Laurel of Northeast Georgia June 23

June 2023

Twenty

Issue Six

laurel of Northeast Georgia from

the publisher

June is here, that means school is out, gardens are growing, cookouts are being planned and families are enjoying summer. We love getting outside as much as y’all do. It is good for the mind, soul and body. The sunshine, fresh air and dirt between our toes is delightful!

Our event calendar is full of things to keep you busy. From musical performances to art shows, there is much to see and do. So get out and explore these beautiful mountains and support your community by shopping local. There is no better place to find treasures than Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina.

From Peter’s outstanding adventures to Explore Rabun’s Waterfalling article there are many reasons to take off and hit the trails. The recipes from Lorie Thompson and the history article from Dick Cinquina are not to be missed. So grab a glass of whatever you love and sit on the deck and enjoy your Laurel this month.

We thank you for making us a part of your home, we hope you enjoy this issue and we encourage you to share your Laurel with others.

Thank you so much, Tracy

Laurel of Northeast Georgia

Mailing: PO Box 2218 - Clayton, Georgia 30525

Office : 2511 Highway 441

Mountain City, Geo rgia 30562

706-782-1600

www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com

Contributing Writers:

Tori Carver, Jaime Smoot Speed, Jonan Keeny, Dick Cinquina, Liz Alley, Mark Holloway, Tricia Moore, Avery Lawrence, Betty Cobb, Lori Thompson, Mark Ozboyd, Flashback Article by Carolyn Traves

STAFF

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

Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst

Graphics - Lucas McCoy

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

Assistant Office Manager - D’Anna Coleman

Writer - John Shivers

Photographer / Writer - Peter McIntosh

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

On Our Cover – Michele Crawford Nature Lover – Photographer

– Conservationist

Nature is home to local photographer Michele Crawford most days. It’s where she is happiest and where you’ll find her with camera in hand. She loves catching sunrises and sunsets, watching animals care for their young and finding rare unique wildflowers and native plants. The best part about it is that she is really good at it! She waits sometimes hours, other times days to capture the shot she is looking for. She is content to wait and take in all of the unexpected surprises along the way. “I’ve always loved being outdoors”, she said when we chatted for this article. “I grew up playing in the woods and the creek. I played with bugs, snakes, whatever I found. One time I took a green snake and wore it around my neck like a necklace.” Michele grew up with her brother in Gainesville, Georgia.

In 1988 she moved to Rabun County and fell in love with Broderick Crawford and the southern Appalachian mountains. She noticed every detail along the hiking trails that seemed to call her name. She just couldn’t get enough of the beauty of the mountains. Michele signed up for a class offered through Smithgall Woods State Park in cooperation with the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry. The curriculum centered around advanced environmental education. This was the beginning of her quest to further her education and she continues to educate herself on species of plants and animals.

Michele and Broderick Crawford own and operate Crawford Art Gallery. It is here you’ll find her photography. She has framed and unframed prints and offers framing services, another area where she excels. The Crawfords are active in conservation efforts through Ducks Unlimited and Trout Unlimited. Their generosity is shown through donations to support conservation efforts. She is passionate about protecting our natural resources and ensuring that future generations will be able to explore these mountains and enjoy their beauty. If only everyone had this dedication to and love of nature.

“A couple years ago a man came into our shop. He had heard that I had an interest in wildflowers and he knew the location of some Large Whorled Pogonia. They are unique and listed as endangered. He offered to take me to see it so I could photograph it. We went and the next day when I knew the light would be right I went back on my own and got some great photos. I keep journals of the wildflowers I find and I go back year after year to check on them. I want to see how many I see and if they are surviving. I note

what I find in my journal. I’ve found Dutchman’s Britches, Yellow Fringed Orchids, Pink Lady Slippers and Vassie Trillium. It is the largest Trillium and is a deep burgundy. That one is my favorite”, she spoke of these flowers with such enthusiasm. It is evident that she has vast knowledge of plants that I would likely walk over without knowing it.

After marrying Broderick who has painted numerous duck species for Duck Stamp competitions, Michele began photographing ducks for her husband to paint. For instance she recently photographed a Common Merganser Duck. This is a busy time for these ducks because they are hatching off their babies and this particular mother merganser had 11 ducklings. Michele said that she watched her move those ducklings up and down the river, through rapids, teaching them to catch fish. “The mama duck taught them how to dive down and get their food. After she had worked with them in the water, she crawled up on a rock and the babies followed her. She lay on a rock above the babies and they fell asleep. She stayed alert the entire time they napped watching for predators and making sure they were safe,” she said.

“Sometimes I get so lost observing how the mothers interact with their young. It is truly amazing to watch,” she said. Michele went and bought every book she could find to learn about the different species of bird, their habitats, life span, migration and differences.

With the increase in our bear population in the mountains, Michele and I talked about how important it is to take bird feeders down and secure trash cans. As bears began roaming, most females have little ones and Michele has witnessed again the love of a mother while watching these sows teaching their babies. “She will be eating and

On Our Cover – Michele Crawford

they’ll try a bite of a leaf and the faces they make are so funny, just like a kid. They whimper and she comes running. They communicate in their own way. Seeing the human toll on nature is hard, but the hardest part of Wildlife Photography is witnessing Mother Nature when it is brutal. I once witnessed a cub fall out of a tree about 50 feet to the ground. The mother bear came down quickly to care for her cub. But the fall either scared the cub or injured the cub and it would not climb up the tree any more that day. So later that evening when a male bear came the mom had no defense to save the cub, so the male bear killed and ate the cub. Then for three days the mother bear searched the area looking for her cub. It was heartbreaking!” Michele has captured the tragic and the magic of nature. She spoke of finding a mama Wood Duck with several ducklings but one had gotten its bill in fishing line and had a hook stuck in its mouth. She and Broderick removed the hook and the duckling ran and caught up with its mother and other ducklings. As more land is developed, more human toll is seen. “I’ve been watching and documenting plants and animals for over a decade and I see their habitats shrinking,” she said.

Michele has traveled out west twice in the past eight months visiting the Grand Tetons in fall and Yellowstone in February with a blanket of snow. “I watched a Bison swing his head from side to side to clear a path to dried grass. I got a photo of him. It looks like I was right on top of him but I was far away with a great lens! I watched this herd of 14 Bison for two hours or more. It was 7 degrees that day in the Lamar Valley!” She truly loves

watching animals communicate with each other. She spoke of being in Savannah and watching a Barred Owl feeding her babies. I was three years getting that photograph. Wildlife photography is 95% luck and timing and 5% equipment and habitat knowledge. I study the habits of the animals and spring is always about the babies, in summer most animals molt and there is too much cover to get great photos of critters. In summer I chase light, capturing spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Fall brings incredible landscapes and the migration begins. The Wood Thrush is the first bird to leave in August. They are my favorite song bird.” she said.

I honestly don’t know which is more impressive, her devotion to God’s creation or her ability to photograph it. Either way I appreciate both.

The bear on our cover and so many other photos are on display at the Crawford’s art gallery located at 108 N. Main Street in downtown Clayton, Georgia. Stop in and meet Michele and you’ll be in awe of her work. Her husband is pretty awesome too. Check out their website at www.crawfordartgallery.com and follow them on Facebook (@CrawfordArtGallery). For more info you can call 706-782-8379 or email crawfordartgallery@windstream.

North Georgia Arts Guild Gallery 441 – A Vision Come to Life

By Tricia Moore

Gallery 441 in Dillard, Georgia, opened its doors in September, 2021 with a stable of artists who work in a variety of mediums and styles. Sally Kolb, owner and curator of the gallery, had a vision and a mission, which she tenaciously clung to in spite of many challenges. The first challenge was the building itself, which previously housed Lazy Bear Furniture and is located on Highway 441 across the street from the Dillard antique stores. “The building was in need of some TLC,” Sally diplomatically stated. And as a property manager, that is something, Sally says she enjoys doing.

Sally is petite and soft-spoken, but behind the gentle façade is a strong, determined businesswoman who knows how to get things done. Having bought the building in 2018, Sally was poised to open the gallery when Covid hit. In spite of this huge setback,

Sally never wavered in her dream of having a gallery there. Sally, an artist herself, wanted to create a space for the many talented artists in the area to exhibit and sell their work. Her original vision for the gallery was for it to be like the many traditional galleries she had visited. “But it didn’t quite turn out that way,” she stated. “The space dictated what it looks like.”

The gallery occupies a large space on the lower level of the building. This spacious area called for the rethinking of what an art gallery should look like. Having to think outside the box, Sally managed to skillfully and beautifully utilize the space to exhibit the work of 45 local and five regional artists. When asked what her motivation was for wanting to open a gallery, Sally stated that she was inspired by a friend who owns a gallery in Atlanta. Also, since she loves art and promoting the art of other artists, she wanted to showcase the work of the artists in the area and create an art community in Dillard.

Sally likes to have a variety of work in the gallery and chooses new artists on the basis of the number of artists that she already has in any one medium. She adds that the process is also somewhat subjective – she chooses artwork that she likes.

Slade, Sally’s son, plays an integral part in the running of the gallery. In addition to having his own outdoor furniture business on the premises, Slade keeps the gallery open three days per week, is the tech person and is, Sally notes, “a great promoter.” “He is also kind of like a partner and makes it fun.”

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.

The gallery also offers classes and workshops in various mediums. Sometimes customers ask about the availability of a class or workshop in a specific medium and sometimes the artists suggest ideas for specific workshops. The classes/workshops are listed on the gallery’s facebook page and their website – heartofdillard.com. In addition to the regular artists found at Gallery 441, pop-up shows are held there on a regular basis. Most recently, Sally has displayed the art of members of NGAG who participated in the “Winter Blues” challenge that the guild held for the member’s show and tell program. The Athens Metal Arts Guild will be showing their work at the gallery in June from June 10 until the end of the month.

To further add to what the gallery has to offer to the community, Sally has a vision for the large open space on the second floor of the building above the gallery. She would like to create a studio there where artists can come together and, for a nominal fee, work and be inspired by other artists. Additional plans she has for the gallery include holding mini-festivals there and artist demonstrations.

Gallery 441 is a valuable and exciting addition to Dillard and the Rabun County art scene in general, offering many opportunities that a more traditional gallery does not. Artists and fine craftsmen alike have found a home here. The great variety found at the gallery makes it easy for everyone who visits to find something they can’t live without or something that would make a perfect and affordable gift. Classes, workshops, studio space, mini festivals, pop-up art exhibits and artist demonstrations all help to make Gallery 441 the place that is definitely worth your time to check out.

Sally’s desire is for “every artist here to be extremely successful and for the community to get behind it.” Let’s help her make that come true.

Enjoy Summer in Clayton at the Painted Fern Art Festival July 8th & 9th

Painted Fern Art Festival, presented by the North Georgia Arts Guild, will be held at the Rabun County Civic Center, Saturday July 8th 10 – 5 and on Sunday 11 – 4. Keep the fun going after the Independence Day celebrations. Enjoy air-conditioned comfort in the Civic Center Ballroom while shopping for original artwork created by the talented artists of the North Georgia Guild. Painted Fern showcases the many and varied talents of the guild’s members with work as unique as the artists who created it. At Painted Fern you will find paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, wearable fiber, mosaics, sculpture, collage and much more. Whether looking for the perfect gift or something special for yourself, you’ll find it at the Painted Fern Art Festival!

Be sure to stop in the lobby at the NGAG Bake Sale. Not only are we talented artists, we’re good cooks, too. Pick-up something sweet or savory and decidedly yummy; you’re sure to enjoy! Bake sale treats are donated by NGAG members and Friends. All proceeds from the sale fund the NGAG Art Scholarship Program. The program was established in 2015 to award $1000 art scholarships to talented high school seniors. As of the 2023, NGAG has awarded scholarships to 29 talented art students who will pursue their art in college.

Interested in becoming a member of NGAG? Check us out at NorthGeorgiaArtsGuild.com where you’ll find all the benefits of membership. NGAG presents 10 monthly art programs, two art festivals each year, pop-up art shows, on-line member galleries, rotating member exhibits at Butler Galleries, and more. It’s all happening in downtown Clayton, Georgia.

For details and the list of exhibiting artists, visit paintedfernartfestival.com.

Adventure Out – Chauga Narrows

By Peter McIntosh

On this early summer adventure we’re heading over to South Carolina to visit a beautiful natural area called the Chauga Narrows. The Chauga Narrows gets its name from a narrow flume in the Chauga River, but there’s more to this place than just this sluice. There are a couple of pretty shoals and a nice small cascade thrown in for good measure. I rate this hike as moderate, it’s a little over 1/2 mile each way and mostly flat but when you get to the narrows there is some very tricky scrambling through the thick Rhododendron along the steep river bank.

The trailhead to the Chauga Narrows is off of Whetstone Road at the Chauga River Bridge and there’s a primitive parking area just off the road. This spot can be a bit trashy since it’s so easily accessible. We begin walking down an old roadbed with a few water filled mud holes along the way. After about 100 yards

we’re still following alongside the river but the path now seems more like a trail. The river along here is mostly calm, slow moving water with a small rapid every so often. Both sides of the river are bordered by beautiful River Birch, Loblolly Pine and White Oaks. There are plenty of side trails, leading to the riverbank that are used by fishermen. (And fishermen make note: The Chauga River is stocked with trout annually by the DNR.) As we continue down the trail, it gets a bit more overgrown as we go along. There’s a nice campsite at a bend in the river and then this trail gets a little more interesting.

The sound of rushing water gets louder telling us that the narrows are nearby. The trail now climbs away from the river up into the Rhododendron. It looks more difficult than it is but do be careful as you could easily twist an ankle. There are a few places to scramble down to the river to see the rushing water features and all are worth checking out. There’s a pretty little waterfall just above the narrows, and then there’s the narrows, a flume of rushing water dropping

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

quickly to a really nice wading pool at the base. This is a great spot should you want to cool your toes. There are also some nice big rocks here to sit on and enjoy a snack. Happy hiking!

And not a moment too soon, here’s my poem for June: Summer’s here so I think you oughter, Go hike alongside some cool mountain water. With a quick flowing chute and nice little cascade, The Chauga Narrows is a water feature parade.

Getting there: Take US 76 E. from Clayton and go 8 miles to the Chattooga River, cross the bridge and go 2 miles to Chattooga Ridge Road on the left. Stay on this road for 5 miles until you come to the intersection with Whetstone Road. Turn right on Whetstone Road and go 1 mile to the Chauga River bridge. The pull off to parking areas is on either side of the road, just before the bridge. It looks rough but it’s not too bad. As I said in the poem, I do recommend you wear boots on this adventure as the last part of this trail is very rugged. I also suggest you bring a friend on this hike, just for safety’s sake.

