Laurel of Northeast Georgia July 23

laurel of Northeast Georgia

from the publisher

Dear Readers,

I am proud to be an American. If Lee Greenwood’s song is now stuck in your head for the rest of the day, you are welcome. July 4th is a celebration of our Independence and our freedom is something to be very thankful for. So many do not enjoy the independence that American citizens do. As you watch the fireworks and eat the fried chicken or juicy burgers, bow your head and thank God for the luxury of living free. Our cover image was taken on Lake Rabun by our friend Peter McIntosh, there’s just something magical about fireworks over the water with the lights of all the boats. Summer is here in full force and we hope you are enjoying it.

In this issue we will look at just a few of the things that make America great, like small businesses like Andy’s Market. We will share our small town history and memorable events of times past. It’s a great issue and we hope you will enjoy it and share it with a friend or two. Please shop local every chance you get because supporting small business owners has built our country and continues to make it great. As a small business owner, I appreciate all of our advertisers and readers and pray you will continue to support our efforts to share this wonderful place we call home.

Be sure not to miss our piece on Farmer’s Markets by Katie Alt with a list of local markets, again farmers are the backbone of our country. Their work is hard and what they grow feeds our families. If you haven’t been by the Clayton Farmer’s Market (at the Food Bank each Saturday morning) you should make that part of your weekend, it is growing and is better than ever!

I hope you have been for a swim, ate something grilled to perfection and had some fresh squeezed lemonade over ice or whatever you love to do in summer because before you know it the next season will be creeping up on us. But for now, my flowers are blooming, my porch swing is swingin’ and it’s a beautiful summer in the south!

Grateful always, Tracy

Laurel of Northeast Georgia

Mailing: PO Box 2218 - Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office : 2511 Highway 441

Mountain City, Geo rgia 30562

706-782-1600

www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com

Contributing Writers:

Tori Carver, Jaime Smoot Speed, Jonan Keeny, Katie Alt, Jan Timms, Cassidy Gruber, Dr. Sue Aery, Will Griffin, Emory Jones, Kendall Rumsey, Mary Boland & Jeanine Marlow, Roger Glenn, Kathy Malone, Flashback Article by Janie P. Taylor

STAFF

Publisher/Editor - Marketing - Tracy McCoy

706-982-9197

Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst

Graphics - Lucas McCoy

Marketing & Office Manager - Cindi Freeman

706-982-0216

Assistant Office Manager - D’Anna Coleman

Writer - John Shivers

Photographer / Writer - Peter McIntosh

Copyright 2023 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Laurel of Northeast Georgia Magazine is published twelve times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to the Laurel of Northeast Georgia magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Laurel of Northeast Gorgia maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.

Better Fireworks Photos Tips and Tricks

By Peter McIntosh

Photos by Peter McIntosh, with Sky Valley Photos by Steve Dinberg

Fourth of July fireworks are always fun, ands even more fun if you can capture these pyrotechnical marvels with your camera. And when I say camera, I’m referring to DSLR’s, Mirrorless, and phone cameras. Here are some tips and tricks to help you take better fireworks photos. The photos in this article are mine except for the Sky Valley photos shot by my friend Steve Dinberg.

1 - Use a tripod. This is true for both regular cameras and camera phones. You can shoot without a tripod but steady platform increases your odds of getting a sharp image. (For cell phones there’s the UBeesize Phone Tripod on Amazon for about $17.) If you’re in a boat, try to keep your camera as steady as possible.

2 - Think about Composition. Something other than just starbursts. When shooting on one of our beautiful lakes, the boats in the water and the reflection of the fireworks is an obvious choice. In other locations, look for a foreground element that gives the image a sense of place. (Children’s silhouettes, friends in lawn chairs, etc.Steve’s Sky Valley pics are a good example.) Also consider horizontal versus vertical. Most fireworks photos are vertical but sometimes horizontal is a better composition.

Fireworks at Lake Burton

3 - Focal length, zoom or wide angle? Typically wide angle is better as you can crop the image later should you desire. Wide angle images are usually sharper unless you have a very steady tripod. This is especially true for cell phones where zooming magnifies any camera movement.

4 - Shoot in manual mode. Manual exposure, manual focus. Most newer cell phones have this feature. (Look it up on YouTube for your specific model) And turn off your flash!

5 - Set correct Aperture - F/8 to F/16. A smaller aperture increases the field of focus and helps with longer exposures.

6 - Shutter speed. Learn how to adjust this on the fly. Typically between 4 to 8 seconds will produce the best results. But keep in mind if you go to a longer shutter speed, you’ll want a higher F stop. (Smaller aperture) If you’re in boat, do the best you can with a faster shutter speed.

7. ISO - Set you ISO to 100. Fireworks are bright so a higher ISO usually isn’t necessary. You can do this with most cell phones as well.

8 - Smoke direction. If your goal is to get the best fireworks photo possible, try to be upwind of the shooting location. It’s a best guess scenario, and sometimes it doesn’t matter, just something to consider.

Dillard Fireworks

Sky Valley Fireworks, Photos by Steve Dinberg

9 - Have fun! Take lots of pictures, check your photos to make sure you’re not getting blown out highlights. And keep in mind my tips here are guidelines, not rules. Happy Fourth of July and enjoy the show!

Fireworks at Lake Burton – July 1st, 9:30pm

Fireworks ar Lake Rabun – July 3rd, around 9:15pm

Sky Valley Fireworks over the lake – July 3rd, 9:15pm

Dillard Fireworks Display – July 4th, beginning at dusk

Fireworks at Lake Rabun

Marcella Creates!

by Tracy McCoy

“Creativity

It was 1972 when Robert and Marcella Massung bought a piece of land in Macon County, North Carolina. Having visited Franklin on a camping trip, the Miami, Florida couple liked it so well that before they left to go back home, they put a down payment of $100 on a piece of land and then went home to figure out how they’d pay for it. They ended up selling that property to a family member and buying a second piece where they built their home. Five children, eleven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grands later this woman is thriving and with a big smile on her face she said, “I have to work on or make something everyday or I am not happy. I have been making things my whole life but not like I am today.”

After losing her husband in 2002 she found herself looking for something to occupy her days. She began collecting more items to repurpose into art. As human beings we accumulate stuff and we dispose of it by donating it or selling it and we buy more stuff. Marcella and close friend and glass artist John Phillips found a mecca for creativity and art through Asheville’s Goodwill Outlet Store. Pallets of donated items come in and merchandise is sold for $1.49 per pound and Marcella is waiting at the door when they open. She also finds her art supplies at yard sales and thrift stores, where she “treasure hunts” with John.

is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.”

Albert Einstein

“The bottom floor of my home has been consumed by my treasures. It is all organized and shelved waiting to be used. I’am 91 years young and to use all of the items I’ve collected I’ll have to live to be 200!” Marcella said with a smile. You’d never know she is a great-great-great grandmother. She is love ly and filled with joy and a little spunk! She loves taking pieces that have a story and putting them all together into a piece of art. Better than that is when someone sees something special about a piece and makes it theirs. One of her biggest fans is a young lady by the name of Essie who has filled her room with Marcella’s art. Essie and her friends, in their teens, love Marcella’s work, but they are not alone. Marcella told me about a piece she sold to an unlikely collector, “I had a piece in Highlands and there was a lady who was so interested but admitted that my art didn’t go with her décor. She left and then came back and said the piece spoke to her and she couldn’t go home without it.”

So what does Marcella make? Well, she is very diverse. She makes glass art with John from Fire & Light Glass Studio, she sews dolls, makes clothes, knits scarves, and creates keepsake art. She has always made things and much of it used to be “cutsy things” but she told me that is not what she makes today. “I never know what it’s going to be until I am done. Piece by piece she adheres items to whatever “canvas” she chooses, using DAP wall plaster and Aleene’s Tacky Glue. Perhaps it is watches worn by men or women decades earlier put together with a message that time is precious or a tribute to the people who wore them. Art is something different to everyone who sees it. One of Marcella’s most popu lar offerings is memory bottles that she creates for people who want to preserve things they have from someone special that has died or moved on. She affixes the items to a bottle creating a piece of art that they can keep to remember spe cial times.

“Walking into Marcella’s is like walking into a wonderland,” says Janice Cummings of Creative Framing. “You can’t see everything that is there. We sell her art in our gallery and people love it.” Marcella had a shop at her home but few people knew it was there so putting her art at Creative Framing works out better for her. Creative Framing is located at 482 Depot Street in Franklin, North Carolina.

ANDY’S MARKET An American Tradition

by Tracy McCoy

Years ago, as a Foxfire student I had the pleasure of interviewing Ed and Martha Roane about their store in Tiger, Georgia. Their offerings were vast for their day but would be considered basic to us. Flour in big cloth sacks & bags of sugar were traded for produce, butter, eggs, and meats brought in by locals for whatever their family needed. He spoke of how the day he closed he was owed hundreds of dollars by families who couldn’t pay their “tab”, but he said he never gave that another thought. Times were hard back then and he knew that many wouldn’t have had anything much to eat if they couldn’t pay later, even if later never came. The Roanes ran their store from the 1927–1984 and the Tiger community was fortunate to have them. There were many other grocery stores over the years and across our county, Bass Brown, Furman Vinson, Bill Passmore, and Butch Darnell all ran grocery stores in Dillard. Clyde Law and Paul Buchanan Sr. both had grocery stores in Mountain City. Coyle Hollifield, Claude James, J.H. Dickerson, Raleigh Garland, and Fred Elliott are a few who ran food stores in Clayton. Every town and even some communities had locations convenient for their residents.

Talmadge and Margie York owned York’s Grocery in a small woden frame building on Rickman Street and they hired a 13 year old boy to bag groceries, his name was Andy Hunter. Three years later the Yorks grocery went to Rick Mason. He built a new building on the lot and changed the name to Mason’s. Andy Hunter stayed on and has been walking through the doors at that location for 53 years! Andy bought the store from Rick Mason in 1984 and has run the store with his wife Deborah since then. The couple has employed dozens of students and local residents over the years and has been blessed with dependable,

honest, hardworking folks. Most people know Andy’s Market has the best meats in town, fresh local veggies and local honey. With fresh local produce, well stocked shelves, their signature line of products produced right here in Rabun County and meats that are cut fresh daily, why shop anywhere else? Andy and Deborah have poured their hearts and souls into the store for nearly four decades! The only small family owned grocery store left in Rabun County, Andy’s Market is a treasure in our community.

Clayton Tribune readers have voted Andy’s Market the “Best Meat Market” and “Best Grocery Store” for 12 years running! Andy estimates that 95% of the products on his shelves are American made and when it’s possible the foods he sells are local or regional. You’ll find fresh vegetables and fruit from Shirley’s Farm, August Produce, Osage and Chatooga Belle Farm, in fact peaches will be available by the time you’ve got this book in your hands. The market’s fresh chicken comes from J&G Poultry out of Hall County, they offer beef from Providence Farmstead in Otto, North Carolina, their eggs come from Pendergrass Farms, honey

Continued on page 20

Crock Pot Ribs

3-5lb rack of ribs cut in half or thirds Andy’s Market dry rub

Andy’s Market Sweet BBQ sauce

Rub the ribs with the dry rub and put them in the Crock-Pot on low for approximately 8 hrs. (Deborah has a timer on the outlet that cuts them off after 8 hours). After they are done, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove the ribs and set them on a baking sheet. Pour the sauce on the top. Cook for 10 minutes until the tops get crispy. Brush with additional sauce if needed. Enjoy!

Note: Deborah does her Boston Butt roast the same way, removing the fat by hand before adding the sauce and skipping the oven step at the end.

