From the Publisher
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April 2018 • Volume Fifteen • Issue Four Georgia Mountain Laurel Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 2511 Highway 441, Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com
Publisher/Editor - Tracy McCoy Assitant Editor - Luke McCoy Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Graphic Designer - Nikki Dunbar Office Manager/ Account Executive - Cindi Freeman Account Executive - Melynda Hensley Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh
h, for the love of art! From some of Georgia’s finest artists to amateurs like myself, this part of the world is rich with creative-minded people. Many years ago, things like quilts and clothing were made out of necessity, but today we consider quilts fine crafts and their patterns works of art. Nothing is more magnificent than a handmade piece of furniture. Just take a look at Dwayne Thompson’s work at Timpson Creek Gallery. Art is therapy, offering an escape from the stresses of life. Most any artist will tell you that a canvas and brush is their most tranquil place. The same can be said for chainsaw artists like Peter Dietrich, basket weavers like Randy Sells, photographers like our own Peter McIntosh, and potters like Leah Henry. This issue is to celebrate the creativity that is so prevalent in these southern Appalachian mountains. Dahlonega, Georgia will host their annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival on their town square. This festival has fine arts and craft exhibitors and food vendors. Their stage will boast national, regional and local talent. The hours are Saturday 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. There will be children’s activities and storytelling. This festival is juried and well established. Celebrate Clayton, Rabun’s premiere art and music festival is in its 19th year and is hosted by the North Georgia Arts Guild. This juried festival will take place April 28 & 29. The festival is held in downtown Clayton on Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. It is one you’ll want to pencil in on your calendar. There is no entrance fee or fee to park, and happens rain or shine. The vendors at this festival are regional and local artists and craftsmen. The musicians are, as well. The food is good and all of downtown Clayton’s merchants welcome you! So it’s gonna be an artsy April and we hope you’ll take it all in. Get out and enjoy spring!
Tracy
Contributing Writers: Jean Hyatt, Mark Holloway, Susan Brewer, Scarlett Cook, Toni Fields Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, John Shivers, Sarah Ruth Owens Emory Jones, Lorie Thompson, Tracey Burnette, Scott Low
Copyright 2018 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine is published twelve times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to GML magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Georgia Mountain Laurel maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.
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In This Issue Arts & Entertainment 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 23 24
Cover Artist - K.D. Bays North Georgia Arts Guild Just Cuttin’ Up William Holland School of Lapidary Arts Around Back at Rocky’s Soque ArtWorks Fire & Light Glass Studio The Dillard Market Creative Framing
Affairs to Remember 26 28 30 32 33 34
Mountain Happenings Event Calendar Celebrate Clayton Barrel Racing for Babies Keep Rabun Beautiful Hatch Camp Rhapsody in Rabun
A Taste 36 38
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Bon Appetit - Come for Dinner The Family Table
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Faith in Christ 42 44 45 46
Bless Your Heart Life is a Blessing River Garden R4G - Head of Tennessee Baptist Church
Health & Wellness 50 52
Live Healthy & Be Well 5 Simple Ways...
Outdoors 54 56 58 60
Adventure Out Mountain Nature Free Forest School Paws4Life
Mountain Homes 62 66 70
Harry Norman REALTORS® GA Mtn. Homebuilders RE/MAX of Rabun
Life & Leisure 72 74 94
Lovin’ the Journey Notes from a Southern Kitchen By the Way
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K.D. Ba ys
Her Soul Dances Around The Canvas
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by Tracy McCoy
orn and raised in California, Kathy RossJohnson has lived in Memphis, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, England, Clearwater/ Tampa, Florida and now has settled in nicely in the Northeast Georgia Mountians. She and husband Ian Ross-Johnson, a REALTOR® at Harry Norman REALTORS® Luxury Lake & Mountains, are the owners of Dogwoods on Main Street in Clayton. The store has been a true asset to downtown Clayton. The home furnishings and accessories within its walls are a reflection of Kathy’s style. I imagined her home must have the same feel. Not sure how she so beautifully meshed the coast and the mountains but she has and it is beyond inviting. I wanted everything I laid my eyes on when I visited with Kathy to talk about her artwork. We found a comfortable spot at a dining table where we got to know each other and truly in an hours time I had made a new friend. Kathy and Ian met on a blind date and have basically been together since that day. Their wedding story is as unique as they are but surely destiny was at work. They made their home in Florida where they started their family. The couple was blessed with a son Maxwell and two years later a set of twins, Garrett and Olivia. Today their children, now grown, are all in college in Florida. It is always interesting to find out how people find Clayton, Georgia. Ian had friends living in Highlands, North Carolina and he and Kathy had visited with them and were drawn to the area. Kathy was a partner in a home store similar to Dogwoods, only much larger in Tampa at the time. The couple had talked about retirement plans but that was far off. One of the women who worked in the store with Kathy had a home on Lake Burton and she invited the Ross-Johnsons to visit. Eventually they did and Clayton intrigued Kathy. She felt the magic that draws so many to come and want to stay. They returned to Florida and she went back to her life there but Clayton stayed in the back of her mind. Kathy is a picker, she loves to find the unusual or old and broken and transform it, repair it, restore it and give it life again. She is a gifted interior decorator which is apparent when you walk into her store. She is a very comfortable, charming and pretty woman, yet very unassuming. She loves working with clients to make their home a reflection of their life, their memories, and travels. A retreat where they can unwind and relax. She believes that mountain living doesn’t have to be thick heavy dark wood. Her style is airy and light. The items she picks for her store are likely one of a kind, the quality is uncomprimising, each piece currated to soothe and enrich your home. She states that when she completes a design job for a client the home should look as if she was never there. Kathy’s ability to plan and design living space lends itself to her creative talent as an artist. One might think she has always been an artist, but that is not exactly the case. She became an artist instantly, it flowed so easily but it was never part of her plan although she was curious about art. She had dabbled in art classes but life kept her so busy that she never pursued it. A decade or more ago she bought an art kit for her 10
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daughter, Olivia. The then pre-teen had no real interest in it and it sat unopened. One evening she removed the paints, tools and canvas and she fell in love. Kathy painted with a pallet knife and that is definitely her niche. It all came together in that moment. Painting became her reward at the end of a busy day. She painted in the night when Ian and the children were asleep. She claims she is the messiest painter in the world. She is passionate about the texture she creates with the knife utlizing a mixture of acrylic and gmlaurel.com
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North Georgia Arts Guild Debbie Weinelt - The Road to Jewelry By Susan Brewer
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ebbie Weinelt has traveled extensively across the map of creative endeavor. She began with pencil drawings, followed in time by paintings, portraits, and renderings. Once, she operated a shell craft business with her mother; she also owned a studio and ran a custom frame shop. She merged later into the field of print media, when xacto-knives and wax copy were in use, then moved on to doing the work on computers. Jewelry became her passion only recently. The jewelry she makes out of copper and zinc is sold at shows or by commission. Some pieces feature found objects; others feature colorful turquoise or druzy geodes. Debbie’s metal work harkens back to a time when her grandfather worked as a tool and die maker to make tools used to construct pieces assembled into cash registers. Part of his personal tool kit now is hers. His ball-peen hammer is important to her work. Its round and flat end are used to texturize and shape surfaces. As for his metal file, it is used to burnish sharp, freshly-cut metal edges. Debbie’s life began in Ohio and was marked by travels to and from Florida. Her mother was artful and creative. She played music by ear and danced, so she gave tap-dancing lessons to the children in the neighborhood. She worked tiles into mosaics and guided her own girls to do the same. Debbie’s father was more reserved and measured. Debbie was his buddy around the house and tagged along as he kept things in repair. She credits him with inspiring her drawing style, as well as her focus on detail. She also learned to measure herself by the high standards he set: to take the job on, and always – always – do her best. Debbie ended up taking a detour from the traditional art world when she landed a job as an executive secretary. Her boss soon realized that she couldn’t type or take shorthand. As it happened, he bought a small community newspaper, so she went to work there, a move that launched her into proofreading, writing stories, taking photographs, developing film, and doing layouts. This led to copy and production work in the demanding fields of newspapers, marketing, and advertising for several companies. She had arrived. Her command of these many creative skills translated into success that left her “in charge,” a production manager who received problem calls in the middle of the night from the pre-press room; she had to harass reluctant members of the ad sales team until they met their publication deadlines. Several years ago, she left this world of pressure and tight deadlines and moved down the lane towards freedom. She found an owl feather in her yard one day that came to symbolize her right to respond to the moment and to change – to soar. She is just about to begin a commission, a feather necklace made out of copper. The road may now be behind her—it seems, she is taking to the skies. Call Debbie to find out more at 706-782-1653.
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KATHY ROSS-JOHNSON oil paints. Kathy, who paints under the name K.D. Bays, actually finds herself more comfortable with large canvases but paints all sizes. Her paintings are vintage, impressionistic masterpieces of the things she loves most. She paints flowers, barns, churches and old things like trucks. Her art is intense, as if her gentle spirit turns up the volume and dances around the canvas. A desire to call the mountains home, to dial life’s stresses down and live simpler was overwhelming for Kathy and she looked in Ian’s eyes and said I want to move to Clayton. She came to visit her friend on the lake, she looked for a home to rent, looked for commercial space and returned to Florida to tie up loose ends. She moved and opened Dogwood in a smaller space down from the current location. As life would have it within a year, the larger space opened up and the stars aligned making it possible for the Ross-Johnsons to move and expand their store. Kathy is planning a studio in the back of the store which is home to her art. What are her future plans? This artist/designer plans to be herself, do her thing and be happy. What a great way to live. Dogwoods is located at 41 North Main Street in Clayton, Georgia. They have a good social media presence with Facebook & Instagram. Their website is www.shopdogwoodshome. com and they can be reached by phone at 706.960.9232. My suggestion is a visit to the store to meet Kathy and Ian, see her art and experience Dogwoods.
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Just Cuttin’-Up by Tracy McCoy
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ith the DIY craze at an all time high, everyone is getting in on it. A local mother-daughter team have taken it a step further by saying “We can show you how!”. Just CUTTIN’ UP is a new business owned by Cindi Freeman and her daughter, D’Anna Freeman. Last year for Christmas, Cindi received a Silhouette Cameo machine that can transfer words and images into vinyl. The machine can even engrave images on soft metals. The ladies began “playing” with Cindi’s gift and they are finding that the possibilities are endless! They have created t-shirts, totes, Christmas ornaments, and those wooden signs that are EVERYWHERE! You’ve seen them, they have catchy sayings, scripture verses, or inspiring reminders. The signs can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $40 - $100 or more. D’Anna began making some for the Freeman home, and found that she could do it for significantly less, and then there is the pride of knowing you did it yourself. The Freeman gals began planning DIY Sign Parties and inviting their friends and family to join them. They have expanded their business to host parties for you and your friends in a location of your choosing. Parties can be themed for any holiday, and are perfect for bridal and baby showers, with your guests involved
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in creating signs, but more than that, memories that you will cherish every time you look at them hanging in your home or nursery. How about a “Girls Night IN” party with a few close friends? The fun is as endless as the options! The personalization aspect of this venture is huge with partygoers being allowed to choose what they
want on their sign or shirt or bag or...you get the picture! Imagine a hand-painted sign with silhouettes of all of the grandkids, wouldn’t that make a perfect gift for grandma? Or your own kids for Mother’s Day? Now imagine all your BFFs gathered around your table with a big bowl of snacks and more creativity than you can imagine! Sound like a good time? You should begin making your list and give Cindi or D’Anna a call to schedule your event. You can reach them by calling 706.982.0216 or 706.982.0217. Let’s get this party started!
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William Holland School of Lapidary Arts Where Creativity Spends A Week, At Least!
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he William Holland School of Lapidary Arts was started in 1983 when founder Harold C. Sparks was serving as the eighth president of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies (SFMS). At that time, he and his wife Mary Lou discovered that there were no schools where you could go to learn the Lapidary Arts, only workshops a few times a year. They set out to find a mountain top retreat where such a school could be built: a place where strangers from all states and other countries could come together to learn in a peaceful atmosphere and to share with one another.
