LAUREL of Northeast Georgia - March 22 by The Laurel of Northeast Georgia

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 1

Welcome

laurel of

Julie Barnett

Northeast Georgia

March 2022 • Volume Nineteen • Issue Three

Good News! March 20th spring begins and I for one am ready. I am excited for warmer days, singing birds and flowers! This month we are focusing on our home service professionals. You will find valuable information about many of our local professionals and want to keep this issue handy to refer back to again and again. There are new recipes to try and adventures to go on. So we hope you will enjoy our March magazine and that we will all see signs of spring soon! Thank you for supporting our advertisers and choosing the Laurel. Happy Almost Spring, Tracy

Laurel of Northeast Georgia Mailing: PO Box 2218 - Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 2511 Highway 441 Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706-782-1600 • www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com

STAFF Publisher/Editor - Marketing - Tracy McCoy Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Graphics - Lucas McCoy Marketing & Office Manager - Cindi Freeman Assistant Office Manager - D’Anna Coleman Sales Associate / Writer - Michael Detrick Writer - John Shivers Photographer / Writer - Peter McIntosh

Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain

ulie Barnett has been a homeowner on Lake Burton since 1986, and a full-time resident since 2004. With a strong focus on Lake Burton real estate, Julie serves both buyers and sellers with her vast market knowledge, well-honed negotiating skills, professionalism, enthusiasm, and integrity. Julie’s exemplary level of service is best indicated by her client base, which is largely comprised of repeat buyers and sellers, and their referrals. This is a true testament to her abilities. Since 2004, Julie has specialized in comprehensive marketing strategies for luxury homes on Lake Burton. Julie was born and raised in Atlanta and holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia. She has a son and two daughters, along with five amazing grandchildren. To reach Julie call 404-697-3860 or email her at julie.barnett@harrynorman.com.

Leigh Barnett Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain

n Atlanta native and graduate of Marist School and the University of Georgia, Leigh has spent every summer on Lake Burton since the age of four when her family purchased a vacation home on the lake. It has been her favorite place in the world ever since.

Contributing Writers:

Mentored by her mother, Julie Barnett, Leigh has represented buyers and sellers in real estate transactions since 2009. Leigh Barnett and her mother Julie Barnett are Lake Burton’s top selling real estate team, and serve clients looking for a second home, building lot, those that are just ready to move to the beautiful North Georgia Mountains or buy their first home.

Emory Jones; Jan Timms; Lorie Thompson; Brad Speed, DVM; Dick Cinquina; Liz Alley Amanda Howard Pileski, PhD; Deena C. Bouknight; Rev. Michael Rogers; Kendall Rumsey

Whether buying or selling on Lake Burton Leigh is an excellent choice for you. She and her husband are Lake Burton residents and she knows her neighborhood! You can reach Leigh at 404-931-3636 or email her at leigh. burnett@harrynorman.com.

Copyright 2022 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.

2 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 3

Andrea Sorgeloos

Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain

ndrea is your “Go-getter” agent! The four corners of Andrea’s foundation are credibility, honesty, integrity, and trust. Andrea’s myriad experiences led her to Lake Burton where she established her career as a REALTOR®. Her involvement with local schools and Waterfall Club enables her to help clients of all ages and backgrounds. Andrea prides herself on her communication and follow-through; and her past experiences, coupled with unparalleled market knowledge, allow her to best serve her buyers and sellers, especially during such an unprecedented market. Her diligence and determination will exceed your expectations! Andrea always felt drawn to real estate, especially in such a unique area. She obtained her license in 2018, just a few months before starting a family. Andrea and Keith now have a daughter who attends Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and a son who attends Creative Learning Center. They are members at Waterfall Club, where Andrea teaches barre classes and spearheads the Waterfall Women’s Sports Club.

Sarah Gillespie Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain

ince 2005, Sarah has earned an excellent reputation as a REALTOR® in both the Atlanta and luxury lakes markets in Rabun County, Georgia, including Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake, and Lake Yonah. Sarah provides buyers and sellers the highest level of service and professional representation, delivered with confidence, energy, and market expertise. A native of the Northeast Georgia mountains, Sarah’s family settled in Rabun County more than 200 years ago. She carries forward her family’s legacy of shaping the local community into the popular destination that it has become. Sarah serves as a board member with the Chattooga Conservancy and dedicates her time to the City of Clayton’s Planning and Zoning Committee, helping to provide a vision for future development in her mountain resort community. By being involved in local initiatives, she is able to provide knowledge and insight to further her service in delighting clients. Whether your dream is to own a luxury lake home, a small town commercial property, a rural farm, or a mountain cabin, you can rest assured that Sarah has the knowledge, experience, eye for quality, and local connections to turn your dreams into a reality. To contact Sarah give her a call at 404-735-6157 or visit her website at RabunHomes.com.

4 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Andrea was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and studied at Boston College. Upon graduating, she moved to New York City, where she worked in the home fashions industry. Andrea ended up working for her now-husband, Keith, who owned a home textiles company in Atlanta and a home on Lake Burton — his “sanctuary” to decompress. From her first weekend get-away to Rabun County in 2010, Andrea knew this was an exceptional place. She and Keith lived in between New York City and Lake Burton for many years; in 2016, they sold his beloved company and became full-time residents on Lake Burton.

Jennifer Kyle Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain

ennifer Kyle has the knowledge, the experience, the drive, and the dedication to get the results you seek in every Real Estate transaction. Her passion for Architecture and Design began at a young age. After receiving her B.A. in Interior Design, Jennifer worked with architectural and interior design firms throughout Atlanta. Jennifer, a full time resident of Lake Burton since 2001, has built a reputable business with husband Jerry Kyle, of Kyle Construction, designing, building, and remodeling homes on Lakes Seed, Burton, and Rabun. This experience and knowledge allows her the ability to guide clients with a homes’ potential. Jennifer has experience working with buyers, sellers, builders, and developers in the Habersham area. She is eager to grow her career in the North Georgia Mountain and lake areas. She has four sons and one daughter, with four in elementary school and one son in college. To reach Jennifer call 706-968-2255 email at Jennifer. Kyle@HarryNorman.com or Jennifer.Kyle.net.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 5

6 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 7

Contents

IN THIS ISSUE Mountain Homes

2-45 Meet our Home Service Professionals 10 This House is Calling Your Name 24 Yearning for a Mountain Home? 42 Woods Mercantile: Home Sweet – Chaotic, Beautiful, Functional – Home

Arts & Entertainment 46

Cover Artist – Cathy Jowers

Faith in Christ 50 52 54

Rabun for the Gospel River Garden Life is a Blessing

Southern Cuisine 56 58

Bon Appétit Local Provisions

Outdoorsy 64

Adventure Out

Live Healthy and Be Well 66 68 72 74

Mental Health Be a Lifesaver Pet Health GriefShare

Around Town 76 78 82 83

Explore Rabun Michael on the Map – Tallulah Falls Of These Mountains Ski Cataloochee

Looking Back 84 88

Rabun County Historical Society Foxfire

Just Thinking 90

By The Way

8 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Evelyn Heald Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain

velyn has had a home on Lake Burton for decades. Whether buying or selling on Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake or the surrounding areas, she will give your property the attention it deserves. Evelyn is a top producer, for Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain and is #1 company wide, with over 82 million in sales in 2020 and again in 2021 with over 66 million, it’s easy to see why Evelyn is an excellent choice when looking for a realtor. Evelyn is very active on social media with pages on facebook, instagram and twitter. Following her is an excellent way to stay up to date on new listings, news, and information. Evelyn has been involved with the LBCA, helping with the scholarship fund for graduating Rabun County High School students. Evelyn is very thankful for the buyers and sellers that she has had the privilege to work with. Her motto is “let’s get together and talk”. Give her a call at 404-3725698 or visit her website evelyn.heald@harrynorman.com.

Home Service Professionals

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 9

Homes

This House is Calling Your Name By John Shivers

generous amounts of paved outside parking, and the drive off the public road not only create a secluded hilltop base for the house, but provides easy access to convenient shopping and dining.

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you don’t waste a second questioning your choice. After all, what’s not to like about this mountain oasis on over an acre± of fee simple land in a gated community? Factor in the variety of the seasonal views available from strategically-placed expanses of glass and outdoor living, and this one is a no-brainer. All of this is less than one mile from LaPrade’s Marina, with three onsite restaurants, boat storage, and lake access.

Shiplap walls strategically placed throughout and contrasting with smooth wall finishes, all painted a pristine white, stand in striking competition with the dark-stained and beamed ceilings in the main living areas of both the main house and the guest house. The result is an electric, eclectic vibe that is as stimulating as it is warm, restful and exciting.

f first glances count for anything, the newly-constructed property at 132 Summit Ridge Drive, Clarkesville, overlooking Lake Burton, is impossible to resist. Perhaps it’s the two complementary structures? How about the intriguing angles of the rooflines against the pristine blue skies crowning the northeast Georgia mountain homesite? Or could it be the sheer architectural appeal of the place that simply makes it feel like you could belong to it?

Your name is written all over it! There are two ways to view this property. There’s the practical side, where four bedrooms and five baths in the main dwelling proclaim its ability to comfortably house a large family or a family with lots of friends. Factor in the guesthouse atop the spacious, detached, three-car garage, and the overnight capability squares itself. Close proximity to the lake and all the entertainment it provides ramps up the flexibility equation. Aside from the garage, 10 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Or you can forget the practical aspects and go with the emotional side of things. From the well-lit and inviting front entry to the back wall of glass opening onto a huge deck, the better to view the surrounding landscape, this home screams “high-end.” Whether it’s the finishes or the main attraction, nothing was spared when the design selections were made.

Other top-of-the line aspects include quartz countertops, vaulted ceilings, unique light fixtures, custom cabinetry with soft-close doors, stacked stone fireplace, and JELD-WEN® signature casement windows for tons of natural light. Enhancements include a stunning dining room with massive windows overlooking the well-manicured backyard, stone walkway with custom fire pit, all the better for outdoor entertaining. The chef’s kitchen features a farmhouse sink, walk-in pantry with full bar area, French door refrigerator, and gas range.

The master suite boasts of vaulted ceilings, views, and a reclaimed barn door encasing the gorgeous ensuite bath with quartz vanity, tile shower with infinity glass, oval-shaped luxury ceramic soaking tub, and walk-in closet. The terrace level with second living space, media/game room and kitchenette, second master suite, third bedroom and full

bathroom opens to a stone patio with new LED hot tub. The nearby garage/guesthouse features a similarly-designed opportunity for a second independent living situation or potential rental. With a living room, full kitchen and dining space, reading nook / overflow sleeping, separate bedroom and bath, and a balcony for relaxed gazing, the additional potential this space affords is phenomenal. Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain Agent Evelyn Heald is the agent to contact about this irresistible home. You can reach Evelyn at (cell) 404-372-5698 or (office) 706-212-0228.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 11

Rabun C&D

abun C&D provides affordable and reliable roll-off dumpster rental in the northeast Georgia mountains. Over their years of service and dedication, they have truly figured out what you expect from a roll-off dumpster rental company. They know you expect superior service and you will get just that. Whether it is a onetime backyard cleanup or a long-term demolition and reconstruction project, they can provide you with a roll-off dumpster to handle your needs.

Rabun C&D understands that different jobs require different dumpster sizes. That’s why they provide options in two sizes, so your dumpster is never overflowing or under filled. Rabun C&D will make sure you have a full understanding of what you can and cannot dispose of beforehand to eliminate any issues. You can reach Rabun C&D by calling 706-490-5552.

Home Service Professionals Bill’s Aluminum Products REINVEST IN YOUR HOME

eady to make an investment in your home that pays dividends each and every day? Contact Bill’s Aluminum Products Inc. today at 828-524-8074 to discuss new vinyl windows and awnings for your home. They will introduce you to great options and help you find window replacements, metal carports, or sunrooms that fit your budget—then, they will make sure they’re installed to perfection in your home. Since 1981, Bill’s Aluminum Products Inc. has brought a wide range of quality exterior products to homeowners. They focus on aluminum installations that include screen and sunrooms, carports and RV covers, window replacements, room enclosures, and much more. They will work with you to determine the ideal dimensions and size of your space, then provide a free estimate on constructing it. With more than 30 years of expertise behind them and some of the best products from brands like Four Seasons Building Products, you’re guaranteed a home addition that’s enjoyable and value-additive. They are family-owned and operated, so you know you’re getting personalized service every time.

12 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Northeast Georgia Heating & Air

ortheast Georgia Heating & Air is dedicated to providing the best possible solution for your home or business. You can count on them to provide you with a system and solution that fits your unique needs. As a Carrier dealer, with a wide variety of products to choose from, they can keep your family healthy and feeling comfortable all year long. They carry a complete line of indoor comfort equipment with innovations that raise the standards of comfort and reliability, including air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, programmable thermostats, humidifiers, ductless split systems, air cleaners, ultra violet lights, ventilators and zoning products. Let the experts at Northeast Georgia Heating & Air help you customize a solution that's right for you. They are service professionals! As licensed contractors and specialists in the field of heating and air-conditioning, they have the tools, the equipment, and the experience to keep your system running smoothly all year long. If it is emergency service that you need, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, they are available to assist you! To help reduce service emergencies, they offer service agreements to keep your comfort system running at peak performance. Give them a call at 706-782-7825.

