It is so hard to believe that we are cruisin’ into July! Fireworks shows, summer picnics, swimming, iced tea on the porch, watermelon and grilling will fill our days and weekends! Americans love a celebration, especially when it is our country we are celebrating While there is a lot wrong in our world today, there is still a lot to be thankful for.
This month we are spotlighting small town America. These small mountain towns that have such incredible charm and quaintness. Unique shops line our Main streets and benches are scattered along the sidewalks for people watching or resting tired feet. Towns like ours invite you to stroll instead of hurry. Brick sidewalks and flower pots, flags flying to show we are proud Americans and we are glad you’ve come to visit our town. When you visit, thank you for shopping local and supporting the small businesses that dot our landscape. A small town is one where in a half a mile you don’t know you are even in town. It’s as if city life blends with country and a tip of a hat or one finger wave makes you feel welcome and among friends.
When the fireworks are over and the streets clear, just take a moment to thank God for all He has blessed us with.
Happy 4th of July, Tracy
JULY
Writers & Contributors: Peter McIntosh, Victoria (Tori) Carver, Scarlett Cook, Rev. Caleb Smith, Dr. Keith Jackson, John Shivers, John Singleton, Emory Jones Dr. Susan Cookson,
Rabun’s
Small Town America Says “Welcome Y’all”l”
John Shivers
With curious-sounding names like Avalon, Young Harris, Tiger, Cornelia, and Highlands, these towns with such interesting “handles” in northeast Georgia and adjacent Macon County, North Carolina offer lifestyles as unique as their names.
Each is different, but at the same time, they’re all examples of small-town living. If the number of newcomers to the area are any yardstick, Habersham, Macon, Rabun, Stephens, and Towns Counties are very popular places to be. If your mental picture of a small town conjures up images of laid-back lifestyles, a place where everybody knows your name, and where neighbors help neighbors, then look no farther than this northeast Georgia / North Carolina area.
But what is it about towns like Dillard, Franklin, and Toccoa that visitors and new residents find so attractive? Why are Tallulah Falls, Hiawassee, and Clayton racking up higher visitor and new resident numbers yearly, while the character of Wiley, Rabun Gap, and Lakemont continues to beckon as well? And while Clarkesville, Mountain City, and Sky Valley couldn’t be more different, at the same time, they have so much in common.
All seventeen of these unique “small towns” wear that label proudly. They know they aren’t the big city, but in its own fashion, each of these towns lives up to the heritage that makes small town America so desirable.
Within the 1,532 square miles that encompass the five counties and seventeen villages and towns, this highly-sought-after lifestyle is found through opportunities for shopping, art galleries, dining, history, family-friendly activities, festivals, and outdoor life opportunities, church, and community service organizations. Small towns are where people know their neighbors, greet each other in the grocery store, at the Friday night football games, and at church; where they feel the pride of ownership, and pull together to benefit their community, whether through festivals, fundraisers, or other interactive events.
Small town America is just a dream for some, but when you live in northeast Georgia and the adjacent North Carolina region, it’s a dream come true. This is where newcomers put down roots and visitors wish they didn’t have to go home.
And here’s why…
Rabun County – Clayton
Clayton in early days originated because two trails crossed. Fast forward, and it’s still the center of activity in terms of dining, arts, downtown festivities, shopping, and family-oriented activities. Downtown is definitely walker friendly, and you’re probably going to run into your neighbor.
Dillard
Hugging the North Carolina line, Dillard is an antiques lover’s paradise, and when you’re ready for a break, there are plenty of places to eat and park your RV. Dillard is also a highly sought address for home shoppers, festivals, and little theatre.
Lakemont
Once a destination for travelers to Lake Rabun by train, this unique little burg has lost none of its old-world charm. At the same time, the opportunities for shopping, arts and food only make a great thing better.
Mountain City
As the gateway to the Foxfire Museum campus and for the scenic attributes of Black Rock Mountain, Mountain City delivers, making it worth much more than just a casual glance. This place is a great home location.
Rabun Gap
Home to the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, this broad end of the valley floor in the northern end of the county beckons home buyers and tourists alike, with its raw natural beauty and its cheek-tocheek relationship with Dillard.
Sky Valley
High on the mountain overlooking Dillard, on the way to Highlands, NC, Sky Valley has long been a mecca for tourists, many of whom eventually called it home, where golf and hiking are big draws.
Tallulah Falls
The gorge that identifies Tallulah Falls was here hundreds of years before the tourists discovered the charm and beauty of the region. For many years it was a destination location, a distinction that is returning. Many tourism opportunities are available here, along with the well-known Tallulah Falls School.
Tiger
Located minutes south of Clayton, Tiger is a conduit to Lake Rabun fun and family activities. What’s more, the burgeoning wine industry has a big presence here, and if you’re old enough to remember drivein theaters, one of the few left in Georgia is here.
Wiley
Along the twin ribbon of asphalt that runs from the Habersham line to the Macon line, you’ll find Wiley, a small wide space in the road that’s a close cousin to Lakemont. A picturesque reminder of the area’s heritage, Wiley stands proudly to welcome and bid farewell to visitors to Tallulah Falls.
Stephens County – Toccoa
Toccoa is the main town in Stephens County. Currently undergoing a revitalization, including downtown festivals and street concerts, this town is alive with dining, shopping, arts, and history. It’s home to Toccoa Falls College and epitomizes small town on the larger end of the scale.
Avalon
The only other certified town in Stephens County, Avalon was originally founded as a mercantile center. It joins the communities of
Martin, Ayersville, Eastanollee, Hayes Crossing, and Mize in preserving the small town feel so prevalent here, while warmly welcoming newcomers.
Habersham County – Clarkesville
Truly a picturesque mountain burg, Clarkesville offers dining, arts, crafts, community theatre, and a great place to visit. Some visitors never leave, in part because of the town’s close proximity to the lake regions that straddle the Habersham-Rabun County lines.
Cornelia
Long a destination on the railroad from Atlanta, the huge apple on the square downtown is an artifact from the past. And built on that history is a town brimming with arts, crafts, dining, and shopping. Which explains why homes are sought after in this part of the county. It’s a great place to call home.
Towns County – Hiawassee
With the waters of Lake Chatuge literally wrapping around the town of Hiawassee on one side and the soaring mountains on the other side, you’ll love the downtown entertainment activities, but there’s also plenty of shopping, arts, dining, and family-related activities.
Young Harris
Home to Young Harris College that claims connection with a number of famous former students, Young Harris is still a laidback opportunity to slow down and live the good life, as indicated by the area’s growing population. And if you look up, you’ll glimpse Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.
Macon County, NC – Franklin
Just across the state line, this area of North Carolina has long enjoyed a familial relationship with Rabun County to the south. Home to gem mines, and an honest-to-goodness festival and Scots heritage museum, there are plenty of places to eat, and the welcome mat is always out to new residents.
Highlands
A short twenty minutes from Franklin, Highlands has long been a destination for those seeking cool mountains breezes, five-star dining and resorts, natural beauty, boutiques, art galleries, and entertainment venues. Many of the homes there are second homes and/or are in a rental program for visitors wanting to call Highlands home, if only for a few days.
The beauty of small towns is that you don’t have to wear a one-sizefits-all. Instead, you can pick and choose according to your personal preferences and interests; what you need in the way of housing and professions. The beauty of small towns comes from their diversity that offers something for everyone, plus a warm and spirited “Welcome, y’all. Make yourself at home!”
Mark Your Calendar and Don’t Miss the Block Party!
The Downtown Block Party in Clayton is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 10, from 4 pm to 8 pm along Main Street. This community event is organized by the Clayton Merchants and Business Association, in collaboration with the City of Clayton, and is sponsored by local businesses, including Reeves, Clayton DDA, Beck Funeral Home, Clipper Petroleum, Two Sisters at Butlers, Clayton Cafe & Market, Isadora Popper, Rabun ABC, and Yourtime Fitness.
The CMBA and City of Clayton will be blocking off Main Street from Savannah Street to Hiawassee Street, with classic cars lining the street, while music will be played from the Rock House Park and food trucks will be located on South Main in front of Reeves. This family-friendly event is open to all, and we encourage everyone to join in the fun.
Most downtown businesses will keep their doors open late, many offering specials and sales, providing a great opportunity to shop locally. Additionally, the event will feature delicious food from our incredible downtown restaurants and various visiting food trucks.
The event is a celebration of small-town charm, our merchants, our City, and most importantly, the community. The street will be closed to through traffic at 3 pm, with participants wishing to engage in the Cruise-in encouraged to line up on Ramey Boulevard by 3 pm until the streets are cleared. The party officially kicks off at 4 pm, and we look forward to seeing you there.
