On Our Cover
1880 Home becomes Home Away from Home
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he cabin featured on our cover this month was no doubt a home. One likely filled with love, laughter and a large family. The cabin was constructed in 1880 in Northeast Georgia. It is currently located on a small sheep farm in the heart of Wolffork Valley aptly named, Wolffork Valley Farm. The home is no longer occupied full time as it once was, rather it serves as a home away from home for visitors to the mountains. The authentic hand hewn log cabin is an experience that property owners Bill and Daphne Lisenby have found many desire. The couple have had the pleasure of having guests from all over the world visit their farm and stay in their cabin. The home is a one bedroom, one bath rustic cabin with modern creature comforts such as WiFi, central heat and air, coffee maker, hair dryer and BBQ grill. There are the basics like clean sheets, extra pillows, pots and pans, dishes and the things you’d expect. What you won’t find is a television or washing machine. These mountains beg to be explored, the sheep on the farm are all the entertainment you need while relaxing on the porch taking in the distant mountain views and lush valley. Maybe you’ve never held a lamb in your arms or just watched chickens and sheep play, it can provide some good soul nourishing time as well. Bill and Daphne enjoy getting to know their visitors and enjoy watching them take in farm life. You will simply fall in love with Mac, the “watch dog”, he is quite the celebrity! Just a few things you’ll want to take in during your stay are our State Parks (Black Rock and Tallulah Gorge), hiking, biking and whitewater rafting are all three great options for a day out. The towns of Dillard, Clayton and Lakemont offer excellent shopping in some of the regions most eclectic shops, galleries and boutiques. Heaven knows you can not miss the dining on Clayton’s Main Street where seven of the area’s finest eateries are a stone’s throw away from each other. The well known Dillard House is but a couple miles from the cabin and after dinner there you can ride the trails on horseback. After all of this excitement you’ll be ready to kick back on the porch and watch the sun set at the end of the valley. Rest will come as the crickets and katydids lull you to sleep.
Photo credit goes to Bill Lisenby – Cabin Owner, Sheep Herderand Professional Photographer (www.billlisenby.com)
100% of the Lisenbys guests gave the Wolffork Farm cabin a 5 star rating. All have commented on its cleanliness, peacefulness and they all plan on returning. My stars! Why haven’t you already logged on to Airbnb.com to schedule your stay. These four walls have room for more memories, you are all that’s missing. This will take you there www. airbnb.com/rooms/11965505, You can also follow the farm on Instagram @uniqueandcozycabin
July 2018 • Volume Fifteen • Issue Seven Georgia Mountain Laurel Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 2511 Highway 441, Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com
Contributing Writers:
Publisher/Editor - Tracy McCoy Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Office Manager/ Account Executive - Cindi Freeman Account Executive - Melynda Hensley
John Shivers, Joel Hitt, Mark Holloway, Susan Brewer, Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, Kendall Rumsey, Melynda Hensley, Emory Jones, Lorie Thompson, Peter McIntosh Copyright 2018 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. All of the ideas and opinions expressed here are not those of the staff or Publisher of this magazine
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In This Issue Mountain Homes 2 12 18 20 24 26 30 31 32 44
On Our Cover - Wolffork Farm Cabin RE/MAX Featured Home GMHBA - Three Questions Harry Norman Luxury Lake & Mtn Home Shield Reators Featured Home Franklin Fence Steel of a Deal - The Kidd Home PGA Golf Instructor at Apple Mountain Kingwood Country Club & Resort Christine’s Home Decor
A Taste
36 Bon Appetit 38 The Family Table 40 Bella’s 42 Rhapsody in Rabun - The Restaurants
Arts & Entertainment 46 48 50 51
North Georgia Arts Guild Around Back at Rocky’s Place Burton Gallery Cheever - A Play by Emory Jones
Faith in Christ 52 54 56 60
R4G - Rev. Kyle Watts River Garden Bless Your Heart His Last Days
Affairs to Remember 40 61 62
The Big E Festival Habitat Hoedown Mountain Happenings Event Calendar
Outdoors 70 72 74 75
Using Nature to Support Our Health Adventure Out Of These Mountains Paws 4 Life
Life & Leisure 76 78 80 82 84 86
Lovin’ the Journey Notes from a Southern Kitchen By the Way Reeves Hardward Co. - The Second Generation Kermit’s Grill & Donut Shop Shannon Alley
Health & Wellness 88 10
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Live Healthy & Be Well
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CRAFT YOUR NEW LIFE IN THIS LAKESIDE CRAFTSMAN by John Shivers
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here’s a heritage of reputation for Lake Rabun homes dating from that era when modest cabins first began to dot the shoreline a hundred years ago. This home at 867 Bear Gap Road in Lakemont, Georgia maintains the integrity of those original classic homes. But it delivers so much more, with all the ambience and ingenuity you’d expect in a home built in this century. At the front exterior, you’ll find simple board and batten finishes. From the rear exterior, multiple windows, multiple gables and multiple levels tease the eye and the imagination. Numerous screened porches provide outdoor living spaces that lend themselves to the unique lifestyle this home affords. In between, inside, the magic only gets better. Constructed in 2006 on a privately-owned lot, this Craftsman-style waterfront home with long-lasting metal roof boasts of unobstructed views of both Lake Rabun and the mountains beyond. You’re within walking distance of Minnehaha Falls and a Forest Service trail is right outside your back door. The use of wood and stone and color marry this house with the land, and the natural state of much of the one and
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a half acre lot begets maximum beauty with the luxury of minimal upkeep. If ever a home was designed for the dual role of functional family living and gracious entertaining, this house checks all the boxes. With plank flooring, shiplapped ceilings, and a wood-burning fireplace in the Great Room that really is a GREAT room, the house distinguishes itself throughout. Custom finishes and architectural embellishments add the eye appeal to what’s already a functional, multi-versatile floor plan and living design. The chef’s kitchen, incorporated as a part of the Great Room, gives cook and crew generous work and prep space to feed the multitudes or the few, all the while being a part of everything that’s happening. Butcher block counter tops that echo the style of the home, a farmhouse sink, and KitchenAid® appliances, including a commercial gas cooktop and vent hood, along with a combination island and breakfast bar and abundant cabinet space set this kitchen far apart from run of the mill. The main level master suite includes a comfortable, inviting sitting area overlooking the lake waters. In the en suite bath you’ll find a soaking tub, massive separate shower, separate vanity areas and a closet with built-ins that’ll make you want to run out and buy more clothes! On the lower level, the entire space is given over to other family members or guests and their comfort. Sleeping for the youngest set can be found in a uniquely crafted bunk room with six built-in bunks, an adjacent bathroom and changing space. In all, the home has four bedrooms and four and one-half baths. Throughout, the walls are finished in a light buttery cream that creates a bright backdrop for some great living. Trim work is simple, and painted in a hue that picks up the exterior color, further incorporating the home with its surroundings. Stone and other accents borrowed from nature complete the picture. Down by the water, a small grassy area, a swim dock and a twostall, two-level boat house all function as the doorway to the second great aspect of life at this home on the lake. From the covered upper level of the boat house, where cookouts and parties can happen, to the far reaches of the lake that spreads out in both directions, life on this Georgia Power lake doesn’t get much better. And by the way, the boat house was high and dry during all the recent flooding. To learn more about this Lake Rabun executive style home, MLS #831554, contact RE/MAX Agent Jon Barnwell at 706.490.0326 or by email at jbarnwell@remax.net.
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GEORGIA MOUNTAIN HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION 3 Questions to Ask When Looking for the Right Builder Though builders might generally use similar tools and materials when building homes, not all are alike when it comes to things like technique, training and customer service. Finding the right builder whose business approach aligns well with your personal preferences is essential to a pleasant home-building experience. The builder will be asking you plenty of questions during your initial meeting to discuss the home you envision. But the questions you ask the builder are equally important to determine if it’s going to be a positive partnership. Consider asking the builder about the following: Work Experience – You will want to find a builder with extensive experience building homes similar to the one you want. Ask to see examples of floor plans and designs they’ve done before to ensure their company can deliver what you need. You should also ask if they have or are working toward any professional designations, which show that the builder has advanced training in a particular area. A few examples of such designations include a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a Graduate Master Builder (CMB), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP). References – Any high-quality builder should be ready to provide you with several names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. If they can’t, consider that a red flag and walk away. When reaching out to those former clients, ask about how well the builder followed through on the initial plans, and if the builder met their expectations regarding budget and timing. Don’t forget the most telling question of them all: If they could do it all over, would they hire that builder again? Communication Style – Many builders will do their best to accommodate your communication preferences. But it’s always best to establish expectations as early as possible. The frequency (weekly, monthly, as-needed, etc.) and method (phone, text, email) of how you communicate early on with each other is something that will set the tone throughout the whole building process. For more information about how to find the right builder to create your dream home, contact the Georgia Mountain Home Builders Associaton by calling 706.782.9260. We are providing a list of our members with contact info for you as well.
BUILDER MEMBERS RABUN COUNTY Austin & Butler Builders, Inc. Jeff Butler 706-490-1360 jeff_butler@windstream.net Bear Gap Timber Structures Chrissy Laws 706-968-0775 chrissy@lawsrealty.com www.beargapcabins.com Bill Griffin Construction Inc. Bill Griffin706-982-0259 wng@windstream.net C.H. Builders Inc. Andrew Hunt 706-982-1700 chbuilders@windstream.net
Faletti, Inc. Paul Faletti 404-234-7987 pfaletti@bellsouth.net www.rockfordfarm.com
Rabun Builders, Inc. Kurt Cannon 706-746-3723 rbi@rabunbuilders.com www.rabunbuilders.com
UNION COUNTY Calvin Collins Construction Calvin Collins 706-745-8498 cccinc@windstream.net
GVickers Enterprises, Inc. Gregory Vickers 404-427-1140 greg@gvickers.com www.gvickers.com
Rabun Co Board of Commissioners Erik Blalock 706-490-1555 eblalock@rabuncounty.ga.gov
Combs & Son Construction Inc. Jimmy Combs 706-781-5746 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Rabun Co. Habitat for Humanity Marcus Booker 706-782-9203 mkbooker@windstream.net
Jeff Eller Construction Jeff Eller 706-490-2683 jeffellerconst@yahoo.com
APPLIANCES City Plumbing & Electric Supply Co. 706-746-2890 www.cpesupply.com 4505 Highway 441 North Rabun Gap Ga 30568
Rabun Remodel, LLC Jim Bogle 706-982-9114 www.rabunremodel.com
Kilby Construction, Inc. Jerry Kilby 706-746-2459 salk@windstream.net Larry Gipson Construction Larry Gipson 706-782-2448
Thompson Custom Homes Jon Thompson 470-258-0751 jethompson724@gmail.com
Larry Horton LTD Larry Horton 706-782-6735 hortonltd@windstream.net www.hortoncustomhomes.com
Wood Brothers, Inc. Barry Wood 706-782-5689 abarrywood@gmail.com www.woodbrothers.org
Little River Home Builders Inc. Chet Darnell 706-982-9235 chetdarnell1@gmail.com
York Builders Tommy York 706-782-7422 twyork@windstream.net
AUTOMOTIVE Duvall Automotive John Bradshaw 706-982-0929 www.duvallautomotive.com
David Dickerson Builders LLC David Dickerson 706-490-3953 ddickersonbldrsllc@yahoo.com
McCracken Builders, Inc. John McCracken 706-490-1976 mccrackenbuilders@gmail.com
Dennis Thompson Construction Jamie Thompson 706-490-0064 DTCCI@windstream.net www.lakemontdrydock.com
Morgan Fazzary Fine Homes Morgan Fazzary 706-308-3557 morganfazzary@gmail.com
TOWNS COUNTY Brown Haven Builders Terry Smith 706-896-0891 terry@brownhavenbuilders.com www.brownhavenbuilders.com
BANKING First American Bank & Trust 706-782-3232 www.firstamericanishere.com 550 Hwy 441S, Clayton, GA 30525
The Dernehl Co. Bob Dernehl 706-970-0176 bob@dernehlcompany.com www.dernehlcompany.com
Oconee Federal Savings and Loan 706-782-3738 www.oconeefederal.com 221 Hwy 76 E, Clayton, GA 30525 www.oconeefederal.com
Charles Moore Builders, Inc. Chuck Moore 706-490-2098 cmbuilders@myemc.net Clay Contracting Chris Clay 706-982-2793 clay_chris@yahoo.com www.claycontracting.com
Dresser & Associates Jay Dresser 706-490-2742 dresserj@windstream.net
R & B Concrete Company, Inc. Rick Buchanan 706-490-2626 rickbuchananconstr@windstream.net
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ARCHITECT & DESIGN Pritchett + Dixon Todd Pritchett 404-375-2589 todd@pritchettdixon.com www.pritchettdixon.com
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Rabun County Bank Dan Free 706-782-4571 dfree@rabuncountybank.com www.rabuncountybank.com 121 Rickman St Clayton, Georgia 30525 South State Bank Shanon Stewart 706-782-1010 shanon.stewart@southstatebank.com www.southstatebank.com United Community Bank Kayla Pitts 706-782-7100 kayla_pitts@ucbi.com www.ucbi.com BUILDING SUPPLIES Harbin Lumber Company Doug Tillman 706-356-4300 dtillman@harbinlumber.com www.harbinlumber.com Reeves Building Supply Steve Weinelt, David Ramey, Jeff Godwin Phone: 706-782-4219 sweinelt@reevesacehardware.com www.reevesacehardware.com Supply Mart Randy Humphries 706-782-4495 supplymart68@gmail.com CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS Gillespie Cabinet Shop, Inc. Danny Gillespie 706-490-1911 dannygillespie@windstream.net www.gillespiescustomcabinetry.com K&C Granite, Inc. Keith Vickery & Carl Pless 706-680-2079 or 706-988-4921 kcgranite01@yahoo.com Ramey’s Custom Cabinets, Inc. 324 Babe Ramey Road Clayton, Ga. 30525 706-782-6384 www.rameyscustomcabinets.com CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS Bleckley Concrete Foundations, Inc. Scott Bleckley 706-782-9979 Morgan Concrete Co., Inc. John Morgan or Adam Brady 706-746-3011 or 706-969-8429 adambrady@morganconcrete.com www.morganconcrete.com RJ’s Concrete Inc. Ronald Brewer 706-982-0049 Taylor Concrete Foundations Max Taylor 706-782-4652 DISPOSAL/SITE RECYCLE Metro Site, Inc./Metro Site Recycle Fred Mansfield 706-335-7045 fmansfield@metrositellc.com www.metrositellc.com Mountain Lakes Rolloffs Steve Jones 706-949-9845 mountainlakesrolloffs@gmail.com
DRYWALL Kilby Construction Inc. Jerry Kilby 706-746-2459 salk@windstream.net ELECTRICAL SUPPLY City Plumbing & Electric Supply Co. 706-746-2890 www.cpesupply.com 4505 Highway 441 North Rabun Gap Ga 30568 ELECTRICIAN Burrell Electric Ronnie Burrell 706-782-1650 Mtn NRG Electrical Contractors Brian Stephens 678-776-8849 b.stephensnrg@yahoo.com mountainrge.com
INSURANCE A W Adams Insurance Agency Allen Adams 706-782-5100 awadamsins@windstream.net www.awadamsins.com
STONEWORK Alejandro Sosa Stone Alejandro Sosa 706-969-2395 sosarivera41@gmail.com
Ash/Welborn Insurance Tim Smith 706-778-2244 info@ashwelborn.com www.ashwelborninsurance.com
Classic Rock, LLC Will Clay 706-212-0369
Wayah Insurance Group Hunter Strickland 828-524-4442 strickland@wayah.com www.wayah.com LANDSCAPING Don Bluster Landscapes, Inc. Don Bluster 706-499-6818 donbluster@gmail.com
