Tracy McCoy Publisher/Editor
706-982-9197
Cindi Freeman Manager | Marketing
706-982-0216
Melynda Hensley Marketing | Graphics
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D’Anna Coleman
Assistant Manager Graphics
706-782-1600
Lucas McCoy Graphics | Writing
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I’m excited to share with you that the June issue of the Laurel is almost ready for publication, although it may be a few days late this time. We always strive to meet our deadlines, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances cause delays. Your understanding and patience during these times are greatly appreciated. Putting together a magazine every month is a challenging and exhausting task, but it’s a labor of love for us. We take great pleasure in showcasing the wonderful people, places, and things that make our community so unique and remarkable.
Over the past twenty years, we’ve had the privilege of featuring many local individuals in our publication. It’s bittersweet to think that some of them, like the late Mr. Don Nicholson, were overjoyed to be recognized in the Laurel but passed away before seeing their stories in print. Mr. Nicholson, a United States Veteran, shared his experiences with our friend and contributor, Roger Glenn and Mike Maffett, before his passing. Although he won’t be able to see his story in our magazine, his life, service to the nation, and cherished memories with his family will always be remembered. Our hearts go out to his family, and we ask that you keep them in your prayers.
As we look ahead to the coming months, there are numerous exciting events to anticipate. The first ever Ramshackle street festival is sure to be a success and preparations for next year’s event are already underway. The Painted Fern Festival is just around the corner in July, and we can’t wait for the Lake Burton Summer Concert Series. Additionally, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is hosting a variety of wonderful events. Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to savor all the season has to offer – from the warm sun to the cool water and everything in between.
In this issue, we’re inviting you to step inside some of the area’s most stunning homes, all of which are currently on the market. You’ll also read about the Holloway family’s delightful trip to Dollywood, a fantastic summer adventure just a short distance away. There’s so much to discover in this edition, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy it all!
Wishing you a wonderful June!
Tracy
Writers & Contributors: Peter McIntosh, Victoria (Tori) Carver, Lorie Thompson, Pastor Will Griffin, Dr. Keith Jackson, John Shivers, Jonan Keeny, Dick Cinquina, Sean of the South, Liz Alley, Roger Glenn
www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com | 706-782-1600
gmlmagazine@gmail.com
Copyright 2024 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 are responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Laurel of Northeast Georgia maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.
10 - Cover Artist - Ganine Derleth
- On the Scene - Scott Low
- NGAG Gives Back to the Community
- Painted Fern Festival
- Lake Burton Concert Series
- Veteran Spotlight - Don Nicholson
- Realtor Spotlight - Tina Anzo
- It’s All About the View
- Short Treks - Dolly’s Dream
- What’s Up in Franklin, NC
- Harry Norman
Lake & Mountain Featured Home
- Poss Realty Featured Home
- Berkshire Hathaway Featured Home
- Porch Living in the Mountains
- Ask Dr. Jackson - Ear Pain
- Rabun County’s Most Celebrated Moonshiner
On Our Cover - Ganine
When northeast Georgia artist Ganine (pronounced Janine) Derleth is fully in the moment with her work, it’s almost as if she’s inside that piece, painting from the perspective of one who can see the big picture. Pun intended. You might say she’s dancing with her life-long friend, the creative Muse that guides her. After all, given that dance in some form has been a large part of her even larger life, it’s easy to imagine the movements engrained within a serious dancer revealing themselves, as she wields brush to canvas.
But for all the seriousness of her craft, Ganine is possessed with a warm and gracious personality that comes across in both conversation and in her finished works. She’s a member of Oil Painters of America and has created so many pieces that literally speak to their audience. Check out her “Sparkling Sunlight,” where you actually expect your hand to come back wet when you touch the water.
“A Peaceful Place by the Lake” evokes many comfortable, restful emotions, while you can sense and easily visualize the joy that’s about to happen in “The Wedding Garden.” And “Henry’s Hideaway” literally makes the viewer crave to call it home. Her paintings connect and resonate for one very good reason.
In one word, it’s “technique.”
Or, perhaps, it’s equally as much passion; the passion she needed to fuel and inspire her efforts to create enough finished pieces to fill an entire one-person show. Or the passion it takes to overcome heartbreak and adversity, and turn it into phenomenal artwork.
“Painting is constant decision making,” she points out, and goes on to explain that it’s much the same in dancing. “Everything in painting is an arrangement of relationships.” She says it’s an analysis of values, where light and dark, abstract and traditional components, soft and hard elements, and transitions merge, so that the finished piece is born.
How she approaches those initial brush strokes that literally form the foundation for the finished work is critical. “I usually begin by designing my composi-
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tion, deciding what I am most drawn to and what I love about it.” From there, she says, it’s just a matter of staying present in the moment, as she assesses color depth and placement, mixing colors to achieve just the hue she needs for the sunset over the placid lake waters in “Indian Cove Sunset,” for example. It’s through the intuitive process developed and honed to a fine edge and dedicated discipline that hydrangea blooms with gently graduated hues and roses receive their own unique colorful identities in “A Gorgeous Bouquet of Flowers.”
“I admire excellence in all art forms, and strive for it in my own creative expressions,” Ganine explains. “I love the process of learning and being present in the moment.” She goes on to equate her creative process as a spiritual journey. “I’m constantly refining what I’m passionate about.” She credits two legendary masters within Oil Painters of America, whose critiques and encouragement have literally made the difference.
“Oil painting engages my brain and my heart,” she says, when speaking about her choice of medium. “My paintings are a reflection of my life and what brings me joy.” And she points to the skill, focus, and knowledge required to work in oil.
While painting has been a hobby since she received a set of messy pastels for her ninth birthday, it’s also been a serious pastime for much of her life. But, for more than thirty years, it was pursuit of the dance that claimed first priority in the life of this sixty-something renaissance woman, who has appeared on Broadway and in other national performing venues. Whether it was mastering ballet, becoming one with the art of movement, or dancing tap that teaches musical rhythm and sound, Ganine has danced them all. Jazz bumps up the challenge, she says, while Latin dances require sensitivity and responsiveness.
While her dancing today is primarily that of a passionate, talented instructor who stresses not just the art of the dance, but the passion that should naturally accompany it, Ganine is still creating. She and husband Theo, who have been married forty years, are active, handson instructors where they live on Lake Hartwell. But when she stopped performing, something was missing. That’s when hobby became her primary creative outlet.
“Now painting is my passion and my profession,” Ganine says, and you sense the excitement in her voice. It’s easy to understand why her paintings exhibit such depth of an investment of self. Her work isn’t an extension of the artist; rather, Ganine is an extension of the work that juices her; work that not only allows, but demands, that she express herself to the max.
This multi-talented artist realizes that just like dance, the life she captures via brush and canvas are an embodiment of the technical skills that a creative individual uses to express themselves. This is when the unknown happens, which is why this artist, who moved to Hartwell, Georgia some seven years ago, continues to challenge herself. She’s still putting herself out there, daring herself to paint more, be brave enough to submit her work for both juried and informal critique, to connect with other artists, and through it all, to improve her skills.
“And that’s exactly what’s happening,” she proclaims with modest pride.
This daughter, wife, and mother has found her niche, that place where life is full and satisfying, which in turn allows her to know what she loves, totally in the moment with herself. But she still continues to learn, to refine, and to enhance. Recently she attended the Olmsted Plein Air Invitational and the Portrait Society of America “Face-off,” which afforded opportunity to rub shoulders with and soak up technique from more learned artists. “If you have a great teacher, you can learn,” she insists. And she takes comfort in the reality that she’s still a work in progress. It leaves room to grow.
The more you learn about this phenomenal artist, the more you want to know. Her website is https://ggiorgione.com, includes an extensive portfolio, as well as a way to contact her via email.
Ilooking for sales or fame.” Rather, he has relied on organic growth via various social media and music streaming platforms. And the album, in his words, was “just me, myself, and I” in the basement where he recorded the entire record. This “explosion of creativity,” which is his first Blues album, mind you, was primarily written between November and December of 2023.
Scott explains that “our body was the original instrument. And I think there’s a few instruments that get real close to that voice sound. And I think the slide guitar is one of them. It has a timbre and inflection to it that you can’t get” from other instruments. “It’s the bending of notes and the notes between the notes. You can bend notes on a guitar, but there’s limits. With a slide, I mean, I can slide seven, eight, fifteen notes! I feel like I’ve found the sound that resonated with me, but also has really been attainable to people. I’m just constantly trying to let it be organic and keep the content going to hopefully keep this record floating until I can get another one done.”
n the interest of transparency I feel that it’s important to note that, prior to us sitting down for this article, Scott Low and I weren’t strangers. That is, he and I met a few years ago and we have had a couple of brief conversations a few times since. So as I prepared for this piece, I had a number of thoughts about what to ask him. But in the end, I really wanted him to feel empowered to share whatever he wanted about music and, more specifically, his most recent album, “The Appalachian Blues.” What followed was a very engaging and accessible lecture on the Blues that would be right at home in any college classroom.
Scott’s latest album is in the Top 10 of a number of music charts and has garnered attention from all over the world, including large numbers of listeners in Canada and France. And “Australia is lit,” he says as he explains his approach: “I went into it not
To get to “The Appalachian Blues” one has to acknowledge Piedmont Blues and East Coast Blues, from Doc Watson to Elizabeth Cotton to Mississippi John Hurt and beyond. Piedmont Blues is more of a “Bluegrass hybrid Blues with a different harmonic makeup than the Delta Blues that makes it’’ markedly different from what many people might perceive as being the Blues. From there, he takes me back to “the OG Delta Blues guy,” Charlie Patton. His contributions to the Blues are some of “the most insane chord changes and licks” you might ever hear. According to Scott, “he’s the complete player, the complete singer.” Among the musicians who sought him out to learn? Only legendary Bluesmen like Son House, Robert Johnson, and Howlin’ Wolf. Patton “may have shaped American music more than anyone else,” as his influence can be heard in New Orleans music, big band jazz, and all the way into music in modern day.
Towards the end of our time together, Scott shared the following: “I’m so forever grateful that music takes me to these places and the music, you know, lets me sit down and talk to you, and music has brought me so many friends. Some of my best friends are through music and fly fishing...It’s a very family vibe.”
Despite being a man with a lot to say, Scott says “I feel like a quiet person. But when it comes to art and music and fly fishing, it’s all art to me.” His passion and love for music in general is evident in many things he does, but it was his commitment to learning and sharing the history of the music he loves that will stick with me. While some might consider him an unorthodox educator, his knowledge is no less valuable than the most decorated scholar. It was a treat to spend an afternoon with him.
