living

the Christmas Book Flood. A catalog of new books is distributed free to every Icelandic household as folks begin preparing wish lists of new reading. Icelanders get and give books on Christmas Eve, and people generally spend hours that night reading. The Icelandic literary tradition is very strong and tied to the nation’s early history, when the Icelandic Sagas were written and shared during difficult times on the isolated island. “Because our winters are long and dark, we spend a lot of time indoors, and we like to share stories and books,” Viktor says. “Sometimes someone will read to us from a book, or we will take turns making up the lines of a poem or the next part of a story. We teach our children to read and write at very young ages.” In fact, today there is no illiteracy in Iceland. “We grow up with a love of reading and storytelling,” Viktor says. “When you get a book for Christmas, you cherish it. I think it is one of our nicest Christmas traditions.” ◆ For more information, contact Iceland ProCruises at 678-701-5830 or visit iceland procruises.com.

LET’S GO SOMEWHERE TODAY BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Day Trip

stresses and challenges of daily life. Structures on the 2,300-acre campus include the Monastic Heritage Center, the Visitors Center, a retreat house for overnight stays, a gift shop that sells fudge, fruit cake and biscotti made by the monks, the Bonsai Greenhouse and the Garden Center. The gift shop’s café offers a light meal. The monastery’s Abbey Church, built over a period of 15 years by the hands of the first generation of monks in Conyers, combines soaring Gothic-style arches and concrete columns with modern stainedglass windows to create a place that’s been called “Georgia’s Most Remarkable Concrete Building” by The Georgia Contractor magazine. “The monastery is a beautiful and serene place for you to get away for a few minutes, a few hours or even a few days,” writes a reviewer on TripAdvisor after a visit this summer. “Very peaceful and quiet ... the monastery is a beautiful, spirit-filled oasis.” Father Anthony Delisi committed him-

30 Northeast Georgia Living

The Trappist monks at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit welcome visitors to walk with them through their daily activites, which include baking, bonsai cultivation, and, of course, prayers.

Photos by Pamela A. Keene and Melissa Herndon

ong before the sun washes the serene landscape in the morning dawn, the Trappist monks of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers begin their day of prayer, work and contemplation with Vigils at 4 a.m. In many ways, their lives are not much different from those of the monks who founded the Cisterians, and later the Trappists, long ago in France. The monastery welcomes people of all faiths to experience the monastic life through day visits, on-site retreats and participation in the daily observances of Vigils, Morning Prayer & Community Mass, Midday Prayer, Vespers (Evening Prayer) and Compline (Night Prayer). It’s also the perfect location for a quiet walk, a private prayer or a respite from the

self to monastic life 67 years ago. As a 20year-old college student in Washington, D.C., he worked to get young kids off the streets in the slums of the city. A story in The Washington Post about the work of the Conyers monks led him to Georgia and changed his life forever. Today he is among the oldest of the 35 monks at the monastery. These men, who range in age from their early 20s to their 90s, have been called by God to leave their secular lives and their professions as teachers or travel agents, or whatever they may have been, in order to join the Trappist life. “Our lives are ordered around prayer, labor and contemplation,” says a gray-haired monk with kind eyes and a welcoming smile. “We welcome people to come and experience monastic life by staying at our retreat house.” A full schedule of retreat topics for 2016 is published in a brochure and on the monastery’s website. Individuals or groups may also arrange for private retreats. Founded in 1944 by a small group of Trappist monks from the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, the monastery is one of 23 Trappist monasteries in North America and one of five located in the Southeast. The 170 Trappist monasteries worldwide are homes to a total of approximately 3,900 monks and nuns. Many of these monasteries date back as much as six to eight centuries. In addition, the order continues to grow and expand in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Getting There The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is located at 2625 Highway 212 SW off Interstate Highway 20 in Conyers, east of Atlanta. The monastery is also an entrance to the adjacent Arabia Mountain Heritage Area, which has more than 30 miles of hiking and cycling trails and is one of 49 national heritage areas in the United States. Day-trip visitors frequently have picnics under the spreading hardwoods in order to enjoy the quiet environment. Groups also arrive by bus to tour the monastery; for these trips, calling in advance is suggested. Photography is allowed throughout the property. For more information about the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, visit www.trappist.net or call 770-483-8705. The monastery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free; donations are accepted. ◆ Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 31

HOLIDAY SAMPLER

HOLIDAY MARKETS UNION COUNTY Kris Kringle Mountain Market: Dec. 45, Union County Farmers Market, Blairsville. For further information, please visit www.blairsvillechamber.com.

OCONEE COUNTY OCAF Holiday Market: Dec. 4-6, OCAF Art Center & Rocket Hall, Watkinsville. Hours are 5-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. For further information, please visit www.ocaf.com.

DAWSON COUNTY Dawsonville Jingle Market: Dec. 5, 1-6 p.m., Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, Dawsonville. For further information, please visit www.dawson.org.

TOWNS COUNTY Brasstown Valley Crafters Holiday Weekend: Dec. 5-6, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Young Harris. Enjoy beautiful holiday decorations and arts & crafts! For further information, please visit www.mountaintopga.com.

WHITE COUNTY 8th Annual Christkindlmarkt: Dec. 5-6 & 12-13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Markplatz, Helen. For further information, please visit www.helenga.org.

ATHENS/CLARKE COUNTY Indie South Fair: Dec. 5-6, Indie South Fairgrounds, 660 N. Chase St., Athens. For further information, please visit www.indiesouthfair.com.

LET’S GO SOMEWHERE TODAY BY MOLLIE HERNDON

Holiday/Winter 2015-16

EVENTS ATHENS/CLARKE COUNTY www.visitathensga.com (Chamber of Commerce: 706-549-6800; Convention & Visitors Center: 706-357-4430 or 800-653-0603)

Ice Skating at The Classic Center: Now through February, The Classic Center, Athens. For information on specific dates and times, visit www.classiccenter.com. Downtown Parade of Lights: Dec. 3, 7 p.m., downtown Athens. Enjoy the annual Parade of Lights! Enter your float for an award or cash prize! Please visit www.visitathensga.com. State Botanical Garden Holiday Open House: Dec. 6, State Botanical Garden Visitors Center & Conservatory, Athens. Enjoy beautiful holiday decorations, visits with Santa, holiday shopping and a performance by the Georgia Children’s Chorus. For further information, please visit www.botgarden.uga.edu. “The Nutcracker” at The Classic Center: Dec. 19-20, The Classic Center, Athens. Presented by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. For further information, please visit www.classiccenter.com. Athens Wine Weekend: Feb. 5-7, The Classic Center, Athens. Please visit www.athenswineweekend.com.

