Welcome From the Publisher...
W Tracy McCoy Publisher/Editor 706-982-9197
e wish you all a Happy New Year. Winter is in full force and snow is inevitable. It is guaranteed. How do I know? Because the Clayton Business and Merchants Association is hosting Winterfest January 12-13 and again February 16-17, and if snow does not naturally fall, they will make it snow in downtown Clayton. Activities such as a Snowman Scavenger Hunt, fun for children, snowball fights, and a snowfall dance will take place. Of course, there will be great shopping, dining, and lodging opportunities, as well. Make plans to enjoy the snow! We will look at the art of Rabun County Middle School teacher and photographer Truett Spivey and “Adventure Out” with Peter McIntosh and the students of North Georgia Technical College’s Photography program. You’ll find great new recipes to try in our Bon Appetit column. Pastor Gabe Southards of Head of Tennessee Baptist Church writes about the record-breaking (7 week) revival that, at press time, is still going. God is at work in a mighty way with 130+ souls saved thus far.
Cindi Freeman Manager | Marketing 706-982-0216
Let’s face this new year with great expectations. Look for the good and spread kindness. Winter is a time of rest and a great time to finish those indoor projects. When the temps allow, get outside and soak up all the sunshine you can. It’s only 79 days until spring arrives. Meanwhile, enjoy winter. Eat chili and cornbread, wear fuzzy socks, drink hot chocolate and if, no when, it snows, play in it! Whatever you do, be a good human and always, always, do the next right thing. Here’s to you 2024, we are ready for a GREAT NEW YEAR!
Melynda Hensley Marketing | Graphics 706-970-0765
Tracy
JANUARY 2024 | VOLUME TWENTY-ONE | ISSUE ONE Writers & Contributors: John Shivers, Peter McIntosh, Rabun Paws-4-Life Tori Carver, Jonan Keeny, Scarlet Cook, Dick Cinquina, Dr. Brad Speed, Pastor Gabe Southards, Emory Jones, D’Anna Coleman Assistant Manager | Graphics 706-782-1600
LAUREL of Northeast Georgia 2511 Hwy 441 N., Clayton, GA 30525
www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com | 706-782-1600 gmlmagazine@gmail.com
Lucas McCoy Graphics | Writing 706-782-1600
Copyright 2024 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Laurel of Northeast Georgia 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 the Laurel of Northeast Georgia 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 areresponsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Laurel of Northeast Georgia 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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Contents
Healthy and Well
The Arts
44 - Medlink 48 - Dementia Care 50 - Pet Health
10 - Cover Artist - Truett Spivey
A Taste 16 - The RAIN Maker 18 - Bon Appetit
Looking Back 52 - Rabun County Historical Society
Homes The Outdoors 26 - Adventure Out 34 - Firmly Rooted 36 - Rabun Paws-4-Life 38 - Winterfest 2024
56 - Harry Norman Luxury Lake & Mountains 59 - Katie Hendricks Spotlight
Just Thinking 60 - By the Way
Faith in Christ 40 - R4G 42 - Life is a Blessing
Around Town 62 - My World Travels
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The Arts
On Our Cover - Truett Spivey Exploring Nature Through His Lens TRACY MCCOY
I
first met Truett Spivey at the Clayton Farmer’s Market. His photos on canvas caught my attention as I passed by. Beautiful sunrises in rich reds, golds, and oranges behind layered mountains were enough to stop anyone walking through the Saturday morning market. I had much to learn about this gentleman and made sure to grab his business card before I left that day. Months passed before the opportunity presented itself to sit and visit with Truett and learn about his love of photography, camera knowledge, passion for education, and what stops him in his tracks. Growing up in Macon, Georgia, Truett later moved to Augusta where he met and married his wife, Rosemary, and started his family. The couple have two children and three grandchildren, with the youngest finishing high school last year. Earning a Master’s in General Education, Truett has been a teacher most of his adult life. When Truett’s wife retired, the couple moved to Ocala, Florida. Teaching in the school system there, Truett would rise early and walk three miles each morning. He loved watching the sun come up. “I see God in everything”, he told me. The sunrise of a new day is certainly a great place to find Him. The school asked if he would take some photos around the campus for the school yearbook and he agreed to do so. It didn’t take long before Truett fell in love with photography. “My dad liked taking photos and I remember him having a camera, but I had never really explored it.” The yearbook assignment inspired him to buy his first camera. The school’s camera was a Canon, but when Truett purchased his, he went with a Nikon D780. He says Canon is good, but he prefers his Nikon. Of course, most photographers will tell you that one camera leads to another and a plethora of lenses to meet different needs. “The Lord blessed me with every sunrise and sunset, landscape, and animal I photographed. Once on a golf course in Silver Springs, I wandered off at the 8th hole attempting to capture a photo of a butterfly. While focusing on it, I almost missed the alligator that was a couple feet beyond my camera lens,” Truett said. Certainly, a lesson in observing your surroundings for hidden gems. This experience resulted in the purchase of a 300 mm lens to allow those incredible closeups… from a distance. The idea of shooting the moon (Continued...)
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COVER ARTIST... is one most photographers aspire to do, and Truett was no different. After moving to Rabun County, he purchased a 500 mm lens that allowed him to capture the moon with great clarity. Once the Spiveys moved to the mountains, a position opened up in the Rabun County School system’s Special Education department. Truett applied and was hired and he has been grateful to work with such outstanding students and professionals. Truett’s classroom is filled with his work. He and his wife love to travel and have visited many faraway places such as Ireland, Scotland, and England. He has used those photos to educate and shared his photography with other teachers, who did likewise. The ways Truett has been able to use his skill to help others and enrich their lives is yet another way that God is using his talent. Within the first year of buying that first Nikon, Truett took over 100,000 photos. Today he still walks every morning and is amazed how each new day God paints a different sunrise for us to enjoy. This year he is in charge of the yearbook and will be adding his photography to the annual. When people began asking for his photos, Truett began printing them on canvas. This and homemade beef jerky (a side business that he started) led to his table at the Clayton Farmer’s Market filled with art waiting for a home. When I asked what camera Truett would like to see under his Christmas tree this year, he said a Nikon Z8 with 5 or 6 lenses would be fantastic. Only Santa knows if he has been that good. When not working with his students at Rabun County Middle School or shooting photos, Truett enjoys cooking, travel, and golf. His work is on display in the Pro Shop at Kingwood Resort, at Lifepoint Medical, and on his photography page on Facebook (Truett Spivey Photography). It was such a pleasure to get to know Truett and learn about his photography. Should you see something here or on his social media page that you want for your home, please reach out through Messenger or e-mail truettspiveyphotography@gmail.com 12 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
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The
RAIN Maker LIZ ALLEY
