400 Life October 2021 by Forsyth County News

400 LIFE OCTOBER 2021

Cold DaysWarm Hearts Quilt Show at The Bowen Center showcases pieces from all over north Georgia

Lake Burrito takes ‘good vibes’ on the road Dell Conner, his treasures appear on ‘American Pickers’ Also: What to do if you or a loved one is injured in a wreck | Tips for how to lose control for your well-being

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contents 10 Taking ‘good vibes’ on the road Lake Burrito — a local, fresh Mexican joint in north Forsyth — is ready to hit the road with its new trailer made for catering.

4 The Bowen Center for the Arts The Bowen Center’s limited hours last year left a void in downtown Dawsonville. Now, as they revive the events calendar, it’s once again a place for people to gather, interact and support one another. The much anticipated annual Quilt Show is back and will run through Oct. 20.

contributors Publisher Stephanie Woody

Director of Revenue Leah Nelson

Managing Editor Tracie Pike

Advertising Tim Anderson Stacy Clark Stephanie Tanner

Staff writers Jennifer Colosimo Erica Jones Special contributors Sudie Crouch Cover photo by Paige Sweaney

8 Digging up treasures with Dell Conner For decades, Dell Conner has been collecting antiques from his shop on Hwy. 53 in Dawson County and his business has been featured on the wildly popular show “American Pickers” several times.

This magazine is a product of the www.ForsythNews.com Sign up for daily newsletters at ForsythNews.com

12 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What to do if you or a loved one is injured in a car accident.

14 MENTAL HEALTH: How to

lose control for your well-being. October 2021 | 400 LIFE | 3

Creative

Community

Story by Jennifer Colosimo | Photos by Paige Sweaney

here are plenty of ways to describe The Bowen Center for the Arts. Its classes make it a place to develop and fine-tune artistic skills, it’s a creative outlet, serving adults and children all year long with educational opportunities and interactive events, and it’s an inspiring gallery in which to see and often experience talent from our area. There is one unifying and distinguishing factor, though, and that is its vital role in the community. Its limited hours last year left a void in downtown Dawsonville, and proved its importance to the community; now, as they revive their events calendar, classroom schedule and gallery showings, it’s once again a place for people to gather, interact and support one another. It’s truly a community connected – through art – once again. Connected to make something beautiful, much like the intricate patterns on display at the most anticipated event of the year, the annual Quilt Show. The show is put on by the Heart in Hand Quilt Guild, a nonprofit group that meets at the Bowen for its monthly workshops and more. They provide daily docents during the Quilt Show who take visitors on a tour, expound their knowledge of certain techniques or styles, answer questions and, as any good quilter would, share fond memories that connect the patrons to the art. “The Bowen co-hosts the show with the Heart in Hand Quilt Guild who provides funding through their gracious gift of a raffle quilt they provide,” said Greenwood. “All three galleries will be filled with incredible workmanship for the fall showing and we appreciate this Guild for their hard work and efforts during this reflective time. We hope visitors enjoy this annual display for years to come. They always leave with a smile on their face.” This year’s event, entitled, “Cold Days-Warm Hearts” is free to attend and features nearly 80 quilts to peruse and admire. In addi4 | 400 LIFE | October 2021

How The Bowen Center for the Arts helps North Georgia Stay Connected

tion, the challenge quilt exhibit, “Winter Wonderland,” will spotlight smaller quilts in the lower gallery. After a year apart, it’s quite literally heartwarming to celebrate something so cozy. “We hope the Quilt Guild understands what a tremendous impact their art means, and how far their efforts reach out especially in these reflective times,” said Greenwood. “Members hail from Dawson, Hall, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Forsyth counties. This year, the entire quilt guild kicked in and provided their time and efforts to produce the raffle quilt that they donate to the Bowen to give back.” This year’s raffle quilt is called “Arctic Nights” and features coveted Kaffe Fassett fabric. Tickets are only $1 per ticket or $5 for six, and are available at the Bowen or online. The drawing is held December 14, and all proceeds go to The Bowen Center for the Arts. In addition to quilts, upcoming events include fundraisers such

