We wish you a wonderful year. We hope you will prosper, have good health and abundant blessings. In this issue we take a look at the art of Charles Gandy, our cover artist. Who better to write about Charles than his good friend and ours Peter McIntosh. Charles’ handiwork is intricate and impressive. You’ll find him each week at Isadora Popper teaching classes. With socks this beautiful, who needs shoes?
Also in this month’s magazine you’ll find two of Lorie Thompson’s favorite recipes for heart healthy fish. We all need to be consuming more Omega-3 fatty acids! Her expertise in the kitchen astounds me. Intimidated to cook fish any way but rolled in flour and fried... I am determined to try these recipes in the new year.
Peter McIntosh shares the outstanding photography of the students of North Georgia Technical College’s photography program. He teaches a class each year in the fall and the winners are announced and the work of all showcased in our January issue. The class visited beautiful Black Rock State Park. We don’t want to miss the opportunity to thank you for being a faithful reader or advertiser in 2024 and we look forward to working with you in 2025. Your support is appreciated more than you know and our advertisers are very thankful for your support. We strongly encourage you to shop small businesses, enjoy our restaurants, galleries and attractions. Plan to attend local events and enjoy all the mountains have to offer. Above all choose kindness and do good where you can.
Be a blessing! - Tracy
JANUARY 2025 | VOLUME TWENTY-TWO | ISSUE ONE
Writers & Contributors: Peter McIntosh, Victoria (Tori) Carver, Lorie Thompson Rev. Joey Thompson, John Shivers, Jessica Hendricks
Dr. Keith Jackson, Tracy McCoy, Emory Jones
Rabun’s
“Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.”
- Goran Persson
Art for the foot - ChArles GAndy
Peter McIntosh
When I found out Charles Gandy was scheduled to be the cover artist for the January issue, I begged Tracy to let me write about my friend. Providing the image support would be easy as I have a zillion images of his work in my computer. Charles and I have been collaborating since 2006.
Charles is an artist on many fronts, particularly a fiber artist, and more particularly, a wonderment in the world of knitting. He is a well-known figure in the knitting world, particularly recognized for his contributions to the art of creative knitting and his imaginative designs. He’s a highly skilled and experienced knitter, teacher, and designer, with a focus on creating intricate and visually appealing patterns, often incorporating various forms, texture, and innovative techniques. Gandy is known for being a Master Knitter, (recognized by The Knitters Guild Association), a title that signifies a high level of proficiency in knitting. To become a Master Knitter, an individual must pass a series of rigorous exams, demonstrating advanced knitting skills, knowledge of knitting techniques, and an ability to create complex and detailed designs.
But where did it begin you may ask? Born in Alabama, Gandy started knitting with his mom as a child. He attended Auburn University’s School of Architecture, earning a degree in Interior Design. He moved to Atlanta and teamed up with Bill Peace to form the highly regarded design firm, Gandy/Peace. And for a time, Charles served as the national president of the American Society of Interior Designers. (That’s a pretty big deal, btw.) He moved to the mountains a little over thirty years ago and started exploring other outlets for his creative talents. Whether ideas are for interiors or knitwear, Gandy maintains that one informs the other. “Architecture and knitwear are both design. Let’s face it: Design is design,” he asserts. “The principles are the same: balance, scale, rhythm, proportion, texture, contrast, color.” Spoken like the teacher he is, Gandy periodically instructs students at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina, and at workshops across the world. (He recently spent eight weeks teaching in New Zealand. And every week at Isadora Popper on Main Street in Clayton. But more about that later.)
In 2012, Gandy published a book titled “The Embellished Sock-Knitted Art For the Foot.” (A book with photographs by yours truly, I’m proud to say.) The book came as the result of a contest sponsored by yarn manufacturers called “Think Outside the Sox.” Three of his entries were winners and were featured in a book of the same name. With the beautiful book in hand Charles then had an exhibit at the prestigious Bascom Center for Visual Arts in Highlands, North Carolina. His status as a master of all things yarn has only grown there.
Now with all these accomplishments, one might think Charles is a snooty artist, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Gandy is a passionate teacher and mentor. As I had mentioned before, he has taught at various knitting events and conferences all over the world, helping others improve their skills, yet he’s still down to earth and happy to discuss anything knit oriented. His instructional style is clear and accessible, making him a popular teacher among knitters of all levels. And that brings us back to the Main Street shop, Isadora Popper, where Charles is the KLIR, (“Knitting Legend In Residence” - A title I made up.) He’s there five days a week, offering help, advice, and instruction. Every Friday you’re welcome to sit in at a community table for “Fix It Fridays,” where you can “unravel” any knitting problems you may have encountered. He also teaches group classes and offers one on one instruction as well. Charles has been with Isadora Popper for about a year and according to the store’s owner, Dana Davidoff, the store’s yarn/knitting department has doubled in size since Charles came aboard. So, if you’re looking to learn from a master, Charles provides a wealth of information and inspiration for knitters of any level who want to refine their craft. Stop in and say hello. You’ll be glad you did.
P.S. If you’re curious about the name “Isadora Popper,” ask Dana the owner, it’s a cool story.
Isadora Popper is located at 33 N Main Street in Clayton or visit online at www.isadorapopper.com
Finding Art
SunShine & SawduSt Creative Studio a d ream Come true
Tracy McCoy
ihave a sign on the wall next to my desk that says, “Do more of what you love.” Life can get really busy, and it often feels like there’s little time left for ourselves. Whenever I carve out a little “me time,” I love to grab a paintbrush because creating art truly makes me happy.
My best friend, Cindi Freeman, and I have been inseparable for nearly 44 years! Cindi loves crafting, and while she often jokes that she can’t paint, the truth is I’ve rarely seen anything she can’t do. In 2018, we decided to do something fun together and came up with the idea to start our own business, so we could “do more of what we love.”
That’s how we opened our creative studio, Sunshine & Sawdust! Our mission is to create a cozy space where everyone can unwind, relax, make new things, and just have a great time. We hoped that, like us, others would find creating to be a wonderful escape from the day-to-day grind—a little break from to-do lists, dinner menus, laundry, bills, and housework. We wanted it to be a place where families could bring their kids to create together, or friends could enjoy a fun night out. We even dreamed of couples coming in to share a unique experience!
Then, in 2020, Covid-19 turned everything upside down, and our business slowed to a crawl. We were unsure about gatherings and whether to wear masks. Thankfully, as things settled down, we began to hold classes again! Now that we’re stepping into 2025, we’re thrilled to expand our offerings and introduce new and exciting opportunities for art-making.
While arts and crafts are our main focus, we plan to welcome others to host classes in our studio. This not only enriches our community but also provides everyone with the chance to learn something new! We’re working on a brand-new website and have an active presence on social media. You can follow our journey, find out about upcoming classes and events, and even sign up for a class! Plus, you can reserve a time slot all your own for gathering with friends or family.
Sunshine & Sawdust is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday for kids or adults. During the summer and school break periods, Cindi runs half-day art camps for kids and offers special crafting programs for homeschoolers each month. We also welcome groups and organizations for monthly meetings, and we’ve even hosted team-building events for sports teams and local businesses!
We love hearing how much our guests enjoy the connections, the fun, and the amazing creations they make while with us. It really fuels our passion and encourages us to learn new techniques and enhance our offerings. This winter, along with holding classes, we’ll be sprucing up our studio a bit, and we can’t wait to host a Grand Opening event in late February. We’re so proud of what we’ve built together, and we’re excited to share it with you!
So, give us a call and let’s add a little sunshine to your life in the new year. You can reach us by calling Cindi 706-982-0216 or Tracy 706-982-9197, so come play with us at Sunshine & Sawdust. You just might find that you love it as much as we do!