For additional information, please visit @visitclaytonga on Facebook or www.visitclaytonga.net. We hope that you will join us for a day of fun and celebration of our community.
Visit
Clayton
The Arts
The Art Scene in the Mountains
Gallery 441 North - Cathy Jowers
In Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina, small towns have transformed into unexpected hubs for the arts. This cultural metamorphosis is a testament to these towns’ resilience and innovative spirit. Here, creativity has found fertile ground, as local artists, artisans, and visionaries converge to weave a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression. It’s as if they are drawn to the mountains by some creative force.
The transformation has become the heartbeat of our mountain towns, with murals adorning once-bland walls and local art gracing public spaces, bringing splashes of color and conversation to the streets. Each town’s growing art scene is not just an aesthetic enhancement but a catalyst for social and economic change.
Local businesses are reaping the benefits of this artistic renaissance. Cafés, boutiques, and galleries now thrive in spaces where vacancy signs once lingered, drawing both residents and tourists alike. The art scene has created a domino effect, fostering a sense of pride within the community and making the town a destination for those seeking cultural enrichment.
The growing inclination towards local art reflects a broader movement towards supporting local economies. When community members purchase local art, they are investing money back into their own locale, encouraging not just the thriving of local creatives but also fostering a vibrant cultural scene. Small galleries, community art spaces, and local art markets become bustling hubs of activity, strengthening communal ties and offering a counter-narrative to the anonymity of larger retail chains.
Local art, often created by artists who live and work in the community, reflects the unique character and experiences of the area. Through their artworks, these artists weave the personal and the collective, telling stories that resonate on an intimate level with individuals who share the same space. The increased support for such artists is evidence of a renewed desire for authenticity and a deeper connection with one’s roots.
Art festivals and exhibitions have become a mainstay in each town’s calendar, attracting visitors from far and wide. These events are more than just a display of talent; they are a way of weaving together the fabric of community life. Each brush stroke and chisel mark tells the stories of the locals, capturing the essence of their lives and heritage.
As the small towns continue to embrace their role as emerging art hubs, the implications are clear. This is a community that values innovation, collaboration, and the power of art to inspire and unite. The art scene in this region is proving that even the most unassuming places can become canvases for extraordinary creativity.
Soul Intention Gallery - Angela Bawden
GALLERIES
Clayton
Butler Galleries • 74 N. Main St. Clayton, GA
www.butlergalleries.com
Crawford Art Gallery • 108 N. Main St. Clayton, GA
www.crawfordartgallery.co
Dogwoods Gallery • 41 N. Main St. Clayton, GA www.shopdogwoodshome.com
Lulu & Tully Mercantile • 11 N. Main St. Clayton, GA www.luluandtully.com
Main Street Gallery • 51 N. Main St. Clayton, GA www.mainstreetgallery.net
Soul Intention Gallery • 55 N. Main St. Clayton, GA www.soulintentiongallery.com
Timpson Creek Gallery • 7142 Hwy 76 W. Clayton, GA www.timpsoncreekgallery.com
Clarkesville
Deadwood Tables • 107 Hollywood Church Rd., Clarkesville, GA www.deadwoodtables.com
Hemlock Studio Gallery • 1392 Washington St, Clarkesville, GA
No One Alike • 13664 GA-197, Clarkesville, GA • www.no1alike.com
Dillard
Gallery 441 North in the Heart of Dillard • 6795 Hwy 441 Dillard, GA
Calderone Gallery • 3608 GA 246 Dillard, GA • www.calderonegallery.com
Franklin, NC
Creative Framing • 482 Depot St. Franklin, NC • www.creativeframingnc.com
North Carolina Mountain Made • 36 E. Main St. Franklin, NC
Tsartistry Art Gallery • 20 Cullasaja Vista Ln, Franklin, NC
Uptown Gallery • 30 E. Main St. Franklin, NC • www.franklinuptowngallery.com
Hiawassee
Artworks Artisan Center • 246 Sky High Drive Hiawassee, GA
www.mountainartscrafts.org
Bell Mountain Artisans Gallery • 942 Bell Creek Rd. Hiawassee, GA
Grahl Gallery • 1309 Hwy 76 E. Hiawassee, GA
Lulu & Tully - Rabun Martin Art
Timpson Creek Gallery - Susan Easton
Deadwood Tables - Craig Decker
Lakemont Gallery - Virginia McClure
North Georgia Arts Guild Sue Markulics
Guests at a Sunshine & Sawdust class
Lakemont
Lakemont Gallery • 8546 Old 441 S. Lakemont, GA • www.lakemontgallery.com
Otto, NC
Fire & Light Glass Studio • 9788 Georgia Rd. Otto, NC • www.fireandlightglass.com
Toccoa, GA
Crozier Collective Gallery • 46 Doyle St. Toccoa, GA • www.croziercollective.com
The Currahee Artists Guild • 61 Doyle St. Toccoa, GA • www.curraheeartistguild.com
ART CLASSES
Clayton
Lulu & Tully Mercantile • 11 N. Main St. Clayton, GA • www.luluandtully.com
Sunshine & Sawdust • 2511 Hwy 441 N. Clayton, GA
Rabun Gap and Dillard
Gallery 441 in the Heart of Dillard • 6795 Hwy 441 Dillard, GA
Hambidge • 105 Hambidge Court, Rabun Gap, GA • www.hambidge.org
Lakemont
Studio on Tiger Creek • 8773 Old 441 S. Lakemont, GA • www.tigercreekstudio.com
Franklin, NC
Uptown Gallery • 30 E. Main St. Franklin, NC • www.franklinuptowngallery.com
Otto, NC
Fire & Light Glass Studio • 9788 Georgia Rd. Otto, NC • www.fireandlightglass.com
ART ASSOCIATIONS • RETREATS
Hambidge • 105 Hambidge Court, Rabun Gap, GA • www.hambidge.org
Macon County Art Association • 30 E. Main St. Franklin, NC
Mountain Regional Arts & Crafts Guild • 243 Sky High Dr. Hiawassee, GA www.mountainartscrafts.org
North Georgia Arts Guild • www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com
Fire and Light Glass Studio - John Phillips
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa
Finding Art
Shout out to Virginia McClure of Lakemont Gallery for your loyalty to the Laurel!
Finding Art in the Mountains
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Adventure Out
Hemlock Falls - Moccasin Creek State Park
Peter McIntosh
It seems I’ve been seeing a lot of folks looking for swimming holes this summer and with that in mind we’re going to visit the pool at the base of Hemlock Falls. Hemlock Falls is located next to Moccasin Creek State Park on Hwy 197 in west Rabun County. The trailhead to Hemlock Falls is about 1 mile up a gravel road across Hwy 197 from the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery. Starting out, the trail follows and old roadbed paralleling Moccasin Creek on your right, with lots of side trails for fishing or stream viewing. About 1/3 of mile in on this almost level footpath you’ll be treated to a small but noisy waterfall on the other side of the stream. And there’s a bench built by some hard-working boy scouts where you can rest and enjoy the view. Then a little farther along, at about the midway point on this hike, there is an even smaller cascade pouring over some mossy rocks right alongside the trail. This little waterfall reminds me of something you might see in a backyard garden, a nice backyard garden.
Onward we go now and soon enough we get to the only spot on the trail that requires any negotiating whatsoever. It’s a small footbridge crossing over Moccasin Creek, just above where the stream pours over a small ledge. Now you’re on the right side of the creek, hiking alongside some really nice shoals through which can spot through the Rhododendron. Soon the trail opens up to a rocky area with a superb view of the swiftly flowing stream. Be careful here please.
Almost there now, we leave the stream side briefly and then the trail descends a few steps to an open camping area and the beautiful Hemlock Falls. And the cool refreshing pool at its base. Feel free to enjoy this pool, but I would advise you to wear some old tennis shoes or sandals when wading into the water.
Now if this trail was too easy and you feel you’d like a little more exercise, there’s also a one-mile interpretive wildlife loop trail that begins back at the little parking area adjacent to the highway. And while you’re out this way, do visit the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery. Kids will especially enjoy this. And if you’ve got kids that like to fish, the section of Moccasin Creek between Hwy 197 and Lake Burton is stocked often and is open only to children, seniors, and those with disabilities. Do note the if it’s been raining a lot, the Hemlock Falls Trail can be a bit squishy so wear appropriate footwear. And Moccasin Creek State Park has much more to offer including a campground, a boat ramp, and canoe rentals. Happy hiking!
As summer flies by, here’s my poem for July: If a nice swimming hole is what you seek, Let’s go take a hike alongside Moccasin Creek, To a sweet cool pool at the end of it all, Our July destination, Hemlock Falls.
