Laurel of Northeast Georgia - Nov 22

laurel of Northeast Georgia from the

I refuse to celebrate Christmas ahead of Thanksgiving, even if the tinsel and garland have been on the shelves since before Halloween. This issue is dedicated to Thanksgiving and giving thanks. We will give Thanksgiving its due by looking at all that we have to be thankful for. In spite of the craziness of the world these days, there is always something to be grateful for. This year when you sit down around the table with your family take just a minute to reflect on the good things that have happened this year and give thanks to God for it all.

You’ll find a little more Jesus than normal in this issue because when I think of my blessings it’s His name that comes to mind. He is my Savior and best friend. I talk about Him a lot because He has been there for me most of my life. He loves me more than anyone else ever has and I can’t thank Him enough. In appreciation for all He has done for me I gave Him my heart. Hope you get to know Him personally.

Peter McIntosh is our cover artist again this month, with an image of Wolffork Baptist Church. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the county, sitting in the middle of “the valley.” The fall leaves in the background are perfect for this issue. We appreciate Peter and all he contributes to our magazine, but more than that he is a good friend. We visited and I found out a few things I didn’t know about him and am happy to share with you.

Laurel of Northeast

Finding

Two

On Our Cover – A Kind and Talented Gentleman

I’ve written about Peter McIntosh’s prowess with a camera before and the proof is truly in the pudding. If you have seen his photography in the pages of the Laurel, on display in a gallery or perhaps in the Governor’s mansion you know just how gifted he is. This article is more about getting to know the man behind the camera than the camera itself.

When Peter was a boy growing up, his father would bring his two boys to the mountains to camp and hike. His father had access to a primitive log cabin on Tray Mountain, no plumbing, no electricity. It was a place to bring his family for outings. Mostly a base camp for him and his two sons to land after hiking the mountains. Peter’s love for adventure can be directly linked to his father. Tray Mountain will forever hold a special place in Peter’s heart. His father died when Peter was only 11 years old making those early experiences even more poignant.

During his 30s, Peter was working in a bar in Atlanta. He remembers one night after closing up, he got in his car and drove to Tray Mountain. He parked his car watching the sun rise, thinking about living in the mountains. He slept a couple hours in the car before heading back to Atlanta. He landed a job with Turner Broadcasting’s Turner Classic Movies which allowed him to live here and do his job. This arrangement allowed him to make the move to the mountains. “I moved here and didn’t know anyone,” Peter said. “Some of the first people I met were Dr. John and Martha Ezzard. They told me about their winery and vineyard and I commented that I might like to come take some photos. They invited me to come but warned that it was harvest season and they’d soon begin cutting the grapes. I showed up early on that next Monday morning. I got out of my car and the doctor met me in the vineyard. He began pointing towards the rows of plants and handed me a set of tools. Rather than correct him, I did as he said and began harvesting grapes. Within the next half hour a truck pulled up and he came out and the guy in the truck said he was there to cut the grapes. Doctor John said ‘no you’re not, he is’ pointing to me.” Peter chuckled remembering that morning. It was all sorted out and his friendship with the Ezzards grew from there. He bought his first home here in 2001, he hoped it would have a fireplace. The only thing he didn’t like about the home he bought was that rather than a fireplace it had a wood stove. Today he will tell you that his love affair with wood stoves began there. He remembers visiting Bill and Daphne Lisenby at their cabin overlooking Wolffork Valley for an article in the Laurel. They had a Quadra-Fire wood stove and Peter was immediately enamored with the ability to see the fire through the glass. He dreamed of having a Quadra-Fire but could not justify the expense when the one he had worked like a charm. When Robert Redford was shooting the movie A Walk In the Woods, Peter received a call from the production company requesting to use his

“Some kinds of fun, last longer than others.” - Betty Hutton

A recent photo of all that remains of that beloved cabin on Tray Mountain

framed images in the movie. Of course he was honored and when offered photo credit at the end of the movie or a check, he choose the check with the Quadra-Fire in mind. He used that check to purchase the wood heater and has named it the Bob Redford.

Traveling to and from Atlanta for 21 years begins to wear on a man. Recently Peter decided to retire from Turner Broadcasting and it has proven to be a good move. Today Peter would tell you that he has made some of the best friends he has ever had since moving here. A food and adult beverage aficionado, Peter enjoys a great meal and an impressive glass of whiskey. He is a kind and generous guy with a big heart. His photography portfolio continues to grow as he finds beauty in nature and has added product and home photography.

I put together a few questions to ask Peter for a little more insight into this dynamic gentleman.

Q. What is your favorite film?

A. Miracle at Morgan’s Creek starring a vivacious blonde named Betty Hutton. It came out in the 50s and dealt with unwed mothers with gentleness and love.

Q. Who are your favorite actors?

A. Jimmy Stewart because he was such a versatile actor. Cary Grant was fun and talented and Robert Di’Niro because you can easily forget you are watching an actor.

Q. What about the ladies, who are your favorite actresses?

A. The beautiful and funny Carol Lombard, and Betty Hutton. I got to know Hutton when she was a guest on the TCM set. She was candid and forthcoming about the high points and low points of her career. As for Lombard, she was an amazing comedic actress and didn’t take anything off of the men in the business. I liked that.

Q. What is your favorite food?

A. Lasagna! My mom made the best ever. Every year for my birthday, she made a big crock full of it and invited family and friends over. Those are some good memories.

Q. You are a connoisseur of great whiskies, what are your favorites?

A. Of course, Woodford Reserve is a favorite, along with Pendleton Rye. I’ll add to that list a bottle of 18 year old Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch, which was given to me when I was named the Georgia ForestWatch volunteer of the year a few years back. I’m proud to be a supporter of this great conservation group.

Q. We know you have photographed every waterfall in this region, what are your favorites?

A. I will keep that a secret and next year I’ll do a column about my favorite waterfalls. Stay tuned…

We are extremely fortunate to have Peter as a regular contributor to our magazine for going on 17 years. More than that we value his friendship. Thanks for the interview!

Peter with Governor Deal

Peter and brother Stuckey back from section hiking AT in Virginia

.Peter and Robert Osborne when he was guest host at TCM

Around Town Gratefully HonoringThose Who Served

By Rick Story

Each November, the Rabun County Chamber of Com merce and Forward Rabun Inc., host an annual Veterans Dinner to honor area veterans for their service in our nation’s armed forces. The Rabun County Chamber of Commerce began hosting this dinner well over two decades ago as a way of simply saying “thank you” to the brave men and women who have sacrificially served our na tion. The event has become quite popular over the years, as it has become one of Rabun’s “signature” community events that attracts participation from all around our region.

When Forward Rabun partnered with the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce three years ago, we quickly realized how graciously and diligently our chamber has been working to honor our vet erans over the years. We noted the vast amount of work put forth to make this annual dinner possible, and we joined them in thanking the many sponsors and volunteers who come to gether each year to ensure collective success. We were honored to be able to join the chamber in this endeavor, and we wanted to sound a collective “thank you” just a little bit louder by taking the message one step further.

In an effort to spread our gratitude throughout the year, and to show our veterans just how much they are loved and appreciat ed, we began co- hosting monthly “Vet-to-Vet Cafe” meetings. These meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM in the Diner, which is located on the lower level of the Rabun County Civic Center. The meetings are always free of charge and are open to all area veterans who wish to at tend. Attendees are warmly greeted each month with a light continental-style breakfast, graciously provided by volunteers. A short program and featured speaker are equally available to provide relevant information for veterans. These meetings are sponsored through a partnership with the Rabun County Cham ber of Commerce, Forward Rabun, and our friends at Hospice of Northeast Georgia.

The Rabun County Chamber of Commerce and Forward Rabun take great pride in honoring our veterans. We are blessed to cele brate the personal sacrifices and the bravery of these courageous men and women who have given much to ensure the liberties and freedoms that we daily enjoy. And, we invite our community to join us as we celebrate and support them.

This year’s dinner is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, 2022, and will take place on the main level of the Rabun County Civic Center. Doors will open at 4:45pm, with the event featuring some great local cuisine as well as top-notch entertainment performed by amazing local talent. Seating is limited and tickets are available for this year’s dinner at the Rabun County Welcome Center, locat ed at 10 Seed Tick Road, on Highway 441 just south of Clayton. All veterans will be honored and admitted free of charge, and tickets for veteran spouses can be purchased for $10. All other tickets are $25. Donations for the event are always welcome.

For additional information regarding this year’s Veterans Dinner or the monthly meeting of the Vet-to-Vet Cafe, please feel free to contact Forward Rabun at 706-782-4812.

Thank You for your Service!

Rick Story is a native of Rabun County who has spent most of his adult life in public service. He served as aid to several Georgia governors and congressmen. He has served on various boards at North Georgia Technical College and the University of Georgia and as a member of Rev. Billy Graham’s personal staff. He currently lives in Clayton with his family and serves as Rabun County’s Director of Development and leads Forward Rabun, Incorporated.

Around Town

The FarmHouse Bakery

When Ellen Dawe got started as a baker in 2014, she took her creations to festivals and farmer’s markets, which was oftentimes unpredictable. She knew then that her labor of love would eventually find itself a more permanent home, and so she set out on a quest. “I wanted an old historic home,” Ellen said. “I grew up in a very old home, and I love history.” And so, when she found the perfect old farmhouse in Cornelia, she need not look any further.

Originally built in 1832, the house came complete with a book that offers lots of history and stories about the people who lived there. “I just loved the character of the home, and it’s a great place to house a bakery,” Ellen shared. “And because it is a farmhouse, it is now The FarmHouse Bakery.”

