From the Publisher
T
he holiday season is here. It’s time to buy the turkey and the ingredients for your holiday meal. If you have not already started shopping for Christmas, now is the time and the mountains are the place! No matter who is on your list, their gift is waiting in the stores, galleries, restaurants, spas and salons that you’ll find in our quaint downtowns! Shop local this year, to do so will support your friends and neighbors and the local economy will benefit. Now, back to the beginning of the holiday season... giving thanks! This is a time when we stop, clear our minds, look around us and express thanks for all that we’ve been given. From your family and friends, to good health and all the beauty that surrounds us here in the mountains, we have much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is the perfect time of the year to celebrate our faith in a loving God. I have shared this recipe in previous issues but recently got an e-mail asking for it again, so here is my recipe for Pumpkin Crunch. It is my favorite recipe and is perfect to top off the turkey and dressing with!
Pumpkin Crunch 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz) 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz) 1 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 3 eggs ½ teaspoon of salt 1 box yellow cake mix 1 stick butter, melted 1 cup pecans, chopped Cool Whip Mix first six ingredients together (will be thin) and pour into a 9 X 13 inch baking dish, sprinkle dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture evenly. Sprinkle nuts over cake mix. Melt stick of butter and drizzle over top of nuts/cake mix. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50 – 55 minutes or until golden brown. Top with Cool Whip and enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving,
Tracy GML Staff and Contributors Publisher - Tracy McCoy - tracy@gmlaurel.com
November 2015
Volume Twelve • Issue Eleven Copyright 2015
Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Office Manager - Cindi Freeman Copy Editor/Writer - Jan Timms Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh Marketing Executives (Advertising) Melissa Williams - 706.982.4777 - melissa@gmlaurel.com Cindi Freeman - 706.782.1608 - cindi@gmlaurel.com Contributing Writers: Jean Hyatt, Melissa Williams, Carla Fackler Mark Holloway, Bob Justus, Jo Mitchell, Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, Kitty Stratton, John Shivers
2
The Georgia Mountain Laurel is a publication of Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 633 Highway 441 South, Clayton, Georgia Phone: 706.782.1600 Website: GMLaurel.com E-mail: gmlmagazine@gmail.com Copyright 2015 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine is published twelve times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to GML magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Georgia Mountain Laurel maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
Julie Barnett
Leigh Barnett
Cell 404-697-3860
Cell 404-931-3636
REALTOR速
REALTOR速
141 S. Main St. Clayton, GA
706-212-0228
www.lakeburtonhome.com for VIRTUAL TOURS FEATURED HOMES
The Meeting House on Lake Burton $5,900,000
The Adirondack Camp on Lake Burton $4,350,000
Journey's End on Lake Burton $4,200,000
Treetop Retreat on Lake Burton $3,950,000
Mountain Reflections on Lake Burton $2,595,000
Tucked Away Cove on Lake Burton $1,795,000
Lake Burton Bliss $1,695,000
3+ ac. Lumbermen's Retreat on Lake Burton $1,675,000
Charming Cabin on Lake Burton $1,495,000
Serendipity on Lake Burton $1,475,000 The above information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted.
Home Port on Lake Burton $1,395,000
Belle Vue on Lake Burton $1,150,000
Quarter Moon Place on Lake Burton $1,095,000
Laurel Falls on Lake Burton $1,395,000
Lake Burton Cottage on the Water $995,000
Cute Cabin on Level Lake Burton Lot $1,050,000
Private 2.5 Ac. Lot on Lake Burton $1,100,000
29+ Acres on the Soque River $795,000
The Shady Nook on Lake Burton $895,000
Charlie Mountain View on Lake Burton $925,000
Timber Frame Lodge on 13+ Ac. with Views $489,900
The Lodge at Goldmine Falls $499,000
5+ Acres on the Soque River $699,000
3+ Acre Lot w/ Boat Slip on Lake Burton $165,000 Fee Simple Lot with Dock on Lake Burton $375,000
16+ Private acres in Persimmon $435,000
www.lakeburtonhome.com
for a complete listing of properties and VIRTUAL TOURS Office - 706-212-0228 • Julie - 404-697-3860 • Leigh - 404-931-3636 The above information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted.
141 S. Main St. • Clayton, GA • 706-212-0228
IN THIS ISSUE The Arts 8 10 14 16 18
Cover Artist - Terry Gibson North Georgia Arts Guild Rainy Day Workshop Book Review - Boat Load of Trouble Book Review - Blackberry Mornings
Health & Wellness
20 22 26 28 29
Live Healthy & Be Well The Epidemic of Addiction Victory Home - Helping Men Win The Battle Freedom Crusade Homestead Women’s Recovery
Faith in Christ 32 34 36
Bless Your Heart River Garden Splendor Mountain
A Taste 38 40 46
Bon Appetit Uncorked - From Vine to Wine Amish Wagon
Great Outdoors 42 44 48
Mountain Nature Adventure Out Lovin the Journey
Yesterdays 50 52 54 56
Foxfire - Hog Killin’ Echoes from the Hills Wheels - Hoyt & Judy Allison Exploring Northeast Georgia
Affairs to Remember 62 64 65 68
Folk 70 72 74 76 78 6
Event Calendar Sadie Hawkins Dance for Habitat Clayton Music, Literary & Art Club Charity Lane River Vista Half Marathon for Paws4Life
Folks - Richard’s Kids Let Me Introduce You To.... Joel Johnson Racky & Dil A Wedding Story A Parting Shot
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com November 2015
7
Cover Art ist
Terry Alexander Gibson
8
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
Simply Wonderful!