Biscuits (with Berries or for Breakfast)

2 cups Southern Biscuit mix Formula L

2 cups buttermilk

“This biscuit mix has everything you need in it but the buttermilk and it makes some of the best biscuits you’ll find” Andy said. If you need more than a dozen biscuits just double the recipe! You can top these biscuits with fresh peaches or blueberries (from Chatooga Belle Farm). They are also great for sopping the yolk of a couple fried eggs or topped with a heaping spoonful of (Blalocks or Snow Creek) sausage gravy or topped with local honey.

Note: Deborah uses a cup of Formula L, cup of whole milk and cup of sugar mixed well to top peaches, apples, or berries for a great cobbler!

Summer Berry Triffle

One pound cake or sponge cake (homemade or store bought)

I cup sliced fresh Strawberries

I cup blueberries

¼ cup sugar

2 cups vanilla pudding (homemade or store bought)

Whipped Cream (homemade or store bought Cool Whip®)

Cube the cake and set aside, if you are making homemade pudding and/or whipped cream do so now and set aside. Wash your berries and slice strawberries and mix with blueberries and sugar tossing well. In a glass bowl layer cake, berries and pudding over and over until all are used and top with whipped cream. This makes a very pretty and festive dish, perfect for summer celebrations!

ANDY’S MARKET – An American Tradition

comes from Blue Ridge Honey and Trillium Creek Farm and their signature line is produced for them by Hillside Orchard Farm.

“The thing I guess I am proudest of,” said Andy, “is that I’ve seen generations of families come through our door. Take for instance the Bleckleys, Doug and Ginger have been customers for years, their sons Scott, Bryan and Travis have all became customers. Today, the Bleckley boys have grown children shopping with us. That means the world and we could name many local families that have done the same. One that comes to mind is Mrs. Rubye Reeves, there are five generations of that family that have supported us. We must be doing something right.” The store runs with only six employees including Andy and Deborah. Their doors open at 7 am and close at 6:30 pm, if everybody is done shopping. They close on Wednesday, shut down at 6 on Saturday and have never been open on Sunday. Groceries are always bagged for you and unless you say otherwise they are carried to your car. The store is so clean and aisles are wide. I asked Deborah how they kept those floors so clean and shiny and she told me that Eagle Cleaning has cleaned and buffed their floors each week since the company first opened.

Knowing that Deborah and Andy work long hours I asked her to share with us a few of her recipes. She admitted she uses her Crock-Pot often, which is not only necessary but pretty smart! The Hunters have a philosophy that is two-fold, first they will never sell you anything that they wouldn’t serve their family and Andy says “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” So, the ingredients you need to make the recipes they are sharing can be purchased in their store. So check these out and make your grocery list and head on down to the store. One more thing, if you grab a drink out of the machines on the porch when you leave, they’ll be the coldest you’ll find in Rabun County!

It is so important to support small family owned businesses every chance you get. We are blessed to have businesses like this one in our county. Another one that comes to mind is Tiger Drive-In, but that’s another story for another issue.

Bon Appétit – Easy, Peasy Dinner

By Scarlett Cook

With the hot weather the last place you want to be is in a hot kitchen. These recipes should cool you off and they can be made early in the day so dinner is ready to pull out of the fridge. Some frozen garlic bread completes the meal. Then if someone would just load the dishwasher …..

Oriental Chicken Salad

Serves 4

For salad

3 Cups cooked rice, cooled

1 1/2 Cups chicken, cubed – rotisserie chicken works

1 Cup sliced celery

1 Can water chestnuts, drained

1/2 Cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4 Cup sliced green onions

For Dressing

1/2 Cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 Cup chopped black olives

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 Tablespoon soy sauce or to taste

1/2 Teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 Teaspoon salt

1/4 Teaspoon black pepper

Lettuce leaves

Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl. Place dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well.

Pour over salad; toss lightly. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Black and White Almond Pie

Serves 8

2 Tablespoons margarine

2 Ounces white chocolate

1 Graham cracker crust

3 Tablespoons almonds, toasted and chopped

1 4-Ounce package instant chocolate pudding mix

2 Cups cold milk

¼ Teaspoon almond extract

Cool Whip

Melt butter and chocolate in top of double boiler over hot water, stirring until blended.

Pour into pie crust and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of almonds. Prepare pudding mix using milk and extract; pour into crust.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

To serve sprinkle remaining almonds on top.

For the Love of Farmers Markets

By Katie Alt

Istill remember my very first time visiting a farmers market while living in Raleigh, North Carolina. As I meandered past table after table of fresh produce, the local farmer’s daughters offered samples of the fare in their slow Eastern Carolina drawls. Juicy ripe peaches, freshfrom-the-field sweet corn, golden yellow summer squash, vine-ripened tomatoes, and crisp sweet blueberries were all arranged perfectly on display for consumers to take in with their eyes, and eventually their mouths.

But it wasn’t just the fresh produce that pulled me in that day. It was the colorful fresh cut flowers, the delicious homemade breads, the smell of locally roasted coffee, and the endless concoctions of jellies and jams made to share with all that called to those present. Folks from all walks of life were gathered at the farmers market that morning foraging for fresh goods and a local experience. For those of us who grew up on the farm, or have our own garden, we may not always see the immediate need for a farmers market. On the opposite end of the spectrum, when the grocery store is the closest thing to a farm a person is likely to set foot on, the appeal of a farmers market might also similarly be absent. Ironically, it was the suburbs where farmers markets first began popping up in the 70’s and 80’s after folks became further and further removed from their food. They initially began in university cities where educated consumers were drawn to the idea of eating locally produced food and remembering the tastes of their childhood. In a world of fast food, a local farmers market provides a slow food experience with a connection to the people and the culture behind the food.

Farmers markets may have started fifty-something years ago in the suburbs, but they continue to grow in communities all across the nation today. According to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), from 1994 to 2019, the number of farmers markets rose from 1,755 to 8,771 in 2019. There’s now one market for every 38,000 people.

With less than 2% of our population currently living on a farm, it seems likely that the other 98% of us might still benefit from some exposure to where our food comes from. The farmer’s market is the next best thing to growing it yourself. Not only that, but a trip to the market allows you to interact with the farmer who grew that food for you, while also supporting a local business. This puts more of the food dollar back into the pockets of the farmer - not the processor, distributor, or retailer’s pocket. Per the USDA, in 2021, farmers received a record-low 14.5 cents for every dollar Americans spent on food. When you buy from your local farmers market, you are able to make sure the whole dollar ends up in the hands of the farmer.

If fresh and flavor are the name of the game, then there’s no better option than purchasing at the farmers market. Hands down, food at a farmers market has spent more time on the vine, in the ground, or on a tree, than that at a retailer. Without long trips to the retailer, and with minimal processing, food straight from the field is regularly touted to have increased levels of vitamins and minerals.

When you support local farmers markets, you’re keeping money in your local community, while having a direct connection to how your food is produced, and getting the freshest ingredients possible. With so many things being divisive in our nation today, a trip to the farmers market allows us to be united by the experience of sites, smells, and tastes of locally grown and produced food.

Katie hails from the row crops and pines of South Georgia, but now calls the hills and lakes of North Georgia home. She and her husband love to travel, eat good food, and spend time in nature surrounding their almost 200-year-old farmhouse. She loves writing about anything that connects back to the soil, sites, and souls of the South.

Local Farmer’s Markets

RABUN

Clayton Farmers Market

46 Plaza Way Clayton, GA 30525

Saturdays 9am – 1pm thru October

HABERSHAM

Clarkesville Farmers Market

538 Grant St.

Clarkesville, GA 30523

706.865.4383

Open Saturday 9am-12pm

Fritchey’s Gardens

6033 GA-17

Clarkesville, GA 30523

706.754.4851

Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

STEPHENS

Stephens County Fresh Market

325 Broad Street

Toccoa, GA 30577

Open Tuesday 2pm-6pm

Saturday 9am-1:30pm

UNION

Union County Farmers Market

290 Farmers Mkt Way

Blairsville, GA 30512

Open Tuesday 9am-1pm

Saturday 8am-1pm

TOWNS

Hiawassee Fruit & Vegetable Market

814 N Main St.

Hiawassee, GA 30546

706.896.7234

Open Mon, Wed-Sun 8am-7pm

Tuesday 6am-6pm

Local Farmer’s Markets

FRANKLIN, NC

Cowee School Farmers Market 51 Cowee School Drive Franklin, NC 28734 www.coweeschool.org

Open Wednesday 4pm-6pm

Franklin NC Farmers Marketplace

Located in the parking lot between 226 and 268 E Palmer St. Franklin, NC 28732 828.369.3182

Open April-October

Saturday 8am-12pm

November-March

Saturday 10am-12pm

Tallents Produce 836 E Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 828.369.2112

Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-5pm

Sunday 10am-3pm

OCONEE, SC

Abels Orchards

14161 Hwy 76 E Mountain Rest, SC 29664

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Blue Haven Orchards 12500 Long Creek Hwy Longcreek, SC 29658 864.647.2855

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Foothills Heritage Market 2063 Sandifer Blvd Westminster, SC 29693

farmoconee.org

Open Saturday 8am-12pm

Adventure Out Woodall Shoals on the Chattooga River

By Peter McIntosh

On this adventure we’re heading to a great summer spot on the Chattooga River, the perfect spot to cool your toes. Our destination is Woodall Shoals, a beautiful set of rapids that is very easy to get to, less than 3/10 of a mile each way from the parking area. Woodall Shoals is both a put in and take out for rafters and kayakers

and can be very busy on weekends. There are two trails from the parking area that lead to the river so you can walk in one way and come out by the other. I suggest you hike in via the trail that leads past the primitive campsites which is located at the far end of the parking area near the privy. From this trailhead you’ll descend some stairs before leveling off on an old roadbed. This is a heavily used camping area with lots of side trails going this way and that. Just past this open area the trail descends for a

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com

short bit through Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. The sound of the river will now be in earshot and, if it’s a weekend, you’ll most likely hear people as well. Now the trail joins back up with the wide main trail and then splits again with two paths leading down to the river.

Both trails end up at nearly the same place, a broad beach offering easy access for watercraft. On the downstream end there is a trail that crosses a creek before following along the river. Along this area there are lots of places to climb down to the river and enjoy a great straight on view of the shoals just upstream. On the upstream end of the sandy beach there is a calm shallow pool, great for wading or swimming for kids. And just up from this pool are some wonderful rocks to scramble

on, leading out to the churning rapids of Woodall Shoals. These rocks aren’t dangerous but please do be careful and don’t play in the rapids, no matter how good a swimmer you are. This is my favorite area because from these rocks you get a great view of the river, both upstream and down. Also it’s a great place to catch some rays, have a picnic and watch the rafters and kayakers go by. Happy hiking!

As summer flies by, here’s my poem for July: To beat the summer heat, this spot sure delivers, A place of natural beauty along the Chattooga River. If cool flowing water is one of your goals, Just head on down to Woodall Shoals.

Getting there: From Hwy 441 in Clayton, take Hwy 76 East 8 miles to the Chattooga River. Cross the river and continue 2.3 miles to Orchard Road on the right. Turn right on Orchard Road and go 3/10 mile to Woodall Shoals Road on the right. This road comes up quickly so keep an eye out for it. Stay on Woodall Shoals Road to the turn around at the end.

Field notes: The Chattooga River is a truly wonderful resource for our region, both for us to enjoy and as a tourist destination. The organization charged with protecting this wild and scenic river is the Chattooga Conservancy. To join the conservancy or learn more about their work, visit their website at: www.chattoogariver.org

To see more of Peter’s photo or if you have a question or comment:

www.mcintoshmountains.com

Firmly Rooted Snapdragons

By Tori Carver

While snapdragons may be considered a secondary or filler flower to most flower farmers (myself included) they are by far my favorite annual.