Ellen, who was lucky enough to train with one of her gurus, pastry chef Gale Gand, recently started doing lunches as well – soups, salads, and sandwiches. You can either “grab and go” or spend some time outside dining in the beautiful yard, enjoying the intimate meadow setting, either in the shade or in the sun. Check out their website for daily specials and upcoming events at www.farmhousepoundcakes.com

Pink Peonies Boutique New to Franklin

Martha Holbrook is not new to entrepreneurship in downtown Franklin, North Carolina. Since 2008 she has added to the flavor of this charming mountain town. Her first shop was Rosebud Cottage which started in the East Franklin Shop ping Center. Martha and store manager Brenda Wooten have a passion for retail and the shop was filled with vintage and new home décor and gifts. Rosebud Cot tage moved to Main Street and added a cafe inside the store offering gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads. Martha and Brenda both love Main Street and want to be part of what makes it such a special place, so in 2013 Martha opened Mossy Rock. It is a delightful shop that appeals to all of your senses. You’ll find wonderful things for your home and many unique gifts, greeting cards and fresh FUDGE!

In July of this year, Martha opened a new boutique called Pink Peonies. Pronounced like your Grandma said it, Pink Peonies is located at 45 E. Main Street and offers shoppers an eclectic offering of clothing, accessories and handbags, bath and body products, jewelry, candles and home décor. Martha commissioned a local artist to paint a beautiful floor to ceiling mural of peonies that is the perfect backdrop for a selfie while visiting Main Street in Franklin. Be sure to shop both stores when you stroll through town. The hours for both of Martha’s stores are 10am – 6pm Mon day-Saturday. You are welcome to follow Mossy Rock @mossyrockNC) and Pink Peo nies (pinkpeonies) on Facebook. For additional information call 828-524-7577.

Mountain City Playhouse is OPEN for Fun and Families!

The Mountain City Playhouse has a rich history of offering residents of Rabun and surrounding counties the opportunity to enjoy music and dancing. It holds a special place in the hearts of many! The good news is after years of being closed, Rabun native Suzie (Nixon) Flaherty has reopened this Rabun County icon. The community has embraced the opportunity to once again be able to buck dance, square dance - clogging, ballroom dancing and line dancing A list of classes can be found on their website, as well as upcoming events that the community can enjoy.

Are you planning a gathering, family reunion, anniversary or birthday party, reception, or spe cial event of any kind? The Mountain City Playhouse has event space available for individuals, groups and non-profit organizations. The space will easily accommodate 100 guests and park ing is ample. To inquire about renting the venue please contact Mary Baer at mountaincityplay house@gmail.com.

The Mountain City Playhouse is located at 186 Playhouse Drive in Mountain City, Georgia. They welcome your phone calls at 706-969-2777 or a visit to their website www.mountaincityplay house.com

Welcome to Blossman Gas and Rabun County!

Blossman Gas is pleased to welcome Mitch Wiggins, the new manager at their Clayton location. Mitch, a native of Sylva, North Carolina has made Rabun his home. With over 22 years experience in the propane gas business, Mitch has been with Blossman Gas for over 9 years. “Blossman is a very family oriented business and that is what brought me to this company and what has kept me here.” Mitch said of the company with a 75 year history.

“The crew here in Clayton is very knowledgeable, dedicated and some of the most well trained I’ve worked with during my career”, he continued.

Blossman is a full-service gas and appliance store. They sell and install appliances, propane heaters, gas log systems and the gas to run them. Many companies only deliver gas to their customers but Blossman does it all making them the logical choice for your propane services.

When Mitch isn’t working he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family. Stop in soon to welcome him and if you are looking for a company with a solid reputation for cus tomer service and quality products and service, you need look no further.

First American Bank - Theresa Talley

Growing up in Rabun County as a daughter of a minister, Theresa Talley devel oped a love and genuine passion for the community and its people.

Theresa started her banking career in 1986 and has been fortunate to acquire a very diverse background in the banking industry. She is a Rotarian and serves on the Board of Habitat for Humanity of Rabun County.

A big part of what keeps Theresa in banking is the people. She says, “I’m an old banker that still believes banking is a people business. Relationships matter.”

Theresa is passionate about her family, her faith and enjoys nothing more than serving her customers. Whether you are looking to purchase, refinance or build a new home, Theresa prides herself on helping you each step of the way with pro grams that include Conventional, FHA, VA, Construction, Jumbo’s, and first-time homebuyer’s programs.

Put a Plant-Based Twist on Holiday Baking

lavorful desserts are a staple of the holidays and the exciting, appetizing allure of new recipes can help elevate seasonal gatherings and create sweet memories. With near-endless options for cel ebrating the season, putting a plant-based twist on traditional recipes offers everyone the opportunity to indulge with decadent treats.

In seasonal sweets like Brulee Pumpkin Pie and No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake, an option like Country Crock Plant Cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for heavy whipping cream.

With 29% less saturated fat than dairy heavy whip ping cream, it’s an easy 1:1 swap and is also soyfree, certified plant-based and 100% vegan, making it ideal to have on hand during holiday baking sea son. It’s all of the deliciousness of heavy cream, with none of the heaviness of dairy.

Brulee Pumpkin Pie

Prep time: 45 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Servings: 8

Pie Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons Country Crock Plant Butter, cold and cut into cubes

2 tablespoons chilled vegetable shortening, cut into pieces

4 tablespoons ice water

Pumpkin Filling:

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

1/4 cup coconut cream

1 cup Country Crock Plant Cream

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground clove

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons white granulated sugar

Whipped Topping:

2 cups Country Crock Plant Cream, chilled

1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

To make pie crust: Preheat oven to 350 F.

In bowl of food processor, add flour, sugar and salt; pulse to com bine. Add cold plant butter and shortening. Process about 10 sec onds until it looks like coarse meal.

With food processor running, add ice water. Process until mixture clumps together.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough into 14-inch circle. Transfer to 9-inch pie dish. Lift edges and allow dough to drape into dish. Trim, leaving 1-inch overhang. Fold excess dough under and crimp edges.

To make pumpkin filling: In medium saucepan over medium heat, add syrup and vanilla; warm about 2 minutes then remove from heat and set aside.

In large bowl, combine syrup mixture, pumpkin, coconut cream, plant cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, salt and cornstarch; blend with hand mixer until smooth. Pour mixture into pie crust.

Bake 1 hour. If crust starts to burn, cover edges with aluminum foil. The middle will still be jiggly.

Cool at room temperature 30 minutes then cover and transfer to refrigerator to chill at least 5 hours or overnight.

Before serving, sprinkle pie with white sugar and, using kitchen torch, brelee until sugar is melted and dark brown.

To make whipped topping: Using electric hand mixer or stand mix er, whisk plant cream, powdered sugar and vanilla on high until mixture thickens and stiff peaks form.

Slice and serve with whipped topping.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Total time: 6-7 hours

Servings: 8

Country Crock Plant Butter, for greasing

Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup Country Crock Plant Butter, melted

Filling:

2 packages (8 ounces each) dairy-free cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup peanut butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup Country Crock Plant Cream

1 cup powdered sugar

Chocolate Ganache:

1 stick Country Crock Plant Butter, cubed

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Grease 9-inch pie dish with plant butter; set aside.

To make crust: In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted plant butter; mix thoroughly.

Add crust to greased pie dish and press firmly to bottom and sides; refrigerate.

To make filling: In bowl of electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Add powdered sugar; beat until fully incorporated.

Add peanut butter, vanilla extract and plant cream; beat until smooth and creamy.

Pour filling into prepared crust and refrigerate 5-6 hours or overnight.

To make chocolate ganache: In pan over medium heat, add plant butter cubes and chocolate; stir continuously.

Spread chocolate ganache evenly on top of chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Adventure Out – Sandy Ford to Earl’s Ford

By Peter McIntosh

One of my Chattooga River photos was on the cover of the October issue of the Laurel of Northeast Georgia and lots of folks inquired as to the location of the photo. It’s from the Chattooga River between Sandy Ford and Earl’s Ford and that’s where we’re going this month. And down by the river there should still be some great fall color. It’s a three mile hike on the Bartram Trail / Chattooga River Trail (from here on out I’m just going to call it the Bartram Trail because of the easy to follow yellow blazes) which are standard along the trail except for a small section near Sandy Ford where the trails split. Difficulty wise, this is a moderate hike without any extreme changes in elevation so if you’re up for a six mile hike, go for it. I’m treating this as a three mile hike with a car at each end with both trailheads accessed from Warwoman Road. For this adventure we’re going to begin at Sandy Ford, but either way is great.

Let’s get started. We descend on the Bartram Trail a little over 1/3 of a mile to an intersection with a side trail above Dick’s Creek Falls (I suggest you take a little side trip to see the falls cascading into the river, if you haven’t been there, it’s worth the short side hike. (This side trail is marked by bright green blazes and begins at a small footbridge.) As of this writing, there are some downed trees making access to the falls difficult but not impossible. And the Chattooga River at Dick’s Creek Ledge is stunning. Check it out for sure.

Back on the Bartram trail, we head slightly uphill alongside a small stream, soon passing a campground on your right. Continue following the Bartram’s yellow blazes crossing a horse / ATV trail. Turn right over a small wooden footbridge with a cable handrail. Ascend a bit more steeply, away from the river, just a short way and cross over a ridge and then descend. Soon the sound of the river whispers gently through the forest and then it comes into view. Nearing the river there will be several nice

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

Chattooga River Bartram Trail

campsites on your right. The Chattooga, known for it’s dynamic rapids, is peaceful and calming along this section of the trail. Take a break and explore, this trip is all about the journey, not a specific destination. This is the spot for a picnic it that’s on the agenda. Continuing on, the trail follows a bend in the river and then passes a few more nice campsites. A little further on the trail again leaves the river and ascends to your left. After cresting a ridge, the footpath descends gently and soon you’re hiking alongside Warwoman Creek on your right. The almost level footpath winds alongside the creek for a bit and then crosses a small footbridge. Less than half a mile further and there you are at Earl’s Ford. It’s a pleasant trip with a lot of terrific river spots for you to enjoy along the way. Happy hiking.

