Georgia Mountain Laurel December 17 by The Laurel of Northeast Georgia

Merry Christmas!

h the sights and sounds of Christmas! I don’t care how close kin you are to Scrooge, the right combination of holiday music, the warm scents of pine, oranges and cinnamon and the twinkling lights of the tree are enough to make you celebrate. The holidays are always a time for families to gather. The wonder in a child’s eyes when they get a glimpse of Santa and the opportunity to share with them the story of the world’s greatest gift, the birth of a Savior are two of the best things about Christmas. Our wish for you is one of joy and contentment. Jump into the season with both feet, decorate the house and yard, hum those songs you grew up singing, make this Christmas special for someone else, adopt a family, prepare a meal for someone in need and make this a special holiday! Most importantly celebrate Jesus – He is the reason for the season!

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 Editor - Luke McCoy Assitant Editor - Nikki Dunbar Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Office Manager/ Account Executive - Cindi Freeman Account Executive - Melissa Williams-Thomas Account Executive - Melynda Hensley Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh

Contributing Writers: Jan Timms, Jean Hyatt, Mark Holloway, Susan Brewer Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, Emory Jones, Lorie Thompson Stephen Kelley Kendall Rumsey

Copyright 2017 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 8 10 12 30 18

Cover Artist - Rabun Martin North Georgia Arts Guild Something from Nothing... Rabun County Music Festival Simply Gift-tastic â&#x20AC;˘ Gift Guide

A Taste 26 30

Bon Appetit The Family Table

Faith in Christ 34 36 38

Bless Your Heart Life is a Blessing River Garden

Mark Your Calendar 42 44

FAITH Gives Back Event Calendar & Festivals

Outdoors 48 50

Adventure Out Mountain Nature

Life & Leisure 52 54

Lovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Journey Notes from a Southern Kitchen

Health & Wellness 60

Live Healthy & Be Well

Just Thinking...

By the Way

Making Memories - This photo sent in by Sallyanne Smith shows two of her grandchildren, Jenna Mortimore and A.J. Monk, taking in the view from the Sky Valley look-off on Highway 246. The two were visiting Sallyanne at her home in Sky Valley. It was one of those once in a lifetime shots.

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Rabun Martin

Reflecting Goodness in All She Does by Tracy McCoy

his summer was a life-changing season for local Interior Designer Rabun Martin. Rabun is the owner of Lulu & Tully’s located on the corner of Main and Savannah Streets in downtown Clayton, Georgia. Being a mom, wife, and owner of two businesses can be taxing on anyone, although she does balance it all seamlessly most days. It was a hectic time and she had been wearing too many hats when she told her husband Ashley that she just felt like she needed an outlet. She had some old paints and brushes from a project she had done, and a canvas. Rabun allowed the creativity to flow, releasing the stress that had built up. She had never really explored painting, although she had taken a figure painting class, just for fun, during her days at the University of Georgia. Having “the eye” goes far beyond one area of your life. She liked what she saw on the canvas and she found the peace she was seeking. An artist was born that day and she has barely taken a breath since. Thank Heavens! Rabun was born in Hallandale, Florida, and when she was 9 years old, she moved to the mountains. She exudes love when she talks about her family, so she told me about her Mom, Nina Lawrence, her twin sister, Siobhan,

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and her sisters , Memrie and Kimberly. You won’t be shocked to learn they are all artistic in nature. Rabun’s mom worked hard to raise her girls and Rabun learned perseverance from her. Nina was an antique and antiquarian book collector/trader. Rabun remembers sitting with her sisters on old quilts under the table while her mom and dad bid on items at auction. She began collecting stained glass when Rabun was young, and recently they installed her collection in her mountain home. Wonderful memories bring warm smiles to this beautiful, Godly woman. So where else does her passion lie? In the amazing family God has gifted her. Rabun met Ashley Martin in middle school they were instantly sweet on each other and by high school committed to do life together. They were married after college and inseparable since. They have four awesome kids: Quillen, Sadie, Brooksie Tate and LE. They are a busy family, as you can imagine. The Martin kids all excel in their own area. Ashley is a wood-craftsman. He is the owner of Flat Creek Company, a custom furniture building firm specializing in healthcare furnishings. Both Rabun and Ashley are dedicated to interactive parenting. They want to invest in their children, teaching them to live loud, love God and mankind, and make a lasting difference in the world. Rabun tells me what a wonderful husband and father Ashley is, and I know that he would tell me the same about her. What does Rabun enjoy when she isn’t being a wife, mother, designer, and artist? She dances! Sometimes she dances while doing these other things too, but she loves to dance. She has incorporated her love of dance with her dedication to fitness, and she teaches Dance Fitness at Studio e in Tiger, Georgia. She has an energy that is contagious and her students catch it and move for an entire hour! Dance and art take her to a place of bliss that shows on her face. Does she wish she had discovered her talent for art earlier in life? No. She says she believes she may have wasted it. Rabun paints with acrylics adding water and even coffee in with the paint. As Bob Ross says, sometimes there are just “happy accidents”. Dipping her brush in her coffee instead of the cup of water was not intentional, but the result was pleasing to her eye and is often now added to her paintings. Ashley creates wooden canvases for his wife and she is turning them out. Most artists agree that they can not ignore their desire to put brush to canvas. It is an extension of who they are, and it simply has to be done. She is drawn to paint barns, boats, flowers, and churches, and does all of them well! She has paintings from 6x6 inches to mural size works. She uses layers of paint so create texture, she loves drippy, messy paint that adds a unique character to each piece. She keeps a hairdryer nearby her work area to dry one layer before adding the next. You will see an antiquity to her art that I think is a reflection of the work she watched her mother do. It is truly amazing how we influence our children, a responsibility that Rabun takes seriously. She paints with her children who want to paint and dances with those who enjoy dancing. She takes interest in what they are interested in and together they all love living. What could be added to Rabun’s portfolio? Writing! She has written children’s books about things like blueberry pancakes and girls at the beach. She includes valuable knowledge about Christ, kindness, and helping others, basically the same things she stresses in her home. She longs to write music, and one last desire is to design clothes for Patagonia. I can only imagine what impact that could have on that company. The sky is the limit with this artist. She is one to watch for sure. Keeping up with her is easy. Just stop in Lulu & Tully’s where you’ll find her art or visit her store’s Facebook or Pinterest pages (luluandtullys). Rabun loves great ideas, so if you have a painting in mind she’d be up for the challenge. Give her a call at 706.960.9446.

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NORTH GA ARTS GUILD Margie Minutello’s

Water Color Girls By Susan Brewer

argie Minutello – From her beginning, Margie has had a unique point of view. “I grew up under my dad’s table saw,” she said. Her family at the time was living on a farm in Pennsylvania. When they moved to Georgia, her mother sewed for Cabbage Patch Dolls, designing and making outfits. She taught herself woodworking when she retired. Her husband Pat was, and still is, her devoted helper. “She would go to the hardware store to buy tools she needed. Of course, the salesmen would come up to me. She would tell me what she wanted to buy before, so I’d ask for it, and he’d show it to me, talking to me, and I’d have to say, ‘No, no, no—don’t tell me—tell her.’” Margie laughed. “I’d let them talk. Men talk to men better. I would stand back and listen.”

The Atlanta Woodworking Show held events at the Gwinnett Civic Center and her first year there—her first year—she won third place for a cradle. Her second year she won second place for a chair. “You could ‘a knocked me over with a feather,” Margie said. Then five years ago she hurt her back and took up water colors. “It slays me how natural watercolors feel, and how easy they came to me. I picked up oils when I was young and didn’t like the way they felt under the brush.” Again she taught herself, then took a

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class at Sautee Nacoochee from Becky Peebles who was sure she had studied in college. “I study,” said Margie. “I read my magazines cover to cover. And You-tube is my friend.” She entered her water color “The Girls, DREAM” into last year’s Chattahoochee Mountain Fair Adult Art Show. Pat said, “I was walking around the fair there and saw first place, and second place, and her painting didn’t have a ribbon so Margie wasn’t expecting anything. And they came out with BEST IN SHOW and – wow – it was amazing.” She won. Her works are available online at mminutelloart.com. She sells watercolor originals and reproductions of them by friend and photographer, Alan Zarter. At an early age, things were different. Following a divorce from her first husband, she admitted “I fought the tigers myself raising my two girls alone,” before adding, “I loved being a mother.” She had nagging questions, though, about people’s behavior. She needed answers. With her girls in high school, she enrolled in Piedmont College and earned a degree in psychology and sociology. The school elected her into “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges,” a program recognizing outstanding campus leaders for their accomplishments. Margie’s water color “Girls” reflect determined women, in part because her work after college was helping victims of physical and sexual abuse, people struggling with drugs and alcohol, as well as teenagers who had lost their way. “There’s dark stuff out there. Be prepared. Know what’s best for you. We are one hundred percent responsible for keeping ourselves safe. One hundred percent,” she says. Her mindful girls are there to help: dream, listen, grow, and find beauty, too.

