The Laurel of Northeast Georgia by The Laurel of Northeast Georgia

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WELCOME

the

laurel of

Northeast Georgia

January 2022 • Volume Nineteen • Issue One

from the Publisher Dare I say Happy New Year? The past couple have been a bit dicey but I have faith that this one will be better. Maybe it’s about what we make of it. A great friend once told me “Look for the good in each day, it’s always there but you might have to seek them out or even make them happen.” Pretty good advice! So it is 2022, a new start to improve our lives, to make things happen and to be good humans. My goal this year is to keep things in perspective, talk less and listen more, finding the good in people, showing grace to others and just leaving a positive mark on the world. I’ll be growing deeper in my faith, trying to lose weight and looking for opportunities to help others. What is your plan? This year maybe if we all resolved to shop with local small businesses more, even if it costs a little more, the investment in your community is so worth it. Be sure to get out and explore a bit during these colder months because the views are even more amazing! Try out the recipes you find in this issue and enjoy the history, if your feedback tells me anything it’s that you already do. We’ll hope for a snow day or two and be sure to take a lot of photos and share them with us. We appreciate all of our readers so much and I want to say thanks for reading and enjoying the magazine, it means so much to us. A special thanks to our advertisers. We realize that without you, we would not exist, truth is this is your magazine. You support the community when you support the Laurel. From the bottom of our hearts we offer gratitude to you. Readers, please let our local businesses know that you appreciate it too. I think I’ll do it, I think I am going to wish you a Happy New Year! We’ll do what we can to make it a good one. Be a blessing, Tracy

The Laurel of Northeast Georgia Mailing: PO Box 2218 - Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 2511 Highway 441 Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com Contributing Writers: Emory Jones; Jan Timms; Lorie Thompson; Dick Cinquina; Amanda Howard Pileski, PhD; Brad Speed, DVM; Irene Faith; John Hutcheson

STAFF Publisher/Editor - Marketing - Tracy McCoy Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Graphics - Lucas McCoy Marketing & Office Manager - Cindi Freeman Assistant Office Manager - D’Anna Coleman Sales Associate / Writer - Michael Detrick Writer - John Shivers Photographer / Writer - Peter McIntosh

Copyright 2022 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine is published twelve times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to GML magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Georgia Mountain Laurel maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.

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Contents

Arts & Entertainment 10 14

Cover Artist – Lisa Taylor Take a Class - The Art World is Calling...

Southern Cuisine 18 20 24

Bon Appétit Local Character(s) Bring on the Herbs...

18 Laurel Homes 30 34

Distinguished Home for Discerning Buyer Blend of Styles - Fantastic Living

Faith in Christ

62 Live Healthy and Be Well 52 56

Primal Freedom Question and Answer Mental Health – Resolve to have a True New Beginning... Pet Health – Responsibilities of a Pet Owner

Around Town 62 65 66 67

Michael on the Map Holistic and Wellness Expo Wedding Planning FAITH Sweetheart Ball

Looking Back 68

Rabun County Historical Society – Law and Order The Foxfire Museum – C.P. Ligon

Just Thinking 74

By The Way

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38 40 42

R4G – Rabun For the Gospel River Garden Explore Faith

Outdoorsy 46 50

Adventure Out Hit the Trail

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THE ARTS

On Our Cover – My Friend, Lisa Taylor

By Tracy McCoy

he first day I met our cover artist for January, we were both working in the beauty industry and we ended up employed at the same salon. Her petite stature and quiet demeanor were very misleading. Looking around the salon we decided we needed some shelves, the next morning when I drove in to the parking lot, her truck was backed up to the front door. I walked up and she said, “Hey, hold that board.” She hit the button and the skill saw began making its way across the 1x12 pine shelving board. When the saw stopped I asked, “What are you doing?” With the sweetest smile she said, “We needed shelves didn’t we? We are building them.” Wide-eyed I did whatever she told me, while she built shelves. This is a friendship that began that day in 1988 and she is still on my top ten list today. If there is something that she can’t do, I’ve never seen it. She gave a mean haircut, built amazing shelves, drew the plans for her first home and helped build it. She has done that again and again. When it comes to interior decorating, she puts that dark-headed girl with the silly husband to shame. She loves the outdoors, especially with a stick in her hand exploring trails. It’s where she finds peace and time with God. She has a heart of gold, a tough exterior, a laugh that is infectious and laughs till she cries. She is beautiful and doesn’t know it. I want to share with you, my friend Lisa Taylor.

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She was born in New York but didn’t stay long before her family moved to Woodstock, Georgia. She is the only sister to three brothers and that might explain a lot. “One time my dad handed me a saw and he said cut that sheet of plywood lengthwise. Well, I am short there was no way I could run that saw all the way to the other end. I hopped up on it and cut it all the way to the end before hopping back down,” she told me laughing. Lisa is a do’er and if you aren’t, you better get outta the way! It’s as if she has a list of things she hopes to experience in life and when she’s done, she’s done and onto the next thing on the list. Always learning and improving, she honestly rides life like a cowboy with eight seconds on the clock. Not trying to beat a dead horse, just want you to get the picture. You have to grasp the pace with which she goes, to understand how amazing it is that she sits down to paint. A painting doesn’t always move at your pace, sometimes it forces you to sit there and wait for the next stroke to come. This has been a challenge and my friend likes a challenge. Her canvas is a board, her brush a pallet knife and her style is gloriously messy, and she likes it that way. A perfectionist at her core she stated that, “Painting gave me the freedom to not be perfect. I want my paintings to evoke emotion and to have texture. I was inspired to paint when I attended one of Rabun Martin’s painting classes. I was driven to explore art and I am not over it yet.” She continued, “I absolutely love the art of Susie Pryor. That impressionistic art is what I want to create.” Lisa has always had a fondness for old barns, but I wonder who doesn’t. She paints a lot of barns, buildings and landscapes. She enjoys exploring colors and mixing paints mentioning reds, blues, greens and purple among her favorites. “I remember someone told me one time, ‘whatever you do with your hands, you’ll be good at’. There must have been something to that. I love to work with my hands. Making time to paint is my biggest challenge at this point. I do take commissions, so I make time to get those done. I just stay busy.” Lisa works with homeowners to decorate their homes or re-decorate their homes. She has done much of her work in the mountain lake communities in Rabun and Towns Counties. She has a gift for making things beautiful. What she has can’t be taught. I asked what was next? Had she thought of exploring pottery or other art forms and she said maybe, with a smile. Pottery had peaked her interest but she wasn’t sure how to fit it in at this point. When I am 95 sitting on the porch at my assisted living home, Lisa will be the old lady with running shoes on that jogs by each day and waves. Thank God for great friends! Lisa and her husband Gary live near Tiger, Georgia. Gary’s son Dallas has given them a grandchild. They attend North Mt. Zion Church of God in Hiawassee, Georgia where Gary plays music. If you are interested in a commissioned piece of art or see something you like here contact Lisa by e-mailing gltaylor@windstream.net. January 2022 - www.gmlaurel.com - 11

Finding Art

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. Thomas Merton

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THE ARTS

Take a Class! The Art World is Calling…

By Tracy Mccoy

ou have it in you; I know you do. Creativity is the topic and you are the you I am talking to. Maybe you haven’t held a paintbrush in your hand since art class in school or have never touched wet clay, but somewhere deep you want to. What on earth is keeping you from jumping in with both feet. Is it wood that you love? Carving or burning or building… who doesn’t love the smell of fresh cut wood. Art is good for the soul and 2022 is the year for you to buy the yarn, the paint or the tools that you’ll need to get started! Taking classes led by other artists is a great way to get the fever. There are locations throughout the area that offer them so sign up! Plan a girls’ night out event at one of the studios where classes are given. Sunshine and Sawdust (near and dear to my heart) is offering wreath classes, sign making and various classes. Cindi Freeman is a great teacher, and her classes are relaxing and enjoyable. Learning from Cindi is like spending time with a friend and she is scheduling classes now. Give her a call at 706-982-0216 or visit @sunshineandsawduststudio on Facebook.

New to Dillard is Gallery 441. Sally Kolb has assembled an amazing group of great artists and they also offer classes. Check their facebook page for upcoming events. There are some exciting things happening in this art community. 14 - www.gmlaurel.com - January 2022

Just a few miles north, in Otto, North Carolina, you’ll find Fire & Light Glass Studio, where John Phillips offers classes in glass art and now ceramics. John is an excellent teacher and inspires your imagination! You’ll be amazed by what you can do with glass! Fire and Light Glass studio sells many supplies for artist as well. In Clayton, artist Rabun Martin hosts classes at Lulu & Tully’s Mercantile on Main Street. Rabun is an energetic artist whose classes are fun and exciting. For info visit www. rabunmartinart.com/create In Hiawassee and your own living room you can join Jane at Funkiture Gifts & DIY Studio. On Facebook Jane goes live teaching classes and demonstrating the coolest new techniques in art. Visit Jane and Anna on Facebook (@ FunkitureGiftsAndDIYStudio) for more info or visit www. funkituregifts.com to buy your supplies! In Franklin, North Carolina on Main Street, The Dusty Pallet offers private parties. Artist/Owner Matt Taylor teaches all skill levels and the gallery is a treat with many great gift items! For more info visit @thedustypallet on Facebook or www.thedustypallet.com. So what are you waiting for, the time is now to find your creativity. The art world is calling… and you must go!

9 SOUTHERN CUISINE

Bon Appétit - Whew We Made it to 2022! By Scarlett Cook

ell we made it to 2022 and I hope everyone is doing well or at least better than last year. If the past two years have taught us anything it is not to take our health for granted. If you made any New Year’s resolutions, I bet one of them was to get in better shape or at least to eat healthier. It is not that hard to eat better and with just a few changes you can adapt your eating habits to get to a new you. These “healthy” recipes don’t taste like they lack anything but pack loads of flavor and not too many calories. Spaghetti Bolognese 8 Servings

1 Medium onion, chopped 2 – 3 Garlic cloves, minced 1 1/4 Cups chicken stock 1 Pound ground turkey 1 28-Ounce can diced tomatoes 1 Teaspoon dried basil 1 Teaspoon dried oregano 4 Tablespoons tomato sauce 1 Pound button mushrooms, chopped 2/3 Cup red wine 1 Pound spaghetti Salt and pepper to taste Put the chopped onion and garlic in a saucepan with half of the chicken stock. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is tender and stock is reduced by half. Add the turkey and cook for 5 minutes breaking up the meat with a fork. Add the tomatoes, dried spices and tomato paste. Bring to a boil and cover and simmer for 1 hour. In another saucepan cook the mushrooms with the wine for 5 minutes or until the wine has evaporated. Add the mushrooms to the meat and add salt and pepper. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and top with the sauce.