As the autumnal colors fade like an ember, here’s my poem for November:

On a trail through the forest where the leaves are all glowy, We’ll hike to a place where the river runs slowly.

And before the trail’s end we’ll be rewarded with a peek, At a beautiful stream named Warwoman Creek.

Getting there:

Sandy Ford -

From US 441 in Clayton, go east on Warwoman Road for 5.9 miles to Sandy Ford Road on right. Bear right on Sandy Ford and go 1/2 mile and turn left over bridge, this is still Sandy Ford Road. Continue 3.4 miles to where the road fords Dick’s Creek. You then ford the stream, (folks cross this stream in cars all the time) and park on the left about a ¼ mile further near where the Bartram crosses the road. This crossing is well marked with signs and a marker stone. From here it’s also less than ½ mile to the intersection.

Earl’s Ford –

From US 441 in Clayton, go east on Warwoman Road for 7.8 miles to Earl’s Ford Road on right. Continue on this, bumpy but not too bad, road for 3 miles to where it crosses Warwoman Creek. The Bartram Trail crosses here, indicated by a marker stone. There’s plenty of places to pull off to park and please don’t block the road.

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

Bartram Trail

Dick’s Creek Ledge

Firmly Rooted Amaryllis - The Holiday Flower

By Tori Carver

When researching the origin and history of the Amaryllis, I came across several references to the flowers being born from Greek mythology. Each story differs slightly, but all center around the maiden, Amaryllis. She longed to be loved by cold-hearted Alteo. In an attempt to win his affection, she pierced her heart with a golden arrow and then visited his cottage daily, leaving behind little drops of blood. On the thirtieth day, beautiful scarlet flowers bloomed along the path where the drops of blood had fallen. Alteo fell in love, Amaryllis’s heart was healed, and our favorite holiday flower received its name.

Regardless of the mythology behind the name, the genus amaryllis does come from the Greek word amarysso, which means “to sparkle”. However, the amaryllis bulbs we com monly purchase and grow as houseplants are hybrids of the genus Hippeastrum.

Most amaryllis bulbs are produced in Holland, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, and Israel. Though it’s difficult to predict exactly when a bulb will come out of dormancy and how quickly it will grow, bulbs from the southern hemisphere typically take 5 to 7 weeks to bloom which is generally around Christmastime. Dutch amaryllis bulbs take 8 to 12 weeks which is typically January through early March. Combine these natural bloom time variations with a staggered planting of bulbs sourced from various countries and you can have amaryllises in flower from December through early March.

An interesting fact in the Amaryllis world, but size really does matter. It’s simple: the BIGGER the bulb, the BIGGER the show!!

The bulbs we offer are 34/36 and 36/38 cm in cir cumference — typically only 2% of all the Amaryllis bulbs sold in the world are 36/38 cm! It takes grow ers several years to create bulbs this big, which is why they’re hard to find and of course, they’re a bit more

expensive. But in our opinion, the incredible show is worth it. These giant bulbs produce more flower stems and more flowers per stem than their smaller counterparts that can be purchased at big box stores.

Here are a few tips and tricks to growing a happy and healthy Amaryllis.

• Do NOT water your bulb until it has broken dormancy

• Water ONLY when the top inch of soil is dry. Watering too often can cause the bulb to rot.

• Water only with warm water

• Your Amaryllis will lean toward a light source. To keep it straight, turn your pot a quarter-turn daily.

• Once your Amaryllis begins to bloom, move the container OUT of direct sun - a simple step that makes the flowers last a lot longer

• If a stem breaks off, just trim the end and put it in a vase of water. It will last just as long as it would have if it were still on the stem.

We are currently offering Amaryllis bulbs on our website at www. firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com. Each purchase comes with full in structions on growing your Amaryllis as well as instructions on how to save your bulb to re-bloom next year.

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

Wolffork Missionary Baptist Church The Church in the Valley

By Tracy McCoy

It’s difficult to share 110 years of rich history in one article. The families who were the first to attend this church have ancestors still worshipping there today. The loved ones buried in the Wolffork Baptist Church cemetery date back to the time when it was private land. The first man to own the land was John Pinson who later sold to Abraham Keener who deeded an acre and a half for the purpose of a meeting house and school. The first structure proved to be too cold, a second building was built with a fireplace and was sufficient for residents to worship. Both Baptists and Methodists having services in it, working their schedules around each other. The children of the Wolffork community also attended school in the small building in the center of the valley. This served as an education resource for the children until the school was consolidated with Dillard Elementary in 1935.

Let’s back up just a bit to 1875 and over the mountain in the Germany community a church was built. The road that passed by this small white church with the steeple led to Wolffork. Residents from Wolffork didn’t have a church yet so many traveled the dirt road across the mountain to attend services. In 1912 Mountain Grove Church launched Wolffork Missionary Baptist by transferring 29 members by letter and 19 more by profession of faith. With 48 charter members Wolffork’s church was established. In the years that followed the members added an organized Sunday School, the women organized a Women’s Missionary Union, a Baptist Young People’s Union was something for the youth and of course as the church grew additions were made. Generous members and visitors made donations allowing the church to upgrade and add Sunday school rooms, a baptismal and more room for God’s children to gather in His name over the years.

The welcoming spirit and mission work that are at the core of this body of believers has never wavered in 110 years. Even today they not only support missionaries around the world they reach out within their own community to be the church. They have never let denominations divide rather they have made room for all who wish to gather. Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians have all used this building to have church.

In the late 90s a hispanic minister came seeking a place for his congregation to hold services and not surprisingly Wolffork Baptist Church opened their hearts and doors. The Elohim Mission Church held service at Wolffork Baptist Church until

August 2003. Wolffork continues to support the Elohim Mission to this day. The church also helps feed the hungry in north Georgia by becoming part of the Northeast Georgia Food Bank. The church has a food pantry in their fellowship hall and over the years have provided tons of food to help feed the community. This congregation has consistently looked for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As it should be.

God has sent Pastors and Reverends to lead His Wolffork flock since 1912, far too many to list here but they certainly have invested in the hearts and minds of their congregation. The Deacons, Teachers and members have impacted many lives over the generations. Today Pastor Bill Barker leads the church and they have his sermons online if you’d like to listen in.

Some members have shared their memories. Again I wish I could share them all but I’d like to share the remembrances of Judy Garland McCracken. The picture it will paint in your mind will bring back memories from simpler days when life was a little sweeter and less complicated. I praise God for believers like these at Wolffork Missionary Baptist Church. Truly the country church in the valley, they’ve always got room for you to join them. They are located on Wolffork Church Road in Rabun Gap, Georgia. Visit their website www.wolffork.org for more information.

Judy shared… “This church has been such an important part of my life. My earliest memories are walking to VBS during the summer. I remember Ruth Thurmond being the director. It was two weeks of Bible stories, memorizing scripture,

songs, and crafts. Then of course, we all looked forward to the grape juice and homemade sugar cookies brought by Mrs. Lucy York, Miss Arizona Dickerson, Ione Dickerson, and Miss Pauline Coleman Dickerson.

I remember how I felt when Daddy was first called on to pray during the worship service and how he managed the overwhelming nervousness by asking everyone to pray the Lord’s Prayer with him. It was the beginning of many heartfelt prayers that he gave until he could no longer attend services. One of my fondest memories of my teen years was a campout with Mrs. Straner when she led YWA’s. She did not feel safe or comfortable lying on the ground… so she slept on the table. Oh, how I loved to hear laugh! Then there were the youth parties at Arlene and Keith Hopper’s home. Arlene had a wonderful laugh and a willingness to work with the young people. Then, there were Montene and her sisters in the choir and Betty Keener playing the piano and in the summer Mrs. Miller playing the old organ.

Christmas at Wolffork… Glenn Hopper and other men singing “We Three Kings” Mae Neal as Santa, Charlyn’s costume catching on fire, caroling in a Volkswagen, John and Joey’s “real” inn, and the New Year’s Eve watch night service.

This church family has had a profound influence on my life as well as the lives of my children. I cannot remember any aspect of my life without the church having a significant part.”

The Incarnation Itself Was Not Enough

By Zack Ford - Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Church

What is something shocking or remarkable that you have heard recently?

I’m a Clemson football fan, and as a Clemson fan I heard something shocking the other day about one of our previous quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence. As a sophomore quarterback, he had never trailed, through 28 games, as a college quarterback in the second half of a football game. Whether you’re a Tiger fan or not, that’s pretty shocking!

Or how about this one — According to Smithsonian, there are more pet tigers in the United States than there are wild tigers in the rest of the world!

Or how about one more — this one a bit more frightening. Apparently, the U.S. Military has permanently lost at least 8 nuclear weapons. Just gone. And no clue where they are.

As we think about God’s Word, there are certainly some shocking truths in Scripture, aren’t there? Just think about the Trinity — that there is one God in three Persons, each fully God but each distinct as a Person. Or how about prayer — that the sovereign God of the universe actually cares enough about each and every one of us that He hears us as we cry out to Him in prayer. Those are pretty shocking.