S
ometimes you are fortunate enough to meet really incredible people. People who have such special personalities that they make you smile just because they smile. Bubbly people who are excited about life and their passions. I met this very person this month. Her name is Terry Gibson and she is our cover artist.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, Terry’s parents moved to Rabun County when she was 6 months old. Her father was in the military and he did two tours of duty in Korea and in Vietnam. After moving his family to the mountains he turned his father’s old house into a workshop/store where he built furniture. Terry grew up helping him in the workshop. She loved to draw and was very good at it. She grew up with a pencil and drawing paper within her reach. She credits art teacher Tommy Evans for much of her talent. He taught her many things through her high school years. She was married shortly after high school and she dabbled in watercolors. She would take her children out into a big field and she would let them play while she painted. It was a creative way to incorporate outdoor activity, time with her children and the painting that she craved and it worked very well. Terry’s husband Ben was doing some work for artist Virginia McClure of Lakemont Gallery and Ben told Ginny about his wife’s watercolor paintings. Virginia offered to give Terry classes in oil painting and she decided to give it a try. It was so different for her. Through sheer determination and Ginny’s instruction, Terry has become a very talented oil painter. She told me, “You don’t paint good every day, some days it just doesn’t happen.”. Terry loves to paint en plein aire. She paints from life more than she paints from photos. She finds that she connects with the subject and can capture its essence through being one on one with the object of her painting. Terry especially enjoys a painting class, called Studio Live that she attends in Highlands. Each week there is a live subject for the artists to paint and she loves it!
Terry also paints from her imagination. The image of her grandmother, a shepherdess from Iceland, on the adjacent page is how she imagined her to be. She was a woman Terry had never known but she painted the image that was in her mind of what her grandmother might have looked like. Terry’s paintings are very diverse some bold with color others softer and more muted. Like many of the artists I talk to there is a drive in her to create so painting is not an option or a hobby, it is an extension of herself. “I am so humbled by the artists I am around, and I’ve learned so much from them. Painting in my home studio, it’s just my happy place.” Terry makes her own frames and credits her time in the woodworking shop with her dad and mom as great practice. Several sketch pads sat on the dining room table, an easel and artist’s table with paint and brushes are strategically placed in front of the large picture window, allowing her to paint while watching her children play in the fenced yard. The adjacent wall is floor to ceiling with paintings. Animals, nature and people adorn most of her canvases. Terry talks about farm life and her husband Ben, the former owner of Perry’s Water Gardens in Franklin, North Carolina. “Ben likes to garden and raise calves.” Ben has four children from his first marriage and Terry has two from hers and the couple has three together. He is very supportive of his wife’s art, as are all of their children. Terry loves wide open spaces and big skies. Her quiet time used to be spent in the barn; today it’s with a brush in her hand. She reads her Bible daily, saying it keeps her grounded. Ben reads God’s Word to their children as well. Terry finds peace in the Psalms. She is such a genuinely wonderful person and I am so thankful to have met her and spent time getting to know her. Terry has a Facebook page for her art that you can find by searching Terry A. Gibson. Her work is on display at Lakemont Gallery and if you go on Friday you’ll find her there working in the atmosphere she loves so much. Lakemont Gallery is located at 8538 Old 441 S, Lakemont, Georgia 30552. The gallery’s website is www. lakemontgallery.com and the phone number is 706.212.0440.
www.gmlaurel.com November 2015
9
North Georgia Arts Guild
Lewis Hinely: Nostalgic Interlude
W
e’ve all heard it said that opposites attract, but tend not to co-exist or ‘play nicely’ together. Well, that may be the case if you’re talking about people, but definitely does not apply to oil paintings by Lewis Hinely.
His landscapes soothe your psyche with nature’s soft hues, patterned foliage and serene flowing streams. At the same time, they beckon you with paths into cool blue shadows, patches of gently filtered light and signal the curious part of your brain into action. While his style is traditional, the reaction created is primarily subjective: Where is that? —It feels like my childhood summer. Who is that? The face is somehow familiar. Where does that road go? — I want to be on it. You can imagine yourself part of the landscape, traveling to an imagined destination or a nostalgic reunion. The humanity is no accident. It derives from Lewis finding inspiration in the landscapes of North Georgia and Western North Carolina, from a “single flower to a wide open vista”. His philosophy follows: “Whatever chaotic events are going on in the world, if we look, we can find beauty, awe and peace in God’s creation.” And quoting Edgar Degas: “Art is not about what you see but what you make others see.” In light of the viewer response and near-impressionistic style, you may be surprised to learn the detailed and methodical planning it takes for Lewis to achieve this; it begins with a photograph, which is duly Photo-shopped for values and composition. He then grids the image and executes a line drawing on the canvas. Then comes a partial monochrome underpainting (to establish the grayscale). He also uses a ‘very limited’ palette of warm and cool versions of the primary colors. Emotions come into play, also, during this process. Lewis says it’s not out of the ordinary to struggle to get to the finished piece. He concedes this may have to do with his life-long perfectionist tendencies, which make him second-guess himself about being able to “pull it off”. With completion comes relief and ‘happiness’. While Lewis’s style is, at this point, traditional in both subject and technique, he is beginning to experiment to find an approach to the subject to “develop a voice of my own”. What is most gratifying about painting for Lewis? That to communicate on the canvas some of what was experienced when he first viewed the subject, as he feels that every picture has its own story to tell. Determining how to transfer the atmosphere of a given scene to canvas is a challenge, but one with rewards when the finished painting is shared with others. Lewis’s attention to detail originated in childhood with TV ‘Learn to Draw’ programs, moved to figure drawing and progressed via the art department of UGA, finally to what is now Augusta University where he completed his BS and MS degrees in medical illustration. This preceded a “fulfilling” medical illustration career at AU College of Dentistry. You can view more of Lewis’s art at hinelyfineart.com. by Jo Mitchell
10
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
Finding Art
12
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com November 2015
13
Rainy Day Workshop - A Thanksgiving Tradition
T