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t my sister’s house, I picked up a unique aluminum bottle with the word RAIN all in caps. “What’s this?” I asked. “Water,” she said, “from Tiger.” Now, she had my attention. I knew that back in the 90s, Dr. Davis had opened a bottled water facility in Tiger, and it had since closed. I didn’t know that the new proprietor, Mark Majkrzak, had opened a new bottled water company in that same building, essentially making RAIN in Tiger. I liked the water so much that I began taking a case back to Newnan each time I visited. When I spoke to Mr. Majkrzak about his company for this article, my first question was, “How in the world do you say your last name?” He chuckled good-naturedly and said, “My shack.” Word association, we were off to a good start. Mark Majkrzak is originally from Arizona and has worked for large botting companies in Chicago, Boston, San Fransico, and Texas. “Those are the places I lived, but from those places, I traveled all over the U.S. with my job.” He said. After learning about the bottling industry, Mark wanted to open his own water company. “Okay, but how did you end up in Tiger, Georgia?” I asked. “Rain,” he said. “Growing up in Arizona, we didn’t see a lot of rain, and I am drawn to rain. I knew I wanted to bottle spring water, not municipal water, and I wanted that water to be in something other than plastic. Rabun County is one of the rainiest counties in Georgia, which is essential for recharging the aquifer supplying spring water sources:” After a quick Google search, I discovered Rabun County is indeed the rainiest place in Georgia, with 130 days and 71.7 inches of rain per year. In 2018, Mr. Majkrzak and his wife, Katie, moved their business from Montana, where they’d outgrown their outsourced facility, to Tiger and officially took over the property at 175 Pleasant Place Road for RAIN in 2019. “Just in time,” he says, “for COVID in 2020.” Mr. Majkrzak recalls waiting for a piece of essential equipment he’d ordered from Italy to arrive, only for it to be quarantined at the airport in New York for 30 days. “ It certainly made an already stressful situation more stressful. However, the people of Rabun County were so great to us. When renovating the building, the plumber would recommend a contractor, the contractor would recommend an electrician, and so on. Everyone was so friendly.” He said. When I asked what he wanted people to know about his business, Mark said he’d like people to see the reach of the water. Currently, they focus on “nontraditional” retail, selling in all 50 states of the U.S to over 1,900 retail locations. This also includes selling to companies like Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, which carries its water to The Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, Canada, and Europe. Mr. Majkrzak enjoys getting texts from customers who live in Rabun County but are on vacation and send him pictures of the RAIN bottle from other countries. RAIN can also be found with over 500 private label brands such as Mercades-Benz, Netflix, and T-Mobile. Closer to home, those private brands include Reeves, Julep Farms, Clayton Paint and Flooring, and many more. Although all qualifications with the Department of Agriculture were met before opening RAIN, recently, the company passed an elective Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, allowing them to pursue selling in grocery store chains and big box stores. Soon, it may be RAINING everywhere! And when it comes to the name RAIN, Mr. Majkrzak says they’ve trademarked the name, all in capital letters. He feels that the name RAIN, North Georgia Spring Water, and the aluminum bottle have been essential to their success. When I asked Mr. Majkrzak how Rabun County compared with all the other places he’s lived, he said it’s one of the most uniquely beautiful places he’s ever seen. He and his wife, Katie, welcomed their son, Truett, this past year. Mark volunteers for the Rabun County Search and Rescue Squad: Mark Majkrzak, the RAIN Maker.
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A Taste
Bon Appetit Quick, But Filling Recipes SCARLETT COOK
A
new year has arrived but you still face the same question that you did in 2023 – what’s for dinner? These recipes rely on convenience foods that can shorten your time in the kitchen, but don’t skimp on flavor or filling stomachs. Happy 2024 and hope this year brings wonderful blessings to you.
EASIEST POUND CAKE
TORTELLINI SOUP Serves 4
3 (14½ - ounce) Cans chicken stock 2 (9 – ounce) Packages refrigerated cheese (or meat) filled tortellini 1 (14½ - ounce) Can diced tomatoes, undrained 4 Green onions, chopped 2 Garlic cloves, minced 1 Teaspoon dried basil Shredded Parmesan cheese In a large saucepan bring broth to boil. Add remaining ingredients except cheese; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with cheese.
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4 Cups plain flour 3 Cups sugar 1 Pound butter, softened ¾ Cup milk 6 Large eggs 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 325°. Grease and flour 10” tube pan. In this order place ingredients in a mixing bowl. Flour - Sugar - Butter - Milk - Eggs - Vanilla Beat mixture at a low speed for 1 minute; scrape down sides and beat at medium speed for 2 more minutes. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
CORN SALAD - Serves 4 1 (16 – ounce) Package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed 1 Small onion, chopped 1 Large tomato, seeded and chopped 1 Large bell pepper, chopped ¼ Cup mayonnaise ½ Teaspoon each salt and pepper Stir together all ingredients until blended; cover and chill for 2 hours.
ONE POT SPAGHETTI - Serves 4 1 Pound ground chuck 1 Small Onion, chopped 2 (14½ - ounce) Cans chicken broth 1 (6 - ounce) Can tomato paste ½ Teaspoon salt ½ Teaspoon dried oregano ¼ Teaspoon garlic powder ½ Teaspoon black pepper 7 Ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken into 3” pieces Grated Parmesan cheese Cook meat and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until meat is no longer pink. Drain. Return mixture to skillet. Stir in broth and next 5 ingredients. Bring to a boil; add pasta. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with cheese. January 2024 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 19
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A TASTE of the Mountains
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The Outdoors
ADVENTURE OUT
Lake Loop Trail and Three Waterfalls PETER MCINTOSH
Riley Moody
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e’re starting off the new year by heading over to Vogel State Park for a nice easy hike on the Lake Trahlyta Trail and a visit to Trahlyta Falls. This is a good place to keep your New Year’s resolution to get out and hike more. From the park, we’re heading up Hwy 129 a short way to Helton Creek Falls, which is really two separate cascades, upper and lower, so it counts as two. The principle feature of Vogel State Park is Lake Trahlyta (pronounced tra-leeta), named for a Cherokee woman who lived in these parts many, many years ago. To find out more about this woman, ask the nice folks at the visitor’s center. It’s a very nice visitor’s center that’s well worth visiting (lots of cool stuff). Trahlyta Lake was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930’s. The park itself has a lot to offer, especially during the warmer months, and several trails of varying difficulty originate here. The trail around the lake is a one-mile loop with lots of boardwalks and viewing spots as you circle the lake. Again, it’s very easy. There are interpretive markers placed along the trail describing the local flora and fauna. And there are two high points on this footpath, one being the view of the lake from the dam, which looks back at Blood Mountain in the distance. And do notice at the spillway, how the water is drawn from the lake, via a large siphon pipe that draws water from the bottom of the lake. This water is much cooler during the warmer months and makes for better trout habitat downstream. The other beauty spot is Trahlyta Falls, which is just below the spillway. The falls are accessed via a well-marked side trail, less than 1/4 mile in length, that descends to an observation platform at the base of this small but very pretty cascade. 26 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
Caitlin Flowers
Lanise Baer
Lauren Andrews
Now we get back on the road and head uphill on Hwy 129, just a little over a mile, to Helton Road on the left. (This is a well-marked road.) As I said before, this charming cascade is really two waterfalls, one right below the other and both accessed by the same easy trail. And I do mean “easy.” Just a few hundred yards down from the well-marked parking area. The lower falls is somewhat dark and secluded with a lot of overhanging tree limbs. The last few steps to the base of the lower falls are a little funky and you can see where people have chosen to walk along the side of these tricky steps. The upper falls is the more prominent cascade and there’s a nice observation platform, complete with benches.
knowledgeable instructors, led by Melissa Henderson. Congratulations to both the students and teachers on a job well done! Enjoy their work and happy hiking!