But as we quickly approach the Christmas season, I would submit to you that the words of John 1:14 takes the cake and ranks among the highest for shock-value for a first-century Jew — “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The idea that Yahweh would become flesh was considered blasphemy. The incarnation is God’s greatest wonder — one that no creature could have ever imagined. Perhaps the Dutch Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck has best summed up the difficulty that lies before us as we think about God’s greatest wonder in the incarnation when he says:

“It is completely incomprehensible to know how God can reveal himself and to some extent make himself known in created beings: eternity in time, immensity in space, infinity in the finite, immutability in change, being in becoming, the all, as it were, in that which is nothing. This mystery cannot be comprehended; it can only be gratefully acknowledged.” (Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 2, 49)

The incarnation is that glorious truth that God the Son — the eternal second person of the Trinity — in the fullness of time took on human flesh, being born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might become fully God and fully man in order to reconcile His people with the Father. What a glorious truth this is that we celebrate!! We are reminded in the incarnation that God is made accessible through His Son. We are reminded that this incarnate Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. We are reminded of God’s humility and glory through the incarnation. And we, as God’s people, are compelled to godly living as we consider this glorious truth of the incarnation.

As we remind ourselves the glorious truth of the incarnation as we approach this Christmas season — that God the Son took on human flesh — and as we contemplate the humility, the love, and the grace involved and shown to us through the miracle of the incarnation, let us not forget that the incarnation itself was not enough. You see, the incarnation was for a purpose. Listen to how Donald MacLeod puts it:

“In reality, the incarnation was but the prelude to the atonement, an absolutely indispensable prelude because only this man, in our place, could expiate sin and propitiate God. But this enfleshment was not itself propitiation. He became flesh only in order to give his life as a ransom, and there could be no tetelestai [it is finished] till that life was given. He could make peace only by the blood of his cross.” (Donald Macleod, Christ Crucified, 141-142)

You see, Jesus took on human flesh in order that he might give his life as a ransom for many. And why was this necessary? Because you and I, as God’s created beings — men and women created to honor God and glorify Him — have done everything but that. We have rebelled against our Creator. We have turned to false gods. We have sought the pleasure of self over the pleasure of God. We have robbed God the glory due His name. And as such, on our own, each and every one of us stand as condemned sinners before the throne of God with no hope of forgiveness, with no hope of peace, with no hope of reconciliation with our Maker.

But God, in His infinite grace, love, and kindness chose in eternity past to send His Son at the appointed time in order that this perfect God-man, this incarnate Christ, would be born of a virgin, live a perfect life, die a substitutionary death, rise from the dead to defeat sin, death, and satan, and ascend to the right hand of God the Father — in his perfect, glorified fleshly state — where he now awaits to return and fully and finally save His people and judge the world.

You see, the incarnation is an indispensable, crucial, and pivotal doctrine and time in human history for us. But it is not enough. It was not an end in itself. Rather, it was but the beginning of the end, whereby this incarnate Christ would give His life as a ransom for His people.

Let us meditate on this truth, proclaim this truth, believe this truth, and cherish this truth. Let us not grow cold to this truth, but let us with fresh reminders behold the appearing of the grace of God in the incarnation.

As I finish writing this, let me share with you a quote from the Church Father Augustine that stirred my heart and warmed my affections for Christ this year. I pray that it will do the same for you.

“Man’s maker was made man, that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that the Truth might be accused of false witness, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” (Augustine, Sermons 184-229, 191.1)

MY PERSONAL BEST

By Wade Lott, Senior Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church

Ihave always enjoyed fishing. I have been fishing since my father started taking me when I was a young boy. I have caught a lot of fish in my lifetime, but the period of time between August of 2015 and May of 2016 was the greatest season of fishing that I have ever experienced. In June of 2015 I started fishing tournaments with a local Jon Boat club and had some good success. On the morning of August 29th, during a tournament, my partner and I stopped at an underwater hump to wait on some schooling fish to come up to the top. While we were waiting, I cast a finesse worm rigged on a drop shot onto the underwater hump. When I picked up the slack in my line, I felt a bite. I set the hook and could not believe what I had hooked! I fought the fish for a while until it finally wore down and we got it in the boat. The fish weighed 10.80 pounds…my personal best. Three more times, in the coming months, I would catch a fish that would have been my personal best prior to August of 2015. I always thought that if I caught a fish that big, I would be satisfied; that it would be enough. As I think and reflect back, I have come to realize that when it comes to fishing, my personal best will never be good enough! I will always want to catch a bigger fish! I began to think about that principle from a spiritual standpoint and I realized something similar was true in my spiritual life. The spiritual principle is this: no

matter how good I can be in my life, no matter how strong my personal convictions may be, no matter how strong my morals or my charitable gifts, my personal best will never be enough for me to have eternal life in heaven.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.” Eternal life only comes by the grace of God through our faith in Him. At the age of 16, I made a decision to place my faith in Jesus in order that I might have eternal life. If you would like to do the same, I would encourage you pray a very simple prayer to God where you:

1. Confess to God that you know that you have sinned. (Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”)

2. Ask God to forgive you of your sins (1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”)

3. Ask God to give you eternal life through Jesus Christ, God’s Son. (Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”)

The moment that I prayed this prayer, God gave me peace and I began to sense a purpose and meaning for my life. I would like to invite you to pray this prayer and know for certain that you, too, have eternal life. Your personal best will never be enough, but God’s personal best, Jesus Christ, is all that you will ever need!

Pastor Wade Lott is Senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Hiawassee, Georgia. Pastor Wade began serving as Senior Pastor in February of 2019. He and his wife, Tammy, have two children and five grandchildren. He is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending time with his family.

I love my town.

By Pastor Ben Windle

Whether your reading this in North Georgia or Western North Carolina, you get it,

I recognize I’m not a native, I wasn’t born here, but I’ve chosen to be here, raise my family here, share the gospel here, and give the best years of my life to this town, because I love this town. The first thing you’ll notice about where we live is the geography. There are mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Not only does our geography make us home to some amazing natural resources, but we’re perfectly located for those of us who like to take a Saturday and explore a new town on a day trip.

Geography aside, it’s the people that make the town. And we’re home to some of the best. We’re generous, family focused, hard working, entrepreneurial minded, and so much more.

There are SO many reasons to love our town, but what if instead of looking for reasons to love where we live, instead of asking “what great things does this town offer me?” “What’s in this town for my benefit?” - which is a very normal thought, what if “I Love My Town” became a statement of responsibility that drove us to action?

What if we found reasons to give back, bless others, and make a lasting difference in our town?

How would God want us to love our town?

What if we could make a difference by blessing those around us?

Jesus modeled this for us in the New Testament by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, restoring lives, and bringing hope to people that were hopeless, all before they started following Him. In the Old Testament we read a passage in Jeremiah 29 that gives us a glimpse into God’s heart for the town. This letter was written to the exiles in Babylon who were captured from Israel and drug across the desert to a new town. They were in a place they didn’t belong, they had radically different views when it came to politics, when it came to morality, religion, and the world around them.

How are we to respond to that? How do we live in that? And what do we do with it? We live in a world today where many feel like exiles, especially in the USA. People are pulling their hair out on both sides. Conservatives feel like our country is entirely too liberal.

Liberals believe our country is entirely too conservative. But how can these two groups both feel like exiles? How can everyone feel like they don’t belong?

If we can’t agree on what’s wrong and what’s right or how things should be run, how do you live in that kind of town? In that kind of society?

God answered that exact question and it’s a message for us today on how we should love our town:

Jeremiah 29:4-7

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.

Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Babylon was not a nice town to live in. It was full of violence, pain, false and oppressive gods, sin and debauchery. Yet in the middle of that kind of situation God says to His people, listen, I want you to seek the peace and prosperity of this town. I’m sure people would’ve raised their hand and said, “Woah, woah, woah, don’t you see all the crime? All the sin? All the division? I don’t think we should seek the peace and prosperity here at ALL! God I think we should climb in a hole, or live in a cave, or at least create a commune where we can live out our days.”

And yet God gives the opposite instruction - He says LIVE IN IT! RAISE YOUR FAMILIES IN IT! You be the cultural architects for your town that design and build peace and prosperity. Seek its welfare. Don’t just engage in the town so you can have your little slice of comfort and the American Dream, do what you do, whatever it is, for the greater peace and prosperity of those around you.

There are many that take from the town because that’s just our nature. We try to make a name for ourselves for recognition, power, achievement and money. But, because that’s the end goal, for many, life seems exhausting and depressing. If you live everyday

Ben Windle is Lead Pastor of Discover Church in Franklin, North Carolina. Ben was raised in a Christian home in the corn fields of Indiana and gave his life to Christ at a young age. He and his wife, Mallika moved to Franklin in 2014 and fell in love with the community and it’s people. Ben enjoys backpacking, camping, fishing – all the outdoorsy things, building and riding motorcycles, and the occasional creative projects.Ben and Mallika have two crazy boys and one perfect daughter and are blessed to call the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina home.

just to achieve and get, it’s a path that never has a destination. It’s never enough, it never satisfies.

Interestingly enough, that kind of town also feels very oppressed. Because of our objective to keep reaching higher and higher, we’re more likely to step on others to get there and it causes oppression in our town.

But God’s view of our role is very different. Because we have God’s grace, we already know who we are. We already know that we’re loved, we already know that we’ve been accepted. There’s not a growing determination inside of us to prove ourselves, because of Christ, we’ve already been proven. It is an incredible feeling to know who you are. Because we’re accepted and loved, we don’t approach this town out of need, but out of a desire to give - this life focus leads to a life of true peace and prosperity. We don’t approach our town for what it can give us, every day saying, “What can you do to benefit my life?”

But God’s way is, “Here’s my life to benefit you.”