BARROW COUNTY www.cityofwinder.com www.winderdowntown.com (Chamber of Commerce: 770-867-9444; Auburn City Hall: 770-963-4002; Bethlehem City Hall: 770-867-0702; Carl City Hall: 770867-1308; Statham City Hall: 770-725-5455; Winder City Hall: 770-867-3106)

4th Annual Holly Jolly Elf Trot 5k & Fun Run: Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m., Peoples Equity Partners Building, Winder. 32 Northeast Georgia Living

Registration is at 1:30 p.m. The Fun Run is at 2:30 p.m., and the 5k is at 3 p.m. The cost is $20. For further information, please visit www.active.com. 67th Annual Winder Christmas Parade: Dec. 12, 4-6 p.m., downtown Winder. For further information, please visit www.winderdowntown.com.

DAWSON COUNTY www.dawson.org (Chamber of Commerce & CVB: 706-2656278 or 877-302-9271)

Over the River Art Show: Dec. 1-12, Bowen Center for the Arts, Dawsonville. Visit www.dawsonarts.org. Breakfast With Santa & Christmas Bazaar: Dec. 5, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Rock Creek Sports Complex, Dawsonville. Breakfast will be from 8-11 a.m., and the Bazaar will last until 2 p.m. Please visit www.dawson.org. Dawsonville Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting: Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m., downtown Dawsonville. For further information, please visit www.dawson.org.

ELBERT COUNTY www.mainstreet-elberton.com www.elbertga.com (Chamber of Commerce: 706-283-5651; Main Street: 706-213-0626; Bowman City Hall: 706-245-5432) Elberton Christmas Parade: Dec. 3, downtown Elberton. For information, visit www.mainstreet-elberton.com. “Annie”: Dec. 4-5 & 11-12, the Rock Gym, Elberton. Enjoy the heartwarming story of the beloved Annie. For further information, please visit www.main street-elberton.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Holiday &Winter 2015-16

EVENTS Bowman Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, 2 p.m., Bowman. For further information, visit www.mainstreet-elberton.com. Dashing Through the Snow: Dec. 4-6 & 11-13, Elbert Theatre. Friday & Saturday performances will be at 7 p.m., and Sunday performances will be at 2 p.m. For further information, please visit www.mainstreet-elberton.com. Montevideo Christmas Parade: Dec. 20, 2 p.m., Montevideo. Please visit www.mainstreet-elberton.com.

FORSYTH COUNTY www.cummingforsythchamber.org (Chamber of Commerce: 770-887-6461)

Cumming Christmas Jingle Jog 5k: Dec. 5, 8:30 a.m., downtown Cumming. This race through downtown Cumming will begin and end at Taco Mac. Visit www.cummingforsythchamber.org. Arts & Crafts Festival: Dec. 11-12, Cumming Fairgrounds. Friday hours are 4-9 p.m., and Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For further information, please visit www.cummingfair.net

FRANKLIN COUNTY www.franklin-county.com www.cityofroyston.com www.canongeorgia.com www.lavonia-ga.com (Franklin County Chamber of Commerce: 706-384-4659; Royston DDA: 706-245-7577; Lavonia DDA: 706-356-1923)

Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 1, Royston Wellness & Community Park. For further information, please visit www.cityofroyston.com. Canon Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, 11 a.m., Canon. For further information, please visit www.canongeorgia.com. Lavonia Christmas Parade: Dec. 6, 3 p.m., the gazebo in downtown Lavonia. For information, call 706-356-1926. Lavonia Christmas Festival: Dec. 11, 5 p.m., the gazebo in downtown Lavonia. For further information, please call 706-356-1926. 34 Northeast Georgia Living

Royston Christmas Parade: Dec. 13, 3-5 p.m., Royston. For further information, please visit www.cityofroyston.com.

HABERSHAM COUNTY www.habershamga.com www.habershamchamber.com www.corneliageorgia.org www.clarkesvillega.com (Chamber of Commerce: 706-778-4654; Better Hometown-Cornelia: 706-778-7875; Clarkesville City Hall: 706-754-2220; Cornelia City Hall: 706-778-8585; Demorest City Hall: 706-778-4202)

Habersham County Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, 10 a.m., downtown Cornelia. For further information, please visit www.habershamchamber.com. Christmas at the Gorge: Dec. 5, 1-3:30 p.m., Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls. For further information, please visit www.habershamchamber.com. A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas: Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m., downtown Clarkesville. For further information, visit www.habershamchamber.com.

HALL COUNTY www.hallcounty.org www.gainesville.org (Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce: 770-5326206; Convention & Visitors Bureau: 770-5365209; Main Street Gainesville: 770-297-1141)

Christmas on Green Street: Dec. 6, 4:457:15 p.m., Green Street, Gainesville. For further information, please visit www.hallcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

HART COUNTY www.hart-chamber.org www.hartwellmainstreet.com (Chamber of Commerce: 706-376-8590 or hartchamber@hartcom.net; DDA: 706-376-0188)

Hart County Christmas Parade: Dec. 13, 3:30 p.m., downtown Hartwell. For further information, please visit www.hartwellmainstreet.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smellsâ&#x20AC;?: Dec. 11-12 & 18-20, Hart County Community Theatre. For further information, please visit www.hart countycommunitytheatre.com. Wine, Cheese and a Little Jazz: Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m., the Art Center, Hartwell. This CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

Holiday &Winter 2015-16

EVENTS is a silent auction and heavy hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres fundraiser for the Friends of the Hart County Library. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25 and are available at the Hart County Library. For information, visit www.hartwellmainstreet.com. Piatigorsky Concert: Feb. 1, 7 p.m., Hartwell First United Methodist Church. This concert is free and open to the public and features cellist Evan Drachman and pianist Victor Asuncion. All donations will be sent to the Piatigorsky Foundation to support their mission of providing classical music to rural areas! Visit www.hartwellmainstreet.com. Low Country Boil Dinner & Auction: Feb. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hartwell. This is a fundraiser for the Imagination Library program in Hart County. Tickets are $15 and are available from any Community Action Team member or from the Hart Partners office. Please visit www.hartwell mainstreet.com.

JACKSON COUNTY www.jacksoncountyga.com www.cityofhoschton.com www.commercega.org www.mainstreetcommercega.com www.cityofjeffersonga.com www.mainstreetjefferson.com www.braselton.net (Chamber of Commerce: 706-387-0300; Commerce DDA: 706-335-2954; Jefferson Better Hometown: 706-215-3345; Jefferson City Hall: 706-367-7202; Braselton City Hall: 770-654-3915)

Lighting of the Tree: Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m., Marlowe Park, Jefferson. Please visit www.mainstreetjefferson.com. Downtown in December: Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m., downtown Jefferson. Enjoy entertainment, photos with Santa and more! Visit www.mainstreetjefferson.com. Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, 3 p.m., Jefferson. For further information, visit www.mainstreetjefferson.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 37

Holiday &Winter 2015-16

EVENTS Commerce Christmas Parade: Dec. 6, 3 p.m., downtown Commerce. For further information, visit www.commercega.org. Bling in the New Year: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Commerce Civic Center. Visit www.commercega.org.