This article is also a chance to show off the gifted work of the students at the North Georgia Technical College School of Photography. Every fall semester, I have the privilege of speaking to the students about the fundamentals of backcountry photography. I then assign them a location to practice these tips and tricks. I’d like to say I’m a really good teacher but I think it’s more that the NGTC Photo School is a great program and these students are very talented. And an added plus is their caring and
As the year begins anew, here’s the poem I wrote for you: Adventure awaits and what could be sweeta, Than a nice winter hike around Lake Trahlyta? Then up the road where we’ll take a peek, At two lovely cascades on Helton Creek. Getting there: From Hwy 76 W. in Blairsville, go south on Hwy 129 about 11 miles to Vogel State Park on the right. Helton Creek Road is just up the way, 1.2 miles, on the left. Follow Helton Road for 2.3 miles to well-marked parking area on right. For more information: http://www.gastateparks.org/Vogel 745-2628
706-
To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have questions or comments, visit Peter’s website at: www.mcintoshmountains.com
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Connor Cochran
Elias Arrendale
Samantha Collari
Stephanie Rodriguez
Samantha Palmer
Chelsey Morales
Gillian Friedman
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Laney Ertzberger
Victor Baer
Linsey Nix
Shelby Meeks
Josh Hart
Emily Murphy
Mel Reid
Maya Thomas
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April Alexander
Ben Nalley
Ana Ramirez
Sydney Luiz
Savannah Weaver
Robert Jones
Elain Brown
Emma-Rose Sarnowski
Andravious Bowman
Summer Stewart
Jordan Labens
Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com 30 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
Firmly Rooted - Rest and Respite TORI CARVER
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o everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
The Merriam-Webster definition of “rest” is to refrain from labor or exertion; the definition of “respite” is a period of temporary delay or an interval of rest or relief; the definition of “dormant” is a suspension of activity, asleep, inactive. Much like animals that hibernate, many perennials need a period of dormancy, as well. My first thoughts go to tulips and peonies, since I grow them. They require a period of dormancy (and a period of cold vernalization) in order to bloom properly. However, there are many, many other plants, shrubs, and trees in nature that require a period of dormancy as well. Once a plant receives certain environmental cues, like shorter days and colder weather, the process of dormancy begins. During this time, the plants go through many physiological changes as they prepare for their winter slumber. One such change is acclimation. This process allows them to withstand cold temperatures. I liken this to the first cold snap of the season and how it feels like it is 20 degrees, but in reality, it’s only 55 degrees. My body is not used to the cold and it takes a few weeks of cooler weather to adjust. The same process occurs with plants. I have been thinking a lot lately how this relates to humans as well. There is enough scientific proof to show that we require a period of rest each day, but I would suggest it may go further than just getting a full night’s sleep. Much like nature goes into a state of dormancy in the winter, I earnestly believe it should be a time of rest and respite for humans, as well. We are inherently busy and it only seems to get worse. I readily admit that most of our busyness is self-induced, but we are busy nonetheless. But what if we rested during the winter months? What if we took a few items off our social calendar? What if we cut back on an extracurricular activity or two? Suppose we used that extra time to curl up on the couch and read a book? Or sleep? Or gather around the table for a card game or board game? Or spend that extra time with a family member or loved one who we are otherwise too busy to spend quality time with? Nature uses dormancy to re-energize itself. Perhaps if we took notes from nature and gave it a whirl, we would see changes in our physical health and, perhaps, mental health, also. Then, just like a plant, shrub, or tree begins to put on new growth once it has received its required dormancy period and the temperatures begin to warm and daylight hours slowly increase, we would emerge from our self-included hibernation restored and invigorated. While this was not designed to be a persuasive article, I do hope I have given you a little food for thought. Although I am busy all winter dividing dahlia tubers, I am making plans to be intentional about my winter’s rest and respite. I hope you are able to do the same in this new year. Victoria (Tori) Carver is a flower farmer. From the thousand bulbs and plants that she puts in the ground each year she creates lovely bouquets. Tori and her husband and children make their home in Clayton, where they are a treasured part of the community. If you are interested in Firmly Rooted Flower Farm please reach out by email to firmlyrootedflowerfarm@gmail.com or phone 706-490-0041. You will also enjoy their website at www.firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com 34 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
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Mumsy’s Success Story began with a Great Volunteer! TRACY MCCOY
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umsy is a success story! Mumsy came to the shelter in February of 2022 as a very scared pregnant stray. After she had her puppies, we started socializing with her and immediately realized we had an uphill battle. She didn’t like pets and would cower down at even the thought of someone touching her! Paws4Life has a lot of animals like Mumsy right now that just need patience and a soft touch. The shelter started a Foster from Afar program this past year and people can come visit with one or more of these extremely deserving animals. It is our job to kind of “undo” the wrong that these animals have been dealt and fix a healthy path for them to
be able to flourish in the future. With a lot of time invested by one of our volunteers, Mumsy is now in the most perfect foster home you could ever imagine. It just goes to show that in time and with the help of likeminded folks we together can move mountains! If you would like to foster one of our animals or just come spend some time with them, please do. They need the help of our community to make a difference for these dogs and cats. Mumsy is still looking for her forever home and she is ready. The need for fosters, adopters, volunteers, supplies, food and cleaning supplies is huge and anything that anyone can offer or do is appreciated beyond words. Bring your kids and teach them the importance of caring for animals and giving back in the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to learn a love for our four legged friends, and you might just find the perfect addition to your family, right here!
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Visit anytime the doors are open. Paws4Life is located at 261 Boen Creek Rd, Tiger, GA 30576. If you want to donate you can order through Amazon or Walmart. com and have your donation shipped directly to the humane shelter. Thank you to all who donate their time and dollars to help these animals. If you need a great calendar, get the Paws4Life calendar. It has all of the local community events listed so you will never miss a great event. The purchase goes to help the shelter care for these furbabies. They are available at Paws4Life, Edward Jones – Ara Joyce in Clayton, or local shops around Clayton. Also mark you calendars for February 19th for a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for the shelter at The Clayton Cafe downtown Clayton from 5-8 PM. The food is awsome and the cause is even greater! Now, take a look at Mumsy in her foster home… she is happy as a bug in a rug! These success stories are what make all the hard work worth is.
Downtown
Clayton
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Spotlight
W
interfest Weekend Forecast 100% Chance of Snow in Downtown Clayton! Come for a weekend of Family Fun!
The Clayton Merchants and Business Association will be hosting a new event this winter that involves snow and snowmen! We all enjoy a great snow and anticipate all of the fun that comes with it. So, CMBA members partnering with the City of Clayton invite you to come experience Winterfest in downtown Clayton. There will be hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, of course great shopping, dining and lodging. If you are coming from afar, go ahead and book a room, a cabin or stay at one of our incredible inns. You can find that information on the Visit Clayton website www.visitclaytonga.net.
We did mention snowmen and snowwomen, right? Businesses will be placing “snowpeople” all over downtown. Join in on the Snowman Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win great prizes. There are two things we guarantee… snow and family fun! Veterans Park (across from Reeves Hardware) will be filled with snow, YES, real snow! Build a snowman, have a good ol’ fashioned snowball fight, or participate in the snowfall dance. Activities for “kids” of all ages will be provided too. So plan to join us January 12th and 13th and again February 16th and 17th as we celebrate winter in the mountains. For more information follow the Visit Clayton (@visitclaytonga) on Facebook.
