November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 1
2 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 3
4 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 5
9
WELCOME
Georgia Mountain Laurel November 2021 • Volume Eighteen • Issue Eleven
from the Publisher
With the holidays right around the corner, I am making my list and checking it twice... turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin crunch! Oh you thought I was going to say pie but I have a favorite Thanksgiving dessert and it’s easy and delicious! (See Page 26). I know I have shared it in the past but it is good enough to share again. This is our Giving Thanks issue which focuses on the Giver of all things, the Creator of the universe and all that is in it. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, one can not adequately reflect these mountains without acknowledging who put them here. Faith has always been a part of the mountains and we pray it always will be. Never intending to offend only wishing to share, we hope you will enjoy this issue and the spirit behind it. This issue also has threads of gratitude to Veterans as this is the month that they are recognized and honored for their service. We know that thank you is inadequate, yet that is what we offer for those who have and are currently serving all across the world. Your sacrifices = our freedom and for that we are grateful. We’d like to thank our readers and our advertisers for their support as this year nears its end. We encourage you to shop locally and support your neighbors and friends in the northeast Georgia area. So mix up the pumpkin crunch and make plans to visit with family and friends as we offer up thanks for all we’ve been given and for this wonderful place we call home. Happy Thanksgiving! Tracy
STAFF Georgia Mountain Laurel Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Publisher/Editor - Marketing - Tracy McCoy Office: 2511 Highway 441, Mountain City, Georgia 30562 Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com Graphics - Lucas McCoy Contributing Writers: Marketing & Office Manager - Cindi Freeman Emory Jones; Jan Timms; Lorie Thompson; Dick Cinquina; Assistant Office Manager - D’Anna Coleman Amanda Howard Pileski, PhD; Jaime Smoot Speed; Writer - John Shivers Taylor Tibbetts; Roger Glenn; Zack Ford; Craig Everson; Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh Karla Jacobs; Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wrightt Copyright 2021 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Georgia Mountain Laurel 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 GML 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 Georgia Mountain Laurel maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.
6 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Contents
Arts & Entertainment 12 16
2021 Northeast Georgia Arts Tour Pottery of Whelchel Meaders on Display
Southern Cuisine 20 24
Bon Appétit The Family Table
Looking Back 30
Rabun County Historical Society – The Saga of Chub Wall
24
Just Thinking 34 36 38
A Salute to Our Treasured Veterans MFC Motorcycle Ride – A Big Success By The Way
Outdoorsy 44
Adventure Out
Faith in Christ 48 50 52 54 56 58 60
R4G – Rabun For the Gospel River Garden Jesus Followers The Privilege of Stewardship Life is a Blessing Graditude is an Action Word Foxfire – Selma Mosley
44
Live Healthy and Be Well 62 66 70
National Alzheimers’ Month Mental Health – Parkinsons Pet Health - Pet Diabetes
Laurel Homes 74 78
Embrace This Home; It Will Embrace You! There’s No Place Like Home.
Around Town 82 83 84 85
Holiday Shopping Expo You Can Make a Difference How Can We Work Together to Help List of Local Charities
70 November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 7
8 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 9
10 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 11
9
THE ARTS
Wind Your Heart Around Art Join the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
A
s the gold and crimson leaves swirl through the mountains, get in your car and take a self-guided tour to see the creative work of artists that dwell there. Visitors will find one-of-a-kind handcrafted work from painters, potters, jewelers, photographers plus art made from wood, fiber and glass. They will also have a story to tell about meeting the artist and some of the scenery they enjoyed along the way. Join in the fun November 12, 13, and 14, 10am – 5pm. Just follow the signs to 30 locations in Towns, Union, Habersham, Rabun, and White counties in Georgia and Clay County, North Carolina. Map brochures are available at welcome centers around the state and participating vendors in each county. The route is online at artstour.org. For updated photos and links, visit NGAARTSTOUR on Facebook and Instagram. For additional information, contact Mary Lightner at 407-9731978 or mzlight1@gmail.com.
12 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Finding Art
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 13
Finding Art
14 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 15
9
THE ARTS
Pottery of Whelchel Meaders on Display By Emory Jones
Photos courtesy of the Folk Pottery Museum
The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia announces a new featured exhibit, The Pottery of Whelchel Meaders. It opened on October 8, 2021 and will be on display until April 1, 2022. The exhibit features traditional items such as pitchers, whiskey jugs and candle holders, as well as more decorative pieces such as a “Boo” pot, a coffee maker and a variety of face jugs in all sizes. Born in the Mossy Creek area of White County, Georgia, Whelchel was born into a family that had been potting since the late nineteenth century. He came to pottery after a career with the United States Navy, followed by over thirty years working for the Georgia Department of Transportation. “As a key member of the Meaders family, Whelchel has always been a potter of interest to the museum,” says Folk Pottery Museum director Meghan Gerig. “The pieces in this exhibit reflect an evolution of a niche artistic language that has been around for generations. Yet, Whelchel, through creativity, experimentation, and collaboration, has found a distinct style. From face jugs to candle holders, this exhibit summarizes a lifetime of dedication to folk culture.”
16 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Also on display in the Museum is the People’s Choice winner from the 2021 Folk Pottery Show & Arts Festival. “Nature Speaks” by Rex Hogan of Cleveland is a sculptural piece depicting a crow over its nest of eggs. The Museum is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm. A modest admission is charged. Ensuring the safety of visitors to the Museum is a priority. Masks are required and social distancing is recommended. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is located at 283 Highway 255 North, ¼ mile north of the intersection with Georgia Highway 17, and four miles southeast of Alpine Helen. For more information visit www.folkpotterymuseum. com or call 706-878-3300. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is a property of the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Events at the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia are supported, in part, by the Swanson Family Foundation. To learn more, visit www.snca.org.
Lakemont, Georgia
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 17
Make Every Day Thanksgiving Day!
18 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
9 SOUTHERN CUISINE
T
Bon Appétit
– Take Time to be Thankful By Scarlett Cook
he last two years have really taken a toll on our personal lives. Many of us have lost loved ones or have been affected by Covid in other ways. In spite of these challenges, we all have reasons to be thankful. The easiest way in the South for us to say “thank you” is with food. Double this meal and deliver it to someone that you know has gone above and beyond what their “normal” job required. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Easy Do Ahead Quiche Serves 6 – 8 1 9” Frozen deep dish pie shell, unbaked 2 Cups grated Cheddar cheese 2 Cups grated Swiss cheese 4 Slices bacon, chopped 1/2 Pound hot sausage 1 Small onion, chopped 1/2 Green pepper, chopped 1 4-Ounce can sliced mushrooms, well drained 4 Eggs 1/4 Cup half & half Preheat oven to 375°. Place pie shell on cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. In skillet cook together bacon, sausage, onion and green pepper. Drain well on paper towels. Cover bottom of baked pie shell with 1 cup each of Cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Spread bacon mixture over cheeses. Sprinkle with mushrooms. Top with remaining cheeses. Beat eggs with half & half. Pour over ingredients in pie shell. Bake 45 – 55 minutes. This quiche can be made a day ahead and baked the next day.
20 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Marinated Asparagus Servings 8 – 10 4 Pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed 1 Cup vegetable oil 1/2 Cup white wine vinegar 1/2 Cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 Cup chopped green onion 4 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 Teaspoon sugar 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard 1/4 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 Teaspoon salt Steam asparagus just until tender. Combine remaining ingredients in jar and shake. Place asparagus in glass dish with cover (or use plastic wrap). Pour marinate over asparagus and refrigerate at least 6 hours. When ready to serve, drain asparagus.
Whole Wheat Muffins Yields 12 muffins 2 Cups whole wheat flour 3/4 Cup sugar 1/2 Teaspoon salt 1/4 Cup butter or margarine 1 Teaspoon baking soda 1 Cup buttermilk 1 Egg Preheat oven to 350°. Grease muffin pan. Combine flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter. Add baking soda to buttermilk and mix until foamy; stir in egg. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until just moistened. Bake for 20 minutes.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 21
A Taste of the Mountains 22 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 23
9 SOUTHERN CUISINE
The Family Table By Lorie R. Thompson
W
ow! What a fall season! Terrific weather has encouraged large numbers of visitors to come to the mountains. The restaurants are full. The streets of downtown Clayton are full, and every Realtor in the area is working seven days a week. If other area agents and business owners are like me, there are not enough hours in the days of October and November to get it “all” done. Whatever your individual “all” is.
When my business heats up and my time at home is short, I start looking for quick meal solutions that provide good food for my family without requiring long hours in the kitchen for me. Let me share some of my favorite fast Fall recipes with you. These are home-cooked “fast food” recipes! Lemon Piccata Chicken is one of my favorite foods to eat, and it is an easy dish on the budget and in the kitchen. With a few shortcuts, it is quick and easy to make. Serve it with an Arugula Salad and my Rustic Mashed Turnips and Potatoes. You will have supper in minutes, and it is wonderful!
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.
24 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
For the Lemon Piccata Chicken, choose thin-sliced, boneless and skinless chicken breast. If you have plenty of time, you can choose a whole breast and pound it out with a meat mallet between two sheets of plastic wrap. This is a great method to get the cutlets thin, and they cook crispy, but it does take a little time. If you are short on time, buy the thinsliced breast at the grocery store. They are a little thicker, but the cooking time is only minutes more. Lightly salt each cutlet. Keep the salt light as the capers in the sauce are very salty! Dredge the cutlet in flour. (I like self-rising flour for a dredge. The leavening agents keep the crust light.) Dip the cutlet in milk or buttermilk and then in seasoned bread crumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with parsley and pepper.) In a large, heavy skillet, heat 4T of butter and 4T of olive oil until just warm. Rough chop a garlic clove and add to the oil simmering over low heat for 3 minutes. Remove the garlic and turn the heat up to medium. Place the breaded chicken in the oil and fry for 3-5 minutes or until the crust is brown. Turn each cutlet and cook on the opposite side until it is brown and done. Remove to a platter and hold in a warm place. Reduce the heat on the pan and add a finely chopped shallot—Cook for 2 minutes. Add 2T of capers and 1T of caper juice. Add the juice from one-half of a lemon, reserving the other half, cut into slices. The garlic cloves used to perfume the oil can be chopped and added back into the sauce. Optionally, add 1 tsp of dijon mustard. Add 1/4 C of chicken stock. Cook to reduce the sauce by half. Add 2T of butter and the reserved lemon slices. Serve the sauce over the chicken cutlets. For a straightforward salad, use pre-washed Arugula with dried cranberries (Craisins). Toss the greens in a store-bought lemon vinaigrette and top with shaved Parmigiana-Reggiano Cheese. You can use any dried fruit, vinaigrette, or cheese. The dried cranberries and the lemon vinaigrette go particularly well with the Lemon in the chicken dish, but experiment! The mashed Turnips and Potatoes are a thing of beauty! For a rustic mash, leaving the skin on is fine. Use a thin-skinned potato such as a Yukon Gold or a new potato from the garden. Pair them with small, tender turnips. Scrub the vegetables with a brush under warm water. Cut any blemish, and the root and stem end away from the turnip. Chop into equal-sized pieces and rinse. Add chicken stock halfway up on the potatoes and turnips. Add November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 25
9 SOUTHERN CUISINE
The Family Table
water to cover. Add one clove of garlic, chopped. Add 1-2 tsp of salt for 2-3 C of potatoes and turnips. Add pepper of your choice. Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Place a lid on the pot for the first 10 minutes. Remove the cover and allow most of the liquid to cook out of the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft, adding more liquid if needed. When the vegetables are soft, remove from heat and mash using a potato masher. Add 2T of butter, 2T of whole buttermilk. Stir in the butter and buttermilk and taste for salt. Adjust the liquid, adding more milk or cream if needed. Serve the potato and turnips alongside the lemon chicken and the salad! This is a quick and easy meal you will be proud to serve your family! I often see people on social media who use the month of November to note a specific item each day as the focus of their gratitude. I love this idea! I am publicly claiming November as my month of gratefulness!
Publisher’s Favorite Pumpkin Crunch
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 3 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. Cinnamon 1/2 tsp. Salt 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup butter, melted Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom of 9” x 13” pan. Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour mixture into greased pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and top with pecans. Drizzle melted butter over pecans. Bake 50-55 minutes. 26 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
If you are reading this article, I am grateful to you for allowing me your time and energy! Please let me know if you make my dish and enjoy it! Happy November!