Appalachian Soft Wash, LLC

eeing the need for a full service exterior cleaning company in Rabun and surrounding counties, Steven Justice opened Appalachian Soft Wash, LLC in 2015, after several years of high pressure cleaning experience. Soft washing combines a lower pressure water application with the proper chemicals so as not to damage more delicate surfaces. After traveling to Florida, where this method of roof cleaning was first developed, and training with companies that have been in the soft wash business for decades, Steven was ready to open his own operation here in North Georgia. As a full-service exterior cleaning company, Appalachian Soft Wash does both residential and commercial cleaning of roofs, siding, decking, docks, gutters, stone/concrete/masonry, and much more. If you are in the market to have most any outdoor surface cleaned to like new, Steven can be reached at 706-982-1090 or www.appalchiansw@gmail.com. They can also be found on Facebook. March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 13

Christines Home Decor

hristine’s Home Decor, located in Otto, North Carolina, is a family-owned and operated business offering high quality decorative fabrics, custom interior design, window treatments for residential homes and commercial businesses, and the most sophisticated custom upholstered furniture and reupholstery services. With over 27 years of combined restoration experience, you can rest assured that they will handle your furniture with the same concern and attention to detail that you would. They are absolutely committed to customer satisfaction. They guarantee that the highest quality of workmanship and fabric materials will be used on every piece of furniture they restore. Whether they are doing in-home updates, window treatments, or complete bedding, they always emphasize quality design. They will make every effort to give you precisely what you expect, and aim to exceed your expectations on every project. They will make every effort to ensure that you are satisfied with their work. They pride themselves on their reputation of honesty and fair prices. Contact them at 828-521-7007 or visit their website www. christineshomedecor.com.

Clayton Welding

layton Welding was first opened in 1945 by Dock Ramey and has served the citizens of Rabun County since. The business is currently operated by his son Bob Ramey. The third generation is Sean Ramey, who is responsible for managing shop operations and field operations. They specialize in metal handrails, driveway gates, boat hoist, and structural steel work. They also stock and sale a wide range of welding supplies and gases. They fabricate all gates in shop to fit every customer’s needs. Every gate is different and they always enjoy the challenge of a new style of gate. They are open to new designs as well and look forward to working with the customers. All handrails are also fabricated in shop for residential and commercial projects. They have experience in building staircases, decks, and building additions. They make custom firescreens and signs at the shop as well. They are an authorized dealer for Boat Hoist USA and service and install boat hoist. For your next welding project let Bob and Sean Ramey of Clayton Welding bring your design to reality. Contact them at 706-782-3431, www.claytonweldingsupply.com.

14 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Arrange to Change Isn’t it the perfect time?

ave you ever thought about downsizing, but don’t know where to start? When was the last time you moved?

Whether you need to eliminate the clutter or are relocating your entire home elsewhere, sometimes a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective is all it takes to get the job done. Joan Hurley may be just the person you are looking for. Joan’s dynamic personality and ability to find solutions where there appears to be none is what makes her so successful at what she does. Said one client, “She is simply an amazing human being! Her guidance and efforts as we go through the difficult process of relocating my father to another state have been priceless. I highly recommend Joan and her services!” That level of trust cannot be misplaced. To speak with her about your plans or challenges please call 770.530.2466 or visit Arrange to Change on Facebook.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 15

PORCH LIVING 24/7/365

heir 3 season units are designed with your unique home in mind, offering you endless options for customization. Add extended living space and comfort to your home or business with vinyl & screen panels that allow you to control the wind, rain, insects, and sun exposure. Each porch enclosure is custom designed with easy moveable panels that allow you to create your preferred ventilation. Visit our website at: www.rabunbuilders.com/porch-living-247365 or www.facebook.com/RabunBuilders/ to view product information & photo inspirations. Kurt & Cathy Cannon 706-576-7276 cathy@rabunbuilders.com

Home Service Professionals Dakota Freeman Enterprises

akota Freeman Enterprises, is a locally owned and operated business that provides you with quality road maintenance, hauling services, side mowing and skid steer work. If you need gravel put down and road scraping or some side mowing, he’s the guy to call. If your driveway could use some serious attention give him a call and he will do what it takes to get it back to your standards. Dakota guarantees all of his work and is happy to provide you with a free estimate. Check out his Facebook page where you can find some of his completed jobs or give him a call at 706-982-4502 to get him out to give you an estimate.

16 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 17

Mountain Spring Spas & Pools, Inc.

ountain Spring Spas & Pools, Inc. is a Hot Spring® Spas dealership located in Franklin, North Carolina. In addition to spas, they offer a complete line of BioGuard® pool & spa care products. They have proudly served Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia since 1989 by offering outstanding products and exceptional customer service. Hot Spring® Spas “are the world’s #1 selling brand of spas.” With innovative features only found in Hot Spring® Spas, you are sure to discover the many reasons why owning a HOT SPRING® spa will improve your overall wellness and quality of life! They are also a BioGuard® Platinum dealer, meaning that they have the training, experience, knowledge, and advice to keep your spa or pool clean and healthy. They offer complimentary water sample testing using the BioGuard® ALEX® software. This software provides indepth analysis of your water that allows them to provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to correct any water balancing issue in your spa or pool. Mountain Spring Spas & Pools is located at 611 Highlands Road, Franklin, North Carolina 28734. For more information or inquiries, please contact us at 828-369-2871 or via email mtnspringspas@yahoo.com

Michael’s Screen Service

ichael’s Screen Service, has been screening the tristate areas most beautiful porches and patios for over 18 years, with over 25 years experience in the construction/architecture industry. Homeowners, designers, contractors, and commercial builders trust his experience to provide quality screening. Whether it is a new porch or an existing porch, Michael’s Screen Service is the person to call. He offers screening for large expansions with a thin profile frame system, with various types of screen to choose from, and various colors of frames to choose from. The screens stay tight for high visibility. He serves the tri-state area within a 100 mile radius of Clayton, GA. Looking to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without the hassle of pests? Give Michael a call to have beautiful screening installed to your porch or patio. Michael can be reached at 706-982-1553.

18 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Erwin Heating and Air

n 2005, Habersham native Richard Erwin graduated from North Georgia Technical College with an HVAC degree. Soon after Richard landed a job with a local company installing and repairing heating and air systems. He spent the next 15 years employed there. In that time he met many incredible people who welcomed him into their homes to work on their systems. In 2020 Richard decided he was ready to start his own company, Erwin Heating and Air. He envisioned a family owned and operated business and that is what he has created. He and wife Shannon, a Pre-K teacher at Hazel Grove Elementary, are parents to three fine young men. Richard’s oldest, Andrew, works with his dad each day.Younger sons Preston and Bryson are likely to join the business once they are old enough. When I asked Richard what he felt was the most important aspect of his business, he let me know that customer service was #1. He went on to say that his mission is to provide a reasonably priced product and service, to be honest and dependable and communicate with his customers. He does not see a need to oversell. In talking with home and business owners, he can identify their needs and while he can provide add-ons, he will not do so unless it’s desired or necessary for the client’s comfort. Keeping his customers comfortable is his main priority and that may mean after hours and weekend calls. If he is needed he will be there. He said that in his years as a service technician, he was honored when customers requested him for service. He’s very

knowledgable and polite, making it easy to see why they would ask for him. Offering brands such as Rudd, Amana, Goodman and ICP, Richard feels confident that these brands are all excellent choices and he services most all major brands. If you are in need of a new residential or commercial system or are building a new home, a great place to start is Erwin Heating and Air’s free estimate. If you are in need of repair or service on your existing system he is always available to help. When I asked if he was surprised by the success he has had since opening his own business he smiled and said, “God has blessed us.” Indeed He has. Erwin Heating and Air serves Habersham, Rabun, and surrounding areas. To reach Richard please call 706-499-2247 or follow Erwin Heating and Air on Facebook.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 19

Randy’s Steel and Welding Supply

andy’s Steel and Welding is a locally owned and operated custom welding shop located in Tiger, Georgia, with 22 years of welding and fabricating experience. Their work includes but is not limited to; custom handrails, custom gates and equipment repairs. They not only work in the shop, they offer mobile service and outside repairs. Should you have an artistic idea for a custom built furniture piece combining metal and wood elements, provide them with your design and see it come to life. They will assist in the design of your project, and produce a quality product in a timely manner. They also offer a full line of steel and welding gas supplies. Looking for beverage co2? They have it! For more information stop in at 5312 Hwy. 441 South, Tiger, Georgia or give them a call at 706-982-0899 or 706-982-2942.

The Furniture Barn

he Furniture Barn has moved south to 5850 Georgia Road, Otto, North Carolina. The Furniture Barn offers high quality furniture refinishing and repair. Whether it’s staining or painting, minor or major, indoor or outdoor projects they can handle it all. If you need caning and upholstery services they offer it as well. They will make your modern wood furniture or your antique furniture as beautiful as it once was. They will treat your heirlooms as if it was their own. When you know you want the highest quality restoration on the furniture you treasure the most, give The Furniture Barn a call 828-371-2290 or 828-524-5293.

20 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Clayton Paint and Flooring Center

layton Paint and Flooring Center, locally owned and operated by Keith and Lora Toller, is a great place to find inspiration and support for your paint or flooring projects. Whether renovating or building a new home, let their experts help you choose your color pallet and hand select the flooring and tile that best fits your style.

Home Service Professionals

Their impressive showroom features an array of hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, laminate, tile, natural stone, carpet and rugs. They feature brands such as; Benjamin Moore, Shaw, Mohawk, Masland, Stanton and more. Clayton Paint and Flooring Center is dedicated to serving Rabun County and surrounding communities, offering an unparalleled retail experience. Keith and Lora are ready to serve you. For additional information visit www.claytonpaintandflooring. com or visit 135 East Savannah Street in Clayton, Georgia.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 21

Property Stewards

roperty Stewards is so excited to have recently franchised their company. Their entire team has invested hundreds of hours and other resources in making this happen. By the way, this is a very tedious process involving the Federal Trade Commission. No sooner did they successfully franchise than the Lord almost immediately sent them their first franchisee. They passed through a very rigorous vetting process and the Holloways were overjoyed to award them Property Stewards Charleston, South Carolina territory. A good number of folks are actively looking at many other resort locations too. Stewardship is the driving passion which fuels this business. Their flagship Rabun location and their clients will remain their central focus. Property Stewards is humbled and honored to be trusted with your getaway home. If you know of an ideal franchisee candidate, please visit their website: www. PropertyStewards.com and go to the franchise info tab in the upper right corner. Mark and Carol pray that the Lord will bless your spring!!

R & M Heating and Cooling

& M Heating and Cooling’s business model includes a quality system, great customer service, well trained installation crews and a skilled repair technician. Being a Trane™ Comfort Specialist proves that the company agrees to abide by the requirements that Trane™ has established for their independent dealers. Requirements that align with Ron’s business model. When deciding on a new system for your new or existing home, Ron will come out for a consultation and provide a free quote on the system and installation best for your family. Trane™ offers a great warranty and R & M Heating and Cooling adds a one year warranty on labor. The business is truly a family owned and operated venture. They are located at 82 Plaza Way in Clayton in the Covered Bridge shopping center near the Northeast Georgia Food Bank. For additional information please call 706-490-2584 or visit www.randmheatingandcooling.com.

22 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

The Realtor Glenn Poss Realty

oger joined Poss Realty after 31 years of distinguished service in the United States Army and Army Reserve. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Political Science and later earned a Masters of Strategic Studies from the Army War College. His awards include the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge & Legion of Merit. Roger also has 15+ years of sales, marketing and business development experience. He is married to fellow Realtor® Laura, and has six adult children and three grandchildren. He holds a first degree black belt in the Korean martial art of Choi Kwang Do. The Glenns manage a website that promotes Rabun County businesses and organizations, and they donate 5% of their earnings to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office. Roger is a Director on the board of the Georgia Mountain & Lakes Realtors Association, a Rotarian, and a guest columnist for the Clayton Tribune. Roger and Laura Glenn can be reached by calling 770-312-7940 or visiting www.rogerglenn.possrealty.com or search The Realtor Glenn on (YouTube, Facebook, and Rabun County Parkbench)

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 23

Homes

Yearning for a Mountain Home? Opportunity Knocks… By John Shivers

here’s just something about the lure of Northeast Georgia that sends visitors back to their real world lives determined to grab a piece of that mountain lifestyle for themselves in the form of a getaway home. But they procrastinate. They pass up good opportunities to purchase a property, thinking a better prospect will come along. If the Rabun mountains are singing your song, if you’ve vowed to join others who have a place to call home here, opportunity is knocking. The home at 484 East Sugarbush in the highly sought-after Sky Valley is an opportunity that won’t happen again. In addition to the old real estate axiom of location, location, location, it’s also priced right. Purchase this property now, and you’ll have your long-desired home in the mountains. Later, you can give someone else a chance to “break in” to Rabun County home ownership, while you trade up to something else. Opportunity often only knocks once, and in this case, it’s knocking loudly and insistently.

24 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

This lovely mountain cottage on a wooded lot with road frontage on both the front and back sides, is the quintessential mountain home that dates to the earliest days of Sky Valley’s storied history. With its rounded walls of glass, the great room blends seamlessly with the spacious outdoor decks, and the four season views that live year round just beyond the windows. The fireplace becomes both a focal point of the room, and also beckons you to move closer on those chilly winter nights that are an integral part of the Rabun County mounting living mystique. Inside, the beams that both support and define the main level rooms with vaulted ceilings add a sense of coziness and comfort. This two level home features a bedroom on each level, as well as two and one-half baths. A charming, black wrought iron circular staircase connects the two floors.The kitchen on the main level contains a full complement of the standard appliances, including a dishwasher, and is conveniently located, just steps away from the windowwalled dining area, where you can chow down to the feel that you’re almost dining outdoors.