Want to catch Scott live? He and the various incarnations of his band, The Southern Bouillon, can be found at a variety of events in a variety of locales. He currently plays a weekly gig called “Burgers and Blues” at the Highlander Mountain House in Highlands, so make your reservation! Other upcoming live appearances can be found through his prolific use of social media.
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.
Thank you to Creative Framing in Franklin, North Carolina for supporting the Laurel since 2004!
In 2016, The North Georgia Arts Guild realized its longheld dream of providing scholarships for talented high school seniors who wished to continue their study of art in college. Scholarships have been awarded every year since, with the exception on 2022. The scholarship fund is mainly supported by the guild’s premier art festival, which, up through 2021, was “Celebrate Clayton.” Due to the switch from “Celebrate Clayton” to “Sassafras Art and Artisan Market,” there was no festival in 2022. In 2023, the guild welcomed and celebrated their new festival Sassafras and continued the tradition of awarding scholarships. To date, the guild has awarded thirty-three scholarships and $33,000.
In addition to the festival itself, a raffle is held during the festival for the opportunity to win one of two beautiful canvas totes, hand painted by two of the guild’s talented artists. These totes are filled with pieces of original art donated by the guild members. Tee shirts are also sold to raise money for the scholarships. These tee shirts feature the art of Celia Durand and Paula Van Huss. A scholarship was also named in honor of Celia and Paula, as well as Rodney Roe and Rennie Davant, all beloved and long-standing guild members who have passed away.
Guild President Randy Sells stated, “The longtime goal of an art scholarship program was realized with the first three scholarships awarded in 2016. From the beginning, our members supported fundraising efforts, donating their time and original artwork. We are so proud of the 33 talented students who have been awarded NGAG Art scholarships. I am confident each can achieve success in their chosen field and pass on the rich traditions of art and crafts to future generations.”
Much thought and work went into the forming of the criteria and guidelines for the scholarships. In 2015, the board decided this was definitely something the guild wanted to do and was able to do because of the guild sponsored festival. When volunteers were being recruited to form a committee to create criteria and guidelines, Carolyn Hill, a retired educator, immediately volunteered. Tricia Moore, a retired art teacher, joined her, and not long afterwards, Jo Mitchell, a retired
The scholarship winners for 2024 include the following:
Sophia Moore, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Art Teacher, Terri Manoogian, awarded The Celia Durand Memorial Scholarship, to attend Emerson College, Boston, MA to study cinematography.
Victoria Darnell, Rabun County High School, Art Teacher Amy Jarrard, The Paula Van Huss Memorial Scholarship to attend SCAD, Savannah GA to study video animation.
Ryleigh Brotherton, Rabun County High School, Art Teacher
Amy Jarrard, The Rennie Davant Memorial Scholarship to attend University of North Georgia, Gainesville GA to study Art Education.
Molly Mitchell, Tallulah Falls School, Art Teacher Stephanie Steufer, The Rodney Roe Memorial Scholarship to attend University of North Carolina, Charlotte NC to study architecture.
Guild members were privileged to view a presentation of their artwork at NGAG meeting held Thursday, April 16.
Previous winners of the scholarships include:
journalist and book author, joined the committee. Present members of the committee include Penny Bradley as Committee Chairman, Kathy Beehler, and Dietrich Hoecht. In addition to the $1,000 scholarship award, each recipient receives hardcover sketchbook with an encouraging quote. This year’s quote was by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. “Practicing art no matter how good or badly is fuel for the soul. So do it!”
Jessica Durand, Benjamin Guevera, Olivia Leviton, and Moranel Gober in 2016
Julliane Harrod, Heather Geovino in 2017
Autumn Raye Dixon, Kelly Nix, Keilani Shaw, Aldora Wang, Zack Zhou in 2018
Camille Magoogian, Elizabeth Walrod, Olivia Travolacci in 2019
Sophie Baiso, Sarah Decker, Brendalyn Welch in 2020
Chandler Hensley, Abby Thompson, Mary Isabelle Martin, Timurs Grigorjans, Oluwatomison Sarumi in 2021
Rebecca Ramey, Abigail Carver, Ruichen (Sarah) Zhang, Kailyn Neal, Autumn Smith, Zoey Townsend, Ella Loveland in 2023
North Georgia Arts Guild looks forward to continuing the tradition of awarding scholarships to deserving art students. Through your support of the Sassafras festival and purchasing the guild tee shirts with the beautiful art of Celia Durand and Paula Van Huss, the guild can do this. The tee shirts can currently be purchased at the guild booth at Butler’s Gallery on Main Street.
Tricia Moore is a retired teacher, having taught both English and Art in public and private school settings. She is currently an active member of the NGAG and has held several positions on the board. With her background in both art and writing, she feels that writing the NGAG featured artist article in the Laurel of Northeast Georgia is a good fit and something that she will greatly enjoy doing.
eep the fun going after the Independence Day celebrations! Bring the family and join us at the Painted Fern Art Festival. Enjoy air-conditioned comfort in the Civic Center Ballroom while shopping for original artwork created by the talented members of the North Georgia Arts Guild and other regional artists. Painted Fern showcases the many and varied talents of the guild’s members with work as unique as the artists artisans who created it. At Painted Fern you can buy paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, wearable fiber, mosaics, sculpture, collage and much more. Whether looking for the perfect gift or something special for yourself. You’ll find it at the Painted Fern Art Festival!
Be sure to stop by the NGAG Bake Sale in the lobby. Not only are we talented artists, we’re good cooks, too! Pick-up something sweet or savory and decidedly yummy you’re sure to enjoy. Bake sale treats are donated by Members and Good Friends. All proceeds from the sale fund the NGAG Art Scholarship Program. The program was established in 2015 to award $1000 art scholarships to high school seniors who will pursue their art in college. As of the 2024 class, NGAG has awarded art scholarships to 33 talented students graduating from high schools in Rabun and Habersham counties.
Also, in the lobby is the “ART for a BUCK!” drawing. This year we are offering you the opportunity to take home an original piece of art created by an Art Guild artist for only a buck! Tickets are $1 or 6 for $5. All proceeds from the drawing fund NGAG Art Scholarships.
Interested in becoming a member of the North Georgia Arts Guild member? Check us out at NorthGeorgiaArtsGuild.com where you’ll find all the benefits of membership. NGAG presents 10 monthly art programs, two art festivals each year, pop-up art shows, on-line member galleries, rotating member exhibits at Butler Galleries, and more. It’s all happening in downtown Clayton, Ga.
Painted Fern Art Festival is presented annually the second weekend in July at the Rabun County Civic Center in Clayton, Saturday 10 – 5 and Sunday 10 – 4. For details and the list of exhibiting artists, visit NorthGeorgiaartsGuild.com
GREY FOX TRAIL - WATERFALL CLUB W/ LAKE ACCESS
4BR/4FB/2HB
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ROAD, LAKE BURTON
Thank you to Reeves in Clayton, Georgia for supporting the Laurel since 2003!
Nestled amidst the serene waters of Lake Burton, our community is blessed with abundant natural beauty. Each moment spent here is a cherished opportunity to indulge in the joys the lake bestows upon us—precious family time, boating, fishing, swimming, and fun with friends. Yet, amidst these delights, what truly binds us together as a vibrant community? This question sparked the inception of the Summer Vibes Concert series in 2020.
The concerts began with a wild idea to bring performers onto the water. Henry Stubbs played his cello on a pontoon boat, the rich, full sound of the instrument echoing across the calm lake – a calming, sublime experience that inspired the creation of a series of concerts on Lake Burton.
Sponsored by the Lake Burton Civic Association (LBCA), the Summer Vibes concerts have become an annual tradition. They feature various music genres and showcase local talent and musicians from around Georgia and the Southeast.
The LBCA is excited to announce the 2024 Summer Vibes Concert Series lineup, set to take place on five Saturday evenings throughout the summer and early fall.
The series kicked off on May 25 with a performance by singer-songwriter Mark Eskew. On June 15, the popular local band The Holdouts will take the “stage” (or, rather, the boathouse). A Rolling Stones tribute act, Tattoo You, is scheduled for June 29, while the July 27 concert will feature the folk group Common Ground. Closing out the series on September 1 will be the country/rock group Son of Sailors.
All concerts begin at 7 pm and last between one to two hours, allowing audiences plenty of time to enjoy the music and the scenic beauty of Lake Burton before navigating home as dusk settles in.
“The LBCA Summer Vibes Concert Series is one of the highlights of the summer season,” said LBCA President Elizabeth Gill. “We love that all of Rabun County attends; some by pontoon, ski boat, fishing boat, and some by canoe and paddle boards! You can’t beat the backdrop of the mountains, lake, and a starry night with great music.”
The concerts are free and open to the public. The only requirement is access to a boat to reach the various performance locations scattered around the lake. The LBCA works to select boathouses that offer calm water, good acoustics, and easy access.
“We serve all the lake areas, scouting out the best spots to ensure everyone can enjoy the shows,” Jef Fincher, LBCA Concert Chair, explained. “Of course, with outdoor events, we are at the mercy of summer weather, so we’ll be monitoring the forecast and making any necessary cancellation decisions by 6 pm on concert days.”
The LBCA encourages attendees to check the organization’s website (lbca.net/events) and social media channels for the latest concert location updates and weather-related changes.
The LBCA Summer Vibes Concerts embody a celebration of community spirit intertwined with the natural splendor of Lake Burton. Here, music transcends boundaries, stirring the soul and enriching the lakeside experience. So gather your companions, embark upon your vessels, and unite with us for an unparalleled odyssey of Summer Vibes!
June 1 | Lake Safety Day
June 15 | Summer Vibes Concert, The Holdouts
June 22 | Tour of Homes**
June 29 | Summer Vibes Concert, Tattoo You (The Rolling Stones)
July 6 | Fun Run*
July 6 | Fireworks*
July 7 | Children’s Independence Day Celebration**
July 7 | Ski Patriots
July 13 | Annual Member Dinner and Meeting**
July 27 | Summer Vibes Concert, Common Ground
Sept 1 | Summer Vibes Concert, Son of Sailors
Oct 18 | Golf Tournament**
*Not LBCA sponsored events
**LBCA Members Only Events
Now open!
Rabun Social – Clayton’s own Sushi restaurant Soul Intention –
Art Gallery – A deep calling to your highest self.