Marinated Cucumber Salad 6 Servings 2 Medium cucumbers 1 Tablespoon salt 1/2 Cup sugar 3/4 Cup cider vinegar 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a colander, sprinkling salt between each layer. Pour the colander over a bowl and set aside to drain for 1 hour. Thoroughly rinse the cucumbers under cold running water to remove excess salt; pat dry and place on paper towels. Heat the sugar and vinegar over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Put the cucumbers in a bowl, pour the vinegar mixture over them and allow to marinate for 2 hours. Drain the cucumbers and sprinkle with the dill and black pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

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Snow Capped Apples 4 Servings 4 Granny Smith apples 6 Tablespoons orange marmalade 2 Egg whites 4 Tablespoons sugar Preheat oven to 350°. Core the apples and score through the skins around the middle with a sharp knife. Place the apples in a greased baking dish and spoon 1 tablespoon marmalade into the center of each. Cover and bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until tender. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Whisk in the sugar and fold in the remaining marmalade. Spoon the meringue over the apples and return to the oven for 10 – 15 minutes or until golden.

“Moderation. Small Helpings. Sample a Little Bit of Everything. These are The Secrets of Happiness and Good Health.” – Julia Child

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9 SOUTHERN CUISINE Local Character(s) By Lorie Thompson

his corner of the World is rich in natural beauty. The wild and scenic Chattooga and the upper reaches of the Tallulah are two of the most beautiful mountain rivers you will ever see. From the peak of Rabun Bald to the depths of Tallulah Gorge, this area has extraordinary natural features. But, the real treasures of this area are the people. The heart and soul of the mountains are in the people who call this place home. We have so many unique people in the area. Some you might consider being a “character” and others who are the epitome of “good character.” Let me start this series off by telling you about one of the best people you will ever meet, Nan Holcomb. She has good character and is a Rabun County treasure. When I list my blessings, having Nan as a sister is one of the items at the top of the list. We have always been close and counted on each other. She was my playmate as a child. The person I looked up to as a teenager. My confidant as a young married woman and new mother. My help as we cared for and buried our parents. My lifelong friend. Nan is known as the baby whisperer. All babies love and bond with “Nanny Bug.” After many years spent working in the Tabernacle Baptist Church nursery, there is a whole

generation of kids she cared for now with children of their own. If you go by her office at Tugalo Gas Company on Main Street, you will probably find someone she took care of visiting and Nan with a baby on her lap. Nan has three grandchildren; Bryce, Ella, and Emma Kate. They are the light of her life! She is a wonderful Grandmother to them, teaching them to bake, cook and keep a good house. She had my two children with her often when they were young. My daughter Kendall would come home and tell me she and Nan would play princess, and Nan would be her servant. After a weekend with Aunt Nan, it would take me a week to get the “spoiled rotten” out of Kendall. Nan is a marvelous cook! There are several dishes that she has to make regularly for our family. Everyone wants her Mounds Cake for their birthday, and her meatballs are a requirement at every special occasion gathering. She has given me the recipes to share with you. If you follow her recipes and think loving thoughts about your family and friends while making them, they might be as good as Nanny Bug’s. Try it and see.

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 Thompson and Kendall Thompson.

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Mounds Cake 1 Duncan Hines German Chocolate Cake Mix Prepare the cake mix according to package directions making three layers. Remove layers from pan and cool to room temperature. Filling: 1 cup sugar 1 cup evaporated milk 1 14 oz. package of coconut One stick of butter Approx. 24 to 30 large marshmallows Bring the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the marshmallows and coconut. Stir and cool. Spread between layers. Icing: 1 box powdered sugar ½ cup cocoa powder ¾ stick butter 1/3 cup evaporated milk (to desired consistency) Sift powdered sugar and cocoa. Mix with butter, adding evaporated milk to spreading consistency. Frost top and sides of cake. Cover and store refrigerated.

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9 SOUTHERN CUISINE Tangy Meatballs Yield: 4 dozen

Local Character(s)

2 eggs 2 tsp salt 2 cups old fashioned oats ½ tsp pepper 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk ½ tsp garlic powder 1 cup chopped onion 3 lbs ground beef Sauce: 2 cups ketchup 1 to 2 tsp liquid smoke 1 ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ tsp garlic powder ½ cup chopped onion In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add oats, milk, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add beef and mix well; shape into 1 ½ in. balls—place in two 13 x 9 baking pans. Bake, uncovered at 375° for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and drain. Place all the meatballs in one of the pans. In a saucepan, bring all sauce ingredients to a boil. Pour over meatballs. Return to oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until meatballs are firm.

By Lorie Thompson

Nan and I have a lifetime of memories we share. Our family is still close and talks to each other almost daily. We grew up in Wiley, surrounded by family and friends. We have many family stories that we tell when we reminisce. One of the favorites includes being on a Christmas tree hunt in the deep, dark woods off of Lake Rabun and our Dad hollering for us to run while shooting his pistol in the air. “Bear! Bear! Run, run, girls!” Nan was the first to the pickup truck and locked the doors behind her as she climbed in, leaving me and my sister, Debra, standing outside the pickup truck crying. Daddy stood up the hollow doubled over with laughter—no bear in sight. Nan and I had helped Mama in the kitchen throughout summer canning season and thought we would do a little canning of our own. Daddy had an old school bus he converted into a camper, and we found a case of Mama’s canning jars stored in it. We picked all of the cucumbers out of the garden and took them to the camper. We sliced the cucumbers and packed them into the canning jars. We put the lid on them and set them up to “pickle.” Boy, were we in trouble when Daddy found the rotted mess in the jars. He made us clean all of the “pickle” jars. Nan will not touch a cucumber to this day. One year, Nan, our sister Debra, and I got a baby chick in our Easter baskets. We loved the little things to death, literally. We held a funeral and buried the baby chicks, lovingly placed into a shoebox. Debra read from the Bible, and having just been through the Easter Sunday service; we sang our little hearts out on “Up From The Grave He Arose.” I was young, and I still remember thinking that my sisters sang so beautifully that God might resurrect our baby chicks. I hope you will try Nan’s recipes. Let her sweet spirit shine in your cooking. When you are on Main Street, walk into Tugalo Gas Company and say hello to Nan. If you need someone to say a prayer for you, she is your person. She is a Rabun County treasure!

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9 SOUTHERN CUISINE

Bring on the Herbs and Let’s Make It a Spicy New Year

By Tracy McCoy

he Colonel knew it, our food needs herbs and spices. He used eleven in his Original Fried Chicken Recipe. I wonder if anyone really knows that formula. It’s like Pat Marcellino’s corn fritters… what I’d give for that recipe. I was raised to cook with lard or oil and salt and pepper. I don’t have a clue about Caraway or Tarragon. I have never done much with Marjoram or Fennel but I’ve always wanted to know more. So I made it my mission to educate myself a bit about the herbs and spices that can transform an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary one. I will share what I find with you and we can make it a spicy New Year.

typically taste different from their fresh varieties and can’t be substituted one-to-one. Use whole herbs at the beginning of cooking – like bay leaves - because it takes longer to draw out the flavor when they are whole. Gently bruise the leaves with your fingers to release more oils and increase flavor before dropping them in. When chopped, the cells of the herb leaves are broken open, which lets out the aroma. Chopped herbs are best used before serving. Learning how to use them is as important as where to use them. Too little and you won’t notice the flavor it adds and too much and it can overwhelm other flavors in the dish.

Chefs and great cooks almost always recommend buying whole spices and grinding them yourself. Whole spices retain their aromatic compounds much better than the ground kind. The reality is that most of us rely on ground spices in our kitchens for convenience sake. Having a mix of whole and ground spices that you’ll use up quickly will prevent a bunch of unused spices from deteriorating in your cabinet. I think we all have that bottle of cinnamon that we are sure is from Christmas two years ago.

My challenge has always been knowing which herbs and spices to use in which dish. Great cooks know and I want to be like them. I have over used salt and pepper to give food flavor, but if I knew which spices add what to a dish I could avoid adding so much salt.

In researching for this column I found that you can mellow the flavor of whole spices like mustard or cumin seed by toasting them in a pan until they pop. I read a recommendation of frying a mix of different ground spices in oil or ghee to blend the flavors and have on hand for cooking. Again there is a limited shelf life on this idea. Adding dates to your bottles of spices whether you buy them ground or grind them yourself is key to knowing you are using fresh, not compromised product. Spices are generally thought of as bark, fruit, or seed parts, while herbs are usually considered fresh plant leaves. But there are a few dried leaves that deserve a place in your spice cupboard and mine. Keep in mind that dried herbs 24 - www.gmlaurel.com - January 2022

Spices Allspice tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It is used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes, often used in pumpkin pie, spice cake and cookies; also ham, sausage and glazes. It’s the key ingredient in Jamaican Jerk seasoning. Anise has a licorice flavor that is sweet, mildly spicy, and very aromatic. It is 13 times sweeter than table sugar. It is used in baked goods such as Biscottis, but is also used in savory Middle Eastern soups and stews. Also Anise is used to flavor alcoholic drinks, coffees, teas and hot chocolates. Caraway is a member of the parsley family. Noted for its peppery, earthy and even citrusy flavors. It is used in sauerkraut, pork, and potato dishes. It can also be used in breads, cakes, meat dishes and pickles.

Cardamom’s warm, sweet, floral, and fruity flavor is essential to Arabic coffee and Chai tea. Its strong flavors often enhanced by smoking are often used in chowders, soups, curries and even cakes! Some take Cardamon for its health benefits. Celery Seed has a strong celery flavor. Try celery seed in pickles, sausages, and soups, or in a blend with salt to make celery finishing salt. Chiles are often eaten fresh, but drying them for the spice cabinet will concentrate their flavors. Excellent to flavor soups and stews, add some kick to pizzas, spicy pastas, and stir fries. How hot they are depends on the chili you choose. Cayenne is most common. I love and use Paprika in almost everything I prepare. A bit milder than some of the others. Cinnamon goes particularly well with sugar and is best known around my house as being the main ingredient in sweet rolls, but is also delicious on french toast, in apple pie, crisp and cobbler, and even candied bacon! Clove can easily overpower, but I love the smell. You can use in gingerbread, hot drinks such as mulled wine, chai tea and hot apple cider. Delicious in stewed pears or apples and pumpkin pie. Cumin will accentuate the sweetness of root vegetables, like carrots and beets. It enhances the savory flavor of meats like beef and lamb. Some true Chefs like to toast cumin to make cumin finishing salt. Dill seeds can be used whole or ground. The spice is used to flavor breads, soups and pickles. It works well in dips, enhances potato salad, deviled eggs and salad dressings. Sometimes added to cruciferous vegetables and even meat dishes. Fenugreek seeds can be toasted to reduce their bitterness. They can be added to a salad, or you can dry the seeds, grind them and sprinkle on meat to give it more flavor. Also Fenugreek can be ground into a paste and added to curry. Consuming Fenugreek has potential benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol. Ginger, when fresh, has a sharp bite. It has an aromatic compound that partly transforms into the sweeter zing when heated or dried, which is why the ground ginger we use in pumpkin pie, gingerbread, and gingersnaps, is so much less pungent than the fresh stuff. Ginger teas and candies are beneficial for stomach upset. Ginger is often added to glazes, sauces and marianades, said to brighten up a dish! Mace is often paired with nutmeg in spice mixtures for baked goods (donuts, cakes and pies) and meaty stews and braises. Mace has a sweeter, more refined flavor than nutmeg. Mustard seed works well to kick up the flavor of potatoes, legumes, chicken and seafood. Add it to the dressing for chicken, potato or cucumber salad. It can also be included in curries and bean dishes.