Until Heaven Parts Us

A Once in a Lifetime Love

By Tracy McCoy

Born in a small Illinois town, Alyssa Patterson grew up dreaming of grand adventures. Adventures she had heard about in the books her mother read to her. Early on Mrs. Stroner found that a good book could settle Alyssa down and distract her when her four year old world came crashing down. She loved to read stories and that hasn’t changed. At eighteen, Alyssa moved to Orlando, Florida where she got a job working at Walt Disney World. She worked for a couple years before moving to Atlanta where she completed her education in Communications. These studies helped her chart her course. She had a dream of someday becoming an author.

Like many young people today, meeting a guy or girl to date begins online. Alyssa was scrolling through a dating app when she saw a message from a guy who wanted to “chat”. She responded and the two went back and forth for a couple days before he asked for her phone number. His charismatic personality and killer smile had definitely garnered her interest, so she happily shared her contact information. Not wasting time Chandler Patterson dialed her up. If this young man ever met a stranger, they weren’t a stranger for long. So the couple began talking, sometimes hours on end. This went on for a couple of weeks before they had their first date at Provino’s Italian restaurant in Buford, Georgia. The evening ended with Chandler telling Alyssa he was going to marry her someday.

“We talked about all of the taboo things that you are not supposed to discuss with a new love interest. Things like politics, our faith, our families… but these things were important to both of us so we just

agreed to get that out of the way. That was before our first date!” Alyssa told me in our recent interview. “I honestly felt so comfortable with Chandler, we talked about everything! A month into our relationship, I shared my dream of being an author someday and his response was ‘I think Alyssa Patterson is a beautiful name for the cover of a book’, and today that name is on the cover of a book.” Alyssa didn’t have an idea for a book she wanted to write, she enjoyed so many different literary genre. One of her favorite authors was C.S. Lewis who wrote a book titled A Grief Observed, after losing his wife of three years and a close friend of Lewis, Sheldon Vanauken penned a novel titled A Severe Mercy, both books Alyssa found compelling. God provides what we will need before we need it.

The eleven months that followed that first date were a whirlwind of romance. Young and in love, Chandler and Alyssa spent every minute they could together. One afternoon while visiting a vineyard in north Georgia, Chandler asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. The engagement was such an exciting time as Alyssa, her mom and sister made plans for the wedding. The date was set for June 5, 2021 at White Oaks just outside of Dahlonega, Georgia. Her dress was purchased and his Tuxedo was rented. There were no cold feet with these two, they knew that God had brought them into each others’ lives and they had mapped out their future together. Chan had worked for the Gainesville, Georgia fire department for a couple years and had dreams of furthering his education and becoming a Fire Marshall. Alyssa would continue to build a career in communications and be an author someday.

Their wedding day was magical. The weather could not have been more perfect. Friends and family gathered as the two shared their heartfelt vows to each other. Rings were exchanged and the reception was a celebration of a love to last a lifetime. After the honeymoon the couple settled into their new home and began their life together.

We never know the turns life will take, unexpected life altering events can turn

things upside down in a minute or less. What was supposed to be a happy ever after became unspeakable heartache and tragedy for this new bride and the Patterson family. On June 26th, Chandler lost his life in a boating accident on Lake Tugalo. Alyssa’s strength comes from her faith and relationship with Jesus, she’ll tell you that herself. That faith and her Savior are what has carried her through the most difficult time of her life.

As is often the case, the days after the accident were a blur. Within a couple weeks she knew she needed someone to talk with; her plans never included being a twentythree year old widow. Alyssa sought out a counselor who helped tremendously. She had such a solid network of friends and family (hers and his) who stood with her during this tragedy. Unspeakable grief was felt by all. Every death is a loss, leaving a hole in our lives. A person like Chandler Patterson leaves a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him. His community in Rabun County, Hall County and Gwinnett were all impacted and all grieved. When a caravan of firetrucks escorted the hearse back to Rabun, people lined the highway as a show of sympathy and love to his family.

The days since losing Chandler have been a difficult journey of pain and healing. Alyssa knew in her heart what she had to do, she had to write that book. The story had to be shared to help others who are facing such loss. Having kept journals during different seasons of her life, she just couldn’t put pen to paper, it was too soon. She knew though that she had to put it down while the emotions were fresh and raw. On a weekend in January 2022, her sister was away on a trip and she had the house to herself. The first snow of the year had begun to fall and she sat down to research how to self-publish a book. She found a wonderful resource in SelfPublishing School and before she knew it the story began to unfold. She wrote as tears filled her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. A few dozen tissues later, she had started her first book that would be titled Until Heaven Parts Us. After many edits, many tears and a few months, she opened the packaged and held the book in her hands. Across the bottom of the cover in scarlet letters was her name, Alyssa Patterson. She had written a book about loss and grief, faith and healing. Alyssa’s book is about a love she’d only dreamed of, but one powerful enough to sustain her for a lifetime. “No matter what, I’ll always love him and I’ll always be part of his family. I pray God uses this book to help those who are trying to find a way to make sense of tragedy. In this I have learned that the God of the Universe is more complex than I ever knew and Jesus is such a close friend. During this season of wrestling with God, He never left me. Our relationship became so real it was tangible. The Lord has been so gracious to us. To have had and loved a man like Chandler is quite possibly the greatest gift I’ve received this side of Heaven.”

Chandler’s father Breck, Alyssa and her father Russ created a non-profit in Chandler’s honor. If you knew Chan you knew he often referred to others as “dude”. The foundation they have created is called Dude 21. The mission of Dude 21 is to support firefighters in furthering their careers with continuing education, as Chandler had hoped to do, and to serve the parents, widows, and children of fallen first responders. A website has been created www.dude21.org where donations can be made. The inaugural fundraising event was sponsored and hosted by Waterfall Country Club at Lake Burton on October 18th. Other fundraisers are in the works. “One night my sister and I were at a brewery not far from my home in Suwanee called StillFire Brewery. It is housed in an old fire station. I saw their lineup of brews on tap and thought there should be a Dude 21 beer. I sent some e-mails, never expecting a response, and got a resounding YES! So they brewed Dude 21 in memory of Chandler. Many of his family and friends came to StillFire for the release on January 21st. He would have loved that,” said Alyssa continuing, “beverages and that beer were served at the golf tournament at Waterfall this year.”

This quote from Chandler is found on the Dude21.org website: “If you want to be happy, you have to invest in people. We get so caught up chasing money and materialistic and tangible objects, that really do nothing for us. When you die, what are people going to say about you? Are they gonna say, “Man, that guy drove an awesome truck,” or, “Man, that guy had nice clothes”? When you’re gone, people don’t remember those things, people don’t care about that. People care about who you are and your heart. If you invest in people, you will always be rich. If you have a full heart, you’ll be rich. And you can never have that if you don’t pour into other people.”

Chandler Patterson

Alyssa’s book Until Heaven Parts Us is available for purchase at Amazon.com and locally at Reeves Hardware on South Main Street in Clayton, Georgia.

Downtown Clayton

Healthy & Happy Kids? Keep ‘em moving!

By Suzie Flaherty

Speech-Language Pathologist - Owner at Blue Ridge Activity Center and Mountain City Playhouse

Winter months are on the way and for some parents, focusing on keeping their kids active during the cold weather can be a challenge. Being unable to go to the park like summertime can lead to sedentary children, and parents.. Add in high-calorie holiday foods and you have a recipe for decreased health and wellness . This can result in a season of increased depression and mental health struggles for everyone. According to information provided to Bustle. com in a December 4, 2019 article by JR Thorpe, Dr. Matt VanDusen Psy.D., clinical director for the Delphi Behavioral Health Group’s California program, reported that “Cold weather can also affect mood in some people, which can lead to seasonal affective disorder [SAD].” According to research, almost a fourth of the population is affected by an increase in depression and depressive symptoms during the winter months. A part of this population that may be overlooked is our children.

Children can have the same responses and difficulties as adults when it comes to the dark and dreary months. Because their brains are still developing, the effects can be impactful. How do we combat this and keep ourselves active, healthy, and aware of our, and our children’s mental health, during winter? And why is this so important for kids? One reason is the effects that movementbased activities can have on brain development. Physical activity can help to promote brain development in several ways. Games that involve balance, coordination, and reaction times have been shown to improve concentration, attention to tasks, enhance working memory and verbal learning and memory. According to the University of Nevada, Reno, “Physical activity can affect how we learn, remember, problem-solve, and pay attention.” Physical activity leads to increased blood flow as well as oxygen to the brain, therefore improving brain function. We already know the effects of decreased physical

activities on our mental health. Combine decreased movement, cold-weather, lack of opportunities, and possible SAD and we have a high-risk time for the health and wellness of our children.

So how do we keep our kids and ourselves moving during these dark, cold, and often gloomy months? We become creative and avoid sedentary activities when possible. Sometimes the best solutions to keep moving are the simple ones. One of the easiest, and cheapest, is a dance party in your kitchen. Can’t dance? Who cares! It’s about moving your body and participating in a physical activity with your child. Got bad knees or a bad back? Grab a chair and take a seat. Just move your arms and legs. Have your child think up routines that you can do together. Keep it simple and repeat movements. That way you are working on memory skills and repetition of movement patterns as well as motor planning by creating the dance. So turn on that music and dance! Another option is to play a game together. Simon Says, tossing a stuffed sock, so nothing gets broken, or creating an obstacle course in the living room are also activities to engage memory, creativity, and get the body moving. Is your brain too maxed out to come up with something to do? No problem! Pinterest and Google are absolutely full of ideas for parent/child movement activities. And just like dancing, many of them can be little to no cost. If you have a little money to spend, find a local indoor activity center, sign your child up for an indoor class, or visit your local recreation department to shoot some hoops. Bundle up and take a walk.

The options to keep ourselves and our children moving during the winter months are many as long as we’re open to being creative and doing a little investigating. It’s important for not only our own health, but also our kids’ overall brain development, mental health, and overall wellness. So get moving this winter and beat those blues before they happen.