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

Trail Town Treasure

This June marks the one-year anniversary of Clayton-Rabun County’s designation as the 51st Appalachian Trail CommunityTM But how many of us actually know what that means, or more importantly, what it means to us? In order to understand what the benefits associated with being a “Trail town” are, it helps to know a little about the Appalachian Trail itself, the organization that manages it, and the people who hike it.

From the beginning, founder Benton MacKaye, a regional planner, had a vision of the Appalachian Trail providing opportunities for recreation, recuperation and employment. “The project is one for a series of recreational communities throughout the Appalachian chain… to be connected by a walking trail.” In 1925, MacKaye, convened the first Appalachian Trail conference. This initial gathering of hikers, foresters, and public officials laid the groundwork not only for the creation of the Trail, but also for an organization to build, manage, and protect it, to become known as The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, or ATC for short. The Trail was officially completed in 1937 and became part of the National Park System. Today, through the efforts of the ATC,

Benton MacKaye

View from the A.T.

volunteers, clubs, and agency partners, the A.T. extends more than 2,198 miles from Maine to Georgia within a protected 250,000 acre greenway. The ATC was also instrumental in the passage of federal legislation that designated the A.T. as America’s first National Scenic Trail in 1968. Over the past 85 years, the positive economic and environmental impact that the Trail has had on the communities it touches has far exceeded Benton MacKaye’s expectations. But what about the people who hike the Trail? Amazingly, over 3 million people visit the Trail each year and over 3,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the entire length. Hikers come from across the globe and are drawn to the A.T. for a variety of reasons, such as reconnecting with nature, escaping the stress of city life and experiencing a simpler life. They range in age from 5 to the oldest

hiker, legendary Nimblewill Nomad, at 83 years old, with the average age at about 37. Most are well educated and generally have disposable income, spending an average of over $8,000 each on their adventure. Hikers often spread the word about the communities they’ve visited and return to ones they particularly enjoyed, essentially becoming ambassadors for our area. Trail communities also develop a sense of stewardship over the section of trail closest to them. Our A.T. Community Committee works with local groups to organize Trail clean-up and maintenance days. In particular, members of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club are currently working with the student Outdoor Adventure Club at Tallulah Falls School to enhance their understanding of environmental responsibility as well as local biology and ecology along the Trail, giving the students a hands-on and practical education to go along with their classroom learning. Being a Trail town adds emphasis to the importance of protecting our outdoor spaces and works to preserve the integrity of the wonderful environment that makes our area so special.

All in all, you can see how becoming the 51st A.T. Community has not only connected us with a larger community, it serves as a catalyst for enhancing local economic development and encourages environmental stewardship and local community engagement. Having the Appalachian Trail in our own backyard is both a privilege and a responsibility. As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our A.T. Community designation, we look forward to the future opportunities and benefits that this will bring to our ClaytonRabun County community!

For more information on the Appalachian Trail, visit appalachiantrail.org or georgia-atclub.org.

Members of the Clayton-Rabun County Appalachian Trail Community Committee host a trail magic event for hikers at Unicoi Gap.

Trail Marker at Dick’s Creek Gap

Trail maintenance workshops are available through the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

By Mark Ozboyd

SWaterfalling

uppose I asked you to recall a few outdoor activities. What comes to mind? Rock climbing, kayaking, perhaps just plain hiking. But in Georgia, a new outdoor pursuit is rapidly taking hold: waterfalling. Waterfallers are a unique sub segment of the outdoors community. They love spending time in nature just like the rest of us, but what sets waterfallers apart is they hike to waterfall after waterfall, and nowhere else. Traditionally, Georgia has not been known for grandiose waterfalls in the same sense as its neighbors, Tennessee and North Carolina. Nevertheless, an amazing 700 waterfalls are now documented in Georgia – including over 120 in just Rabun County alone. And of course, the waterfall obsession is not limited to waterfallers. Georgia’s waterfalls are excellent destinations for anyone ranging from veteran hikers to Atlanta families who have never been exposed to the treasures of nature.

People can seldom point a finger to precisely what singles out waterfalls as such attractive destinations. Waterfalls are located in exquisite natural settings, often surrounded by unique and rare plants, wildlife, and geology. The dramatic energy of waterfalls is one of the best showings of nature’s majestic forces, similar to the magnificent music of Beethoven’s symphonies and piano sonatas. When I stand at a waterfall, I forget about all my everyday worries and always leave with a mind refreshed by the spray, breeze, and flowing water. It doesn’t matter whether the waterfall is a thunderous free-fall or a subtle stairstep cascade. There’s always something to see.

Angelica Falls

(Article Featured in the Explore Rabun Travel Guide)

The first time I ever laid eyes upon a waterfall, I had the advantage of a birds-eye vantage point: my father’s back. It was Amicalola Falls, and that is how I became enamored with waterfalls from the age of one. Ask any kid about how they spend their play time – most will tell you about see-saws and merry-go-rounds, or worse yet, about their favorite video game. I’m thankful that my version of the toddler playground consisted largely of Georgia State Parks, because they changed my life forever. The lessons and memories that children can make from nature are invaluable and lifelong.

Seven years ago, when I was 13, I established my first website, www. hikingtheappalachians.com. I wanted to share descriptions of my weekly nature explanations and help prevent others from getting lost on little-used trails. In the summer of 2018, I founded the Southeast Nature Society to coordinate a broader range of resources, as well as encourage people from all backgrounds and ages to connect with and conserve nature. Over the last few years, I learned about dozens of Georgia waterfalls missing from print books and hiking websites. An important caveat: it would be silly to suggest that any Georgia waterfalls were left unnoticed by fishermen, hunters, and loggers from ages past. Nevertheless, even in the digital age, many waterfalls have become lost in time due to their remote wilderness locations or lack of established access points. Thus, as the Southeast Nature Society’s major debut project, I felt compelled to establish Georgia’s first comprehensive waterfall database at www.gawaterfalls.com to bring the state’s countless little-known waterfalls back to life. How long could people keep blindly flocking to Raven Cliff Falls and Panther Creek Falls when there’s so much more to see?

No person has single-handedly inspired me more than Bernie Boyer. Five years ago, I stumbled upon Bernie’s inconspicuous SmugMug webpage on the eighth page of Google’s search results, and my jaw dropped at all the Georgia waterfalls I had no idea about. Given his age of 85, I’m now proud to call Bernie my oldest friend. A retired physicist, Bernie has amazingly been rediscovering waterfalls every week since he moved to Georgia in 2015. My database would have been twice smaller if not for the work of Bernie, as well as Georgia’s other top waterfaller, pastor Greg Ford. Greg appears to spend every minute of his free time scouring maps for the next new waterfall, and I’m convinced he can stare at maps for ten hours straight. Together, these two men have uncovered Georgia’s newest gold mine: a gold mine filled with dozens of undocumented waterfalls.

Consider the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area (LRWMA) in Rabun’s next-door neighbor, Habersham County. Until 2017, most people in the outdoors community, myself included, knew about just one waterfall in LRWMA: Nancytown Falls, a 25foot low-flow cascade hardly visible behind a rock jumble. You could wallow through a monsoon to Nancytown Falls and still leave so underwhelmed that you might reconsider the notion of “a bad

Upper Denton Creek Falls

West Fork Chattooga River at Three Forks

Haven Falls (His’n’Her Falls

day in the woods is better than a good day in the office”. So why had this been the only ‘known’ waterfall in LRWMA? Some ingenious ranger at the Forest Service must have surmised this was just the waterfall to construct an official trail to. Maybe they thought it would be a clever prank on unassuming visitors. Anyhow, the moral of the story is that today, we’re aware of over twenty significant waterfalls in LRWMA. The region now attracts numerous waterfall seekers from metro Atlanta who don’t wish to drive so far as Clayton.

If that isn’t enough inspiration yet, I want everyone reading this piece to know that you have all the tools at your disposal to “discover” your own waterfall. The most primitive method might be to just scramble up random creeks and wait until you finally come across a waterfall. Fortunately,

technology has granted us less trial-and-error alternatives. First off, one can often find a waterfall at areas of tightly-pinched elevation contours along creeks on topographic maps. But with the advent of the “Google Earth” software, discovering waterfalls became much easier. Any area of vibrant whitewater you see in the woods on Google Earth satellite imagery is likely to be a waterfall. Finally, the granddaddy of waterfall hunting tools is LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), an innovating remote sensing technique that measures distances via laser lights pointed down from aircraft. Thanks to LiDAR, we now have access to remarkable 1-meter topo maps that highlight the tiniest elevation changes and reveal any waterfall, whether it’s 100 feet high or 5 feet high. See my article at the link below if you would like to learn more about how to discover waterfalls: https://www.gawaterfalls. com/discovering-waterfalls.html

One day, I sat down at my desk and opened Google Earth for a routine satellite imagery scan, when I abruptly stumbled upon an area of vibrant whitewater on Plum Orchard Creek about 10 miles northwest of Clayton. I had not heard of a waterfall on this creek, so I suggested to Bernie that he check it out. This was early 2017. My prior experience with bushwhacking was still meager. The few off-trail waterfalls I did visit before involved closely following the footsteps of those who came before me. However, for once, Bernie was unconvinced that Plum Orchard Creek really contained a waterfall. I was left with no choice but to take matters into my own hands.

On a frosty March morning, I armed myself with a map, compass, and GPS. Cautiously yet eagerly, I took on the challenge of exploring the trackless Plum Orchard

Upper Moccasin Creek Falls

Mud Creek Falls

Dicks Creek Falls

Creek valley despite no prior intel. The journey first involved an hour of scrambling up and down steep slopes and through dense rhododendron thickets to reach the creek. Once there, I waded upstream through the creek for another quarter-mile to the potential waterfall location. My starkest memory from this part of the adventure was repeatedly seeking dry sandbars and rocks to stop my toes from going entirely numb in the cold water! My efforts all paid off when I rounded a corner and gazed upon a monster 65-foot waterfall that I had never seen any photos of. The music of Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing Piano Concerto No. 1 resounded in my head. March 4th, 2017 was the day I discovered my first undocumented waterfall. After failing to uncover a historical name for the waterfall, I decided to christen it Angelica Falls as a tribute to my mother, who single-handedly instilled a love for both nature and music in me. A concert pianist, my mother had repeatedly emphasized from an early age that both nature and music enrich our spirits and must be a part of everyone’s lives. After finding Angelica Falls, I have since rediscovered eight more undocumented waterfalls in Georgia, a number that pales in the shadows of Bernie’s and Greg’s waterfall discoveries. Yet to date, Angelica Falls remains one of my favorites in Rabun County, accessible only to seasoned outdoor adventurers with enough experience to attempt the rugged cross-country trek.

So what about the rest of us who aren’t avid cross-country bushwhackers? Thankfully, there is no shortage of outstanding

waterfalls around Clayton with easier access. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Mud Creek Falls (80 feet). Roadside in Sky Valley, no hike.

• Dicks Creek Falls (50 feet). Easy 0.6-mile trail near Chattooga River.

• Denton Creek Falls. Easy 0.3-mile trail to lower falls (40 feet). Moderate 0.8-mile unofficial path to upper falls (50 feet).

• Haven Falls aka His’n’Her Falls (50 feet). Easy 0.5-mile unofficial trail.

• Moccasin Creek State Park. Easy 1.0-mile trail to Hemlock Falls (15 feet). Moderate unofficial path with stream crossing continues another 0.7 mile to Upper Moccasin Falls (40 feet).

• Three Forks four-waterfall hike: Thunder Dome Falls, Horsetail Falls, Singley’s Falls, and Holcomb Canyon Falls. Moderate to very difficult depending on route. One of the most scenic and pristine watersheds in the state.

Going beyond a concise database, I am currently writing a guidebook titled “Georgia Waterfalls: A Comprehensive Guide”. The book will contain detailed, step-by-step directions with maps and full-color photos to ~250 waterfalls across the state, plus brief descriptions of several hundred others. Nearly one-third of the waterfalls will be in Rabun County & vicinity, including many lesser-known waterfalls not found in any other books. Please stay tuned for printing and ordering updates at my website, www. gawaterfalls.com, and happy waterfalling!

Firmly RootedRanunculus - Part I

By Tori Carver

Ranunculus have been on my “want to grow” list since I began flower farming. This will be my fourth season so I thought it was high time to add this finicky flower to the line up.

If you are asking yourself, “why in the world did she wait so long”, let me explain. Ranunculus are an extremely finicky flower that prefer a Mediterranean climate. Ummmm, I’ve never heard the Northeast Georgia Mountains described as “Mediterranean like” so I completely shied away. For those wondering, a Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. These idyllic conditions only occur in five regions of the world: California; Central Chile; the Mediterranean Basin; the Cape Region of South Africa; and South/Southwestern Australia. Nope, we’re not even close. The only thing we have going for us is the wet winters. Our summers are hot and humid and are rarely “dry”.

Every article, blog post, and book I read described this flower as finicky, temperamental, moody, sensitive, not-for-beginners, emotional, and maybe even a little neurotic. Wait, we are still talking about ranunculus, right? I digress.

Over the last season or two, I started seeing more and more flower farmers grow ranunculus who don’t live in a mediterranean climate either. I began to study their ways (a/k/a stalk them) in hopes of gleaning enough information so I could grow them too. I initially thought I had to have a hoop house (which I do not have), but I learned that small tunnels or caterpillar tunnels work well which is something totally doable for me.

So I ordered corms (ranunculus bulbs are called “corms”) and here we are…. growing ranunculus for the first time ever.

In true “Tori, just start small and grow a few” fashion, I planted between 1,500 and 2,000 in the Fall of 2022 and early Winter 2023 and have babied them every step of the way. My husband created hoops with PVC pipe and I covered them with 6 mil plastic. I uncovered them on warm days, covered them on cold nights, uncovered them when it rained, covered them when it rained too much, vented them on in-between days, uncovered them, covered them, vented them, uncovered them…. well, you get the idea. Growing in a caterpillar tunnel is not for the faint of heart!

I assumed growing ranunculus would prove to be as elusive as growing Sweet Peas or Poppies so I never got my hopes up, but I’m ecstatic to report it was a smashing success!! So many beautiful ranunculus this spring.

But the true test is whether or not I will grow them again next year. Besides being an incredibly beautiful and versatile flower that lasts well over two weeks in a vase, they filled the flower gap between tulips and peonies like a champ. They gave me the opportunity to have flowers the entire month of April and the first few weeks in May when we are normally in flower limbo. For so many reasons, ranunculus have won my heart and I’m forever a fan so I will most definitely grow them again!

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

Do You Have Room in Your Heart and Home for Us?