And when you are interested in cooking outdoors, besides having to decide whether it’s burgers and hot dogs or New York Strips and chicken, you can choose to chow down on the open deck, the new screened porch (beautiful view, by the way!), or the flagstone patio. This house was designed for tandem living, both indoors and out. Central heating and air conditioning, thanks to a heat pump, enhance the comfort of indoor living year-round. Both a garage and a storage building add to the home’s livability factor. A paved circle drive provides easy access. From Sky Valley, you’re only a short, convenient drive to Dillard and Clayton, Franklin, North Carolina and Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina. Shopping and dining almost outside your front door, while you bask in the beauty and the privacy of your own mountain hideaway. Quality private and public schools are nearby as well, not to mention state parks and hiking opportunities. Don’t pass up this rare opportunity to buy your own affordable piece of Rabun County. Contact Scott Poss at Poss Realty to check it out. You can reach him at 706-490-2305, or at the office at 706782-2121.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 25

Kevin Croom Poss Realty What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. ~ Hugh Mulligan

evin Croom has called Rabun County home since the average cost of a new house was $12,500.00! After decades of owning and managing radio stations, he finally found his true love and calling in real estate. His passions are: God, family, CrossFit, photography, trout fishing, old Toyotas, chickens, dogs, laughs and occasional naps. For Kevin, real estate is much more a lifestyle than a job. “My greatest reward is watching buyers and sellers smile and laugh when exchanging house keys.” He is ready to discuss your dreams! Browse his listings, then text or call 706-982-1371. His listings can be found at www. heartofrabun.com. Kevin will have you moving right away. The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. ~ Amelia Earhart

Gianna Marcellino Poss Realty

ianna has a passion for real estate and a genuine desire to serve others. With an abundance of people skills, creativity, a mastery of matchmaking skills, and ability to connect with others she produces successful sales, satisfied clients, and creates new friendships! Her history with Rabun County goes back to childhood at her family’s vacation home on Lake Burton, then many years of family ownership of the Chik’n Coop restaurant in Clayton. After college the ensuing years’ careers were in the hospitality/food service industry, catering special events, staffing, and the finer points of wine education and viticulture. She re-established her Rabun roots a few years ago. When Gianna works with a potential buyer or seller, she has already walked into that client’s shoes. Her background makes her the ideal agent to identify and match those wants and needs with the many available options. She is ready to introduce you, her next client, to the Rabun County lifestyle.

26 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Lorie Thompson Poss Realty

orie Ramey-Thompson began her real estate career very early in life. Very, very, early! As a child, Lorie would collect shiny rocks and sell them to her bevy of uncles for a quarter. Her family jokes and says Lorie was selling Rabun County dirt before she finished elementary school! It was a short jump from selling local rocks to selling real estate. Lorie has seen many changes in the real estate industry. Lorie says she loves selling real estate because no two days are ever the same. There is always something new to learn. She has spent the last 39+ years educating herself to serve her clients better. Lorie is married to Anthony Thompson. They live in NW Rabun and love living along the banks of Popcorn Creek. The center of their life is sharing frequent visits with their children, family, and friends. Call Lorie if you need a Realtor with integrity and a lifetime of education and experience. Visit online at www. loriethompson.com or give her a call at 706-490-1820.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 27

Kasie H. Campbell Poss Realty

asie Hicks Campbell, a native of Rabun County, has established a reputation as an active REALTOR with Poss Realty, She offers her clients creative marketing, is active on social media, and produces her own magazine titled Good to be Home. Kasie knows the value of the Rabun County lifestyle, and she is passionate about the community & preserving its economic growth as well as its charm. Her extensive connections prove valuable to her buyers and sellers. Kasie wants to help find, create, and provide quality housing in this beautiful area so she can help her buyers put down their own roots. Kasie is licensed in both Georgia and North Carolina, giving her flexibility in the areas she serves. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram @kasiecampbellrealestate where she provides information you will find valuable in the real estate process. She also promotes area listings as soon as they hit the market. Reach out to Kasie today to at 706-982-4770 or visit www.kasiehickscampbell.

28 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Ann Inman Poss Realty

nn is originally from Gadsden, Alabama and brings her 22 years of experience as a Real Estate Auction professional to Poss Realty. Ann is married to Frank (Buster) Inman, a member of the PGA, who retired from golf management and is currently enjoying life as a golf instructor. Ann and Buster are members at St James Episcopal Church and in their spare time they enjoy golf and hiking. They have two adult sons and a daughter, and two adorable grandchildren. Spending time with family and volunteering for various non-profits in the area are both important to the Inmans. If you are ready to work with a Realtor that is professional, dedicated to sell or find your home and makes the process enjoyable, YOU’LL WANT TO CALL ANN. 256-622-0334 www.anninman.possrealty.com

Home Service Professionals Joanna Radford Poss Realty

oanna was born and raised in Rabun County. Before joining Poss Realty she managed her dad’s auction company where they specialized in real estate and estate sales. Joanna and her father, Greg Peters, now work as a team at Poss Realty to provide the best experience possible for their residential and commercial clients. When she is not busy selling real estate, Joanna enjoys working out, spending time with her family, taking trips to the beach and is very involved at her church. “The best part of this business is building relationships when helping my clients make their dreams come true!” Visit Joanna’s website for more information, www.joannaradford.possrealty.com March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 29

Dane Smith Poss Realty

andling residential and commercial sales in the Greater Athens area all the way north to our beautiful mountains and lakes region, Dane Smith, licensed Realtor®, may be the guy you are looking for. Licensed in Florida and Georgia, Dane has seven years of residential and commercial Real Estate sales. Currently a member of Georgia Mountains and Lakes REALTORS Association, Athens Area Association of REALTORS, Georgia Association of REALTORS, and National Association of REALTORS, Dane has been awarded the Rookie of the Year, Top Seller in 2019, and Executive Club in 2020. Dane is passionate about home design and planning and deeply believes they bring out the life and value of a home. His distinctive attention to details in handling transactions from contract to closing and beyond paves his way to success. He is eager to show you that home is where the heart is! To reach Dane Smith please call 706-949-3792 or visit his website www.danesmithrealtor.com.

30 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 31

Metro Water Filter of the south Just Because Your Water Is Clear Doesn’t Mean It’s Clean

etro Water Filter of the South is a trusted water filter supply company that has been in the business for more than four decades. Unlike some companies who treat water filtration as a side business, Metro Water Filter does only one thing: help customers to get the purest water possible. The family-owned business is committed to providing services to communities, homeowners, farms, towns and municipalities. They understand that water is life-sustaining and life-enriching and that the cleanliness of the water used for businesses, families, and community residents is of paramount importance. They are 100 percent committed to ensuring every one of their clients gets the necessary equipment – at affordable prices – to get the cleanest water possible. Metro Water Filter of the South has tens of thousands of happy customers. Clients who need products or services from a water filter supply company trust them time and again, and recommend them to friends and neighbors. The business has grown and thrived over the past 40 years because they always live up to the responsibility to provide comprehensive assistance and quality products for water filtration.

Home Service Professionals W

John Dinos

Lake Homes Realty

ith more than 25 years of industry experience, backed by the support of the nation’s largest lakefocused real estate company, John Dinos proud to serve the Lake Burton, Lake Rabun and Seed Lake areas. He is passionate about two things in life: selling the lake experience and helping lake lovers attain the lake lifestyle they have always imagined. Having been around Rabun County, Georgia as a property owner and resident for 27 years, he is intimately familiar with the many nuances of the area’s lakes and communities and possess in-depth market knowledge about current inventory, pricing and how each lake compares to the overall Georgia lake real estate market. Lake properties are special; buying and selling them requires specialization. John has the specialized knowledge necessary to facilitate these purchase and sale transactions, which often involve elements not common to ordinary real estate. Through LakeHomes.com, and precision web traffic data, he prides hisself in bringing national exposure to all listings. With tools designed specifically for lake real estate, he will market your home and land directly to those buyers most likely to make an offer, many of which come from out of state. Whether you’re just beginning your search or you’re ready to make the leap, John Dinos is happy to be your source for all things lake homes and land.

32 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Dream it and Build it with Oconee Federal

conee Federal offers a full suite of mortgage lending products. Whether you are a first time home buyer, constructing your dream home, or refinancing for a better rate, Oconee Federal has a product to fit your lending needs. Low fixed rate mortgages are available for 30, 20 and 15 year fixed rates for purchase or refinance loans. If you are looking for a lower rate or plan to stay in your home a shorter amount of time where a longer term fixed rate mortgage may not make sense, then an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) might be the best option for you. Oconee Federal also offers 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARMS, FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae/ Freddie Mac loans. Let Oconee Federal help you build your dream home or renovate your existing home with a construction loan. One time closing for the entire transaction, no second closing for the permanent phase and a fixed interest rate throughout the life of the loan. Learn more about home loans at one of their local branches or online at Oconeefederal.com. Oconee Federal, friends you can bank on since 1924.

34 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Reeves Building Supply

eeves Building Supply has been serving homeowners and professional contractors in Rabun County since 1956. The Reeves family of stores is known for offering highquality products and services that will help the community with construction and home furnishings and home improvement projects.. Reeves Building supply has all the building supplies you’ll need to complete your projects. Whether building from the ground up or remodeling to a new coat of paint or replacing a faucet. Their product line-up is the best available and what they would use in their own homes and businesses. Reeves consistently works with the manufacturers that bring the highest quality products available in the industry. Reeves sales professionals are ready to special order any items that you don’t find in their store, when available. Stop in any of their stores in Clayton, Dillard and Highlands for an unsurpassed shopping experience.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 35

Home Service

Tina Anzo

T Professionals

Berkshire Hathaway

ina and her husband Peter, are originally from Ohio and lived in CA, FL & MA before settling in Atlanta 34 years ago. They discovered and fell in love with Rabun County 30 years ago and feel blessed to now call it home. They raised their two daughters in Atlanta, spending the summers in Rabun County, where the family enjoyed water sports, hiking, kayaking, boating and seeing friends. Both of Tina’s daughters attended and were counselors at Camp High Harbor. Tina and Peter moved to Lake Burton full-time 12 years ago, when Peter redeveloped the then closed down LaPrade’s marina. Tina came to manage the gift shop, boat and slip rentals until 2016 with the help of many full time Rabun County residents, as well as part time staff from Lake Burton homeowners children. The marina afforded her an incredible opportunity to develop close relationships with the residents of Lake Burton and Rabun County, many of whom she is proud to call clients and friends today. With decades of knowledge and relationships in Rabun County, and a passion for people, real estate has been a natural fit for Tina. Tina received her Georgia real Estate License five years ago, bringing her high energy, family values and above all, loyalty to her clients and colleagues. She draws on her life experience to serve her clients with integrity and enthusiasm. When not selling real estate, Tina loves to spend time with her daughters, son-in-law, two precious grandsons, extended family and friends.

36 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 37

Meghann Brackett Berkshire Hathaway

eghann has become a top producing REALTOR® in the Northeast GA Mountains and Lakes Region specializing in luxury, lifestyle, and distinctive homes. She was recently named #1 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices individual agent in the State of Georgia for units with 118 and #2 for closed volume with over $45 Million in volume in 2021. She has been awarded the Berkshire Hathaway Chairman’s Diamond Award for two consecutive years for performing in the top 0.5% of over 50,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Agents globally. She was also selected for Atlanta Agent Magazine’s “Who’s Who in Atlanta Real Estate” for 2021. Meghann has become an award-winning agent by providing best-in-class marketing, a focus on excellence in customer service, and an exceptional energy to achieve results. Meghann’s love for the North Georgia mountains began at an early age spending weekends at her parents’ home on Lake Burton. She has lived in the Clarkesville area full time since 2005. She is married to her husband Andy Brackett, and the couple has three daughters. The family is proud and feels truly blessed to live and work in the Northeast Georgia mountains. Meghann graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. You can reach Meghann at 706-968-1870 or Meghann.Brackett@BHHSGeorgia.com

38 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Tambrie Kitchens Berkshire Hathaway

Specializing in new construction and selling and listing property in the mountains and on the lakes of North Georgia and Western North Carolina, Tambrie Kitchens is a motivated Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties Real Estate professional. Whether you seek a simple life or thrive on adventure, the North Georgia and Western North Carolina mountains have it all, and Tambrie is here to help deliver you to your dream home. Tambrie’s unique expertise and knowledge of the area make her the perfect choice for any of these ventures: lake living, mountain views, riverfront properties, hobby farms, luxury homes, and more.

CLAYTON, Georgia

40 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

“I welcome you to this glorious area and know you will fall in love with the warm community, gorgeous mountains, and peaceful surroundings. I’m passionate about helping you find your perfect home and look forward to serving you.” If you are looking to buy or sell, Tambrie can be reached at 706.490.5196. Email: tambrierealestate@gmail.com. Licensed in both Georgia and North Carolina.

Feature

Woods Mercantile

Home Sweet Chaotic, Beautiful, Functional Home By Deena C. Bouknight

elissa and Kevin Wood, and their four children, ages 5 to 16, as well as two large dogs and a cat, constitute a thriving but exceptionally busy family. Plus, Melissa’s mother occupies a basement apartment. Yet, their modern farmhouse on 34-acres is filled every day with beauty, comfort, and efficiency – all because the Woods have identified some key factors in creating hearth and home. Kevin grew up in Clarkesville, Ga. After selling a successful car wash chain in 2017, Kevin was looking for a new venture. When a 1960s-established home furnishings store became available a few years ago, the Woods decided to pursue the opportunity. In an effort to update both the building and the inventory of the nearly 60-year-old store, Wood’s underwent a major rebranding effort. As a result, Woods Furniture in downtown Clarkesville became Wood’s Mercantile. “We felt like ‘Mercantile”’ captured the respect for the history of the store and the feel of the downtown space while pulling it forward into a fashionable present. We updated the entire interior of the building with new flooring, painting, and lighting. We added more designer-friendly lines and complemented them with current market accessory pieces,” Melissa said. Melissa writes a “when-inspired” blog about faith, family, and life that she began while she homeschooled the kids. After purchasing the business, her blog’s title changed to Wood ventures: Building a business. Building a life. She began exploring ways that she could make her own home more beautiful and inviting. The Wood children now attend Rabun-Gap Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap. This allows Melissa more time to help with the marketing at the store, pursue audiobook recording, and do volunteer work. “Our tagline is Bring Comfort Home,”

42 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

said Melissa about their store. “Kevin works daily in the store and I help with marketing. I want cozy, comfortable surroundings. When I have families over, I want the parents to feel that their children are welcome to just be kids.” “People think about their homes differently now, since we’ve been through a pandemic.” Kevin said. The pandemic caused Kevin and his staff to offer more in-stock, ready- to-go wood and upholstery furnishings, as well as decorative accessories, rugs, lamps, and more. “People want to spend more time determining exactly the right pieces for making a home aesthetically pleasing and comfortably functional,” added Melissa. “There is such a long lead time on orders right now,” explained Kevin, “so we try to have as much in stock as possible. And we want customers to have an opportunity to purchase quality American-made goods, such as those by Vaughan Bassett or our Amish supplier, Palettes by Winesburg.”