Please follow us on Facebook @sunshineandsawduststudio and stay tuned for all the latest updates about our website!
A Taste
The Family Table
Lorie R. Thompson
Wow, 2025! I have always heard that time flies when you are having fun. I am having lots of fun, and the years are rolling by at breakneck speed.
Years ago, an older friend told me that while her body was old, she still felt young in her mind. Now, I understand that sentiment. I still think I am young, but my body disagrees with that. In the battle to reconcile myself to my age, I have a hankering to ride motorcycles again. I rode every day as a young woman and truly enjoyed it. In my head, I can still ride reasonably well. Maybe not as fast as I rode years ago, but, after all, it is just like riding a bicycle, right? I had better cook up some extra food for Mountain Man, just in case I am injured when I take up high-risk sports in my old age. While I am at it, I may go snow skiing again this winter.
In all seriousness, January is a month for reflection. The shorter days and winter weather are perfect reasons to spend extra time in your most comfortable chair, contemplating and praying about what you want the upcoming year to be. It is the ideal time to make plans and set goals. I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions, but I do believe in making plans to create the life you want to live. I have taken many courses on goal setting, and every one of them starts with visualizing the life you want to live, creating a plan to make that happen, and then breaking it down into daily tasks to obtain the goal.
I am sure many of you are like me and improved health is near the top of your goal list. Eating healthy food is one goal that is a pleasure to reach. Healthy food can be delicious, and making wise food choices every day is a key component of health management. Truly, you are what you eat. So, let’s cook up some health and happiness in our kitchens!
Mountain Man loves any fish or seafood. He would be happy if we had fish five nights a week. I tell him it harkens back to his wild Viking heritage. (If you know him, you know he is a Viking.) I like fish, but it has to be interesting for me to eat it often. Let me share some of my favorite easy and interesting fish dinner entrees. My favorite easy salmon meal combines two cooking methods. I love the crispy skin you get with a pan-seared salmon and the crispy top from a broiled salmon, so why not have both? It only takes minutes to cook salmon, and using both methods means carefully overseeing the cooking to avoid overcooking the fish.
To make a delicious seasoning rub, combine one teaspoon each of smoked paprika, five spice powders, and kosher salt. Add one-half teaspoon of cumin and ground ginger. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and stir to combine. The five-spice powder is an excellent addition to the flavor, but it is okay to omit that if you don’t have it.
Trim the salmon side to fit your pan, or cut it into serving-sized pieces. Preheat the oven to high broil and place the upper rack 2-3 inches below the broiler.
In an ovenproof pan, add 2 tablesppons of high-heat oil, like avocado or grapeseed, over medium-high heat. Heat the oil until it is simmering. Season the salmon generously with the seasoning rub on the top side. Add the salmon skin side down to the oil and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, bringing the skin to a crispy crust. Move the pan to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is at 145 degrees and is opaque, solid, and flaky. It was about a 6-minute cooking time on my stove and oven. Watch it carefully, and don’t overcook it.
I add a very small drizzle of honey to the top of the salmon before placing it under the broiler. I find it a touch too sweet, so I put it on one end of the salmon side for Mountain Man. Try it both ways.
My family loves poached salmon or trout. We have a trout pond, so poached fish is one of our regular go-to supper items. Use the widest pan you have with a tight-fitting lid. To create your poaching liquid, add chopped shallots or onions to the pan and 1 tablespoon of butter. Lightly salt the shallots and allow them to soften. Add a thinly sliced garlic clove and a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper. Add 1 cup Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine and 1 cup water. Add an entire lemon cut into very thin slices. Simmer poaching water for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Season the salmon or trout with salt, pepper, dill, and any other seasoning you enjoy and gently place into the poaching liquid. Any fish rub would be great, or just salt and a small amount of dill. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and allow it to simmer for 5-10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on how thick your fish is. The salmon side used in the photos cooked for 8 minutes and was done. When the fish flakes with a fork, it is ready.
THE FAMILY TABLE continued...
The fish is delicious with only a squeeze of fresh lemon, but if you want to take it over the top, try my Citrus Buerre Blanc. Zest and juice one lemon and two medium-sized oranges. Add 1 tablesppon butter and one finely chopped shallot in a medium-sized skillet. Lightly salt shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add lemon and orange juice and 1 cup of dry white wine. Cook until the juice and wine are fully reduced and appear like syrup. Don’t be afraid. When you think it has reduced enough, cook it a little longer. You want
most of the liquid to be gone and only the natural sugars to be left. Turn off the heat and whisk in 8 tablespoons of very cold, unsalted butter, Adding 2 tablespoons at a time until all the butter is incorporated. Add the lemon and lime zest to the sauce. Serve under or over the poached fish. This is a great sauce to use for scallops, too. Enjoy!
I hope you will enjoy these fish recipes as much as I do.
As we step into January, may your days be full of warm moments of peace and joy. I wish you and your family a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year!
Lorie Thompson is a REALTOR at Poss Realty in Clayton, Georgia. Her expertise in her industry is second only to her culinary talents. Lorie is a dynamo in the kitchen. Honestly if she prepares it, it will likely be the best you’ve ever had! Lorie and her husband, Anthony (Peanut), make their home in the Persimmon Community. She is the proud mother of Joe and Charli Thompson and BJ and Kendall (Thompson) McCauley.
Dining in Mountainsthe
Some Good News About the Good News…
Joey Thompson, Pastor, Clayton Baptist Church
“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NASB
Society is Changing. We can feel it. We have heard plenty about how bad things are, not that we need to ignore the negative aspects of our culture. We have also heard it said that no news travels faster than bad news. “Dirty Laundry” as Don Henley used to sing about in the 80’s. Well, how about some good news about how things are changing in the US? Have you noticed how some things have changed for the better particularly when it comes to people not being afraid to talk about what is really true and what matters? Specifically, I see more and more people becoming Christians or showing interest in the Bible. The Wall Street Journal recently reported:
“Hallelujah! Bibles are a bright spot in books this year. Worries about the economy, conflicts abroad, and uncertainty over the election pushed readers toward the publication in droves. Bible sales are up 22% in the U.S. though the end of October, compared with the same period last year, according to book tracker Circana BookScan. By contrast, total U.S. print book sales were up less than 1% in that period.”
birth of the church 2000 years ago. Jesus also said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” - Matthew 24:14. The spread of God’s Word should be expected to change lives, change societies, and permeate the entire earth. We should not be shocked that this is happening.
Our experience of this change in recent times can be dated back to 2020 in how we all responded to COVID. Churches were closed, some longer than others. Students had to learn from home. People were told to isolate themselves from other people. Isolation definitely had its negative effects. Mental health has suffered in this country in ways we are still trying to figure out. My wife and I have four kids from 18-26. Each of them shares ways that the aftermath of COVID affected them and their peers. However, one of the bright spots has been people seeking real truth. College campuses all over the nation have seen not just a resurgence in Christianity among those who have had a Christian background, but also among those who have had none. Revivals and baptisms are being reported taking place on ball fields and parking lots, including several members of the four-time national champion Oklahoma University women’s softball team.
The article goes on to say that there “seems to be a surge in engagement particularly among members of Gen Z and college students.” On one hand, we should not be surprised. God promised that He would not let His Word return to Him empty without accomplishing what He desired and without succeeding in the matter for which He sent it. God’s Word is “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). God is going to use His Word to draw people to the truth, hopefully, so that they trust Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. God has moved in different ways since the resurrection of Christ and the
What is troubling is that this revival and interest has not translated over into being committed to other believers in a church. According to a Gallup poll released in March, church attendance is relatively low in the US, with only 30% of Protestants and 23% of Catholics involved in gathered worship every week. Movements take time, so we shall wait and see what the Lord does. We shall also see how we respond to what the Lord is doing. There have been three Great Awakenings in the United States. There have been smaller ones. My hope is that we shall see many come to know the Lord personally and for flourishing to result for the gospel in our country.
