Laurel of Northeast Georgia August 23

laurel of Northeast Georgia

Issue Eight

from the publisher

Hey Y’all,

I don’t know if your home is like mine, but there is always a project underway! I love a fresh coat of paint, new planters filled with flowers, a great throw pillow and there is always a stack of magazines with home décor ideas nearby. Maybe you are searching for a home or thinking about buying, both can be exciting. We are blessed with some of the southeast’s best home professionals right here in the mountains. From REALTORS® to furniture makers to service professionals, no need to look beyond your hometown.

On our cover this month is a home on the top of Tiger Mountain. The view is breathtaking, the fire pit inviting and the Adirondack chairs (from Reeves Furniture) beg to be relaxed in. Outdoor living at its best! We’ll take a look at the outdoor living trend in this issue.

This issue is stocked with all of the columns that entertain each month, an article reminding you to attend the Dillard BBQ and Bluegrass Festival on the 4th and a great article about Rabun County’s history. So settle in, grab a cool drink and savor our August issue. Remember to support the local businesses that pay to bring this magazine to you each month. We thank them and we thank you!

Stay cool!

Tracy

Laurel of Northeast Georgia

Mailing: PO Box 2218 - Clayton, Georgia 30525

Office : 2511 Highway 441

Mountain City, Geo rgia 30562

706-782-1600

www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com

Contributing Writers:

Tori Carver, Jonan Keeny, Hank Belew, Tricia Moore, Dick Cinquina, Kevin Hurt, Lorie Thompson, Mark Holloway, Liz Alley

STAFF

Publisher/Editor - Marketing - Tracy McCoy 706-982-9197

Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst

Graphics - Lucas McCoy

Marketing & Office Manager - Cindi Freeman 706-982-0216

Assistant Office Manager - D’Anna Coleman

Writer - John Shivers

Photographer / Writer - Peter McIntosh

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

Outdoor Living: What’s In and What’s Not

We all love the outdoors and when the pandemic was in full swing we rediscovered our love of being in nature. You can do everything outdoors that you can indoors but with some extra space and fresh air. However, if you are redesigning your outdoor space or want to install something that wasn’t there before, you will have to balance good looks with functionality. So, let’s talk about what’s in and what’s not when it comes to outdoor living.

In: Stylish Comfort

With people spending more time than ever in their yards, it’s only natural that they would want to be comfortable. However, they certainly don’t want to sacrifice style since they may also be inviting guests over more often. Gone are the white plastic chairs that were so common a few years ago. Now it’s all about cushions and padded seats, for starters.

Colors other than white that will not attract heat are very popular. That includes gray, green, blue and natural wood like the Adirondack chairs on our cover from Reeves Furniture. The key is finding flexible furniture to accommodate people of all sizes and heights. Patio sofas are big right now since they can be used for people to sit in large gatherings or as a place to put your feet up for an afternoon snooze or to read a good book. If you’re going to be out there, you might as well be comfortable, right? Reeves Furniture and Rabun Flooring have outdoor rugs

for your patio and Reeves has many patio furniture and outdoor accessories to make it look great!

In: Sensory Walkways

Extended living space is not the only reason that people are spending more time outdoors. It’s also about having a space where you can relax and enjoy nature. So much of what is great about being outdoors is what the surroundings can do to your senses. The smells, the things you feel, the sounds, and the sights can all be a wonder to behold. With that in mind, designers and builders specializing in custom homes and outdoor living are considering the senses when designing homes and yards. Lorenzo’s Landscapes is a good option to install rock walkways, walls or steps. For one, meandering pathways can be created with a variety of materials that create a pleasant feel on your feet. They could be stone, wood, or even gravel. There will also be variations in the colors and types of plant life, so there is a feast for your eyes and nose. Reeves Feed and Farm or Harvest Moon Antiques and Garden Center might have the plants you’ve been looking for. Wind chimes and other accessories will provide a lovely background as you doze off or focus on your reading.

In: Outdoor Exercise

You might not have the space for a home gym indoors, but your yard might be the perfect place to complement your Your Time Fitness gym membership. Usually, it’s a good idea to have natural

shade or a pergola so that you can exercise comfortably. The area should have level ground which is often difficult in the mountains, but you can either install a patio or do your workouts directly on grass.

You can run wiring out so that you can have a stationary bike while working out. If you want to be even bolder, you can create a basketball court or even a mini golf course out there. Your imagination is your only limitation. Either way, you can put your outdoor space to work for you.

Not: Sweltering Heat

Nobody likes to roast in the sun if they don’t have to. Unfortunately, it seems we are hitting temperature records every year, and it’s become increasingly uncomfortable. Not only that, but there can be serious health complications from overheating or sunburnt skin.

That’s why awnings are popular and come in more sizes and styles than ever a great place to discuss this option is Bill’s Aluminum in Franklin, North Carolina. They can offer many options for your space. A good choice is a retractable awning that can provide shade when needed, and you can put it away when the sun is not beating down on your space. They come in a variety of materials, so you can choose one that’s right for you. An awning will protect you and also your deck from the harm of the sun and the heat.

You can also go with a screen which can significantly reduce the sun’s effects. Michael’s Screen Service is a local company that provides screening options for your home. These come in many patterns and are retractable for your convenience. You can have a

screen up on one side of your deck to block the sun, then retract that and put up another. This will keep the breeze coming while guarding you from the sun.

If you are looking to enclose your space that can offer indoor/ outdoor convenience from heat, pollen and pests, in which case you may want to talk to Porch Living in Clayton.

Not: Bugs and Other Pests

Having people over for a BBQ or playing games on your deck is fun. Grills can be found at Reeves Hardware or Blossman Gas in Clayton. However, uninvited guests can ruin things, and we don’t just mean your nosy next-door neighbor.

Bugs and pests can make your space uncomfortable to the point that you won’t want to entertain or spend time outdoors. Luckily, you have some options. For instance, a bug screen around your deck or in a certain area will protect you from most creepy crawlies. Also, tiki torches with citronella can help keep insects at bay and provide an appealing source of light. Both of these options can also be found at Reeves Hardware.

Spending time outdoors is great. You have the fresh air and smell of the grass and flowers, and you can enjoy the sounds of nature and the neighborhood around you. However, the more time you spend outside, the more your experience should be tailored to what you like. Of course, you want to be comfy, but you also want your space to look and feel appealing when you’re entertaining or sitting outside on your own. Use these tips to create the backyard paradise of your dreams.

4 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Freshen Up Indoor Spaces

Whether you’re fatigued by seeing the same decor every day or simply looking for an opportunity to refresh indoor spaces with an appealing mini makeover, rethinking your favorite room in the house doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal.

Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas:

Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.

Introduce new accent furniture. Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own. Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.

Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.

A new look for your favorite room can go a long way, so find ways to update your space for a comfy retreat you can enjoy.

For those beginning the process of home buying, there are many factors to consider. Keep these ideas in mind as you conduct your search – whether it’s online or at a series of open houses.

Consider future needs

Because life is always evolving, it’s important to move into a home that has enough space for your family’s anticipated changes. While features and space are always prime considerations, don’t forget to, look into the area schools, day care options, parks and other kid-friendly amenities if you plan to grow your family in your next home.

Look for flexible spaces

3 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Home

Seek homes that offer rooms with multiple functions. For example, an office area may be suitable for a small child’s room, or a sunroom may be converted to a laundry area down the road. Unfinished basements are also blank canvases that can be customized to meet your family’s wants and needs.

Get to know the area

The purchase of a home goes well beyond the property line. Be sure to examine the neighborhood in which the house is situ-

ated. From the condition of the neighbors’ houses to highway access and the proximity of necessities like grocery stores and gas stations, be sure to take every factor into account to help ensure you’re selecting the right location.

5 Tips for Organizing Your Home Office

Many people have been working from home more than normal. Getting organized can help you tackle home management tasks more efficiently. Making the office a priority can reduce frustration when it comes to spending additional time in your office while working from home.

These five tips can help get you started: Make sure you have furniture that can adequately store your stuff, including plenty of space for files, reference books and computer equipment. Pieces need not be costly to be functional and there are plenty of attractive options available online and at both small and major retailers.

Arrange the space with its intended use and your own work style in mind. For example, if you don’t need ample space to spread out over a large, flat work area, eliminate that space – it’s simply an invitation for clutter.

Place items you rely on frequently, such as a calculator or ruler, within arm’s reach so they can easily be put away between uses. Capture these items in containers and bins to keep the space looking neat and free of clutter.

Establish a filing system that lets you keep track of important papers you need to keep and have a shredder handy to help you discard any sensitive documents. Whether you alphabetize, color code or use some other method, group paperwork into segments for categories such as bills, banking, health care, auto, insurance and so on for easy access in the future.

Tangled cords can make even the most organized spaces look messy, and they may pose a fire or tripping hazard. Get control of your cords by storing devices you don’t use regularly and securing the remaining cords with twist ties or clips. Remember to use a surge-protected power strip to minimize the chance of damage should a power surge occur.

Understanding Thread Counts

Many companies use thread count to make their sheets more appealing and luxurious, but a bigger number doesn’t always mean a good buy. Before you reach into your wallet, consider these truths about thread counts.

A thread count is a scientific term with strict federal standards on how the threads are counted. Simply put, it measures the number of threads woven together per square inch, counted lengthwise and widthwise. A 400-thread count sheet will have 200 threads lengthwise and 200 widthwise.

When a sheet has a count of 150, it is considered a muslin fabric, which isn’t all that soft to the touch. Any count of 180 or above is considered high quality, but anything beyond 400 is likely to only signify a higher price tag.

However, a sheet with a thread count of 200 can be softer to the touch than one with a 400 thread count. The quality of sheets depends not only on the thread count, but on the quality of fibers within those threads as well. Many stores and manufacturers tout Egyptian cotton as the best because of its long, strong fibers, which are more durable than most other cottons. Another high-quality cotton type is pima, also known for its extra-long fibers. When shopping for new sheets, make sure you are looking at both the thread count and the quality. Look for a count between 200-400 and make sure the fabric quality is high to ensure you get the best bang for your buck, as well as a comfortable night’s sleep.

Attract Backyard Birds with the Right Seeds

While almost all bird seed may look pretty much the same to you, it doesn’t to the birds you’re feeding. Knowing what kinds of seeds different birds like can help you attract a variety of fine feathered friends to your feeders.