They found this in Young Harris, Georgia. Harold and Mary Lou called on many rock and gem club members to donate their time and talents to bring about the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts as it exists today. Many who stopped by just to check the progress would be put right to work. “Have you ever installed insulation?” Harold asked one lady, and the next thing she knew, she was putting insulation in the walls of what is the main lodge, Sparks Lodge. One couple stopped in for the day and ended up spending the week, calling home each night telling the kids not to forget to feed the dog. The many volunteers became one big family as they worked together each day and shared the dining table each night. When it came time to choose a name for the school, they chose to use the name of William Holland, who was the third president of the SFMS. The Seabolt Building (a metal building) was put up and used for classes and sleeping rooms in 1985. The main lodge (Sparks Lodge) began having classes in 1986. The Seabolt Building houses George Kasper Memorial Library, the Lampwork studio, the Photo Room, Gerald’s Rock Room, the campground facilities, and the laundry room. Today Sparks Lodge, which has been in continuous service since its opening in the spring of 1986, serves as the centerpiece of the campus. The upper floor is devoted to lodging offering twenty-nine bedrooms, each with a private bath. The lower level contains thirteen classrooms, as well as the dining and kitchen facilities. During the off-season of 2017, the lodge’s renovations were completed. In 2002, Mary Lou’s Cottage was built to accommodate the instructors with eight bedrooms. Otto’s Lodge came into service on July 30, 2005. This added twenty-two bedrooms. This gives you a short walk through the wonderful mountain setting. The Learning Center was added to give them another classroom. The William Holland campground has eleven full hook-up spaces, just a short walk to the classrooms. The annual season starts the third week in April and runs for thirty weeks, ending the first part of November. Currently, one week of the season SFMS holds workshops. All other classes are open to anyone interested in the Lapidary Arts. It is not necessary to belong to a rock club or even to be a Rockbound, though it helps. William Holland is a hobbyist school, devoted to providing quality Lapidary, Earth Science classes, to keep the lapidary arts alive. They offer many jewelry-making classes to their students. Founded on the principle of volunteerism, all the instructors continue to donate their time to help fulfill this mission. They sell the supplies needed by students in their classes for a nominal fee in order to help cover the material expenses incurred. In return for their time and expertise, room and board is provided for each instructor and their spouse during the weeks they are teaching.
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They travel from all over the country and lend their talents to continue making William Holland a truly unique place. Originally, The William Holland Lapidary school offered 5 different classes: Wire, Cabbing, Silver, Beading, and Faceting. They now offer 32 different courses with a plethora of different instructors and classes for each course. Each week, the season starts with check-in at 3:00 PM on Sunday. After supper and a short introduction and orientation session, students settle into their rooms, ready to begin class at 9:00 AM Monday. Tuesday night they hold an auction. Students and instructors donate items for this event and the proceeds are used to cover the cost of equipment and supplies in the classrooms. Thursday night is tailgating, where everyone has an opportunity to buy, sell, or trade their items. By Saturday, everyone wants to stay one more week and many have already made plans to join their new friends for next season. Come and rock on the porch in the northeast mountains of Georgia and enjoy the classes offered. For more information please check out William Holland School of Arts’ fabulous new website at lapidaryschool. org. They are accepting online applications. There is a “contact us” link on the site. You can email them at lapidary@windstream.net. The facebook page is listed under William Holland Lapidary School or you can contact them by phone 706.379.2126.
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Around Back at Rocky’s
Johnny “Blue J.” McBrayer by Tracey Burnette
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uccess story? Yes, how often is one born in a small, rural county to then go on and work an administrative position at a major corporation, while also becoming known as a respected artist in the folk art community? This scenario happened to Johnny McBrayer, a.k.a. Blue J. Johnny was named and called Blue J. by his brother as they were growing up in rural Dawson County, Georgia. At that time, there was no GA 400, and to the people in Atlanta, Dawsonville was a foreign land, tucked away in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, and the beginning, or ending, of the Appalachian Trail, depending on your journey. After putzing around the two-lane dirt roads, Johnny made his way to Dahlonega and North Georgia College, studying and graduating with a degree in business. Going to college back then, and coming from such a rural community, was a rarity, and it helped land Johnny a job with Tyson Foods, well-known for its chicken production. Given his benevolent demeanor, Johnny worked himself into the position of Human Resources Director. His soft-spoken, easy-going self was a shoe-in for this type of work. Let it be noted that he did not make this journey alone. Along the way, he married and had two children, a son and a daughter. So how does a guy with a degree in business and years of corporate experience become a well-known folk artist? Easy. By chance. When Johnny was 50, and on a family trip to Mexico, he took notice of a local man painting at a resort; he couldn’t take his eyes off the artist as he painted. Johnny will tell you, “I never painted before that,” but was so inspired by this artist, that when he returned home, he quickly purchased brushes and paint, and went to town painting. Some of his first works were coastal/ocean-themed murals for his Florida getaway, but he soon learned that his audience favored his pieces with subjects more well-known in North Georgia. His patrons can’t get enough of his rustic barns with the well-worn tin roofs, in part, we suppose, because those can still be found on the rural backroads of his upbringing. Also popular are his birds, especially the cardinals and bluebirds in the birch trees. Even though these subjects comprise a large amount of Blue J.’s collection at Around Back at Rocky’s Place, other subjects may be found as well. In addition to these art pieces, the gallery also shows work by Blue J.’s wife, Sandra McBrayer, known as Mimi Kat. In the past couple of years, the couple would steal moments out of their busy lives of work, children, and grandchildren to paint together. Those moments will hopefully be more plentiful as Johnny, now 67, has just retired from the corporate world...no more day job! Be on the lookout, and watch out, world, as there is no telling what Blue J. will paint next!!!! Tracey Burnette is the owner of Around Back at Rocky’s located at 3631 Hwy. 53 E at Etowah River Rd., Dawsonville, GA 30534. For information about this artist or the gallery please call 706.265.6030. Check out their website at aroundbackatrockysplace.com
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This Gallery is a true treat for the Senses
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ith over 100 artists in 25 mediums represented, Soque Artworks is the premiere contemporary art gallery in Habersham County. The gallery houses everything from pottery, folk art, wood carvings, painting and photography ... to jewelry, gourd work, fiber art, turned and flat wood works, and metal crafts. Their artists are all regional or local and some of the area’s most talented for sure. You’ll love the folk art birdhouses, the inlay wood accent tables, pressed flower art, unique gourd art, handmade jewelry and intricate fiber arts. The Smith family opened the gallery 10 years ago this year. They have brought various incredible artists to their gallery over this time frame and they invite you to stop in and take a look around. Walking in the door is a treat for the senses and you will find yourself enthralled by the talent. You’ll find Soque Artworks on the square at 1440 Washington Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523. You certainly should visit their website where you’ll find all of their artists and sample of their work, www.soqueartworks.com. You likely will want to stay up to date through their Facebook page by searching @soqueartworks or call with questions 706.754.2449.
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Fire & Light Glass Studio W
hen I first heard there was a glass studio in Otto, North Carolina, I was sure I’d have to check it out. That has been several years ago and from the moment I met John Phillips I was hooked on glass art. I was amazed by the various types of glass one works with when creating a masterpiece at Fire and Light Art Glass Studio. My team and I scheduled a class at John’s studio and had an amazing time. We each allowed our ideas to become works of art. I created a glass pendant that I still wear and we made wind chimes another time that are simply beautiful. Whether you are already an glass artist or you’d like to explore this fine art, Fire & Light Glass Studio has all of the supplies, know-how, and offers classes to make your idea come to life. John has 36 years of experience in this field and has taught many in the area the techniques. From a magnificent glass bowl to earrings or a large piece to hang in front of a window, this is the place for all things glass. For several years John has went into the classroom at local schools to teach students how to create glass art. He is a phenomenal artist and his works as well as others are on display in the store. If you are ready to explore a different kind of art you simply must stop in at 9788 Georgia Road in Otto, North Carolina. Or you may call 828.349.4505 and also visit http://www.fireandlightglass. com. We can’t wait to see what you create!
Dillard Market
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The Dillard Market It’s been called the coolest store in Dillard
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he Dillard Market opened in the fall of 2013, shopkeepers are Ginny & David Allen. The Allens wanted to offer a customer-friendly shopping experience at the Shops of Dillard. The Dillard Market has a nice selection of American, English, and Southern Primitive Antiques, coupled with local artisans. The following artists: Green Dog Designs, Scott Peppers, Gin Creations, Blake Gardner, Philip Duvic, and Holly Klaine are on exhibit. The Dillard Market also features custom body butters by Tracy McGee and soaps by Virginia’s Garden. Come visit this cool store in Dillard. Open 7 days from 10 - 5:30, the Dillard Market is located at 6810 Hwy 441, North, Dillard, Georgia 30537 or, for more information, call 706.982.1154. Check The Dillard Market out on facebook.com/thedillardmarket.
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Creative Framing C
reative Framing began with two smart, determined women with the idea to feature local artists and fine crafters and provide framing services to the community. What began in a small space in the Franklin Flea Market has evolved to be the custom framing shop of choice clients in Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia. Janice Cummings and Kris Sterrie offer cutting edge framing options for their customers and with two decades plus framing experience they just have the eye for what will look best. When shopping their gallery you will find fine art, pottery, wood crafts, very unique artwork, an incredible collection of gifts and accessories
and you might even catch a local artist on site. The ladies at Creative Framing have thousands of frames, hundreds of mats and multiple glass finishes ensuring a creative piece custom made for YOU! Framing, that was once thought to only enhance photos or paintings now accents mementos, keepsakes, even flat screen
TVs. If you have it Janice and Kris can frame it! You’ll find them at 482 Depot Street in Franklin, North Carolina. For more info we encourage you to visit their websit www.creativeframingnc. com and look for them on Facebook. You may also call with questions at 828.349.4468
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Mountain Happenings STEPHENS COUNTY April 21st Free Appraisals of Antiques & Artifacts All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site Toccoa Info: 706.356.4362 www.gastateparks.org/travelersrest May 5th Toast of Toccoa Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.782.3232 The Ritz Theater Toccoa Info: www.ritztheatretoccoa.com April 5th Reverend Tribble & The Deacons April 6th, 20th, 27th OSCARS in Toccoa April 13th Henry Cho April 14th Southern Gospel Music: The Shireys
May 12th Southern Gospel Music: The Watkins Family
April 7th Simply Elegant Taste of the Town Unicoi State Park & Lodge Helen Info: 706.865.5356 April 21st Spring Bierfest Festhalle Helen Info: 706.865.5356 May 5th 26th Annual WineFest Habersham Winery Helen Info: 706.878.9463 habershamwinery.com
May 26th The Crusher Vineyard & Trail Race Yonah Mountain Vineyards Cleveland Info: 706.865.5356
May 19th Cherry Cherry HABERSHAM COUNTY April 6th - 8th, 12th - 15th, 20th - 22nd “Fiddler on the Roof” Habersham Community Theatre Clarkesville Info: 706.839.1315 www.habershamtheatre.org April 20th Friday Night Live: Live Music, Classic Car Cruise In Downtown Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220
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WHITE COUNTY
May 10th 2018 White County Business & Health Expo Babyland General Hospital Cleveland Info: 706.865.5356
May 3rd Nitrograss
April 21st Cornelia Apple Blossom BBQ Festival Cornelia Info: 706.778.8585
May 19th 56th Annual Mountain Laurel Festival Downtown Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220
May 26th Bavarianfest Festhalle Helen Info: 706.865.5356 Hardman Farm State Historic Site Sautee Info: 706.878.1077 April 7th Sweep the Hooch April 14th Emory Jones Book Signing April 14th Georgia’s First Dig - The Story of the Nacoochee Indian Mound April 21 Farm Camp (ages 6-12) st
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May 19th Katie Deal Concert RABUN COUNTY April 7th and each Saturday Bluegrass on the Square Tallulah Falls Opera House Tallulah Falls Info: www.tallulahfallsgeorgia.org April 19th NGAG Program & Coffee Lewis Hinely - Painting with a Double Primary Pallette Rabun County Conference Center Clayton Info: NorthGeorgiaArtsGuild.com April 21st - 22nd First Time Backpacking Black Rock Mountain State Park Mountain City Info: 706.746.2141 gastatepark.org/blackrockmountain April 28th and each Saturday The Clayton Farmers’ Market NE GA Food Bank Clayton Info: 706.782.0780 April 28th - 29th 19th Annual Celebrate Clayton Clayton Info: www.CelebrateClayton.com May 5th Old School Garden Spring Plant Sale 76W City Hall Complex Clayton Info: 706.782.9730 May 12th Heritage Day Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center Mountain City Info: 706.746.5828 Tallulah Gorge Park Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.7981 April 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd Whitewater Boating Weekends April 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th Whitewater Watching Hike
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April 28th, 29th May 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th Aesthetic Water Releases May 26 - 28 Gorge Floor Hike th
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Rabun Arena Tiger Info: 706.212.0452 April 14 Barrels for Babies - Barrel Racing th
April 21st; May 12th Junior Rodeo April 22nd; May 13th Barrel Racing Exhibition May 19th Bull Riding May 26 Memorial Day Roping th
May 4th - 5th APPALACHIAN FOOD & WINE TRAIL Travel the 515 Highway corridor of the Blue Ridge mountains and enjoy the tastes of 4 wineries, food & wine. 4 Vineyards - Odom Springs Vineyards, Paradise Hills Winery Resort, Crane Creek Vineyards and Hightower Creek Vineyards Info: 877. 745.5789 706.745.7483, 877.745.7483 TOWNS COUNTY April 7 - 8 Get Outdoors! Expo Towns County Conference Center Young Harris Info: 706.896.4966 th
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April 14th - May 13th A Blooming Affair Hamilton Gardens Hiawassee Info: www.hamiltongardens.org April 21st Dr. Paul Constantine - performing Americana-style music Music Barn Hiawassee Info: 706.970.2112 May 26th Clusterfest Music Festival Crane Creek Vineyards Young Harris Info: 706.379.1236
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Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4191 georgiamountainfairgrounds.com April 27th Jeremy Camp in Concert April 28 Montgomery/Gentry in Concert th
May 19th 2018 Georgia Mountain Eggfest May 26th Jay & The Americans, The Classic IV & The Tams in Concert UNION COUNTY April 7th Cruise In Union County Farmers Market Blairsville Info: 678.773.5934 April 13th - 14th Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival Union County Schools Fine Arts Center, Blairsville Info: gamountainstoryfest.org April 20th Georgia’s Wild Plants Seminar The Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.2655 April 21st Cruise-In On The Square Downtown Courthouse Square Blairsville Info: 706.745.2003 April 21st FOCUS 2018 Union County Farmers’ Market Blairsville Info: www.FocusOnJesus.Today April 22nd Earth Day Celebration Paradise Hills Resort and Winery Blairsville Info: paradisehillsga.com May 26th - 27th Spring Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival Downtown on the Square Blairsville Info: 706.745.5493
CLAY COUNTY, NC Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville Info: 828.389.2787 thepeacocknc.org April 7th The Legacy Motown Revue April 28th Songwriters Showcase 22 May 11th - 13th, 18th - 20th “Into The Woods” John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown Info: 800.365.5724 folkschool.org April 3rd and Each Tuesday Beginner Contra & Square Dance April 5th Andy Cohen April 13th Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble April 14th; May 12th, 26th Contra & Square Dance April 20th Skylark April 22nd Bergonzi String Quartet April 26th Junior Appalachian Music Program Student Concert May 4th The Moon And You May 11th Lee Knight May 13th Young Artists Concert May 17th Brasstown Ringers May 25th Emily Schaad MACON COUNTY, NC April 28th Beer, Bluegrass and BBQ Outdoor 76 Main Street, Franklin Info: 828.349.7676 April 25th African Children’s Choir Community Bible Church Highlands Info: 828.526.2112
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April 26th - 28th 8th Annual Three River Fly Fishing Festival Highlands Info: 828.526.8673 May 11th - 13th Mother’s Day Gemboree Robert C. Carpenter Community Building, Franklin Info: 828.369.7831 May 12th Airing of the Quilts Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.7766 Cowee School Franklin Info: coweeschool.org April 21st and the Third Saturday of the Month SEBA Jam May 12th Contra Dance May 19th Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper Concert Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts Franklin Info: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598 GreatMountainMusic.com April 13th Anthem Lights April 21st The Midtown Men April 28th Popovich - Comedy Pet Theater May 4th Tonya Tucker May 18th Tim Hawkins Highlands Performing Arts Center Highlands Info: highlandspac.net April 14th MET Opera - Luisa Miller April 21st National Theatre Live - Julius Caesar April 28th MET Opera - Cendrillon May 12th National Theatre Live - Macbeth
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The 19th Annual Celebrate Clayton Art Festival Hurray, Hurray! It’s Almost here!
