Georgia Mountain Laurel - January 2015

Julie Barnett

Leigh Barnett

Cell 404-697-3860

Cell 404-931-3636

REALTOR速

REALTOR速

141 S. Main St. Clayton, GA

706-212-0228

www.lakeburtonhome.com for VIRTUAL TOURS FEATURED HOMES

The Meeting House on Lake Burton $5,900,000

Rockmore Garden Estate on Lake Burton $5,900,000

Panorama Point on Lake Burton $3,875,000 Mountain Reflections on Lake Burton $2,795,000

Swept Away on Lake Burton $2,695,000

Family Fun on Lake Burton $2,250,000

Perched on Lake Rabun $2,185,000

Tucked Away Cove on Lake Burton $1,950,000

Laurelwood Cottage on Lake Rabun $1,795,000

Lake Burton Bliss $1,695,000

Private 1.13 Ac. Lake Burton Lot $1,690,000

The above information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted.

1.74 ac. Lot in Cherokee Cove $1,595,000

Laurel Falls on Lake Burton $1,425,000

Forever Young on Lake Burton $1,195,000

Charming Cabin on Lake Burton $1,595,000

Historic Ogletree Farm, 60 +/- Ac. $1,650,000

Home Port on Lake Burton $1,475,000

Serendipity on Lake Burton $1,550,000

Fishing Cabin on 2.51 Ac. Lake Burton Lot $1,195,000 Quarter Moon Place on Lake Burton $1,250,000

Trout Haven on Lake Burton $695,000

Quaint & Rustic on Lake Burton $1,050,000

Cute as a Button on Lake Burton $1,195,000

14 +/- Ac. Mini-Farm in Wiley $390,000

Great Value on Lake Burton $549,000

Serenity on Lake Burton $695,000

www.lakeburtonhome.com

for a complete listing of properties and VIRTUAL TOURS Office - 706-212-0228 • Julie - 404-697-3860 • Leigh - 404-931-3636 The above information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted.

141 S. Main St. • Clayton, GA • 706-212-0228

Cover Artist Hank Van Bladel

Live Healthy and Be Well!

Frank Cathey – One Incredible Guy

Bon Appetit

Notes de Vin

An End and A Beginning Leckie Stack, The Stack Farm “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice.”

T.S. Eliot – A Toast to the New Year

I

asked to write a wine article for the Laurel Magazine. At that time Tiger Mountain Vineyards was one of just a handful of North Georgia wineries. We were in the soil and climate of our Appalachian mountains. I thought that this would be a way to share information about wine and the growing Georgia wine industry with Laurel readers.

Since that day I have written over a hundred wine articles for the Laurel and there have been many wine industry changes. Early WAG member Persimmon Creek Vineyards closed it’s doors in Rabun County, Montaluce Winery and Estates in Dahlonega has changed ownership three times,

Blackstock Vineyards in Dahlonega has just been purchased by new owners and Bill and I sold our half interest in Tiger Mountain Vineyards. There also have been new vineyards and wineries. With the licensing of Stonewall Creek Vineyards and 12 Spies Vineyards, Rabun County now boasts three wineries. Additional new Georgia mountain wineries include Cartecay Vineyards (Ellijay), Cavender Creek Vineyards (Dahlonega), Hightower Creek Vineyards (Hiawassee), Odom Springs Vineyards (Blairsville), Paradise Hills Winery (Blairsville), Serenberry Vineyards (Morganton) and The Cottage Vineyards (Cleveland).

North Georgia wines have been awarded recognition by winning many medals in national and international competitions, including Gold, Double Gold and Best in Show in competitions including the American Wine Society Competition, the Dallas Morning News World Wine Competition, the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the Vino Challenge International Competition, the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and many more. nated American Viticultural Area (AVA) known as the “Upper Hiwassee Highlands” region in northeast Georgia and southwestern North Carolina. (See the October 2014 issue of the Laurel magazine.)

A University of Georgia study shows that in 2013 the Georgia wine industry generated over $81 million in annual sales and created more than 650 jobs. To capitalize on this economic growth, a state wide organization is now being formed which includes all individuals, organizations and associations involved in the Georgia wine industry. and vision to state legislators and leaders in an effort to realize the full potential of our Georgia wine industry. The Even though I have been less directly involved with the Georgia wine industry since our sale of Tiger Mountain Vineyards, I have continued to enjoy writing for the Laurel.

Publisher Tracy McCoy and I were so pleased when longtime friend, neighbor and winery owner, Carla Facker, agreed in June of last year to share writing “Notes de’ Vin” for the Laurel readers (see “Meet Carla”, June 2014 and “Stonewall Creek Vineyards”, January 2012 issues of the Laurel magazine).

