Twice a year we have a “homes issue” where we focus on the service professionals who keep our homes in great shape, and on our REALTORS who help us buy and sell our homes and properties. These businesses are key to one of our greatest investments, our homes. We appreciate these people for their support of the Laurel
Home sweet home, it’s where the heart is! I am thankful for my home and the safety and security it provides me. Former first lady Rosalyn Carter once said, “There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.” I agree. In a world where estimates say that 653,104 were experiencing homelessness in 2023. Of this number 28% were families living with children. So tonight when you lay down in your bed or tuck your children in, stop and be thankful for your home and pray for every person without one.
In this issue you will read about a chateau long forgotten that has been renovated and restored in Tallulah Falls. Lorie Thompson has paired pork with peaches for a delicious meal. Congratulations to Lorie and her mountain man on the birth of their first grandchild! Peter McIntosh will share another grand adventure and Tori Carver of Firmly Rooted Flower Farm teaches us all about Zinnias. The kids are heading back to school this month all across the country. Let’s remember them in our prayers as well.
IMPORTANT
- The photo here is of Mr. Vaughn Callenback who is a gentleman missing from Rabun County. Mr. Callenback has not been seen since early July and an investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information please contact the Rabun County Sheriff’s Department at 706-782-3612. Pray for him to be found safely and pray for his family.
Thank you for reading the Laurel and thank you to our advertisers!
Be sweet, Tracy
AUGUST 2024 | VOLUME TWENTY-ONE | ISSUE EIGHT
Writers & Contributors: John Shivers, Deena Bouknight, Tricia Moore, Pastor Zack Ford, Jan Volk, Peter McIntosh, Mark Holloway, Victoria Carver, Lorie R. Thompson, Keith Jackson, MD, Susan Cookson, MD, MPH, Liz Alley
Rabun’s
Rustic Rocking Chair Life in Sautee Nacoochee
John Shivers
The 29± acre farm located in the luscious valley at 605 Lynch Mountain Road in historic Sautee Nacoochee, GA isn’t the grandparents’ farm of your childhood memories. It’s so much more, so very much more. And when you experience life at the farm with its main house, river cabin, and barn, you’ll never want to leave. Never mind your close accessibility to the Center for Creative Arts, the Old Sautee Market, Sweetwater Coffee Shop, and memorable dining at the Harvest Habersham farm to table eatery. This small mountain hamlet is rich in music, dancing, art, food, hiking, history, and culture, and is within an hour’s drive of Atlanta.
From privacy to pristine beauty to the possibility of spending nights alongside the burbling, trout-filled waters of Sautee Creek, you’ll own some 1,980± feet of these beautiful waters. Immediately you’re taken by the luscious quality of this fertile valley, cradled within the breathtaking mountains of northeast Georgia. This White County property truly is one of a kind, and then it gets better.
A rocking chair porch greets you at the front door and a second rocking chair porch leads you out the back to the picturesque vista of corn fields and distant mountains that can be enjoyed at night beside the huge iron bucket fire pit.
The most distinguished aspect of the structures on this memorable property is the historical nature of the reutilized building materials that create an unforgettable finished product. This is especially true in the three-bedroom, three-bath rustic main residence. Interior doors from an historic Athens, Georgia home, aged metal re-employed on ceilings and wainscoting, heart pine from a Charleston, S.C. Victorian home circa 1865, custom lighting, and white pine siding and porches milled at Yonah Lumber Company all converge into one unforgettable finished product.
From the vaulted ceiling of the great room, to the soaring fireplace of river rock, pine countertops and a farmhouse sink, the rustic theme repeatedly plays out. Two en-suite main level bedrooms feature antique tin wainscoting and antique paint accent walls. A second-floor bunk room has roughhewn pine walls, tin accents, and offers another convenient rustic themed bathroom.
The white pine siding on the barn that provides equipment storage and workshop space was milled locally, and the large sliding doors originally graced an Ohio train depot. Down on the water, where the two-level river cabin further expands the enjoyment footprint, you’ll fish for trout, fry them up, then sleep over to the lullaby of the musical concerto that distinguishes Sautee Creek.
Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Julie Barnett, cell number 404-697-3860, has all the information on GMLS #10314432, a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Julie can also be reached at the Harry Norman office, 706-212-0228.
Shout-out to Reeves for your choosing to support the LAUREL for two decades!
Clayton Welding - Three Generations of Excellence
Clayton Welding was founded in 1944 by Dock Ramey and has been serving the residents of Rabun County since then. The business was later run by his son, Bob Ramey. Now, the third generation, Sean Ramey, is leading the business and is committed to maintaining excellent customer service and delivering top-notch craftsmanship. You may have noticed the updated look of their building on Highway 76W just outside of Clayton, which will be complete this fall.
Clayton Welding specializes in metal handrails, driveway gates, equipment, and structural steel work. Having established great partnerships with their dealers, they can offer their customers the lowest priced steel in the region. Additionally, they offer a wide range of welding supplies and gases. In fact, Clayton Welding supplies most of the restaurants in Clayton and the surrounding areas with CO2. They are fully insured offering peace of mind to their customers. Additionally, they have a service truck for onsite welding.
Sean and his team customize all gates in the workshop to meet each customer’s requirements. They take pleasure in creating unique gates and are open to new designs. They also fabricate all handrails in-house and have expertise in residential and commercial handrails. Custom firescreens and signs are also crafted at the shop.
As a family-owned welding and fabrication shop with an 80 year history, the Ramey family highly values your support. Over the years, Clayton Welding has had the privilege of serving multiple generations of locals and part-time residents, which is a testament to their commitment and quality of service.
Sean Ramey, who is married to Janice Ramey, along with their daughter, Madison, are eagerly anticipating their first grandchild. The Rameys enjoy spending time camping, exploring new culinary experiences, shopping around the region, and cherishing moments with their family.
It’s important to show support for local family-owned businesses whenever possible. For more information, you can visit their location at 1265 Hwy 76 W in Clayton, call them at 706-782-3431, and also check out their website www.claytonweldingsupply.com and their Facebook page @ ClaytonWeldingandSupply.
TThis All-Wood Home is All You Could Wish For
John Shivers
he hills surrounding the valley called Rabun Gap in the northern end of the county are some of the most picturesque you’ll find. Think postcard pretty. Distinctive four-seasonal landscapes are just one of the perks found in this area. And when you own this newly-built home at 172 Olds Mountain Peak, you’ll be able to sit on your rocking chair front porch and you’ll own those fantastic views.
Located in the Highpoint at Betty’s Creek development, this 1,600+ square foot, two-level home sits on a 1.22+ acre lot. Beautiful landscaping blends effortlessly with the established forest around it, and what’s more, this attractive, rustic home is accessed by a paved driveway. At first glance, you would easily give it an A+ for curb appeal.
The all-wood exterior is finished in tones of dark honey, accented with sage grey-green trim. Real cedar shakes face the gable ends, and a deep rusty red front door bids welcome to one and all. But it’s what’s beyond that door that’ll truly sell you on this home. If you’re looking for a weekend get-away place in the northeast Georgia mountains, you’ve found it. If your need is for full-time living, look no farther. And if you have children, the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School is mere minutes away.
So what’s it that makes this two bedroom, three bath home so desirable? In addition to the large covered porch that can easily accommodate a small party of guests, there’s the all wood interior. Wide plank LVP flooring runs throughout. In the kitchen, sleek granite countertops and top of the line stainless LG appliances make this a much desired destination for the resident chef. Upstairs, over one entire end of this home, you’ll find a huge space that lends itself to multiple possibilities. With the en-suite bath, it could
easily become a third bedroom. Orr use it as an office for your homebased business, a media room or bonus space for the kids. Maybe it becomes the grandkids’ retreat. But regardless of how you choose to live in this area of the house, you’ll be the first occupants. You can put your own stamp on a perfect blank canvas.
And what a blank canvas it is. The beauty of the naturally-finished tongue and groove wood on all the walls and on the great room ceiling allow the homeowner to go in any direction with a decorating plan.
What you don’t expect is the expanse of vaulted ceiling that meets you and greets you when you first enter. This is an all-wood home, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the soaring heights that make this area appear huge. A stone fireplace ready for gas logs anchors one end of the room. Enjoy the ambience of a warm and toasty fire on a cold Rabun Gap winter night, and never have to chop the first piece of firewood.
The spacious kitchen that anchors the back side of this great space boasts of generous work and storage space, and the large island finished with a weathered barn board look only adds to the perfect picture. The cook can always be a part of whatever is happening elsewhere in the room.
Completing the main level are two bedrooms and two bathrooms with tub-shower units. A spacious laundry room has the washer and dryer already in place, and there’s a tankless water heater as well.
GMLS# 10286394 is a beautiful future waiting to happen. Poss Realty agent Jim Blalock can introduce you to this one-of-a-kind property. Reach him by call phone at 706490-1404 or at the office, 706-7822121
Check Out These Cabins Alongside the Creek
John Shivers
Five minutes from Dillard, GA, just across the North Carolina line in Otto, nestled among the laurels alongside the lyrical waters of Betty Creek, you’ll find a grouping of four rustic log cabins. Authentic hand-hewn hemlock log cabins so appropriate to their setting at 1014 Big Creek Road, you’ll almost wonder which came first, the cabins or their location?
Looking for an opportunity to escape the rat race for yourself and extended family? Turnstone Cabins offer a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime chance to find that mountain paradise in a setting of rustic elegance and modern comfort, against a backdrop privacy and serenity. If you’re seeking a well-established business investment, these four cabins built in 1998 on 13.5± heavily-wooded acres, distinguished by mature landscaping and the soothing sounds of nature, are exactly what you need.
Nestled in the fresh, clean air of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this spot is an ideal outdoor lover’s paradise, as evidenced by the well-established business base built over the years. And the options are so numerous. Continue to operate as public cabin rentals, with reservations managed by VRBO. Elect to use the cabins for yourself, family and friends, or meet in the middle: reserve one of the units for yourself, and leave the other three for rental.