I start planting them in the Fall and plant continual successions so I have them blooming all the way through the growing season. Sometimes nature, or my propensity to procrastination interferes, but the plan is to always have snapdragons in bloom.

I find them to be the easiest of all seeds to start. The seeds are the size of dust particles (literally) so I think the excitement of seeing a tiny set of leaves emerge from a speck of a seed is nothing short of miraculous. Most people use a moistened toothpick to pick up a single seed and drop it in the cell of a seed tray. I used to do that too, but now that I’ve got a few years under my belt, I’ve realized they don’t need nearly as much room to grow as I used to give them, so now I just sprinkle 2 to 4 seeds per cell. They need light to germinate so I gently sprinkle a thin covering of vermiculite on top and wait for the miracle to happen.

After a month or so, I harden them off and plant in landscape

Victoria (Tori) Carver is a flower farmer. From the thousand bulbs and plants that she puts in the ground each year she creates lovely bouquets. Many enjoy her flowers in their home each week. She has established a subscription program for her customers or a honor-system bouquet sales for random purchases. Tori and her husband and children make their home in Clayton, where they are a treasured part of the community. If you are interested in Firmly Rooted Flower Farm please reach out by email to firmlyrootedflowerfarm@gmail.com or phone 706-490-0041. You will also enjoy their website at www.firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com

fabric about 6 inches apart. Since they are tall and narrow they don’t require much space between plants. They like full sun, but I find they grow best with a little afternoon shade. I think they appreciate a respite from the summer heat.

Now onto the tricky part of growing snapdragons. Choosing the proper variety. Now, don’t get discouraged. I won’t get too technical so stay with me.

Snapdragons are highly responsive to day length and temperature. They are classified into four groups which correspond with the growing and harvest periods. For instance, Group 1 harvests in the winter, Group 2 is in the spring and Fall, Group 4 is in the summer, and Group 3 harvests in the cusps between spring/summer and summer/fall. Once you have that information it’s easier to choose the proper varieties to plant based on the season they’ll bloom.

My favorite varieties? Why, thank you for asking. I’m forever a fan of the Costa and Potomac varieties. I’ve also grown the Rocket series and the Madame Butterfly series with moderate success, but they’ve never blown me away like Costa snapdragons planted in the fall for a spring harvest. The longest and strongest stems imaginable.

Besides being a huge fan of snapdragons, the bees adore them too. Snapdragons have a lip petal which bees must grip in order to open the flower and access the nectar and pollen inside. At sunset, I often see them seeking overnight lodging in their petals too. If you follow me on Instagram, I’ve got a great video of a bee trying to open a petal to settle in for the night.

I hope this little tidbit of information helps you become a fan of snapdragons too!

Looking for a Furever Friend? Find Him/Her at

Itry to write a little something each month to accompany our featured pets from Rabun Paws 4 Life. While looking at their website for upcoming events or news I read the statements below and was moved to share them with you. Remember donations are always appreciated, whether it’s a monetary gift or a sack of dog and cat food. There are great volunteer ideas on the website www.rabunpaws4life.com.

There are two upcoming events in the coming months. First a Charity Night for Paws is planned at Currahee Brewing Company (93 W. Savannah St. Clayton, GA) July 7, 5-9 PM with The Shed Food Truck and live music. Then their Fall Vaccine Clinic will be held at the Rabun Arena (100 E. Boggs Mountain Rd. Tiger, GA) on October 15th from 9 am–12 pm.

“The mission of Rabun Paws 4 Life is to make a positive difference in Rabun County by providing a no-kill animal control and shelter to care for and protect animals from abuse, neglect and abandonment. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards possible for the humane and compassionate treatment of all animals. Our vision is a forever home for every cat and dog in our care. Our values – We believe that every animal has intrinsic value and the right to be treated humanely. We seek to advance the welfare of companion animals through meaningful outreach and educational programs. Accurate recording of finances will be available to the public at all times with transparency the goal of all of our activities.”

Meet Sam

Beautiful Sam is a German Shepherd mix, she was an owner surrender due to her owner not having enough time for her. She is a sweet and energetic 3 year old. Sam is good with kids and other dogs, but she likes to eat alone and does not need to be around livestock such as turkeys or birds! Come and meet this sweet girl or just spend some time and say hello! She is up for adoption and needs a great home. Is it yours?

Meet Vela

Vela is a 2 year old Shepherd mix, that was an owner surrender, she is a dominant female that might pair well with a submissive dog, male or female. At the shelter they can become selective at times so if you have another animal and had an interest in Vela we will schedule a meet n’ greet to make sure it’s a good fit for all! If you have any other questions on Vela don’t hesitate to call.

Meet Cecil

Cecil is a 1 year old Catahoula Leopard mix, he is fixed and up to date on all shots, he was brought to us because the health of his owner was declining. Cecil is adjusting well at the shelter but was extremely nervous at first, which is to be expected with all the new sounds and smells. Right now he likes people more than other dogs, but we are trying to socialize him daily! if you would like to come by and meet Cecil or think you’d be a good match call the shelter.

A Good Work Ethic

By Will Griffin

What makes America great? Ask any citizen, and the resounding answer will undoubtedly be freedom. However, the essence of American greatness extends far beyond just freedom. It lies in the unwavering belief that with freedom comes great responsibility – the responsibility to use our liberties for the betterment of ourselves and our communities. While you might be reminiscing about the past, the beauty of America lies in its ability to evolve and adapt. And at the core of this evolution is the freedom to work.

The privilege to choose any profession and support oneself, family, and community is fundamental to American culture. Every job holds significance, but perhaps the entrepreneur is the most authentic embodiment of this facet. Entrepreneurs start with a passionate vision to serve and create. They willingly embrace the risks, staking their work, reputation, and livelihoods. Some have reaped incredible rewards, while others have witnessed the profound impact their businesses can have on their communities. In many ways, entrepreneurs are the unsung heroes of America, and that’s not an exaggeration, coming from someone who was a former firefighter.

We are fortunate to have a wealth of remarkable entrepreneurs within our community. Just look around this magazine, and you’ll see the blessings they have bestowed upon us. If you are one of those entrepreneurs, I express my heartfelt gratitude.

Now, for those of you who are followers of Christ, have you considered that even in your normal course of business, you are in ministry? Your work has the potential to contribute to the Kingdom of God. Have you contemplated the profound influence you can have on your employees and customers? Smart business owners recognize the value of their work, their employees, and their customers. If you are not an entrepreneur, don’t tune out here, these are good principles for everyone in the workplace.

When we create something new—a product, a service, or an experience—we are collaborating with God in the creative process. After all, He is the original Creator. Work existed before

the fall; God entrusted Adam to participate in the work of Creation (Gen. 2:15). This truth remains unchanged. As we engage in our work, we are partnering with God Himself. The Lord uses us as His earthly agents to fulfill His will on earth as it is in Heaven. Whether you are building a house, selling goods, teaching kids, or creating a memorable experience, The Lord has you there for His purposes. So, how does your earthly work align with heavenly standards? Creating something that aligns with heavenly standards sounds like the epitome of business success. However, we must maintain sight of people as the most crucial aspect. It’s easy to become fixated on the final creation. Still, while that is significant, it doesn’t represent the culmination of business. Without people, event planners would have no reason to plan, teachers would have no one to teach, and homebuilders would have no homes to build Therefore, people and relationships are everything. As a follower of Christ who happens to be in the workplace, how are you seeking to impact the relationships you have been given for the Glory of God?

Jesus exemplified the truth that no work is more important than glorifying God through people. Out of countless ways to glorify Himself, the Lord chose the redemption of people and the restoration of our broken relationship with Him. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus accomplished this redemption which brought about the Greatest Glory of God. This is the greatest Gift given freely to all who would accept in faith the work of Christ. What if we saw it as our greatest work to see many come to place their faith in Christ, through whatever avenues the Lord has graciously given? What if we conducted ourselves in the workplace in deed and in word that the Lord was glorified and not us?

In Christ, we have been granted the freedom to work for the glory of God. Moreover, we have been equipped with the necessary gifts to carry out our work. The Holy Spirit empowers us to utilize these gifts in a manner that exalts Christ. While these truths have often been limited to the context of the Church, the reality is that they apply to every aspect of a believer’s life. If you are in Christ, regardless of your occupation, these truths hold true for you. So, how has the Lord equipped you to have a good work ethic?

Will Griffin is Director of Discipleship & Digital Ministries at Clayton Baptist Church - to learn more about being a Follower of Jesus contact Will at: will@claytonbaptistchurch.com

Community Bible Study A Local and Global Movement of God’s Word

By Mary Boland and Jeanine Marlow

We love seeing what happens in people’s lives when they discover God through studying His Word. Community Bible Study (CBS) offers studies for all age groups and stages of life, from classes for toddlers and teens to classes for adults who are single and married. Our Rabun County Community Bible Study class started in 2022 with Women’s and Children’s classes, and soon we are expanding with studies for high school and college ages (NextGen). We are growing!

Together we explore the Bible and what it tells us about the God who has woven His story through history and is present with us now. Community Bible Study is nondenominational and open to all. The mission of CBS is to make disciples of Jesus Christ through caring, in-depth Bible study available to all. Their vision is to transform lives through the Word of God.

Our Rabun County classes are part of a worldwide ministry with a rich history. Since 1975, men, women, teens, and children across the United States and worldwide have studied the Bible in CBS classes – and now Rabun County joins this worldwide ministry!

We are a community. We can’t underscore enough the emphasis on bringing all parts of this community together to study the Bible. We learn from and encourage one another to develop deep personal relationships while studying God’s Word. Our curriculum is grounded in Scripture, and participants follow a study guide with daily assignments.

To a new participant, the “homework” may seem intimidating. Once you begin, you realize it takes less than 30 minutes a day. Even if you are new to Bible study or have never opened a Bible, don’t be intimidated by the in-depth study because you are learning alongside others!

Sarah Peters, wife and mom to three from Otto, NC, just finished her first year with Rabun CBS. Sarah found community in her CBS core group and the children’s program that happens simultaneously.

“From day one, we were welcomed and lovingly received into the children’s program. I knew the workers in the children’s area genuinely wanted my kids there and were excited about discipling them! What a true ministry to myself as a Mom and an effective and Biblical way to love on a younger generation.

During the week, Tatham, our oldest, and I have been able to study the Bible together as he has his own book that correlates with our study. It’s such a sweet and encouraging process to hear and see the Holy Spirit teach him through this.

Each Tuesday morning the kids are learning how to study the Bible with their peers and how to pray for each other. They are learning solid theology, fun Bible songs that they continue to practice at home, Bible verses they recite throughout the week, and lots of other fun things.”

Our Women’s and Children’s classes are held Tuesday mornings from 10 am until noon at Clayton Baptist Church. The church generously donates its campus, providing a central location and excellent facilities to accommodate our large group gathering, classrooms for our six different core groups, a servants team meeting, a nursery, and two Children’s classes.

What does a day at CBS Women’s Bible Study look like?

10:00 am: We gather at 10 am for an Opening or Welcome. This can be a time of fellowship, worship, or sharing.

10:15 – 11:30 am: Core Groups – Small groups (15 or fewer) remain together throughout the study year. These are supportive small groups where every member is made to feel cared for, comfortable, and become confident in God’s Word, guided by a dedicated Core Leader. During Core group meetings, leaders encourage discussion and sharing based on the current week’s lesson. Every member is appreciated and loved!