Consider these popular seed types and the common backyard birds they attract:

Sunflower – Black sunflower seeds attract blue jays, goldfinches, woodpeckers, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. Striped sunflower seeds appeal to chickadees, doves, grosbeaks, northern cardinals, nuthatches, titmice and woodpeckers. Sunflower hearts (also known as “hulled sunflower” and “sunflower chips”) attract chickadees, common redpolls, juncos, doves, finches, goldfinches, grosbeaks, nuthatches, pine siskins, titmice and woodpeckers.

Nyjer – These lightweight, tiny seeds are a favorite of goldfinches. Put nyjer seeds in a hanging feeder with tiny holes so the small seeds won’t get blown away. Nyjer also attracts redpolls, juncos, doves, indigo bunting and pine siskin.

Safflower – These white seeds are slightly smaller than black sunflower seeds. Because they are bitter, grackles, blue jays, starlings – and squirrels – don’t like them. However, they do attract doves, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and downy woodpeckers.

White millet – Good for scattering on the ground, white millet attracts ground feeders such as juncos, sparrows, indigo buntings, towhees and mourning doves.

Cracked corn – Popular with ground feeders, cracked corn appeals to doves, crows, jays, sparrows, juncos and towhees. Avoid getting finely cracked corn as it’s vulnerable to rot and can quickly turn to mush.

When choosing a bird seed mix, pay attention to the ingredients list on the package. Bird seed is required by law to list ingredients in order of content. Some cheaper mixes have filler seeds such as wheat, red milo, red millet or “assorted grain products.” Most backyard birds won’t eat those, and your seed mix could end up wasted on the ground.

Content Curtesy of Family Features

Deadwood Tables – Living on the Edge

by Tracy McCoy

Born a Pastor’s son in upstate New York, craftsman Craig Decker has quite a story from there to his wood shop in Hollywood, Georgia. The family moved around often with his father’s calling. From New York to Ohio to Colorado and then back settling in Columbus, Ohio. While he always had an interest in woodwork, jobs kept him busy. He worked for many years as a service writer for a Chevrolet Dealer, then moving to marketing manager for 7UP and RC Cola. Self-taught at basically every profession he attempted, he excelled at marketing, so much so that the wine industry recruited him. The largest wine distributor in the country offered him a marketing position. He knew very little about wine when he began but as you might expect he became an AFICIONADO on the more than 100 brands produced by his employer.

Next up for Craig Decker was opening his own restaurant and adding a full-service wine shop stocking over 3500 brands. The business was so successful that one location grew to two to SEVEN! Working in all aspects of the restaurant and wine retailer businesses, Craig and his wife Laura found themselves working day and night. While he enjoyed the success of his endeavor, one night Laura turned to her husband and said “This is stupid, we are killing ourselves!”. Craig agreed and they began to liquidate and eventually

left the business. “After that experience I began to play, building custom bikes. I found old motorcycles, traveling as far away as North Carolina to acquire them. I would flip the bike and resell it,” he said. “Laura and I love riding and we spend our free time exploring on my custom bike.”

When Craig’s dad passed away, he left behind a wood tools. Craig moved them to his motorcycle shop but and oil don’t mix”. The woodcrafting work took on and a friend who shared this interest joined him. Two craftsmen working under the same roof, feeding off of each other. Had this “jack of all trades” found his niche? It seemed so. His wife’s family had roots in White County near Cleveland, Georgia. The couple decided to move to Georgia to be closer to Laura’s father after the death of her mom. Having visited for years it was a good fit. The couple moved into her grandparent’s old home which Craig is of course, “working on”. Craig still enjoys great wine, an incredible meal, riding his motorcycle and tinkering with them, but finds his sweet spot in sawdust and watching his creations come to life.

Last year Craig opened a new wood shop just north of Clarkesville, adding a showroom. One step into the showroom of Deadwood Tables and you’ll agree he is where he is supposed to be. Creating primarily with live edge wood, his tables, wine racks, benches, barn doors, and accessories are made from Cherry, Walnut, and Maple. When he can get his hands on more rare varieties he does. The sky is truly the limit with Craig’s abilities. If you walk in with an idea as rudimentary as a sketch on a napkin, he can make it for you. Custom in every way from size, wood type, style, if you want it, he can do it.

One of his most popular tables is what is referred to as a River Table. Taking two live edge boards and putting them together filling in with different shades of epoxy creates an incredibly unique and beautiful piece of furniture. One you’d have to see to believe. A piece that impressed me in Craig’s showroom, that is conveniently connected to his work space, was an electric standing desk. Simply hitting a button adjusts the desk from sitting to standing which is so beneficial for those who work long hours at their desk. The quality of the furniture made at Deadwood Tables is exceptional. Craig has filled the showroom with a nice assortment of “samples” of what he can do. Live edge boards line the walls just waiting for your ideas! Perhaps the nicest part of a visit there is meeting the craftsman, who is a really nice guy, and being able to follow your piece through the process. “I send images as I make the piece of furniture so that changes can be made as I go.” Craig said, adding, “this involves the client in the process.”

Deadwood Tables and Craig Decker can be found at 107 Hollywood Church Road in Clarkesville, Georgia or visit them at deadwoodtables.com or on facebook..

Get Yesterday’s Charm and Today’s Convenience in This House

By John Shivers

The Tiger region of Rabun County has a rich heritage of mountain cottages and lodges, most of which, over time, have disappeared. At first glance, the home at 29 Old Blue in Northridge bears a striking resemblance to many of those timeless mountain dwellings, but it’s strictly 21st century all the way. Here’s a chance to acquire the charm of yesterday, and get the attributes of 2023 as a bonus.

From this light-infused 4,209± square foot home, you’ll have a literal front-row seat to spectacular mountain sunrises and unobstructed valley views, all thanks to the huge glass-railed rear deck that overlooks the picturesque valley. Featuring five bedrooms, four and one-half baths, and a main floor powder room, this home was created for living on a grand but definitely comfortable scale.

On these 3.24± acres of heavily wooded mountain land, peace and tranquility abound. This tri-level traditional Craftsman

home takes “mountain living” to totally unbelievable heights, far enough off the beaten path to enhance the living, but close enough to the necessities of life, that convenience is guaranteed. A whole-house generator adds to the assurance level.

Located only some ten minutes away is the bustling town of Clayton with boutiques, shops, and a number of great restaurants. Less than ten minutes farther north is Blackrock Mountain State Park that overlooks Downtown Clayton. An abundance of hiking trails, waterfalls, river rafting, and public boat ramps are easily accessible. Tiger Vineyards and Stonewall Creek Vineyards are each less than ten minutes away.

A paved drive slopes down from the public road and brings guests and family alike to the front door and the two-car garage. Wooden shakes on the front and traditional horizontal siding on the other three sides proclaim the old cottage ambience, while making for easy exterior maintenance. Follow the serpentine stone walk from the drive to the bright and welcoming red Craftsman front door, and note the extensive use of stone used for landscaping and accents.

As you enter a warm and welcoming vibe reaches out and hugs you, and you’re so glad you came. Thanks to paint hues and large expanses of glass, sunlight fills this home even on overcast days. You can feel it.

On the main level, in addition to the vaulted great room with a stone-faced gas fireplace, is the separate formal dining room and guest half bath. The expansive master suite, with separate tub and shower in the bath, and double glass doors, opens directly onto that great deck with all those views.

Just off the great room, and in a fantastic position to cook and still be part of the crowd, the expansive kitchen, complete with a Wolf® gas range and a full complement of stainless Smeg® appliances calls loudly for a resident chef. An adjacent sitting room with three window walls opens onto the deck, where a firepit table and furniture await.

Upstairs, three bedrooms offer additional sleeping accommodations. One bedroom has an en-suite bath, while the other two share a Jack & Jill bathroom, and overlook more of those inspirational sunrise views. In addition, an informal boudoir affords space for those in all three bedrooms to read or just relax and visit.

The fully-contained terrace level has its own separate entrance, king size bedroom, en-suite bath, large living room and game room, and full kitchen. A covered wrap-around patio with outdoor dining area completes this level.

If you can picture yourself in this home, contact Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Sarah Gillespie. For additional information on GAMLS #20131592, you can reach her at (cell) 404-735-6157 or (office) 706-212-0228.

A Home for Today Built with Yesterday’s Craftsmanship

By John Shivers

The craftsmanship and artistry of a post and beam structure has a long and storied heritage, dating back before 2,000 B.C. Some 4,000 years later, outside Lakemont, Georgia, those same historic construction techniques came together in a mixture of massive timbers and mortise and tenon joinery, to fashion the home at 39 Brenary Drive.

Constructed on three levels on 3.99± “walk-about,” acres, this 2,390± square foot home is move-in ready; just waiting for its new owners to settle in and begin to create their own memories and experiences. The footprints of the original family that made this house a home in every sense of the word for more than 20 years, have outlined a path for the new owners to follow, and expand upon. With three bedrooms and three baths, this home combines century’s old construction basics along with 21st Century features that today’s lifestyles require.

Thanks to the green standing seam metal roof, as well as the horizontal siding, the main house blends with the lot’s heavilywooded surroundings. Porches on both sides of the house, two of them screened, provide shelter from the weather, as well as opportunities for outdoor living. A paved driveway delivers

owners and guests to the front entrance, and to the nearby twostory detached garage.

With 576± square feet on each level, you can house two vehicles, or a combination of cars and toys below. The upper level, complete with walls of custom book shelving, is ideal for an office or studio, or even headquarters for a home-based business.

Thanks to paved road access in a beautiful location near Historic Lakemont, Lake Rabun, and nearby Tallulah Falls, you can be as remote as you wish. At the same time, you’re easily convenient to all points north and south along Highway 441, where you’ll find an abundance of shopping and eating venues, many of which proudly offer farm to table dining.

You must see this property, because given all its many particulars, this home won’t be on the market long. The main level has a gorgeous living room with hardwood floors and stone fireplace, kitchen, dining and breakfast areas, as well as the spacious master suite with walk-in closet and bath. This level opens to the “tree house” like screened porch.

Authentic wood cabinets with hard surface countertops in the generous-size galley-style kitchen house high end stainless appliances. Conveniently situated between an everyday eating area and ample space for a table that will seat ten or more, this is a kitchen you can really cook in and enjoy. The sunken great room with a vaulted ceiling displays the timber frame construction concept to maximum advantage, and is anchored by a soaring stack-stone fireplace. Be sure to note all the shelving units found throughout, perfect for all your books or collections.

Heavy beam steps lead up to the loft that’s divided into three distinct areas. The bedroom is partially open, but functions well for this purpose, and there’s also a full bath. A second area is designed for relaxation / media, and the remaining area will serve well as an in-house office or hobby/craft space. On the lower level that opens onto one of the home’s screened porches, there’s a comfortable, casual family room, a third bedroom, full bath and laundry area.