Joey has served as pastor of Clayton Baptist Church for the past 17 years. He and his wife, Marla, have 4 adult children and one son-in-law. If you want to find out more, check out claytonbaptistchurch.com.
Life is a Blessing
Tracy McCoy
“Hey, do you know my friend Jesus?” Peter asked. “I’ve heard of Him, but I don’t really know Him,” the man replied.
“He’s healed the lame and opened the eyes of the blind. I left my home and my job to follow Him. For nearly three years now, I’ve walked alongside Him and witnessed Him transform lives. You should come and meet Him.” The man listened, but a skeptical look lingered on his face. He had known Peter for a long time—a fisherman, rough around the edges, gruff, and always getting himself into trouble with his big mouth. Yet, there was something noticeably different about Peter since he started following this man called Jesus. That change sparked the man’s curiosity, prompting him to want to learn more, while Peter eagerly shared stories about his Master and Teacher.
Peter and his brother Andrew were among the first to be called by Christ, and they followed without hesitation. What could have drawn these established fishermen—successful in their trade—to leave everything behind? Don’t you know someone like Jesus? That gentle soul with kind eyes and large, capable hands who looks you straight in the eye. He has a contagious smile, a hearty laugh, an undeniable warmth, and is always ready to lend a hand. He never complains. Such a person likely embodies the spirit of a Christ follower, radiating something unique through their very being. Now, picture the Son of God walking into your life—maybe stepping beside your fishing boat—with a curious gaze, asking, “What are you up to?” and inviting you to drop everything and follow Him. You might not know what He has in store for you, but deep down, you know you’re going!
Peter, once known as Simon, continued his conversation with the man. “One day, we were walking and listening to Him speak when we encountered a lame man by the well. He had never walked before, and Jesus told him to get up and walk.” With excitement, Peter leaned in closer, practically shaking the man’s shoulders as he exclaimed, “And he did! He got up and walked!” With disbelief, Peter’s friend asked, “Where can I find your friend Jesus?”
Though Peter wasn’t perfect and often spoke out of turn, he was the first to declare Jesus as the Son of God. When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” it was Peter who immediately responded, “The Christ of God.” However, not long after, when admitting his relationship with Jesus grew uncomfortable, Peter denied Him three times. The moment he realized what he’d done, shame washed over him; he couldn’t bear to look at Jesus as they led Him away through the crowd after His arrest. This tough fisherman had faltered in front of his Master, failing to stand by his Teacher and friend. Haven’t we all been there? Perhaps you’ve never outright denied Him, but have there been moments when your actions, words, or behavior seemed to say otherwise? I know I have. I cherish my relationship with Christ, love to converse with Him, and delight in sharing His message with everyone I meet. I would follow Him to the ends of the earth.
You can encounter Him anywhere, at any time. He is what life is all about—the only begotten Son, the light of the world, the way, the truth, and the life. He loved you enough to lay down His life for you. He exemplifies love and commands us to do the same, no exceptions or excuses. He knows everything about you, just as He did with Peter, and loves us despite our flaws. It’s the broken and imperfect who He calls. He didn’t seek out scholars in the synagogue; He chose the roughest, most unlovable individuals and changed their lives. He still does that today, and your name is on His list. He wants to know you and love you. So, hey, do you know my friend Jesus? I’d love for you to meet Him and discover the life-changing impact He can have on you!
R4G continued...
Perhaps, you are one of those who have been asking the bigger questions about life and what we are placed on this earth for. Let me encourage you take several steps:
• Get a Bible if you don’t already have one and commit to read it.
• Start with the Gospel of John.
• Ask God to show you who He is through His Word. Keep the conversation going throughout the day.
• Commit to learn about Jesus. Investigate the facts about His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Do an objective study based on the historical data. Two books I recommend are “More Than a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell and “The Case for Christ” by Lee Stro-
ebel. Both of these men started out to disprove Christianity only to find out that it was true.
• Find a local church family that you can jump in and be a part of.
God is at work. He is making Himself known to many. Our problem, though, is not outside of us. It is the inside. We are all sinners, guilty before a perfect God. Jesus, however, loved you so much that He came to die as a perfect substitute for you in your place
Will you trust Him today? Hear the good news, the best news, that anyone who believes in Jesus will never perish but have everlasting life!
The Outdoors
Adventure Out Blackrock Lake LoopTrail
PETER MCINTOSH
Happy New Year everyone!
If you’re like me, every year you resolve to eat better and get more exercise, and this little hike is a great place to start. We’re taking a nice easy stroll around Blackrock Lake in Blackrock Mountain State Park. (This trail is now in the best condition ever, thanks to the efforts of a volunteer group called the Blackrock Buddies. There’s a link to their Facebook page at the end of this article.) The trail is .85 miles in length, so you can go once around, or twice around for 1.7 miles, or three times around which is just over 2.5 miles. What I like to do is switch directions each lap, which makes the view a little different.
This is a well-maintained footpath, mostly level except for a few small hills. And on this loop trail we get to cross five small foot bridges, two are over the lake and two cross over small but noisy streams feeding into the lake. I love small wooden foot bridges. There are also picnic tables and a couple of barbeque grills, should you be so inclined. And there’s some new additions along this trail that dovetail perfectly with our
New Year’s get healthy plan: little activity placards located next to several of the benches set conveniently around the lake. These signs tell us something about the wild creatures living in the area and suggest an exercise that in some way replicates the behavior of that animal. This would be especially fun if you bringing youngsters along with you. And don’t feel bad if you’d rather rest at the bench instead. At least you’re out there, and that’s what’s important. Like I said before, this is an easy walk and a good place to get started on a hiking routine. A little at first and then gradually build up to more. If you stick with it for just a few weeks, you’ll be amazed at the results. It’s all about getting into the habit of doing a little something every day.
And 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
Riley Moody - 1st
Emily Murphy - 2nd
Kathleen Welch - 4th
Andravious Bowman - 3rd
a great program and these students are very talented. An added plus is their caring and knowledgeable instructors. The course is led by Melissa Henderson. Congratulations to both the students and teachers on a job well done! (And as you’ll see, some of the photos are from other beautiful spots around the state park. Feel free to do some exploring yourself.) So, enjoy their work and let’s start the new year off on the right foot, or the left foot for that matter, with a healthy habit of happy hiking!
And for year ‘25, my first poem arrives: Taking a nice walk is an easy solution, For keeping your healthy New Year’s resolution. If you’re inspired by these student’s photography skills, This nice winter trek will give you some thrills.
Getting there:
The Blackrock Lake Trail is on Taylor Chapel Road in Blackrock Mountain State Park. From US 441 in Mountain City, turn left onto Blackrock Mountain Parkway and go uphill to Taylor’s Chapel Road on the right. Follow this gravel road down to the lake. There is a small parking lot on the left or you can park along the road next to the fishing dock. If you’re coming from the north, Taylor’s Chapel Road can also be accessed from Wolffork Valley Road.
On the web: http://www.gastateparks.org/ BlackRockMountain Blackrock Buddies FB page: https://www.facebook.com/
You can see more of Peter’s photos at: www.mcintoshmountains.com
Victor (Evan) Baer - 6th
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
Brinlee Koch - 5th
Peter McIntosh has always been dedicated to giving back to his community. He has donated countless photographs to support families and individuals in need, demonstrating his generous spirit. As part of his program for the photography class at North Georgia Technical College, Peter encourages his students to apply the same spirit of generosity when they enter the workforce and utilize their skills. This year, to put his words into action, Peter donated a check to cover the tuition for one of these students. He inspires everyone to do good whenever possible and to always show kindness. We are proud to call him our friend!