Nutmeg is used to season sweet potatoes, sprinkled on oatmeal or fruit and used in baking. This spice is also featured in eggnog, hot chocolate, coffees or teas. It also complements meat dishes and goes well with root vegetables. Peppercorns: Unlike with most other spices, there’s no real reason to buy pre-ground black pepper, since pepper mills are readily available and easy to use. Black, green, and white pepper all come from the fruits of the black pepper vine. They aren’t just for grinding and sitting beside the salt shaker. Added whole they bring gentle heat to your cooking. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, due to the painstakingly hand-harvested process that takes about 200 hours of labor per pound of dried saffron. A small pinch adds color, aroma, and flavor to rice dishes and other bland grains. When making desserts, saffron can tread anywhere vanilla does, such as custards and cookies. Turmeric, a ginger relative, adds bright orange-yellow sharp, earthy flavor that is reminiscent of pepper and mustard. It works well in curries but is often added to soups, eggs, dressing, and tossed in veggies. This spice has a compound called curcumin, said to be beneficial to reduce inflammation when taken daily. Arthritis sufferers regularly consume it, seeking relief for swollen and painful joints. There have been other health benefits touted from use of this powerful spice. Vanilla, which includes around 100 species, surprisingly has no scent when harvested. The pods must be damaged to release their aromas. Vanilla extract should be added towards the end of cooking since prolonged heat will cause the flavor to disappear. The flavoring is a popular addition to most baked goods. I use it a lot! We even bought some specialty vanillas like Mexican vanilla, Tahitian vanilla and Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. Herbs Basil has a sweet, sunny flavor, is versatile and the perfect compliment to tomato sauces. It also adds to green beans, peas, potatoes, chicken dishes and salads. Add at end of cooking time. Bay Leaves have a pungent, mint-like flavor. Dried leaves are widely available and can be added to stews, gumbos and sauces. The leaves and oil are also used to make medicines. Chives are made for more than to top a loaded baked potato. Their delicate onion flavor never overpowers. Use it at the end of cooking or as a final flavor garnish. Chop finely or snip with scissors. Great in salads, eggs, poultry dishes and in sauces. Cilantro is a love/hate herb. You either love it or you hate it. I am on the latter side because Cilantro tastes like soap to me. For those who love it, add it to all of your Mexican and Chinese dishes, salsas, chutneys, on chicken and pork and even in your salads. January 2022 - www.gmlaurel.com - 25

9 SOUTHERN CUISINE

Bring on the Herbs By Tracy McCoy

Marjoram is a member of the mint family and Oregano like, only sweeter. It’s often found in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. It works well to flavor fish stews, stuffings, carrots, greens, beans and egg dishes. Mint is strong, sweet and comes in different varieties. Peppermint and Spearmint are two that work great in teas, desserts, on lamb and fish and in salads. It complements Thai and Asian dishes as well. Oregano, an herb from the mint family too, is earthy and potent. It has a distinct taste and smell. Oregano is found in tomato sauces and Italian dishes. It can be used on lamb, chicken, pork and seafood. It is excellent mixed with lemon and complements eggplant. When this herb is dried it retains it’s good flavor. Parsley offers a clean bright flavor to foods. It’s good with almost any savory food, all seafood, beef, chicken and potatoes. This herb can be added to sauces, soups and salads. Fresh is better than dried. Rosemary is one of my favorites. Described as fresh, piney and pungent, a little goes a long way. Chop finely and use lightly. It is a must with poultry, potatoes, white beans, lamb, breads and fruit salads! Sage is mint-like, slightly bitter and can overpower other herbs. Add whole stems to soups and stews and remove when done. Chop whole leaves in very thin strips. Sage works well on pork, veal, sausages, poultry, stuffing and sauces. The dried herb has a much different flavor Savory is more than an adjective to describe something tasty. It is an herb reminiscent of Thyme. Savory can be used when preparing veal, pork, eggplant, tomatoes and stuffing. Tarragon has a licorice, lemony flavor. It is strong and best used alone or with parsley. When cooking veal, chicken, potatoes, mushrooms, tomato dishes and vinaigrettes, try adding some Tarragon. Thyme is a very versatile herb. It’s earthy and subtle flavor can be added to soups and stews. Use whole sprigs for maximum flavor. Pluck leaves and add at all stages of cooking. It is excellent in most dishes, especially seafood, poultry, pork, veal, tomato, vegetables and breads. Thyme retains good flavor when dried. I use this in my chicken and dumplings and it’s divine! So maybe, like me, you’ve learned some things you didn’t know from my research and will add some of these spices to your cabinet either in whole or ground forms. I look forward to experimenting with whole herbs and may even attempt to grown my own. I plan to experiment this year and research even more spices and herbs to add to my cooking. Hold on family, it’s gonna get spicy around here!

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HIRE A PRO

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Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. -Aristotle

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9 LAUREL HOMES

Wanted: Discerning Buyer for Distinguished Home By John Shivers

herokee Cove on the South end of Lake Burton is a highly sought after northeast Georgia location, thanks to its close proximity to Atlanta. Any home with five bedrooms, striking architectural elements both inside and out, with multiple living possibilities, is at the top of the desirable list. And the newly built waterfront home at 87 Lynchburg Lane in Clarkesville is a discerning structure in a distinguished location, searching for that one special buyer. Someone who will truly embrace and appreciate the home’s many attributes. Could you be that buyer? This JackBilt home sitting on 1.22± acres pays homage to its mountain lake setting by an inspired use of rustic, yet contemporary materials and design. But the magic is only beginning. Inside, the 6,040± square feet of living space on two levels, features warm, earthy interiors mixed with contemporary design elements that create a sophisticated, yet relaxed, environment. In addition to the five spacious bedrooms, there are five full baths and one half bath. The open layout was thoughtfully designed for entertaining, featuring plenty of spaces for indoor and outdoor gatherings. Little features illustrate the home’s commitment to entertaining. There are two dishwashers in the kitchen, and the walk-in pantry with 30 - www.gmlaurel.com - January 2022

counters and a sink help separate the clutter of preparation from the celebration itself. From the moment visitors step through the double front glass doors, thanks to precise placements of glass, the first thing that greets them is the lake view that changes with the seasons. Designed to take advantage of nature’s scenery and overlooking the lake, is the covered porch on the rear of the home, with a fireplace and bar and grill area. From the porch, custom masonry steps wind their way to the lakefront, passing by an outdoor fire pit along the way. Once at the water, a two-story deep water boathouse with open and covered space up top, and two stalls below, add to the entertainment potential. The great room and kitchen combination bask in the light from an entire window wall that looks out on the lake. The conversation area is centered around a custom designed stucco fireplace with a floating hearth, and the massive kitchen island with its incorporated breakfast bar, further enhances the possibilities for great living. An adjacent dining room with its own view and storage completes that area. In the kitchen itself, custom milled white oak cabinetry, with a definite nod toward the contemporary, houses a 48” Thermador gas range with a forged steel vent hood, and a

large island with an apron sink, along with a full complement of high end appliances. The chef’s every wish and need has been considered. Elsewhere on this main level is a guest bedroom with private bath. The master suite is contained in its own wing, and goes above and beyond that description. You’ll find a home office, along with vaulted ceilings, lake views, separate walk-in closets, and a spa-like bath, with white oak cabinetry, a shower with double heads, and separate soaking tub. The oversize laundry room is also located here. The terrace level family room with gas fireplace and bar area will accommodate multiple TVs, great for game day. Adjacent is a game room, and access to the partially covered patio outside. Three additional bedrooms, three full baths, a laundry closet and flexible space ideal for a gym or home theater complete this level. The 2022 summer lake season is less than five months away. But you can be ready if you purchase MLS# 20005573 now. Contact Leigh Barnet at Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain at 404-931-3636 or at the office, 706-2120228.

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HIRE A PRO

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9 LAUREL HOMES

Blend of Styles Delivers Fantastic Living By John Shivers

othing screams “mountain home” more than the iconic log cabin. Nothing screams comfortable living more than spacious room sizes, fantastic views, all the modern conveniences, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and an overflowing abundance of architectural charm. Blend all those factors, and you have the tri-level home at 135 Maize Mill Path outside Clarkesville, Georgia. Built in 2001 and meticulously maintained, this 3,354± square foot true custom home sits on 3.13± wooded hilly acres in the Grindstone Creek development just north of Clarkesville, not far from Tallulah Falls and Lake Rabun. A deep creek at the bottom of the hill adds yet another element of enjoyment for your kids, the dog, or even just yourself, when you need to “get away” for a few minutes. And from the vaulted great room with its wall of windows, and the outdoor deck across the back of the home, you can choose where to enjoy your morning cup of java without missing the view. This home was designed to flow the people. It will sleep and feed them as well. From the top level, which can wear multiple labels, you get to decide: Office? Library? Bonus space for the kids? Overflow sleeping space, or a true fourth bedroom with flexible space left over? Regardless of how you designate this square footage, you’ll find that the main

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level and the walk-out basement further add to this home’s long list of positives. In addition to the massive vaulted great room with a fireplace and dining room on the main floor, two bedrooms bookend the heart of the home and the mellow honey tones of the logs and beams emit a comfortable, homey “come sit a spell” character. The master suite features an oversize bath with separate shower and garden tub, and generous closet space. A second bedroom on this floor, on the other side of the house, and a full bathroom, make for easy daily living. This home offers multiple closets and other storage spaces throughout the three levels. The large open kitchen features custom craftsman wood cabinetry, newer appliances, center island with breakfast seating, all connecting to the dining area and great room. In addition to an abundance of cabinet work space and storage, a double oven, surface unit, dishwasher, microwave and large French door refrigerator make the chef’s job a labor of ease and love. A big laundry room / pantry is just off the kitchen, near the front of the home. The lower level of this house is infused with light and promise. The third bedroom that could double as an in-law suite is here, supported by a full bathroom, complete with the charm of an antique claw foot tub. Elsewhere on this

level, in addition to the two-car garage, is unfinished space that can do duty as a man-cave, a workshop, craft room or artist studio. The great thing is, this home is move-in ready, and any enhancements you might make will only make a great thing even better! This fully-livable home has a paved drive that leads from Maize Mill Path, making access easy year-round. An oversize twocar drive-under garage will shelter your vehicles, and make for easy access into the home, never mind what the weather is doing outside. An abundance of paved parking welcomes your guests, and there’s even room for an RV, boat, or other recreational vehicle. If your must-have list meshes with the many unique aspects of this log home that proudly proclaims its mountain inspiration, then you simply have to see MLS #20005114. Contact Dane Smith at 706-949-3792, or at the office at 706-782-2121.