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December 2017

Something From Nothing for Someone Some Day by Stephen Kelley

was born but not raised on my grandparent’s Kansas City farm. I was raised but not born in sunny South Florida, where Melalueca trees worked asthmatic havoc on this Little Britches, the nickname my grandfather bestowed on me, no doubt because I wore nothing but. The summer farm time of my life was spent with cattle, pigs, ponies and an old yellow Jeep I called Yeller Jeep, or so I best recall. On the farm I learned how to grind Pa’s screwdrivers down to a nub that he forever stored in an rusty Maxwell House can, and to whittle a perfectly good stick down to nothing at all. Down home, I learned how to whittle every one of Mom’s Ivory soap bars into a boat that floats and, just for the fun of it, I carved another one last week. On a 1962 trip to Evergreen, Colorado, my cowboy boots ran into a pair worn by a worn-out cowboy who was whittling a toothpick after lunch. When I asked him what he was doing, he said he was making something out of nothing that might be worth something to someone some day, or so I best recall. Between the farm, Florida and Northeast Georgia, I’ve gathered a storehouse of family photos and good old memories that could fill Pa’s silo, many of them quite like yours - the photos and memories, that is - and that’s how the Good WoodleysTM came to be, “A little line of good standing people”™ that well tell their story, inspired by pictures and memories we all have in common - and which might be worth something to someone some day. Whenever I’m asked how I a carving starts and ends, I think of the old Michelangelo urban legend. So the story of David goes, he said, “I just chip away everything that doesn’t look like him.” And that’s actually how I carve, with no sketch or clay model - just a block of wood and a concept that I pray about before picking up the knife. Then came a floor-sweeping day when I realized there would be no Good Woodley without the chips laying at my feet, followed by a whisper, “And you wouldn’t be you, Stephen Kelley, but for the chips I’ve removed from you, lying about your life.” Thank God He isn’t through with me yet - and doesn’t that ring true for all of us?

Rejoice

A really good day occurs when I’m asked how the Good Woodley name came to be. I proposed to Chevin Woodruff fifty-four years after I first kissed her wrist on our second-grade jungle gym, likely challenged by classmates to kiss the new girl in class. The before that bended knee moment, I carved her engagement ring, wedding band and our cake topper, using tools that once belonged to Dad and Pa and a chip of quartz Chevin found in a Splendor Mountain stream. After our wedding, I kept carving for the sheer joy of it, with every little character reminiscent of our topper’s bride and groom. Together, we created their name by combining our last names, lacking only a leading word. The Good in every Good Woodley has nothing to do with either of us or our little line of good standing people. It’s our homage to the good Lord, the designer of all things and Who leads my knife while I hold it. The truth is, the moment I forget His involvement is often the moment I harm the design or hurt myself and “Hey Mom, where’s that old red bottle of Mercurochrome?”

Relase

Each StoryCarvingTM, as we like to call them, are handcrafted from my original and hand painted one at a time by a team of talented artisans. They will be busy for quite some time since 160 designs 12

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First in Stephen’s Snowman Series

Melt

A Heart-Warming Gift I never met a snowman I didn’t like nor have I seen snow that didn’t beg to be one. But whoa is the late winter day when it all melts away, leaving dark charcoal eyes, stick figure arms and a long carrot nose soon to be a short rabbit’s lunch... or as Sir Walter Scott wrote in 1830. “We build statues out of snow and weep to see them melt” - which begs this rarely asked Good Woodley question, “Where do all snowmen go when cold they are no longer?” So when creating Melt, I imagined a good lad or lass on their ice-skating way who stumbled upon a red and black top hat lying at Mr. Snow’s feet. The youngster knowing what had to be done, exactly what Mr. Snow needed, backtracked to get Dad’s handmade ladder, skating no more so important. Then one foot after the other and higher each one - with a very good story that Dad once shared with them. A story now whispered in Mr. Snow’s ear, a story he had never heard before. A story that warmed his now changing heart. A man no longer cold in the snow, with a heart warming story now his to share. “Let me tell you where the snowmen go when cold they are no longer.” Or as the prophet said in Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” And that’s the story of Melt.

WITH ARTWORK PRODUCTS & PRINTS BY LOCAL ARTIST BARBIE WHITE

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FOR LAUREL READERS 25% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE SIGNED & ARTIST ENHANCED WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

15% OFF

ALL FUTURE PURHASES

10% OF ALL DECEMBER SALES DIVIDED BETWEEN F.A.I.T.H, Richard’s Kids, & N. GA Food Bank

Visit STEPHENKELLEY.COM/LAUREL

are in development, with eighteen released every year. A catalog of supporting products are based on the StoryArtTM interpretation of Rabun County’s own Barbie White - and thank the good Lord for her remarkable talent. Release was inspired by a 1952 photograph of my first slide ride into Dad’s open arms, which I could not have done without letting go - and so the story goes. Whatever we do in life, whatever decision looms or whichever grand adventure stretches out before us, nothing will happen unless

Balance

Soon enough, the Stephen Kelley brand of wholesome and homespun design lines will include The Christmas Story, 15set, verse-by-verse presentation of the complete story, and Stilt Figures, a collection of very long-legged feathered, finned and footed friends with stories all their own. Every Stephen Kelley StoryCarving comes with a narrative StoryCardTM and a StoryArt print. And if you send me a picture of your selection, I’ll send you a Good ChipTM of wood from the original. So why this article and advertisement in our Georgia Mountain Laurel. It’s an easy answer. Chevin and I make 750 copies of every First Edition. Subsequent editions increase in number. 250 of every First Edition are signed and tagged as such artistically enhanced, too - and first made available in and around Rabun County before they are introduced to a national audience. BUT BETTER YET, 25% of every StoryCarving purchase is shared with three local charities: Richard’s Kids, F.A.I.T.H, and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

we let go of whatever is hold us back - and I have a good group of those memories, too. We named the wedding cake topper Rejoice for two reasons. It was the last word my late wife whispered in my ear before God called her home and it perfectly applies to the joy Chevin and I share. Rejoice suggests that two hearts rightly joined together are better than two hearts apart and far greater than good when they share a heart for God. Balance was inspired by a memory of my brother and I balancing on beach balls while Mom Coppertoned herself to a rosy burnt red, until one of us kicked the sand out from underneath the other and tumble, tumble, all fall down. Balance proves the importance of balancing every decision on a good firm foundation while never forgetting the loved ones who are balancing their lives on ours. Melt is the first in our Snowman Series. It’s based on the wintered question, “Where do all the snowmen go when warmth comes their way?” It’s heart-warming story is of a little Good Woodley who restores a chilly old soul with a very Good Story. Melt is also the world’s first standing man of snow, or so I’ve been told - and don’t forget his made-in-state Georgia Boots.

I’m not the only Good Woodley designer. You can be one, too, simply by providing a favorite photo taken long ago or yesterday - and the reason it’s memorable to you. Take Fly for instance, a 2018 design that reminds me of a long ago question I asked Dad, “If I was a kite, how high do you suppose I’d fly? And for your help, we’ll happily give you a Barbie White print of it.

Stephen is a self-taught artist and storyteller. He was a franchised Chevrolet dealer for twenty-five years, a State of Florida civil mediator specializing in faith-based conflict resolution, an art publisher and a licensed product designer for Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy. He is a Nashville-based music producer based on his 2,700 piece collection of handwritten and signed Fanny Jane Crosby lyrics. Stephen and Chevin reside in Rabun County. Reach him at stephen@stephenkelley.com or through www.stephenkelley.com.

Melt

So why this article and advertisement in the Georgia Mountain Laurel? It’s an easy answer. Chevin and I make 750 copies of every First Edition. Subsequent editions increase in number. But 250 copies of every First Edition include First & Forever benefits. They are signed and tagged as such - artistically enhanced, too - and come with a gallery print of Barbie White’s StoryArt - while all First & Forever buyers also receive a 10% discount on every future purchase. 14

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December 2017

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 45 North Main Street, Clayton, Georgia 30525 (813) 767-1033 | www.blueridgetoys.com

Visit Clayton

NOW OPEN

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December 2017

Make it a SIMPLY gift-tastic holiday! By Tracy McCoy

t is the gift-buying season and as hoards of people flock to the stores in search of that perfect gift, you have another option. How many times have you shopped till your feet hurt, you almost had to throw down with the pushy lady at the sweater display and you feel frustrated not sure they even like wool. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve considered Gift cards but you think they might be too impersonal when they can actually be very personal! If your daughter loves to eat at the Universal Joint or your husband shops at Reeves for sporting goods or your friend shops at The Tree House for clothes, then for you to choose a gift certificate for one of these businesses makes sense. Your decision gives them something they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t return, that they will enjoy and makes it super easy for you. The added benefit is that you are supporting local and in most cases small businesses. So skip the big box chaos and use our gift certificate guide to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Think of fun and creative ways to wrap it up and call your shopping done. We tried to think out of the box and offer suggestions you may have never even entertained. Make Christmas merrier all the way around and spend your extra time enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Share this good information with your friends and tell our friends you saw their name in the Laurel. Shop local and make it simple this year! Oh, and these cards and certificates make great last minute stocking stuffers. You are welcome for the great ideas, please tell them you saw their name in our guide. Merry Christmas!