Jordan Labens
April Alexander
Shona Williams - 7th
Cy Curtis - 8th
Elain Brown
Summer Stewart
Tammy Olaes
Savannah Weaver
Randy Kanipe
Jimena Campos
Diana Bennett
Gavin Johnson
Linda Kobus
Merveil Amedome
Randy LeBlanc
Laney Ertzberger
Shelby Meeks
Justice Woodley
Robert Jones
Petrona Pedro-Pascual
Maya Thomas
Firmly Rooted
TORI CARVER
When my brother attended the Merchant Marine Academy, he spent one semester each year “at sea,” traveling to foreign countries on the giant ships that carry cargo across the ocean. During one of his trips, he visited the Mediterranean region and came home bearing gifts. He brought our mother a beautiful handmade rug and some really cool leather products, which I thought was incredibly thoughtful. She absolutely loved it—until he mentioned that his sea partner had gifted his mother a big bag of saffron. Until that point, neither my brother nor I had any idea how rare or valuable saffron was. We also never knew how deeply and profoundly our mother cared about it.
While I typically only grow flowers and plants for use in bouquets or as cut flowers, I couldn’t resist when the opportunity
to grow my own saffron materialized this past summer.
For those unfamiliar with this luxurious spice, saffron comes from the Crocus sativus, also known as the “saffron crocus,” and is grown extensively in southeastern Asia and parts of the Mediterranean region. It’s typically planted in late summer and harvested by hand about eight weeks later, from late October to early November. About a month or so after planting, the saffron sprouts appear with thin, blade-like green foliage. The lilac-colored flowers soon follow and last for about three weeks. During this time, the bright red-orange threads of saffron—the actual stigmas—are carefully harvested by hand. These delicate threads are then air-dried and stored in glass containers.
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
If you are wondering why saffron is so expensive, it takes roughly 75,000 saffron flowers to produce just one pound of the spice. For context, the mound of lavender flowers pictured alongside this article produced the miniscule amount of crimson saffron strands shown as well. To say it’s labor-intensive would be an understatement.
Saffron thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8 and prefers full to partial sun. Each year, the mother corms produce small daughter corms, or cormlets, which means saffron production gradually increases over time. It’s recommended to lift, divide, and replant the corms every few years to maintain a healthy and productive crop. While the life expectancy of saffron corms can vary, they typically remain viable and productive for 3 to 5 years.
In addition to being used in soups and stews (which is one of the reasons I was eager to grow my own), saffron has several potential health benefits. It may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve memory and cognitive function, aid sleep, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and mood swings.
While I probably won’t ever grow enough saffron to reap its health benefits, I love the idea of cultivating such a unique
and luxurious spice—one I once thought was limited to the Mediterranean region. Sadly, my mom passed away over five years ago so I cannot share any with her, but I know she would have thought it was super cool that I am now growing it. I think I may even send my brother a small jar just for laughs.
Bobbie Darnell will Smile Because it Happened
TRACY MCCOY
For 52 years, Bobbie Darnell has opened the doors to her charming little shop, Clayton Flower Bed, in Clayton. Since its establishment in 1972, this business has become a beloved fixture on East Savannah Street. Bobbie and her then sister-in-law, Ethel, took a bold leap of faith to turn their dream into reality after working for Evelyn Dickerson at Designs by Evelyn, located just behind the old Dickerson’s Hardware on North Main Street. When Evelyn was diagnosed with cancer and had to close her store, the two women decided to seize the opportunity to purchase the business and moved it to East Savannah Street in 1975. The building was the first to house the Clayton Tribune. They opened a florist that also featured a delightful selection of
gifts and crafting supplies.
Bobbie’s husband, Jim Darnell, played a crucial role in the shop’s operations. If you ever received flowers from Clayton Flower Bed, there’s a good chance it was Jim who delivered them to your doorstep. He would travel to Clarkesville or Athens every week to pick up fresh flowers and assist with any other tasks at the shop. While dedicating himself to Clayton Flower Bed, Jim worked at Burlington Industries for 33 years. After leaving Burlington, Jim held a full-time position with Johnny Amrine at Amrine’s Equipment and Repair. He excelled in his work and remained there for many years, making it clear to Johnny that he would drop everything if Bobbie ever needed him, and he always did.
Jim’s accomplishments in his career were remarkable. He earned a degree in small engine repair and the school asked Jim to enter competitions. He first triumphed at the region-
al level, then earned the title of best in the state of Georgia, and ultimately placed second in the nation. It’s hard to believe we had such a skilled mechanic right here in Rabun County all those years! To achieve these titles, he had to assemble an engine that not only worked but also had to start flawlessly when the judges fired it up—a task that’s definitely more challenging than it sounds.
One memorable moment for Bobbie occurred at a flower show in Charlotte, North Carolina. While she was strolling through the event, a gentleman approached her, took her hand, and introduced himself as Bob Costin, the President of FTD. He mentioned that he owned a home on Lake Burton and had heard wonderful things about her shop. He expressed a desire to visit The Flower Bed personally to discuss the possibility of partnering with FTD. Meanwhile, her friends and many others stood by, captivated by the encounter. Being approached by the president of FTD was both thrilling and an incredible honor. When Mr. Costin visited, he thoroughly inspected Bobbie and Ethel’s florist, ensuring they met FTD’s stringent regulations. Naturally, they passed with flying colors, and from that moment onward, The Flower Bed became an FTD affiliate.
Bobbie has fond memories of her customers, often remembering them through their favorite orders, wedding arrangements, prom flowers, or even the sadder occasions like funerals. For instance, Mary Bickerstaff adored gladiolias, Buck Carver always opted for purple flowers, and Pauline Fountain had a soft spot for orange. So many cherished memories revolve around her customers and friends. After Ethel divorced Jim’s brother, she left the business, and Bobbie and Jim took the reins as sole owners. Working side by side with Jim was a joy for Bobbie, and she feels grateful for the incredible employees she’s had over the years. Indeed, it has been a wonderful journey in the world of flowers.
Bobbie always dreamed of attending the Rose Bowl, not as a spectator but as someone who could work on the floats. In 2005, she made the decision to pursue that dream. At first, Jim thought she had lost her mind, but after hearing how much it meant to her, he realized just how important she was to him. So off they went to California for the Rose Bowl. Bobbie had the incredible opportunity to take a rose from Clayton and place it on the FTD float, turning a florist’s dream into reality. After the parade, Bobbie was eager to return to Georgia, but Jim insisted he didn’t travel all that way just to miss the game. That day, Bobbie, who had never been a football fan, found herself enjoying the game with her husband. In a thrilling finish, the Texas Longhorns clinched victory in the last three seconds!
As time passed, work kept Bobbie and Jim busy, and their business thrived. In 2011, while on a trip, Bobbie noticed Jim
moving more slowly than usual and looking pale. During dinner, she looked across the table at her husband, the love of her life, and asked if he was feeling unwell. Jim admitted he thought he was, but deep down, Bobbie sensed he was much sicker than either of them realized. The following day, they returned home and rushed to see the doctor. Unfortunately, one test led to another, and after weeks of appointments, they received the diagnosis no one wants to hear: Jim had cancer. The prognosis was grim, but Jim was determined to fight, and he did. Sadly, he went to be with the Lord in 2012. Bobbie found herself at a crossroads, unsure of how to move forward but knowing she had to find a way.
One thing was clear to her: she couldn’t continue the florist business without Jim. She couldn’t handle it physically or emotionally; it had always been their venture. The Flower Bed would endure but in a new direction. After much prayer, Bobbie made pivotal decisions: she unplugged the coolers, stored away the ribbon, and removed the FTD sticker from the door. She began to create jewelry, incorporating costume
pieces alongside her custom work. She introduced scarves, collectibles, greeting cards, and a selection of clothing and handbags - most adorned with flowers! The business thrived, providing her a means to keep moving forward through her grief. While she will forever miss her best friend, not a day goes by that he doesn’t occupy her thoughts.