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HIRE A PRO

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“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

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9 FAITH IN CHRIST

Idols of the Heart By John Hutcheson Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Church

hat comes to your mind when you hear the word idols? For most of us here in the West, we tend to think of images formed out of stone or wood or some kind of metal. We may think of the first and second of the Ten Commandments: 1) “You shall have no other gods before me,” and 2) “You shall not make for yourself a carved image…You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:3-5). For Christians here in the West, we are often guilty of assuming that we are good as far as these two commandments go because we don’t have those kinds of images, and we certainly don’t bow down to them as an act of worship or service to them. But idols, and these two commandments, are not limited to the afore mentioned images that many people in other parts of the world worship and look to as their gods. Brad Bigney, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Florence, Kentucky, has defined an idol as anything or anyone that has begun to capture my heart, my mind, and my affections more than God. With that definition, we can see very quickly how we can be guilty of idolatry, and thus, violators of the first two commandments, without ever praying to, bowing down to, or worshipping images of stone or wood. How, then, do we recognize these kinds of idols in our life? After all, we have very good inner lawyers that regularly rise to our defense to convince us that we are good people with whom God is generally pleased. When our words, or behavior, or attitudes are not really consistent with God’s truth, our inner lawyer rationalizes to us why we are justified in that behavior. And in the process, we remain blind to these idols and the resulting sins of word, behavior, and attitude. The key to identifying these often hidden idols is the mercy and grace of our loving Redeemer Who is relentlessly, patiently, and intentionally at work in us to restore to fullness the image of Christ which God put in us at creation but was marred and broken by the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden.

How does He do this? With surgical precision, our Redeemer orders events, circumstances, and people into our lives at exactly the right moment to reveal these idols to us. Ecclesiastes 7:14 instructs us, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other….” We are clearly told that both the day of prosperity and the day of adversity have their source in our Creator God. And through the days of adversity in particular, He is at work to reveal these idols that we are often blinded to ourselves—though often times those around us can recognize them in us, all the while blinded to their own—because of the deceitfulness of sin (see Jeremiah 17:9). While there are many idols of the heart we have to do daily battle with, I want to demonstrate three that are big ones for most of us much of the time with a text of Scripture that may be familiar to some. The goal is not to expound upon each in great depth with all the applications for us but to awaken us to the subtle ways the Enemy often keeps a hold on us in ways we don’t even recognize that keep us from being most effective in the kingdom of, and for the cause of, Christ. In Genesis 37:1-28 we read of the intense animosity and hatred Joseph’s brothers had toward him. Why did they hate him so? It was not primarily because of things he had done against them (other than giving their dad a bad report on some of them—v. 2), but because of the idols of their hearts. Personal conflicts are often the result of idols of the heart. Notice at least three from this text. The idol of Reputation (v. 1-2). Joseph passes along a bad report about Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (these are “the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah” as spelled out in Genesis 30). We are not told if Jacob asked for this report or if Joseph brought it on his own. Either way it didn’t help put him in the good graces of his brothers. Why? Because of the idol of reputation. As a general rule, we all care about our reputation. To be sure, there are some who are so coldhearted toward others, so numb to the Spirit of God and His truth, who have so seared their conscience to the point

John Hutcheson is the pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He grew up at Tabernacle while his dad, John Hutcheson, Sr., pastored it from 1977-2000. After high school, John moved away to prepare for ministry. This preparation included meeting and marrying Sarah, his helper in ministry, and completing a BA in Bible, an MS in Counseling, and an MA in Pastoral Studies. Prior to coming to Tabernacle in the Fall of 2015, he pastored in Ohio and served on church staffs in South Carolina and Missouri.. John and Sarah have three girls, Hailey, McKenzie and Macy. His desire is to see people become God-exalting, Christ-loving, disciple-making believers.

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of not feeling or being concerned about what others think, but that’s not most of us. As a general rule, we want people to think well of us. In fact, we will often go to great lengths, even wrong ones, to get people to think well of us, even if it’s not an accurate reflection of the real us! Joseph’s brothers are none too thrilled with him and this bad report he brought to their dad because their image/ reputation took a hit. Thus, there was conflict. The idol of Affection (v. 3-4). This was an idol of Jacob’s evidenced by his obvious favoritism for Joseph over his other sons. He didn’t try to hide it. It was obvious to everyone. Why the favoritism? Because Joseph was the first-born of Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife. Jacob’s favoritism among the mothers of his twelve sons and among his sons were the result of his idol of affection and caused great havoc and destruction in this family and their relationships. But it was also an idol of the other brothers because they craved the affection Joseph received. They were bitterly jealous to the point they hated him and couldn’t carry on a normal, peaceful conversation. This isn’t just teenage immaturity—Joseph was seventeen and they were older. This is straight-up adult envy and hatred. They couldn’t stand him. The idol of Position (v. 5-11). Joseph had these dreams that indicated there would come a time when Joseph would be in a position of rulership over his brothers. And for guys who already hated him because of their father’s favoritism, this only added fuel to the fire. To think that their little brother who they hated would be in a position of rulership over them was beyond the pale. The last thing they wanted was to have to bow down to him and submit to him. It was infuriating! This is the idol of position. And of course, we know that came true years later in Egypt. And the irony is the brothers unknowingly had a direct role in that when they, out of intense hatred for him, sold him to traders who took him to Egypt. These are just 3 idols—there are many besides these that we deal with—and we could say a lot more about these three. But my prayer is that you will begin to ask God to show you the idols of your heart so you can recognize them, repent of them, and allow Christ to rule every area of your heart and life. If you would like to read more on this topic, I encourage you to get Brad Bigney’s book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols. Be prepared to be humbled and convicted. But most of all, you will find great hope in the Gospel!

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9 FAITH IN CHRIST

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9 FAITH IN CHRIST

Explore God by Tracy McCoy

e recommend that you explore the mountains, rivers, lakes, towns, and businesses. We encourage you to explore ways to stay healthy and be well. I’ve heard it a hundred times, “There is just something here in the mountains.” When looking at what makes these mountains so special look no further than faith. There is a deep and abiding faith here. It’s entrenched in nature and in the people who call this home. Families that began here spent time in prayer, reading God’s word and being good stewards with all that God gave them. When they barely had enough, they took from what they needed and shared it with family and friends. It goes back to the way Jesus lived. They gathered in fellowship, sometimes traveling for miles when travel wasn’t easy. When they couldn’t meet, the worshipped in their home. Today, things are much different. We watch church on our computers, worship through music in our cars, we can read the Bible on our phones and often our church pews are empty. Fellowship is sometimes lost, those hugs, handshakes, and back slaps don’t happen when we worship online. Fellowship does however happen in places like Walmart, on the hiking trail, in restaurants, on back porches and pickup trucks on dusty dirt roads. Wherever two or more are gathered in His name, He is there. Our God can not be contained in four walls and He is not looking for an hour or two a week with you. He wants to wake up with you and watch you fall asleep. When you can’t find the keys, are running late, worried about 42 - www.gmlaurel.com - January 2022

your child or smack dab in the middle of your happy place, He is there. Your smallest concerns can be brought to Jesus. He wants you to recognize Him in all of the blessings that happen throughout your day. If you will acknowledge Him in all your ways, then He will direct your paths. Now don’t think I am saying you don’t need to go to church, that singing, fellowship and preaching is food for our souls. I am trying to say that a God relationship extends beyond the four walls and is easier than ever to begin. There isn’t a single one of us who’ll see Heaven without it. It’s a New Year and we will all be pondering what changes we’d like to make in 2022, I plan to seek God, to trust Him, to work on my relationship with Him. To put God first, not because I have to but, because I want to. My life is complete when I spend time with Him. The Bible asks us why do we worry about what you’ll wear, eat or need? God knows what you need and he takes care of even the smallest most insignificant creatures, why wouldn’t he take care of His children? If you have not explored a relationship with God through Christ Jesus this might be the year to do that. Start with talking to Him. Find a friend to talk with about what it’s all about or find a church to attend, I bet you’ll get that hug or handshake. Look for places to serve others. Go to the top of the mountain and ask God to show you that He is real and ask Him to show you His love for you. Explore faith in Christ this year, it’ll change your life. If you are looking for a church please visit our website www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com for a list of area churches.