North Georgia Catering Company – formerly the Soda Fountain
The Farmstead Market – High quality farm products
Clipper Petroleum – Gas & Market
Burrito Loco – Fresh Southwest Grill
Coming Soon!
Idle + Wild – Opening June
The Vandiver in the Bridge Creek Inn
Henri’s – Opening Summer 2024
Congratulations to our award winning businesses from the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce:
Reeves Hardware – Big Business of the Year & Best Family Owned Business
Madison’s on Main – Best Online Business
Friends American Grill – Best New Business
“Everyone has a story belonging to the chronology of an era. Some of those stories will be told, many will not. Some are about success and failure, while others are about suffering and pain. Each story is performed before the mirror of life; that is our reflective allusion. We can step neither through this mirror nor around it or leave the dais of this perfor mance. Finally, we will be permitted to take the ultimate step into infinity. There even the vague reflections of those who have been unheard in the past will sound out for all eternity.” Don Nich olson from “Moonshine Makes Corn Grow”.
From the moment you meet Don Nicholson, you know that you are meeting someone with an enor mous spirit, a rich history, and a tremendous intel lect. But you also feel an almost immediate sense of warmth that seems to emanate from him. His eyes still twinkle, especially in the presence of the lady to whom I can only refer to as his sweetheart (aka his wife Linda). His voice cracks a little, but for a man of his age, he remains sturdy. And when you start to hear his story, you realize how truly remarkable he is and what an amazing life he’s had.
Don’s grandparents were from the town of Burton, but when they were forced to relocate in order to create Georgia Power’s Lake Burton, they moved to Clarkesville (where he still lives with Linda) and became sharecroppers. In 2013, Don wrote and published the book referenced above and it is a stirring, poignant, and retrospective narrative history of his family, and much of North Georgia. It is no longer being printed, but the Nicholsons were kind enough to share a digital version with me in order to help understand his story, and I shall always consider myself honored to receive such a wonderful
Mister Nicholson is also United States Air Force Staff Sergeant (retired) Nicholson, a veteran of the Korean War. He was drafted into the USAF in 1952, the infancy of the new branch established by the NDAA in 1947. He served on active duty from 1953-1957, beginning as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (bomb tech), but later became a chemical warfare trainer, and spent time in Korea, Lowry AFB (near Denver, Colorado), Lackland AFB (San Antonio, Texas), and Portugal. Given the nature of his work, he was given a Top-Secret security clearance, something that he remains
proud of to this day. Don’s family has a rich history of military service, including three of his uncles, all of whom were World War II veterans. His uncle Lonnie (LB) Nicholson served with General Patton and saw extensive combat action on the European continent. Roscoe Nicholson is a distant cousin of Don’s and was a surveyor and conservationist as well as the first forest ranger from Georgia (born in Pine Mountain).
Don separated from the USAF in 1957 and began a series of adventures that included what he refers to as ‘roaming’ around the western United States, and time spent in the field of being a pipefitter (at the behest of a Colonel he had served with in the Air Force), and later a police officer in Clarkesville and an Administrator with Habersham County. Don’s stories are priceless. He is sometimes frustrated that his vocabulary isn’t as readily at his disposal as in his younger years, but he is the consummate storyteller, and undoubtedly a living North Georgia treasure. Coincidentally, the nexus of the Nicholsons to Rabun County isn’t limited to Don’s family. It turns out that Linda’s great, great, great grandfather was none other than William Gillespie, so her roots in Rabun are strong as well, but being the graceful and dedicated lady she is, would not comment further, as she preferred to talk about Don and his life.
One of Don’s favorite stories is to tell of Jeremiah Burton, from one of the founding families, and a man of many talents and roles. As Mike Maffett and I sat in their living room several weeks ago, we were awestruck with his recollections which exemplify oral history.
Don Nicholson passed over at 4 AM on Memorial Day with Linda by his side. She read him a draft of this article a few days in advance as he had been recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. His legacy will endure.
Mike’ had this to say after our visit: “Although Don was born in Clarkesville, his ancestors, grandfather, and great grandfather were from the lost town of Burton, now submerged under Lake Burton. When the first land lots were distributed via the land lottery of 1821, the junction of Timpson and Dick’s Creeks and the Tallulah River were quickly taken, in that the agrarian economy of those distant times focused on flat, well-watered, and tillable land. The community that was there for a century before the lake filled in 1920 was never incorporated, but at the time of its demise had a population of about 200. In 1880, the community was called Powellville after a founding family, but the Powells moved on to Alabama, and around 1890 the name changed to Burton on existing maps.
The second name came from Jeremiah Burton (1814?-1902), the settlement’s first postmaster. Like many who settled here, he moved up from South Carolina. No pictures remain of Jeremiah, but there is one of his son, John M. Burton, a Civil War veteran. The Burton family at one time owned 1,000 acres in the valley of the Tallulah.
In speaking to Don Nicholson, he recalled that his grandfather remembered Jeremiah! He related with a chuckle that Jeremiah was an eccentric sort of fellow, and dressed in overalls, a Fedora, and went barefooted. Don was the only person I have met that had any lore concerning the town’s namesake.
Starting in 1912, the 65 families in the valley sold their land to the Georgia Railroad and Power Company (later the Georgia Power Company) for what was said to be top dollar. Most of the families moved south to Habersham County. It is said John Burton never got over selling his land.” Michael Maffett has written extensively on the history of Lake Burton in his book Our Southern Eden*.
Don is in the twilight of his life now, and he has met that eventuality with the same class, determination, and spirit that he has every other harsh reality in his life; with dignity, a warm smile, and a desire to build relationships with people. While it may be near his time to report to St. Peter for his next assignment and transition to storytelling with the angels, I hope you’ll take a moment to consider that the most amazing thing in our lives are the people we meet, and joining in their stories. Don’s story is one that spans time, distance, and circumstance, but remains constant with his charm, humility, and morality. In my humble opinion, someone ought to award his family a key to Burton City. Instead of being bitter, he is sweet, and you can sense that from the moment you shake that firm hand.
*Our Southern Eden is available for purchase at Butler Galleries or The Farmhouse Market at Lake Burton. The book, written by Michael Maffett is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Lake Burton or Rabun County History.
When Tina Anzo embarked on her journey as a REALTOR® in 2017, she was filled with a blend of excitement and determination. Surrounding herself with seasoned professionals, she swiftly secured her first sale on Lake Burton, a community she calls home in Rabun County. When first moving to the lake, Tina and her husband, Peter Anzo, restored LaPrades’ Marina, fostering strong relationships with lake residents. Their friends were their neighbors and their neighbors became friends.
Referring to Lake Burton as “Our Little Slice of Heaven,” Tina and Peter understood the value of seizing new opportunities and decided to remain in the place they had grown to love. Real estate was a natural choice for Tina and has proven to be an excellent match for her astute skills. With 107 transactions in 7 years, Tina treats every listing, whether a $47,000 lot or a $4,000,000 lake home, with the same meticulous attention and dedication. Her ability to make the process seamless and enjoyable ensures a mutually beneficial outcome for all involved.
Reviews like this one are a testament to Tina’s unwavering commitment to customer service and her deep-rooted passion for Rabun County. Her stellar reputation for integrity, professionalism, persistence, and passion has established her as one of the leading agents and a luxury home specialist with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Clayton, Georgia.
In her leisure time, Tina enjoys quality moments with her daughters, Jenny and Alexis, son-in-law Brent, and adored grandchildren, Theo, Lucas, and Georgia. Her diverse interests include yoga, hiking, boating, kayaking, and culinary pursuits. Attending “Boat Church” on Lake Burton with Peter provides her with the revitalization needed to embark on another fulfilling week of serving others. Perhaps her client is right and Tina Anzo is the REALTOR® for you. To reach Tina please call
404-964-2363 or e-mail tina.anzo@gmail.com.
One of her clients, Rafi Schwartz, left this review: We were introduced to Tina through a friend who used Tina to find their lake cabin and were quite explicit in our long list of wants: flat lot, not more than 2500 sqft, etc. Tina took it all in with a smile and over the next 2½ years was an amazing companion and guide in our search for our Happy Place. We probably saw 8-10 properties and discussed at least another 10-12 and in each occasion, Tina was the professional we contracted for the job as well as the friend that guided our search. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe how well she does her job and how comfortable and as frictionless as possible she makes the journey. If you are looking for a consummate and knowledgeable professional with a radiating smile, Tina is the one!”
It’s All About the View, Says Georgia Window Coverings
“The magic of the window is not in itself, but in the view it shows outside!”
So says self-styled philosopher Mehmet Murat Ildanm, who obviously must have been inspired by the mountain views and placid lakeside vistas so prevalent in northeast Georgia. His sentiment, about both windows and views, is one that Chris and Terri Goethe not only understand, they heartily endorse. So much so, they were led to open Georgia Window Coverings.
Thanks to repeated customer demand for quality window coverings through their Angel Oak Design business in Toccoa, Georgia, Chris launched the newest business four years ago. Angel Oak Design is an Atlanta quality home design center, and his business is adjacent to the original business, and functions as a part of the business he and Terri opened seven years ago.
After researching the field of options, the decision was made to make Hunter-Douglas window coverings conveniently available to their customers, and the business was launched. Chris explains that there were several compelling reasons to bring the Hunter-Douglas brand to northeast Georgia and the adjacent Carolinas. Among them, was the fact that the manufacturer has one hundred years of business experience, and Hunter-Douglas products are made in factories in the United States. What’s more, their products carry a limited lifetime warranty.
“Northeast Georgia is famous for its breathtaking mountain vistas and pristine lake and water views,” Chris says. “Throughout this region, there are many homes that were built to take advantage of those views. The last thing anyone wants is to block those tapestries crafted by Mother Nature with window coverings.” Here again, this is where Georgia Window Coverings comes to the rescue, thanks to the extensive range of products Hunter-Douglas offers.
Chris can offer his customer all manner of styles and functions, including motorization, room brightening and darkening models, light enhancing and energy efficient options. There’s also top down and bottom up treatments, coverings that emphasize child safety, and even door coverings.
In the 3,500 square foot gallery showroom located at 147 N. Pond Street in Toccoa, twenty-four different Hunter-Douglas displays give customers an idea of the variety of products Chris can provide for their homes. What’s more, he has the full support resources of
the brand behind him, and this ability to answer a need has resonated with customers locally, on Lake Hartwell, Lake Burton, and even as far north as Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina.