Jim and Bobbie shared two grown children: a daughter, Tina, and her husband, John Ivemeyer, as well as a son, Greg, and daughter-in-law, Tracy. She enjoys four amazing grandchildrn as well. Tina and Greg encouraged their mom to think about retirement, and after much thought and prayer, she made the decision to close her store, After 52 years in business in Clayton, she closed the doors of Clayton Flower Bed the last day of 2024. Though she’s uncertain about what lies ahead, she hopes to travel, discover new hobbies, and embrace this new chapter of her life. Cleaning out the store has been no easy task; the memories flood back, bringing both laughter and tears. Bobbie knows she is blessed and is grateful to all of her incredible employees and every person who walked through the doors of her charming little green building on Savannah Street in the lovely town of Clayton.
Someone once said “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” She will choose to smile because it happened.
We wish Bobbie many joyful years ahead.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Foxfire
Hunting ‘Coons With Dogs
Adapted by former Foxfire Student Jessica Phillips Hendricks, from Foxfire 11
Shorty Hooper told us, “What matters to me is whether or not another man has got as good a dog as I’ve got. That is the sport in it with me. I’ve had some awful good dogs. I’ve had dogs that would just get out there and coon for me all night long, and I’ve had some that I would give away because they never would make it. They might tree a coon, but I wouldn’t call ‘em a coon dog. I’ve had some that really made it, and then I always hold on to unless something bad happens that I have to get rid of ‘em.
“Yes, sir, a good dog is the answer to good coon huntin’. You can get out here with just any kind of a dog, and you’ll be running these wildcats and deer and everything else besides a coon. But when you one time get you one trained up for a good coon dog, why, every time you hear that ol’ dog bark, you can bet he’s after
that ol’ ringtail. And we get after some tough ones that’s hard to do anything with.
“The best coon dog I ever had was one I called Little Red. He was half redbone, a quarter cur, and a quarter walker. He was just a straight-out coon dog. That’s just all you could make out of him. Take him hunting anywhere, and he’d find you a coon. He didn’t come back ‘til he had a coon. A lotta times I could turn him up a branch [creek] and wouldn’t even have to go with him. If he didn’t come, I’d start up the branch ‘til I heard him tree or found him somewhere treeing, and many a time with a gang [of coons] up a tree or one big ol’ barren sow—that’s a coon that never raises up no kittens. I guess, to my notion, Little Red is the best dog I’ve ever had in my life.
“A man likes his dogs, and he don’t want to part with them. That’s the reason they cost so much. Everybody likes a good-trained dog. A good-blooded pup at three months old would cost you anywhere from seventyfive to one hundred dollars. A good trained dog now would cost you—well, from the prices things is today, and by coon huntin’ being such a good sport that people really loves and enjoys [that brings the price of a dog up]—from five to seven hundred dollars to a thousand, twelve, fourteen hundred dollars. And there have been a few coon dogs sold for more money than that. If you take and train him up, why, you have worn enough shoe leather off to get whatever you can out of him, and it wouldn’t be too much. So that’s the reason why coon dogs are so high. It’s just a good sport that people likes, and always has been—from our old grandparents’ days back to now— and always will be, I guess.
“Now, I have had my dog to run a coon a couple or three hours before he ever treed. And I have had it to just cold-trail one from say about nine or ten that night when I first hit the woods until about four that morning before he ever dragged him down. It would take all night to track him down and tree him. A lot of times, maybe nine times out of ten, one like that will be up an oak tree, and you can get him.
“I’d say just on a straight run and race on a coon, he wouldn’t last but fifteen or twenty minutes ‘til a dog would tree him. But the old coon tricks the old dog. What takes a long time is getting a beatened-up track where he’s been or a track that’s been rained on, and where he’s been feeding around.
“If a dog strikes a good track and gets the coon to going, I’d say fifteen to thirty minutes, why, your dog will have him treed. It’s just according to how young or old the coon is and how much he’s been dogged and the kind of rough country you’re hunting in and how quick the old coon will tree. And an old sow, she’ll take care of her kittens. She’ll stick her neck out taking care of them. She’ll put her kittens up a tree and maybe try to fool a dog and go on a pretty good piece.
“You take a fellow that loves his coon dogs, and he loves to coon hunt for a sport, why, he ain’t going to shoot ever’ coon he sees no way. He’s gonna want to go back and get some more fun out of ‘em later.”
For information Foxfire 11and Foxfire’s other books or to arrange a guided tour of the Foxfire Museum, or the rest of the Foxfire program, visit www.foxfire.org or call 706-746-5828. You can also visit Foxfire at 98 Foxfire Lane, off of Cross Street, in Mountain City, GA.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Lake Burton Elegance:
Endless Views, Endless Comfort
John Shivers
Perched on the shores of Lake Burton, the 4,584± square foot contemporary rustic country home at 144 Cherry Lane is an opportunity to live the Lake Burton dream. It’s one of those opportunities that seldom come along, where every room frames a breathtaking lake view, where grandeur and comfort marry luxury to create a perfect retreat for family living and gracious entertaining.
With four to five bedrooms and five and a half baths, this masterpiece of a home built in 1986 was created with craftsmanship and a keen eye for design. Solid wood flooring runs throughout, and three Tennessee stone fireplaces add both practical warmth and charm. Soaring
ceilings and exposed wood beams crown this phenomenal home, and custom-crafted wagon wheel chandeliers add an extra finishing touch.
This home brings the definition of “lakeside” to new heights. Thanks to the soaring floor to ceiling wall of glass, when you’re relaxing in the fantastic great room or enjoying a meal at the dining table adjacent to the chef’s quality kitchen, you feel like you’re actually on the water.
The chef’s kitchen is equally impressive with double ovens, a gourmet stove, a massive island, and a walk-in pantry. Star lights twinkle in the ceiling, while custom cabinetry and two sinks ensure that practicality matches style. An expansive laundry room with a sink and pantry add to the convenience.
The main floor boasts two primary suites, including the owner’s suite that redefines luxury. With a wood-burning fireplace and more of those fantastic views, here’s a sanctuary you won’t want to leave. The en-suite bath features a spa-like bathtub, heated floors, steam shower, and a custom closet.
Another unique feature is the custom wrought-iron railed staircase with lighted steps to the second floor, where two more bedrooms with en-suite baths only add to the home’s privacy and comfort. On the terrace level, a game room features a stone fireplace and a wet bar, where you and your guests can enjoy a game of pool, Saturday afternoon’s big game, or even a holiday party. And if you absolutely have to work from home, the terrace level office, again with those views, makes it a much sweeter proposition. There’s even a bonus room just waiting for your customization
Step outside to discover the best of Lake Burton living on this .74± acre lot. A screened porch offers panoramic lake and mountain views, while the two-stall boathouse includes a boat lift, jet ski lift, sunbathing deck, and floating dock. It’s the perfect place to enjoy stunning sunsets over deep, clear water.
This home, MLS #10340910, is offered by Agent Julie Barnett with Harry Norman REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain. Reach her at 404-697-3860, or at the Harry Norman office, 706-212-0228.
ASK DR. J Should I sell everything and move to Europe?
Common sense answers to frequently asked questions from a community ENT physician
Dear Dr. J: I’m overweight and have a tough time. I was fortunate enough to go to Italy for a week, ate and drank everything I wanted, and lost weight. Should I sell everything and move to Europe?