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The Rabun County Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority (now the Tourism Development Authority) was created by the Georgia Legislature in July 2005. As a member of the Board, I represent “agritourism” interests. I see this as a way to support both tourism in Rabun County (one of our major economic engines) and the growth of our North Georgia wine industry. We are now working with many groups (including North Georgia wineries) to bring Nik Wallenda to Tallulah Gorge State Park this summer for the 45th anniversary of his Great Grandfather Karl Wallenda’s walk across Tallulah Gorge in 1970. There is much to be done for the “Skywalk Celebration”. We expect to bring thousands of visitors to North Georgia and I need more time to help with this exciting event.

As we begin 2015, Tracy is restructuring the Laurel and I’m restructuring my time commitments. I will continue my relationship with the Laurel (expect an article about the “Skywalk Celebra-

tion” in a future Laurel) and Carla will share responsibility for the “Notes de’ Vin” with Lisa Romanello and Mike Brown who own Rabun County’s 12 Spies Vineyard (see ”The Genesis of Rabun’s Newest Winery” May 2012 Laurel) and “Holy Wine” (October 2013 Laurel). Both Mike (who served as Executive Director of the Winegrowers Association of Georgia for many years) and Lisa will bring their unique perspectives to future Laurel articles.

I would like to thank Tracy and the Laurel staff for many wonderful years working with them and to thank Carla, Lisa and Mike for continuing the Laurel’s “Notes de’ Vin” articles. Thanks also to our readers who read the articles and suggested topics for them.

“What we call the beginning is often the end.

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

The end is where we start.”

T.S. Eliot

Head to Hiawassee

Hiawassee, Georgia

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Adventure Out

The Unicoi Lake Trail by

Peter McIntosh

H

appy New Year! And may the coming year be a good one for us all. Many of us, me especially, say we’re going to exercise more, and a pleasant hike is a great way to start.

(You can read more about healthy habits in my friend Dr. Stephen Jarrard’s Health and Wellness article in this issue of the magazine.)

On this adventure we’re taking a nice and easy stroll on the Unicoi Lake Trail. This is a 2.5 mile loop trail that follows the shoreline around the beautiful 53 acre lake in Unicoi State Park near the alpine village of Helen. This trail is mostly level with a few small hills thrown in for good measure. In case you were wondering, Unicoi is a Cherokee word meaning hazy or fog draped and I think these mountains are especially stunning when there docks along this pathway giving you various perspectives of the lake. This will be a great place to come play with that new camera you got for Christmas. ( And let me know if you need some help - photographically speaking.)

Before you set out on this trail, I strongly recommend you stop at the visitors’ and correspond to numbered markers along the lake trail. It’s a great way to learn about the trees in the North Georgia Mountains. There are several places to access this loop trail; one of which is from the parking area on the west side (towards Helen) of the dam. One reason this is a good place to start and stop is that there are restrooms at this location. The path winds along the lakeside, into coves and out to points and, as I mentioned earlier, there are lots of docks built out into the lake. Another cool feature of this trail is more hiking after completing this 2.5 mile trail, drive up to the trail along Smith Creek leading to Anna Ruby Falls. Or if you’re really feeling athletic, try the Unicoi to Helen Trail or one of the many mountain biking trails. All of these trails are on the park map available at the visitors’ center. And nonmotorized boating is allowed on this lake if you want to bring your canoe or kayak. (Brrrrr! Maybe wait until it warms up a bit before getting out on the water.)This park features lodge rooms, cabins, campsites, picnic pavilions and much more. Visit this beauty spot now and return to explore further in the spring. Happy hiking!

Be of good cheer, my New Year’s poem is here: Start out the year with good health and joy, Let’s take a brisk hike around Lake Unicoi.

This invigorating walk will be good for your body, And you can reward yourself with a nice hot toddy!

Getting there: From Burton Dam Road and GA 197 go 3 miles to GA 356.

Turn right on 356 and go about 8 miles to Unicoi State Park.

Unicoi State Park:

706.878.2201

To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment visit www.mcintoshmountains.com

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Mountain Nature Woodpeckers in Winter

by Jean Hyatt

I

see more woodpeckers in the woods around my house in wintertime than any other time of the year. It may be because I hang suet out and they are attracted to it, or because there are a lot of larva sleeping in my trees, but whatever the reason, when it turns cold, here come the woodpeckers. ing from a perch and suet by hanging on the cage in which I serve the suet. They seem to like the suet best, but are also frequently at the seed feeder. The downy is a very small black and white, seemingly checkered, bird and the male has a small spot of red on the back of his head.