Getting there:
From Clayton go 12 miles on U.S. 76 W. and turn left on State Hwy 197. Go 3 miles to Moccasin Creek Park. Follow the gravel road across from the fish hatchery to where it dead ends at the trailhead. Moccasin Creek State Park is a fee area but the Hemlock Falls Trail parking area is free. For more information go to: http://gastateparks.org/ info/moccasin or call 706-947-3194
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
Adopt • Volunteer • Donate
Alexander is an American Bulldog mix and he is eight years old. He loves people but isn’t too fond of kitty cats! He weighs in around 72 lbs so he is a big boy. He just needs someone to love and care for him.
Lucky is a Retriever/Labrador mix. He was a stray picked up in Clayton. He is selective with other dogs and no cats! Really sweet guy though and thinks he is a lap dog. This precious one needs a family!
Magnolia is a Blue Tick coonhound and is four years old. She is 100% hound with her nose to the ground tracking everything! She gets along with other dogs but not cats. This beauty deserves to be loved.
Alexus is a female domestic shorthair and is one year old. Sweet and very vocal! She loves to snuggle in your lap... got room?
Pergert is also a domestic shorthair. She was abused so she is nervous when meeting new people but is very sweet. She deserves love.
Whiskers is three years old. She really loves to be petted and just wants a home of her own.
Firmly Rooted
Victoria “Tori” Carver
There is nothing like the first hot days of spring when the gardener stops wondering if it’s too soon to plant the dahlias and starts wondering if it’s too late. Henry Mitchell My sentiments exactly, Mr. Mitchell.
If you grow dahlias, you most likely have all of your tubers or seedlings planted by now. If you don’t have them planted yet, it’s technically not too late, but I would advise planting them as soon as possible. Dahlias need to be in the ground at least four months in order to properly produce tubers so, based on the fact that we don’t normally receive a hard frost in our area until November, you are safe if you hurry.
For those of you who have everything planted and are patiently waiting for the fruits of your labor, I thought I’d offer a few tips and a few reminders.
First, don’t forget to fertilize. While many plants like a lot of nitrogen, dahlias cannot handle too much. I normally start the season fertilizing every three weeks with fish emulsion. Once the plants get a few feet tall, I drop the nitrogen content in favor of a higher phosphorus and potassium ratio. This helps promote more blooms. I continue to fertilize throughout the season.
Second, dahlias must be staked, netted, or corralled, or they will collapse from the weight of their blooms during the first heavy rainstorm. A simple stake can be used for individual plants, or a tomato
cage works well too. If you are planting a large number of dahlias or planting in rows, plastic twine can be used to corral the plants. I use a netting called Hortonova netting and stretch it across my rows.
Third, remember to pinch your plants!! Dahlias perform best when pinched. Once plants have 4 sets of leaves and are around 8 to 10 inches tall, use sharp, clean snips, and remove the center growth (also known as the terminal bud) just above a set of leaves. This triggers the plant to send up multiple stems. I know pinching that gorgeous new growth may seem counterintuitive, but once you see the true benefits, you’ll be glad to snip away!
Fourth, water your dahlias deeply. I know we have all heard that dahlia tubers are prone to rot if they stay wet, but they really do appreciate deep watering once they are established. Remember, your tubers are 4 to 6 inches deep, so by watering deeply, you are ensuring the roots are getting the proper hydration needed to grow those gorgeous plants.
And one final tip: don’t forget the Sluggo Plus or other slug bait. I scatter pellets every few weeks to keep those slimy boogers at bay.
If you don’t grow dahlias but still want in on the beauty, dahlia season will start in earnest on our farm in mid to late July. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates so you can grab a gorgeous dahlia arrangement from our self-serve petal porch! We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Victoria (Tori) Carver is a flower farmer. From the thousand bulbs and plants that she puts in the ground each year she creates lovely bouquets. Tori and her husband and children make their home in Clayton, where they are a treasured part of the community. If you are interested in Firmly Rooted Flower Farm please reach out by email to firmlyrootedflowerfarm@gmail.com or phone 706-490-0041. You will also enjoy their website at www.firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com
Chattooga River Celebration at Chattooga Belle Farm in August
Nicole Hayer - Chattooga Conservancy
Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Chattooga River’s “Wild & Scenic” designation. The Chattooga River is the crown jewel of the Southeast’s Wild & Scenic Rivers system, and draws thousands of visitors to our unique tri-state area of NC, SC, and GA to experience its outstandingly remarkable resources. In 1974, our U. S. Congress approved including the Chattooga River in the new National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. This designation recognizes the Chattooga’s outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values, and preserves the free-flowing condition of the Chattooga for the enjoyment of present and future generations. For the past 50 years, the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act has allowed nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the Chattooga River and surrounding river corridor in a relatively unspoiled condition. Both locals and visitors to our area are captivated by the Chattooga River’s unparalleled natural beauty, both serene, and wild and untamed. Yet while the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act offers the most basic protection for the Chattooga River, the values that make this such a special place are threatened on all fronts, both from unchecked private land development and intensive logging on our public national forests. This remarkable river must have ongoing advocacy, and the Chattooga Conservancy works tirelessly to promote proper management of public and private land in the watershed.
The Chattooga Conservancy will hold a “Stay Wild” fundraiser and celebration event on August 3rd, 2024, at the fabulous Chattooga Belle Farm in Long Creek, South Carolina. The purpose of this event is to bring people together who love the Chattooga River, where they can partner with a grassroots nonprofit to protect, promote, and preserve the Chattooga River and its watershed, while celebrating the impact the Chattooga River has had on our community and our lives. Come together with fellow conservation enthusiasts and community leaders to support the imperative work of the Chattooga Conservancy. Together, we can help ensure that this national treasure is preserved for many generations to come.
Bon Appetit - Half Over?
Scarlett Cook
Half of 2024 is over! Where has it gone? It seems like only yesterday we were making our New Year resolution lists and wearing cold weather clothes. July 4th is on the horizon and that means houseguests and more meals to prepare. In order to enjoy your guests, fireworks and other activities, meals need to be easy to prepare. These recipes can be doubled or tripled to meet your needs. So, take a deep breath and enjoy being surrounded by family and friends.
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Serves 6
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Cup crushed Ritz crackers
1 Teaspoon ginger
½ Teaspoon salt
1 Pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Preheat oven to 450°. Coat baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Mix the melted butter and soy sauce in a shallow dish. Mix the crushed crackers, ginger, and salt in a shallow dish.
Dip chicken strips in butter mixture and then in the crush crackers.
Arrange strips on baking sheet without crowding them.
Bake for 10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
Bell Pepper Risotto
Serves 6 – 8
3 Cups chicken stock
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Large Vidalia onion, chopped
1 Large red bell pepper, chopped
1 Large orange bell pepper, chopped
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 Cup arborio rice
½ Cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Pour stock into a small saucepan; keep warm over low heat.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
Add the onion and sauté for 3 – 4 minutes.
Add peppers and garlic and sauté for 3 – 4 minutes.
Add rice and sauté for 1 minute.
Add 1 ladleful of stock at a time and stir to mix. Cook until stock is absorbed before adding more stock; stirring frequently. Adjust heat to simmer.
Continue adding stock, 1 ladleful at a time. Cook for a total of 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is soft.
Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper.
To reheat put rice in oven baking dish and heat at 300° for 10 – 15 minutes.
Summer Salad
Serves 10
2 Large seedless cucumbers
½ Cup rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Teaspoon salt
2/3 Cup coarsely chopped sweet onion
3 Large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
½ Cup chopped fresh mint
3 Tablespoons olive oil
8 Ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
Salt and pepper to taste
Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise; then cut into ½” pieces.
Mix the cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, and salt in large bowl.
Let stand for one hour, stirring occasionally.
Add the onion, tomatoes, mint, olive oil and cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss to mix.
French Bread with Rosemary Butter
Serves 6 – 8
2 Tablespoons butter, softened
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
6 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Loaf French bread
Preheat oven to 400°.
Process butter and rosemary in a food processor until mixed. Add olive oil, gradually processing until well mixed.
Add the cheese and garlic and continue to process until well mixed.
Cut the bread in half lengthwise.
Slice each half at 1½ “intervals, cutting ¾ of the way through the bread.
Spread the butter mixture between the slices and on top of the bread.
Wrap the bread in foil and bake in oven for 10 – 15 minutes.
Cream Cheese Pecan Pie
Serves 8
1 Package of 2-Crust pie shells
8 Ounces cream cheese, softened
1 Egg
½ Cup sugar
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup chopped pecans
1 Cup light corn syrup
3 Eggs, lightly beaten
¼ Cup sugar
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350°.