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Faith in Christ
Never Saw It On This Fashion! PASTOR GABE SOUTHARDS
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ark 16:20 – And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. The prayer and the hope of every pastor, evangelist, missionary, Sunday school teacher, and minister is to see the Lord work in their place of ministry. For eighteen years, since the Lord called me to preach and put me in the ministry, I have been blessed to have seen God save, help, and encourage folks along the way. I have also witnessed great revivals and meetings where God moved among His people, and many were saved and encouraged. This is what I have longed for as a pastor, and up until a few weeks ago, I had only been able to witness these great moves of God as a visitor. Several months ago, I was praying about having revival at our church, but I wasn’t sure of the date, and I wasn’t settled on the preacher to call for the meeting. Then, I was invited to go to a revival meeting at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, and I met a fireball preacher by the name of Tully Griggs, pastor of Junaluska Baptist Church, in Andrews, NC. He preached the house down every night of that revival, and I knew immediately when I met him that he would be the man that I would call for our revival. That meeting at Pleasant Hill went on for a few weeks, and several people were saved, and there were many people who rededicated their lives to Jesus. God was moving… Brother Tully was then called on to preach another revival in our area at Bogg’s Mountain Baptist Church. I was not able to attend that meeting, but I would get reports every day from folks that God was saving and helping folks up there as well! God was still moving… In the meantime, I had already scheduled Brother Tully to preach a 6-night revival at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church, beginning the week of October 29. The meeting was to begin on that Sunday night and was scheduled to close out the Friday of that same week. However, God had other plans for this meeting. God was just beginning to move… This revival was not planned in the sense that I had put it on the calendar several months in advance. No, this meeting was as Brother Tully would later put it, “a God thing.” We knew from the very first service we held that this meeting was going to be different. The church was packed with folks, not only from our church, but also people from several churches in our area coming to support the meeting and to hear Brother Tully preach. It was truly an atmosphere of worship, with wonderful singing and powerful preaching and testimony, but most importantly, God began to move…
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The first night, there were 3 people saved. Monday night, 3 more. Tuesday night, 3 more. Then Wednesday night, there were 22 people saved! That was 31 in four nights of revival! We were blown away! We were standing in awe of what God was doing, and we were not about to get in the way. So, when Friday night came, and more were saved, we went on Saturday night. The church was packed out again, and more people got saved! We came back the next night, same thing! At this point, there had been a total of 56 people saved, and one young man who had surrendered to preach! Word of what God was doing was spreading, and people were driving from miles around to be there. There were even reports of people quitting their job to be in revival because their manager wouldn’t let them off in time to get there! There were people who found out about the meetings by accident, who brought their whole family, and watched as God saved them all! God was working!! Services continued for three more weeks until we hit the week of Thanksgiving and Brother Tully came down with a case of the flu. He couldn’t be there on the Tuesday and Wednesday night, but we decided to go ahead and hold services without him because we just didn’t want to miss what God might do. So, my former pastor, Brother Adam Humphries of the Leatherwood Baptist Church in Baldwin, GA, and Brother John P. Morgan of Hendersonville, NC were able to preach those services. We were amazed at the church being filled with the largest crowd we had seen to date. Two hundred and seventeen people piled into that church on the eve of Thanksgiving and God moved in and saved more folks! We skipped Thanksgiving and the weekend, and continued the following Monday night, November 27. This was the beginning of the fifth week of revival! Almost a month had flown by before we knew it, and God had saved almost 100 people! God was saving people before church in the prayer room. God was saving people during the preaching, and, in some services, continued to save people after service was over! It was the most incredible thing I had ever witnessed in my life! Now, here’s where things got interesting. It’s Thursday night of the fifth week of revival. At this point, we were literally looking at each service like it could be the last in the meeting. We were making the decision to go another night or end the revival at the end of each service depending on how God was leading. I can honestly say that I’ve never felt so much pressure and been so stressed about what to do in a church service! But, on Thursday night, God had saved one in the prayer room, and two during the service. That brought the total saved up to 111. I was sitting in the choir loft, and God
spoke to my heart and told me to read Psalm 111. When I read that Psalm, I felt in my heart that we needed to close out the revival with 111 saved, and just praise the Lord for what he had done. I told the congregation the news, and how God had put it on my heart to close it out, and why. With a broken heart, I began to thank everyone who was involved in the meeting, and then began to pray a closing prayer. Halfway through my prayer to close out the meeting, a young lady came running to the altar, and began to weep and to cry out to God, asking Him to save her! We all piled in the altar with her to pray for her, and when she was finished praying, we gave her the microphone to give testimony to what had just happened. She said she was sitting on the back row, and everything was fine until, as she put it, “… when Brother Gabe announced that the meeting was over, the Holy Ghost got ahold of my heart, and told me that I was lost! So, I came running!” After a sleepless night, I got up the next morning, thinking about the decision I made to close out the meeting, and I was physically sick! I spoke with Brother Tully and Brother Adam, and they said that they were with me either way. So, I decided to start the meeting back up on Monday, December 4. We got the word out through social media, phone calls,
and text messages. I was afraid that because I had closed it out, that there wouldn’t be many folks there on that Monday, but the church was full again. And, God continued to move, and continued to save people. By the end of week 6, God had saved 20 more souls, making the total 131! We went on to week 7 and ended up closing out the meeting on Tuesday night, December 12, with one more saved, making the total for the meeting 132. I can honestly say as a pastor, that this revival was the greatest thing that I have ever experienced. It was real! Lives were changed for eternity! Churches were enriched by the power of God! And my heart was and still is overwhelmed by the grace and the mercy of an Almighty and Living God who decided to stop by the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church and work with us! Praise the Lord for the greatest revival of my life! I will forever be part of the “they” in Mark 2:12, where Jesus healed a man who was paralyzed. “And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.”
Gabe Southards is the Pastor at Head of Tennessee Baptist Church in Dillard, Georgia. Pastor Gabe and his wife Misty have three beautiful children and a congregation who loves them very much. Head of Tennessee Baptist Church welcomes anyone who is looking for a church home. “Loving the Lord Jesus, Lifting Him Up, Loving Our Neighbor, Loving One Another, Serving One Another.”
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Life is a Blessing
Who is it that you say I am? TRACY MCCOY
e had not read or written any books on how to “win friends or influence people”, yet crowds gathered to hear Him speak. While there were plenty who despised Him, there were others who left their lives behind and followed this man through the desert and into the cities. No one has ever or will ever influence more lives than Jesus Christ. His message was fueled by love and His goal was to please only one... His Father.
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So, what do you think it was about Jesus that made so many want to know Him and made many others want to stop Him. His words were laden with truth and it made those in charge uncomfortable. He spoke of eternal life and said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” He said no man could know God except they know Him first. He said He was the son of God. Many have believed these words and many more will believe. But what was it about Him? He was both holy and human, yet never sinned. He experienced every emotion and temptation that we have, yet He never gave up or gave in. He never walked away, and He never will. Think about what kind of person it would take to make you leave your job, your family and your home? In our world, today, we describe people by hair and eye color, stature and weight, including attractive traits and imperfections, but few physical descriptions are given about anyone in the Bible. If I had to speculate, it wasn’t his appearance that enticed anyone. In fact, in the book of Isaiah when speaking of the coming Messiah, it states that there would be no beauty in Him, that we might desire Him. So, it wasn’t good looks. There had to be something incredibly powerful about Him, though. Perhaps it was His message of hope and love. Maybe it was the miracles He performed. No one had ever healed men and women, raised others from the dead, and cast out demons like Jesus. These men who chose to follow Him were not uneducated or ignorant men at all. They might not have been the “holiest” around. Most had questionable reputations, were not well known around town, or respected in the “high” places. Yet they followed Him and they loved Him. Peter denied Him and Judas handed Him over to be crucified, but both men had deep regret for doing so. John followed Him to the cross, stayed with Him until the end, and was one of the first at the tomb when the stone was rolled away. We are talking about a man who even today, 2,024 years after the day He ascended to heaven, people are still falling in love with. They are having a relationship with this man that they cannot physically see or touch. Many, like me, love Him above everyone and everything else in their lives. Evidence of His existence cannot be denied. Many men wrote about Him in the Bible and in Jewish history and the consensus is the same throughout, whether they understood it or not... there was just something about this man. King Herod knew it and ordered Him killed. Pilate knew it and tried every way he knew of not to kill Him. The crowd knew it and chanted “Kill Him, kill Him!” His mother knew it and she wept. The Centurion knew it and when Jesus died and the earth shook, he declared, “Surely we have killed the Son of God.” You know it, too. There is something about Him. Whether it scares you, makes you uneasy, uncomfortable, or even angry, you know that Jesus cannot be ignored. You either have chosen to know Him or you have chosen to ignore Him. The choice is yours to make and you are given a lifetime to make it. In the end, this decision is the most important one you’ll ever make. To know Him is to know love like you’ve never known, peace that cannot be explained, unspeakable joy, and life abundantly. To know Him is to know eternal life. The choice is a genuine life or death decision. Will this be the year you follow Jesus?