featuring a dinner with friends, and both silent and live auctions. The Wreath Making Brunch in November includes a luncheon hosted by interior designer and Bowen Center for the Arts board member Tracey Smith, who will provide a fun demo with holiday wreaths, allowing everyone to take home their own creation. The Festival of Trees kicks off the Holiday Season with a display of trees decorated by artists groups such as Spruill Art Center Glass Department, local decorators, civic organizations and local businesses, just to name a few. Upcoming classes include journaling, leather making, mosaics and more. 2022 promises continued revelry with patrons able to experience the North Georgia Model Aviators, see a one-man show by former AJC photographer, Tom Reed, and attend a workshop by world famous water colorist, Tony Couch. Such an incredible line-up post-pandemic is largely in thanks to Greenwood, the Bowen’s director since 2015. Her passion comes honestly, as she grew up in a large artistic family, and eventually used her creative talent to help teachers of all grade levels in their classrooms. Throughout her life she studied all kinds of art, joined

every art club and took additional classes wherever she landed. Joining The Bowen is what officially made art her career. “I first heard of the Bowen position offered while out vending my artistic wares in 2013 by the former director, Marcia Chelf,” said Greenwood. “In two days, I was on staff, and I became the official director in 2014 and have been here ever since. I have too much fun creating interesting art exhibits as well as museum-

From left, Shirley Hawkins, Patricia Melcher, Ginny Greenwood and Diane Houser, seated.

quality and educational displays. It’s incredibly easy to grab from all the resources here.” Greenwood handles the annual calendar of shows, classes, fundraisers, and events as well as administrative and digital requirements for all of the art pieces. She spearheads marketing for the museums activities and offerings, installs the arts shows in the Bowen’s three galleries and hosts opening receptions, classes and concerts. “Most of what the arts center provides its community wouldn’t be possible without its namesake, the Bowen family,” said Greenwood. “They’ve not only contributed immensely to start, renovate, fund and continue funding when needed, but they’re also to thank for the renewed support after the pandemic. Because this non-profit serves as a community art center, they’ve thrown another lifeline to this community through their renewed support. They buoyed our nonprofit corporation so we could resume normal hours and activities after a difficult year for everyone.” The art center is also supported by its Board of Directors as well as an Advisory Board of past board members and strategic community officials. It’s also hugely supported by the incredible surrounding community, and has been for 20 years. Since 2000, individuals and organizations such as the Rotary of Dawson County, the Dawson County Board of Education, Dawson Woman’s Club, the Lion’s Club, and more have helped in continuous restoration, improvements and financial support. It’s truly a community working to keep its community thriving. “The Bowen prides itself on being one of a kind in Georgia,” added Greenwood. “It contributes to every facet of this community with its beautiful and historical continued on page 6 October 2021 | 400 LIFE | 5

continued from page 5

building which was granted the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation 2001 Preservation Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation. “This center creates a wonderful setting for exhibits and extravagant events of all kinds, and continues to be the talk of North Georgia with creative venues for the Arts. Plus, all of our exhibits are free and open to the public, which — I think —is what community is all about.” — Sponsored content

Mark Your Calendar with The Bowen

Sept. 24-Oct. 20 Annual Quilt Show (Reception on Sept. 25) Oct. 3 Dawson Chorale concert - The Beatles Oct. 7 & 8 Jill Haack Oil Painting Class Oct. 13 Jill Haack Journaling Class Oct. 28 Artful Cork Wine Tasting at Cold Creek Farm Oct. 29 through Dec. 15 Juried Art Exhibit, Halloween Party Opening for Kids Nov. 4 Piano Concert with Georgia Musicale Group

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m., Saturday. The Bowen Center for the Arts is at 334 Highway 9 N., Dawsonville, GA, between Lanier Technical College and Dawson Junior High just north of the Historic Dawsonville Square. Visit www.bowenarts.org for more information.