There’s so much that sets this home in the southern Rabun area apart from all the others. Here’s the rare opportunity to live in a handcrafted piece of residential art, MLS #10175834. Poss Realty Broker Scott Poss at 706-490-2305 or Nicolaus Poss at 706-9820872 can make this home yours. Reach them at the office at 706782-2121.

Adventure Out

Waterfalls and Sunsets on the Russell - Brasstown Scenic Highway

By Peter McIntosh

We’re keeping our cool this August by visiting a pair of cascades and an easy to get to mountain overlook. Our adventure could be called “The Greatest Hits of the Russell Brasstown Scenic Highway” since all the beauty spots are on this one road. Richard Russell was a legendary Georgia politician. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Russell served in the Georgia House of Representatives, he was Governor of Georgia from 1931 to 1933 and most notably, he was a United States Senator from 1933 to 1971. The road that bears his name is a lovely two lane blacktop that takes us to all three destinations, Dukes Creek Falls, Raven Cliff Falls and a western facing rock outcropping up on Wildcat Mountain.

From where Alt. 75 intersects the Richard Russell Highway, (GA 348) it’s about 1.5 miles to the Dukes Creek Falls parking area and trailhead on your left. (There are handicapped accessible restrooms here.) The first part of the trail is paved and handicapped accessible all the way to a viewing platform which offers your first view of the falls. From here the trail descends several switchbacks, a little less than 1 mile, down to the base of the falls. It’s very nice at the base of the falls where two streams converge, but in the 35 years since I first visited here it’s become overgrown but still well worth the short hike. So let’s trek back up to the car and head down the highway to one of my favorite trails in all of North Georgia.

The Raven Cliffs Falls trailhead is 1 mile further north on the Richard Russell and also on the left, just a short way down a gravel road. There are rest rooms here as well. This is a popular trail so

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

if you go on a weekend don’t expect to be alone. From the parking area, the trail (2.5 miles each way) gently climbs over a hill before descending and joining Dodd Creek. After crossing the creek, the trail stays streamside most of the way with numerous smaller waterfalls to reward you as you make your way up this beautiful footpath. Nearing the end, the trail becomes a bit steeper and a lot rockier. Be careful as you scramble up to some nice sitting rocks offering a splendid view of Raven Cliff Falls, a unique cascade pouring straight down deep inside a split in the rock face. There are some roots you can hold on to if you want to climb around the right side of the falls to take in the view from the top of the cliffs. This isn’t too dangerous if you’re nimble but please be careful. Please.

Now if you’ve scheduled it right, you’ll have time to hike back out, drive about 4.5 miles up the highway up to Hogpen Gap and the Appalachian Trail. From here we’re going to hike south on the AT. (2x6 inch white blaze) It’s actually west, but in AT terms it’s

Adventure Out

south. The trail leads off into the forest across the road from the parking area and ascends via switchbacks about ¼ mile to the top of the ridgeline. At the top of the ridge the AT continues off to the right and a side trail (blue blazes) leading to a shelter goes to the left. This is our trail, which we follow for about another ¼ mile until coming to an opening on the right, leading out to the rock face and offering a spectacular panoramic view. Cowrock Mountain is just across from you and to the northwest are the many layered mountains of the Nottely River Watershed and to the southwest are the Appalachian Foothills. This is a great place to watch a sunset, even better with a little wine and cheese. And if you have a nice headlamp, you won’t be afraid to stay past twilight since it’s such an easy hike out. Happy Hiking!

It’s month number eight and here’s my poem not so great: Let’s get away from the hustle and bustle, And cruise down a road honoring a man named Russell. First to a waterfall called Duke and then one called Raven, Then up to a mountaintop where you might think you’re in Haven.

Getting there: From Burton Dam Road and GA 197 go 3 miles to GA 356. Go 11 miles on GA 356 to intersection with GA 17-75 at Robertstown. (stop at Fred’s Famous Peanuts for some terrific garlic fried peanuts) Go north about 3/10 of a mile on17-75 and turn left over the Chattahoochee River onto Alt 75. Go a little over 2 miles to the intersection with Richard Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348) on right. Dukes creek falls in 1.5 miles. Then Raven Cliffs Falls 1 mile farther, then Hogpen Gap and the Appalachian Trail in 4.5 miles.

To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com

Mountain & Lake Properties Await You!

39 PARKVIEW COURT

THE EPITOME OF LUXURY IN THE PRESTIGIOUS WATERFALL CLUB 5 BEDROOM, 5.5 BATH DESIGNER HOME MLS 10174899 - $1,499,900

MOUNTAIN HOME W/ WATERFALL

LAKE BURTON ACCESS

MOUNTAIN HOME W/ VIEWS

5345 WOLFFORK ROAD

5+ ACRES IN WOLFFORK VALLEY WITH 2 HOUSES AND A CREEK WITH A WATERFALL ON THE PROPERTY! THIS WON’T LAST LONG! MLS 10161483 - $895,000

LAKE BURTON ACCESS

0 YELLOW ROSE - ONLY LAKE BURTON ACCESS LOT W/ AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW OF THE LAKE, WELL AND 4 BR SEPTIC IN PLACE ACCESS TO 4 DEEP WATER DOCKS MLS 10148010- $600,000

98 SILVER CLOUD LN THE ONLY LAKE BURTON ACCESS CABIN ON THE MARKET! A “GEM” 2 BR, 2.5 BA + BIG LOFT MLS 10042666 - $669,000

832 ROUND TOP MTN MTN VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM 3.5 MILES FROM CLAYTON 3 BR 3 BA ON 1.4+/- ACRES MLS 10142044 - $569,000

WATERFALL AT LAKE BURTON

Firmly Rooted The Fabulous Foxglove

by Victoria “Tori” Carver – Flower Farmer

I’d like to introduce you to my first foxglove. Tada

I’ve been trying to grow this beauty since the beginning, but I always miss the window of opportunity to get her seeds started. Customarily, foxgloves are biennials which mean they will only produce leaves the first year and in the second year they will flower. However, there are several varieties that are considered annuals and if you get them started early enough in the fall, you will have flowers the following spring and early summer.

I finally got myself together last fall and transplanted a tray of seeds I had started in July/August. They began blooming in June of this year and Jiminy crickets, they are glorious! Honestly, pictures don’t do it justice. What is incredibly unique about this flower (and biennials in general) is they fill a wide gap between the last of the tulips and daffodils and the first of the summer annuals. In other words, if you are looking for color in your garden all season long, Foxgloves are a perfect addition to bridge that gap.

Foxgloves (the biennial version or annual version) are prolific bloomers and are perfect for planting in a landscape or naturalized woodland setting if you’d also like to give them a whirl. They grow best if they are offered some afternoon shade so take that into consideration if planting in your garden. You can sow them indoors and transplant or you can sow them directly in the garden, but be sure not to cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. They are winter hardy to Zone 5 so we are perfect in our local Zone 7. If growing Foxglove as a cut flower, you will want to cut the stems when just a few bottom blossoms are open. Once the blooms are pollinated they drop from the stems so cutting them early will give you the best vase life. Also, cut their stem at ground level to encourage more shoots to grow and develop more stems (and more flowers). If you are growing in a landscape, you can remove the blooms as they fade but I encourage you to cut the stems periodically to reinvigorate the growth of the plant. Towards the end of the season, leaving a few flower heads on the plants will allow them to produce seed that will naturally scatter in your garden giving you Foxgloves year after year after year.

They are a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators as well, so that alone is reason enough to add this treasure to your garden. As you can probably tell, I’m completely enamored by this unique flower and she has earned a spot in my forever garden.

If you didn’t know, they grow wild on the Oregon coast and when we vacationed there early this summer they were blooming everywhere we went. Thousands and thousands of purple foxgloves dotted the roadsides and fields. It was such a beautiful site! I’m sure they grow wild elsewhere, but in all my travels, I’ve never seen so many and it was thrilling to say the least.

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

Doggie Days of Summer

We’ve all heard the term “the Dog Days of Summer.” But how many of us actually know how that term came about? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, during the “Dog Days” period, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, known as the “Dog Star,” which is the brightest star visible from any part of Earth. Sirius is a part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog and in the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. Because the star is so bright, the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the Sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. This stretch of days included the 20 days before and 20 days after this alignment of Sirius with the Sun. They referred to this time as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days” and connected it with excessive heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, diseases, bad luck and... mad dogs!

Although different cultures throughout history have placed the period of “Dog Days” at varying dates, today, we recognize these dates to be between July 3rd and August 11th, usually the hottest part of our summer in the Northern Hemisphere. But here in Rabun County however, our “Dog Days” aren’t quite so dire. First of all, our average temperatures in July and August are typically lower than anywhere else in the State, ranking us as the “coolest place in Georgia.” We always knew we were cool! Secondly, we are such a dog-friendly community that no canine critter would ever be “mad” about being in Rabun County! And lastly, there are so many wonderful ways for you (and your pup) to beat the heat in our beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains. Here are just few...

Enjoy the shade of the forest, and a refreshing spray of mist when you hike to a nearby waterfall. Amongst the trees, things are naturally cooler. Trees and vegetation lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and through evapotranspiration. Shaded areas may be 20–45°F cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded areas. Moreover, waterfalls create breezes and mist which also help cool us down. With countless waterfall hikes in the area, many of them dog-friendly, you can easily turn “Dog Days” in to “Doggie’s Day!” Rent a paddle board, canoe or kayak and take a leisurely float on one of our many lakes and streams. Being on or near water has

Photo Credit - KA Hamdy-Swink, www.WoodBoatPhotos.com

been scientifically proven to help people feel calmer and more at ease. This emotional cool down can be as refreshing as a physical one. There are a number of marinas and boat rental companies on the lakes that can hook you up with the craft of your choice. If you take your furry friend along for the ride, just be sure they are a good swimmer and make sure both of you have safety vests! Sip refreshing libations and enjoy cool live music. Sitting out on the patio at one of our wineries, distilleries or dining establishments, enjoying spectacular views, delightful drinks and amazing local musicians can make us forget about the heat and just relax and savor the moment. Some local establishments even allow pooches on their patios!

So, if you’re looking to make this summer’s Dog Days in to “Doggie Days,” our North Georgia mountains are the ideal place. For more information on all of these activities and many more, visit ExploreRabun.com and find out how you can beat the heat in Rabun County!