Although the staff of six salespeople are well-versed at providing design and decorating expertise – and they will make house calls at no charge to customers - Melissa explained that she has learned “many people are scared to have nice things in their home because of children, pets, and busy lives.” Her goal, and that of the staff at Wood’s, is to educate customers regarding beautiful and practical options. For example, a variety of family-friendly, highly-durable fabrics are available, such as Sunbrella, made in nearby South Carolina, and Revolution fabrics, made in neighboring North Carolina. Plus, Wood’s line of La-Z-Boy products are available with iClean stain-resistant fabrics. “Fabrics that are beautiful but functional for the home are so important,” said Melissa. “Some of these fabrics were originally made for the outdoors, but they work well inside the home. The goal is to look for fabrics that are very forgiving. We have a lightcolored, large sectional in our home and it’s comfortable but covered in a fabric that has wearability. At Wood’s we offer different fabric warranties. The customer can get a warranty to suit their specific needs; some are specifically for pet owners, for instance.” Said Kevin, “So many people comment, ‘I’m not going to buy nice things until the children are grown or I no longer have a dog,’ but having a nice space for each season of your life is important. You don’t want to miss the good parts of life and a nice home while waiting on that next stage in life.” The Wood family’s décor is casual but modern farmhouse style. They have combined antique and modern furnishings and accents to create an updated, yet personal and cozy ambiance. “For example, above the bar in the kitchen we have turquoise pendant lights, by Uttermost, and in the dining room there are old-fashioned schoolhouse lamps hanging from the ceiling, a reclaimed-wood, hand-crafted table, and a chalkboard wall,” said Melissa. “It all works well together and looks good. The wood furnishings just get better when they get lovingly used. We aren’t afraid of pieces getting messed up because that is part of the memories of the family.”

The dining table is a hub for school work, art projects, and more. “Of course, we don’t want the children and pets to disrespect the furnishings,” added Melissa. “For example, we want the children to understand where sharpie markers are not allowed. But we want our children to be ‘at home,’ and we want guests to feel ‘at home.’” Part of keeping a home beautiful is organization, agree Kevin and Melissa. At Wood’s are plenty of storage options, and the couple marries old and new pieces in their own home to achieve functional storage for a variety of items. “We have this ‘command station,’ which is a beautiful accent cabinet,” said Melissa, “that houses a lot of shoes, dog leashes, and other items. It has doors that open up, shelving ... it basically hides a lot of things.” And the Woods have always cultivated a culture of reading, so books are on shelves, in cabinets, in baskets, etc., and practically every evening while at home and even while on vacation, there

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 43

Feature

are family read-alouds. The children are also game players and musicians, so there are designated spots for board games, guitars, and more.

Regarding wall décor, Melissa explained that she is “sentimental” about what gets hung. “We have some beautiful artwork. But I like to do a lot of family photos and our kids’ artwork for the walls.”

“We also use an 1800s’ chifforobe for art supplies and our printer,” said Kevin.

She concluded, “Yes, we have a lot going on in our lives, but most people have a lot going on. And like Kevin said, you don’t want to wait to have an inviting and beautiful, yet practical home. It’s possible now, no matter the stage of life.”

Continued Melissa, “We’re all about mixing old with the new. We’ve got some sentimental items from each of our grandmothers. Keeping down the clutter means purchasing with purpose, keeping items that mean something and can provide function, and protecting open spaces – not feeling the need to fill up every corner, shelf, tabletop ... with stuff.” And the Woods are not afraid of using color in their own home, or to recommend color to customers of Wood’s Mercantile. They chose to coordinate a range of colors throughout the house at the recommendation of Benjamin Moore’s “Affinity Color” palette. For instance, the vaulted ceiling in the kitchen is all wood and painted a mustardy yellow, Benjamin Moore’s “Anjou Pear,” while touches of bolder colors compliment neutrals throughout. “Having a home, especially these days, is about creating peace in a chaotic world,” said Melissa, “so wherever we can offer softness ... coziness, by using plenty of pillows and throws on the sofa, we do it because we want the home to be comfortable, not stuffy. We don’t want it looking like a showroom.”

Check Mark Junk Removal, LLC

e all have it and we all plan to take care of it… one day. Junk! It is piled up neatly or tucked away in the corner of the garage or outbuilding. The point is we have it and we want it gone! Well there is now a solution to your dilemma, Check Mark Junk Removal, LLC. Cleverly the business is owned by Mark Purdue, making Check Mark a locally owned business. Mark and his wife Jodi (Shook) Purdue, a Rabun native, are eager to serve Rabun and surrounding counties. The type of jobs they handle range from your pile of things you’ve been meaning to take to the landfill to full residential and commercial clean-outs. They charge a flat base pricing per quarter truck, this fee includes dump fees fuel and mileage. So, make the call today 706-982-3909 and check that job off your list. Visit their website www.checkmarkjunk.com for more information.

44 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Arts

On Our Cover

Cathy Jowers “His grace is abundant and His mercies are new each day…”

t is possible you will know this month’s cover artist because she taught you or your children how to create art. Cathy Jowers taught art in our public school system for a total of 25 years. “I loved teaching children because they are fearless and so creative,” Cathy expressed while talking about her years in the classroom. It all began in Alabama, near Huntsville. Cathy’s mother was an artist and included her daughter, teaching her to paint, draw and make art. From a young age, Cathy was influenced by her mom and credits her for her love of art. Her mother’s style was realistic, finely detailed art and Cathy’s was much the same in the beginning. Her mother was involved in the Huntsville Art League, further exposing Cathy to the art world. After graduating, Cathy attended Auburn University where she earned a degree in Art Education. It was at Auburn that she met John Jowers, a handsome young man from the mountains of northern Georgia. After finishing college, the couple married and moved to John’s hometown of Clayton. Soon after Cathy began teaching and John went to work in his family’s appliance business now known as Antique Appliances on West Savannah Street. In talking with Cathy she shared, “John is truly my soul mate. I believe God meant for us to be together.” About four years into their marriage they started their family. Cathy took a break from teaching to raise her two children, Whitney and Austin. She bought and ran April Leigh’s, a ladies clothing store in Clayton while the children were little and sold the store and returned to teaching when Whitney and Austin started school. In 1986, Cathy had a stroke that greatly affected her right side. This was a devastating blow to the family. Cathy had to learn everything over, from walking to writing, talking and of course painting. She is grateful to God for restoring all of these things and for the life she has been given. To say that the stroke didn’t affect her painting would not be true. It made it better than ever! Her style changed from detailed and realistic to impressionistic and textured. Her medium is primarily acrylics and her tools are a palette knife and big brushes, Cathy Jowers brings to life on canvas Appalachian landscapes with barns and children mixed in. She adores animals and finds joy in painting God’s creatures. Her grandchildren’s adventures are the subject of many of her paintings, capturing moments in time that can never be relived except in her art. The stories that are woven into each canvas are ones of love and family. This is one reason she is often commissioned to paint. Cathy likes to have multiple photos or even video of her subject. This allows her to watch mannerisms that are then conveyed in a portrait. These days painting is still a part of most everyday. No longer the teacher, Mrs. Jowers is now putting into action the knowledge she has shared with her students. She has a group of close friends who gather to paint,

46 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

each bringing something to the group. These artists truly learn from each other. Brushes are dipped in paint, laughter erupts, prayers, accomplishments and struggles are shared among friends. Cathy also works with young girls through AWANA at her church. These 3rd-6th grade girls are eager to learn about Jesus. Worship is at the core of her life and she recognizes and shares the ways that God has walked with her every step, how He has orchestrated the beautiful life she shares with John. His grace is abundant and mercies new each day in all of our lives. This woman is a living example of that. When walking her two Australian Shepherds around her neighborhood, Cathy remembers her kids walking across the hill to Fred Darnell’s barn to pet the sheep. Now her grandchildren visit the same barn, owned by another gentleman, to pet his cows and burrows. Her daughter Whitney and her husband, Ben Henderson and their son Owen, live in Henry County, Georgia. Whitney teaches Middle School Science. Her son Austin Jowers and wife Leslie have made their home in Greer, South Carolina with two daughters, Addie Grace and Ellie Claire. These grandchildren can be found as inspiration for many of her paintings along with an old red wagon from her husband John’s days. We are honored to have Cathy’s art on our cover. We are pleased to get to know her better and blessed to share her art with you. Recently she joined the North Georgia Arts Guild which she said has been a pleasure. She was featured in their column in our pages a few months back. Her art was also on display recently at Butlers Galleries. If you’d like to see more of her work, you are invited to visit Gallery 441 in the Heart of Dillard or Cathy’s website – www.cathyhjowers.com. If you’d like to commission Cathy to paint for you please reach out to her by e-mailing cathyhj79@ gmail.com.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 47

Finding Art

48 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 49

Faith

Hammering Nails By Michael Rogers, pastor of Wolf Creek Baptist Church

ast October, a longtime friend and I found a house that was very deserving of demolition. This friend, and eventual partner, is also a member of the gospel ministry. After a couple visits, we decided to buy the heap of blocks and turn it into a unique flip. After a lot of planning and some hard work, we had before us a diamond in the rough. It’s been an exciting process, bringing this old house back to life. At every available opportunity, we hurriedly come together to work on it. Because of our hard work, Spring will bring forth the fruits of our hard labor. Now that we are nearing our completion date, I have found excitement in something far greater than the finishing of our house and that is the strength of our friendship. This has become the most important result of the entire project. Not only do my partner and I share in the gospel ministry, but so does the neighbor who visits us every evening, himself a local preacher. The three of us go back years and now have been able to further deepen our relationships. The manifestation of the phrase “brother’s keeper” is now apparent. In the late hours of the night, one can hear the hammers, drills and saws working relentlessly. If you listen closer, you will hear deep conversations about the bible and its theological teachings. We enjoy debating with one another in the areas of eschatology. These debates bring forth the fruit of our many hours of study from the past twenty years. The fact that we all three have different beliefs on eschatology allows for fervent discussion. As we leave our project to return home, we often look forward to coming back together the next day. We’ll once again engage in spirited debate, knowing we’ll grow closer together and in turn, bring great excitement to our souls. I’m looking forward to the completion of the project, but I’m truly going to miss the conversations we have almost daily. During these conversations, it’s evident that we have different thoughts

on many subjects. These differences don’t divide us though. Our relationships grow stronger every day. Even though we differ in theology, we agree on the gospel. We all three believe in the pure gospel of Jesus Christ and we celebrate that. There is never a disagreement in that belief. The celebration of the gospel is the discussion we come back to every time and that is what strengthens our relationship the most. In Collosians 4:7-18 Paul mentions many of his friends in the ministry. These friends shared in the gospel ministry with Paul and their relationships had many reasons for existence. Family - Tychicus and Onesimus were considered brothers to Paul. They were sent to inform everyone everything that was happening in the ministry that it might encourage the Churches at the time. Bear One Another’s Burdens - Aristarchus was considered a fellow prisoner because he helped to aid Paul while he was in prison. Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Prayer Warrior - Epaphras was considered a prayer warrior for his friends in the ministry. Col 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you. Encouraging - I’ve had only a handful of mentors in my life over the years and one of the most important things they did for me was encourage me. Col 4:17-18 - Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.’ I Paul write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Rev. Michael Rogers is the pastor of Wolf Creek Baptist Church. He and his wife Susan have three grown children and three wonderful grandchildren. Michael works at Tallulah Falls School as Director of Plant Services. He enjoys spending time with family and flipping houses. Michael considers it an honor to be part of R4G to help with the furtherance of the Gospel.

50 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 51

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 53

Faith

Life is a Blessing by Tracy McCoy

“My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?”

hese words, spoken in the last minutes of Jesus’ life while dying on the cross of Calvary, have rolled through the minds and hearts of nearly every believer. The weight of illness, sadness, financial responsibilities, grief, worry, or just life is sometimes a lot to bare. In this instance the sins of mankind rested on Christ’s shoulders and for the first time in His life, He felt apart from His Father. Sin separated them. God is holy. What exactly does that mean? Holy as defined by Merriam-Webster means exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness; Divine. Our God is perfect and sorry to break it to you, we are not! Every single one of us have sinned. We sin daily, trying our hardest not to. I am sure you have heard the comical prayer from a woman much like me. “Father, I know you are so proud of me, I have not talked about anyone, told a lie, been jealous of the neighbors or been mean to my husband, but Lord I am just getting up, so be with me today!” What was required of Jesus to atone for our sin? His death. He had to die to pay that debt to a Holy God. He bridged that gap between God and man. Once that sacrifice was made Grace became our gift. Given freely to all who will accept it. No one can earn it. Man tried for thousands of years. It was the spotless life of God’s own Son that took away the sins of the world.

Tracy is the publisher of the Laurel of Northeast Georgia. She lives to share the love of Christ and she wants you to know His goodness. She is a wife and a mom to some pretty amazing guys. She loves to paint, grows flowers, enjoys her friends and her family. Kids are her favorite people probably because she is still one at heart.