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of my winter woodpeckers. I see or hear him from time to time, but I suspect (judging from the gouges taken from the suet cakes) that he comes by to eat while I am not home. This woodpecker is 15 to 19” long and is mostly black. It has some white on the wings and a large white stripe down the side of its neck.

Both the male and female have a prominent red crest, but the red on the male goes all the way from the top of its head to its beak, and the female’s crest is just on top of her head.

Downy Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is sometimes mistaken for a Red-headed Woodpecker because of the dazzling red crest. Once you’ve seen a Redheaded woodpecker, though, I doubt you will ever forget the difference. While most male woodpeckers display varying amounts of red on the head, a Red-headed woodpecker’s head is ALL red, a deep crimson in color. This bird is visibly striking with the red head, white body, and black and white wings.

When perched, the red, black and white appear in sequence down its back. Both male and female have the same markings.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker has the weirdest name of all the woodpeckers, I think. That’s because you can’t see any red on its belly most of the time. It has red on its head also, and like the Pileated, the male’s red runs from the back of its head to its beak, and the female’s red is only on the back of her head. I guess people must have called it a Red-headed Woodpecker until they saw a “real” red-headed, so they had to name it something else

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Red-headed Woodpecker

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and someone discovered a speck of red on the belly, and so it was named. Its wings are barred somewhat like the Downy, but the body is a soft beige color.

There are lots of woodpeckers about, including some I have not touched on, like the Hairy (similar to the Downy, but larger), the Red-cockaded (somewhat rare, they live in colonies) and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (who laps up sap and insects by drilling rows of shallow holes in tree bark). Keep your eyes peeled and you should be able to spot a few of these in your woods this winter.

Oh, and don’t forget that January is prime time to visit the thousands of Sandhill Cranes in their winter habitat at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge near Birchwood, Tennessee.

You might also see whooping cranes, bald and golden eagles and other unusual birds for this area. It is a good day trip from North Georgia, and is well worth your time if you are able to go. There is a Sandhill Crane Festival scheduled in Birchwood January 17th and 18th. Otherwise the refuge is open, but has no scheduled agenda or personnel. Stop by the store (Mountain Nature on Main Street in Clayton) for further information and directions, or Google Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge on your internet browser.

Jean and her husband Richard own and operate Mountain Nature in downtown Clayton. They can be reached at 706.782.0838.

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** 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.

Please help keep it that way. **

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River Vista Half Marathon & 10K Race

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Welcome each day as you welcome the New Year!

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Bless Your Heart Going Clubbing

By Lisa Harris

“P

urrrrfect,” she purred to her cousin Lily, who in turn fell into laughter.

Both girls were a mass of giggles when Lily’s dad stopped at their bedroom door.

“What’s going on girls? What’s so funny?” he asked.

“Oh nothing Dad, just laughing about our Kitty Club we used to have,” Lily said.

“The Kitty Club?” He said grinning as he shut their door back.

Both were twenty-three now and the Kitty Club had been a long time ago, but so much fun. The password, of course, was purrrfect and no dogs or boys were allowed in.

Lily and Lanie were not only cousins but BFF’s (Best Friends Forever) which actually topped the cousin status.

Inseparable, Lily was the creator and Lanie was the executor. Lily came up with the Kitty Club idea and Lanie pulled the back yard and Lily made the “Keep Out-Dogs & Boys” sign. It was effective until Samuel, an up-the-street neighbor, came over with his slobbering dog.

“Hey Lily, hey Lanie, can we come in?” yelled Samuel.

“No, can’t you read the sign? No dogs or boys allowed!” they bellowed.

“But I’m your friend,” he insisted.

“Nope, don’t care,” they said as his dog Polo stuck his slobbering head inside their clubhouse.

“Eweee,” they screeched at the sight of drool.

“Get Him Out...NOW!” “Alright, alright, but don’t ask to come into my clubhouse...No stink’n girls or cats allowed either.”

“Fine,” said the girls.

“Fine,” said Samuel as he tugged at Polo to turn around.

The girls started giggling again as they recounted that memory from childhood. But, now two years out of college they both were in the early stages of their careers; Lily a third grade teacher at a private Christian school and Lanie was in banking.

Purrrfect jobs for both girls.

curls into a ponytail and tied a green bow that matched her eyes. With her lively endearing personality and creative nature she quickly became the favored teacher among the parents and students. One person in particular was curious about the new teacher, Mr. Majors the athletic director. No stranger to pretty girls, he grew up with sisters that tortured him daily. Now he was the adored single brother who wanted to meet the new teacher; he just had to come up with a plan.

The next day, he talked with the art teacher Mrs. Crowe and implemented his “meet the pretty teacher” plan. Right after the last child had left, he had Mrs. Crowe ask Lily if she could help tote art supplies out of the closet next to the athletic room. She agreed, and off they walked, taking the long way around the building and entering from the outside door.

