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.