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OUTDOORSY

Adventure Out - The Unicoi Lake Trail By Peter McIntosh

very autumn for the last several years I’ve had the privilege of speaking to the students enrolled in the Photography Program at North Georgia Technical College. My talk focuses on the do’s and don’ts of backcountry photography, and landscape photography in general. Afterwards I give the students an assignment; to provide the photos for my “Adventure Out” article. This time the assignment was a pair of destinations, located near each other just outside of Helen, the Unicoi Lake Trail and Anna Ruby Falls. As you can see, the photos are terrific and while I’d like to take credit for teaching these kids, that honor goes to their dedicated instructors, Jim Loring and Melissa Henderson. They head up the photography program and it’s a really great place to learn all things camera. We start with Unicoi Lake Trail. This is a 2.5 mile loop trail that follows the shoreline around the beautiful 53 acre lake in Unicoi State Park. This trail is mostly level with a few small hills thrown in for good measure. In case you were wondering, Unicoi is a Cherokee word meaning hazy or fog draped, and I think these mountains are especially stunning when there is some fog clinging to the ridges. And there are lots of fishing / photography docks along this pathway giving you various perspectives of the lake. Before you set out on this trail, I strongly recommend you stop at the visitor’s center and pick up a tree identification

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guide. These handy booklets are free and correspond to numbered markers along the lake trail. It’s a great way to learn about the trees in the north Georgia mountains. (You can also learn about the various amenities and activities offered at this beautiful state park.) There are several places to access this loop trail, one of which is from the parking area on the west side of the dam. One reason this is a good place to start and stop is that there are restrooms at this location. The path winds along the lakeside, into coves and out to points and, as I mentioned earlier, there are lots of docks built out into the lake. Another cool feature of this trail is the floating bridge near the swimming beach. Now onward and upward to Anna Ruby Falls. Technically, the waterfall is located on forest service property just outside of the park but you have to go through the park to get there. At the parking area (this is a fee area where you pay $3.00 per person in your vehicle, so bring some ones. And your State Park Pass isn’t accepted here.) there is a nice interpretive center with a viewing platform overlooking Smith Creek. There are restrooms at this facility and a chainsaw carved sculpture of Smokey Bear. The trail to the falls is above the center and is a paved walkway which follows along Smith Creek for 4/10 mile to the base of the cascade with some very nice observation platforms. And although this is a short walk, it is steep in places. Fortunately, there are numerous informative markers along the way where you can learn

Brennan Newell

Zachary Taylor

Brennan Newell

Sophie Kovitz

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OUTDOORSY

continued from page 47

about the flora and fauna and catch your breath at the same time. There are also a few well placed stone benches on this trail if you want to rest your feet and enjoy the clear and noisy stream. After crossing the creek a couple of times on safe, wide bridges we come to the base of the cascade. Anna Ruby Falls is actually two separate cascades, Curtis Creek is the 160 foot falls on the left and York Creek is the 50 foot cascade on the right. These two creeks come together at the base of the falls forming Smith Creek. And both of these sparkling streams start out from springs high up on the ridges of Tray Mountain. This stunning waterfall is named after Anna Ruby Nichols, the daughter of Colonel John H. Nichols who purchased this land sometime after the Civil War. So enjoy your hike and enjoy these photos by some very talented photographers in the making. Sarah Parrish

Happy New Year and Happy Hiking!

Bailey Stone

Davis White

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Syara White

And as we start the year anew, here’s my first poem of 2022: It’s a brand new year so lets take a break, To see falling water and a sweet mountain lake. But if you’re thinking this might not be prudent, Be inspired by the photos from these talented students. Getting there: From Burton Dam Road and GA 197 go 3 miles to GA 356. Turn right on 356 and go about 8 miles to Unicoi State Park. Unicoi State Park: www.gastateparks.org/unicoi 706-878-2201

Jess Eash

N. Georgia Tech Photography Program: https://northgatech.edu/programs-ofstudy/photography To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com

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.

Ashley McClellan

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

Carson Sprinkle

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OUTDOORSY

Hit the Trail By Michael Detrick

ne of the best things about the mountains is the everchanging landscape, and one of the best ways to enjoy that landscape is to lace up and hit the trail. Whether you are a seasoned hiker with specialized boots getting craggy and scrambling up steep inclines, or more of a novice in some trusty old sneakers walking a more moderate winding path, the forests of north Georgia and beyond offer a seemingly never-ending network of trails to explore, regardless of how mild or intense an adventure you desire. The physical benefits of hiking are expectedly striking. Not only does hiking build stronger muscles, particularly in the legs, it also activates the core, and ultimately provides a fantastic full-body workout. (Taking to a trail with noticeable up and down gradients equates to doing hundreds of lunges.) You can also expect to strengthen bones, stabilize joints, and improve your sense of balance by a good jaunt in the woods. These benefits – coupled with the abundant intake of all that fresh forest air – are known to promote and improve heart health and decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems. Open up those mighty lungs and breath deep! The thrills and benefits of hiking extend into the mental compass as well. As the twisty terrain offers surprises

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around every corner – be it in the form of a secluded glen, a rambling creek, a breathtaking vista, or a roaring waterfall – so compelling are the effects of taking in the sights, smells, and feelings of nature, they can even be prescribed by a doctor, and in 1996, the term “ecotherapy” was coined. Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy (which is quite simply “quality time in the outdoors”) has been shown to reduce stress, calm anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression. Spending time in the wild can also boost creativity as it opens up your senses to your surroundings and improves sensory perception. Hiking is a great time to unplug, quieten a busy mind, and let nature take over you. And perhaps one of the very best things about hiking (save for the nominal entry fees National Parks may charge for the upkeep of their trails and facilities) is that it is free, providing a rich reminder that this Earth in its natural form is all of ours to enjoy. There is an abundance of literature available (in books and periodicals, as well as free pamphlets provided by National Parks and Forests), to read up on to help you decide what hikes would be best for you based on your fitness level and goals. So, lace up, make a checklist of items you’ll want for the day, check the weather, and hit the trail!

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”-C.S. Lewis

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9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL Talking with Misty Williams of

- Primal Freedom By Tracy McCoy

ne thing we all do this time of year is think about what we want to change in the coming year. For me it’s always losing the weight, being healthier is the ultimate goal, but it’s not easy. Misty teaches that it can be as simple as eating well and preparing food differently. She and I have spent some time together and I find her knowledge is abundant and just makes sense. Most eating plans focus on your why; Misty has taught me to focus on the why. When you better understand what you are consuming you realize there are reasons why it’s not what’s best for you. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she is easy to talk with. So I posed some questions to her and she has provided some excellent answers. Q. What does it mean to be a certified health coach? A. A Certified Primal Health Coach, like all well-trained health coaches, is a wellness expert who educates, motivates and guides clients toward lifestyle and behavior choices that support optimal well-being. But Primal Health Coaches go a step further. They collaborate with clients to create lives of maximum vitality using nutrition and fitness strategies based on scientifically validated ancestral health principles. The primal approach brings wellness back to the basics—eating, moving, living, and thriving as our bodies were designed to. Q. What areas can a health coach help with? A. A health coach guides the overarching process— from clarifying the client’s vision to defining strategies for maintaining success once he/she has attained his/her goals. Armed with holistic knowledge of how fitness, nutrition and lifestyle influence well-being, a health coach works with clients to design an inclusive, flexible and responsive plan to move daily practices toward healthy choices. Q. What is the number one lifestyle change that everyone would benefit from? A. Making the time to shop and prepare your own meals. We have left this up to others and the fast food industry to our detriment. The methods of cooking that I teach are game changers! I hope to help people find joy in preparing their own meals. It is a special time to be experienced with family and friends. Q. What part does exercise play in overall good health? A. It is crucial to our overall health to have a well balanced exercise regimen. When it comes to exercise our main focus

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should be to maintain fitness, muscle mass, the viability of connective tissue, and bone mineral density. Q. What seems to be the #1 obstacle for people when deciding to take control of their health? A. The #1 obstacle for people is having patience long enough to experience true results, growth and change. We can’t hit the easy button. We have been hitting it for years... how is it working for us? Q. How much water should we really be drinking? Is it OK to mix in flavoring packets or is there a flavored water you recommend? A. I am of the “Drink to Thirst” strategy. It is very individual on how much is needed. I think it is important to be in tune with your body and notice thirst sensations and respond to those. Some days you might need less or considerably more. You should also make appropriate adjustments for other factors like climate and exercise and adjust as needed. It is ok to add flavor packets, just avoid ones that contain sugars or artificial sweeteners. I like using essential oils like lime, lavender, lemon and bergamot to add flavor. It is important to add mineral water to your list as well for added minerals. Q. We’ve heard about Cortisol and other hormones that contribute to belly fat, is that a definite obstacle when trying to get fit? A. It can be. The constant release of cortisol, our star of the hormonal show, eventually causes major functions in the body to shut down or operate at only a subpar level – immune function, digestion, endocrine function, etc. This can lead to insulin resistance and the build-up of body fat.

Q. Do you teach your clients how to shop, cook and eat for better health? A. Yes! I give clients grocery lists, recipes, methods of cooking, a kitchen tool kit list and I also give cooking lessons if needed! Q. What program do you teach the people you work with? A. The Primal Blueprint. Q. Why is this plan sustainable? You speak of “the why” can you tell me a bit more about that? A. I believe it is sustainable because it is not a “diet”, it is a way of life. The way we were intended to live. The Primal Blueprint aligns with the lifestyle and diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, who were naturally slim and fit, and weren’t faced with the modern health conditions that plague us today. Ancestral health gets us back to eating real, whole foods, and moving as humans were meant to move, and sleeping and living according to our natural rhythms, all of which foster maximal health. I will always give you the “why” throughout the program. I give you the science that backs up the reasons that following this lifestyle will lead to optimal human health. Misty Williams is a Certified Primal Health Coach. She is dedicated to helping her clients find the freedom to be well. Her program is a 12 week educational plan teaching clients how to navigate the grocery store, cook healthier and to choose wisely. Her clients are experiencing healthy reductions in weight and improved wellness. Misty and her husband Shane Williams are the owners of Root Down Cross Fit located at 811 Hwy 441 in Clayton, Georgia. To reach Misty please call 706-768-7049 or visit Primal Freedom www.primalfreedom.square.site or Root Down Crossfit www.rootdowncsf.com. You may also find them on social media.

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9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL Resolve to Have a TRUE NEW BEGINNING Beyond Diets and Goals this year By Amanda Howard Pileski, PhD

sually, I think of a topic of importance weeks in advance of my deadline, but January articles always seem to take me the longest. Themes of behavior change (New Years resolutions) and transitions (new beginnings) may seem perfectly suited for a psychologist, but such titles give me a bad case of writer’s block. I guess that is because these “how to” guides are so cliché and overdone in pop culture. Please do not misunderstand, behavior change and adjustment to life transitions are topics I love to explore in the therapy office when given specifics of a case. The generic “fresh start new year” list, on the other hand, seems only to evoke feelings of boredom and disinterest if I am honest. If you are interested in this type of information, I would encourage you to do a general google search on SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound). This type of psychological advice is what I would like to call “necessary, but insufficient alone” in helping you live the life you want. In a metaphor, I would say these are a band aid, which may provide you with some initial excitement over the possibility of change. The real infection below the surface, however, is your refusal to think outside the box…to imagine possibilities beyond the restriction of how you are currently viewing the world.