EXCAVATING McCrackin Contracting Madison McCrackin 706-782-5087
PAINTING Clay M. Nash Painting, Inc. Clay Nash 706-782-7411 nashpaint@windstream.net
EXTERMINATING American Pest Control Tim Culpepper 706-782-4113 timc@ampest.com www.ampest.com
JMZ Painting Co 706-982-1906 jmzpaintingco@gmail.com www.jmzpainting.com
FLOOR COVERING Clayton Paint & Flooring Center Keith Toller 706-782-2741 claytonpaint@windstream.net www.claytonpaint.benmoorepaints.com Country Wood Works Richard Riggs Wood Floors & More 706-778-WOOD(9663) www.countrywoodworks.com GEOTHERMAL Byers Well Drilling Inc. Lon Dillard 706-781-4582 byers@brmemc.net www.bryerswelldrilling.com GRADING Nichols Contracting, Inc. Will Nichols 706-782-7798 HEATING & AIR Northeast Georgia Heating & Air Randy Speed 706-782-7825 negahvac@windstream.net www.negahvac.com HOME TECHNOLOGY Doug Ward Integrations Doug Ward 706-776-1450 sales@dougwardinteration.com www.dougwardintegration.com INSULATION-SPRAY FOAM AirTight Insulation of Northeast GA Chad & Kay Keller 706-202-7043 kayckeller@bellsouth.net www.insulationnega.com Go Green Spray Foam Professionals Greg Reece 706-633-7591 gogreensprayfoam@gmail.com
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PAINT-RETAIL Clayton Paint & Flooring Center Keith Toller 706-782-2741 claytonpaint@windstream.net www.claytonpaint.benmoorepaints.com Reeves Building Supply Tommy Shriver 706-782-4219 tshriver@reevesacehardware.com www.reevesacehardware.com PLUMBING All American Plumbing of Clayton Henry Radford 706-782-9804 allamericanplumbingofclayton@ windstream.net www.aapofclayton.com Bleckley Plumbing Bryan Bleckley 706-782-7132 PROPANE GAS & APPLIANCES Blossman Gas & Appliances, Inc. David Deal 706-782-8305 ddeal@blossmangas.com www.blossmangas.com REAL ESTATE Georgia Mountains & Lakes Realtors Association 706-782-7751 rabuncobor@windstream.net www.rcbor.org REMODELING Service Plus Restoration Burt Clark 770-295-9637 burt@serviceplusatl.com www.serviceplusatl.com ROOFING Georgia Mountain Roofing Jerry Taylor 706-490-1121 jerry@gmroof.com
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North GA Stone, Inc. Bob Kaser 706-745-5532 Email: rckaser2@gmail.com UTILITIES Blue Ridge Mountain EMC Sonny Mahan, Darrin Ingram 706-379-3121 sonny.mahan@brmemc.com www.brmemc.com Georgia Power Company 1-888-660-5890 www.georgiapower.com Georgia Power Land Dept. Cheryl Parker 706-782-1450 WATER FILTRATION Metro Water Filter Co. Tom Matthews 706-499-5146 www.metrowaterfilter.com WELDING Clayton Welding & Supply Bobby Ramey & Sean Ramey 706-782-3431 claytonwelding@windstream.net www.claytonweldingsupply.com Rabun Metal Products, Inc 706-782-4224 www.rabunmetal.com 4428 Old 441 S Tiger, GA 30576 WELL DRILLING Byers Well Drilling Inc Lon Dillard 706-745-2166 byers@brmemc.net www.byerswelldrilling.com Sam Davis Well Drilling, Inc. Brian Jordan 706-782-3782 waterwells@windstream.net WINDOWS & DOORS Reeves Building Supply Steve Weinelt, David Ramey, Jeff Godwin 706-782-4219 sweinelt@reevesacehardward.com www.reevesacehardware.com WOODWORKING/TIMBERFRAMING/ CARPENTRY WORK MoreSun Custom Woodworking Inc. Stephen Morrison 864-647-1669 steve@moresunwoodworking.com www.moresunwoodworking.com Otis & Company Keith Ivester 706-754-8332 Email: hww@windstream.net Yonah Mountain Timber Frames Neal Binder 706-282-0047 info@yonahmountaintimberframes.com www.yonahmountaintimberframes.com
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Make Yourself at Home on Lake Rabun by John Shivers
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hen you first glimpse the home at 237 Pruitt Lane in Lakemont, Georgia, you can’t decide… Is the sprawling structure that appears to be one with its surroundings old Lake Rabun architecture that’s been meticulously refurbished, or newer construction? Actually, it’s the best of both worlds. With its rough-hewn board and batten exterior, the cedar shake roof and bark siding accents, this home proudly declares its presence. The classic green is so reminiscent of homes that dotted the 25 miles of shoreline in earlier days. The home blends seamlessly with the heritage of the lake. But inside, the layout and finishes are truly 2017 construction, with a more than subtle nod to the past that makes for such comfortable living today. The natural stone walls and walkways further anchor the property, and lead owners and guests to the unforgettable lifestyle found within this bungalow style home. Basement parking and ample guest parking is an important component of this total package. Whether this is where you escape the demands of “9 to 5” or live 24/7, this almost five thousand square foot home screams “come in and make yourself right at home.” Every nook and corner is an invitation to enjoy and make memories. Located conveniently off Lake Rabun Road in the southern end of the county, this finely-crafted home offers privacy and multiple living opportunities, yet is within easy driving distance of shopping, medical, school, and many leisure-time venues. Sited on a three-quarters of an acre lake-front lot, the list of attributes reads like an award-winning, five-star home. Starting with ceilings that are a spacious nine feet to areas that soar to cathedral heights, this sanctuary screams space and freedom. Thanks to walls finished in the same pristine neutral white throughout, continuity reigns supreme. This provides a perfect backdrop for colors and tones that pop and extend the home’s sense of warmth and welcome. The inclusion of shiplap siding on bedroom and bathroom walls, vertical siding, bead board accents, real laurel rails, and detailed wood moldings and accents all bestow upon this home an award of distinction.
With six bedrooms, six full baths and one half-bath, a chef’s kitchen with breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, keeping room, a split bedroom floorplan with the master on the main level, there’s ample square footage for living and entertaining. The kitchen features solid surface countertops, a full range of stainless appliances, including an over-size range and large capacity sideby-side refrigerator. A second kitchen downstairs, basement great room, two spacious laundry areas, custom-crafted bookcases, exposed beams, hardwood floors, a dedicated office, a four bunk bedroom, and three fireplaces are just some of the extra amenities that will accrue to whoever’s key opens the front door at this home. Vaulted screen porches with breathtaking water views, a hot-tub, and ample outdoor entertaining space open to the large, wooded
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lot, where more stone walks lead to the two-stall boathouse and dock. Whether you’re in the mood to curl up inside with a good book, relax on the open deck of the boathouse, or get one of your boats out of its slip and head for the open waters on the 835acre lake, the choice is yours. Enjoy a quiet supper in front of the fireplace on the main level, or put out the invitation and serve an open air meal to your many family and friends. The option is yours when you’re the homeowner at 237 Pruitt Lane. For additional information on this classic piece of lakefront property, contact Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain - The Lake Team at 706.715.5550 and laketeam@ icloud.com, or call the office at 706-212-0228. Reference GAMLS #8379190.
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SHEILD REALTORS
You’ll Love the Details on Yonah Lake by John Shivers
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here’s an old adage that a book should never be judged by its cover. This may work very well for books, but in the case of the home at 261 Yonah Lake Road in Toccoa, guess again. The cover on this house is but a mere hint of what’s inside. From the exterior marriage of stone, logs, and rustic siding, to the unusual front door, to the eye-catching dormers over the two-car garage, you just know the inside has to be equally detailed and creatively assembled. You won’t be disappointed. The Craftsman styling on this home makes it a perfect fit for the wooded lot on Lake Yonah on the Georgia-South Carolina border. From its siting nestled in a cove where quietness captivates the soul, and the owner can enjoy that morning cup of joe while gazing out at the lake waters that surround, this is a one-of-a-kind house. No expense has been spared to construct a home that lends itself to a one-of-a-kind lifestyle. With three spacious bedrooms, including a first-floor master, three full baths and two half baths, this home checks all the boxes on overnight accommodations. But we only sleep about one-third of the time, and it’s the remainder of this property’s attributes that make going to bed and getting up again every morning on this 325 acre lake so desirable. Featuring a main floor plan that flows, the family chefs will find a kitchen with a spacious breakfast bar, island and pantry, and solid surface countertops. This fully-equipped roomy
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space lends itself to socializing and is the perfect place to fix breakfast or roast that Christmas turkey. This chuck wagon is fully equipped with the usual compliment of stainless steel appliances, including double ovens, an indoor grill and trash compactor. The kitchen has easy access to the garage. Adjacent to the kitchen is the formal dining room, where the outside truly comes indoors, thanks to windows on three walls. Most striking is the Palladium window grouping on the back wall that looks out onto the lake, while it soars into the vaulted ceiling with the stained beams. Interior design employs the hues of nature that surround this house, and contribute to the feeling that you’re at one with nature.
boathouse set into the 200 feet of lakefront shoreline that goes with the house. In addition, there’s space on the property for RV or boat parking. In the case of this house, it’s not only advisable to judge by the cover, it’s assured that you’ll have no problem visualizing yourself calling this address home. The deal is in the details, and there are so many details about 261 Yonah Lake Road. This incredible home is offered at $799,000. For additional details or to see this home, contact Agent Ruth Camp with Shield Realtors at 706.499.4702. Reference MLS #8368964. Log on to http://www.showcasere.com/12379/showcase. php/80621 for a virtual tour.
Three fireplaces, indoors and out, check yet another box, and the insulation and energy-saving construction materials make you eco-smart and economically advantaged and comfortable. This home on almost an acre of prime mountain land is one of the finest on this Georgia Power Lake that offers nine miles of shoreline. There’s boating and fishing, and just plain old fun in a setting that’s more laid-back than some more populated northeast Georgia lake communities. There is a neighborhood association that boasts of no homeowner fees. Access from the daylight basement level on the back side of this home, that also has a second kitchen area, leads by a stone walk to an outdoor patio area, where one of the fireplaces is located. Farther down the private, wooded, sloping lot is the two-stall
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Franklin Fence Company by Lucas McCoy
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estled In the hills of Franklin, North Carolina, Franklin Fence Company is committed to installing and repairing high quality fences at residential, commercial, industrial, and government locations. Whether you are looking for wooden fences, ornamental iron, masonry security fences, chain link or vinyl fence this company can meet your need while working within your budget. Fences are necessary for a variety of reasons: agricultural, industrial, residential or commercial just to name a few. Franklin Fence Company offers a wide array of products and services. Perhaps you need a dog kennel or want a privacy fence around your swimming pool, they can complete the job. Horse and cattle farms have to have dependable fencing. Even temporary fencing for construction sites or events, they’ve got you covered. The staff of Franklin Fence Company is knowledgable and can advise you on your best options. Michael and Steve Harvey and their crew have earned the business of loyal customers who appreciate their quality workmanship. They say no job is too big or too small, they offer free on site estimates and are there in case of emergency. They serve customers across Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia. They have a great reputation and can offer references. They are insured and with over 40 years of experience, why use anyone else? For more Information call 828.524.5205 or go online at www.franklinfencecompany. com. You can also swing by 3689 Georgia Road in Franklin, North Carolina and talk with the folks there.
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A “Steel” of a Deal Off Murray Cove Road
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our-season views of Lake Burton from the Craftsman style home that rises from a knoll at 1289 Rainwater Trail in Tiger, Georgia translate into numerous year-round living possibilities. From its setting that blends house with nature, this two-story home with ample deck and patio space affords as many outdoor living possibilities as can be found indoors. But there’s more here than meets the eye. Much more. While the home is 22 years old, if you could peel back the dun colored stucco outer walls, you’d find the steel skeleton of the house the builder and current homeowner erected. Not only is it termite and rot-resistant, but it’s overall a sturdier, weatherresistant construction. And those exterior walls blend with and compliment the natural wooded setting the owners selected. On top of those ribs of steel, however, lives a lifestyle that is the best of all worlds. With great lake views, without the hassle of right-on-the-lake-side living and the Murray Cove boat ramp easily accessible, waterside enjoyment is right there at your fingertips. Or not. It’s your call whether you escape to the lake or pile up on your deck to enjoy a good book and perhaps even a nap. The home is nestled into a sloping hillside that has been left primarily natural, and those landscaped portions of the grounds around this almost 4,000 square foot home have been positioned to enhance. Plant selection assures beauty with little maintenance, all of which contributes to the quality life that was as much a part of the original design as the floorplan itself. Custom architectural elements immediately catch your eye as you drive onto the lot. This home, situated on slightly more than an acre lot, definitely has dramatic curb appeal, but it doesn’t end there. Inside, on the main level, mellow finished hardwood floors lead in all directions to light, brightness and spaciousness, where you’ll find equal attention to detail. With three generous-size bedrooms and three and one-half baths, the builder fashioned this home as a family-friendly destination, whether you’re spending just the weekend or the
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rest of your life. Double-pane windows not only make the home more economical, they pull the outdoors inside to be enjoyed by the warmth of the multi-sided fireplace in the Great Room, and with summer weather breezes that visit the site. Strategically placed vaulted ceilings, custom window treatments that enhance rather than block, and designer light fixtures complete the picture. The kitchen in this unique home is designed to be the center of attention, with much of that attention given to the functionality of the space. With furniture-quality cabinetry in neutral tones, complimented by hard surface granite countertops, and top of the line appliances, this is a destination kitchen. With a center island and abundant storage space including an appliance garage, nothing has been left wanting. Morning coffee and biscuits to be enjoyed through the French doors onto the adjacent deck, where the sunburst design balustrades frame the views. Or craft a multi-course meal for the holidays. You can do it all in this space created with the chef in mind. The master bedroom is on the main level, and the two other bedrooms are in the fully-finished basement that opens onto a covered patio and extends the livability of the lower level. An attached triple-bay garage allows easy access to the house in any kind of weather. For additional information on this home, contact The Schmidt Patterson Group of Keller Williams Realty Community Partners at 678-329-8277, and reference MLS#5988125. The price on this home was just reduced to $540,000.