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Gift Certificates DINING Bella’s Steaks, Pasta and More American & Italian Cuisine 792 Plaza Way Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.960.9185 www.facebook.com/ Bellassteakandpizza.com

Fromage and Other Fine Foods

Universal Joint

Blue Ridge Toys

Food, Live Music & Events 109 North Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.7116 www.ujclayton.com

Toys, Toys & Toys! 45 North Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 813.767.1033 www.blueridgetoys.com

LODGING Kingwood Golf Country Club & Resort

Gourmet Dining 31 Earl Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.212.7349 www.fromageclayton.com

Golf, Lodging & Dining 401 Country Club Drive Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.212.4100 www.kingwoodresort.com

Mama G’s Restaurant

Parker Ranch

Italian Cuisine 777 Highway 441 S. Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.9565 www.loveisgoodfood.net

Lodging & Events 95 Parker Lane Clayton, Georgia 30525 404.373.0566 www.parkerranch.com

Rumor Hazit

Rabun Manor

Key West in the Mountains 175 North Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.1111 www.rumorhazit.us

The Rusty Bike Cafe American Cuisine 677 Hwy. 441 South Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.212-2020 www.therustybikecafe.com

Sunday Diner Home-Cooking and Bakery 36 Stave Mill Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.212.0412 www.facebook.com/sundaydiner

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Lodging & Dining 205 Carolina Street Dillard, Georgia 30537 706.746.2060 www.rabun-manor.com

Buds and Blossoms Florist Florist, Home Decor, Jewelry & Gifts 613 US-441, Suite #3 Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.6876 www.budsandblossomsonline.com

Cage-Free Boutique Women’s Clothing & Accessories 56 North Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.6155 www.cage-freeboutique.com

Christmas & More Gifts, Holiday Decor, Vera Bradley 37 S Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 (706) 782-0051

Creative Framing

SHOPPING

Framing, Fine Art, Gifts, Pottery 482 Depot Street Franklin, North Carolina 828.349.4468 www.creativeframingnc.com

The Attic Antiques

The Dillard Market

Antiques & Gifts 268 Palmer Street (rear) Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.349.2900 www.facebook.com/TheAtticAntiques

Gifts & Collectibles 6810 Hwy. 441 North Dillard, Georgia 30537 706.982.1154 www.facebook.com/thedillardmarket

Blackberry Market Boutique & Gifts

Dogwoods Home

Women’s Apparel, Jewelry, Gifts 76 East Main Street Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.369.7880 www.facebook.com/ BlackberryMarketBoutique

December 2017

Home Furnishings & Accessories & Fine Art 41 North Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.960.9232 www.shopdogwoodshome.com

Gift Certificates Gilded Willow

Mossy Rock

Old School Knife Works

Antiques & Gifts 71 E. Main Street Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.369.8762 www.thegildedwillow.com

Home Decor & Gifts 37 East Main Street Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.369.1612 www.facebook.com/MossyRockNC

Knives & Gifts 8285 Georgia Road Otto, North Carolina 28763 828.524.6842 www.oldschoolknifeworks.com

ImPRESSed

Noble Wine Cellar

Old Time Country Store

Apparel & Accessories, Custom Printing & Embroidery 621 Highway 441 S. Suite 1 Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.212.2818 www.impressed-clayton.com

Wine & Wine Accessories, Art 58 North Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.212.0407 www.noblewinegeorgia.com

Gifts, Feed and Farm Supplies 70 Old Livery Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.1075 www.sites.google.com/site/ oldtimecountrystoreinrabun

Indigo

Local Handmade Arts 36 East Main Street Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.524.7766 www.ncmtnmade.com

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clothing & Accessories 75 North Main Street, Suite #101 Clayton, Georgia 30525 770.363.4043 www.facebook.com/Indigoclayton.com

North Carolina Mountain Made

December 2017

Phoenix Jewelers Jewelry & Repair 91 E. Savannah Street Suite 403 Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.0862

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R.M. Rose Distillers

Ten Roof Thriftique

Working Distillery & Gift Store 890 Franklin Street Dillard, Georgia 30537 706.982.8115 www.rmroseco.com

Nothing over $10 128 Duvall Street, Suite F Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.960.9301

Reeves Hardware, Sporting Goods, Clothing Gifts & Furniture 16 South Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.4253 www.reeveshardware.com

Silver Threads Yarn, Fiber Arts, Classes 41 E. Main Street Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.349.0515 www.SilverThreadsYarn.com

Sole Place

Woods Furniture & Gift Shoppes Home Furishings & Accessories, Gifts 1475 Washington Street Clarkesville, Georgia 30523 706.754.4144 www.woodsfurnitureinc.com

SERVICES At Your Fingertips Nail Salon 91 East Savannah Street, Suite #203 Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.490.9622

Western Wear, Shoes & Boots 61 North Main Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.4975 www.soleplaceclayton.com

Bristles

Soque Artworks

Cloud 9 Salon

Family Salon 91 E. Savannah Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.1679

Art & Gifts 1440 North Washington Street Clarkesville, Georgia 30523 706.754.2449 www.soqueartworks.com

Family Salon 30 Chechero Street Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782-9990

The Squeeky Wheel

Residential & Commercial Cleaning Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.212.8526 www.facebook.com/crispclean/

Products for Natural Living, Essential Oils 75 North Main Street, Suite #209 Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.391.0110 www.thesqueekywheelonline.com

Stewarts Jewelry Jewelry & Repair Main Street Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.369.9440

A Stitch In Time Quilting Supplies & Gifts 23 Macon Center Drive Franklin, North Carolina 28734 828.524.3300 www.astitchintimenc.com Blog: monkeyneedle.com gmlaurel.com

Crisp Clean

The Cutting Edge Family Salon 899 York House Road Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568 706.746.7736

Expectations Family Salon 2511 Hwy. 411 Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706.746.3390

December 2017

Gift Certificates Salon B13 Family Salon 19 Old Fruit Stand Lane Tiger, Georgia 30576 706.212.0007 www.salonb13.com

THINGS TO SEE & DO Artful Barn Art Supplies, Classes, Studio 107 Laprade Street Clarkesville, Georgia 30523 706.754.1247 www.artfulbarn.com

Fire & Light Glass Studio

Hillside Orchard Farm

Art Supplies, Working Studio, Gifts 9788 Georgia Road Otto, North Carolina 28736 828.349.4505 www.fireandlightglass.com

Farm, Store, Demonstrations, Petting Zoo 18 Sorghum Mill Drive Lakemont, Georgia 30552 706.782.2776 www.hillsideorchard.com

Goats on the Roof

Splashe! Studio

Feed the Goats, Ice Cream, Shopping 3026 US Highway 441 Tiger, Georgia 30576 706.782.2784 www.goats-on-the-roof.com

Create Pottery 127 W. Waters Street Clarkesville, Georgia 30523 706.839.1595 www.splashestudio.com

Hatch Camp and Art Farm Fishing Adventures, Art Opportunities 1060 Joe Speed Road Clayton, Georgia 30525 706.782.3747 www.facebook.com/hatchcamp

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Franklin, North Carolina

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December 2017

Bon Appétit

So Much to Do and So Little Time! by Scarlett Cook ith all that you have to accomplish this month, let’s make some dishes that are easy on your wallet (and your time). Between the church activities, shopping, social obligations, and other demands on your time, you need a few easy dishes for a quick dinner. We often have breakfast for dinner at our house and it is a meal that comes together really quickly, and who doesn’t like breakfast! Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2018.

Oven Omelet 6 servings 8 Eggs 1/2 Cup sour cream 1/2 Teaspoon salt 1/4 Teaspoon pepper 1 Cup grated Cheddar cheese or a combination of whatever cheeses you have on hand 1/2 Cup chopped ham 2 Tablespoons margarine, melted Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Blend eggs, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir in cheese; add ham. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and drizzle margarine over top. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes or until set.

Sugared Bacon Bites 6 – 8 servings 1/2 Pound bacon slices 1/2 Cup brown sugar Preheat oven to 300˚. Spray cookie sheet (with sides) with cooking spray. Cut bacon slices into 1” pieces. Place bacon and sugar in plastic bag; close and shake to coat bacon. Place bacon on prepared cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from pan and drain well.

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Whole Wheat Muffins Makes 12 2 Cups whole wheat flour 3/4 Cup sugar 1/2 Teaspoon salt 1/4 Cup margarine 1 Teaspoon baking soda 1 Cup buttermilk 1 Egg Preheat oven to 350Ë&#x161;. Grease 12 count muffin tin. Combine flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter. Add baking soda to buttermilk and mix until foamy. Stir in egg. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture and mix just until moistened. Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.

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Merry Christmas!