Panther Falls (Photo Courtesy of Bleu Canoe)

Tallulah Gorge State Park

(Courtesy of Tallulah Gorge State Park)

The U-Joint in Clayton (Photo Courtesy of the U-Joint)

Benefits of Welcoming a Cat into your Home

Cats help decrease stress and improve your mood – having cats around can help to improve your mood. According to science, if you spend 15–30 minutes a day petting, cuddling, and playing with your cat, your overall mood can be boosted.

Cats improve your physical health – some of the many health benefits of owning a cat include boosting your immune system, reducing the chance of heart attack, and preventing some young children from developing asthma and allergies.

Cats get you moving – dogs get most of the credit for being great workout partners, but don’t turn your nose up at cats if you think they won’t keep you active too. Breaking out the laser pointer or feather wand for tag, playing kitty fetch, and installing perches high up on your walls are a few of the ways you and your cat can actively interact.

Cats control rodents – this one is obvious! The hunting instinct is strong even in domesticated cats. Some studies show that even the scent of a cat is enough to keep rodents away.

Cats help you recover more quickly from trauma – there are endless studies that show the healing benefits of cats. The mere presence of cats in our lives is proven to help us recover more quickly from PTSD, surgery, and other emotional events.

Cats make friends – cat owners make friends easily because they love to talk – about their cats! Cat owners report feeling less lonely than non-cat owners.

Cats can be good for kids – when children imagine what a pet is feeling, it may help them learn how to empathize with their peers. Having a pet can also teach a child responsibility, if the child is supported by his or her parents in learning how to care for a pet.

Lemmy is a 2.8 year old domestic shorthair. She came to us in April with a broken jaw. We think she may have gotten clipped by a car. She underwent surgery on her jaw and is now ready for her furever home. She is very sweet and likes to find a cozy spot underneath a warm pillow. Please be sure to reach out if you would like to see Lemmy!

Llewellyn is a 3 year old longhaired domestic mix. He was a stray picked up in Clayton and is one of the sweetest big cats that we have at the shelter, he likes all people and is friendly and playful with all of the other cats. If you would like to come spend some time or socialize give us a call or stop in! This sweet fella would be glad to see you!

Spyder is a 1 year 6 month old cat that was seized from animal cruelty. As you can imagine she is a little skittish, but she would do so well in a quiet environment. She really likes people but when kids come in she is scared and goes to hide. She would be great for an older couple or someone that likes it quiet around the house. Let us know if you would like to come and meet her and tell us what you think

The Rabun Paws 4 Life building is located at 261 Boen Creek Road, Tiger, Georgia. For more information, 706-782-5422, rabunpaws4life.com

Finding Art

Anna DeStefano and the Healing Power of Her Art

ulti-talented Anna DeStefano has enjoyed a successful career in technical writing, has written over twenty-five romance and family centered fiction novels, done some amazing photography and has combined her ability as a creative photographer with her writing skills to create nature inspired children’s books. Having obtained her degree in Computer Science, specializing in Technical Writing, at Georgia Tech, Anna worked in the field of technical writing until her son was born. Around this time, Anna began tapping into that creative side of herself, turning her writing skills to writing novels. More recently, she has been using this creative side of her for photography.

Anna’s love of photography and subsequent success as a nature and wildlife photographer came about through her love of nature and the great outdoors, specifically the mountains. Wanting to capture some of the beauty that surrounded her, Anna began photographing what she saw, starting out with her phone camera. Eventually, she replaced that with increasingly more sophisticated cameras as she grew in her love for photography. This has led to her becoming the award-winning photographer that she is. Even though her photographs have been displayed in many galleries and art centers, one of Anna’s most cherished opportunities came when an art consultant offered to place her beautiful and calming floral photographs in Emory Healthcare facilities throughout the Atlanta area.

By Patricia Moore

MAnna is always on the lookout for new things to learn and new ways to grow. But she also uses her photography to educate others and help them to grow. Her writing and photography skills combine to create educational children’s books that can be enjoyed by the entire family. She travels throughout the Great Smoky Mountains capturing wildlife through the lens of her camera to use as illustrations for these books.

Bears are one of her favorite subjects, and she especially loves to photograph the bear families she has found populating the Cades Cove area of the Smokey Mountains. These are the photographs she uses to illustrate her endearing children’s books. Having already published two – Baby Bear’s BEST Morning and Baby Bear’s GREAT Day – she is presently working on the third. These books can be found in local businesses (listed below) as well as on Amazon. Through these books Anna hopes to help her readers to see bears not as just another animal or even worse, pests or nuisances, but as families not so unlike our own families. Even though written in simple words and sentences that young children can easily understand, there is a message and enjoyment here for the whole family. Anna’s vision is of families sitting down together reading her books and discussing the wildlife they depict.

As diverse as all this might seem, there is a definite unifying passion and theme that underlies all of Anna’s work. Beginning with her family centered novels, Anna’s goal is to create work that is healing. She says that you might call this her specific voice that resonates throughout her work, as well as her calling. She focuses on the positive. Even the name of her business – Affirmation Photography - reflects this. The work that she places in the waiting rooms, exam rooms and public spaces of the Emory Healthcare System help bring peace and a sense of wellbeing to the patients and their families, uplifting and encouraging them. Through her photographs she is

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.

bringing nature and its beauty inside. Through her children’s books she is accomplishing the same goal, as well as helping people to appreciate, respect and cherish wildlife.

Anna states that photography is a totally different way of connecting with people – through the sharing of the beauty found in nature and the stories that are told through the photographs. With this connection, she feels she can make lives better, more positive, and more enlightened. In viewing Anna’s beautiful photographs and reading her Baby Bear books, one can see how very true this is. Anna’s healing art has “evolved over the last couple of years into being featured by interior designers both in the mountains and with art consultants in healing spaces in Atlanta and other large cities.” She has also recently been juried into two traveling exhibits – one with the Wilderness Photography Foundation and the other, The Marietta Arts Council.

Anna’s work can be seen online at www.affirmationphotography.com and at several local galleries and businesses including Timpson Creek Galleries, Ladybug Landing, Julep Farms, Gallery 441 and Hemlock Studio Galleries in Clarksville.

Finding Art

What does it Mean to Follow the Example of Jesus?

By Dr. Kevin E. Hurt - Associate Pastor, Grace Bible Church

I Peter 2:21 says, “You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.”

Many understand that the life of Christ is an example for Christians to follow. The Bible tells us He was the perfect man--born without sin, committing no sin, holy, innocent, and undefiled. He is our perfect example. Though we will never be perfect as He was, we are to aim at being holy as He was holy, pure as He was pure, gentle as He was gentle, wise as He was wise, and humble as He was humble. Christ was obedient to God, and we are to imitate His example. Our service should be like His, and our attitude toward the world should reflect His attitude toward it.

But I Peter 2:21 says that Christ is our example not only in the way He lived, but also in His death. So often we learn more about the character of a person by how he dies than by how he lived. The truest revelation of who we are, generally comes in the time of deepest trial. Generally, the greater the trouble, the purer the revelation of what we truly are. I find that I don’t really know a person if I’ve known him or her only during the good times. It is the trying times that reveal character. And we find that Jesus, at the time of His greatest trial-in His dying moments--was as perfect as He was during His life.

In His death Jesus taught us how to live. We often look at His dying moments and observe that His death illustrates the seriousness of sin and the need for a Savior to pay the price for our iniquity. But Peter said that there’s even more to the cross than that. Christ died not only for us, but also as an example to us. He died to show us how to live.

Let’s look at the last seven sayings of Jesus, as He was dying, and see if we can draw some examples for us to follow. I want to spend the most time on the first one, and then just briefly touch on the others:

1. The First Saying--Forgive Others (Luke 23:34) “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Christ died forgiving those who sinned against Him. That is a principle to live by. Jesus had a forgiving heart even after a lifetime of experiencing mankind’s worst treatment. Christ made the world and came into it, but the world would not acknowledge Him. From the rejection of Him at His birth where King Herod attempted to kill him, to the mock trial and rejection of Him at the Cross, Christ was continually sinned against.

His forgiveness came as He hung on the cross, the victim (from a human perspective) of the hatred, animosity, bitterness, vengeance, and vile wickedness of men and demons. We would naturally expect Him to cry out to God for pity, or shake His fist in the face of God for his unfair execution. If we wrote the story, we might show Him crying maledictions and threats of vengeance upon His killers. But the Son of God did none of that. Instead, He asked God to forgive those who were taking His life.

Jesus understood the wretchedness of the human heart: “They do not know what they are doing.” Christ’s executioners needed forgiveness. The only way they could be ushered into the presence of a holy God was if their sins were forgiven.

Christ prayed for the most profound need of His killers. He was more concerned that His wicked murderers be forgiven than in seeking vengeance.

Christians are to be more concerned with God forgiving those who sin against them than with vengeance. Stephen, while being stoned to death for preaching about Christ, prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” (Acts 7:60). He followed the Lord’s own example. So should we.

2. The Second Saying--Reach Out to Others (Luke 23:43) “Truly I say to you today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Two thieves were crucified with Christ--one to His right and the other to His left. In response to the request of one thief-”Jesus, remember me when You come in Your Kingdom!” (Luke 23:42)--Jesus replied, “Today you shall be with Me in paradise.” Our Lord died bringing the truth of eternal life to a lost soul. While dying on the cross, feeling the greatest hate from His persecutors, He was concerned with the salvation of those sinners. He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Paul wrote that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15).

Jesus maintained this focus even while dying on a cross. He is our example for reaching out to others with the truth of the gospel. Are

you, even in the midst of some of your most trying times, following His example to reach out to others?

3. The Third Saying--Meet the Needs of Others (John 19:26-27) “Woman, behold, your son ... [Son,] behold, your mother!”

Jesus died expressing selfless love. Standing at the foot of His cross stood a group of five people far different from the mocking crowd. Along with the apostle John was Mary, the mother of our Lord. She was experiencing the full force of Simeon’s prophecy many years before that her soul would be pierced through because of Jesus (Luke 2:34-35). Beside Mary stood Salome--possibly her sister, the mother of James and John. There was also Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene out of whom Jesus had cast demons (Mark 15:40; Luke 8:2-3; John 19:25). It seems fitting that the name Mary means “bitterness” in Hebrew.

As Christ was dying His mother was on His heart. Out of the crowd at the foot of the cross, Jesus’ mother was perhaps the neediest of all. On the cross Christ experienced the weight of the world’s sins, the agony of the cross, and the wrath of almighty God--a far greater internal pain than His external pain. Yet in the midst of His pain He showed compassion. His thoughts were directed towards someone else. That’s how we are to live--never so overwhelmed with our own pain that we lose sight of the needs of others.