Rabun Paws 4 Life is a no-kill shelter dedicated to caring for dogs and cats in need of good homes. The staff works tirelessly to take care of each pet trusted to their care. The biggest challenge they face is providing all that each pet needs and deserves. Donations of food, supplies, and funds are much appreciated. Volunteers are welcomed and their new Foster from Afar program offers the general public an opportunity to help. Dogs and cats need socialization and a visit once or twice a week from you can help with that. A walk, game of fetch, or good belly rub makes a huge difference. If you are searching for a new pet this is also a great way to get to know a dog or cat before you commit. If you are ready to adopt, please visit and consider one of these three pets. Also visit Habicat Cafe in Clayton to find a cat or kitten.

Mark Your Calendar! On July 6th come out to Currahee Brewing Co. 93 West Savannah Street in Clayton and join Ara Joyce, Hillary Marshall and Dianna Daily with guest “beertenders” Tracy McCoy and Holly-Henry Perry. They will be serving up some brews to raise much needed funds for Paws 4 Life. The Shed will be there with their food truck (yum!) and Eric Thurmond will perform with a guest performance from The Neon Shadows. They are pre-teen girls who have put together their own band and will blow you away! Raffle items will be on display and tickets can be purchased. It’s all for a great cause!

Nino

Nino is a 4 year old mixed breed that was under socialized with his brother El. When they came to us they were so afraid of people and did not know how to receive love or affection. El was able to find a home as he was a little bit ahead of Nino in the rehabilitation process, and now Nino is ready for his home! He is the most gentle curious dog that more than likely could go with any family!! If you are interested, or would like to reach out to us, feel free to call 706-782-5422 or email elampros@rabunpaws4life.co and we can help you set up an appointment!

Hi my name is Bella. I’m a 4 yr old german shepard/husky mix. I was found as a stray in January 2023. I’m a very sweet, but hyper, girl. Since being in the shelter I have started running circles in my kennel because of being stressed. I do go on walks to get out of my kennel but when returning I start running circles all over again. I’m very selective with other dogs because I don’t trust too well. But I have gained the trust of my shelter friends. If you would like to meet me and consider me joining your family or stop by to spend some time with me. Please contact 706-782-5422 or email elampros@ rabunpaws4life.com.

Now & Brown

Hi, our names are Now and Brown. We are both 1 yr old german shepherd mix. We came into the shelter August 2022 with our mama, Cow and sister, How. Both Mama, Cow, and How found their forever homes. So now it’s our turn to find our very own family and home to call our own. But first to tell you a little about us ladies. We are a bit “food aggressive” towards other dogs when it comes to feeding time, because we had to fight for food while being on the streets. We would do better with older children and possibly being the only dog in the household. We are kinda hyper but listen fairly well when instructed and we are very sweet. We do not have to be adopted together, we can go into different homes. So if you would like to come meet us and consider adding us to your family. Please call 706-782-5422 or email elampros@ rabunpaws4life.com.

Bella

Sweet Sensations

The Scaly Mountain Women’s Club provides tuition reimbursement for qualifying residents of Scaly Mountain and Sky Valley

The women of Scaly Mountain are excited to bring “Sweet Sensations” to the upcoming Art and Craft show in Highlands on June 24 & 25.

Our “Sweet Sensations” booth will feature delectable homemade treats to please all palettes including your pups. You will find cakes, cupcakes, cookies, breads, caramel corn and so much more. Many of the items freeze so you can stock up for your summertime festivities.

The Scaly Mountain Women’s Club began in 1988 when 14 ladies joined forces to provide scholarships to local residents for post-high school education. The club has grown to over 80 members and is currently supporting seven students with their academic endeavors. Since inception the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club has provided over $290,000 in scholarships.

In addition to providing “dollars for scholars” we support many local non-profit community service organizations, including The Highlands Literacy Council; The Highlands Emergency Council; The Scaly Mountain Historical Society; The Food Bank; and the Highlands/Cashiers Hospital Foundation and the Sky Valley/Scaly Mountain volunteer fire department, just to name a few. To date we have donated over $120,000 to local organizations.

In addition to participating in the Art and Craft festival, The Scaly Mountain Women’s Club hosts pancake breakfasts during the summer months so keep an eye out for our signs in and around Scaly Mountain and Sky Valley.

We look forward to seeing you at our “Sweet Sensations” booth at the upcoming festival. We will have delicious samples for people and pups so stop by for some sweets and shopping for a good cause.

Southern Cuisine

The Family Table

By Lorie Thompson

My family does a lot of front porch sitting, and it is common for the conversation to be about what we will eat or what we have eaten in the past. We recently had a family supper featuring Smash Burgers. The porch conversation turned into the best burgers we had ever had. My brother, Steve, talked about a Smash Burger he enjoyed in Montana 25+ years ago. Mountain Man and I talked about the first Green Chili Burger we encountered in the back of a gas station in Northern New Mexico. Now, that was a fabulous burger!

Burgers are near the top of my list of favorite foods! Any old Rabunite will tell you bout the Harry Burger or the Henry Burger. Both were incredible. If you want to start a conversation with anyone who has lived here since the 1970s, ask them about the best burgers they have ever had, and you will hear about these two icons.

Our family goes through different burger-style phases. Sliders were last Summer’s favorite, featuring a variety of toppings. This year it is all about Smash Burgers, and I am adding my twist. Let me tell you about the Green Chili Smash Burger!

For a great burger, use the best quality ground beef you can get. I am a fan of the local Dixon Cattle Company. I see their cattle grazing in the fields along Highway 76, and they look like happy cows. Jordan and Samantha Dixon do a great job producing high-quality beef. You will need 1/4 pound of ground beef for each burger. Loosely fill a 1/2 C measuring cup with ground beef. Using your hands, roll the meat into a ball. Do not pack it. You want the burger to hold together but not be compressed too tightly. You can pre-make your patties and store them in the refrigerator until cooking.

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.

Poblano green chilis are available in the local grocery store right now. Hatch Green Chilis will be available near the end of Summer, and they are the best! Either pepper will do. To roast the chili, lay it directly on the eye of a gas burner. This may also be done on charcoal or over a wood fire, adding a layer of smoke flavor. If you do them on the grill, lay them directly on the coals and turn them every minute or so as they char. Place the charred peppers in a plastic bag or cover them with a dampened towel for 5-10 minutes to allow the skins to soften. To peel the charred skin from the pepper, slice them in half and remove the stem and seeds. Scrape the charred peeling with a knife blade.

You may roast the peppers in advance and reheat them on the grill just before adding them to your burger.

You can use a flat-top grill or a cast iron pan for this burger. Heat to medium-high. Butter the grill surface. Lay each ball of ground meat on the grill and cook for 2 minutes. Using a grill press or a flat-bottomed pan or pan lid, lay a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on top of the burger, and firmly press the ball for 10 seconds. The burger will spread out significantly, so ensure you have plenty of room between each. Press each burger. Season the burgers with garlic, salt, and pepper. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes or until liquid begins forming on the visible side of the burger. Using a metal spatula, turn the burger. Season the other side of the patty. Cook for 2-3 more minutes or until the meat is firm. Layer on your favorite cheese and move the patty to the sides of your grill.

When you flip the burger, it is time to lay your buns on the grill to heat. Be sure to scrape off any fat as you lay the bun flat-side down. Flip the bun and allow the back side to heat when you add the cheese to the burger. It is good to have help in cheesing the burgers and flipping the buns. It will all need to happen at the same time.

Heat the green chili slice alongside the bun and serve each cheeseburger with a large piece of the roasted green chili. I guarantee this will be at the top of your favorite burger list.

Now my other current food passion is Cheesey Jalapenos with Strawberry Salsa.

To make the Strawberry Salsa, wash, core, and chop a pint of fresh strawberries. Add to the berries one-half of a very finely chopped jalapeno seeded and the membrane removed. (always taste a jalapeno before adding it to a recipe to gauge the heat. Adjust amounts accordingly.) Add the zest from a lime. Add the juice from one-half of the lime. Add 2-3 spring onions, finely chopped. Add a handful of finely chopped cilantro, fresh mint, or a small amount of both. Add a pinch of salt and stir. Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This salsa is terrific with tortilla chips or served on grilled chicken breast. Try it! For the Cheesy Jalapenos, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Soften a block of cream cheese and, using a mixer, blend with 2 tsp of granulated garlic, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 cup of mozzarella or cheddar cheese.

Slice each jalapeno in half, removing the seeds and the membrane. Stuff with cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with more shredded cheese on top—Roast for 25 minutes or until the jalapeno has softened and the cheese is bubbly. Serve with the strawberry salsa on top.

I hope you enjoy these recipes with your family! Have a happy Summer!

What does a Christian look like?

By Avery Lawrence – Pastor of Persimmon Baptist Church

There is a story of a young man that showed up at a town’s finest church. You know the kind where all the men are dressed in the finest suits with a Bible tucked neatly under their arms. The women all have new dresses, the finest jewelry, and their hair is as high as the holiest of holies, and the children can speak three languages before they are four, and each are more righteous than any Pharisee…. This young man was like a fish out of water. He wore flip-flops, had long, straggly hair, tattoos, earrings, and looked like he hadn’t had a bath in a day or two. He made his way into the church with plans of sitting near the back and worshipping with the fine congregation. The place was packed. He made his way down the aisle looking for any available seat without drawing attention to himself. He made it all the way to the front without finding a seat, so he did what anyone else would do. He sat down in the floor, right up near the altar. The whole place was aghast! What in the world was this hobo doing in their fine establishment. As the congregation was getting more and more perturbed, one of the eldest deacons started making his way from the back of the church. It is said that you could hear his cane clicking with each step he made toward this intruder. The congregation was glad that he was going to escort this vagabond out of their church. As the old man approached him, they could all tell that there was a serious conversation going on. What happened next brought a gasp across the building. You could hear the old man’s cane hit the floor and with every effort he had, he lowered himself to the floor and sat right beside the young man…and they worshipped together.

According to Forbes.com, “Within the first seven seconds of meeting, people will have a solid impression of who you are.” Other research suggests that we start judging people within a tenth of a second of meeting them for the first time. We are all guilty of making uninformed judgements based on appearances. I wonder what we would think if we met some of the greatest people in the Bible. I wonder if any of us would recognize anyone from the Bible. Many people don’t realize that Jesus was not a White man. He was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, about six miles south of Jerusalem. He was from the middle-east and of Jewish descent. He was raised in Nazareth in Galilee (Palestine/Israel). He was the son of a carpenter and as a grown man, He often didn’t have a place to lay his head at night. You might say that at times, he was homeless. (And Jesus said unto him, the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head (Matthew 8:20).

John the Baptist (Matthew 3) preached in the wilderness and wore clothes made of camel’s hair and a leather girdle. He ate locusts and wild honey. He foretold the coming of Jesus and preached repentance. He even baptized Jesus himself! I imagine that John the Baptist was a pretty rough looking character by today’s standards!

Then, we consider the Apostle Paul. He was a tentmaker. The Church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 10) even questioned his Godgiven authority. They couldn’t understand how a tentmaker by day could have the ability to help establish and lead the Church of Jesus Christ. Paul didn’t fit the mold. He didn’t TRY to fit into

Avery Lawrence is the Pastor of Persimmon Baptist Church. Avery is a native of Rabun County and has a great love for Jesus and passion to share the gospel. Avery is the assistant principal at Rabun County Middle School and is loved by all. He is married to Nawana and is step-dad to Casi Best, but more than that he is “Poppy” to Anni and Homer Liam.

a mold. Paul was a humble servant; an ordinary man. He asked them to not judge him based on earthly standards, but by spiritual standards. In my opinion, the Apostle Paul was one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) missionaries of all time. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul noted that he received “40 stripes save one.” It is said that 40 stripes would kill a person. He was beaten with rods three times, he was stoned, he was in three different shipwrecks, he was robbed, beaten, hungry and thirsty, cold, naked, and even imprisoned. Yet, he persevered and counted it joy to suffer for the cause of Christ. Did you catch the part where Paul went to prison? What would we think if an ex-convict showed up to church? What if someone showed up on a Harley? Tattooed? Earrings? What if a former prostitute showed up at church? Jesus died so that ALL could come to repentance. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So many people say that they will get cleaned up before they go to church; before they “get right.” You can’t clean a fish before you catch it. I picture our sinful lives as a messy suitcase with stuff falling out and strewn all over the place. We try to keep it all together, but somehow, we just can’t do it. So we

bring it all…the good, the bad, the ugly, and the terrifying…to the foot of the cross. We confess our sins and HE forgives us of our sins. But, we have to give it ALL to Him. He cleans us up on the inside. If the outside was what got us into Heaven, I wouldn’t stand a chance. No, I don’t have tattoos. I don’t have earrings. Most of the time, I am not unkempt. But some of my best friends don’t fit into a mold, and they are just as saved as I am. They too, know Jesus Christ as their Savior. He came to Earth to save the lost. That’s us. ALL of us.

I believe it is time that we start loving the way Jesus loves. I read another story about a young man who had surrendered his life to Christ and wanted to join a church. Congregation after congregation turned him down because he just didn’t fit in. Finally, after yet another church refused to let him join, he broke down. He sat in the parking lot praying and asking God why none of the churches would let him in. It was then that God audibly spoke to him. “Don’t worry son, I’ve been trying to get in there for years. They won’t let me in either.”

Do I look like a Christian? By whose standards?

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

All Things Bright And Beautiful

By Betty Cobb

We are celebrating our 15th Annual Flower Festival. We invite you to join us on Friday and Saturday, June 23rd and 24th from 9:30am until 4:00pm. St James Episcopal Church, 260 Warwoman Road, Clayton, Georgia. Demonstrations will be held Friday and Saturday morning at 10:30am.

Judy Cathey, a floral designer will join us on Friday morning. She says her inspirations come from nature. She will share with us her love for creating varied arrangements.

Alvin Moore will be our guest on Saturday morning.

Alvin is head of the flower guild at All Saints Episcopal Church in Midtown Atlanta. We look forward to his sharing his expertise in floral arrangements.

Our theme this year is All Things Bright And Beautiful

All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all. This is an Anglican hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander. It was first published in her Hymns for Little Children of 1848. The music was composed by William Henry Monk in 1887. Our parishioners will be creating floral depictions representing various verses from this hymn. These will be on display in our sanctuary.

Tour our lovely gardens while visiting our campus. They are planned and cared for by volunteers and considered sacred.

The Flower Festival is our gift to the Rabun County communities and our many friends beyond.

Eternal Life is a Blessing

By Tracy McCoy

This column was going to be a great devotional to my dad for Father’s Day. My dad went to heaven just before Christmas 2010 and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and miss him. I began to type and write about what a great man he was and in my mind I could hear him say...

“I have made many mistakes in my life, I was human and I would rather you write about our Heavenly Father than to write about me. Tell your readers about Jesus and how to get to Heaven. That is the best use of your space and it honors me as well. You see, I love you and I am proud of you and I know how much you loved me.