On April 28 & 29, for the 19th year, our town will host our most popular arts and fine crafts festival known simply as Celebrate Clayton. Our premier spring event features an Artist Market on Main Street, Music at the Rock House, kid’s art activities in Veteran’s Park, and festival food throughout.
North and South Main become a pedestrian way with tents lining the streets. The Artists’ Market features over 100 exhibitors carefully selected to provide you with the best art and fine crafts from across the region: painting, photography, pottery, folk-art, jewelry, and much more. Many old favorites are returning, like: Terri Johannson – art glass; Roger and Gail Marcengill - forged iron and copper work; and JD Burton - turned wooden bowls. And new artists, too! To name a few: Jeffrey Nelson - marquetry tables and mirrors; Dan Goad - wildlife watercolors; and Michael Sharp – hand carved walking sticks. There are too many to list! You’ll have to come, meet the artists yourself, and congratulate the winners of Best in Show, Judges Choice, and Producers Choice awards. We have great music lined-up with varieties of rock and folk. Performers are Group Therapy, Mat Fried, Sweet Charity Unplugged, Wyatt Espalin, Michael Jacobs, Scott Low, and the RCHS Band ensemble.
Downtown Clayton, Georgia Shop - Dine - Relax
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Don’t miss the Kids Korner in Veteran’s park, sponsored by Mishima Asian Cuisine. The student art competition exhibits work from our high school students, awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Kids will experience art activities with students and North Georgia Arts Guild artists. Local restaurants and wineries have donated gift certificates. A $1raffle ticket buys you a chance to win free food at one of your favorite places! You don’t need to be present to win. You can buy tickets throughout the festival, or right now at the Clayton Tribune. Hungry? You’ll find great options for breakfast, lunch and festival food throughout. Celebrate Clayton is hosted by the North Georgia Arts Guild, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Proceeds from the festival fund scholarships for local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and talented Rabun County art students. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, visit CelebrateClayton.com or contact Kathy Ford, Celebrate Clayton Chairperson 706.212.9958.
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Barrel Racing for Babies - What One Awesome Woman Can Do! M By Tracy McCoy
arch of Dimes is well recognized and known for raising money for premature babies and their families. But, what can happen when you get some fire in your belly for the cause? You learn that one person can truly make a difference. In 2008 Brooke (Teague) Kowalsky was working for a home infusion company. When she learned that some of their patients were babies born prematurely, she began looking for ways to help. We all agree that there is nothing more heartwrenching than a baby who is struggling to survive, the challenge faced by many children born too early. Brooke has always been around horses and had become involved in barrel racing. In 2008, she organized a benefit barrel racing event in Rabun County with proceeds going to March of Dimes. The first annual Barrel Racing for Babies event was a success. When Brooke gave birth to her second child, Cooper, in 2011 and experienced what it’s like to have a child with health related concerns, it ignited her passion for March of Dimes. Barrel Racing for Babies is in its 10th year. The event has always been sanctioned by a barrel racing organization, with participants earning points to a gain entry into bigger national events. This year’s event is sanctioned by the WBRL (World Barrel Racing League). People from all over the southeast will come to participate in this event. A portion of the $35 entry fee, proceeds from the many raffles that will take place at the event, and monies from food sales will benefit M.O.D., with the remaining being awarded to the qualifiers in the event. Brooke has had some help along the way. Long-time friend Sonya Hurt stepped up as treasurer of the event, and Shayne and Tora Beck work diligently to ensure the Rabun Arena is in top condition the day of the event. Local businesses donate items for raffle which has helped Brooke Kowalsky raise a total of $24,000 for March of Dimes since that first event. Her goal for this year is $7,000 which will bring her over $30,000. All because a woman saw a need and found a way to do her part. If only… Each year Barrel Racing for Babies has had an Ambassador Family. This year, touching close to home, Sonya Hurt’s great niece was born at 26 weeks. Her name is Tatum Rosalee Bolton and she spent the first 80 days in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The roller coaster that a family with a pre-mature infant goes through is draining on every level. Brooke knows, through the event she founded, that families like the Bolton’s can see some relief through March of Dimes.
This year’s Barrel Racing for Babies event will be held at The Rabun Arena on April 14th at 10 am. The event is free for spectators and parking is as well. It’s always an exciting event and both Madilyn and Cooper Kowalsky (Brooke’s children) will be racing that day. Please come out and show your support for not only March of Dimes and these precious little ones, but for Brooke and her friends who work so hard to put this event on. Look for Barrel Racing for Babies on Facebook, where you can read more and gather info. A good number to call for questions is 706.982.0896, ask for Brooke or call Blake at Rabun Arena 706.212.0452 30
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This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land… Keep Rabun Beautiful by Tracy McCoy
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e pride ourselves on a beautiful magazine with gorgeous photos that enable you to see the beauty of Rabun county and those counties around us. There is so much here to celebrate and daily we thank God that this is our home. But, there is an issue that we are going to discuss with you this month. A problem that is so preventable it almost seems like a no-brainer. This problem is one that we often ignore, but the time has come to fix it and if we all work together we can work to accomplish it. We can teach our children and grandchildren to be responsible and to care for creation. Trash! We’ve all got it, we are a consumable society and each and every day we fill our trash cans and fill our recycle bins. Wrappers, cups, bottles, drink cans and the like even fill our cars. Are you ever tempted to toss that wrapper out the window? If you answered yes, shame on you! The sides of our roads look like trash cans. Littering is illegal but millions do it everyday. Forget legal, what about ethical? Here are some statistics that might open your eyes… • The U.S. spends 11.5 billion dollars on litter clean up every year. • 49% of the problem is cigarette butts which contain harmful chemicals, including arsenic, that can contaminate water and soil. • Paper products make up 22% of the litter that’s currently out there, with plastics landing in third place at 19%. • Fast food wrappers and aluminum cans are two most common type of items that are found while cleaning litter. • Litter when not covered on a truck bed can cause it to blow out without the driver knowing. • Despite being bombarded with media campaigns that warn about the dangers of littering. More than half of the country’s population admits to littering in the last year. • While littering can occur accidentally, it’s most often a deliberate act. Approximately 81% of littering is done with intent, either by someone dropping, flicking or flinging the piece of trash in question. 32
Joan Hurley pictured with State Representative Matt Gurtler
• Careless dumping of hazardous waste seeps into surrounding soil and causes ground water pollution. • Trash stinks! It attracts rodents, which carry disease. It can block storm water systems which can cause flooding. It can be a fire hazard. It harms animals and marine life in a variety of ways. So why? Knowing all that we know, why would Americans continue to toss trash out the windows of their vehicles? What keeps us from properly disposing of the trash in our lives? I can not begin to speculate on the reasons but I can tell you that littering is wrong. I personally see the earth as God’s gift to mankind and to trash that gift with complete disregard for the ramifications is a disgrace. Simple regard for mankind, our world, the state and county we live in would surely make a person think twice about littering. We need to think about future generations and how our actions will affect them. One woman decided to do something… Joan Hurley Joan is the owner of a business called Arrange to Change, a service she provides to individuals and businesses. What does she do? Cleans up messes. That junk drawer, closet or room you’ve been avoiding, Joan will have it organized and looking new in no time. This is her fort-ay: decluttering &
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The Hatch Camp Spring Fling
his spring, Hatch Camp and Art Farm will be bringing an eclectic concert series on their creekside stage. The opening concert of the season will be April 14th with Russ Hallauer (Athens, GA) and Blind Cider (Rabun Gap). Then on April 28th, coinciding with Celebrate Clayton, The Hatch Camp Spring Fling will host a full day event with 10 music acts and over 25 vendors. Camping is available all weekend, but the gates will open at 11 AM, with music beginning around noon. Musicians and artists include Grammy-nominated Caroline Aiken, Scott Low, Kip Ramey, and many more regional treasures. Entry to the Spring Fling is $10 ($30 with camping). Bring a blanket or chair and stay a while! Hatch Camp and Art Farm is a campground located 15 minutes east of Clayton, GA and 25 minutes south of Highlands, NC. It’s more than just a campground, with 6 exclusive campsites that are built around the traditions of fly fishing, music, and art. Where the Smokeys meet the Blue Ridge in beautiful Rabun County, Georgia the camp sits on about a half mile of private trout water on Warwoman Creek. Hatch Camp was created to further the sport of Fly Fishing on their catch-and-release stream and other local waters, as well as give a venue for musicians and artists that need to be heard and seen. Hatch Camp has a small stage where they host a few concerts a month, and larger events such as Folk Art and Music Markets, Bluegrass Festivals, and songwriting and angling clinics. Listening to music after a long, great day on the stream is a wonderful way to wind down after hooking gorgeous trout. Hatch prides itself in making happiness and furthering the art of angling, conservation, and preservation of our local natural resources. Hatch Camp will be hosting concerts through the fall, as well as fly fishing classes and guided trips. On July 28th and 29th, an Appalachian Music and Art Fair is in the works as well. You can find out about more events, concerts, and fly fishing at www.facebook.com/hatchcamp.
organizing homes, offices, rooms, storage units, and closets. Years of experience packing, downsizing & organizing moves, staging, and clear outs. Unpack, organize and set up after move ins or post renovations. Joan sees the trash that others ignore and she began a movement called Keep Rabun Beautiful. Joan organized a county wide clean-up that began two years ago. The event is planned around Earth Day, what better time? What is missing from this event is you. You make the difference and Rabun County needs more volunteers to get this done. Many have stepped up along side the (5’5) powerhouse to get the job underway, we all thank you. Joan hopes to see more volunteers continue in the community and the returning volunteers to arrive wearing your Safety T-shirts proudly! She encourages more groups to get gmlaurel.com
involved, churches, civic organizations, friends, schools. Keep Rabun Beautiful 2018 Earth Day Volunteer Cleanup Event has been planned for April 21, 2018. Volunteers will gather at City of Clayton Municipal Complex, you are encouraged to arrive as early as 8 am to receive maps and information, free t-shirts, garbage bags, sanitary gloves, beverages, breakfast items and snacks. The event is family friendly and a wonderful way to teach children about littering. Drivers and trucks will be available to deliver trash to the recycling centers. Please join to take pride in your county, your neighborhood and your towns. For questions call The Rabun County Chamber of Commerce 706-782-4812. Like and follow Keep Rabun Beautiful on Facebook. There you will see how your community is coming together to clean up our county. Remember DON’T LITTER!