A Taste of the Mountains
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 27
28 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 29
9
LOOKING BACK
Rabun County Historical Society
The Saga of Chub Wall – Murderer, Counterfeiter, Moonshiner and Escape Artist Named for a Baitfish By Dick Cinquina
S
hort, weighing just over 100 pounds, highly intelligent and graced with a choirboy face, he was nicknamed for a small baitfish. He made up for his diminutive stature with guns and his willingness to use them. No jail could prevent him from escaping, but before one jailbreak, he ran a counterfeiting scheme behind bars. And while committing crimes, he worked as an IRS agent responsible for busting moonshiners, all the while making illicit corn whiskey in his own stills. Born in 1879, Miles Houston “Chub” Wall was described by the Atlanta Constitution as “a notorious North Georgia desperado.” But violent criminal that he was, his daring and creativity had to be admired. One story has it that he rode through Clayton in a coffin to evade capture. An escape artist with a sense of humor, Chub left the Hall County sheriff a letter explaining how he made his getaway from that jail. And according to lore, he showed up at his mother’s funeral disguised as a woman to keep from being arrested for one of his many crimes. Criminal as a Teenager As teenager, Chub was known to steal sheep, cattle and just about anything that was not nailed down. A Rabun County jail logbook indicates that Chub’s first brush with the law occurred in 1898, when at the age of 19, he was arrested for an unspecified misdemeanor. He was released from jail. Later that year, he was arrested for “rioting” but again was set free after paying a small fine.
A clipping about Chub Wall from the Atlanta Georgian in 1906
Things took a turn for the worse in April 1899 when Chub shot and killed Tyre Queen in Clayton with a .38 caliber revolver. He claimed Queen attacked him with a knife and that he shot the man in self-defense. No charges were filed in the matter. However, Chub’s propensity to settle disputes with guns only grew with time. “Horrible Murder on Dick’s Creek” The June 7, 1900 edition of The Keowee Courier in Pickens, South Carolina, reported a “horrible murder on Dick’s Creek (in eastern Rabun County). “On last Sunday, Christopher O’Byrne, a peddler by trade, was shot by M.H. Wall, more familiarly known as “Chub” Wall.” The story goes on to report that Chub was an IRS agent, who was instructed to go to the residence of one Tom Page on Dick’s Creek to find a moonshine still.
While Chub was serving time in Florida for rum running, Rabun County Sheriff Luther Rickman decided against returning him to Georgia, preferring instead to leave him in jail in Florida.
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. 30 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Various newspapers wrote that Chub found O’Byrne in the loft of Tom Page’s house and shot him in the leg without provocation. After O’Byrne jumped out of a window, Chub shot him again, this time fatally. The Keowee Courier reported, “The verdict of the Coroner’s Jury was that O’Byrne came to his death at the hands of M.H. Wall, who shot him in cold blood.” Chub was jailed but “denied any knowledge of the murder and claims to have never seen O’Byrne until after his death.” Sentenced to Death by Hanging During his trial, The Atlanta Constitution wrote, “Wall is a small boy or man, weighing perhaps 110 pounds, about twenty years old, has a bright, intelligent face and wore a countenance during his entire trial that looked anything else but a murderer.” Despite his angelic appearance, Chub was found guilty of murder in August 1900 and sentenced to death by hanging. The Clayton Tribune reported, “A strong public sentiment prevails against Wall because of his affiliation with those connected with the internal revenue service.” It would seem that Rabun County moonshiners were just as upset about IRS agents busting stills as they were about the murder. Chub remained in jail pending appeal. His attorneys argued that due to the vast amount of publicity surrounding the case, it was impossible for Chub to receive a fair trial. A new trial was granted, but the case was remanded to Rabun County. The retrial again found Wall guilty but his sentence was reduced to life in prison. After he served three years in the state penitentiary, questions arose about the veracity of certain prosecution witnesses in Chub’s two trials. In 1903, The Atlanta Constitution reported that “much of the testimony upon which Chubb (sic) Wall was convicted… nearly three years ago was of so doubtful character that the governor decided to commute Wall’s sentence to the time he has served.” Chub was a free man, but he did not stay out of trouble for long. Shooting His Uncle In October 1905, Chub came across his uncle, Augustus Wall, who, according to newspaper accounts had refused to sign a petition for Chub’s pardon for the O’Byrne murder. It was said that both men had been drinking and got into a heated argument. True to form, Chub shot his uncle, although not fatally. He was found guilty of assault with intent to murder in 1906 and sentenced to the Hall County jail for “safety,” either for his own or, more likely, for that of the people of Rabun County. After a short time, he escaped by cutting through his cell bars with a saw provided by a visitor. It is not known if the saw was baked into a cake. Later that year, The Atlanta Constitution reported that a man giving his name as W.M. Crowis, who “was taken up
Chub Wall surrounded by law enforcement officers taking him to Gainesville for imprisonment
by Marshall W. W. Winn of Cochran (near Macon, Georgia) after a hot chase down the Central railway 7 miles distant, turns out to be Chub Wall.” He was returned to the Hall County jail. Counterfeiting While Serving Time Even in jail, Chub had a propensity for trouble. While behind bars, he started a counterfeiting ring. Before any bogus bills could make it into circulation, Chub’s jailers discovered the scheme. Facing a counterfeiting charge which carried a hefty prison sentence, Chub once again escaped from the Hall County jail. This time, he left a note for the sheriff, gloating about how he made his getaway. The Hall County sheriff spent the better part of a year tracking Chub down before being notified that he had been arrested in Custer, South Dakota in 1909. The sheriff traveled to Custer to retrieve Wall, but habeas corpus proceedings and some legal maneuverings delayed Chub’s return to the Hall County jail. In fact, he did not return to Georgia with the Hall County sheriff, because Chub escaped from his Custer jail. Convicted for Moonshining After four years as a fugitive, Chub was arrested for moonshining in 1913 by an IRS agent in Rabun County. His arrest was made on a tip that was received after a “four figure” reward was posted. Chub was sentenced to four years in prison for moonshining and other charges related to past crimes. However, he served only a portion of this sentence before unexpectedly receiving a pardon from Governor Nathaniel E. Harris in 1915. Records do not indicate a reason November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 31
Rabun County Historical Society for the pardon. Though reelected in 1916, Harris received only 89 of the 719 votes cast in Rabun County, allegedly because of pardoning Chub. In 1919, Chub was caught with 45 gallons of moonshine when the Ford in which he was running the whiskey became stuck in a muddy South Carolina road. He was remanded to Rabun County for trial, where Chub was convicted of moonshining and other charges related to past crimes. He received a seven-year prison sentence. However, Chub escaped from a chain gang allegedly with the help of his mother, who was said to have gotten the chain gang foreman intoxicated with a quart of whiskey (not necessarily of her son’s making). Rum Running From Cuba As a fugitive, Chub fled to Mississippi and then Florida, where he went to work cleaning homes. This gave him the opportunity to steal furniture, which the enterprising Chub sold in Cuba. On his return trips to Florida, he ran rum into the U.S. in violation of Prohibition law. Chub eventually was apprehended by Florida authorities and served time in prison. Rabun County Sheriff Luther Rickman decided against returning him to Georgia, preferring instead to leave the notorious criminal hundreds of miles away in Florida. There is no record of Chub’s whereabouts after his prison time in Florida. What we do know is that The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) reported funeral services for “John O. (Chub) Wall” at an LDS (Latter Day Saints or Mormon) chapel in Salt Lake City in 1945. If John O. Wall was, indeed, Miles Houston Wall, Chub was 66 at the time of his death and would have undergone a religious conversion. Stranger things have happened. A former lawman called Chub Wall “the meanest desperado in Rabun County so far.” He was a killer, a counterfeiter, a moonshiner and a Houdini-like escape artist. That is an impressive resume for a diminutive man with an angelic face named for a baitfish. 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. 32 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 33
9 JUST THINKING
A Salute to Our Treasured Veterans By Colonel Roger Glenn (US Army, retired)
N
ovember is a beautiful time in Rabun County. The annual, magical transformation of our landscape changes from mostly green to a tapestry of color, inviting people from near and far to partake in the visual spectacle of deciduous trees beautifully losing their leaves, only to become dormant for the short winter in anticipation of a vibrant spring. But there are three colors that are always proudly on display in Rabun County, those of our beloved Stars & Stripes and her reds, whites and blues. Rabun is a patriotic place, lived in and loved by those who appreciate that America has stood as a beacon of individual liberty and freedom unlike the world has known. There are many distinguishing characteristics of our community, but none more obvious and demonstrative than the appreciation and respect for those who have or are still serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. This includes the families of those brave men and women whose quiet support and humble sacrifice often goes unrecognized.
programs for veterans who have served in active combat theaters. Guests are welcome, so if you’re not a veteran but want to meet some genuine heroes, you’ll find a conspicuous concentration just north of Clayton on Main Street (Old Hwy 441 if you prefer).
Rabun County isn’t a place where words are unmatched by deeds. Our businesses are full of signs of patriotism and support for veterans. Military discounts are more the norm than the exception. Honoring veterans isn’t something imagined by corporate Public Relations departments, it’s heartfelt.
Rabun County has a very active Rotary Club and its President, Jef Fincher was effusive in his acknowledgement of the service and sacrifice of our local veterans and their criticality in ensuring the freedoms which all Americans enjoy. There are quite a few veterans who are continuing their service as Rotarians. “We all owe a debt of gratitude to our Veterans who selflessly serve every day at great expense and sacrifice to protect all that we selfishly take for granted. To all veterans and their families, Rotarians acknowledge and thank you for your service.”
Within the county, we have a VFW (Clayton, Post 4570) and an American Legion (Mountain City, Post 220). Adam Swiencicki, Commander of the local VFW shared with me that the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ mission is to serve veterans, the military as a whole, and their respective communities. Adam is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. If you visit our local post, you’ll find friendly people in a clean, smoke-free environment, with a plethora of events and entertainment. Most of the veterans are from Korea and Vietnam, but if you are a veteran of our lengthy conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan, I urge you to consider becoming a member. In addition to the camaraderie, you help the VFW advocate for veterans and play an important role in shaping the national consciousness, awareness and
Rick Story of Forward Rabun pointed out how appreciative Rabun County and its businesses are for veterans, and this sentiment is evident given the regular events they sponsor, to include the monthly Vet-to-Vet cafes (held at the Civic Center) and the annual Veteran’s Tribute dinner- held annually on November the 11th. “We love and appreciate the veterans in our community and we want to take every available opportunity to thank them and honor them for the service they’ve rendered to this great country of ours. We stay in touch with our local veterans liaison office and we invite their staff to participate in our meetings and activities as well,” said Rick.
Even if you’re not at the VFW, it isn’t hard to spot a veteran, many of whom will wear commemorative items like the ubiquitous baseball cap emblazoned with all manner of military regalia including their service, conflict, or unit. Others may opt for a stylish t-shirt. It doesn’t matter. The statement is clear. They are proud to be an American, proud of their service, and understand the price to be paid for otherwise somewhat abstract concepts like freedom and individual liberty. These are people who have found something much larger than themselves in the course
Roger Glenn is a REALTOR® with Poss Realty in Clayton. He came to Poss after a 31-year career as a Military Police officer in the United States Army and Army Reserve. He is a Distinguished Military and Cum Laude graduate of The Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. In 2018, Colonel Glenn graduated from the U.S. Army War College with a Masters of Strategic Studies. He also has 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development in senior leadership roles, mostly in the high technology industry. He is married to a fellow Realtor, Laura (Glenn) who is also his partner in real estate. Roger was a regular visitor to Rabun County before moving here full time in the fall of 2020. He enjoys fitness, exploring nature, gardening, blogging, music, and college athletics. The Glenns are sponsors of a community website for Rabun County- parkbench.com/rabun-county.