6 | 400 LIFE | October 2021

Nov. 9 Brunch & Wreath Making Nov. 12 through Dec. 15 Festival of Trees

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Digging up

Treasures with Dell

Local artist shares how he got started collecting antiques and onto ‘American Pickers’

Conner’s antique business has been featured on the wildly popular show “American Pickers” several times. Each showing has boosted business exponentially, he said. - photo by Ben Hendren Story By Erica Jones

n 1977, Dell Conner was working on building a house in Gainesville when he noticed something in the ditch across the road. Upon closer investigation, Conner figured out that it was an old Coca-Cola sign, once used as a sled by the neighboring children and abandoned in the ditch for several years. Conner asked the neighbor, who told him that if he wanted it he should take it. So Conner threw the sign in the bed of his truck, took it home and fixed it up, and so began his decade-long hobby of finding treasures in the trash. “I went over and I had to dig it out cause it had silted up, and I went home and washed it off, shined it up real good and repainted it,” Conner said. “I’ve framed houses in like 37 different counties in the state, and after that if I was down some pig trail anytime and I would see an old barn or something I’d go next door and tap on the door and ask if they wanted to sell it; about 50 percent of the time they’d sell and that’s how I acquired a lot of this stuff.” Conner started collecting specifically with Coke memorabilia, from old signs to vending machines to buttons. His Coke collection grew and grew before he started adding different types of items to his collection. “I made an oath to myself that every day, whatever county I was in, I was gonna acquire at least one piece of Coca-Cola 8 | 400 LIFE | October 2021

memorabilia,” Conner said. “It really mounded up over time; at one time I had probably around 10,000 pieces of CocaCola memorabilia, including 35 CocaCola machines and about 66 Coca-Cola buttons.” Conner’s collection grew, and as he added more pieces to his collection he’d put it into his storage shed off of Highway 53 in Dawson County. Conner said he never thought about selling anything until the recession hit in 2008. “I just collected and collected and never sold a thing,” Conner said. “Fast forward to 2008 when everything went haywire with the building and all, and I thought ‘you know what, I need to start getting rid of some of this stuff’, so I started hanging some pieces out here and it’s been kinda crazy how much I’ve sold.” Conner turned his storage shed into his own store, selling the antique items he’d collected over time as well as his own handmade folk art. “I sell the most coke machines, signs, old tools and then my folk art,” Conner said. “I draw out stuff on metal, cut it out and then paint them, and I’ll glue stakes to them and people put them out in their yards.” Conner’s folk art includes metal cutouts of guinea fowl, bears, roosters and more. He also paints and sells canvases, inspired by Bob Ross, who Conner used to love watching as a kid. Conner said that he’s always loved art, drawing and painting, and that making money selling his cre-

ations is a huge blessing for him. “I’ve always liked to doodle and everything and the folk art has done pretty good; I’ve actually sold over 500 pieces,” Conner said. “What’s funny is I’ll ride around or something and see my stuff in people’s yards which kinda tickles me. I keep track of my folk art — I don’t keep track of the stuff I’ve bought in the past, but anything that I’ve made I write that down.” Conner was born and raised in Gainesville, and he’s lived in Dawson County since marrying his wife, Dawson County native and past homecoming queen Kay Long, in March of 1985. Conner said that he first met his wife when he was working in construction and she was working at Home Federal Savings and Loan, where he used to take his customers for financing on the homes they bought from him. “The very first day that we met, I was covered in paint but I had a closing and I didn’t have a chance to get home and take a shower,” Conner said. “So I just went straight on to Home Federal and of course she was decked out to the nines and came walking out with her friend and I was so embarrassed.” But Conner ended up marrying her, and the couple moved into a house in Dawson County. Conner said that he’s loved living in Dawson and wouldn’t trade it for the world. “Dawson is great,” Conner said. “I wouldn’t move away from here for any-