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Rabun County Band Boosters, Rhapsody in Rabun’s Choice for 2018
ew uniforms! That has been the buzz among band boosters, band directors, band students, and people of the community for a couple of years now. The purchase of uniforms for the RCHS band is more of a reality now that the Rabun County Band Boosters have been chosen as the 2018 recipient of Rhapsody in Rabun ‘Taste of the Mountain’ Gala event to be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Rabun County Civic Center. Rhapsody in Rabun has helped raise over $1,000,000 for Rabun County nonprofit organizations since its first gala event in 1991. The Rabun County Band Boosters’ vision for the band program is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow in an educational and confidence-inspiring environment, ensuring success in school progressing toward graduation and into adult life. According to research, children who study music are more successful in other studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education. Since 1975, the RCHS band has accumulated an impressive record of 30 Superior and 9 Excellent ratings in marching competitions and festivals. The RCMS band started competing in 1979 and has accumulated an equally impressive record of 15 Superior and 6 Excellent scores.
The Rabun County Band Boosters assists the band program in procuring funds to help achieve goals and materials otherwise unsupported by educational budget funds. The majority of boosters’ funds are accrued through the visitors concession stand at Frank Snyder Memorial Stadium during football season. Other boosters-supported fundraisers are held throughout the year to offset additional costs of repairing equipment, competition fees, upkeep of uniforms, purchasing music, and summer band camp. The boosters provide food for the RCHS marching band before home games and assist families who may not be financially able to pay for trips or buy an instrument. Rabun County Band Boosters is proud to award four college scholarships each year, totaling $2500. Funds raised by the Rhapsody event will be used to purchase much needed new uniforms. Another priority is to purchase new instruments. It is our hope that the gala event raises enough money to allow the band boosters to purchase new equipment for the concession stand, since it is our biggest money maker. “It was music to my ears.” That is what Rabun County Band Boosters president, Valorie King, said when she got word of Rhapsody’s choice. The Rabun County Band Boosters appreciate the support that the schools, Board of Education, and community have given to the band program. Many others have been blessed with the means to support the band program as well. Your involvement can make a difference in the lives of these students. Please join us for a night of dining, live music, and fabulous auction items dedicated to benefit the band students. Benefactor tables will be available for reservation at Rhapsody in Rabun’s website, www.rhapsodyinrabun.com.
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Come for Dinner by Scarlett Cook
This dinner menu will have you out of the kitchen in record time and no one will ever know how easy the meal came together. And, there is no need to tell anyone how easy it
was. After all, you want folks to think that, for them, you cooked all day!
Marinated Pork Roast Serves 8 – 10 2 Tablespoons dry mustard 2 Teaspoons thyme leaves 1/2 Cup sherry or apple cider 1/2 Cup sodium-reduced sodium soy sauce 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Teaspoon ground ginger 1 4 – 5 Pork loin roast 1 10-Ounce jar apricot preserves 1 Tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce 2 Tablespoons sherry or apple cider Preheat oven to 325˚. Combine mustard, thyme, sherry (or cider), 1/2 cup soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a large re-sealable bag or plastic container with a leak proof lid. Place roast in bag or container and marinate 3 – 4 hours, rotating several times. Remove roast from marinade and place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the
thickest part of the roast. Bake uncovered until thermometer registers 170˚ (about 2 1/2 – 3 hours). Combine preserves, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons sherry or cider in a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until preserves melt. Serve with roast.
Creamy Pea Salad Serves 7 1 10-Ounce package frozen green peas, thawed 1/4 Cup chopped onion 1/4 Cup chopped celery 1/4 Teaspoon salt 1/4 Teaspoon black pepper 1/4 Teaspoon dried basil 1/2 Cup sour cream 9 Slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1/2 Cup chopped walnuts Combine peas, onion, celery, salt, pepper, basil, and sour cream. Chill at least 4 hours. Stir in bacon and walnuts just before serving.
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Honey Glazed Carrots Serves 4 8 Medium carrots, peeled 1/3 Cup water 1/2 Teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons honey 2 Teaspoons lemon juice 1/4 Teaspoon cinnamon Cut carrots into 1/2” pieces. Put carrots, water, and salt in small saucepan and cook until carrots are crisp-tender. In same saucepan, combine carrots (with liquid), honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon, and cook over medium heat until carrots are glazed, about 5 minutes.
Cheese Biscuits Serves 8 – 10 1 1/2 Cups plain flour 1 Cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 1/2 Teaspoon ground red pepper, or to taste 3 Tablespoons sesame seeds 1/2 Cup butter or margarine, at room temperature 1 Egg, well beaten 1/4 Teaspoon water Preheat oven to 400˚. Grease a cookie sheet. Combine flour, cheese, pepper, and seeds; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add egg and water; mixing well with hands. Shape into 1 1/2” balls and place on sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Overnight Fruit Cups Serves 8 – 10 1/2 Cup sugar 2 – 4 Tablespoons light brown sugar 1/2 Cup water 1/2 Cup orange juice 1/4 Cup lemon juice 1 1/2 Teaspoons vanilla extract 8 Cups assorted fruits – melon balls, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, sliced bananas, etc. Combine sugar, brown sugar, water, orange juice, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 – 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Arrange cut fruit in a bowl, pour syrup over fruit and stir gently. Chill at least 12 hours or overnight.
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The Family Table by Lorie Thompson
I
have a beautiful dining table that my husband built. It is made out of antique beams from a barn that was several hundred years old when it was taken down. My husband sanded and polished that old wood until it glows. That table means a great deal to me. Some of the most serious moments in my family have been discussed at that table. It served as the home-work station for many years as my children passed through Middle and High School and even through College. It has seen a lot of games of Spades and Rummikub and had a lot of jigsaw puzzles on one end. That table has been laden with food almost every day since it was built. There has been a lot of love and laughter shared at that table. My children are grown-ups now and more often than not, it is only Peanut and me at the table. I still cook, although more simple meals. I set the table and enjoy my evening meal at my family table with my husband. On occasion, we
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are blessed with the company of our children and the ones they love. My daughter Kendall brings Benjamin (BJ) McCauley to our table and on occasion, he cooks with me! BJ is the Executive Chef at The Chophouse at LaPrades and let me tell you, he can cook! BJ is 25 years old but has a resume that would be envied by many older chefs. He completed culinary school in 2016 after winning Best In Show in the American Culinary Federation Competitions. BJ served as Executive Chef in 2017 at the Chophouse at Laprades and since it is seasonally closed, he spent this past Winter working in a Montana restaurant cooking alongside Michelin-Starred Chefs. Currently, BJ is back in Georgia and preparing to re-open the Chophouse at Laprades on Easter Sunday. I love cooking with BJ. He is natural and has real talent. He has a wonderful palate and can figure out what would complement the food he is preparing. He is already a very good chef and he is only going to get better.
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BJ and Kendall spent Sunday evening with me and we cooked. Let me share BJ’s wonderful Paella recipe with you! Paella is a traditional Spanish recipe made with a short grain Valencia Rice and local meats and seafood. We made it with chicken thighs, shrimp, and chorizo sausage, but you could add clams, mussels, fish or Kielbasa Sausage. A Paella pan is great to have and you will find more uses for it, but any wide and shallow pan will work. For the Paella dice the following vegetables: 2 Cup yellow onion, 1 1/2 C carrot, 1 1/2 C celery, 11/2 C red pepper In a Paella pan (or a wide shallow pan) add 1/4 C olive oil and bring to medium heat. Salt and pepper 4 chicken thighs, deboned, skinned and cut in half. Place in oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side and remove from pan. In the same pan, sauté one pound of shrimp for 2-3 minutes and remove from pan. In the same pan cook one pound of Chorizo or Kielbasa Sausage. Pour off all but 2 T or so of the oil. In the same pan sauté the diced onion, carrot, celery and red pepper until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes. To the pepper, onion, and celery add 1 tsp Smoked Hungarian Paprika, 1 tsp Sweet Paprika, 2 T Kosher salt. Add 2 C Arborio Rice. Allow rice to “toast” for just a few minutes while stirring. Add a 20 Oz can of Plum Tomatoes and 4 cups of water. Add 1 tsp of saffron threads. Allow rice to simmer. Add chicken thighs and sausage back to pan. Add water as rice gets dry. Allow to cook for 15 minutes, stirring and adding water if needed. As rice gets tender and just before serving, add the shrimp back into the pan. Before serving, add 2 T of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and lime wedges. This is an easy, one pan meal that your family will love! Not only does it taste great but it is beautiful! Be sure to visit The Chophouse at LaPrades this season. BJ has been telling me of the wonderful dishes they are serving this year. I can’t wait! continued on page 40
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The Family Table I wanted to share another favorite recipe with you. My Aunt Reba Ramey is required to bring this dessert to every family gathering. She generously agreed to share her recipe. You are going to be a rock-star when you serve this! Reba’s Sweetbread and Chocolate Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 2 C of Self-Rising Flour, 1 1/4 C Sugar, 3 eggs, 3/4 C whole milk, 1/2 c of shortening (Melted butter or oil) and 1 tsp of Vanilla. Mix by hand until smooth. Butter a heavy 10-inch black iron skillet and pour cake batter into the pan.
I would like for you to do 4 things for me:
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
1. If you see Aunt Reba, thank her for sharing this great family recipe.
For the Chocolate Sauce, combine 2 C sugar, 1 C whole milk, 3 T Cocoa Powder, and 1/2 stick butter. Bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and add 1tsp of Vanilla. Pour over cake in pan. Poke holes and lift cake around the edges so that the chocolate will get underneath the cake. Serve warm with ice cream. You will be a Rock Star!!!!
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2. Go to see Chef BJ this Spring at LaPrades. You will enjoy it! 3. Plant some lettuce and herbs in your garden this month. 4. Thank The Good Lord for your blessings. Happy Spring!
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Bless Your Heart Stumped with Love by Lisa Harris
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racie struggled to see the good in the day. She was alone. No one to care if she needed anything. No one to give her encouragement. There was no one. Gracie inched her way back underneath her covers so her pity party would at least be warmer. At that moment, she let her tears flow as she cried out her loneliness to God. Gracie knew without a doubt that God knew her heart, He knew her desires for a husband and family, He knew that she was made to be a wife and mother. Soooo why was it taking so long? She would be 32 in May with no helpmate on the horizon and that thought alone brought the tears again and more conversation. “Honestly God, the one thing I really want is for a Godly man to pursue me! You know that. You know how much I want a good marriage, children, someone to share my life with. I don’t want to chase someone, or do online dating, or be set up with men who seem so shallow. I want a man that seeks you, that loves you and will love me. I want to be pursued by a man who seeks the same as I do. You’ve done this for others…why not ME?” Gracie waited for an answer and waited some more. Nothing. Just crickets chirping. Sighing, she finally threw the covers off and jumped in the shower to get ready for her day. She knew it was going to be a long one as she was the office manager for her dad’s company. The responsibility she had each day was substantial, but her dad was good to her and she appreciated the special perks that went along with the job. Gracie showered, dried her thick dark hair that was the family trademark, and pulled it up into a messy bun. Make up was next, and she always thanked God for giving her pretty cat-like eyes. They turned up in the corners and sparkled. Gracie stood in front of her closet and decided this was going to be comfortable Friday. She pulled out her jeans, boots, and her favorite tee that said, “I love Jesus, Coffee, and long Naps.” Gracie giggled for the first time that morning, “Thank goodness this is a family business and not a fancy corporation where I’d have to dress up every day!” It wasn’t long before she arrived at the office, and within thirty minutes she was hit with a major error in accounting. “Well, that didn’t take long to mess with my day and my head,” she complained. Sitting in her office concentrating so hard on this issue that she didn’t hear the door open and her dad pop in. 42
“How’s it going Gracie? I heard about the major error, can I help?” Gracie looked up and kinda smiled. “Nah, it’s all good, I think I can clear this up in another hour or two.” Her dad smiled and said, “I can always count on you to fix things Gracie.” Gracie gave a wry smile and thought, “I wish I had a husband to care about me too.” Her dad came over and patted her back and continued to say, “Lets go to lunch in a bit, I have a surprise for you.” Gracie grinned and said, “Oh dad, I don’t know about your surprises, sometimes they are a bit quirky.” “NOT this one,” he replied. “Your mom and I are hoping you’re going to love this one.” “Well, if mom’s involved, then maybe it will be fine,” she replied laughing. Her dad, David, laughed and agreed. Gracie watched her dad shut the door and she sighed, loudly for God’s benefit. “Seriously God, can’t I have a marriage like my mom and dad’s? Theirs is the best and I long to have the relationship that they share.” Sighing loudly again for God’s ears only, she went back to work. Lunch time came, and her dad stuck his head in the door. “Let’s go Girl!” Gracie grabbed her purse, slung it on her shoulder then ran quickly back to her desk to grab her phone. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to function without a phone. David opened the door to his truck and she slid in. “Where are we going to eat?” asked Gracie. “We’re not eating first, we’re going to eat after I show you something. So, no more questions, just look out the window,” David said, grinning, as he was enjoying the moment. After a while, David pulled onto a semi-vacant lot on the outskirts of town and shut off the motor. Gracie looked at him quite puzzled and said, “Are we having a picnic or something?” she said with a giggle. “No, but after we build the kitchen you can have us over for dinner,” he said smiling.