PGA Golf Instructor Buster Inman teaches at Apple Mountain Resort
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uster has been a member of The PGA for 38 years and has vast experience of being a club manager and director of golf at many clubs throughout the years. His passion, however, has been teaching all levels from beginners to advanced golfers. Buster has had great success in developing Jr. Golfers that have reached varying levels of success. In talking to one of his students, UGA student John Hilliard Catanzaro had this to say about Buster Inman:
“Buster was my primary instructor during those formative years of junior golf. Buster is the only swing coach that I know that would spend equal time teaching fundamental principals of the golf swing and foundational life lessons. There were so many times that Burster and I would watch the sun set hitting balls at Gadsden Country Club. It was during these times that Buster and I would talk about college golf and the possibility of playing in the SEC. Buster would tell me that I have Buster Inman and his daughter Katie
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the game and more importantly the determination to play at that level. Fortunately, the school that Buster loves, University of Georgia, has given me that opportunity. Words cannot express how thankful I am to have a mentor and friend like Buster Inman.� John received a full ride to UGA based in part on his golf ability. He credits Buster for reaching that goal. You now have the opportunity to learn the game of golf or improve your skills under the direction of this golf officianto. Buster is on staff as a golf instructor at Apple John Hilliard Catanzaro Mountain Resort in Clarkesville, Georgia. Located at 901 Rockford Creek Rd, Apple Mountain is a course with picturesque Bent Grass greens, Bermuda fairways, and Silver Pine trees. If you are interested in talking with Buster to schedule your first lesson, he may be reached directly by calling 256.458.6073 or email Binman0011@gmail.com. It’s a great day to invest in yourself or your future.
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A Destination for All Kingwood Country Club & Resort
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ingwood Country Club & Resort is home to one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Georgia – lush and supremely manicured Bermuda grass tees, fairways, and Bent grass putting greens, surrounded by mature hardwoods and rippling brooks, make this course not only beautiful, but also very demanding. From the garden of flowers on the back nine to the roaring fire in our lounge, the warm décor, elegance, and unique amenities make Kingwood the ultimate location to enjoy a sumptuous meal. And if the atmosphere isn’t enough, the varied menus from our three dining areas, prepared by our executive chef, will enthrall you and keep you coming back for more. Kingwood affords a serene and calming setting as you begin your quest to combat the stress of everyday life. Our spa offers renewal of the mind, body, and spirit with a variety of services. Spectacular mountain views, sumptuous menu choices, and beautiful venues make Kingwood Resort the ideal location for elegant weddings and special events. Kingwood is more than just a luxury resort: we are a destination with something to fit everyone’s tastes. The resort is located at 401 Country Club Drive east of Clayton, Georgia along Highway 76. The website provides additional information and can be found at www.kingwoodresort.com or you are invited to call with questions 706.212.4100.
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Bon Appétit
Homemade Ice Cream; Is There Anything Better on a Summer Afternoon? by Scarlett Cook
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know that you can just go buy any flavor of ice cream you want, but it just isn’t the same as watching and waiting for homemade to finally be ready. One year my mother-in-law called and said to come on over and we would make ice cream – peach – my favorite homemade. What she neglected to tell me was there were two bushels of butterbeans that needed to be shelled! You can imagine how good that ice cream tasted when it and the beans were done. Ice cream freezers have come a long way and with just a little work, homemade ice cream can be had in practically no time and with very little effort.
No Cook Vanilla Ice Cream Makes 1 quart
1 14-Ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 5-Ounce can evaporated milk 2 Tablespoons sugar 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract 2 Cups whole milk Whisk all ingredients in a large bowl until well blended. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Pour mixture into freezer container of electric ice cream maker and freeze per manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream has frozen, remove from maker and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
No Cook Strawberry Ice Cream Makes 1 1/2 quarts
1 14-Ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 5-Ounce can evaporated milk 1 1/2 Cups whole milk 1 16-Ounce container fresh or frozen strawberries; if frozen, thaw berries 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 Teaspoon salt Whisk all milks together. In a blender process strawberries, juice and salt until smooth. Combine milk and strawberry mixtures. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Pour mixture into freezer container of electric ice cream maker and freeze per manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream has frozen, remove from maker and place in the freezer for 15 minutes before enjoying.
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No Cook Peach Ice Cream
Makes 1 1/2 Quarts 1 14-Ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 5-Ounce can evaporated milk 1 1/4 Cups whole milk 4 Peeled and sliced fresh peaches or 15 ounce can of peaches (drained) 2 Tablespoons sugar 1/4 Cup lemon juice 1/4 Teaspoon salt 3/4 Cup peach nectar Process peaches in blender with sugar, lemon juice and salt until smooth. Whisk all milks together and stir in peach mixture; add peach nectar and blend well. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Pour mixture into freezer container of electric ice cream maker and freeze per manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream has frozen, remove from maker and place in the freezer for 15 minutes before enjoying.
No Cook Chocolate Ice Cream Makes 1 Quart
1 14-Ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 5-Ounce can evaporated milk 2 Cups chocolate milk 2/3 Cup chocolate syrup Whisk all ingredients in a large bowl until well blended. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Pour mixture into freezer container of electric ice cream maker and freeze per manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream has frozen, remove from maker and place in the freezer for 15 minutes before enjoying. gmlaurel.com
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The Family Table by Lorie Thompson
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uly starts off with a bang! Literally! Fireworks and a few days off work make this a favorite month of the year. July brings hot days, afternoon thunderstorms, rhododendron blooms on the mountainsides, and swimming at the lake! July is also the month for Silver Queen Corn! My family used to grow our own but the bears and raccoons love it just as much as we do. The last crop we grew was beautiful. We checked it almost daily and determined it would be ready to pick by the following weekend. The night before we planned to harvest, a bear came into the garden and picked every single ear of corn. He obviously had been keeping a careful eye on it too! You could see tracks in the dirt and the refuse pile where he had pulled it up, sat square on his butt and ate every single ear. We now buy our corn. Let me share a recipe for a corn salad that my family loves. In preparation for the salad, finely chop 1 cup or so of a mix of mild peppers. 1/4 of a green bell pepper and one each of the red, orange and yellow mini peppers gave me a little over a full cup. Finely chop 1/2 of a jalapeño pepper. (Use gloves when handling the jalapeño!) Thinly slice 4-5 spring onions. Finely chop approximately 1/2 cup of clean, fresh cilantro. Rinse an organic lime and zest 1-2 tsp of the peeling. Shuck and silk 8 ears of corn. Grill the corn until the kernels are tender and the starch inside the kernels turns clear. Allow it to cool enough to be able to handle it. While it is still warm, cut it off the cob slicing it “whole kernel”. Place the corn in a large bowl and add 1/2 Cup of mayonnaise. Crumble 4-6 ounces of Cotija or Feta Cheese into the salad and mix well. Add the juice from 1/2 lime, lime zest, and all of the reserved peppers, onions, and chopped cilantro. (Note: taste your jalapeño for heat and adjust for your heat preference.) The Cotija and Feta cheese are both very salty. Mix them into the salad and then taste to see if you need added salt. My family loves this salad. I make it year-round and use frozen, whole-kernel corn in the Winter months. I toss the frozen corn with a dash of olive oil and roast it on a sheet pan at 425 degrees. Stir every 10 minutes or so and continue to roast until the corn is tender. Use in the salad in place of the grilled corn. One of our favorite grilling items is a grilled pork chop. Very often we season them with a heavy shake of Cavender’s Greek Seasoing and that is all. If I am looking to dress them up, I have a go-to apricot glaze that is delicious. In a small saucepan over very low heat, mix 1 cup of apricot jam with 1/4 cup Dijon mustard. Stir until the jam is thinned and mustard is fully incorporated. Remove from heat. Separate the sauce into two containers, reserving one half for serving with the pork at the table. Season the chops with garlic, salt, and black pepper. Grill the chops over medium heat, turning frequently and brushing on the glaze each time you turn them. Cook chops to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. A digital meat thermometer is an essential kitchen tool! Serve with the warmed, reserved glaze. Let me tell you about one of my husband’s favorite desserts. He LOVES Banana’s Foster. He loves ice cream and having the hot caramel, buttery, rum topping to pour on top of
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it, makes him a happy man! This is a great recipe for a Summer dessert since it only takes minutes to make and turns ordinary ice cream into a luxury dessert. It is perfect to make outside on the grill. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt 1/4 C of unsalted, good quality butter. (I love Kerry Gold!) Add 1 cup (pack it down when measuring) of dark brown sugar to the butter and allow to cook while stirring, for 4-5 minutes until it is bubbly and fully mixed. Add 1/2 Cup of heavy cream to the sauce and stir. Allow cooking for another 4-5 minutes. Add 2 bananas thinly sliced and gently stir into the sauce. Add 1/3 cup of Dark Rum to the saucepan. You can use a long lighter stick and light the alcohol on fire or you can reduce your heat and gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until the alcohol has burned off. Please note that the Rum is flammable! Keep a tight-fitting lid on hand to extinguish the flame if necessary. *** Even if you just simmer the alcohol out of the sauce it could catch on fire, so be prepared. Have a tight-fitting lid on hand. *** The traditional recipe calls for the addition of cinnamon and walnuts. You can add these as you like. I prefer just a tiny sprinkle of coarse or flaked salt on top as I serve it. Smoked salt is even better! Make this your own! In a restaurant, this dish would be served table-side and with the Rum ignited and the bananas flambĂŠed right there as you watch. Pretty high drama! Your family will think you are a Top Chef! Summer evenings offer a great opportunity to gather your family around the BBQ grill and cook something special! I hope you will enjoy these dishes at your own family table with someone you love! May God bless you and keep you. Happy July!
Lorie Thompson is a local REALTORÂŽ with Re/Max Of Rabun. Lorie and her husband Anthony, (Peanut) live on a family homestead here in Rabun County. Lorie loves to cook and share great food with family and friends.
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Bella’s Steaks, Pasta and More Four Years and A Great Future By Melynda Hensley
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n June 22, Bella’s Steaks, Pasta and More celebrated four years of business! Bella’s is a hidden gem within the Covered Bridge Shopping Center in Clayton, Ga. Alex and Kim Aguilar serve a little bit of everything from steak and seafood to pizza and pasta, and they serve up a mouthwatering breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. They have variety of hand crafted pizzas, several scrumptious subs and sandwiches, and many unique and delicious pasta dishes that are available for lunch and dinner. Also, they offer an all-you-can-eat shrimp on Thursday nights, which started as a special, but because of the high demand, now they offer it year around. Beer and wine is available for those who partake. Side by side, the Aguilars work with their employees, who they consider family, to provide the very best quality to their patrons. They love feedback and want to hear about your dining experience. It’s how they just keep getting better! They appreciate everyone who has supported them these past four years. Kim and Alex have done many things to support the community and give back such as fund raisers, providing food to the firefighters during the wildfire, and they even put on a free Thanksgiving meal for anyone in the community. They hope to instill this model of servitude to their two daughters: Allie, 8; and Bella, 11, for whom the restaurant is named. Make sure when you eat at Bella’s to tell them “Happy Anniversary!” With the delicious food and warm service, you will not be disappointed. For more information, please call 706. 960.9185, and visit Bella’s on Facebook for daily specials.
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The 15th Big E Festival & Elvis Tribute
he 15th Big E Festival & Elvis Tribute Artists Competition has partnered with the Rabun County Library for their summer reading program, Libraries Rock! The festival will be held at the Rabun County Civic Center on August 3 – 4. Celebrating 15 years of Big Es demands a special event on Friday night, 2X World Champion David Lee from Birmingham, AL, will perform with last year’s Big E winner Damon Hendrix. The Voice of Conway Twitty, Greg Crick, will act as Master of Ceremonies. David Lee won the Big E in 2003, then took the 2004 World Champion International Images of the King title in Memphis, TN. In 2015, he was crowned the Ultimate Elvis Contest winner produced by the Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis, TN. He holds many titles including Canadian Grand Champion. Show starts at 7 pm, doors open at 6 pm. Saturday at 1 pm the ETA Competition begins with Robby Dean, Spirit of the King, as Emcee. This former Hollywood stunt man and crowd pleaser promises to perform Polk Salad Annie. So get ready! Robby won the Big E in 2009. Fifteen or more ETAs will be competing. Doors open at noon. Elvis’ favorite foods – Moon Pies, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Ding-Dongs, Cream Puffs, popcorn, Pepsi, and other fattening treats will be available. Door prizes will be distributed to the lucky. A special People’s Choice Award, with all proceeds benefiting Rabun Life 4 Paws, will be awarded. For tickets call Bill @ 706.201.8232, or the Rabun County Library @ 706.782.3731. www.bigefest.com or elvisqueen@windstream. net.
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Eat, Drink & Be Happy
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Many Thanks to Rhapsody in Rabun Restaurants by Rabun County Band Students
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s the Rhapsody in Rabun 2018 event nears, Rabun County Band Students are reflecting on how grateful they are to the restaurants who will provide the outstanding food served at the event. The “Rhapsody Restaurants” are an integral part of the success of this fundraiser. They deserve many thanks for their contributions to the event, many of them year after year. The evening is an anticipated annual event where attendees don their finest and enjoy incredible fare, live music and dancing, an unbelievable silent auction and exciting live auction. It is always enjoyable to mix and mingle with our community while helping worthwhile cause each year. The Rabun County Band Boosters and students have worked hard this year with the Rhapsody organizers and board to ensure a successful event. The proceeds will provide much needed uniforms, instruments and fun trips for band students in the coming years. This year we are essentially investing in our future, the arts and our community. If you have not purchased your tickets to this event we encourage you to do so by visiting www.rhapsodyinrabun.com or calling 706.782.8342.
Rabun County Band Students express their gratitude to the restaurants of Rhapsody 2018: “I would like to send a big thank you to Sunday Diner for participating in Rhapsody in Rabun and for taking a wonderful selfie with me. We are looking forward to new uniforms for the 2019 band season and we wish it would come so much sooner. Thank you again to Sunday Diner!”
Gavin Nubern will be in the 10th grade. He plays the xylophone in the pitts (percussion). He is pictured here with the manager at Sunday Diner. “Shout-out to Huddle House for donating coffee to Rhapsody! Thanks guys!”
Will Middleton is an upcoming 11th grader that plays the trombone. 42
“Thank you to the Dillard House for their help with Rhapsody in Rabun! The band and its future members appreciate the help you are giving!”
“Thank You Rick Michaels and all of the team members at Chick-Fil-A for your amazing support of the Wildcat Band. Wildcat Band loves our Chick-Fil-A.”
Briley Daniel and Alonna Gibson are both upcoming 11th graders. Briley plays in the percussion during marching season and alto saxophone in the concert season. Alonna plays in the percussion section.
Gracie Mote is an upcoming 11th grader. She plays trumpet and was last year’s drum major.
“Thank you so much Valley Cafe & Catering for participating in Rhapsody in Rabun! Your generosity in being a vendor in this event is greatly appreciated! Our program will be forever grateful that your contribution will help our program purchase uniforms and instruments!!!”