When you shaved my face because I was not able, I felt your love. When you trimmed my hair and helped me to bed, I knew you loved me. When you looked into my eyes and you prayed for me I knew that you cared for me. I am in Heaven now and it is so beautiful here. I have met Jesus face to face and have walked with him and talked with Him about His love for all of you, it is beyond anything you can imagine and more than I ever dreamed. I have stood before God, our Heavenly Father with the angels singing the most incredible praises to Him.

I could never tell you all that I’ve seen, you wouldn’t believe me. I was comforted when you accepted Jesus as your Savior and confessed your sins and asked His forgiveness. I know that you are doing your best to follow God’s Word and live a life of pleasing to Him, loving others and sharing God’s love. You know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one can enter into Heaven except through Him. I am thankful that you will be joining me one day. I can’t wait to see you and show you all that Christ has prepared for those who love Him. It is breathtaking!

My last day on earth, when it was my time to go, I saw Jesus and He led me into paradise. Eternity is ours, the price has already been paid and all anyone has to do is accept Jesus as their Savior, acknowledging that He is the Son of God and ask His forgiveness for their sins. It is so simple and the greatest decision anyone can make. So, tell them about Jesus and I’ll see you in Heaven one day... I love you... until then you live life abundantly as Christ intended. Do unto others the way you’d want them to do unto you and remember, love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul and all of your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.”

His words trailed off in my mind and I realized my column was written. Happy Father’s Day!

Can We Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?

By Tracy McCoy

It has been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Can we truly know if preventative measures will ward off illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s? Some believe that we can, others are not so sure, especially if genetics are involved, but getting healthier and taking care of ourselves sure can’t hurt. I have Alzheimer’s Disease and age-related dementia in my family. Alzheimer’s on my father’s side and agerelated dementia on my mother’s side. So for me I am willing to try preventative measures. I stay up to date on the newest studies and advances in the care of dementia. Honestly, it is a horrible disease that robs you of the one thing you think no one can take, your memories and your ability to think. In most cases the Alzheimer’s patient is relatively healthy but the brain is slowly shrinking and dying. They call it “the long goodbye” and that is accurate. The cost of care can be astronomical and the families trying to care for the dementia patient are under a great measure of stress and exhaustion both mentally and physically. The numbers continue to climb with more cases being diagnosed each year. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, global dementia cases are forecasted to triple by 2050. That’s scary, but we can’t just sit and be paralyzed with fear, we have to do what we can to prevent the onset or progression as much as possible.

Experts have beens studying this disease since it was discovered in the early 1900s. Some believe they have made incredible strides in understanding the disease’s affects on the brain and have learned how to make life better for the affected individuals and their families. From my personal experience I disagree with that statement. No one can pinpoint what causes it and therefore treatment options are minimal and largely ineffective in slowing progression. Again this was my experience. Research suggests that amyloid plaques are the cause but yet studies have shown that some Alzheimer’s patients don’t get these plaques and other people with the plaques never develop the disease. So 115 years later we still don’t know the root cause or how to stop this disease. What do they believe will help keep our brains healthy and functioning, possibly warding off dementia? Let’s go over what we know can’t hurt.

1. Keeping Our Hearts Healthy – According to www.alz.com

“Several conditions known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease — such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol — also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Some autopsy studies show that as many as 80% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease also have cardiovascular disease.” More research is needed to understand the heart-head connection, but who doesn’t need a healthy heart and if that keeps our brains healthy too, it sounds like a win-win!

2. EXERCISE! MOVE! STAY ACTIVE! All three of these work for both heart and head. My job is often very sedentary and as more of us sit in front of computers hour after hour we move less and less. I for one and maybe you need to make an effort to get up and get out. Even ten minutes of walking every hour would have to help. Regular daily walks and enjoying the outdoors while doing it has been shown to be beneficial for increasing blood flow and oxygen in the brain. It increases those feel good hormones which might or might not help ward off brain disease, but it’ll surely make us nicer people. Talk with your doctor about what might work best for you.

3. Diet & Nutrition – The DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet seem to be our healthiest options. Both limit sodium, sweets, sugary drinks and red meat. They are high in healthy fats, fish, grains and veggies. We all know this, right, but avoiding fast food, eating out and an occasional sweet treat are hard. But let me tell you looking your daughter in the face and not knowing who she is can be much more difficult! If I and maybe you made better choices 75% of the time, how much better would we feel and how far would that go toward making us healthier from head to toe? It’s worth considering.

4. Connecting with Others – Social and mental stimulation through conversations and interaction with others has shown to have a positive affect on keeping the brain healthy. It is believed that this mental stimulation strengthens connections between nerve cells in the brain. Play those brain games on your phone, computer or tablet… it’s exercise for your brain. Keep your brain active by learning, reading and I believe a few good hugs a day is good for everybody!

5. Stay safe! - It appears that there is a strong connection between head trauma and cognitive decline. They believe that a head trauma from a fall or accident where you lose consciousness increases your risk of developing dementia. So avoid loose rugs, poor lighting, minimize clutter and wear a helmet when riding a bike or playing sports and always wear your seatbelt!

6. SLEEP! Getting enough sleep is huge! The CDC says at least 1/3 of American adults don’t get adequate sleep. Good sleep is imperative to good health.

7. Prevent High Blood Pressure and QUIT SMOKING – Much of what we’ve already talked about can help reduce blood pressure and medication can treat it if it’s high. That second one is a nobrainer! Smoking is horrible for your health. I am an ex-smoker and thank God everyday that I could quit. If I can, you can! This will not only help with your brain, it could save your lungs, heart, prevent some cancers and more.

8. Prevent and Correct Hearing Loss – My friends at Adams Hearing will be glad I mentioned this one. Hearing loss is isolating and impairs those connections we talked about earlier. When my dad first began showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease we honestly thought he couldn’t hear and maybe that was part of it. Studies at John Hopkins concludes that “The latest aging research not only shows the two are connected, it’s also leading scientists to believe that hearing loss may actually be a cause of dementia.” That is huge. They are also linking hearing loss to a host of other health problems. I’ll be calling Chris Adams on Monday!

9. Avoid Overindulging in Alcohol – According the National Institutes of Health, It was once thought light to moderate drinking might reduce the risk of dementia. That has changed. It is estimated that 50 million people suffer from dementia and 10 million people are newly diagnosed with dementia every year. The WHO considers dementia a health priority and are looking at ways to prevent the disease. They have this to say, “high-level alcohol consumption (greater than 14 drinks per week) is certainly linked to an increase in dementia risk, post-mortem (autopsies) show a reduction in brain volume and MRI signs of brain damage.” In Alzheimer’s the brain shrinks until there is significant loss of brain volume.

10. Supplementation – the Jury is OUT – Many health professionals “pooh-pooh” vitamins and supplements but yet some have proven heart healthy benefits and if taking care of our heart helps our brain than for me 1+1 might equal 2. Omega-3s (Fish Oil) is good for your heart, skin, hair and maybe your brain. CoEnzyme Q-10 is recommended for congestive heart failure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and for those taking statins. It is thought to help decrease the frequency of migraines and increase physical performance according to the Mayo Clinic. It appears to be safe when taken as directed and under a doctor’s supervision. Your body produces CoEnzyme Q10 naturally BUT as we age our levels decrease and it’s difficult to get what we need from our food. It is present in fish, meat and nuts. When we first took my dad to the doctor for his memory loss they asked if he took Vitamin B-12, he did not. So the first thing they tested was to see if he was deficient in B-12. According to Harvard University a Vitamin B-12 deficiency can mimic dementia and cause memory loss among other things. Our bodies don’t make B-12. It has to come from what we eat. Some people don’t or can’t consume enough or don’t absorb it properly. Have your doctor test you for B-12 and vitamin D while you are at it. Can’t hurt!

IMPORTANT: Since I am not a health professional, rather a person looking for ways to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, please always discuss your concerns with your Doctor.

Pet Health Noise Phobia

By Jaime Speed, DVM

Summer….the time for swimming, barbeques, family time….and the time for thunderstorms and fireworks. Your pet may have issues with storms and fireworks because noise phobia is a common problem in household pets. This fear can develop from any noise including thunder, gunshots, fireworks, garbage trucks, car alarms, or vacuum cleaners. Phobias can be passed down genetically, develop from a lack of socialization during key learning periods, come from a bad experience, be exacerbated due to underlying illness, or develop with aging. There are certain breeds, such as herding breeds, that are more susceptible, and females are more commonly affected than males. Furthermore, dogs with separation anxiety are more likely to develop noise phobias.

Signs of anxiety can range from mild, such as clinging to their owners, hiding, licking their lips, yawning, and hypersalivation, to severe signs such as trembling, barking, destroying items, or inappropriately eliminating.

Treatment of noise phobias requires a multi step approach. No single treatment is likely to be successful. The basic formula is Avoidance of fear + Behavioral Modification + Anxiolytics. Some examples of anxiolytics include herbal supplements and compression therapy. L-Theanine has been found to decrease anxiety in cats and to decrease fear behavior in dogs. Alpha-casozepine is a cow milk derivative that has shown to lower stress related urinary tract disease in cats and reduce fear of strangers in dogs. Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense have improved mood disorders and protect the brain from the effects of stress. Compression clothing, such as the thundershirt and T-touch wraps can be quite beneficial for many animals. Calming music, white noise, massage, and acupuncture can also be beneficial.

Examples of products that help to calm your pet include Composure treats, Solliquin chews, Adaptil

collars and diffusers, Feliway sprays and diffusers, Ear muffs, and calming caps. CBD is commonly marketed for pets but at this time none of the recent legalization efforts have included pet products. Quality control is lacking at this time for these products, and the proper dose is simply found by trial and error. Your Veterinarian is not legally able to recommend these products yet. Research is currently being done on these supplements in pets regarding safety and efficacy and your Veterinarian will advise you once more is known.

In cases of noise phobia, planning for noisy events is key. Speak to your veterinarian about whether prescription medications may be appropriate for your pet. It is helpful to do this weeks before an event takes place so you have time to test the medications. On the day of the event, secure pets indoors and use a leash if taking them outside for a potty break. Make sure they have an identification tag or collar with your phone number. Provide a safe retreat, such as a crate, a favorite bed, or a closet where they feel safe. Allow your pet to choose this spot. You may consider playing music with a regular beat to disguise loud bursts from fireworks or thunder. Close the blinds and ideally keep them in an interior room. Provide extra water during these times as they often drink more when they are nervous. Give rewards during the event by playing with his favorite toy, giving him a puzzle to do, or giving another high value treat to help him associate good things with the noise. Finally, chewing is a stress reliever in dogs, so provide something for them to safely chew during this time.

A major component of managing noise phobias is the behavior of the owner. It is important to maintain control of these situations and behave in a manner that supports your pet rather than adding to the problem. One of the most common mistakes made in managing noise phobias is when we “coddle” our pets. We want them to feel safe, so we hold them, pet them, give extra attention, and even allow them to break rules. The more we make a big deal out of storms and noises, the more we will reinforce the behavior in our pets. Although it feels counterintuitive, trying overtly to comfort your pet will end up making the fear worse. Instead, focus on staying calm and controlling the situation. Much like children, our pets will take emotional cues from us, and the calmer we remain during a crisis, the better they will respond. Next time that thunderstorm rolls in, pick up the ball and play some indoor fetch instead of hiding under the covers with your pet. You will be amazed over time how much it can help. There are plenty of ways to help pets manage through their fears during this rather loud time of the year. As always, start with your Veterinarian to get the best plan for managing the overall problem. For all the rest, be sure to stop by your local pet boutique for all your toy and supplement needs.

Jaime Speed, DVM is part of the team at Rabun Animal Hospital in Mountain City, Georgia. Originally from West Virginia she attended UGA Veterinary School where she met her husband Brad Speed, DVM. She is the owner of Claws & Paws Pet Boutique on South Main Street in downtown Clayton, Georgia.

The Tallulah Falls Railroad

58-Mile Short Line, Little Teapots and Catalyst for Economic Development

By Dick Cinquina

The history of the Tallulah Falls Railroad is part and parcel of the schemes of southern railroad builders in the nineteenth century to link the port city of Charleston with midwestern markets at Cincinnati. In 1835, South Carolinian John C. Calhoun, former U.S. vice president and staunch defender of slavery, was among the first to propose an east-west freight line. Under his plan, the Blue Ridge Railroad would run from Charleston, through South Carolina, north through Clayton and the Rabun Gap and make connections with other lines on its way to Cincinnati.

Construction of the Blue Ridge Railroad commenced in 1854. Determined to share in the prosperity that it believed the railroad would bestow, the city of Athens requested a charter from the State of Georgia in 1856 to establish the Northeastern Railroad to connect Athens with the Blue Ridge at the proposed depot in Clayton. However, work on the Northeastern did not start, which was fortuitous since the Civil War halted construction of the Blue Ridge.

Rails Extended from Athens to Tallulah Falls

In anticipation that the Blue Ridge would be revived after the war, work on the Northeastern commenced in 1871. The line reached Lula in 1876, where it connected with the Atlanta & Richmond Air-Line Railway. The Richmond and Danville Railroad acquired the Air-Line in 1881, while also purchasing one thousand shares of Northeastern stock from Athens. As part of this transaction, the Richmond and Danville agreed to extend its tracks from Lula to Cornelia and then proceed to Clayton where it would connect with the still-unbuilt Blue Ridge Railroad. As agreed, the Richmond and Danville promptly laid tracks to Cornelia and entered Tallulah Falls in 1882. But by that time, it was abundantly clear that the Blue Ridge never would be completed, which removed the reason for laying rails to Clayton. However, under its agreement with Athens, the Richmond and Danville nevertheless was obligated to do just that. The railroad delayed construction of the unnecessary route to Clayton but continued to operate the Cornelia-Tallulah Falls line, since traffic to Tallulah Gorge was booming with tourists flocking to the once-sleepy village from Athens and Atlanta by way of the connection at Cornelia. Within a few years, Tallulah Falls became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southeast.

TF excursion trip to Tiger, 1903

Tallulah Falls Railroad Formed in 1898

Experiencing financial difficulties on other segments of its route system, the Richmond and Danville sold its Cornelia-Tallulah Falls line to the Blue Ridge and Atlantic Railroad (BR&A) in 1887. The BR&A defaulted on its bonds in 1892, entered receivership and was reorganized as the Tallulah Falls Railroad, or TF, in March 1898.