4. The Fourth Saying--Realize the Seriousness of Sin (Matt. 27:46) “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

Jesus died understanding the seriousness of sin. Sin separates from God. “Forsaken” is one of the most painful words that a person could use to describe himself--alone and desolate. Jesus was forsaken. His cry meant, “My God, My God, with whom I have had eternal unbroken fellowship, why have You deserted Me?” Against that background of eternal intimacy, Christ’s forsakenness has profound significance. Sin is seen to do what nothing else in the universe could do. Men couldn’t separate the Father from the Son; demons couldn’t; Satan couldn’t. But sin caused the Son to suffer the most devastating reality in the universe--separation from God. God is too holy to look on sin (Hab. 1:13). As a result, sin alienates man from God. When Christ bore our sin on the cross, He reached the climax of His suffering. Even when suffering pain beyond description--His hands and feet pierced--he endured the cross and its shame in silence. Though taunted by the vulgar crowd, and suffering the curses of those crucified beside Him, He had not answered back. But when God forsook Him, Christ experienced a pain beyond even all that, and He cried out in agony.

No earthly struggle, trial, or trouble, regardless of how great it is, should come close to the distress our own sin should cause us. Like Christ, believers are to realize the seriousness of our sin and the separation caused by sin. Jesus experienced personally the searing pain sin brings because it separated Him from the Father. We must understand the implications of our sin--that it wrenches us away from God.

5. The Fifth Saying--Depend on Others (John 19:28) “I am thirsty.”

Christ experienced the conditions of true humanity. His statement didn’t mean He was thirsty for God, but that He was thirsty for something to drink. He needed a drink and He couldn’t get it for Himself. Jesus depended on others, and there are times when we need to do the same too.

Because Christ is familiar with human need He is a sympathetic high priest (Heb. 2:17-18). The New Testament affirms that Christ was fully man--thirsty, weary, hungry, sleepy, happy, grieved. Christ depended on others to meet His needs. Sometimes those needs were met by Mary and Martha, sometimes by His mother. Like Jesus we must be willing to show our human weaknesses and learn to live dependently and not be too proud to ask for others’ help.

6. The Sixth Saying--Finish What You Start (John 19:30) “It is finished!”

“It is finished” (Gk., tetelestai) is a triumphant pronouncement. For most people life ends but their work is not done. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant He had finished His redeeming work. He came into this world “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26) and He did just that. He bore our sins in His own body, and dealt Satan a blow to the head (Gen. 3:15).

Just as Christ finished perfectly what God gave Him to do, so are we. We must be more concerned with the work God has called us to do than the pain the work takes us through. Jesus endured the pain because He could see the result (Heb. 12:2). This is to motivate us as well. Don’t live your life just until it ends; live to finish the work God has given you to do.

7. The Seventh Saying--Commit Yourself to God (Luke 23:46) “Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit.”

Jesus died placing His trust in God’s promise to care for Him. We are to live the same way, casting all our anxieties upon God because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). That means you must put your life, your death, and your destiny in His hands. That is what is meant by a life of faith--a life of complete trust in God.

God promised to raise Christ from the grave (Ps. 16:10). Jesus knew that promise because He often affirmed that He would suffer and die but rise again (Matt. 16:21; 26:32; Mark 9:9, 31; John 2:19). Based on God’s promise He committed Himself to God’s care. That’s the only way to live--to commit your life to God. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:6).

This is the life we, as God’s people, are called to model. How are we doing? Where do you/I need to grow? Let me encourage all of us to let the life of Jesus be the model we seek to follow!

Life is a Blessing

By Tracy McCoy

Iam not a farmer or even a farmer’s wife. I can barely keep things alive so I don’t have a green thumb. I say I am not a farmer but I am a descendant of farmers. In researching my ancestry I learned through census records that my heritage is farming. While I thought maybe I’d find some great wealth or royalty, instead I found something much greater. Farmers have integrity and servant hearts. They respect the land, others and they feed the world.

Now, I grew up living in Michigan. My dad was a native of Rabun County, the oldest of 13 children born and raised in the Warwoman community. When you were feeding that many kids in the 30s and 40s, you were a farmer whether you wanted to be or not. Most families had a milk cow, a couple head of cattle, a couple of hogs, a mule for farming, a barn, and fields. Seed were shared between families and kept from the crops each year for the next year. My dad did have the green thumb and knew how to grow a garden. Up north people have what we’d call today hobby gardens. Not us, we had 10 rows of corn, 8 rows of potatoes, 5 rows of green beans, 4 rows of tomatoes, 3 rows of yellow squash, and a couple rows of onions and peas. I have a sister that is 6 years older than I am and she always followed directions much better than I did. My daddy was very particular about his garden. The rows had to be straight and everything had to be done just right. So while she worked behind our dad, I had another very important job.

My dad knew our strengths, Patty was very good with a hoe and I could sing. Not necessarily well, but loud. So with the rows being what seemed like a half mile long I’d stand at one end with a glass of ice water and I’d sing for my dad.

He said it helped him work and helped the plants. My sister did not believe it helped anything and would glare at me as sweat rolled off her brow, but deep down I knew that it was because I could sing and she couldn’t. I’d sing hymns that we learned at Church. The “garden concert” included The Old Rugged Cross, When the Roll is Called up Yonder, What a Friend we have in Jesus and How Great Thou Art. Daddy must have been right about the plants liking it, cause we sure did have a great garden. As I got a little older I learned how to pick up taters, pull onions, pick tomatoes and squash. I always loved the cool dirt between my toes and a fresh tomato. I’d eat it like an apple.

Fast forward four decades and I am helping in my in-laws garden. My father-in-law could have written the Farmer’s Almanac. He is the gardener in the family. My mother-in-law loves the garden and to watch things grow and she knows about as much as he does. She is famous for her creamed sweet corn. So this year when we started I said “Do you want me to lay off the rows?” the answer was “no, you have to do it just right.” “Ok, well what is my job?”, I asked. “I can sing…” they politely asked me not to. My husband said “Tracy you drop the seed.” with this came specific instructions to the fraction on how far apart they should be. With a small brown paper sack in hand and a bucket of fertilizer I started down the first row. As I worked I thought about the planting process, the work of a farmer and how it relates to our Christian life.

A farmer prays over his fields, prepares the soil, plants the seed, covers them with dirt and more prayers. The farmer then pends on sunshine, rain and the favor of our Creator to do the rest. He doesn’t walk away once the plants begin to

grow. He tends them until harvest. As believers we are all part of the body of Christ and we all have a job. Some prepare the soil through prayer and example. We’ve all seen that person that we see Jesus in. They create a desire for a closer walk with the Lord. Then there are the seed droppers, like me. They share through the written word and stories they tell, seed droppers try to plant a seed by the way they live their life and their testimony. Not because they are great but because He is. We are planting seeds everyday through out words, our actions and our example. We can plant seeds of love, kindness, grace and mercy or we can sow seeds of hate, anger, judgement and division. The choice is ours every morning when we open our eyes. We are not going to be perfect but if you call yourself a Christian, we are to follow the example of Christ.

When I started down the row with my paper sack filled with corn and bucket of fertilizer I had been equipped to sow seed, God has equipped us through the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us, the Bible that teaches us and His abundant Grace. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” He has equipped us for the work He gives us to do.

Sometimes sharing our faith is scary, we are not sure how it’ll go. Many a time I’ve had a little Jonah in me and wanted to run the other way. Then God reminds me what happened to Jonah when he was called to action and he didn’t go. Now I know there are no whales in northeast Georgia, but the whales that swalllow us come in many forms. I know in my heart that if I’ll take the first step, Jesus will come alongside me or even go before me and I have no reason to fear.

When Jesus had risen from the dead and was speaking for the last time face to face with his disciples. He tasked them with being stewards of the gospel and in Matthew 28:19-20 this is what he said. “Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We are modern day disciples and Jesus has made us stewards of His grace, he wants us to share his story and plant those seeds. He will cover them and He will harvest them… just be a seed dropper. You are equipped and He will go with you.

My World Travels

The-Sometimes-Serendipitous-Circus-That-Is-My-Life

By Jonan Keeny

My wife, Mary Lauren, and I both work multiple jobs, and I know we aren’t alone in that regard. (Shoutout to all of you doing the same! Let’s start a club! We won’t have meetings because we’re too busy. It’ll be great!) It isn’t always fun or easy, but we feel it is necessary to do so in order to feel fulfilled as human beings, as professionals, and as parents. (She isn’t available at the moment to disagree with me, so…) And if I haven’t mentioned it before or if you haven’t seen me/us out and about with Wyatt (9yo) and Miles (4yo), the boys keep us on our toes. So when the stars align and ML and I actually have a mutual day off AND the boys are out of town…It’s date time. Despite how rare this is, that is exactly how and why we found ourselves hanging out in Clayton on a Monday afternoon last month.

One of my favorite things about Clayton in the warmer months is that many restaurants are OPEN on Mondays! For our family, that tends to be a particularly busy day of the week (you know, those pesky jobs, school, RCHS Marching Wildcats rehearsal, soccer practice, etc.), and preparing dinner is not always easy. (Here I need to again remind you that, once upon a time, I lived in NYC, just a half-block from Times Square. Ask me about seeing Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, drummer for The Roots, in the Times Square McDonald’s at 3AM sometime! I’m still waiting to run into him in Rabun County…) Please understand that I bring up Mondays and restaurants not to disparage anyone or any business. I completely understand not being open when it is not costeffective to do so. And please, please PLEASE enjoy your days off!!! However, it has taken some getting used to. So, sitting on the patio at The Hush downtown prior to the Hush Rush (#hushrush; let’s get it trending!) and having the time to order food one course at a time(!) enjoying my wife’s company, without any sort of need to hurry or constantly correct inappropriate boy-child behavior, was

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.

wonderful. It’s in those fleeting moments that I am reminded of just how much I love this woman. When she isn’t laughing hysterically at my hilarious jokes, she is actively listening to my hopes and dreams, as well as to my artistic frustrations. (But mostly she’s laughing hysterically at my hilarious jokes.) And don’t worry other-wonderful-restaurants, we’ll be visiting soon.