Stack the 2 crusts on a work surface and press together with hands. Fit into a 9” pie pan. Fold the edges under and crimp the edges.
Combine the cream cheese, 1 egg, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl.
Beat with mixer until smooth. Pour into crust; sprinkle with pecans.
Combine corn syrup, 3 eggs, ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a bowl.
Stir to mix well; pour over pecans.
Bake for 50 – 60 minutes or until set.
Place on wire rack to cool.
EATS & TREATS
Create a Family-Friendly Grazing Board
Abeautifully designed charcuterie board may feel more like a grown-up treat, but with the right ingredients, delicious grazing boards can provide fun and nutrition for the whole family.
No matter what you call it, charcuterie boards, grazing boards and snack platters are all basically the same thing. The boards make a trendy addition to an entertaining menu, but a platter or kid-friendly board can be equally pleasing.
What you serve on a grazing board is entirely up to you. Most include a selection of meats and cheeses, and many incorporate nuts, crackers, dips and jams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. Creating your own board means there really are no rules; you can add just about anything you want.
To build a successful board, keep these tips in mind:
Choose ingredients and elements that don’t require temperature control. The idea of a grazing board is that it sits out for a while. Avoid anything that needs refrigeration, heat or will lose its shape or flavor if it rests for an extended amount of time.
Select a surface large enough to hold a variety of food. It can be a simple cutting board or a cute platter. There’s no specific size requirement but err on the side of bigger; spacing out your goodies can be more attractive and less messy.
Use high-quality ingredients to ensure every bite is delicious and nutritious. While shopping, remember to look for the Produce for Kids and Healthy Family Project logos next to favorite items in the produce department, as adding these flavorful fruits and veggies to your cart can help make a difference in your community.
Build your board around a theme to add an extra element of fun. Use mini cookie cutters to make fun, kid-friendly shapes out of cheese and meats. Be mindful of colors; a rainbow platter is vibrant and appealing, and colorful fruits and veggies offer a strong mix of nutrients.
Remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Classic favorites are all you need. Even kid favorites like sections of mandarin oranges, carrot sticks and chocolate chips are fair game for a family-friendly board.
Find more ideas for creating family-friendly treats at healthyfamilyproject.com.
Taco Tuesday Board
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook
Guacamole
Salsa
Queso
Hard and soft taco shells
Ground turkey, seasoned and browned
Lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Chopped onions
Chopped peppers
Sour cream
Cilantro
Lime wedges
On grazing board or platter, arrange guacamole, salsa, queso, taco shells, ground turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions, peppers, sour cream, cilantro and lime wedges.
Weekend Breakfast Grazing Board
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook
Hard-boiled eggs
Cooked sausage links
Mini frozen waffles, toasted
Mini frozen pancakes, toasted
Mini muffins
Yogurt
Fresh fruit
Syrup
Jelly
On grazing board or platter, arrange eggs, sausage links, toasted waffles, toasted pancakes, muffins, yogurt, fruit, syrup and jelly.
#16893
Source: Healthy Family Project (Family Features)
MFaith in Christ
Who’s Next?
Pastor Caleb Smith
y freshman year of college I had to take public speaking. It was a required class so, as much as I dreaded it, I had no choice but to take it. I wasn’t used to speaking in front of people. I’m an extrovert by nature so it wasn’t that I was afraid of people, I was just afraid of speaking in front of a group of people and messing up. Our instruction for our first speech was to give a speech teaching someone how to do something. I chose playing three chords on the guitar. I practiced my speech for hours, rehearsing how I was going to phrase a specific part, where I would put the guitar so it could be visible for the whole class, what chords would be the easiest and quickest to teach someone. I only had 5 minutes for the entire speech/demonstration. We were timed and judged on how well we used our time and how clear we communicated. When the day came to give our speeches, I remember the teacher saying, “Who’s next?”. Ready or not, here I go!
I did all the prep work, all the studying, all the practicing and now I had to put it into action. My goal was for everyone to leave that day being able to play the three chords that I showed them. Maybe from there they would teach someone else and eventually there would be slews of people playing these three chords all over the campus. It was all dependent upon me doing my part well.
My wife and I try our best to make sure our kids know life skills and knowledge that will help them when they leave our house to become productive members of society. Our goal is to raise them to help improve society instead of being a hinderance. As a pastor, I try my best to teach God’s word so that when a member of our congregation goes into the world to share the gospel, they have all the tools and information necessary to succeed. It all depends upon me to do my part well.
In the second chapter of the book of Judges in the bible we see the Israelites inhabit the land of Canaan and settle. They were led by Joshua and taught what was expected of them once they entered the land. They were reminded of all the miracles that happened before they arrived and how God had brought them from Egypt to this great land for them to settle. It tells us in Judges 2:8-13 that Joshua soon died along with all the others that were a part of that initial generation that inhabited the land. Soon, another generation rose that was not taught all the things about God, they weren’t reminded of the miracles God had done, they didn’t study the expectations that were given for their lifestyles to keep them from falling into sin. Because of this, they rebelled against God and did whatever they wanted to.
Somewhere along the line, the important things stopped being important. History became just that, history. Instead of worrying about who’s next to lead, they just worried about themselves. In a time where good leadership is in desperate need, are we investing in who’s next or are we just worried about ourselves? As “Joshuas” gradually pass away, who is taking their place? My desire is that we all become investors in the leaders of tomorrow instead of complainers because “someone else” failed to do it.
Most importantly, may our desire be to see people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ instead of forgetting what He did for us and letting HIS story just become history.
Caleb Smith is Pastor at River Point Community Church located at 70 Old Livery St. in Clayton, Georgia. River Point is a non-denominational, community-driven church commited to leading people into a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Smith and his family have made their home in Rabun and are happy to be part of this mountain community. If you’d like additional information please call 706-960-9275 or message caleb@rpcc.me
Community Bible Study
Transformative Tales: How CBS Became A Lifeline in Rabun County
Michelle Waldrip and her CBS Core Leader, Mary Boland, are all smiles at the CBS Share Luncheon at the end of year
Barbara Stanfill, Christine Jason, Debbie Bruce, Jeanine Marlow, and Dawn Lockwood all share a laugh at the end of year Share Lunch.
The end of the semester Share Lunch is a highlight for ladies to fellowship and share highlights and food.
When Michelle Waldrip first moved to Rabun County, she felt adrift until someone invited her to Community Bible Study (CBS). “I made friends and connections and was hugged and loved on by so many sweet ladies in a difficult time in my life, and they really showed me God’s extravagant love,” shared Michelle.Not only did she forge cherished new friendships, but the Bible study proved life changing. Each week, she felt as if she was witnessing a story unfolding before her eyes, yet one relevant to her daily walk. Her small group discussions brimmed with unique perspectives that encouraged her on her spiritual journey. “And what I gleaned inspired me to share the wisdom with my teenage daughters whenever they hit bumps on life’s road - whether it was a memory verse, a relatable situation, or just the nourishment of heartfelt encouragement for the day. CBS has encouraged my heart and grown me in my personal relationship with God and I’m so thankful for that and each special friend I have made in the study,” she shared.
Through CBS, ladies of all ages and denominations are growing together in their knowledge of God’s word, experiencing the joys of building friendships and transforming their lives and community. Over the past two years, our studies have included the books of John, Ephesians, Ruth, and 1 and 2 Samuel. Responding to the needs of our community and growing attendance, Rabun CBS is expanding this year to introduce two evening classes: an Online Class on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and an Evening In-Person Class at 6 p.m., making it more convenient for those who can’t attend during the day.
Classes begin August 20, 2024, studying Daniel and Revelation. Members of the Servants Team leading the class are Annie Williams, NextGen Director; Anna Conley, Senior Leader; Sherry Allison, Prayer Chair; Kathy McGraw, Coordinator; Mary Boland, Associate Teacher Director; and Jeanine Marlow, Teaching Director. Teaching Director Jeanine Marlow said, “We are a community open to all. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of bringing all parts of this community together to study the Bible. We learn from and encourage others to develop deep personal relationships while studying God’s Word. We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to expand this ministry and reach younger women and those with daytime conflicts with our evening and online classes. We thank former Teaching Director Debbie Bruce for her tireless work at the beginning of this study and for seeing us through our first two years. We stand on her shoulders as we move forward.”
Our Children’s Ministry is available to all from birth through 18, ensuring that every child can access and benefit from our 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 in the CBS Children’s Ministry has been trained and received a background check, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Our Women’s and Children’s classes are held Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon at Clayton Baptist Church, 87 S Church Street, Clayton, GA 30525. The church generously donates its campus, providing a central location and excellent facilities to accommodate our large group gathering, classrooms for our adult core groups, a servants team meeting, a nursery, and Children’s classes.