As soon as they walked in Lily gasped. The athletic door had a new sign that said, “No Kitties or Girls Allowed!” and beside the door stood Samuel...grinning.

“Samuel?” she questioned in a bewildered voice.

“That would be me, without my slobbering dog Polo.”

He said.

Lily died laughing again and Mrs. Crowe slipped out.

“Did you make this sign?” Lily asked.

“Nah, I bribed the art teacher with a Starbucks card to do it for me...its great isn’t it?”

“I think it’s awesome,” she said.

After a few more moments of talking, they grabbed their coats and went out for a bite to eat and catch up. Six months later they were still having dinner together.

At one year, Samuel grabbed Polo and said, “Hey buddy, I need your help tonight.”

Polo barked.

That day, Samuel enlisted the help of other teachers sort of.

When they arrived on the pretense of Samuel needing time. He sat her down as Polo sauntered in with a sign around his neck, “No Kitties or Girls Allowed, except for Lily,” and with that he got down on his knee.

“Lily, will you marry me?” he asked.

“Yes,” she whispered, so overcome with emotion as he

adorable. Lily had pulled up her mass of reddish blonde

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Foxfire Adapted by Lee Carpenter

C

harlie Ross Hartley of Vilas, in Watauga County, North Carolina, learned construction not in school (he never went to college) but by experience alone. Many of the buildings he built are still used. He is proudest of are those he supervised for the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s and 1940s, but his career spanned many hundreds of structures est work after losing one leg in a logging accident, getting around on a peg leg made by hand out of a two-by-six [board]. During the interview, Charlie’s wife Etta warned us that if we encouraged him, he’d brag. We encouraged him, and it’s good that we did because his story is one that’s worth sharing.

Even though his pride is there, it is tempered by an almost childlike awe at what was accomplished and a keen sense of disappointment now that the work’s done.

When I started on WPA, I did not have anybody but raw laborers and people that needed a job. Come in with overalls double-patched and not enough to eat. A fellow that had a farm, they would hardly ever let him on out it. A man on WPA was hungry and that’s why he was put there. It was up to me to take care of them and work some too [myself]. If he was a good stout fellow and could work pretty well, I let him work. If he was sorta knocked out and not too stout, I gave him a light job.

Now you may wonder how I got these big buildings put up with that type of people. Well, I had to have a little bit of know-how, and they is nobody that is so dumb that he can’t do something for me somewheres. If you’ve got patience, you can take anybody and train them for something. If he couldn’t use a pick, he could use a shovel, and if he wasn’t stout enough to do much, put him to carrying water.

shortly following two books, save one. A connection was made, and the students became good friends with Charlie and his wife Etta during time they spent in the northeast reaches of North Carolina. bossed. I built that absolutely with common labor except laying the rocks.

Now I had a few men later on that were on the WPA that were good rock men, but the County hired most of the rock men because they wanted a good job.

So that building standing over there will be a monument to my grave when I’m up on WPA. It’s still a beautiful building. It’s been there for about forty years now. Then I built a big rock building at Boone, and Blowing Rock had a big rock gymnasium that I built. I’m proud of all of them, but the Cove Creek School is my pride. That’s the last one I built. I think more of that job than any I’ve ever done.

Etta and Charlie Ross Hartley, 4 includes chapters on the making of berry buckets and more. For informa-

Now the Valle Crucis School [west -

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706.746.5828. You can also visit Foxin Mountain City, Georgia.

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Wheels ‌ the quintessential American roadster

by Larry and Gail Allgood

T

he beautiful cascade green and white 1957 Corvette C1 Convertible we watched cruising around town this summer belongs to Tom and vertible series. We hope it helps get you through the cold winter with a memory of warmer days.

driving our winding mountain roads.

The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the Chevrolet division of General Motors, introduced late in the 1953 model year and produced through 1962. The 1957 Corvette increased engine displacement to 283 cubic inches (4.6L), and fuel in-

as a birthday present for Tom 30 years themed birthday party. Tom thought it was simply decoration for the party.

What a happy man he was when he rePowered by a 283 cubic inch engine and two four-barrel carburetors, and with its four-speed transmission, it is the perfect summertime pleasure vehicle for

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Tom and Sherryl own CannonWood Retirement Village and the Tiger DriveIn, both located in Tiger, Georgia. Tom manages the two businesses while Sherryl continues her 44-year career as a They have four children and three grandchildren.

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Echoes from the Hills

By Bob N. Justus

n Germany Valley we kids always looked forward to a good snow in winter. milder than others and we would complain about the lack of snow. Other winters were rough and cold

the family sitting in studied lessons by the light of a kerosene lamp and walnuts for Mother to bake pies and cakes, plus we ate as much as she let us get by with.