“Band is important to me because it is like a second family. Our getting Rhapsody will help us to achieve greater things. Thank you Oinkers!”
Sean King is an upcoming 9th grader. He plays in the percussion.
Drew O’Brien is an upcoming 11th grader. He plays the euphonium.
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“I would like to thank Rumor Haz It for helping the RCHS band in Rhapsody in Rabun. The band family is highly appreciative for your efforts in helping us succeed.”
“Thank you so much Rusty Bike Cafe for participating in Rhapsody in Rabun. Your donation of food is greatly appreciated for this event. The proceeds from Rhapsody will benefit our program tremendously.”
“Cool beans! Thank you to The Huddle House for providing coffee for the Rhapsody in Rabun event. Your contribution is appreciated by all of us!”
Destiny Sauls is an upcoming 11th grader and she plays mellophone. “I would like to thank Chef Charles Maddrey who caters seasonally at the Red Barn Cafe for providing food for the Rhapsody in Rabun event. The band is extremely happy and thankful that we were chosen for Rhapsody.”
“I have been in the band since the sixth grade. I am excited that we will have new uniforms and instruments for my Senior year. The band works very hard and I feel like we are sometimes overlooked. We are thankful to all for helping make this night possible. Thank you to Fromage & Other Fine Foods!”
Thomas King is an upcoming 11th grader. He plays the tenor saxaphone. “I want to thank Kingwood Country Club for contributing to Rhapsody in Rabun. I think that you are a major highlight to all of Georgia. When you contribute to Rabun County Band Boosters, it not only makes a great impact on how you look but also helps the students out. This helps us afford new uniforms, instruments and to go on trips. I think that all in all I speak for all of us when I say we are eternally grateful.” Jazmin Wall is an upcoming 11th grader. She plays the clarinet. “Thank you, Cupboard Cafe, for your willingness to help with the food for the Rhapsody gala. The band students are excited and grateful for this opportunity. We are so thankful to have such a caring community.”
Mallory York is an upcoming 10th grader. She plays the alto saxophone.
Zain Harding is an upcoming 9th grader and plays trumpet. “As the band captain of the Sound of the Wildcat Nation, myself and the band would like to thank Mama G’s Italian Restaurant for their generous contribution. “ Allen Hughes is an upcoming 12th grader. He plays the baritone sax.
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Mallory York is an upcoming 10th grader. She plays the alto saxophone.
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Rhapsody Continued
Christine’s Home Décor
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“I would like to send a big shout out to Bella’s Restaurant for being a part of Rhapsody in Rabun. It means the world to me and my fellow band students to get these new uniforms. We all can not wait for the 2019 football season to start so we can suit up for the first time in the new uniforms. Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts and especially mine.”
by Lucas McCoy
pening in Franklin in 1994 and proudly serving Macon Co. and surrounding areas since 2002, Christine’s Home Décor is now located in Otto, North Carolina. Don’t let this rural setting fool you: Christine’s is one of the finest custom upholstery and home décor stores in this part of the region. Offering blinds and bedding, upholstery and cushions, Christine’s can meet your every need, but the one area where they truly blow their competition out of the water is their custom slip covers. Featured in Southern Living, these works of art are some of the highest quality around and are just one of the host of items available in their Otto location. Christine also sports a large showroom of fabrics to choose from, as well as top of the line fabric books including Sunbrella, Green House, Robert Allen, and many more, and in-home consultations and installations are available by appointment. Christine’s is also a major supporter of the Appalachian Animal Rescue Center, a noneuthanasia animal shelter that has been dedicated to the care of the animals in Macon County since 1962. This cause is near and dear to Christine’s heart. So if you’re looking for some new blinds, thought about having that old family chair reupholstered, or just want to take a look at some new slip covers for your home, then be sure to make Christine’s your first stop. For more Information call 828.524.7007 or go online at www.christineshomedecor.com or swing by and pay them a visit at 9958 Georgia Road in Otto, North Carolina.
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Kaitlyn Nubern will be in the 9th grade and plays the clarinet.
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“Ishy’s, thank you SO much for your help with rhapsody!!! You guys are amazing, just like your food!!!” Jazmin Forester, upcoming 9th grader. She plays the flute.
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Lakemont, Georgia
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North Georgia Arts Guild Nita Perry Burge’s Recent Oil Paintings Leaning toward Abstraction by Susan Brewer
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fter visiting Nita Burge’s oil paintings online, I went to see them at Grahl Gallery Framing Studio in Hiawassee, Georgia. The owners, Bryan and Maggie Grahl, and 13-year-old pup, Momo gave a friendly greeting as Nita and I began looking at her work. I was drawn to “Positive Waves,” a painting of a horse that belonged to Nita’s friend. Nita rendered the straw at its feet using a thick body of paint. The composition is lovely, but the horse captured my heart: a young, self-possessed, tender animal. Later, I checked online to find out more about “Positive Waves”, and sadly, that horse died during the May to August 2017 season at the Saratoga Springs racetrack and steeplechase grounds in New York state. It was one of nineteen – nineteen – that died there that season. Who knew the high cost of racing in lives of beautiful animals? Certainly, not me. Several of Nita’s recent paintings stray from similar loose realism to include bits and pieces of abstract beauty, mini-paintings within paintings. These little neighborhoods of color are powerful, pleasing discoveries that deserve attention. In “Swan at Crane Creek”, the colors make up a jaunty chorus surrounding the body of the white swan. The lyrical composition acts like a beacon to draw your attention. The shadows of the neck and body and the water’s surface hooked me. Reeled in, the abstracted bits of color offered sweet delight. “Crane Creek Vineyard” has been abstracted even more: lines of vines and grapes recede towards a low hill and trees and the sky. The curious twisted shapes of grapes on the vine seem less about
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grapes and more about exploration of shapes; the unplanted ground in the painting’s center seems happy to be ground or color. It suggests dirt and grasses, but just barely. I took real pleasure in seeing that. Nita has gotten help with these recent works from an app called ARTISTO. I would argue this has narrowed her focus and launched these new subtleties. She uses a transfer grid to place her images onto canvas. Her studio has two glass walls that offer northern light and a mirror, a large mirror hung so she can see the reverse of the image she is painting as she’s painting it. Marietta was home and is still where most of Nita’s teachers, friends, supporters, and buyers live. She recently moved to Hiawassee, that lovely, well-kept secret on the edge of Lake Chatuge two hours from Marietta. Its beauty and isolation offer less “art” company, though Nita hopes to find an instructor close by, someone to work with in the mountains. The body of Nita’s earlier work often embeds her emotional response to seeing things, particularly her figurative works, lively portraits of girls and women. She does bold, bright versions of buildings, too, as well as wine-glass still-lifes, and music is another theme, featuring the players and their instruments. This is a nod to her mother Carolyn Shiflett Perry, who double majored in voice, organ, and piano. Their home at one time held three pianos, where she played together with friends.
For more see nitaburge.com, the North Georgia Arts Guild website, and further, to links at Oil-Paintingsfor-a-Cause and FineArtAmerica websites. You may find yourself headed to Hiawassee to see more!
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Around Back at Rocky’s Place Jim Gary Phillips by Tracey Burnette
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s a child, Jim Gary Phillips’s family faced tough financial times. He was never encouraged to paint or draw; no one taught him about art appreciation, color theory, or visual composition; all of these discoveries were purely of his own making. Those tough times continued on into his adulthood with Jim Gary working a variety of jobs, and often, several at a time to provide for his family, and again, leaving no time for art.
After his children were grown, and life had settled down, Jim Gary and his wife, Norma Jean, began to travel around western Kentucky. On one of these trips, Jim Gary stumbled upon a gallery where he encountered the work of another Kentuckian, well-known woodcarver, Minnie Adkins. This is when greatness inspired greatness. He wanted to buy one of Minnie’s carvings, but he could not justify the purchase. Instead, Jim Gary bought
some acrylic paints and brushes, and he set out to create a painting of Minnie’s carving that had so inspired him. He caught the painting fever and continued to paint until he found his own vision. Like most folk artists, he paints scenes close to his heart local landscapes and animals, childhood memories, patriotic and political pieces, and a multitude of religious works, straight out of a Sunday sermon. Most paintings include an accompanying narrative, words written so small that Jim Gary hovers closely over the board at his country kitchen table as he composes. His work has two distinguishing features: one, he often incorporates, on his paintings, the lyrics of the blue grass music he loves so much. The other feature is painting on wooden cabinets doors, which creates a natural frame; these “frames” are often embellished with designs painted with his fingertips. Jim Gary Phillips continues to paint today, and his themes run from poignant to playful, enriched with the bright, bold colors of the palette. Around Back at Rocky’s Place has the honor of carrying his work, with many of his signature pieces on display. Stop by the gallery at 3631 Highway 53, Dawsonville, Georgia, call 706.265.6030, or visit the website www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com and begin your very own Jim Gary Phillips collection.
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A Taste of the Good Life at Burton Gallery Y
ou are cordially invited to a special event at Burton Gallery: “A Taste of the Good Life�. Treat yourself to an afternoon of inspiring art and wine tasting hosted by Crane Creek Vineyards and wine pairing appetizers by Atlanta Chef Reny Sainte.
No matter what your taste in art, from traditional to contemporary, the Burton Gallery has something just for you. This event will feature a special exhibit of paintings by Artists Patricia Fabian and Pat Fiorello. Enjoy a wine tasting for your palate and artwork for your soul on Saturday July 21, 2pm-6pm. Artwork will be available for only 2 weeks after this opening event. Burton Gallery is located at 150 Burton Dam Road, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523, on the corner of Highway 197 and Burton Dam Road. You can contact them at 706.754.8301 or get more information from their website, burtongallery.net.
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“Cheever” Brings Pottery Legend to Life by John Shivers
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ortheast Georgia writer and playwright Emory Jones was eight years old when he visited the studio of his great-uncle, famed White County potter Cheever Meaders, one summer day in 1958. Forty-two years later, he was reunited with a small clay pitcher which he’d decorated on that visit. That piece of pottery was the inspiration for “Cheever,” a poignant memoir that opens for eight performances on Thursday, August 2. Last year Emory staged a play adapted from his book The Valley Where They Danced. “Cheever,” under the direction of Dr. Kathy Blandin, Associate Professor of Theatre at Piedmont College, is his second scripted production. On stage at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Association, this vignette of stories from the memories of the late Cheever himself, brings the man to life. When pottery becomes more decorative and
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less functional, this man, whose work is featured in the Smithsonian, had difficulty accepting the change. Leading that transition were his own wife and son, Lanier, and the conflict is what propels the story. “It’s mainly three people on stage,” Emory explains. “The action is between Cheever, his wife, Arie, and Dr. John Burrison, a young northern transplant, who works with the couple, and is the catalyst for the saga of conflict and resolution.” A book, Memories Etched in Pott’ry, will also be released in mid-July, and capsules the stage production and many more stories that couldn’t be accommodated in the play. It will be for sale at each performance. Play dates are August 2 ,3, 4 and August 9, 10, and 11, at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees on August 5 and 12 at 4:00 p.m. Following the August 5 performance, audience members can remain for dinner with cast members in costume and mingling. Admission is $15.00 for SNCA members, $18.00 for non-members, $10.00 for students. Dinner on August 5 is an additional $18.00. Get information and tickets at www. snca.org or by calling 706-878-3300.
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Promises Broken, Promises Kept By Pastor Kyle Watts
D.L. Moody says, “God never made a promise that was too good to be true, but every promise must be claimed by faith.” What is a promise? Merriam Webster defines a promise as: 1. A declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. 2. A legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.
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n a world where there are so many broken promises, be that in homes, churches, governments, etc., it seems that we can trust no one. Life can be challenging, it may even seem to be unfair at times. Our busy corporate world only magnifies these areas of contention.
Media outlets report on a regular basis the problems of our day such as school shootings, workplace violence, political unrest, entertainment tabloids, global warming and climate change. The list goes on, and on, and on. This has become the “normal” information that we hear everyday and even expect to hear.
Bad news seems to be the only news anyone ever really hears in this day and time. Is it any wonder that we’ve become depressed, discontent, dissatisfied, dysfunctional and even disobedient.
Our worship times are:
Are you tired of promises being broken and not being able to trust even those who love you the most? Do you feel as though all hope is lost and no one cares anymore?
Sunday Morning 9:45 Prayer Meeting 10:00 Sunday school 11:00 Worship Service
There is good news. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31,“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; and they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” These words are God’s promise to mankind and can never be broken. Let me share with you what God’s Word says in Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Matthew Henry describes this verse as, “Christ is a friend to all believers that stick closer than a brother.” God’s Word teaches us about promises. Deuteronomy 31:6 says,“be strong and of good courage, fear not nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doeth go with thee; He will never fail thee nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5 says,“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said; I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” In 52
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Sunday Night 6:00 Congregational Bible Study “Going through the Bible” Monday Night 6:30 Men and Women Bible Studies Wednesday Night 5:30 - 7:45 Kids Time, Supper is provided 6:30 Congregational Bible Study “Going through the Bible”
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the Greek, this promise is very emphatic. God is saying that he will never, never, never leave you. We have this promise from the Creator of the entire universe! Friend, there is nothing in the world that you and I can manufacture that will give assurance and peace. We must rest in the promise of God when He said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) I rest in the assurance of this promise. I, as a child of God have His Word for my guide and Jesus Christ the living Word for my Savior, “One who sticketh closer than a brother.” God’s standards are high and we can never obtain or maintain them apart from Jesus Christ. “He is my rock and my salvation.” (Psalm 62:6) Friend I want to encourage and challenge you. If you are feeling discouraged and think no one cares for you just remember the words of the psalmist, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1) There has never been a person who has not broken at least one promise for one reason or another, Our God in heaven will never break His promises. Turn to Him in your time of need,“God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1Corinthians 1:9) At our best we sometimes fail to keep even our most heartfelt promises. I remember as a kid growing up with six siblings that Dad and Mom had their hands full with work, chores and other family matters, and now as a parent I too have these same responsibilities. From time to time we become overwhelmed by life situations and may make a promise we cannot keep. “We sometimes say sure son, we will play tomorrow,” or “yes sweetie I will come to your piano recital.” “I promise!” We all make them and we all break them. God says in 2 Peter 3:9,“The Lord is not slack concerning His promises.” Praise the Lord! The promises of God in scripture are an assurance which God has given in His Word of bestowing blessings on His people. God’s assurance rests on His perfect justice, power, grace, mercy, compassion and cannot fail in performance. So as we see from God’s word, He never breaks His promises. For us we need to filter our words so that we do not make rash promises. As children of God we should strive to follow Christ’s example and truly love God and others. This means keeping our word and our promises to others through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. We welcome everyone to Rocky Grove Baptist Church located at 6900 Bridge Creek Road, Tiger GA 30576. gmlaurel.com
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Bless Your Heart - Gracefully Yours… by Lisa Harris
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h lawd,” Caroline leaned over and whispered to her husband Mark, “Mom’s at it again,” pointing discretely to the back row of the church. “What are we going to do with her constant gossiping?” Mark gave his wife’s sixtyish hand a squeeze and said, “Honey, your mom doesn’t believe in gossip, you know that…she is ‘sharing’ so they can be prayed for.” Caroline rolled her eyes quite dramatically and said, “So mom says, but I’m quite sure God sees it as gossip!” “Well,” Mark continued, “at ninety she is not going to change, right?” “Right,” Caroline agreed but still fumed over what embarrassing tidbits her mom was sharing to the backrow women.” Caroline pushed her mom from her thoughts and tried to concentrate on what the preacher was saying, but her mind kept wandering over to her daughter Gracie. Gracie was quite lovely and delightfully quirky at thirty. Short, sassy reddish hair, just a few faint freckles from her childhood remained across her turned-up nose. She was meticulous about her smile, so her teeth always were gleaming when she gave off her sparkling laugh. She was blessed to have inherited her grandmother’s metabolism and had stayed a perfect size 4 for years. Caroline, however, struggled with every pound and agonized over every carb presented on her plate. She was thankful Gracie didn’t have that agony. However, what she did have was loneliness. Gracie so desired to be married yet, no one appeared to have swept her off her feet. In the meantime, Gracie worked hard developing her boutique of unique clothing, jewelry and expanding into ever so popular farmhouse décor and furniture. Her shop was called, “Gracefully Yours,” and she most definitely won the hearts and support of the community.