hanksgiving is the time for food, family, and fun. When I was growing up, my mother cooked a big traditional meal while my father watched the football game. I believe my sisters helped my mom cook. I can remember pretending to like football just to get out of helping in the kitchen and to spend time with my dad. The meal was generally ready around “linner time� (too late to be called lunch and too early to be called dinner). We would sit at the table and eat together. Every few minutes, my dad would send me into the living room to check the score. He ate faster than the rest of us and would return to his spot, laying on the floor in front of the television. My mom would ask me and my sisters what we were thankful for. We would take turns around the table. I always had my list written down and had practiced my speech several times in the bathroom mirror. I was always a bit theatrical. The lists would range from gratitude for the meal we just ate to family members we were happy to spend time with. We would sit and talk about school and our lives. I can remember talking about our hopes and dreams. It was like a little window to what was going on in our worlds. My mom would tell us stories about her childhood. We would laugh and enjoy each other. Afterwards, we would put up the food and clean up the kitchen. As an adult with a family of my own, I think it is important to continue this family tradition. My daughter and I tell each other our hopes and dreams. It is funny how my list sounds so much like my mothers years ago. I am grateful for my children, they are two of the most amazing people I have ever met. It is an honor and a privilege to have them in my life. I am grateful to have a loving and devoted husband. He is hardworking and always puts his family first. Most of all, I am grateful my family knows God. Without Him we would have nothing. A fun twist on this idea, especially for younger kids, is to make a gratitude tree. I made ours out of a cardboard box. Then I cut out colored paper leaves for the family to write items they are thankful for. We placed our tree next to the dining room table for a festive holiday decoration. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to spend some extra time with the kids and make lasting memories for you and the children in your life. by Melissa Williams-Thomas
14
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
OF RABUN
Sam Rumsey 706.982.9673
809 Hwy. 441 South - Clayton, GA 30525
706.782-7133 www.remax-rabun-ga.com
Chelsea Rumsey 706.982.9677
EVERYTHING WE TOUCH TURNS TO SOLD! ED DUC E R CE PRI
Recently renovated 4BR/2.5BA home. All new appliances, plumbing, heat pump, electrical and landscaping. Close to town in a well established neighborhood MLS#: 7508553 $159,000
3BR/2BA, gourmet kitchen, gas log FP & hickory hardwood floors. Front porch, deck, fenced backyard & garage. 360 degree mtn views! MLS#: 7521483 $269,000
4BR/3BA home on 5.18 Acres is in a parklike setting full of hardwoods, hiking trails, atv trails, spring fed creek with contemplation decking, mountain views, outdoor firepit, and a cookout pavilion that is perfect for entertaining family and friends! MLS#: 75364430 $269,000
2BR/2BA home, sitting on .73 acres with a carport & huge porches. Enjoy the view from the screened porch off the dining room. Additional room in home could be used as a 3rd bedroom or office space. MLS#: 7490773 $89,000
Great Location! This 3BR/3BA home features Recently remodeled brick home with beautiful heart pine, custom cabinets, granite countertops, yard. 3BR/2BA, open floor plan, beautiful wood claw foot tub & decks on both sides of the floors, new roof, fire-pit, fenced backyard & brick home with a mountain view! Master is upstairs fireplace. All on one level & close to town. with space for offfice or sitting area. MLS#: 7469574 $189,000 MLS#: 7453998 $245,000
Home sits on 3.8 Acres of private land. 4 Bedrooms game & media room with separate entrance. Kitchen opens to living area & dining room with vaulted ceilings & fireplace. MLS#: 7276211 $269,000
Gorgeous two story home near Lake Burton! Fully finished basement. Open floor plan on main level, beautiful kitchen with breakfast bar & island. Loft area. Porch overlooks pond. Two car garage with RV & boat parking. MLS#: 7192396 $299,000
5.26 acres off Blue Ridge Gap Rd. Large porch, pond & mountain view. Mobile home on property. MLS#: 7523728 $109,900
4BR/3BA, corner lot in Kingwood Country Club. open living area, wood burning fireplace, granite counter tops, large island, walk-in pantry, Master on main. Separate living area downstairs. MLS#: 7464793 $299,000
3BR/2.5BA on 4 wooded acres. Mtn & valley views & adjoins Sylvan Lake Falls Community & Black Rock Mtn State Park. Landscaping, fruit trees & garden area. MLS#: 7538135 $269,000
1.03 acres in beautiful Tiger, GA. A perfect location to enjoy Rabun County such as: Tallulah Falls, Tiger Winery and Downtown Clayton.3 BR, 2 BA with an open concept LR, DR, & KIT area, including a welcoming screened porch. MLS#: 7540686 $157,500
BOOK REVIEW
A Boat Load of Trouble
I
recently took a comfortable chair to enjoy a good book, a mystery, essentially my first read in that genre. After publishing seven other books, accomplished author John Shivers has released his first mystery titled, A Boat Load of Trouble. This is the first novel of the “Slop Bucket” Series. Shivers confesses to being a lifelong fan of mystery, which is obvious within this book, where the references speak volumes. Avid readers who indulge in mystery will appreciate all the familiar mystery text references throughout the book. “Then she realized how Annie Darling must have felt in Death on Demand, when that miserable Elliot Morgan was murdered, and poor Annie was accused of doing the deed.” Or, like me, if you haven’t previously read a mystery novel, you can still enjoy this book just as I did! The story takes place in Crabapple Cove in the mountainous Northeast Georgia. The scenery is breathtaking! “The sun was dipping into the West, making beautiful saffron highlights that peeped in and around the various mountain peaks.” Surrounded by a lake house community, divorced real estate agent Margaret Gordon, aka “Mags,” finds new life after marriage. Booklovers embark upon the unfortunate events that transpire when Mags, at Mountain Magic Realty, discovers a deceased client on her boat. The same boat she uses to transport potential clients when showing property. Get on board with Mags on the journey that will keep you guessing; there’s never a dull chapter, which is an important factor for me when choosing a good book to read. The entire novel revolves around answering the question of who killed Mr. Humphries; however more dramatics spawn more trouble, and additional questions arise. Mr. Humphries wasn’t Mr. Humphries, so who was he? While reading, I found myself engaged by this mystery composed of a cleverly designed scheme. Author Shivers certainly piques the reader’s interest with Mags’ dilemma. Readers will find themselves literally in her office at work, getting mad at the Sheriff and tired, as the main character becomes sleep deprived after Mags’ friend is framed and arrested for murder. If that wasn’t bad enough, her business declines and contracts are cancelled. The real estate agent’s boat is seized for evidence and she can’t get it back; her name is slandered due to the high-profile crime that was committed. Mags senses this is all a fixed crime, and sets out to help her friend Carole clear her name so she can get her out of jail. The Sheriff asks Mags not to leave town for a while, stating that she may be a suspect. She ignores his instructions, and sneaks a trip to Atlanta to hire an attorney for her friend. Even though the odds are against her, Mags, who has quickly become discouraged, starts racking her brain. There are few clues, but Mags is sure of one thing; her friend is innocent. Her heart breaks when she finally gets to visit Carole in the local jail. It becomes blatantly clear that the Sheriff has arrested the wrong person when Mags begins getting harassing emails. “Bet you’ve never peddled prison property before,” one taunts. The harassment quickly escalates to property vandalism and the poisoning of her corgi companion. Why has her ex-husband been seen in town? Mags reaches out to other resources for help, who further confirm that the law enforcement has no interest in pursuing an investigation to uncover the person attempting to intimidate her. Why is law enforcement so unhelpful? This is very suspicious! With her business in the dump, her best friend in jail and her dog almost dying, what could possibly get worse? Carole, the accused, who is Mags’ close friend, attempts suicide inside her cell. Or does she? The attorney working Carole’s case, as a final attempt, recommends a good private detective to help Mags. Solutions begin producing probability, and with the PI’s assistance, Mags’ inklings are proven true. She also discovers that the detective life suits her. Once all the puzzle pieces fall into place a promise remains: Mags will take us on a second journey. I cannot wait to read the next book and uncover her newest mystery! by Ashley Brodeur Autographed copies of Boat Load of Trouble are available directly from the author at jswriter@bellsouth.net or through Amazon.com. His web site is www.johnshivers.com.