With nature-appropriate names like Sassafras Rock, Walnut Falls, Cherry Bluff, and Chinkapin Gap inscribed on bear-likeness plaques beside the front door, each turnkey furnished cabin sleeps four to six individuals. There’s a dedicated main floor bedroom and a generous size loft sleeping room that’s accessed by a black wrought iron circular staircase. The two smaller cabins have one bath with a tub-shower combo on the main floor, and the two larger cabins have a second half-bath on the upper level. Comfortable beds and clothing storage furniture are found in each sleeping area, and all of the furnishings are included in the sale.
All four cabins feature covered rocking chair front porches and rear porches that overlook the picturesque, musical waters of Betty Creek. Inside, wood-burning mountain stone fireplaces anchor the living area adjacent to the compact but fully functional kitchen with a full complement of electric appliances. Sofas and comfortable chairs populate the living area, and a dining table make it possible to be right at home for a long weekend or for a week or more at the time.
In addition to the beauty of the flora and fauna, and the music of the creek waters that lull sleepers into dreamland and greet them again the next morning, this site is home to wildlife as well. Deer are frequently sighted along with the occasional bear that ambles through. And if you look closely in a couple of the cabins, a fake bear stands looking over the second level railing at the great room area below, extending forth a warm welcome.
Southern Properties Real Estate agent Katie Hendricks is waiting to show you this exceptional property, GMLS #10321988, that has a solid 20+ year rental track record. Contact her directly at 706-982-0482 or at the office, 706-782-9997.
Earthwise Cleaning Company
An Ethical Cleaning Company, A Strong Woman Behind It and a Big Why
Choosing eco-friendly cleaning not only ensures a clean space, but also reflects a commitment to the well-being of our planet and future generations. We recently learned about a business that exemplifies these principles: Earthwise Cleaning Company.
To fully appreciate Earthwise, you need to know more about the owner. Laura Quarles is happily married to an Army Veteran and the proud mom of two great kids. Laura found her “why” when her husband was injured while serving our country. When he came home, she needed a way to make a living. She began cleaning homes and out of that, Earthwise was born. Laura works very hard and gives 100% to everything she does, from making breakfast to managing a successful business with two locations.
Laura and her family live the eco-friendly practices that are at the foundation of Earthwise. It isn’t just marketing hype; Laura is passionate about encouraging those around her to live a healthier life. She is dedicated to promoting sustainable living and inspiring others to do the same. She strives to make a positive impact on the well-being of others and the planet because she cares about others, especially the children who deserve a healthy planet.
Earthwise is dedicated to providing reliable and effective non-toxic cleaning services. They prioritize punctuality, honesty, and thoroughness in their approach.
Laura is confident in her company’s abilities and her amazing staff. Earthwise Cleaning Co. has carefully selected and trained professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional cleaning services. They tailor their services to meet each client’s specific needs and use eco-friendly cleaning products to protect the health of clients and the environment. They guarantee their work 100% and are committed to making things right if the client isn’t happy.
Whether it’s a small residential cleaning job or a large commercial project, Earthwise Cleaning Company’s team approaches each task with the same level of commitment and attention to detail. Their hardworking nature ensures that every cleaning project is completed promptly and efficiently without compromising quality. Rest assured that by choosing Earthwise Cleaning Company, you’re choosing a team committed to making your space clean, fresh, and inviting.
Earthwise Cleaning Company has expanded its service areas, now reaching White, Rabun, and Habersham Counties, Banks and Jackson Counties, Athens, Watkinsville, and Young Harris. You can find more information on their website at www.earthwisecleaningco.com. When you are ready to talk to them about cleaning your home or business, call 706449-1843.
Laura Quarles
Resurrecting a Chateau
Restoration of historic structure a labor of love
Deena C. Bouknight
Grant Potter always dreamed of owning a French chateau. He did not expect to find one near Tallulah Falls, GA.
The now-retired 2009 U.S. National and 2010 World Champion cyclist was looking in 2020 for a new renovation project. When not winning national and international titles in racing, he was running his landscaping business in Florida and renovating historic properties.
When the realtor pulled up in front of the long-neglected, weed-overcome sprawling stone structure in Clarksville, GA., Potter was enthralled.
“You couldn’t see the house,” said Potter. “It was all forest and a mess. But I could see that there were imported trees on the property. I could see what it might have been like, and what it could become again. I walked around the property and I knew right then what I was going to do where.”
The perplexed realtor told him he was the first person to get out of her vehicle during all the time she had showed individuals the listing.
He added, “I’ve always been in love with stone homes, having grown up in Scotland.”
Potter learned that the 1887-established property included the French-chateau-style stone house with five interior fireplaces, decorative wrought iron gates, several deteriorated outbuildings, remnants of a spring-fed pool, and a massive hand-dug well. He learned that the estate, which originally encompassed 1,000 acres, had been the summer getaway for New York financier Oscar Dooley and his family and friends.
The house is constructed of the same local stone and distinct grapevine mortar treatment as the formerly abandoned Tallulah Falls train depot, which Potter brought back to life in 2021 and opened as Tallulah 1882, a tea/coffee/bakery cafe.
Potter decided to purchase the estate and 12 acres. He was in Florida when he found out he could take possession of it and was so excited that he jumped in his car and drove to Georgia, arriving in the middle of the night. His first night in what was then an uninhabitable, damp, creepy house was an adventure for Pot-
ter. He discovered a water leak and had to immediately, using only his cellphone flashlight, enter a series of underground tunnels to shut off the water.
“There were huge snakeskins underneath that house!” he exclaimed. “I was asking myself the whole time, ‘What have I done?’”
But Potter was not deterred. In fact, during the first crucial nine months of the renovation project, which involved getting the house structurally sound, he lived sparsely in a tiny room and endured chilly nights due to missing windows.
“People thought I was crazy, but I wanted to be on site every day and truly be a part of bringing the place back to life.”
That was four years and countless hours of work ago. Instead of bringing in all new materials to restore the home to a semblance of its former glory, he primarily incorporated items left on the estate and those discovered during his travels, searching online, and chance meetings with people who had just what he needed.
Reuse and Repurpose
The first item of business for Potter’s monumental renovation process, after clearing away the encroaching jungle of vines, brush, tree limbs, etc., was to shore up the foundation of the house. That involved the placement of 1,200 cement blocks under the foundation and closing off sundry tunnels.
To restore, repair, or rebuild chimneys, patios, walkways, and more, Potter used 5,000 bricks found in various spots on the property. He used felled cypress trees to build a pergola over one patio. When windows or doors needed replacing, Potter hunted for ones saved from old torn down or abandoned houses, barns, and buildings. Wood from a collapsed barn was repurposed in the shed – which became a guesthouse and short-term vacation rental. A felled oak on the property was milled for lumber and laid as the kitchen and great-room floor.
“I reused almost 100% of the materials I found on the property,” he said.
To glean ideas for the exterior and interior of the house, as well as the outbuildings, Potter perused voraciously Pinterest and various online renovation sites. He also viewed shows focusing on French chateaus.
An architect friend put his ideas on paper, and an engineer provided logistical support for some of the structural projects.
Instead of restoring the chateau-like house to its exact 19th century origin, however, he opened up small rooms by knocking down a few walls and he raised ceilings to expose beams. Rooms originally intended for one use, became another. The dining room was turned into a gym; the library, foyer, and front hallway make up the master bedroom.
“The house was two stories of eight-foot ceilings with six bedrooms upstairs, but now it’s all one story with taller ceilings and a more spacious feel,” said Potter.
A favorite focal point on the back of the house is an exposed beam and glassed in sun patio apportioned with a black and white checked tile floor, a highly ornate gate, flanking copper gutters, and large matching antique lighting fixtures on metal corbels.
“I had all these visions about what I might want to do,” said Potter, referring to his work on the property. “Sometimes I would get up at 4 a.m. and take off and just start looking all over for salvage barns, discarded items, junk … I’ve got story after story of finding just the right materials.”
And, not only did Potter reuse materials for the restoration of the property’s structures, but he cleverly created furnishings, fixtures, and shelving as well. An old industrial lathe became a television stand; two matching Singer sewing machine bases form a console table; brass luggage racks found in the historic Tallulah Falls train depot are kitchen pot racks; a rusted piece of farm equipment, overlaid with thick glass, became the dining room table.
Potter is especially enamored with dramatic lighting fixtures, equipping rooms with elaborate and distinct chandeliers and standout antique finds. And, the more extravagant an exterior or interior door – in terms of carvings, inlays, metal or ironwork – the better.
Along with the assistance of his girlfriend, three grown children (who also work with him at the café), and some trusted and skilled local carpenters, Potter was able to realize the transformation of the property.
“The tougher the project, the better,” he said. “I love to work. I spent six hours a day training for [cycling] races for 30 years, and I like to devote that same kind of attention to restoration projects.”
After purchasing the property, a neighbor brought Potter a treasure: a black and white photo album of images of the house and grounds as they appeared in the early 1900s. The neighbor had purchased an armoire at an estate sale and the album was inside.
“In one of the photos are the original gates, which I found in the woods,” said Potter. “I plan to make trails through the lower part of the property and use the gates to open to secret gardens.”
Not surprisingly, he has many other plans. But for the most part, his chateau dream has been realized, and saving the historic property from ruin is a reward Potter is enjoying living with.
Shout
Out to Michael’s Screen Service
Thank you for all your loyal support to the Laurel!
Mark Your Calendars and don’t Miss ClaYton’s BloCk PartY and Cruise-in august 10th
Clayton, Georgia, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is gearing up to host its annual Summer Block Party and Cruise-In. This much-anticipated event brings together locals and visitors alike for an evening of classic cars, music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment.
The Summer Block Party and Cruise-In transforms the charming streets of downtown Clayton into a vibrant hub of activity, with classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles lining the streets, showcasing their timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Enthusiasts and onlookers alike marvel at the gleaming vehicles, sharing stories of their own automotive passions.