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Healthy & Well
MedLink Registered Dietitians Can Help You Set SMART Goals for 2024 SUBMITTED BY MEDLINK
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s the calendar turns and the New Year unfolds, many individuals embark on a journey towards healthier living by making resolutions related to their diet and nutrition. Recognizing the importance of these aspirations by seeking the guidance of a MedLink registered dietitian can be a transformative step in turning intentions into sustainable habits. By employing the SMART goal framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound – individuals can enhance the effectiveness of their dietary resolutions and embark on a path to improved well-being. Dietary resolutions often top the list of New Year’s commitments, reflecting a global awareness of the pivotal role that nutrition plays in overall health and wellness. Whether the goal is to lose weight, adopt a plant-based diet, or manage a specific health condition, the decision to prioritize dietary changes is a positive step towards a healthier lifestyle. However, the road to achieving dietary resolutions is riddled with challenges, including misinformation, fad diets, and
the lack of personalized guidance. Consulting a MedLink registered dietitian, a qualified professional with expertise in nutrition, can provide the necessary support and evidence-based advice to navigate the complexities of dietary choices. MedLink Dietitians can also help you by using the SMART goal approach to help you obtain your nutritional goals. The SMART goal framework serves as a valuable tool in the context of dietary resolutions, offering a structured approach to goal setting that increases the likelihood of success. Let’s explore how each element of SMART can be applied to dietary goals with the guidance of a MedLink dietitian: • Specific: Dietitians emphasize the importance of setting specific and clearly defined dietary goals. Rather than a vague resolution like “eat healthier,” a specific goal could be, “I will drink one full glass of water when I wake up every day this week.” This precision provides a clear roadmap for behavior change and creates a foundation for success. • Measurable: Dietitians encourage individuals to establish measurable criteria for assessing progress. For instance, a measurable goal could be, “Reduce added sugar intake to less than 25 grams per day.” This not only quantifies the objective, but also allows for ongoing evaluation and adjustments as needed. • Achievable: Dietitians advocate for setting dietary goals that are realistic and achievable. Working with a dietitian helps individuals set targets that align with their unique needs, taking into account factors such as lifestyle, preferences, and any existing health conditions. An achievable goal might be, “Cook at least three homemade meals per week,” for someone with a busy schedule. • Relevant: The relevance of dietary goals cannot be overstated. Dietitians guide individuals in setting goals that align with their health priorities and address specific nutritional needs. A relevant goal could be, “Increase omega-3 fatty acid intake by incorporating fatty fish into meals twice a week,” for someone focusing on heart health.
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• Time-bound: Dietitians stress the importance of establishing a timeframe for achieving dietary goals. This element provides a sense of urgency and helps individuals stay committed to their objectives. A time-bound goal might be, “Lose 10 pounds in three months by following a balanced and portion-controlled meal plan,” creating a clear timeframe for achievement. Consulting a MedLink registered dietitian offers a personalized and evidence-based approach to achieving dietary resolutions. Our professionals assess individual needs, taking into account factors such as age, gender, activity level, and medical history. By conducting thorough evaluations, MedLink’s dietitians can provide tailored recommendations that are both realistic and sustainable. Moreover, MedLink dietitians serve as educators, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed dietary choices. They can debunk myths, clarify nutritional facts, and guide individuals in developing a healthy relationship with food. Through ongoing support and accountability, dietitians play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of dietary change.
HEALTHY & WELL
As we embark on the journey of a new year, prioritizing dietary resolutions signifies a commitment to improved health and well-being. To transform these aspirations into lasting habits, consulting a MedLink registered dietitian and applying the SMART goal framework can be a game-changer. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound dietary goals, guided by the expertise of a MedLink dietitian, pave the way for sustained success in achieving a nourished and healthier future. Our dietitians can support your health journey and help you set SMART goals. Schedule your appointment today by calling 706-521-3113.
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HEALTHY & WELL
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The Dementia Umbrella is Broad
ementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by changes in the brain and while Alzheimer’s is the most common type there are many other kinds. It is important to have some idea what type of dementia you are dealing with whether you are the caregiver or the patient. I wanted to take a closer look at some of the most common types. Caregiving for a family member or friend with dementia of any kind can be very hard. Remember to take care of yourself too. You need someone to talk with who understands what you are dealing with. Thankfully we have a wonderful Dementia Support Group under the direction of Mary Lou Faulkenberry and Suzanne Muir. They meet every Tuesday at 12:30 in the lower level of the Clayton Presbyterian Church. There is no charge to attend, both women have experience caring for patients and family with dementia and only hope to offer care for the caregiver. You’ll find support and answers to many of the questions you have. You’ll find solace and make friendships. Alzheimer’s Disease early on you’ll notice short-term memory loss. Confusion and the inability to follow directions. Repeating questions is common. Although early onset Alzheimers can begin as early as the 30s and 40s, typically Alzheimer’s begins after age 65. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) common issues faced are sleep disturbances, hallucinations and fluctuating alertness. Involuntary movements and memory changes also are seen with this type of dementia. It can appear as early as the 50s but 65+ is more typical.
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Parkinson’s disease may include aspects of LBD. Eventual movement issues will arise. Trouble walking and moving and rigidity are common. Vascular Dementia (VaD) is linked to blood pressure and ministrokes. It is believed that this type of dementia has an older onset. It is very rare before age 65. If the patient has experienced a heart attack or strokes they have an increased risk of Vascular Dementia. The symptoms are trouble with problem solving, processing speed and memory. Agitation and delusional thinking are common. Frontotemporal Degeneration Dementia (FTD) symptoms typically first occur between the ages of 40-65 and can include changes in personality and behavior, progressive loss of speech and language skills and sometimes physical symptoms such as tremors and spasms. FTD is the cause of dementia about 10% to 20% of the time. It is thought that any of these dementias can occur with another which is referred to as Mixed Dementia. Some causes of dementia may affect more men vs. women and vice versa. All are an indiction that the brain is shrinking, referred to as atrophy. Dementia/Alzheimer’s is called the long goodbye and watching someone you love battle this disease is heartbreaking. You must be patient, positive and self-care is 100% necessary. Enjoy the good days and pray through the hard ones. Please consider finding a support group and reaching out to other family members or friends to help. For caregiver support check out the Dementia Support Group in Clayton. Feel free to call 706-782-2167 or 706-970-1232.