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The Family Table by Lorie Thompson

Christmas times a’ coming, Christmas times a’ coming Christmas times a’ coming and I know I’m going home. Home fires burning, my heart’s yearning For the folks at home, when Christmas time is coming.

love to hear this old Bill Monroe song. I start singing it and other Christmas Carols in early November. I am a terrible singer, so I generally sing in the shower or otherwise, when I am alone. I am so bad that when my son, Joe was a little fellow and I would sing to him, he would place his hand over my mouth and shush me. I never let it hurt my feelings. I have other talents, but sadly, singing is not one of them. Fortunately, I can cook, and I lure my family, who all sing beautifully, to my home by cooking for them. I get to enjoy listening to them sing and laugh. This brings me great joy! My favorite sound in the world is listening to the people I love best, laughing and singing. Let me share with you some of the bait that I lure them with. I will start with a two-fer of Roasted Pork and Roasted Venison Tenderloin. Rubbed with sage and juniper berries and served with a Blackberry and Port Wine Reduction. Served with Golden Potatoes, Pearl Onions, Mushrooms and Shallots Roasted in a Duck Fat and Garlic oil. (Hey it is Christmas!) I am going to finish them off with a Loaded Fruit Cake that I have been “feeding” for a month. Yep. They will come see me! I call my husband “The Deerslayer.” He is an excellent hunter and loves to bring meat home. I have cooked venison for almost 40 years and my family loves it. If you would like to hear the details of how we process the game meat, contact me and I will share with you how my husband and I have found to be the best way to handle it. It is wonderful meat and I am thankful to The Deerslayer for bringing it home.

If you do not have access to venison, you can buy two pork tenderloins. Buy the small “inside tenderloins”. They will be 1.5- 2.0 pounds and two of them will feed 6 people generously. Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and dry off your tenderloin. (I always rinse meat that has been in a vacuum sealed package). Sprinkle the meat evenly with garlic salt and rub it into the meat. Heat an oven-proof skillet or pan and add 2 T of Olive Oil. Bring the pan up to medium-high temperature and place the tenderloins in it. Roll tenderloins around, browning on all sides. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle meat with ground sage and crushed red pepper. I buy juniper berries just for this recipe. I order them from an online company. You do not have to use them, but they do add a little something. Crush juniper berries until fine and add 1-2 tsp to the tenderloins. Move the pan to a hot oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 140- 145 degrees. Remove from the oven and allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

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While tenderloins are cooking, make your Blackberry Port Wine Reduction Sauce. In a large skillet and over mediumhigh heat, place 2 C of Port Wine and 1/4 C of Balsamic Vinegar. Cook until wine and vinegar is reduced down to 1/3 of the original volume and have become syrupy. Remove from the heat. Add 1 stick of unsalted cold butter a few pieces at a time using a whisk to incorporate. When all the butter is blended in, add 1/2 cup of blackberry jelly. Continue to whisk until jelly is fully incorporated and sauce is smooth. Add a handful of fresh blackberries. Serve with the sliced tenderloins. ****Please note that when you cook with alcohol it is possible for the alcohol to flame up. I have had it happen several times. Keep a lid that fits over the top of the pan nearby. If it should flame, turn the burner off and cap the lid over the pan. It will go out as quickly as the lid is placed on it. Using a properly sized pan is important, as well as the size of the flame you are cooking over. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be scaredâ&#x20AC;Ś Just be prepared. **** Making the Port Wine Reduction looks hard, but it is really easy and you can use this sauce with all types of meat. To make the roasted potatoes, onions and mushrooms, wash and scrub small Yukon Gold potatoes. Peel pearl onions. Clean small portabella mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Slice a shallot. Cut potatoes if needed to make each potato as close in size as you can. Cover potatoes with cold water and 1 T of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 5+ minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a knife. Add pearl onions and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and drain. Allow potatoes to dry for a few minutes. Dry the potato cooking pot and add 2 T of butter and 2-3 T of fat of your choice. Duck fat is the best if you have it or can get it. Otherwise, bacon drippings or any flavorful fat will do. Add 2-3 smashed garlic cloves, 1/2 t of dried thyme and crushed red pepper into the pan with the fat. Heat the oil and garlic until warm and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Do not boil. Add potatoes, mushrooms, onions and the shallot and toss to coat in the oil. Spread all of them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

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December 2017

The Family Table ontinued on page 32

The Family Table The Loaded Fruit Cake should be made 2-4 weeks before you want to serve it. To prepare, cream together 3 sticks of unsalted butter (room temperature) with 3/4 C of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing until well blended. Drain a 16 oz can of Apricots and rough chop them. Add them along with 1/4 C of Irish Whiskey. (You can substitute the whiskey with fruit juice or simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar.) Stir until well blended. In a separate bowl, sift together 2 C all-purpose flour or cake flour along with 1 tsp each

of cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda. Add 1/2 t of salt. Add sifted flour mixture to the whipped butter and sugar mixture. Mix by hand until well blended. Add 2 C of golden raisins, 1 C of red candied cherries, 1 C of green candied cherries, 1 C of mixed candied fruit and 1 C of chopped black walnuts or pecans. Stir by hand until well mixed. Pour into 2 well-greased loaf pans. Place in a cold oven and bring to a temperature of 300 degrees. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until cakes are done. Turn cakes out of loaf pans and allow them to cool completely. Wrap cakes in cheesecloth and brush with 1/4 C of Irish Whiskey. (Use the simple syrup in place of the whiskey if you want a Sober Fruit Cake instead of a Loaded Fruit Cake.) Wrap in an additional layer of aluminum foil sealing tightly and place in the refrigerator. “Feed” the

cake every 2-3 days by pouring 1-2 T of Irish whiskey (or simple syrup) over the cheesecloth wrapping. Serve in 2-4 weeks with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a cup of hot coffee. One of my favorite Christmas traditions comes from my Mama’s family. My Mama would greet you on Christmas Eve with a shout of “Christmas Eve Gift!” It is like a game of tag with the shout of “Christmas Eve Gift” replacing “You are it!”. It is a well-loved family tradition to be the first one when meeting on Christmas Eve to shout out for your gift. My children and husband play along each year and I always have a small gift for each of them, ready for when they “get me”. Some years, my husband will wait on me to holler first and he will have a small “Christmas Eve Gift” for me. This little game is a treasured Christmas tradition for our family and brings my Mama back to us, if only for a few minutes. I love Christmas! I love the decorations, the food, the time spent with family and friends, and most of all, the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that you and your family will enjoy time together with great food, lots of laughter and joyful singing. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Lorie Thompson is a Rabun County native. She is a licensed REALTOR with RE/Max of Rabun and a dedicated wife and mother to two amazing grown children. Lorie loves to be in the kitchen and those who sit around her family table enjoy incredible meals prepared with loving hands.

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Georgia

Clarkesville, gmlaurel.com

December 2017

Bless Your Heart

Remembering Eve by Lisa Harris

“H

oneee,” Sam called from downstairs, “Where is the tree stand?” Sarah-Beth rolled her eyes and yelled back, “In the brown box next to the red Christmas containers.” Sarah-Beth laughed, knowing in her heart that no matter how organized she was, Sam could never find anything. It was just in his DNA. Married for twenty-six years, they had done so much together. But, their favorite time together was Christmas. It was almost twenty years ago when they learned what it meant to serve, to give, to truly walk the unknown in total obedience. They were both 35 at the time and serving Christmas Eve dinner in the community’s homeless shelter. They loved doing this because it filled the void of never having their own family to care for, it would always be just the two of them. It was this wintry Christmas Eve they met Willow. She was small in stature, barely 5 feet tall and so tiny she looked like she was 12, when she was actually 16. You could tell she had a lovely shade of red hair, however, it was dirty, matted and pulled back in a pony tail. Sam approached her first, asking a couple of polite questions. “Hi, what’s your name?” Sam asked ever-so-gently. “Willow,” she replied in a whisper. “Well hello, Willow. My name is Sam and I am here to serve you dinner. Would you like tea to go with your turkey and dressing?” Willow looked up and replied, “I would really like some milk.” Sam scurried off to find some milk in the kitchen. Sarah-Beth walked over and took the conversation to the next level. “Hi Willow, I’m Sarah-Beth, Sam’s wife.” She waited for a response, and when she didn’t receive one she soldiered on. “Willow, why are you here? What is your story?” She looked up from her plate and with tears in her eyes whispered, “I’m pregnant, I have no one, no parents, no boyfriend, no friends at all.” Sarah-Beth grabbed her hand and held it as she continued her story of great tragedy and sadness. When she finished, Willow and Sam were both in tears. It was that special night, when the stars were shining and the air was crisp that God spoke to them, and without hesitation, they said yes. They took Willow home, put this small young teen carrying a child to bed. Sarah-Beth and Sam stood outside her bedroom door praying during the early morning hours. 34

Peace flooded them. It was a profound night, one they would never forget. Sarah-Beth and Sam made plans to adopt the new baby coming in late spring. Excitement was on the forefront of each day. Willow grew healthy and was happy to feel secure and know that her baby was going to be taken care of. On the night Willow went into labor, Sarah-Beth and Sam were right with her. Loving her, encouraging her and were overjoyed when it was announced that Willow had birthed a baby girl. Sarah-Beth and Sam each held the tiny baby in their arms and asked Willow to name her baby. Willow looked up, and with tears, named her “Eve.” “Perfect name for a perfect baby,” said Sarah-Beth ever-sosoftly. The next day Willow knew the adoption agency would be coming in and she had to officially hand the baby over to Sarah-Beth and Sam. She was in absolute agony over giving up her baby. As much as she loved them, how could she just hand over her baby? It was more than she could cope with. Tears flooded, her emotions were raw and hormones raging. What would she do? Willow called out to a God that she never knew. “God, if you’re there, please let me keep my baby.” That’s all she said before she fell into a deep and much needed sleep. It was that afternoon when the agency came in with papers, sat down beside Willow, and handed her a pen. Sarah-Beth and Sam were with them sitting on the other side of her bed holding Eve. “Willow,” the agency woman began, read this very carefully before you sign. Willows hands began to shake as she read, then she slowly turned her head towards Sarah-Beth and Sam looking confused. “I don’t understand? What does this mean?” Sam reached over and handed baby Eve over to Willow and said, “It means we want to adopt YOU as our own daughter to live with us, and we will help you raise our grandchild, Eve.” From that moment on, Sarah-Beth and Sam had a family. A beautiful daughter, Willow and granddaughter, Eve. In their hearts, they could not have one without the other. So, it was on a wintry Christmas Eve, four lives were changed forever. That night began a lifetime of gratitude and love from one crucial moment of obedience hearing God say, “Take Willow home.”