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“What do you mean Dad?” “I mean this is a lot your mother and I purchased many years ago. We thought we might build here one day, but changed our minds. With your brother and sister settled with homes, we got to thinking this would be a great lot for you to build a home. What do you think?” Gracie was overwhelmed with thoughts, good thoughts at first as they walked around the area and David described what her mom thought would be a great house plan. A coastal home would fit wonderfully on the lot. Gracie agreed it would be beautiful. A few weeks later, the bulldozing began, and Gracie would have her first home, and her first mortgage. She was happy and nervous at the same time. She and her mom were having a ball picking out all the flooring and trim work. It was very much a special mother/ daughter project. However, the lack of enthusiasm began to seep in…the sadness of not having a husband to share this home with. She never, ever thought she’d build a home by herself. Gracie always assumed she would share this joy with someone. These thoughts drowned out the excitement. They stole her joy. The house in her mind already felt empty because she would be the only one living in it. Why, why was she alone? Didn’t God hear her heart? Why didn’t he answer? Gracie had never felt this alone and the sadness overwhelmed her.
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Later that day, her dad went by the lot to check on things. He was acting as the contractor and wanted to make sure things were on schedule. He was worried about Gracie’s feelings and wondered if they had done the right thing by encouraging her to build a home. When David arrived, he wandered over to a tree that had been sawed halfway down. The stump was still about 5 feet tall and he was curious as to why they didn’t take the whole thing down to the ground. As he walked around, he saw why. In the middle of it was a large beautiful heart, carved out and standing proudly. David was taken back. He had walked this lot a thousand times and never seen this. He questioned the workers, who all denied carving this heart. David took out his phone and snapped a picture for Gracie and hit send, knowing this was a gift to her. Gracie heard her phone ding and picked it up. She scrolled to her messages and gasped when she saw the stump with the heart on it. Her Dad’s message read, “For Gracie, you are Loved, God.” Gracie’s eyes filled with tears. God had not forgotten her. He loved her. He knew her heart. She continued to build her home, to trust God for His best, and to wait for Him to fulfill the desires of her heart or to give her a new desire. Whatever direction her life took, she was home, ….and she was loved.
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Life is a Blessing
You & I Were Represented That Day
by Tracy McCoy
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:38-43
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have been thinking about the thief who believed while facing death, who asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. He was saved by faith right there on the cross. Christ extended grace to this man who had lived a horrible life, robbing and stealing from others. A sinner, not fit to hang beside Jesus Christ. Instantly saved by grace. Bound for paradise that very day!
Then I looked at the other guy, how vile and disgusting to blaspheme my Lord. Ignorance exposed through hateful words spewed from his filthy mouth. Been there? A sinner, not fit to hang beside Jesus Christ. Choosing unbelief. Hell bound that very day! You’ve seen the picture, three crosses on a hill. We usually focus on the Man in the middle, in any depiction of that day the middle cross is most prominent because it is most important. That middle cross is life saving, life giving, blood soaked, sin saturated and it means that somebody as insignificant as an old dirty thief and a sinner such as myself can live forever. But..... Look to the left, then to the right. You and I were represented at Calvary that day. Either on the left or on the right. Both men sinners, so are we. One chose to believe, one chose to blaspheme. The sin of unbelief is the one sin that will send you to hell. Oh, I know no one wants to talk about hell these days, well I love you enough to talk about hell. Those two thieves were not there by coincidence, they are symbolic of you and me. Which one represents you? The thief who chose to burn in hell was above the need or the desire for a God. Like so many people today, the need for a God seemed foolish and any who would follow after such an idea was foolish. He wanted Jesus to prove to him who He was. The second thief who chose Jesus that day realized the need for a savior, he was repentant for his sinI don’t believe he thought that to cry out to Jesus would do one thing in his favor. He most likely thought it was too late for him. He had sinned too much. Been there? No one is too far gone for God unless the last breath leaves your body and you choose unbelief. This sinner saved by grace wasn’t baptized, he didn’t “work in the church”, he didn’t dress right, not cuss, wear a tie, carry a bible, he didn’t wear a cross or have a fish sticker on his camel. I know that is a stretch but you get my point. All of the things we think are required or help our cause can add nothing to our Salvation and if done for show is useless. I think our salvation is so gloriously simple and it is a finished work that we can not add one thing to. To know Christ you recognize your need for a Savior, you admit your sin and you express a desire to know him. “Remember me Lord, I am sorry”. You know that He died for you that day on Calvary and you know He would do it again because He loves you that much! We also see that this new Christian tried to get the guy on the other side to see who he was hanging beside. He would have told others about Jesus if he had lived long enough because of the love of Christ that filled his heart. To know Jesus and to live for him is better than anything you’ll ever know on this earth. When I share Christ with you it is not to try to change you it is to share with you a love purer than pure, deeper than any other love you’ve known. It is a glimpse of the eternal joy that is promised to believers. To know Jesus is the single greatest decision you could make. To turn your heart from Him and to deny Him is the single act that will send your soul to hell for eternity. He is right there in the middle, waiting for you. You have nothing to lose yet eternity to gain. Eternal life is a blessing.
Happy Easter!
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A place where new life springs forth out of despair, failure and death. A place where God brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to you.
...For many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16
THE CHOSEN FEW The Word of God tells us that MANY people are called by the LORD to come into His Kingdom, but all do not respond! If you are invited by your KING to a special party where millions are invited, do you ignore the invitation and stay home? NO! Almighty God has commissioned His children [you and me] to deliver the invitations to everyone on His guest list as He points them out to you. We deliver His invitations in a personal way by revealing to them the truth of their salvation from sin, sickness and disease, and by showing them that God loves them, and His Son, Jesus Christ has paid their sin debt in full. They must receive the Lord Jesus and what He did for them, and rest on that. We are God’s great Army, and are commissioned to bring His lost children home into His family! The LORD knows who will respond to His invitation and who will not, but He still issues the invitations to all. And He counts on us to deliver His invitations. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses [those who have gone on before us] let us lay aside every weight, and every sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. Those who have gone on before us are the dead in Christ, our friends and ancestors, and all the saved of God who have received the Lord Jesus Christ. We are enlightened by this verse in Hebrews 12:1, that our loved ones who have gone on before us can see us and are cheering us on as we run our race in this life. The Bible does forbid us to try to talk with the ones who have died, but it is a real comfort when our loved ones have passed on, to know they are in that great cloud of witnesses and they know what we are going through.
you who to talk with and what to say to them. We are never alone in the reaching of the lost for Christ. He is always with us, every step of the way. We do not have to attend a Christian College or University to get a “degree” before we can do the work of the LORD. We only need to know Him and have received Him as our Savior. There is so much Kingdom Work to do! The LORD is calling all of His children to get busy in the work of bringing in the lost ones, and reaching them for the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a terrible epidemic in America of drug addiction! These lost ones have great needs that are not being met. Bad drugs are pouring across our borders and causing Americans great harm and destruction! Families are being ripped apart and children are many of the ones who are suffering. When people fall into drug abuse it has a terrible grip on them. Our God is the only one who can deliver them from this evil. If this is happening to you, your family or someone you know, our strong recourse is Prayer! Your Prayer can move mountains of trouble and calamities! Your Prayer can bring many to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ! Your Prayer can heal addictions, move mountains and put torn up lives back together! Your Prayer changes things in a fantastic supernatural way! Your Prayer can go unhindered into places where you cannot go! Your prayer can protect innocent children! Your prayer can heal broken relationships! Your prayer can put life back together! Your prayer can heal your family! Your prayer can heal America! The following message came to us recently on a printed card and we want to share it with you because this describes you as you pray and reach out to the chosen few:
Our Heavenly Father has commissioned all of His children to work in His Army to bring in the lost. He brings people across your path and into your life who need help. Many are lost and need salvation, many have been beaten up by terrible things that have happened in their life. The LORD wants to teach all of His children how to minister to the lost. This is not just the job of the Preacher or the Priest, this is primarily the job of the Church members and those who have been saved and taught by the LORD. As we walk through this life, we come into contact with so many hurting and helpless ones. These are the ones the LORD is calling on us to reach for Him. You will hear His voice in your spirit telling gmlaurel.com
You are someone whose faith inspires others, a person who understands that there is more to life than what’s here on earth, a witness to all who know you and to strangers who the Lord prompts you to reach out to, you are a sign to all that God is alive, and He will bless us each day as we trust Him RIVER GARDEN P.O. BOX 112, Lakemont, Ga. 30552 706.782.5435 706. 490.3063
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Little Eyes, Big God! By Pastor Gabe Southards Head of Tennessee Baptist Church
Late one evening my family and I were taking a walk, enjoying some family time, when our three-year-old son, Parker, looked up at the sky and said, “I see God!” We asked, “Where do you see God?” And he pointed to the sky where there was a beautiful full moon. We then spent the next several minutes discussing the wonders of God and how He can be seen in everything around us! But, this was not an isolated incident. On many occasions over the next several weeks little Parker would exclaim those same words, “I see God!” Each time, we would ask where, and he would point to whatever had inspired his young mind to picture God.
myself the question, “Did I see God?”, or at least, “Was that my first thought?” “Do I see, or think of God in the everyday, unhidden things of life?” “Am I looking at things from a human/ earthly perspective, or am I looking at things from a Godly/ Heavenly perspective?” A few weeks later, as my family and I were traveling north on highway 441 below Clayton, GA, I again heard those familiar words coming the back seat: “Daddy, I see God!” I asked, “Where do you see God, son?” He replied, “The cross!” I looked up to my left, and there on the side of Black Rock Mountain, lit up for all who looked that way, was a cross! Parker looked at that cross and said, “I see God!” I thought, what better reminder to us as saved, born again Christians, of what God did for us – for the whole world - by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cruel Cross of Calvary (John 3:16).
Now, from my perspective, a 3-year-old doesn’t know a whole lot about God; but here he was pointing out something God had created – something not hidden from view – something you and I might see at any time – and declaring that he saw God. I was amazed! But, upon further reflection, I had to ask I thought of Psalm 11:1-4, where David said, “In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? ... If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in his holy temple…” This question of the foundations being destroyed came at a very trying time in David’s life, when the enemy was seeking his life, and telling him to flee the danger. But David declared, “My trust is in the Lord, and I know where to find Him!” This question becomes a call to action for those in the family of God to protect the foundations upon which our hope and trust are built. Jesus said to the apostle Peter in Matthew 16:18, “… thou art Peter, and upon this Rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. He was speaking of Himself as being the Rock on which the church would be built – He, Jesus, would be the foundation! In Ephesians 2:20-21, Paul explains that we are the “…household of God” and it is “…built upon the 46
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foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone:” And, in 1 Peter 5:8-9, the Bible says, “your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Then, it goes on to say, “Whom resist stedfast in the faith…” As members of the family of God, we must protect what we stand on. The enemy seeks to destroy all that we build our lives upon as Christians: The Word of God, the Church, our faith, our hope, and most importantly, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. How do we protect these foundations? We need look no further than our own personal relationship with Christ. He is our ultimate foundation, the corner stone of our life, and everything else should be built around Him. The enemy will seek to deter our course and detract our attention from the things of God, but we must be reminded that our foundation is in Christ, and all his glory, handiwork, and mercies. We must guard and protect what is most precious and essential to what God is building in our life, and we should look every day with a child-like heart at all the glory around us and seek God in everything. So, the next time you are driving north on 441, look up to the left on the side of Black Rock Mountain, and when you see that cross, be reminded of who Jesus Christ is in your life, and SEE GOD!
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Healthy & Well
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Live Healthy and Be Well!