After paying and thanking Chris for being such an awesome server, we stroll up and down Main Street, shopping or just window shopping at Wander, Lulu and Tully’s, Isadora Popper, Main Street Gallery, Outdoor 76, Butler Galleries, Reeves, and all the rest, enjoying a lovely summer afternoon with a gentle breeze that is just enough to keep us comfortable in the sun. Not long after, as we sip iced lattes and share a dessert at White Birch Provisions, our “normal” life begins again. Various messages from various jobs, which leads to changing plans slightly to get some things worked out. So, we head on over to St. James Episcopal Church for a chat. As it turns out, just a few days prior, St. James had held its 15th Flower and Liturgical Festival. So after ML is finished and I have potentially and unexpectedly added a new photo or two to “Sanctuaries,” and we have taken a few shots for ML’s new job at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, we move on, gorgeous flowers in tow, sun-kissed and content, and head home. There’s laundry to be done, various cleaning to do, birds to feed, and travel preparations to be made. Just another typical day balancing work and life with the love of my life…Time well-spent, indeed.

Anyway, as I wrap this up around 4am, slamming coffee at the kitchen table in my parents’ home in Berwick, Pennsylvania where I got older, eyes blurry with tears of joy and sadness from reflecting on a long-overdue NEPA trip, before I move on to writing fresh beats for the RCHS Drumline, and before moving on to finishing my weekly tasks and prep for Sunday at FPC Highlands, I leave you with this: Whatever “it” is for you, please don’t take it for granted. Life is awesome, but it is also short. Share the smiles, share the hugs. Embrace the grind, but spread the love.

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

Mother Teresa

Find Familiar Faces at United Home Mortgage in Clayton

Maybe you’ve seen the sign for Union Home Mortgage, but what do you know about the company and who lies beyond their doors. UHM began in 1970 in Ohio. President and CEO, Bill Cosgrove has build a world class company where people come first. The company doesn’t have employees, they consider them partners who share the values that the company was founded on. It’s a code of conduct that delivers personal service into 48 states and D.C.. Today, the opportunity to work with this reputable company is available to northeast Georgia residents with new offices opening in Rabun and Stephens and Habersham Counties.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you step in their Savannah Street Shoppes office to see Branch Manager and lender Shane Burns and Team Lead Lucy Hunter. This team is well prepared to meet your mortgage needs offering strong customer service, a myriad of products and the knowledge to find the perfect fit for your situation. UHM services 95% of their loans, they have partnership programs for REALTORS® offering tools that can help grow their business, benefit their clients and an app that is easy to navigate and allows agents to follow the lending process.

United Home Mortgage is strong and growing, among the top 75 companies nationwide with a goal to reach the top 25. In what is a competitive and volatile market, Shane feels she is in the best place to help her clients. Recently moving to UHM, she is pleased to have more to offer her already established client base and new and exciting products and services to offer homeowners. She invites you to stop in at 91 E. Savannah Street #301 in Clayton for a visit or drop her a line at sburns@uhm.com. You may also call 706-247-8667 to set up an appointment and learn more.

EdVentures Resource Center

Offers Alternatives for Your Student

by Tracy McCoy

“We all want happy, confident children that will transition into productive members of the community,” says Kim Treff, co-founder of EdVentures Resource Center, a new education option in Tiger, Georgia that begins classes on August 14th. Kim’s partner at EdVentures, Angela Bishop, is a former public school teacher who left the classroom because she saw untapped potential in her students and her own children. Angela brings years of experience with a hybrid schooling model from the program she developed and successfully ran in middle Georgia. EdVentures integrates individualized core skills with group projects to encourage a love for learning. The two professionals have found that this education style was a perfect fit for their children—and could also benefit yours!

“In 2020, I saw the need for additional educational options in the community. I worked in the public school system for twelve years, then homeschooled my own children for five years, and found this model to be an ideal blend. Our hybrid program will partner with families to bring the homeschool feel to a community setting,” Angela shared. Explaining the daily learning process at EdVentures, Angela continued, “As a group, we will work together, in person, for six weeks and the completed project will be presented to the community. This gives the students pride in what they have accomplished while learning through the process. Then the students will prepare for the next project by spending two weeks of at-home learning. EdVentures believes that learning does not just happen in the classroom and encourages family learning opportunities, travel, connecting with nature, and participating in life skills.”

EdVentures Resource Center will teach good stewardship through connections in Rabun County. They plan to connect with local businesses and organizations to strengthen our future community. They also hope to practice life skills through apprenticeships and volunteering. Real life skills are an important part of the EdVentures platform. Children will be taught reasoning, kindness, responsibility and goal-setting in a hybrid learning process, customized to each child’s needs. Kim says her goal is to help each child become a student of life, pointing out that “Life is learning. We are all still learning every day.”

EdVentures will be accepting students from 3–18 years of age. EdVentures preschool program will offer a Montessori based learning style, half a day for three days a week, provided by Gabriela Perez. Gabriela brings 15 years of experience from Little Way School where she was dedicated to instilling a love for learning. Enrollment will be open all year long and there are no yearly contracts. Homework is not given and there is no attendance policy. EdVentures Resource Center opens the door for families who would like to homeschool but need extra support, as well as provides a community for families who are already homeschooling. It is truly a partnership between the families and their children’s educators.

Children should enjoy learning, and when they do, they flourish! This whole child approach is at the core of what EdVentures Resource Center has to offer. If this is what you’ve been searching for, reach out for more details. To sign up or get more information, call 706-4894162 or visit their website at letedventuresbegin.org.

“How sweet it is to learn the Savior’s love when nobody else loves us!

When friends flee, what a blessed thing it is to see that the Savior does not forsake us but still keeps us and holds us fast and clings to us and will not let us go!”

- Charles Spurgeon

The Family Table

by Lorie R. Thompson

It is garden harvest time in North West Rabun!

Our garden is always a few weeks behind our neighbors in other parts of the County. Our home is tucked so far back in a mountain hollow that we pipe in the sunshine. Living in the “holler” keeps us blessed with cooler temperatures which make our garden harvest time a little later in the Summer than in other areas.

Mountain Man went BIG this year. We have lots of food and are eating, preserving, and sharing some. It is rewarding to go out in the garden and harvest what you will have

for your meal. There is nothing better than food harvested and eaten within hours.

Growing a vegetable garden is hard work, but the work brings the satisfaction of enjoying excellent food. It is good to have a productive year in the garden. Having food to share brings joy to your heart.

When the yellow squash and zucchini come in, we eat them almost daily. Mountain Mans’s favorite squash dish is how his Mama made them: rolled in cornmeal and fried with Crisco in a black iron skillet. My favorite preparation is roasted at high temperatures in the oven. Let me tell you how to make this simple dish.

Wash the squash and dry thoroughly. Slice it as evenly as possible. Place on a sheet pan with sliced onion and drizzle with olive oil. Add seasoning of your choice. I like Calenders Greek Seasoning on them, but plain S&P is okay too. Roast at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes. This is one of my easy side dishes when we are camping. If you have a Blackstone or similar Griddle, try roasting the squash on it.

Stuffed Squash is another family favorite. Here is how we make it: Slice each squash in half, lengthwise. Using a melon ball cutter or a small teaspoon, hollow out the center of the squash, reserving the pulp. Melt 3-4 T of butter in a pan. Chop one medium onion and sauté 3-4 minutes. Add the reserved squash pulp and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add 1-2 tsp of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Salt and pepper the ingredients. Add a sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers and 1 Cup of your favorite shredded cheese.

Layer the hollowed-out squash in

an oven-safe pan. Lightly salt them and put a drizzle of olive oil on each squash. Mound the filling into each squash. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the squash is tender. Turn on the broiler to crisp the top if needed.

A quick and easy way to prepare squash is to saute it in butter. Use salted butter and add very thinly sliced onions. Cook on low heat, then turn up the heat as the squash softens and crisps.

I hope your garden is bountiful and you have food to share. Enjoy this season of plenty!

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 Thompson.

Take Salads Al Fresco for a Sweet Summer Meal

Get out of the kitchen and head outdoors this summer for fresh, delicious meals that call for lighting the grill and relaxing in the warmth of the season. Take some of your favorite courses –like salads, for instance – to the next level by adding grilled ingredients for that perfect bit of char.

This Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad offers all the tastes of the season with spring salad mix, fresh blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese. Topped with homemade lemon honey vinaigrette, it’s a light yet filling meal fit for warm days thanks in part to the superfood that takes it to new heights: sweetpotatoes.

As one of the most versatile vegetables that’s easy to add to a variety of recipes for flavor and nutrition enhancement, sweetpotatoes can be a key ingredient in simple or elevated, sweet or savory dishes alike. Whether they’re cooked on the stove, baked, microwaved, slow-cooked or grilled to a perfect doneness with a crispy char, they can be an ideal addition to better-for-you summer meals.

Plus, they’re a “diabetes superfood” per the American Diabetes Association because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health. When enjoyed with the skin on, one medium sweetpotato contains more than 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, an important vitamin affecting vision, bone development and immune function. They’re also a good source of fiber and rich in potassium.

Another fun fact: the National Sweetpotato Collaborators officially adopted the one-word spelling in 1989 to avoid confusion with equally unique and distinctive potatoes, which are also grown

and marketed in the U.S. Sweetpotato is a noun, not an adjective, meaning “sweet” is not a descriptor but part of the actual nomenclature. This is different than other potatoes using adjectives like white, red or russet to describe an entirely different vegetable. Find more nutritional information, fun facts and summer recipe ideas at NCSweetpotatoes.com.

Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Andrea Mathis (beautifuleatsandthings.com)

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:

6 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 1/2 tablespoons honey

salt, to taste and pepper, to taste

3 medium sweetpotatoes, peeled and sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt, to taste and pepper, to taste

4 cups spring salad mix

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

To make lemon honey vinaigrette: In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Drizzle sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill sliced sweetpotatoes on each side about 5 minutes, or until sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and let cool.

To arrange salad, spread spring salad mix onto large platter and top with grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese crumbles. Top with lemon honey vinaigrette and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. - (Family Features)

“It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity.”

- Dave Barry

DILLARD BLUEGRASS BENEFIT FESTIVAL Begins its Second Quarter Century

By Hank Belew, Festival Chair

t seems like only a couple of years ago that we were getting this festival started. And now here we are preparing our twenty sixth event. Many things have changed in the 25 years since the first festival but one thing that hasn’t changed is our desire to gather folks together from all over and have a good time. The festival has grown from having just a few bands and food vendors into a weekend full of the best music, food, arts and crafts and fun that can be put together.

From the beginning our mission was to put on the best festival we could, with the best in regional bands and food, while giving back and helping our community. The proceeds from the festival each year go to many of our local non-profit organizations. Last year we were able to help nine charities who do work in Rabun and surrounding counties.