Local businesses eagerly participate in the festivities, welcoming shoppers and diners to explore all that Clayton has to offer. From boutique shops to cozy cafes, businesses roll out the red carpet for visitors, offering special promotions and deals to coincide with the event. The vibrant energy of the Summer Block Party infuses the town with a sense of community spirit and togetherness, creating a memorable experience for all who attend.
Foodies will also delight in the offerings at the event, with food trucks stationed along South Main Street near Reeves Hardware serving up a delectable array of treats. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll down the bustling street, sampling a diverse range of culinary delights and soaking in the sights and sounds of the event.
Music adds to the festive ambiance of the Summer Block Party creating a lively backdrop for the event, inspiring attendees to make lasting memories with loved ones. It is a great time to see old friends and make new ones.
Overall, the Clayton Summer Block Party and Cruise-In is a celebration of community, camaraderie, and classic Americana. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun evening out with family and friends, this event promises something for everyone. So mark your calendars for August 10th from 4 - 8 PM, gather your loved ones, and join in the summertime fun in Clayton, Georgia. Let the good times roll at the Summer Block Party and Cruise-In! For more info visit www.visitclaytonga.net.
DOWNTOWN
Clayton
Soul Intention Gallery Opens in Downtown Clayton
Soul Intention Gallery, a new and exciting addition to Downtown Clayton, Georgia, has recently opened its doors to art enthusiasts and admirers alike. This contemporary gallery, founded by acclaimed artist Angela Bawden and her husband Derek Cazier, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world of captivating and inspiring artworks that celebrate the beauty of wildlife, birds and nature.
Angela Bawden, a talented artist known for her stunning wildlife art and intricate floral paintings, has brought her passion for art to the charming town of Clayton after making the move from Utah with her family. Her deep connection to nature and the environment is evident in her work, which captures the essence and beauty of the natural world in exquisite detail.
The Soul Intention Gallery serves as a platform for Angela Bawden to showcase her remarkable art alongside the works of other talented artists. The gallery space itself is a modern and inviting setting that perfectly complements the vibrant and diverse collection of artworks on display. From vivid wildlife portraits to delicate floral compositions, each piece in the gallery tells a unique story and reflects the artist’s deep connection to her world.
Visitors to Soul Intention Gallery can expect to be captivated by Angela Bawden’s masterful use of color and texture, as well as her keen eye for detail and composition. Her wildlife art, in particular, is renowned for its lifelike depiction of animals in their natural habitats, capturing their beauty and grace with a sense of reverence and admiration.
In addition to Angela Bawden’s own work, the gallery features a curated selection of art by other talented artists, adding depth and variety to the collection. “We champion the Soul Intentions of the artists we represent by fostering a space where creativity and purpose converge. We believe that by showcasing art born from authentic expression, we can inspire others to discover and pursue their own unique callings.” Angela shared. One of the highlights of visiting Soul Intention Gallery is the opportunity to meet Angela and Derek in person and discover the inspiration behind her art and the gallery.
Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to explore something new and inspiring, Soul Intention Gallery offers a unique and enriching experience for all.
So, why not plan a visit to Soul Intention Gallery and experience the incredible art of Angela Bawden and other talented artists for yourself? Immerse yourself in a world of beauty, creativity, and inspiration, and discover the soulful intentions behind each captivating piece on display. You will find them located at 55 N. Main Street in Clayton, Georgia. Be sure to check out their website at www.soulintentiongallery.com and for more information call 706-968-0298
Shout Out
to Adam’s Hearing
Thank you for all your loyal support to the Laurel!
Lake Rabun Record Sale*
287 RAY POINT LANE
Lakemont, Georgia 30552
SOLD FOR
Yetty’s exceptional real estate expertise, sterling reputation and outstanding negotiating skills allowed her to successfully represent both the buyer and the seller in this transaction.
Yetty Arp sold my Lake Rabun home the first week it was on the market for my asking price in cash! She guided me to make the right decisions and stayed on schedule with every deadline. She is the Olympic gold medalist of real estate!
– J. Collins (seller)
As a Rabun County property owner for over 50 years and a luxury home expert for over 25 years, I would be honored to assist you with any of your real estate needs. If you are curious about the market, please contact me to learn more.
Finding Art
North Georgia Arts Guild
Opals and So Much More – The Classic Jewelry of Joni and Gary Mitchell
Tricia Moore
Joni and Gary Mitchell work as a team in the creation of their beautiful jewelry designs that incorporate opals, semi-precious stones and fine metals, with each of them bringing their unique skills to this collaboration, which they have named Spun Spirit Designs. A quote from their promotional brochure states, “The name, ‘Spun Spirit’ refers to the many spirits which influence our lives and therefore, our designs. These include Mother Nature, love, history, and most important, the Divine Spirit.”
Gary’s interest in the art of jewelry making began over 40 years ago when he “fell in love with opals.” Joni started out on her artistic journey as a paper artist and “moved into making simple jewelry to incorporate into card designs.” However, life took them both in other directions for many years.
Having an educational background in credit management, Joni worked as a certified credit executive and later as manager of the family business – a retirement mobile park in Cape Canaveral. Gary’s life also led him into other endeavors, including a career as a sports writer. Joni describes him as an “unbelievably gifted writer.” Joni and Gary met at a singles group at a Methodist church in Orlando, Florida in 1996 and got married in 2005. In 2009, they built the house they now live in in the mountains of North Carolina near Franklin. It is here, with a truly fantastic view of the mountains and workshop spaces that would be the envy of any artist, that they create their unique classic jewelry with the help of five gorgeous cats. Joni states that after marrying Gary and taking some classes in wire wrapping at the William Holland Gem and Lapidary School, she started making opal jewelry with Gary. The first art show that they participated in was in 2012. They now participate in four art shows each year – the Blue Ridge Spring and Fall Shows, Sassafras Artisan Market ,and Painted Fern. They also display their work at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin, NC.
The Mitchells work with many different stones beside opals in the creation of their jewelry. “Too many stones to name,” Joni states. But she says the top sellers are Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Laramar, Malachite, and Mojave Stone. Every year they attend the huge International Gem Show in Tucson, Arizona. Here, among other things, they meet with rock miners from Queensland, Australia to purchase the rocks from which they cut their opals. Ninety-five percent of all the world’s opals come from this area in Australia.
As stated in the Mitchells’ promotional brochure, “Opal is a colloidal mixture of silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. It was formed millions of years ago as the vast amounts of water in inland seas picked up silica from sandstone and deposited it in layers beneath the sediment. As the water evaporated layers of silicon spheres were left behind. The layers of spheres create the color and light displayed in the unique gemstone. Over 20 million years ago, when Australia was forming as a new continent, it was covered by a vast inland sea. Perfect conditions for opal formation.” The distribution of light and col-
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.
or in this stone makes it especially unique. According to Joni, Opals are among the top five most valuable gemstones. The black opal, which is especially prized, comes in many colors, but has a black or dark body tone.
It is easy to see why Gary developed a passion for opals. The process of cabbing an opal or creating a cabochon gem from the rock that the opal is embedded in is fascinating. A cabochon gem is one that is cut and polished into a dome shape, usually either round or oval. The rock is first cut into slices. Each slice has a unique pattern of color. Since there are different patterns of color on each side, a decision has to be made as to which side to cut the cabochon from. Joni and Gary are involved in all parts of this process using a variety of tools and machines including the Diamond Pacific “Pixie” cab maker cabbing machine 6 inch, and stone saw 6 inch. Joni uses “professional level jewelry tools, pliers, wire cutter, prong pliers, etc.”
To see and purchase the beautiful jewelry that Joni and Gary create, visit one of the above-mentioned shows or visit the Uptown Gallery in Franklin.
For Clayton News & Info
visitclayton.net
Faith in Christ
I’ve Been So Good … Where’s the Karma?
Zack Ford - Senior Pastor Grace Bible Church
Every now and then there is a song that comes on the radio, TV, or Pandora that captures my attention in a unique way. One of the most memorable of these was Demi Lovato’s singing of “Anyone” at the 2020 Grammy’s (if you’ve never watched this, search it on YouTube. I remember watching with tears in my eyes, wishing I could tell her about the One who would listen, receive, and welcome her with open arms if she would just turn to Him).
Well just a few days ago, I had it happen again. As I was getting ready one morning and had Pandora playing on my phone, a song that I had never heard before caught my attention. It had an upbeat tune (like most of this band’s songs), but the lyrics were what captured me. The song, now five years old but new to me, is by the band AJR and is called “Karma.” (Disclaimer — The song includes two choice words. Please exercise discretion if you choose to listen. I’m not recommending the song. It just happened to come on and the lyrics caught my attention as a spirit of our age).
As I listened to the lyrics, I was profoundly saddened by the cry of the artist, as well as deeply empathetic at how many in our culture today would echo the very same sentiments in the song.
The song begins with the chorus, repeated several times:
I’ve been so good, I’ve been helpful and friendly
I’ve been so good, why am I feeling empty?
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year I’ve been so good, but it’s still getting harder
I’ve been so good, where the [heck] is the karma?
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year.
As the song progresses, the artist details a fictional meeting with his therapist, trying to figure out whether or not he’s normal, whether he’s crazier than other patients, and why everything’s going wrong when he seems to be doing everything right.
Zack Ford is Senior Pastor at Grace Bible Church. Zack was saved through faith in Christ in November, 2006 during his first semester at Clemson University. After feeling a call to ministry, he transferred to North Greenville University, where he graduated with a B.A. in Christian Studies. After graduating from North Greenville, Zack received his M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Zack and his wife, Brittni, moved to Rabun County in 2013 when he accepted a position as the Youth Pastor at Grace Bible Church in Mountain City. He then became the Associate Pastor and, on March 1, 2020, was installed as the second Senior Pastor in Grace Bible Church’s history following a 10-month pastoral transition period with Pastor Kevin Hurt. He and his wife have two children — one son (Ezra) and one daughter (Kiersten). When not working, Pastor Zack enjoys golf, reading, watching movies with his wife and playing with his children.