11:30 – Noon: Teaching – everyone returns to the Sanctuary for a lecture and insightful commentary to better understand passages in the week’s lesson. These lectures are given by trained CBS Teaching Directors.

What does a day in Children’s Ministry look like?

Children’s Ministry is not daycare! Rabun County CBS Children’s Ministry is currently preschool and elementary with a carefully designed curriculum. We provide a nurturing environment where children can learn important lessons through Bible teaching, Scripture memory work, crafts, music, games, and other activities. Loving servants in our CBS Children’s Ministry come alongside parents as they teach and train their children to live out God’s truths. Everyone who works in the CBS Children’s Ministry has been trained and received a background check.

How did Rabun County CBS get started?

When you are ready to help bring Community Bible Study to your community, a CBS leader, a U.S. Ambassador, works with you to start a new class through an Impact Group.

The first step is to gather people from various churches, backgrounds, and ages who are passionate about studying God’s Word. This group, known as the Impact Group, begins to meet weekly, seeking God’s will for a class through prayer, Bible study, and learning about the Ministry of CBS.

The core values of Community Bible Study are highlighted in the first six meetings, and the next eight weeks are devot-

ed to a study of the Book of Nehemiah. These meetings aim to develop the leadership and vision necessary to establish strong, sustainable Community Bible Study classes where lives will be transformed through the study of God’s Word. The milestones for becoming a class include the following:

1. Gather enough interested people to start an Impact Group.

2. Initiate the Impact Group process.

3. Develop leadership and vision.

4. Identify God’s called servant leaders for the class.

5. Attend CBS Leadership Training.

6. Prepare for and begin the new class.

The Ambassador provides weekly support and direction during the first part of the process. As the potential for leadership and appropriate growth becomes apparent, a nearby Area Director will become the shepherd of the Impact Group and guide them through becoming a class.

Before Rabun County Community Bible Study began, a group of ladies prayed for three years under the leadership of Debbie Bruce. Debbie and Jim moved to Clayton from LaGrange. Debbie had attended CBS in Opelika, Alabama, and was a leader in a similar Bible study in LaGrange. She envisioned seeing CBS come to this area and is now serving as the Teaching Director.

Originally from Athens, GA, Camilla and Bill Seabolt relocated permanently from Colorado Springs to their vacation cottage in Rabun in 2020. Rabun County has been a part of their lives since 1963. Camilla has a long, rich history with CBS that began in 1982, and served as the Executive Director from 1997-2013. The Lord brought so many people together to

Faith see this Bible study begin. The time for establishing a Rabun County CBS class was perfectly ordained.

Since the early beginnings of Community Bible Study in 1975, hundreds of people have faithfully served in the Ministry. Without them and their answers to God’s call, CBS would not exist. Everyone who has been a part of CBS has stories of the “God-incidences” that led them to join the Ministry. Are there opportunities for fellowship outside of Bible study? Yes! Core groups meet throughout the year for luncheons. The entire CBS class gets together for lunch twice a year, providing an excellent opportunity to mix with members of other core groups, share experiences, and make new friends. CBS participants often make life-long friendships by studying and becoming confident in God’s Word together.

Registration for 2023 – 24 Studies

If you seek a comfortable, loving, and caring community that encourages spiritual growth, Community Bible Study could be your place to call home! We are now registering for the 2023-2024 study year beginning August 22. God shows up in significant ways when we gather to study His Word and we pray that you will join us! Sign up early!

Ephesians – 12 weeks

Ephesians tells the story of God’s eternal plan to unite people who have been estranged from Him and one another into a beautiful community that reflects His glory to the world. This study will guide participants to engage with what it means to be reconciled to God, how that is possible, and the amazing benefits God gives as a result. It will also give practical guidance for how to apply these eternal truths to your everyday life.

Ruth and Samuel –

18 weeks

The Old Testament books of Ruth and 1 and 2 Samuel describe the faith journey of men and women like us. In this study, you will see people who took their pain and anger to God and those who did not. And in either case, you will see how God remained faithful.

How do I sign up?

Online: https://rabuncounty.cbsclass.org

For assistance, please contact Christine Jason, Class Coordinator 518-848-5222 or zarahridge@windstream.net

About CBS Curriculum

CBS concentrates on the essentials of the Christian faith, not on denominational distinctives. CBS theologians, writers, editors, and reviewers seek to ensure a balanced representation of biblical viewpoints, accurate historical details, and in-depth coverage of the passages.

The Bain of Plantar Fasciitis Pain!

Dr. Sue Aery

Plantar Fasciitis - OUCH! The plantar fascia is a very stout layer of fascial or connective tissue that runs along the length of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. It acts like a spring every time we put our foot down to move forward, jump or brace ourselves. Some injuries to this tissue are due to repetitive action such as shoveling, running or playing tennis or basketball. Sometimes it just happens over time as we overuse this very strong and durable tissue. The excess wear and tear from the overuse or injury causes pain that can manifest at the heel, along the arch or the base of the big toe, or from a heel spur. It can be relentless and often feels worse after rest, causing disruption to sleep, first steps in the morning and normal daily activities.

Another potential component of this injury is the mobility of the pelvis, hip, and knee, ankle and foot joints. These are often the culprit in the evolution of the injury, so making motion corrections can help with the progression of healing as well as the lasting effects of healing the tissue.

There are many approaches to “fixing” this injury and pain. Many people choose overthe-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Some choose ice baths, stretching apparatus or even invasive, painful injections or surgery. The results vary depending on the extent and duration of the injury. Determining the initial mechanism of the injury also comes into play as we seek a solution for the problem.

Over the years in my offices, I have used acupuncture, ultrasound, massage therapy and nutrition to reduce the persistent inflammation. Each of these has had good results, but nothing compares to TRT (Tissue Regeneration Therapy)! This non-invasive and very effective therapy is the best that I have found in 17 years in practice. The unfocused sound waves target the injured tissue and recruit stem cells to the site that needs healing, reducing inflammation, softening tissue, breaking up adhesions, and increasing blood flow by 200%. Nothing else works at this ferocious pace to help the body “fix” the problem. During the 3 years that we have been using TRT, it remains 90% effective. Now, there are some that don’t respond as we hope, so we work more on their inflammatory problems with diet, exercise and daily habits. My overall word of advice is this - stop suffering and take smart action to eliminate the misery associated with Plantar Fasciitis!!!

Dr. Sue Aery is the owner of Aery Chiropractic in Highlands, North Carolina and Elevation Chiropractic & Wellness in Clayton, Georgia. Hours and availability are posted on the website, www.aerychiropractic.com or by calling 828-200-4476.

Two Great Reasons to Celebrate Adams Hearing Aid Specialists

Adams Hearing Aid Specialists has some exciting news. They are celebrating 15 years serving the people of Rabun County and surrounding areas. Chris Adams, Hearing Aid Specialist has changed lives in his time here helping his patients. Their office located at 91 East Savannah Street in Clayton, Georgia is getting a new look too and the reveal to the public will be July 19 and 20. New hearing products will be demonstrated on those days and you will be able to try the products and learn more about them. On July 21 at noon, the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce will be there for Adams Hearing Aid Specialists’ ribbon cutting to celebrate their new office. You are invited to come and enjoy refreshments and learn more.

To schedule a hearing consultation or talk with them about your options call 706.782.0109 or visit www.adamshearingaids.com.

Find them on Facebook @adamshearingaid.

Healthy & Well

Pet Health Osteoarthritis in cats

By Jaime Smoot Speed

Cats are incredible creatures, both in personality and from a medical perspective. Cats are so very different from their 4-legged domesticated counterparts (dogs), yet research on these amazing animals has truly been lacking until recently. Luckily, some animal pharmaceutical companies are focusing more on felines and their common health issues. One example of this new research was led by Zoetis. They recently launched a new product that targets osteoarthritis in cats. Osteoarthritis describes a condition where the tissues in the joints wear down and can cause significant discomfort. For cats over the age of 12 years, research has shown that 90% of feline patients have radiographic (xray) evidence of osteoarthritis. Zoetis developed a product, Solensia, an antibody injection given by your veterinarian that lasts 30 days, that can significantly increase comfort in a feline’s senior years. How can you know if your cat is experiencing discomfort from osteoarthritis? Well ask yourself these questions: Does your cat show any hesitation or difficulty going up or down stairs? Do they show any hesitation or difficulty in jumping up on an object or down off an object? Do they still play with toys in the same manner as they did last year? Do they seem to be as social as they used to be? Do they seem to hide more, groom less, or have accidents outside the litter box? If you have seen any changes in these areas, speak to your veterinarian about possible causes, as arthritis could be a culprit! Senior cats should also have yearly bloodwork monitored and see their veterinarian every six months to monitor for health changes, particularly with teeth, muscle condition, body weight, and heart health. If you have room in your heart and your home, consider adopting a senior cat. These beautiful creatures need love and support just as much as dogs! Visit your local shelter or cat adoption center to give these special creatures the attention and love they deserve.

Dr. Jaime Smoot Speed is from West Virginia and went to the University of Georgia for Veterinary School. She co-owns Clayton Claws & Paws and Clayton Veterinary Hospital in downtown Clayton, Georgia and is so grateful she joined the Rabun County community eight years ago with her human and furry families.

Small Town Famous Meet Rick Story

By Tracy McCoy

When I think of the people I know who left Rabun County in search of a career after graduating from Rabun County High School and went on to do great things… Rick Story comes to mind. To understand the story I will share with you in this issue, you have to know that Rick follows God’s lead having put his life in His hands as a child. His decisions are rarely made without first talking to the Lord. This will explain a lot.

Vice President of the RCHS Class of 1984, we all knew he would go on to be a success. With that winning smile and 4.0 grade point average, how could he not do great things? Easily accepted into the University of Georgia in Athens, Rick began his college career but soon found out that the “encouragement” of his high school teachers did not follow him into college. UGA was a drastic change from his small hometown high school. Under the recommendation of his parents he transferred to Young Harris college, and looking back Rick says it was one of the best decisions in his life. He graduated with an AA in Liberal Arts and proceeded to University of West Georgia in Carrolton where he earned a BBA in Marketing. He dreamed of working for Coca-Cola here in his home state but God had a different path for him.

Rick recalls feeling drawn to politics. Questioning God if this was part of His plan for him, doors seemed to open up one after another. Politics was never his intention but turned out to be where God was leading him. An opening for a Legislative Specialist and Lobbyist for Georgia Farm Bureau Federation and Rick was hired. He stayed a year in this position before he landed a position as Congressional Aide and Scheduler for then House Speaker Newt Gingrich. In 1995 Rick became Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Nathan Deal. He remained in Congressman Deal’s office for five years.

Rick left politics behind for a few years when the opportunity came for him to go to work for Samaritan’s Purse, a charitable organization founded by Franklin Graham. When his father, and America’s Pastor, Billy Graham had a doctors appointment at Mayo Clinic, while Franklin was out of the country, it was Rick he asked to escort his dad to Minnesota. What was to be a routine doctor’s appointment turned into emergency surgery. Rick stayed by Billy’s side through all of it even reading the Pastor’s Bible to him at his request. “I was so honored to be holding his Bible in my hands and reading to him.” The two got to know each other during this trip and a bond was formed. A couple weeks after they returned home, Franklin called asking Rick to come for dinner with his parents at The Cove. He was thrilled and he and Ruth Graham talked all through dinner and after, while

Billy remained mostly quiet. The following week he got a call to come to Franklin’s office and it sounded serious. He was sure he was going to be fired. What was about to be offered to Rick was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Billy and Ruth Graham were so taken with Rick that Reverend Graham wanted to hire Rick to be his personal assistant, however, that did mean he’d have to walk away from Samaritan’s Purse. He accepted the offer and that he says was the best position of his career. He spent time serving Billy Graham and working by his side until his retirement in the later part of 2005. “He was a great man and always the same, whether at a crusade or sitting on the porch of his Montreat home. I respected him so much and cared for him like family”, Rick stated. I asked him with such an impressive career which position was his favorite and without hesitation, he smiled and said “Working for Mr. Graham.”