clothing to bring in, most definitely, feminine and flowy, and always a few classic pieces for her more conservative gals. Surprisingly, her grandmother, ‘Pearlie’ as she preferred Gracie to call her, loved her clothing line. There was nothing she wouldn’t try, especially if it went with her skinny white jeans! Gracie giggled to herself how stylish her Pearlie had always been. That was probably where she got her own style, it certainly wasn’t from her mom. Love her, but clothes were not her thing. As Gracie pondered and giggled to herself, a young man walked into her store. “Excuse me ma’am,” he said with a smile. Startled Gracie looked up and smiled back, “Hello, I’m Gracie and you are…?” “I’m Saxon Dasher, the new representative for the Farmhouse line.” “Saxon Dasher? Oh my, your name sounds like a romance novel.” Gracie giggled. Saxon laughed out loud, “I get that all the time, however, never been successful in the romance line, but I do okay with sales and numbers.” “So, you’re more a numbers guy huh?” Gracie was making a mental note of his broad shoulders, scrubby-like beard, bald head, bright hazel eyes and close to 6ft tall. Or, at least he seemed that tall compared to her petite 5 feet. A handsome fella in her eyes, and no wedding band. Of course, that meant nothing in this world. Saxon was making his own mental notes. He was most definitely a bit smitten with Gracie. Saxon had always had a soft-spot for spunky but charming red-heads. This Gracie certainly caught his eye…but was she married? He glanced at her hand, no engagement nor wedding ring. Maybe… Before anymore words could be spoken between them, the door jingled and in walked Pearlie.
Caroline jerked herself back to the preaching once again to bow her head for the ending prayer. She kept her head bowed just a moment longer sending up a prayer for Gracie’s future and a plea for her mom not to bless everyone’s heart so much. Amen.
“Pearlie,” Gracie exclaimed, “What are you doing here alone? Where’s mom?”
It was the beginning of June and much work had to be done getting ready for the 4th of July. Gracefully Yours had to be totally flipped to reflect America’s birthday. Red, White and Blue would dominate, flags, banners, and of course, food and music would all be about the Fourth. Gracie would exhaust herself, she knew, but she never did anything half way and her vendors knew that. Gracie pondered over which
Gracie turned redder than her hair and exclaimed, “Pearlie,” was all she could squeak out.
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Pearlie glanced at Gracie then turned and blatantly looked Saxon up and down and said, “Lawd girl, this fella looks like a fine catch! Are you married?”
Saxon however handled Pearlie with ease, laughing he replied, “Well thank you Pearlie, I’m not married nor have a girlfriend.” “What’s your name?” Pearlie asked.
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“Saxon Dasher,” he replied, “and you are…?” “I’m Pearlie, Gracie’s grandmother.” Saxon bent way down and shook her hand, “Very nice to meet you ma’am.” Pearlie leaned in closer and said, “if you’re smart you’ll ask out my granddaughter, she’s a fine one.” Saxon winked. Yep, that was all it took. Gracie grabbed the counter she was standing by and for some reason it was that moment… she knew.” Pearlie patted her granddaughter and walked out. It was in that very moment…Pearlie’s purpose in life was to break the ice between Saxon and herself.
“What about church Caroline? Do you need pray’n for? I can put people on it!” Pearlie might be ninety, but spirit was not a problem for her! “No Mom but I do have a bone to pick with you.” Caroline said. “You do? What is it?” “Mom, you say you don’t believe in gossip, but you share too much of other people’s business…and they did not ask you to do that. That is what gossip is, telling other people’s business.” Pearlie sat there a moment and pondered what she would say, “Well as long as I pray for them and other prays for them, how is that gossip? That’s just going to the Lord.”
Gracie looked over at Saxon and gave a weak smile, “please excuse my Pearlie, she’s forthright if nothing else!”
“Mom, how do you know other people don’t tell others? If you’re told something, then you need to keep it confidential and only tell God.”
Saxon laughed and said, “She’s definitely something else, the only thing is, you know my credential’s, but I don’t know yours?” “Single? Engaged? Committed?”
Pearlie again sat there a moment then replied, “Alright, I’ll tell you what…I’ll stop telling others and everyone is on their own!”
“I’m none of those, however, I believe I am now committed to putting my grandmother on my front porch, so she can flaunt her craziness! Gracie laughed.
Caroline smiled in triumph, “Great mom, thank you!” as she walked from the porch to the kitchen.
It was at that instant her mom, Caroline stuck her head in the door and yelled, “Gracie, was mom in here? I can’t keep up with that woman!? “Yes mom, but I bet she went a couple of doors down to get a cup of coffee.” Caroline eyed the young man standing beside her daughter but chose to keep her mouth shut. “Alright Honey, I’ll let you get back to work. Love you and bye!” “Bye mom.” Gracie turned back around to Saxon who was grinning and had to ask, “so any more family today?” Gracie just laughed and shook her head no and took the book Saxon was handing her to look over. “Okay, let me look over all these items and you can check with me tomorrow to see what I need to order.” Saxon took this as his cue to leave, which he did. But not without picking up her business card that had her cell number listed. Today was a good day. He whistled to his car. Not well, in fact, it sounded badly, but a crackle noise did come out. --“Mom,” Caroline called out, “Mom we need to talk about church.”
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Pearlie leaned back in her rocker and looked out onto the front yard, “Well, I won’t tell others while she’s look’n anyway,” and Pearlie folded her arms with a big Humph! --Saxon got home later that afternoon, grabbed a bottled water and sat down on his leather recliner. He needed a moment to think things through, especially since he couldn’t get Gracie off his mind. He didn’t know her but the thirty or so minutes he was there he felt like he’d known her forever. Except there was one problem, he had a ten-year-old daughter he not only loved but lived with him. At twenty-two, Saxon’s last year of college, he met a young woman that took his breath away. Anna was vivacious, loving, strong and they fell in love, married and within a few months conceived and were so excited to welcome a daughter. Lily was born on the 4th of July and Anna died from a brain aneurysm within hours of her birth. The first five years were an absolute blur, the last five had been much better. Lily had her routine of school, after school care then he picked her up at 6pm. He felt very blessed that his income was enough to hire people to help him clean the house and take care of the yard. This freed up his time to spend with her. Saxon never allowed himself a personal life, he poured himself into raising Lily… he had promised Anna with her last breath, that he would devote himself to her, and he did. But now, after meeting Gracie something stirred within him and he wanted to explore those feelings. Saxon looked at his watch and realized he had fifteen
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minutes to pick up Lily. He grabbed his keys and ran out the door. Getting to her at the last minute the retiring teacher laughed at Saxon and said, “it’s a good thing you’re as sweet as you are handsome, or I’d be giving you a lecture on time management!” Saxon hugged Lily and waved to the teacher in thanks. “How was your day sweet girl?” “It was fun daddy and look at the flower Daniel gave me at lunch.” Saxon looked down at his gorgeous daughter, even at ten he could tell she would look just like her mother. Of course, he was going to have a time keeping these boys away. Saxon squatted down to her eye level and said, “it’s okay for him to give you a flower but just remember, you’re always Daddy’s girl, right?” “Right Daddy!” “Now let’s go get this homework done so we can watch a fun show tonight.” --The next day Saxon made the call to Gracie to check in, however, instead asked her to coffee to go over her order. Ordinarily, he would just meet in the store, but he needed more personal time with her. Excited about the call and after accepting the invitation, Gracie went into the normal ‘what to wear’ mode. After making her selection of a cream lacy top, black jeans with heels and light pink lipstick…she was ready. A couple of hours later she walked out the store door to meet Saxon two doors down for coffee. He was ready and waiting. After getting her seated, they did the usual small talk until Gracie looked at him and said, “I don’t do small talk well, tell me about your journey in life…I feel there is much more to you than I see.” Saxon leaned in with a smile, it was a smile that appreciated there was no time to waste on trivial small talk. So, he began the journey of his last ten years of life…with college, with Anna, with Lily and watched her reaction. Gracie looked up at him after he finished, her eyes glistening from his story and said, “you are a man of enormous integrity and I hope to get to know you better.” Saxon took her hand and gave her a squeeze, “I’d like that.” --Gracie, her mom, Caroline and Pearlie were all in a tizzy three weeks later. The store had been flipped over to an old-fashioned 4th of July display. Everything was in the faded red, white and blue colors, old banners replicated, Uncle Sam proudly displayed and tons of food and music playing from the store. The tizzy came from last minute 58
details and exhaustion from dates at night with Saxon and working full throttle during the day. They had seen each other every night since their first coffee date and both sensed it was a committed relationship. She still had not met Lily, but Saxon was correct to protect her. He would know when the time was healthy for Lily. Saxon swooped in at the school and picked up Lily. It was awesome to have his mom so close to help at night, but he was feeling that tonight he would introduce Lily to his new friend, Gracie at the 4th of July party at the store. It would be too busy to talk much, and this way Lily could put a name to the face. It was the eve of the holiday and all three women were busy putting the last touches on store. Saxon made sure the Farmhouse line he carried was in and set up to Gracie’s liking, Pearlie was sitting behind the counter repeating orders and Caroline was making sure every item had a price tag. This was one holiday that usually made fabulous sales. In walked Saxon with Lily who had meticulously tied a red, white and blue blow around her swinging ponytail. She had on a darling blue sundress with red sandals. Gracie walked up to Saxon and said, “Saxon is this your daughter Lily?” Lily stuck out her hand and said, “Nice to meet you Gracie, my dad said I was going to see you tonight.” Gracie leaned over and took her hand, “You have an extra special Dad Lily, so glad you both are here. Do you want to meet my mom and grandmother?” “Sure!” Gracie took her over to Caroline and Pearlie and within seconds Lily had won their hearts over. Later Saxon came over in one of the few quiet moments in the store and hugged Gracie from behind. She clasped his arms around her waist and leaned back, some from exhaustion but mostly from pure happiness. “Saxon,” she said. “Hmmm…” he answered. I see the fireworks going off in the distance. He turned her around and held her face, no that’s my heart shooting fireworks. Gracie giggled saying, “that’s corny Saxon.” He said, “I know, I told you I was better at numbers than romance.” “Then count to ten, before you come up for air,” she said as she leaned in for a long kiss. Saxon of course, lost count…and didn’t care. (And Lily…. well, she loved her new mom and grew up running the Gracefully Yours Store. She eventually opened her own store called “Lily Blooms,” and bloomed she did. But, that’s for another story on another day.
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His Last Days Drama – Be a Part of the Story
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hese beautiful North Georgia Mountains are a place where so many remarkably artistic expressions and events have been fostered and created. Following a vision, the life and ministry of Jesus being reenacted in an outdoor setting by community people, His Last Days has become a significant yearly celebration. Thirty five years and hundreds of volunteers have gone into fashioning this unique dramatic expression of the message of Jesus of Nazareth. The passion play relies on persons of all ages and backgrounds to create the outdoor setting and fill the scenes of the Biblical story with genuine reactions. Unlike practiced plays, much of His Last Days is a spontaneous response to the story of Jesus’ final days. Narrated and set to music by our choir, His Last Days is Georgia’s only annual outdoor passion play. A CALL TO CAST AND TECHNICAL CREW – We strive to have 250 or more persons involved in various parts of the drama. Costumes are provided and only two major practices are required to be in crowd scenes. Persons in His Last Days are asked “to react, not to act” to the experiences of the scenes. The real impact is the visual witness of those individuals in the crowds around Jesus that brings a startling genuine feeling to the drama. Cast and audience feel they “are really there.”
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Being in His Last Days is an opportunity to share faith without having to speak words. It is not a “play.” The purpose of the drama is to be a worship and inspirational experience, not an entertainment. We encourage everyone who is interested and willing to be with us in the cast and to come walk with us in His Last Days. It is an excellent experience for families, with many spiritual learning and teaching moments for everyone taking part. Musicians and volunteers to help with set-up of staging, lights, and sound are also needed. For more information please call Jan Volk 706-476-7939. For information about attending His Last Days, also call 706.476.7939 or check www.hislastdaysdrama.com. Times: 7:00 pm each evening Saturday September 1st and Sunday September 2nd in Tallulah Falls just off Route 441 on Scenic Highway 15. No tickets are sold, but an offering is received for expenses. We always continue after any rain delays.
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Habitat For Humanity of Rabun To Host The 13th Annual Hoedown BBQ Dinner
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abitat for Humanity of Rabun County will host its 13th Annual Hoedown BBQ Dinner on July 13th from 6 – 9:30 pm at the Dillard House.