“Cholesterol control – to statin or not to statin?” by Stephen Jarrard, MD, FACS
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ne thing I have heard mentioned over and over by readers and patients is the subject of this month’s article. This is the second in a three-part article about cholesterol and what to do about it. Last month we described it and its function in our bodies, and found that it is vital to life and we need it to function. This month, we will talk about when and if to treat it and how – mainly discussing the ups and downs of the primary treatment modality in modern medicine – statin drugs. Next month, we will discuss alternatives to statins and the best treatment of all diseases ever, the healthy, active lifestyle. In future months, I would address other major causes of cardiovascular disease, of which high cholesterol is only a minor player. As a major part of the research for this article, I must credit a source by two renowned providers in their respective fields – Dr. Jonny Bowden, PhD (Nutrition) and Dr. Stephen Sinatra, MD (Cardiology). They have written much about these topics, but their best is a book called “The Great Cholesterol Myth” published in 2012. I would also like to thank my friend Tony Allred for alerting me to this book and lending me his copy. The cholesterol in your body is mostly made by your liver, and very little is absorbed from your diet. In fact, if you do not absorb enough from your diet, your liver will make more, as this is a very needed substance. It is a part of every cell in your body, especially nerve cells, thus important to the brain and its function. It is vital to the synthesis of many hormones, including your sex hormones and Vitamin D. It helps your immune system to be stronger and more effective. These facts are well known and non-controversial. What is somewhat controversial is the bill of goods we have been sold over the years that high cholesterol is a direct result of a high fat diet, and that lowering cholesterol is good and will prevent heart attacks and stroke. This started back with some studies in the 50’s and 60’s that were incorrectly interpreted at the time, and have since been reviewed and revised. Also, many of the studies done over the years have been grouped together to combine all the data, known as a meta-analysis, with the real results now time and again telling us contrary information to what we have heard since the 70’s and 80’s. When the deeper data is analyzed properly and without bias or commercial influence, we find that the amount of cholesterol in your blood is not really influenced by what you eat, and that people with lower cholesterol have just as many heart attacks and strokes as people with higher cholesterol. We also find, contrary to the advice we have all been given, that a low-fat diet is not really that beneficial, either, especially if you replace the fat with carbohydrates! This points to the real enemy in our American diets that really does increase the incidence of heart disease and stroke: sugar (topic of upcoming article). So, since we have all been led to believe that high cholesterol, currently thought of as a total cholesterol 50
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number of above 200, must be lowered to protect us, various ways have been touted to lower our cholesterol. The earlier methods involved the use of Niacin and Fibrates. Niacin is a B complex vitamin that can cause “flushing” and is not tolerated well by many people. Fibrates (fiber derived) do help lower total cholesterol and can even increase “good” cholesterol (HDL), and have relatively few side effects. But, the pharmaceutical industry has developed the miracle drug to save us all: statins. Or have they? Chances are if you had labs done and you were told your cholesterol was “high,” you have been put on a statin drug. Literally millions of Americans have, and the drug companies have profited handsomely for their production and marketing of statin drugs. However, in the past 25 years or so, they have not really resulted in the reduction of heart attacks and strokes that was predicted at the outset. And, they have been found to have some very significant and adverse side effects, so we must weigh them using a “risk vs. benefit” analysis. Statins work by cutting down cholesterol production in the liver. But, they do so by working at a very low level in the production pathway. Think of this as limiting the upward growth of a tree by damaging its roots. The tree does not grow higher, but lots of other damage is done. Early in this pathway is a substance known as HMG-CoA Reductase. Statins inhibit this substance,
disease may also contribute negatively to this vital organ? We also remember from the last article that your body, especially your brain, depends on cholesterol for proper and optimal function. If we limit cholesterol too much, which we already know does very little (statistically) to prevent heart attack and stroke, can we see adverse results of reducing levels of cholesterol? The answer is a resounding YES. Statins have been implicated as contributing to memory loss, other forms of dementia, advancing Alzheimer’s disease, and even worsening of peripheral neuropathy due to the fact that your nerve cells rely on cholesterol for proper function. There are many documented cases of people having amnesias, cognitive decline, and loss of drive and energy after starting on statin drugs, which resolved when they stopped taking the medicine.
Statins have been implicated as contributing to memory loss, other forms of dementia, advancing Alzheimer’s disease, and even worsening of peripheral neuropathy due to the fact that your nerve cells rely on cholesterol for proper function. and thereby cholesterol synthesis, which happens later along the pathway, is reduced. However, other substances, such as Coenzyme-Q10 (aka Co-Q 10), are also produced by this pathway and are now also reduced in production, and this is not without side effects. Co-Q10 is important to your system, mainly in converting food to energy for your muscles, and signaling pathways. Deficiencies in Co-Q10 may lead to fatigue, muscle aches and atrophy, and reduced energy and strength. Remember that your heart is a muscle, and thereby benefits from Co-Q10. Isn’t it ironic that a drug that is supposed to help prevent heart
Cholesterol is also needed to produce certain hormones, mainly sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone for women, and testosterone for men. There is now quite a bit of evidence that lower cholesterol translates into lower sex hormone production, which may make it a major factor in loss of sex drive in both genders, and a contributor to ED in men. Cholesterol is also required to produce Vitamin D – important for your energy production, immune system, a key anti-oxidant, and good for overall health and wellness. So, is taking a statin drug worth the benefits given the down side? Real evidence shows that lower cholesterol, which statins do accomplish, does not really translate into a reduction in cardiovascular disease. In fact, any reduction
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Live Healthy & Be Well seen is likely due to the anti-oxidant properties of statins, and the fact that they do lower the viscosity (thickness) of your blood. This is for you and your doctor to decide after discussion of your risk factors, of which there are many, such as family history, inflammation, presence of diabetes, etc. Statins can be appropriate for some patients, namely middleaged men who have had a heart attack already. Evidence does not support use by women and elderly people, and they should never be given to children whose brains and nervous systems are still in development. If you have had some of the above side effects and are presently on a statin, I am not saying the drug is causing these conditions, but it should be considered as a contributor. If you’d like more information, it is readily available. Talk to your doctor, examine your overall lifestyle and risk factors together, study about it, and make an informed decision for your individual situation. We really do enjoy hearing from you with any questions, concerns, or ideas for future columns and/or health and wellness related issues for the Georgia Mountain Laurel. Please send an email to rabundoctor@gmail.com, or call us at 706-782-3572, and we will be sure to consider your input. This and previous articles can be now be found on the web at www.rabundoctor. com in an archived format. If you use Twitter, then follow us for health tips and wellness advice @rabundoctor. Until next month, live healthy and be well!
5 simple ways to jump-start fitness goals (BPT) - Fitness is central to your well-being and ability to enjoy life to the fullest, however it's easy to get stuck in a rut. How do you find new interest and motivation so you're ready to maximize the warm weather months? Dan Gaz, physical activity and assessment program manager at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, says there are many things people can do to get a jump-start on their health and wellness. "Fitness doesn't have to be complicated or boring," says Gaz. "There are many creative ways to implement fitness activities into your life that are both fun and invigorating." Gaz suggests five simple ways to get a jump-start on summer fitness and energize your workout routine:
Try something new Gaz says getting outside your comfort zone can be beneficial to your health. "Trying something new helps keep your fitness plan fresh. Plan a visit to the local farmers market to pick up produce. Sign up for a 5k run, or look at your local community education or rec center class catalog and sign up for activities. The social dynamics of these types of events benefit mental as well as physical health."
Get outside "Getting outdoors is rejuvenating," Gaz says. "Taking a walk in nature is a nice change of pace that is good for the body and mind." You can go for a walk, run or take a stroll around a local park. "Just being outdoors shakes things up and you may find higher levels of energy as you breathe in the fresh air. Plus, getting a daily dose of vitamin D from the sun does the body good." 52
Bring friends "It's no secret when you work out with other people they tend to hold you accountable, but there's also more benefit than just that," says Gaz. "When you take an exercise class, join a running club or biking group, you may end up pushing yourself harder. The people next to you become your exercise advocates and suddenly, you'll have the desire to keep up and do more. This can accelerate reaching your fitness goals."
Rethink commuting "Anything you can do to break up the monotony of sitting is a good thing." Try being creative in commuting and how you travel throughout the day. "If possible, walk or bike to work or the grocery store. You can also take the bus, get off a couple blocks early and walk the rest of the way. A little planning ahead of time can help you accomplish multiple things at once: You're getting exercise, completing an errand and reducing your carbon footprint."
Be purposeful "You may only have a few minutes a day to dedicate to exercise, but that doesn't mean you can't make a big impact," says Gaz. "Being purposeful with your choices is important. For example, use intervals in your workout routine to maximize outcomes. If you enjoy walking, do a brisk 30 or 60 seconds, then walk slower for the same period of time before pushing yourself again. This type of interval training is simple, yet highly effective. It works similarly for other activities like swimming, biking and running." To find more tips about improving your health with creative approaches to exercise or to set up a visit with a wellness expert, visit healthyliving.mayoclinic.org.
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Adventure Out Riley Moore Falls by Peter McIntosh
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n March we visited the Chauga Narrows, a multiple cascade on the Chauga River in South Carolina. So now we’re revisiting the Chauga to see another water feature, several miles downstream from the narrows. We’re taking a nice short hike to Riley Moore Falls. This is a great destination as the weather warms because there is a huge, and I do mean huge, swimming hole at the base of this broad cascade (over 100 feet wide). And there’s a big sandy beach as well. You can even build a sand castle here. The trailhead is at the end of a kind of bad forest service road, (FS 780 B) but I made it in and out in my SUV without any problem. This spur road is less than 1/2 mile, so you could hike it. There is a Carsonite marker at the beginning of the trail that reads “RM Falls - 6/10 mile”. Some sources on the internet say 7/10, but I’m not going to fuss over a tenth of a mile. The marker also indicates that horses are allowed on this trail. So if you’ve ever wanted to lead your horse to water, here’s your chance. This is a wellmaintained footpath that descends, very gently, through a beautiful piedmont forest. After hiking for five minutes or so, stop for a second and you’ll hear the rushing water in the distance. To me, this is exciting and always a good motivator. At the end of the trail there’s a little downhill scramble to the beach at the base of the falls, and boom, there it is! This waterfall is 12 to 15 feet high, depending on who you talk to, but it’s one of the widest cascades in the southern Appalachians. Very impressive. And there are some other nice rapids just downstream from the falls worth checking out as well.
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Riley Moore Falls is named after the Riley Moore family who lived nearby many years ago. There was also a grist mill at this spot, and there are still some remnants of this structure in the rocks on the left side of the falls. Did the Moore family run the mill? I couldn’t find that out. This is a popular spot, especially in the summer, so go during the week if you can. Don’t forget to a bring a picnic or some snacks to share. Happy hiking! And now it’s time for my April rhyme: Spring is here so let’s go exploring, Deep into the forest to where the water is roaring. This beautiful spot will sure make you smiley, A Carolina cascade they named after Riley. Getting there: From Hwy 441 in Clayton, go east on Hwy 76 for 14.3 miles. There’s an old store just past where you turn called the Brasstown Bear. If you pass that, you’ve gone too far. Turn left on FS 748, a well maintained gravel road. Stay on FS 748 for 3.8 miles to FS 748-C on the left. (Make a note, FS 748-B is just before FS 748-C.) You want FS 748-C! Follow this “kind of bad” road, less than 1/2 mile, until it dead ends at the trailhead. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have any questions or comments, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com
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Mountain Nature New Beginnings by Jean Hyatt
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hanges in nature happen all year long, even though we don’t really notice them much because they are generally not very drastic. But in April, changes are drastic and it seems like everything is happening at once. We notice the warmth, the fresh air, and the new little leaves. We hear the birds singing after their winter silence. We see the streams and rivers swelling with spring rains, and the lakes filling again, and see new flowers popping out. Although from the feel of March as I’m writing this, some of the early April flowers may already be out. And there is always a chance of snow in early April. In the birding world, April is migration time. The first few hummingbirds begin arriving in North Georgia around the end of March, and they are here in full force by mid April. Be sure and have your feeders out for those early ones. I usually start with only a couple of ounces of nectar, just because the first birds to arrive only stay a few days before they are off seeking greener pastures. By the end of May, though, you may have several beginning to nest nearby.
what you use - just about any feeder designed for them will attract them - but they do care whether the nectar is fresh. Nectar lasts only a few days outside before it begins to grow bacteria and mold, so be sure and Young Ruby-throated hummingbird. change it often. Use an ant moat to Red throat appears black in this lighting. keep the ants out of the nectar, and later when the bees are active, use feeders that have bee guards. I have found that the more feeders you put out and keep fresh nectar in, the more hummingbirds you will have. You might also notice in April that the goldfinches, which have been smooth and greenish brown all winter, are starting to look a little scruffy. They do a complete molt in April; that is, they grow new bright yellow feathers, and lose their old ones. The male, that is, has the bright yellow feathers, the female just has new lightly yellowish brown ones.