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December 2017

Life is NOT a blessing for Me, Me, Me... by Tracy McCoy

et me start by saying, I am guilty. Self-serving, selfrighteous, self-absorbed. We are born selfish, or at least we learn it by our first birthday. “Mine” you hear little ones say, as they tug and pull against their playmate for the toy that they likely don’t even have ownership of. “Look at me” is another one... approval seeking statement... guilty! I know who created me, what He wants for me, and who I belong to. But, I sometimes find myself wrapped up in the me, me, me movement. I’ll tell you one thing I have learned, I am happiest serving God. I am at my most delighted when I am giving something away, helping, lifting up, caring for, and showing love. Recently I heard Pastor Bruce Franks of Biltmore Church say. “Jesus was the happiest person to ever walk the face of the earth and yet He lived His life washing people’s feet and dying on a cross as a substitute for you. That is the ultimate act of service.”

When I am serving I am pleasing the one who matters most: my Father in Heaven. It just feels right. Then when I am not looking, Me steps in and says, “Well, what has anybody done for you lately? Don’t you think you deserve...?” I don’t like that gal and when she comes on the scene she is usually carrying a pitchfork and shouting “I matter more and everyone owes me.” Disgusting behavior for a Christ follower isn’t it? I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that it’s not about me, that it’s about Jesus, His people, and then me. In serving my family,

friends, neighbors, and especially strangers, I am bringing joy into my life too. In scripture, we are commanded to “love one another” 11 times. Jesus said it 3 times in the New Testament. It is what is expected of us. Not one time does it say “if, and, or but.” That means don’t be mean to the waitress, the doctor, the guy who hits your car. It means you need to love the unlovable. The one you disagree with. Even the one who hurt you. You are commanded by God to show love. To treat as you want to be treated. You won’t go to Heaven because you were such a nice person or because you gave so much. You’ll do these things because you know Jesus and that’s what’ll get you there. Serving is a by-product of His love in your life. It is the fruits of a relationship. We are His, created to help and serve each other. Are you trying to find your way in this big world filled with people shouting me, me, me, or are you living a me, me, me existence (guilty!)? Will you change your mind about who is the Master of your life? Give up self, live less of you - so that there is more room for Him. It is only then that we will be a beautiful reflection of all that He is. If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus all you must do is ask to know Him, seek His forgiveness for your sins, and accept His gift of forever. He already loves you.

Battle Branch Builds New Sanctuary

hen God grows a church beyond capacity the hammers and nails must be put into action. Battle Branch Baptist Church located at 1769 Warwoman Road in Clayton, Georgia has experienced this problem multiple times over the years. Going out or up was not an option so the church decided to build a new 700 seat sanctuary. The layout is perfect to accommodate church goers yet maintain an intimate worship atmosphere. The custom rock wall with the rich wooden cross behind the pulpit is the focus of the area, as it should be. Battle Branch Baptist Church believes that the cross of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. If you are in search of a church you are welcome to join Sunday morning or evening services or come on Wednesday night. You will love the warm welcome, great choir and gospel message. 36

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PO Box 519 132 E Waters St. Clarkesville, GA 30523 706.754.5940

RUTH CAMP 706.499.4702

ruth@ruthcamp.com www.ruthcamp.com

TRANQUIL WOODS SETTING! Bright and spacious main level with loads of sunlight in the great room, living and kitchen area. (8061099) $299,000

BILL CAMP 706.499.4720

bill@billcamp.com VIRTUAL TOURS AVAILABLE www.billcamp.com

DISTINGUISHED STEPHEN FULLER TREASURE!! Extra Living room & Kitchen area on terrace level (8078401) $599,900

LAKEFRONT HOME! On a corner lot in The Orchard Golf Community, lake views in the backyard and mountain tops in the front. (8100626) $325,900

ON 5 WOODED ACRES!! Custom craftsman style home, with additional rooms & kitchen on terrace level. (8235459) $589,900

BEAUTIFUL SOQUE RIVER HOME! with incredible river setting. Complete living quarters above the oversized 2 car garage. (8241799) $535,000

UNIQUE HOME ON 16.73 ACRES!! Mountain lake, oversized barn, additional outbuildings, heated 3 car garage. (8247784) $549,900

SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM ALL WINDOWS AND DECKS!! Amazing woodland and golf course views. (8077959) $549,000

THE ORCHARD ELEGANT DWELLING! Owners suite w/sun porch & FP. Workshop over 3 car garage. (8078140) $549,000

BRICK BEAUTY FEATURES, 4BR/4.5BA, tall trees, smooth lawn. On 4+ acres. (8201729) $489,000

SNUG RETREAT! Great room w/exposed wood beams, vaulted ceilings, and hard wood floors. (8231236) $299,900

PICTURE PERFECT BUNGALOW! Plenty of room in the owners suite with large bathroom and oversized shower. (8265938) $389,000

W0W! 5 BR and more finished rooms on terrace level for overflow, 3 car garage. (8242361) $599,000

GOLF COMMUNITY MASTERPIECE! Spectacular 4-sided brick home overlooking 11th tee & 12th fairway in The Orchard. (8217954) $899,000

THIS 3BR, 3.5BA CRAFTSMAN STYLE HOME, offers Mountain views, and salt water pool! On 2.738 Acres. (8217964) $449,900

PICTURE PERFECT SETTING! Open, spacious kitchen to the keeping/sitting area with stone FP. The den/family room on the terrace level. (8053202) $450,000

MAGNIFICENT VIEWS OF THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS LAKE AND GOLF COURSE! Oversized enclosed screened porch overlooking the 16th hole. (8260517) $925,000

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December 2017

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December 2017

FAITH Gives Back To The Community

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A Christmas Village for Hope & Healing

he holiday season is a special time of the year for families to be together for fun, laughter, good food and fellowship. At the present time there are families who are living in the FAITH shelter who will not have the same experience of a family Christmas as most of us will. The good people at FAITH try to make sure that all of their shelter families also have a wonderful Christmas and get to experience the joys of the season. The shelter is a safe place for these families where they can relax and be with each other. Santa comes to the shelter, even though there is no chimney, and the children have a wonderful time with gifts and stockings. The community lends support to these families by providing special gifts and lots of good food for all to enjoy. Everyone at FAITH would like to say thank you to all of you who do so much for their Shelter families and for supporting FAITH through the year. They all appreciate you! FAITH also wants to give back to the community so they have teamed up with Kirk Knous to provide a special holiday event. The event is â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Christmas Village for Hope and Healingâ&#x20AC;?. It is a dazzling display of charming holiday villages that will delight children and adults of all ages. Mr. Knous has assembled what is believed to be the largest collection of miniature Christmas houses and holiday scenes in the State of Georgia. We invite you to come tour the exhibit on December 1,2, 8, 9, 15, 16 from 6 pm to 8 pm. RCHS Football players will be guides the evening of the 16th. The location is The Kirk Knous Building at 90 Tiger Connector, just up the hill from Goats on the Roof. Santa has indicated he may even be there on some of the nights. gmlaurel.com

December 2017

Mountain Happenings STEPHENS COUNTY December 1st - 2nd Christmasfest and Lighting of the Tree Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3309 December 2 Christmas Parade Toccoa Info: 706.716.0490 nd

December 9th “Christmas at the Inn” Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site Toccoa Info: www.gastateparks.org/travelersrest December 18th and the third Monday of the month Career Coach Stephens County Public Library Toccoa Info: www.gmrc.ga.gov/ WorkforceDevelopment.htm December 20th - 22nd, 27th - 29th Schools Out Day Camp Camp Toccoa Toccoa Info: 706.886.2457 The Ritz Theater Toccoa Info: www.ritztheatretoccoa.com December 5th Lightwire Theater Presents A Very Electric Christmas December 7th Movie: Christmas on the Coast December 9th and the 2nd Saturday of the month Southern Gospel Music December 14th Movie: Prancer December 18th; January 22nd Open Mic Monday December 21st The Muppet Christmas Carol January 5th The Malpass Brothers HABERSHAM COUNTY November 23rd - December 31st Christmas Lights Spectacular Cornelia City Park Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654

December 1st -3rd, 7th -10th, 15th - 17th “A Christmas Story” Habersham Community Theater Clarkesville Info: 706.839.1315 December 8th Movie Night and More “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Foothills Community Church Cornelia Info: 706.778.8585 December 9th Habersham County Christmas Parade and Downtown Clarkesville Christmas Downtown Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220 December 14th - 16th Christmas in the Park Downtown Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654