It was after Billy Graham’s retirement that Rick returned to politics. Having proved to be a valued member of Congressman Deal’s office, when the Congressman made the announcement that he would run for Governor of Georgia in 2010, Rick was by his side. He helped Nathan Deal win the Governorship of Georgia, working for him until 2011 serving in many capacities. Essentially Rick has worked with every senior executive official in the state of Georgia. To this day he is a trusted advisor and friend of the former Governor.

He went to work for FrogueClark LLC as a lobbyist before moving on to a position with University of Georgia through Habersham Archway connecting the Habersham community to UGA higher education resources. Next on Rick’s path was a job as Vice-President of Economic Development for North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville. When an opening came available as Director of Development for Rabun County, Georgia in 2018, he applied. He was hired and I cannot possibly stress enough how fortunate our county is to have Rick Story working on our behalf. His vast marketing experience, connections and stellar reputation are an asset to Forward Rabun. Rick guides the daily activities of the Development Authority, the Tourism Authority and the Welcome Center for Rabun County, Georgia. Forward Rabun is the umbrella under which these three entities operate and Rick is at the helm. With a great attitude, an intense drive and the ability to work with people from all backgrounds he leads. Promoting and marketing the county that he has always called home is an honor for him and he is extremely gifted at it.

Last year life threw Rick Story a curve-ball. He noticed blood in his urine and thought he must have a UTI so he contacted his PCP, Dr. Ed Frederickson who was somewhat alarmed and immediately referred Rick to a colleague who was the head of urological oncology at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. After a series of tests it was determined that Rick had a tumor on his bladder and it was malignant. He was somewhat comforted to know that there were options. Rick opted for a procedure that administers the Chemo meds directly into the bladder. Rick learned two key things that helped him through this difficult time. One is to establish clear communication with your medical team from your PCP to your Specialists. Secondly, you have to learn to lean on others and that was a challenge for this fiercely independent gentleman. “I always wanted to be the guy that others leaned on, so being on the other end of things was very challenging.” As is the way in Rabun, while he recuperated at home, many brought food, dropped in to check on him and offered to help. Their kindness was appreciated by Rick and his family.

Recovery was tough and there were some days when he questioned if he could make it through but he knew where to turn. “I played worship music, read my Bible and did an abundance of praying through those difficult times. I had an allergic reaction to pain medication but when the pain was excruciating, listening to hymns honestly took the pain away. When I first heard the word cancer I felt as if I’d been punched in the gut. I did my best to put my faith in God and trust that He would never leave my side, it is His promise and I could feel the prayers of so many. I tried to keep a great attitude and stay positive which is so important. I watched a lot of I Love Lucy and Andy Griffith and staying in close contact with friends. I remember laying on Sunday morning hearing the church bells ring and wishing I could be there.

I drew on my faith throughout my recovery.” Rick shared. I have been back to Piedmont for followups since the tumor was removed to check for recurrence or any issues and I am happy to report that after a long hard journey, at this point Rick is cancer-free. He will stay in touch with his medical team and stay on top of exams and making sure he lives as healthy a life as he can. It took a full year for Rick to feel normal after the cancer scare but today he is doing great.

When I asked what he does when he isn’t working he said he has discovered hiking and has visited places in Rabun that he has never been even though he basically has lived here most of his life. He works out at YourTime Fitness with Dolly Ramey who keeps him in shape. A great diet and exercise are part of his post-cancer protocol and he is dedicated to follow it to the letter. He spends a great deal of time in God’s Word studying to teach his Senior Adult Sunday School class at Clayton Baptist Church where he has been a member since he was a child. For years he worked with CBC youth and ran a small group. He says he is challenged in this new position teaching so many that he feels are much wiser than he is. “I think I learn as much from them as they learn from me.”

Rick told me, “God has been really good to me, beyond what I deserve. My community has been there for me and supported and shaped me in various ways my entire life and it is an honor to give back as best I can. Through Forward Rabun we hope to increase tourism, promote local businesses and bring businesses to this area increasing jobs. I am thankful for this position, the incredible people who work alongside me and who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting along the way.”

I am so blessed to call Rick Story my friend and to have the opportunity to let you know just how amazing he is.

Sole Place Gets New Owners and a New Look

Pete and Deana Carson are the new owners of Sole Place Western Wear store. The business has been in Clayton since 1976 and in it’s current location since the mid-eighties, opened by Trish Stockton. Last year Pete and Deana bought the business from Trish and have added their touch to what was already a great western wear store. The Carsons have rearranged, done some updating and added new product lines such as STS, Bed Stu, Old Gringo, KanKan, Bullhide, Abaline, and Silverado (American made boots), while maintaining the best of the best like Corral, Justin, Chippewa, Twisted X and Dan Post. If you are searching for footwear, jeans, hats, jewelry, clothing or handbags you’ll find just what you are looking for at Sole Place. No need to travel for great western wear. In need of a gift? You’ll find great options for any family member or friend. Stop in today at 61 N. Main Street in beautiful Clayton, Georgia and welcome Pete and Deana and spread the word that Sole Place is a great place to shop in our town! Website and new social media are coming, if you have questions you can call 706-782-4975.

Visit Shady Creek Expeditions, You’ll be Hooked!

If you haven’t visited Shady Creek Expeditions, you are missing out on a wonderful outfitter and guide shop located at 56 North Main Street in downtown Clayton. Everything you need to enjoy the outdoors, you’ll find here including authentic outdoor experiences! Plan a trip with one of their guides whether fly fishing, a weekend of backpacking, or a waterfall hike you can book it at Shady Creek Expeditions. Jerry and Vicki McFalls opened the store in May of last year. They just welcomed Rabun County Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting. The store has evolved in the past year to encompass more floor space and expand its offering of specialty outdoor equipment, women’s lifestyle apparel, and quality gifts and goods. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the details, options and pricing of outdoor adventures on their web page, www.shadycreekexpeditions.com, with a link to contact them so they can set up a great outdoor experience just for you. You should most certainly follow their Facebook Page for news, updates and store information. For additional information call 687-986-5167.

Clayton

LBCA Hosts 2023 Wooden Boat Parade

By Cassidy Gruber, LBCA Social Media Intern

The Lake Burton Civic Association (LBCA) hosted its Fourth Annual Wooden Boat Parade and Show on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Rabun County is known as the “Wooden Boat Capital of Georgia” due to its impressive history of wooden boat ownership dating back to the early 1900s. Although the boats are impressive, the loyal boat owners and participants make this event remarkable.

A line of 32 vintage boats paraded across Lake Burton, led by the Lake Burton fireboat. The boats were greeted by an eager crowd at LaPrade’s Marina, where they were displayed for public viewing and admired for their beauty, history, and craftsmanship.

An LBCA board member, Lee Penland, said, “I love the Wooden Boat Parade not only for the beautiful boats but for the way it brings the community together.”

Andrew Harris, an LBCA board member, founded the Wooden Boat Parade four years ago. “Sometimes I like to refer to these boats as floating works of art because that is what they truly are,” said Harris.

Chase Fulbright, chairman of the wooden boat parade committee, headed this special event. Fulbright has owned his wooden boat

A line of wooden boats parade across Lake Burton.

Photo by Melissa Elzey.

Chase Fulbright, chairman of the wooden boat parade committee, rides in on his boat “Dawg Days.” Photo by Melissa Elzey.

Trae Sharpe and his family are first-time parade participants.

Photo by Cassidy Gruber.

Doug and Patricia Jones participate in their third parade in “Early Times.”

Photo by Cassidy Gruber.

Ryan, Chandler, and Olin Houser enjoy another year at the Wooden Boat Parade.

Photo by Cassidy Gruber

named “Dawg Days” for eight years. He has participated in the parade all four years, this year being his first as chairman. “My first year as chairman was a great experience,” said Fulbright. “We have a good group of boat owners who have been a lot of fun to work with.”

Many boat owners shared stories and conversations about their unique wooden watercraft.

Ryan and Chandler Houser have participated in the parade on Ryan’s great-grandmother’s wooden boat all four years. The boat has been on Lake Burton since 1956. Olin Houser, Ryan and Chandler’s son, has participated in the parade for three years, one being before he was born. Olin is a fifth-generation wooden boat passenger.

Fran Rogers grew up on Lake Burton. She is the proud owner of a 21-foot utility boat crafted in 1939. Rogers has participated in the parade all four years. Doug and Patricia Jones, LBCA members, have participated in the parade for three years in their boat “Early Times.” This boat was purchased in 1957 by Doug Jones’ great uncle, Captain Charles Lipham, USN. The wooden vessel spent 62 years on Lake Rabun before moving to Lake Burton in 2019.

Trae Sharpe and his family participated in the parade for the first time this year in a 1946 wooden boat owned by his aunt, Susan Dickens. Each wooden boat has its own story, yet, they all find a home on Lake Burton. This unique tradition brings together a community of wooden boat enthusiasts, new and old, to recognize the generations of wooden boats that have coasted the waters of Lake Burton.

Fran Rogers participates in the parade for the fourth year. Photo by Cassidy Gruber.

The Social Event of the Summer: Rabun Gap invites community to Green & Gold Gala

The social event of the summer is coming to Rabun GapNacoochee School on Friday, August 4, and the entire community is invited!

Rabun Gap’s inaugural Green & Gold Gala will be an elegant evening of fun, food, and fellowship. This summer soiree will feature bingo, signature cocktails by Carlton Chamblin of Farm2Cocktail, and a seated dinner highlighting local ingredients in the beautiful Woodruff Dining Hall on campus. Inspired by Sea Island style-bingo, the night of bingo will include an entertaining caller, friendly competition, and specially curated prizes.

The Green & Gold Gala is a premier fundraising event to support the mission of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.

Rabun Gap parents Bethany Weisser of Heaven’s Landing and Sarah Barge of Lake Burton are co-chairs of the gala’s planning committee and invite the community to join. Volunteers have been working all year to plan an exceptional new tradition for the valley and surrounding mountain and lake communities.

“This is a summer event you don’t want to miss,” said Weisser and Barge. “If you’ve never experienced Sea Island-style bingo, you can join in the fun at the Green & Gold Gala! Lee Penland will be our exciting bingo caller, and we’re looking forward to some great bingo prizes and auction items. Come join us for an incredible evening to connect with new friends and old and support a great cause - Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.”

In addition to the dinner and festivities, the gala will feature an auction with incredible items including autographed UGA football memorabilia; popular local art; and uniquely planned packages for Rabun Gap athletic and Cirque events. Many local businesses and restaurants have donated additional silent auction items and bingo prizes.

Individual tickets are $250 (a portion of which qualifies as a charitable contribution) and can be purchased online at www.rabungap.org/ gala. There are also several sponsorship opportunities and tables available. Consider sponsoring a table for your neighbors, out of town guests, or business, and make the Green & Gold Gala a new tradition.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School serves 680 students in grades PreK through 12. Founded in 1903, Rabun Gap is serving more students than ever from Rabun County and the surrounding area. Proceeds from the event will support Rabun Gap’s mission to provide an exceptional educational experience to young people from across the valley and around the world.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School prepares young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service. In our beautiful mountain environment, we inspire students to grow in character, intellect, and spirit. We value educational accessibility and foster a community of learners whose diversity is honored and reflects the world.