This annual event is the organization’s largest fundraiser and this year proceeds will assist in providing building needs for four families in Rabun County The event, which features live music, silent, and live auctions and great food, is from 6 – 9:30 pm and this year is Chaired by Nancy Gribble, Nicole Griffin, and Patricia Stueck, and is hosted by the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Rabun County. Since its inception, the Rabun County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has worked with over 20 families to provide mortgage agreements allowing for low-income families a leg up into home ownership. Candidates for Habitat homes must undergo a stringent interview process, pass drug testing, have a clean criminal record, and show a work history that would allow them to pay
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back the mortgage. Once a family is chosen, the Rabun County Chapter requires successful completion of the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Course before move-in. In addition to the course, each selected family must provide up to 200 hours of “sweat equity” in the building of their home. This year’s homes will include 3 renovations and 1 new build. Tickets for the evening are $60 for Adults and $20 for Children. Casual western attire is encouraged. For tickets contact, Nicole Griffin at 706.212.2318 or by email at Nicole.griffin@harrynorman.com
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Mountain Happenings STEPHENS COUNTY July 7 and each Saturday through August Ida Cox Music Series Downtown Toccoa Info: idacoxmusicseries.com th
The Ritz Theater Toccoa Info: www.ritztheatretoccoa.com July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th August 2nd Summer Movies at the Ritz July 13th Southern Gospel Music: Cheryl Sumpter & Divine 3 with Clark Kaesler HABERSHAM COUNTY July 4th Demorest Glorious Fourth of July Demorest Springs Park and Downtown Demorest Info: 706.778.4202 July 7th and each Saturday through September Clarkesville Farmers’ Market Downtown Clarkesville Info: 706.778.9374 July 7th Lake Burton Fun Run LaPrade’s Marina, Clarkesville Info: www.lakeburtonfunrun.com
July 7th Fireworks on Lake Burton South End of Billy Goat Island Info: www.lakeburtonfireworks.com July 20 Friday Night Live: Red, White & Cruise Red, White & Tunes Concert & Fireworks Pitts Park, Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220 th
July 21st A Taste of the Good Life Art Show & Wine Tasting Burton Gallery, Clarkesville Info: 706.947.1351 July 26th - 29th; August 2nd - 5th Musical - “Sweet Charity” Habersham Community Theatre Clarkesville Info: 706.839.1315 habershamtheater.org WHITE COUNTY July 20th - 21st Murder Amongst the Vines Mystery Dinner Theatre Sautee Nacoochee Center Sautee Info: 706.878.3300 July 27 Swing for the Hills Annual Golf Tournament 2018 Mossy Creek Golf Course Cleveland Info: 706.865.2277
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Hardman Farm Sautee Nacoochee Info: 706.878.2077 July 10th - Anna Ruby Tuesday July 17th Arrowheads Through the Ages Camp July 24 - Farm Camp th
RABUN COUNTY July 1st, 6th, 8th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 29th Rock House Ramble Rock House, Clayton Info: 706.212.0241 July 4th, 7th, 14th Live Music 12 Spies Vineyard Rabun Gap Info: 813.335.2886 www.12spiesvineyards.com July 6th and each Saturday Bluegrass on the Square Tallulah Falls Opera House Tallulah Falls Info: www.tallulahfallsgeorgia.org July 7th and each Saturday The Clayton Farmers’ Market NE GA Food Bank, Clayton Info: 706.782.0780
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July 9th - 14th Foxfire Summer Camp Foxfire, Mountain City Info: 706.746.5828 www.foxfire.org
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July 10th, 17th, 24th Cooking Around the World Culinary Bootcamp (ages 6-12) Northeast Georgia Food Bank Clayton Info: 706.782.0780 July 14th - 15th Painted Fern Festival of Art Rabun County Civic Center Clayton Info: 706.982.9432 July 14th Clayton Crawl Downtown Clayton Info: 706.982.1284 www.claytoncrawl.org July 28th Garlic Festival Northeast Georgia Food Bank Clayton Info: 706.782.0780 Rabun County Music Festival The Rearden Theatre, RGNS Rabun Gap Info: rabunmusicfestival.com July 7th - Evening in the Round July 21st - Emile Pandolfi Rabun Arena Tiger Info: 706.212.0452 July 7th - 8th M&K Quarterhorse Show
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July 14th Junior Rodeo July 15 , 29 Barrel Racing Exhibition th
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June 30 - July 1 Bar W Rodeo th
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TOWNS COUNTY July 4th 4th of July Boat Parade on Lake Chatuge Spectators can enjoy the parade from the Old Towns County Recreation Center, Anderson Bridge and the Georgia Mountain Fair Campgrounds - Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4966 July 7th and each Saturday in July Music on the Square 2018 Hiawassee Square, Hiawassee Info: 706.896.2203 July 7th and each Saturday Saturday Night Music Mountain Home Music Theatre Hiawassee Info: 706.896.3624 Crane Creek Vineyards Young Harris Info: 706.379.1236 July 3rd Bulletproof Concert July 6th and each Friday Friday Evening Tapas & Acoustic
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4191 georgiamountainfairgrounds.com July 4th 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks July 13th - 14th Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruizin Info: 662.587.9572 July 14th Concert - Molly Hatchet and Atlanta Rhythm Section July 20th - 28th Georgia Mountain Fair UNION COUNTY
July 6th and each Friday through October Friday Concert Series Old Courthouse, Blairsville Info: 706.745.5493 July 7th and each Saturday through October 6th Cruise In to the Union County Farmers’ Market Old Smokey Rd., Blairsville Info: 678.773.5934 July 21st and the third Saturday of each month Cruise-In on the Square Downtown Courthouse Square Blairsville Info: 863.414.5276
July 3rd and each Tuesday and Saturday through October Union County Farmers’ Market Old Smokey Rd., Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789, 706.439.6000
July 21st - 22nd 20th Annual Butternut Creek Festival Meeks Park, Blairsville Info: www.butternutcreekfestival.com
July 4th Independence Day Celebration Vogel State Park, Blairsville Info: 706.745.2628
The Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center, Blairsville Info: 706.745.2655
July 4th Independence Day Fireworks Meeks Park, Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 July 5th and the first Thursday of the month Shop Late Thursday Downtown Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789
CLAY COUNTY, NC July 14th Songwriters Showcase Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville Info: 828.389.2787 thepeacocknc.org July 5th and each Thursday through September 4th Hayesville Farmers’ Market Historic Courthouse Square Hayesville Info: 828.389.6305 July 14th - 15th Festival on the Square Hayesville Info: 828.389.0129 July 15th - 29th Sacred Threads Art Quilt Exhibition Good Shepherd Episcopal Hayesville Info: 828.389.0850
June 2nd and each Monday (excluding holidays) Garden Tour
John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown Info: 800.365.5724 folkschool.org
July 18th Free Seminar: Backyard Milk Goats
July 3rd and Each Tuesday Beginner Contra & Square Dance
Paradise Hills Resort Blairsville Info: www.paradisehillsga.com July 1st & each Saturday & Sunday Live Music
July 7th - 14th, 28th Contra & Square Dance July 8th Annual Shape Note Singing July 20th The Band Kelley
July 6th 30 Year Celebration
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Mountain Happenings MACON COUNTY, NC July 4th 4th of July Parade Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 July 4th 4th of July Fireworks in the Park Macon County Veteran’s Memorial Park, Franklin Info: 828.524.3161 July 4th 4th of July Celebration Highlands - Various Locations Info: 828.526.2112 July 6th and each Friday through October Friday Night Live Concert Series Town Square, Highlands Info: 828.526.5841
July 14th Appalachian Heritage Festival Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 July 26th - 29th 52nd Annual Macon County Gemboree Robert C Carpenter Community Building, Franklin Info: 828.524.3161 Cowee School Franklin Info: coweeschool.org July 21st and the Third Saturday of the Month SEBA Jam July 21st Concert: Carolina Blue July 28th Contra Dance
July 8th HCMF: Songs of Norway
July 6th - 7th The Isaacs’ Musication Nation
July 15th HCMF: Jazz Meets Classics Songs of Love
July 13th - Mountain Voices July 26th - Folkmoot USA
July 7 and each Saturday Night through October Pickin on the Square Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516
July 20th HCMF: An Evening of Concertos July 22nd HCMF: An Evening of Concertos 2
The Bascom Highlands Info: 828.526.4949
July 27th HCMF: Best of Bethoven
July 20th - Mountains in Bloom July 22nd The Bascom Gala
July 6th HCMF: Sibling Rivalry triple Double
July 13th HCMF: Mentors & Protogees
July 27th - The Sock Hops
Highlands Performing Arts Center Highlands Info: highlandspac.net
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Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts Franklin Info: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598 GreatMountainMusic.com
July 2018
July 29th HCMF: Schubertiade Highlands Playhouse Highlands Info: 828.526.2695 July 1st Annual Fundraiser - Starstruck July 27th 80th Anniversary
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Using Nature to Support Our Health
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by Joel Hitt
e had a great visit to Atlanta for a show and an overnight in a motel recently. It was good to be there...and it was good to return! Despite enjoying what we shared in Atlanta, I was pleased to return to the Southern Appalachians.
If you were born in this area, the natural beauty here might be one reason you never left. If you moved here, it may be the main reason you came. And if you are visiting, passing through, or have a rental or second home here, you will understand when I speak of the calming effect this area can have on its citizens. In that regard, I share with you a walking exercise I’ve used for years, and used the day after we returned from Atlanta. It can be done alone or with friends or family. All you really need is a natural setting, and the mountains offer that in spades! I like to hear from folks, too, how much children add to the experience of walking in nature. For all you do for your kids, soon enough they become our teachers, showing us what we have neglected in the natural world, or in some cases, never seen before! A dog or two on a leash can accomplish this for us as well. If you will try this exercise, you will experience Mother Nature’s healing powers, at no charge (except perhaps a token parking fee)! You will feel refreshed, recalibrated, and restored. An easy selection for your hike would be one of the three Georgia State Parks in Rabun, though there are many other options (as outlined in a great article in the June issue of the Laurel). When you locate a public trail and begin this walk, be ready for sensory overload in the best possible way! And always hike at the level of your physical fitness (and your time schedule). After you head out on foot, look for and SEE the horizon or mountaintops in the distance where possible. Then reel in your focus and locate nearby scenes. Move back and forth with your sightings, from the distant to the near. Notice everything you can, allowing all your other senses to assist your experience. SMELL the pristine fragrances the forest
emits, from the springtime opening of flowers on any of hundreds of native plants to the mix of fragrances coming from the conifer stands and the hardwoods. FEEL the difference in the texture of various leaves, grasses, and barks you pass by. Notice how the feel of the forest floor changes as you move along the trails. Then HEAR the sounds emitted in the forests. We are desensitized to most of these sounds by overdevelopment and the noise it brings (especially if you are visiting from a metro area). You likely will hear more and more as you return to the area and develop your “ears to hear.” Exercise: Identify the sounds of a light breeze causing the rustling of leaves against each other or on the ground! At dusk or into the night you will hear something that is easy to forget in this world today: LISTEN to the amazing sound... of silence! Now, should you try this and then complain to me later that you had trouble finding silence due to the annoying crickets, frogs, and an occasional owl, then you and I will need to talk further on the side! When I started coming to Rabun 25 years ago, I was not aware that in our previous subdivision in the metro area I could always hear a particular sound. I had thought that this sound was only audible during the daylight and early evening hours. I had to be exposed to true silence in the mountains to realize that at my home in the Atlanta area I could always hear the whir of vehicles on I-85, a mile from our house, even at 3 a.m. in the morning! That realization was a real siren call for me and got me thinking about how much silence can add to our state of relaxation. So that’s the exercise I offer you. Try it! It will improve your health and wellness and that of your family. Too, it is also important for the natural world because our being there maintains awareness of our kinship with nature. Next time!
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Adventure Out Waterrock Knob by Peter McIntosh
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t gets warm in July, even here in the mountains of North Georgia. With that in mind, we’re going farther north, up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a nice short hike up to Waterrock Knob. The peak of the mountain is 6,292 feet above sea level and is accessed via a short but sometimes steep trail from the very nice parking area. The parking area/visitor’s center is at 5,719 feet, just for reference. (There are restrooms here as well, just so you know.) There is an observation area with views to the west just 2/10 mile up the paved portion of the trail. I think the best views are just a bit further up the trail, but see what you think. And if you don’t feel like walking at all, the views from the parking lot are stunning. You can see to the west
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and to the southeast and there are information placards here naming the mountains in your view. There are picnic tables here also. Should you choose to hike to the top, that’s fine, but the views from the top are okay at best, not great. And it’s only a half a mile to the top. As I said before, Waterrock Knob is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 451.2, 18 miles from the southern end of the parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We access the parkway from Highway 74 between Sylva and Waynesville. It’s 8.2 miles from Highway 74 to the parking area with lots of overlooks along the way to stop and check out these amazing mountains. And be sure to notice the wildflowers blooming up high. At this altitude, the flowers that have come and gone down here in Georgia are just getting started along the parkway. And you can return the way you came or continue down the parkway, 18 miles, to the intersection with Highway 441, just north of Cherokee, NC. Happy hiking! My-oh-my, here’s my poem for July: Let’s jump in the car and head up high, Where the Balsam Mountains reach for the sky. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway is what I’ve recommended, To Waterrock Knob where the views are splendid. Getting there: From the intersection of Highway 441 and Highway 23/64 in Franklin, turn right going north towards Sylva. Just past Dillsboro, bear to the right on Highway 74 and continue up to Blue Ridge Parkway. After cresting the ridge line, the parkway entrance is on the left. Go west on the parkway 8.2 miles to the Waterrock Knob parking area/ visitors center. It’s just over 33 miles from Franklin to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A road trip well worth taking! To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com
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Of These Mountains by Kendall R. Rumsey
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hen Impressed was opened as a custom apparel design company over two years ago, one of the dreams was to create a line that would highlight everything that makes our community so special. Last month, Of These Mountains was launched.
Shirts and caps begin at $18.
Of These Mountains is a celebration of everything that makes our community such an amazing place to live.
Of These Mountains is offered exclusively by Impressed at 621 Highway 441 South in the Station House Shopping Center.
The Impressed team feels that everything we have in our corner of this world comes directly from the mountains that surround us: our lifestyle, our recreation, our economy, our history, and our future. The new Of These Mountains brand celebrates those natural resources.
New designs will be rolled out periodically to continue the celebration of all that makes our community special.
Since being released, the Of These Mountains brand has received great feedback from customers and the apparel is beginning to be seen throughout the community.
In addition to the storefront, Of These Mountains may be found online at www.ofthesemountains.com or on Facebook and Instagram.
With designs that are created and produced by local talents, the brand is rooted in generations of history.
Celebrate our community and the lifestyle we enjoy with Of These Mountains, presented to you by Impressed.
Featuring t-shirts, Comfort Color shirts, hats, stickers, and more, the Of These Mountains lifestyle brand is offered on high quality apparel and feature unique designs that impress.
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Impressed is located at 621 US Highway 441 in Clayton, Georgia. For additional info please call 706.212.2818.
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Paws 4 Life Meet David Gerrells
up here in beautiful Rabun County, I always had a best friend with a tail. All the memories from running through the woods to going to bed at night, I always had a four-legged friend right beside me. Those memories are what motivate me to provide these animals in our care with the same kind of companionship I had when growing up. With such an awesome staff and great support from our community, we are able to provide these animals that second chance. I am proud of our shelter and encourage everyone interested to come, visit, and look into volunteering with us. The German shepherd in the picture with me is Drago. Drago is a 4 year old male that came into the shelter a year ago, and is a very smart dog. He can sit, shake, and fetch for as long as your shoulder can stand throwing him a ball. He had been adopted out, and unfortunately, it did not work out for him. He needs a home with special requirements, but he would definitely make a great companion for a family wanting one dog. Drago is one of our many great animals waiting for a new home here at the shelter. I encourage anyone interested to come and meet him.
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started at the Paws 4 Life in June of 2014 as the Assistant Director, and have since filled the Director position. Throughout the years I’ve been blessed to meet some amazing people that make this place so great, and have met some unforgettable animals along the way, too. Growing
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I can speak for everyone involved with Paws 4 Life that if our hearts were not in it, we wouldn’t be here. I believe that’s what makes our shelter so great. At the end of the day, it all comes down to seeing a wagging tail walking out of our shelter doors and into a new loving home that makes it all worth it. I want to thank the community and all the people involved with Paws for making us the best shelter possible.