On a winter morning when Mother yelled for us to get up we grabbed our clothes and ran to dress by cows and feed the stock. As the kitchen and dining room were together the stove would give off heat helping Mother in the kitchen besides licking the warmth there in winter.

part was getting into the cold creek and taking rubber boots but my bare hands from handling the

look back now and treasure this period of my life, gave me valuable training and discipline to carry out

had two good Beagle hounds. Once we boys were

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and along the banks of the creek and side streams.

The reason there were so many rabbits even though folks hunted them was the farming done in that era. and berries, animals and birds thrived along with humans.

valley. Taking Uncle Noel’s single shot 16 gauge Winchester that took much game and won many the lower edge of Big Face Mountain. From previous and then went a short way up the mountain to remain all day in the forest.

and suddenly another big rabbit leaped away. Being and was glad to see the mellow lamp glow from the kitchen window, where Mother was cooking supper. a large rabbit fairly rare native in the Appalachian Mountains down into upper Northeast Georgia.

Rabbits were sometimes caught in baited rabbit boxes. On a farm one experiences a different way of Valley.

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Downtown Franklin, North Carolina

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chwinn was the best bike to have in the 1960’s, especially with monkey bars, a banana seat and a wheelie bar. At school bus, we would tow each other on homemade skateboards with metal roller skate wheels. No crack-the-whips allowed. When we heard the bus coming, one would let go of the towrope while the other wheelied into the garage.

Our hometown was the New York Yankees’ winter hometown. They hung their hats and gloves at the Yankee Clipper Hotel’s annex, a quick bike ride from my home and made all the faster with base-

My favorite player was Bobby Richardson; most rooted -

The players would often stand tall and talk to me, and laugh when they spotted Frank Robinson’s Chicago Cubs card getting the spoke beat out of it.

They gave this kid their baseball time - which is a very good thing

cheer for Roger Richardson, Bobby Mantle or Mickey Maris while eating peanuts and a red hot, lathered in Gulden’s mustard - the only mustard worth mustarding.

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motel’s sidewalk wall, hoping to get my favorite player’s attention while hoping for a baseball card autograph … which ultimately found a good winn’s front fork - as did most of my rookie card collection. And aren’t we happy we had to use cash instead of cards for our own kid’s college tuition?

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coffee - in a foreign land, a homeroom class or on a street corner close to home.

My baseball cards made a lot of noise that eventually cost me some pretty valuable and well papered friends. ered the wall and lifted me up with nothing more than a this: Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Matthew 23:12 and 1 Peter 5:5 Happy New Year, one and all. And please pass the Gul-

Steve is a mechanical folk work artist, the author of the Goodley Words, creator of The Good Woodleys, a Power/Full Productions, the publisher of 2,500 long lost Fanny Crosby hymns. He and his wife Chevin live and work at Splendor Mountain in Rabun County, GA. Steve can be reached at pop@thegoodwoodleys.com.

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Franklin, North Carolina

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By Tracy McCoy

of writing about some of the most interesting and incredible people in rel honor. This is not something we usually do but this article had to be writshared by his students, friends and family in red (Bulldog Red)

mentor, uncle, brother, son and de-

Ray his second and no one ever knew for sure why he was named General.

Ray Rumsey was born in Anderson,

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eyes on Martha. His parents worked in a cotton mill and raised their children on what is known as Cotton Mill Hill. Ray played football and was darn good at it. college education when he graduated from Piedmont College. He and Martha dedicated their lives to teaching and for Ray Rumsey it was truly his passion. “Coach was a wonderful man. He had a way of making everyone around him feel loved. He would brighten the saddest days. He kept the boys in line and never missed a chance to tell us girls we were beautiful. When he would substihis stories, especially about Mama. He loved unconditionally and whole heartedly. Earth has truly lost one of the best but heaven has gained an irreplaceable man. I pray one day my kids will have the pleasure to meet such a teacher as

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He began teaching in Toccoa, then Lavonia, then on to Wilcox County where he began coaching Clayton, Georgia at Rabun County Martha had three little boys, their ily found themselves very content in Rabun County and that is where they remained. Coach Rumsey was a true disciplinarian but did it the right way, always with love. He called every girl he ever taught beautiful and baby and every young man ugly and to guess he gave and received more kisses on the cheek than any teacher to him and he to them. He taught and substituted through at least three generations and was respected by each one.

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Freddie and I are among so many others who are thankful to know our Coach Rumsey. We know he loved all the kids at school, but our class of ‘66 will always feel he belonged to us!!