I would like to use the famous candle task by German psychologist Karl Duncker to illustrate a problem I see repeatedly in my practice. Given the picture provided, participants were asked “How can you fix the lighted candle to the wall without the wax dripping onto the table?” When this experiment is presented as shown (with the tacks in the box), participants try things like tacking the candle to the wall or melting some of the candle’s wax to use as an adhesive to stick the candle to the wall. Alternatively, when the tacks are emptied from the box and presented this way, participants quickly see they can tack the box to the wall and put the candle in the box. This experiment focuses on cognitive “fixedness” – how our cognitive schemas/expectations are limiting. Even more interestingly, they studied how incentives tend to intensify fixedness. Participants offered more money for completing the task performed WORSE than those given less reward. The point being that incentive restricts cognitive flexibility. Duncker and no other psychologists that I know of have discussed this in the context of weight control. Knowing what I know about rigidity and disordered eating, I would argue the incentive of weight loss greatly restricts an

Dr. Amanda Howard Pileski is originally from Rabun County and moved back three years ago to raise her three children (ages 9, 6, and 5) and provide affordable psychotherapy to the underserved communities of Northeast Georgia. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in Psychology, a master’s degree in School Counseling from Georgia State University, and a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She has worked in various college counseling centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and in private practice. Dr. Pileski is the co-founder of the Mental Health Task Force of Rabun County and the Director of Georgia Mountain Psychological Associates, Inc (GMPA). For an appointment, contact GMPA @ 706-782-1237. You can visit the GMPA website at gamtnpsych.org

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individual’s ability to be flexible. Thus, everything becomes all or nothing and what an individual is doing to feel “safe” (dieting) with food is also what is causing the problem of overeating and unwanted weight gain (e.g. I already messed up, so I’m going to eat the rest of the container. I’ll start over with my diet next week). Stop doing the same thing (diet resolutions) and expecting different results! If you have tried at least five different diets in the last five years, I can promise you the diet you are trying this year will yield the same results – temporary weight loss followed by weight gain, and maybe even more pounds to attempt to lose next year. Yes, I understand food can be scary – especially when you are programmed to believe your weight reflects your self-control and worthiness! It can be terrifying to think about a radical non-diet approach, but I promise this is the ONLY path to developing a healthy relationship with food and your body. So, my advice for this year is to be brave and take risks. If you want something radically different than the relationship you have with food, then you are going to have to try something radically different and uncomfortable. I know parameters, which diets provide, seem to help people feel “safe,” so I will offer a few: 1) EAT three meals per day EVERY DAY, 2) DRINK WATER most of the time, 3) Establish a goal of having one fun food (whatever you previously called “bad”) per day in an appropriate serving size, 4) Eat mindfully (at a table, no tv/phone/computer/etc), 5) Eat with an “indulgent mindset” (google “Mind over milkshake: how your thoughts fool your stomach), 6) Move your body for approx. 30 minutes four days per week, 7) Watch Embrace by Taryn Brumfitt on Amazon Prime, 8) Smash your scale…or at least give it to a family member to hide for the first three months of this year until you are able to see how beneficial this approach can be! Focus on living daily values…achievement of goals will naturally happen: Again, this is an area where I am not saying goals are bad…just like I am not saying ALL DIETING is bad (some people can flexibly diet, but they do not have the entrenched preoccupation with food that individuals who truly struggle with eating/body image have). When I say values, I am talking about the things you really find “sweet” and “valuable” in life. Goals can be a stumbling block if we cling to them too rigidly, focusing on “outcome” rather than “process.” For example, imagine a young woman who fixates on getting married (goal). She may marry the wrong person (settling because it’s “safe”) because the goal takes precedence over the daily value of connection. A college student may push themselves through law school because of a “goal,” when they might be more satisfied following their values (altruism, challenge, purpose, interest in people). I did not settle for a career (law) nor a spouse, and I did not follow my goal of living in a big city forever. This is because I lived my daily values that led me here, and I somehow achieved more than I ever thought possible...more than my goals would allow.

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9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL

Pet Health

Responsibilities of a Pet Owner By Dr. Brad Speed

e’ve all heard the slogan, “with great power comes great responsibility.” I believe the specific quote came from Spider-man. The web-slinging hero has a duty to use his powers for good, and protect the innocent. Now before you start wondering why I’m talking about Spider-man, allow me to correlate this example to the Veterinary article you’re expecting: “with pet ownership comes great responsibility.” When we assume responsibility for a pet, we become the hero in their world. We even love to talk about how we “rescued” our pet from a shelter or other bad situation. Sometimes we overlook the part about great responsibility, and that, friends, is the topic of today’s article. We have a responsibility to regulate the reproductive actions of our pets. I speak with people every day who refuse to consider spaying or neutering their pets for one reason or another. In nine out of ten situations, if you do not specifically plan to breed an animal, you need to spay and neuter them. The hard truth is that only about 20% of people will properly care for an intact dog or cat. These are people that understand these pets need extra work (hunting dogs, breeding animals, etc). The rest usually end up in trouble. Intact male dogs represent 90 percent of the dog fights and hit by car cases we see in the clinic. Female dogs have to be kept up and watched closely during their heat cycle, and we see accidental breedings all the time. PAWS and Another Chance are full of examples of these accidental breedings. We have a responsibility to provide for the safety of our pets. One of the biggest problems I see in the office is the animal who has “free roam.” If you allow your pets to free roam, you have no control over what they may get into. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen angry neighbor disputes, gun shots, hit by cars, posionings, dog and cat fights, and undetermined sickness cases from animals who are allowed free roam. Just like kids, dogs and cats are going to get in trouble when not attended. Another theme I see is people coming up to the mountains with their pets because you can “let your dogs run free” up here. Those pets get into more trouble up here than they do back home. There are negative consequences when owners are not meeting these basic responsibilities. I once had to euthanize a young dog who was hit by a car with severe internal bleeding. The client was berating the person who ran over his dog, asking how a person could do this, etc. I had to explain to the client that his intact mixed breed dog was actually his responsibility to keep out of the road, and he was lucky the person who hit him was not injured. The guy looked at me like I had two heads, but what I told him was absolutely true. If your dog gets hit by a car on the highway, you bear responsibility for that. If your intact male dog gets shot while attacking the neighbors cattle, you bear responsibility for that. Accidents happen, and that is not really the point of this discussion. We’ve probably all lost a pet due to circumstances beyond our control. I am specifically addressing the mindset that these actions are not the fault of the owner, but of others. No, you don’t legally have to spay your dog, but if it gets pregnant accidentally, you bear responsibility for that. No, you don’t have to have your dogs confined to your property, but if they attack the neighbor’s dog (or even worse the neighbor), you bear responsibility for that. With pet ownership comes great responsibility, and you are the hero of that pet’s world. Are you using your ownership powers for good? Are you protecting the innocent? Dogs and cats will do what nature calls them to do in the absence of appropriate oversight. A good rule of thumb is don’t let your pets do things you wouldn’t let your children do. Accidents do happen, and they always will, but it is high time we lose the attitude that these base responsibilities are somehow voluntary, or that they don’t apply to us. Spay and neuter your pets. Don’t let your pet roam free. Strive to be the hero your pet thinks you are!

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. 58 - www.gmlaurel.com - January 2022

9 AROUND TOWN

Michael on the Map By Michael Detrick

n this series I will be traveling to towns of northeastern Georgia and western North and South Carolina, sharing my adventures and discoveries as I meet the locals who make up the area. Hop in my Jeep and let’s hit the road!

Take 1: Hiawassee On an unseasonably warm December Saturday, boasting blue skies and non-ominous clouds, I loaded up the Jeep and set out on a day of discovery. Essential items for the day’s foray: iPhone (encompassing the almighty navigation system/camera/soundtrack trifecta), bottled water, notebook and pens (pens being plural because I write in many colors), an adventurous heart, and an open stern. (In case I find anything good to take with me. I’ve been on the hunt for an old dresser to refinish.) Today’s destination: Hiawassee. I started the day departing my backwoods Rabun County cabin, descending serpentine Hale Ridge Road, noticing how suddenly it seemed the fall foliage had found its way from tree limbs to forest floor, leaving behind the twisted naked network of a winter forest. The sounds of The Band and Led Zeppelin (a good classic rock set sets many of my moods) carried me over US Route 441 through the town of Clayton and onto Highway 76. US 76 travels just shy of 550 miles, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Somewhere between the two, it winds its way through the Chattahoochee National Forest, traversing North Georgia’s most mountainous region. And somewhere along the way, after crossing over the Appalachian Trail, lies the little town of Hiawassee. With a 2021 Census population of 993, Hiawassee, which

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comes from the Cherokee word “Ayuwhasi”, meaning “meadow”, may be small in residents, but it is rich in history and offers and abundance of things to do and see. The town sits along the banks of Lake Chatuge, which is a 7500-acre manmade reservoir boasting 130 miles of shoreline and straddling both Georgia and North Carolina. In the warmer months, Hiawassee’s portion of Chatuge offers everything you would want to do with lake life, including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and all forms of watersports. And in both the warmer and colder months, Hiawassee is also a great place to enjoy the fermented grapes and grains of the region. For the wine lover, you will find nearby the Hightower Creek Vineyard, Crane Creek Vineyard, and Eagle Fork Vineyard. On this day, however, I was seeking something more stemless, and found myself at Hiawassee Brew. Hiawassee Brew opened in January 2019 (happy 3-year anniversary!) and today makes 50% of their beers in house. The other 50% are sourced mostly locally, creating a nice representation of brews from around the area, as well as some from across the nation. The brewery is two stories, the bottom level being comprised of an inside bar and large open air covered patio with stage for live music performances. From this area you can ascend a staircase to

the upper level, which features corn hole, giant Jenga, and darts, and overlooks the patio and stage below. The brewery also has an assortment of board games on deck to entertain you and your friends as you sip away. I chose a seat at the inside downstairs bar, and met my hosts for the day, bar managers Jossiah and Christina. Christina is a woman of many hats, having both former schoolteacher and licensed sex therapist on her resume. Oh la la. Jossiah, originally from the balmy coast of South Florida, offered up most of the info about the brewery included here today.

Continued...