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Lovin’ the Journey
The energy and vibe in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall must have been something to experience.
by Mark Holloway
Five men drafted the document with Thomas Jefferson taking lead. John Adams actually wrote his wife in Massachusetts, predicting July 2 would long be remembered. That’s when Jefferson finished writing the Declaration. But it’d be two days later when the Colonial bosses said ‘yes’. That’s when Button and the rest put to parchment ink what would guarantee their deaths... had the British crushed the rebellion. But we know how things turned out. I get butterflies imagining if I’d been a part of the Gang of Five getting to script destiny. I can hear myself asking Tommy, John, Ben, Roger, and Phil: “Are we really gonna do this?”
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he Fourth of July in 1776 was not the day our country became independent from England. That wasn’t even the day the Declaration was written. The Fourth was the day in Philadelphia a group of radical leaders from each colony gave consent to tell King George, “Kiss our grits.” 56 men put ink to paper. Georgia’s Button Gwinnett was one of the early patriots whose signature is quite valuable. Only William Shakespeare’s fetches more. History is so accessible. I bet most millennials don’t know what microfiche is, and they probably have only seen encyclopedias at yard sales or on an old relative’s shelf, dusty and unread. Smartphones can take our minds and eyes directly to Yorktown, Virginia where the last battle was fought and the French ships trapped escaping British, forcing surrender. But we don’t celebrate the end of an event as much as we do it’s beginning. There have been far more parties celebrating my birth than just the one get-together when I die. Lots of folks turn out for weddings, but not many are around when a marriage ends. Getting started is huge.
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(Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Philip Livingston). My dad taught me to put myself into the story when I read American history. So there I am. I can see myself with the Second Continental Congress as we’re about to vote to break from England and be rid of King George’s suffocating taxes. I can even imagine after the unanimous vote hollering, “Amen” or “Aye”, “Dilly Dilly” or maybe “Dang right!” The power of life and death are in the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit...says King Solomon. I must always finish what I start. But starting something takes guts. Finishing something takes resolve. Our Founding Fathers started something they were willing to finish. Resolve is a rare and precious commodity residing in the human spirit. Lots of folks start a race. But there are fewer finishers than starters. Not many folks know what Cinco De Mayo actually
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celebrates. But I would like to think just maybe, we’ll all get better aquatinted with the Fourth. I hope we all forego the temporal and trivial for just a moment and revisit what this month’s holiday is about. Perhaps we will become inspired all over again. Perhaps we’ll appreciate the blessings of God in the early days of America. Perhaps we’ll embrace the virtues and principles captured in this sacred scroll. Maybe even we, too, will be guided by the Spirit of God to author change in our generation. When God gives us a voice then adds the weight of heaven to it, a lot can happen. I love boating on the lake, grilling out, and being awed by the fireworks. But deep down, I know the Fourth is about so much more. See you on the trail!
Franklin, North Carolina
Mark and his wife Carol are the owners of Fresh Start, a company dedicated to stewarding the property and homes of their clients. They aspire to be your eyes, ears, and hands while you are away, and your resource for anything you need, whether you are a full or part time resident of the area. Both care for the properties entrusted to them as if they owed them themselves. Mark can be reached by calling 706.490.7060
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Notes from a Southern Kitchen
Hollywood Meets God’s Country by Kendall R. Rumsey
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uring the spring and summer of 1971, God’s Country was a twitter, Hollywood had come to town. Not a lot was known about what was going on, since most of the movie was filmed in the Tallulah Gorge and on the Chattooga River, but the locals were excited a big-time movie was being filmed in God’s Country. Not only was a movie being made here, but some of the locals had been chosen to take part. Not just in background roles, but these characters had speaking parts! Word had gotten out that the cast of the movie featured some major stars: Ronny Cox, Ned Beatty, Jon Voight and a new guy, Burt Reynolds. The cast and crew were housed at a downtown hotel and star sightings became commonplace. It was an exciting time in God’s Country. During that same time, plans were in place for an annual summer gathering, the Frog Leg Supper. A tradition each year, daddy and his buddies would spend the spring and early summer gigging frogs for the feast. Each evening daddy and his crew would load up in a paddle boat and make their way through the small lakes and ponds of the area. By the time frog gigging season was over, hundreds of pairs of legs were ready to be cooked. The annual frog leg supper was a big deal. For folks in God’s Country it was a prestigious invite. We were used to having cook-outs at our house, but the frog leg supper was the big one of the year and the summer of 1971 was about to get even more exciting. Everything was in place, daddy and his cooker were in place, the men folk were all gathered in the garage and mama and the women were making their finishing touches to the meal inside. As customary, we gathered in a circle for the blessing and the feast began. Then it happened, Hollywood showed up for the frog leg supper! That night Ronny Cox, Ned Beatty and Burt Reynolds all showed up at my house to join in the party. As was customary at all our gatherings, the evening was 78
scheduled to end with picking and singing. Doug Stockton and Tom McClure were tuning up for their serenade, and as legend has it, Ronny Cox joined in. Evidently Cox played for so long and so hard his fingers bled. That frog leg supper remains legendary in God’s Country, it was the night Hollywood joined in with the town folks. As the summer continued, rumors began to stir up about the movie and a buzz started that it was going to be a big feature film. A movie based on a group of men from Atlanta who were on a rafting trip down the river. The premise didn’t sound very exciting, but the buzz was it was going to put that Burt Reynolds guy on the map. When it debuted in 1972, the movie Deliverance became a blockbuster. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and won a variety of other awards. Indeed, after Deliverance, Burt Reynolds became a major superstar, and over the years he visited Rabun often. After that summer, our little piece of heaven became Hollywood of the east. I remember the night Irene Bynum and Tracy James took part in a Coca-Cola commercial. During one summer I visited the set of The Four Seasons and met Carol Burnett and Alan Alda. When I was a junior in high school, I worked at Kingwood Country Club and spent the summer with the Carradine and Keach brothers who were in town filming The Long Riders, another local guy, R.B. Thrift, played a major role in that film. After the success of Jaws, Hollywood came to town again to film Grizzly, maybe not the most successful of all our movies, but another one that helped put us on the map. This past year, Main Street Clayton played a backdrop for a made for tv movie about the Unabomber. Our community continues to find success as a backdrop for movies that entertain the world, just another reason to be proud that we live in this special corner of God’s Country. Kendall Rumsey is a resident of Clayton, Ga. He is owner of imPRESSed, a custom imprint company and publishes the blog, Notes from a Southern Kitchen. www.impressedstyle.com www.notesfromasouthernkitchen.com
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By the Way Pig lands role as rooster
by Emory Jones
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kiss a pig is hard—has been since the recession ended. No, Cunningham just wanted to be cast in the character of Jack, the dog.
The play—set in the Meaders family pottery shop in 1967—is called Cheever. I’m tickled to say that my pet pig, Cunningham, has landed the coveted role of Cheever’s rooster, Joe.
He should have been a shoo-in, since I wrote the play and all, but Cunningham practiced his barking anyway. That’s so no one could accuse him of getting the gig by being the playwright’s pet.
Cheever opens at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Association’s (SNCA) theater on August 2nd. Early reviews indicate it’s going to be good. Once the actors learn their lines, it’ll be even better.
By the time casting day came, Cunningham was smoking hot. So, as a treat, I let him ride in the back of the truck on the way over. That way, he could practice his barking some more.
y pig’s going to be in a play! I don’t mean to brag or anything, but how many people can say that?
Not many—once you get outside Iowa.
Spoiler alert: Cunningham’s part is played entirely off stage, and I suspect he’s too shy to take bows at the end. But, when you hear ole Joe crow, you’ll know!
At first, we thought that’s what alerted the Piedmont folks we were coming. But we found out later the Cleveland mayor tipped them off. Regardless, campus security met us at the gate.
Cunningham’s dream of becoming a pig thespian started last year. That’s when he heard Piedmont College was putting on a play based on The Valley Where They Danced book. Naturally, he wanted a part.
When Cunningham barked hello, the guard reach for his nightstick. Inadvertently mistaking that nightstick for a cattle prod, the pig broke character and raced towards the woods squealing like…well you know.
Cunningham didn’t ask for a starring role. Those parts required kissing, and, well, let’s face it, finding an actor willing to
By the time I talked him into coming back, some mutt from Macon had the dog part all sewed up. To make sure that didn’t happen again, I made Cunningham ride up front with me to the Cheever tryouts. It’s a good thing, too. Because, just as we pulled in, the mayor’s motorcade was pulling out. After that passed, I stopped at the guard shack. “Where do I park?” I asked. “We’re here for the Cheever tryouts.” The guard shined his flashlight inside even though it was daylight. “Is that a pig?” he asked. “Yes,” I said, shielding my eyes. “He wants to be a rooster, though. In the play, I mean. Wanna hear him crow?” “No,” said the guard. “Anyway, you’re too late. The mayor’s rooster, Randolph Scott, just got that part.” That made Cunningham, bless his heart, so mad he stuck his head out the window and crowed in frustration. And, even though he hadn’t practiced much, that cock-a-doodle-do was the most magnificent that I, or anyone else, had ever heard a rooster crow, let alone a pig. Even the security guard got a little misty. To make a long story short, the play’s director heard Cunningham crow and hired him on the spot. The mayor took the news pretty well. In fact, he’s even invited my pig over to his place for a cookout next week. To reserve tickets for Cheever, visit www.snca.org or call 706-878-3300.
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Reeves Hardware Company Looking at the Third Generation by Tracy McCoy
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his is the third part of our series on Reeves Hardware Company in celebration of their 90th Anniversary. I can not express how much I have enjoyed talking with the third and fourth generations of this family, and again how impressed I am with their fortitude, dedication, and drive to not only take Reeves Hardware Company further than ever before, but to add to their community. I’d like to start with Jeff Reeves, the current president of the company. Jeff is one of Lewis and Carol’s children. They have: Lewis Reeves III (Reeves Main Street), Chris Reeves McCracken (Reeves Business Office Manager), Jeff Reeves (Reeves Building Supply) and Ann Reeves Houston (Business Office). All four of Lewis and Carol’s children work in the family business. When the time came for Lewis and Carol to slow down, the management of the stores was handed down to Jeff. Jeff is married to Sharon Reeves, who handles all of the marketing for the company, and their daughter Savannah Page helps manage Reeves Building Supply, while daughters Courtney and Hallie are both in college. Jeff had some amazing memories of growing up at the store. Jeff remembers his Dad, Lewis Jr, getting up early and going in to open the store around 6:15 am, and then coming home to fix breakfast for him and his siblings before they went to school. It was something Lewis enjoyed doing for his kids, and it gave him time with them before they started their day. Jeff’s earliest job was to go around the store picking up empty glass bottles left by customers. The store had an old CocaCola machine that sold Cokes in glass bottles, cheap. They were ice cold and hard to pass up, so a lot of customers bought one. Jeff was paid a nickel
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by his Dad for every one that he retrieved. He would save his money up and walk across the street to Harper’s 5 & 10 for a slushie and some popcorn. Jeff says they all had duties. By the time he was in 6th or 7th grade, he helped unload freight, clean, stock shelves, or price items. That meant taking the invoice and writing the price on the tags, which was quite labor intensive. It was a great day when they got a pricing gun. Another milestone was the day they got electronic cash registers. A vast improvement over the manual ones. Jeff remembers he and cousin Vaughn Roger and some of the other cousins sneaking off into the basement to get up a good game of hide and seek. It was a good way to get out of work. The summer of 9th grade, Jeff was recruited by Coach Arvil Holmes to work as a camp counselor. He worked from 9 am – noon each day. He was very involved in sports. He played football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Vaughn remembers Jeff and his work schedule being made around their practices and games. Lewis kept the kids busy when they were there after school, weekends, and in the summer. There were vacuums, baby beds, and barbecue grills to assemble, or there was an ACE truck to unload each week. Jeff’s favorite time at the store was Christmas. They had a big toy department and they all worked the gift wrapping stations.
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There was hay to get up in the summer and Lewis always surprised his boys on “Hay Day”, never letting on that it was the day to get up hay. He knew if notice was given those boys would run, so the morning of he’d announce the hay was ready and they would head to Tiger to put up hay
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all day, usually 700-800 bales. Grandpa Watts, Carol’s dad, would show up wearing a big straw hat and long sleeved white shirt, jeans, and boots, and at the end of the day he was more refreshed than anyone else, a lesson his grandchildren learned. He remembers his family always had a garden, his dad and granddad enjoyed gardening. In more recent years, Jeff and Lewis III plant the garden and follow Lewis Jr’s instructions.
Rabun Gap. Vaughn feels that he has a great team working in the store and he stresses also the importance of showing appreciation for great employees and their loyal customers. Vaughn has a son. You guessed it, Vaughn Rogers III, who goes by Will. He also works in the family business after school, weekends, and summers, working in the Clayton store with his Grandmother Fran in the furniture department.
Remembering his Granddad, Lewis, Sr., was a true businessman. He remembers him being at the bank more than at the store. Jeff says banking was in his Granddad’s blood. He remembers Granny Rubye was a saint, but she could be tough too. They taught them to take pride in the family business, to value the customers, and the people who worked with them.
In our fourth part we will continue with this generation and take a look at the Highlands location of Reeves Hardware. We’ll also look at the fourth generation and the future of this family business… Meanwhile here are a few images of the recent 90th Celebration that took place on Main Street in Clayton. As is commonplace with the Reeves Family, what was supposed to be about them became about their community, with customer appreciation sales and awesome give-aways. A great time was had by all.
Jeff graduated from Clemson University in 1983. He came back and took over Reeves Building Supply when Joe Luke, Jr. retired. He has been there since and has seen the business evolve. A lot of things have changed, but one thing remains, and that is this business and this family are strong, united, and community-minded. Vaughn Rogers, Jr. is the oldest son of Fran Reeves Rogers and the late Vaughn Rogers. Vaughn manages Reeves Hardware in Dillard, Georgia. This store was added as a location to serve the northern part of Rabun in 1994. When Vaughn was seven years old, his mom started working in the furniture department. He would go to work with her and play upstairs and downstairs in the store. By the time he was eleven, Fran was helping establish the furniture department at the Highlands, North Carolina location and Vaughn went with her. They found plenty to keep this young fella busy. He worked in that store riding up the mountain with cousins Joe Luke III and Jim Luke. He helped out up there until he was fourteen, then moved to the Clayton Store. When he began playing sports, he would sometimes have practice twice a day, beginning his day at 6 am and afterward he would go to the store and work until 3, and then go back to practice. Vaughn worked throughout the store like all of the others. It was important to learn all of the jobs at the store. He remembers wrapping presents, loading furniture, unloading trucks, and taking care of customers. When we talked about Lewis Sr., Vaughn grew serious. He remembers his Granddaddy as a business man. By this time he was President of the Bank in Habersham and Vaughn says that he and his Grandmother lived in Habersham and they were conservative, living through during The Great Depression. They both worked hard, lived within their means, and were early to bed and early to rise. When the conversation moved to Rubye, his face softened and he smiled as he talked of how sweet she was. He told me that she was 4’11” and he was 6’ 2”, so he would sit down to hug her. Vaughn says that she was the backbone of the family. Lewis and Rubye attended the Clayton United Methodist Church and the Rogers family did as well. They continue to attend services there today. Vaughn Rogers, Sr. sold insurance and real estate. When Vaughn, Jr. finished high school, he attended his father’s alma mater, The University of Georgia, and studied to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Same name, same college, same degree. Once working in that business, Vaughn, Jr. saw that it was not for him. He went to work for a local builder, Frank Watts. He learned about home building from the ground up. He feels that this experience prepared him for managing the store. He is knowledgable about building supplies, and of course, he knows hardware.