Registration for 2024-25 Studies
If you seek a comfortable, loving, and caring community that encourages spiritual growth and inspires personal development, CBS could be your place to call home! We are now registering for the 2024-25 study year beginning August 20. God shows up in significant ways when we gather to study His Word, and we pray that you will join us!
How do I sign up? Online: https://rabuncounty.cbsclass.org. Please contact Kathy McGraw, Class Coordinator, at 843-830-2207 or kathyluella@yahoo.com for assistance.
Join us to discover timeless truths that bring light to the struggles and hopes of our everyday lives!
About the Study of Daniel
Set in the Babylonian captivity, the book of Daniel focuses on God’s sovereign control of heaven and earth, from beginning to end. The familiar stories of Daniel 1–6 provide a great model for living a godly life in a hostile environment. Chapters 7–12 provide compelling pictures of God’s eternal, unshakable kingdom that will prevail, no matter how bad things seem. Class members will be encouraged in prayer, persevering under trial, living wisely, and seeking God in troubling times.
About the Study of Revelation
This is an exciting study in which Jesus Christ appears in all His glory. He is revealed as the Lamb of God, Bridegroom, King, and Judge. Prophecies are examined against the backdrop of God’s overriding plan for creation since the beginning of time and on through eternity. Class members will be inspired to worship and challenged to live in watchful readiness for the Lord’s return.
About CBS
Since 1975, CBS has served as a conduit for the transformative power of God’s word. The Bible, available through CBS in over 85 languages, currently impacts over 1 million people across 110 countries worldwide. Our participants study the Bible together in diverse settings, such as churches, prisons, schools, refugee camps, homes, coffee shops, and the internet. Our vision is to transform lives through the word of God, and our mission is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in our communities through caring, indepth Bible study that is available to all.
Life is a Blessing The Heart of a Foot Washer
Tracy McCoy
Do you reflect the heart of Christ? Are you a foot washer? God commands us to love one another again and again in scripture. He tells us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Luke 6:31). We all want to be treated well but are you willing to or able to show kindness and love even to the unlovable? How can we know Him and yet not obey these commandments. (Luke 10:27)
A humble heart kneels and washes feet, it offers encouragement, it forgives, it forgets, it helps, it serves and it lives to do so. Not for notoriety or praise, not for gain but because that heart is driven to serve by a love for the one who gave His life. (Matthew 6:1)
Not even because the God of the Universe expects it from us but because He lives within us, and it comes naturally. His nature within me is the only reason I am capable of such love.
I am human and I lose focus at times, we live in a society that screams it’s all about me! If I don’t take care of myself, who will? We have to look out for number 1, right? No is the short
answer. It ‘s not about you, it is all about Jesus. If He loves you how can I reject you? How can we as Christians mistreat others? There are great injustices daily all around the globe, human trafficking, domestic violence and abuse of children, killing of innocent people and babies.
Jesus says “What you do unto the least of these you do unto me.” If we stopped even just for a second before we act to see the face of God before we speak unkind words, act selfishly, hurt or wound others would it change the way you behave? When we put our needs above the needs of others, we do not honor our Creator. To serve others is to serve Him.
(Matthew 25:40)
Christ Jesus is our example, His life on earth and even unto death on a cross was dedicated to seek and to save those that were lost. Our Savior was a foot washer, not prideful but full of compassion and love. Agape is a Greek term for one of the four types of love in the Bible. Jesus Christ showed this type of love and commands his followers to do likewise.
(John 15:13)
In Matthew 11:29, Jesus advises “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Another Greek term used by Christ to describe His own heart is Tapeinos meaning humble. If we lived our lives with a humble heart, showing love to all we encounter, remember even to the unlovable how might we change the world? Oh that they might see Him reflected in His people. I want to serve, I desire to be like Christ so that others may see His love and allow it to change their lives too. Be a blessing!
Professionals
You Can Meet Your Neighbors for Pickleball
John Shivers
Nestled within “The Orchard,” a picturesque gated mountain community outside Clarkesville, Georgia, at 782 Plum Drive, sits a spacious four-sided brick house on 1.12± acres. Built in 2005, this comfortably elegant 4,232± square foot home has been lovingly maintained and updated. What awaits the next owner both inside and out is a lifestyle to envy.
With four spacious bedrooms and four and one-half baths on two levels, plus an open-concept kitchen, family room and dining area, this home with high ceilings and double tray ceilings has to be a serious contender for your next home. From the moment you step through the leaded glass front door, until you step out of the family room onto the open deck and screened porch, you can’t help but be impressed. Abundant natural light floods the home, and the floor plan’s ideal for entertaining.
The focal point of the generous-sized family room is a large fireplace, as well as the large expanses of glass in the rear wall that overlook the wooded view. In the kitchen, white cabinets topped with granite provide generous prep
space and storage, along with a convenient pantry. A breakfast bar and breakfast area serve as backup to the formal dining room just steps away. Stainless appliances including a gas cook top, built-in conventional and microwave ovens, dishwasher and refrigerator complete the kitchen.
Two primary bedroom suites are found on the main level, each with an en suite bath that includes granite-topped vanities, tile showers, and soaking tubs. Be sure to notice the stained glass window over the tub in the larger of the two bathrooms. A powder room, convenientlyplaced laundry room with a sink, and a two car garage complete the main level.
The daylight basement, which opens on to a generous size covered porch, includes two more bedrooms, two baths, a large family room and a room currently used as a home gym. Generous expanses of glass and high ceilings give the entire level a light and airy feel. A portion of this level remains unfinished and is used in part for the home’s mechanicals and as a workshop. However, the potential is limitless, and can be a project for the new owner now or down the road.
Residents have amenities that include a clubhouse and pool, an 18-hole golf course, pickleball and a lake. Whatever your choice of leisure time activities, a home in this community automatically brings with it a level of pride and comfort that makes you glad to say, “We live at The Orchard!”
Agent Jennifer Kyle with Harry Norman REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain and Jennifer Tyler with The Tyler Group are ready to show you GMLS #10280630. Jennifer Kyle’s cell number is 706-968-2255. She can also be reached at the Harry Norman office, 706-2120228. Reach Jennifer Tyler at 706-968-8521.
A Tool to Help Hobbyists and Professionals Get the Job Done
Whether you’re into woodworking, metalworking, building models or another craft or hobby, the right tools allow you to work faster, easier and smarter.
A capable and versatile project partner, the IQ Vise System by Work IQ Tools is a problem-solving bench vise system that is transforming the way DIYers, craftsmen, hobbyists, makers and pros get the job done. It features a ball and socket design that articulates and rotates 360 degrees for optimal work positioning while complementing task-specific jaw sleeves are crafted to create the perfect grip for an extensive range of shapes and materials.
Plus, with four ports built directly into the vise, you can attach the plug-and-play workshop accessories including the IQ Connect Work Light, Magnifying Glass and Cell Phone Holder directly to the vise or take them where you need them around your workspace.
With three mounts – a bench mount to screw directly into your workbench or stud wall, a magnetic mount that can attach to any metal surface and a clamp mount that functions like a common c-clamp for quick and temporary mounting to any surface edge 2 1/4 inches or under – it’s like having an extra set of hands to help tackle whatever project you’re taking on. For more info scan QR code.
(Family Features)
Unique Doesn’t Begin to Describe This Home
John Shivers
It isn’t often that a home’s address and the home itself are equally unique, but in the case of the 3,725± square foot home at 251 Naomi Court in the Whispering Dale Subdivision outside Clarkesville, Georgia, such is exactly the case. At first glance, you’re struck by the artistry of the outside architecture of this two-story home built in 2002. And its location is in a highly popular area.
Together, as a package, home and location deliver big time for a buyer looking for something other than a chip off the old block style home. If that’s what you have in mind, look no farther. With the newly clad Hardie Plank® exterior walls, a distinctive new metal roof, and 3-Zone HVAC system with two mini-splits all less than two years old, you’ll be getting as much reliability as there is curb appeal.
This home offers as much inside as it does outside, where 4.51± acres of beautifully wooded landscape offer a tree house, a Chicagostyle pizza oven, a hot tub, and an outbuilding complete with power
and an EV charger. But there’s more. Adjacent to the main house site is an additional twenty-one acres of wooded land crisscrossed with hiking trails that isn’t in the subdivision. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, and there’s even an outdoor shower, where you can refresh yourself before heading indoors.
And if you want to enjoy the site’s wooded nature without having to leave the house, lay claim to either of the two spacious porches to lay back and enjoy a drink and a good book, or perhaps a leisurely nap. There’s no need to work up a sweat unless you want to, but you simply must see all the character this home has to offer.