LUMPKIN COUNTY www.dahlonega.org (Chamber of Commerce: 706-864-3711 or 800-231-5543; Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Center: 706-864-3513)

Miracle on 34th Street: Dec. 4-6, 11-13, & 18-20, Holly Theatre, Dahlonega. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. Please visit www.dahlonega.org. Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration: Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m., Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, Dahlonega. Please visit www.montaluce.com. New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve at Montaluce: Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Montaluce Winery & Restaurant. For further information, please visit www.montaluce.com. 12th Annual Dahlonega Literary Festival: March 12-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., downtown Dahlonega. Book lovers, this event is for you! Shop books by various authors from the Southeast and enjoy meet & greets and more! Please visit www.literaryfestival.org.

MADISON COUNTY www.madisoncountyga.org (Danielsville Chamber of Commerce: 706-795-3473)

Comer Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, Comer. For further information, please visit www.madisoncountyga.org. 22nd Annual Christmas in Comer Reindeer Run: Dec. 5, 10 a.m., Arnold Park, Comer. The cost is $20 and includes a T-shirt if registration is completed by Nov. 6. After Nov. 6, the cost is $10 and does not include a T-shirt. Please visit www.madcorec.com.

OCONEE COUNTY www.oconeecounty.com www.oconeechamber.org (Oconee County Chamber of Commerce: 706769-7947; Welcome Center: 706-769-5197)

Watkinsville Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, Watkinsville. For further information, please visit www.oconeechamber.org.

RABUN COUNTY www.gamountains.com www.downtownclaytonga.org www.explorerabun.com (Chamber of Commerce: 706-782-4812; Civic Center: 706-212-2142)

River Vista Half Marathon & 10k: Dec. 4-6, River Vista RV Resort, Dillard. A 5k will be held on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the 10k on Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. and the Half Marathon on Dec. 6 at 7:30 a.m. For further information, please visit www.rivervistahalfmarathon.com. Charity Lane Festival of Lights: Dec. 46, Rabun Gap and Dillard. Enjoy a beautiful display of lights stretching 7 miles from Don’s Mobile in Rabun Gap to Dillard United Methodist Church. There

is a suggested donation of $10 per car. Please visit www.explorerabun.com. Rabun County Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m., downtown Clayton. Please visit www.explorerabun.com.

STEPHENS COUNTY www.mainstreettoccoa.com www.toccoagachamber.com (Chamber of Commerce: 706-886-2132)

ChristmasFest: Dec. 4, 5-8 p.m., downtown Toccoa. For further information, please visit www.mainstreettoccoa.com. Festival of Trees: Dec. 4-5, Toccoa. Please visit www.mainstreettoccoa.com. Christmas Parade: Dec. 5, Toccoa. Visit www.mainstreettoccoa.com.

TOWNS COUNTY www.mountaintopga.com (Chamber of Commerce: 706-896-4966; Towns County Tourism: 706-896-0589)

Christmas at Young Harris College Concert: Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Glenn Auditorium, Young Harris College, Young Harris. Please visit www.yhc.edu. “Season of Light” Holiday

Presentation: Dec. 4 & 11, 8 p.m., Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College, Young Harris. For further information, please visit www.yhc.edu. Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 4, 6 p.m., Mayors Park, Young Harris. For information, visit www.mountaintopga.com. Lighting of the Tree: Dec. 5, town square, downtown Hiawassee. Please visit www.mountaintopga.com. “Sweetheart Show” Juried Art Show: Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. Robin Roberts Promotions presents “Sweetheart Show”, a juried arts & crafts show. For further information, visit www.robin robertspromotions.com.

UNION COUNTY www.blairsvillechamber.com www.downtownblairsville.com (Chamber of Commerce: 877-745-4789 or 706-745-5789)

Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 12, 4-7 p.m., Vogel State Park, Blairsville. Visit www.blairsvillechamber.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Holiday/Winter 2015-2016

Holiday &Winter 2015-16

EVENTS Holly Jolly Christmas Tour of Trees: Dec. 12, 3-6 p.m., Union County Community Center, Blairsville. Visit www.blairsvillechamber.com.

ful display of decorated trees and wreaths. Please visit www.helenga.org. Dropping of the Edelweiss: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-12 a.m., the Festhalle in Helen. Enjoy music, food and more as you bring in the New Year! Please visit www.helenga.org. â&#x2014;&#x2020;

FREE LISTING FOR YOUR EVENT!

WHITE COUNTY www.whitecountychamber.org www.helenchamber.com www.helenga.org (Convention & Visitors Bureau: 706-8785608; Helen Welcome Center & Chamber of Commerce: 706-878-1619; White County Chamber of Commerce: 706-865-5356)

Annual Christmas in the Mountains Festival: Dec. 5, 3-8 p.m., downtown Cleveland. Enjoy vendors, Christmas caroling, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and more! Please visit www.helenga.org. Festival of Trees: Dec. 11-12, 10 a.m., Unicoi State Park, Helen. Enjoy a beauti-

To list events in future issues, send an email to negaliving@yahoo.com or mail hard copies to P.O. Box 270, Franklin Springs, Ga. 30639. Deadline for the Spring 2016 Events Calendar is Jan. 10, 2016. Please include events covering the period from March 20, 2016 through June 20, 2016. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our listing of scheduled events. For additional information and for confirmation, please call either local sponsors or chamber of commerce offices.

Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 41

ARTS MEMORY LANE BY SARA POWELL • PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILLIAM D. POWELL

Artist and Entrepreneur

riving along Scenic Highway 197 in Batesville, north of Clarkesville, an interestinglooking green house with an unusual signpost will catch your eye. The sign, mounted on a wooden door held up by two posts, reads, “Memory Lane,” and the business it identifies is home to an eclectic collection of art. Pulling off the road and meeting the owner and resident artist, Gretchen Vanderbunt, will be rewarding, as she is just as interesting as her sign. Memory Lane serves as both her studio and as a gallery for selling her own art as well as the works of other artists that have been left with her on consignment. Walking up on the inviting porch, you might find Gretchen painting. Her artistry is as eclectic as she is, and her gallery reflects her varied talents. On any particular day you might find her painting something like 42 Northeast Georgia Living

the obstreperous mule she painted on a large piece of plywood that is now mounted on the side of her building. Perhaps her hands will be busy making another of her Lord of the Rings mouse pincushions, fashioned with fabric she picks up at a clothes closet. Another day might find her refinishing an old church pew that has been cut in half to be repurposed, fashioning and decorating a wooden pumpkin, or meticulously embroidering a design on her hand-quilted pieces. Some of Gretchen’s work is large and eyecatching, such as her Duke’s Mayonnaise jar or the mule. Others pieces are quite small, like her mini fall scenes. And then there are the ubiquitous smiling cow pieces that she has painted over and over in various sizes. She will invite you to browse her art or the art of her consignors and visit with her on the porch or inside as she gets back to expressing her creativity.