54 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

As the season leading up to Easter is upon us, I reflect on the life and death of Jesus. He lived, yet never sinned. He performed miracle after miracle showing kindness to those thrown aside by society. Jesus loved and He shared all that He had. He called the unfit and He taught all who would listen. He healed the blind, made the lame to walk and He fed tens of thousands and still feeds people today. How you say? He uses us, His church to do His work. He gives knowledge to Physicians and He heals through love and kindness. Today Jesus still changes lives. He still forgives sin just by the asking. He stands close to the dying, holds the hands of our little ones when times are hard. He heals sometimes in hospitals and sometimes He takes us to Heaven. I never think about this season without thinking about the two thieves who hung on the crosses beside Jesus. One spewed mocking words challenging Him to save Himself and them too. The other thief believed He was the Son of God and asked that Jesus remember Him when He came into this kingdom that day. One chose to believe and was assured of Heaven and one didn’t. It is symbolic of men and women today. Up until you take your last breath you can choose to accept His gift and be saved by His abundant grace. There are many days that I live in the light of that grace and there are days when I feel abandoned. His word says “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” so, I ask myself why do I feel alone? Then I turn around looking for Him, my arms full of things like fear, doubt, sadness, worry, and other burdens too big for me to carry and I see Him. He never took His eyes off of me and when I set these things that I can not control down and run into His arms I feel His never ending love for me. Because I am human down the road as life gets hard I

will do it all over again and then I am reminded that He does not intend for me to carry burdens around. To do so limits the good I can do. So I set it down in prayer and I unload my concerns to my Father and I am free. Empty arms are a result of Jesus work on the cross. I remember hearing in Sunday school that Jesus died for me and that He loved me. Well my 7 year old self said, “If Jesus loves me, well I will love Him back.” I was not afraid of Hell, on the contrary I wanted to go to Heaven to see Jesus. I got down on my knees and I told Him that I loved him and I was so sorry He had to die for me. I asked him to forgive me and told Him I wanted to come to Heaven. That day I was changed. Now I would love to tell you that after that day I was an angel and never committed another sin but that would be a lie and we all know what God thinks of lying. I had many struggles through the years. The death of my mom, being a teenager, I was terribly hurt by someone, got myself in more trouble than you’d ever believe and I lived “outside of the will of God” for many years. Too many. I look back and I know He never left me through all of that mess. The day came when all of those sins came into focus and I knelt at the altar at Battle Branch Baptist Church and I asked God to forgive me again and He did. God and I have a loving relationship because Jesus bridged that gap. Jesus, a friend like no other, my Savior took my place so that I could know God. If I die today I will be in Heaven and I will live for eternity because He loved me that much. The best news is He died for your sin too and if you want to go to Heaven, find a quiet place, kneel and talk to God, tell Him you are sorry for the wrongs you’ve done and accept Jesus’ forgiveness. I promise you He wants nothing more than to spend eternity with you. The love of Christ will set you free.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 55

Southern Fare

Bon Appétit March Winds Will Bring Warm Temps By Scarlett Cook

s we wait for Mother Nature to let us have spring we just have to be patient. It will arrive with all the wonderful flowers and blossoms they are a true sign that warmer weather is here. So enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day and don’t moan too loudly over the loss of an hour’s sleep.

Apple Stuffed Pork Chops 4 Servings 4 1” Thick pork chops w/ pocket cut in each one Apple stuffing Salt and Pepper 1 Tablespoon butter 3 Tablespoons water Apple Stuffing 1 Cup soft breadcrumbs 1/4 Cup diced apple, peeled 3 Tablespoons diced onion 3 Tablespoons diced raisins, optional 1/2 Teaspoon salt Pinch of black pepper Pinch of sage 1 1/2 Tablespoons butter, melted Combine all ingredients; mix well. Stuff pockets of pork chops with stuffing mix and secure pockets with toothpicks. Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper. Melt butter in large heavy skillet and brown chops on both sides. Add water, cover skillet and simmer on medium low heat for 45 – 50 minutes or until chops are tender. Marinated Green Beans 6 Servings 2 16-Ounce green beans, drained well 1 Small onion sliced and separated into rings 3 Tablespoons sugar 1/2 Cup rice vinegar 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1/2 Cup vegetable oil

56 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

1 Teaspoon salt 1/2 Teaspoon dry mustard 1/2 Teaspoon dried basil 1/2 Teaspoon dried tarragon Combine beans and onions in bowl. In jar (or other liquid spill proof container) combine sugar and vinegar and shake until sugar dissolves. Add remaining ingredients and shake to blend. Pour over beans, cover and chill for 8 hours.

Confetti Rice 4 – 6 Servings 3/4 Cup chopped onion 2 Tablespoons butter 1/4 Cup diced pimiento 1/4 Cup minced green bell pepper 3 Cups cooked regular rice Sauté onion and bell pepper in butter in heavy skillet until tender. Stir in rice and pimiento stirring constantly until heated throughout.

Herbed French Bread 8 Servings 1 Loaf unsliced French bread 1/3 Cup softened butter 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 Teaspoons dried parsley 1/2 Teaspoon dried basil 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder Preheat oven to 350° Slice French bread into 1” slices. Combine remaining ingredients mixing well Spread butter mixture on one side of bread. Put bread back into a loaf shape and wrap in aluminum foil. Bake 15 – 20 minutes.

Easy Peach Crumble 4 Servings 1 29- Ounce can sliced peaches, drained 3/4 Cup packed brown sugar 1/2 Cup plain flour 1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 Cup butter, softened Preheat oven to 375°. Grease 9” pie plate. Place peaches in prepared pie plate. Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut butter into mixture until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle mixture over peaches. Bake for 25 minutes.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 57

Southern Fare

Local Character(s) Hoyt Ramey & Family By Lorie Thompson

am old Rabun County. I grew up in this remote little community where you knew almost everyone you encountered. They knew you or at least your family. Upon meeting someone new, the first question was, “Now, who is your family?” I was proud to answer that Hoyt and Barbara Ramey were my parents. My Dad was a local home-builder. He was known for quality work and honest dealings. When I began my real estate career, it pleased me to see that other agents would put in their description of a new home listing that it was a “Hoyt Ramey built home!” His name was synonymous with quality. He was always working. He built homes by day, kept a farm, and refinished hardwood floors as a nighttime job. He was brilliant, and he could do almost anything. That is anything except cook. I have no memories of him in the kitchen other than cooking steaks outside on the gas grill. I don’t even remember seeing him make a sandwich. My mother prepared all of his food. She cooked his breakfast. She packed his lunch box every day, and she had supper waiting on him when he came in from work. I don’t think it was a sexist thing even though cooking was considered “Woman’s work in their early years of marriage.” I expect his lack of cooking was more of a practical thing, considering he always worked several different jobs and had a short time between them. The other reason might have been that he was just no good at it. He could not cook a lick! I remember the story of my Daddy’s attempt at making a banana pudding. My Mama had been in bed sick for a couple of days, and Daddy decided he wanted a banana pudding. He located a recipe in a cookbook and proceeded to make it. Somewhere along the way, he drifted from the banana pudding recipe over into a lemon meringue pie recipe. The results were inedible! He told the story saying the hound dogs would not even eat it! The only thing he could really cook was steaks on the grill. He was in charge of the Friday night feast. Somewhere in the 1970s, he concocted a steak sauce with a list of improbable ingredients that turned out

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.

58 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

fantastic. It is the only family recipe I will not share with you because we will bottle it for resale one day. Let’s just say that it is like mixing banana pudding and lemon meringue pie, but it works! Otherwise, Hoyt Ramey was a total failure in the kitchen. He and my Mom married just after graduation from Lakemont High School. Graduation at that time was at the end of the 11th grade. They were both just a month or so over 17 years old when they married. World War II was just coming to an end. While the economy in the rest of the country was improving, rural Rabun County was still impoverished. It was tough to earn a living here. My Dad headed out looking for work along with many other of his family and friends. He started in Charleston, West Virginia living there with other Rabun County men and returning home once every few months to see his family. Eventually, he was able to move my Mama there with him. They left West Virginia and migrated out to Lousiana for a while and eventually to Washington State, where many Rabun County people worked. My brother Cannon had been born, and my Mama was pregnant with Steve by then. My parents lived in a migrant tent camp along the banks of the Columbia River when a catastrophic flood occurred. They were able to escape but lost everything they had. My Dad got Mama and Cannon into the car and above the flood level before a wall of water swept away many people in the camp. He told of sitting up on a hillside and watching the water overtake the entire valley and the migrant camp with hundreds of people swept away. They found shelter inside an old chicken coop on a local farm. Later, my Mama and Cannon boarded a Greyhound bus back to Georgia. Mama was expecting Steve and holding Cannon as a baby in her arms. She suffered from motion sickness, and she told of that ride across the country as one of the hardest things she has ever endured. After that cross country bus trip, my big brother Cannon was called “Squall ball, Cannonball.” Mama said he cried from Washington to Georgia while she battled being car-sick. The 1950s saw them moving to Detroit, Michigan, and joining many other Rabun County families looking for work. My sister Debra had been born, and my Mom had her hands full caring for three children while Dad worked in the automobile factory. At some point, my Dad was injured and had gangrene set up in his right arm. He told of seeing the red streaks starting in his right hand and running up his arm. Blood poisoning! He came near death. The doctors demanded that they take off his arm to save his life, and he refused. My Mama said he begged her to keep the doctors from taking his arm. While he was suffering from a fever-induced delirium, she fought for him. As he lay near death, it was touch and go, but he survived and kept his right arm and hand. My big brother, Cannon, used to tell me how poor they were living in Michigan. They lived in the basement of a boarding house. He said to me of watching the landlord’s children eating ice cream and how he and Steve would beg for it. I would cry when he told me this story and get up and get Cannon a second helping of whatever dessert we were eating. My Grandfather, Burch Ramey, passed away in 1955 and left my Granny with a houseful of young children. My Dad came back to Georgia and settled in to raise his own family and help his mother and siblings. After returning to Georgia, he and Mama started housekeeping in a one-room home with a dirt floor located on the backside of his Mothers farm. Daddy worked by day building for other people and evenings building his own home. We sold that original home to life-long neighbors a few years ago. It ended up as a very comfortable four bedroom with plenty of room for big family gatherings. They had lived in that Ramey Road home for over 50 years. My sister Nan and I never knew the years of struggle that my older siblings remember. By

Cannon And Steve continued on page 60

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 59

Southern Fare the time I was born in the 1960s, we had a lovely home and plenty of food. My Dad still worked multiple jobs, and there was never a surplus of money, but we had a comfortable life. I have so many “Hoyt Ramey” stories. I will tell you some of the wildman stories another day. He and my Mama really lived their life! He loved “toys,” and there were always motorcycles, dune buggies, boats, horses, and even a little three-seater airplane! If he was not working, we were doing something fun! When I see one of those questions about who you would like to spend an hour with if you could choose anyone dead or living, it would definitely be my Mama and Daddy. I could not pick between them but would love to have one more earthly visit with both of them. They are forever entwined in my memories, like two sides of the same coin. When I think of my Dad, I think of my Mom. I believe that living through all of the years of hardship bound them closer together than many couples. They both loved the Lord God first and foremost, but they truly loved each other, too. They lived a great life! If your parents are still living, go find them and ask about the early years. Enjoy their stories and know that their history is your history. Enjoy this day the Lord has made! 60 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

62 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 63

Outdoors

Adventure Out Wesser Bald by Peter McIntosh

n this adventure we’re taking an early spring trip up to North Carolina for a moderate hike on the Appalachian Trail to the top of Wesser Bald. This mountaintop is similar to Rabun Bald in that there’s an old fire tower that’s been converted to an observation platform. The views from this platform are unparalleled, a 360 degree panorama with rugged mountains in all directions. Like I said, this is a moderate hike, (about 1.5 miles each way) ascending gently most of the way with a few level spots and a few steep sections thrown in for good measure. From the trailhead at Tellico Gap, we follow the Appalachian Trail north. There’s a wooden sign here that reads “Wesser Bald - 1.4 miles.” On the official AT map it says 1.6 miles, so I split the difference and call it a mile and a half. Like all of the AT, this trail is very well maintained by hard working volunteers. The footpath ascends along the southwest side of the mountain which makes it especially beautiful in the late afternoon sun. The mostly hardwood forest along this trail is beautiful and hopefully there will still be some colorful autumn leaves. As you make it higher up the trail, the pathway becomes a bit more rocky so I do recommend boots or at least some kind of substantial footwear. Near the top of the mountain there are a few switchbacks and then there you are, the summit! There’s a north facing opening right there at the top where you can enjoy the scenery and catch your breath before climbing the steep steps up to the viewing tower.

64 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Now up to the platform and oh what a view, some of the prettiest mountains you’ll see anywhere. Just below you to the north is Fontana Lake, and the high mountain on the far side of the lake is Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail and the centerpiece of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. To the east you can see Cowee Lookout, Shepherd Bald and Jones Knob. To the south, the mountain with the radio towers on top, is Winespring Bald. To the west is the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness with Stratton Bald and Haoe Bald being the high points. And do remember it can be chilly up on this tower, so you might want to bring a fleece pullover, a wind breaker or both. Take your time here, have a snack and soak up the views from this very extraordinary mountaintop. Happy hiking! P.S. At this time of year on the AT there’s a good chance you run into some thru hikers, heading north. You could pack some extra sodas, candy, fresh fruit and such to be a “Trail Angel” for these intrepid backpackers. They’ll have healthy stuff, goodies is what they want.

As we “March” into spring, another poem I do bring: Crisp mountain air and long mountain views, Is your motivation to lace up your shoes. Get out, get going, don’t be a second guesser, You’ll be well rewarded, from the tower atop Wesser. Getting there: From Franklin, North Carolina Take N.C. Hwy-28 North for 12.1 miles to Tellico Road. Stay on Tellico Road for 9 more miles. At 3.7 miles on Tellico Road it will turn to gravel. Pass the Tellico Trout Farm on your right and start the twisting climb, often under big power lines, to Tellico Gap and the rather large parking area for the “AT” and Wesser Bald access.

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 March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 65

Health & Wellness

Meet Inge She Helps Children Through Play Therapy Inge Luechinger, Psychiatric Nurse, APRN, PMH, MS, CS, RPT

Q: What brought you to Rabun County? A: The plan for me and my husband was to retire up in Rabun

County. We love to hike and be outdoors. Multiple friends and colleagues recommended this part of Georgia. We found a great home up on the mountains and decided to move from Atlanta to Rabun.

Q: Tell me about your background/training/specialty areas of treatment.

A: I graduated in Switzerland with a general and psychiatric nursing

degree. I immigrated to the United States and began working at Peachford Addiction Center after passing the Nursing Board Exam in 1986. Changing professional directions, I began working at Grady Hospital in the ICU Trauma Unit in 1990. It was often a devastating place to work, 12-16 hour shifts. Many clients ended

up there due to their long-standing histories of severe mental health problems that ended up in drug addition and led to car accidents, gunshot wounds, domestic violence or other severe injuries. After working for many years there, I decided to return to school and acquired a degree as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Psychiatric Mental Health from Georgia State University. During that time, I was introduced to play therapy. I was able to complete two courses of play therapy as an elective. After Graduation, I had several jobs providing medication management at psychiatric hospitals. Again, I observed the devastation of trauma and longterm untreated mental health problems. The effects of adverse childhood experience studies (ACES) are well documented. I decided to begin working with children and prevention of the longterm effects of trauma. Here began my road to play therapy and building my private practice. I am currently an Advance Practice Nurse in Psychiatric Mental Health and a registered play therapist.