With three bedrooms and three full baths, this home is adequate for part-time use by you, your family and friends, but it’s also move-in ready to become your year-round home. On the main and spacious loft levels, tongue and groove-stained paneling makes this area a wood-lover’s paradise. The great room ceiling is steeply vaulted, and be sure to note the canoe suspended over the area.
Thanks to generous use of windows throughout, this home is light and inviting. Inside the great room a wood stove stands ready to defend against winter temps. A second fireplace is on the daylight lower level. From the great room, you’re only steps away from the kitchen, where real wood cabinets with hard surface tops make meal prep a snap. A range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave complete the kitchen, and be sure to note the unique island and pot rack. A spacious dining area is in an adjacent sunroom.
In the master bedroom note the unique tray ceiling and check out the copper-plated soaking tub and stained-glass window in the main bath. Downstairs, a second living area and laundry room further expand the livability footprint.
While this property delivers much privacy for those who call it home, you’ll find you’re less than an hour and a half from Atlanta, mere minutes from Tallulah Gorge State Park, and so very close to all the lake regions and mountain trails that make this corner of northeast Georgia a definite destination. Whether your bent is boating and water sports, world class fly fishing, hiking, or browsing art galleries and shopping opportunities, it’s all right outside your door when you live on Naomi Court.
This truly unique property, MLS #10310040, eagerly awaits its new unique owner, and Poss Realty Agent Ann Inman is excited to show this listing. Reach Ann by cell phone at 256-622-0334 or at the office, 706-782-2121.
Our Appalachian Accents
John Singleton
In 1984, old friend, brilliant and hilarious John Garrard invited me to attend his university graduation from Winthrop. With no guarantee I would otherwise ever attend any graduation including mine, I accepted his invitation. Journalist Diane Sawyer gave the commencement speech, and of all the speeches I’ve ever attended, it was competitive with the most offensive.
After fifteen minutes of its-your-night and the-world-needs-you coupled with three-things-every-leader-has, etc, Diane gave all of the young men and women an inspirational boost--in the form of openly-deriding the various accents lumped together as “southern.”
For folks from Appalachia, our accents have long-been the topic of accepted ridicule. From Jed Clampett to Snuffy Smith to Pulp Fiction’s evil “Zed,” the easiest way to fast-track a villain is to give them a southern accent. A couple of lilts and you already know who the bad person is and the hijinks (or depravity) they’re capable of. As southerners we’ve grown accustomed to this.
As we celebrate small town life, a couple of ideas on the Appalachian accent and why those who have maintained it have every reason to cherish their culture. Perhaps the most important thing to note is that, according to Cratis Williams, the Appalachian dialect was—at the time of his research—preserved by the very things our ancestors sought to overcome.
Whether we are discussing accents, small towns or the tiny roads that connect them, all of these things share the common thread that each is being replaced by an undefined modernity. Ms. Sawyer tapped into that cultural erosion shamelessly, but innocently as well. Either way, she was up against a concept linguists call “fossilization.”
Fossilization refers to an idea that immigrants in groups often preserve—in preciseness to the time they were forced to leave their language, speech and idioms. Whether from Coahuila, Mexico,
Peten, Guatemala or County Cork in Ireland, linguists can determine from accents, grammatical structure and even physical gestures the origins of the speaker. Our accents are one of the final gifts left us by our immigrant ancestors so long ago.
This wasn’t on Diane Sawyer’s mind when, with the best of intentions, she encouraged Winthrop’s graduates to bury their Southern lilt. She was imagining that the dream of every student was to live and work in Manhattan, and her advice was consistent with that. But, of course, it was ridiculous. I take solace that few Appalachian folks would take such a suggestion—a speculative pot of corporate gold notwithstanding—seriously.
In contrast, I have taken my cues from Cratis Williams—informing what would be Foxfire’s basic format—travelling around Appalachia, recording church services, reunions, and family gatherings, collecting stories and oral history, then upon comparing with old Scot and Irish texts, realizing that the twang one still occasionally hears out on Warwoman or up the Wolfork Valley has more in common with Shakespeare and Chaucer than the scholars who belittled our accents while gushing over Hamlet and King Lear. And in Dr. William’s honor, I will spend a day this weekend hitting the “Blue Highways” that still connect our small towns and stores and flea markets. There’s a great one up in Mountain City, Ga and another off US 25 in Hendersonville. Another one in Weaverville includes fresh vegetables. In my car I’ll have a copy of William Least Heat Moon’s Blue Highways and Wendall Berry’s The Unsettling of America to read, and if I’m lucky the dandelion greens will still be young higher up in the mountains, fresh enough for a quick stop and a salad. For certain, I’ll take time to appreciate in the stories, the flea-market negotiations and the random chatter of the server in some small café on the Doe River that here remains the lasts traces of our ancestors and culture, worthy of being preserved.
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.
A former student at Foxfire, John is now Director of Education and Community Engagement at Foxfire. John has worked in Higher Education since 1996, working to assure the assimilation of international students to US universities and also providing opportunities for domestic students to engage in programs around the world. John’s work with Foxfire supports the organization’s long-valued focus on preserving Appalachian culture while promoting educational access for students with connection to this region.
Remembering Mildred Widgery
Our Friend and Prayer Partner
The first meeting of the Grace Green Prayer Group was held in the early 1980s. Grace Green was the founder of the group. Mildred Widgery drove into Clayton from Tate City to attend the first meeting and attended faithfully for decades. She was very special to everyone who knew her.
After moving to the town of Clayton, and after the death of Mrs. Green, Mildred began hosting the prayer group in her home. She continued to do that for twenty years, every Tuesday morning. She opened her home with gracious and elegant hospitality as she welcomed each of us promptly at 10 AM for our devotions and prayer. Mildred served delicious hot tea always made in beautiful China teapots which she had collected from many of the places she traveled. The tea pots sat on two lighted glass “stoves” to keep the tea warm. Tea was poured into teacups and saucers of differing patterns and designs for each guest. Of course, our tea was always served with a pastry of one kind or another. Our meetings always had a “tea party” flair that led us into our sacred divine time of prayer. We almost felt as if we should have on hats and gloves. Mildred’s table was always adorned with decorative floral arrangements with matching tablecloths (many she had made herself). Of course, the napkins matched it all as did the lighted candles. She provided a warm and pleasant setting for us to come together to honor our Lord with our prayers and requests for the many needs of which we knew.
Mildred Widgery was well known for her talents as a seamstress which impacted many people. She created special samplers sewn on her computerized machine with designs of beautiful pictures and statements written on each print with many colors of thread. She used many scriptures to blend with her design. We were reminded of the verse in Exodus 28:6, “They shall also make the ephod of gold, of purple and scarlet and fine twisted linen, the work of the skilled embroiderer.” She was definitely a skilled embroiderer and when each piece was completed, she had it matted and framed to enhance her design. Mildred ended up producing almost 300 designs, giving them to many honored recipients. She has had them placed in churches, Doctor’s offices, prisons, and many, many of our homes. It was her delight to provide one for a newborn baby, newlyweds, or graduating seniors. We were always in awe of her work, and she left many memories with her thoughtful gifts.
Our friend always gave first place and thanks to Him in the midst of all His provisions with words of special meaning. Each Christmas, she hand-designed a delightful ornament of angels and tree ornaments. She also made Christmas samplers framed and matted. She gave gifts to us to decorate our Christmas trees and home with, now offering comfort and sweet memories of her to all of us.
In her career as National Director for the Girl Scouts of America, Mildred’s work with young girls made a great impact as they worked to make a better world. She shared many of her experiences enjoyed throughout the years that she served Girl Scouts. Most of them were stories of camping days, as she loved the outdoors. She had been an avid tennis player up until her 70s. So determined to play that a drive to Clayton from Tate City was worth meeting a partner to play. In Mildred’s last days she watched all the tournaments on her Tennis TV channel. She was very knowledgeable of the players and their abilities.
Mildred was a loyal and active member of Clayton Baptist Church. She faithfully created each deacon a designed sampler and asked them to come to her house to receive them. Her desire was to stay active with her handiwork; in fact, she made more than 100 beautiful bookmarks to hand out to her guests at her one-hundredth birthday party. A cherished treasure left behind by a lady with a giving heart.
We thankfully celebrated Mildred two more years at her 101st and 102nd birthday celebrations. She went home to be with the Lord in April of this year. We will miss her influence in our lives but will forever recall her words of wisdom, that “we’re to stand up for what we
believe” and to “keep going and do our best.” She also said, “We’re not to take into ourselves things that are harmful or negative with no expectations.” We, her dear friends, will always feel honored and blessed to have known her and called Mildred Widgery our friend and prayer warrior. We give thanks to our Lord for her, her faithfulness and willingness to pray. Her many prayers continue to be answered.