Unicoi State Park Helen Info: 706.878.2181 November 19th - December 9th Festival of Trees January 13th Hogpen Hill Climb Info: 706.754.5313 Hardman Farm State Historic Site Sautee Info: 706.878.1077 November 24th - December 15th A Victorian Christmas in Nacoochee December 9th Emory Jones Book Signing December 12th Line Dance Class

WHITE COUNTY December 2nd - 3rd, 9th - 10th 10th Annual Christkindlmarkt Downtown Helen Info: 706.878.1908

December 16th - 17th Appalachian Heritage Holidays Camp (ages 6-10) January 1st First Day Hike

January 29th Top Chef & Wine Tasting Competition Info: 706.778.3100 RABUN COUNTY December 2nd Christmas Parade Downtown Clayton Info: 706.782.4812 December 9th Mountain Shopportunities Rabun County Civic Center Clayton Info: 706.982.4777 Tallulah Gorge Park Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.7981 December 2nd Christmas at the Gorge January 1st Family Tradition First Day Rabun Arena Tiger Info: 706.212.0452

December 2nd Christmas in the Mountains Celebration & Lighted Parade The Cleveland Courthouse Square Cleveland Info: 706.865.5356

Sautee Nacoochee Center Sautee Info: 706.878.3300, www.snca.org December 10th Cannon Classical Music Series

December 3rd - Barrel Race

December 9th Annual Christmas Parade Downtown Helen Info: 706.878.2181

December 5th, 19th Learn & Dance

TOWNS COUNTY

December 16th Christmas Open House at The Lavender Lamb Farm Lavender Lamb Farm Cleveland Info: 706.865.0510 December 31st Dropping of the Edelweiss New Year’s Eve Event Helen Festhalle, Helen Info: 706.878.1908 Smithgall Woods State Park Helen Info: 706.878.3087 December 16th Christmas in the Cabin January 1st First Day Hike

December 7th, 14th Holiday Gift Making Class (ages 5-12) December 16th; January 27th Community Contra Dance December 1st - 3rd “A Christmas Carole” January 27th Sautee at Night with Vicki McMurrough Yonah Mountain Vineyards Cleveland Info: 706.878.5522 December 2nd and each Saturday Live Music Saturdays December 16th and the third Saturday of the month Masterpiece Mixers

December 2017

December 2nd - Junior Rodeo

December 1st Mountain Community Chorus Young Harris College Young Harris Info: 800.241.3754 December 6th The Polar Express Puppet Show Towns County Library Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4966 December 2nd Light up Hiawassee The Square in Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4966, 800.984.1543 Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4191 www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com November 30th - December 2nd December 7th - 9th, 14th - 16th December 21st - 23rd, 28th - 30th Mountain Country Christmas in Lights

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December 1st Beach Boys in Concert December 15th John Denver Christmas Show The Returns Mountain Home Music Theatre Hiawassee Info: 706.896.3624 December 2nd Just Us Band December 9th Kevin Goodwin and Band December 16th Christmas Show featuring The Mountain Home Music Band Crane Creek Vineyards Young Harris Info: 706.379.1235 www.cranecreekvineyards.com

December 16th; January 20th Contra & Square Dance

December 19th Caroling on the Square Downtown Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789

January 5th - Pressley Sisters

Paradise Hills Resort and Spa Blairsville Info: www.paradisehillsga.com December 2nd and each Saturday Live Music Series December 16th Open House - Cookie Contest CLAY COUNTY, NC December 2nd Christmas Lunch and Gift Market Hinton Rural Life Center Hayesville Info: 866.389.8336

December 1st and each Friday Friday Evening Tapas & Acoustic

Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville Info: 828.389.2787 peacockperformingarts.center.com

December 21st Winter Solstice Celebration

December 22nd Lisa Rock in A Carpenter’s Christmas

December 31st New Year’s Eve Party

January 9th and each Monday through February 27th Center Stage at the Peacock (grades 3-8)

UNION COUNTY December 1st - 2nd Appalachian Food and Wine Trail Wineries in Towns & Union Counties: Paradise Hills Resort and Winery, Crane Creek Vineyards, Hightower Creek Vineyards, and Odom Springs Vineyards Info: 877.745.7483 December 1st - 31st Tour of Trees December 9th 2017 Holly Jolly Christmas Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 December 1st - 2nd Blairsville Holiday Stop & Shop Union County Civic Center Blairsville Info: 770.789.2044 December 2nd Christmas Parade Downtown Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 December 9th Christmas Tree Lighting Vogel State Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.2628

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January 12th - Riley Baugus January 19th - Guy George MACON COUNTY, NC December 1st Brasstown Ringers “A Vintage Christmas First United Methodist Church Franklin Info: 828.524.3010 December 2nd Winter Wonderland Nights Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 December 2nd Highlands Olde Town Christmas Parade Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 December 14th HCP Holiday Reading Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, Highlands Info: 828.526.8084 highlandscashiersplayers.org

Cowee School Franklin Info: www.coweeschool.org December 2nd Cowee Christmas December 16th and the third Saturday of the month SEBA Jam Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts Franklin Info: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598 www.GreatMountainMusic.com December 1st An Oak Ridge Boys Christmas December 8th - 9th The Best Christmas Pageant Ever December 14th The Troy Burns Family Christmas Spectacular December 15th Movie: The Polar Express December 16th A Merry Motown Christmas December 22nd Christmas with the Annie Moses Band

January 9th and each Monday and Tuesday through February Ballroom Dance Classes January 13th Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown Info: 800.365.5724 www.folkschool.org December 1st - Gangspil December 3rd - Fireside Sale December 4th Bean Sidhe Holiday Concert December 5th Beginning Contra & Square Dance December 6th A Christmas Carol 2017 December 8th Brasstown Ringers Holiday Concert December 16th Holiday Kids’ Party 2017 Info: 828.837.2775

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December 2017

Adventure Out

Tallulah River Road - In the footsteps of the fire. by Peter McIntosh

his time last year, much of the northwestern corner of Rabun County was on fire. Thanks to the heroic efforts of countless firefighters, both local and from all across the country, the damage was minimal. With that in mind, on the adventure we’ll travel to where the fire started, up the Tallulah River Road. We’ll see a lot of the damaged forest land but also how the healing process is well under way. And if you’re hankering for a hike, we have the Coleman River Trail where you can get an up close and personal look at the path of the fire. The Coleman River Trail, about 1 mile in length, is located on the Tallulah River Road, at a bridge where the road turns from asphalt to gravel. The footpath begins at a small parking area that has a wooden sign reading “ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY” (that’s the only kind of fishing allowed on the Coleman River). The trail ascends a bit steeply at first, but soon levels out high above the stream on your left. After a few minutes you’ll come to a small cascade and just past this bit of whitewater, look for a side trail on the left leading out to a large rock that protrudes out over the water offering nice views both upstream and downstream. Continuing along, the trail again ascends, a little less steeply this time. You’ll pass a well worn camping area as the trail now becomes almost level. As the trail begins to ascend once again, you’ll come to some footbridges, some with railings, others without. And one with a few boards missing from the deck. Be careful here. After climbing some steps, you’re nearing the trails end. There will be a small camping area with a fire ring near the trail’s terminus. It looks like it goes on a bit further, but that’s just some Rhododendron cleared away by trout fishermen. A couple of the footbridges were damaged in the fire. One has been repaired and, hopefully, the others will be soon. The trail is still passable, however. On

a happier note, a new fishing pier has been added at the first parking area on the Tallulah River Road. This lovely structure is wheelchair accessible, offering those with mobility issues a great spot to cast a line. Further up the road, keep an eye out for one of the most photographed rapids on the upper Tallulah River. The pull-off is on the right. There is a big rock with water flowing under it. That’s something new as well. It somehow was dislodged during the floods of December, 2015 and landed there. How long will it stay? Good question. Take your time, take some photos: lots of great photo ops along this road. To celebrate your adventure, head back to Clayton for food, fun and fellowship at Clarks’ on Main of the Universal Joint. Catch a game and raise a glass! Merry Christmas, my friends! ‘Tis the end of the year and my poem is here: The white water of the Tallulah is cold and churning, Flowing alongside a road where the forests were burning. The fires are long gone and the air is now clear, Another great reason for some holiday cheer! Getting there: From Clayton go 8 miles on Highway 76W to Persimmon Road, then 4.1 miles to the Tallulah River Road on left. You’ll begin to see fire damage immediately. It’s 1.5 miles to Coleman River trailhead on right. To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment visit:

December 2017

www.mcintoshmountains.com Clarks On Main: www.clarksonmain.com Universal Joint: www.ujclayton.com

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December 2017

Mountain Nature And a Partridge, Une Perdrix by Jean Hyatt

id you ever wonder why so many birds are mentioned in the Christmas song Twelve Days of Christmas? There are swans, calling birds, a partridge, geese, turtle doves and French hens. There are also five occupations, if one could call being a lord or lady an occupation, along with the maids and drummers and pipers. And then there are the oddball golden rings, but who knows how that got stuck in there along with all the living things.

of England. And those calling birds? Blackbirds. Blackbirds were referred to in that time and place as colly birds, colly meaning black. It is also thought that the collie dog is so called because of the reference to black.