The bluegrass bands who have performed are some of the best and many have garnered awards from IBMA and SPIGMA. Some have even won a Grammy! This year is no different! On Saturday, our featured band is Nick Chandler and Delivered. Nick and the band are in the second round of nominations for five IBMA awards this year! Both days we’ll have 10 hours of the best Bluegrass to be found in the Southeast.

The food vendors are equally accomplished. Any appetite will be happy as we have a good variety from full meals to sandwiches and lots of sweet items for dessert. We will have a Barbeque Cooking School on Friday and Saturday, taught by Kyle Bryner of the Blue Hound BBQ in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina.

There will be a juried arts and crafts show to feature the talents of regional artists. Items are all handmade and include woodcarving, paintings, leathercraft, handmade soaps, jewelry and much more. The Blue Ridge Activity and Tumbling bus will be there for the kids! Gymnastics on wheels!

We hope to see one and all at the Dillard Bluegrass Benefit Festival. It promises to be another great time this year! Check us out at www.dillardbluegrass.org or on Facebook. As always, we thank our audience for the support. Come and join in the fun at 892 Franklin St. in Dillard, Georgia, August 4th and 5th

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”

- John Muir

“Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains.”

- Diane Ackerman

The Effects of and Help for Those Who Are Grieving a Loss

August is National Grief Awareness Month and we wanted to take a look at the health issues that can develop from grieving but also a local support group that can help you work through the loss of a loved one.

The ramifications of grief can include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and physical illness. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following problems, contact a doctor or mental health professional for counseling, medicine, or both.

DEPRESSION

Depression is the most common condition that can develop when a person is grieving. It’s common in adults who experience a divorce or death of a spouse or child.

HIGH LEVELS OF ANXIETY

Anxiety also is common during the grieving process. But anxiety can last longer than expected. And it can also become intense and include extreme guilt. Anxiety can: Make you feel like you are losing control of your emotions. Overwhelming fear is also common.

Trigger episodes of physical symptoms (anxiety attacks) that you might mistake for a heart attack. During an anxiety attack, you are likely to have a feeling of intense fear or terror, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, heartbeat changes, dizziness, sweating, and shaking.

PHYSICAL ILLNESS

People who have chronic medical conditions may have a recurrence or their symptoms may get worse when they are grieving. Adults who lose a loved one sometimes develop new health problems. Children can also have stress-induced physical problems while grieving.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

People who experience a traumatic loss are at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an intense emotional and

psychological response to a very disturbing or traumatic event, such as a sexual assault (rape), assault, natural disaster, car crash, war, torture, or death. You can develop PTSD symptoms right after such an event. Or PTSD may develop months or even years later.

Symptoms may include:

Persistent and painful re-experiencing of the event through dreams (nightmares) or while awake (flashbacks).

Emotional numbness, or being unable to feel or express emotions toward family, friends, and loved ones.

Avoiding any reminders of the event.

Being easily angered, aroused, or startled (hyperarousal). Counseling and medicines can be helpful for people who have PTSD.

PROLONGED GRIEF

Prolonged grief may also be called by other names, such as complicated grief. Symptoms include:

Longing and yearning for the loved one.

Intense loneliness.

Being upset by memories of the loved one.

Trouble doing everyday things without the loved one.

Prolonged grief is different from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With PTSD, a person is anxious and fearful that the traumatic event that caused the loss will occur again. In prolonged grief, anxiety results because the person is searching and yearning for their loved one.

If you or someone you know has symptoms of prolonged grief, seek help from a doctor or professional counsellor specializing in grief counseling. There are also groups such as GriefShare that are a great place to meet others going through the same things you are. Please read on for information about their meetings.

GriefShare

We are Here to Help

by Angelyn Hayes

CONSUMING LONELINESS. DEMOLISHED DREAMS. DEVASTATED HEART. DEPLETED ENERGY. EXCRUCIATING PAIN.

Words and phrases that describe feelings after a loved one dies are only the beginning.

While everyone’s response to death is unique, people facing grief will experience many of the same challenges such as loneliness, fear, anger, exhaustion, indecisiveness, regrets. Sometimes the challenge is just figuring out how to get through life’s daily activities. Sometimes the challenge is finding a way to ease the pain and find support while dealing with a loved one’s death. Fortunately, our community offers a place to find support and encouragement: GriefShare.

GriefShare is a non-denominational support group that connects grieving individuals with others who are also traveling the grief

remind me of my family.”

“GriefShare put me in touch with other people experiencing grief. I met and bonded with several people who had lost loved ones. Now I can understand the pain, and with the help of GriefShare I was able to begin to heal.”

“The leaders were welcoming and caring. There were videos with experts on the topic of grief and group discussions where people talked about the feelings they had and their reactions to their grief experiences. I learned that although we shared many of the same feelings, the process and progression of grief was different for each of us.”

A new GriefShare session will begin on Sunday, August 20 at 3:00 p.m. at the Clayton First United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall located at 91 South Main Street, Clayton, Georgia. You may register in advance at GriefShare.org/findagroup or at the first session you attend. You may start anytime during the thirteen-week session. For more information about GriefShare or the current session, email claytongriefshare@gmail.com. or call 706-782-4426.

Manage Heart Health for Stronger Brain Health

The same risk factors that contribute to making heart disease the leading cause of death worldwide also impact the rising global prevalence of brain disease, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The global death rate from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is increasing even more than the rate of heart disease death, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2022 Update.

Globally, more than 54 million people had Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in 2020, a 37% increase since 2010 and 144% increase over the past 30 years (1990-2020). Additionally, more than 1.89 million deaths were attributed to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias worldwide in 2020, compared to nearly 9 million deaths from heart disease.

“The global rate of brain disease is quickly outpacing heart disease,” said Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D. M.S., FAHA, the past president of the American Heart Association (2020-21), a professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and attending neurologist at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “We are learning more about how some types of dementia are related to aging, and how some types are due to poor vascular health. It’s becoming more evident that reducing vascular disease risk factors can make a real difference in helping people live longer, healthier lives, free of heart disease and brain disease.”

According to the statistics update, people with midlife hypertension were five times more likely to experience impairment on global cognition and about twice as likely to experience reduced executive function, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The risk for dementia associated with heart failure was nearly two-fold.

Experts recommend maintaining a healthy weight, managing your blood pressure and following other heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors that can also support good brain health while studies show maintaining good vascular health is associated with healthy aging and retained cognitive function.

Optimal brain health includes the ability to perform tasks like movement, perception, learning and memory, communication, problem solving, judgment, decision making and emotion. Cognitive decline and dementia are often seen following stroke or cerebrovascular disease and indicate a decline in brain health.

Consider these steps to live a healthier lifestyle and protect your heart and brain health:

* Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke.

* Reach and maintain a healthy weight. Be mindful of your eating habits; eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars.

* Be physically active. Start slowly and build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) each week. As an alternative, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of the two, to improve overall cardiovascular health.

* Get your blood pressure checked regularly and work with your health care team to manage it if it’s high.

* Have regular medical checkups and take your medicine as directed.

* Decrease your stress level and seek emotional support when needed.

Learn more about the relationship between heart health and brain health at heart.org.

(Family Features) Photos courtesy of Getty Images Source: American Heart Association

THE CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST: An Irony of History The Unintended Consequence of Clear-Cut Logging

By Dick Cinquina

One of the largest national forests east of the Mississippi owes its birth to an environmental disaster. The history of the Chattahoochee National Forest, which takes its name from the river whose headwaters rise in the north Georgia mountains, is the story of a phoenix rising, not from ashes but from a rubble-strewn landscape left in the wake of clear-cut logging on an industrial scale.

The history of the land encompassing the Chattahoochee National Forest extends back centuries to the Cherokee. Their homeland, stretching across North Georgia, covers the present-day national forest. It has been estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 Cherokee were living in the Georgia mountains by 1700. Under relentless pressure to surrender their ancestral homeland and make way for the growing influx of white settlers, the Cherokee were forced to cede growing portions of their land to the state of Georgia. Rabun County was established in 1819 on one large cession that occurred in 1815.

Trail of Tears

The discovery of gold on Cherokee territory near Dahlonega in 1829 further fueled the desire of Georgians to possess Cherokee land. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, which authorized President Andrew Jackson to negotiate removal treaties with Native American tribes in the Southeast. However, the great majority of Cherokees refused to leave their homes. As the 1838 deadline for removal approached, President Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson’s successor, directed 7,000 U.S. Army soldiers to round up approximately 100,000 Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole Indians at bayonet point and march them 1,200 miles to the Indian Territory in Oklahoma. It is estimated that more than 5,000 Cherokee from north Georgia died during the winter of 1838-1839 on the “trail where they cried,” known as the

infamous Trail of Tears.

While this tragedy was unfolding, gold miners poured into the Dahlonega area, preceding by 20 years the California gold rush. Tons of gold were stripped from rich veins and scooped from creeks and streams. So much gold was mined that the U.S. mint opened a branch in Dahlonega in 1838. Left in the wake of the nation’s first gold rush was a landscape deeply scarred by uncontrolled mining and a decimated fish and wildlife population. However, environmental damage in north Georgia would soon become much worse and widespread throughout the region.

Logging on an Industrial Scale

Large lumber companies that made their way to north Georgia in the 1890s brought industrial-scale logging to the region. Hundreds of thousands of acres of forestland were clear-cut during the first decades of the twentieth century, leaving a rubble-strewn landscape where giant poplars, oaks and maples once towered more than 100 feet. The Tallulah Falls Railroad gave added impetus

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

A clear-cut forest landscape.

to uncontrolled logging by enabling companies to ship lumber to northern markets hungry for this natural resource.

Narrow-gauge railways were built into mountain hollows by lumber companies, blasting out entire hillsides to gain access to remote forests. Splash dams were built across mountain streams to build up water to a level sufficient for holding hundreds of felled trees. When these dams were dynamited, enormous floods swept the trees down the mountain to waiting oxen teams and railway cars. Mountainsides were severely eroded and disfigured, while fish and wildlife populations were devastated. The Byrd-Matthews sawmill vividly illustrates the magnitude of what was happening. Located near Helen in White County, this sawmill was the largest east of the Mississippi, cutting 70,000 board-feet or 13 miles of lumber every day at its peak in 1917.