Q: What populations do you primarily work with in your current office?

A: I work primarily with children form the age of three and older.

Trauma informed focused therapy/play therapy is my specialty. My approaches are based on the developmental ages of my clients. Many of the children I treat have lives with traumatic backgrounds or have difficulties adjusting to school or social situations. Some children experience family stressors and have adjustment problems to new situations. Play therapy lets children express their trauma/ feelings/problem experiences via storytelling play and/or sand play narratives. Play therapy is the children’s way of talk therapy. My approaches follow the psychiatrists Bruce Perry, MD and Daniel Siegel, MD. These psychiatrists integrate brain psychoeducation and brain development into the therapeutic process. Integration of trauma, self-regulation, and verbalizing of feelings are the main goals for play therapy.

Q: Since you have experience in both medication management

and psychotherapy, what would you say to individuals about the utility of both?

A: Medication can help to assist clients in utilizing self-regulation

and maintain certain levels of neurotransmitters. In children, I believe one has to be very careful with medication management. Children’s developing brains are different than fully developed brains of adults. Relying on medication only in children may give the message that “just take a pill, and this will make you feel better.” In my professional opinion, taking psychotropic medication should be accompanied with learning new coping skills, relaxation techniques, and exploration of new thought processes. These skills can be regularly practiced with children by parents, teachers, or therapists.

66 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Q: What are your ambitions for the future? A: My hope is to work and serve the community as long as my

physical and cognitive functions are in good health. I enjoy working for the Red Cross as a disaster mental health volunteer and hope to expand that role in the future.

Q: What do you enjoy when you aren’t working? A: I love to hike and enjoy my daily yoga practices. I spend hours

reading and listening to music. Reading has been my passion all my life, and I believe it has helped expand many mental/creative and professional horizons throughout my life.

Q: Anything else I haven’t asked you about that you would like to share? A: I would like to explain play therapy and the benefits to children.

Children learn via play many skills including organizational skills, setting priorities, spatial integration, and creative/analytical skills. In play, children can resolve or “play out” feelings and situations that are currently creating stress or express via play past traumatic events. Play therapy assists children to explore feelings and traumatic events and integrate them into their developmental stages. Play is often talked about as if it were relief from serious learning…but for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 67

Health & Wellness

“I waited as long as I could” Dr. Sue Aery

hen a patient comes in for help with pain, dysfunction and help with alterations in their lifestyle, and starts out saying, “I waited as long as I could”, it makes me realize that I have not done enough to educate. My job as a doctor is to help as many as I can before their pain becomes debilitating. We always want to prevent bad health situations and prepare for a better life situation with optimal health. I hope to impart good information and instill trust in order to change the story of someone who says “I waited as long as I could” to “I am here to feel great and prevent further deterioration of my health”. Doesn’t that sound better? Imagine how fun life can be when better health is the rule instead of the exception! Why would you wait at all if you’re in pain? Would you wait until your car sputtered on the highway, forcing you to pull over and call a tow truck? We all know to check the oil and fluids and change them regularly. In much the same way, chiropractic maintenance care makes sense. Taking care of your structural unit - your skeleton and organs - through a gentle tune up of your nervous system on a regular basis is like keeping the most beautiful car tuned up so that it purrs when it runs at high speeds. Making sure that the engine cranks every time you need it to is just like taking care of your body on a regular interval. Don’t wait until you are in pain, sputtering and stalling, unable to function on demand, making excuses to not be active or enjoy the things you love to do. If you take care of your body before you need to quit and rest, you can continue living your life with energy and freedom, without pain. The next time you say to yourself, “I am waiting as long as I can”, finish that sentence with “to crash and burn”. Then say, “I am ready to take better care of me so that I can live my ultimate life without pain and discomfort”!!! You can do this - just change the story that you tell yourself and others. Be proactive and proud of who you are and how you take care of YOU! Dr. Sue Aery is a chiropractic physician in North Carolina and Georgia, specializing in the whole health picture for her patients. She has a master’s degree in Human Nutrition as well as her Doctorate in Chiropractic. She has practiced chiropractic, acupuncture, TRT and nutritional counseling in the Highlands, NC, area for 16 years and opened her practice in northeast Georgia in 2020, offering many of the same specialties. With the addition of Elevation Chiropractic & Wellness in Clayton this Spring, Dr. Aery and her partners will offer even more services to this area. Dr. Sue has a passion to help others beyond just being healthy - the blend of mind, body and spirit epitomizes the message within her practice, adding flavor to the recipe for health she lives and teaches.

68 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Health & Wellness

Pet Health

Understanding the Mind of a Cat By Brad Speed, DVM

ats are fun creatures. They warm our hearts as kittens, and they warm our laps as adults. The number of cats kept as house pets has skyrocketed over the past 20 years. As veterinarians, we are seeing cats in record numbers these days. I’ve been surprised over my career by the number of cats we see in the clinic for issues related to behavior. Therefore, I thought it would be prudent to spend some time discussing the quirks and behaviors of the cat. Recognizing some of these key factors may reduce your overall vet visits, as well as dropping your pets stress level when they do need to come in. Stress is one of the most common factors we deal with concerning cats. If you had told me when I was in college how much time I would spend talking with clients about managing their cat’s stress, I would have laughed hysterically. But the fact remains that a cat’s stress level can play deeply into their interactions and overall health. One problem stress causes for cats is urinary issues. A cat who is stressed in their environment may start to urinate in inappropriate places in the house. If this happens, it is typically due to stress, or infection. Infection causes cats to sit and strain in the litterbox, while stress can cause them to avoid a litterbox altogether. It takes a vet visit to distinguish between the two possibilities, and what can be done about them. 72 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Another problem stress causes in cats is aggressive behavior. This is most often seen in a vet office, or at home when cats are forced into interactions they don’t want to have. Examples would be the addition of a new pet, kids playing too rough with them, or a house full of company. When most cats become fearful or stressed they try to hide. When that doesn’t work, they often start to growl, scratch or bite. These types of interactions make vet visits a nightmare for both the pet and the owner, and the at-home interactions can reduce your overall bond with your cat. So what can be done about stress in cats? There is actually a lot that can be done to help cats when they have these issues. First, we need to recognize what a cat is: a predator. Cats were meant to hunt for their food, not eat from a bowl. This simple truth is the root of a lot of stress for cats, especially indoor only cats. We took an animal that is adapted to hunt and prowl and brought them into a closed environment. Because of that, some cats will become stressed from boredom. The cure for this is environmental enrichment. Make sure your house has plenty of toys for your cat to play with and plenty of places to prowl around in and explore. Cat towers with scratching posts are a great example of environmental enrichment for a cat. These guys get bored. Give them something to do. Second, we need to know what irritates the average cat. Cats in general are wary of strangers, noise, bright lights, and often other pets. It is always best to approach cats in a quiet, calm manner. Examples of stress inducing actions people do to cats would be when company comes over. Your cat is hiding in the corner, but you go over and pick it up and hold it for your friend to come pet. The cat will feel trapped and may even react aggressively in some of

those situations. Young kids love to chase cats around, and that’s often how they get scratched. Talking in a loud voice is also a stressor to a lot of cats. Their ears are far more sensitive than ours, so soft low voices are much preferred. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had a cat about to go ballistic in the exam room and people are speaking so loudly that it pushes them over the edge. That is why we always strive to handle cats in a quick, quiet manner. You can greatly reduce the stress of a vet visit by staying quiet, calm, and limiting the amount of time that your cat is out of their carrier. Lastly, we need to understand how cats interact with dogs and each other. Some cats and dogs do very well together, but it is a good practice to never force those interactions on a cat. If your dogs chase your cats around, that interaction needs to be stopped. Perhaps the least understood aspect of cat stress is their interaction with other cats. I feel this is the one that leads to the most problems with litterbox aversions and urinary issues. The interplay and hierarchy between a group of house cats can be VERY complex. 90 percent of cat communication is non-verbal. Body stance, staring, tail posture, and distance all come into play when cats are interacting. This means that you could have one cat dominating another cat in your house and never really see it. If you have two cats that are growling and fighting in your house, understand that the interaction has been going on long before you picked up on it. Often times we see litterbox issues in a house when a younger cat is running an older cat off of a resource, stressing the older cat. Given that most of this is nonverbal, most people don’t recognize this is happening until we start to dig into it. Recognize that cats do most of their communication with no sound, and they will establish a dominance hierarchy whether you can see it or not. This will lead to stress and anxiety for the pets on the low end of the totem pole. You may need to give older cats a quiet place to get away from younger, more aggressive cats.

“God has given us two hands, one to receive with and one to give with.” - Billy Graham

Hopefully this article gives you a good overview of the different types of stress a cat can experience. Enrich your pets’ environment. These guys are hunters that need plenty of things to see and do. Be mindful of interactions with people and dogs, and aim to keep stressful interactions such as vet visits quick, quiet, and direct. Also, recognize that the group dynamic between multiple cats can make a big impact on an individual’s stress and behavior. A little thought given to managing your cat’s stress can make a ton of difference. If you have questions, you can always contact us at Clayton Veterinary Hospital, and be sure to stop by Claws and Paws for plenty of options to enrich your cat’s environment.

Brad is an associate Veterinarian at Rabun Animal Hospital. He graduated Rabun County High School in 2002, earned his bachelor degree in Animal and Dairy Science (2005) and then his DVM in Veterinary Medicine, both at the University of Georgia (2010). He lives in Clayton with his wife, daughter, son, and many 2, 3, and 4 legged animals.

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 73

Health & Wellness

It is Better to Have Loved? There is a famous lyric by Nat King Cole: “Is it better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all? I wonder, I wonder, As my lonely teardrops fall.”

t is not possible to experience great love and joy in a relationship without feeling sadness and loss when the one you love is no longer with you. Although I am by no means an expert on grief, I have served as a volunteer facilitator for a GriefShare group over the past four years. During that time, I have learned a great deal about the process and effects of grief from over 100 participants I have met along the way. Grieving has been described by group members as “the most difficult thing I’ve ever done”, “agonizing”, “relentless” and “allconsuming.” The process of grief is different for each person. Some may be overwhelmed for a time, but eventually are able to rebuild their life. Others may never return to the person that they were before losing their loved one. In either case there will always be memories and grief. The key difference I’ve noted between those who are able to rebuild their lives and those who cannot move forward is realizing you cannot do it on your own. When those who are grieving engage in a structured support group, they realize they are not alone in their grief. They listen to others and discover that they are not losing their mind when they are unable to perform normal daily activities after the loss of their loved one. They also hear that the feelings of guilt and anger are very normal, and that there is a big difference in feeling unhappy with life and not wanting to live. Grief is a personal journey. It is impossible to bypass grief, but there is help available along the path, not only from friends, family, pastors and counselors, but also in the form of structured grief groups like GriefShare. If you or someone you know is traveling this path, know that there are people out there who can help. One group member stated that the GriefShare group experience, “helped me to own how I felt inside and brought about an inward healing that was paramount in allowing me to move forward in my own life.” Another said, “GriefShare put me in touch with other people experiencing grief. I met and bonded with several people who had lost loved ones. Now I can understand our pain, and with the help of GriefShare I was able to begin to heal.” A third said, “The leaders were welcoming and caring. There were videos with experts on the topic of grief and group discussions where people talked about the feelings they had and their reactions to their grief experiences. I learned that although we shared many of the same feelings, the process and progression of grief was different for each of us.” GriefShare is a national, non-denominational organization that provides the guidelines and materials for GriefShare seminars. GriefShare gatherings provide help and comfort to those who are grieving the loss of a family member or friend. The thirteenweek session includes video seminars by grief experts, group discussions of the seminar material and material for personal study and reflection. You can visit GriefShare.org for more information. A GriefShare group will begin on Sunday, March 6th at 3:00 p.m. at the Clayton First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall located at 91 South Main Street, Clayton, Georgia. You may register in advance at GriefShare.org, or you may register at the first session. You may start anytime during the thirteen weeks, because the thirteen-week cycle occurs a few times each year. If you start any time after week one, you can pick up what you missed in the next cycle. You can get more information about the current session by emailing claytongriefshare@gmail.org. or by calling 706-782-4426.

74 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Around Town

When you Explore Rabun, you’ll discover Our Mountain Treasure!

any of the folks who “aren’t from around here,” and even many that are, may not be aware of all the truly amazing things that can be found in Rabun County. And quite honestly, knowing about something doesn’t always mean fully understanding and appreciating it. Sometimes we don’t really stop and take a look at the things that are right in front of us every day. It isn’t surprising as we are all just trying our best, doing what we need to do and getting caught up in our own priorities. But if you are able to take the time to look, explore, learn and experience, you will find wonders all around you, especially if you’re here in Rabun County! These mountains hold so much more than just amazing views, although they are very good for that, too. From their natural environment, to their history and culture, to the people who are inspired by them, there are so many things that truly make this place “Our Mountain Treasure,” and something to be cherished. So, let’s take the time right now and explore something right here in these mountains that you may not already know much about. How ‘bout the Chattooga River? It defines our eastern border with South Carolina and means so much more than just a dotted line on a map. The Chattooga first came to prominence in 1971 with the filming of the movie “Deliverance,” starring Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight. Several area expert river runners actually worked as advisors and stunt doubles for the movie. Two of whom, Payson 76 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Kennedy and conservationist Claude Terry, founder of American Rivers, a non-profit that works to preserve and protect many of the nation’s most beautiful rivers, then started their own rafting companies on the river – Nantahala Outdoor Center and Southeastern Expeditions. In 1974, Mr. Terry, with the help of friend, Georgia Governor and future President, Jimmy Carter, as well as Wildwater Chattooga co-founders Jim and Jeannette Greiner, were able to get the Chattooga River officially designated a National Wild and Scenic River, just six years after Congress established the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act states that “certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” Designated rivers offer many benefits to their communities. They are home to some of the best fishing, boating, hiking and scenery anywhere, naturally filter and store clean water, preserve some of the most important ecosystems on the planet, enable native plants and animals to thrive, and provide amazing adventures and recreation, just to name a few.