Artist Gretchen Vanderbunt works in her studio gallery on Scenic Highway 197, painting and purveying her eclectic art along with consigned pieces from a number of other artists.

Gretchen began life as a Michigander but moved with her parents to Dahlonega as a teenager. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a focus on photography at North Georgia College. She not only learned about the many aspects of art but was able to pay her way by working with and for members of the department. Photography has continued to enhance her life, as she paints from her photographs. Adventurous is another adjective to

describe Gretchen’s art, as she will see something online or elsewhere that looks interesting and wonder, “Can I do that?” and the answer is usually, “Yes!” Friends will also bring her items or call and request certain pieces, and Gretchen gets busy doing whatever it takes to fulfill the

have previously displayed their creations for sale. Although the list varies from time to time, the following are presently featured: wooden roosters by Dorothia Chitwood; glass jewelry and wind chimes by Suzie Head; prints and notecards by Cathy Bente; paper chains and word art

order, including learning how to do it. Memory Lane, located almost next door to Batesville General Store, is a fairly recent venture for Gretchen. After college she worked at Smithgall Woods and says she learned a very important lesson from the wealthy Charles Smithgall, then in his 80s: Money is not important. So Gretchen is concentrating on doing what she loves. Because Gretchen’s parents, Gertrude and Thom Stroh, are both talented artists, Gretchen grew up around art. Some of their work is displayed at Memory Lane. Her own art didn’t come to the forefront in her life until after the untimely death of her husband. She and their two children live in the area, and Gretchen tailors her work around the schedules of her kids. Gretchen displays not only her own work and the work of her parents but also enjoys encouraging other artists by displaying the work of some who may not

by Seeds of Grace; Van Gogh-style paintings and glass pieces by Robin Workman; pottery by Alan Ramkin; and fabric art and collages by Libby White. Her landlord, Mary Bourdage, has interesting vintage decorative pieces for sale as well. The next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop in at Memory Lane, meet Gretchen Vanderbunt and admire or purchase her art or that of others displayed in and outside the building. She is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, and “by appointment or luck” on Monday through Wednesday, as she says. Gretchen can be reached at 706-947-0848. This gregarious, outgoing artist would be delighted to welcome you. She is located at 11937 Highway 197 in Batesville, about 20 minutes north of Clarkesville, and frequently updates the Memory Lane Facebook page. She can also be found on the web at www.scenic197.com. ◆ Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 43

TRAILS CHOCOLATE BY SYDNAH KINGREA

Condor Chocolates

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Paul Thomas Chocolates

Condor Chocolates by Phil Pyle; Paul Thomas Chocolates by William D.Powell

ith so many sights to see and places to visit in Northeast Georgia, sometimes it is nice to just sit back and relax with some homemade chocolates. Fortunately, Northeast Georgia has many chocolatiers to choose from, so you can find just what you are looking for in a traversable radius. Chocolate is a wonderful creation that begins with small cacao beans. After they are harvested, the cacao beans are gently roasted to bring out the chocolatey flavor and aroma we all know so well. During the roasting process, the cacao beans dry out and become easier to crack. The beans are cracked and the shells are removed, resulting in cacao nibs. Cacao nibs are exceptionally flavorful, but they are too bitter for most people to enjoy. In most cases, cacao nibs are ground into a paste-like substance called chocolate liquor that is the base of most chocolate creations. Sugar, vanilla, milk and a variety of other ingredients are then added to create the desired consistency and taste, and the resulting product is referred to as milk or dark chocolate. The darkness of chocolate is related to how much of the cacao is still present following processing. Chocolate with a cacao percentage of 60 or higher is typically considered dark chocolate and possesses the most health benefits. The darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants and important minerals like magnesium are present. Eating dark chocolate in moderation benefits cardiovascular health, limits unhealthy cravings and reduces stress. Although creating real chocolate is a delicate process, it is worth it. The results of these labors can be enjoyed at any one of the homemade chocolate shops on the Northeast Georgia chocolate trail. Nearly every downtown district in our region has a delightful array of shops, including high-quality chocolate shops. We have visited a few of our favorites in order to provide you with a list of some excellent options to consider when you have your next craving. While searching for the perfect gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to treat yourself, too. Visit any of the chocolatiers on the Northeast Georgia Chocolate Trail and indulge yourself with their delectable chocolate and confections. We won’t judge you if you treat yourself to all of them, and we may even see you there. Happy chocolate trails!

Paul Thomas Chocolates

Paul Thomas Chocolates creates indulgent chocolates and candies for every palate. For 40 years, Paul T. Hoffman, the chocolatier, has been cultivating delicious treats for the enjoyment of both tourists and residents of Northeast Georgia alike. Located in downtown Dahlonega, this neat chocolate shop provides easy access to endless rows of chocolates and candies that look charming and taste perfect. You will be greeted with a smile when you visit, and you may even have the opportunity to meet the chocolatiers. This holiday season, consider visiting Paul Thomas Chocolates and building a box of assorted chocolates for a gift or to enjoy on your own. 102 Public Square North Dahlonega, Ga. • 706-864-6333 www.paulthomaschocolates.com

Condor Chocolates

Condor Chocolates in Athens specializes in Ecuadorian chocolates. A backpacker from the United States met a local lady in Ecuador and fell in love. They married and moved to Athens, and the chocolate shop they opened offers carefully-crafted desserts made from the finest cacao in the world. Condor Chocolates doesn’t stop with chocolates, however; they also offer hot cocoa, iced beverages, coffee, gelato, non-chocolate confections and more. The two sons of the romantic couple mentioned above run Condor Chocolates, and one of them is also the chef at The National, the renowned restaurant in downtown Athens. 1658 S. Lumpkin St. Athens, Ga. • 706-850-4803 www.condorchocolates.com