Well, I wonder about stuff like that, especially when I should be doing some mundane chore, or going to sleep, or getting up early. So I looked it up on Google.

Next time you’re singing along to Twelve Days of Christmas, sing “four colly birds, and a partridge, “une perdrix.”

I also read that the partridge in a pear tree is the English mispronunciation of the French words for a partridge, “une perdrix.” If you say it fast, it sounds like “in a pear tree.”

Some sources would have us believe that each quantity of birds or people or rings stand for a corresponding Biblical number, such as 12 days for the 12 apostles. These sources believe that the original poem or chant was created during England’s outlaw of Catholicism during the 16th century, to help Catholic children remember Catholic teachings. But these same translations also applied to the Church of England’s beliefs, so that doesn’t really make a lot of sense to me. Twelve Days of Christmas was first published in England in 1780 as part of a children’s publication, but the musical version familiar today was not introduced until 1909 by English composer Frederic Austin. It quickly spread to other parts of the world included the United States, and is now widely recognized all over the world. But, back to the birds. I read that there are many birds in the song because the common people of England depended on birds as part of their diet. The birds were widely available, and the people did not have to go on the property of the lords to kill them. Shooting a stag that “belonged” to the wealthy lords was punishable by death. So when this counting game was conceived, it was only natural they used what they knew - birds and lords and many of them were probably milkmaids.

Jean and her husband Richard own and operate Mountain Nature in downtown Clayton. They can be reached at 706 782-0838.

Even the golden rings we sing about almost certainly referred to birds. There seems to be supporting evidence that the golden rings is a reference to the yellow neck bands of pheasants, a well-loved game bird 50

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** Don’t forget to turn off your outside lights at night. Use motion detector lighting, shields, and IDAapproved 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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December 2017

Lovin’ the Journey by Mark Holloway

gnat is not very big.

If you’re familiar with Georgia, you know about the dreaded Gnat Line. This dubious boundary runs from Augusta through Macon, over to Columbus. A small annoyance can be called a gnat bite...much like a shark bite, dog bite, snake bite, and frost bite. I am no fan of the South Georgia gnat. They don’t bite. They just buzz your eyes, nose, and ears. There’s a valuable skill where you can blow air out either side of your mouth upward across your face to chase them away. The little pests have figured us out though. They know you’ll eventually have to inhale and so...they return.

who run them. Years ago, he teamed up with another buddy, Tim Irwin, also of Lake Burton fame. The two gunslingers formed a consulting firm and a powerful brand of leadership training which infuses biblical principles into critical business paradigms. Tim and Billy’s firm grew so successfully, they made a wise financial decision to sell. The profitable change in course affords the two board-certified psychologists more time to still be leader-coaches, but at a slightly less demanding pace. Billy gets going really early, starting each day at 4:00 am with prayer and Bible study. We met the other day before sunrise at the Lake Burton Grille for breakfast. Years ago, my wife Carol, daughter Victoria, and I had just arrived to the Rome airport as David Beckham and his soccer entourage passed right by us with the Italian paparazzi all abuzz. I remember thinking, “I’ve just come into contact with greatness.”

Billy Browning doesn’t like gnats either. Some folks aspire to win championships, become President, thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, summit Mt. Everest, or make Banana Pudding as good as Grandma did.

The same feeling came over me as I took the first bite of my biscuit. I’d heard about this Billy Browning guy from a dear friend and client-turnedfather figure, Mikey Darby, also of Lake Burton.

Billy’s life goal was higher than all of these combined. He wanted to one day live gnat free. And this is where our story really begins. Billy and his wife Sandy haven’t always lived along the inviting shores of Lake Burton. But they got here as ‘quick as they could’. Billy’s roots in Gnatland run deep. He was raised in Macon, south of the loathed Line. He kept such good company at Willingham High School, a buddy came along and wrote a book titled: 31206, The Boys of Willingham High. That’s Macon’s zip code and Joe McDaniel’s book “...tells their stories in a warm account of real life events that have brought them to the positions in life they hold today.” There’s an entire chapter of ink about Billy in 31206. He came from humble beginnings, from a mom whose beginnings were even more humble. Today, Billy is a life coach at the highest level. He’s a corporate psychologist. He puts out fires or starts them in some pretty hetty board rooms around the globe...changing the very destinies of name brand companies and the women and men

Billy is lightning quick to ascribe all of his huge success to the goodness of God. And for that reason he’ll probably be a bit upset that I’ve lumped him into the same David Beckham champion class of top achievers. What’s more, those top achievers actually come to Billy to fix their problems at their Fortune 100 companies. They also turn to Billy for his council on hiring key folks. Although Billy makes a living at a stratosphere we can’t even breathe in, his heart is a lot more pedestrian. Isaiah the Prophet says, “ Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.” You’ll find Billy’s heart here. You’ll find his passion right in this passage. He told me, “My heart is towards the widow, the orphan, the hopeless, the defenseless.” Billy wakes early to get his assignment from Heaven. He may chose to figure out a new way to dazzle his wife or stun a shopper who can’t afford groceries and slips his credit card ahead in line...scripting an

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unscripted moment in someone else’s life. Billy has done great financially. But he knows the money he has isn’t supposed to pile up in a heap of prideful arrogance. I’ve not met too many men like Billy. He knows he’s keenly gifted to untangle a person’s complex mess while not being full of himself. It’s hard to fake humble. Our coffee hadn’t even had a chance to cool before I realized how genuine Billy is. He’s so disarming, I found myself talking more about my life when I was there to talk about his. He’s genuine. I suppose he’s built his career on listening to folks. Actually listening. Right now he’s busy assimilating a superstar into a popular fitness company-turned-movement. Billy’s decades of psychological talent in the marketplace puts him in high demand. Corporate executives rely on him to guide them in blending a celebrity’s high profile aura into their corporate culture. “When you bring a superstar athlete into a business atmosphere, there’s a real potential of disrupting balance. So we work through those dynamics to produce a good match,” Dr. Browning explains. Billy no longer works 70 hours a week, jetting for a day to Paris, London, or New York to meet with a client. Billy says, “Life here in the mountains is so different than Atlanta. The clock doesn’t seem to matter as much. And there’s such a sense of community here. People are real.” I was really intrigued by what he said next. “People who haven’t gone through a lot of pain are hard to get along with.” He says. We spent about twenty minutes attempting to wrap up our breakfast meeting. We both had places we needed to be. Yet, I got the sense a friendship had just been forged. I bet he makes everyone feel that way. Enjoy a blessed Christmas season. 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 the hands, legs, and feet 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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December 2017

Notes from a Southern Kitchen SANTA’S EARLY by Kendall R. Rumsey

NotesFromASouthernKitchen.com

s a child there were three simple truths I was taught about Santa Claus…. • Santa only comes to boys and girls who mind their parents and behave

Long before the internet, mama would call me into the kitchen on Christmas Eve to hear “Apple” Savage give a report on the radio of Santa’s location. “Apple” would give a play by play of where Santa was visiting, usually during the 5 o’clock news he would be situated somewhere over Canada, making his way towards Clayton with an expected arrival after 9PM.

• If you believe, you will receive

Mama played along perfectly, and we would talk about having supper with my family early, then we would open presents, then it would be time for my bath, followed soon after by bed.

Going into the Christmas of my seventh year, I had it all going for me. I was a well-behaved child, contrary to the “talks too much” conduct grade on my report card.

The plans would be reiterated later, by Santa’s projected path, when we watched the local news on our three-channel television.

Bedtime on Christmas Eve would be early, and I certainly believed.

My mother’s words were backed up by my grand-parents, aunt, ancle, and cousin, Daddy, and Sam, all who were gathered for our Christmas Eve traditions.