The Chattooga River is one of the longest and most spectacular free-flowing mountain rivers in the Southeast. Over a distance of 50 miles, the river descends an average of 49 feet per mile from its headwaters in North Carolina along the state line between South Carolina and Georgia. It’s beauty and magnificence are unparalleled. And, as a designated Wild and Scenic River, not only is the river itself protected, but a quarter mile buffer zone on either side of the river is legally protected from any activities that would harm the river’s character or benefits as well. Speaking of benefits… Besides its natural beauty, our Chattooga River is overflowing with world class adventure and recreation. A rafting trip down the Chattooga makes an amusement park roller coaster ride seem like the swing on your grandma’s back porch! Southeastern Expeditions, Nantahala Outdoor Center and Wildwater Chattooga are the only rafting companies commercially licensed to operate on the Lower Segment of the Chattooga River by the U.S. Forest Service, and offer guided rafting trips through rapids class 1 through 5, beginner to expert. And, not only is the Chattooga River home to the best whitewater in the region, it also boasts some of the best trout fishing. Rated by Trout Unlimited as one of the top 100 trout streams in the nation, the Chattooga is best known for its big brown trout, most ranging from 9 to 14 inches. However, the river does yield some large rainbow and brook trout as well. Put in near Burrells Ford Bridge to try your luck and skill. North of the bridge, the fish are native and wild – bigger, spookier, harder to catch, and way more fun to fight when you hook one. At the end of the day, we expect you’ll be the one who’s hooked! If you haven’t seen it for yourself, you really must. The Chattooga River is definitely one of our most amazing Mountain Treasures, right here in our own backyard. And there are many more. Let’s explore them all. For more information visit ExploreRabun.com or stop by our new Rabun County Welcome Center and let us tell you ourselves. We hope to see you soon!

Photo of Chatooga River (Right) by Mark Oleg Ozboyd, www.gawaterfalls.com Other photos courtesy of Explore Rabun Article by CJ Thompson

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 77

Around Town

Michael on the Map

n this series I will be traveling to the towns of northeastern Georgia and western North and South Carolina, sharing my adventures and discoveries as I meet the locals who make up the area. Hop in my Jeep and let’s hit the road! Take 3: Tallulah Falls As your trusty journeyman geared up for this month’s chronicle entry, our piece of southern Appalachia welcomed gloriously milder weather than what we had witnessed in weeks before. Mother Nature had just previously

78 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

pounded parts of Rabun County (and much more) with over a foot of snow, rendering thousands of people homebound and without electricity or running water. It was during three trying days that this still sophomoric backwoods mountain man learned to use a gas-powered generator in what would have otherwise been a modern-day manifestation of Little House on the Prairie. Nellie Oleson would not have had it, not that she was generally agreeable under any circumstance. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, indeed. But on today’s adventure the skies were clear, and the temperature topped out at a gorgeous 56 degrees. All smiles, I set out down the mountain for the town of Tallulah Falls. It was a Led Zeppelin kind of day. Incorporated as a town in 1885 and straddling Rabun and Habersham counties, Tallulah Falls is a hamlet of only 8.6 square miles and 199 permanent residents but boasts one of the most striking geological formations in this part of the country. As the indisputable centerpiece of the town of Tallulah Falls – and somewhere I have visited many times throughout the years – breathtaking Tallulah Gorge at Tallulah Gorge State Park is a sight to behold. Plunging nearly 1000 feet into the earth, “The Deepest Canyon East of the Mississippi” stretches for nearly two miles of the Tallulah River basin. It is the water that runs through this gorge that creates the community’s namesake. What once appeared more as one colossal cataract, but due to the controversial construction of a hydroelectric dam in 1913 (built to operate Atlanta’s then streetcar system), is now a series of smaller waterfalls, with Hurricane Falls – at 96 feet – being the biggest. Formerly known as “The Niagara of the South” visitors can go back in time to witness the original behemoth totality of Tallulah Falls in the first two weeks of April and November each year, when the dam is opened, and the water is released. On these days the gorge becomes a very popular recreation area for more advanced kayaking and whitewater rafting. It was here in its natural capacity that Burt Reynolds famously broke his tailbone performing his own stunts in 1972’s Deliverance. Also of Hollywood note, classic stage and screen star Tallulah Bankhead was named after her paternal grandmother, who was named after Tallulah Falls. Recalling my trips to the gorge in years past, I wanted to find the roadside vantage point (with vintage coin-operated viewfinders) that was cemented in my memory from childhood, so I set out for the iconic Tallulah Point Overlook. With lament, I discovered it is temporarily closed. But coming soon! Rambling around in my Jeep, what I found instead was the former owner of that exact place, Mary Beth Hughes, who has been a part of this community for 31 years. And check this out. In a serendipitous but organic twist of fate, Mary Beth beams, “I was able to relocate my old store – the feel, ambiance, and products, from Tallulah Point Overlook – to another old store in Tallulah Falls built by the same man – J.E. Harvey – to what was actually the original general store for the community. And I was just blown away. This was the perfect place for me to land.” Renewing this legacy, aside from offering sundries such as reproduced antique tin toys and other nostalgia items, regional books and hiking guides, locally hand-made candles and soaps, jewelry, and more, Mary Beth stocks historically “general store” items such as local eggs and local March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 79

Around Town

milk, where the “local kids run down here and get milk and eggs for their momma”. (Did I mention local?) She puts it on their tab or subtracts from a cash envelope in the drawer. What is old is new again. This same principle rings true in today’s embodiment of the original Tallulah Falls Railway station. Now eloquently named Tallulah 1882 – of her tea house, and coffee and bake shop in the historic building at the corner of US 441 and Main Street – creative partner Christine Potter stated, “The main thing for me is the connection of people.” This structure, which in days long passed connected people filling passenger cars by rail line, now connects locals and visitors alike, over a cuppa of the area’s widely varied selection of organic herbal and caffeinated teas and nootropic elixir sidecars, coffees, baked goods, and small bites. Upon my arrival, I asked Christine’s daughter, Evangeline, to create me something “mood elevating”. The task came to pass without pause, and I thoroughly enjoyed my hibiscus-hued iced symphony of goodness. My sandwich (I doubt you can go wrong with any given day’s special) – which Christine herself grilled up for me – was also sensational. And the atmosphere is enchanting. Mood elevation in tow, today’s journey to beautiful Tallulah Falls was one I won’t forget. Whether you choose to trek the 750 steps to the suspension bridge spanning across it, or also the additional 450 to the bottom, any visit to this area demands a trip to the gorge. Any inaugural trip to the gorge should include the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. If you are craving southern fare such as fried pickles or fried green tomatoes, you can’t go wrong with Main Street Grill & Barbeque, just around the corner. And speaking of food, Mary Beth is coming over for dinner this weekend. Her favorite classic rock band is The Allman Brothers. Cheers!

“Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man. Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can”

80 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 81

Around Town

Of These Mountains is Sprouting Up All Over By Kendall R. Rumsey

ell 2022 has got us all on the run and Of These Mountains is no different. This year we have so many exciting things ahead we can barely contain ourselves!

Right after the first of the year, we announced that Of These Mountains would be opening our second retail store. This second location will bring us home, to Downtown Clayton! This Spring, Of These Mountains will be opening at 39 East Savannah Street. We are so excited about this new location and can’t wait to open and provide all of our great merchandise for our hometown community. In addition to our own merchandise, the Clayton store will also feature products created by local and area vendors. We are currently filling those retail slots, if you have something you think would work well with our brand, contact us, we are always happy to check it out! We will keep our Clarkesville store open and continue to work with partners to carry our line in their own retail shops. Currently, in addition to our retail stores, OTM can be found in Helen, Lakemont, Hayesville and we have other exciting opportunities coming up. Our online store continues to grow, with customers from all 50 states and 2 foreign countries in 2021! www.ofthesemountains.com Spring and Summer will keep us busy with festivals throughout Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, as we have done over the past few years. We get excited when we can take our brand to other locations, helping us spread the story of Rabun County, the people who call us home and the community that makes us so special. Our final announcement (for now) is the Of These Mountains Spring MarketPlace. After the success of our Fall MarketPlace this past November, we will once again return to the Rabun County Pavilions in May. With 100 craftspeople, artists, makers and small businesses, the Of These Mountains Spring MarketPlace will be held on Saturday, May 14th from 10am until 5pm. We are super excited about the year ahead. It’s going to be a lot, so bear with us, but we are growing because of your support, our hometown, our neighbors, the generations that came before us and those yet to come. We are proud to represent Rabun County with our Of These Mountains brand and look forward to continuing to tell our story! Here’s to 2022 and to moving forward!

Kendall Rumsey is a resident of Clayton, Georgia. He is owner of the lifestyle brand Of These Mountains and author of the blog, Notes from a Southern Kitchen. www.ofthesemountains.com www.notesfromasouthernkitchen.com

82 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Skiing Cattaloochee

by Liz Alley

y sister Lynn and I drove up the mountain into North Carolina, close enough to our mountain town to be familiar. We were headed to Maggie Valley to ski at Cataloochee. As a teenager, I loved to ski and learned how on the icy mix of Sky Valley. It had been over 25 years since I’d been to Cataloochee but there we were, in our fifties going to give it a whirl, well, hopefully not a whirl. Well, hopefully not a whirl as that could involve broken bones. We stopped for lunch at a local diner. I love diners and I look for them whenever I travel. I like the diners where the parking lot is filled with Fords and Chevys and this was one of those. There was not one car outfitted with ski racks and out of state plates. This diner was not on the list my cell phone provided under “places to eat near me” as these old diners don’t usually have an internet presence. They are there for the folks who know where they are. I felt at home in this diner where the people had accents that were familiar to me and where old men stood in line and talked about the rising gas prices and how our country was going to…well, let’s just say a hand basket was involved with the destination. I like diners where waitresses are not frazzled by the clangity clang of the lunch crowd and where they call me “Honey” or “Sweet Pea” but not in that inauthentic condescending way. I like diners that make their own chili and coleslaw for their hotdogs and take pride in informing me of that. Afterall, this is important information because we all know coleslaw can be tricky, especially on hotdogs. Nobody wants deli coleslaw on a hotdog. Also, no Southerner wants coleslaw too runny or too chunky, period. But, on a hotdog, the coleslaw has to be just right, and this diner had it down pat. I like hearing the conversations around me at diner. On this day, someone called across the room to a woman seated alone in what looked like a patchwork quilt turned jacket and said “Irene, how’s Buford a doing?” And without cracking a smile shouted back “still mean as a snake.” I liked everything about this diner which made me reluctant to leave but, today the mountains were calling and they were saying “come on and ski girls” so, we went. A few years ago, this same sister and I went to Colorado to ski

and visit her son and my nephew, Tucker. He worked at the ski slope in Vail. Oh the trickle-down perks that came with that job. Upon arrival, Tucker treated us white glove service. Well, white ski glove service! He fetched our gear for us. He put our boots on our feet and buckled them. If you’ve ever skied, you know this is no small feat.( No pun intended, maybe a little) He procured our complimentary lift tickets and pointed us to the lift, and like a dream we moseyed up the mountain. At Cataloochee this was a horse of a different color. I had forgotten how exhausting preparing to ski can be, especially at this age. Lynn and I were unfamiliar with Cataloochee so like cattle we followed other people to lines that read “Boot Rental”, “Ski Rental” and so forth. That was nothing compared to actually putting the ski boots on. At one point while trying to bend over and snap one of her buckles, Lynn said “I think I just cracked a rib.” I, wanting to assist, put all the strength my arms had into the buckle landing me in the snow in front of her. My own buckled feet, I realized, felt like two sausages in their casings. I must say when we finally made our way to the lift I was wondering if skiing had been such a good idea after all. After a couple of short runs on an easy trail we decided to go to the harder ones. At the top of the mountain we saw two blue trails and one black diamond trail named “The Alleycat.” We agreed it was fate and down we went. It was on that trail it all became worth it, as for eight minutes the wind was in my face, my skis made that rhythmic sound of a zig zag on snow and all that had lain dormant in me about how to ski came rushing back. For eight glorious minutes, I was 16 again. Over and over we skied that trail until the light grew dim and with each run, my spirit was in sync with the mountains. It was a beautiful thing. On the way home, we drove past the local diner but this time the parking lot was full of Fords and Chevys for the supper crowd. We drove past motels with names like “Mountain View, Mountain Lakes, Mountain Mama” and such. We passed a barbeque joint called “Butts in the Creek” and indeed it was by the creek and I assume the butts belonged to the pigs. We passed dirt roads with names like “Hog Pen Road”. Lynn and I agreed it should be located next to “Slop Bucket Road” in Rabun County. Soon, we were back to our spot on the map, Clayton. We stopped for dinner at one of our own local places where I ran into a couple I went to school with , all the way from 1st to 12th grades. I sat at their table and asked them questions like “How’s your mama n ‘em?” They told me and it filled me to the brim. “These mountains” I thought on my way home “these mountains with fog rolling off them and covering us like soup. I sure do love these mountains.” March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 83

Our History

Chief Justice Logan E. Bleckley

Hair Like Moses, Self-Taught in Law and Decisions with Wit and Poetry By Dick Cinquina

tanding a lanky six-feet-five, Logan E. Bleckley was not known to frequent barbershops. His hair hung loosely around his shoulders, and his generous beard flowed down his chest. When asked about his appearance, he replied that Moses also wore his hair long, which also had the benefit of protecting his neck. Bleckley was a student of philosophy, mathematics and a serious poet, although one of his poems pays homage to cucumbers, said to be his favorite vegetable. His resemblance to an Old Testament prophet and the cucumber stanzas aside, the Rabun County native is renowned as Georgia’s greatest jurist of the nineteenth century. As an Associate and later Chief Justice of the state’s Supreme Court, he became one of the most quoted judges in America. He accomplished this despite being completely selfeducated in the law…and just about everything else. “Destitute of Real Learning” Born in 1827 near Clayton, Bleckley, like most children at that time, had virtually no formal education. Itinerant teachers passing through Rabun County accounted for his only schooling several months out of the year. Later in life, he said “while not illiterate, I was destitute of real learning.” His father was clerk of Rabun County’s Superior, Inferior and Ordinary courts, and Bleckley began working in his office at the age of 11. Copying legal documents gave him an early love for the law. In addition to borrowing law books from traveling circuit lawyers, he studied Blackstone’s Commentaries, an eighteenth century treatise on British Common Law that formed the basis of the American legal system. The self-taught Bleckley was admitted to the Georgia bar at 18 under a special act of the Georgia legislature since he was not 21. Bleckley opened a law practice in Clayton in 1846. During this time, he was outraged at seeing a Clayton woman imprisoned for not paying a debt. He drafted and then helped pass a bill in the

Logan E. Bleckley 1827-1907

Dick Cinquina holds graduate degrees in history and journalism, making his work for the Rabun County Historical Society a natural fit for his interests. He is the retired president of Equity Market Partners, a national financial consulting firm he founded in 1981. In addition to writing monthly articles for the Georgia Mountain Laurel, Dick helped produce the Society’s new web site and is involved with the renovation of the group’s museum. After vacationing in this area for many years, he and his wife Anne moved to Rabun County in 2018 form Amelia Island, Florida.