Dolores Crane Ray Rumsey had a way of bringing out the best in each student he had contact with and it was as if he had a sixth sense when one of his babies was in trouble or in need. Time and again he would have a heart to heart or save a child from an uncomfortable situation. He had a way of pumping you up and making you feel special. He often stood out front of the school each morning to welcome the kids when der at the door to speak to each one as they entered.

“Is there anyone in the county that their life in one way or another? A great man of love and wisdom. I am thankful Ellen Tice Speed Papa Ray taught government at was to vote. He told us that great men and women fought for that right and it was our responsibility to exercise our right to vote. He instilled pride in our country. He made certain we understood whatever branch of government we were studying and he was always available to explain later if you needed him. He made learning fun and you had better stay on your toes and pay attention.

“He was one person in our lives that really made a difference. He could pick someone out of the bunch - just like he knew who had problems and he’d talk to them and make them smile. God has truly blessed us with a special angel that will watch over all of Betty Davenport not know is that Ray was a Golden Glove Boxer. The boys who dared continued on page 62

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You may also not be aware that Ray played football in Toccoa with Paul Anderson, known to be the strongest man he lost his oldest son Tom in 1970. He was on the golf course when Tom was killed in an automobile accident. After to golf, the memory was too painful. watching the Georgia Bulldogs play.

He was not happy watching them on the television; he took his family to watch the games. There was an annual frog giggin’ followed by a huge gathertha loved to entertain and would often loved people, plain and simple. time, cause I know he had something Melony Bradley Hopper With all of the love that he gave double that for his boys and later his grandchildren. Chelsea Rumsey being

he was one of those people.

He had enough love to give us all and I eventually realized I was the fortunate one.

As a teacher he taught more than a text book ever could. Daddy would hold court with his students. American Government was the subject, but life was the lesson. My daddy had an amazing life.

A couple of weeks ago he told Sam and me he wouldn’t change a thing. I believe him.

to these two year round; they didn’t want for anything. He took good care of his family and cherished them from the bottom of his heart and Martha was his sweetheart till the day she died. He cared for her when she was ill and after she went to be with the Lord he visited her grave sometimes two and three times a day. He missed her desperately and spoke of her with such fondness

and he shared them with each of us. My father, because he knew Jesus, just enjoyed his greatest day, one that will live on into eternity, the day he went home

“On behalf of my family, I want to thank you all as we honor Daddy in this tribute.

If I am honest, I have to admit that as a child I was jealous of many of you.

Those he coached and taught were always part of our home life.

If I am honest, I must admit often times I didn’t like it. I didn’t like sharing my daddy with all of you.

But as I grew older, I realized some people just had more love to give and

Kendall Rumsey

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reunited with our brother Tom and my Mama, the very best day of his life.

He was a teacher, a coach, a lover of life and for me, he was my daddy and I look forward to the day, my best day, when I hear him say, “Welcome home

The man who everyone thought was sure to be the toughest around and who was so loved grew older and began to have some health issues. When the insurance company refused to provide him with the care his doctors said he needed, ters were written and phone calls made and soon they agreed to pay for the rehabilitation he needed. He rallied and was

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out and about again visiting with his friend Burnell at the barber shop, he had a friend Wally Williams and they talked daily with one or the other calling each morning at 5:30 AM. Then there is George Camp another good friend, although there were many. He attended not one church service but on his students when he run into them.

When sickness came again, true to form he took control and he told his family that he was tired and he missed Mama and wanted to meet Jesus. He he could surrounded by those dearest to him. He took up residence at Cannonwood where he was welcomed, day to visit with their coach and their teacher who had loved and encourgathered General Ray Rumsey died peacefully, strolling into Heaven to were shed and stories told and memories relived. A beautiful celebration of his life took place with his baby boy all were so generous to share Papa Ray with all of us and for that we all say thank you. He will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on through each of you.

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T

he time has come and 2015 is the year that you are going to buy that new or pre-owned car or truck. Maybe you’ve been saving for

By Tracy McCoy times through dealer add-ons and additional fees you end up paying the same price that you would pay anywhere. Your

on that peppy little sports car on the dealer’s lot, whatever the case is we have asked some good questions and gotten some great answers for you. Re-

and buy from them. With the availability

Duvall Automotive and we talked cars

and know their reputation, it means a lot when you are dealing with people that you see in the grocery store, went to high

was when is the best time to buy a

a problem arise you know they are going

are coming out and there are still 2014s on the lot and dealers are looking to move those out to make room for the new models. He informed me that manufacturers release new cars throughout the year offering incentives all year long too. The Big Three each offer different incentives on different models but each manufacturer is usually within $500 of one another at any given time on competing vehicles. you see offered in dealer ads and Louie said new car pricing is new car pricing, meaning every dealer pays the same thing for the same car. A good rule of thumb, he told me, is if it

whatever you are looking for and usu-

interest rates vary with the best rates usuright amount of money down and the right credit it’s possible to see rates below 1.99% on new cars. Leases are generally more competitive in the spring and are more popular in the foreign market.