As I listened to these lyrics, I was reminded of something coined by Christian Smith in his book Soul Searching that he called Moral Therapeutic Deism. In this book, Smith, a sociology professor at Notre Dame, looked at the average faith of American religious teenagers in the early 2000s and found that, overall, their faith could be characterized by what he called Moral Therapeutic Deism.
Moral — Just be a good person. Try your hardest to do the right thing and be a good person
Therapeutic — Religion ultimately is about making you feel better. It’s about uplifting your spirit and giving you a better outlook on life
Deism — There is a god, but he’s largely disconnected from our day-to-day lives.
Surely we’ve all seen this alive and well in people’s faith and outlook on life in our own lives. They go to church, but don’t really have a living and active faith. They pray, but really only in the tragedies of life. They try hard to be a good person and live a moral life, and by and large, they do. But when you look at their lives, their professions, and their faith, it’s really void of anything resembling the Biblical Gospel of justification by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone. Instead, the general idea is that communicated in our song — If I try to be a good person, things should end up going pretty well for me in the end.
But life doesn’t really square up with that sort of thinking, does it? Hence the cry of our song.
But then the saddest part of the song came at the end. It’s a rather lengthy quote, but it’s worth having you read to see the desperation and despair underneath the peppy tune. After singing the chorus one last time, the song ends like this:
Time, I know we’re out of time
But what if sad thoughts come and I can’t stop it
Bye, I don’t wanna say bye
If only I could keep you in my pocket
To give me some diagnosis of why I’m so hollow
Please give me instructions, I promise I’ll follow I tripped on my ankle and fractured my elbow
But doesn’t that mean that the tour’s gonna sell though?
I try to explain the good faith that’s been wasted
But after an hour it sounds like complaining
Wait don’t go away, can I lie here forever?
You say that I’m better, why don’t I feel better?
The universe works in mysterious ways
But I’m starting to think it ain’t working for me
Doctor, should I be good?
Should I be good this year?
If you’re reading these lyrics and reading this article and you are a Christian, I hope that you see the huge disconnect between the cry of this song and the reality of the Gospel. But if you’re not a Christian and don’t know or understand the Gospel, let me tell you — life is not about trying to be good. Purpose is not found in just getting the right instructions and following accordingly. Your ultimate happiness is not found in hoping that karma comes around and the universe starts to work in your favor again.
No, the truth of the Scriptures is that there is none good, no not one (Romans 3:11) and that even our most righteous deeds are like filthy rags before the righteousness of our Creator (Isaiah 64:6). You will never find happiness through your pursuit of worldly goodness. You will never be free from the feeling of emptiness that plagues you simply by waiting for karma to come around. Rather, the hope of the Bible is that true meaning, purpose, and happiness is found in being reconciled to your Heavenly Creator, and that can only happen when you see your sin in light of God’s perfect holiness, see the utter hopelessness that is even in your best efforts, and see the beauty of what Jesus did in living a perfect life, dying a sacrificial and substitutionary death, and rising victoriously to defeat sin, death, and Satan. This good news of the Gospel — of what God has done to reconcile mankind with Himself through the work of His Son — is what gives us ultimate hope and peace. And it is available to all who would repent of their sin and trust in Christ alone for salvation.
As you walk through the hard realities and disappointments of life, my prayer for you is that you are not endlessly trying to be a good person and just waiting for karma to come around. Instead, I pray that you see your need for Christ, that you trust in Him and follow Him, and that you find a local church that will help you fight the fight of faith and pursue Christ more earnestly day after day until we reach glory.
His Last Days Drama Opportunity to be Part of this Story
We are your neighbors, the people who live and work in your community, fellow church members, tourists visiting in your area, your friends, your family ………… we are ordinary people with an extraordinary story to tell.
HIS LAST DAYS began in the summer of 1984 when Carole Murphy, a United Methodist pastor’s wife, began to call on friends – acquaintances - community members – and even total strangers – to help her create an outdoor passion play based on the cantata by Dallas Holm, “His Last Days.” The first year about 48 people donned homemade costumes and formed scenes of Jesus’ life around a mountain lake as choir and narrator told the story. Many people caught Carole’s vision and HIS LAST DAYS has grown into a yearly regional event dedicated to worshipfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
HIS LAST DAYS originator and visionary, Carole Murphy, writes, “Shortly after arriving in Rabun County in 1982, I began to have a dream of producing an outdoor drama which would depict the life and ministry of Jesus and which would utilize the beautiful, natural scenery of the mountains. HIS LAST DAYS is a result of this dream. A choir and soloists provide live music and a narrator tells the “old, old story” as the scenes are enacted of Jesus’ teachings, healings, arrest, trials, crucifixion, burial and resurrection.”
Since 1984 the outdoor version of His Last Days, has been a unique presentation of the Gospels’ account of Jesus’ ministry and final days. Staged in a large outdoor setting, it draws from the natural surroundings and simple actions of the cast to create a visual mosaic of the scenes of Jesus life. Cast members do not speak lines. Instead, the story is told in motion, music, and narration. The realism of the drama comes from the genuine expressions of ordinary people of all ages, as they respond to the message of the scenes. It is not “acted.” Many spontaneous scenes occur that add immense richness of detail
to the portrayal. They are genuinely and worshipfully experienced by those participating in costume. For this reason, no two presentations are exactly alike.
A CALL TO CAST AND TECHNICAL CREW – We strive to have 250 or more persons involved in various parts of the drama. Costumes are provided and only two major practices are required to be in crowd scenes. Persons in HIS LAST DAYS are asked “to react not to act” to the experiences of the scenes. The real impact is the visual witness of those individuals in the crowds around Jesus that brings a startling genuine feeling to the drama. Cast and audience feel they “are really there.”
Being in HIS LAST DAYS is an opportunity to share faith without having to speak words. It is not a “play.” The purpose of the drama is to be a worship and inspirational experience, not an entertainment. We encourage everyone who is interested and willing to be with us in the cast and to come walk with us in His Last Days. It is an excellent experience for families with many spiritual learning and teaching moments for everyone taking part. Musicians and volunteers to help with set-up of staging, lights, and sound are also needed. For more information please call Jan Volk 706-476-7939. For information about attending HIS LAST DAYS also call 706.476.7939 or check www.hislastdaysdrama.com. Times: 7:00 pm each evening Saturday August 31st and Sunday September 1st in Tallulah Falls just off Route 441 on Scenic Highway 15. No tickets are sold, but an offering is received for expenses. We always continue after any rain delays.
Refined by Fire and Used by Her Creator
God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. “Why would God pick me?” That is the question that Ann Hicks kept asking herself and the Lord. Like all of God’s children, Ann has a past. Isn’t it sometimes our pasts that God uses to help others who are still in the trenches? Those on the fence? Beating themselves up or being beaten up by the world?
How can I teach you to make biscuits if I’ve never made one? Those women who don’t measure the flour and pinch and form perfect biscuits without even looking down at their hands, those women have experience and that’s who you want to learn from. Ann isn’t making biscuits but she has experiences. She has known hard times, disappointments, she has made poor decisions and been impacted profoundly by others who done the same. Ann told me that many times as a child she begged God to rescue her. Our life experiences prepare us, refine us and equip us to serve.
passes all understanding. Even with her trepidation, she felt a glorious peace and determination. “I’ll do it for you, Lord, but I’ll need you every step of the way.” she said. Ann works as a Server evenings at The Cupboard Cafe in Dillard, Georgia and cleans houses during the day. She approached her boss, Fred Gretsch, the new owner of The Cupboard Cafe and shared with him what she had on her heart. God used Fred to encourage Ann and offer space for her to start a Bible study.
When she heard the call from God she could have said “Oh Lord, I am working two jobs, I have children and grandchildren, I have no time for anything else.” That is not what she said, because of the quilt she carries and the murmurs of others who don’t know where God has brought her from, she asked, “Why would You choose me?”
But you see, He has a history of choosing the unlikely ones to do amazing things. He used broken people to bring hope to the world and He is still doing it today. So I think when Ann Hicks was standing in the middle of a field feeling that God was calling her to do something for Him and she questioned why, it made Him love her even more. The calling was relentless, it wouldn’t go away. The call of the God of the Universe wins over your fear and doubt and Ann said “Yes, God I’ll serve You.”
She felt compelled to start a Bible study. Again with wide eyes she asked her Father, “Are you sure you want me to lead a Bible study?” When your heart aligns with the will of the God of the Universe the result is a peace that
When you are a woman with a past, you let the opinions of others influence your thoughts. Ann pushed beyond that with a heart that just wants to serve the Lord. To give back for all He has done for her and to receive the blessings that come from fellowship with others. So, at 7 AM on a Friday morning she walked into the restaurant with her Bible and she had a mother and son attend. They had a wonderful time in the Lord and the young man became a Christian that day. Ann led him to the One who saves. She pointed him in the direction that she knew leads to eternal life. To be part of His plan for this boy ignited a fire in her heart to continue and in only a month four souls have been saved and one person came back into relationship with God.
I wasn’t there, but I believe that when Ann was driving down the road feeling a pull from the Lord and so overwhelmed she pulled over and walked out into that field. She heard Him say “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” That’s when she knew in spite of everything she would serve God. She feels honored to be used by God. When she told me she was starting a Bible study I said what are you going to call it, (always in marketing mode). She said “I don’t know, does it need a name?” So ideas came to her and I made some suggestions and Ann came up with Faith on Fire. She is truly on fire for God and her faith has made her strong. It is the perfect name.
Faith on Fire Bible Study meets on Friday mornings 8 AM at The Cupboard Cafe. All are invited to come. All that is required is an open heart to hear what God has for you. It is about being eager to learn more and to study His Word. Fred Gretsch teaches a men’s Bible study on Thursdays at 7 AM and men are invited to come study the Bible, also at The Cupboard Cafe located at 7388 Highway 441 in Dillard, Georgia.