16
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
RUTH CAMP 706.499.4702
ruth@ruthcamp.com www.ruthcamp.com
PICTURE PERFECT JEWELL! On corner lot in The Orchard Golf Community. $349,000
PICTURE PERFECT! Very private setting on a cul-de-sac. $695,000
PO Box 519 - 132 E Waters Street Clarkesville, GA 30523 706.754.5940
VIRTUAL TOURS AVAILABLE
UPSCALE MOUNTAIN HOME! w/exposed wood beams, on 8.78 acres. $475,000
STEPHEN FULLER MASTERPIECE! 2 wooded lots in NE GA's premier golf & country club. $599,000
PREMIER LOT FRONTING 14TH HOLE! Lovely landscaped grounds. $395,900
706.499.4720
bill@billcamp.net www.billcamp.net
TRYING TO SCALE DOWN? Traditional Ranch, 3BR/2.5BA The Orchard Golf and Country Club Community. $349,900
COZY AND CHARMING! UNSURPASSED LOG HOME! Traditional Country Home MOUNTAIN On Lake VIEWS! 5 Acres, backs up to Nora. Lake views from 3BR/2.5BA, 6.5 acres. National Forest. $699,500 every room. $669,000 $359,900
LAKE ORCHARD COMMUNITY SOQUE HOME! Sunroom overlooks FRONT RIVERHOME! Formal DR, finished FRONT!! Abundant trout man made rock waterfall terrace level. $395,000 w/pond. $549,900 fishing. $799,000
STUNNING! Gourmet kitchen, master on main, outside FP, sunroom. $647,900
BILL CAMP
LIVE IN LUXURY! Tranquil Country Living on 5.3 acres. $439,900
LAKE FRONT! SOQUE THE ORCHARD! Craftsman "GREEN HOUSE" RIVER Overlooks the 9th tee, HOME! Overlooks river, w/ designed to minimize allergies incredible year round views! & energy efficient. $495,000 unfinished studio. $699,500 $649,900
INCREDIBLE SETTING! Own both sides of McClure Creek! $389,500
LAKE HARTWELL! 12 Lake Hartwell NOT access lots for sale in gated neighborMANY hood. Community boat dock, fishing BETTER!! On 5+ acres in a pond and community house availprivate, gated community able. Limited boat slips. All 12 lots between Clarkesville & for $150,000. Call Bill at 706-499-4720. Owner/agent. Cleveland/Helen. $339,900
BOOK REVIEW Blackberry Mornings
B
ook lovers know there are two kinds of books, and we’re not talking fiction / non-fiction here. Nope. There are those books that you can’t put down for very long, because you’ll lose the story thread. Then there are those that let you read at your own speed. Blackberry Mornings by Dallas, Georgia author Lisa Harris is one of those books that gives you permission to read a little or read a lot. The only problem is, you’ll want to read it through in one sitting. But even that isn’t all bad, because since Lisa’s first publishing effort is a compilation of stories she’s penned for Georgia Mountain Laurel magazine over the past few years. So suit yourself. Read one story a day. Read several a day. Or launch a marathon reading saga and read from first to last in one sitting. It’s your call. It’s Blackberry Mornings. Lisa Harris knows a woman’s heart and takes the relationships that all women cherish as the inspiration for the beautiful stories she crafts. Stories so real, before you even finish, you feel as if you’ve known the characters forever. Which is why you’ll want to make a second and maybe even a third pass through the handiwork of Lisa’s creative mind. It’ll be like revisiting an old friend again… and again, getting better every time. From love stories to the intermingled hearts of sisters, Lisa will make you laugh, cry and laugh again. Your soul will soar with each happy ending and ache for every loss. Lisa’s stories are so similar to everyday life, you’ll think she knows your story. And perhaps she knows more than you might realize. There’s depth and empathy in her writing for a reason. Blackberry Mornings is dedicated to Lisa’s daughter, Whitney Ann, who died in 2009. It was following that haunting loss that Lisa began to use her creativity and imagination to combat the crippling grief that threatened to overwhelm her. The people who live between the covers of Blackberry Mornings are part of the dividends of her journey. “Her laughter will forever sing in my heart,” Lisa says in the dedication. Whitney was passionate in her love for children, was a gifted individual with a truly inspiring servant nature, her mother explains. This mother’s love for her daughter and her God-given creative talent shine through in each of the 22 stories that populate the pages of this book. The perfect way to begin a day and the ideal way to wind down at night. Lisa’s knack for a turn of phrase is equally yoked with the depth of her emotional investment in each story. A classic example is the life lesson found in “The Christmas Ring” where we’re given a glimpse into the inner thoughts of a young woman named Lily. “On and on she whined then pleaded with God, who she felt was NOT listening nor did He care about her at the moment. Then a thought occurred to her, maybe God doesn’t speak ‘whinese…’” Or how about the line in Junie McClain’s funeral directive, where she instructed Effie to “put a tad bit of pink lipstick on her because even if she was dead she certainly wants to look her best.” With titles such as “Not Those Church Ladies Again” and “Just Like Mama Said” or “The Widow Wagon,” how can you not want to flip to those pages to see what Lisa has written to grab you? Lisa Harris’s stories each deliver a mini-sermon, but in a manner about as far removed from preachy as it’s possible to be. Instead, she’s one friend talking freely and openly with another. Sharing hurts but also wonder, like visiting a comfortable old friend during one of those Blackberry Mornings. To purchase a copy of Blackberry Mornings, contact Lisa at blessyourheart@yahoo.com or find it on Amazon.com By John Shivers
18
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
Live Healthy and Be Well! “Give thanks but avoid the flu!”