34 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
of life, and have paid forward a ransom to be guardians of all that we hold dear: our lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness. They decided to join a team, and subordinate their own interests. Veteran’s Day is a day to celebrate them, and that is the intent of our own Tracy McCoy, herself an outspoken Patriot and believer in the importance of honoring veterans. Her father Hoyt Speed served in Korea and she has three nephews who have completed multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Rabun County is chalk full of veterans. Extraordinary human beings like Gary Cantrell, also the Senior Vice Commander of the VFW, who served in Vietnam as an infantryman. His unassuming manner nearly hides his gallantry in combat which resulted in two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. Gary was born and raised in New York, but now calls Sky Valley home. He was drafted in 1968 and spent 12 months ‘over there’ before finally being forced to separate in 1970 as a result of injuries sustained in combat. Gary believes that Veterans Day is an important occasion to recognize the service of veterans, to include the ‘veterans of a veterans’, a colloquial term for a military spouse. Often the service member receives gratitude, but if you talk to veterans they will tell you how difficult it is to be a family member of a military member, whether deployed to a combat environment or otherwise. They are somewhat forgotten when it comes to our gratitude, but it would be hard to exaggerate the importance of their support and sacrifice. If you have the chance, thank their families too. They certainly deserve it. Gary also remembers his friend Anthony John Minotti who died in the same attack in which he was wounded. Sergeant Minotti's name is on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC and you can Google his name to learn more about him and other veterans that were killed in the line of duty. Memorial Day is the day in which we honor the fallen. While they are ‘gone’, at least in the physical sense, Gold Star family members keep their legacies alive. If you don’t know about the Gold Star program, you’ve got a gaping hole in your understanding of the cost of freedom and preservation of our beloved Republic. Gold Star family members like Lisa Hanson should be treated as national treasure, but mostly remain humble unsung heroes. Our veterans are a treasure trove of history and memories. Sometimes a veteran is reluctant to share their feelings, or stories about what they’ve endured simply because it is difficult to explain or put into context for those who haven’t come face-to-face with their own mortality, and the awesome responsibility of using lethal force. Recruiting commercials often make it seem cool, and movies rather romantic. But the effects on the human soul can be devastating, tragic and confounding. These burdens are carried by many veterans who stepped forward when the call came.
Another local legend of sorts is George Warren. This man is a walking storybook of military experience. While perhaps none can top the fictional Forrest Gump, George is not far behind. He fenegaled his way into the Army at the tender age of 16, following the legacy of his father who served in North Africa under General Patton. He turned 18 on a place known as Heartbreak Ridge in Korea in October of 1951. He attained the rank of Sergeant Major (the highest non-commissioned officer rank) before retiring after 22 years of service, which included a long tour in Vietnam. When you talk to George, you’re talking to a man who laid on top of a landmine that had been sprung, only to realize after a short while that it was a ‘dud’ and his life wouldn’t end in that moment. But he also remembers how hard his combat service was on his mother. After leaving Korea, he was dead set against living in the mountains, but in the late 1990s Screamer Mountain caught his attention, and he’s lived in Rabun County ever since. His book “SMAJ” is available on Amazon. Rabun County is full of exceptional people, most of whom have and continue to live their lives with a deep understanding of the greater context of a collective society more so than the individual. But none chose a more harrowing, consequential and momentous manner of service than the men and women of our Armed Forces. It’s hard to understand the psychology of a human being that is willing to answer the call of freedom. It is awe-inspiring to watch them fulfill their oath of service. Most can’t understand the guilt of being away, living in utter austerity, or the grief of losing a dear friend. To some degree, it escapes logic and is incomprehensible to those who haven’t run its grueling, gauntleted marathon. Veterans Day is one day a year, and serves as a useful reminder of the enormous price that has been paid to attain our great nation, and the protection that the United States of America has provided to the rest of the world. They are worthy of honor, gratitude and remembrance. May we never lose sight of their courage and sacrifice. To all my fellow veterans and their families, thank you and God Bless you! You are Rabun County and our nation’s finest. November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 35
9 JUST THINKING
MFC Motorcycle Ride – A Big Success By Craig Everson
A
mazing Job Rabun County and the surrounding area! You’ve made a huge difference in several Veterans’ lives!!
On September 18, 2021 the MFC Motorcycle Club’s Smoky Mountain Chapter hosted it’s fourth Annual Charity Fundraiser to support the North East Georgia Homeless Veteran’s Shelter (NEGHVS) in Winder, Georgia. It was an overwhelming success resulting in $13,921.42 raised through monetary contributions and an additional $3200.00 in donated food and household products. It was a beautiful day and over 50 bikes participated in two simultaneous 101-mile motorcycle rides starting from both Cycle World of Athens and Southern Devil Harley Davidson of Cartersville. Both fine organizations have supported this event for the past 4 years and are generous sponsors. The ride culminated with a large BBQ, live band, auction, and raffle at the Copperhead Lodge in Blairsville, Georgia which has hosted this charity event annually. The MFC Motorcycle Club would like to thank the following Law Enforcement departments that donated their time to escort the motorcycle ride throughout the 101-mile adventure; Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Cornelia Police Department, Cleveland Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. A big shout out to several individuals, local artists,
36 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
businesses and resorts who generously donated to this event. Donors included but were not limited to, Poss Realty, Willow Valley RV Resort, Home Depot, Walmart, The Ridge Resort on Lake Chatuge, Andy’s Market, Brasstown Valley Resort, The Solovey Art Collection, Copperhead Lodge, Franklin Picture Framing, and Hellcat Tattoo. Thank you for your support, we could not do this without YOU. That’s why we love living where we do! Your efforts made a direct and positive impact on many Veterans’ lives!! Pastor Fawn runs the NEGHVS and is so grateful for both the MFC MC’s donations and the support of the local community. On October 5, 2021, the MFC Motorcycle Club’s Smoky Mountain Chapter presented Pastor Fawn with a check in the amount of $13,921.42 as well as the food and household products that were donated during the charity event. So, what happens now? MFC MC is already planning its 5th Annual Charity event for NEGHVS on 17, September 2022. Stay tuned for more information on the event! Until then, Please ride safe and be mindful of our two wheeled friends.
Franklin, North Carolina
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 37
9 JUST THINKING
By The Way
Why does my smartphone make me feel dumb? By Emory Jones
I
hate my so-called “smart” phone. And I have ever since my wife, Judy, insisted I get the darn thing.
stumbled into an opportunity to get ahold of some cardboard boxes cheap. So, I answered back, “Maybe.”
She says I need to keep it with me at all times because she worries when I don’t have it. In my opinion, she should worry more when I do have it. And, to tell the truth, we’d been married 20 years before I ever heard of a cell phone, and even then, I thought it was just a new telephone system for the jail.
Then the man said, “Great, but I can only guarantee this low price if you act right now.”
I’ve had trouble with that phone from the get-go. First of all, it would crash every time I turned it on. Turns out I had it in airplane mode, but who knew? Judy has always been critical of my driving, but now she’s even become fretful that I might run out of gas or have a flat tire and need to let somebody know about it. But I don’t know all that many people who would give a hoot that I’ve run out of gas or had a flat tire. Judy even wants to get rid of our good-ole landline phone. But I keep telling her that dialing my number on that thing two or three times a day is the only way I can keep up with my cell phone.
I replied, “How much are you asking?” Then, not wanting to sound too eager, I added, “Because we can always get used ones for free—all I have to do is find a liquor store.” Then I heard the other man say: “I’ll have to call you back. Every time I say something to you, some idiot in the next stall keeps asking for directions to the liquor store!” While it’s never happened to me, I’ve heard that some people even get anxiety attacks every time their cell phone malfunctions. Well, if their phone is anything like mine, they must get anxiety attacks pretty often. I even read about one lady who had to go into rehab because she couldn’t stop texting. That’s why I absolutely refuse to touch that text feature. It’s not that I’m not smart enough—it’s more about sending a message.
My dislike of cell phones perhaps stems from the embarrassment I felt the first time I came in contact with one. It was a few years back, and I was driving to Pelham to interview a couple of peanut farmers for “Nuts are Us” magazine. If you’ve ever grown peanuts, you know the one I’m talking about. Anyway, just outside Macon, I pulled off the four-lane to “freshen up,” as the ladies say. Since the first stall was already taken, I went into the next one over. At that point, the man in the first stall says, “Could I interest you in buying 500 cases of commercialgrade cardboard boxes?” Now, ordinarily, I’m reluctant to strike up a conversation in a situation like this, but I thought I might have accidentally
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.
38 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 39
Clayton, Georgia
40 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
CLAYTON FUN FACT: Claytonsville, named after prominent jurist and congressman Augustin S. Clayton, was founded in 1821 as the county seat. The town was incorporated in 1823 and renamed Clayton. rabunhistory.org
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 41
42 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Shop, Dine, Explore – Clayton, Georgia
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 43
9
OUTDOORSY
Adventure Out
Brasstown Falls, South Carolina By Peter McIntosh
O
n this adventure we’re going to visit a stunning series of cascades, just across the state line in South Carolina. Our destination is Brasstown Falls, located just a few miles past the community of Long Creek, South Carolina. In actuality, Brasstown isn’t a single cascade but, if you include the sluice, a group of five individual falls, each different from the next. And I’m thinking there will still be some nice fall color through the middle of November down along Brasstown Creek. The trailhead is located at the end of Forest Service Road 751. I wrote about this beauty spot four years ago, but it’s worth revisiting now because the trail has been completely rebuilt, with a bridge, timber frame stairs and a sweet observation platform. This used to be a hazardous trail, tough to negotiate in parts, but now it is wide, safe and very accessible. A job well done by the Sumter National Forest Service and all the hard workers who participated in the trail restoration! From the trailhead it’s just a short way to a split in the trail. On the trail to the left there’s a sign that says “Day Use Only.” This trail takes you over a nice footbridge and a clearing at the base of Little Brasstown Falls. (I suggest saving this lovely cascade for the end of your trip as it’s a nice spot to cool down after climbing back up all those stairs.) Continuing along the mostly level trail, we begin a gentle descent before reaching the newly constructed stairs. These steps take you to the platform overlooking Upper Brasstown Falls, a tumbling cascade, flowing this way and that, dropping about 50 feet. Continuing
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
44 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
down the trail, we reach more steps leading to the base of Lower Brasstown Falls, a beautiful vertical drop, falling about 20 feet into a pool. The Middle Falls is a tumbling cascade just above the vertical drop. And last but not least, and if you want to go down a little farther, the stream sluices through a chute, down another 20 feet, to a deeper pool. I imagine this bottom pool is a popular swimming hole in the summer. For now, take a break, have a snack and soak up the scenic splendor of Brasstown Falls. Happy hiking!
As Autumn fades, like a dying ember, here’s my poem for November: We’re heading east just past Long Creek, To see four lovely waterfalls well worth a peak. And there’s one more, counting the one that sluices, Go see them all, I’ll accept no excuses! continued on page 46
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 45
9
OUTDOORSY
Getting there: From US 441 in Clayton, take Hwy 76 East a little over 13.5 miles, through the community of Long Creek to Brasstown Road on the right. (As of this writing, there is not a waterfall sign so keep your eyes open for the Brasstown Road sign.) Stay on Brasstown Road for 4.2 miles. (the last 1.4 miles is gravel) Where the road crosses over Brasstown Creek, turn right before the bridge, on FS 751 and go 1/2 mile to parking area. Remember, turn right, don’t go over the bridge. After turning right, Brasstown Creek should be on your left, paralleling the road somewhat.