Great American Art Show & Contest Returns to Downtown Lakemont

in August

The Great American Art Show & Contest will be returning to Rabun County. The event will be hosted in Lakemont, Georgia on Saturday, August 5, 2023. It is a day of fun and celebration of small-town Americana, from 10 am to 3 pm you’ll find great art on display, good times and great company.

The festival is on the lookout for new paintings of “downtown Lakemont”. This is more than an art show it is a contest as well. Throughout the day there will be cash prizes for “the best…”. At 10 am the “Best Clown Face” will be awarded $50 and at 10:30 they’ll award the “Best Juggler” $50. “Best Rap or Ditty” will be chosen to win $100 at 11 am and “Best Poem” will take home $200 at noon. “The Best Song” will win $100 at 1 pm and at 1:30 the “Best Photograph” will be given $200. The finale will be a whopping $500 prize awarded to the “Best Painting”!

You will need to arrive before your contest timeslot to register so come early and stay all day! For “Best Painting” participation or other event questions e-mail LakemontRob@gmail.com or pickup waiver at The Open Door counter.

My World Travels

by Jonan Keeny

We got the band back together!

Fam, the Keeny fam keeps busy. Busy. BIZ-to-the-E. So when we realized that our schedules aligned for ALL FOUR OF US to have an adventure, we started to think about places nearby that we had been to briefly, or stopped by quickly while passing through, that we might explore a little more completely. And what shenanigans might we find that would entertain all four of us??? And, piggybacking on my futile mini golf efforts of last month, I got to thinking about another game at which I am terrible, but that I still thoroughly enjoy: Bowling. Knowing that Wyatt had only been bowling once before, that Miles has never been, and that ML and I are not good at it made it a perfect option for a full-on Keeny (friendly?) competition at Clarksville Lanes.

While I had no idea how much bowling alleys might have changed since I last haphazardly slung a ball at unsuspecting and defenseless pins in Buffalo, Minnesota a whole bunch of years ago, I am happy to report that they’re still pretty much the same. That is, unfortunately for ML and I, gutters are still a part of the standard setup. But luckily for Miles and Wyatt, Clarkesville Lanes is equipped with bumpers that automatically deploy and retract for each player that requires them. Had the bumpers not been available, I have a strong feeling that the enjoyment of our little ones would have been seriously diminished!

Perhaps the most important takeaways are that I still look just as good in bowling shoes as I thought I would, and my game hasn’t really deteriorated all that much over the years. Knocking down 100 pins in a game is still quite a feat for me…And yes, 9yo Wyatt bested me in our first game. I, however, avenged that defeat in the second. But the coolest part about bowling again after so many years? It just might be one of the most cost-effective family activities you can find that isn’t free! I was pleasantly shocked at how affordable it was. Had our un-napped littlest one not needed a change of scenery, we likely would have spent a few more hours heckling each other good-naturedly as we struggled to knock down half the pins in a given frame. But it was time to move on…

Mark of the Potter was suggested as a destination that the whole family would enjoy, and so there we went. You know the word “nestled,” right? Mark of the Potter is as “nestled” as it gets(!), right up against the Soque River, with waterfalls and trees and birds and trout and all of the wonderful sounds that go along with being in our

beautiful region. And while I was nervous about taking two little boys into a place that was full of very fragile items, the staff was super-friendly and immediately put my mind at ease about Miles and Wyatt being there. We were treated to a history of the mill, including an explanation of how it had once worked, which fascinated the boys (and mom and dad), and we got a little tour of all of the various items handmade by countless potters that were available. As one who has never been all that handy, I find the work done by so many talented craftspeople nothing short of amazing. The fact that someone can start with nothing but a hunk of clay and turn it into something that is both beautiful and functional with their bare hands astonishes me. And let’s not forget the trout! ML, the boys, and I all had a great time feeding the HUGE trout from high above the river. It was funny to see them swimming around under the surface of the water until the food started raining down. Then…What a sight! After sufficiently(?) feeding the fish due to our multiple visits back inside to buy food, it was time to tackle our actual mission: Find a birthday present for my mom, aka “Mimi.” She’s an avid tea drinker, and choosing something from the vast array of items at Mark of the Potter was not an easy task. So many beautiful and appropriate items to choose from! However, we were equal to that challenge and we are certain Mimi will love her gift. Unfortunately, some torrential rain and hail moved in, which caused us to cut our adventure a little bit shorter than we had anticipated. Regardless, our time in Clarkesville was well spent and I can’t wait until the Keeny Quartet gets to hit the road together again!

Jonan Keeny was born in Topeka, Kansas, he got older in Berwick, Pennsylvania, and then he lived a bunch of other places. A lifelong learner and a full-time dreamer, the prospect of grand new adventures gets him out of bed in the morning, with some additional assistance from his two blonde-haired, blue-eyed alarm clocks, of course! Jonan recently rediscovered his passion for photography, which keeps him quite busy tromping around the woods, stopping at random places on the side of the road, and uploading photos to his website, www. myworldpics.com, and his Insta, @dude4disney. When he isn’t wrangling two little boys, he’s likely hanging out with his wife, Mary Lauren, reading a book to learn something new, or dreaming of life’s next adventure and Walt Disney World. Regardless of the activity, he’s probably participating in it while wearing funky socks and a cool hat.

Foxfire – World War ll

An Interview with Mack Suttles

Adapted from The Foxfire Magazine Fall/Winter 1994 - Original article by Cary

Suttles and Johnny Pearce

Iwas seventeen years old when I volunteered for the war. Maybe I felt like it was my patriotic duty and, like a lot of the other boys that were my friends and things, they had gone. So I went along with it.

I wasn’t married at the time. I guess my family was upset in a way when I left, but that was one thing I had to do and so I went and did it. Boot camp was rough. Most of us were just young boys. They really put us through the mill, too. We learned to march, drill, hand-to-hand combat, and how to handle the weapons. How to handle grenades, how to throw a grenade – we learned everything we could about warfare. It was tough, but we made it through. I took my regular basic training, and then I took six weeks of hand-to-hand combat training, which was ranger’s training. I started in the Rangers with one hundred sixty-nine guys, and all you had to do was drop out just one time and you were automatically out of the outfit. In six weeks when we finished our basic training, there were sixty-nine of us left. Then I also had two weeks of survival course. I took my physical at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. We had malaria shots, typhoid, and yellow fever shots. We also had plague shots, and just about any kind of shot you could name, we had it. I went from there to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for my induction. And from there I went to Camp Croft, South Carolina, in Spartanburg, where I took my basic training. From there I went to Fort Ord, California for two weeks and was sent from there back to Camp Picket in Virginia, where I joined the 65th and the 218th. And that is where I left to go to France.

My older brother spent four years in the Reserves for the Navy. Then I had one brother that was in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War when he retired. I also had another brother that was in the service during the Vietnam War. He spent his time in Germany.

We really did not have a special time to get up during the war. Whenever they kicked you out of a hole, somewhere or another, either you were on the move, in a skirmish, or else you were in a foxhole on guard. When a commanding officer came in there and said to get up, that’s when we got up, but our regular time was usually at about five o’ clock in the morning if we were in basic training.

It was very cold most of the time. Whenever you got a break, you were sent back to where you could take a bath and get clean clothes. Other than that, you washed in a steel pot. The only hot water you had you heated in your helmet. If you were out there, you could take your old helmet and put water in, and if you were where you could build a little fire or something under it, why you could heat it that way. If you didn’t do that, why you had cold water.

They would have chow lines. In the army, we called our food ‘chow’. If you were up on the front lines they would usually eat air rations or sea rations. In each sea ration there were four cigarettes. There was a can of some kind of meat or lima beans, a raisin bar, and also two heart attack crackers which were crackers that tasted so bad that they would give you a heart attack.

I was assigned detail at Dachau prison camp. As a matter of fact, I was there when it was took over, and then I went back to Dachau prison camp and I was stationed there for a while. We had nineteen thousand S.S. troopers there.

We wrote home every week, most of us did. Most of the guys, the ones that were married wrote home to their wives, and the ones that were not, wrote home to their families, their mothers, fathers, and their girlfriends, stuff like that. There was not too much data to speak of. You didn’t talk about the war because your mail was censored then, and if there was anything in there about what they didn’t want you to know, they blacked it out. Other than that, about the only thing you could tell them was if you were well and okay.

In a fight, well, we slept in a foxhole, in what we called a slit trench. You carried an old blanket with you. The foxhole was dug deep and a slit trench was about two foot deep most of the time, where you could stretch out in it.

You did not build fires during combat. You would get your head blown off. You could hear gunfire almost at all times. Sometimes the Germans

would catch you in chow lines, or they would catch you by creeping up and they would throw an eighty-eight barrage on you. For entertainment, why, we would go to the U.S.O. or to a dance somewhere or another if we had liberty to go. I made a lot of new friends while I was over there. The majority of the time the morale of the G.I.’s was good. Sometimes it would get pretty low, but if a guy depended on the next guy that was beside why most of the time the morale was pretty good.

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

Featured Veteran – Craig Everson

by Roger Glenn

Colonel (retired) Craig Everson’s military journey began immediately after he graduated from high school in Orlando, Florida in 1988. He enlisted as a private in the Army’s Field Artillery branch looking to serve his country, obtain an education and travel the world. By 1991 he was selected for the Green-To-Gold program, an Army program that provides officer training for enlisted soldiers. He graduated from Cal State University San Bernardino, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in just three years, and from that point he began a distinguished career as a Commissioned Officer in the Military Intelligence Corps. You won’t meet many retired Colonels who began their career as a Private. Craig and I first met in Tampa, Florida where we were both Division Chiefs at the United States Army Central Command, and didn’t realize we both lived in Rabun County until we ran into one another at one of Forward Rabun’s Vet-To-Vet cafes in 2021 shortly after his retirement.

Craig’s career included 10 years at Fort Bragg, two tours in Korea, two deployments to Iraq, and back-to-back deployments with the 3rd Special Forces Group in Afghanistan. Later in his career he was assigned as a Defense Attaché to the United States Embassy in Ivory Coast (Africa) during very tumultuous times, which included an ordered departure and non-combatant evacuation (a U.S. Department of State protocol used to evacuate Embassy personnel). Because of the nature of Craig’s responsibilities and the majority of his career serving with Special Operations, there is a good bit of specifics that he can’t talk about, but his awards speak volumes regarding his service record. They include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion Of Merit, four Bronze Stars, and a bevy of others. He also achieved Master Parachutist status and his foreign awards include the National Order of the Ivory Coast, as well as Venezuelan and German Jump Wings.

In the greater context of his life, Craig credits his faith in God as foundational to his growth as a human being. Looking back on his career, he is grateful for the opportunities that the Army provided him, to include the U.S. Naval War College and credits most of his success to his wife, Monique and his two children Kyle and Jessica. He also recognizes the enormous and countless sacrifices they made for over 30 years. Both of Craig’s children are currently serving, Kyle as an Army Doctor at Walter Reed and Jessica as a Nurse in Asheville, North Carolina. He considers his service to have been a great blessing in spite of multiple near death experiences. His military retirement and transition to the private sector was truly better than he could have ever expected and resulted in his current career as the Director of Operations and part owner of a growing company. He jokes about having to get a real job now that he’s out of the Army.

Craig first came to Rabun County many years ago when he visited Dillard as a child. His father was a Georgia native and loved this area. Many years later, Craig returned to Georgia to spread his father’s ashes and realized Rabun County was truly the home he was looking for. He eventually bought an antique in downtown Clayton that needed a house to surround it, and that’s how he and his family grew roots here locally in Tiger. Craig remains a person of considerable public service as the Sergeant At Arms of the Military Fire Cops (MFC) Motorcycle Club (Smoky Mountain Chapter) and Secretary of the Board for the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame. He considers himself blessed every day to be surrounded by his family and friends here in Rabun County!