T
his is the time of year that some talk about the flu is appropriate. While we have not been seeing a lot of cases yet, some of you may have had some symptoms, and hopefully many of you have gotten your “flu shot” for this year. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral illness that starts in birds and mammals and ends up getting transmitted to humans. Although it is often confused with other flu-like illnesses, such as the common cold, influenza itself is a more severe disease caused by a different type of virus. The flu is mainly a respiratory illness, as that is how it gets into your system (by breathing it in), but may initially show up with other symptoms besides wheezing and cough. Although we often think that the flu is a rather minor illness, we are wise to remember that Influenza is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide over the years, and has been the cause of some major epidemics in the not too distant past (WWI era). Typically, influenza is transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes, creating aerosols containing the virus. Influenza can also be transmitted by direct contact with bird droppings or nasal secretions from infected persons, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Influenza viruses can be inactivated by sunlight, disinfectants and detergents. As the virus can be inactivated by soap, frequent hand washing reduces the risk of infection.
Influenza viruses can be inactivated by sunlight, disinfectants and detergents. As the virus can be inactivated by soap, frequent hand washing reduces the risk of infection. Often, new influenza strains appear when an existing flu virus spreads to humans from another animal species, or when an existing human strain mutates from a virus that usually infects birds or pigs. A few years ago, a bird strain named H5N1 raised the concern of a new influenza pandemic after it emerged in Asia in the 1990s. In April 2009, a novel flu strain evolved that combined genes from human, pig and bird flu. Initially dubbed “swine flu” and also known as influenza A/H1N1, it emerged in Mexico, the United States and several other nations. The World Health Organization’s declaration of a pandemic level 6 was an indication of the spread of the outbreak, not the severity; the strain actually having a lower mortality rate than common flu
20
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
outbreaks. Approximately 1/3 of people who get the flu have no symptoms at all. Those who do experience a myriad of symptoms noted in the illustration. There is a good test available that is very sensitive in detecting the flu virus, and it involves a swab of your nasal passages. It can usually be run in about 20 minutes, and if you do test positive, appropriate treatment or symptom management can be instituted. A common ailment that seems to be highlighted in the flu versus other viral illnesses is “body and muscle aches”. Some folks may have this to such a degree, and feel so ill, that they just want to stay in bed until they feel better. As the flu is a virus, antibiotics typically will not affect the course. You may get better in a couple of days, but would have anyway if you had just rested, increased your fluid intake and treated the symptoms – let the flu run its course. There is a treatment known as “Tamiflu” that is thought to shorten the course of the illness or make it less severe. Although it is widely used with varying anecdotal results – there is a shortage of published, properly designed studies of this medicine to “prove” its effectiveness. The flu vaccine is something that people seem to feel strongly about. Either they are very much in favor of it or hate it! Some people say it gave them the flu, or others say it makes them feel bad and don’t want to take it. The flu shot we have available each fall is usually a “trivalent” vaccine, meaning that it is designed to protect against the three most likely strains of that season. Sometimes they get it right, and sometimes it misses the mark. The vaccine carries no risk of infecting anyone, and is usually very benign and non-reactive. Before getting the shot, you will be asked if you have an allergy to eggs, or thimerisol. Eggs are used to incubate the virus to make the vaccine, and the other is a mercury-like compound used as a “carrier” for the injection. Some people may experience a mild temperature increase after getting their flu shot – a dose of Tylenol or Ibuprofen before your vaccination will help with this situation. We do recommend the flu vaccine each year, especially for older folks, people prone to pneumonia or those with COPD or other chronic respiratory disease. While it cannot be said to be 100% effective – there is evidence to believe that it does help prevent the flu, or lessen the symptoms and length of illness if you do happen to get it in spite of the shot. We really do enjoy hearing from you with any questions, concerns, or ideas for future columns and/or health and wellness related issues for the Georgia Mountain Laurel. Please send an email to rabundoctor@gmail.com, or call us at 706.782.3572, and we will be sure to consider your input. This and previous articles can be now be found on the web at www.rabundoctor.com in an archived format. If you use Twitter, then follow us for health tips and wellness advice @ rabundoctor. Until next month, live healthy and be well! by Stephen Jarrard, MD, FACS
www.gmlaurel.com November 2015
21
The Epidemic of Addiction – The Stories
O
ur November issue has been our giving thanks issue for several years now. We all have many things to be thankful for, but there is a large segment of people who are beyond thankful for the simplest things. These people have been to a dark place, the bottom of the barrel or maybe the bottle. Bottle of liquor or pills, the bottom of the bag of coke or meth, the bottom for some is death, others find recovery and live with the disease of addiction using twelve steps, one day at a time.