Winter Weather and Pets DR. BRAD SPEED
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t took its sweet time getting here this year, but winter is finally here! The time of year when everyone bundles up and whiles away the shorter days laid up by the fire. Winter time carries some specific considerations for our pets. Today we will look at the effects of cold weather on our four-legged friends, and discuss some winter time dos and don’ts in regards to cold weather husbandry and care. Today we are going to focus on outdoor pets and livestock, as well as our indoor friends. First of all, we should discuss a bit of a controversial subject. As much as we pet owners enjoy applying human concepts to animals, the fact remains that most of our pets are far better adapted to cold weather than we are. Dogs, cats, and livestock who have a full coat of hair are typically far more comfortable outside in the cold than humans are. The full body covering of hair acts as a natural coat by providing an insulation layer between the skin and the outside air. This means that the average pet does not need a jacket or clothing to protect from the winter elements. Secondly, let’s discuss what constitutes severe cold weather when it comes to our pets. North Georgia can be a little bit fickle when it comes to cold. Although we perceive the region as cold in the winter time, there are few nights where cold weather is actually a health concern for pets. I would say that, within reason, the average animal can handle temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal issue. Below freezing will warrant some extra attention. A decent weather app such as accuweather will give you a heads-up notification when these nights are coming. It is also important to note that there is a marked difference between a quick freeze overnight, and a deep freeze where temperatures stay below freezing for several days. These are the times when you need to take the most precautions with outdoor pets and livestock. So, what do we do to protect our pets during a freeze? Food, water, and shelter are the key concepts. Keeping animals well-fed during cold weather will keep them warm, as the metabolism of food generates body heat. Make sure your animals are not missing meals, especially in the cold. Next, make sure animals have continued access to water. The biggest problem here is that water sources will freeze. Make sure you break up that ice and provide regular water. Cold water is fine. Heating water for the pet will actually create a
paradoxical effect in the body and cause them to lose a small amount of heat. Shelter is the biggie when it comes to cold weather. The key concept regarding shelter is INSULATION, not heat. Outdoor dogs and cats need a house that is sealed from outdoor breezes and cold air with a front entrance that is either covered or facing away from the wind. Shavings are also a huge boost to helping them hold in extra body heat. The same concept applies to livestock. Poultry, sheep, and goats need an area that is sealed off from the wind and cold. Putting plastic over windows in coops will block wind and hold in substantial heat. Horses and cattle have been adapted to cold weather far longer than us, and the providing of shelter from the wind and rain will likely be just fine. In fact, most cows will not willingly shelter from the cold in a shelter, regardless of what you provide. All of these animals are adapted to find a warm, dry place and huddle together to insulate themselves and keep warm. Just give them a safe space to do it. A final word on heat. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH HEAT LAMPS! This is my whole reason for writing the article. Our human nature makes us feel good in providing our outdoor animals a source of heat during these cold times, but if you place heat lamps in a chicken coop, barn, or dog house, you are creating a major fire hazard. Barns, coops, and dog houses are full of dry, flammable materials like wood, shavings, and hay. If you put a heat lamp in these structures, you are asking for a problem. One of the most common calls Rabun County Fire Services gets this time of year is barn fires related to heat lamps. Animals are adapted to riding out cold weather in insulated environments. Don’t create unnecessary danger for them by placing a heat lamp. If you absolutely must put a heat lamp out for your animals, make sure to take extra precautions inside the structure and use a GFCI outlet. If you don’t know what a GFCI outlet is, then don’t place a heat lamp! Rant over. Cold weather can be a challenge for our pets, but with some proper steps taken to provide food, water, and insulation, it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just remember that animals are far better adapted to cold weather than we are, and it is okay to let them weather these days in their natural way. Remember to be very careful with things like heat lamps. And if you feel the need to accessorize your furry friend with a secondary winter coat, come on by Clayton Claws and Paws.
Brad is the Veterinarian/Owner of Clayton Veterinary Hospital. He graduated Rabun County High School in 2002, earned his bachelor degree in Animal and Dairy Science (2005) and then his DVM in Veterinary Medicine, both at the University of Georgia (2010). He lives in Clayton with his wife, daughter, son, and many 2, 3, and 4 legged animals. 50 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
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A Look Back
Clayton’s Building Boom in the Roaring Twenties Ford and Chevy Dealerships, Hotels and the Ice Man DICK CINQUINA
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t was a decade of surging economic growth, booming consumerism and the flouting of Prohibition by Jazz Age flappers in speakeasies. Both economically and socially, America was undergoing rapid and fundamental change during the Roaring Twenties. A measure of prosperity made its way to Rabun County’s towns during the 1920s. But with the exception of several brothels in Tiger, bathtub gin and short skirts were noticeably absent in this region’s version of the Roaring Twenties. The county’s relative degree of prosperity was centered on the communities that were regular stops on the Tallulah Falls Railroad’s 58-mile route from Cornelia, Georgia to Franklin, North Carolina. The TF brought money in the form of jobs, freight, tourism, logging and the hydroelectric development of the Tallulah and Tugalo rivers. Clayton was Rabun County’s main beneficiary of the railroad economy during the decade of the 1920s. Businesses and buildings sprang up along the length of Main Street and Savannah Street, also then known as Court House Street. Something of a building boom was underway. Ford Dealership with Ladies Room The appearance of automobiles on the streets of Clayton was an unmistakable indication that the local economy was on an upward trajectory. In response to growing demand for cars, the Clayton Motor Car Company built a Ford dealership and garage on Main Street in 1921. An advertise-
ment proclaimed it was “one of the best equipped and most modern garages in northeast Georgia… Ladies rest rooms and conveniences. Free air and water. Make yourself at home at our place.” Thomas E. Roane, the unschooled mountain man from Tiger who brought hydroelectric power to Clayton in 1914, purchased Rabun Telephone and Electric Company in 1918, which provided phone service in Clayton. He and merchant Charles E. Cannon constructed a building on East Savannah Street in 1924 to house a new telephone exchange. In October, the Clayton Tribune reported that the brick building was “45 feet wide facing the street and extends back 80 feet and will be two stories high. Mr. Roane will have the telephone exchange in the second story of his building, and Mr. Cannon will probably make storage and office rooms in his part of the building.” Roane’s telephone exchange now is home of the White Birch Inn. Gas Stations and Garages The pace of downtown development picked up in 1926. The Clayton Auto Supply Company built “a modern filling service station” on Main Street. Claude Derrick, a former major league baseball player, also built a gas station and garage on Main Street that year across from the Blue Ridge Hotel. It was reported as being “one of the most modern and up-to-date filling stations in this section of the country.” Derrick’s Garage was later occupied by Prater’s Main Street Collectibles. The building was sold in 2023 and awaits a new occupant.
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An April 1926 edition of the Clayton Tribune reported, “Col. and Mrs. R.E.A Hamby are continuing to work on their hotel just as rapidly as carpenters, masons and plumbers can do their work. They are also daily receiving furniture and fixtures with which to furnish the hotel.” The Hamby Hotel, which opened for its first tourist season in June, became one of more than a dozen hotels and boardinghouses catering to tourists carried to mountain vacations by the railroad. It also was reported that the Earl House “never ceases planning for the convenience and comfort of their guests and have lately installed a private water system,” another term for indoor plumbing. The Ice Man Cometh But there was more to come in 1926. In April, the newspaper reported that J.A. Scruggs & Son, operator of a power grist mill, “installed a new Vita Cereal Mill that will be able to furnish the home people with breakfast cereals, from wheat and corn, of a uniform texture, just as they are produced by the largest milling corporations.” Then in July, the ice man came to Clayton. The owners of Gainesville Ice and Fuel Company opened an ice distributing facility on Court House (Savannah) Street. The Clayton Tribune wrote, “These gentlemen are receiving a hearty welcome by the general public, because they propose to keep ice on hand at all times and in such quantities as their customers want.” Beverages, adult or otherwise, no longer had to be served at room temperature during summer months.