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MICHAEL ON THE MAP

After looking over their beer list for the day (it changes regularly), I decided on a Resin Imperial IPA. At 9.1%, she was a stiff one, but I was only having one, so let’s go! Hiawassee Brew is in the beginning stages of expanding the downstairs bar to about three times its current size, backing the seating area right up to the fermentation tank room, clearly visible through a glass wall. Also watch out for additions to its already exciting nightlife lineup, featuring live music Friday and Saturday from 6-9, and house favorite music bingo Wednesdays. (You’ll probably catch me at this one, testing my ability to recognize song clips in short, snippet form.) Outside of the requisite beer selection, Hiawassee Brew also offers wines from local Crane Creek and Hightower Creek Vineyards, as well as a great bar menu if you’re there to do more than drink. They have an extensive taco menu, nachos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, burgers, and wings to suit most tastes. (Six street tacos – chicken/steak/pork – go for only $7.49! (shock face emoji).) As intended, the day unfolds serendipitously, and not having a set plan other than to see what this small town of Towns County might have in store for me, Jossiah, points me in my next direction: “Have you been to Bell Mountain? That’s a big thing here.” And with that, I am on my way to Bell Mountain. Only a couple miles from the brewery, Bell Mountain, with its blown-out bald top – visible from all directions – rises above Hiawassee and outlying Towns County to its summit of 3424 feet, creating an odd and colorful icon thrust into the natural landscape. The road to get to the top is steep and snaky, as harpin turns coil through the densely wooded forest, finally giving way to the mountain’s infamous naked summit, made so by the hands of man. It was nearly 60 years ago in 1963 that three men from nearby Murphy, North Carolina set out to mine the mountaintop for minerals, but their attempt was for naught. After stripping the peak of its herbaceous membrane and exposing its disfigured raw rock face, these men retreated away, leaving behind what would become an emotionally conflicting canvas. The foolhardy pompously manufactured jutting rock formations are covered in paint and spray paint in every hue under the sun, creating a very dichotomous image to behold. In a sense these unnaturally colorful manmade crags are a form of vulgar art. They are understandably not without their detractors. 100% worth the visit whichever your take. The good news is that in 2015, Towns County acquired 18 acres atop Bell Mountain as part of the late Hal Herrin estate, and in 2016 this plot of land was formally named Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site. A series of observation decks connected by wooden walkways was installed and is now named and dedicated as The Hal Herrin Scenic Overlook, offering 360 degree views of all surrounding areas. Dubbed “The grandest view in America” in 1883, Bell Mountain is also a great place to spot bald eagles and is a prime launching pad for paragliders. (I actually saw one of these daring folks hovering over the town square before I made my ascent up the peak. And yes, I want to try it.) The area surrounding the town square and stretching outwards from it provides a host of outfitters, boutiques, and other shops and stores, offering a varied shopping experience for those looking to take a little something home. The Hiawassee Antique Mall, the largest of its kind in Northeast Georgia, is an absolute must for fans of the genre. With some 40 dealers occupying nearly 10,000 square feet of retail space, this impressive space is the purveyor of “a beautifully-displayed array of quality antiques and collectibles, including primitive and fine furniture, Southern pottery, crystal, china, glassware, Coke collectibles, tools, linens, cookbooks, and much, much more.” Anyone interested in any of this could get lost in there for hours, and should! While this brings us to the end of my day trip to the little town of Hiawassee, this charming community is not without plenty of other points of interest, including Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds (check out their Spring and Summer 2022 concert series), and I may be back to visit Hamilton Gardens botanical gardens in the spring as well. That’s one adventure down and many more to come! Thanks for hopping in the Jeep and going to Hiawassee with me; maybe I’ve instilled some inspiration for you to plan a visit yourself. Neil Young is going to join me now for a cup of tea on the porch (metaphorically). Stay warm, dance to your favorite song, go on an adventure, and see you again next month in Michael on the Map.

“I’ve been a miner for a heart gold.” 64 - www.gmlaurel.com - January 2022

Holistic Expo

FIRST ANNUAL HOLISTIC & WELLNESS EXPO IN THE MOUNTAINS by Irene Faith The Spa at Valhalla Resort is proud to bring the first Holistic & Wellness Expo to our area. Convenient to all of north Georgia as well as Atlanta/Athens & Greenville corridors, Valhalla Resort is the perfect location for an event such as this. The EXPO is Saturday, February 5, at 10am–5pm, bringing together some of the most respected holistic practitioners, vendors and instructors in their fields, all under one roof. Our goal is to spark an interest in overall health and well-being by furnishing our guests customized wellness information and experiences. Over 21 vendors will be available offering an array of energy work, movement therapies, naturopathy, whole food demos, smoothie bar, clinical skin care scans, massage, functional medicine and so much more! On Sunday, February 6, Range of Motion scans, chair massage, lectures and opportunities for advanced classes with select practitioners will be offered. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Krishna Doniparthi, Functional Medicine practitioner from Alpharetta, Georgia. He will be speaking on ORGANIC FOOD, DOES IT REALLY MATTER? Dr. Doniparthi is a board certified family doctor, but his passion is in health and wellness. He lectures both nationally and internationally on cell regeneration, toxicology, hormones, nutrition, obesity, pediatric special needs, epigenetics and more. Advanced tickets available now for $15 each. Groups of six or more - $12/each. At the door - $20. Free EXPO tote bags with advance ticket purchases will be received at the door. Special room rates available at the resort for those looking to stay overnight, use promo code WELLNESS. For more information on our vendors and to purchase tickets, visit www.valhallaresorthotel.com and click on SPA. Follow the drop down box to the EXPO information.

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9 AROUND TOWN Turn Your Dream Into A Reality with Hamby Events Planning & Design

reanna Matheson grew up in Rabun County, one of two daughters. When her sister decided to get married Breanna was eager to work alongside her mom, Kristi, to help plan Brittany’s wedding. The process ignited a spark in Breanna. She truly enjoyed the planning process, so much so that the ideas for her own wedding planning business began ruminating in her mind and in her heart. With this career path in mind, Breanna studied public relations at the University of Georgia. After earning her degree she began working as an event coordinator at a wedding venue in North Georgia. Hamby Events Planning & Design is an event coordinating and design business. Breanna is the owner of the business and she is a wedding and event planner. She has assembled an impressive network of vendors that she trusts. These connections make Breanna’s job easier but the ultimate benefit is to her clients. To say she is loving her new venture is an understatement. Her experience and knowledge in the event industry is invaluable to her success. She has worked in various positions for multiple venues and has hosted events as a freelance coordinator. Breanna has learned from some of the top people in the event industry. Creating memorable events is her passion. She hopes to push the limits by thinking outside the box to ensure one of a kind experiences. She has the knowledge and skills to organize every detail to make the event of your dreams. “It is my hope that my clients walk away from their event with an overwhelming joy and sense that there is not a single thing that could have been better,” Breanna states. You can learn more on her website, www.hambyevents.com, and see photos of recent events, a list of services and inquire about planning your event. “Hiring Breanna was, by far, the best investment we made for our wedding day,” remarks clients Drew and Courtney. This statement really puts it all in perspective. Your wedding or event is an investment, and putting the details in the hands of a professional like Breanna just makes sense. There can be an abundance of stress in planning an event; working with the caterer, scheduling the photographer, making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be at the appropriate time. It is important to have a coordinator manage the event so you can enjoy the day and take in every moment. Hiring a wedding/ event specialist is as important as finding the perfect ring, the gown or choosing a honeymoon destination. Beth Ann said this about her experience with Hamby Events, “After planning my wedding for over a year, I had no clue how I was going to let go of all of those details so I could just enjoy the day. But Breanna made it possible. She reached out to all of my vendors in the weeks leading up to the day and got on the same page with everyone ahead of time. So by my wedding day, I wasn’t worried about vendors, schedules or other

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specifics. I knew Breanna had it all under control!” To be able to take over a year into planning is a testament to her skill level. She did it with confidence and ease which afforded the bride the ability to enjoy her spotlight. Baby showers, anniversary parties, corporate events and private parties are among the occasions that Hamby Events plans. Breanna will take your vision and she will bring it to life. “Breanna was nothing short of fantastic when planning my baby showers and my wedding shower. Her attention to detail is her superpower and it is what made her work so special to me. She has given me memories that will last forever. She is the ultimate professional with a personal touch giving you all the confidence to book any event with her,” said her client, Hunter. These are just a few of the reviews from people that Breanna has worked with, and they speak volumes. It sounds to me like Breanna Matheson of Hamby Events is an excellent choice for anyone planning an event. You can put your trust in her and know it will be amazing! While most of her work is done in the north Georgia mountains and the southeast, Breanna does love to travel. She has been a part of events in West Georgia, Aspen, Colorado, and Orlando, Florida. To reach Breanna you may e-mail hello@ hambyevents.com or call 706-982-4939.

F.A.I.T.H. in Rabun County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) committed to offering free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. FAITH, Inc. serves three counties in rural Northeast Georgia. Rabun County is home to our domestic violence shelter where parents and children can be kept safe from their abuser. During their stay, families receive legal advocacy, financial counseling, rehousing assistance, parenting classes, support groups and Trauma Focused Therapy. FAITH’s Power House, located in Stephens County, is a Child Advocacy Center and Sexual Assault Center. It’s a place where trauma victims can feel safe, nurtured and protected while having vital forensic evidence collected, testing for STD’s, Post Trauma Care and forensic interviews. While victims are being cared for, agencies like the Police Department, District Attorney’s office and DFCS meet together, where the victim is, for the information and evidence they need. The central location serves to prevent further trauma for the victims, achieve better outcomes for healing and create valuable communication between agencies. This year FAITH’s Sweetheart Ball will return for it’s 24th year!!! Please consider joining us on February 12, 2022 to benefit FAITH and the people we serve. Sponsorships for the event are available with reserved seating as well as individual tickets with open seating. Please go to www.faith-inc.org or call 706-782-1003 for more information.

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LOOKING BACK

Old Rabun County courthouse and jail

From the Rabun County Historical Society Law and Order Purloined Pullets, Chicken Coops and Pest Houses By Dick Cinquina

n editorial in the Clayton Tribune once declared, “Robberies, fights, shootings, knifings, street scuffles. They are all part of the contemporary history of Rabun County and Clayton.” It sounded like this was a pretty rough and lawless place. While some serious crimes were committed, there is a lighter side to some of the criminal activity back in the day, as well as the laws enacted to make Clayton a safe town. “Woman Batters Husband With Stick Of Wood,” was the headline of a January 1927 Clayton Tribune article. “The reports are that Allen Goss...had gone to the home of his wife apparently to effect a reconciliation and not meeting with a reception that pleased him, proceeded to shoot-up the house...Mrs. Goss placed a chair for his convenience, and when he was not suspecting, she secured a stick of wood and struck him with it, inflicting a wound from which he is not expected to recover.” There is no account of what eventually happened to either Mr. Goss or his enraged wife. “A.C. Floyd...reports that a large number of his young White Leghorn Pullets have been stolen,” according to an August 1930 Tribune story. “He points out that anyone who raises White Leghorns might sell young roosters, but would keep the pullets for laying. If you know of anyone who has suddenly acquired a large number of White Leghorn pullets, this information might help to locate the thief.” It is not known if Mr. Floyd ever recovered his chickens.