Event photos by Kyle Shook Photography
The Dillard store has most of what the Clayton store does, but on a smaller scale. You’ll find building supplies, hardware, some clothing and boots, some sporting goods, paint, and even some home décor. The store is doing well and serves folks coming down from Sky Valley and Otto, North Carolina, as well as Dillard, Mountain City and
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Remember... Kermit’s Grill & Donut Shop by Tracy McCoy
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must warn you before you even begin, this article is going to do three things. It is going to cause you to reminisce, it will no doubt make you think of old friends, and your mouth is going to water, period! Now that we have that out of the way, do you remember Kermit’s Grill & Donut Shop on Main Street in Clayton, Georgia? If you do, you can smell the donuts right now, can’t you? Samuel Kermit Brown was born in Clairmont, Georgia. Kermit made his way north to Clarkesville where, as a young man, he worked at his brother Joe’s fruit stand. He traveled to Florida to pick up fruit and hauled it back to the folks in Northeast Georgia. In the early-to-mid-1930s, Kermit Brown moved to Clayton and opened the Clayton Fruit Stand on North Main Street. He operated the fruit stand with the help of Mr. Claude Pitts. He sold produce and hotdogs and hamburgers. Kermit met and married Kathleen Page in 1939. In the mid 50s, Kermit likely saw an ad similar to the one pictured here, Dixie Cream Donut franchise. Low investment, high return. He was no stranger to hard work and he and Kathleen had added two little girls to their family, Joyce and Jaqueline. The Dixie Cream company would send someone in to teach business owners how to make their almost-famous donuts using their potato flour and a few other “special ingredients”. You could rent your equipment or
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purchase it, and customers were sure to flow through the door like the glaze that covered these sweet donuts. Making a move up the street from his current location, Kermit and Kathleen opened Kermit’s Grill & Donut Shop, the first of its kind in Clayton. Kermit designed the restaurant in such a fashion that the donuts were front and center to bring folks in the door. He put an old fashioned drink cooler by the window with Coca Cola’s in glass bottles, of course. He had a work station against the wall with a counter that wrapped around in a U-shape so that he could cook and serve his customers easily. Red upholstered swivel bar stools on bright shiny metal bases lined the counter offering plenty of comfortable seating. The wooden floors, the jukebox playing the likes of Tennessee Ernie Ford and Webb Pierce and the smell of those fresh donuts… am I taking you back? Kermit hired Mrs. Zoie Wilson to prepare the donuts each morning, the Dixie Cream Way. Mrs. Wilson came in around 5:30 am to mix the dough and she set them on racks to allow them to rise. The large vat of grease was fired up and when the donuts were right, she dropped them in the oil. They would rise to the top turning the most lovely golden brown. Zoie had a long stick that she would use to turn them over to brown the other side. When the signature golden ring was around the edge, she knew they were ready to pull from the vat. Using the long wooden stick, she expertly maneuvered the tool through the hole in each donut getting the whole batch on the stick, lifting them out of the hot oil, and readying them for their topping. The donuts were then dipped in a sugary glaze and then set in the glass case ready for devouring. Countless people I talked to for this story drooled while telling me how good those donuts were when they were hot and fresh. (They didn’t really drool, but they did lick their lips). One can not remember Kermit’s without thinking of his hotdogs and hamburgers. When he came in shortly after Mrs. Wilson, he turned up the heat under a large pot of boiling water and filled it with hotdogs. He cut up the onions, made homemade Cole slaw and chili to top them. He filled up the ketchup and mustard jars and pattied out the burgers. There was never a pre-formed patty at this establishment. Kermit bought his meat at Dickerson’s grocery store fresh every morning. He added bread crumbs to the meat and special seasonings. They were cooked to order and topped with mustard, ketchup and onions. The burgers were small, but oh so juicy and good. You could get a deluxe with lettuce and tomato. Believe it or not, I am told that a burger, fries, and a coke would only set you back a buck! That of course left enough for a couple Dixie Creams on your way out the door! Kermit and Kathleen added apple and peach fried pies to the menu. There really was never a menu, rather a sign on the wall. Most people walked in and if Kermit didn’t already know what they’d be having, they’d call it out and he’d put their order together and serve it on sheets of waxed paper. No plates or baskets. You see, the food was so good it was barely set down for more than a minute. Kathleen worked the cash register, which sat by the door. Tickets were rarely written, rather guests just told Mrs. Brown what they had and she rang them up. Occasionally Buford and Pauline Carnes helped
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in the store when needed. The Brown girls remember that their father worked hard. He poured his heart and soul into the restaurant and the community loved to eat there. All agree it was a very special place.
Clayton Fruit Stand after twenty-four years Will move a few doors, and shed a few tears. For those of you Who made it possible to stay We’ll offer up a prayer, and this is what we’ll say: Praise the Lord in Heaven For letting us live and bless these dear people who us their business give and help them to be happy and enjoy good health Be thankful their freedom, and bountiful wealth. Please come to see us when we get in our new home, where we’ll strive to serve you better and hope no more to roam. Hotdogs will still our specialty be But should you tire of them, we’ll have other things, you’ll see. Dixie Cream Donuts will be new in our line All we ask is trying, we know you’ll say they’re fine. So come in to see us and bring a friend along. We’ll greet you, feed you, and wish you well for a song. So thanks again, With this we hope you’ll say, “Twenty-four more years In Clayton you can stay!” Kermit Brown
Kermit was a deacon at the Clayton Baptist Church, he enjoyed golf and fishing. For a while, he was part owner of a Dodge/Plymouth dealership with his brother-in-law in Habersham. They took in on trade an old police car that Kermit kept for his fishing car. The girls named it Elvis and it is that car that they learned to drive in. Jackie would put Joyce up to asking for Elvis so the girls could ride around town. Joyce could talk him into it and Jackie could drive that car! More than once, reports got back to Kermit about just how fast. When he was ready to take life a bit easier, Kermit did his best to talk a smart young man from Clayton named Andy Hunter into buying him out. He told Andy it would be a great business for him but Andy, a young man at the time wasn’t sure he wanted to work as hard as Kermit did. Funny. Today he owns Andy’s Market where you’ll find him from sun-up to sun-down. Kermit’s daughters both attended college for a time and went on to marry and have careers. Joyce worked for Delta Airlines and Jackie worked for Eastern Airlines. Jackie learned the art of Interior Design, a natural gift it seems. I visited in her Dillard home to talk with her about her father and the restaurant. She has had quite an impressive career working for some very select clients for generations. She continues to work in Interior Design today and looks forward to taking on a few new clients in the area, while most of hers are in Atlanta and Buckhead where she made her home. She is mother to two children and one grandchild. Her son, Mathew, a successful artist, lives in California, and daughter Amanda is a professional photographer with a portfolio to be envied. She established her business under the name Sunny Greene Interiors and with 100% repeat business it has been a pleasure for her. (See Sunny’s ad on this page). Meanwhile sister Joyce married and has two children and three grandchildren. She and her husband Robert Alexander have recently moved to Greensboro, Georgia. Both of these remarkable ladies remember their dad as a quiet man who worked hard, loved their mother and them all of his life, and provided well for his family. Years after his death they found a poem that he had written when he opened the restaurant. It surprised them both, but has become a treasure they hold dear. We’d like to share it to offer insight into this man who meant so much to so many.
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Time Stands Still in Tiger
A Book of Poetry by One of Rabun County’s Finest by Tracy McCoy
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hannon Garland Alley was born in Rabun County and lived in the home that is Parker’s Ranch today until she was five, then the family moved to the north side of Clayton. She is the daughter of the late Raleigh and Nora Garland. Shannon was part of the RCHS Class of 1957. She met and married Jack Alley shortly after finishing school. She and Jack went on to have two handsome sons, Jack Jr. and David, and three beautiful daughters, Lisa, Lynn, and Liz. The couple lived a simple and satisfying life. Jack worked and Shannon was a housewife and mother. Both she did very well. “Our mother cooked a hot breakfast every morning, we always had a fresh cake on the counter, and she ironed everything! She taught us all of the very important things that mothers teach their daughters,” Liz said. The list goes like this: never wear white after Labor Day, never call a boy – let him call you, never kiss a boy on the first date, don’t lift heavy things, always send a Thank You note, return your library books on time, and go to church. Shannon taught her girls how to have self-respect, to do the right thing, and to always be kind. She is exactly that, a kind and gentle lady with a sweet smile and multiple gifts. Making people feel special is among them. She has invested her life in her family. From her own children to her grandchildren, she gave them all she had. They loved to come stay with her because she spent time with them, teaching them and letting them do things they might not get away with at home. Granddaughter Hannah and Shannon finger painted the basement wall, for example. When the grandkids came to visit, they always hated to leave and so Shannon would fix them brown paper sacks with snacks and stickers and she would do what became known as The Goodbye Dance… to make it a bit easier for them, and quite possibly her. Shannon is a great writer. She began writing about her children and has written in the past for The Clayton Tribune; she is also a talented poet. After losing her parents, she began to write poems. Her poetry flows so easily and she says once she begins it just comes. Her family grew to expect a poem from Shannon for all of their big moments. Many of her poems are for family and friends. They celebrate their successes and honor their sorrows. Through her poetry she has found relief from life’s greatest challenges and losses and has found joy in life’s simplest pleasures, like best friend Janie P’s first social security check. So these treasures were stored in notebooks and boxes, tucked away in special places and held dear by so many. Liz and Lynn had thought about compiling them for years but it was last year when they were encouraged by friend Angela McRae to put them together and publish a book. So after hours of gathering and days of organizing and weeks of typing them in… Time Stands Still in Tiger was underway. Granddaughter Hannah likes to take photos and she took the photo that is on the cover of Time Stands Still in Tiger, making it even more special. The book is sure to be special to almost every local family and anyone interested in Tiger, Georgia or just Southern life. They are so melodic, soft, and moving, these poems. Many are light hearted and will make you laugh, while others are deeply touching and will make you think. Her strong faith in God is shared ever so gently.
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Shannon will be signing books at Cannonwood Village in Tiger, Georgia on June 30 from 2 – 4 pm. If you are interested in owning a copy of Time Stands Still in Tiger you can purchase one that day or find them locally at Tiger Food Mart, Stekoa Creek, Reeves Hardware, Christmas and More, Dianne’s Beauty Shop, and of course you can order one from Amazon.com.
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Live Healthy and Be Well! “Summer sun – advice and caution” by Stephen Jarrard, MD, FACS
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s we see the cool weather and rains of spring abate, and the warm season is upon us, we do enjoy sitting outside, hiking the trails, being at the lake, and enjoying the warm rays and long days of the summer sun. In July and August, and even into September, although the summer solstice is just past and the days are slowly getting shorter, are the warmest and most sun-filled days of the year, and the most likely months to get skin damage from the sun. Some common sense and simple precautions can ensure that you enjoy the sun without the damage. We were all taught in elementary school that we need the sun to help us make Vitamin D for our bodies. The action of the sun on the skin helps to convert pre-vitamin D into vitamin D3 that is needed for proper health, especially of the bones, immune system, and as a powerful anti-oxidant. However, since we now are able to get Vitamin D3 from so many other sources, it is no longer necessary to use the sun for this purpose. It is now thought that 5 to 15 minutes of casual sun exposure two or three times a week is all that is needed. And, while it is obviously much better to be outside doing some physical activity and enjoying the great natural beauty of our area, a proper, balanced diet will give you almost all the D3 you need without the risks of dangerous UV rays. Natural sunlight contains the entire electromagnetic spectrum, only a small portion of which is visible light. Fortunately for us, most of the harmful radiation is absorbed or reflected by our atmosphere. Of the ultraviolet “tanning rays” that do reach
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the surface of the earth, about 95% are UV-A, and only 5% UV-B. I remember from medical school that “UV-B means UV-Bad!” While UV-A is not as harmful to your skin, and only causes indirect sun damage, UV-B causes direct damage to your DNA and collagen in the skin – which can, coupled with other factors, like cigarette smoking, cause premature appearance of wrinkles, thermal and other damage to the skin, and contribute to a higher risk of skin cancers. Just realize that tanned skin is damaged skin. The desirable glow that our society values so much is actually an indication that your skin has been damaged and is trying to repair itself and guard against further damage. The damage, if repeated, can become more and more difficult to repair, and thus permanent, at some point (wrinkles, patches, skin cancer). The lights in a tanning bed approximate the sun’s light, but are not exactly the same. The quality of tan you will get (how “brown” you will become), is determined by how closely the lamp’s output mimics the spectrum of natural sunlight. Some are better, and thus closer to natural, than others. These lights also produce UV-A and UV-B light. You should try to use a lamp that has not more than 5% UV-B (UV-Bad) – which approximates sunlight. If the lamps you use or lay under have more than that, you need to be more careful with the exposure. You should also realize that the artificial “sunlight” in a tanning bed will put out much more UV in a day than the sun. While you may tan faster or get a quicker base, it will not last as long, and the tan you do get will not protect you from the real sun as well as a natural sunlight tan.
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So, the bottom line is to be careful with the sun or with tanning lamps, and know the risks involved as well as the benefits. As with most things, moderation is the key! While your skin itself is a barrier and helps to protect against sun damage, it needs some help. Wear sunscreen if you have sensitive skin or expect a long exposure. The SPF factor refers to how many times more than your natural skin the material can protect. So‌. SPF 15 is that many times more protective than your natural skin barrier. I would say that an SPF of 15 is probably a minimum level of protection if you are going to be outside for a short duration. If you are a red head, fair complexion, light skinned, burn easily, or expect to be out a long time in the blazing sun or at a sandy beach area‌you may need an SPF of 30 to 50. Re-apply often, especially after getting wet, and ladies, put it on under your makeup for best effect. If you do manage to get sunburned, there are some good short videos from the American Academy of Dermatology that gives good advice at their website www.aad.org We really do enjoy hearing from you with any questions, concerns, or ideas for future columns and/or health and wellness related issues for the Georgia Mountain Laurel. Please send an email to rabundoctor@gmail.com, or call us at 706-782-3572, and we will be sure to consider your input. This and previous articles can be found on the web at www.rabundoctor.com in an archived format. If you use Twitter, then follow us for health tips and wellness advice @ rabundoctor. Until next month, live healthy and be well!
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