Ann also volunteers with Good News at Noon, an organization feeding the hungry in Gainesville, GA. She is going to add a sock ministry to her work there. A box will be placed in the gift shop of Cupboard Cafe where you can drop off socks for people who don’t have them. Imagine for one moment not having a single pair of socks for your feet. Matthew 25:35-37
Adventure Out Chatuge Dam Trail
Peter McIntosh
Over the years I’ve written about many lake loop trails: Blackrock, Vogel, and most recently, Lake Winfield Scott. The trail we’re visiting this month isn’t a loop, but it’s well worth a look for several reasons. It’s the Chatuge Dam Trail, just over the border in North Carolina, on the far side of Lake Chatuge from Hiawassee. Lake Chatuge is one of many impoundments created by the Tennessee Valley Authority, primarily for the generation of hydroelectric power. Flood control and recreation were other considerations in the building of these dams.
The trail is 1.5 miles long and mostly level the whole way. Hiking and biking are allowed on this pathway, including electric bikes. You can access the trail from Chatuge Dam Road or Myers Chapel Road at the other end. To keep it simple, we’re starting out from the trailhead at the end of Chatuge Dam Road.
There’s a lot to see at this starting point, an old turbine from the hydroelectric plant and a metal plaque with a map of all the TVA dams and a brief history of the project. (If you have a youngster interested in the story of the TVA, this is a good place to come.) There’s also a very cool spillway which I think would be fun to see during periods of high water. The trail starts out on a straight paved roadway crossing the top of the dam. At the far end, the path enters a forested area before opening back up at the Gibson Cove Campground. Just on the other side of Gibson Cove is the Clay County Park Campground. (This looks like a nice place for you RV folks.) There’s also a public boat ramp here. Back at the Chatuge Dam Road end there’s also an area where you could put in a canoe or kayak. So if you go out and back from either end it’s a nice 3 mile hike. And if you wanted to bike it, you could do a loop with the trail, Myers Chapel Road and Chatuge Dam Road. (Check Google Maps.) And on Myers Chapel Road, just before the Chatuge Dam Road split, there’s a kayak put-in for the Hiawassee River, below the dam. The views of the lake along this trail are lovely. Looking back across the lake, way in the distance, you can see the observation tower at the top of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain. Happy hiking!
It’s month number eight and my poem can’t wait: It’s a place where you can pedal, paddle, or even skedaddle,
Just don’t try to do it with a horse and saddle. It’s a nice easy hike where you can bring the whole fam, Let’s go take a walk along Lake Chatuge Dam.
Getting there: From the intersection of Hwy 76 and Hwy 515, at the far end of Hiawassee, go 4.7 miles the intersection with Hwy 64 in North Carolina. Turn right, going east on Hwy 64 for 1/2 mile before turning right again on Myers Chapel Road, There are signs here about the Chatuge Dam Trail. Go 1/2 mile on Myers Chapel Road and bear to the left on Chatuge Dam Road and follow it to the dead end at the parking area,
To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com
Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com
A Great Story Second chances….
Mark Holloway
Every community has an Otis. (He is the lovable and seemingly harmless town drunk on the Andy Griffith Show).
The other day I got to visit with our Otis. Yes, she said that comparison is accurate and encouraged me to describe her this way.
Read on.
Her story’s happy ending needs to come first. Redemption and forgiveness are two extremely powerful words in our language. ‘Against all odds’ is also appropriate in telling you about my new friend, Ashley York…and her life now glows like the cross on Black Rock Mountain on a dark night.
She and I met at White Birch Provisions recently so that I could hear about her journey.
Ashley tells me, “Only two percent of meth addicts ever get free.” Of 100 meth users walking around, only two will beat the drug before it beats them.
Carol and I attended the Clayton Rotary Clubs’ fundraiser at the Civic Center. The Casino Night theme raised more than $300k dollars. Yes, you can read that again.
I’ll wait.
We live in a kind and generous community.
Ashley spoke to the packed house. She had my rapt attention.
More than $266k went directly to Ashley’s new ‘Women of Worth’ drug and alcohol rehab efforts. The existing men’s Lighthouse Ministries leaders will oversee the women’s outreach. “They won’t be housed together, obviously. We aren’t wanting to start a pregnancy center,” Ashley laughs.
(Her dad believed in her vision but wasn’t sure how her dream would get funded. So, she sent a text to her dad sharing the news from the Rotary event.)
So work has begun to find an appropriate local site for a W.O.W. center and housing. In case you don’t know, there is no local ministry or rehab option for women.
Fourteen years ago, the prison walls closed in. Ashley was in a state prison and got a letter from her formerly addicted father who had just experienced a powerful transformation. Joel wrote to tell her all about how Jesus had rescued him, and he was no longer going to finance his daughter’s drug habits and their legal consequences. He wasn’t going to buy her anymore jailhouse honeybuns either. The gig was up.
She went to high school in Texas when her folks went through a bad divorce. Her meth use was bad and getting worse. “I thought a geography change would fix me, but it didn’t.”
Back in Northeast Georgia her habits worsened.
She was about to have her very own ‘come to Jesus’ moment. “When I went into rehab all of my earthly belongings fit into an Ingles reusable grocery bag. 29 years of living in one bag of regrets.”
After I got out of jail, my dad took me to rehab. Seven months into her Promise of Hope program, she had her ‘sunshine moment’ she heard the Lord tell her she was no longer going to be addicted. Ashley says, “I was on the Rabun County Jail’s frequent flyer program. Local law enforcement, users, and dealers all knew me… unfortunately.” A nearly 13-year drug addiction was about to end. Years earlier she’d cry out, “Why can’t I be a normal mom?” She eventually signed over rights to her seven children including twins. “It’s not easy going through this in my hometown. When many people doubted I would make it, I reminded myself: they didn’t assign me my calling, God did.”
After many jail and prison sentences, she ended up in Dublin, Georgia at Promise of Hope, but even then, her heart wasn’t in it… not until that moment in 2015. At the same time, her future husband would also break free of his addictions. She and Johnny York would marry in 2017.
“God’s love transformed my life. I had to learn who I was and learn a mother’s love.”
The legal system, DFCS, and state drug programs had exhausted all their resources. But Promise of Hope lived up to its name.
In 2019 Ashley helped her dad and Dan Crane open the men’s rehab
program in Rabun which celebrates a 61% success rate. That’s a huge number in the drug addiction world. The twelve-month men’s recovery home, Lighthouse, serves our community well but there’s been a meteor-sized hole.
Ashley fiercely embraces the mentoring concept. She credits Jesus and Denise Dobbins, the Promise of Hope founder, for her new life. “Denise is playing a big role in coaching us to see a women’s recovery center happen.”
“I was like the woman at the well who went for water when no one else was around because of her shame. But like her encounter with Jesus, I too have to tell everyone in town about Him.”
Ashley would go on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology, specializing in addiction recovery. She’s also earned the respect of her community. She’s also a state-certified drug and alcohol
counselor.
She’s heard all about how meth addicts are hopeless…plagued with a 98% promise of doom and death.
But this gentle 38-year-old says, “You and your program can’t handle the meth addict? Fine. Send them to me. I’m on an assignment from the Lord now. If He can save me, He can save anybody. Sometimes I have to pull up my mug shot to prove to them who I was and who I am now.”
I like her boldness.
“I get to live a life I absolutely love. It’s like an adventure…and there’s nothing that happens to me now that I need a drink or a drug to get over.”
I love her story. I hope you get to meet this sunbeam.
See you on the trail.
Mark and Carol Holloway are outdoor adventurers and love the thrills of rock climbing and hikes to waterfalls and exploring all of God’s creation. They own PropertyStewards.com and are passionate about delivering excellent care to the homes and property of their clients. For more Information call 706-949-5937
Firmly Rooted The Zinnias
Victoria (Tori) Carver
Ikeep a notebook with a list of flowers and flower topics I have previously written about so I do not bore you with repeat information. In fact, with the exception of dahlias and tulips (which I could write about for an entire year) I have never written about the same thing twice.
Imagine my surprise when going over my list to determine this month’s article when I realized in nearly three years, I have never written about zinnias. What?! How did I miss this beloved summer annual? Zinnias are one of the easiest cut flowers to grow because of their reliability and productivity. In addition to being grown in flower gardens all over the country, farmers have been intermingling zinnias in their vegetable gardens for centuries to promote pollination because bees and butterflies adore them.
In years past, I have grown the Benary’s Giant Series which come in a vibrant color range, the Oklahoma series which produce petite blooms, the Queen series which are a novelty series of apple green
and rose-colored flowers, and my favorite… pastel pink zinnias bred by Dawn Creek Farms. This year, however, I have focused my attention on the new originals by Floret. Erin Benzakein of Floret Farm spent years breeding zinnias that are mostly doubles and bloom in shades of pink, pale tangerine, lavender, cream, and blush. While pastel zinnias may seem boring and blah to most, I find them much easier to design with.
For many years, I solely grew the giant orange, hot pink, and yellow varieties. While they are fabulous in a bouquet of similarly bright colored flowers, I struggled when pairing them with flowers whose colors are generally a little more muted. The zinnias created by Floret have filled that void. I am completely enamored by them and hope they become a staple in every flower garden. Now for those of you who prefer traditional zinnias, never fear, I will continue to grow the brightly colored zinnias too so I have every color imaginable at my disposal.
Zinnias are incredibly easy to grow. I start mine in seed trays and transplant once all threat of frost has passed. Once the season is underway, I’ll transplant another bed, and then about a month later I direct seed a bed so I have a constant succession of flowers. It is best to space them around 12 inches apart due to their propensity to get powdery mildew. In addition to frizzy hair, powdery mildew is another curse of hot and humid summer conditions. To create long stems, be sure and pinch out the center flower bud when the plants are about 18 inches tall to
encourage branching and lastly, be sure to harvest flowers regularly or deadhead spent blooms often to help direct the plants energy into producing new flowers.