• Everyone must be in bed before Santa Claus can visit

By the time we sat down for supper, a meal of BBQ and Brunswick Stew, the same meal we ate each Christmas Eve, I was fully on board with the schedule. After supper, as mama and my aunt cleaned up the kitchen, I sat beneath the tree impatiently inspecting all the gifts that had my name on them. Once the kitchen was clean and my excitement was in overdrive because of the gifts that were about to be opened, Daddy would proclaim, as he did every year, “Let’s just wait and open presents in the morning.” In unison we would all tell Daddy, “No” and the excitement of passing gifts would begin. More gifts than we ever needed or deserved were opened and as a family we all shared in these moments of appreciation for one another. Once all the gifts were opened, the paper and bows discarded, Mama and Daddy would take me into the kitchen to prepare my snack for Santa and to write him a thank-you note. As I think about it today, I find it curious that Daddy never thought Santa would want fruitcake or some of the other desserts he didn’t like, but encouraged me to load 54

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him up on cookies and pound cake, which I did. After I had made all the preparations for Santa’s arrival, Mama told me it was time for my bath. I went in and drew my warm water and immersed myself. As I bathed that night, I heard a noise in the living room which was out of the ordinary. While we have always been a boisterous family, this noise was even loud for us. Doors opening and closing and elevated voices in the living room. My curiosity of the noises outside were stopped when Mama knocked on the door and told me to finish up, that there was someone in the living room who wanted to see me. I asked who, and without skipping a beat, she said, “Santa Claus.” For a seven-year-old, the worst fear possible had just come true. Santa Clause was in my living room and I wasn’t in bed…. how could this happen? I had behaved all year and now in a split second all the “being good” was melting away because Santa had arrived ahead of schedule. I went into full-fledge meltdown, crying and screaming that Santa Claus was early and he had to leave and come back. Mama burst into the bathroom and coaxed me out of the tub. She wrapped me in a towel to help me dry off and eased my tears. “It’s not really Santa Claus, it is just one of his friends.” I wasn’t convinced, why on earth would Santa Claus be here so early? After her coaxing, I made my way into the living room, tears stained across my face in my new Georgia Bulldog footie pajamas. There before me was “Santa,” wearing an ill-fitted red suit with beard askew across his face. As I slowly made my way towards that faux-Santa, Daddy whispered, “It’s Bill McClure.” BILL McCLURE….. what is he doing dressed up like Santa Clause? I posed for pics with Santa Bill and as quickly as he came in, he made his way out of the house. (To this day, Bill still insists this wasn’t him, but somewhere in the boxes of family photos we possess, there is proof. One day I’ll find it and make sure Bill sees a copy.) After the Santa imposter left, I went to bed. The next morning bright and early I rose to find a living room filled with toys from Santa, along with boot prints that smelled conspicuously like baby powder, but looked like snow, across our living room floor. As I saw the gifts the three simple truths I had always known about Santa came true…… if you believe you will receive, Santa visits kids who mind their parents and the REAL Santa only comes once everyone in the house is asleep! 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

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December 2017

Live Healthy and Be Well

“‘Tis the season…to support caregivers” by Stephen Jarrard, MD, FACS

his month’s column is inspired by this “charitable” time of the year that we begin to feel the spirit of giving and peace. The information comes as a result of talking with many of you, and my own personal interactions with patients and their families over the years. It is not a topic you will see defined well in medical textbooks, and there is no official diagnosis of this condition in the Behavioral Health diagnosis manual (DSM-IV). Yet, it is something that many of us know quite a bit about personally, or we know someone who is in this situation. Thus, we can all appreciate the difficult position that often has no ideal outcome for any of the individuals involved. What I am referring to is known by several names – caregiver fatigue, caregiver stress, and sometimes several symptoms lumpedtogether and called caregiver syndrome. The term syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms commonly occurring together as a condition. We see this situation most commonly in cases of progressive dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, or when someone suffers a debilitating illness and requires almost constant care and supervision. In our society, this responsibility usually falls on family such as children or the spouse. This situation is fraught with the possibility of resentment developing in the relationship of the cared-for and the caregiver. The old adage “…we hurt

most the ones we love,” is often very true in this case. The cared-for person may feel guilty for being a burden, but this may manifest itself as “lashing out” or being angry at the caregiver trying to help them. Often, the caregiver may also feel some resentment about all the things they are “missing out” on while caring for their loved one, but then feel guilty if they do arrange some time to do something besides stay at home and take care of their loved one. What I want you to know is that both of these situations are very common – and if you are involved with this in any way, as a caregiver or supporting a caregiver, expect this to happen at some point. If you are a caregiver, recognize the signs of caregiver stress, which include irritability, difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, anger, denial, headaches, stomach problems, and feelings of despair. You may also feel unappreciated by the person you are caring for, and perhaps some resentment, especially if you have siblings or other family members, and you seem to be the “only one” participating in the care of this loved one. It’s easy to think the others are “getting off easy,” and “…have no idea how hard this is…” Does this sound familiar to any of you? Again, I want you to realize that if you are having these feelings, you are entirely NORMAL, and you are not a bad person or bad family member. This situation can be made doubly worse when the caregiver is a health care worker, and already involved in a full-time job taking care of other people – possibly already approaching “burnout” from that job – and now they add the job of caring for their own family member. If that describes you or someone you know, be especially aware of the above mentioned signs and symptoms. There is another group of caregivers I would like to include in this topic, and I know there are many of you out there. This includes the group of family members, often grandparents or aunts/uncles, that are raising the children of another family member. You may already have raised your own children, and ready to enjoy your later years, and find yourself being a parent again when you really just want to be a grandparent. Or, you may have your own family that you are responsible for, and then find that you may need to take on an additional load of caring for children of another. You are certainly caregivers in every sense of the word, and subject to the

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same stresses and frustrations of that group. Even though you may not always feel like it, you are doing a very good thing, and you will be blessed and rewarded in the long term for your care and compassion in a difficult situation. If this is your situation, realize that by providing stability and a loving home for those in need, or a loved one in decline who needs your care, you are doing a wonderful thing and truly walking the walk of “… love your neighbor as yourself.” The first thing to realize is that you need regular, possibly even scheduled, “breaks” from the situation to help prevent burnout and fatigue. Do not feel guilty about doing this – it is very necessary. Realize that taking care of yourself and keeping yourself healthy and keeping your attitude good is one of the best ways of taking care of your loved one! If you become too fatigued, exhausted, or “burned out,” then the care you provide will suffer. Look for community events, schedule lunch/dinner with friends, go run some errands, exercise, etc. – anything to just get a break from the routine that you face every day. How can you do this? Well…that is up to those of us who can help you by providing you a chance to do something and have some of “your” time for yourself. It may be a friend, a neighbor, another family member, fellow church members, or perhaps even a trained “sitter” or trained professional whose services may be offered. All of us need to realize that you need your own time and step up, unsolicited, and offer some blocks of time for you to be YOU. This can be such a valuable and appreciated service to help share the load and burden of these blessed caregivers. Lastly, if you are a caregiver of a person with a terminal condition, I would like to recommend that at some point in the timeline you consider use of a Hospice service. No, this does not mean you are “throwing in the towel,” or “giving up,” on your loved one. What is does mean is that you will benefit from the services of trained, compassionate professionals who can help both of you and your entire family – by taking some of the load from your tired shoulders. There are several such services in our area, ask your healthcare provider about this option, and at least get a visit and consultation. No one will force anything on you, but you will likely wish you had found out about this earlier. 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 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. Like and follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/rabundoctor. Until next month, live healthy and be well! gmlaurel.com

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Healthy & Well

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December 2017

By the Way Let me tell you about Uncle Ray by Emory Jones

nstead of something humorous this month, I thought I’d write about my Uncle, Ray. Not that he wasn’t humorous; he was. In fact, he had a joke for almost every occasion. His favorite was the one about…no, wait…I can’t tell that here. Anyway, the holidays make me miss Uncle Ray. When I was a boy, he’d show me the exact place on his farm he’d been working when he heard I was born. He kept memories like some folks hoard gold. When anyone wanted to know something about a long-gone family member or a nearby property line, someone always said, “Ask Ray. He’ll know.” Ray Elisha Meaders was born September 9, 1923. His mother, my grandmother, named him after her brother, Raymond Kincaid, who’d just died from a heat stroke while scything hay. She told Ray his namesake was the finest man she’d ever known, and to wear that name with honor. From then until he

died, four days shy of his 92nd birthday, Ray never let his mama down; his work ethic was legendary. So was his kindness. The reliable farm boy from White County left North Georgia for the first time in 1943 to join the Army. Like most frontline vets, Ray didn’t talk much about that. He did say once that he remembered the eyes of the pilot he shot down as the man’s plane strafed their unit. That time and the day he hit my dog with his tractor were the only times I saw him cry. One war story Ray thought was funny happened during the Battle of the Bulge. They were hauling gasoline to the front when Ray’s outfit met General Eisenhower’s party. The General’s convoy pulled to the side because fuel trucks outranked even an Allied Supreme Commander. Ray saluted as they drove past, even though he never saw the General. Ray laughed when he told that story, and always wondered if Eisenhower saw the gesture. When he got home, Ray married the love of his life, Frances Autry, a lady he called Sugar Babe. The marriage lasted 51 years, and nothing made him light up like holding one of the many grandbabies that union produced. He was a farmer for 63 years and grew chickens in houses he built himself with those sturdy workingman’s hands. Chickens eat every day, and if Ray ever took a vacation, I never knew it. In the 1950s, Ray found and embraced something he loved almost as much as his family. That was the Habersham Electric Membership Cooperation, where he served as a director for five decades. His only regret was that he missed two board meetings in 50 years. “One I forgot,” he said. “The other time I was in the hospital, and they wouldn’t let me out.” His loyalty to the co-op was Ray’s way of saying thanks—they brought electricity to his house when he was a boy, and his mama didn’t have to carry water anymore. That was one of his favorite memories. Of course, Ray joked about that, too. “Why we had running water long before we ever had electricity,” he’d say before adding: “We’d run to the spring to get it and then run back to the house with a big bucketful.” Uncle Ray had a special love for children, and oddly enough, rabbits. You see, he credited rabbits for keeping his family from starving during the depression. He once told me that he sent a silent thank you to every rabbit he spotted on his farm. And Heaven help anyone who shot a rabbit on his farm. It’s hard to forget a person who remembered where they were when you were born and who cared about even the rabbits.

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