Rabun County native, Suzie Nixon Flaherty, moved home to Rabun County in 2019 and her two boys attend RCHS. She opened Blue Ridge Activity & Tumbling Center (BRAT) to help cultivate movement, health, and wellness in area children. She purchased the historic Mountain City Playhouse, giving home to the BRAT Center, reviving the dance hall, and offering family fun for all.

Anesthesia in Pets

By Dr. Brad Speed

Anesthesia! What a great subject to discuss! Over the years I have found that no one word elicits more anxiety in a client than anesthesia. I’ve probably heard “you mean you’re gonna have to put him to sleep?” 5,000 times in my career. Let’s face facts: anesthesia is a dangerous task both in the human and animal world. Unfortunately, it is also a necessary one.

Besides the more routine spays and neuters, our pets often have to go under for dental cleanings, mass removals, and emergency surgeries. As a matter of fact, the American Veterinary Dental Association recommends dental cleanings with anesthesia for your pets once per year. Clearly, most pets are going to have anesthesia more than once in their lives. Given that fact, I figured it would be prudent to have a discussion about just what anesthesia entails for your pet. The more you know, the less apprehensive you can be when the time to go under comes. We will break the discussion into three parts: pre op, anesthesia, and recovery.

Safe anesthesia starts with a thorough preanesthetic workup. This starts with a complete physical exam. This is our first chance to catch any problems that may affect your pet’s anesthetic risk.

During a physical, we can pick up on warnings such as heart problems, irregular lung sounds, and behavioral issues that may affect recovery.

Bloodwork and xrays are often part of a preanesthetic workup as well. This allows us to pick up on internal

problems such as heart enlargement, kidney, or liver issues that can affect anesthetic risk. Using a thorough pre-anesthetic workup, we can then select the best protocol for your pet.

The actual event of anesthesia is the part we focus the hardest on. Just like people, we place an IV catheter in our patients. Then they receive pre-anesthetic medications to make going under smoother. While under, we place an endotracheal tube and maintain them on anesthetic gas to keep them asleep. While the procedure is underway, trained staff monitor vitals, as well as having an EKG monitor to keep track of how patients are doing. There are entire career paths (Registered Veterinary Technicians) dedicated to inducing and monitoring anesthesia for pets. Every effort is made to get the patient to a pain-free state quickly, and then wake them up as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Recovery is the final step. This is the one that affects you as owners the most. We strive to use drug combinations that are individualized for the procedure and the patient, but just like people, you can never be fully certain how an animal will wake up. I would say that roughly 70 percent of patients wake up and act according to plan. These animals will be drowsy, maybe a little woozy, but will usually go home and sleep it off. This is what we shoot for with every pet. However, the other 30 percent could have a rougher recovery. Examples of a rougher recovery would be confusion (otherwise known as dysphoria) where a patient is very vocal and cries out. They could whine for hours. Occasionally, we will get a report from a client whose pet “cried all night”. I truly wish there was more we could do for these patients, but the fact remains that some pets, just like some people, will have a “bad trip”. If you find that your pet is being more reactive to their meds like this, the best thing to do (if the procedure allows it) is to get them up and make them walk around. This will metabolize the drugs out of their system more effectively, and also serve to wake them up.

As you can see, there is a LOT that goes into anesthesia when it comes to your pet. I would like to drive home two points. First, we take anesthesia very seriously. Hopefully the above article serves as evidence of that. Second, no matter how hard we try, no vet can guarantee a completely smooth anesthetic episode. This is the nature of the beast. I hope this article grants you insight into just how much effort gets put into ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your pet. I personally feel that one of the worst mistakes people make when dealing with their pets is outright refusing to do a recommended procedure because of the anesthesia. Pets often miss critical care (such as dental work) because of this fear. Instead, work with your vet to determine the specific risks and the specific protocols that may be best for your pet. At Clayton Veterinary Hospital, we will do our best to help steer you through this complex subject. Then after a successful anesthetic recovery, you can ease up to Claws & Paws for a nice treat to celebrate!

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

In all things Give Thanks

Faith Healing

Outside the Webbs’ home in Otto, North Carolina

In the early years of Foxfire, many people back here in the mountains still practiced a folk tradition that healed ailments by faith. These healers did not accept money for their work, but were highly valued for these skills by their communities. There were three primary areas of folk healing. The first of these is burns. According to faith healers, when a person has been burned, the fire continues to flame inside the wound until it has been “blown out” or “drawn.” If this is not done, they believe the fire will continue to burn in the flesh until it reaches the bone, which makes it difficult to cure the wound and more painful.

The second ailment faith healers work with is bleeding—they assert that they can stop any bleeding that is not due to natural causes. The third is a childhood disease known as thrash or thrush. This malady caused blisters to form around and inside a baby’s mouth.

Foxfire students interviewed several healers in the late 1960s about these practices. While treatments varied slightly between individuals, all agreed that an essential part of this practice was the use of verses from the Old Testament. Each illness had its own verse and the verse can never be spoken out loud. If a healer says the verse and someone else hears it, the healer believed that they would lose their abilities.

One healer the students met with was Bashey Webb, wife of Andy Webb. She said of her abilities:

“I can blow fire out. I can stop blood. I can cure th’thrash. I do all that by th’help of th’Lord. I don’t do that by myself. I can’t blow fire or cure th’thrash or anything like that if I tell anybody. I don’t know if I can teach anyone. I never did try.”

Adapted from Foxfire, March 1968

Bashey Webb on her porch

When students asked how she discovered her healing gift, she replied, “By th’hand of th’Lord.”

“My son, Jim, his child’s nose commenced bleedin’ one night at th’supper table, and they live away down yonder in Georgia. An’ he said t’his brother, I’m a’gonna take him t’Momma.’ Well, when they come, they had him rolled up in a sheet and that blood, it was just as bloody as could be. Y’couldn’t tell whether it was a sheet or what. And he just come in th’door and said, ‘Here, Momma. I want ya’ t’stop Lewis’s nose from bleedin’.’

I said, ‘Alright.’ And it wasn’t long ‘til it stopped bleedin’. To do it, you don’t have to touch the person. I can just talk to th’Lord and it’s alright. And when y’blow fire, you blow on th’burned place an’ say somethin’—it’s out of th’Bible, but I can’t read a word of th’Bible. I can’t read. And I can’t write. It’s just a gift from God. I just commenced at it.”

Read more about faith healing from practitioners themselves in The Foxfire Book Visit our website to learn more: www.foxfire.org

Bashey Webb

Explore Rabun Take a Step Back

Experiencing life in a rural area will put you in touch with history, surprisingly, in everyday ways. Our history in the mountains seems to be lingering just over our shoulder and more a part of our present than it may be in many other places. A lot of the people who live here come from families who have called this area home for many generations. As such, the stories, traditions, skills, and even the environment of our Appalachian ancestors is still right here in our midst, mostly unchanged. From music to crafts, cooking, dancing, farming or just plain walking around out in the woods, we still appreciate and practice time honored ways of life in the mountains. That’s one of the things that makes Rabun County so special and one of the many reasons people who aren’t long time residents come to visit and sometimes stay.

When you come to Rabun County to take a step back and experience a little of the past, there are many ways to go about it. Of course, you can stop by the Rabun County Historical Society to look at and read local historic records, painstakingly and lovingly preserved. Or, you can immerse yourself in history at the Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center, watching craftsmen and women plying their talents with the same tools and techniques as the settlers did. You can also visit our own Tallulah Gorge State Park’s Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to learn about one of the most dramatic and amazing geographic features in our state. But in Rabun County, our vibrant past can be found in so many more places than just history centers.

Dillard House FoodSatuday Night Bluegrass in Tallulah Falls

Dicks Creek Falls by Mark Oleg Ozboyd

Blacksmith working at forge

How about stopping in at the Dillard House to enjoy a true farmto-table, homestyle meal made with the same recipes that founder Carrie Dillard used when she prepared fresh meals with vegetables straight from her garden for her boarding house guests over 100 years ago. Or, take a walk along the Bartram Trail. There you can follow in the footsteps of William Bartram, explorer and botanist, one the of the first explorers of this area, who documented his journey in 1775 in his book, Travels, still in print today. The trail leads to some of Georgia’s most beautiful forests, peaks, rivers and waterfalls, so unspoiled that you’ll really feel like you’re an explorer yourself.

And, you’d really be missing out if you didn’t indulge yourself in a little ‘ole timey music and dancing. There are many venues that host our local musicians playing their own versions of songs and styles that have been passed down to them through generations. Our wineries, distilleries, restaurants, towns, churches and more all hold concerts open to anyone and everyone. But if your legs need a little “tuning up” before you’re ready to jump in, then head up to the newly renovated Mountain City Playhouse for a dance lesson or two, they’ll be happy to help out!

As you can see, history really is alive (and kicking!) in Rabun County. And it’s not boring or dusty either. It’s loads of fun, adventurous, authentic, proud, heartfelt and welcoming, just like everything else you’ll find here in our North Georgia mountains. So come to Rabun County to take a little step back. You may just be surprised how far it will get you! For more information about all the wonderful things we have to offer, visit our website at ExploreRabun.com.