They know the smell of fresh air, clean sheets and the flowers because they stop to smell them. They have gone from taking everything and everyone for granted to being thankful for every gesture of kindness. These people are thankful for their sobriety and for each day. The freedom from addiction is good and it is something a grateful recovering addict thanks their Higher Power for each and every day. When bound by addiction they felt helpless and hopeless. They tried to hide their actions, so they lied, they had to use so they became sneaky; they did whatever they had to do to get the alcohol or drugs they had to have, leaving a path of destruction along the way. Family, friends, children - all victims of the disease and the addict. In this issue we will share the stories of three people who through the help of a program and God are living today when they should have been dead. All three are grateful, as am I, for a life without drugs and alcohol. by Tracy McCoy
Denise’s Story My father being a deacon, and my mother a Sunday school teacher, meant I was in the church each time the doors opened. I can remember having feelings of inadequacy even at an early age, never feeling as though I fit in anywhere. I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was twelve years old. When I was fourteen, I began to drink to escape feelings of inadequacy. For the first time in my life, I felt like I “fit in”. When I was fifteen, I began to experiment with drugs, and found I enjoyed these much more. I graduated high school, only by the grace of God, and moved to Atlanta. I became deeper involved in drug use while there. When I was nineteen, I realized that I didn’t know how to function without being high, or knowing that I would have a way to get high that day. It was all that kept me going. The saying, “I used to live and lived to use” was true of my life. After two years of bouncing checks, getting financial help from home to pay bills, living a lifestyle that should have rendered me dead, I tried a geographical cure from my misery. It seemed that everywhere I moved (And I moved a lot!), I would not seek out the drug crowd, but always ended up with those types of people. Satan is very powerful. I continued to try to live a better life and kept failing. I moved back home, defeated. I got a job and every day I would get off work and go straight to pick up something to get high on. One afternoon, I went to pick up my drugs and met the man I married three months later. If I couldn’t find drugs I would drink, I was eventually fired for drinking on the job. Our marriage began on a very sick note. My husband had a very good job, so I stayed home getting high. I didn’t like it at all when he came home one day and said I couldn’t get high anymore when he was at work. For the first time in my life,
22
someone had told me that I couldn’t use when I wanted to...our marriage struggled from this point until I learned I was expecting our first child. I stopped using drugs, hoping to do my best with this baby. Our son was born a beautiful, healthy baby. That is one of God’s blessings I thank Him for daily. After my six weeks check up, my husband let me start back having mixed drinks with him occasionally. When he went to work, I would use the money he’d given me for groceries or diapers, to buy drugs. When our son was thirteen months old, I found out I was pregnant again. I did not want to be pregnant. When I went to the doctor for my first check up, I complained with my back and he gave me pain pills. He assured me this would not hurt my baby. He didn’t realize when the prescription read “one every four hours”, I was taking “four every one hour.” I had no problems getting the pills, or having them refilled. I lost thirteen pounds while I was carrying this baby. When our daughter was born, she weighed 5 pounds 4 ounces, nothing but skin and bones. But God took care of her when I couldn’t. Having been raised in the church, I knew I needed to have my children in church. We were always in services, I may have been loaded, but I made sure we were there. When our daughter was eighteen months old, I woke up one morning realizing that “normal” people surely didn’t live like this getting out of bed, popping pills before I even fixed breakfast for my children, or grabbing them out of bed, not changing diapers, to run to the drug store and pick up a new supply. To look at my life from the outside, things appeared fairly normal - but inside I was dying. I sought help from a doctor who sent me to a short term program for treatment. I stayed 36 days, aced the program, graduated with honors, went home and relapsed five weeks later.
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
A year later, my husband came home one evening from work and went in to kiss the children goodnight, but they were not in bed. I didn’t remember where they were. I had taken them to my parent’s home early that morning, and did not remember the trip. The next Monday morning, I was on my way to Mississippi for a three month extended treatment program. Again, I aced the program, graduated with honors, came home and relapsed five days later. My family just quit talking to me, never making contact and my husband looked at me one morning and said, “ You don’t have to worry about me taking the kids away from you, you’ll take care of that all by yourself. You’re just a drug addict, you’re going to die high.” We moved and I began to attend church. I would sit and listen to this Sunday school teacher that talked about how loving and forgiving God is. I had always heard this, but never felt it. The God I grew up learning about was a God that would send me to hell for dancing, and by the time I was fifteen, I’d done a lot worse than dance. But as this lady talked, I knew she had a peace I wanted. All I could do was sit and listen as tears streamed down my face. She came up to me one Sunday and asked if I would like to talk sometime. We met; I shared with her that I was an addict. She began to disciple me, encourage me, and she requested honesty from me. Even when I used, she encouraged me to be honest with her. She loved me no matter what I did, or what I told her. One morning three months after she began to disciple me I felt convicted about my addiction and I decided to stop. My addiction had progressed to the point that I was dissolving the pills in water to draw them up in a syringe and shoot them into my veins. I gathered up all of my syringes and carried them to the dumpster. When I got home, my connection called with a “fresh batch”. I hesitated, but told her I would be there in ten minutes. I went and picked up the pills, drove home and realized I had thrown away all of my syringes. I drove to the dumpster and climbed in to look for them. It seemed the more this lady shared Jesus with me, the more Satan fought to keep me.
A Mother’s Story One in every eight Americans are living with some sort of drug or alcohol addiction. Over twenty-three million Americans suffer from this disease. Yes, it is a disease. For those who think it is not, ask yourself who would choose the life of a junkie. I know I wouldn’t have. I believe I was born with the genetic predisposition to become an addict. Children of addicts are four times more likely to develop problems with alcohol and drugs. To outsiders, addicts are seen as morally weak or lacking willpower. One common belief is that drug abusers should just put the drugs down and walk away. Believe me, if it were that easy, I would have done just that. The initial use was voluntary, but over time the changes in the brain caused a lack of self control and created a need for the drug.
This teacher had spent time teaching me about the unconditional love of Jesus Christ (most importantly, through her example). While I was inside the dumpster, it seemed like the whole world stopped, even the wind. All of a sudden, I saw myself as God saw me. I felt so ashamed, and at the same time, I felt this tremendous love that I had never experienced before. I got out, went home, fell on my knees and prayed to God. My prayer went something like this, “God, if you will just give me one day without the craving of alcohol or drugs, you can have my husband, my children, my new home, my car, anything please just make me the person you created me to be. I felt a release. I got up off my knees, not trusting or even knowing what I had felt, but with a willingness to walk with a faith that I’d never had before. This teacher walked me through the healing process of a Christian based twelve step program, and encouraged me to attend AA and NA meetings until I had a better grip on things. All the support that was available to me, she directed me to it. I thank God for her courage to reach out to me. I “surrendered” my life to Jesus Christ on January 17, 1991. At that time, I didn’t trust the God I was surrendering to...but I knew a Sunday school teacher who did! I believed in the trust she had, until my own developed. Eleven months later, my husband went to treatment and we began to really work on surrendering our lives together. Four years after my surrender, I knew that God was calling me to a ministry for women who live in the same bondage as I had for twenty-two years. I began to pray and sought the prayers of others. We prayed for Him to provide a way for me to do this work He was calling me to do. Three and a half years later, we felt it was time to form a board of directors, and look for a place to house this ministry. We opened the doors of Promise of Hope in May of 1999. We have seen evidence of just how powerfully transforming the love of Jesus truly is. Today we have a 6 -12 month recovery program for women in Dudley, Georgia and one for men in Cochran, Georgia. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction I invite you to visit our website at www. promiseofhopega.com for more information or call 1-478-676HOPE.