We see only the Ruby-throated hummingbird, as it is the only hummingbird to nest east of the Mississippi River. Occasionally we will hear of a Rufous or other western species in this part of the country, but only during the late fall and early winter months.
Indigo buntings, that impossibly blue little bird, will show up in March or April, and may come to your feeder. They like fence rows and bushes, but we see them occasionally in the woods. The Rose-breasted grosbeaks and Baltimore orioles will be passing through to their nesting grounds further north. And the tanagers will also make a showing. Those pesky little pine siskins will be leaving from their winter visit, and the juncos will be moving out of the valleys to points higher in elevation.
Don’t forget that if you are mixing your own nectar, use 1 cup of water mixed with 1/4 cup of regular white table sugar. Boil it for about a minute to dissolve the granules, then cool and serve. While you will appreciate a good quality feeder that is easy to clean and maintain, hummingbirds don’t really care
And the flowers! In addition to the trilliums I talked about last month, there will also be bloodroot and Indian paintbrush and larkspurs and doll’s eyes. Foam flowers, phlox, dwarf iris, mandarin, daisies, and the beautiful mountain laurel will be starting to bloom. We were in Texas last year in April to see the
Indian paintbrush.
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Larkspur spotted through my binoculars.
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Early spring bloodroot.
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bluebonnets in bloom, and there was Indian paintbrush there as well, though it was not as red as ours. All in all, April is an interesting month with everything there is to see. Get yourself a good pair of binoculars and watch to see which birds come to your yard. I use mine to spot flowers also. It’s easier to enjoy their full beauty that way, especially if there are briars between you and them. Mountain Nature will be making some changes this spring, too. Watch the Georgia Mountain Laurel magazine for further developments. And visit our Facebook page listed under Mountain Nature & Wild Bird Supply. We will post any updates there. Jean and her husband Richard own and operate Mountain Nature in downtown Clayton. They can be reached at 706 782-0838. ** Don’t forget to turn off your outside lights at night. Use motion detector lighting, shields, and IDA-approved lighting so you don’t impose your light on those who want to see the stars. I believe God made night dark for a reason. Please help keep it that way. **
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A Mom’s Vision
Free Forest School – A Letter To My Boys by Sarah Ruth Owens Publisher’s Note: When Sarah Ruth Owens contacted me to tell me about a program that she and some close friends had started, I was more than intrigued, I was enthralled! Free Forest School is just that: free playtime with other parents and children in nature. Rain or shine, these mothers have recognized the value of allowing children to discover creation and explore the earth. They have witnessed the wonder in their children’s eyes and have marveled at their little ones’ abilities to use their imagination and play with sticks, rocks, water, and animals. We will delve into the concept, the program, its history, and future in our June issue. I asked Sarah to share her mission statement in the form of a letter to her three little boys. They are her “why” and drive her to continue in all seasons and any weather to create consistency, help them develop a love for creation, good stewardship, and to “unplug”. If you would like to know more about this group, I encourage you to visit www.freeforestschool.org or on Facebook, look for Free Forest School of Southern Blue Ridge, GA/NC/SC.
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earest Boys,
Today was a “hunny day” as my Blaze called them during his early years of toddler speech. Life was all blue skies and cool breezes. Your dad, Nana, and I all went to the park and attempted to fly a kite. I watched three blonde headed boys race after bugs, balls, and one another. Laughter tickled my ears and all was as idyllic as I could hope it would be. Here’s the thing though: hunny days are a place to capture photos in our minds, because gloomy days are guaranteed. We need pegs on which to hang our hope, faith, love, and zest for life. Storms will come in life and without being grounded, you will quickly be blown away. Enter Free Forest School; this little endeavor has grown larger than I ever imagined. A quick mention of an outdoor co-op nearly a year ago has
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swiftly turned into a twice weekly adventure in the woods. Rain, shine, cold, hot, and all the in-betweens, we can be found in the woods exploring, wondering, and enduring. Last week, Blaze jumped into a creek when it was barely above 40 degrees outside; moments later he returned to the van, trembling and cold. Embraced by his father and warmed by the heater, I watched and imagined how in twenty years I hope all three of you boys will know how to smile and laugh during a harsh circumstance. In twenty years, I pray that our Free Forest School trips will also become pegs on which to hang the lasting impression that even rough trails and uneven terrain can be places where you can thrive. Your mama is going with you today, and even tomorrow, and it is my hope that you will take snapshots of these moments and forever let them shape you as men who can endure, hope, and love all seasons of
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the soul. As Mother’s Day rapidly approaches, my constant mantra is, “Offer them places to take root, Sarah. Provide them good ground for growing strong.” As I pen these words, tears well up in my eyes and I am reminded life is a vapor and I must account for my stewardship of these moments one day. So, for these younger years, these moments we share, I will make it my calling to push you to wonder, explore, engage, and flourish in as many wild settings as I can conjure. All the days and all the nights, Mama
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In the Spotlight – Toni & Choctaw
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y name is Toni Fields and I have been a volunteer at Rabun Paws 4 Life for 5 years now. I am originally from Indiana, and I married my husband Pat in 1990. Pat has lived in this area most of his life. I fell in love with Rabun County immediately. My husband and I have moved back and forth between Indiana and Georgia, but my heart has always been in the south. My husband and I love to camp and hike and be in nature. My second love has always been animals. I got my Certified Nursing Assistant Certification in 1990 here in Georgia, and have been in the healthcare profession ever since. I have worked at Mountain View Health and Rehab for close to 16 years and I love what I do, but the pressures can be so trying and stressful, as anyone in healthcare knows. I started as a C.N.A. and now am the Medical Records Coordinator. After being in the healthcare profession for 20+ years, I was starting to see the signs of burnout and wondering what in the world I could do to help with this. I also have a condition called Cutaneous Lupus,
which is an Auto Immune Disease that affects my skin, joints, and energy levels. I really needed a stress relief valve. After losing our 2 dogs that we had for 18 and 16 years, and not being able to adopt others because we just were not ready, Pat suggested that we look into volunteering. I mentioned that Jennifer Marcellino, my healthcare provider, had spoken to me about Paws 4 Life numerous times. The next Saturday morning we found ourselves at the shelter filling out an application for volunteering. We were given a tour of the facility and before the day was out, I was hooked. I love spending time at Rabun Paws 4 Life and giving love and attention to these dogs. I did not realize when I started volunteering exactly what the shelter has to deal with on a daily basis. The staff at Rabun Paws 4 Life are amazing and take care of all dogs at the shelter, no matter the situation they are coming from, good or bad. Paws also has an awesome Board of Directors that are behind the scene making sure these animals are where they need to be. The Shelter gets cute puppies, some full blood breeds that are sought after, but they mostly get mixed breeds. They get many dogs that are picked up by Animal Control half starved, fleaand tick-infested, and very scared. They also get people that drop dogs off for many different reasons that are used to being in a home with a family and, all of the sudden, they have no family. Animals develop trust issues at times from this. Then there are the adult, senior dogs that touch my heart the most. I want to tell you about one such dog that is at the shelter right now: Choctaw is an 8+ year old male. He was picked up by animal control in the middle of Clayton. He was very thin and dehydrated. He was in dire need of a meal and a warm place to sleep. After that was taken care of, the shelter began his first exam. It was evident that Choctaw was a bait dog: he has deep scars that reflect serious fighting. His teeth are all broken and painful, his jaw doesn’t sit square, as it has obviously been broken in the past. He has some pieces of lead embedded
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in his rear legs. His body tells a story. Despite this pain, the picture his body paints is that he is a lover of mankind. He wants to be right with someone, he loves to play, be hugged and loved on. He is an easy keeper and is content just to sit with you. He walks great on a leash and is eager to please. He is still in the process of gaining weight, but will soon be ready
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for a new home. I am so proud that as a volunteer I get to be included in showing Choctaw and others like him that there are people out there that can show them love and patience and get them prepared for a forever home filled with the same. Please come out to the shelter and see him and others that just want to be loved. I will continue to be here every Saturday possible continuing to volunteer my time for what I feel is a great cause. Thank you Rabun Paws 4 Life staff and Board for allowing me to have this stress relief in my life.
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HARRY NORMAN REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain Properties
A River Runs Through It …to your own little slice of paradise! by John Shivers
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ocation, it’s said, is everything, when it comes to owning that piece of the American dream called a home. In the case of 1305 New Liberty Road in Clarkesville, Georgia, this 40-acres with six bedrooms checks all the boxes on location, and goes on to deliver so much more than just your next house. It screams “home!”
prepare Thanksgiving dinner for even the largest family, makes entertaining an enjoyable task. Featuring granite countertops, a center island and a breakfast bar, and top-of-the-line KitchenAid appliances, this gourmet kitchen is a serious cook’s dream that can easily become reality, when that cook gets mail at 1305 New Liberty Road.
From its generous road frontage, to the stately main house with many views, to the 2,000+ feet of picturesque Soque riverbank to enjoy in your leisure, this one-of-a-kind property is seeking that one-of-a-kind buyer, who will live, love, and enjoy everything this piece of rural countryside has to offer.
Reflecting the region’s Antebellum roots, the home screams craftsmanship, including professionally-selected wall coverings, colors, and finishes. The two-story home has an adjacent twostory carriage house, with guest space above and parking for three to six vehicles below. The second floor porches are ideal for relaxing or viewing the picturesque rolling land, including one of the most exclusive Blue Ribbon trout streams on the U.S. eastern coast. The property also includes an operating trophy fishery, boasting trout over thirty inches in length.
The two-story main house, the epitome of “southern comfort” over a finished basement, grabs guests as they enter the two-story foyer, where the grand staircase beckons. One is immediately taken by the light, airy welcome extended by the warm but neutral walls and many windows throughout. This house, crowning a knoll overlooking neatly kept pastures and the river bank in the distance, was definitely designed for family, friends, holidays, and weekend gatherings for many or few. Four bedrooms in the main house and two more in the adjacent guest quarters, plus four full and two half baths, provide generous options for sleeping overnight guests in comfort and style. A rocking chair front porch welcomes guests and provides a place to sit and enjoy. Spacious back patio space, as well as terrace areas outside the finished daylight basement, affords many different lifestyle options at this country estate. The grand formal dining room easily seats twelve or more guests, and the adjacent kitchen with ample workspace to
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Also on the property is an exceptional barn, canopy buildings, terraced grounds, and complete with John Deere farm equipment. With over 6,400 square feet of multifunctional living space, plus the outdoor opportunities for exercise and enjoyment, those fortunate individuals who sign on to the lifestyle this home offers will find that not only does a river run through this little piece of paradise, it leads to an unbelievable way of living that’s available today outside Clarkesville, Georgia. Listing agent Meghann Brackett, with Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain can be reached at (cell) 706.968.1870, (office) 706.212.0228, or at meghann.brackett@harrynorman.com.
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SERVICE Professionals
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Georgia Mountain Homebuilders Association Construction - A Rewarding Career Path for Graduating Seniors
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n just two short months until students all over the southeast will be turning the tassels on their caps. Making decisions about their future, choosing colleges and technical schools where they will continue their education. While the NAHB and state and local builder’s associations encourage students to go to college, there is a shortage nationwide and especially in Georgia of skilled workers. According to Georgia Builder magazine, “Employers across the country are struggling to staff their job sites and the skilled labor shortage continues to be a cause of major concern. Several components have influenced the shortage, including the recession that ravaged the industry from 2006-2011. During this time 40 percent of the construction workforce was eliminated. The majority of those workers have not returned. It seems many students might not be aware of the opportunities that are available in the building industry. Recently, many companies across the country have made it a priority to offer job training and placement to grow interest in the industry. The state of Georgia recently implemented a skilled trade education program called Trade Five to educate future workforce on in-demand careers in the skilled trades. Trade Five was developed by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Workforce Division, works to increase awareness in five vital industries: construction, manufacturing, telecommunication, energy, and logistics. Trade Five offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors entering a Technical College system of Georgia institution in a field of study leading to a high demand career in the skilled trades. Grants are awarded by the Trade Five Foundation to Georgia Department of Education middle and high school institutions for skilled-trade aligned special activities.”
students who might not have access to a college degree or well paying job. There has been an increase of 2.2% this year making the average hourly wage for Georgia construction workers to $28.55. With the increase in construction it seems the shortage will not likely disappear. According to the Commerce Department housing starts are at an annual pace of 849,000. This means there is ample opportunity for motivated students seeking a rewarding career path. Residential construction workers consistently express high job satisfaction. At a time when countless college graduates are finding they are underemployed and saddled with crushing student debt, it is time for educators and policymakers to re-examine the widely held belief that a college degree represents the only road to success. To meet the housing needs of a growing population, attitudes must change. Parents, teachers, guidance counselors and students need to understand and believe that a vocational education is just as worthwhile as a conventional four-year college and that both routes offer satisfying career paths and financial gains. Academic institutions can aid in this effort by funding and promoting more two- and four-year programs that cater to students interested in construction management and the building trades. For information about Trade Five and other opportunities visit one of the following websites: www.nahb.org, www.hbag.org, and www. georgiamountainhba.com
According to the trade magazine exciting possibilities exist for Georgia 66
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RE/MAX of RABUN One-of-a-kind Property: By Land and By Air by John Shivers
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nique is an often over-used adjective, but when describing a property like the Big Creek Flying Ranch southeast of Clayton, the word unique simply may not be adequate. From the appointments of the lodge-like residence itself, to the adjacent accommodations for family aircraft, the list of descriptors is endless. Nestled against a backdrop of four-seasonal forest, beneath the canopy of sky that has made Rabun County famous, this sturdy, rustic, creek-side home is graced with a presence that draws both eye and soul. Inside, it’s more of the same.