46 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Life was made for good friends AND great adventures
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 47
9 FAITH IN CHRIST
Stop Praying Safe Prayers By Zack Ford, Senior Pastor Grace Bible Church
O
ne thing that I’ve noticed about the Reformed Christian crowd that I am a part of is that we often pray safe prayers. Sure, we pray. Sure, we implore God. Sure, we boldly approach the throne of grace in our time of need. But we often end (or begin) our prayers with phrases that let God “off the hook” or make His not answering easier for us to swallow. Phrases like, “If this is your will, please …” Or, “Please do so and so, but I recognize it may not be in your will to do so.” I don’t know if this is you or not, but I know it has been me in recent times. And the Lord has been using His Word to challenge me to stop praying safe prayers. I was recently reading through the Gospels and came across statement after statement from Jesus that just didn’t quite square up with the safe prayers I was praying. Matthew 21:22 – “Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Mark 11:24 – “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Luke 11:9 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” John 14:13 – “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” And it isn’t just Jesus in the Gospels saying things like this. Later in the New Testament Epistles we see things like: James 1:5-6 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” 1 John 5:14 – “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” Now to be fair, many of us have experienced the gross and outlandish misinterpretation and misapplication of these passages of Scripture, and so our default position is one of caution. We rightly caution that Jesus is not giving us a carte blanche to get whatever we want in life. We rightly caution that we are not to be presumptuous in our prayers, expecting that God is our magic genie in the bottle, there to fulfill our every wish. We rightly caution that it is not the measure of our faith that causes God to act, but His Sovereign will based on His eternal decree. All of these are good and healthy cautions, and ones that we must keep in the back of our minds and warn new believers of as they may be lured away by the false teachings of our day. But brothers and sisters, even after all of these right cautions, let us not miss out on the incredible promise given to us by Jesus
48 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
and the other writers of the New Testament, and the amazing privilege afforded to us to commune with and entreat the God of the universe in prayer. Let us not make the cautions our main focus. Those of us who rightly emphasize the meticulous sovereignty of God in all things must be careful not to downplay, or worse disregard, the words of Jesus concerning prayer. As one preacher put it, we are often guilty of putting the back-of-our-mind cautions (“God may not answer this prayer because it may not be His will”) at the forefront of our mind (“God I’m going to ask you to do this, but I know you probably won’t because it probably isn’t your will.”) With the utmost focus on the sovereignty of God, and careful attention not to presume upon Him, let us be men and women who pray God-sized prayers. Let us implore Him to move and act in a way that only He can, in a way that is only explainable by the fact that the God of the universe has intervened and acted on our behalf. Let us model the bold prayer of John Knox: “Give me Scotland, or I die.” As Burk Parsons says of Knox’s prayer, “Knox’s prayer was not an arrogant demand, but the passionate plea of a man willing to die for the sake of the pure preaching of the gospel and the salvation of his countrymen. Knox’s greatness lay in his humble dependence on our sovereign God to save His people, revive a nation, and reform His church. As is evident from his preaching and prayer, Knox believed neither in the power of his preaching nor in the power of his prayer, but in the power of the gospel and the power of God, who sovereignly ordains preaching and prayer as secondary means in the salvation of His people.” As we prepare to enter into the holiday seasons and prepare for a new year — with all that has gone before us in these tumultuous years of 2020 and 2021 — what are the mountains in your life waiting to be moved, by God’s sovereign decree, through the means of your faith-filled prayer? What is your Scotland, for which you earnestly implore the Lord to the point that you would rather die than not see that prayer come to pass. We aren’t talking here about asking the Lord for health, wealth, and prosperity. We are talking about those things that we know, by virtue of His perfect, sufficient, and inerrant Word, are in accordance with His Will and bring Him honor and glory. We are talking about asking Him for wisdom in a decision that we need to make or in a situation we need to handle, wisdom that would result in our good and His glory. We are talking about asking Him to overcome the hardness of heart in the lives of your neighbors and to enable you to have an inroad to faithfully and boldly proclaim the Gospel in
a winsome way. We are talking about imploring Him to work in your marriage to enable you to be a sacrificial husband or a loving, honoring wife, to the end that your marriage would be a beacon to the world of the beauty and truth of the Gospel. As I ponder some things going on my own life, I am speaking to myself as much as, if not more, than anyone reading this. While this is by no means an exhaustive treatment on the topic of prayer, I want to challenge you, as I challenge myself, to enter into this holiday season and the upcoming New Year committed to praying God-sized, unsafe prayers — committed to stop saying safe prayers. May we be men and women who come before the throne of grace with bold faith and expectant hearts, asking God to do what only God can do, that He may receive all praise, honor, and glory. Soli Deo Gloria!
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 49
9 FAITH IN CHRIST
50 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 51
9 FAITH IN CHRIST
Jesus Followers by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wrightt
Running into Grace
A
common misconception about our family is that we all must be saints. In reality, we are all a bunch of sinners, often making mistakes and in need of discipline, correction, and grace. One of the most powerful moments of grace in my life happened after yet another knock-down, drag-out fight with my sister, Morrow. Usually when one of us did something to upset the other, we would draw an invisible line down the middle of the bedroom we shared and forbid the other person to cross it—or else. The “or else” usually involved throwing things or hitting each other. Really mature stuff. On this particular afternoon, I did something to push Morrow beyond the limits of her patience. She chased me out of our room, down the stairs, through the kitchen, and around the corner toward the back door. Running for my life, I felt terror spurring me on. Still, Morrow was closing in fast. My memory of the scene is all in slow motion. As I rounded the corner, I could see the glass door ahead barring my way to freedom. I opened the latch as fast as I could, and in my adrenaline-fueled panic, I slammed it right as Morrow reached me. What I hadn’t anticipated in that moment of victory was that the glass would shatter on impact. Into a million shards. Much to my shame, I didn’t even turn around to look. I knew I was as good as dead. My mom and dad were so authoritative that George Washington, Napoleon, and General Patton all would have stood at attention and saluted if they ever heard their names called by either one. In the wake of the shattering glass, my sense of guilt and the certainty of the dire consequences to come sent me running to the best hiding spot I could think of: the back-seat floorboard of my mom’s navy-blue station wagon. I roasted in the close confines of the stifling car. But I really started to sweat when I heard Mom calling me. Chills snaked up my spine, as if I were playing in some horror version of hide-and-seek. My mom came into the garage, yelling my name. Eight years of obedience training had taught me to respond when being called. I knew I had stalled long enough. I opened the door of the car and climbed out, my face on fire from embarrassment and shame. My mom said in a booming voice, “Go to your room!” If she said anything else, I didn’t hear it over the locomotive roar of blood rushing through my veins.
52 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
My parents must have known that solitude would give me time to think about my actions. I felt horrible as I wondered whether Morrow had gotten hurt. I also felt horrible as I wondered about the pain to be inflicted on my backside. I contemplated packing my pants with stuffed animals to cushion the sting of the spankings that were sure to come. As if my dad wouldn’t notice the shape of Peter Rabbit under my sweatpants! Then I heard the familiar creak of our stairs, and I knew my dad was coming. I braced myself for the look of disappointment and the inevitable consequences. Dad came in and sat down on the edge of my bed, causing the springs to squeak. I remember the lights weren’t on, but the late-afternoon sun cast shadows across the room. What happened next took me completely by surprise. “Rach, I want to teach you about grace,” my dad said. “What you did was wrong. You deserve to be punished and spanked. But instead of punishing you for breaking the glass door, I am going to take you to get ice cream.” I felt like time had frozen while my brain processed what I was hearing. I began to cry. Dad went on to explain that his grace to me was a picture of God’s grace to us. We deserve death for our sins, but God sent His Son to the cross to take away our sins and give us eternal life. When we place our faith in Jesus, we no longer live under the horror of knowing our sins are sending us to hell. Instead, because of His grace, we are forgiven and blessed, and we can walk in freedom. I think that was the first time I truly grasped what grace is, and I’ve never forgotten it. So many times we run from God. We
want to hide because we know we are guilty. We are ashamed and afraid of the punishment that we surely deserve. The magnificent thing that no human brain can ever fully grasp is how deep and wide is God’s love for us. He knows where we are hiding and why we are hiding. Yet He comes to us, wraps His arms around us, and extends His grace to us. He wipes away our sin—forever! Anne Graham Lotz—called “the best preacher in the family” by her father, Billy Graham—is an international speaker and the bestselling and award-winning author of numerous books, including Jesus in Me and the newly released book The Light of His Presence. Anne is the president of AnGeL Ministries in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the former chairperson for the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright serves on the board of directors for AnGeL Ministries, in addition to holding the position of Ministry Teaching Associate and chairing the weekly prayer team that undergirds her mother’s ministry. A graduate of Baylor University, she teaches an online weekly Bible study that draws thousands of people globally. Excerpted from Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation. Copyright © 2021 by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. Used by permission of Multnomah, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/jesus-followers/ October 5, 2021/Multnomah/$24.00 ISBN: 9780525651208 Excerpted from pages 25-28
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 53
9 FAITH IN CHRIST
The Privilege of Stewardship By Taylor Tibbetts
G
rowing up as a Beck, working was not optional, working was a requirement. My father, Sam Beck is the owner and operator of Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, Georgia. Growing up the funeral home gave me many opportunities to work. Work was a part of everyday life. It was understood that I was born with gifts and talents and the ability to serve. At a very young age I was working in the family business. My Parents, Sam and Fredda, had me opening doors, shaking hands, greeting our guests, vacuuming the floors, cleaning toilets, folding memorial cards and arranging flowers. In the Beck family, work is a way of life. I was taught to wake up in the morning and think about how to serve others. Being a child of God reminds me of being a Beck. As a child of God, you were created to work. You were designed to be a good steward of all that has been given to you. You were made to cultivate and subdue the ground that your feet were planted on. In Genesis 2:15 God created Adam and Eve to work in the Garden. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
54 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Work is a part of God’s divine plan for our lives. No matter where you find yourself, God has a job for you. In 1 Peter 4:10 it says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Many people think about stewardship as the management of money but God has much bigger implications than just money. Everything and everyone in this world belongs to God. He uses everything for the good of those who love Him. Everyone and everything in this world we “have” is on loan to us. We do not own or truly have possession of anything. It is all God’s and we have been assigned with its management. It is our job to manage it well to build the Lord’s kingdom. God has trusted you with money, time, resources, interests, talents, attention, and desires. How are you using these things? Everyone and everything must be leveraged not to build our name, our kingdoms and our security, but God’s. Our identity and security is only found in the eternal hope of Christ and we get to build His kingdom with all that He has lent to us.
Growing up as a Beck it was clear that working wasn’t a thing I HAD to do. Even though work was expected of me, working was something I HAD THE PRIVILEDGE of doing. I did not have to work – I got to work. Working built me, shaped me, formed me, and allowed me to learn hard lessons and grow. Following Jesus is like that. It is not guaranteed to be easy, but the journey in having the privilege to work, having the opportunity to choose to become more and more like Jesus everyday with the things he has given to you, shapes you, molds you, and allows you to learn lessons and grow. Stewardship is not something you grudgingly have to do. Stewarding all that you have is something you have the opportunity of doing. When you are a good steward of all that has been entrusted to you, life no longer becomes about you. Life is about showing the world the love of Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:8 states “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” God’s commands are not articles on a to do list. God’s commands are things we have the opportunity to partake in. Through the great narrative of scripture, God is inviting us to be a part of His great story. He is inviting us to work. God’s great love calls us to do the work of His family.
Taylor Beck Tibbetts is a native of Clayton, Georgia. She graduated from Rabun County High School in 2015. She obtained a bachelors in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Young Harris College. While at Young Harris, Taylor met the love of her life Austin Tibbetts. Taylor and Austin got married in 2019. Today they reside in Chattanooga, TN. Austin serves as a Student and Family pastor and Taylor works creating experiences and writing content for Winshape Camps for Families. Taylor and Austin enjoy counseling couples and creating experiences for families to grow and thrive. For more devotional content and articles about faith and culture visit Taylor’s website at taylortibbetts.com.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 55
9 FAITH IN CHRIST
Life is a Blessing
He is Always There! By Tracy McCoy
G
od is a 24/7 God, not a Sunday morning God, not an “only there in a tragedy” God. He wants to be in every part of your life. He loves you more than you can fathom because you are His creation, His child. Don’t divide your life into secular and sacred it is all sacred when God is in it. He wants to be with you at the grocery store and in the quiet place where you pray. God wants to be involved in everything that concerns you and He wants you to quit shutting Him out because you think He only cares about the major disasters and very religious things. He is your Heavenly Father and you have no idea how exciting your relationship with Him can be when you realize that He wants to be part of everything in your life.