thing.” In addition to running his antique store in Dawson, Conner has found success in the music industry and has had the chance to be on television on several occasions. “I’ve been in the music business and had success with a couple of my songs, like ‘Afghan Blues’ and ‘Running Shine Down Highway Nine’,” Conner said. “Roger Daltrey from The Who actually saw my video for ‘Running Shine’ playing at the Racing Hall of Fame and wanted to spotlight it for his show ‘Extreme History with Roger Daltrey’, so I was on that with him.” Conner’s antique business has also been spotlighted on TV on the show “American Pickers” when he was picked as one of the very first businesses to be interviewed back when the show started in 2007. “Right when the show first started in 2009, Linda Williams who used to be the president of the Chamber of Commerce left a hand-written note in my mailbox and said ‘there’s this show starting called American Pickers and would you like to participate,’” Conner said. “So my interview was set up like two months in advance and I got in on the ground floor before they even had the first show.” The film crew was with Conner for an entire day, and his show ran soon after. But more recently, Conner’s business was unexpectedly featured again when he received a call from one of the officials from the show. “They called me about 6 months ago and said ‘we had so much footage left over we’re thinking about creating another show with all the footage’,” Conner said.”It played that Monday and then the next Monday too.” Conner said that being featured on American Pickers has helped his business a lot, both back when the show first aired and when it re-aired more recently. “It’s just amazing how it picks my business up,” Conner said. “I wish they ran it every month or every two or three months, cause it just makes it go gangbusters.” Conner said that he’s encouraged by how many other antique stores are coming to Dawson County. “I’m just really glad that I feel like on the square all these other antique stores are coming up; I really think that’s the start of a revival that’s generated some activity,” Conner said. “I’ve had some of those stores up there send me business and I try to send them business — I think it’s good for everybody to help one another; everybody is just trying to survive.” For someone just starting into gathering their own collection of antiques or other memorabilia, Conner said that his best piece of advice would be not to get too set on one specific type of item. “A word to the wise for any young person that’s gonna start out

collecting is don’t pigeonhole yourself,” Conner said. “I pigeonholed myself cause I wouldn’t buy anything at first unless it was Coca-Cola and missed out on all the other stuff like Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and even Amico, Gulf, or Shell signs until I finally saw the light and started diversifying my collection.” And as for Conner, he doesn’t plan on quitting the antique and folk art business anytime soon. “I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon, not unless I stop breathing,” Conner said. “I love it.” To visit Dell Conner and support his antique and folk art business, you can go to the Dell Connor Construction building on Highway 53.

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400 eats

Lake Burrito takes

‘good food, good vibes’ on the road

Local Mexican restaurant expands reach with new catering trailer Story and photos by Ashlyn Yule

ake Burrito — a local and fresh Mexican joint — is ready to hit the road with its new trailer made for catering. Lake Burrito is owned and operated by Paris Retana and his twin sisters Alicia and Mildred. The storefront has been open for five years off Keith Bridge Road in north Forsyth County. Last year, Lake Burrito suffered a hit when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Thankfully, due to the community’s efforts to help keep the restaurant afloat, the eatery is on steady ground and is looking to remake the connections they lost. Paris said that while the dine-in option is currently available for customers, most people order online and pick up or come inside for a to-go order. “We’re hoping that the trailer is going to bring

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Lake Burrito owners Paris Retana, left, and sister Mildred in the restaurant’s new catering trailer. ‘We’re hoping that the trailer is going to bring us close to our community again, since we’re going to be out in the open,’ Paris said.

Paris said he’s hoping the trailer will open more doors to private events because of the appeal of hosts “not having to worry about a thing.” Currently, Lake Burrito does not have servers to help with catering, so the Retanas will set up buffet lines. With the trailer, patrons will be able to walk up and order food, and the restaurant will be able to provide utensils and clean-up services. “That’s the key — no clean up,” Paris said. “That’s actually probably the best vibes at the party — not having to worry about cleaning up.” Focusing on vibes is what it’s all about, Paris said, especially “good vibes.” “Good vibes is what it’s all about, really,” Paris said. “We focus on cooking really good food and sharing good vibes.” In order to spread good vibes, Paris and Mildred said it’s important to maintain connections with family and friends, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re hoping to bring a happier atmosphere at events,” Paris said. “Seeing smiling faces enjoying our good food — that’s what we’re most excited about.” To hire Lake Burrito for your next event, email lakeburrito@ gmail.com. To learn more about the “good food and good vibes,” check out ww.lakeburrito.com. TRY LASER THERAPY AND