Still another economic development of 1926 was the sale of 100 business and residential lots “in the very heart of the city.” According to a Clayton Tribune article that July, “This property is known as the Hamby-Felder Property and has been cut into lots of convenient sizes for business and residence purposes. It is an opportunity to become the owner of the most desirable property in this whole section of the country.” Paving Roads and Sidewalks Improvements on infrastructure were started in earnest during 1927 with the paving of Rabun County’s main north-south thoroughfare, now Highway 23/441. Clayton’s Main Street and Savannah Street down the hill to the railroad depot (now the site of Keller Furniture) also were “macadamized” in 1928. Downtown sidewalks were paved in 1929, and one evening in September of that year, a crowd gathered on Main Street to see downtown illuminated by streetlights for the first time. In 1928, the Clayton Barber Shop installed “the latest model of dry cleaning” equipment, while T.W. Thomas and Sons “lately of North Carolina, have opened up a modern steam laundry in the building next to Derrick’s Garage.” The newspaper reported that two washing machines, one extractor, one iron and one steam drying room were installed. Reeves Hardware Opens Business activity accelerated further in 1929. Lewis and J.R. Reeves opened a hard-
ware store in the Derrick Building on Main Street in January. Reeves Hardware moved from its original site and stands today on the southwest corner of Main and Savannah Streets. In May, the Clayton Tribune reported that a renovation of the Clayton Hotel on South Main Street was underway. The newspaper wrote, “The large columns in front will be veneered and stuccoed, and when completed (the hotel) will be one of Clayton’s best hotels.” The Clayton Chevrolet Company announced that sales in April 1929 totaled 16 new and 19 used cars. Stating this marked its best sales month since opening in Clayton, the company announced its purchase of three lots on South Main Street in May for a show room and garage. The building, now occupied by the Clayton Pharmacy, was completed later that summer. In another sign of economic growth, a local packinghouse shipped a substantial quantity of apples to the port at Jacksonville, Florida from where they were exported to England. It certainly appeared that local economic conditions would continue gathering momentum well into the future. Ominous Warning Issued However, in a harbinger of things shortly to come, merchant Charles E. Cannon published an ominous letter in the April 11, 1929 issue of the Clayton Tribune. He wrote, “I have repeatedly appealed to my friends and customers through the paper and through personal appeals to come to my assistance and pay at least some on their accounts and notes…It is not my in-
tention to cause you any embarrassment, but you are causing me a great deal of worry over your past due notes and accounts, and beside that, I have carried them as long as I can…This may cause me to have to do something that would be very unpleasant to me and unprofitable to you, but unless you do something at once, I will have to make a move to collect what you owe me.” Cannon’s warning about delinquent accounts preceded by six months the stock market crash on Tuesday, October 24, 1929, which spiraled rapidly into the Great Depression. The good times of the Roaring Twenties came to an abrupt halt. A decade of economic growth was reversed as industrial production plunged and unemployment soared. For Clayton, the building boom of the 1920s quickly gave way to a prolonged period of economic hardship. Years would pass before a semblance of prosperity returned to Clayton and Rabun County. Learn more about our history by becoming a member of the Rabun County Historical Society. Membership and complete information about the Society’s museum are available at www.rabunhistory.org. The museum at 81 N. Church St. in downtown Clayton, which houses the Southeast’s largest collection of Tallulah Falls Railroad artifacts, is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 to 3. The Society is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, making membership dues and donations tax deductible. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram.
Dick Cinquina holds graduate degrees in history and journalism, making his work for the Rabun County Historical Society a natural fit for his interests. He is the retired president of Equity Market Partners, a national financial consulting firm he founded in 1981. In addition to writing monthly articles for the Georgia Mountain Laurel, Dick helped produce the Society’s new web site and is involved with the renovation of the group’s museum. After vacationing in this area for many years, he and his wife Anne moved to Rabun County in 2018 form Amelia Island, Florida. January 2024 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 53
Life is short, time is fast; no replay, no rewind. So enjoy every moment as it comes. 54 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
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Homes
Ultimate Retreat Gets Back to Nature JOHN SHIVERS
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f you’re searching for a mountain retreat in Rabun County, this unique property offers 16.29± wooded acres only minutes from the wild and scenic Chattooga River. Imagine rafting and kayaking on one of the crown jewels of the mountains! With over 300 feet of Stekoa Creek frontage, the serenity of Northwest-facing mountain views and your own private nature trails, this property is a nature lover’s paradise! This property is also less than a 15-minute drive to all of the wonderful amenities that Downtown Clayton has to offer. A custom log home nestled in the middle of this property boasts 4,312± square feet of living space with four bedrooms, including the owner’s suite on the main floor, and four full baths. Tongue-and-groove log walls, shiplap wood ceilings, and authentic pine hardwood floors define this phenomenal lodge-like home. A leaded glass front door leads directly into the great room that features a large wood-burning fireplace, vaulted ceiling, and an expanse of glass picture windows looking out over the forest. In the kitchen, hard surface countertops, upper and lower cabinets, a full complement of appliances, adjacent pantry, and views overlooking the screened porch make it a great floor plan for entertaining.
In the main floor east wing, a guest room, full bath, laundry room with sink, and a covered porch further expand the hospitality potential. The west wing main quarters offer two en-suite baths, a walk56 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
in closet, and separate sunroom. There’s also a large office with built-in desk and bookcases that is the perfect setup for working from home. Outside, an open deck meanders around much of the main level, and a screened porch provides a safe haven to enjoy indoor and outdoor living throughout the year. Downstairs, two additional bedrooms and full baths complete the sleeping accommodations. There’s also a billiard room with a wood stove, ideal for competitive fun on cold nights. A second bonus room could be used as a separate living area, or for any number of creative/flex space options. A utility room, a garden/storage room, and a workshop with a garage door complete this level. There’s a detached two-car carport with enclosed storage, and the home is protected against power outages with a Generac® whole-house generator. This property is offered by Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Sarah Gillespie, cell number 404735-6157. When speaking with Sarah, reference listing: GMLS #20151157. She has the key to your chance to grab this phenomenal property. Sarah can also be reached at the Harry Norman office, 706-212-0228.
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Katie Hendricks knows Southern Properties
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atie Hendricks was born and raised in Rabun County. She graduated from Rabun County High School’s class of 2002 and has grown up in a family of custom home builders. She has years of experience in Property Management and Sales. Her love of sales began at the age of 12 selling hotdogs and lemonade at the Anchorage Marina on Lake Burton. She is the great, great granddaughter of Lewis Reeves Sr., the founder of Reeves Hardware. Like her great grandfather, Katie is a hard worker, innovative thinker and has a spirit that goes above and beyond. Becoming licensed in Northeast Georgia was not enough, she added Western North Carolina and Western Upstate South Carolina as well. Katie’s local knowledge of the counties, culture and surrounding area is unsurpassed, one reason that she joined the team at Southern Properties in downtown Clayton, Georgia. The value of a local Realtor® can not be overstated, especially one with the drive to exceed your expectations. A member of the Georgia Mountain and Lake Realtor Association and Northeast Georgia Board of Realtor, Katie may just be the agent you’ve been searching for. We encourage you to visit her website at katie-hendricks.com or give her a call to explore the area, 706-982-0482. You may also stop in at Southern Properties 68 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525.
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Just Thinking
By the Way Mushrooms, porcupines, and trail mix: A pig’s failed quest to hike the AT EMORY JONES
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hanks to all who have asked how Cunningham is coming with his quest to hike the Appalachian Trail. (Full disclosure, it was just one guy, but he did ask twice.) Unfortunately, the poor pig was forced to abandon his dream after only four weeks and two hog-killing miles.
ground and breaking the pig’s sunglasses in the process. To make matters worse, Ranger Granger inadvertently stepped on the “Make Bacon Great Again” hat Cunningham likes to wear for its shock value. But at least the pig stopped snoring.
Here’s why. I was getting some midday shut eye, and Cunningham was out hunting truffles again, when somebody knocked on the tent’s flap. “How rude,” I thought out loud. Respect, reverence really, for a closed tent flap is one of the long-standing tenets of trail travel.
“There have been complaints.”