Veteran Spotlight Carl and Barbara Green

By Roger Glenn - Colonel, United States Army (retired)

IfoundCarl and Barbara Green in the kitchen of the American Legion Post 220 in Mountain City. Barbara was putting some rub on a roast that was for the evening meal that they serve to all comers once a week. For some, it’s the only hot meal they get. Carl hesitantly removed his gloves long enough to sit down and talk with me, telling me his story of service to his country and Rabun County. He was raised on Betty’s Creek and attended Dillard Elementary school. When he was in high school, an Army recruiter visited and something struck a chord with him, and in June of 1964 he enlisted. He completed his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and his Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia. He anticipated becoming an aircraft mechanic, learning Spanish and serving in Panama, but as often happens events in the far reaches of the globe led to a change of plans and by 1965 he found himself in the Apple Valley of Vietnam where they helped Korean Marines build helipads. He vividly recalls Vietnamese children chasing after their trucks, and in particular the story of a child that was severely injured, treated by the American Army and became a ‘son’ of the camp. These are the precious stories of our service members and illustrative of the paradox that often occurs in the midst of all out warfare.

Sergeant Green returned to the states and was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma until he was released from active duty. He came home to North Georgia and worked at a mill, while also joining the Georgia Army National Guard - transferring to a new career field in the process. He was now in an Armor unit supporting the European

theater of operations. One of his most interesting missions was exploiting Russian tanks.

By 1989 he had the good sense to rekindle a romance with a girl he knew from high school, and they later married. He struggled with what we have come to know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and for a short time lived as a virtual recluse. But his love of Barbara and strong sense of faith helped him find a better mental state, and it wasn’t long before he felt a calling to serve his community. He has chosen to live his life based on the Biblical mandate of Jesus Christ to “feed my sheep”. It is this calling that led to becoming the Commander of the American Legion in 2015.

The American Legion sponsors numerous events for the community writ large, including a weekly food distribution, meal, garage sale and other events such as the Veterans Day Ceremony and various fundraising events. The Greens spend four days a week (virtually a full time job, but as volunteers entirely unpaid) at the American Legion. I asked Carl if he understood the concept of retirement, and he acted as if he’d never heard the word. As I sat and listened to their stories we laughed, might have cried a little and reminisced more than a little. The Greens are beyond delightful people - they are truly the salt of the earth. They are living out their golden years enriching others - driving up and down the highway to get to Electric Avenue just to serve others. The American Legion could use some financial support in order to best serve their community but in terms of the quality of human beings dedicated to their cause at this local post, they are rich beyond measure.

Professonal Services

Here’s Your Dream Home in the Mountains

By John Shivers

“Double the pleasure, double the fun” the jingle for a particular brand of chewing gum once promised. And when it comes to the homes at 41 Shooting Star Lane in Clayton, that’s exactly what you get. That’s right. Homes. And if your long-time dream has been to have an affordable mountain house large enough for family and friends, you don’t want to pass on this one. The potential is there, and opportunity is knocking. In addition to the main house clad with tan vinyl siding, with 2,340± square feet on three levels, there’s also a two story wood working shop tucked away in the trees on the 2.59± acre lot. The building measures 22 feet by 30 feet. On the second floor, you’ll find a compact but quaint, comfortable efficiency apartment complete with a bath with a shower and a kitchenette. This space lends itself to so many different uses, and the main level can be utilized in many different ways as well.

In the main house itself, you enter from the wide and comfortable rocking chair front porch, and the first thing you notice is how warm and welcome you feel. Perhaps it’s the vaulted ceiling that spans both the living room and the kitchen and dining room. It could be the mellow-toned wooden beams that ground the space, or the oversize windows that literally unite inside and outside. You’re immediately tempted to sit and stay a spell. You can picture the scene on a Rabun winter night with a fire in the fireplace and your family around you.

But there’s more to see. Better to tour the rest of the inside, before you venture outside, because when you catch sight of the large, screened porch just off the kitchen and dining room, you’re going to want to sit and soak in all the natural beauty that surrounds this home east of Highway 441 south of Clayton. And what better place to enjoy your meals for more than six months out of the year? What better place to savor the privacy the location enjoys, and take in the sound of the waters of the creek that tumble through the lot?

The kitchen itself is the classic convenient U-shape configuration that has proven to be very productive for the resident chef. It features real wood cabinets, and a full complement of appliances, and is just steps away from the porch. The adjacent dining room space is large enough to seat a dozen or more diners, and takes advantage of the large triple window that guarantees light every day. Between the generous room sizes, and the way in which the areas flow into each other, you’ll have plenty of space to live beautifully and entertain gracefully. This home epitomizes comfortable, gracious living.

The master suite takes up almost half of the main level, and includes an oversize bedroom with windows on two sides, large bath with double vanities and shower, and a huge walk-in closet. There’s also a half bath on this level. The top floor contains another generous size bedroom and full bathroom. And on the terrace level, a third bedroom, full bath, laundry room and double drive under garage add to the living space. A walk-through entrance from this level opens onto a covered porch easily adjacent to the driveway and the garages. Half the beauty of this property is the heavily wooded nature of the lot, and the many mature trees that surround the house.

Poss Realty Agent Jim Blalock can provide additional information on this listing, MLS#20075004. Contact him via cell phone at 706-4901404 or at the office at 706-782-2121.

“Tis a Gift to be Simple...”

By Bree Tuttle

“Tisa gift to be simple, Tis a gift to be free...” goes the 19th century Shaker jig. The words of this lilting tune have stuck with me for over 30 years. A popular tune and one that has played in my own home for as long as I can remember. Paired with Aaron Copeland’s Appalachian Spring and you have set the mood for my childhood Thanksgiving memories. On the family turntable, my Papa would gently set the needle down, the violin played, and lyrics echoed throughout our home:

“Tis a gift to be simple, Tis a gift to be free, Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed, To turn, turn will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come ’round right.”

I am often struck by how it is the simple things in life for which we are most thankful. For me it is a hundred little things that add up to one deep breath of overwhelming gratitude. The gentle wind on a crisp fall day during a long walk; the smell of a campfire, of musk and earth and raw life swirling in the flames; my daughter’s laughter when she is overcome with joy and delights in herself; the pride in my husband’s smile after working the soil around our cabin. I find a heart full of thankfulness when crossing Lake Hartwell to find the glistening water and blue mountains spread out in glorious array.

So many little things to be thankful for, and yet the sum of them produce a larger equation for which we find our appreciation. Look to the lyrics of the song and you’ll see the themes. Sacrifice. Giving. Surrender. “To bow and to bend, we shan’t be ashamed.” It is in these themes that we

find the deepest and most rewarding sense of gratitude. Our Veterans who have sacrificed all on the battlefield; first responders giving their own lives to save those in danger; “traitors to the crown” who drafted up the right to a free and Godly nation “of the people, by the people, for the people.” And most importantly, our Savior Jesus who surrendered Heaven for death on a cross that we might partake in His glories which await us after death. These are the high stakes and hard-won freedoms that fill our lungs with air and inspire us to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me (us) heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

After the votes are counted and results are in; after the highways and byways are cleared of Ian’s wrath; after the chaos dies down and the world quiets for just a moment, I will rise with the moon and prepare the turkey. The casseroles, dressings, gravies, and pies will all have been made, and I will gather with my family this November and give thanks. For all that has been given, for all that has been taken away, and for all that has yet to be received...we will lift a cry of joy and celebrate this gift to be simple.

In later years this simple tune would receive a few more verses and I am particularly drawn to one:

“Tis the gift to be loving, tis the best gift of all Like a quiet rain it blesses where it falls And with it we will truly believe Tis better to give than it is to receive.”

My challenge to you is a challenge to myself, dear reader, let us remember these mighty gifts of love and sacrifice that have afforded us the simple pleasures of our lives as we gather around our Thanksgiving Day tables and traditions. Afterall, “tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free.”

Bree Tuttle is a Senior Interior Designer at Angel Oak Design; she is an outdoor enthusiast and loves the mountains. Wife to Kendal and mother to Thea, Bree considers herself truly blessed to call Oconee County home and to create spaces of beauty with Angel Oak Design. From front porch to back patio, we invite you to reach out to us for ideas and a consultation. You may also visit us at 46 Doyle Street in down town Toccoa, Georgia, call 706-898-5427 or visit www.angeloakdesign.com

This Commanding Home on Burton is Calling

By John Shivers

With long lake views from every room, this newly-built Lake Burton home at 612 Cherokee Road outside Clarkesville, is an architectural and horticultural piece of art. The home’s owner is also the architectural designer, and is the artist behind the paintings found throughout. Partnering with a professional landscaper of equal capability has created this Cherokee Cove property that delivers a truly one-of-a-kind, take your breath away finished product.

With a prairie style exterior, the interior marries modern yet rustic finishes by artistic use of shiplap walls and natural stone throughout. The snow white walls with generous size Pella® windows and glass doors create a backdrop for the darker elements of the interior design palette, and delivers a distinctive finished home that embodies spark and creativity. What’s more, this new home already has a distinctive heritage. The cabin that originally occupied this site was built in 1912, eight years before Lake Burton was created. The original fireplace and chimney from this cabin were saved and now form the centerpiece of an outdoor stone patio.

Five bedrooms, four full baths and one half bath in 6,500± square feet on two levels allows this home to deliver generous

opportunities for entertaining. The main floor owner’s suite offers a walk-in closet and spa-like bath with marble flooring, soaking tub and oversized marble tiled shower.

No detail has been overlooked in the finishes, and this attention shows up in so many different forms. Top of the line materials / equipment have partnered to create this showpiece. An oversize three-car garage with wiring in place for future EV charging is a nod to tomorrow and the entire home is basically a wi-fi hot spot.

The outdoors blends with the indoors by artistically incorporating nature’s colors throughout. Vaulted ceilings and beams in the great room showcase the views from all angles. A majestic masonry fireplace anchors this space that’s immediately adjacent to the oversized professional kitchen with top of the line professionalgrade appliances. The custom cabinetry, granite and quartz countertops, coffee bar, walk-in pantry and access to a grilling deck and screened dining porch make this kitchen a dream within a dream.