When you’re doing business with Chris and Terri, you’re dealing with local folks. Terri is a native of Toccoa, and while Chris is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, later from Atlanta, he’s adopted Stephens County as his forever home. Especially after he discovered Lake Hartwell and his blood pressure adjusted downward considerably. “I used to be known as a ‘water baby’,” he says and chuckles, as he references his coastal upbringing. He goes on to explain that he always believed that his Creator lived at the lake, and now he gets his water fix on a regular basis. He’s found his peace.
He and Terri are excited about what’s happening in Stephens County today, as it continues to come out of the kinks caused by various factors and exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, which saw many from the Atlanta area seek safe shelter in Toccoa. They’re especially excited about the rebirth of the original downtown area that continues at a steady pace. Chris speaks of a specialty butcher shop scheduled to open soon, and mentions other businesses that have recently opened.
Their original business, Angel Oak Design, was brought to life when Terri, in the process of furnishing their remodeled home, was driving to Greenville and Atlanta to find the distinctive furnishings and decorative accessories she wanted. As she listened to those talking in the community, she realized others were as frustrated as she was.
Believing that Toccoa needed more retail businesses downtown to entice shoppers to come downtown, Terri, who is AKBD certified, and Chris decided to do something to benefit buyers and the town alike. Angel Oak Design was born. Terri says, “If we can take a house and create a home where those who live there long to be there, and those who visit long to come back, then we’ve achieved the ultimate success.” She’s ready to sell a candle for a quick gift, and she’s equally ready to assist you to furnish a single room or your entire house.
So when she saw the need for a wide selection of quality window coverings, Terri dispatched Chris to meet that need. Four years later, there’s a top-notch professional solution to covering northeast Georgia windows for privacy, without blocking out the views that make these homes so special.
ugene Naughton is an amazing leader. His servant’s heart has him hiding in plain sight, running one of the most amazing amusement parks in America.
If you’ve never been to Dollywood, go!! I tell friends it’s like an outdoor Cracker Barrel.
Warm, cozy, and inviting.
Although I’m 64, I absolutely love roller coasters.
The faster and taller the better.
But the rides are only a part of this country cookin’ recipe. The family atmosphere, real on-site artisans demonstrating their skills, like leatherwork, blacksmithing, glassblowing, and cinnamon roll creations. There is a country church smack in the middle of all the park fun. There are live concerts inside and on the porch of the chapel. But the chapel has a real chaplain and worship services happen each Sunday in Dollywood. There is no other park in the world with a park pastor and active chapel.
Eugene Naughton reminds me of Tim McGraw’s Humble and kind. He’s the top boss at the park and President of Dollywood Company. We visited in his office and he pulled the curtain back on why Dollywood is so massively successful. He spends time with Dolly and guarantees her heart and vision pour into every nook and cranny of the park like warm icing flowing over a cinnamon roll. Within minutes of hanging out with him I realized why Dolly and the Herschend family onboarded Eugene.
He is passionate about listening to his team of nearly four thousand park and resort hosts by blending into the crowd of guests.
“It is the number one way I find out all the ideas we need to focus on from an improvement perspective,” Eugene says. “I think a lot of leaders make the mistake of focusing on ‘what we do’. Not many leaders focus on ‘why we do what we do’. That’s key to how I lead.”
The park opened on May 3, 1986. Much has changed since then.
If you enjoy live music, really good live music, Dollywood is where you need to be. You can sit on a bench on a sparkling clean main street and soak in the bluegrass from street
performers or take in full stage performances at the many venues thoughtfully located all over the place.
A highlight for us is the steam locomotive carrying guests back in time and back up in a mountain holler.
And yes, Dolly still shows up to see her guests and love on the workers. Catching her there must be an amazing moment.
“You’re not going to find an over commercialization of brands across the Dollywood Parks and Resorts campus. It’s just not who we are. It doesn’t support who we want to be, and that’s America’s best family destination. When guests come here, we want them to feel the authenticity of being a part of the Great Smoky Mountains. We pay great attention to not only the beautiful surrounding of where we live, but also Dolly Parton wrote 3,200 songs about the Smoky Mountains and it’s near and dear to her heart.”
I must admit, getting to sit and listen to Eugene and his Director of Public Relations, Wes Ramey, is like being at a retreat guided by corporate leadership experts. They understand people, market dynamics, guest relations, and remaining relevant in the amusement marketplace.
As for our family, we love being season ticket holders. I was so amazed and smitten by this place, I simply had to meet the folks at the top. They were gracious and kind, allowing me several hours to hear their story, their vision and the ‘why’ which drives them.
Eugene guided the entire Six Flags organization and many others before being recruited to Dolly’s dream.
The park hosts are authentic. The men and women working at this mountain destination truly seem happy to be there and eager to make your experience simply the best.
Behind the scenes, Dollywood funds seventy five percent of the area’s food bank budget. They host Blue Ribbon awards luncheons where park hosts are celebrated for being… nice to guests. Eugene caught wind of a worker heading to the park for his shift on public transportation who overheard a family’s conversation about how tight money was for them. The host pulled out a personal complimentary day pass from his backpack and gave it to the family. The parents passed along their gratitude, ultimately resulting in Eugene celebrating the park hero’s compassion.
I love this place.
There’s a museum in the park which tells Dolly’s life story. Her siblings helped design an exact replica of the one room home young Dolly and their entire large family lived in.
Transforming a vision into reality is tricky. Transferring that passion from your brain into the hearts of folks entrusted to design and finance your dream can be harder than summiting Mount Le Conte. Yet Dolly has achieved that goal by allowing folks like Eugene, Wes, and the women and men on their team to steward her living fantasy.
The park is super clean. The family vibe warms your heart like live bluegrass music wafting through the canopy of trees. There are even rescued eagles you can observe in a massive refuge.
There is also a Wild Eagle roller coaster you simply must fly. The Lightning Rod coaster is also a must rush. The food in the park is as good as grandma’s.
Dollywood is a short drive, just over two hours.
Our preferred route is heading north on Highway 441, through Cherokee, and then up and over Newfound Gap in the Great Smokies, through Gatlinburg.
Join the more than 3 million guests who annually visit the 1,200 acres. Go soak up the joy, the live music, the adrenaline, the yumminess, the crafts made on-site, the fun, the train. Stay at Dolly’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort. Play at the Splash Country water park. Most importantly, feel the kindness of Dolly’s heart.
See you on the trail.
Mark and Carol Holloway are outdoor adventurers and love the thrills of rock climbing and hikes to waterfalls and exploring all of God’s creation. They own PropertyStewards.com and are passionate about delivering excellent care to the homes and property of their clients. For More Information call 706-949-5937
It is wedding week for my beautiful daughter, Kendall, and her man, Benjamin (BJ) McCauley. We are so excited to celebrate this love match.
Kendall and BJ met on a summer job just after graduation from college. Kendall was returning from Georgia Southern, and BJ was fresh out of culinary school. They developed a great friendship over the next few months of working together. Soon, the friendship developed into dating and now into marriage.
Our family is so happy to be adding BJ. He is kind, intelligent, hard-working, and he LOVES my daughter. You can see it in how he looks at and talks to her. The two of them are always together. It is hard to get Kendall to agree to do anything that takes her away from BJ for very long. As they prepare for their wedding, I am happy to know they are best friends and never want to be apart.
Without a doubt, Baby Girl loves him. She talks about him in every conversation when he is not with us. She tells me what he says, what he thinks, and what he cooks! Oh, did I mention BJ is a marvelous chef?
I know that BJ’s family is equally excited about the wedding and gaining Kendall as a new daughter in love, and they should be! Baby Girl is a wonderful young woman. She is a “doer.” She is smart, creative, and a seriously hard worker. She has an integral sense of values and always expects the best from everyone around her. She always helps others and has a big heart for those in need.
BJ’s Mom, Angie, has been essential to the wedding plans. She has made her love for BJ and Kendall a shining beacon throughout the planning. I am thrilled that Kendall is going to have wonderful in-laws. That is a blessing! Kendall already feels at home with them. BJ has two grandmothers that Kendall loves. She thinks she won the grandmother lottery! Kendall is easy to love and will be an excellent addition to the McCauley clan.
The wedding day will truly be a celebration as we share the joy of uniting these two young people and our families!
The kids came to my house tonight to work on the wedding to-do lists, and BJ and I cooked supper. He made Blackened Shrimp and Fettucine Alfredo. I cooked broccolini and made a salad with fresh lettuce from the garden. It was delicious!
Let me tell you how Chef BJ made his Blackened Shrimp and Alfredo sauce: Place your fettucine in boiling, salted water and cook al dente, following package directions and times. For the shrimp, begin by drying the raw shrimp with a couple of paper towels and sprinkling them with a layer of blackening seasoning. In a heavy skillet, melt 3T of unsalted butter and bring to high heat. As the butter begins to brown, add the shrimp in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning as you see the translucent shrimp becoming opaque. Remove to a warm plate to hold.
For the Alfredo sauce, melt 1/2 C butter. Add 1-2T of finely minced garlic. Allow garlic to cook in the butter for 1-2 minutes. Add 2 C of heavy cream and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer until reduced. Add 1.5 C of grated parmesan cheese and whisk in until sauce is thickened and creamy. Serve over the al dente fettucine and top with the shrimp.
Broccolini has become one of my favorite green vegetables. Sam’s Club sells large bags, and I buy a couple every visit. To prepare it, trim the end of the stems and any solid leaves off. In a heavy skillet, add 1/4 C of olive oil. Thinly slice 2-3 garlic cloves. Add garlic, 2 tsp of kosher salt, and 1 tsp of crushed red pepper to the oil and heat over medium-low heat until the garlic begins to brown. Remove the garlic and hold it to add to the dish later.
Add the broccolini spears and turn the heat up to medium. Toss the spears, allowing them to brown a little. Continue to cook and toss for another 8-10 minutes, or place them in a hot oven under the broiler until they are tender and somewhat browned. Add the garlic cloves back in before serving.
We had a marvelous supper tonight and enjoyed the time together. Kendall told us that fettucine alfredo was the first dish that BJ cooked for her, so it is a special favorite of hers.
The anticipation of the weekend is building, as are the concerns over ensuring the details are correct. We know it may rain (as it has rained every Saturday this month), and it may not all be perfect, but we will gather our two families and the kids’ best friends and make this wedding a reality. We will speak the scriptures and the vows. We will pray, eat a lot, dance a little, and start these two wonderful young people off in a great way in their marriage. And that, my friends, is the goodie in life!