If you want to skip out on growing zinnias, but still want to partake of their beauty, be sure and stop by the “petal porch” and grab a bouquet of these summer darlings and let me know what you think about this new and exciting variety.
Firmly Rooted Flower Farm is located at 245 N. Church Street in Clayton. Their flower cooler is stocked daily with fresh flowers. You’ll find it on the porch of the little gray building at the beginning of the driveway. It operates on the honor system and you pay with cash, check or Venmo. Follow Firmly Rooted Flower Farm on social media or shop on their website www.firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com for bulbs and tubers.
Victoria (Tori) Carver is a flower farmer. From the thousand bulbs and plants that she puts in the ground each year she creates lovely bouquets. Tori and her husband and children make their home in Clayton, where they are a treasured part of the community. If you are interested in Firmly Rooted Flower Farm please reach out by email to firmlyrootedflowerfarm@gmail.com or phone 706-490-0041. You will also enjoy their website at www.firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com
The Family Table
Lorie Thompson
Oh boy, has it been an uncomfortably hot summer! I start longing for Autumn by about August each year. It is an exciting and happy time for me even with the heat. Our family is eagerly anticipating the arrival of our first grandchild, and we can’t wait for the joyous moment!
To say I am excited is an absolute understatement. I was born to be a Grandmama! My Grandmother used to say, “Salt won’t save that child; he will be so spoiled!” Yep, if given the opportunity, I will spoil this child. Having a child or a grandchild is a precious gift, and I genuinely appreciate that, at last, I will be a grandmother.
I had both of my children as an older Mom, and now my first grandchild is blessing me as an older Grandmother. I have been working hard to improve my health and to be physically fit enough to enjoy my time with this child and take an active role in his life. My food choices have been a large part of improving my health, and of course, I want to share some of my newly created and learned recipes with you.
Let me tell you about one of my new favorites, a recipe that I’ve been perfecting and can’t wait to share.
One benefit of a hot summer is peach season in the Peach State, and I’m thrilled to share a delicious peachy recipe with you. How about trying Peaches and Cream Pork Chops with Lemon Vinaigrette Arugula salad? It’s a great dish that I’m sure you will enjoy.
Start by making the Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing. This is my go-to dressing for most of my salads. I was buying the Simply Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing from Ingles produce section. There would be long periods of time when it was not available, and it is expensive. So, I started tweaking recipes until I hit the perfect combination. Now, there is always homemade Lemon Vinaigrette at my house.
Squeeze and strain the juice of one whole lemon, equaling at least 1/4 C. Add one small tsp of Dijon Mustard, a sprinkle of Kosher salt, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, one garlic bulb, crushed or minced, and two tsp of honey. Using a small blender or a stick blender, blend in 1/3 C olive oil and mix until the oil is incorporated into the other liquids. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. This is one application where fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice make a lot of difference in the flavor.
Pull the chops out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Season them with your favorite flavors and allow them to come up in temperature before hitting the pan. Garlic salt, sage, red pepper, and rosemary are good choices for seasonings. Boneless pork chops are easier if you cook more than two, but bone-in pork chops do not dry out as quickly. Be sure to buy a thicker pork chop so that you can sear them while keeping them moist.
Cook the chops on medium-high heat in avocado or olive oil. Cook one side until you see blood rising around the bone. Flip and cook the other side. Cook to 140 to 145 degrees, checking with a meat thermometer. Watch your temperature and dont overcook them. While the chops are cooking, peel and slice two ripe peaches. Chop 1-2 large shallots. Add the shallots to the pan while cooking the chops and allow them to soften.
After removing the chops from the pan, add 2T of butter, the peach slices, 1 tsp of Balsamic Vinegar, and 1-2 tsp of honey. Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat, turning the peach slices. Cook for two more minutes, and remove from the heat.
Toss the arugula with a couple of tablespoons of the Lemon Vinaigrette dressing and place the dressed salad on the serving plates.
Serve each chop on top of the dressed Arugala and top with the peaches and shallots. Add a rounded teaspoon of Marscapone Cheese to the top of each chop along with a drizzle of honey.
This meal is truly divine! I hope you will make it and enjoy it. You can substitute any soft cheese, such as Chevre or an herbed goat cheese spread, for the Marscapone. If you buy the Marscapone, you could make a Tiramisu with the leftovers or enjoy it mixed with some sweetened whipping cream and served over pound cake with fruit. I have a fabulous recipe for Tiramisu I will share with you soon.
As we eagerly await the arrival of our new baby, we are filled with gratitude for the blessings in our lives. We ask for your prayers for the health and happiness of our little one, and may God’s blessings be upon you and your family as well.
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.
A TASTE OF THE SOUTH
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CHERRY LANE - LAKE BURTON
Incredible lake and mountain views greet you as you walk through the door. A view from every room awaits you and your guests. This stunning home features 4 or 5 bedrooms, 5 and a half bathrooms, 3 Tennessee stone fireplaces, the grandest of great rooms, solid wood flooring throughout, wood beams in the ceilings, 2 suites on the main floor, the owner’s suite features a steam shower and spa like bathtub, heated floors with a custom closet. The beautifully appointed kitchen with chefs’ stove, double ovens, walk-in pantry, 2 sinks and a massive island will thrill the gourmet cook. The warm wood interior is calming and inviting featuring star lights in the kitchen and custom wagon wheel chandeliers. The incredible screened front porch offers more opportunity to take in the lovely mountians and lake.
The stairway that takes you to the second level features a custom iron railing and each step has lights to lead the way, at the top you will find 2 wonderful bedrooms each with their own baths. The terrace level boasts a large game room with stone fireplace and wet bar.
A charming office makes a peaceful setting to work in with the framed lake views. A full bath, a huge bonus room awaiting your personal design, custom cabinets and shelving complete the downstairs.
Enjoy the spectacular sunset views from the deep water two-stall boat house with boat and jet ski lifts, open sunbathing area, a screened porch and attached floating dock. You don’t want to miss this home! MLS 10340910 | $5,575,000
Highway 441: A History Spanning Centuries Indian Trail, Turnpike, Meandering Paved Route, Bypassed Towns, and Old 441
Dick Cinquina
Highway 441 has gone through five iterations in its long history. It started as a centuries-old Indian trail that ran the length of what became Rabun County. The trail was “improved” into a single lane dirt road following the county’s founding in 1819 and then converted into a toll road later in the 1800s. 441 became a paved, two-lane road by the late 1920s. Amid public protests in the late 1950s, the road was rerouted through the southern portion of the county and widened into a four lane (well, mostly) highway that we know today. While 441 has morphed into different forms over the years, one thing has remained constant: every version has followed roughly the same route through Rabun County.
The Rabun Gap, the largest natural passageway through the southern Appalachians that extends north for over 20 miles from Clayton to Franklin, North Carolina, has been used as a transportation corridor for thousands of years. Mississippians and Cherokees had been traveling through this mountain gap centuries before the first English explorers visited the area in the 1700s. Indians were not the only travelers using the gap. During the Anglo-Cherokee War of 1759-1761, British troops from South Carolina marched through the Rabun Gap to fight Cherokees in western North Carolina.
A wagon train at Crane’s Ford on the Tallulah River near Wiley in 1890
Locust Stake Road
After Rabun County was established in 1819 on land forcibly ceded to Georgia by the Cherokees, that north-south Indian trail became the main passageway into the county for Scots-Irish and German settlers migrating from Pennsylvania and Virginia. Rough, rutted, and impassable in wet weather, the trail was in such bad condition that the Georgia legislature appropriated funds in 1827 to improve it into something approximating a road. The north end of the road at the North Carolina border was marked with a locust stake, causing the road to be known as the Locust Stake Road.
By the early 1840s, people from neighboring counties accounted for much of the traffic on the road, but they contributed nothing to the road’s maintenance. To make all users pay for upkeep, the Georgia legislature in 1845 chartered the Rabun Turnpike Road Company, which converted the Locust Stake Road into a toll road. One tollgate was located at Crane’s Ford on the Tallulah River at present-day Lakemont, the other at the North Carolina state line. Tolls varied from one dollar for a wagon team of six horses, mules or oxen to two cents for each head of hogs and sheep. The toll road company was disbanded in 1887, and the road deteriorated badly over ensuing years.
Improved Dirt Road from Atlanta to Asheville
By the second decade of the twentieth century, work was underway to build an improved dirt road from Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina. In its January 15, 1915, edition, the Atlanta Constitution reported that the road from Atlanta through Habersham County “has been graded, widened and in every way made a first-class highway. Topsoil has been put on practically the entire distance.” The article continued: “There is a link of some 35 miles from Tallulah Falls to Franklin (N.C.) which would be all that is necessary to complete a fine highway from Atlanta to the North Carolina city…All that is
needed is a little cooperation upon the part of the authorities in Rabun County, GA and Macon County, NC.”
In its May 21, 1915, issue, the Atlanta Constitution reported that Judge Frank Smith, Rabun County’s Judge of the Court of Ordinary (chief executive) was working with Georgia’s road supervisor and the engineering department of the University of Georgia to improve the north-south road running through the county. The road “has been graded from Tallulah Falls to Lakemont, and the road to Wiley is being made over by the convict force (chain gangs).”
Contracts Let to Pave 441
Certain portions of the road were relocated, the Constitution continued, to bring “the mileage down to the distance of the (Tallulah Falls) railroad—a considerable reduction…By three picturesque falls on Tiger Creek and through the valley of the Little Tennessee, the road runs—scenery as fine as is to be found east of the Rockies… and the efforts of the Georgia county have contributed to the interest of the county in which Franklin, NC is located to carry the work still further.” Despite these improvements, travel on the dirt road remained difficult, if not impossible, in wet weather. This problem was addressed in 1927 when contracts were let to pave the road.