84 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Georgia legislature that exempted women from arrest for non-payment of debt. This effort culminated in the Georgia Constitution of 1868 that banned imprisonment for debt. Annual Income of $45 After two years of practicing law with an annual income of only about $45, he moved to Atlanta in 1848 to pursue a better living. Bleckley took a job as a bookkeeper for the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Then in 1851, he became one of the governor’s secretaries in then-capital Milledgeville. He resigned a year later to open a law office in Atlanta. In 1853, he ran for a four-year term as Solicitor-General of the Coweta Circuit, which encompassed eight counties and the city of Atlanta. He later wrote, “The office was believed and reputed to be the best-paying office in the State, and so was an object of desire by nine other gentlemen as well as myself.” After several ballots by both houses of the Georgia legislature, Bleckley was elected to the post.

Judge Bleckley’s boyhood home near Clayton

Learning the Art of Homicide After completing his four-year term, Bleckley returned to private practice in Atlanta. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Confederate army. He said he went through training “at a camp of instruction, endeavoring to acquire some skill in the mobile art of homicide.” A pacifist by nature, Bleckley said at the time, “I loved my friends, but I did not hate my enemies.” Before Bleckley could commit homicide as a Confederate soldier, he was honorably discharged due to poor health. However, he continued to serve the Confederacy as a legal advisor for the duration of the war. He resumed his private law practice after the war, but in 1875 the governor appointed Bleckley an Associate Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. Serving on an overburdened court, Bleckley resigned for reasons of poor health in 1880. He was summoned back to service in 1887 when named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Decisions with Wit, Common Sense and Simplicity

The old schoolhouse where Judge Bleckley got his education

On the Supreme Court, Bleckley did not enunciate any groundbreaking constitutional or legal principles. However, his opinions were widely read for their wit, common sense and ability to distill complex legal issues into simple, understandable language. The chancellor of the University of Georgia once commented that Bleckley’s wit was “continually bubbling up in his driest decisions like a fountain leaping from sawdust.” And many opinions contained stanzas of his poetry. As Bleckley once said, he had “a strong and unaccountable propensity to metrical transgression.” He labored over his court decisions. “I reconsider, revise, scrutinize, revise the scrutiny and scrutinize the revision.” In so doing, Bleckley strived “to make plain that which was confused and to make simple that which was difficult.” Many of his Supreme Court decisions (and poems) were written at his cabin retreat on Screamer Mountain in Clayton.

Bleckley Memorial Institute - 1916 March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 85

Our History

Chief Justice Logan E. Bleckley

continued

By Dick Cinquina Some examples of his court rulings include: “The true law everywhere and at all times delighteth in the payment of just debts…the best possible thing to be done with a debt is to pay it.” “To be too drunk to form the intent to kill, he must have been too drunk to form the intent to shoot.” “Fun is rather energetic even for Christmas times when it looks like a disposition to indulge in a little free and easy homicide. Shooting powder guns at a man as a practical joke is among the forbidden sports.” “It is unjust to do justice by doing injustice. A just discovery cannot be made by an unjust search. An end not attainable by just means is not attainable at all; ethically, it is an impossible end.” “To do as one pleases, even when he pleases, is his business. To act absurdly, or from low impulses, is a very precious right.” “Some courts live by correcting the errors of others and adhering to their own.”

I was elected Chief Justice of Georgia, for if you had known it, you could not possibly have sent me this pass. I herewith return it” Swinging on Grape Vine Into Clayton In 1894 at the age of 70, Bleckley retired as Chief Justice, again citing poor health stemming from the court’s crushing workload. However, he continued consulting on legal matters with colleagues and delivering speeches around the country. Once, when returning by train to Atlanta from New York with a group of attorneys, Bleckley was asked where he was from. He replied “Clayton.” The lawyers said they never heard of the place and asked how he got there. Bleckley answered, “You ride the Southern Railway as far as it will go. You get off there (in Cornelia) and take a buggy or surrey and go as far as the road goes. There, you stop and hire a horse and ride up a trail as far as the horse can go. When you get off the horse, you will see a long grape vine, and you grab it and swing into Clayton. That’s the way I always get home.”

Bleckley hated the intrusion of emotion into his courtroom. He condemned not only lynchings and mob violence, but also demagogic appeals to juries. “A jury swayed by passion is a moral mob.”

Bleckley attended the University of Georgia to study higher mathematics at the age of 73. However, he spent most of his time in retirement at his home in Clarkesville writing poetry and essays. He died at his home in 1907 at 79 and was buried at Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery. Clayton erected a stone memorial to Bleckley in 1937, and his bust can be viewed in the foyer of the state’s Judicial Building in Atlanta. Bleckley County, established in 1912, was named in his honor.

His insistence on impartiality is revealed, along with his subtle wit, in a letter he wrote to the general counsel of a railroad in 1887. “Sir: By this morning’s mail, I received your letter enclosing an annual pass over your railroad. Of course, you did not know that yesterday

Bleckley’s widow, Chloe, donated property and contributed $7,000 in 1911 for a high school in Clayton on Pinnacle Knob facing Screamer Mountain, the site of her husband’s cabin. Logan E. Bleckley Memorial Institute opened in 1913.

Hated Demagogic Appeals to Juries

Learn more about our history by becoming a member of the Rabun County Historical Society. Membership and complete information about the Society’s museum are available at www.rabunhistory.org. The newly renovated museum at 81 N. Church St. in downtown Clayton, which houses the Southeast’s largest collection of Tallulah Falls Railroad artifacts, is open Thursday-Saturday from 11 to 3. The Society is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, making membership dues and donations tax deductible. Visit us on Facebook. Dick Cinquina holds graduate degrees in history and journalism, making his work for the Rabun County Historical Society a natural fit for his interests. He is the retired president of Equity Market Partners, a national financial consulting firm he founded in 1981. In addition to writing monthly articles for the Georgia Mountain Laurel, Dick helped produce the Society’s new web site and is involved with the renovation of the group’s museum. After vacationing in this area for many years, he and his wife Anne moved to Rabun County in 2018 form Amelia Island, Florida.

We are pleased to announce we have a new shipment of Sketches of Rabun County History by Dr. Andrew Ritchie. To purchase this book visit the Museum Mon, Wed or Friday 10 am - 2 pm.

86 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Making Log Water Pipes Adapted from Foxfire Magazine, Spring 1976 Original article by Bob O’Dwyer. Interviews, photos, and diagrams by Bob O’Dwyer, Jeff Fears, and John Matthies. Diagram of water system

hen it comes to modern homes, few of us would dare to live without indoor plumbing. But for folks in the mountains, running water only became available less than 100 years ago (and that usually didn’t include toilets!) Up until then, water was hauled from nearby streams and creeks back to the house. Some people, however, created simple systems with wooden pipes. Using an auger, they would drill out the center of long, straight logs, then taper the ends to interlink the pipes. After fitting the logs together, they buried them underground in a pipeline that would bring the water straight to a spigot made from poplar and then flow into a springhouse, where they would keep their milk and butter cold. Some of these underground lines could last as long as 60 years! In the early 1970s, the Foxfire students were interested in seeing this process done. They finally found Garnett Lovell, who they interviewed in 1976. Garnett came from a long line of blacksmiths; Garnett used an auger made by his grandfather Elijah when demonstrating this craft to Foxfire students. Both his father and grandfather made and used these log pipes. After reaching out to Garnett, he promised the students he would show them how to make a pipe if they brought him a six-inch diameter, ten-foot long pine log. To make a pipe, you’ll need to use an auger that is at least half as long as the pipe. Garnett held his upright for the Foxfire students so they could capture just how big it was. He drilled through one end of the pipe as far as the auger would go, then did the same thing on the other side. Once the hole was clear through the center of

Garnett Lovell stands his auger upright so Foxfire students could see how tall it was.

Continued... March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 87

Our History

Garnett’s grandchildren drink from a poplar spout fed by his wooden pipe system. The end of Garnett’s auger, hand-forged by his grandfather

FOXFIRE - continued. the log, he used a drawknife to taper one end of the pipe. The tapered end of the pipe fits into the bored-out end of another pipe. Just before locking the pipes together, he wrapeped a rag around the joint to minimize leakage. Foxfire student John Matthies drew a diagram of Garnett’s home system, showing the movement of water from a spring downhill to his springhouse. This was called “gravity water” by folks here in the mountains. Later, store-bought pipes made of clay or cast iron replaced the wooden ones until the arrival of modern materials like PVC. Learn more about early water systems in Foxfire 4!

Garnett uses his auger to drill a hole down the center of the log.

Garnett tapers the end of a pipe with a drawknife. 88 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

Foxfire is a not-for-profit, educational and literary organization based in Rabun County, Georgia. Founded in 1966, Foxfire’s learner-centered, community-based educational approach is advocated through both a regional demonstration site (The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center) grounded in the Southern Appalachian culture that gave rise to Foxfire, and a national program of teacher training and support (The Foxfire Approach to Teaching and Learning) that promotes a sense of place and appreciation of local people, community, and culture as essential educational tools. For information about Foxfire, foxfire.org, or call 706-746-5828.

Garnett fits two pipes together.

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

March 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 89

One Last Thought...

By The Way

Cunningham gives up show business! By Emory Jones

was riveted to a rerun of Bonanza the other night when we heard something grunt on the outside back porch. At first, I thought Hoss, a consummate character actor, had eaten too many of Hop Sing’s spring rolls, but even after digging out the remote and mashing mute, the grunting was still there. “What on earth?” asked my wife, Judy, as I raced to the door. Then she started hollering, “NO! NO! DON’T LET HIM IN!” over and over. She must have thought it was a robber. Knowing burglars don’t work nights, I opened the door anyway, and man, was I tickled pink. Because that grunting sound came from none other than my former pet pig Cunningham! He was home from Hollywood!. Even after Judy got a good look at ole Cunningham, I don’t think she recognized him. Because she folded her hands and started praying, “Please Lord, Please Lord” over and over.

sat the pig down and told him point-blank that he was too ugly to act and too lazy to play guitar. I’m forever indebted to Mr. Costner for that. Cunningham’s agent offered to pay for singing lessons but teaching a pig to sing is a waste of time. Plus, it annoys the pig. So, with no hope of moving up to “dead pig number 2—let alone “dead pig number 1,” Cunningham understandably became disheartened. His day job rooting out weeds on the Miss Piggy Estate also fell through as she can no longer afford a gardener. That’s understandable. While she once had a figure that would melt the wax off a Dixie cup, she is now has a pork belly that would make a Sumo wrestler jealous. At least to hear Cunningham tell it. The last straw was when Ron Howard asked Cunningham to audition for a nude scene with Billy Bob Thornton. Showing good judgment, he declined, and the role went to one of those Kardashian girls. I forget which. Anyway, Judy and I are happy Cunningham is back home. I am anyway.

Looking back, I can see how she failed to realize that the pig lying at the door was Cunningham. Hollywood had changed him. For one thing, he had on a knock-off pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. He also sported a new ring in his nose and had notched his right ear in three places. Plus, the pig had dropped a couple hundred pounds, so it’s easy to see how Judy got confused. But not me. I was as happy as a seagull with a French fry to see my ole buddy Cunningham again. Judy was, too, because she left the room real quick so the pig wouldn’t see her cry. That’s how she was raised, bless her heart. Since I still hadn’t gotten my truck’s transmission out of the bathtub yet, I took the pig out to the hot tub to wash up. (By the way, have you ever noticed how “bathtub” is one word and “hot tub” is two?) Weird. Anyway, as we soaked, Cunningham filled me in on his time in Tinsel Town. It seems that after being booked as “dead pig number 3” in five different movies, he’d become typecast. That happens way too often with people actors and is especially problematic for a pig. Poor ole Max Adalbert Baer, Jr. still can’t get a job as anything but Jethro. When Cunningham auditioned for a speaking part on Yellowstone, the director made fun of his Georgia accent. Finally, Kevin Costner

Emory Jones grew up in Northeast Georgia’s White County. After a stint in the Air Force, he joined Gold Kist as publications manager. He was the Southeastern editor for Farm Journal Magazine and executive vice president at Freebarin & Company, an Atlanta-based advertising agency. He has written seven books. Emory is known for his humor, love of history and all things Southern. He and his wife, Judy, live on Yonah Mountain near Cleveland, Georgia. 90 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - March 2022

LAUREL of Northeast Georgia - March 22

Articles inside

Rabun County Historical Society

Ski Cataloochee

Of These Mountains

Michael on the Map – Tallulah Falls

Pet Health

GriefShare

Be a Lifesaver

Cover Artist – Cathy Jowers

Mental Health

Adventure Out

Local Provisions

Bon Appétit

Rabun for the Gospel

Life is a Blessing