Say a prayer for my children as they begin their lives together. Pray that God will bless them with contentment in their marriage and that they will honor him in their daily lives together.
May God bless each of you with a productive and joyful Summer!
Lorie Thompson is a REALTOR at Poss Realty in Clayton, Georgia. Her expertise in her industry is second only to her culinary talents. Lorie is a dynamo in the kitchen. Honestly if she prepares it, it will likely be the best you’ve ever had! Lorie and her husband, Anthony (Peanut), make their home in the Persimmon Community. She is the proud mother of Joe Thompson and Kendall.
Shout Out !
Thank you to Hillside Orchard Farms for supporting the Laurel since 2003
With summer upon us, many are ready for recreation and some hopeful rest from the labors of work. We pursue our favorite mode of recreation and relaxation. My family and I love to go camping with friends. There is nothing better than escaping the beckoning call of the cell phone and email to enjoy the creation with my wife and kids. We discover ourselves desiring and looking to the next period of alleviation from work and ministry. You could say that we savor it. Nothing beats the feeling of satisfactory rest that is earned by hard work. Unfortunately, the reason most people pursue a period of rest during the summer is to appease built-up stress, steam, or frustration. We also seek this appeasement in the daily or weekly flow of our lives. You may enjoy reading a good book, playing tennis, working out or hiking. But what really brings the picture of appeasement from the stress of the world more than a bubble bath or the soothing aroma of BBQ?
Moms, I know some of you look forward to nothing more than that soothing bubble bath, with bath bombs, candles, and silence. It is a pleasing, relaxing experience for you. Hopefully, you come out rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever you face next. Dads, you’re probably craving the fragrant aroma of BBQ. There is just something about smoked, juicy, fall off the bone ribs that have been prepared to perfection. The experience is near heavenly. Both these experiences have a way of helping us to forget, for a moment, the stress of life.
Did you know that God the Father has a similar experience? From the time of the fall of man, God the Father also sought an appeasement. He sought appeasement not from the daily grind, but for His wrath against sin. Let me make this clear. It is not as though the Father entered a millennial long search, trying things that ultimately didn’t work, finally happening upon the one efficacious appeasement of His wrath. No, the Father was preparing a people to realize that only one, perfect sacrifice could appease His wrath against our sin. We needed to realize that we could not soothe God. Only the death of Jesus can soothe God’s wrath against our sin. This is the most profound thing God could have possibly done and is the core of the Gospel. The apostle John put it this way: “In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and
sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (LSB, 1 John 4:10)
Where is this appeasement spoken of? The appeasement of God’s wrath is rooted in the word propitiation. Many have incorrectly translated this word to be the mercy seat. This is the place where propitiation occurs. Rather propitiation comes about by the atonement which is the sprinkling of blood on the mercy seat. The idea harkens back to the pleasing aroma of Noah’s sacrifice, and is carried through the Old Testament into the New Testament, appearing there first at Jesus’ baptism. The Father clearly communicated that in His son He is well pleased. Sacrifice is always a satisfaction of God’s righteous requirement.
There are some key differences between our appeasement and that of God’s. But the idea of a soothing aroma that appeases or satisfies His wrath is consistent. The chief difference is the extent of the appeasement. We experience but a temporary appeasement. We step back into the real world and find our problems are still there, and we are looking to the next bubble bath or rack of ribs. But, with the propitiation of Jesus, the appeasement is eternal. In Christ, God is eternally appeased for our sins. In Jeremiah 31:34 God says, “I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (LSB).
So, next time you’re enjoying the satisfaction of the bubble bath or the soothing aroma of the perfect ribs, remember that is how the Father feels in the propitiation of His Son. His wrath against my sin is set to ease in the pouring out of the blood of Jesus. If you are in Christ, fret not at the wrath of God, for Christ’s blood has brought appeasement on your behalf.
Will Griffin is the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Digital Ministries at Clayton Baptist Church. He and his wife Ashley have had the privilege to grow up and serve in Rabun County, where they are raising their two girls. You can contact Will at will@claytonbaptistchurch.com
MCINTOSH
Early spring has come and gone here in the mountains of north Georgia, but it’s just getting started if you go higher up. With that in mind, we’re going farther north, up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a nice short hike up to Waterrock Knob. The peak of the mountain is 6,292 feet above sea level and is accessed via a short but sometimes steep trail from the very nice parking area. The parking area/visitor’s center is at 5,719 feet, just for reference. (There are restrooms here as well, just so you know.) There is an observation area with views to the west just 2/10 mile up the paved portion of the trail. I think the best views are just a bit further up the trail, but see what you think. And if you don’t feel like walking at all, the views from the parking lot are stunning. You can see to the west and to the southeast and there are information placards here naming the mountains in your view. There are picnic tables here, also. Should you choose to hike to the top, that’s fine, but the views from the top are okay at best, not great. And it’s only a half a mile to the top. Waterrock Knob is at milepost 451.2, 18 miles from the southern end of the parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We access the parkway from Hwy 74 between Sylva and Waynesville. It’s 8.2 miles from Hwy 74 to the parking area with lots of overlooks along the way to stop and check out these amazing mountains. And be sure to notice
the wildflowers blooming up high. At this altitude, like I said earlier, the flowers that have come and gone down here in Georgia are just getting started along the parkway. And you can return the way you came or continue down the parkway, 18 miles, to the intersection with Hwy 441, just north of Cherokee, NC. Happy hiking!
I won’t sing a tune but here’s my poem for June: For a nice summer adventure I have just the thing, Up high in North Carolina where it’s still early spring.
You see far distant ridges and lovely wildflowers, It’s a great way to spend a few summer hours.
Getting there: From the intersection of Hwy 441 and Hwy 23/64 in Franklin, turn right going north towards Sylva. Just past Dillsboro, bear to the right on Hwy 74 and continue up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. After cresting the ridgeline, the parkway entrance is on the left. Go west on the parkway 8.2 miles to the Waterrock Knob parking area/visitors center. It’s just over 33 miles from Franklin to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A road trip well worth taking!
To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com
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
For those who read my articles regularly, you can probably deduce that I have found a passion in growing flowers. I love every aspect of growing flowers, and I especially love to learn about (and trial) new-to-me flowers and plants. I also love to introduce all of you to flowers that you may or may not have heard of. Take for instance, allium. Have you ever heard of allium?
You may be familiar with members of the genus allium that are edible, like onions, leeks, garlic, and shallots, but I am referring to their more attractive cousins, ornamental allium. There are approximately 700 species of allium, many of which are not only grown by flower farmers, but can be grown in landscapes! They are splendid for naturalizing and grow best in rich, welldrained soil. Alliums range in height from around 12 to 18 inches all the way up to 3 feet tall!! They can add character to your landscape because of the shapes of their flowers and can add height for those of you who aim for visual interest in your landscapes and gardens. The secret to using them in your landscape is selecting the species that best suits your gardening desires: shorter varieties that grow in clumps or tall lanky ones that draw attention.
Alliums are grown from a bulb and are planted in the fall. Some bulbs are the size of a large pea and some are almost the size of tulips bulbs. They should be planted at a depth of 2 to 3 times the diameter of the bulb and they grow best in full sun. There is no need to dig the bulbs up every fall, but it is a good idea to consider digging and dividing every three or four years for any larger clumps that may have formed.
For my use in arrangements, I normally select tall varieties. I grow Purple Sensation, which is a purple ball about the size of a baseball or softball, miniature “sphaerocephalon,” which is also called “Drumsticks,” whose blooms are about this size of a thumb, and nectaroscordum, which have individual bell-shaped umbels that gracefully droop from atop tall, leafless stems. Nectaroscordum looks like something straight out of Tinkerbell’s garden.
Another plus associated with growing allium is the scent keeps deer, rodents and rabbits at a distance. I intermingled around 500 bulbs in between my peony plants with the specific plan to keep those rascals at bay. The
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
last plus (or is it plus, plus?), allium are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. So, for those of you who like to grow pollinator gardens, this is your sign to add allium to your garden!
I know it is a ways off, but I will be offering allium bulbs for sale again in the fall, so put a reminder on your calendar to check out our website so you can add this fun and entertaining flower to your own garden. It is an easy to grow win-win flower!
Taste of Scotland Festival | June 15, 2024 9 am – 5 pm
Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center
1436 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
Scottish Food, Music, Clan Parade, Highland Games Competition, Dancing, Border Collies, Crafters, Vendors and more. Scottish Culture for the Whole Family! For more information contact 252-474-7022.
Cowee Valley Pottery Festival | June 29, 2024 10 am – 3 pm
Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center
51 Cowee School Drive, Franklin, NC 28734
10th Annual Celebration for Cowee Pottery School. Browse the booths of Cowee Pottery potters, enjoy pottery demonstrations and tour their studios. Learn about techniques and even glaze your own pottery.
Indepenence Day Parade & Celebration | July 4, 2024
Downtown Franklin, North Carolina
11 am – 3 pm Parade, contests and inflatables for kids. Food court. At dark (Around 9:30 pm) Fireworks Over Franklin on the Highlands Road. Park and watch the fireworks show featuring 2500 shots!
Thank you to Bill’s Aluminum in Franklin, NC for supporting the Laurel since 2008!
Often, it’s the little things – architectural details and finishesthat make a specific house rise to the top of your list. Other times, it’s bigger things: layout, oversized rooms, a rocking chair front porch, or a front-row seat for sunrises and sunsets.
But with the home at 63 Smoky Mountain Lane in Clayton, buyers will get all of these perks in one fantastic package. If you’re age 55 or older, you absolutely must see this 2,004± square foot home built in 2015 on almost a half-acre of land. It’s in the running to be your new home.
But be prepared. When you see it, you’re going to want it. There’s just a whole lot of living possibility here, and it’s only a short, comfortable walk into downtown Clayton. This one level home inside a gated community is where serenity reigns supreme.
With three bedrooms and two and one-half baths, this custom built traditional Craftsman style home exudes tremendous curb appeal. The wow factor continues once you’re inside the spacious foyer that directs traffic flow throughout. An open concept kitchen merges effortlessly into a large dining area that overlooks the back yard, and the mountains beyond. Anchoring the other end of the massive space is the great room and its stone fireplace with flanking built-in cabinetry and shelves. A compact functional home office with built-in desk and cabinetry is adjacent.