56 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
I in no way am suggesting that you treat your relationship with God casually, He is Holy but He sees you grocery shop, He watches your kids play ball, He puts people in your path at the Yoga class that He wants you to reach out to and your time is so divided between “church” and “not church” that you don’t realize He is even there. Share your life with the one who knows every hair on your head and every thought that crosses your mind. Be strong in Him and rest in the intimate relationship you have with Him. When things go wrong, talk to God instead of posting it to your 800 friends on Facebook. Instead of picking up the phone go to the throne! If you are drawing your
strength from your Heavenly Father you will be equipped for what comes against you, and there will be wickedness that comes up. When you spend time with God you will take on His countenance, you will SHINE with the light of the Savior and the devil will not know what to do with you. He cannot come up against Christ. How amazing is it that this powerful God that you and I serve is so Holy and so awesome yet He loves us so much that He comes to you and meets you in your darkest hour, in your greatest joy and your biggest challenges. He wants to be with you when you go for the interview, take the test, have that baby, not just when you need him. There is no where that you go that He won’t go with you. If you are discouraged go to God, are you angry? Go to God! But tell Him when you are happy, praise Him in all things! Yet, how many of us walk around with big frowns on our faces, we’ve frowned so much we have lines on our forehead! If you know Christ and have accepted Him as Savior of your life you
have every reason to walk around with the biggest, ear to ear grin showing every tooth in your head. There is nothing too big for God and nothing that is bigger than the gift He has given you. Rejoice in the Lord and spend every minute assured He is with you. Tell Him today how sorry you are that you drag yourself through life consumed with worry and grief. Let the Holy Spirit that lives within you sing and shine brighter than it ever has. No wonder so many who don’t know God look at us, His followers, and when they see big old grouchy, grumbling people, they certainly don’t want what we have. Why would they! Let God bless your life, not with riches and earthly treasures but with goodness and mercy and this overpowering grace that is sufficient! If you are ready to change your life... tell God. If you desire to know God ask Jesus! Believe that He is who He said He is and tell Him what a mess your life is in, ask His forgiveness where you have went wrong and ask Him to take your life and make it what He wants it to be... I guarantee it’s better than anything you can even imagine. Let your life be a blessing!
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 57
9 FAITH IN CHRIST
Gratitude Is an Action Word By Karla Jacobs
O
n November 5, 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued Proclamation 3560 declaring November 28, 1963 as a day of national thanksgiving. The presidential thanksgiving proclamation is a tradition that dates back to George Washington. Not every president has participated—Thomas Jefferson felt this sort of proclamation overstepped the line between church and state—but most presidents since Abraham Lincoln have made a habit of issuing one each year. President Kennedy began his 1963 proclamation with a nod to our earliest settlers. “Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving.” These early immigrants to what would later become America were grateful for their health and safety and the fertility of their land. They were grateful for the love they had for each other and the faith they had in God, so they set aside a time of thanksgiving to recognize God’s bounty and give thanks for it.
George Washington called newly minted Americans in 1789 to a day of prayer and thanksgiving encouraging all to spend the day acknowledging God’s blessings on their new nation. Well into the Civil War in 1863, Abraham Lincoln called a deeply divided nation at war to a day of thanksgiving and praise as he petitioned God to “heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.” In times of plenty and in times of war, America has always found a heart for gratitude and thanksgiving.
Karla Jacobs is a freelance writer, a soccer mom, and a community volunteer with deep family roots in the North Georgia Mountains. When not writing about pop culture, policy, and politics, she can often be found hiking backcountry trails with her family. She lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband and their two teenage children.
58 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
One hundred years after Lincoln’s proclamation, President Kennedy called Americans to something different. He called us to express our gratitude for our nation by living our ideals. “Today we give our thanks, most of all, for the ideals of honor and faith we inherit from our forefathers— for the decency of purpose, steadfastness of resolve and strength of will, for the courage and the humility, which they possessed and which we must seek every day to emulate. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” Gratitude and thanksgiving are action words after all. They require us to do something—acknowledge our blessings— but they also inspire us to action. Gratitude inspires us to raise up prayers of thanksgiving. It inspires us to join church committees or give money to charities. We show up at fundraising dinners and Habitat for Humanity builds. We coach youth sports teams and mentor younger people. We teach Sunday school and swing dancing and Junior Achievement. We live our gratitude whether we realize it or not. Paul encouraged the Colossians, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17). We are called to live our faith, and we live it in gratitude. President Kennedy did not live to see the Thanksgiving Day he proclaimed in 1963. He was killed by an assassin’s bullet on November 22, just 17 days after this proclamation was published. But his words ring out over the years reminding us that gratitude requires action. Just as our responsibility as Americans is to live the ideals of honor and faith we inherited from our forefathers, our responsibility as Christians is to live out our gratitude to God. May we all find a way to put our faith into action this Thanksgiving Day.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 59
9 FAITH IN CHRIST
Foxfire
“Selma Mosley” Adapted from the Foxfire Magazine, Spring 1989, and Foxfire 7 Original articles by Jenny Lincoln and Keith Head Edited by Kami Ahrens
R
abun County is home to many different faiths and churches. In 1982, Foxfire released Foxfire 7, the first Foxfire book dedicated to the study of religion in the region. Editor—and former student—Paul Gillespie noted that “there was a strong feeling among our students and staff that due to the importance of religion to the people of our region and the fact that it provides the basis for many of their beliefs, attitudes, and activities, that the material should be compiled and offered as one of the Foxfire book series.” While this book does not represent every religion and every faith present in Southern Appalachia, it does take a deep look at some of the most influential denominations. Arguably one of the more common influences in the area comes from the Baptist church. In the following interview excerpt, Selma Mosley shares her experience growing up Baptist, as well as her time with Ivy Hill Baptist Church, right here in Clayton, Georgia. “I joined the church when I was eleven years old. I attended church [and] different church activities during all my girlhood and as a teenager. My father was a minister. When you were young, you were just taught to go to church and then you played in different activities. I was in the choir and I was teacher of the intermediate class in Sunday school, and then I was in the prayer service—that I loved. That’s really where I got converted. My father always led the prayer devotional. We had BYPU (Baptist Young People’s Union); I was president of that. Then we had a Junior Young Women Circle once a week. The older women had a Missionary Circle. So, it kept us busy. [I was] very active [in the church] all during my young life up to this present year of 1977. I came here in Rabun County, Georgia, in 1947. I was here for just a few months until I connected up with the Ivy Hill Baptist Church. I’ve been a member ever since and I’ve been active in the church here ever since I’ve been here, and I’ve been here thirty years. As I have my morning devotional every morning, I pray for the young people. I love young people. I love people, regardless, I just love people. You know, there is a better way than the wrong way. The right way is the best way. If one will accept Jesus Christ as
60 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
their personal Savior—they should just give Him a try. They should find out for themselves. When I was a girl, the older women had what they called a Missionary Circle and they would sometimes have an evening prayer service. I was always with the older group. I followed them to these meetings. I liked that. I would sing as a girl. God gave me the gift of singing and I have sung in church and prayer service until I have seen those old women shout and almost look like they were going to tear the building down. You don’t see too much of that now. Back then, people were really with it. You know what I mean? They were very active in Christ. Back when I was a girl, they used to have the revival services. They had one week of prayer. This was to get the Christians heated up and ready. Then, when the preacher came in, honey, he had to preach. Oh yeah! That second week, those Christians were really on fire. That preacher—all he had to do was hit the pulpit and I mean he’d preach his heart out. He had to, because it was so warm you could feel the love and the Holy Spirit. There used to be some of the best revival services that I believe I’ve ever seen. You know, I’m not a fanatic, but I try to be very religious in my everyday life. I want to live a good life. I want to live a life that will please God. Then if it pleases God, it will have to please man. It will just have to. Yeah, I don’t want to miss what God has promised for me, and what He promised for me, He promised for everybody. Everybody has this right. God has a work for every individual. It’s just a wonderful life. We’d have baptizings on the river banks, you know. Of course, now people have pools in the church, but back then, you were baptized in a creek! Or a river, you know. I mean, honey, they would be lined up on the banks. It was just beautiful. Now when I was baptized, there were thirteen of us. That was a pretty good-sized baptizing. At the baptizings, people would be lined up along the banks. Most of the baptizings were in the summer or fall.
Older people used to help one another with their children. If they saw your child do something, why, if they didn’t whip you, they’d make you think they were going to whip you and they sure were going to tell your parents. If I didn’t know you, and I saw you doing wrong, I’d like to say something. To let you know that you’re just doing wrong. Sometimes I think if we got involved a little more, it would be a better world to live in. When the Lord saved us, He saved us to help save somebody else. He doesn’t want us to be selfish. He wants us to spread His love and help people. This is my main goal. I love to reach out for somebody and do something or say something maybe to help somebody. We just stayed members in the Baptist church. Papa knew it was right because he was a minister. He had preached and he just got stronger in the Lord. They could speak in tongues, and my mother could too. I’ll tell you, they shouted the floor out in our living room. They had to put a new floor in it. they worshipped in our living room for two years. It was Black, but now the whites and the Blacks congregate together and they have a wonderful time. I’ve been away from home a long time, but I go back every once in a while. They have a beautiful church. Everybody comes together now. All of God’s people can get together.” To learn more about Selma and others religious experiences in and around Rabun County, pick up a copy of Foxfire 7 from your local library or order one at www.foxfire.org
The Foxfire program supports local youth through student enrichment programs, preserves Southern Appalachian culture with community-based cultural preservation projects, and maintains a 106-acre museum and heritage center for the public to enjoy. The Foxfire Museum and Appalachian Village is located at 98 Foxfire Lane, Mountain City, Georgia 30562. There are 20 historic log structures along a half-mile walking trail. For more information call 706-746-5828 or visit Foxfire.org
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 61
9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL
November is National Alzheimer’s Month By Tracy McCoy
A
lzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with your daily life. Alzheimer’s accounts for 60% - 80% of dementia cases. Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. As we age our brain does too, causing everyday “where are my keys?” questions. An Alzheimer’s patient may not know what keys are or how they are used. It is believed that 60-80% of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease typically affects people 65 and older. If a patient develops the disease before that age, it is considered early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. There is so much unknown about this disease but it remains at the forefront of biomedical research. The disease was first diagnosed by a German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer. He called it a “peculiar disease” that included profound memory loss and microscopic brain changes. Between 2000 and 2019 the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease has more than doubled. In 2020 it was reported that more than 6.2 million people aged 65 and older are living with this disease. When thinking about those affected by this devastating brain illness, the caregivers and family members must be included. It is a very difficult situation. Unfortunately, I know this first hand. My grandmother, two aunts and my father were all diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. When it first hit home, I read everything I could find on the disease. I was desperate to find a solution, but there was none to be found. That is a very difficult realization. There are medications that can slow the progression of decline. The drugs are FDA approved and show benefit in some patients. That was not the case in my family. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “drugs in this category may change disease progression with benefits to both cognition and function in people living with Alzheimer’s disease.”
One commonality that exists in patients who have died from this brain disease are beta-amyloid protein fragments that form in the brain. These fragments form plaques and tangles which disrupt communication between nerve cells and trigger immune system cells that trigger inflammation. This inflammation devours these malfunctioning nerve cells. Scientists are not sure what causes cell death and tissue loss in the progression of the disease but it is believed that amyloid plaques could be the cause. The difference between the plaques and tangles lies in their structure and effect on the nerve cells in the brain tissues. Amyloid plaques are clusters that form in the spaces between the nerve cells, whereas the neurofibrillary tangles are a knot of the brain cells. Most of the medicines approved for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease target these plaques. Starting the treatments early may be the key to their effectiveness. Cognitive decline is tricky, at first we thought that my dad was having trouble hearing but it turns out it was trouble understanding. For the patient, it is often unknown what they feel or notice and it is hard to talk about. It is so much more than just forgetting key events, names and what day it is. Decision making is grossly effected. One of our first big red flags was when my father purchased an automobile and was taken advantage of. Another red flag was when he would drive and then admit he wasn’t sure where he was or which way to go. He often asked the same questions over and over again. As the disease progresses everything becomes foreign for the patient, from their own home to their husband or wife. In the beginning we tried to make him understand by correcting him. That is the absolute worst thing a caregiver or family member can do. It leads to frustration for you and for them. My dad’s doctor explained it like this, “his brain is dying and like a full computer continued on page 64
62 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 63
9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL hard drive, there is no room for new information. Find the path of least resistance. Let him be right even when he is wrong, keep him safe and cared for and take care of yourselves in the process. This is not an easy road.” This came with the addition of “he could live another ten years and the disease will progress.” Changes in the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient starts long before memory loss is evident. There are 100 billion nerve cells in the human brain. These neurons connect to form communication pathways. Groups of nerve cells each have a different function. For instance, thinking, learning and remembering, while others help us see, smell and hear. It is a miraculous system created to work well from birth to death, but for some people the system fails to operate correctly. It just is not clear why there is a breakdown in the process causing cell death and irreversible damage to the brain. It’s the destruction and death of nerve cells that causes memory failure, personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. There seems to be a genetic component to the disease and even that is not fully understood. Some families seem to have multiple family members with it, like mine. Other times there is one who is diagnosed with no other family history. The plaques and tangles that are present in the brain of most Alzheimer’s patients has been
present in patients who never exhibited any Alzheimer’s symptoms. Others with Alzheimer’s had no plaques and tangles. So you see the dilemma, nothing about this disease is 100% certain, except it’s progression. Often called “the long goodbye”, this disease robs the patient of precious memories that we often take for granted. It steals dignity, identity and family members. I’ll never forget the day I realized that my dad was looking me eye to eye without knowing I was his daughter. It was heartbreaking at first but when I looked back I saw a childlike face unsure of his surroundings. I learned to become whomever he needed at the time and to just enjoy our time together. Patience is tried when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease so self care is critical. There are resources such as local and online support groups, the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900 is available around the clock, 365 days a year and there have been many great books written on the subject. Reach out to friends or your Pastor when you need someone to talk to. One upside to my dad’s Alzheimer’s journey was that in forgetting who I was, he and I became friends and we laughed together, we sang together, and I held his hand which I hadn’t done since I was a child. I was able to walk alongside my step-mother and help as much as I could. We were in it together and made it to the end, and you will too.