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TRAILS CHOCOLATE

The Fudge Factory

The Fudge Factory is a second-generation family-owned chocolate shop and candy store. Homemade truffles, fudge and candy-coated apples are made with quality ingredients from the traditional recipes they have accumulated during their more than 30 years of business. Located across from the Dahlonega Welcome Center, you can’t miss it as you visit the charming downtown area. Stop by The Fudge Factory while you shop for holiday gifts this season and treat yourself to mouthwatering homemade chocolates. And because you can see the chocolatiers in action through the windows, you know each batch of goodies is freshly made. 8 N. Park St. Dahlonega, Ga. • 706-864-2256 www.dahlonegafudgefactory.com

Kopper Kettle Fudge Company

Kopper Kettle Fudge Company located in Alpine Helen creates fudge and confections from Hershey’s Gourmet Chocolate. Pay them a visit and watch

46 Northeast Georgia Living

the making and flipping of the fudge. Or choose from a variety of candy bouquets, chocolates and more. You can also order from their website and have your gourmet candies shipped within a day. Kopper Kettle Fudge Company is a great place for any chocolate lover to visit. 8619 S. Main St. Helen, Ga. • 706-892-1235 www.kopperkettlefudge.com ◆

Hansel and Gretel Gourmet Candy Kitchen

The next time you are in charming Alpine Helen, visit Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen and make life a little

sweeter. Hansel and Gretel’s two Main Street locations offer a vast assortment of gourmet chocolates and candies. Their handcrafted choices range from colorful hard candies that kids will eat up to delicately designed dark chocolates for the more mature palate. Perfectly situated in the center of the hustle and bustle of Helen, you can’t miss this cheerful emporium of delights. Visit their website to learn more about their delicious caramel-dipped pears, their melt-inyour-mouth peanut brittle and more. 8651 N. Main St. and 8078 Main St. Helen, Ga. • 706-878-2443 www.hanselandgretelcandykitchen.com Hansel and Gretel Gourmet Candy Kitchen

Fitness&Attitude NORTHEAST GEORGIA LIFESTYLES

BY SARA AND WILLIAM D. POWELL • PHOTOS BY WILLIAM D. POWELL

Clockwise from above: Nanci Fulbright; Cindie David; group classes at the Bell Family YMCA in Hartwell; Debby Winship.

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olidays are often busy and hectic times. There is shopping to do, friends dropping in, meals to be planned and prepared. The to-do list seems endless, leaving very little time for taking care of ourselves. On top of that, food surrounds us with either feasts or nibbles to tempt. Both the calories and stress add up. As a new year approaches, it is time to reassess our priorities. Sometimes we call it making New Year’s resolutions, but these resolutions somehow don’t seem to last. A much better strategy is to get serious about our attitude toward fitness and healthful living. This strategy might involve joining a Y or other workout facility, hiring a personal trainer to coach us or encouraging a friend to make the commitment with us. Whatever choice you make, each will take a commitment of time, perhaps of money, but mostly dedication to reach a goal of healthy living. Any presentation on heart or brain health will emphasize that exercise is an essential ingredient in any strategy aimed at maintaining the health of these organs. Getting and staying active makes a significant difference in both emotional and physical well-being. Our hearts benefit from cardiac-focused exercises, our muscles and bones are strengthened by weight-bearing exercises, and our brains

benefit from the serotonin and cortisol released through physical exercise. Checking with a doctor before beginning a regimen is strongly advised. Some of us may literally take the first step by walking in our neighborhoods. Debby Winship does so, walking 4 to 5 miles on a regular basis, striding purposefully with swinging arms. Sometimes she walks with others, but often walks by herself, using this “alone time” for thinking and praying. She has cherished teenaged memories of long walking visits with her maternal grandfather. Debby knows that her walks help with her high blood pressure. She also says that walking makes her “feel better mentally.” Another benefit is that neighbors stop her to visit briefly or wave as she passes by. Others may need a more structured environment, so exploring what opportunities are close by might be that first step. The Bell Family YMCA in Hartwell, a part of the Georgia Piedmont Y family, is an example of a fitness facility that might be suitable. There are Silver Sneakers and other cardiac classes; yoga classes that are excellent for core strength, flexibility and balance; spin classes to get the heart rate up and enhance endurance; and dance aerobics like Zumba, to name just a handful. Some health insurance programs will cover at least part of the cost for member-

ship in Ys or gyms that offer Silver Sneakers programs. Wellness centers are equipped with recumbent bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, weights and an assortment of exercise machines that target specific muscle groups. Walking trails in the gym are usually available. Personal trainers can be hired for those willing to pay for more individualized routines. Those personal trainers are great at saying, “Hold that for just 10 more seconds; come on, you can do it!” Cindie David of Hartwell, initially wanting to help prevent bone loss, has been working out with a trainer for the past four years. Her regimen has made her feel good, maintain her weight and enjoy good health. Trainer Tamy White “knows what I need and monitors me to make sure that I do not take it too fast or too slow,” she says. Her sessions with Tamy are twice weekly for an hour each time. Tamy White has been active in her own fitness program for the past 10 years and has been a certified personal trainer for five years. Each client is evaluated, and a specific exercise program is outlined. The aim is “to help my clients achieve their goals,” she says. Around 10 years ago Nanci Fulbright started her own exercise regimen at what was then the Stephens County Y. This was the result of a decision “to challenge myself to see how fit and healthy I could get,” she says. She soon realized, however, that she needed a trainer. After a few years, she decided to become certified to help others. She is now a certified personal fitness trainer working primarily at the Currahee Club in Toccoa. The goal of the majority of her clients is flexibility, balance and mobility, she said. Nanci monitors their progress and meets with them for reassessments. Both Tamy and Nanci realize that, even though they train others, it is still important for them to have their own trainers. Both women are triathletes, and Tamy has a trainer and program specifically for that. Nanci works twice weekly with her trainer. She also competes in fitness competitions. Exercising regularly is paramount to good health. Each of these ladies stresses that eating healthy foods and exercising will make you feel better physically and emotionally. Sticking with a fitness schedule becomes an integral part of life. Take that first step. ◆ Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 49

50 Northeast Georgia Living

PECANS Life doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much better than savoring a warm slice of homemade pecan pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Pecan pie tops the list of favorite pies for many, not only in the South, but all

Pecan Houses and Our Pecan-Filled Recipes Make the Season Right!

across the nation. Here in the South the old-time way to cook the best pecan pie

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has traditionally been in a cast-iron skillet that is placed in the oven to bake. Yummy! Modern cooks typically bake their pies in a traditional pie pan. While a pecan pie has several ingredients, it is the pecan that is at the heart of a tasty pie.