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Access to the property is via an open-sided covered bridge spanning the creek that becomes a part of the home’s setting. Reverse board and batten on the exterior above low, stacked stone sets the tone for the texture of the property. Finished out in earthy hues, the home with the welcoming front portico supported by two massive timbers, and nestled behind a greying split rail fence, declares this property to be a destination… a place to come home. From the portico that shelters against northeast Georgia winters and summer’s bright sun, entry is only a few footfalls away. No steps necessary to reach the welcoming front door beneath the oversized transom, flanked by bays of triple windows. While the exterior was impressive, inside the “WOW” factor quickly ramps up several notches. A vaulted ceiling soars, carrying the eye to an interesting truss system supported by huge timbers. The Paul Bunyan size stacked-stone fireplace is the focal point of the room that houses kitchen, dining and living in a comfortable, cozy style, with just the slightest hint of formal running throughout. There’s ample room for lots of company. The large, open floorplan is finished in neutrals, earth tones and stained wood. A rolling, folding wall of glass doors connects the TV area to the screened porch, overlooking the burbling creek that flows next to the deck, complete with an outdoor kitchen. Amazing is the only word to describe the master suite, closet and master bath, where a large round window in the glass shower overlooks the creek as well. A double carport opens directly into a butler’s pantry, and hardwood floors, custom cabinetry and lighting throughout complete the vision of home-sweet-home. It’s only a short distance from the house to the aircraft hangar / RV building, so whether you arrive by car or by plane on the adjacent airstrip, convenience is the name of the game. Upstairs over the hangar, a fully-appointed apartment provides guest space, in-law quarters, or caretaker housing. There’s a large workshop / equipment shed, a fenced area for dogs, and a pond. Big Creek Flying Ranch’s seclusion in this park-like setting encourages a retreat mentality. But with its close proximity to all the conveniences of town, and easy access to the skies above, there’s only one word to describe this adventure in living… unique! A unique home looking for a unique owner. Contact Scott Poss, listing agent at ReMax of Rabun, at 706-490-2305 or at scottposs@windstream.net for details.
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Lovin’ the Journey Short Treks Gibbs Gardens by Mark Holloway She loves them...along with hummingbirds and gardening. At Gibbs Gardens we were engulfed with so much color, flowers, trees, and blooming plants. As an avid hunter, sports fan, and endurance athlete, this was a perfect change of pace. The drive down out of the mountains is quick, well under two hours. Amanda said we might get to actually see the visionary behind the dreamscape. She said he’s so accessible and even invites guests to walk on the grass.
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was caught by surprise. Winter is not the season I’d expect to see so much life and color. More than two hundred acres of private land greeted us. The daffodils were coming alive, rolling like gentle waves on the sea. Our friends, Amanda and Reid, have season passes and can bring guests for free into the floral adventure. The skies and temperatures were storybook perfect, drawing hundreds and hundreds of folks to line up to stroll through the immaculate property. If you have passes, Gibbs Gardens’ staff invite you to jump the line and enter in. So we did. Reid and Amanda will marry later this month. Carol and I mentor them through pre-marriage hikes and talks. I’ll perform their ceremony at White Oaks Barn in Dahlonega. This particular day could not have been more fitting and romantic for two couples in love. Over the years, I’ve bought Carol lots of flowers.
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We meandered for hours, soaking up the fresh air and drinking in the taste of spring. Eventually you wander into the gift shop. There were lots of folks milling and shopping there. Walking right through the crowd like a rock star was Jim Gibbs. I watched how people reacted when they realized it was him. Hushed and whispered awe. I walked right up to the floral genius and introduced myself. We got to talking and he unpacked his dream for me. Family is huge for Jim. His wife, son, and son-in-law are directly involved in the colorful enterprise. Both of his grandmothers were gardening inspirations to young Jim. Jim eventually decided to ‘try a quarter of plant study at UGA’. He was hooked, graduating in 1965 with a degree in Horticulture and a minor in landscape. He became one of Atlanta’s premier landscapers.
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But in 1973, something big happened. While in Japan visiting ancient gardens, his dream exploded. “So this was your ‘flash of light moment’?” I asked. “Yes, after visiting gardens around the world for fifteen years, I knew I wanted to create one back home on a large scale.” He shared his plan with family members, who told him he was crazy. He began his search to find land with a water source and rolling hills to match the vision in his head. He eventually purchased 292 acres between I-575 and Georgia 400 and got busy cultivating 200 of them into art. “It takes 30 years for a garden to mature,” Jim told me during our impromptu visit. Now in his mid 70s, Jim sees thousands and thousands of visitors ramble across his property. “It feels good to see your dream come true.” $40 gets you an annual pass, which includes bringing a visitor along each time. You’ll want to return often to capture each season’s big show. Jim has a nifty Bloom Calendar (www.gibbsgardens.com) so you can schedule your visits to see and photograph Dogwoods, Japanese Maples, Cherry Blossoms and on and on and on.... I suggest you make a day of it, packing a picnic blanket to spread out and soak up the peaceful beauty. Jim serves food at Gibbs Gardens, so I recommend a post-lunch nap beneath the trees, dreaming of blooms, buds, and blossoms. If a romantic day trip interests you, your search is over. I suspect a young man or two has dropped to his knee and changed a young girl’s life here. You can learn tons more at the website, including how to get there. You’ll avoid long lines when you buy passes on line. Jim’s won more than 240 awards, two of which earned him trips to the White House. I’m glad Jim chased his crazy dream. See you on the trail. Mark and his wife Carol are the owners of Fresh Start, a company dedicated to stewarding the property and homes of their clients. They aspire to be your eyes, ears, and hands while you are away, and your resource for anything you need, whether you are a full or part time resident of the area. Both care for the properties entrusted to them as if they owed them themselves. Mark can be reached by calling 706.490.7060.
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Notes from a Southern Kitchen A Song In My Heart by Kendall R. Rumsey NotesFromASouthernKitchen.com
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was blessed to have parents that were active in my life and supported me. They kept me on the straight and narrow and made sure that I lived up to my potentials.
As much as they loved me, the saying “it takes a village to raise a kid” is true.
task of Music Director for my youth group at Clayton Baptist Church. We were an active group of pre-teens, learning about ourselves, our community, and our faith. Mrs. Gates came to us when we were at our most impressionable, learning to stretch our wings and express our opinions… a daunting task for anyone. I immediately fell in love with Mrs. Gates: her love of music inspired me.
Growing up, I was blessed to have many strong adults in my life. Teachers, friends of the family, pastors, all role models who had my best interest at heart.
As a kid, I had always had an affinity for the arts, music, some of the things the other boys my age weren’t really into; Mrs. Gates cultivated that interest and showed me the possibilities the arts could provide me in my life.
The village that I was lucky enough to be circled by instilled values in me. Values that I keep close to the vest today. I hope I honor their commitment to me as I have grown older and live my adult life.
Mrs. Gates dedicated her time and energy to our group. She quickly turned us into a cohesive group of teens, a group that formed bonds, trusts, and relationships that continue to this day.
One of the people who guided my life, with a simple hand and song in her heart, is Winona Gates.
It wasn’t always easy. Imagine trying to find unity in a group of kids who all had different goals, dreams, and life stories. But she did it. She did it with love, kindness, and a gentle spirit that made us all feel special.
Mrs. Gates, is a diminutive lady of extraordinary talents. I met Mrs. Gates when she took on the
Through her guidance, I grew in my faith, my appreciation of the arts, and my confidence to take on any task that came my way.
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Through our years together, Mrs. Gates became one of my closest bonds. I love her and still think back on when she gave of her time, talents, and spirit to our group.
Mrs. Gates nurtured my voice and believed in me as I stood before our congregation to sing. She worked with us all as we
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prepared to lend our testimonies to the body of our Church, and she led us outside the mountains of Rabun as we presented our talents to others. We may not have been the best Youth Group around, but I don’t know if any others were more loved and cohesive than we were; I give full credit to Winona Gates for turning us into the young men and women we were when representing the Clayton Baptist Church. As my class was entering our Junior Year in High School, Mrs. Gates announced to us that she would be leaving her position as our leader. The Church had decided to hire a young guy to come in and take the reigns of the Youth Program. In my head I knew this would be good for our group, in my heart I wanted anything but this to happen. I still remember the night we stood on the stage at Clayton Baptist Church and sang as a group one last time “May the Road Rise to Meet You.” This had become our anthem. We celebrated our differences, our bond, and our love for our group through this song. We sung it at the end of every rehearsal, performance, and gathering. On this final night, as we stood together singing with OUR Mrs. Gates one last time, tears fell, and we knew a huge piece of our lives was ending. The CBC Youth Group continued and still thrives today. However, for many of us who grew up in the late 70’s and early 80’s, a petite redhead will always be the cornerstone of our experiences in that Church. As an adult, I carry many of the lessons Mrs. Gates taught me still today. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and love for the arts are still part of my life. I am fortunate to see Mrs. Gates from time to time, still the beautiful little redhead of my youth, she greets me with a warm embrace and smile. Her presence takes me back to those days many years ago, when the world was filled with possibility and goodness. I was fortunate to have Winona Gates as part of my village. She put a song in my heart that still plays today. Winona Gates, thank you. Thank you for the time, the kindness, the joy you brought into my life. You are a song that keeps on singing. Kendall Rumsey is a resident of Clayton, Ga. He is owner of imPRESSed, a custom imprint company and publishes the blog, Notes from a Southern Kitchen. www.impressedstyle.com www.notesfromasouthernkitchen.com gmlaurel.com
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By the Way
When Pigs Paint by Emory Jones
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hanks to all who have expressed concern about not seeing much of my pet pig, Cunningham, lately.
wasn’t enough space for his full name, so I listed him as C. H. Jones. Since the class was for adults, I left out the part about him just being three-years-old. Besides, in pig-years, that’s close to retirement age.
That’s because Cunningham always lays low during winter. A lot of that has to do with a pig’s natural instinct to remain scarce at hog-killing time. It’s a self-preservation reflex, sort of like how you don’t see many deer in the woods during deer season.
On the day classes started, I loaded Cunningham in the truck and headed towards Helen. He wanted to ride in back, but I was afraid he might catch a cold in spite of the scarf I’d borrowed from my wife’s closet and wrapped around his neck. Plus, his little artist’s beret might blow off.
But the recent warm weather has brought him around some, and last week, he turned off his little TV in the middle of Green Acres, walked over and placed a four-color-brochure in my lap. This particular brochure was about art lessons at the Helen Arts and Heritage Center, so named because it offers arts and heritage in the center of Helen. I wasn’t surprised Cunningham had that brochure because he’s always had a talent for painting. He painted his pigsty all by himself, and the neighbors are still talking about that. Wanting to encourage his artistic side, I went to the website the brochure mentioned and filled out the application. There
All went well until a pretty lady with a stern look opened the Art Center door before I even knocked. “May I help you?” she asked, inadvertently blocking our way. “We’re here to take art lessons. In the plain air, if you have it,” I said politely. “I think that’s probably best for a pig.” “Do you mean ‘En Plein air’?” “Yes. That’s what I said. In plain air. And outside if possible. We already filled out the form on your internet.” She looked at me funny, so I explained further. “Actually, it’s just the pig. You should have him listed as C.H. Jones. I’m his driver. The mayor gave us the brochure.” The mayor hadn’t given us the brochure, but it was beginning to look like we might need some leverage, so I crossed my fingers and lied. “The mayor?” “Yes,” I lied again. “I don’t care if the governor sent you. We don’t give art lessons to pigs.” “It doesn’t mention that in the brochure,” I pointed out politely. At that point, Cunningham impolitely squealed something very inappropriate in pig, which the lady must have understood because she pulled the door to, lowered the blinds and flipped the “open” sign to “closed.” Cunningham was disappointed but had to admit it was his own fault for cussing in public. Still, I felt bad for him, so I stopped at the store on the way home and bought him a paint-by-numbers set. He’s getting good, but I’m afraid it’s going to his head because he’s planning a spring exhibition and keeps insisting I call him Pig-asso.
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Remax 1