With sweet remembrance, Members of the Grace Green Prayer Group
Rabun County Health Department Warns of Lead Exposure
Susan T. Cookson, MD, MPH, Rabun County Board of Health Physician
In 1978, household paint stopped containing lead. Then in 1996, lead came out of our gasoline. So, except for houses built before 1978, that have peeling or cracking paint around the windows, doors, floors, porches, stairways, or kitchen cabinets, we may have thought lead poisoning was behind us. But last year, a child in Rabun County had an elevated blood lead value (3.5 mcg/dL) – a level that could lead to developmental delays. In fact, Brianna Young, our Public Health District Lead Coordinator, told me 12 of our 13 Counties in Public Health District 2 have had children with elevated blood levels. In Georgia last year, 4,339 children had elevated blood lead levels.
So where is this lead coming from? Sources of lead are something we all have: car and house keys. When we give our keys to our children, lead dust from the keys rubs off onto their fingers, or worse –gets into their mouths. Lead dust is so small you can’t see it, but it can find its way into our children’s blood. Lead can also be in toys and other things. To find out if you have any of these things, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website (https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls) for lead recalls. If you do find something on the list, you can usually get a manufacturer refund.
We need to also think about lead when preparing food. Clay potteries covered in a shiny glaze can have lead that can leach into our food when we put something hot or acidic, like salsa, in them. If you buy seasonings and spices from an international marketplace, be careful – other countries have weaker lead laws than us and imported spices can contain lead. Also, industries, like smelters or battery recycling plants, can expose workers to lead who can bring it home.
Has your child ever played in or eaten dirt? Dirt can be a source of lead. How does the lead get there now that paint and gas are lead-free? Have you had your car or truck aligned, had your tires balanced? Mechanics do this with lead tire weights and these weights fall out. The rain can wash the weights into our dirt and streams. Because of this environmental hazard, nine States have already regulated lead tire weights. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently considering similar regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Another source of lead comes from our love of fishing. Fishing sinkers are lead. As a result, six States have banned lead sinkers to
Susan Cookson, MD, MPH, FACP (retired, US Public Health Service) is an accomplished Infectious Diseases Board-certified Physician with a Master’s degree in public health. She is also an Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine Board-eligible Physician. Susan’s resume is quite impressive including a 25 year career with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 years with Dekalb Board of Health and 3 years with the Georgia Division of Public Health. Today, Susan resides in Rabun County and is working for the Rabun County Board of Health as a Preventive Medicine consultant.
protect birds and other wildlife. But we need to worry about more than wildlife. The Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Journal article three years ago reported on an Ohio child swallowing a fishing sinker and needing it urgently removed because of lead toxicity. In 2016, 38 children had eaten fishing equipment, with most younger than 6 years.
So, how do we detect lead toxicity or poisoning and what does it do to our children? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that ALL children receive a risk assessment for lead exposure at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months, and at 3, 4, 5 and 6 years of age. If that risk assessment finds exposure to items or events as mentioned above, then the child needs a lead level test. The only way to know if your child has lead exposure is to test for lead in the blood. This test is a finger prick. Your pediatrician or our Rabun County Health Department at 184 S. Main Street, Clayton can do this test.
Lead poisoning is one of the most important environmental illnesses affecting our children. Lead poisoning can affect every organ, but the developing brain is the most concerning. Lead disrupts brain growth and can lead to long-lasting effects. Lead exposure can be sudden with high-levels or prolonged with low- to moderate-levels. With sudden, high-level exposure, as with the Ohio child mentioned above, the child becomes very tired (lethargic), progresses to coma and seizures, and even death without medical treatment. With prolonged, low-or-moderate-level exposure, symptoms are less obvious. But the child can develop kidney failure and brain damage. Developmental delays can continue into the teenaged years and beyond. Long-term effects depend on the duration and the amount of lead exposure.
So, what can be done? You can protect your family from lead exposure by eating foods that are rich in calcium (such as milk products), iron (meats and whole grains), and vitamin C (fruits and vegetables). These foods can help shield your child from lead. Also, diets high in fiber help with digestion and decrease the absorption of lead. If you are worried about lead dust or lead in soil, the answer
is simple. Simply wash your hands with soap and water, and the lead is gone. If you think you have lead dust in your house, wipe the areas down with soap and water, then dry them with paper towels. If you want to vacuum it up, make sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter – the lead dust is so small, an ordinary vacuum will just spread it around. These actions can be enough with low lead exposure. In addition to all the above: if your child has a moderate lead level, Brianna Young can visit your home to identify sources of lead exposure. For higher lead levels, your child also needs medical treatment.
If you have any questions or want to talk more about lead exposure, contact Brianna Young, our District 2 Lead and Healthy Homes Program Coordinator. Bri is here to help us in Rabun County have healthy homes, her office number is 770-535-5743 and cell number is 470-487-0858.
In addition to keeping your child safe from lead poisoning, another way to keep your child safe is use child car seats. For the 2nd quarterly Public Health Discussion, Lisa Thompson, our Safe Kids Rabun Coordinator and a School Resource Officer (SRO), will talk at the auditorium below the Rabun County Health Department, 184 S. Main St, Clayton, GA. Lisa will give an overview of child passenger safety and discuss Safe Kids Rabun and the Georgia Dept. Public Health (GDPH) Car Seat Mini-Grant. Through this mini grant since 2007, our county has received child car seats. The car seats, booster seats, and education provided by the mini-grant have saved 444 Georgian children from serious or fatal injuries. Our Rabun County Health Department will be there to sign parents up for the next 2-hour class to receive these free, lifesaving, car seats. So, in addition to Lisa’s discussion, join us July 16th , 5-7pm as Unite RABUN will be providing BBQ and Frios Gourmet Pops and entertaining your children with the tumble bus and the whole family with music by Sweet Charity. Unite RABUN’s mission is to empower change through unity. Come join us for an educational and fun night.
Ask Dr. J; Frequently asked questions with common sense answers from a community ENT physician
Dear Dr. J; I snore. Loud. My wife makes me sleep in another room. My friends make me get my own room on road trips. But it doesn’t bother me. I heard surgery hurts and doesn’t work. And I don’t want one of those “Darth Vader” CPAP masks, either. Help.
Snoring is complicated. Your insurance company doesn’t care if you snore and won’t normally pay for treatment. (If they did, they’d go bankrupt.) But if you snore and your airway obstructs – meaning you try to breathe but struggle because your throat closes in the effort and your oxygen level drops– they might care. And so should you.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, the name we ascribe to consequential snoring with obstruction, is on the rise. A lot of the increase in incidence is because of “biscuit poisoning”, the dramatic rise in obesity. The fatter the neck, the thicker the tongue, the faster air rushes through the narrowed passageway at the back of the throat. If you remember Bernoulli’s principle, the greater speed air (or fluid) rushes through a narrowed space the greater the negative pressure in that space. For those of you who are not engineers, this means the walls of the throat suck in the fatter you get causing air not to go through to your windpipe.
tonsils – can be long and fat. Others obstruct because they have “weak chins”, meaning their lower jaw is well behind their upper. The jawbone holds the tongue forward. If the tongue falls back, the airway obstructs, especially if you sleep on your back. If your nasal passages are blocked you sleep with your mouth open and your tongue falls back from this, too.
There are lots of things you can do to help your snoring. If your anatomy is normal and you only snore when you’re drunk, …, well, just snore. (You won’t read the rest of the article if I say don’t drink alcohol.) Other treatments for apnea include sleeping with your head elevated, sleeping on your sides (yes, you’ll be flopping back and forth when your shoulders and arms go numb), losing weight, losing weight, cutting out carbs, losing weight. Treating hypothyroidism can help you lose weight, too.
Skinny people can snore and obstruct, too. (I told you this could get complicated.) Giant tonsils can be the issue. Or that “dangly thing” – the uvula hanging down from the soft palate between the
Then there is the CPAP machine, an on-demand breathing apparatus pushing air into your lungs while you sleep. There used to be terrible compliance with CPAP. Nowadays people
Keith Jackson, MD is a graduate of Medical College of Georgia and Emory Medical School, where he completed his Residency in ENT. Dr. Jackson practiced as an ENT specialist in Atlanta at Northside, Scottish Rite, North Fulton, and Saint Joseph’s Hospitals until moving to Lake Rabun in 2020. Currently, he is in full-time ENT practice at Mountain Lakes Hospital in Clayton, Georgia. His interests include music and art. Dr. Jackson is a Rotarian and enjoys giving back to the community.
are more prone to try them because it seems like everyone is wearing one. Some people can’t tolerate them, however, or are too embarrassed to be seen wearing one. Another non-surgical option, particularly useful for the “weak-chinned” among us, are mandibular advancement appliances that pull your jaw forward and your tongue off the back of the throat.