Addiction does not discriminate based on age, gender or socioeconomic status. I came from an upper middle class family. My dad had a prestigious white collar job and my mother was a homemaker. I grew up in a good neighborhood. I went to private school. I had dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer and then a doctor. I never imagined the places life would take me. As a child, I never dealt with situations as they arose. I stuffed my feelings down deep in an effort to protect myself. Dealing with events, such as abuse, as a child can be traumatic. Not dealing with them seemed easier at the time. I had irrational fears of death and dying. My only escape was alcohol and later drugs. Individuals who misuse alcohol and drugs are 12 times more likely to commit suicide. The struggle going on in my head almost caused me to be one of the statistics. Addiction made me feel like I was all alone even if I was in a room full of people. This disease
www.gmlaurel.com November 2015
23
isolates you. It makes you feel different, less than whole. The drugs become your best friend, the only one you can count on. Drugs were the only thing that would quiet the voice in my head, if only for a moment. I was never a “social” user. I did not want to be around people. For awhile, I was what they call a “functioning” addict. I was able to graduate from college and hold a job. I thought my family was unaware of my “habits”, thinking I hid my growing addiction from them. The monster in my head grew at an alarming rate. I made promises to myself that I would stop, that this was the last time, to no avail. I prayed to a God that I didn’t believe in, begging Him to stop the madness. Every day was the same. I woke up, begged, lied or stole to get the money to buy more dope. Once I had the money, I scrambled around to find my drug of choice. I would use and start all over again. The voices continued to chip away at my self worth. I couldn’t quit the cycle. I wanted to. Every time I bought dope, I swore it was the last. When I tried to stop the withdrawals were terrible and the voices were unbearable. I never imagined my addiction having so much control over me. I didn’t use to get high anymore. I used to feel normal. Every day that I was pregnant, I prayed the same prayer. Dear God, if you are real, please help me stop using. I still didn’t believe in Him. I thought with all that I had been through, He was never there for me. I felt if there was a God, why wouldn’t He help me. Both my children were born with drugs in their systems. DFCS became involved. I asked God why He would do this to me. I would later realize, this was God answering my prayers. DFCS told me if I didn’t get help, I would never see my kids again. The thought of this frightened me enough to seek treatment. I had hit bottom. I lost everything (my friends, family and self-respect) and now I was on the brink of losing my kids FOREVER. I entered Promise of Hope June 3, 2011 for treatment. This is a residential, faith based facility. I didn’t think life without dope was possible. I was told something that first day that has stuck with me... “If you had cancer, you would get treatment. You
wouldn’t try to get better on your own.” I learned that to change, I had to change everything. There are no half measures. I needed discipline, structure and I had to learn to be accountable for my own actions. After six months in treatment, I realized I had a problem with drugs. It took that long for the fog to lift. I learned a new way to live. I realized that God had been with me all along. It was only through His grace and mercy that I was given a second chance. I completed the program after 313 days on April 9, 2012. I had been given the tools for life and now it was up to me to use them. Today, I am a proud recovering addict. I have learned to put God first and everything else will fall into place. My kids are happy, healthy and, by the grace of God show no residual effects of my drug use. There is no “cure” for addiction. We are told to take life one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time. My life may not be perfect by other people’s standards, but I am happy. My worst day now is better than my best day using. It has taken a long time to rebuild the bridges I burnt, but every day is worth it. I have a wonderful husband who has stood beside me, two amazing children, a fabulous career and most importantly a God who loves me beyond measure.
Ron’s Story Hostage to Sin, Stranger to Grace I made my plan. I would go into the church and resign my position as Associate Pastor. Then I would go home and shoot myself. For years I wondered what I would do when this moment finally came. I was about to be exposed as an alcoholic and a hypocrite. The previous 10+ years were torture as I struggled with my addiction. I was aware of my hypocrisy and failings every time I took a drink and even more when I would teach or preach. My addiction was a secret to everyone but me and my wife. Our secret became a prison that became darker and deeper every day. I wanted to quit drinking. I knew I needed help. I prayed to God for help and deliverance but felt trapped by the possibility of harming my family, my church and my students. Finally, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, my wife left me. As she left she told several friends about the secret that we had been hiding for so long. After I confessed to my senior pastor and resigned my position, I knew that I deserved whatever condemnation came my way. I dreaded his response. He was silent for a while, said “Ron, I will accept your resignation but refuse to give up on you.” He then made arrangements for me to go to Victory Home in Tallulah Falls. As I reflect back over the ten years since I entered Victory Home, I now know that the grace of Christ extends to the worst sinners and the most hopeless situations. I was surprised to learn that others ministers and professionals had been through the program. When I came to the campus at Victory Home in October
24
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
of 2005 I was struck by the serenity and beauty of the area. It was both a battleground and a refuge where I could discover my identity in Christ and learn how to master my addiction and its causes. It is difficult to isolate which part of the program helped me the most. The curriculum was amazing and effective. The staff were a strong source of support and continue to be great and valued friends. The other residents became brothers as we navigated the terrain of recovery together. The Christian atmosphere was both safe and challenging at the same time. The chapel speakers were local ministers and graduates of Victory Home. We visited a different church each Sunday and were welcomed and loved by each congregation. Local churches would visit the campus, feed and interact with us and invite us to special events. The people who volunteer and minister treat each resident with dignity and respect and, most of all, love. For me, Victory Home was a place for me to heal and grow. The things I learned continue to sustain me in all areas of my life. I will always be indebted to the churches and individuals who financially support Victory Home. I thought suicide was the only way that I could ever be free from my addiction. As an addict I became a hostage to sin and a stranger to grace. What could have been the end of my life actually became a new beginning. I now serve Christ with power and confidence. It is great to leave the darkness, hopelessness and dishonesty of the past. The most amazing thing has happened to me. I have been sober for ten years. I have become an instrument of grace and hope‌ and victory.