But the domestic manufacturers are getting more competitive in 2015.

The top three best cars out there are the Ford Fusion, the Chrysler 200 and the Chevy Malibu each racking up MPGs in the mid 30s. For me, mileage is

a big deciding factor in a car purchase and Louie told me that even the new Ford F-150 truck with an all aluminum body is getting mileage in the 20s ing a 1500 truck with an eco-diesel engine. Auto makers are taking notice that we are all looking to save at the pump and they are manufacturing cars and trucks with lower emissions for a cleaner environment as well. me that yesterday’s mini-van driving

drive a Ford Edge which is more like a cross-over because it drives like a been very pleased with the Edge and Hybrids continue to improve and newer models. Many new cars and trucks offer back up cameras which will become standard in every vehicle by 2018. Today’s autos are safer than ever with things like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, Telematic systems such as Bluetooth allow-

Mtn Feathers

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ing drivers to stream their phone calls through their radios making certain both hands are on the wheel. Most manufacturers offer navigation but one of the newest features is running navigation on your phone through your touch screen radio.

Then there is blind spot assist and systems that will parallel park your car for you. a car that you will program and it will drive you where you need to go and he

system is making it possible for drivers to make their auto a wireless hotspot so we never miss a beat where technology Crash Alert where when your phone is programmed into the system and a crash is detected the car calls 911 through your cellular phone for you.

One positive that has come from the economic recession we have been going through is that people have taken better care of their cars and they are keeping them longer making used cars more sought after. That is good for those looking to trade their auto in because they’ll get more for their car or truck. For those

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looking to buy a pre-owned car they are shape. Louie told me it is a great time to trade and the deals are great on both new and used cars.

Louie warns to do your homework because many times the deal looks like a steal but when those add-ons and fees

January 2015

same as everyone else. You leave scratching your head wondering why it wasn’t what you expected. There is no need to drive a hundred miles to buy your next car or truck because of gimmicks and prices that have been marked up to then be discounted to what you could have continued on page 66

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The Time is Now

knew that location would be perfect for his dealership when opened in late summer of 1965.

Through good economic times and bad Duvall Ford has stood strong, mostly because of the family behind it. three children in the dealership. Their youngest son Jeff has admitted that during high school he spent more time farming than at the Ford store but after graduation he immersed himself in the business, learning every aspect of it. His interand Frances decided in 1983 that they wanted to work less erations over to their son Jeff and he took the reins and has worked hard to continue the legacy his parents had built and trusted him with. the service area. This type of announcement had never been made and all the his staff were stunned and pleased when he announced that a deal had been made with the Bickerstaff family to purchase Clayton Motors adding Chevrolet/ Pontiac to their then Ford/Mercury dealership on Highway 441. Remodeling began almost immediately. Adding Chrysler to their lineup was a more turbulent deal but became a reality in 2010 when they broke ground on a new facil-

bought it in your own area. Dealing with a reputable company with a rich history makes so much more sense. Duvall Automotive has a competent and knowledgeable staff wait-

in America with The Big Three all under one roof. Chevy, are looking to buy domestic you can do it right here in the mountains, and if you are looking for a foreign car they will

Duvall Automotive Has It All Under One Roof interest in a Ford dealership in Hayesville, North Carolina and Louis when they received a call from Ford Motor Company that the Derrick Ford franchise in downtown Clayton was available and Ford wanted them to buy it. Mr. Duvall drove to Clayton looked things over, made a deal and bought the Derricks out. Then commuting from Cleveland, it was only a year before the Duvall family called Rabun County home. Word on the street was that you could make a deal eryone took one of his cars or trucks for a test drive and most often if you did, you’d take it home. This began the history of a local dealership that appreciated the people, wanted to make a deal and made customer service a priority. A reputation in the making.

With talk of the new highway coming through Clayton,

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because they are key to the dealerships success. There are three employees who have over 20 years working with the Rob on staff as well as an outstanding sales force, knowledgeable service technicians in their service department and Jeff in the driver’s seat this team is unstoppable. One Connie has worked alongside him as well.

The team at Duvall Automotive would love to talk with you when you are ready to buy or trade. They take your satisfaction seriously and look forward to working with you Georgia. Their website is www.duvallautomotive.com and they welcome your inquiries toll-free at 877.818.7723.

January 2015

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Turned Funny The Year’s Gonna Do What the Year’s Gonna Do!