Check out the steps to the waterfront, which were designed to flow people easily and safely. At the bottom, you’ll find a two stall boathouse with 28’ boat slips with hydraulic lifts, as well as a swim dock giving direct access to lake fun. There’s already a site prepared near the house for a hot tub. A lakeside screened porch, one of two, features a stone fireplace with inset flat screen TV.

The terrace level provides a secondary family room, again with lake views, another masonry stone fireplace, one of three in the house, wet bar and access to a covered stone terrace. The terrace level provides three additional guest bedrooms. The home office could also be used as an additional bedroom.

This home was created to deliver beauty, functionality, livability, and jaw-dropping reactions. And given the flow of the layout and the room sizes, groups of as many as 50 people have been entertained. Generous parking on the 1.19± acre lot with paved driveway flanked by stone gateposts accommodates numerous vehicles. A total home generator serves to back up both the house and the boathouse, should there be a power outage.

This lake-front property with a commanding presence, most especially when viewed from the lake itself, GMLS#20076392, is looking for someone who can truly appreciate it. Contact Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Julie Barnett for additional information if you think you’re that buyer. You can reach her at (cell) 404-697-3860 or (office) 706-212-0228.

Quality Rabun Living Indoors and Out

By John Shivers

Imagineyourself relaxing in your favorite rocker on your own wrap-around porch. The beauty of native forest rises behind you, and across the road, the burbling waters of a picturesque stream provide yearround music of a distinctly rural nature. And when you’re through rocking, amble across the road and cast your line in your own 350 feet of stocked trout waters. This property is a fishing delight, but there’s something here for every member of the family, as well.

When the rural carrier leaves your mail at 750 Joe Speed Road in the highly sought after Warwoman Community, only fifteen minutes east of Clayton, this outdoor paradise is all yours. And along with all the outside ambience that goes with this 1,904± square foot home, you’ll find everything you need on this 2.19± acre site to your liking.

This mini-farm is an outdoor aficionado’s dream. In addition to the waters of Warwoman Creek that are actually a tributary of the nearby wild and scenic Chattooga River, the grounds offer mature and established gardens with a profusion of seasonal blooming flowers, and raised garden beds, the perfect place to grow fruits and vegetables. Also on the grounds are several outbuildings, including a canning kitchen – the better to preserve all those fruits and vegetables. There are multiple metal carports, an equipment shed, and even a gazebo with a hot tub. Talk about a place to relax and be at home!

But when you’re finished with the gardening, the fishing, and just enjoying the pristine beauty of the grounds, what could be better than adjourning to the three bedroom home with the large, eat-in kitchen, and spacious great room. Whether you’re empty nesters, or still have children at home, the split floor plan makes this an ideal home.

Located in the center of the house, the great room with its vent-less gas log fireplace makes an excellent gathering place for kith and kin. Opening via a wide doorway is a fully-equipped kitchen with natural wood cabinets with solid surface tops. Stainless appliances, including a gas range, microwave vent hood, dishwasher and refrigerator, take the work out of feeding the family and the crowds. Hard surface

floors throughout make for easy living and easy daily maintenance.

Added convenience is found in the large pantry / laundry room combo, where additional storage, just steps from the kitchen, adds to the livability of this versatile home that delivers value in so many different ways. And for those times when it’s needed, a whole house electric generator insures your peace of mind that you’ll never be out of lights.

One end of the house comprises the master suite, which includes a spacious bedroom with generous closet space, a separate windowed sitting area, and an oversize adjacent bathroom. This room arrangement allows for many different living options, where different family members have their own dedicated spaces.

Two other large bedrooms in the other end of the home, along with a second full bathroom, provide the option for others to live here full-time, or as occasional overnight visitors.

This home was built in 1998, and has been meticulously maintained. It’s very unusual to find such a comfortable, livable home, plus the outdoor amenities that only enhance that livability, and the natural beauty and options that abound on this piece of highly desirable Rabun County real estate.

If the prospect of living graciously both indoors and out is your dream, contact Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Sarah Gillespie for a chance to tour this exceptional rural paradise, GMLS#20060918. You can reach her at (cell) 404-735-6157 or (office) 706-212-0228.

Max Watts - A Good & Godly Man

by Kennedy Watts

On March 19, 1935, during the Great Depression, Max Welton Watts was born to John and Beulah Watts in a small house at the intersection of Charlie Mountain and Bridge Creek Road. He grew up with 3 sisters and 2 brothers. He recalls that they had very little, but he remembers his mama saying, “We never did worry about what we were going to eat. We always had plenty to eat, and enough to wear, and enough to do to keep us busy so we didn’t do much worrying.” They grew up doing what most kids did in that day in time; working in the garden and fields and going to school and church. They walked to church, even though they had a vehicle, because there was no gas to put in it during the war. He attended the Lake Burton community school and the old Rabun County High school. He went through the first 12th grade Rabun County had and graduated in 1952.

After graduating, he went to work in a saw mill, dragging logs and hauling timber with Sam Burton. He later went to work for an aircraft company-the Aid Corporation- for 39 years, metal crafting.

In 1954, Max married Edith Cantrell from the Flat Creek Community. They have lived in their house on Charlie Mountain for 66 years. They have 7 children and 55 grandchildren (including great). Max was county commissioner for 24 years. He was heavily involved in the historical society and was an author in the books about the history of Rabun County. He is a wealth of information and knows the history of almost anything you want to know about Rabun County. Faith and family have always been the most important to him and he has been a pillar for Rocky Grove Baptist Church and the Charlie Mountain/Bridge Creek communities as well as Rabun County.

Here is an excerpt from the church cookbook that Max wrote in 2004:

“Rocky Grove Baptist Church was first instituted in 1836 on land owned by David McClain. It began as a Brush Arbor sometime after 1825 when Mr. McClain had purchased land- lot 79 from James Dunn. About 1836, at the time of it’s charter, the church began to hold services inside the blacksmith shop owned by Mr. McClain, who no doubt was an early supporter of the church. In January 1836, William Andrew Watts married Sara Jones, daughter of William Jones. In that same year, they moved to the Bridge Creek community and soon after, William became ordained minister, who along with James Ellard and James C. Jarrard were early supporters of the church. The early church stood directly across the road from the present “Rocky Grove Community Cemetery”. Services were held there until the turn of the century (1900) when the present site was acquired from Martin Arrendale through a land trade. At that time, a small building (24x12) was erected on the site. This building served as a school and church until 1913 and later became a part of the church that stood until the year 2000. Since no church records are available until the year 1890, little is known in the way of day to day church history. From that time until present day, records indicate that church pastors were elected to serve a given term. Prior to 1890, church deacons and lay members were named to preach the sermon when the church met, sometimes more than once a month.”

The old church’s foundation began to rot and the church had to be torn down. Rocky Grove Baptist Church’s newest building was completed and dedicated in 2002. Services were first held in the basement until the upstairs was completed. It continues to serve as a meeting place for the Bridge Creek Community and beyond.

by Sean Dietrich | Seanofthesouth.com | www.seandietrich.com

He sits on the steps of the Shell Station.

A backpack beside him. His skin is rawhide. His beard is white.

His name is Buck. He’s from North Carolina. He fought in Korea, and completed two tours in Vietnam.

He’s not here begging, he’s resting his feet.

“My old feet hurt more’n they used to,” says Buck. “It’s a bitch getting old, buddy.”

There is a half-smoked cigar next to him. He dug it from an ashtray. It still has life in it, he says.

He’s sipping coffee.

“First cup’a Joe I had in a week,” he tells me. “Fella gave me a quarter, few minutes ago. Piled my coins together to buy me a cup.”

A quarter.

When Buck went inside to buy it, there were only cold dregs left. He asked the cashier if it were possible to brew a fresh pot. She told him to get lost.

So, he’s drinking dregs—for which he is grateful.

There are holes in his shoes. He found these sneakers in a sportinggood-store dumpster. Buck estimates he’s put nearly eight hundred miles on them.

His bloody toes poke through the fronts. His middle toenail is missing.

Buck explains, “God say, ‘Don’t worry what you’ll eat drink or wear.’ That’s hard sometimes. Specially when you ain’t eaten.”

I walk inside the gas station on a mission. I ask the aforementioned cashier to brew a fresh pot of coffee for me.

She smiles and says, “Sure, sweetie.”

Ain’t she nice.

I buy a hot cup, an armful of snacks, and a pack of Swisher Unsweetened Mini-Cigars. I give them to Buck, and I tuck a bill into

his hand. I wish I had something bigger, but I don’t. Buck starts crying.

And the truth is, I’m embarrassed to even be telling you this. Because this story isn’t about me—it’s about Buck.

“Did you know that I see God in you?” Buck tells me through glazed eyes.

And now I’m the one who’s crying. I stumble over my own words. All I can get out is, “Thank you for your service.”

I’m a bumbling fool. He gets up to walk away. His big backpack must weigh a hundred pounds.

“Going to Walmart,” he says. “Gon’ buy new shoes. Gon’ get me a hot pizza, man. Yessir, I just saw God on the street corner.”

And he’s gone.

I’m spoiled. I’m lazy. I’m selfish. And sometimes, I get so lost in my own self-centered world that I can’t see.

But.

I just met someone. An invisible someone. A man who—despite whatever his problems may be—isn’t lost. A man who knows things. Who smokes used cigars.

He sleeps in the open air, counting stars, covered by a military-issue blanket. He prays for heaven to feed him every day.

A man who people overlook because it’s easier that way. Who asked me for nary a damn thing.

Mister Buck, sir. Today, you met a spoiled redhead who happened to have a few extra dollars. A kid who wishes he could do more for an American hero, but is too dumb to know how.

You’re wrong, sir. You didn’t see God on a street corner today. I did.