The concrete paving was done in three stretches: from Tallulah Falls to Tiger, from Tiger to Mountain City, and from Mountain City to the North Carolina state line. According to the May 12, 1927, edition of the Clayton Tribune, “The stone base (of the road) is being put down eight inches deep and nineteen feet wide.” The contractor for the stretch of road from Tiger to Clayton is “putting down their (rock) crushers and building trackage from the quarry to the crusher…the rock will be delivered to the crusher by tram cars and when crushed will be loaded direct to the trucks and carried to the road.” The machinery was able to crush enough stone to build a mile of road per week.
Hwy 441 in front of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in April 1928. It appears to have been recently graded in preparation for paving.
Paving Clayton’s Main Street
Reporting on the progress being made from Tiger to Clayton in its October 20,1927, issue, the Clayton Tribune wrote, “The contractors skipped a short distance through the main portion of town (Clayton) in order to give the city officials more time in which to make preparations to have the full width of the Main Street paved… It is hoped that arrangements will be made so as not to have just a part of the street paved and the balance left in the mud.”
Paving was completed in 1928 and little more was done to the road for more than two decades. It showed. An editorial in the Atlanta Constitution from March 25, 1954, proclaimed that 441 “from the (North Carolina) state line near Dillard south is old, crooked, narrow and rough. The traveler can close his eyes and tell when he enters Georgia…It deserves a surface in keeping with the scenery.” It also was true that the existing two-lane route winding through the countryside was unable to handle growing volumes of tourist traffic.
New 441 Bypasses Lakemont, Wiley, Tiger, and Clayton
The push for improvements to 441 bore fruit in 1955 when surveying began for the project, but proponents got more than they bargained for. Instead of improving the existing route of the road from Tallulah Falls to Clayton, the state planned to build an entirely new and straighter four-lane highway that bypassed Lakemont, Wiley, Tiger and Clayton. The uproar from affected locals could have been heard in Atlanta.
The owner of a motel and drive-in theater in Tiger was quoted in the August, 1956, issue of the Clayton Tribune as saying “the new proposed route three miles east of Tiger will bankrupt the southern half of Rabun County…It is true that we are in need of a new highway because U.S 23-441 has become very popular, but we people in the tourist business, those who have residences along the highway and farmers with cultivated fields want it to stay along the same lines that it is presently located.”
Clayton Will “Dry Up on the Vine”
The reaction from Clayton business owners was no less strident when they learned the new 441 would bypass the town. “Persons opposed to this new route,” wrote the Clayton Tribune, “say Clayton will dry up on the vine.” However, the opposition could not refute the fact that an improved 441 running through downtown Clayton
could not handle the additional traffic that the road would bring. Backers of the bypass said, “…on busy days and in the summer, it takes 10 minutes or more to travel the half mile through town.”
State highway officials had the last say in the matter, asserting that protests over the new route were pointless. In the November 13, 1958, edition of the Clayton Tribune, a “high ranking official” stated, “The new route is set, approved by the federal government, which will not pay for their part of the highway if it does not follow the best route,” meaning the one incorporating the bypasses. Construction on the new 441 was completed by the early 1960s.
Clayton Finally Connected to 441
As feared, progress came at a price. The “downtowns” of Lakemont and Tiger withered into wide spots on what became Old 441, while Wiley simply disappeared. However, things turned out differently in Clayton. Robert H. Vickers, Rabun County’s Judge of the Court of Ordinary, led the effort to connect East Savannah Street with the new highway. At that time, the street dead-ended at a knoll upon which stood the Bleckley House hotel. In 1964, Vickers had the hotel moved to a new location, the knoll graded down and East Savannah extended to 441. This access is credited with saving downtown Clayton, which otherwise would have been isolated from the main tourist route through northeast Georgia.
The new highway transformed Old 441 into a meandering byway from Clayton to Tallulah Falls, tracing the path of an ancient Indian trail and the route of the long-gone Tallulah Falls Railroad. Except for locals, the road is largely forgotten, which is unfortunate considering the history that occurred along this traffic-free route through the rolling countryside.
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
Paving Main Street in Clayton in 1928
ASK DR. J
Common sense answers to frequently asked questions from a community ENT physician
Keith Jackson, MD
Dear Dr. J,
I’ve had a lot of trouble with my sinuses. For years I’ve been sick Spring and Fall, clearing up with antibiotics. But the last couple years, the meds haven’t been working. My sinuses hurt, I cough up green gunk, and I’m just not myself – tired all the time. Should I have surgery?
Like seemingly everything these days, if it wasn’t for risk, pain, cost, and inconvenience, everybody would do it. The job of a sinus surgeon is to make sure all conservative measures have been exhausted before surgery is considered.
ENTs culture the sinus openings for resistant bacteria and change antibiotics accordingly. We recommend them for as long as it takes if they continue to result in incremental improvement. This can be several weeks, several times, if necessary. We make sure your immunity is adequate to fight infection, checking immunoglobulins. If saline lavage hadn’t been tried, we suggest it. Allergy treatment should be attempted, especially if the infections are seasonal. If symptoms persist despite medical management, a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses is ordered. If the sinuses are obviously involved with inflammatory disease, surgery is an excellent option for improving symptoms and signs of infection.
The sinuses are big air pockets lined with mucous membrane. We need a lot of surface area of mucous producing cells because we need a lot of thin, watery mucous to help us swallow and talk. All the sinuses drain into the honeycomb of air pockets between the eyes called the ethmoid sinuses. If an upper respiratory infection causes inflammation that blocks the narrow openings that let air in and mucous out of the sinuses, bad things happen.
Normal mucous membrane is thin and has rows of cilia, tiny hairlike rows beating mucous up and out of the sinus. When blocked, the lining thickens, cells that make thin mucous are replaced by cells that make thick, and the cilia deteriorates in both function and coordination. Sinuses filled with thick, stagnant mucous are where bacteria and fungus thrive.
Surgery opens the sinuses. Optimally, the mucous membrane thins out, the cilia regenerate and coordinate, and thin mucous returns. While you can still get sinusitis, having openings gives the advantage of faster recovery, especially with use of saline lavage. Don’t be overly afraid to undergo this procedure. It is a complicated area for the surgeon to work, notably because of the proximity to the eyes and the brain, but proficiency in sinus surgery is common in America. It can be life-altering in a good way.
Keith Jackson, MD is a graduate of Medical College of Georgia and Emory Medical School, where he completed his Residency in ENT. Dr. Jackson practiced as an ENT specialist in Atlanta at Northside, Scottish Rite, North Fulton, and Saint Joseph’s Hospitals until moving to Lake Rabun in 2020. Currently, he is in full-time ENT practice at Mountain Lakes Hospital in Clayton, Georgia. His interests include music and art. Dr. Jackson is a Rotarian and enjoys giving back to the community.
Health & Wellness
Mental Health in the Mountains
Susan T.
Cookson,
MD, MPH Rabun County Board of Health Physician
May was Mental Health Awareness month. Two years ago, our First Lady Marty Kemp joined Governor Brian P. Kemp when he signed into law the Mental Health Parity Act (House Bill 1013). Marty Kemp continues to promote mental health. However, there is still a long way to go. One in five Americans has a mental illness in any given year.
Analyzing data for 2018-2022, for Rabun County, the 10th most common cause of age-adjusted death is mental illness other than Alzheimer’s disease (data from Georgia Department of Public Health [GDPH]). The worst outcome of any illness is death.
A mental illness and cause of death is Alcohol Use Disorder or excessive alcohol use. A 12-year study (1999-2020) found recently that there are increasingly more alcohol-related deaths, with women having more deaths than men (Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA], 2023). A national study found almost 1/3 more deaths from excessive alcohol use during the first 2-years of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before the pandemic (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2024).
Excessive alcohol use means heavy drinking, binge drinking, and any drinking by a pregnant woman or minor. Mayo Clinic defines heavy drinking for women as 8 or more drinks and for men 15 or more drinks a week. Binge drinking is 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men in a 2-hour period. The percentage of heavy drinkers per district for 2016 and 2017 (last 2 years of data) found our own northeast Public Health District 2 ranked 3rd and 4th among the State’s 18 Public Health Districts.
For 2018-2022 in Rabun County, alcoholic liver disease was one of the top 10 causes of premature deaths in 4 of those 5 years. Alcoholic liver disease was not in the top 10 causes of premature deaths for the State for any of the past 10 years. Alcohol can lead to liver fibrosis and fibrosis to cirrhosis. Alcohol can also contribute to colorectal, breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, and of course liver cancers. Drinking while pregnant can cause the unborn baby to have brain damage.
Last September, AARP asked us if a nightly beer or glass of wine to unwind is becoming two or three. Are we looking forward all day to that moment? In fact,
the old creed that alcohol protects against heart problems is now being questioned as more scientific studies are underway.
For 2018-2022 in Rabun County, there were 224 emergency room or inpatient admissions and 29 deaths because of drug overdose. Our community has been seeing increasing numbers of people with methamphetamine abuse, and over the last couple of years, seeing more opioid abuse, other types of mental illnesses.
For assistance with alcohol or drug addiction there are treatment centers near us. The newly opened Avita Community Partners, downtown Clayton and Cornerstones Counseling Center, Cleveland, and for men only, faith-based Victory House Addiction Recovery Center, Tallulah Falls and Freedom Ministries Lighthouse, Inc, Wiley are there for you. W.O.W (Women of Worth), an in-house drug/ alcohol treatment facility for women is on the horizon, thanks to a fundraiser hosted by Rabun County Rotary.
A 2020 Cochrane Review found that compared with treatment programs you pay for, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)-based programs perform as well at negative alcohol-related outcomes, alcohol-addiction levels, and reducing drinking intensity. AA programs near us include Top of Georgia Group AA every night at 7pm and Al-Anon for family members and friends on Tuesdays at 5:30pm at St. James Episcopal, 260 Warwoman Rd, Clayton, and AA New Hope Group on Wednesdays at 7pm at 216 Roller Mill Road, Franklin, NC. Also, Narcotics Anonymous meets at Clayton Presbyterian Church, 150 Church St., Clayton on Thursdays at 7pm.