FLASHBACK - (Sept 2013) The Storyteller

All God’s Creatures

by Janie P. Taylor with Dawne W. Bryan

Iwas “green” before being green was in vogue. Perhaps it was due to my training as a science teacher, or perhaps it was by virtue of being a granddaughter of John V. Arrendale, Rabun County’s first county agent, who dedicated his life to the ecology and preservation of his beloved mountains. Like Granddaddy Arrendale, I conserved water and soil and believed in recycling and living as one with nature.

As such, I respect all of God’s creatures – some, we shall see, more than others. When my children were growing up at the foot of Tiger Mountain, the mere sight of a Daddy Long Legs would give them pause. I, however, was not alarmed in the least, stating emphatically, “Why, that’s just Hortense the spider. He’s not hurting a soul!” Or, if ants were parading over the counter in search of a sugar morsel, I took that as perfectly normal, spraying them with a little bleach to deter them momentarily. When the young uns squealed at the sight of a lizard scurrying across the porch, I’d assure them by saying, “Don’t worry, it’s only Lucinda. She keeps snakes and other creepy crawlies away from view.”

Speaking of snakes, most farm families kept a non-poisonous snake in the corn crib and barn. Ours was called Henrietta, the pet black snake that we tolerated for generations (There was a Henrietta, Jr., Henrietta, III...) Henrietta and her kin controlled the rat and mice population. Sightings were rare, but there was the time Melvin found a relative of Henrietta’s in the barn hay loft. Folks swear that snake, when coiled, could fill up a tin wash tub.

I generally took the occasional snake appearance in stride until the day a cousin of Henrietta’s fell on my head. The washer and dryer were located in the basement, requiring walking down a set of outside steps. On laundry day, I opened the basement door, apparently disturbing the snake which was resting on the transom above. It plummeted onto my head and slithered to the floor. Screaming and stomping at the snake, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

At first I vowed never again to darken the basement door. But as the dirty clothes piled up, I dared to venture into the inner sanctum garbed in a football helmet, a yellow rain slicker and boots for protection.

My industrious son Wesley decided it was time for a home improvement project. The original tiny bathroom was converted into a modern up-to-date laundry room and a spare bedroom became a fancy new bathroom. (My daughter Becky, amazed at the transformation, quipped that the whole renovation was “like building the Taj Mahal in the ruins of Greece”!). The basement became the place to which Melvin’s beanfield fertilizer and pesticides were

Another run-in with a snake happened on my front porch. One summer day a neighbor stopped by to pick up a mess of beans and stayed for a spell to pass the time. She sat in the swing, swaying in perfect time with the motion of my rocking chair.

After the visitor left, and with the swing still a-swinging, I vow and declare (though there are no witnesses) there was a snake — a spreading adder – by the porch post, apparently hypnotized by the back and forth motion of the porch swing and rocker. (A spreading adder is a non-poisonous cobra-like snake, native to this area, also known as a puff adder or hog-nosed snake.) As if mesmerized by a snake charmer, the snake spread its neck, moving side to side, swaying to the rhythm. Let’s just say my love of creatures had reached its limit. I grabbed a hoe and spread that spreading adder all over the porch!

This past fall, field mice found their way into my house. As is my way, I referred to them as “Mickey and crew”, but Wesley was once again called into service. We dubbed him the “Pied Piper of Tiger” for his part in thankfully trapping the unwanted guests. I can take being “green” only so far.

Publisher’s Note: We miss Janie P. Taylor.

GRAB AND GROW THIS EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY

By John Shivers

Property suitable for development in rapidly-growing Rabun County is becoming more difficult to find. And if you’re looking for level land without a lot of site prep required, that’s even more difficult to find, especially if you need several acres for your particular project. Add in the possible need for high visibility and easy access to public roadways, and the task becomes even more complex.

The 10.95± acre level tract at 23 Joy Bridge Road off Highway 441 in Lakemont in the southern end of the county answers all these criteria, and there’s more besides. In fact, in terms of potential, there’s much more to this property than initially meets the eye. To say that a river runs through this tract is simply stating fact. With over 3,000± feet of water frontage on both sides of the Tallulah River, not only is the property imbued with the musical strains of the constantly dancing waters. Those same waters provide multiple opportunities for maximum usage of property. What’s more, this tract’s provenance includes the historic Tallulah Falls Railroad that ran through this acreage and made the town of Tallulah Falls a tourist destination.

This remarkable property is one of those opportunities that knocks only once. Your biggest challenge won’t be whether to buy this site alongside Highway 441, but how you’re going to make maximum use of the land, and the numerous structures already in place. The Georgia Department of Transportation already has two cut-ins from the four-lane highway, allowing for multiple access points for traffic on one of the busiest highways in northeast Georgia. But there’s still more to this promising, partially-wooded property that provides plenty of opportunities just waiting for the buyer’s imagination and creativity to complete the picture. With its corner lot location and a revenue producing billboard, the possibilities

square themselves for maximum utilization for both commercial and recreational purposes.

A number of different structures already exist on site. Use them as they are, expand and enhance, or remove and replace with newer buildings in keeping with your master plan. One of the first buildings you’ll notice is a quirky two-story log structure that adopts a Hobbit-like façade. The one-of-a-kind front door immediately draws your eye, and the curving outside staircase to the upper level practically screams, “Climb me!”

Several waterside pavilions and multi-level buildings provide a perfect starting point for maximum utilization of this property. Some of these structures echo the its rustic theme. Other buildings, sheds and workshops, are metal structures that would easily lend themselves to expansion or further completion.

Infrastructure including electricity, sewer, and water are available on site. One less hurdle to address in the future development plan for the property.

To reach the property, you’ll want to enter 23 Joy Bridge Road, Lakemont, Georgia into your GPS. From Clayton, you’ll travel south on Highway 441, planning to exit to the right on Joy Bridge Road. The property will be on your left, lining both sides of the Tallulah River. If you’re traveling from Atlanta, you’ll use I-85 to I-985 to Highway 441, traveling north. Once you pass through Tallulah Falls, exit left when you come to Joy Bridge Road.

Listing agent Cody Stowers at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties with offices in Clayton and Clarkesville can tell you more about this exceptional property that you don’t want to let get away. His cell phone number is 678-656-9062 and the office number is 706-960-1941. His email address is cody.stowers@ bhhsgeorgia.com. Reference MLS #10124534.

Everywhere you look, quality materials and finishes proclaim the degree of workmanship invested.

The Great Life on Tiger Mountain Beckons!

By John Shivers

Point your vehicle up to the last house on paved Falling Springs Drive, through the automatic wrought iron gate, where you will soon enjoy 180 degree views as far as the eye can see of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Passing through the gate you have a choice. Bear left and you’ll come to the back of the house which leads to a garage and huge workshop, where outdoor and pleasure machinery is stored. Straight ahead, and you reach the front courtyard bordered by hand-built stone walls, oversize double garages and the covered front entrance. Bear to the right, and you’ll find the custom-built smoker and barbecue and ample additional parking. Don’t miss the 35’ flagpole with in-ground lighting in the courtyard,

This home on 3.5± acres was built in 2006, and is surrounded by profusions of Mother Nature’s seasonal foliage, supplemented by other flowering shrubs and trees. The pristine landscaping literally marries this 4,075± square foot, two-level home, with its setting, and a 1,550 gallon rainwater system augments all irrigation and extra water needs. A cart path has recently been constructed to access the new raised garden beds and fruit trees.

The perfection outdoors stages an encore performance indoors. As you enter through the one of a kind front door, you are immediately met with breathtaking views, old growth hickory floors, vaulted wood ceilings with massive beams and bead board detailing.

Everywhere you look, quality materials and finishes proclaim the degree of workmanship invested. Just one example is the Pella® Designer Series windows used throughout the home, with stringless in-window blinds, many with hideaway screens.

Large rear decks expand the home’s entertainment footprint, and unite indoors and out from the living room, master bedroom and screened porch.

Four bedrooms, four baths and one half bath make this the perfect family home. Two ensuite bedrooms, including the master suite, are on the main level. His and Hers walk in closets with custom organizers and the expansive bathroom with double vanity, jetted tub and shower complete the suite. Two additional en-suite bedrooms, a family room with professional pool table and a separate gym, plus an enormous workshop and climatecontrolled storage are on the lower level.

Custom stone fireplaces are on both levels, with a Buck wood insert in the great room.

Custom cabinetry in mellow honey tones and granite counter tops are utilized in many areas, and surround sound/AV equipment are in place on both levels. The dream kitchen features a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Wolf appliances include double ovens, cook-top, hood liner and microwave. The dishwasher is Bosch.

The lower level mini kitchen includes a Sub-Zero fridge, Sub-Zero ice maker and Whirlpoo®l microwave. This is a turnkey opportunity with custom furniture by America’s finest craftsmen, original, signed and limited edition artwork, for a lifestyle that most people can only imagine. Exceptional privacy, yet less than 10 minutes to Ingles, Home Depot and downtown Clayton. Own this home and it’s your daily reality. If you’re ready to be living the great life on top of the Rabun world, contact Poss Realty Broker Scott Poss at 706-490-2305, or at the office at 706-782-2121.

Embrace Writing Tomorrow’s Parker Story

By John Shivers

As you approach the main dwelling at 95 Parker Lane in Clayton, the wooden shake-clad exterior of the sprawling ranch house literally appears to reach out its arms in a warm and welcoming embrace. It’s an embrace that’s been offered to many down through the years, as Parker Ranch has greeted its visitors. What’s more, once on the property, you’ll never believe you’re mere minutes away from shopping, art galleries, and numerous eateries, some of them farm-to-table operations, in Clayton.

While some 116 years have passed since this original private home first sheltered its charter owners, much of the architectural integrity of that era has been preserved. At the same time, twenty-first century enhancements have been discretely incorporated without sacrificing the authentic mountain lodge ambience.

You don’t find them this authentically preserved and refurbished very often.

The year was 1907, and in keeping with the trend of many of Atlanta’s prominent citizens, the Parker family escaped the city heat and congestion by heading to Rabun County. Just outside Clayton, but still within the city limits today, they built a Summer home they called Parker Ranch. In the years since, chapter after chapter of the home’s story has been recorded, always with the theme of warmth and welcome.

Since those early days, the home has undergone several transformations, has been both a private residence and a public inn, and has gone by several different names. Today, not only has the original name been restored, but the renovation of the original complex, along with the construction of additional physical

amenities, has brought this property to the peak of its existence. It’s poised and ready for the next chapter in its storied history. Could you be the one to write that account?

Located on 6.73± acres just west of Downtown Clayton, this property that’s rife with local history is a destination for overnight stays, weddings and reunions and celebrations, corporate retreats and special events. And at the end of the day, it still has all the potential of a private family home – especially if your family is large and you love to entertain.

You’ll have trouble deciding whether it’s the expansive covered porches that run the front of the house or the interior accommodations that offer the most relaxation potential. The main structure imbues a sense of peaceful, old-world elegance with coffered wood ceilings in the main living/guest area, hardwood floors and original bead board throughout. The more you look, the more detail and architectural beauty you see. Anchoring the great room, that truly is a great size room, is an expansive stone fireplace that’s original to the house.

The main house with 2,856± square feet offers eight sleeping rooms, baths, and is handicapped accessible. A separate dining area offers varied options for feeding individual guests at separate tables, or larger groups banquet style – think Thanksgiving! A small commercial kitchen that lends itself to quantity cooking, as well as food preparation for the average family, is immediately adjacent.