The TF extended its line from Tallulah Falls to Clayton in 1904 as part of a new plan to revive the dream of the Blue Ridge Railroad. A year after reaching Clayton, the railroad was acquired by Southern Railways, which had a depot at the TF’s southern terminus at Cornelia on its route from Atlanta. Under Southern ownership but continuing to operate independently, the TF laid tracks north from Clayton through the Rabun Gap until it reached Franklin, North Carolina in 1907. However, as with the Blue Ridge, nothing came of this latest attempt to build an east-west freight line from Charleston to Cincinnati, leaving the TF orphaned as a 58-mile short line running from Cornelia to Franklin. As a purely local railroad serving a threecounty market and lacking a seamless access to a freight line, the TF never was able to generate sufficient revenue, a condition that plagued the line throughout its history.

Daily Passenger and Freight Service

By 1908, the TF was scheduling daily passenger service, except for Sundays, between Cornelia and Franklin. The 58-mile run took approximately three hours. By horse and buggy, that trip required one full day or longer, depending on conditions of the area’s notoriously bad roads. The TF also scheduled one daily freight train, except Sundays, that took about four hours each way. Construction of the TF provided badly needed jobs for poor mountain people, who scratched out meager livings as subsistence farmers. Workers were paid 10 cents an hour for 10-hour days, six days a week. Despite the low pay and long hours of backbreaking labor, people flocked to the railroad for work. For many, it would be their first paying jobs.

Opening Northeast Georgia to Outside World

The TF also was the catalyst for the economic development of northeast Georgia. The railroad carried thousands of tourists to the region, first to Tallulah Falls and then to the towering mountains of northern Rabun County and western North Carolina. Hotels and boardinghouses sprang up along the route from Tallulah Falls. In addition, the TF made industrial-scale logging possible by enabling lumber companies to ship their products to northern markets. The TF also hauled the materials and equipment for building six hydroelectric dams on the Tallulah and Tugalo rivers between 1910 and 1926. The recreational lakes impounded by these hydroelectric

dams—Burton, Rabun, Seed, Tallulah, Tugalo and Yonah—are direct legacies of the TF. And starting in 1909 under a contract with the U.S. Postal Office, nearly every TF passenger train pulled a mail car. In all these ways, the TF launched the process of opening this remote and isolated corner of Georgia to the outside world. The TF operated Baldwin steam locomotives. Several wood-burning engines were already antiquated when placed in operation. In a 1959 interview, T.L. Brewer, the TF’s receiver and general manager, recalled, “When I went to work for the TF, it was running wood burning engines, little teapots of 35 or 40 tons, with stacks almost as big as the engines.” The railroad eventually purchased more efficient coal burning engines, and by 1917, the TF was operating five locomotives, 10 passenger cars, 46 freight cars and six service cars.

Massive Wooden Trestles

Massive wooden trestles that were engineering marvels became the most distinctive feature of the TF. The railroad chose to build wooden trestles over rivers, streams and ravines, since they were cheaper to construct than earthen fills and steel bridges. The line originally crossed 58 trestles, an astonishing one for every mile of roadbed. Over time, this number dropped to 42, the remaining ones having been replaced with fill. The longest trestle was 940 feet, or longer than three football fields, that ran over the rooftops of Tallulah Falls. The trestle over Panther Creek, south of Tallulah Falls, was the highest at 100 feet. Adding to the railroad’s colorful legacy were two spectacular accidents, caused when trestles collapsed in 1898 and 1927 that plunged locomotives and passenger cars into deep ravines.

Lacking the strength and durability of steel bridges and earthen fills, the wooden trestles required expensive ongoing maintenance that pressured the TF’s financial condition throughout its history. Due to these high maintenance costs and inadequate freight revenue, the TF entered receivership in 1908 but emerged in 1909. The railroad again went bankrupt in 1923 and remained in receivership for the rest of its existence.

Freight Business Cannibalized by Trucks

The TF deepened its financial problems in the 1920s by hauling hundreds of carloads of paving materials and equipment needed for improving roads in Habersham, Rabun and Macon (N.C.) counties. As a result, trucks began making inroads into the TF’s freight operations. For example, apple traffic dropped from 1,322 carloads in 1928 to only 121 cars in 1932. Substantially all of the apple traffic was lost to trucks. Similarly, rail shipments of minerals such as mica had dropped steeply by 1932. The onset of the Great Depression knocked the remaining props under the TF. Freight

Tallulah Lake Trestle Big Cannon Trestle at Wiley

revenues declined sharply, and the railroad’s passenger count fell from 16,391 in 1928 to 3,467 in 1932.

In the face of these dismal operating statistics, the TF’s receiver petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in early 1933 for permission to abandon the line. In November, the ICC granted permission for the abandonment. However, the federal receivership court did not act on the ICC’s recommendation, possibly persuaded by the outcry of public support for the TF in its three-county market. The court also may have felt that the slight upturn in the U.S. economy in 1934 might give the TF a chance to survive. The railroad was permitted to struggle on.

Persistent Operating Deficits

There was some reason for optimism. The railroad’s operating deficit of more than $50,000 in 1932 had dropped to only $563 in 1934. Over the balance of the decade, the TF’s operating deficits fluctuated from a high of nearly $9,800 in 1937 to only $143 in 1939. During the war years, the TF’s operating performance continued to post steep swings. The railroad posted its first surplus in many years in 1942 but operating deficits returned after that.

Passenger service was terminated abruptly in 1946 when the TF’s last remaining coach was damaged in an accident, and the railroad could not afford the needed repairs. The TF sold its steam locomotives in 1948 to purchase two diesel engines that reduced the line’s expenses from over $90 per operating day to under $20, thus helping prolong the railroad’s life. Further financial relief was realized when Hollywood discovered the TF. Paramount Studio paid the railroad as the backdrop for filming “I’d Climb the Highest Mountain” in 1950. Walt Disney also chose Rabun County as the location for his 1956 movie “The Great Locomotive Chase.” He paid the TF $10,000 for six weeks of filming on the railroad’s tracks around Clayton and Tallulah Falls.

Debt of Five Million Dollars

Despite dieselization and Hollywood’s cash infusions, the TF’s financial condition continued to deteriorate rapidly. The railroad posted operating deficits of $60,490 in 1958 and $94,700 in 1959, fueled by the cannibalization of its freight business by trucks, the loss of its government mail contract and persistently high maintenance expenses. Given the mounting losses and a staggering debt of five million dollars, Southern Railways, the TF’s parent company, decided to pull the plug on the railroad in 1960. Southern was granted a court injunction against the TF’s receiver, enjoining him from further eroding the line’s financial condition by performing any maintenance other than what was absolutely necessary. Fearing the railroad would be unsafe to operate, the TF’s receiver filed for permission with the ICC to abandon the line. The ICC granted this request in November 1960, and the TF’s final run was made on March 25, 1961. Locomotive engineers tossed packs of chewing gum to kids waiting along the tracks for the last time.

Most of the TF’s property, including rails, depots and trestle wood, was sold as scrap that May. The remaining property was sold for $266,000 to the Rabun Industrial Development Company that was formed by a group of local businessmen to preserve rail service in the area. However, nothing came of this initiative. The TF was finished after 63 years of operation.

Today, little remains of the TF. Depots in Cornelia, Demorest and Tallulah Falls are standing, as are the concrete bridge piers that stand like silent sentinels in Lake Tallulah. And in some places, the raised roadbeds on which the TF ran are still visible Other than that, the railroad that helped open northeast Georgia to the outside world and served as an economic catalyst is merely a distant and fond memory.

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.

TF wreck on trestle at Hazel Creek in Habersham, 1927

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

My World Travels

By Jonan Keeny

The older I get, the more my family grows up, the busier I make myself, the more I feel it. The more I grind, hustle, whatever…I feel a growing sense of homesickness.

But these feelings, and the label “homesick,” indicate something more. That is, here doesn’t yet feel like home to me. But rest assured, that is no indication of how I feel about where I currently reside. Living in northeast Georgia was something I wanted to do since my very first visit approximately 15 years ago. I love the area. I love the people. I love the nature. I love the food. I love the everything. So as I have explored these thoughts and feelings of homesickness lately, I’ve realized that I need to make more time to venture out to do and to be. And thus, the blessing that is this opportunity to explore our locale and write about it comes at a perfect time. And if “home” is where I got older, at least for now, what is it that I feel I am missing? Two things from my childhood immediately come to mind: homemade pizza and mini golf. I got older in a very Italian town with lots of pizza shops and, just down Route 11, Wolf Hollow Golf Center (RIP Wolfey’s). But let’s get back to the present day…

First stop: 4 Seasons Putt-N-Play, that sprawling area of awesomeness in Otto or Franklin, depending on who you ask or what GPS app you use. The owner, Jerry Levan, greeted me warmly as I entered and he made me feel welcomed and valued immediately. He was genuinely excited that I was there, and we spent a good

bit of time just chatting as he told me all about the 18 holes of miniature golf, the four-course Traxxas park, and virtual reality bays, as well as the option to use this spot for your next party. And his purpose? In a nutshell, “to get families a little closer and maybe back together again.” And what a gorgeous backdrop for it! The Little Tennessee River babbles nearby, birds call constantly, and the breeze through the trees is nothing short of poetic.

The mini golf course itself was a blast! Despite the fact I re-learned very quickly that I am bad at the game, 4 Seasons Putt-N-Play offers a variety of hole difficulties with a lot of fun layouts. And despite my playing solo on a relatively quiet morning, there was still plenty of laughter as I embarrassed myself around the course. But that isn’t to disparage anything about it! Rather, that is a testament to the challenging fun that can be had here. Bring your family, bring

Jonan Keeny was born in Topeka, Kansas, he got older in Berwick, Pennsylvania, and then he lived a bunch of other places. A lifelong learner and a full-time dreamer, the prospect of grand new adventures gets him out of bed in the morning, with some additional assistance from his two blonde-haired, blue-eyed alarm clocks, of course! Jonan recently rediscovered his passion for photography, which keeps him quite busy tromping around the woods, stopping at random places on the side of the road, and uploading photos to his website, www.myworldpics.com, and his Insta, @dude4disney. When he isn’t wrangling two little boys, he’s likely hanging out with his wife, Mary Lauren, reading a book to learn something new, or dreaming of life’s next adventure and Walt Disney World. Regardless of the activity, he’s probably participating in it while wearing funky socks and a cool hat.

your friends, bring your youth group. I have no doubt Jerry will make you feel at home and you will leave with a smile on your face. I am very much looking forward to taking my family to meet Jerry in the near future.

And where, might you ask, did this pizza-loving-mini-golffailure of a young man find himself for lunch? Nani’s Pizza and Pasta Bar, of course! Michele greeted me and she was happy to seat me at a bigger table than necessary so I could spread out my camera gear and still have room to eat. (Thanks, Michele!) The restaurant itself is gorgeous, and the service was patient and friendly as I perused the menu and tried to come up with a game plan. Fortunately, Michele came to my rescue and broke the pizza deadlock by suggesting her favorite, the Dondante. Co-owner and Chef Scott Truax’s culinary creations are a delight to the senses! If your palate pines for passion on a plate, Nani’s will not disappoint. Between the homemade garlic knots, the homemade meatballs, and the homemade hand-tossed pizza, Scott manages to hit all of the food feels via fantastic flavor. And what’s more, he’ll come sit for a quick chat when things slow down a bit. But what about Nani, you ask?

Well, when Elizabeth Truax, aka “Nani,” is in the house, she’ll spend some time with you, too. If I had the room, I would recount their story in great detail. But suffice it to say that Elizabeth and Scott Truax aren’t new to the area, and they both have food and hospitality in their blood. The passion is evident in their food and in the warm and friendly environment in which they serve it. So much Franklin, so little time. On my list of places still to visit are Fire and Light Glass Studio, North Carolina Mountain Made, and The Attic, among others…To those establishments I say “see you soon! “

Another adventure in the books? Yes. Feeling less homesick? The jury’s still out on that one. But what I do know is this: With each of these new adventures, my circle becomes bigger. And while we might not be related through blood or marriage, my family is expanding nonetheless.

Summer Event Calendar

RABUN COUNTY, GEORGIA

First Friday Fests 2023

Live Concert Series

July, August & September

Rock House – Main Street

Clayton, Georgia www.visitclaytonga.com

Clayton Farmers Market

Homemade Food and Body Items, Plants, Fresh Produce, Art & Crafts, May – October 2023

Saturday Mornings 9am – 1pm

NE Ga Food Bank

46 Plaza Way on Hwy 441

Clayton, Georgia Facebook @claytonfarmersmarket

Bluegrass at Tallulah Falls, Georgia

Across from The General Store

Downtown Tallulah Falls

Every Saturday Night from April - Oct

Career Fair & Resource Expo

Hosted by Forward Rabun & Workforce Development

Wednesday June 7, 2023 – 10am - 2pm

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

46 Plaza Way, Clayton, Georgia

Canning Classes at Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

Canning Tomatoes and Green Beans

June 29th, 2023 10am – 2pm

Cost is $50 – Limited Seating Call to Reserve Spot 706-782-0780

Lake Burton Fun Run & Fireworks

Moccasin Creek State Campground

9am ends at LaPrades

Fireworks Start at Dark

Saturday July 1, 2023

Rabun Ramble at Lake Rabun

Begins 7:30 am at the Lake Rabun Pavilion

1757 Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont, GA

Ski Patriots Salute to American

Sunday July 2. Patriots begin and end the show in Magness Cove by Billy Goat Island - Lake Burton

For information e-mail leepenland01@gmail.com

Sky Valley Independence Day Celebration

Family Fun, Parade and Festivites

Fireworks at dark!

May 3, 2023 - 10am

Painted Fern Festival

Hosted by North Georgia Arts Guild

Artists and Fine Crafter Festival

Saturday, July 8, 2023

201 West Savannah Street

Clayton, Georgia

www.paintedfernartfestival.com

Dillard Bluegrass & BBQ Festival

25th year Outdoor Festival

Bluegrass and BBQ with Vendors

August 4 & 5, 2023

Dillard City Hall - Dillard, Georgia

www.dillardbluegrass.org

Events at Tallulah Gorge State Park Hiking, Educational, Wildlife and other events.

338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive Tallulah Falls, Georgia 706-754-7981

www.explore.gastateparks.org

Events at Black Rock State Park Hiking, Educational, Wildlife and other events

3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway Mountain City, Georgia 706-746-2141

www.explore.gastateparks.org

HABERSHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA

Old Clarkesville Market

Local Handmade Arts & Crafts

Home Décor, Artisan Food Items

Live Entertainment

June 17, 2023

Habersham County Fairgrounds

4235 Toccoa Hwy

Clarkesville, Georgia

706-244-2863

www.oldclarkesvillemarketcraftshows.com

Catch Me in Cornelia

Summer Nights Festival

Live Entertainment, Arts & Crafts

Food, Sip n Stroll, Kids Activities

May 25, June 29, July 27, August 31

5pm – 9 pm

Downtown Main Street, Cornelia

www.catchmeincornelia.com

TOWNS COUNTY, GEORGIA

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Hiawassee, Georgia

georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Acoustic Sunsets – Summer Series

Hamilton Gardens

Craft Vendors, Food Trucks, Talented Musicians

Thursday Evenings 6pm – 9pm

FREE ADMISSION

June 29 – July 27 – 2023

Happy Together Tour

The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & Union Gap

The Vogues – 60s & 70s hits!