Don’t ask me to remember Do not ask me to remember, Don’t try to make me understand, Let me rest and know you’re with me, Kiss my cheek and hold my hand. I’m confused beyond your concept, I am sad and sick and lost. All I know is that I need you To be with me at all cost. Do not lose your patience with me, Do not scold or curse or cry. I can’t help the way I’m acting, Can’t be different though I try. Just remember that I need you, That the best of me is gone, Please don’t fail to stand beside me, Love me ’til my life is done. by Owen Darnell
64 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL
Parkinsons By Amanda Howard Pileski, PhD
M
y dad was experiencing tremors for about a year when we finally talked him into an appointment with a neurologist. Only my mom was allowed to go with him, so I waited in the lobby. When they returned, mom was gathering her stuff, fumbling through papers, and I noticed neither of them made eye contact with me. When I asked “So what did they say?” Mom answered, “They think it’s very, very, very early Parkinson’s.” It seemed the third “very” was for my benefit, so I reassured her I could handle it and just needed to know the truth. She explained further that dad would be having a DaTScan to confirm the diagnosis and assess his dopamine levels. The scan is tomorrow, and so I find myself writing this article as support and reassurance for myself, my family, and all the other families out there coping with this diagnosis. Occasionally I treat individuals with Parkinson’s and individuals who are caregivers for loved ones with Parkinson’s. Noticing two of the men I work with are especially well equipped as former athletes and teachers to offer wisdom on the subject, I asked them for an interview. We utilized the interviews as a sort of narrative therapy approach in sessions, and I selected excerpts with their permission to share in this article. Thank you both for sharing your journey with me and allowing your struggle to provide hope for others. They suggest the following: educate yourself, stay active and adaptable, remember the importance of caregiver support, practice self-compassion, connect with others, and make the most of each day.
Educate Yourself: What would you say to someone newly diagnosed? “Read everything you can about it. See what the Parkinson’s foundation has in your area. Read their magazine. The more you know, the better off you are. New medicines are coming out all the time, stay hopeful.” “You need to educate yourself about Parkinson’s because there are areas where people are misdiagnosed. Get a second opinion if needed. The first book I read was Parkinson’s for dummies. Be more familiar with symptoms and what to look for. I interviewed a lot of movement disorder doctors before selecting one.” Stay Active & Be adaptable: What has helped you cope with Parkinson’s? “You have to stay active; don’t let the mental part take you over. Don’t let the fear paralyze you. Just call someone and talk to them. Some of the guys I was with in boxing, they just wanted to forget about it, and you can’t. I wish I could find enough men in this area to have a group – other men with Parkinson’s.” “It changes your life – what you can do, how you can do it …maybe you can’t play ball, but maybe you can coach, keep statistics, or
Dr. Amanda Howard Pileski is originally from Rabun County and moved back three years ago to raise her three children (ages 9, 6, and 5) and provide affordable psychotherapy to the underserved communities of Northeast Georgia. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in Psychology, a master’s degree in School Counseling from Georgia State University, and a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She has worked in various college counseling centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and in private practice. Dr. Pileski is the co-founder of the Mental Health Task Force of Rabun County and the Director of Georgia Mountain Psychological Associates, Inc (GMPA). For an appointment, contact GMPA @ 706.782.1237. You can visit the GMPA website at gamtnpsych.org
66 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
go to games. This week I’m going to get my camera out and take more photos. Maybe I’ll take a photography class. I’m going to visit the senior center…I’m having a hard time of switching from being more active to other things. You have to be adaptable…if you don’t change, life will change you.” Caregiver Support: What would you say about caregivers? “Your caregiver is so important, and you need to give them a break - let her go out with her friends or take a walk by herself. Say thank you somehow. Take your partner to dinner.” “I started looking at my spouse in a different light. I never realized how hard she worked. I’ve learned to appreciate some of the things she does, and I didn’t realize how much time it took…” Self-compassion & Connecting with others: What have you learned going through this? “The psychological part of it is most difficult – depression which also brings anxiety. You must be ready to deal with it. Go to therapy – build tools to use and figure out how to talk to your caregiver because you can’t isolate your partner. Set your priorities: be grateful, I think we don’t do that enough. Keep your strength physical and mental – you’re retraining yourself – breaking things down into smaller parts (e.g. With reading, I had to read smaller books to build up my ability. I’m always trying to solve problems with an athletic viewpoint and that doesn’t always work. Sometimes it’s helpful, but being hard on oneself is not good with Parkinsons. Self-compassion gave me immediate relief. I’ve harbored other things in life that I put to the side that I needed to let go…I needed to have compassion for myself. That’s important for humans. I’ve learned a lot about myself. We (as men) don’t let people see us cry. The things we aren’t supposed to display – it’s okay. Being compassionate to myself is so helpful. Just let yourself know every day that you care…about you…real simple things: don’t skip these simple things…Some days I get up and adjust – it’s not going to be a nice day, but I need to accept that and make adjustments to improve my day. It makes me feel better to talk to others with depression or worries – the connections and empathy help.”
Avoidance makes things worse…This time, I knew I couldn’t do the same thing I did before.” A favorite quote from Michael Jay Fox: “Don’t spend a lot of time imagining the worst-case scenario. It rarely goes down as you imagine it will, and if by some fluke it does, you will have lived it twice.” He suggests there’s no reason to ruminate on what can go wrong in life. Why waste time worrying when you can just let things play out and deal with the issues when (and if) they arrive. Final thoughts from Dr. Pileski Contrary to popular belief, a positive attitude may not cure your illness, but depression can accelerate degenerative brain disease. So, remember to aggressively treat the mental health aspects of Parkinson’s as well as the physical. Just as I find Acceptance of Commitment therapy helpful for most psychological concerns, I find it especially beneficial when facing difficult diagnoses. Accepting the suffering in life, practicing mindfulness to remain present, and committing to values that make life worth living – this is the recipe for a good quality of life regardless of the diagnosis. During this season of Thanksgiving, I hope these two wise men remind you of your blessings in the present moment and how to cope with hardship. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes by LR Knost: “Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful its ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.”
“The one thing that comes to mind is you don’t have to be out there alone. Whether it’s with a group, or another person, or a counselor: It’s not the end of the world. My doctor has always told me you probably won’t die from Parkinson’s anyway.” Make the most of each day: Anything else I haven’t asked about? “One thing I’ve learned is how quickly this period of your life arrives. It doesn’t creep up on you…it jumps on you like a wild animal. Some parts of your life go along more quickly than others, but the golden years aren’t always so golden. In the last three weeks, I had a friend die and two neighbors pass away. I knew it, but the adage that you have to make the most of each day and realize what’s most important and what’s not as important – count your blessings – something good each day. I’ve met too many people with Parkinsons that think life is over and they don’t make plans, and they should. Past struggles helped me get through this too…I lost a baby…I refused to go to counseling before, I was angry all the time. I went through a period of heavier drinking.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 67
Healthy & Well
68 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL
Pet Diabetes By Jaime Smoot Speed
P
ets get diabetes too. The thought of this disease scares many pet parents, and rightfully so. It is a serious, complicated disease that requires patience, time, and can be quite costly. Since November is Pet Diabetes Awareness month, let’s take a look at possible signs of diabetes, how to get a diagnosis, and the types of treatments available. Drinking more and urinating large amounts of urine are the number one signs in both dogs and cats. Pets may also experience sudden weight loss, ravenous appetite or sudden loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, urinary tract infections, or cataracts. This is due to the body’s inability to transport sugar from the blood into the cell. As a result, the sugar builds up in the bloodstream, spills over into the urine, and some cells in the body “starve” due to a lack of glucose available to them. Diabetes affects at least 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 230 cats. There are certain breeds, such as the miniature schnauzer, the cocker spaniel, the dachshund, and the Burmese cat that are more prone to diabetes. In addition, cats who are obese and live an inactive lifestyle are at an increased risk for this disease. Even though the type of diabetes is usually different between dogs and cats, diagnosis and treatment remains similar. The first step to diagnosis is a visit to your veterinarian. Speak to them about the signs you are seeing at home. After all, you know your pet best! They will likely try to collect a urine sample and draw a
blood sample. If the glucose level is elevated, they may wish to run a confirmatory test to measure an average glucose level over time. They will also check for a urinary infection and assess the body’s organ function. Once diagnosed, dogs and cats must be given insulin injections once to twice daily. Your vet will discuss insulin options and determine which is best for your pet and your lifestyle, in addition to any diet changes recommended. Once established on an insulin, your vet will need to find the ideal dosage of insulin for your pet. This can be quite challenging at times, especially when they have other diseases besides diabetes. At home, you should document drinking and urinary habits to help determine if treatment is improving clinical signs, as this is the most important aspect of treatment. Sometimes, you can monitor their urine and their sugar levels at home to help in the evaluation of dosage. This dosage also changes over time, so must be frequently rechecked. Signs of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, are important to recognize. These include weakness, muscle tremors, seizures, and coma. Prolonged hypoglycemia can result in death. If you suspect hypoglycemia, administer corn syrup to the gums and call your veterinarian. If diabetes is not managed, it will lead to a very serious condition called ketoacidosis which can also be fatal. While diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed with dedication. Speak to your Veterinarian about ways to prevent diabetes and ways to monitor the health of your pet. We want them to be around for as long as possible!