PHOTO BY PHIL PYLE PECAN PIE MADE BY RACHEL SORROW

Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 51

Did you know? Pecans are indigenous to the Deep South.

ee McGarity, owner of The Nut House in Royston, has been in the pecan business for around 10 years. “Pecans are my heritage. as my maternal grandfather, Marian Luckie of Harlem, Ga., was in the pecan business,” Lee said. Lee buys pecans from small and large growers. The pecan nuts are trucked to a warehouse in Royston where they are sorted by size and quality before being bagged. Once bagged, the pecans are sold to large candy makers or are exported. Lee’s father, John, a retired science teacher, helps out at The Nut House during the busy time in late fall.

Pecans are unloaded by forklift at The Nut House in Royston by John McGarity, then are sorted and graded with the help of Crystal Scarborough.

52 Northeast Georgia Living

Pecans are indigenous to the Deep South. They are, according to John, the third largest selling nut in the country behind peanuts and almonds and are America’s only major indigenous tree nut. He did point out, though, that strictly speaking, the pecan is not a true nut but botanically a fruit. As with any crop, pecans are dependent on the vicissitudes of nature. If it is too wet, the crop suffers, and it is the same when it is too dry. In short, the weather needs to be a nice balance between wet and dry for a bumper crop. A long, warm growing season provides the ideal climate for pecan trees. The last bumper crops were in 2011 and 2012. Bob Shields of North Georgia Pecans said, “2015 was the best year for pecans in the past three years.” While there are many varieties of pecan trees, the Stuart pecan tree is the most widely known and cultivated in the Southeast. Toombs Kay of the long-gone Kay’s Nursery in Vanna, Ga., is credited with doing more to

populate our area with good pecan trees than perhaps any other, John noted. Many folks are fortunate to have a yard with one or more pecan trees where they can gather pecans from the ground by hand before the squirrels get them. Commercial growers have big machines that shake the trees and then sweep up the pecans. Pecan trees are slow to mature, taking up to eight years to yield, and it’s often been said that they are trees you plant for your grandchildren. The hardy trees can live as long as 300 years. The nuts begin to ripen in late October into November. Pecan trees are popular for their nuts, but the wood is also prized for making furniture and wood floors and for smoking meats. For those of “a certain age,” the pecan log rolls from Stuckey’s roadside “Pecan Shoppe” were a treat of youth. Stuckey’s, which sold pecan candies as early as the ’30s, was arguably the first company to make pecan candies available and popular. Pecans are used widely for making candy such as turtles, which are scrumptious confections of pecans, chocolate and caramel. Sweet or savory coatings for pecans, using cinnamon or various spices, are often featured on holiday tables. Being a sweet, buttery-tasting nut, the pecan is a popular addition to a number of recipes for brownies, cakes, breads and cookies. Stirring pecans into waffle batter turns the finished product into a special treat. Pecans are often added to supplement and sweeten turkey dressing, chopped to cover cheese balls, and will enhance almost anything edible. In recent years pecans have been ground into a flour that is used for making a number of things, including pecan flour pancakes. There is even a small brewery in Mississippi that makes a craft beer they call Southern Pecan Brown Ale. Pecans are also touted for their health benefits. Nutritionists say that adding pecans to a regular diet helps to decrease “bad cholesterol” because the nuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. They are also rich in vitamin E and other minerals that are important for good health. Enjoy our uniquely Southern treat this winter. Even better, be neighborly and invite some friends over to share a nice warm pecan pie, topped, of course, with vanilla ice cream. ◆ North Georgia Pecan Co., 154 Oneta St., Athens, Ga., sells pecans to the public yearround. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rachel’s Pecan Pie 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups light brown sugar 6 tablespoons melted margarine 3/4 cup milk 2 eggs, well beaten 1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped pecans Heat the oven to 400 F. Place pecans into crust. Mix together the flour and sugar. Mix together the melted margarine, milk and eggs and add to the flour mixture. Pour this mixture over the pecans. Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes; reduce heat to 350 F and bake for 25 minutes.

Karo Syrup Pecan Pie 1 cup Karo dark corn syrup 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-1 1/2 cups pecan pieces* 1 unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie crust Heat the oven to 350 F. Stir the first five ingredients together, mix in the pecans and pour into the pie crust. Bake at 350 F on the center rack of the oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool for two hours and store in the refrigerator. *An alternative is to fill the crust with as many pecans as you’d like and pour the mixture over them.

Sugar Glazed Pecans 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 pound pecans Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter and microwave on

high for two minutes. Stir in the pecans, then microwave for three to five minutes. Spread on wax paper to cool.

Shirley Miller’s Caramel Chocolate Pecan Bars Crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 cup pecan halves Topping: 2/3 cup butter 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Heat the oven to 350 F. Combine all crust ingredients except pecans in a bowl and beat at medium speed until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press onto bottom of an ungreased 13x9” pan. Place pecans evenly over unbaked crust. To prepare the topping, combine butter and brown sugar in a 1-quart saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until entire surface of mixture

begins to boil. Boil, stirring constantly, for one minute. Pour topping over pecans and crust. Bake 18-22 minutes or until entire caramel layer is bubbly. Be careful not to over-bake. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips and allow them to melt slightly. Swirl melted chips over bars leaving some whole for a marbled effect. Let cool and then cut into bars.

Barbara Bruce’s Chocolate Turtles One 14-ounce package Kraft Caramels 2-3 tablespoons evaporated milk 1 package chocolate almond bark 2 cups chopped pecans Combine caramels and milk in a heavy pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in pecans. Drop by tablespoon onto parchment paper or nonstick foil. Let stand until firm. Follow directions on chocolate bark package for melting, about 90 seconds. Dip hardened caramel/pecan pieces into melted chocolate (a knife and fork work well). Allow chocolate to set. ◆ Holiday/Winter 2015-2016

54 Northeast Georgia Living

O, Christmas Tree How Lovely Are Your Branches! BY PAMELA A. KEENE

hese days holiday decorating can become a matter of expediency and convenience. People’s busy schedules of work, entertaining, parties, shopping, gift wrapping and baking can limit the number of hours available for dressing their homes for the Christmas season. Not only are families faced with less time, they’re often pressed to choose the easiest way to get into the holiday spirit when it comes to their Christmas trees. The big question becomes, “Should we have a live tree this year or purchase an artificial one?” For Andy Kinsey of Kinsey Family Farm in Northeast Georgia, the answer is simple. “A live tree, of course, is the best choice, because it gives families a chance to share in a tradition together, picking out and cutting their own tree,” he says. “It’s a family value kind of experience that kids will remember and want to share with their own children for generations to come. Of course, Kinsey would be biased because his family’s farm is one of the

Photos by Pamela A. Keene and Ellen Climo

Whether fresh cut from a Georgia mountainside tree farm like Kinsey Family Farm or artificial with golden lights and decorations, the Christmas tree is one of the

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loveliest sights of the season.

Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 55

Douglas Fir

choose a living tree with a burlap-wrapped root ball. Each has its benefits. “Cut trees are much easier to maintain indoors than ball-in-burlap live trees,” Kinsey says. “Just be sure to keep enough water in the stand throughout the season. With ball-in-burlap trees, you’ll need to acclimate them gradually to the indoors, then re-acclimate them to the outside temperatures after Christmas. Moving them too quickly from warm back to cold could affect the chances of it surviving once planted.” He says it’s also important to keep them consistently watered while they are indoors. “And lastly, you need to decide if you’re willing to dig a hole in the cold weather to plant it in your yard,” he says. “However, when you decide to go with a ball-in-burlap tree and take good care of it, you’ll have a beautiful specimen in your yard for years to come.” Choosing what kind of Christmas tree you’ll have this year can be an important decision. Each has its positives and negatives. Weigh your options and talk with your family to include everyone in the decision making. No matter what you select this year, there’s always next year to do something different. ◆

Bring in One for the Chipper In January, help the environment and be green at the same time. Davey Tree Expert Company has partnered with local Home Depot stores to recycle Christmas trees after the holidays. The trees will be chipped for mulch that will be used for playgrounds, nature trails and local government beautification projects. Locations include Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dacula, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Loganville and Winder. Call your local Home Depot for dates and times. 56 Northeast Georgia Living

Photo by Pamela A. Keene

leading agritourism destinations in Northeast Georgia. In addition to selling trees, shrubs and other landscaping materials, Kinsey Family Farms hosts school field trips, seasonal events like pumpkin patches and hayrides, and a market of fresh homegrown produce. For years, families have chosen live Christmas trees to celebrate the season, cutting them from the woods, purchasing them from retail outlets or buying ballin-burlap trees to be planted outdoors following the festivities. It was a family tradition to have Dad test the strands of colorful lights and string them on the tree while Mom and the kids sorted through ornaments handed down from previous generations. Each decoration had a specific place; each child had a favorite. Then people got busy and the lure of artificial trees took hold. Pre-strung with lights and made to look like live trees, they’ve come a long way from the silver tinsel trees of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Today’s trees can be put together and decorated in an hour or so without all the muss and fuss of dropped needles, water-filled tree stands and bare spots. “I can understand the convenience of having the lights already strung on a perfectly shaped tree, but to me it’s cheating a little bit,” he says.“Sometimes as Americans we make our decisions based on convenience, but what about family tradition?” In defense of artificial trees, a onetime investment can net returns for several years. The trees can be packed away for 11 months, they require little maintenance, and they can look very real. Plus, artificial trees don’t have bugs, and they won’t aggravate family members’ allergies or asthma. Kinsey Farms offers a half-dozen types of trees grown right here in Northeast Georgia, from North Carolina Fraser Fir with its trademark evergreen fragrance, to Leyland and Carolina Sapphire Cypress, which have better needle retention and very little scent. People can purchase pre-cut trees, roam the farm to select the perfect specimen or

Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 57

HolidayGift IT IS THAT TIME of year again – the holidays. We love the holidays for many reasons, from reuniting with family members to taking in the sights and

Guide

sounds of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even amidst the cheerful faces and holiday buzz, it can become busy and stressful. Let us lighten your load this holiday season by providing you with some of our top picks for the Holiday Gift Guide. This year, we have included Gifts That Give Back in order to give you the opportunity to

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help those in need simply by holiday shopping.

Easily create a gift of personalized art with Photo Slabs. Upload photographic images to be printed on your choice of a variety of materials, including original maple, aluminum substrate metal – and our personal favorite – light birch. Just pick your favorite material and the size of your slab and choose a photo. Photo Slabs will create unique artwork that will please any crowd. Printed with richly colored and perfectly clear images, Photo Slabs are a great way to express your love and appreciation for those you care about. www.PhotoSlabs.com.

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Cutlery Couture’s Boutique Silverware Pouches are a charming gift option for anyone on your list. These decorative, pre-packed silverware pouches are perfect for special events and holidays and are a great choice for anyone who loves the little things in life. With many styles to choose from and the option to personalize your gift, Cutlery Couture products are a win for the gift-giving season. The Boutique Silverware Pouches quickly enhance any table setting and provide a cheerful touch to any buffet. The entertainer or hostess on your gift list will adore the detailed, fashionable design of Cutlery Couture’s fine products. Purchase the Boutique Silverware Pouch of your choosing at www.cutlerycouture.com.

SPECIALTY GIFTS What would the holidays be without the perfect crumb cake from Hahn’s? Hahn’s traditional family recipes use only all-natural, fresh ingredients. Hahn’s Old Fashioned Cake Company bakes cakes daily, so you know they will arrive at your loved one’s house fresh and moist. Among Hahn’s many best-selling cakes are choices like Mocha Cappuccino Cake or Apple Crumb Cake. In addition, “A Can of Crumbs” – a container of the irresistible topping – can be purchased separately. Get this classic holiday gift at www.crumbcake.net.

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homemade pickles in 10 minutes. This is great gift for the gardeners in your life. Included in the Farm Stand Fresh kit is a pickle mix recipe of your choosing, directions for mixing and supplies for jarring. This is a great idea for an affordable gift that is useful, delicious and gourmet. Order Wind & Willow Farm Stand Fresh Pickles Mixes and more at www.windandwillow.com.

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GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK Fotostrap is the “camera strap that gives back.” Ten percent of the proceeds from a Fotostrap purchase are donated to Fotolanthropy (www.fotolanthropy.com), a non-profit organization that shares photos and stories about people who have overcome adversity. Fotostrap’s are comfortable and custom-created from genuine leather. Monogram the strap and give a personalized and functional gift anyone would love. As another bonus, all Fotostrap products are made in the United States from start to finish. Order the Fotostrap of your choosing today from www.fotostrap.com.