Why not? But, if you like living in our great country, you need an honest answer. And honesty is remarkably rare regarding our foods, medicines, and their relationship with health. Much to my embarrassment as a member of the medical community, I’ve been throwing medicines at the problem instead of listening to those who dispute the “medical oligarchy”, the few doctor/politicians at the top who seem to be making decisions based on absolutism, intolerant of differences of opinion. (Like saying that vaccines are the only way to treat Covid-19, demonizing alternative treatments, and not stressing how obesity played a huge role in mortality/ morbidity.)
For our entire lives, we’ve been taught that there is a “Food Pyramid” essential to our health. We’ve been told that dietary fats are bad. All the while we’ve been putting a blind eye to the fattening of our nation. Half our children are overweight, with many pre-diabetic or actually diabetic. Two thirds of adults, me included, are too.
While the changes we’ve made in society have indeed made us live longer with less frailty, the trade-off appears to be a host of chronic diseases. One in five women suffer from autoimmune disease. Sperm counts in men have diminished 50%. Autism has increased in children.
Something is wrong. And nobody wants to tell Americans that they shouldn’t eat the foods currently loaded in sugar and addictive chemicals. Avoiding fats is akin to a religion in women. Telling them fats are good may make their heads
explode. Educating Americans as to which foods are healthy and hoping for any discipline in what we eat seems a bridge too far. We are seemingly hopelessly addicted.
On top of that, the U.S. Government is the number one source of misinformation, making systemic adjustments that much harder.
The National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control fund research into things like gain of function of viruses in bats (in foreign countries hostile to the U.S. What could go wrong?). In many nutritionists’ opinion, they should be redirecting the resources into school lunch programs, basic cooking instruction, and research into whatever is most responsible for obesity and health issues prominent in the United States and not so much in Italy.
“Big Food” and “Big Agriculture” did what they were asked to do. They gave us food security. To do that they used pesticides and genetic engineering. They dramatically decreased the diversity in foods, abandoning many amazing genetic options to the dustbin of history. They did what they could to help us fill out our unfortunately wrong goal of fulfilling the food pyramid our medical oligarchs defined as good.
The NIH and the CDC should channel almost everything they can into re-educating Americans. What’s left nutritionists think should go into investigating hormone disrupting pesticides, microplastics, heavy metal exposures, and the
Keith Jackson, MD is a graduate of Medical College of Georgia and Emory Medical School, where he completed his Residency in ENT. Dr. Jackson practiced as an ENT specialist in Atlanta at Northside, Scottish Rite, North Fulton, and Saint Joseph’s Hospitals until moving to Lake Rabun in 2020. Currently, he is in full-time ENT practice at Mountain Lakes Hospital in Clayton, Georgia. His interests include music and art. Dr. Jackson is a Rotarian and enjoys giving back to the community.
like. (Although doing so would strip 90% of their funding from Big Ag and Big Food.).
As for you, personally, the single best answer is to not eat carbohydrates as the primary source of your calories. We were not created to handle so much sugar. And fake sweeteners fool your brain, so they’re not much better. (Do you see skinny people drinking Diet Coke? A few.) Look at the back of the package on nutritional information and see how high the carbohydrate number is and divide it by 4. That’s how many teaspoons of sugar you are eating. Even if my math is wrong, that’s how you should approach it.
Don’t get me started on the medicine Ozempic. It works great. But you eventually need to come off the drug, and if you are not eating in a disciplined manner you will blow up once again. Interestingly, Ozempic is made in the gut naturally, if you eat well and your microbiome – the millions of bacteria in the digestive system that process and absorb your food – is healthy. My advice is to do the hard thing first and get discipline.
Clayton Family Medicine’s Role in the Recovery Community
Tracy McCoy
Addiction is a term that carries a heavy stigma, often causing people to turn away in disgust. However, over the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding addiction as a brain disease. It’s estimated that up to 90% of those struggling with addiction also face untreated mental health issues. Many individuals turn to substances as a way to self-medicate, often as a response to past abuse, yet tragically, they end up succumbing to their struggles in alarming numbers. Thanks to increased awareness, proactive measures, and a push for understanding, change is on the horizon, and lives are being saved. Although the problem is at epidemic levels, it is far from insurmountable when armed with the right tools, support systems, and resources. In our mountain communities, hope exists, largely coming from people who have firsthand experience and know the steps needed to combat this disease and maintain sobriety.
Clayton Family Medicine is building a reputation for promoting wellness in our community, working alongside organizations like Unite Rabun to make strides in addiction treatment. Dr. Pratt is board certified in addiction medicine and currently serves as president-elect of the Georgia Society of Addiction Medicine. He offers a glimmer of hope to families and individuals eager to transform their lives. We all know someone caught in the grips of addiction, whether it be alcoholism or drug dependence. Their behavior can be shocking and deceptive, distorting their former selves and affecting everyone around them. Often, families and friends, in their efforts to “help,” unintentionally enable the addiction to continue. The addict’s mind is persistently searching for a way to obtain their substance of choice, resorting to stealing, lying, manipulation, and too often, tragically, death. Addiction is a chronic, terminal illness, but through treatment, lives can be salvaged, allowing individuals to create a new life that they truly value and contribute positively to their communities.
this partnership, I spoke with Brittany Roquemore, a state certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with Unite Rabun. Brittany is dedicated to reaching out to addicts and saving lives because she has experienced the journey herself. During our conversation, she shared her own success of living drug-free for three years and six months—a milestone that holds deep significance. In the recovery community every day clean is a win! This community is filled with true warriors who have fought their own battles against an addiction that could have easily claimed their lives. They know what it takes to recover, and for that reason, they are driven to help others on similar paths.
I also inquired about how the medical community is aligning with the recovery community to support those in desperate need of help. Brittany Roquemore and Todd Davidson work in conjunction with Dr. Brian Pratt, who can provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Historically, MAT options included medications that mimicked the effects of opiates, based on the idea that limiting access to a 30-day supply would be effective. Limiting a drug addict is akin to herding cats—nearly impossible. Fortunately, today’s treatment options are significantly improved and appear to offer more effective solutions. Someone in active addiction is always in relentless pursuit of their next high, regardless of the cost. Modern medications, such as Vivitrol and Sublocade, which can be administered at Clayton Family Medicine, block the opiate receptors in the brain. This process eliminates the “high” associated with opiate use, diminishes cravings, and provides hope for recovery when coupled with peer support, mental health treatment, and a genuine desire for a better life. True success depends on a combination of all these elements.
In conversations with Brian and Melinda Pratt, I discovered that they collaborate closely with HEALthie Georgia’s Recovery Community Organization (RCO), Unite Rabun. To delve deeper into
Brittany, an alumnus of drug court, works diligently with the program to provide resources that support addicts and alcoholics on their journey to recovery. Everyone’s path is unique; not all individuals require MAT, as some may find their way through support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). For those who do need medical support, access to it can be crucial in preventing death. Narcan, now readily available for free, has been
a lifesaver for many and debunks the misconception that it merely enables continued drug use. Those who hold this belief have likely not faced the heartbreaking reality of planning a funeral for a loved one lost to addiction.
Dr. Pratt asserts that combining the use of MAT, resources, and peer support from the recovery community enhances the chances of survival for individuals battling addiction and alcoholism. Brittany and Todd provide vital peer support to patients under Dr. Pratt’s care. He speaks highly of the impactful work being done by Unite Rabun. Brittany’s passion for addiction work is evident. When I asked her to illustrate how the process unfolds, she explained that she often meets with individuals who may be enrolled in the Drug Court program, are incarcerated, or reach out on their own for help to discuss available resources. Many valuable resources are provided through a HSRA grant given to Unite Rabun, which can assist with food, heating, medical treatments, and even long-term care options. Brittany also collaborates with Physician Assistant Natalie Hunter in Habersham and Psychiatrist Ira Racadag to support individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism. The goal is to help these individuals transition from active addiction to a path of recovery. It’s important to note that recovery isn’t a one-time fix; it requires ongoing commitment and effort. It’s a lifestyle that helps manage the disease of addiction. The journey can be challenging, yet it is achievable. Brittany and Todd exemplify how transformative a strong recovery program can be. Following this article, you’ll find additional information about HEALthie Georgia and Unite Rabun, which might offer a starting point for anyone wrestling with addic-
tion or supporting a loved one.