Then there are the surgeries. Most children with sleep apnea can be cured by removing their adenoids and tonsils. Widening the back of the throat in adults by removing the tonsils and shortening the soft palate/cutting off the uvula can be effective. It hurts a lot for roughly ten days (at least helping with weight loss) and, unfortunately, works inconsistently. But sometimes this kind of surgery results in quiet, more efficient sleep. (My job is to figure out if surgery will work.) I’ve had people cured by fixing their nasal airways (but promising this is close to malpractice). Implanting an INSPIRE device can be effective as well, but it is expensive, complicated for the surgeon to place properly without a long anesthetic, and not for everyone.
The take home message we all need to remember is that obstructing your airway when you sleep - enough to significantly affect the oxygen levels in your blood stream – is a leading cause of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Don’t pretend it’s fine and you’ll worry about it tomorrow, relying on caffeine and sugar to hype you up for the day. Get a sleep study, particularly if your significant other sees you obstructing.
Just Thinking
By The Way
Don’t you just hate it when a pig steals the show?
Emory Jones
Idid my dead-level best not to let my pet pig, Cunningham, get wind of the recent Katie Deal concert at Hardman Farm outside of Helen. I might have pulled it off, too, if I’d just hidden the newspaper better. I knew Cunningham had seen the notice when I heard him out on the porch squealing like a pig. He squeals that way every time he sees Katie Deal’s picture. I do, too—a little. But not as much as he does
Now, some may ask why a man wouldn’t want his pet pig to attend that pig’s favorite singer’s concert, especially one held on a farm. Well, the reason is because of what happened last time. I’ll never forget how excited that little pig was when he heard the news that day. He immediately insisted that we rush to Hardman Farm to get our tickets, only to have his little pig valve heart broken when the man behind the cash register refused to sell him one.
“Why not?” I asked the man behind the cash register.
“Because he’s a pig,” he said. We were flabbergasted. “You mean to tell me that in this day and age, you are refusing to sell him a ticket just because he happens to be a pig? I bet he’s the only one you’ve refused. Am I right?”
“No, you’re not,” said the man. “Because I’m not going to sell you a ticket either.” “Why?” I asked innocently.
“Because.” he answered.
He didn’t buy that either, so Cunningham and I left empty-handed. But the disappointment in Cunningham’s little pig eyes was more than I could take, so I devised a foolproof plan to get my pig into that concert.
First, I bought one of those oversized baby carriage strollers they sell down at the thrift store. The plan was to wrap the pig in a blanket and sneak him in that way. So, I got out one of those antique blankets Judy’s grandmother made. I didn’t think my wife would mind since those things are pretty old anyway. Turns out she did, but that’s another story.
That didn’t seem like a good reason to me, so—thinking fast—I said, “But he’s a seeing-eye pig. It’s against the law to not sell him a ticket, and you can look that up!”
“You don’t look blind to me,” said the man.
“Well maybe not,” I said. “But I do have a good-sized cataract starting on my right eye.”
When we got to the farm that day, I stayed out of sight by the oversized baby stroller carriage with Cunningham, covered in some old towels I found after Judy made us put her grandmother’s antique blanket back. I was halfway expecting trouble, but the man behind the cash register seemed happy to sell Judy tickets. He even gave her a “special” one, which, unfortunately, meant she had to sit way on the other side from me and the pig. I was disappointed, but she didn’t seem to mind.
All went well until Katie Deal stepped onto the stage dressed up like Dolly Parton, singing “Islands in the Stream.” What happened next would go down in the annals of concert history. Cunningham started swaying to the music so hard the oversized baby carriage stroller fell over, and the pig landed on top of some lady’s picnic basket, obliterating her pickle jar and scattering her deviled eggs.
When Cunningham panicked and jumped on the stage, the audience assumed he was part of the act, especially after he let out a harmonious oink that blended seamlessly with the music.
Katie Deal liked Cunningham’s performance so much that she asked him to tour with her. Judy was all for that, but I’m just not willing to have Cunningham be on the road that much.
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.
Join us for the Touch-A-Truck Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Rabun County!
Date: August 10, 2024
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Location: Rabun County Civic Center Pavilions
At this family-friendly event, kids can climb into fire trucks, dump trucks, tractors, log truck, and even a dozer! Parents are encouraged to join their children in exploring the over 30 vehicles on display. Hosted by the City of Clayton and presented by the Lake Burton Civic Association, this event promises a day of fun for the whole family.
You’ll meet Daisy the Clown and enjoy a performance by Sweet Charity. Rotary of Clayton will be serving hamburgers and chips. TBJ will serve Barbecue/Chicken sandwiches and chips. Southern Nutrition will be on site with their popular teas. Kids will love the ice cream truck and cotton candy machine! Ferst Readers will have juice boxes and be signing up kids for free books. Rain will provide water and WalMart will have canned drinks.
The Silent Auction will include items like a Power Wheels 6V Jeep Wranger donated by WalMart, a Clemson football signed by Dabo Sweeney and an Alabama football signed by Nick Saban. Two Sky Valley Golf Course gift certificates for 4 players and much more will be available to bid on.
The event will take place at the Rabun County Civic Center Pavilions on West Savannah Street in Clayton, rain or shine. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a family of four, and all proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity of Rabun County.
Habitat for Humanity of Rabun County is dedicated to creating decent, affordable housing for those in need. In addition to new construction, the organization also renovates existing homes and helps homeowners improve their own homes and community.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this fundraiser to support a worthy cause and enjoy the Touch-A-Truck event! Stay and check out the Block Party in downtown Clayton beginning at 4 PM on Main Street!
41 Cedar Lane - Dillard
• 4/3 • .52+-AC • 2,088 SQ FT
• Offered fully furnished
• Full finished basement
• 3 Deck levels for entertaining MLS 10283735 • $439,900
Nate Conkling 407-876-0242
193 Elm Lane - Rabun Gap
• 2/2 w/ bonus room • 2,324 SQ FT
• Great elevation • Vaulted ceilings
• 2 car pull under garage
• 14x40 RV garage
MLS 10317763 • $575,000
Hopper 706-490-2152
68 Shoal Creek Road - Scaly Mtn, NC
• 8/8/2
• 4 Acres w/ lush landscaping
• Mountain Laurel Rest Air BnB
• 7 spacious fireplace suites
• Basement apartment • Courtyard
MLS 10318214 • $1,700,000
Marsha Ramey
706-490-1035
976 King Mountain Drive - Clayton
• 3/2 • 1340 SQ FT
• Open floor plan • Many upgrades
• Pet-friendly fenced backyard
• Detached Garage • Waterfall
MLS 10306624 • $428,000
Robyn Conkling 407-717-6971
Nate Conkling 407-876-0242
494 Black Bear Den Rd - Clayton
• Spacious log-sided home
• Almost 5 Acres of secluded land
• Private view of mountains • Garage
• Short drive to downtown Clayton MLS 10307834 • $749,500
Lorie Thompson 706-490-1820
982 Deerfield Dr. – Clayton
• Custom built home w/ wood floors
• 3/2 • 2.5 Acre corner lot
• Large 2 car garage
• Unfinished lower level space
MLS 10307330 • $439,000
Tiffany English 706-490-1012
300 Crestview Drive - Otto, NC
• 5/3 2688 SQ FT
• Full-sized pickleball court
• Gourmet kitchen • Full basement
1710 N Germany Road - Clayton
• New 1300+ sq ft mountain cabin
• Wrap-around porch, 1 BR, 1.5 BA
• Enclosed carport with RV/boat parking
• Timpson Creek, small stream and USFS
MLS 20170633 • $549,000 Nic Poss 706-982-0872
1857 Tugalo Road - Clarkesville
• 3/2 • 2,500 SQ FT
• Private oasis • Borders USFS land
• Spacious home • Large deck
10301004 • $2,150,000 Ann Inman 256-622-0334
• Spacious primary suite MLS 10308456 - $760,000 Jim Blalock 706-490-1404 Experience a genuine IMMERSIVE view from this
• Large barn for storage or workshop
MLS 10265301 • $789,900
Joanna Radford
706-490-2724
Northridge is located on the northern ridges of Tiger Mtn. Estate Tracts of 3 to over 10 Acres in pristine forest featuring clear springs, creek and outstanding mtn./valley views. Perfect for your dream home. Scott Poss
706-490-2305
FEATURED HOME - 36 Old Blue Trail • Tiger MLS 103099970 • $995,000 •