But for other mental illnesses, there is no psychiatrist in our County – there is a gap despite Mental Health Parity Act, House Bill 1013. Rabun County is one of the 90 Georgia Counties without a psychiatrist. There are 26 States that have met this provider gap by authorizing certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners to fully practice. Currently according to the Georgia Public Health Foundation, the Georgian law requires more physician supervision of these mid-level professionals than these other states. It is time Georgia allows certified nurse practitioners to fill the mental health gap and fully practice.
Susan Cookson, MD, MPH, FACP (retired, US Public Health Service) is an accomplished Infectious Diseases Board-certified Physician with a Master’s degree in public health. She is also an Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine Board-eligible Physician. Susan’s resume is quite impressive including a 25 year career with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 years with Dekalb Board of Health and 3 years with the Georgia Division of Public Health. Today, Susan resides in Rabun County and is working for the Rabun County Board of Health as a Preventive Medicine consultant.
Just Thinking Lovin’ the Journey
Northeast Georgia goes to Paris Olympics
Mark Holloway
Sometimes the seemingly mundane can be a pebble in a pond. Then, you experience the amazing ripples later. Four years ago, my good friend and Athletic Director at Tallulah Falls School, Scott Neal, invited me to be the cross-country course guide, leading top runners through the woods, following me on my mountain bike. This technique ensures the high school athletes know the proper route, guaranteeing them an accurate arrival at the finish line 3.1 miles later.
On October 24, 2019, I would meet Athens Academy superstar and distance runner Graham Blanks at a cross country meet at Tallulah Falls School. Not only did he win the race he would go onto to become a state champion and get recruited by Harvard University.
I will never forget that autumn day when I had to race almost as hard as he did to make sure he didn’t overtake me and my Cannondale bike at the finish line.
“I began running turkey trots and 5Ks with my mom (Mary Catherine) when I was in seventh grade. Immediately I knew I enjoyed running but at the time, soccer was my main interest,” Graham tells me from his Olympic training venue in San Moritz, Switzerland via FaceTime.
He actually won a cross country event in middle school and got his first real jolt of adrenaline. That all-natural chemical would eventually lure him into an endurance career whose potential is now unfolding before our eyes and has landed him on a world stage.
He would transition away from soccer but continue specializing in the 5K distance. Soon his high school Coach Neville Anderson (New Balance Coach of the Year) would begin to mold the young runner into a phenom. The rising Harvard senior says, “Coach Anderson made me into a young man because I was basically just a goof ball.”
“I’m completely speechless. I’m stunned. Shocked,” is Coach Anderson’s thoughts on Graham making the Olympic team. “Other kids would come to practice after family vacations and friends’ parties. Not Graham. He would run and then after practice I’d see him around town…running.” Anderson says Graham steeled his heart and mind for the road ahead when he was only a sophomore at Athens Academy. “Our running culture is to go into the Coliseum as gladiators and ask the crowd to ‘pray for the lion’,” Coach Neville told me. That fierceness translates.
Clearly.
Sometimes gladiators limp.
Distance running would take a toll on Graham. All the training would result in a femoral stress reaction. That’s an eyelash away from a stress fracture.
Before that 2024 diagnosis, he would run a 5K in 13 minutes and three seconds in Boston in December 2023. He introduced me to a term, Olympic Standard. That’s the measure you must meet to be considered for the Olympics. His time was two seconds faster than that lofty goal. But then the injury diagnosis happened. He had no choice but to rest…and lose his edge. To not lose his world-class cardio fitness, “Graham spent many hours a day on a stationary bike, and a number of swimming sessions. Once he was close enough to the end of his injury recovery, he would run on a gravity free treadmill a few times a week,” Mary Catherine told me. Apparently, gladiators don’t seem to lose their edge.
Just months before the June 2024 NCAA National 5K event, Graham couldn’t even run. Yet he would fight back and place 5th! “I’ve learned to empty the clip!” He says he drains all that he has when he runs. It shows.
Doing well in the Olympic Trials in Eugene Oregon (Runners Mecca) isn’t enough to go to Paris. World rankings dictate the final selections.
Recently Graham was in Philadelphia visiting at his girlfriend’s home when a life-changing text came in when he got back to his car after a morning run. The New Balance-sponsored athlete had just heard from his agent. “Things are looking good,” Graham says was the message.
Setting a Division 1 5K record, shattering school records, and arriving squarely on a national stage was about to come to fruition.
Soon he would hear from his (Harvard) Coach Alex Gibby. I also got to have a phone call with Coach Gibby in Switzerland to
talk about his young protégé. “He’s going to be a superstar,” Gibby tells me. “Athens is not exactly a hot bed of runners.” But Coach knew he had something special in Graham Blanks when he met him on campus in Boston as a Harvard hopeful college freshman. “He’s extremely intelligent and with a degree in Economics AND a degree in Philosophy, he will have some tough choices to make…whether to go professional or get picked up with two Harvard degrees.” He stayed with the process, even through his injury, and now Paris is calling. “Some distance runners will arrive in Paris overcooked. But Graham‘s injury actually has him arriving more rested and performing at his peak. He is a young man who reacts to a crisis with calm,” Coach Gibby told me from six times zones away. “He’s earned his right to race in Paris.”
Both his high school coach and college coach quickly deflected saying that it’s all about Graham. But I have a feeling Graham is a student of his sport and of life and he has soaked up every bit of teaching from these two amazing men in his life. “Graham told me that he spends more time with me than anybody else,” Coach Anderson told me reflecting on Graham’s days at Athens Academy in Georgia. Both Harvard Coach Gibby and Athens Academy Coach Anderson will be in Paris together when this young gladiator, Graham Blanks, enters the stadium on August 7th. Just remember to pray for the lions.
See you on the trail.
Mark and Carol Holloway are outdoor adventurers and love the thrills of rock climbing and hikes to waterfalls and exploring all of God’s creation. They own PropertyStewards.com and are passionate about delivering excellent care to the homes and property of their clients.
For more Information call 706-949-5937
Lizzie Writes Blessed
Liz Alley
Isat with my sister Lynn and her family as her son Tucker and his wife Chloe committed their baby, Wytham James Hickox, to the Lord. “What a blessed day,” I thought, and to think, I almost missed it. It had been a busy weekend, and I reasoned there was no way I could make it to this event, even though I dearly wanted to. The night before, I lay in bed thinking, and I heard the mountains calling me, and so I went. The following morning, I got up early and buzzed through Atlanta without a smidgen of traffic. Will wonders never cease? Since I had allowed time for traffic, I arrived early at The United Methodist Church in downtown Clayton. I went inside to wait. I love this church and always have. I sat on the cushioned pew and let the sanctuary’s beauty envelop me, and I was flooded with memories.
I attended Girl Scout meetings in the fellowship hall next to the church. It is where Mrs. Fetzer, my friend Judy’s mom, would take Million Dollar Pie, and all the ladies at the church clucked over it because it was so good. Once a month, my sister Lynn and Judy’s sister Ladonna would go to “Destination Unknown” hosted by the church. The youth group divided up to go to members’ houses for clues to get to the next house until reaching the last destination, where refreshments were served. Once, we begged to go with them as Judy and I weren’t old enough, and lo and behold, Mrs. Fetzer made them take us. Lynn and LaDonna were mad as fire. The first stop was at Eleanor and Albert Law’s house. We jumped out and raced to the door. Mrs. Law opened the door and shouted over her shoulder to Mr. Law, “Albert, quick, get the clue! Time is of the essence!” As soon as I got home, I asked Mother precisely what “time is of the essence” meant, and when she told me, I went around saying it all the time. “Mother!” I would say, “Please make me a bologna sandwich! Time is of the essence!” This did not go over well at my house, and some of my siblings, who will remain nameless for this article, locked me in the coat closet. I don’t recall Mother being particularly angry about this, which is a sure sign she was sick of it, too. I thought about when my friend Judy got married. We dressed in the fellowship hall bathroom and walked to the church. Inside, there
Liz Alley was born and raised in Rabun County in the city of Tiger. She loves to write. She is an interior designer specializing in repurposing the broken, tarnished, chipped, faded, worn and weathered into pieces that are precious again. She is the mother of two daughters and has three grandchildren. She divides her time between her home in Newnan and Rabun County. Liz would love to hear from you, drop her a line at Lizziewrites0715@gmail.com
Enjoy more of Liz’s writing at Lizzie-writes.blog
were tiered candelabras and finely dressed congregants. Then I thought about how, in this same church, I came to her funeral, where there were tiered candelabras and finely dressed congregants, and I blinked back tears.
I thought about when my nephew Tucker started preschool in the basement of the fellowship hall, and Lynn was so worried she made his dad peek in the windows on his lunch break to see if he was okay. It was then I realized it’s not just this church I’m fond of; it’s First Clayton, which I visited with friends in high school. It’s Lakemont Baptist Church, where my friend Kim’s dad was Pastor, and we’d sometimes go into the sanctuary and pretend we were singers. It’s the Methodist Church on Blair Street that I went to Wonderful Wednesdays after school in Tiger. It is all the churches I visited with my Uncle Cling, and Aunt Laney Brown when he was preaching. It is boat church on Lake Rabun where they passed around a basket attached to a stick for the gathered boats offering. It’s boat church on Lake Burton at Moccasin Creek where we sing “I’ll Fly Away” so fast and jaunty one cannot keep from tapping one’s foot and clapping one’s hands. It’s North Clayton Baptist Church that my grandmother, Nora Garland, started with a tent from the Southern Baptist Convention. And, of course, it’s Tiger Baptist where my mother had her five children spit-shined and lined in a row, from youngest to oldest, every Sunday and every Wednesday. I’m so thankful that I grew up in a community with many churches and good influences from the people in them.
“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Under Contract
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Gail Hopper 706-490-2152
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Ann Inman
256-622-0334
415 Bayberry Lane - Sky Valley
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83 Whetstone Ln. - Lakemont
• Lake Rabun cottage
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