Saturday June 3, 2023 – 7pm – 10pm

Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Rally Vendors, Comradery and Camping

June 9 – June 10, 2023 – 10am – 10pm

Travis Tritt in Concert

Anderson Music Hall

June 10, 2023 – 7pm – 10pm

July 4th Fireworks

Live Music from Vintage Vixens

6pm – 8pm

Fireworks begin at 9:45pm

Zach Williams in Concert

Anderson Music Hall

July 8, 2023 – 7pm – 10pm

72nd Georgia Mountain Fair

Carnival Rides, Art and Craft Vendors

Musical Performances, Unique Attractions

August 18 – August 26 – 10am – 10pm

Summer Event Calendar

Made in Georgia Festival

Over 90 Vendors offering made, grown, crafted, sews, canned…etc in Georgia

Demonstrations and Classes

Towns Co. Rec and Conference Center

150 Foster Park Road

Young Harris, Georgia

706-896-4966

STEPHENS COUNTY, GEORGIA

Summer Movie Series June & July

Children’s Movies

Historic Ritz Theatre

139 Doyle Street – Toccoa, Georgia

Thursdays 10am & 7pm 706-244-0039

Ida Cox Music Series

Live Local Entertainment, Beer, Wine & Food

Bring a Lawn Chair

June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, - 7pm - 10pm

92 N. Alexander Street – Toccoa, Georgia www.idacoxmusicseries.com

2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Saturday June 17th, 2023

10am – 11pm

Downtown Toccoa

706-417-8094

2023 Cruzin’ Down Doyle

Car Show, Live Entertainment

Adult Beverages

Every Third Saturday June – September Free Vehicle Cruise-In

10am – 2pm

Historic Downtown Toccoa 706-282-3309

MACON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

Pickin’ on the Square Free Entertainment On the Square Bring a Lawn Chair

June 10, 24 July 3, 22, Aug 12, 26

5 W. Main Street – Franklin, NC www.franklinnc.com

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

An Afternoon with Karen Kingsbury

#1 New York Times Bestselling Novelist

June 17, 2023 – 1pm – 3pm 828-524-1598

4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Parade begins at 11am on Main Street

Fireworks begin at 9:30pm on Highlands Rd 828-524-2516 - www.townoffranklinnc.com

Hometown Appalachian Heritage Festival

Sponsored by 30 Downtown Merchants

Live Demonstrations of Life in Appalachian 5 W. Main Street – Franklin, North Carolina 828-524-5676

Macon County Gemboree

56th Annual Gemboree

July 28 – 30, 2023 – 9am – 7pm 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 828-524-3161

80s Flashback Weekend and Parade

A Weekend of 80s Flashback Benefiting the Shriners Hospital for Children

The Mad Hatters – August 4th

7:30 – 10 pm – Currahee Brewing Co

80’s Flashback Parade - August 5 – 6 pm – Downtown Franklin

Totally Awesome 80’s Party – August 5

7:30 – 10:30 pm – Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.

“Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.”

Jaime Lyn

Artist Kathy Andrews Fincher

She is Big and Small Town Famous

When I met with Kathy Fincher to discuss an article about the Rabun Pickleball Club, I didn’t know she was the artist behind the “Mama Says…®” Collection I had admired years ago. This figurine collection of children was produced by one of the world’s most popular gift companies, DEMDACO. Though this collection of over 100 figurines of children, including 2 nativities, is retired today, Kathy says designing 3D led to her most notable accomplishment to date, designing and sculpting an 8’ bronze monument of Martin Luther King Jr. Unveiled on April 1, 2023, in Atlanta’s Peace Park, the monument is nominated for an Emmy Award for the Southeast. Born in 1952, Kathy Andrews, says she “came with the dirt in Duluth, Georgia”. Her roots date back to its founder, Evan Howell. (Duluth was first named Howell’s Crossroads.) Kathy was the granddaughter of Parson’s General Store’s founders Kate and Calvin Parsons. Three generations of Parsons’ family members and their spouses worked in the store at some point or another. They sold dry goods, shoes, gifts, groceries, hardware lumber, shoes… Locals said, “If Parsons ain’t got it, you don’t need it”. And this was true from 1876 until recent years.

Kathy had four brothers and lots of ponies. Since her parents weren’t home to set the rules, she was a serious competitor with her brothers and neighborhood boys. In 10th grade, Kathy attended Brenau Boarding Academy in Gainesville, Georgia where she met two lifelong friends: Cyndae Arrendale and Jenny McCrary. Cyndae’s family, from Clarkesville, owns Springer Mountain Farms and Fieldale Farms. She introduced Kathy to Lake Burton and Mountain City Playhouse, and today they still enjoy lake living and clogging. Jenny’s family conveniently lived in Gainesville so the girls would sneak out most afternoons to ride Jenny’s horses.

Kathy’s mother studied art at the High Museum and dreamed of being a portrait artist, but this was cut short by the demands of retailing and raising 5 children. She had aspirations for her daughter and was thrilled to discover Jenny’s mom, Lydia Banks McCrary, studied art at the Louvre in Paris and owned the Renaissance Studio. The two mothers conspired, and arrangements were made for Kathy to take studio studies that continued over her 5 years at the academy and college. Because classical studies are structured and disciplined with little emphasis on creating, Kathy was not inspired and changed her major to Parks and Rec when she transferred to UGA. But she was inspired by Jenny’s brothers who introduced her to snow skiing at Sapphire Valley and she learned quickly. Her freshman year of college she was invited to become a ski instructor at Cataloochee Mountain. For the remainder of her college years, she taught snow skiing on weekends. After college, when her fellow instructors headed west, Kathy accepted a job at Beech Mountain to launch the first freestyle ski school in the southeast. Ironically in 1976 it snowed more in the North Carolina mountains than it did out west forcing the popular Warren Miller Ski filming crew to film their annual feature film at Beech Mountain! Kathy had the opportunity to ski with the best freestyle skiers in the country.

Kathy’s parents, Margaret and Andy Andrews, were charter members of the University Yacht Club on Lake Lanier so she and her siblings learned to ski at a very young age. In high school, Kathy and two of her brothers were selected to ski for the Lanier Islands Ski Team. Other shows followed in Chicago, the Wisconsin Dells, Calloway Gardens, and the US Show Team in Japan.

After 5 years of professionally skiing on water and snow Kathy’s father announced, “Time to grow up!” In 1977 she received her wings as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines and flew for 32 years.

In her early thirties, Kathy decided to design and build a house on a lake near her home in Duluth. Since her mother designed and built a house, so could she. During the time she was building she met a fellow flight attendant, Jef Fincher. They began dating and he helped her with her house. He was literally the nicest guy she’d ever met. She felt deep in her heart that God put them together and when he proposed she accepted. At age 33, they married and children were a forbidden topic! But God has a sense of humor and she got pregnant on her honeymoon. Kathy was devastated, Jef was over the moon!

Promising her new husband she would stop skiing while pregnant, she turned her focus to tennis, a lifelong hobby. Kathy’s team made it to the USTA finals and hoped Kathy wouldn’t have to play a tie-breaking match. Unfortunately, she did. She played for three hours and lost in a tiebreaker blaming it on a “nagging problem that wouldn’t go away”. She was in labor!” Jef was on a flight but managed to show up as the baby was being delivered. Kathy remembers her husband bursting through the door saying… “she was doing what?”

During that labor, Kathy shared that her heart was not in the right place. She could only visualize tennis rackets and skis when she shut her eyes, not diapers. As she prayed, God reminded her that wild animals instinctively protect their young. Fear not, He would give her a new heart. And He did. Kathy told me her two daughters Maggie and Kelley, are her greatest joy. Yes, she was pregnant again within 17 months! (Add 5 grandchildren to the joy list!)

After Maggie’s birth, Jef wanted Kathy to stay home, like his mother, and raise the girls. Kathy’s mother and grandmother ran a business with a housekeeper watching the kids, why couldn’t she return to skiing? A Bible study on marriage by Kay Arthur changed her heart. She says that God spoke to her through and said, “Let go of who you think you are and let me show you who I know you are.” Kathy listened and embraced the art of parenting.

Kathy’s mom and aunt, both artists, felt she now had time to paint with them. They were introduced to pastel painting and called themselves the Parsons Painters. For the first time Kathy was allowed the freedom to create. It wasn’t long before her landscapes and wildlife paintings were noticed by a publisher and Kathy’s work was sold as limited editions to frame shops across the country. One day Kathy’s publisher handed her a contract for a children’s calendar based on a photo the publisher took in her house of a painting of Maggie called “Ladybug”. This was a collaborative painting with a fellow artist for her children’s room. She immediately told her publisher they had a problem; she didn’t paint faces and she didn’t paint that one. “You do now!” The contract was with Current, Inc., the largest publisher

in the world at the time. Since there was little time for creating 12 paintings, Current compromised and asked her to paint 6 images and another artist with a similar style, Laurie Snow Hein from south Florida, could paint the rest. Kathy was in shock. Laurie was her friend who painted “Ladybug” with her! “Let Laurie paint them all!” Kathy offered! “Too good of a contract!”, the publisher repeated.

With her back against the wall, and a whopping deadline, Kathy got on her knees at the easel and asked for help. The response was simple. There are only 3 primary colors, use your knowledge, you can figure it out! Kathy did all she could to make the December child simple. She hid as much of the child’s face as possible with a wool hat and scarf. The artist applied one decision at a time: design, values, warm tones, cool tones, light source, thick lines, thin lines… As she painted the shadows around the corners of the child’s mouth, she was amazed that each stroke changed the entire expression. Stories, she discovered, could be shared through the face of a child! She was hooked. She completed her first calendar in 1991 and was asked to be the exclusive artist a few years later. The Mama Says… calendars are sold today through Legacy Publishing. (Cracker Barrell, Hobby Lobby, and other stores.)

Kathy’s paintings of children were published as limited-edition reproductions and sold to frame shops across the country. Top

Included in the details of the statue: Dr. King’s Divinity robe melts into a simplistic garment resembling that of Moses. The wind twists the robe, so each fold leads to the Bible. The open pages of the Bible are shaped like a flying dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. By adding a small piece of bronze to his eyes to catch the light, they appear to sparkle as he looks to the heavens for guidance.

companies licensed her work for cards, books, calendars, stationery, figurines, western bronzes and more. Kathy became the most licensed children’s painter in America. (Her cards by Leanin’ Tree and Legacy are sold in multiple gift shops in Rabun County, including Goin’ Postal.) With more than 100 paintings of children, she shares the spirit of childhood in the style of Norman Rockwell. Perhaps her most important work was painted shortly after 9.11. In response to the devastation, she wanted to remind everyone of who they are as Americans. She wanted to keep the American Dream alive so she created “The Dream Keepers”. The painting portrays seven children (representing the 7 continents) putting the American flag (freedom) back together using their handprints on a school wall. Light from a side window cast the shadow of a large cross (faith) over the flag. The original painting was presented to President G.W. Bush in the Oval Office and is in the permanent collection of the Presidential Library. Kathy designed The Dream Keepers 9.11 Memorial, a life-sized monument based on her painting for the city and citizens of Duluth, Georgia. Later the artist was notified by the N.Y. Port Authority that on the night of the unveiling, they raised a flag over Ground Zero in honor of her children’s memorial. Later, they personally delivered the flag to Duluth’s First Responders. The Dream Keepers is the largest patriotic bronze of children in the country.

The 8’ bronze statue (14’ including the base) of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Mountaintop” address unveiled a few months ago, was

her greatest challenge. Kathy was commissioned by the National Monuments Foundation to design and sculpt the source of Dr. King’s greatness. She studied every MLK monument in the world and learned that few portrayed him as a pastor. “Why not?” The artist reasoned that as a pastor he became an articulate speaker, his supporters held him up, and he quoted scripture from memory to support his cause (although his Bible was within reach). Wasn’t it Dr. King’s faith that made him a great man? Her design would portray his faith.

She sculpted a maquette (16” conceptual clay) of Dr. King on Stone Mountain granite holding a Bible opened to the final chapter of Deuteronomy where Moses sees the Promised Land. Like Moses, Dr. King said, “Let my people go”. Like Moses, Dr. King was given the vision of seeing his people enter the Promised Land. And like Moses, both men died. (Dr. King was murdered the following morning.) “Mine eyes have seen the Glory of the coming of the Lord” were his final words and that was the vision Kathy wanted to capture.

Rodney Mims Cook Jr., President of The National Monuments Foundation, shared Kathy’s maquette with the Nobel Peace Prize leaders and received raving reviews. The idea was approved, and sculptor Stan Mullins joined Kathy to sculpt the large clay in his studio in Athens, Georgia. The artists were entrusted with priceless references. Alveda King, MLK’s cousin, provided the artists with her grandfather’s 100-year-old robe, Dr. King’s father. The Millennium Gate Museum shared Dr. King’s brother’s Bible from the A.D. King Library.

The unveiling at Rodney Cook Sr. Peace Park was a revival. A World Peace Revival. The City of Atlanta introduced a proclamation that April 1 will be celebrated as World Peace Day. Hundreds of people attended the event, which is a block from the King’s family home. His children and many of Atlanta’s dignitaries were in attendance. Most agreed that they could not take their eyes off his face.

Kathy’s creates stories, leaving enough room for the viewer to finish. But the Glory is all Gods because “Glory to God” is written on each of her works.

Publisher’s Note: Mayor Kurt Cannon heard of Kathy’s abilities and asked her to do a rendering of the plans for the new Clayton City Complex. Another challenge for this artist, but one she met head on. The rendering turned out beautifully as we are sure the project will. Her heart was in that because she is an avid pickleball player and a complex is part of the plan..

For more information on the sculpting of “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”, visit www. worldpeacerevival.org

To see more of Kathy’s art and to hear her testimony, visit: www.kathyfincher.com

“Some of the best memories are made in flip flops!”

- Kellie Elmore - Author

PORCH LIVING OPENS NEW SHOWROOM

If you are familiar with Porch Living, owned by Cathy Cannon, you know that the company offers custom porch enclosures. These incredible enclosure systems allow you to enjoy your outdoor living area 24/7/365! They add little to no weight to your existing structure, so it makes installation much easier. You get the look of glass without the added weight.