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us close to our community again, since we’re going to be out in the open,” Paris said. “We’re going to be able to see our friends again and talk to them. That’s the most exciting thing.” The trailer is a small compact unit with a kitchen inside, perfect for preparing a fresh plate of nachos or some tacos topped with guacamole. “[The trailer] is going to give us an opportunity to cook better food,” Mildred said. “Our food is already great but being able to cook it fresh on the spot will bring a better experience for everybody.” Paris and Mildred said they want to stay local, so they are only available for private parties and catering events. Lake Burrito is no stranger to catering, and Paris said he and his sisters have been bringing burritos and “good vibes” to many events over the years. “We actually do a lot of weddings,” Mildred said. “We’re hoping we can do even more with the trailer now.” Weddings, rehearsal dinners, graduations and business luncheons are just some of the types of events the Retinas are hoping to “roll into.” “We also want to provide for teachers,” Mildred said. “Sometimes [schools] do provide lunch for the teachers, but there’s always the same [type of food.] Now with the cart, I think it would be really cool for teachers to actually get out of the class and enjoy the day and a cool lunch.”

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400 legal

What to do if you or a loved one is injured in a serious automobile accident Many people do not have the time or inclination to look at their insurance policies to see if they genuinely protect themselves and their loved ones in a crisis. As a lawyer who has handled numerous serious accidents resulting in many sevenfigure settlements, I understand the importance of Health Insurance, Automobile Insurance, and umbrella protections for the safety of one’s family. The time to look at these coverages does not begin after an accident but must be looked at carefully before one has a tragedy. I cannot overemphasize the importance of having a conversation with your insurance agent to discuss what coverages are available to protect yourself and your loved one in case tragedy strikes. How many times do we read in the newspaper or social media about families

12 | 400 LIFE | October 2021

trying to raise funds for accident-related injuries with GoFundMe accounts? Unfortunately, by the time a tragedy hits, the ability to protect one’s self is over. Most people are unaware that their auto Steven Leibel insur-ance policy can provide health benefits related to an accident. Med Pay is available for every person who has an auto policy. Med Pay covers people who ride in your car; and you and family members in someone else’s car. This type of coverage is without fault and makes no difference who is to blame in the event of a collision. One use of medical pay is that it can usually have available limits up to $50,000

to each insured. That could potentially cover all your healthcare deductibles if you are involved in an accident. I believe that is the bare minimum that you should have to protect yourself and your family in the event of a collision. Medical Pay is invaluable because it is an inexpensive way to protect yourself, with and without Health Insurance. Hospitals will ask for lots of money if you go to the emergency room. They refuse to accept your health insurance; Med Pay does help in those circumstances. Key coverages like Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist protection, cover when people who do not have adequate insurance policies cause a collision. In that event, you must look to your insurance policy for protection.

Little known is the fact that you must report any accident to your own insurance company ASAP after an accident. Insurance companies will say that they were not informed of an accident and therefore are not responsible for covering that accident under an Underinsured Motorist policy. If you don’t report the accident, they will use any excuse to avoid cause. Importantly, you also must protect yourself with longterm and short-term disability coverages that are often available to you through your employer. These coverages will help if you are stricken with illness or injury and have no other funds to draw. Do not hesitate to speak with your employer about these coverages. Personal Injury Lawyers look for every way that a person can receive compensation if they get injured in an accident. These coverages are crucial, and I highly recommend that you seek reviews of your insurance coverages, including Disability, Health, Life, etc., using a qualified independent insurance broker. As a Lawyer, I am happy to review coverages but do not sell

them or recommend any particular insurance carrier. An independent agent is probably the best person with whom you should discuss your insurance. I have been very fortunate to represent people who could protect themselves when others fail to. As parents and family members, we must take care of our families and make Romain Dancre, Unsplash sure that they are treated the best poss i b l e way i n t he event of a tragedy. I cannot stress how important it is to protect yourself in this litigious and harsh world. Steven Leibel is the Principal Attorney at Leibel Law. He is a Georgia Super Lawyer in personal injury and is rated preeminent AV by Martindale.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to email at info@leibel.com or call (404) 892-0700. — Sponsored content