Capping the entire vaulted great room ceiling is tongue and groove material in mellow honey tones. The spacious kitchen, an absolute chef’s delight, includes custom furniture quality cabinetry topped with granite, a walk-in pantry, and a full complement of stainless appliances. A breakfast bar within the island that houses the sink and dishwasher expands meal seating possibilities. A spacious screened porch opens off this area, and allows for both alfresco dining in comfort, or a chance to relax and read a good book or take a nap. A fenced back yard is directly off the porch.
The master retreat offers size and a tremendous amount of natural light, along with an en suite bath with oversize tile shower, double vanities, and a spacious walk-in closet. Two other bedrooms share a full bath, making for a comfortable experience for your guests.
A two-car garage and a spacious, practical laundry room with sink and more custom cabinetry completes the home. This property is not just a house; it’s a lifestyle choice for those seeking comfort, community, and convenience in a prime location. What’s more, owners will enjoy clubhouse access where varied social and fitness activities happen.
Contact Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Rosa Icela Carter, cell number 619-921-1796, to tour GMLS #10251599. You can also contact her at the Harry Norman office, 706-212-0228.
When it comes to checking all the boxes on a new home wish list, the property at 1091 Presshaven Hill Road in Lakemont, GA meets expectations you haven’t even considered. For starters, there’s the wooded, winding drive, and the interesting, eye-catching angles of the home’s exterior; a marriage of stone and timber frame that takes its inspiration from Mother Nature. The location on 1.88± acres is an estate-like, heavily-wooded site on a peninsula, with 500± feet of Lake Rabun water front. That’s another big box checked. Plus, there are great places for the kids to safely play, and you haven’t even gotten inside, yet!
The lake wraps three sides of this custom 4,448± square foot home. Built in 2002, it’s a well-established landmark property on the Rabun shoreline. With its manicured yard that slopes gently from the house to the stone seawall and a two-slip boathouse, it’s only natural that boating passersby take note of this spectacular home. And for the first time, ever, it can now be your spectacular home. Just imagine greeting your guests at your own dock, with your own custom warm welcome.
Thanks to the highly-desired setting, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom, two story home offers lake views from every room. Talk about bringing the outdoors inside with you! This lakefront get-away has been used as a year-round home for many years, so there are multiple “well thought-out” extras that come as a part of the package. This exceptional home comfortably accommodates your family and guests with room to spare.
You’ve got plenty of space for everyday living and gracious entertaining, thanks to the open kitchen and great room that opens to the screened porch with the same high vaulted ceiling as the great room. And check out the beautiful cypress great room ceiling. This house is “cabinet happy” throughout; closets and storage abound. The spacious, well-lit kitchen with an island, generous work space, hard surface counter tops, and a full complement of stainless appliances makes for delightful meal preparation. This is a great space for gathering and for great conversations. Floors throughout are hardwood, carpet and tile, all contributing to another custom aspect of this remarkable home.
There are 3 beautiful bedrooms and three baths on the main level, each with a lake view, a large bedroom area, and bath in each suite. There’s also a bonus room. Your guests will enjoy the spacious private area of the large 2-room suite at one end of the home. This area can be entered from within the main level or through a separate entrance, in case the schedules of the lake lives vary. The occupants of the owner’s bedroom also have a private porch, as an additional retreat. And if work is absolutely necessary, there’s an office where you
can toil comfortably. Then shut the door behind you and return to your lake life.
At the end of the day, it’s as much about what you don’t see: propane tanks for the kitchen range, porch grill and furnaces. whole house generator, triple dual HVAC systems, a security system, an insulated and ventilated “safe” room, as well as ample storage for yard equipment. The old-fashioned Hunter® fans, as well as generous outside parking, and the triple carport pre-wired for garage doors are more visible extras.
This truly is a one-of-a-kind property, and Poss Realty Broker/Agent Scott Poss is ready to show MLS # 10235881, and put you in your new home. The seller is a licensed Georgia Real Estate broker, and the home is shown by appointment only. Reach Scott by cell phone at 706490-2305 or at the office, 706-782-2121.
Thank you to Clayton Welding in Clayton, Georgia for supporting the Laurel since 2003!
The address, 633 Waterfall Drive in Clayton, is the first clue that this 5,846± square foot home holds exceptional possibilities.
Re-enforcing this first impression are the birds-eye views of championship golf greens below, and the picturesque waters of Lake Burton in the near distance. This European-inspired two-level home, sheathed with wood shakes, mountain stone, and craftsmanship, topped with a 50-year Da Vinci® slate composite roof, awaits the discerning buyer.
Outside and inside, this five bedroom, six bath mountain estate is distinguished by a level of design and finish that sets it above and apart from other homes. No cookie-cutter architectural philosophy here. Look no farther than century old ceiling beams, custom blacksmith-forged chandeliers, refined luxury finishes throughout, and discover how spectacular this home actually is. Factor in the owner’s ability to join Waterfall at Lake Burton to enjoy the club’s many amenities, and this exceptional property quickly becomes a “must-have” acquisition.
Completed in 2023, and situated on .87± acres, the property offers great potential for immediate occupancy, and for down the road as well. While the lower level has been completed, it’s waiting for the new owner to add the custom touches – their unique touch-
es – that make a house a true home. Three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two flex rooms, plus two storage rooms, and a second laundry room, and covered porch on this level drastically expand the livability footprint.
Meanwhile, there’s a level of luxury living just one floor up that is literally the stuff dreams are made of.
From the moment you enter the front foyer clad in whitewashed antique barn siding, and featuring a custom-crafted naturally finished pine ceiling, you sense the distinction. The great room, dining, and kitchen on the back half of the house continue the whitewashed paneling. A multitude of Marvin® windows, and pine floors; a perfect marriage of rustic elegance and top-of-the-line sophistication make this space special. A massive stone fireplace anchors the great room.
A covered open air living room runs much of the back side of the home, providing a front row seat to the picturesque Northeast Georgia mountains and their four-seasonal color exhibitions. Automatic wind shades that can withstand wind speeds up to 110 miles per hour, allow for increased use of this outdoor space. A masonry fireplace and a built-in Wolf® grill increase the entertaining potential.
The kitchen is equipped with solid wood cabinetry and Alexandria® quartzite countertops, top-of-the-line finishes and equipment, such as Wolf® and sub-zero appliances. Waterstone Wheel® Pulldown faucet and farmhouse sink set this home apart. A massive stone surround over the range echoes the fireplace in the great room, and anchors the kitchen space. A large walk-in pantry further increases the convenience factor.
Two primary bedroom suites anchor each end of the main level. Both feature en suite baths with double sinks, marble showers, water closets, and spacious walk-in closets. One of these suites includes the home’s third masonry fireplace. The office, immediately off the foyer, is clad in 12-inch heart pine paneling, and is trimmed with moldings milled on-site. A laundry room, control center for the expansive security and wi-fi systems, extensive pre-wiring for TVs, a 30kw Cummins® whole house generator, and dual HVAC systems add still more value to this exceptional Waterfall residence.
Waterfall at Lake Burton is only minutes from the many award-winning dining and shopping opportunities in downtown Clayton. Realtors®/Luxury Collection Specialist Evelyn Heald, with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties, is waiting to show this property, GMLS #10274810. Her cell number is 404372-5698. The agency has offices at 37 S. Main Street in Clayton, GA, 706-960-1941.
When Scott and April Phillips bought their property in Dillard, Georgia, and began searching for a builder, Rabun Builders was on their list. When Scott and April interviewed owners, Kurt and Cathy Cannon, they knew that RBI would build their home. The home situated on 10+ acres was built keeping the couple’s combined family in mind, which includes five adult children, spouses, and thirteen grandchildren. “I wanted a home big enough for all the kids and grandchildren to come and enjoy,” April said in a recent interview. Rabun Builder’s signature style can be seen but one of their greatest attributes is their ability to incorporate your vision to create your dream home.
While the home was under construction Scott and April lived in their motor home at Willow Valley RV Resort in Rabun Gap. Sam and Donna welcomed them and made them feel like part of the family. Eighteen months passed until they were ready to move into their gorgeous new home.
Once the home was completed and the porches were built,
the next step was to bring in Cathy Cannon, from Porch Living 24/7/365. She worked with them to design their outdoor living spaces with their innovative lightweight vinyl and screen panels. These products protect your porch from pollen, pests, wind, rain, or unwanted intrusions.
Porch Living is an authorized Sunspace dealer and for good reason. Sunspace offers horizontal and vertical vinyl window systems and acrylic patio covers. They come with options to meet the specific needs of each client while adding beauty and value to your home. April and Scott agree that they made an excellent choice when selecting their builder and Porch Living. The cherry on top is no doubt working with Clarissa Speed, the porch designer at PL. April says, “When I walked into their new showroom, I fell in love with everything they had. Clarissa’s touch is reflected in Porch Living’s retail space. Her sweet and easy nature make her a dream to work with.” April was amazed at how willing Clarissa was to listen to what she envisioned for her porch decor, even taking into consideration the things that Scott felt were important.” Scott said, “We built a home, enclosed our three porches, and have a beautiful welcoming outdoor living space but more than all of that, the Cannons and Clarissa became great friends.”
April shared this story that just demonstrates the caliber of people behind this company. “The house was almost done and our kids and grandchildren were coming up in January to celebrate Christmas with us. We had these little artificial pop-up trees we were going to put out to add some ‘Christmas’ to the house. Even though it wasn’t finished we wanted to celebrate here with our family. I was so disappointed that we couldn’t have a real tree. When Clarissa and Cathy heard about it, they came to my home with a 12’ tree fully decorated with ornaments from Porch Living’s Christmas collection. It was so beautiful and it made our first family Christmas in our new home even more special. We love our porch and our home so much!”
Porch Living is located at 1218 North Main Street in Clayton, Georgia. The showroom truly is remarkable and you will want it all! For more information please visit them online at www.porchliving247365.com or call 706-576-7276.
Trevor Davenport is a young man with a story like so many others. His life was challenging from the beginning. Trevor’s mom was unable to raise him and he was left with his grandparents. He was raised and loved by his grandparents whom he refers to as Mom and Dad. His biological father was not in the picture when he was growing up. Trevor’s relationship with his mother was and remains dysfunctional. He struggled with feelings of depression and anxiety throughout his childhood. After high school Trevor became a Certified Nursing Assistant working in a hospital. He loved his job and began making friends at work.