Demonstrating the product is something that Cathy is very good at. You’ll be amazed at the ease with which you can remove the panels if you prefer.They are super easy yet very sturdy. The nesting ability makes it perfect for large expanses as well. Don’t we all hate to walk out to enjoy an evening on the porch to find that everything is covered in a layer of pollen? I do. This product can eliminate that issue altogether. Imagine coming to your mountain or lake home and not spending half a day cleaning all of the pollen off your outdoor furniture!

Porch Living offers the best product line on the market made from a flexible glazed 10mil vinyl that never gets cloudy or yellowed. Open, you get the feeling of a screened porch. Closed, you keep out all the bugs, pollen, wind, and rain. You have to see it to believe it! So, stop by their showcase porch and see all the outdoor furniture, outdoor kitchens, grills, firepits, and much more. Working mostly out of her home, Cathy decided it was time for a retail location. She had a few displays here and there but she wanted a place where she could offer her customers a space to see the products and plan their projects. Porch Living began looking for a location all their own and in 2022 they found the perfect location. They purchased the building and began renovations to provide office space and a showroom. Clarissa Speed had joined the company in an administrative role to help with Cathy’s Porch Living business and husband Kurt Cannon’s Rabun Builders. They soon realized what an asset this young lady brought to the table and she took on a new role in the company. Clarissa has always had an eye for decorating and she had a secret dream that she shared with Cathy and Kurt. The showroom could be a retail space offering clients everything they need for true Porch Living! All agreed it was a great idea and Clarissa is the new General Manager of Porch Living. Need decorating help? Clarissa is available to help with your decorating dilemmas. She truly has a great eye and style. Consultations are free on outdoor living spaces and porch design. When visiting the new showroom, you will find it filled with all things Porch Living! No matter your style, you are going to find something you love. The showroom is welcoming with light, bright, airy, and versatile hues. Clarissa has added outdoor furnishings in teak, eucalyptus wood, nautical rope, and metal, perfect for the outdoors. They even have place settings for your table, while offering pottery, planters, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, and Seed Lake décor, baskets, blankets, charcuterie, and butter boards. You’ll find indoor and outdoor rugs, lighting options, lamps, artwork, pillows, and everything you need for entertaining. Many wonderful gift ideas for home and porch exist in this space. They’ll be setting up a registry for Household and Bridal showers!

So, where is Porch Living’s new retail location and showroom? They are located at 1218 North Main Street just 1 mile north of town. They are open Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM and Saturday by appointment. Stop in anytime to check out the store and see the Porch Living showroom that beckons you to stay.

Nacoochee Valley Farm - It Could Be Yours

by Tracy McCoy

It’s not every day that you get a call to come see a property like Nacoochee Valley Farm. Dr. Scott Hancock doesn’t believe in “impossible”, that is how he was raised up in Kentucky and the way he has lived his life. That mindset is what has led him to be on this working farm in White County. He works the farm the way he learned to do it from his upbringing and from the influence of Amish friends. His story is a story in itself, never mind the incredible Nacoochee Valley Farm he and his wife Judy have created. There is a spirit of goodness and peace on this farm, reflected in the large hex sign, that hangs on the barn. I love to share people’s stories, it’s the Foxfire still in me from decades ago. So, I will attempt to share a story about Dr. and Mrs. Hancock and their farm. After deep thought and prayer, Dr. and Mrs. Hancock have decided to offer for sale, Nacoochee Valley Farm.

You’ll ask yourself as you read, is this about the man or the property. It’s hard to separate the two! To appreciate the property, you have to learn about the man and his wife who have made this their home. Dr. Hancock is what I would call “an old country vet”, but he is much more than that. He is a visionary, yet a man who appreciates the simple life. Raised in Kentucky, Dr. Hancock was no stranger to hard work. When he left home to go to vet school at the University of Kentucky, he had little to nothing in his pocket.

To pay his way through school he took down old log cabins and barns. He’d no sooner start on one until a farmer would drive by and hire him to take down another, and so it continued throughout his time there. After graduating from Veterinary school, he spent three years working in rural practice in Ohio, an area that included

both Mennonite and Amish farms. Caring for the animals of several Amish families, he learned to appreciate their way of life. “I like the way they live and their way of doing things,” he told me during a recent interview. He made lifelong friendships in that Amish community.

After moving from Ohio to Suwanee, Georgia, he established the first private equine hospital in Georgia. He is known for his gentle nature, kind spirit and equine knowledge and he has made quite a name for himself. He ran his veterinary practice for a number of years before moving to the Sautee Nacoochee Valley. It was in Sautee that he met and soon married a lovely lady named Judy, a long time merchant in the area. He later worked for the Center for Disease Control and for a German owned Veterinary Pharmaceutical company.

Some years ago, we “Laurel Ladies” were invited for a horse drawn buggy ride in Sautee. We journeyed along a dirt road through the Sautee Valley to a quaint little church. Our driver and his wife were wonderful hosts, and the trip was very memorable. The gentleman at the reins was knowledgeable about the area and told us about each land owner along the way. He stopped and showed us remarkable views and shared a great deal of history about the area. Fast forward a half dozen years or more and I find out it was Dr. Scott and Judy who drove us around Sautee with their horses and buggy!

I could honestly go on and on about the Hancocks but the story here is about the farm on the Chattahoochee River. So, before I

take you through the property, allow me to share a bit of the history. The land was originally owned by Dr. Tom Lumsden, a medical doctor who was a local celebrity in the area. He practiced in White and Habersham Counties for what seemed like three life-times. Dr Lumsden delivered most babies who were born in the area. Everybody knew, respected, and loved him. Dr. Hancock believes in asking, because “if you don’t ask, you’ll never know”. So, when he met Dr. Lumsden one day at a store in Sautee he mentioned in passing that if the property on Highway 17 was ever for sale, he’d sure be interested. The doctor said it was not for sale, but he’d keep that offer in mind in case he ever took a notion to sell it. Time went on and one day the old doctor called Dr. Hancock to come out to the property. When Scott arrived, Dr. Lumsden asked him what he had planned to do with the land if he bought it. Dr. Hancock told him he would put every inch of it to work. He would establish a farm and operate it in the old way, like he learned from his Amish friends. He would have livestock, horses, and mules to help him farm it. He knew of a couple of old log homes he’d like to buy and move to the farm and someday he would build a barn. He would respect the land and put his heart into it. Dr. Lumsden liked Dr. Hancock’s plan and he agreed to sell it to him. Dr. Hancock, with Judy by his side, has done exactly what he told Dr. Lumsden he would do.

Nacoochee Valley Farm is situated on gloriously fertile and usable land in the historic Sautee Nacoochee Valley. It comes with remarkable views of the nearby mountains. As you turn off the main road, you can see the primary house by the river on the far side of the property. The winding drive takes you by fenced pastures filled with sheep. The first structure is a small shed with fresh eggs sold from coolers on the honor system. A bit further on is the guest house (Circa 1844 Tennessee Dog Trot Log Cabin) that was moved to the property, reassembled, retaining its rustic heritage. This style was popular in the Southeast during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Hancocks enclosed the breezeway, maintaining the original look yet affording guests a nice foyer area. To the left they created a living room with a stone masonry fireplace. To the right of the breezeway is a single bedroom. A set of stairs leads to an upstairs that has 3 additional rooms. The home is simple, yet very pleasing. Judy is an excellent decorator, and her touches can

be seen in both the guest house and the primary residence. No television, Wifi or telephone were noted in the guest house, but books were stacked around. This is a relaxing place to unplug and enjoy the animals, sounds of nature and a good book! “People need to sit around the fire, enjoy a glass of wine and chill,” Dr. Hancock remarked. I agree.

The property includes a smokehouse where the Hancock’s smoke their meat and the porch of their home has a salt box where the meat is cured prior to smoking. I was delighted when a slab of streak-o-lean and ham was sent home with us. The next structure was the barn. A 48’x72’ barn that had an interesting start that included old friends and new ones! Dr. Hancock notified his Amish friends that he was ready to build a barn on his property. He had done some work for the family decades before and instead of accepting pay for it, he asked if they’d help him with a barn raising someday, to which they agreed. In January 2007, a team of five Amish families came by train from Ohio to Georgia to help their friend. Their family members in Ohio cut and prepared the materials for the timber frame barn. Judy put a small ad in their local paper that they’d be having a barn raising and invited the community to attend. A day of barn building, good eating, fiddle playing and fun was planned. Unbeknownst to the Hancocks someone put it on the local radio station as well. Thinking they might have 40 or 50 show up, they were astounded when a crowd of several hundred came. The barn was built in a day. Ten hours of work, full bellies and tired feet that danced into the night and not to mention an old mason jar that might have been passed amongst friends. It was a good day in the valley, and one still talked about today.

Arriving at the main house we parked on the circular drive and sat in awe of the river running not far from the Hancock’s home. There is a greenhouse where they grow vegetables year-round, plus a fenced area with raised bed gardens. The mules and horses grazed in pastures nearby. Out in the field is a large windmill that pumps water from a well to water the animals when needed. Brick steps led us to a porch that wraps around the front of the home. This isn’t just any home. The hand hewn log home was built in 1798

Guest House Continued...

in Bardstown, Kentucky. It was taken apart (remember Dr. Hancock took down log cabins to pay his way through college) and moved to this valley, where it was rebuilt. Each piece was numbered and carefully reassembled exactly as it was. The inside of the home is filled with history! The floors were milled and kiln dried by the Ohio Amish and include black locust, ash, hickory, and poplar. The hand rails on the staircase are natural hickory with the bark on. The attention to detail throughout the house is exceptional. Each room holds memories of solid relationships built over a lifetime.

The living area is cozy and centered on the stone masonry fireplace. Many of the stones in the fireplace are from the original 1798 Cabin. The kitchen is ideal for preparing family meals with granite countertops, custom Ash cabinetry, and stainless appliances. The dining area has ample space to enjoy a meal with family. From both living room and dining room you can access the glassed-in sun porch which is everyone’s favorite spot. The sun porch would better be called the “family room” and it overlooks the Chattahoochee River. Warmed by a small wood burning heater, and filled with comfortable furnishings and plants, it is too wonderful for words! Off one end of the sunroom is the “Cigar porch”, which is screened in. The other end leads to the Master suite, with a vaulted wood ceiling and views of the river, what a wonderful view to wake to! The home has a total of two bedrooms, three baths but does have a large loft that could easily be a third bedroom. You’ll find arched doorways, lovely shades of yellow, cream, tan and red accents throughout, and beautiful mountain and valley views! The home has central heat and air but the Hancock’s prefer the warmth of wood heat so there is a wood stove/furnace connected to the central heating system that can heat the home. It is very cost effective and comforting to know that your heat is not 100% dependent on power.

Why sell this paradise? Nearing retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Hancock plan to downsize, so they are moving… two miles down the road! “We are ready for the next chapter. I have one more project in me,” Dr. Hancock said. This working farm on 16.86 acres overlooking the Chattahoochee River, is an extremely rare opportunity. Designed to be as nearly self-sufficient as possible, this farm is a sanctuary for all time. The Hancock’s property is listed with Fourth Mountain Real Estate’s Owner/Broker, Teressa Greear Holtzclaw and she’d love to show you around Nacoochee Valley Farm. To reach Teressa please call 706-878-9337, e-mail teressa.holtzclaw@gmail.com or visit the office 7272 South Main Street in Helen, Georgia.

Main House

NACOOCHEE VALLEY FARM

This is a very RARE opportunity to purchase a truly unique property in the Nacoochee Valley. Located on 16 acres in the very HEART of “The Valley”, it is lush, fertile farmland with 600’ of Chattahoochee River frontage. As an active farm, the property consists of a primary home, a guest home, and a barn with assorted outbuildings. The primary home overlooks the Chattahoochee River from the sunporch, screen porch and master bedroom. Built in 2007, a portion of the primary home consists of a log cabin, circa 1798 which was carefully dismantled in Kentucky and reassembled near the river’s edge. The balance of the home is modern construction with rustic style. In the master bedroom you are greeted with a vaulted ceiling of natural wood, wide plank wood flooring, a wall of windows with Southern exposure, a full bath, a walk-in closet and year ‘round river view. The living area and the loft area are in the original log cabin section of the home. Amish milled Black Locust flooring, a stairway of Hickory and River Birch add to the natural tones. A Masonry fireplace in the living room incorporated the original “key stone” pieces that were in the 1798 log cabin. Spacious kitchen is fully modern with Ash wood cabinetry and granite counters. Professional 8 burner, double oven gas stove and custom Subzero refrigerator makes entertaining a breeze. The upper level features a loft that could be a 3rd bedroom and a separate bedroom and bath. One of the memorable features of this home is the independently heated and cooled 14’ X 28’ glassed-in sunporch overlooking the Chattahoochee.

The Guest house was constructed from a log cabin, circa 1844, that was dismantled in Tennessee and reassembled on site. Currently it has 1 BR/1 BA plus a living room with stone masonry fireplace, and room for expansion on the second story.

The working barn is 48’ X 72’ and is timber frame construction. This barn was built in 2007 and constructed by the process of an old-fashioned Barn Raising by Amish builders, using Amish milled wood. It has a 1 BR/1 BA efficiency apartment, a working hay loft, 2 box stalls, 3 tie stalls, and equipment sheds on either side. Other outbuildings and equipment sheds are also on the property, including a working smokehouse.

Come see this AMAZING property. You won’t find another farm that offers so many unique features!

Second Glances Deliver First Rate Digs

By John Shivers

Appearances, often times, can be deceiving. And that can be very good. The home at 123 Village Club Trail in highly desirable Waterfall Club, West of Clayton on Highway 76, is one of those good situations. From the outside, this home comes across as a quaint, rustic, cozy country cottage. How homey and charming you think.

Inside the foyer, beyond the art glass front door, you do a double take. It’s not at all what you expected. In fact, it’s so much more. Out the back wall, thanks to a generous expanse of windows, you catch glimpses of mountains, golf links, and the timeless waters of Lake Burton with its multi-hued sunsets. Vaulted ceilings bring extraordinary to the ordinary, and this cottage morphs into 5,000± square feet of fourstory lake-view living, with emphasis on comfort and entertaining.

Thanks to back walls in various configurations of glass that open on to covered porches, a slight shift in view happens as you move up and down throughout the residence. Inside, five bedrooms, three full baths and a powder room on the top three levels reinforce the entertainment potential. Invite folks up for all the hospitality you, the Waterfall Club amenities, and the lure of Lake Burton can deliver. Talk about life at the top of the world from an exceptional perspective!

Plus, there’s still the lower level waiting for your customization. Make it into a game room for the kids – kids of all ages, really – additional

sleeping space, a home office or hobby space. It’s your call, but one thing’s for sure, this much livability doesn’t often present itself in one neat package. Plus, there’s a two-car garage just steps away from the kitchen and great room.