W

2014, but as December 31st quietly slips out of the picture, suddenly, it’s 2015.

deadlines are several weeks ahead of actual ready crept out of sight and Newborn 2015 has picked up the has never varied. We’ve never repeated a year because someanother year with static regularity.

Year’s Day, we were re-incarcerated in the routine called scheme of life.

Most of my days begin with a daily paper that blatantly

for results.

Having now survived more than sixty of 2014 and be working with a clean 2015 slate by the of wisdom honed through years of in-the-trenches experience. may push to accomplish goals; the closer to the grindstone our nose stays, the louder the clock ticks, and the faster the your goals and determined your attitude, you ain’t gonna win. Come December 31st list to be as full and cumbersome as it was on January 1st, when everything was fresh and full of promise.

yearly to-do list. That concept in and of itself is a laugh, but

Books are man’s best friend, and if he has a dog, so much the better.

ticking master clock. When that countdown reaches double tates widespread desperate measures. Almost always a case of

stuff that’s passed off as inconsequential somehow manages to behave like sourdough starter. Before you know it, you can retard its potential. Then run in the opposite direction as hard as you can, whenever you’re confronted by the chance with anything else. and big that would take you down, remember this: while the new 2015 calendar lays out some 365 days that you’ll navigate before you get to December 31st, you only get each of those days once. When you close your eyes at night and go to sleep, whether you can point with pride to your accomplishments or not, you won’t get a do-over for that day. Never. called 2015, make sure you can distinguish between the small stuff and the big stuff. Then kick back, grab a good gonna happen is gonna happen. At least, on December 31st

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Lovin’ the Journey

By Mark Holloway

B

-

the whole car to lurch like a nauseated hypochondriac. My dad helped me get over the shakes. can shake and rattle. And sometimes, everyone notices.

We are like a three-legged stool...spirit, soul and body.

Take one leg away and we fall over. get reset. The calendar offers us another chance.

tures, conversing with the Lord as friends, and spending guitar.

Maybe a change of scenery will help.

not abuse it.

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outdoor options in these mountains.

big dividends hopefully way down the road.

else.

Two local cardiologist friends Comer Cherry and Joe extend my days here. But my days here will most likely be folks eat their way to trouble.

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live here. Here is where they escape to. We live here. Gotta love it.

Don’t neglect your life.

We’re all busy. Actually we all have the same 24 hour have two options: stretch your day to include more oxygen guy’s address down to road.

last. the left is the sloppy-live-like-you-don’t-care ditch. The other rut is the watch-every grain-sprout-organic morselonly tree bark ditch.

older. made to sweat. We’re made for action. Folks without legs Find your challenge. Hunt down your goals.

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Dust off your athlete self hiding in the closet.

out with the donut and high fructose crowd, you’re still the

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The Clubhouse

“I

dered his end of the load, and plunged his legs

shift stretcher to the hospital. But as the snow became harder and the temperature plummeted, their optimism turned very pessimistic.

Winter had arrived on New Year’s night with a vengeance. Thermometers weren’t prepared to document the record lows, and the forest’s inhabitants weren’t ready for

more he wanted to say, but the frigid winds stole his breath, save his words. His sister’s very life depended on them getting out of the Rabun Gap woods alive.

Racky and Dil had left their home deep in the woods with much urgency and optimistic hopes. They were con-

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January 2015

Rabun Woods Bed & Breakfast, where Racky and Dil lived with their parents and two sisters, everything but the most essential activities ground to a halt. When both parents to catastrophic. There was no way to get them out to the doctor, or for anyone to get in to them. But slowly the parents improved.

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Racky worked to keep everyone warm and fed, and the patients doctored.

But worse it could get. And it did so at warp speed. sy woke Racky to say that her sister Patsy was sick. Thinkwhere he found his sibling bent double.

Racky had fetched his mama who, despite her weakness, had wasted no time getting to her daughter’s side.

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assurance than he felt.

As the two boys slogged through the drifts, some higher than they were tall, with Patsy tied onto a board that they held over their heads at times, they silently questioned if they had promised more than they could deliver.

When they felt they couldn’t make another step, Patsy

spotted Highway 441 that ran north and south through Rabun County. When the boys felt they couldn’t make it any farther, Racky glimpsed a sheriff’s car making its way slowly up the deserted highway. The boys put down their burden, and Racky ran through the snow to stop the deputy.

The next few hours were like a dream, especially for two exhausted raccoons who rode to the hospital with their sister in the back seat of the cruiser. Before the sun went down, Patsy had been relieved of her rogue appendix and the sheriff’s deputy had gotten their parents to the hospital.

Racky thought, as he closed his eyes from exhaustion.

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Photo by Terry Barnes - tbarnesphotography.photoshelter.com

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