Nantahala National Forest

In response to the devastation of the nation’s forestland, Congress enacted the Weeks Act in 1911, authorizing the United States Forest Service to purchase clear-cut land with the goals of reforestation, controlling soil erosion and maintaining navigable waterways. The Forest Service started buying land in Rabun County in 1913 for $7.50 per acre, which generated another bonanza for the logging companies. Having originally paid only $1 to $2 per acre, the loggers were only too happy to sell their now-worthless land at a huge profit. Tens of thousands of additional acres were purchased from logging companies in other counties across north Georgia. On this land, together with large tracts of clear-cut acreage in North Carolina, the federal government established the Nantahala National Forest in 1920. This was the first step toward the creation of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The goal of reforestation, along with managing existing stands of timber, wildlife, soil and water, was difficult, at best, to achieve, since scientific forestry practices were not widely understood nor welcomed by farmers long accustomed to doing what they wanted on their land, regardless of environmental impacts. Resentment also was widespread over the amount of land now owned by the government. It was into this setting that Rangers Roscoe Nicholson and Arthur Woody came to work for the Forest Service.

Forest Rangers Nicholson and Woody

Nicholson became Georgia’s first Forest Ranger in 1912. Under the Weeks Act, he purchased much of the clear-cut land for the Forest Service in and around Rabun County. His territory also covered large portions of North and South Carolina as well as land in north Georgia west of Rabun County. “Ranger Nick,” as he was known, was focused on transforming the region’s clear-cut landscape into

thriving forestland. He was adept at overcoming resentment over forestry management through a sustained public relations program aimed at educating the public about sound forestry practices. Clear-cutting had caused the deer and trout populations to virtually disappear in north Georgia, and Woody spearheaded the effort to repopulate the region with wildlife. He shipped trout from hatcheries in Gainesville and released them into mountain streams. Woody also purchased fawns with his own money and fed them until they could be released on what became the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Fannin, Union and Lumpkin counties.

New Deal’s Civilian Conservation Corps

However, many of Nicholson’s and Woody’s plans could not be implemented due to a lack of funding and a shortage of labor. That began to change in 1933 when New Deal legislation created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a peacetime army of unemployed young men recruited to work on conservation and other land improvement projects. Four CCC camps, totaling nearly 1,000 men, were established in Rabun County by the summer of 1933. Another 30 CCC camps were formed in north Georgia that year.

Ranger Roscoe Nicholson, leaning on the tree.

The CCC was focused on reforestation and alleviating the problems of soil erosion and stream siltation. In addition to planting hundreds of thousands of trees, Rabun’s CCC camps improved 6,000 acres of existing timber and worked to protect the county’s remaining stands of white pines, which had become an endangered species. The CCC also built new roads and improved existing ones, strung telephone lines and built the fire tower atop Rabun Bald that still stands.

Chattahoochee National Forest Established in 1936

In response to the progress made by the CCC and the work of Rangers Nicholson and Woody, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Chattahoochee National Forest as a separate entity from the Nantahala on July 9, 1936. Today, the Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses more than 750,000 acres, stretching west from Rabun across the northern tier of Georgia counties. On November 27, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the Oconee National Forest on 96,000 acres of federal lands in middle Georgia.

The Oconee subsequently joined the Chattahoochee to form the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests that today totals a combined 867,000 acres.

The economic impact of the Chattahoochee National Forest is enormous. It is a destination for millions of visitors annually, whose spending injects millions of dollars into local communities. In addition to tourism, the Forest protects water resources and wildlife, operates a trout hatchery and manages responsible timber harvesting.

It is an irony of history that environmentally devastated land gave rise to the Chattahoochee National Forest. Or perhaps it can be said this was a case of unintended consequences, which frequently yield results less than desirable. In this case, the result was a sprawling national forest that has been a mainstay of northeast Georgia’s economy for decades.

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 newly renovated museum at 81 N. Church St. in downtown Clayton, which houses the Southeast’s largest collection of Tallulah Falls Railroad artifacts, is open Thursday-Sunday 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.

CCC Camp Warwoman in Rabun County, 1933

Lovin the Journey

by R. Mark Holloway

Sheila Patterson is a strong woman. She could have quit five years ago. She didn’t. She stayed in the game. And she’s still in the game.

Her Stage Four metastatic lung cancer is now in her brain and bones, occupying space rent free. She and her husband Steve keep serving eviction notices on this unwanted and uninvited trespasser. Chemo, radiation, superb fitness, a careful diet and loads of supportive prayer from people who care, keep this athlete walking on the sunny side of the trail.

Recently, ten of us went rock climbing at Pickens Nose near Otto, North Carolina. Being at 5,000 feet wasn’t what had me feeling high. Belaying Sheila on the 50-foot rock face was my crowning achievement as a climbing guide. I’ll tell you more about her successful ascent to the top in a moment.

The hike out to the climbing venue is mildly challenging. Yet Sheila kept up with us…with two-thirds of her right lung gone. Let’s camp here for a moment so you can learn a bit more about her journey.

In 2018 a suspected urinary tract infection sent her to the hospital. A CT scan rudely revealed a mass in her lung. In September of that year the professionals removed her lower and middle right lung. Her father’s lung cancer took his life. Her lung cancer diagnosis wasn’t brought on by smoking. Her cancer was the non-smoking type.

She watched her father give up but Sheila decided she would fight. Sheila married a coach and she herself was a cross country and cheer leading coach. Smoking was never part of her lifestyle. Unfortunately, the cancer had invaded lymph nodes. Those are like town center for your body.

The lung cancer would spread to her brain and bones. But visiting at the White Birch Provisions with her, I never would have known it.

She is a strong woman.

“I want folks to know life is worth living no matter what life throws

at you, even if it is stage four metastatic lung cancer. Getting hugs at church, all these other place, in this coffee shop…it’s wonderful, Sheila beams. “I want to be here as long as I can.”

Sometimes it’s hard for Sheila. After Steve’s fallen asleep at night Sheila cries. “I want to do so many things. I do ask ‘Why me?’”

She says those moments creep up about once a month.

But most of the time she is fighting back. Weights at the gym, yoga, walks and hikes with Steve all keep her head and heart right.

“You can always rest after the workout.”

How’s that for a great training attitude?

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

In 2018 the five-year clock began ticking. But she’s still here… living, laughing, praying, drinking Black Cherry Soda at White Birch Provisions, dreaming and hoping for continued happy marriages for her military daughters. “They know I’m strong spiritually and mentally.”

She says, “With all the radiation to my spine, brain and elsewhere, I should be glowing like a dang lightbulb.”

What does make her glow is talking about Steve. “He’s so tender and caring. I started dating him when I was 17. My mom Kathy told me, ‘You got a good one with Steve. Don’t mess that up. She still tells me that,” she laughs.

Typically, I present two awards when we are all done rock climbing. One goes to the best athlete. But the most coveted award goes to the climber who conquered the most, who overcame the most, who, against the odds, scaled the rock face and rang the bell at the top…mastering each finger grab and foot hold. The verbal trophy is the Belayer’s Award. Earlier this summer, guess who earned the Belayer’s Award. Sheila, let’s all reload and go again. You down? See you on the trail.

Steve and Sheila Patterson

Lizzie WritesTrumpet

Lips

by Liz Alley

When I was in the 6th grade at Tiger Elementary, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Mr. Chain, the music teacher at the high school, came to our school for music class. One day, Mr. Chain brought in the instruments we’d seen in the marching band on Friday nights at the football games: flutes, clarinets, drums, trombones, and even a tuba! I kept my distance initially because I was enthralled with the cases that housed the instruments. While the other kids got busy deciding which instrument they liked best, I ran my hand over the crushed velvet linings of the cases and opened the little doors that held reeds and mouthpieces. I wanted them all, the cases; I didn’t care about the instruments.

I already knew what my mother wanted me to play, as she had told me about a million times, the flute. My sister Lynn played the clarinet, and Mom thought we’d be sweet playing our instruments together. I tried the flute, but it took a lot of blowing for a little sound, and just when I was deciding none of the instruments were for me, Mr. Chain brought out the trumpet. I blew into the mouthpiece with all my might; the sound that came out was one of a sick duck; I was in love. I declared then and there; the trumpet was my instrument.

That afternoon, I ran home to tell Mother. “Mama,” I said, panting when I came in the back door, “I want to play the trumpet!” She looked at me calmly and said we would talk about it, and I could tell right off that she would push the flute on me again. I told her about the sound I’d made with the trumpet and was sure not to mention everything I’d thought I could carry inside the case’s velvet trap doors. “Liz, the trumpet is as big as you are, and that case will be hard for you to carry. Don’t you want to try the flute again?” There it was, that blasted flute, but I was stubborn and stuck to my guns until Mother sighed and gave in.

I was a skinny kid, and this fact and my swollen lips from trumpet practice gave me the look of a battered and malnourished child. “Lord,” Mama would say when she saw me after practice, “ people are going to think we hit you in the mouth and starve you to death, Liz,” then she’d start pushing the flute again, but I would not be moved. Besides, Mr. Chain had already given me a huge compliment. When he showed me how to clean my trumpet, he said, “You sure do have a lot of spit to be such a little thing.”

At the end of the year, Tiger and Clayton Elementary schools would be combined to perform a concert. On the first day of practice

for the concert, he told us there would be a trumpet solo, and he would choose one of the four trumpet players for the part. I glanced at the other three players, two of whom could barely play a thing, so I sure wasn’t worried about them. However, beside me was a boy with long, delicate fingers and feathered blond hair who could play very well; his name was Rocky. Since Tiger School was considerably smaller than Clayton, I was our school’s only trumpet player. I wanted to represent my school well, but I also wanted Mama to wonder why she ever pushed the flute on me when I was clearly made to play the trumpet.

The solo piece was challenging, and I practiced so much that my lip swelling became an issue. Mama bought a special salve and put it on my lips every night, mumbling about how the flute wouldn’t have caused so many problems. Finally, the day arrived for the tryout. Rocky went first; he placed his fingers on the valves, tilted his head, and with a deep breath, effortlessly played the piece until he reached the highest note, which he missed, but kept going so well I wondered if I’d heard right. In all honesty, he was a better trumpet player than I, as he played with a naturalness I didn’t possess, as evident from my swollen lips and his soft, normal-looking lips.

Mr. Chain made some notes and then asked me to take my place in the chair. When Mr. Chain raised his baton, I began to play with all my might; my trumpet pressed to my lips as hard as I could take it. I hit every note perfectly. When it was over, Mr. Chain said he needed a few minutes to decide. He struggled because he knew Rocky was a natural, and I was playing on pure determination. However, he couldn’t deny I hit the top note. Reluctantly, he announced that I had won.

I’ll never forget the night of the concert when the whole band was silenced with a wave of Mr. Chain’s baton, and my trumpet rang loud and clear throughout the building during my solo. Not only did my mother stand and clap, she never mentioned the flute again.

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 and enjoy more of Liz’s writing at Lizzie-writes.blog