The recovery community has been actively working to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with addiction, leading to a shift in treatment approaches. We hope to see even more effective medical solutions for addiction in the near future. According to the Centers for Disease Control, addiction claimed the lives of 107,543 people in the United States in 2023 - real people who wanted to break free and were loved by others just like you.
Donations of any amount are needed at Unite Rabun. Most of us know someone who lost the struggle. Donate in memory of them or in honor of someone who is living today because they made it out of addiction and into recovery.
Whether you choose to reach out to Unite Rabun or Clayton Family Medicine, the crucial step is to make that call—it could be the difference between life and death.
Take the next step…
Clayton Family Medicine
458 N. Main Street, Clayton, Georgia 30525 706-960-9550 | www.claytonfamilymedicine.com Unite Rabun
Unite RABUN: Building a Recovery-Ready Community in Rabun County
Nestled in the heart of Rabun County, Unite Rabun, a Recovery Community Organization (RCO), is transforming lives and creating a culture where recovery is celebrated and supported. This nonprofit organization is driven by people in long-term recovery, known as peers in recovery, and is dedicated to promoting recovery from substance use disorders and mental health challenges. At its core, Unite Rabun focuses on fostering resilience and offering pathways to long-term healing.
Unite Rabun’s mission is simple yet profound: to create a welcoming and stigma-free environment that supports recovery and personal growth. The organization champions self-directed care through a structured framework called PATHWAYS, which represents their values and guiding principles.
Peer support forms the cornerstone of Unite Rabun’s efforts, emphasizing shared experiences and mutual empowerment. Advocacy is another critical pillar, driving efforts to reduce stigma and promote policy changes to support recovery. The organization also prioritizes training and education, equipping individuals with the skills they need for recovery and community engagement.
Hope is central to the recovery journey at Unite Rabun. By fostering encouragement and a positive outlook, the organization helps individuals envision a brighter future. Wellness, encompassing mental, physical, and emotional health, is another essential focus. Unite Rabun ensures access to vital resources and recovery services, making support equitable and inclusive. Recognizing the
importance of community, the organization builds local networks that create a solid foundation for recovery.
Unite Rabun addresses addiction’s ripple effects in Rabun County by acting as a bridge between recovery and broader societal systems. Their goal is to ensure no one feels left behind, creating a thriving community for individuals and families alike.
The organization also takes an active role in youth prevention efforts, providing education and support to young people affected by substance use or mental health challenges. Educational workshops and school outreach programs aim to reduce stigma, promote awareness, and equip youth with knowledge about recovery pathways. Specialized peer recovery support services connect individuals with trained mentors who provide guidance and lived-experience insights. Support groups, recovery planning, and resource navigation further strengthen the organization’s impact.
In addition to individual recovery support, Unite Rabun engages the community through education and outreach initiatives. Substance use education, stigma reduction campaigns, and workshops in stress management and communication are designed to empower individuals and foster understanding. The organization also offers sober events, community service opportunities, and family support programs to create a sense of connection and belonging.
Holistic wellness is another priority for Unite Rabun, with referrals to mental health resources, mindfulness activities, and fitness programs integrated into recovery plans. The organization provides practical assistance with housing and employment, helping individuals find sober living arrangements and gain access to job training and placement services.
Unite Rabun stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in Rabun County, creating a community where recovery is not just possible but celebrated. With their unwavering commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and lived experience, they are changing the narrative around addiction and mental health—one person, one family, and one community at a time.
What You Should Know About IBD
(Family Features)
It may not be something you like to talk about, but if you have gastrointestinal (GI) problems, your symptoms may be far more common than you think. According to data from the American Gastroenterological Association, 60-70 million people living in the United States have gut health concerns.
Two common conditions are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They’re often confused for one another, but these are actually two different GI disorders.
IBS is a syndrome; it is defined by a group of symptoms, does not cause inflammation and rarely requires hospitalization or surgery. IBD, on the other hand, is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that cause chronic inflammation of your GI tract.
The disease is more common than you may realize; a study led by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation found nearly 1 in 100 people living in the U.S. have IBD. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Understanding IBD Symptoms
Because it poses serious health risks and can cause permanent damage to your intestines, it’s important to be aware of what IBD is and recognize the symptoms. Your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist can help if you have concerns about these symptoms:
• Intense, crampy pain that doesn’t go away in a day or two or has been present on and off for weeks or longer
• A notable change in bowel movement frequency, whether more or less often
• Frequent diarrhea over several weeks, or loose stools multiple times a day
• Frequent constipation, or constipation alternating with diarrhea
• Urgency on a regular basis or inability to hold back the bowel movement before reaching the bathroom.
• Blood with bowel movements
• Mucus in your stool regularly or paired with pain or other symptoms
• Always feeling as though you aren’t fully emptying your bowels
Other symptoms that may have a variety of causes but need extra attention especially if you notice them along with any of the symptoms above include pain outside of the gut, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. In addition, children with IBD may have delays in growth and the onset of puberty.
Diagnosing IBD
No single test can confirm a Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Your medical history and information obtained from diagnostic testing can exclude other potential causes of your symptoms, since gastrointestinal symptoms are common and can have a variety of causes.
Your first tests will likely include blood and stool laboratory tests. Further testing could include imaging studies of your gastrointestinal tract or a look inside your GI tract through an endoscope.
Identifying Treatment Options
Once an IBD diagnosis is confirmed, you can partner with your doctor to manage your disease. Treatment plans are highly personalized, as what works for one person may not for another. Medication and managing your diet and nutrition are two common treatment recommendations. In some cases, surgery can help improve your quality of life.
Clinical trials may also be an option for treating your IBD. Through clinical trials, researchers find new ways to improve treatments and quality of life. In fact, clinical trials represent the final stages of a long and careful research process to make new and improved treatment options for patients available.
However, an important part of clinical trials for IBD is patient participation. Without the enrollment of patients in clinical trials, new treatment options for IBD can be delayed or never become available.
Equally important to this process is having a diverse representation of patients that considers race, age or other categories. This helps researchers develop treatments that meet the needs of a vast IBD patient community.
If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, ask your doctor to help you find a trial that is right for you, and visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org to learn more about IBD and treatment options, including clinical trials.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
Just Thinking
By The Way
The Big Apple: A pig’s story
Emory Jones
My wife, Judy, was far more surprised than I was when a group of writers asked my pet pig, Cunningham, to address a recent meeting. Judy doesn’t keep up with writing trends like I do, but “Farm-to-Table Journalism” is a hot topic these days.
The gathering occurred on the top floor of that refurbished former grand hotel across the road from the famous Big Red Apple by the Cornelia train station. I’m sure you’ve seen it because that apple has worldwide appeal. Over in France, they call it the “Grosse Pomme Rouge.” You can look that up if you don’t believe me.
Naturally, Cunningham asked me to interpret for him at the meeting because not everyone is as fluent in Pig as I am. (It’s not bragging if it’s true.) Plus, he needed a driver.
Since pigs have little use for money, everyone agreed that Cunningham’s fee for this gig would be a large basket of Evercrisp apples— the overachiever of the orchard, as they say in their advertisement. I just made that up, but it would make a dandy little slogan, wouldn’t it?