Two detached guest cottages offer yet more potential, and a 1,560± sq. ft. multi-purpose event space was constructed in 2018. What’s more, the property is currently zoned R3 and additional expansion possibilities exist on the two to three undeveloped acres. Parker

Ranch is just waiting for someone with creative vision to pick up the pen and write the next incarnation of this iconic property.

Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Sarah Gillespie is waiting to show this fantastic listing, GMLS #20124913, and can answer your questions on how this fantastic multi-use home can be yours. Contact her at (cell) 404-735-6157 or (office) 706-212-0228.

Home Available for Long-Term Rental in Quiet Mountain Community

Great long-term rentals are hard to find in Rabun it seems so when we heard about a nice home for rent from owner Shaun Brautigan we wanted to find out more. The home is located in a quiet community south of Clayton. The home is newly build on six acres offering an abundance of privacy. It has three bedrooms with each having it’s own full bath and a half bath for visitors. Two wood burning stoves keep the home very comfortable in the cooler months. The home has two floors with laundry on each level making it very convenient. The kitchen has custom cabinets with granite countertops throughout, a wine bar and is open to the dining and living area. Beautiful mountain and valley views are visible from the large deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The two car garage is an added bonus. You must see the home to appreciate all it has to offer you. The price and details of rental agreement can be discussed by calling Shaun at 404-886-4353.

Delivering Comfort, Functionality & Beauty: The Trifecta of Great Interior Design

by Kathy Malone

For the very young, the home is like an entire universe––a microcosm in which to prepare a young life to go out into the world. But for the not-so-young, home becomes the reverse, a refuge against the austerity of this world, a place of comfort that harkens us back to a simpler, gentler life. Eventually, the adventure that drew us away from home is eclipsed by our longing to return!

Terri Goethe, who was herself harkened home, took up the challenge of interior design in order to create the spaces that minister to that longing––spaces that are beautiful, comfortable and functional. But to fail in one, by her reckoning, is to fail. According to Terri, owner and Principal Designer of Angel Oak Home in Toccoa, successful design begins with knowing your customer. “We consider ourselves partners with them to accomplish their goals,” she says. “If we design spaces that are beautiful but fail to achieve the functionality and comfort the client wants and needs, we have failed.”

A native of Toccoa, Terri worked several years in the furniture and custom cabinetry business with Habersham Furniture before moving to Atlanta where she furthered her career as an interior designer. She continued her education, specializing in kitchen and bath design by earning her Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) certification through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

Terri moved her design business from Atlanta to Toccoa in 2017. “My husband encouraged me to open a design center and retail home store since there was nothing like that in our area,” she explains. “Our design center has grown from 950 sq ft to 2500 sq ft. We now have a team of seven people and have completed projects in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and New York.”

In addition to the owners, Chris and Terri Goethe, the team at Angel Oak Home consists of six other talented individuals. The Director of Operations is Nancy Boger, whose experience includes graphic arts, education, marketing, and finance. In addition to managing the books, Nancy loves getting to know customers. Bree Tuttle (Senior Interior Designer), who has 20 years of interior design experience, loves partnering with clients to create their dream home. Cassandra Dalton, Sara Steele, Yenny Martinez and Kathryn Stroud oversee the retail store. The team at Angel Oak Home works together to insure each customer and client are well cared for and that each project is a success.

When asked from where she draws inspiration, Goethe pointed to the beauty of color and texture found in God’s creation. She also finds inspiration in the uniqueness of each of her clients. Every individual has distinct needs and wants which are major considerations when creating a design plan that delivers comfort, functionality and beauty.

Terri and her team recently completed a 10,000 sq ft home design project in Linville, North Carolina. The newly purchased home, which features a spectacular view of Grandfather Mountain, lacked the desired warmth and comfort, so the owners hired the team at Angel Oak to create a plan that would bring a soft, cozy feel to the home. Terri’s team created a comprehensive plan which included furniture, artwork, décor, window dressings, lighting, cabinetry, and built-ins. They even collaborated with the builder, who previously remodeled and added an addition to the home, to ensure that custom finishes would match. The finished product, a reflection of the team’s creative vision, captured perfectly what the clients wanted to see and feel in their new home.

Asked about the most surprising thing people don’t know about designing spaces, Goethe answered, “The number of decisions that will have to be made! Projects can be fun for homeowners, but they can also be overwhelming, frustrating and disappointing when tackled without professional guidance. A great deal of stress can be removed when homeowners select a designer who partners well with them. As designers, our goal is to listen carefully to understand what they want and need for their space. We are then able to create a unique plan for their home, taking much of the decision making weight off of their shoulders and allowing them to stay excited throughout the process.”

Interior design, which is part art and part science, can present a host of challenges for homeowners who decide to go it alone. The inability to visualize what a home could look like can create a lot of confusion. And when they do move forward, according to Terri, “they get quite overwhelmed with all of the decisions that have to be made for the project.” Following trends can also create a challenge. “Switching out items such as throw pillows, rugs and artwork to follow a favorite trend is far less troublesome and costly than changing out a paint color,” says Goethe.

There are challenges on the designer’s side as well, particulalry when working with married couples who have opposing views about what the home should look like. “That’s when we feel as though we need counseling degrees!” Terri explains. There are also clients who have expensive taste and limited budgets. “But we work with them to find solutions,” she says.

As for the personal rewards, the look on her client’s faces at the big reveal coupled with the excitement and the relief that comes from seeing the plan come to fruition, is the payoff. “When a client is pleased with how their home feels, functions and looks,” she explains, “they will open the doors not only to family, but to friends and acquaintances as well. Many wonderful memories can be made when the house feels like home!“

Of These Mountains Light the

Flame

By Kendall R. Rumsey

Back in the Summer of 1996, I was living in Atlanta, working for a Special Events company, preparing to welcome the world for the 1996 Summer Olympics. It was a heady time, the world’s eyes were on Atlanta and being in the mix of things made it even more exciting.

The company I worked for coordinated housing and ticketing and transportation and outside activities for several major corporations. As the Olympics drew near, workdays were usually 18 – 20 hours each, but it was an experience I would go back and do all over again given the chance.

During that time, the Olympic torch had been relayed across America. Thousands of people from all walks of life had the opportunity for their Olympic moment by carrying the torch. Large cities and small towns alike burst with excitement as the torch made its way across America and towards Atlanta.

Just a couple of days before the Games began, I worked it out where I could take the day off, my last one for several weeks until after the Olympic flame was extinguished. There was one place I wanted to be, the only place I wanted to watch the Torch Run was Clayton, Georgia. It just so happened that the route would run right through my hometown and my heart was drawn to my place in God’s Country to watch the once in a lifetime opportunity.

There were thousands of Americans chosen to run the torch. They were nominated for their service to their community and Rabun County was represented well with Gail Crowe, David Rogers, Judy Berrong, Betty Kelly, Rodney Houghton, Andy Hunter, Rion MacDonald, Joye Spates, Ron Spencer, Gwen Thurmond, Steve Thurmond and Perri McCraw Carver, who lost her battle with cancer just days after finding out she had been chosen as one of the honorees. Perri’s leg of the torch was to be run by her husband and son, Jim and Jim Bob.

That evening downtown Clayton was abuzz with excitement, red, white, and blue was everywhere. The Rumsey clan was no different, we lined up on the sidewalk at Veteran’s Park adjacent to the intersection of Savannah Street and Main Street.

The excitement of history coming to Clayton was palpable and then as the evening turned to night, in the distance police lights, the torch was on its way to the heart of Clayton.

Moving up the long hill that leads to Downtown Clayton, like a heartbeat, the torch progressed, crowds cheered and then the moment we had all waited for, the 1996 Centennial Olympic Torch passed by and continued its way to Olympic Stadium. In an instant the flame had passed, but like all great memories, in that instant the memory was engrained forever.

I was fortunate to see the flame two more times before it was lit in Olympic Stadium, with clients and co-workers as it passed through Conyers, Georgia and again as it passed through Midtown Atlanta with friends.

Each time I saw the torch, my soul could feel the history that it represents, I was filled with pride and excitement for what the coming days of the Centennial Olympic Games would bring to Atlanta.

I’m still proud of those days and the hard work and hospitality of the people of Atlanta, but that fleeting moment in Downtown Clayton will always be my Olympic moment. That evening the Olympic torch, lit in Athens Greece 100 years earlier, was our moment for history, the moment the Olympic ideal came to Clayton. Kendall Rumsey is a resident of Clayton, Georgia. He is owner of the lifestyle brand Of These Mountains, located at 39 East Savannah Street in Downtown Clayton. www.ofthesemountains.com

By The Way

Hey, pigs have accents, too.

By Emory Jones

Ever since my pet pig, Cunningham, got back from his brief stay in California, I’ve noticed a few changes in him. And even though he didn’t go “whole-hog Hollywood,” like some pigs do (i.e., Arnold on Green Acres), he did come back with a couple of “eat more beef” tattoos and a new brass nose ring. But the biggest thing that’s changed about him is his accent, and that sticks in my throat like a hair in a biscuit.

Now before you fly off the handle about me declaring that pigs have accents, hold your horses for a minute. I know the pig accent debate is a controversial subject that swine scientists have argued about for years. But it’s the truth, and I’m not being ugly by saying so. Different pigs have different accents, just like people do. In fact, a Yorkshire from Youngstown can barely make out anything a Tamworth from Tampa grunts, even though they’re both squealing pig Latin.

It’s sort of like how we can’t understand folks from up north when they put “sear-up” on hotcakes and drink “waw-tuh” to wash it down. And it sounds cattywampus to them when we say it’s “coming come up a cloud,” or that having a “come to Jesus meeting” doesn’t mean we’re fixin’ to take ‘em to church.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love accents and dialects of all kinds, especially the ones that use words like “Eh,” “Fer Sure,” and “You Betcha.” And I look forward every fall to the day my Minnesota buddy calls up to declare, “Dat dar buck was dis big!”

To some, our North Georgia accent likely sounds as odd as attending happy hour at the Betty Ford Center. But not to me. I will, however, admit that we use the language rather distinctively. We proudly offer to mash elevator buttons and make your picture. To us, every soft drink is a Co-Cola—even if it says Pepsi on the can. And we can say anything we want to about anybody, as long as we start or end it with “bless their heart.”

And real Southerners will name just about anything they own, usually with a bit of flair. We’ll name a dog, Rooster, and a cat, Dog, and a pig, Cunningham. My Grandmother, bless her heart, even had a walking stick she called her Uncle Albert.

Heck, we’ll even name our vehicles if you don’t watch us. I quite accurately called my first truck Scrap Iron. My current truck is Roy, and my wife’s car is Dale. It’s on my bucket list to one day own a Buick named Bullet, although my wife throws a hissy fit whenever I bring that up, bless her heart.

So, as I told Cunningham, if you’re born blessed with a mountain twang, be proud of it. And, if your accent is from Boston or Bakersfield, be proud of that too. Our drawl is not a drawback. Our twang isn’t troublesome, and our brogue is not broken. So, don’t fly off the handle or get all tore up if somebody says something about it.

In any case, changing how you talk—or grunt—won’t change who you are or where you came from.

Cunningham sleeps in the garage, but that doesn’t make him a pickup truck.

Emory Jones grew up in Northeast Georgia’s White County. After a stint in the Air Force, he joined Gold Kist as publications manager. He was the Southeastern editor for Farm Journal Magazine and executive vice president at Freebarin & Company, an Atlanta-based advertising agency. He has written seven books. Emory is known for his humor, love of history and all things Southern. He and his wife, Judy, live on Yonah Mountain near Cleveland, Georgia.