Even working in healthcare he was not aware of any resources available to him for Mental Health. Without these resources, Trevor’s depression and anxiety grew and unfortunately culminated in a psychotic break. His memories of the day are spotty at best but he shared with me what he could. Almost a year to the day since he was hired, Trevor went to work on a Saturday as he normally did. While there he recalls feeling as though everything was collapsing in on him. Everything felt very heavy and he struggled to make sense of what was reality. His co-workers found him in this state and placed him under a psychiatric hold. He was put in the only room the hospital had for psychiatric patients, at the time, and the door closed. In lucid moments he remembers feeling more alone than he had ever been. Law enforcement was called to transport Trevor to a dedicated mental health facility when a bed was located. He was handcuffed behind his back and put in the back seat of the car. He stated that he didn’t know what had happened or where he was going. He asked the officer if he could cuff him in the front and allow him to call his mom. He told her he didn’t know where he was going but he’d be gone for a while and he would make contact when he could.
Trevor was taken to a facility north of Atlanta, once there he was placed in the addiction ward because there were no beds available in the mental health hall. He remembers feeling heavily medicated and was kept there for three days. “I stayed to myself and tried my best to convince them that I was better so I could leave. It was very scary and I felt like I was in prison.” Trevor recalls. Because Rabun County had extremely limited mental health care opportunities, especially for low income families, he sought care at a free clinic in a neighboring county. This was not beneficial to Trevor and he went to see a doctor and was prescribed medications and a referral to a Psychiatrist who diagnosed him with Schizoaffective Disorder. Continuing care with this provider was not an option since Trevor could not work therefore unable to afford care.
When Dr. Amanda Pileski opened Georgia Mountain Psychological Associates, Trevor was able to begin treatment. Adjusting his medications and working to find options that offered relief was the first step. Dr. Pileski had an impressive resume and vast experience as a Psychologist but nothing had prepared her for the extent of mental health care that was desperately needed in this region. Trevor was one of many patients with little to no resources to afford the care. She desperately hoped to establish a clinic here to address the needs but without support from local officials or state and federal grants, she soon found herself in a difficult situation unable to continue. GMPA closed its doors in 2022.
Trevor and hundreds of others were left without care. A problem that extends beyond this county’s borders, although Rabun County at that time was one of the only counties in the state without adequate care for mental health patients. As a nation we are failing an increasing number of patients who without care are a danger to themselves or others. Meanwhile they suffer in silence. The stigma of mental health conditions leaves patients feeling isolated and abandoned.
Dr. Pileski joined Medlink Rabun Behavior Health practice here in Rabun County, helping to establish this practice. Trevor was so grateful to be able to return to therapy. While medications and traditional practices did help him regain some semblance of the life prior to the break, it was the addition of EMDR to his therapy regime that has offered the most relief. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a therapy method developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro, PhD, in the late 1980s. It has gained recognition from the World Health Organization and treatment guidelines as an effective approach for addressing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR is designed to aid individuals who have undergone severe and traumatic events. The therapy suggests that un-
resolved traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to various emotional and psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. EMDR targets ongoing PTSD by harnessing the brain's natural ability to heal and process traumatic experiences, highlighting the remarkable capabilities of the brain.
Trauma can manifest in numerous forms, such as physical or emotional abuse, bullying, accidents, combat, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one. Even those who have experienced prolonged emotional neglect or witnessed distressing events may find EMDR therapy helpful. While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, for those dealing with intrusive thoughts, hyper-vigilance, nightmares, and other disruptions to their daily lives, EMDR therapy has been shown to be an effective and rapid treatment. Moreover, it can help individuals who have carried painful memories for years or even decades such as our Veterans.
Trevor’s psychological breakdown was the result of years of untreated mental health conditions. He said that EMDR has been life-changing for him. It has allowed him to begin healing from the trauma of his childhood, the break he experienced combined with the lack of treatment available to him. With medication and therapy he has come a long way. He dreams of the day he can return to work and get his life back. If you or someone you know could potentially benefit from EMDR therapy or are in need of mental health treatment please reach out and schedule an appointment with Dr. Pileski or one of her associates at Medlink Rabun Behavior Health located at 1048 Old 441 North in Clayton, Georgia. You may call 706-521-3113 for appointments or visit www.medlinkga.org/services/behavioral-health/ for more information.
Common sense answers to frequently asked questions from a community ENT physician.
Dear Dr. J: My ear hurts. It hurts so badly that I’ve been to the doctor several times. They say they think my ear is infected, but antibiotics are not helping like they should. My ear feels plugged and I hear a high-pitched ringing noise. The pain goes down the back of my neck and between my shoulders. Help!
It’s probably not your ear
ENT doctors see this problem all the time. We get consulted if you are diagnosed with an ear infection and medication doesn’t help. Antibiotics work quite well for most ear infections. Antibiotics that were prescribed for ‘ear infections’ that turned out to be an unrecognized tonsil, salivary gland, or dental infection work well, too, even when they are given for the wrong diagnosis. When antibiotics don’t work, you may find out that your ear pain has nothing to do with an infection. As it turns out, there are lots of things that cause ear pain that are not related to the ear.
Your symptoms sound like TMJ, a jaw-joint pain that comes from grinding and clenching your teeth. Temporomandibular joint strain is one of the leading causes of adult ear pain and is frequently misdiagnosed as infection.
But Dr. J, everyone says it’s an infection! And I’ve never been one to grind my teeth. Wouldn’t I know if I did?
There are lots of telltale signs that you may grind your teeth, something that we refer to as ‘bruxism’. One of these is pain in the back of the skull and the neck radiating down between the shoulder blades. (This is because no one clenches their teeth without also flexing/tightening the muscles in the back of the neck and shoulders.)
Waking up with a ‘crick’ in your neck, a painful problem in which you feel as if you can’t rotate your head or flex/extend your neck without pain, is another.
Of course, if you break your teeth and then bust up the crowns used to repair, you probably grind. (Your dentist may not tell you this because you are his ‘cash cow’.)
But my ears feel full and ring, Dr. J. Doesn’t that mean my ear is the problem?
Just because your ear feels full doesn’t mean you have an infection. There is a lot of inflammation from the stresses of bruxism. There are muscles that move your lower jaw back and forth, left to right, right to left, and they are located straddling both sides of the eustachian tube. When these muscles are inflamed and tight, the eustachian tubes feel blocked. Interestingly, this same inflammation is blamed for the associated ringing noises you hear in your ear. So, what do I do, Dr. J? You’re not a dentist. Who can help me?
The best thing I can do is confirm that it’s TMJ strain instead of something more worrisome. There are some scary things that radiate pain to your ear (the subject of another article). I can get you started with TMJ treatment. I’ll educate you to wear a night guard to bed and prescribe anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants to take you out of pain. (Don’t be surprised if you wake up next to your night guard lying in drool next to you the first couple of mornings. Be patient and keep trying. You will eventually train yourself to keep it in.)
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.
As an interesting aside, a lot of males will clench and grind their teeth because they insist that they can only sleep if they are freezing cold. An open window even in winter, a fan blowing over their shirtless chest, they will lay there on top of the sheets. Shivering and freezing, they clamp their jaws and tighten their necks and muscles between the shoulders. Treatment for them is easy. Put on a pajama shirt and get warm.
Most women sleep warm, covered in comforters. They grind because their ‘Id’ is out of control. (We males can’t relate.) Even when treated, they chew through night guards. This is the most difficult group of patients to manage. When the issue is severe, a TMJ specialist with a dental degree would be the best health professional to consult. But they are hard to find.
If you have ear pain and aren’t getting answers as to why treatment isn’t effective, seek out an appointment with an ENT. As said earlier, there are scary things that cause ear pain, and they need to be ruled out.
aregiving for a patient with dementia is exhausting and at times extremely challenging. It’s important to understand that individuals with dementia may experience feelings of suspicion or make accusations that may be hurtful. These behaviors are a result of the disease, and it’s vital not to take offense but to approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
Delusions, which are firmly held beliefs in things that are not real, may occur in middle to late stage Alzheimer’s. Confusion and memory loss can contribute to these untrue beliefs. It’s crucial to remember that these delusions are very real to the person with dementia, who is trying to navigate a world with declining cognitive function.
It’s essential for family members and caregivers to recognize that the disease causes suspicions and false accusations and does not reflect on them. If a person with Alzheimer’s is experiencing severe delusions, leading to a fear of selfharm or caregiver harm, or if the delusion or hallucination is distressing, a medical evaluation to determine the need for medication is important.
While non-drug approaches are the primary treatment for the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s, if these strategies are ineffective and symptoms are severe, medication may be necessary. It’s crucial to be aware that while antipsychotic medications can be effective, they are associated with an increased risk of stroke and death in older adults with dementia. Therefore, careful consideration of both the risks and benefits of medication is essential, and consulting with the doctor is advised before making a decision.
Here are some constructive tips for dealing with these situations:
• Approach the person’s concerns with empathy and reassurance. Let them know that you care about their feelings and understand their reality.
• Instead of arguing, allow the individual to express their ideas and acknowledge their opinions. Arguing just magni-
fies any problem.
• Provide simple answers and avoid overwhelming the person with lengthy explanations or reasons that they won’t understand.
• Engage the individual in an activity or ask for their help with a chore, redirecting their focus to something positive.
• If the person is frequently searching for a specific item, consider duplicating it to alleviate their distress. For example, having multiple identical wallets available may be helpful if they’re always looking for their wallet.
A delusion is not the same thing as a hallucination. While delusions involve false beliefs, hallucinations are false perceptions of objects or events that are sensory in nature. When individuals with Alzheimer’s have a hallucination, they see, hear, smell, taste or even feel something that isn’t really there. When responding to hallucinations, be cautious. First, assess the situation and determine whether the hallucination is a problem for the person or for you. Is the hallucination upsetting? Is it leading the person to do something dangerous? Is the sight of an unfamiliar face causing the person to become frightened? If so, react calmly and quickly with reassuring words and a comforting touch. Do not argue with the person about what he or she sees or hears. If the behavior is not dangerous, there may not be a need to intervene. If you notice an increase in delusions or hallucinations or agitation please consult your loved one’s doctor as there are other illnesses that can cause these types of behavior. One common one is Urinary Tract Infections which are common in the elderly and those with limited mobility.
For more coping strategies on these topics and others dementia caregivers face seek a support group in your local area. In Clayton, the Dementia Support Group led by Mary Lou Faulkenberry and Suzanne Muir meets every Tuesday at 12:30 PM in the lower level of the Clayton Presbyterian Church located behind The Spotted Pig in downtown Clayton. For more information and resources please call 706782-2167.