“Can’t you see my flap door is closed?” I yelled. “I’m a Ranger,” he yelled back. “Do you have any ID?” “About what?” I asked. “About this pig. Word on the trail is that he belongs to you.” At first, I thought it must be Ranger Cliff Hanger pulling another prank. If you recall, he’s the one who tricked Wayne into touching Big Foot. “Is this Ranger Hanger?” I asked, pulling my pants on. “No. Hanger is busy issuing hunting licenses. Big Foot season starts next week, you know. I’m the lone ranger today, so hurry up,” “Hold your horses then,” I said, inching from the tent. “I can’t.” “Why not?” “Because I’m carrying this pig.” Once I untangled myself from the tent flap, I observed that Ranger Granger was indeed carrying Cunningham across his shoulders like a sack of potatoes gone bad. Or maybe like a giant teddy bear he’d won at the carnival. Either way, the pig didn’t mind because he was snoring like a freight train, loud and hard to stop. “What’s the problem?” I asked. “This pig is the problem,” he said, dropping Cunningham to the
“How so?” I asked. “What kind of complaints?” “That he’s acting odd.” “Oh, I can explain that,” I said, amused. “You see, yesterday, Cunningham found a few strange-looking mushrooms. He’s been acting weird ever since he ate them. But it’ll wear off. At least it did for me.” “Well, I hope so,” said Ranger Granger. “Because when I found him, he was trying to make out with his own reflection in a pool of clear water. Poor thing almost drowned.” “Oh, come on,” I said. “We’ve all done that.” The ranger is apparently the one person who hasn’t because he shook his head and asked, “Did you know your pig rooted several bags of trail mix from a camper’s tent without paying for them?” Thinking fast, I said, “But I thought hikers subscribed to the ‘share and share alike’ theory when it comes to trail mix.” “They used to, but Millennials don’t roll that way,” he said. “To them, this was a case of swine and dine. You two need to leave immediately.” “But we have round-trip tickets,” I explained. “Can we get a refund?” From his body language, I sensed we couldn’t. And it was best to leave before he found out about that porcupine incident. But the man did seem concerned because he said, “Look. I can see that you need a break. And by break, I mean get off this trail and never come back!” Cunningham’s dream may be shattered, but it’s just as well. I’ve since learned that the darn trail runs all the way to Alaska.
Emory Jones grew up in Northeast Georgia’s White County. After a stint in the Air Force, he joined Gold Kist as publications manager. He was the Southeastern editor for Farm Journal Magazine and executive vice president at Freebarin & Company, an Atlanta-based advertising agency. He has written seven books. Emory is known for his humor, love of history and all things Southern. He and his wife, Judy, live on Yonah Mountain near Cleveland, Georgia. 60 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - January 2024
Every day is a fresh start. Every sunrise is a new chapter in life waiting to be written.
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Around Town
My World Travels JONAN KEENY Photos by Jonathan Keszkowski
“Decide what to be and go be it.” - The Avett Brothers
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APPY NEW YEAR!!! It’s time for me to make and But that brings me to the very first My World Travels Guest break resolutions and to mutter/cuss under my Photographer, Jonathan Keszkowski, who my niece, Raegan breath every time I write or type “2023.” Good times! Smith, and the rest of us refer to as Jonny. Raegan and Jonny joined the Georgia branch of the Keeny fam for a week in In reality, I tend not to make any resolutions. However, I defi- December 2023 after their classes were over for the semesnitely reflect on the previous year and consider how I might ter at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. make adjustments to my life and to my lifestyle. So, my 2024 While Raegan has been to our area a number of times, it non-resolution is to try to be more helpful. You probably was Jonny’s first visit. The photography bug recently latched don’t know this, but I have a history of helping the homeless onto Jonny, so I thought it would be cool to let him borrow and other folks who are in need. And while my current life- one of my cameras and take him on an adventure that he style doesn’t provide me with opportunities to be helpful as can’t duplicate in northeastern Pennsylvania. Perhaps help often as I would like, I plan to make more time and to create him get some experience. Perhaps help him get some exmy own opportunities to be helpful this year. And it won’t posure. Perhaps. always be folks who need a hand with food or clothing or finances, etc. Perhaps it will be…Well, I have time to figure Anyway, you know how every week-long adventure you’ve that all out. Viva 2024! ever planned has gone perfectly? No? Us either. Our day one excursion to photograph the elk in Cherokee was thrown off-kilter by overnight weather and two-hour delays for the local schools. And in case you haven’t been paying attention, such delays throw the Keeny quartet off-kilter by two hours, as well. But we tried. So, while the elk didn’t make
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an appearance that day, Jonny did manage to see a squirrel(!) on our less-than-warm hike. Nature. The gift that keeps on giving. Additional excursions that actually did work out for Raegan and Jonny (alas, I frequently have to work my big boy job and had to miss some of their sightseeing) were trips to Tallulah Gorge and Black Rock Mountain, among other places. Prior to Jonny heading out, camera in hand, we talked a little bit about what one should try to accomplish as a visual storyteller. Helpful or not, I pretty much left it at this: “If you had one photo from each place you visited while you were here to show people who weren’t with you, what would each photo be?” In a nutshell, that’s the “buffoon off the street” (I am the buffoon, not Jonny) approach. Hey! Have I mentioned our lunch at Siam Thai Cuisine? (Special shoutout to my office drone mate and friend Macy Hagood for recommending this place to me a while back! Also, CONGRATULATIONS Macy and Chris!!!) No? Read on, friends… Chef/Owner Nan, originally from Bangkok, Thailand, is truly the “secret sauce” at Siam Thai Cuisine. She strives to put all her “love and flavor in the food,” and it shows! Every plate that comes out of her kitchen is a visual work of art. And then you taste it…Fresh, vibrant flavors that clearly embody her passion for providing each diner an authentic Thai culinary experience. Our choices that day were Massaman Curry, Basil Fried Rice, and Siam Fried Rice, along with Gyoza and a Coconut Milk Tea with Mango Boba. There wasn’t a disappointed eater at our table! And guess what Raegan and Jonny chose for their last meal the night before they left Georgia? That’s right, takeout from Siam Thai Cuisine! And that takeaway meal was no less enjoyable than the one we had in the restaurant. Please trust me when I say that if you haven’t tried Siam Thai Cuisine, you’re missing out! Nan may spend most of her time in the kitchen, but she’ll share her heart and her soul with you by way of your plate. But anyway, will Jonny heed the advice of The Avett Brothers and decide to be a photographer and go be a photographer? Time will tell. Does it matter? Not really. I like to think that the most important thing is that he had an enjoyable time on our adventure(s) and an overall good time on his first trip to Georgia. Perhaps a time will come in the future for him to share more about his experiences. Regardless, for now, I leave you with this, a smile on my face and my arms and my heart wide open: “Hi! I’m Jonan. It’s 2024. How may I help you?”
Jonan Keeny was born in Topeka, Kansas, he got older in Berwick, Pennsylvania, and then he lived a bunch of other places. A lifelong learner and a full-time dreamer, the prospect of grand new adventures gets him out of bed in the morning, with some additional assistance from his two blonde-haired, blue-eyed alarm clocks, of course! Jonan recently rediscovered his passion for photography, which keeps him quite busy tromping around the woods, stopping at random places on the side of the road, and uploading photos to his website, www.myworldpics.com, and his Insta, @dude4disney. When he isn’t wrangling two little boys, he’s likely hanging out with his wife, Mary Lauren, reading a book to learn something new, or dreaming of life’s next adventure and Walt Disney World. Regardless of the activity, he’s probably participating in it while wearing funky socks and a cool hat. January 2024 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 63