Jaime Smoot Speed was born in West Virginia, went to James Madison University with a BS in molecular biology, then worked at Johns Hopkins doing research until attending UGA for Vet School. She graduated 2010 and moved to Clayton with her husband who is a native five years ago. She works part time at Rabun Animal Hospital. She opened Claws & Paws in December 2020. You can reach Claws & Paws at 706-212-7322 or visit their website: claytonpawsandclaws.com or on facebook and instagram: @claytonclawsandpaws
70 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 71
HIRE A PRO
72 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
9 LAUREL HOMES
Embrace This Home; It Will Embrace You! By John Shivers
“W
elcome, y’all!” the gates at 1100 S. Laceola Road outside Cleveland, Georgia appear to proclaim, as you approach this home in the Mountainside at Laceola neighborhood. You immediately feel the warmth of their welcome, and can’t wait to gain entrance and see more. Somehow you just know that the best is yet to come. And you wouldn’t be wrong. Conveniently located between White County’s main town and the ever-popular, picturesque Helen, this home offers a welcoming embrace to one and all. In addition, the native stone gateposts proclaim the home’s presence, and frame the potential for a great home-style experience. Detailed landscaping elements are the cherry on the sundae, when it comes to curb appeal! How does alfresco dining hit you? With this home, you have the option of front porch dining under a roof that connects via architecturally-styled glass doors with the dining room inside. Or, you can opt for the backside top level screened porch, the lower level covered but open porch, and even the covered outdoor pavilion adjacent to the two car freestanding garage, that boasts not one, but two fireplaces. In this home, the choice is yours: you can entertain indoors, outdoors, or in a combined great party space throughout. Regardless of which option you choose, there’s
74 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
an abundance of breathtaking mountain vista and views to set the stage. Set on slightly more than two acres, this sprawling ranch style home over a daylight basement boasts of 6,962± square feet of some of the most exquisitely kept homestead you’ll find. Almost four thousand of that space is heated on two levels. Exterior finishes combine native stone and cement siding in a nature-inspired tango of design and intrigue, that declares at first glance that this home has never seen a cookie cutter! You’ll be the recipient of an equally unique, unforgettable lifestyle. Five generous size bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms await to sleep family and friends between the on-site parties and the forays into Helen to sightsee and dine, and the many wilderness trails and other back-to-nature opportunities that abound. Check out the footpath to the stream on the back side of the property A neutral color palette indoors acts as the perfect foil for the exterior design scheme, and enhances the home’s “eye candy” distinction. Hardwood and slate floors on both levels cause the wall hues to pop and proclaim their beauty, and lend this home an extra touch of character. Great rooms on both levels double the
living potential, and add yet one more check mark to the list of features and perks too numerous to count. The main level features a master suite with en suite spa-quality bathroom. Two additional bedrooms are on this same level, opening off the open floor plan with a masonry fireplace. The stunning kitchen, adjacent to the great room, the dining room and the outdoor dining spaces, boasts oversize windows, granite and butcher block atop furniture quality cabinets, and top of the line stainless appliances. On the lower level, you’ll find two additional bedrooms, a large family room, storage room, and additional garage space. This lower level could easily be converted into an in-law suite with its own outside access. Lake Laceola is a 120 acre lake, and the neighborhood features paved roads, a clubhouse for additional entertaining possibilities, as well as ramps for easy lake access for your boat or other watercraft. Are you ready to embrace the lifestyle this home delivers? To see MLS #9068460 for yourself, contact agent Jennifer Kyle at Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain at 706-968-2255 or at the office, 706-212-0228.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 75
HIRE A PRO
76 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 77
78 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
There’s No Place Like Home. Especially This Home! By John Shivers
F
area will check all the cook’s boxes, as will the spacious mainlevel laundry room with storage and sink. The double garage includes a full bath.
Should your search for a home include, say, an antique Harvard University front door circa 1880s, or a solid concrete vault with a fireproof door, go ahead and check those two items off your list. And if your wishes are more generic, possibly three levels, with a layout ideal for two families to live comfortably under the same roof, look no further. This 6,204± square foot home tucked away on 22 heavily wooded acres already has your name on it.
The terrace level with its full kitchen, two bedrooms, a large bathroom with a double vanity and a great room space is ideal for a second family full time, or part-time living and overflow space for a large family. Nine-foot ceilings enhance the spaciousness, and a wide staircase connects with the upper levels. A lovely screened porch opens off the great room, and provides comfortable rocking chair space and a great view besides. There’s also a large workshop and generous storage space on this level.
inding that perfect house for you and your family is a lot like playing a game. You have a list of must have needs and wants. Some things are negotiable, others aren’t. Just like Santa, you’ve made that list and you’re checking it twice. And when it comes to the home at 5716 East Wolf Creek Road in Tiger, Georgia, you’re going to be checking a lot of boxes. Check it out!
If you still harbor any doubts, as you travel the winding paved driveway, cross the little bridge over the burbling creek, and climb through the forest to the center of the property, when you first glimpse the spacious, covered front porch large enough to hold a dance, you’ll be overwhelmed. If being close to Cutting Bone Creek with the beautiful waterfall and the adjacent proximity of U.S. National Forest lands is a plus, check off another box. You’re home. On the top most level of this home are three generous size bedrooms and two full baths, plus a balcony area overlooking the main floor great room, and a bonus room currently used as a home office. Spacious closets and storage abound. Constructed beneath the steeply pitched roof with dormer windows, this floor is cozy at the same time it’s packed with livability.
The master bedroom suite is also on this level, and, in addition to an oversize his and her walk-in closet, has double vanities, a toilet closet, and a separate shower and antique claw-foot tub.
Two different HVAC systems divided into four zones keep the home comfortable, and the cook-out pavilion in the back yard further expands the livability quotient amidst total privacy. You’ll have plenty of parking space for guests. If you’re searching for a home that checks ALL the boxes, look no farther. Contact Joanna Radford to check out MLS #90218837. You can reach her at 706-490-2724, or at the office at 706-782-2121.
Hardwood floors run throughout the main level, where a foyer with staircase opens into the formal parlor and separate dining room. Throughout, you’ll be awed by the natural light that’s a part of the home’s ambiance. A two-story vaulted family room with a fireplace, custom bookshelves and cabinetry, and a wall of windows overlooks the large, private back patio. Talk about entertaining possibilities! Custom furniture quality cabinetry topped in granite populate the spacious chef’s domain. A Wolf® double oven, KitchenAid® cook-top, and full complement of stainless appliances and a pantry
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 79
“Although Thanksgiving comes but once a year, every day should be a day of thanks.” Monique Hammond
80 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 81
9 AROUND TOWN The 2021 Holiday Shopping Expo November 26 & 27 The Rabun County Civic Center is determined to get you in the holiday spirit with some outstanding events on the last weekend of this month. You are invited to shop the 2021 Holiday Shopping Expo on November 26 (10 am - 5 pm) and November 27 (10 am - 3 pm). You will find vendor booths filled with locally handmade gifts just waiting to be wrapped up and placed under your tree. The entire experience is a treasured annual event including a wonderful fundraiser… the annual Festival of Trees. This holiday event includes a silent auction of Christmas trees, beautifully decorated by groups and individuals in our community, all for a great cause! The proceeds from the sale of these trees will benefit The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center, dedicated to preserving and teaching Foxfire’s historic legacy. Since 1966 the Foxfire program has worked to celebrate and preserve mountain traditions and our Southern Appalachian heritage. The final November weekend is the kick off of the Christmas season and the perfect time to find those unique homemade “made with love” treasures that make an extra special gift. So, don’t miss the Holiday Shopping Expo where the sights and sounds of the holiday will fill the air. The Rabun County Civic Center is located at 201 West Savannah Street in Clayton, Georgia. For details on this and all events visit www.rabunciviccenter.com, follow their Facebook page or call 706-982-9432.
82 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
You Can Make a Difference “A child’s path to a brighter future is paved with books.”
D
o you enjoy learning about new places or people? What about trying a new recipe or a DIY (Do It Yourself) project? Now imagine trying to do that when you can’t read. These new things would be much harder or impossible to do if all you could do is stare at the pictures and try to figure it out, assuming there are pictures. The Ferst Readers CAT (Community Action Team) of Rabun County is working to ensure that that our youngest readers don’t have that problem. Patterned after a similar program that was started in Tennessee by Dolly Parton, the Ferst Readers program was started in 1999 in Georgia by Robin Ferst. (Having a great last name works really well for the organization!) Robin’s passion for reading began at an early age; at age six she was diagnosed with hearing loss and books became the most important part of her young world. Reading opened a world of possibilities that helped her overcome challenges to become a successful businesswoman. Although Robin is not profoundly deaf; she believes her accomplishments stem from a caring family who took the time to read to her. The Ferst Readers of Rabun County has an easy way to become acquainted with our program and for families to sign up qualifying children. Every Rabun County child signed up gets a free book each month from birth to 5 years of age mailed to them directly absolutely free. Rabun County children are very fortunate to have a Ferst Readers’ chapter here; not all of Georgia’s counties have this program – there are only 75 counties in the state that have a chapter. But a group of very dedicated folks work really hard to make this available in our county. I know that you are thinking that nothing is totally free, but this service is absolutely free for parents and children. CAT members fundraise year round to make this happen in our county. For $36.00 a year, you can bring smiles to children’s faces, and I know that preschool, Head Start and elementary teachers can tell the children that have been read to by an older sibling or parents. Every child must learn to read in order to be successful in life. So please be generous and mail a check - $36.00 for one child per year or any amount will help us fund books for Rabun County children. Your donation may be mailed to Ferst Readers @ P O Box 1327, Madison GA 30650. All donations from Rabun Countians will go to the children of Rabun County. Online donations may be made @ www.ferstreaders.org. Donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information call Jan @ 706.782.6110. November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 83
9 AROUND TOWN
“Love One Another” How Can We Work Together to Help? Area Non-Profit Foundations and Charities Need Our Help! We end our calendar year with the “season of giving”. From giving thanks for all of God’s blessings in our lives to giving gifts to those we love at Christmas, let’s stop to ask one simple question. How can we make a difference? The last two years impacted businesses and families alike due to Covid-19. Also affected were our area non-profits who were unable to host their annual fundraisers, and saw a decline in donations across the board. What if you added one or two of them to your Christmas list this year. Perhaps there is someone on your list who would be delighted to forego their gift to help someone else. Maybe you might give in honor or memory of someone you loved and lost. In a time of such division, let’s pull together and do something good. A donation of any amount is appreciated and will help ensure that these folks can continue their good work. Most non-profits are 90% staffed by volunteers so maybe you have some extra time you’d like to give. Is your basement or attic full of things you don’t need? Some of our charity organizations have stores where they sell donated items. Can your church give? I know that if we all give a little we can make a HUGE impact. So ask yourself, “how can I help?” and make the call, mail the check or go online to make a donation. From the bottom of our hearts we say thank you!
Publisher's Note: We attempted to offer a comprehensive list of area charities. Please note that there are some we may have omitted due to space or that we may have missed. Please forgive us if your charity was not included and send me a note to gmlmagazine@gmail.com and we will do what we can to get the word out about your efforts.
84 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Habersham County, GA
Rabun County, GA
Circle of Hope PO Box 833 Cornelia, GA 30531 706-776-4673 www.gacircleofhope.org Circle of Hope is a private, non-profit, 501(c)3 multi-faceted domestic violence agency whose mission is to support, empower and bring hope to those affected by domestic violence through advocacy, awareness, education and community partnerships. They serve Habersham, Stephens and White counties. Their goals are to provide 24-hour support and crisis intervention services for victims and their dependent children. While assisting with developing and implementing plans for their safety and independence they provide community education, training and publicity about the issues and affects of domestic violence. Services designed to ensure barriers are identified, needs are met, and safety and stability are achieved. All of Circle of Hope’s services are free and confidential.
American Legion 706.782.2152 www.legion.org The American Legion is one of the most influential nonprofits with over two million members worldwide. They strive to help veterans, their families and our military and strengthen our country. If you would like to learn more about the American Legion or find a post near you visit their website.
Grace Gate Clinic 1040 Historic Hwy 441 N Suite B Demorest, GA 30535 706-839-4080 www.gracegateclinic.org Grace Gate provides free, quality health care with the love of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit through volunteer physicians and mid-level providers. They serve the medically underserved in a compassionate environment that promotes the healing of mind, body and spirit. Other volunteers serve in various roles in administration, as prayer partners for the patients and in fund raising activities. Grace Gate is governed by a Board of Directors. Grace Gate partners with Habersham Medical Center, Habersham United Way, Habersham Electric Membership Corporation, Georgia Power, Piedmont College, Toccoa Falls College, Georgia Theatre Company, Northside Hospital, Community Churches, Private Donors. Their work is necessary and needed. If you would like to help please reach out to Ginny Allison. Emergency care is not provided at this clinic.
Chattooga Conservancy 864-647-9849 www.chattoogariver.org The Chattooga Conservancy’s mission is: “To protect, promote and restore the natural ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed ecosystems; to ensure the viability of native species in harmony with the need for a healthy human environment; and, to educate and empower communities to practice good stewardship on public and private lands.” To donate or become a member of the Chattooga Conservancy please visit their website.
Soque River Watershed Association P.O. Box 1901 Clarkesville, GA 30523 (1387 Washington St, Clarkesville, GA) 706-754-9382 www.soque.org The Mission of the Soque River Watershed Association is to protect and restore the Soque River, its tributaries and watershed. Their projects and initiatives prevent over 5,500 tons of sediment from entering the Soque each year and have resulted in the entire Soque Watershed being removed from the Georgia EPD’s list of impaired waters for fecal coliform. Their work focuses on providing resources and funding to directly improve water quality in the Soque and its tributaries.
Another Chance Rescue, Rehab and Sanctuary 706-212-9966 www.anotherchancerescuerehabandsanctuary.com Another Chance is a charitable organization dedicated to saving dogs from euthanasia. This rescue was started because a group of caring volunteers wanted to make a difference and give every dog another chance at finding their perfect FUREVER home! Support is needed in the form of financial support, supplies to care for the dogs and fostering a pet.