Iam standing on a narrow path on the side of a rock mountain 6,000 feet up, on black ice, wondering, “Why in the world did I ever think this would be a good idea?” When I envisioned hiking Mount LeConte in Tennessee, ice was never in the picture, but now, my sister Lynn, our niece Chelsea, and I were in the thick of it. This all started in March 2023 when we decided to hike this big mountain and spend the night at the top in one of the cabins. Let’s talk about the word “cabin” first, lest you picture something quaint with a fireplace, living area, small kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom. Ummm, no. Think more like a shack, one room with a bed, a kerosene heater, and a small table with a kerosene lamp. We knew this; we’d read about the “lodge” and the “cabins.” Truthfully, they were beautiful for what they were, but there’s only so much comfort one can have with no electricity and a bathhouse down the path, with temps in the teens and bears looking for food. My bladder and I had a “come to Jesus” meeting as I lectured it about behaving and stopped drinking the minute I reached the top of the mountain. There were no reservations last March, and the wait list was over a year long. But lo and behold, Chelsea called months later and found out they’d had a cancellation for March 2024. We took it with blind enthusiasm, not considering what conditions we might face at that time of year, like ice. We bought some traction devices for our boots, just in case, but we felt like they did us more harm than good, so they were in our packs when we were on the ice. I kept having thoughts about when they found our bodies, and the news headlines would blast, “Hikers slipped off Mount LeConte, Ice Traction Gear in Backpack not on Boots!”
We slowly made our way to the top. The views along the way demanded to be noticed, so I’d stop, my feet tingling but my heart soaring at the sight of those majestic mountains, their shadows mirroring themselves on the tops of trees. “Such loveliness,” I thought and felt so far up that I was sure I’d see a staircase to heaven. The mountains felt alive, like they were watching us, probably thinking, “You fools,” but I like to think it was more of an audience cheering us on.
At the top, we found our spot in the lodge, next to the coffee pot. We were told to take a load off, the coffee would be out pronto, and we’d each have a mug. After receiving what I presumed to be a teacup from a child’s tea set but being informed that no, that was our “mug” for coffee, I was hopeful the coffee would be expresso. It was not, but that thimble full sure was good. After refueling with caffeine, we decided to go the extra .7 miles to the summit. We figured we’d gone this far, so we might as well go all the way. It was worth it.
That night, we settled down into our bunks, but not before we all attempted to sleep on the bottom bunk. That little kerosene heater heated that top bunk like a sauna. Finally, though, Chelsea could not stand it anymore and took herself to the top bunk. The following morning, Lynn and I were like spoons in a drawer on the bottom bunk. The top bunk moved, and we saw two white legs come over the top; Chelsea, who had been fully clothed the night before, missed a step and came flying down with a thud to the floor below in her birthday suit. “Oh my goodness,” she said dully, “I don’t even care if I’m hurt. It was so hot up there.” Our little cabin was full of laughter, which was good, since bears don’t like loud noises.
After a hearty breakfast, Lynn, Chelsea, and I were the first ones on the trail to go down. The trail that was slippery the day before was even more so after freezing through the night. Step by step, we went, calling out to each other particularly slippery spots. We felt highly accomplished by the time we made it to the bluffs. When we reached the bottom, I felt like kissing the ground, but I refrained; too many people were around. We rode down the mountain to Franklin, discussing how hard and wonderful it was. We stopped at a diner about to close for the day, but they were lovely and urged us to come in. We sat at a booth with a big sign above us stating, “Hikers Welcome.” We ordered chili dogs and fries that had never tasted so good. The following day, I woke up in my comfortable bed and stared at the weeping cherry tree outside my window. One day, months before, I’d written in my journal, “I’m dreaming of Mount LeConte,” I smiled at the thought of her and how she’d made my body sore but my soul full. She was worth it.
Liz Alley was born and raised in Rabun County in the city of Tiger. She loves to write. She is an interior designer specializing in repurposing the broken, tarnished, chipped, faded, worn and weathered into pieces that are precious again. She is the mother of two daughters and has three grandchildren. She divides her time between her home in Newnan and Rabun County. Liz would love to hear from you, drop her a line at Lizziewrites0715@gmail.com
Enjoy more of Liz’s writing at Lizzie-writes.blog
His daughter recalled a late-night visit from the sheriff when she was a little girl. “Sit on these quilts,” her father ordered, “and don’t move!” The child obediently sat on the quilt and never moved when the sheriff walked through her room. Hidden under the quilt were Mason jars filled with daddy’s hard work.
Daddy was Simmie Free, Rabun County’s most celebrated moonshiner. Born in 1892, he was a descendant of the county’s Scots-Irish settlers, who brought their whiskey-making skills to America from Ireland. With this alcohol-centric background in his DNA, Simmie spent his life as a master distiller…and imbiber…of illicit corn likker.
Drinking as a Toddler
An impish little man with bright, twinkling eyes, he claimed he was introduced to moonshine at a very early age. In the 1980 book More Mountain Spirits, Simmie recalled, “My daddy said they went to givin’ corn whiskey to me when I was shore enough young, just a toddler, when they couldn’t give me but one drop of sweetened likker. It wuddn’t long until I got to where I could take two drops, then it wuddn’t but a day or two ‘til I got to where I could take a half a teaspoonful.” Continuing his journey into the wonderful world of imbibing, he said, “Then it wuddn’t long to where I could take a bottle and take a drink. I knew how to handle it. Didn’t never get drunk. I could carry it all day. I’d go so far and quit.” However, he confessed that whenever he went to Clayton to visit friends, he typically was “half lit.”
As a child, Simmie recalled that his father always kept a 10-gallon keg “just sittin’ right in what they called the kitchen, out just as open as could be. But all of his kids knowed not to tech it…If we drank any likker, we waited ‘till he give it to us…When kin folk would come in, he’d put a bottle or a jug on the table and pour ‘em out a glass.”
Simmie, whose schooling ended after the second grade, learned to make corn whiskey at the knee of his father. “I went to helpin’ my daddy make likker when I wuddn’t but nine years old. My daddy just let me go to the still with him, and I watched him and learnt it myself. We made it out of corn meal, rye, and nothin’ else. Me and my daddy usta tote it (kegs of whiskey) through the woods from here to Clayton, about seven and a half miles. I’d tote a little three-gallon keg and he’d take a five-gallon keg. Go through the woods and tote it to a man (the buyer in Clayton) and then get only a dollar a gallon.”
During the Depression years of the 1930s, moonshining was an economic necessity for many in Rabun County, since there was no other way to make money. Simmie recalled moonshining “was the only thing that saved us. Back then you couldn’t get work to do. If you could get work with a man on a farm, you’d put in 10 hours, even it was down in a ditch, ten hours for a dollar. Maybe 12 hours. Sunup to sundown. So, when you got a dollar for a gallon of whiskey, that was big money. Big money.” Those few dollars were used for buying staples people could not produce themselves. “You’d buy sugar and coffee and that was somethin’ you couldn’t hardly get. You couldn’t find it. Even flour, when you could get some, you could only get a pound at a time. Had to eat cornbread three times a day. We’d mix it up with sorghum molasses.”
Simmie was not bashful when it came to extolling the quality of his whiskey. “I got the record of makin’ the best they is in the state of Georgia.” But making the best was no easy task. “Making likker, that’s hard work. It’s worsn’ hard. I’d pick up a hundred pounds of sugar and go two miles and a half, way back across a mountain and put it in (his still) and make likker and then get a 10-gallon keg full of likker, put it on my shoulder and tote it from here to Clayton.” He did the same thing with corn. “I’d pick up two bushels of corn meal at a time on my shoulder. Weighed 96 pounds. If I was goin’ up a long mountain, I’d just throw it down and rest, then pick it up and go on.”
He lamented, “People don’t make pure corn (whiskey anymore). They don’t make nothin’ right no more. The stuff they make it out of, hell, it’d kill a snake, it’d kill a dead snake.” He was right. By the 1950s, moonshiners were stretching their output with additives like embalming fluid, formaldehyde, and bleach. Cases of blindness and even death resulted from drinking chemically-laced whiskey.
Simmie was no stranger to jails. “I been caught and served four sentences in jail. I didn’t care. I wanted to see the world, anyhow. Went down there once (to the penitentiary) and stayed two months and 15 days, come right back home, and if I didn’t have a still, I’d have another made and have it (corn meal) in the furnace (of his still) the next day.”
On another occasion, federal revenue agents (the “revenuers” of moonshine lore) found one of Simmie’s stills, cut it up, and gave him the pieces of copper from the apparatus. “Well, I’ll sell that copper for junk and buy me another half pint of whiskey,” he told the agents. “And that’s what I done with it. Went to court and pled guilty and come clear. I told the truth all the way through. You can’t lie out of nothin’. I don’t believe in it. I’d rather serve time as to tell a lie.” Then there was the time Simmie was jailed in Gainesville for eight months. “I could come home on leave to see my wife, and I’d make some whiskey and take it back to Gainesville to sell it.” He was nothing if not resourceful.
A judge that sent Simmie to the slammer for moonshining had no compunction about buying gallons of whiskey from him. “Give a drink to the judge and all. But they like for theirs to be slipped around to ‘um. They don’t want it in the open. The one that sent me to the penitentiary, boy, he’d drink it with me. I’d take him a gallon at a time. I liked him because he’d drink with me.” Apparently, the wheels of justice in Rabun County were lubricated with Simmie’s corn likker.
By the time Simmie was 82, he was stricken with arthritis that made it difficult for him to walk. “Here I am 82 and half years old. Still drinkin’ corn whiskey. The only thing that’s kept me alive. Only thing. I’d been dead 15 year, 20 year ago, hadn’t been for that. It’s better than any medicine a doctor ever had. I do better when I got it than when I ain’t got it.”
Simmie Free passed away in Rabun County at 88. Perhaps he was right. A lifetime of distilling and drinking corn likker may well have kept the old moonshiner going for close to nine decades. Who can argue with longevity?
Learn more about our history by becoming a member of the Rabun County Historical Society. Membership and complete information about the Society’s museum are available at www.rabunhistory.org. The museum at 81 N. Church St. in downtown Clayton is open Thursday-Saturday from 11 to 3. The Society is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, making membership dues and donations tax deductible. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram
Dick Cinquina is the retired president of Equity Market Partners, a national financial consulting firm he founded in 1981. Holding graduate degrees in history and journalism, Dick recently published Mountains, Moonshine and a Railroad, which tells the always colorful, occasionally contentious and frequently humorous history of Rabun County and northeast Georgia. Dick also writes history articles that appear in the Laurel.