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. 68 - www.gmlaurel.com - January 2022

The Case of the Stolen Roasting Ears On September 9, 1931, the Clayton Tribune reported, “Last Thursday night...two men and a woman from South Carolina were discovered in the act of appropriating roasting ears (corn) from the field of Mr. Bent Cannon and loading the back seat of their car... The matter was reported to Chief Hollifield, who summoned aid and followed them down the Chechero Road (Highway 76 East). They were brought back to town and tried the next morning. All three of them got a year of free entertainment for the roasting ears.” Sheriffs were not the only town officials hard at work. Clayton’s city officials also were conscientious, enacting a myriad of ordinances to make the town safe and livable. They took a strict, no-nonsense approach to the law. Scofflaws faced chain gangs, roadwork and stiff fines. As a farming community, Clayton had a problem with livestock running loose through the streets. Think stampedes down Main Street. To address this issue, an ordinance was enacted prohibiting horses, mules, sheep, goats, hogs or other farm animals from “running at large” through the town. If animals were seen running loose, the marshal had the authority to impound them until the owner was found. The owner was fined 50 cents in addition to being liable for the cost of keeping the animals until they were claimed. If unclaimed within five days, the animals would be sold at a public auction. Dumping of Chicken Coops Prohibited Sanitation and cleanliness were paramount concerns of city government. An ordinance made it illegal to “place, throw or empty” hogsheads (barrels or vats), chicken coops, waste, rubbish, dead carcasses, or “any sort of filth” on sidewalks and streets. Hitching horses or other animals to trees, fences and lampposts was also prohibited, presumably to control the problem of “road apples” on streets and sidewalks. And in the interest of public health, an ordinance provided for the establishment of a “pest house” to quarantine people infected with small pox or other infectious disease. Moonshining was Rabun County’s largest business in the 1930s, but Clayton left no doubt about where it stood on the issue of alcohol. Bringing any type of “spirituous malt, intoxicating liquor or wine” into town was strictly prohibited. Clayton was dry, at least in public.

Rabun County chain gang prisoner

Noise was another concern. It was illegal to make any noise at night that would “disturb public peace or the rest and quiet of the city.” And a list of Enumerated Nuisances included all

unnecessary noises from locomotive, gasoline or steam engines; from saw and grist mills; and from whistles and bells. Clayton was not only dry, it was quiet. Firing pistols, rifles and shotguns within city limits “at indiscriminate hours and places” was prohibited with the exception of using a firearm in self-defense or for protecting one’s property. More specifically, discharging a firearm was prohibited within 300 yards of Main Street and within 100 yards of any other street, alley or building. There would be no shootouts in Clayton.

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Summoning Citizens to Quell Riots Clayton officials felt the need to address the issue of riots, although the reason for this concern is not recorded. In the event of a riot, all male residents, aged 16 to 50, could be summoned by town authorities to “suppress such unrest.” A verbal call to duty was sufficient for the summons. Of course, this ordinance presumes that the men called to duty were not responsible for the riot. The same male residents also were required to help maintain Clayton’s streets. This work was not to exceed 15 days per resident in one year. In addition, anyone convicted of violating a city ordinance could be put to work maintaining the roads or pay a fine of 75 cents a day.

A wrecked vehicle at Derrick’s garage on Main Street, no doubt a result of violating a traffic ordinance

Although vehicular traffic was a non-issue for a rural village in the 1930s, Clayton nonetheless had a street-crossing ordinance on the books. It was illegal to stop a vehicle or horse at a crossing to chat with a friend, since doing so might impede the flow of traffic. No traffic jams here. The same ordinance also made it illegal to drive or ride an animal on city sidewalks. The town’s speed limit was set at 15 miles per hour. Clayton meant business when it came to speeders. Violators were subject to fines of no more than $100 (a huge sum in a poor, Depression-era town), imprisonment or labor on a chain gang for 30 days. In a nod to efficient town governance, the mayor had the authority to preserve order at council meetings. Toward this end, the mayor was empowered to suspend “irrelevant” city council debate and “command silence” at his discretion. Mayors and city council attendees might welcome this rule today. In addition, council members were fined $1.00 for missing a regular meeting after being notified. Clayton’s marshal was empowered to collect these fines from truant council members. No doubt about it. Clayton was a law and order town. Officials dealt with everything from chicken coops and errant cattle to rioters, noise and pest houses. And you thought we have to deal with some thorny issues today.

Grady Lovell, Bob Singleton and coon dogs hunting a criminal, circa 1933

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Membership and complete information about the Society’s museum are available at www.rabunhistory.org. The newly renovated museum at 81 N. Church St. in downtown Clayton, which houses the Southeast’s largest collection of Tallulah Falls Railroad artifacts, is open ThursdaySaturday 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.

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LOOKING BACK

Mr CP Ligon’s sculptures are on display at the Foxfire Museum. “Calijah” above was displayed at Stephens Co. High School. Below he stands with a carved couple and bottom right, a carving of Ichabod Crane.

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The Foxfire Museum By Kami Ahrens

ew year, new you! We’ve pulled an article from our archives to encourage you to meet your resolutions, and remind you that it’s never too late to start something new. This story, originally printed in 1975, features an interview with folk artist C.P. Ligon. C.P. worked as a roofer for most of his life, and it wasn’t until after retirement that he found a love for wood sculptures. He was dedicated to sharing his work with others and inspiring them to develop their own creativity—especially students. Several of C.P.’s pieces can be viewed at the Foxfire Museum. The following article has been adapted from Foxfire Summer/Fall 1975 and Foxfire 4. Original article by Sid Jones One day, out of the clear blue sky, Mr. C.P. Ligon of Toccoa brought some of his carvings to Foxfire for the students at our school to enjoy. This was the first time he had brought any of his figures up our way, as most of his work is on display closer to his home in Stephens County. A couple of months later when it was time to return the carvings, several of us decided to go along and find out more about Mr. Ligon and his hobby. His garage and shop area were filled with logs, stumps, and sticks of all shapes and sizes. When we began talking with him, we found out that he was 75, and started carving in 1967 after retiring from roofing. He had never done anything like this before in his life until then. It all began, he said, one rainy day when he went to town to get some enamel paint and began painting a picture. He had never painted before and said he did a lousy job, but he enjoyed the feeling and soon had picked up a hatchet, a handsaw, and some chisels. Before long a rough figure emerged and he was hooked. He describes the things he carves as “junk for the school children.” He thinks they enjoy his rough work more than things that are finished and can’t “be touched and played with.” He refuses to ever sell a piece of his work. It is made exclusively for local groups that work with young people.

Collectors are sent away empty-handed. He likes what he’s doing and he loves kids—money can’t buy those things. “It just come natural. Do you know what’s the matter with people today? They don’t use the talents they’ve got. And lots of them don’t have the time to. Just like I was. I wanted to educate my children. I never took a vacation until it was almost time that I quit work. I quit work at sixty-seven. Children didn’t used to have anything to make anything with. No tools. The kids always made their own things. We’d make wheels out of most anything. We really didn’t have toys. The first thing I bought for myself was a little knife for a dime when I was a boy. I would have liked to carve, but that knife wouldn’t even cut. I just had it just to have a knife. But now that I’m retired, I do all this stuff for the school children, and try to get them interested in things like this. If I can get one of them to try something, they’ll understand and maybe enjoy it. I don’t try to make nothing fancy like it was out of a store—finished. I make it rough. And they can understand that. If they go to the store and get something, it’s all dolled up. But this is an incentive for them to do something. They’ll try to do something like this. I’ve worked with schools in Stephens County, and two in Habersham County. I come driving up and say, “This is what I’ve got.” [The other day,] I went up to a little school up there in Habersham County. They never had anything much. I drove up there and I asked for the principal. I told him what I had. He said, “Are you going to charge me anything for them?” I said, “No, they don’t have to pay me nothing to see the stuff. I’m making it for the good of them. Not to make money.” My mother died when I was ten years old, and I loved her greatly. And my father got hurt about three or four years later at the cotton gin. After that, I stayed with my father. I didn’t get to go to school, but I learned a whole lot of what I needed to know. I didn’t really have a childhood like some children do, but I can’t complain. My father took up a lot of my time, and I never regretted a day of it. That’s one reason today I have a whole lot of respect for old people and kids, too. I enjoy the kids and I enjoy the old people.”

Foxfire is a not-for-profit, educational and literary organization based in Rabun County, Georgia. Founded in 1966, Foxfire’s learner-centered, community-based educational approach is advocated through both a regional demonstration site (The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center) grounded in the Southern Appalachian culture that gave rise to Foxfire, and a national program of teacher training and support (The Foxfire Approach to Teaching and Learning) that promotes a sense of place and appreciation of local people, community, and culture as essential educational tools. For information about Foxfire, foxfire.org, or call 706-746-5828.

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JUST THINKING

By The Way

Sorry, but I’m sorta’ happy the holidays are over By Emory Jones

don’t know about you, but I’m always a bit glad when the holidays finally wind down. Oh, I’m always a little sad, too. I mean, nobody loves Christmas more than I do. Unless it’s my cousin, Wayne, who owns a little Christmas tree farm outside Lula.

Grandmother told me of lots of other holiday superstitions. For example, she said that anyone born on Christmas Day would develop special healing powers as they grew up. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I think anyone born on Christmas certainly deserves some recompense.

Speaking of Christmas trees, I read on the interweb that Americans bought more than thirty-two million Christmas trees last year. Wayne only sold four, but hey, every little tree counts.

Another thing Grandmother shared was that animals can speak at midnight on Christmas Eve. So, when I was eight, I set the alarm and snuck down to the barn to try out that theory. (In my defense, Mr. Ed was all the rage back then.)

That same article said the average husband spends $123 on a Christmas present for his wife. I may have pulled that number down a bit over the years, but I went all out this year and bought Judy a new belt and bag. The vacuum cleaner should work better now.

I never expected that old cow to say much, but I was sort of disappointed in the donkey. Of course, Grandmother said the animals could talk. Not that they would talk. And that’s just as well since she also said anyone who overheard the animals talking would have a year’s worth of bad luck. Talk about your Catch-22.

About four years ago, I hauled off and bought Judy a diamond necklace for Christmas. Just for grins, I hid it in the oven. She hasn’t found it yet, but she will. Eventually. Personally, I’d like to see some of those old mountain traditions and superstitions folks used to have make a come-back. Of course, we still have plenty of superstitions. I mean, you can still catch a case of bad luck by just leaving a hat on a bed or going out the same door you came in through. And heaven help if a black cat crosses the road in front of us. But, in the old days, we had some really grand traditions and superstitions for Christmas. For example, my grandmother used to talk about going Christmas serenading when she was young. The way she told it, it wasn’t like the caroling we sometimes see today. No, serenaders would sneak up to homes and sing or yell really loud. Grandmother said they’d even pound pots and pans together to prove to the homeowner that the singers deserved some sort of treat. Go figure.

I guess my favorite of her old superstitions was that if a single girl visited a hog pen at midnight on Christmas Eve, she would learn what kind of man she was going to marry. If an old hog grunted first, she’d marry an ugly old man. If a young hog grunted first, her husband would be young and handsome. I don’t even want to know what it meant if the donkey brayed. Speaking of New Year’s resolutions, I’m only making one this year. I’m gonna go on a diet and exercise every day… oh wait, is that cake?

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.

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