From the first moment you step inside, one wow factor after another reveals itself. An oversize dining room allows you to feed the crowd in style and comfort, and if you need additional seats, there’s a breakfast-height bar between the kitchen and the great room. And be sure to check out the quaint and comfortable window seat niche and book shelves on your way into the great room.

The kitchen sports furniture-quality custom cabinetry with leathered granite counter tops. A full-complement of high-end stainless appliances, including a chef-quality gas range and oven, make meal prep a snap, while you visit with the folks just steps away in the great room. And what better place for after-golf and before-dinner refreshments than on the covered porch.

The owners’ suite on this level boasts lake views and a private bath with soaking tub, separate shower and double vanities. The luxury walk-in closet conveniently connects with the laundry room. Upstairs, overlooking the great room, a reading loft, guest bedroom, bunk room, and full bath further enhance the livability. There’s also a flex room ideal for an office or nursery.

On the first level below the main living area, the possibilities are plentiful. With a comfortable family room with fireplace – there’s

also one in the great room – two bedrooms and a shared bath, and yet another lakeside porch, this level makes a perfect haven for guests or full-time accommodations for the family.

In addition to the many attributes of Waterfall Club living, and easy access to the lake waters, Clayton is a short, convenient drive away. Many different dining options, a number of them farm-to-table operations, art galleries, and shopping opportunities abound. 123 Village Club Trail is a virtual springboard to possibility!

If this home is for you, contact Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Julie Barnett. For additional information on GAMLS #20121527, you can reach her at (cell) 404-697-3860 or (office) 706-212-0228.

Knock. Knock. Retreat to the Extraordinary

By John Shivers

The custom-built estate at 115 Dam Lake Drive adjacent to the Sky Valley region of Rabun County can make your dream a reality… architectural detail… craftsmanship… square footage… unforgettable landscapes and mountain vistas from 3,400± feet elevation… indoor and outdoor living at its finest!

When opportunity knocks, you have to answer, especially with a home as distinctive and versatile as this 8,000± sq. ft residence. You’ll be within walking distance of the trail head to Rabun Bald Mountain, the second highest peak in Georgia at 4,696± feet elevation. This 5.75± acre site is literally the doorway to thousands of acres of National Forest lands, including the famous Bartram Trail.

Whether it’s the challenges of the Sky Valley Golf Course, the pickleball courts, or the amenities of the Sky Valley Country Club and pool, this home provides entre’ to it all and just a short walk away. You will be nestled in the trees and the cool mountain breezes.

There’s something to do in every season - snow tubing, zip lining, fishing, golf, swimming and tennis only minutes away. Great award winning, nationally recognized restaurants, shops, galleries and even grocery stores are a convenient drive away in Clayton, Dillard and Highlands.

The extraordinary walkabout lawn includes a fire pit, two ponds fed by a cascading stream and waterfall, accented by the beautiful landscape exploding with native rhododendrons, mountain Laurel, azaleas and other well-established plantings. Think alfresco weddings, family reunions, or outdoor garden parties for 150. The kids will feel like they’re living at summer camp.

The kitchen was designed with the chef in mind! Gillespie Cabinetry, locally renowned wood artisans, custom crafted the beautiful maple kitchen cabinetry, capped with seamless hand selected granite. Equipped with a 48” six-burner gas cook top and double convection wall ovens, make this gourmet kitchen impossible to walk away from. The oversize bar-height island does double duty for both prep and serving, while housing the microwave, trash compactor, an appliance lift and comfort-level dishwasher and sink. The bar sink and ice machine are just steps away. Crowned by a tray ceiling, the formal dining room can seat 12 and is complete with an impressive built-in china cabinet.

Seven spacious bedrooms and seven bathrooms form the nucleus of luxury living. Gracious amenities are inherent in this home of homes. Three en-suite guest rooms, with bonus spaces and lofts are on the upper level. There is a guest room and bath, as well as the master en-suite with walk-through double shower and water closets, located on the main floor. Down on the terrace level, in addition to the media room, pool room, playroom and storage, you will find another guest room and bunk room, each with their own bathrooms. Below the terrace level is a massive man-cave, with room for the car enthusiast to house his collection and workshop.

The main driveway is paved and leads to a drive-through porte-cochere and impressive custom-built mahogany and wrought iron entrance doors. From the soaring open foyer and stairway, the welcome is warm, the living experience is out of this world. Fireplaces are in the great room and in the master suite. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, generous amounts of tongue and groove all work in tandem to create a beautiful but comfortable, livable lifestyle. Either of the two expansive decks are perfect for entertaining while feasting on the western sunsets that cap every perfect day.

The opportunities for this property are numerous. If you’re seeking a property that allows for lodging, gathering, and plentiful activities for an extended, active family, this one checks all the boxes. It also lends itself to use as a commercial retreat / lodge meeting and events venue, or as a traditional B & B operation.

Scott Poss, Broker with Poss Realty, is waiting to show you this extraordinary mountain lodge that can be yours by calling his cell phone is 706-490-2305 or at the office at 706-782-2121. His email address is possrealty@gmail.com.

Lovin’ The Journey

By Mark Holloway

Our beautiful County of Rabun captivates most all of us. We are so blessed to call these hills ‘n hollers home. And our county commissioners get it.

They appreciate just how many folks enjoy visiting here too. Unfortunately some tourists get themselves hurt, lost (or worse) while exploring the many adventure options here. Thankfully, our county leaders aggressively fund our Search and Rescue team. Those of us who voluntarily serve are deeply thankful our efforts are supported so

We have state of the art technology, medical and swift water rescue equipment, high angle ropes rescue gear and many trail vehicles and watercraft.

Oddly, the folks who benefit the most from our advanced training and tackle don’t even live here nor contribute taxes to finance our efforts.

Recently our Search and Rescue team’s high angle ropes rescue crew was treated to an incredible week-long training event. The Georgia Power Company invited us into Tallulah Gorge to train at their hydroelectric generating plant. The practice scenario was dropping down to rescue two trapped employees in a cable car. Georgia Power staff would issue each of us our own special key which would shut off and lockdown the hydro plant, effectively turning off and removing the plant from the statewide power grid. That was a heavy responsibility for us to absorb.

The individual keys meant no one would get electrocuted, guaranteeing technicians wouldn’t turn power back on until all rescuers and staff were safely out of reach from dangerous amps and voltage. Georgia Power’s Gary Hibberts was our host at two different challenging Gorge locations. Our kind county officials also brought in our Colorado-based instructors from Elevated Safety. These hired guns teach us the latest and tested techniques we often put into practice in life and death situations.

Our SAR Director Brian Panell and Rescue Chief Will McCracken treat us like family, keep us trained, equipped and encouraged.

The day with Georgia Power was just one of five that week. Our ropes rescue team rappelled into the gorge, explored rescue routes and performed many other dangerous and life-saving maneuvers.

Just days later, our swift water rescuers would pluck six desperate kayakers from the Chattooga River’s whitewater…in total darkness. In addition to our ropes and whitewater certifications, many of us are also Emergency Medical Responders.

Our community is loaded with many volunteers serving in lots of capacities. Our Rabun County Search and Rescue men and women are thankful to be a part of our volunteer community and in that number and we’re here if you need us.

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

The HouseThat Built Me

By Liz Alley

It’s still there in Tiger, and although it has another owner, it will always be my house. A small home in the scheme of things, with three bedrooms and two baths for my parents and their five children. Since I am the youngest of the five, I don’t remember the early days of moving in, but I do remember when my sisters, Lisa, Lynn, and I shared a room. Every night when we got into bed after Mama had come in to say our prayers, Lisa would say in her meanest voice, “Hands up and Feet down!” Lynn and I would comply, starting our sleep out like prisoners of war while Lisa flopped all over us. Across the hall, in Chip and David’s room, things were no better even though only two were in bed. Their covers were messy because they wrestled all the time, mostly David, I feel sure, as Chip was, in his own words, “a lover, not a fighter.” And their room held a particular odor of feet, which was why Mama always opened the windows there every morning. Mom and Dad’s room had a tiny bathroom, no bigger than a thimble, so most of the time, the five of us used the one-hall bath. This bathroom took

a beating literally as whoever had to go banged on the door to the current occupant unmercifully. When the door lock broke from all the jiggling, we were forced to open the cabinet drawer beside the door to provide us with a bit of privacy. Still, those two inches available from door to drawer were used to throw rocks and hurl insults if one of us took too long.

Mother, bless, she tried. She bought us the green and white encyclopedia set that was displayed on our bookshelves along with all the Readers Digest books. I did many homework assignments from those books. However, they were the bane of my existence as dusting was usually my job, and Mama made me take every book off and polish the shelves with lemon oil. My other job was to take a small scoop of mayonnaise, a soft rag, and polish all the leaves of our house plants, and I hated that job even more. I was thrilled when one day, we got an aquarium filled with colorful fish and a boat that looked shipwrecked. Not so much because I liked the

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

fish but because it took up much of the room on the bookshelf and cut my job in half. One day, I was mayonnaising the houseplant leaves, Lisa was sweeping, Lynn was cleaning the living room windows, and Mama was ironing when Chip and David came tumbling through the front door. They were fighting and rolling around like a couple of hoodlums, with Mama yelling for them to stop, and she meant it! About that time, the front door knob slammed up against the aquarium so hard the whole thing shattered, and out came gallons of water and little fishes flopping around on the floor. What I remember next is Mama grabbing the broom from Lisa, and let’s just say she parted the waters in something akin to what God did for the Israelites and the red sea, but she did it on the behinds of Chip and David. It was not good when David started laughing; Mama’s spankings never hurt, her heart wasn’t in it, but his laughing only made matters worse. It was usually during a time like this that we were all sent outside, and Mama had a good cry. I told you, Mama tried.

The house in Tiger withstood a lot. It bared the scar of a patchedup chimney when a woodpecker decided to do his best pecking

in the middle of the night. A night that Daddy simply opened the window and shot at him, hitting the chimney, maybe the woodpecker too, since I don’t remember him coming back. The house survived the time my friend Judy and I decided to paste our colorful crayon drawings onto Chip and David’s bedroom wall; it was, I must say a hot mess. When David saw it, he chased us to the Roane’s barn, where we hid in the hay. I told Judy it was a good thing he didn’t find us. There has been so much refiguring of the house that it’s hard for me to remember the original layout. Our house looked the best when Mama hired Lorette Roane to decorate it. She did this after all of us kids moved out, and I don’t blame her one bit. My kids remember this house, the one that is calm and peaceful. The one with frilly curtains over the kitchen sink tied back like two ponytails while my mother washed dishes and looked out at Daddy’s garden. I love that house, the chaotic one and the peaceful one. When I’m home in the mountains, and I drive by our house, for a moment, I think I see Mother’s silhouette in her Shadowline nightgown waiting… in the house that built me.

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.”John Ed Pearce

Sean of the South columnist, novelist, and stand-up storyteller

The double doors of UAB Hospital opened into a corridor filled with people. Hundreds maybe. Too many people to count. They lined the walls, shoulder to shoulder. Heads bowed. Some wore badges. Others wore scrubs.

Everyone was anvil silent.

The hero was passing by.

A hospital gurney entered the hallway. A police officer barked out the military-like call.

“LAW ENFORCEMENT! ATTENTION!”

Immediately, the corridor filled with the noises of clicking heels and the rustle of starched trousers as officers stood erect, chins up, shoulders back, chests out. There were duty belts galore. Bodymounted radios aplenty.

Male and female officers held themselves ramrod straight, unblinking. The hospital bed wheeled forward at a dirge-like pace. Nurses steered. There was no chit-chat. No idle conversation. A real life hero was motionless beneath the sheets. The uniforms had all come from the surrounding counties and rural backwaters within the quiltwork of central Alabama. Woodstock. Brent. Centerville. Chelsea.

They wore khakis, forest greens, and Class-B tactical blues. They represented different agencies from across the 22nd State, but the same brotherhood.

“PRESENT ARMS!” came the shout.

A throng of officers showed full salute.

The body of 32-year-old deputy Brad Johnson trundled down the hallway, toward the organ donor center. The corridor between the two medical buildings is roughly the distance of two city blocks. There were more than two blocks’ worth of onlookers.

They call this an “Honor Walk.” It is a ceremony of respect reserved for deceased saints, for exceptional people, for those who have chosen to be organ donors.

And, of course, for heroes.

People sniffed noses. Shoulders quivered with tearful sobs. Following behind the bed was a train of Brad’s mourners, which included Brad’s K9 partner, Bodie. A German shepherd.

“It was in his blood and in his heart to help people,” said a longtime friend, Brandon Jones. “He would do anything for anybody.”

And he proved it. Brad made a life of servitude. He started out as a firefighter before moving to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked as a K9 handler for seven years.

“Working in law enforcement isn’t just a job,” said one Alabama policeman. “It’s a calling. It’s a lifestyle. Brad made all law enforcement proud by being a hero.”

Brad Johnson. Father of two. Engaged to be married. He had a babyface and a familiar smile. He looked like a grown-up Boy Scout, or a former jayvee quarterback, or the kid who took your daughter to prom. He was your quintessential all-American 30-something. He liked fishing. Donuts. People. Scrolling TikTok. He was a dog guy.

Brad was well-known around town for bringing his K9 sidekick to local senior centers, nursing-home recreation halls Sunday schools and elementary classrooms to perform demonstrations. He was entertaining. Jovial. The kids ate him up with silverware.

“He was always there, any time I needed him,” said close friend Leslie Hubbard. “Always crackin’ jokes and making everyone laugh.”

The hero’s bed inched forward, past the saluting cops. Someone was weeping uncontrollably. The sounds of tearful explosions spread throughout the hallway. Throughout the hospital. Throughout the county.

Throughout the state.

A few nights ago Brad and his fellow deputy Christopher Poole were shot in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect. They were near the intersection of Highway 25 and Bulldog Bend Road when it happened. The shots-fired call was radioed in. The officers were rushed to UAB. Brad went downhill fast. He was removed from life support yesterday afternoon.

Any details about his killer aren’t worth discussing here because this isn’t about giving more attention to a kid with a gun. This is about the hero in a gurney.

And he was a hero. Make no mistake. Brad Johnson was one of the 44,421 law enforcement heroes who are assaulted with personal weapons each year. He will forever be numbered among the nameless men and women in uniforms, people you rarely notice, although you see them each day.

They are the lionhearted patrolmen and patrolwomen who roam the county routes, byways, sidestreets, schools, churches, and public spaces.

They are peace officers who dedicate their existence to catching bad guys, saving lives, bringing teenage runaways home, changing tires for elderly motorists, and occasionally delivering groceries to shutins. They are servants.

Or perhaps Bibb County Sheriff, Jody Wade, said it best.

“It’s been said that a coward dies a thousand deaths, but a hero dies but one. Brad Johnson was a hero.”

You bet your life he was.