Community Pantry 706.782.1878 www.communitypantry.org Founded in 1999 the Community Pantry helps low-income families, disabled or elderly people and also people in some emergency situations by providing monthly vouchers to purchase paper products, hygiene and cleaning products. If you would like to volunteer with the Community Pantry or make a donation or if you are in need you can visit their website or give them a call. DAV Rabun 706.244.4811 www.dav.org The DAV is an organization that provides lifetime support to our veterans and their families. They help get veterans to medical appointments, help connect them with employment, help veterans with their benefit claims at no cost to them. They also have outreach programs designed to help in any way they need. If you would like to donate, volunteer, find a chapter near you or to learn more visit their website.
CONTINUED...
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 85
FAITH www.faith-inc.org 706.782.1003 FAITH has been helping victims of domestic abuse, child abuse, and sexual violence since 1993, providing support, shelter and legal programs to these victims as well as programs and events that help bring awareness to these issues and educate the community. FAITH has a thrift store and a furniture store both located in Clayton, GA that are a great way for you to support them by donating and shopping. If you are a victim of abuse or violence there is a toll free crisis line available to call at anytime, (888) 782.1338 when you are ready. Ferst Readers Jan Timms jtimms9995@gmail.com www.ferstreaders.org Ferst Readers is a program that provides books and literacy resources to children from babies to five years old. Books get mailed monthly. For more information or to sign up check out their website or contact Jan Timms. First Impressions and Amazing Grace Clothes Closet 706.476.7939 First Impressions and Amazing Grace Clothes Closet located in Clayton, GA, provides work ready and casual clothing to those in need. They are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm. You can find out more about First Impressions by checking out their Facebook page. Food Bank of NE Georgia 706-782-0780 The pandemic has not and will not stop the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Mountain Branch. Located in the Covered Bridge Shopping Center in Clayton, they serve five mountain counties: Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Towns and White. In addition to the warehouse space and agency shopping floor, the Mountain Branch is home to the Teaching Kitchen, a Commercial Kitchen and an Individual Quick Freeze production line. How can you support the Food Bank? Donate! Donate your dollars. Donate your time by volunteering. Donate nonperishable, nutrient dense food and/or have a food drive. To get involved, contact James Brim, Mountain Branch Manager. Stay connected and follow them on Facebook (Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Teaching Kitchen.) Friends of the Library www.rabunlibfriends.org Friends of the Library strive to help improve the services and programs at the Rabun County Public Library. They have a website set up where you can make a monetary contribution to help support the library. On the website you will also find upcoming programs and fundraisers and more info about being a Friend of the Rabun County Library.
86 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
GA Mtn Psychological Associates www.gamtnpsych.org 706.782.1237 Georgia Mountain Psychological Associates provides services for behavioral health and wellness of children, adolescents and adults. To learn more about GMPA and their staff visit their website or give them a call. Habitat for Humanity www.habitatrabun.com Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry that helps lowincome families by building homes and helping people build better lives for themselves. Habitat for Humanity Rabun County ReStore is a resale store that sells donated new and gently used home improvement items and more. The store is located in Clayton, GA and is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Ninth District Opportunity 706-782-3704 www.ndo.org Serving the counties in Northeast Georgia, the Ninth District Opportunity works with low-income families and families in need to lead them toward, self-sufficient and economically stable. They provide several services such as Head Start and Pre-K programs, housing programs, heating assistance and more. For assistance or to learn more you can visit their website or contact your local office to setup an appointment.
Kiwanis Club www.kiwanisofrabun.club Kiwanis Club of Rabun County is dedicated to helping our children and our community. The Kiwanis Club is involved in several local projects and also in Rabun County Primary School and Rabun Gap Nacoochee School K-2 with their Terrific Kids program that recognizes students for their behavior and achieving their goals. They also award a college scholarship to a high school graduate. There are many, many more projects the Kiwanis Club is involved in. To check out their upcoming projects and activities visit their website. Lake Rabun Foundation www.lakerabun.org The Lake Rabun Foundation focuses on the needs of Rabun County. They support local organizations such as FAITH, the Community Pantry, Food Bank and Friends of the Library to name a few, that help with improving lives in Rabun County. They also provide collage scholarships. If you would like to learn more about the Lake Rabun Foundation, visit their website. Lions Club www.lionsclubs.org The Lions Club volunteers in the community to help improve and strengthen the community. To learn more about the Lions Club or become involved visit their website.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 87
9 AROUND TOWN
88 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Paws 4 Life www.rabunpaws4life.com Located on Boen Creek Road in Tiger, Georgia, Paws 4 Life is a no-kill animal shelter that protects and provides care for animals that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. They provide an affordable spay/neuter program to help with overpopulation of pets. To learn more about Paws 4 Life and how to support or donate or to view their adoptable animals visit their website.
VFW Post 4570 706.782.2081 www.vfw.org The VFW is made up of over 1.5 million members of veterans and military service members. The VFW has many programs and services available to support our veterans, military service members and their families. To learn how you can be involved or to learn more about the VFW or find a post near you visit their website or find them on Facebook.
Place for Hope North Georgia Elizabeth Adams – Executive Director 706-982-1343 execdir@placeofhopenga.com www.placeofhopenga.com Place for Hope North Georgia is a faith-based organization that provides resources to children and families in the CARE system. Currently Place for Hope provides Care Communities for foster families respite care such as meals, transportation or parents night out, etc., a clothing and supply closet that provides backpacks, clothes, toiletries and other supplies needed as children are relocated into foster care, they also help with facilitating visitations in Rabun County to help with parent/child healing. Coming in 2022 is a place on 81 Derrick Street that will provide a home atmosphere for children while they transition into a foster family. To partner with or learn more information on Place for Hope North Georgia visit their website or reach out to Elizabeth Adams.
Stephens County, GA
Rabun YES www.rabunyes.org RabunYES provides educational services and support to local youth in Rabun County, GA. They provide guidance with adults and youth, careers and at times can help with internships within the community. They are involved in many programs, such as the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. To learn more about RabunYES, visit their website.
Northeast Georgia CASA 706-886-1098 https://www.northeastgacasa.org/ Every day in this country, 1,900 children become victims of abuse or neglect, and four of them will die. Every day. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children is a network of 951 community-based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. Volunteer advocates—empowered directly by the courts—offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care. Volunteers stay with children until they are placed in loving permanent homes. For many abused children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant adult presence in their lives.
Rotary Club of Clayton www.claytonrotary.com The Rotary Club is very active in serving our Rabun County community. They also distribute scholarships to high school graduates. To learn more about the Rotary Club visit their website. Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund PO Box 485 Rabun Gap, GA 30568 706-746-3350 www.sidwebercancerfund.org Sid Weber was a retired commercial pilot and long-time Sky Valley retiree, who lost his battle with leukemia in 2005. Charitable donations made in his memory were channeled into an assistance fund for Rabun County cancer patients.The Fund has paid out more than $700,000 to hundreds of Rabun County cancer patients. Every member of their board and who help are volunteers so that 100% of funds go to the patients who need them.
FAITH’s Powerhouse for Kids 706-886-2290 24 Hour Crisis Line: 888-782-1338 www.faith-inc.org mark@faith-inc.org From their environment to the services they offer, the focus is on the child and his/her non-offending caregiver(s). FAITH’s Power House is able to offer a “kid-focused” coordinated team response to allegations of abuse by bringing together agencies and professionals involved in the investigation and intervention system. The multidisciplinary approach means that FAITH’s Power House brings Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, Medical Professionals, Forensic Interviewers, Mental Health Professionals and Advocates into one location, reducing the need for children and families to navigate a sometimes difficult and confusing system.
Macon County, NC Adult and Teen Challenge of the Smokies Men’s Center (828) 524-2157 www.mtcots.com This faith-based 12 month program offers care for men struggling with drug and alcohol problems. This program offers Biblical principles, group and personal studies, Bible study and counseling to men and also teach new life skills and coping skills in order to help them change their lives and to become productive members of society. As a way to fund-raise for the Teen Challenge Center, there is a thrift store located in Sylva, NC and they are always looking for volunteers.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 89
Appalachian Animal Rescue www.appalachiananimalrescuecenter.com Appalachian Animal Rescue in Franklin, NC strives to help furry friends find their forever home. They provide protection and care to animals that have been abandoned or abused or strays. If you would like to get more information on how you can adopt, or to see the adoptable furry friends or to see upcoming events and how you can help the Appalachian Animal Rescue check them out on Facebook or their website. Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary (828) 332-0840 www.bellaviewfarmanimalsanctuary.com Bella View Farm is run by volunteers, donations and lots of love. They provide 24/7 care for special needs baby animals, especially baby goats. There are so many ways you can help in giving these animals a better life with Bella View Farm from Amazon Wish Lists to checking out their shop online or donating from your heart. Currently Bella View Farm is in need of a wheelchair barn for their disabled goats. This would provide a place for them to safely enjoy the outdoors and also a safe place indoors that would accommodate them. To learn more about how you can help with this cause or to donate, shop or learn more about Bella View Farm visit their website. Goodwill of Franklin www.goodwillwnc.org Goodwill of Franklin funds employment and training programs to help people get jobs with the funds that they receive from the sales from their retail store. They partner with several organizations across Western North Carolina to help people in these communities. Find out how to donate or ways you can help by visiting their website. Heart for Families www.heartforfamilies.com Founded in 2014 by a group of local pastors and lay leaders, Heart of Families helps families and marriages heal and strengthen. Since 2015 there have been over 20 events in the area to help individuals by giving them the resources to help heal and strengthen their relationships. You can visit their website to find upcoming events, resources on marriage, read their blog and more. Hospice House Foundation www.hhfwnc.org Recognizing a need for a place in the community to help Hospice patients, a group made up of volunteers and medical professionals founded the Hospice House Foundation in 2005. This is an inpatient facility that provides care for those that are on Hospice. The Hospice House will serve patients from six counties in Western North Carolina and in North Georgia as well. This facility will provide that patients with an at home atmosphere as well as professional, compassionate care. To learn more about the Hospice House, see the progress on the house or to learn how you can help by donating visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
90 - www.gmlaurel.com - November 2021
Kid’s Place 330 W Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 www.kidsplacecac.org Macon County’s only not-for-profit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection services, forensic interviewing, law enforcement, prosecutors, child and family advocates, medical and mental health experts, all under one roof. We provide a prompt, sensitive, interagency response to child abuse so that every child and family can focus on healing. Since 1991 we have served thousands of children, averaging 120 new referrals each year. There are many ways to help them care for our smallest victims! Macon New Beginnings www.maconnewbeginnings.org Macon New Beginnings is an organization that strives to help the homeless and nearly homeless. With collaborations with other local organizations they promote awareness, advocate for the homeless, provide a hot meal and more. If you would like to help out or learn more please visit their website. Macon/Jackson Habitat for Humanity www.habitatmaconjackson.org Merging together in 2012, Habitat for Humanity in Macon and Jackson Counties have helped construct 27 new homes and many repair projects. They have two Restore locations that are operated in Franklin and Sylva that contribute to the Habitat projects. You can donate to Habitat by monetary donations or by donating items to the Restores, there is also a link on our website where you can donate. If you’d like to be a volunteer visit our website on where you can volunteer and how to do so. Rotary of Franklin www.franklinrotary.com Chartered in 1927, the Rotary Club of Franklin is one of the oldest Rotary clubs. The Rotary of Franklin is committed to serving the community. The Rotary awards scholarships to students, as well as sponsors several youth programs, and supports project such as the Community Care Clinic that provides health care to those that do not have insurance and do not qualify for assistance, Shop with a Cop, Thanksgiving Dinner Project and many more. To learn more about the Rotary of Franklin and how you can be involved visit their website. Special Liberty Project www.speciallibertyproject.org Serving and supporting Veteran families, the Special Liberty Project gives back to the families of our fallen heroes and also to healing Veterans through nature centered outdoor experiences. They build relationships with the Gold Star Kids and Spouses and with the healing veterans. The Special Liberty Project is the only nationwide organization that provides service and support to the entire Veteran family. This program gives these families the peer support from families with similar struggles, provides healing programs and camaraderie they need. There are ways you can help the Veteran Community, please visit the Special Liberty Project’s website to learn how you can help or to learn more about this organization and their upcoming events.
November 2021 - www.gmlaurel.com - 93