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mental health By Sudie Crouch Health & Wellness columnist

Have you ever found yourself worrying about something that you had absolutely no control over the outcome of? Or maybe you have been stressed out about something that either happened in the past that you can’t change. If you have, you are not alone not by a long shot. Worrying and stressing over things we can’t control is something many of us do. Elements of guilt and anxiety play into these fears as well, making it even harder for us to let go of these situations and try to move forward. Guilt can arise from those situations in the past where we feel like we made mistakes, didn’t do enough, or somehow missed an expectation. There may even be a few times we experience that guilt that we did do something wrong, too. Our anxiety over current or future events can feel more pressing. If we have to give a Zoom presentation, we may worry about encountering technology snafus or speaking to a live audience, even if we’re sitting in our home office. There’s a tremendous amount of potential for things to go wrong, lending some validity to those fears. Even though there may be tons of things that can — and inevitably will — go wrong, we still need to let go of that need to control. But letting things go is a lot easier said than done!

We tend to want to control the outcome, even when we know there’s nothing we can do. We agonize over the details. We may even find ourselves micromanaging certain areas of our lives to try to force things to go our way. How to let things go? We don’t have to be like a Disney Princess and sing the words. (Of course, if you want to, that lighthearted approach may help!) Some steps to take to help you let things go can include: Focus on what you can control: This may sound difficult but looking at a situation and seeing what is within your realm of power can be so helpful. If another person has created a lot of stress and tension in your life, look at what you can do in the situation. You can’t control the other person, but you can control your response to their behavior. Consider your options: Sometimes, we think the worst case scenario and it creates undue stress in our lives. We worry about things that will thankfully never happen. By looking at all the options and possible scenarios can help you figure out if your concerns are realistic or not. And it circles back to focusing on what you can control in the situations. Thinking through all the options so you can feel empowered no matter what the result is can really help you let things go.

we can start to recognize those things that are outside of our control and take steps to focus on what we can

October focuses on Mental Illness Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 3-9. National Depression Screening Day is Oct. 7 World Mental Health Day is Oct. 10.

By taking steps to help improve your mental health, you’re helping improve your overall wellness and health. We all have mental health, and removing the stigma behind mental illness can help everyone who needs help find the strength to do so. Some helpful resources are: Georgia Crisis and Access Line Suicide Prevention Lifeline NAMI National Help Line 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday 14 | 400 LIFE | October 2021

1-800-715-4225. 1-800-273-TALK. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) www.nami.org.

Source: https://namifdl.org/area-resources Source: https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/ mental-illness-awareness-week Source: https://mhanational.org/mental-illness-awareness-week

Manage your stress: We all know how detrimental stress can be on our health and overall well-being, but when we’re stressed, we tend to feel more hyper-vigilant about things. We may tend to make decisions we normally wouldn’t because we’re feeling overwhelmed. Learn helpful approaches: Being able to catch our thoughts and discern between whether or not we’re focusing on a problem or situation for the sake of problem solving or simply to ruminate can help us learn to let things go. Recognize our triggers: We all have certain things that can cause us to fall into this behavior. For some, it may be thinking we offended someone or said the wrong thing. Others may find something else as a trigger. Recognizing it when it happens can help us take a step back and evaluate what’s going on and adjust our thinking in these situations. The main thing is being able to be aware of our behavior and how we’re reacting to those situations. Once we are able to do that, we can start to recognize those things that are outside of our control and take steps to focus on what we can, rather than being in the grip of anxiety and fear over things we can’t. Sudie Crouch is a health & wellness coach, helping clients create healthy, attainable changes using positive psychology and cognitive behavior approaches.

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