When the speech wrapped up, the head newspaper person handed me Cunningham’s basket of Evercrisps, and we left to thunderous applause. (The applause came from a different meeting downstairs, but—with him being a pig and all—Cunningham didn’t notice.)
To avoid autograph seekers, he insisted we take the freight elevator down. I agreed since I had my hands full juggling the apple basket and my briefcase full of the fake mustache collection I’d recently scored on eBay. Hey, when you travel with a pig, as much as I do, you often need a quick disguise.
I herded us inside and mashed elevator button number one. It must have been labeled wrong because when we got off, we were on floor number two—a place we now know is off-limits to all pigs and most people. Meaning to retrace our steps, I mashed the outside elevator button, which made some little buzzer buzz but didn’t make the dad-blamed elevator door open.
I set the apples down to scratch my head over the situation. I had just spotted a crowbar when a static-filled voice came over the intercom system. “Who’s there?” the voice asked, scaring Cunningham so much he squealed like a pig.
“Just us,” I replied. “The pig had a speaking engagement upstairs. Now we can’t get the elevator door back open.”
“You need a key,” said the voice. “And put that crowbar down.”
Since I’d left my keys in the truck, I asked, “Well, is there another way out?”
“Yes. Take the hallway to the right,” the voice instructed. “Then take the next two lefts, turn right at the V, and keep going till you hit a wall.”
“Okay. Then what?”
“I don’t know. I’ve only been as far as the vending machine.”
“What if we get lost?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be here until 4:30.”
“What time is it now?”
“4:29.”
We felt our way down the spooky hallway until, after a brief stop at the vending machine, we ran into an exit door—literally. I put the basket down, and we bolted outside. But when I tried to open that door again to retrieve Cunningham’s apples, it was locked tighter than a five-year-old jar of pickles. So was every other entrance; by then, everybody had gone home, even the newspaper people.
Cunningham would have been down in the snout for days, but when we got home, he had a letter naming him Grand Marshal of next year’s first annual Lakemont Granny Smith Applesauce and Cider Parade.
He’s already practicing his hoof wave, bless his heart.
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 & Companym an Atlanta-based advertising agency. He has written seven books. Emory is known for his humor, love of history and all things Sounthern. He and his wife, Judy, live on Yonah Mountain near Cleveland, Georgia.
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292 Florida Ave. • Demorest
• Complete rehab project
• Rented & occupied
• Available to be shown by appointment only (Weekends)
Drive bys allowed but shopping requires an appointment • Seller is licensed agent
MLS 10414524 • $145,000
Cheryl Justus 706-982-9329
275 Maple Leaf Drive • Dillard
• 2/2 • 1240 SQFT • 40+-AC
• Mtn cabin in Spring Lake Community
• Ideal summer retreat
• Community lake and pavilion
• Scenic landscape tranquil setting
MLS 10378790 • $250,000
Kasie Campbell 706-982-4770
A Tradition of Trust
Spring Cove Trail • Lakemont
• 2.25+- AC peaceful mtn retreat
• Borders USFS land
• Three bedroom septic system installed
• Avoids $20,000+ in well drilling and soil tests
MLS 10414262
Debra Thornton 706-490-2712
173 Blacks Creek Dr - Clayton
• 2/1 • 908 SQ FT • .35 AC
• Charming 1950’s country cottage
• Original hardwood floors throughout
• Vacation, full-time or Investment property
MLS 10271489 • $175,000
Susan Rickman 706-490-2077
Kelli Barnes 706-982-2111
251 Shakespeare Dr Unit 324 • Clayton
• 3BR/2BA Main-level unit w/ views
• Deck overlooking mtns
• Bright great room w/ new French doors
• Upgraded kitchen w/ new appliances
MLS 10385304 • $264,000
Ken Fortney 706-461-1133
Under Contract
153 Stornaway Dr. Unit 5 • Clayton
• 2/2 • 1406 SQFT
• Two-bedroom, two-bath condo
• Top-end unit featuring a sunroom
• Covered porch
• Near downtown Clayton
MLS 10400136
Kelli Barnes 706-982-2111
• Lot 17: 1.22 AC (Tax #7409719651)
• Lot 18: 1.06 AC (Tax #7409718429)
• Lot 19: 0.93 AC (Tax #7409717345) MLS 10424867 $55,000 Jim Blalock 706-490-1404
166 Barnyard Lane • Clayton
• 2/1 Fixer-upper • 1 +/- AC
• Few miles west of Clayton off Hwy 76
• Private in tight knit neighborhood
• Large front porch • Ample parking
• Suitable for full-time, vacation or rental
MLS 10401913 • $210,000 Roger Glenn 770-312-7940
44 Travelers Lane • Clayton
• 3/2 • 1,128 SQ FT • Open floor plan
• Walking distance to Clayton
• Year-round views from large porch
• Ideal for STR or primary residence
• Custom Cabinetry
MLS 10327114 • $323,500
Tony Politano 727-422-2966
12 Freedom • Clayton
• 2/2 1176 SQFT • .50 AC
• Walk to Clayton
• Backyard free standing carport
• Great room with high ceiling • Spacious loft
• Well-maintained property being sold “As Is”
MLS 10387860 • $380,000
Ronnie Owings 404-702-3629
356 Orchard View • Lakemont
• 3/2 1736 SQ FT 1.2+-AC
• Real log cabin • Brand-new roof
• Custom kitchen cabinetry
• Pine floors throughout
• Covered back porch
MLS 10356211 • $380,000
Penny Ramey 706-490-1610
38 Atlanta Lane • Clayton
• 3/2
• 824 SQFT • Large screened porch
• Located close to Lake Burton
• Charming cabin/bungalow
• Deck and hot tub • Fire pit
• Zoned for short-term rentals
MLS 10413748 • $399,000
Scott Poss 706-490-2305
137 Squaw Valley Ln. • Dillard 2/2 • 1,400 SQ FT
• Beautifully updated mtn home
• One-level living w/ private bath
• Quartz countertops, New appliances
MLS 10411331 • $425,000
Nate Conkling 407-876-0242
Robyn Conkling 407-717-6971
104 Harmony - Rabun Gap
• 3BR/3BA Mtn cabin in the Wolffork Valley
• Mother-in-law suite downstairs w/ separate entrance
• A carport & a one-car garage
• Close to outdoor activities
MLS 10386808 • $449,500
Ann Inman 256-622-0334 Price Improvement
31 Creekside Lane • Clayton
5 /3.5 • 2.29 +-AC
• Three homes on this property
• Wood burning fireplace
• Rental Income opportunities
• 3 outbuildings, fire pit, & workshop
MLS 10397312 • $695,000
Tiffany English 706-490-1012
This heart-of-the-valley
317 Westwind Trl
Deerfield
• Solid bones and timeless charm
MLS 10414093 • $495,000
Joanna Radford 706-490-2724
104 Hamby St • Clayton
• 1634 SQFT .19+-AC • 3/3
• Craftsman home w/ fireplace
• Open-concept w/ custom kitchen
• Outdoor entertainment area
• Versatile for investment or personal use
MLS 10420318 • $740,000
Kevin Croom 706-982-1371
73 Cannon St • Clayton
• New build w/ modern rustic accents
• Open concept w/ large loft
• Granite counters • concrete island
• Modern electric fireplace
• Spacious master suite
MLS 10423604 • $499,000
Sam Rumsey 706-982-9673
5192 Wolffork Rd • Rabun Gap
• 21.32 AC w/ stunning views of mtns
• Fenced open land w/ natural springs
• Historic barn w/ living quarters and carport
• New septic system for 3 BR for possible expansion
MLS 10232926 $895,000
Nic Poss 706-982-0872
JANUARY FEATURED HOME - 784 Wolffork Church Rd • Rabun Gap