Y’allsome provides “Southern goods that do good.” Y’allsome has teamed with the Atlanta-based non-profit organization Adoption Discovery to bring hope to foster children. When you purchase a product from Y’allsome’s classic clothing line, 15 percent of the profits go to help Southern foster children find a permanent home. Y’allsome has created hats, shirts and prints with Southern-state inspired designs to bring whoever you are gifting an authentic product they will enjoy for years. The profits of your purchase will bring unequaled joy to numerous children. Learn more about this original company and lend a helping hand to those in need by checking out www.yallsome.com. Buy one, give one to a child in the hospital. With Zymbol, you’ll give the gift of a unique design. Zymbol is a line of jewelry that contains every letter and every number hidden within its inspirational and chic design. The design was created by a simple doodle containing the letters that write out “LOVE IS ALL U NEED.” With a few tweaks by the founder, Sally Short, the timeless Zymbol signature pendant was created. Now you can choose from necklaces, bracelets and earrings for men or women with the Zymbol emblem present in each. Buy Zymbol as a gift and automatically gift a sick child simultaneously by visiting www.zymbol.net. 60 Northeast Georgia Living

Especially Puglia gives you more than one opportunity to give a gift that gives back with the Farmshare program and the Olive Tree Adoption opportunity. Through the Farmshare program, purchase a handcrafted wooden crate filled with a selection of seasonal produce, naturally sourced products, artisanal food items, traditional recipes and specialty products and have it delivered to a friend or loved one. By purchasing a Farmshare crate from Especially Puglia, you are supporting traditional and sustainable farming practices and nonGMO growing techniques. As a plus, you will know exactly where the food you receive is coming from. Especially Puglia also offers you an opportunity to Adopt an Olive Tree as a gift for someone special. This program gives you or a loved one the unique opportunity to support local farmers in their mission to provide organic olive oil products. When you Adopt an Olive Tree, you (or the person you gift) will receive sustainably grown olive oil from your special tree within months. To learn more about opportunities to support farmers who grow ethically, visit www.especiallypuglia.com/about/. Holiday/Winter 2015-2016

GIFTS FOR MOTHER OR CHILD

Looking for a gift for your nieces, nephews or young cousins? Give the gift of creativity with Crayolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Story by Me Hardcover BookMaking Kit. This professionally bound

hardcover book is a storytelling kit that will provide the child on your gift list with hours of fun. The book includes 16 pages on which a child can bring stories to life. The best thing about the Crayola Story by Me Hardcover kit is that it is made from quality materials, so it can be treasured and enjoyed for years to come. Purchase this magical gift at www.lulu jr.com/crayola or search for Crayola Story by Me on www.amazon.com.

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Mama Boxes are the perfect gift for the mother-to-be. This subscription service sends the mother-to-be a box of helpful products for each trimester of her pregnancy. The care packages, which contain samples of pregnancy-safe goodies like healthy snacks, skincare cream and baby products, can be a great source of encouragement and excitement for an expectant mother during this special time of change. Who doesn’t love a surprise every few months? Give the best pregnancy gift ever by visiting www.mamaboxes.com.

... AND A GIFT FOR YOUR LOYAL PUP When you are shopping for holiday gifts, don’t forget about your most loyal friend. Zuke’s Mini Naturals are popular with dog trainers everywhere. Your four-legged friend will love these appetizing moist mini-treats. Zuke’s are wellloved by dogs of every breed and are available in a variety of flavors and proteins. These all-natural treats are free of the preservatives and additives found in many other dog treats. To order this gift and learn more about the healthiest and tastiest treats for your pooch, check out zukes.com.

Holiday/Winter 2015-2016 63

REFLECTIONS BY RUSSELL SORROW

... like a cardinal

eaves crunch to my right. Swinging my flashlight around, I see nothing at first, but I remember an earlier conversation with my grandfather: “I know we have them in Texas, but here, in Georgia?” I asked incredulously. “Yes, they’ve recently got into a couple of coops, slaughtered the chickens,” he said calmly while looking out the kitchen window. He took a sip of coffee. My light catches a green glint in the night ... two glints. Coyote. *** In the spirit of Thoreau, I have set off into the woods behind my grandfather’s house. Christmas is past, but the winter and her wet cold still grip the forests, and I want to show myself I trust Creator more than creation. With my grandfather’s loaned bow saw and hatchet, I hike down to a spot with little vegetation and drop my tent. Widowmakers – rotted trees standing on their last legs – surround my campsite. Everything is saturated; the trees are spongy to the touch. The first three widowmakers fall with a kick in the right direction. One hickory, uphill and north of my site, looms not less than three stories above my head. A cardinal couple whistles to themselves near the top. “Surely,” I say to myself, “I will need the hatchet for this one.” Grabbing the hatchet, I walk uphill, breath puffing like fog before my face; I brace my hand at the base of the tree. Crack! The tree lurches. In that instant, I stand up and notice the termite tunnels throughout the base of the tree. Leaping backwards, I stumble onto my rear end, momentum throwing my hatchet into the leaves behind me. The topmost section of tree falls where I was standing as the rest of the tree falls in sections — the bottom, 64 Northeast Georgia Living

will not let you strike!” I say that more to convince myself, but the eyes look away as if startled by an unseen third party. As quickly as I had seen it appear, the silhouette of a canine scampers downhill to the east.

largest portion making a reverberating crash. I can’t take my eyes off of the 4-foot log in front of me. *** Getting a fire going is nearly impossible on my first night. Everything is wet. The fire I am able to start cannot catch larger logs, however, so it stays small and low. Before I turn in for the night, the embers are dim; the damp air will soon put them out. The soles of my boots are as near to the coals as I dare put them; I hug my knees for warmth. The temperature is below 40, and with the wind and wet it feels like the high 20s. I might hear those cardinals again. Leaves crunch to my right. *** I freeze with my light shining straight into the animal’s eyes. Trees obscure its full shape; I hope it is simply a fox or some other less threatening creature. I release the loudest, most animalistic howl I can muster, stomp, wave my free arm and make a fencing motion with the flashlight. “My God created you,” I yell, “and He

*** After my final night in the woods, with the troubles of the first night still fresh in my mind, I awake as the sun breaks the horizon. The smells of winter – wet pine, smoldering hickory, freshly disturbed clay and mossy rocks – wash over me. All around me are impressions of every shade of brown, and the forest whispers peacefully. A wash of auburn from the sunrise and a backdrop of blue complete the picture. In stark contrast to the first night, I spend my last night in total warmth by a roaring fire. Hearing a spring, I grab my grandfather’s hatchet and toss my hickory stump “bench” on smoking embers, pleased with myself. As I walk, I notch trail markers on trees with the hatchet so I can return this way when next I sojourn here. I reach the bottom of a steep hill and find a quick flowing spillway. Hooking my grandfather’s loaned hatchet around an overhanging branch to extend my reach, I stretch my body out over the spring. I take in handful after handful of fresh, ice-cold water before collapsing against a large oak. Behind my back, a column of white smoke higher than the trees still rises. Two inseparable cardinals flit about above me; God has never left me. Out here, there is no man to feed the animals or water the trees; God has provided it all from day one. In the bitter coldness of winter, the presence of God is clearly seen, and the hearts of men need His warmth desperately. Slow down, get lost and look – or look back: God has always been with you, the two of you inseparable, like the cardinals. ◆