www.gmlaurel.com November 2015
25
H
Victory Home
Helping Men Win The Battle
I
s there someone that you know who struggles with drugs or alcohol? Most likely the answer is yes. In the United States 1 in 3 people have a relative who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, but it isn’t just the addict who suffers. The family also feels the pain of addiction. Along with the destruction it leaves in the life of the individual who is abusing drugs or alcohol, it also leaves a trail of heartache for those who see only a shell of the person they love. At times addiction can seem like a hopeless battle, but it is a battle that can be won. Victory Home is a Christian, nondenominational men’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Tallulah Falls, Georgia that helps to heal through the promise of Christ’s love. Located on U.S. 441 just south of the Tallulah Gorge, if you aren’t watching intently for the small sign that points to Victory Home, you will most likely miss it. Victory Home is peacefully nestled about half a mile off the highway. It is the oldest drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Northeast Georgia. Since 1959 Victory Home has helped over 11,000 men find Christ and win the battle against drugs and alcohol, while aiding them in becoming productive members of society who look for opportunities to serve others. The thirty-seven-acre campus in the foothills of Northeast Georgia provides sanctuary and solitude for men seeking deliverance from addictive lifestyles. Victory Home takes a Christ-centered approach to rehabilitation—with over 50 years of experience bringing about the powerful healing that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The program’s daily routine provides needed structure and boundaries for living a life that glorifies God. Residents participate in twenty-six weeks of classes, individual and group counseling, Bible study, on-the-job training and mentoring. The approach of putting God first works! Not only do these men get the healing they need, but their families and communities are strengthened as well!
The goal of Victory Home is to see a world free of the hurt caused by drug and alcohol addiction by knowing the love of Christ. Men from all over the country come seeking help for their addictions and Victory Home doesn’t want to turn anyone away. They are helping the most men they have ever had at one time; almost 40 individuals reside there now. Because of the financial hardships often associated with addiction many residents are not able to pay for the program. This deficit is paid through donations made by local churches and businesses. Victory Home is a nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. The cost of supporting one resident in his recovery is $1,200. With the recent growth in the program any donation is helpful. Victory Home will also be hosting its 1st Annual Auction with all proceeds going toward capital improvements of the campus. Most of the grounds and buildings are over 50 years old and although well maintained, are in need of improvement. There will be both silent and live auctions, raffle, games (i.e. corn-hole etc) and lots of snacks and drinks. Items will include: an array of trips (resort, golf-packages, etc.), antiques, signed sports memorabilia, jewelry, art, holiday gift items, furniture, hand-crafted wood items, pottery, gift-cards for food, services and products etc. Donated items are from Clarkesville, Clayton, Cornelia, Demorest and Toccoa. For any questions regarding the event or to donate money or items for auction, please call the Victory Home office at 706-754-6030 or online at www.victoryhome.org. The bondage of addiction can seemingly rob an individual of all hope, but Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Victory Home offers more than a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. It is an opportunity to break the chains of addiction by being made anew through the grace of God. The answer is Jesus Christ!
Come out and support Victory Home through our 1st Annual Auction! It will be held on Victory Home’s campus (320 Victory Home Lane, Tallulah Falls, Georgia, 30573) on Saturday, December 5th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
26
November 2015 www.gmlaurel.com
Homestead
Providing Hope and Change to Enhance the Woman in You
H
omestead Women’s Recovery is dedicated to assisting women who wish to recover from addiction and lead a sober and responsible life. In 2008 a group of women identified the need for a recovery residence for women that would provide them with an opportunity to address their illness of addiction. In 2009 a member of that original group opened her home providing eight beds. Within a month Homestead received their first resident and that same year they were approved by THOR (Transitional Housing for Offender Re-entry). This allowed women on parole and probation an opportunity to get the help they needed instead of being incarcerated. A board of directors was recruited, Homestead Women’s Recovery was incorporated and 501(c)3 status was obtained. They quickly outgrew their location and moved ahead with plans for expansion. Through the generosity of many property was acquired and a new larger home was constructed. In spring 2014 Homestead moved into the new twelve bed facility. Over 90 women have completed the nine month program and have received the education, support and tools for an addiction free, productive life. A fall fundraiser has been planned to benefit Homestead Recovery Residence for Women. The 2nd Chance Treasures Sale will be hosted Saturday, November 14th 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM in the Sautee Center Gymnasium located on Highway 255 North only a quarter mile off Highway 17 in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. The sale will include quality artwork, furniture, clothing, books, toys and much more. Please make plans to come out and support the women of Homestead. For additional information or to speak with someone about their program please call 706.754.3367 or visit www.homesteadrecovery.com.
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
29
30
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
31
Bless Your Heart Hers & Mine
C
oolness crept in the door like an unwelcomed guest and Libby pulled the covers tighter around her chest. Wintertime blahs seeped in early this year and Libby fought them like a bear. She stayed busy during the day selling real estate which she loved, then stayed involved in the community in some capacity most evenings. But tonight, she had an overwhelming sense of loneliness that crowded her soul. She desperately needed the morning light with coffee on her porch facing her beloved birdhouses. Libby was such an old soul to love watching birds so much but she grew up with a dad that took pride in telling Libby all about them. Now, she took pride in continuing the tradition. Libby pulled back her thick hair that barely touched her shoulders and readjusted herself on her pillows. Her mama always said her hair was her glory; a warm syrupy color with natural highlights from the sun. It was the perfect frame for her bright green eyes. The color was so uncommon that people thought they were contact lenses. But, no it was all natural. She did fuss about her freckles figuring that at thirty she shouldn’t have to fool with them anymore, but no matter how much makeup she slathered on, they still poked through by mid-day. Libby shifted in bed again, her small frame of barely five feet tall made her bed seem enormous. She was no bigger than a minute was what most people said, but they had no idea how she always longed to be much taller. Model size is what she called it but God seemed to have wanted her at five feet. Who was she to argue with God? Night dragged on but at some point Libby fell asleep and seemed to have rested well. At the first hint of light (and with the help of her alarm) she flung back the covers and put on her fuzzy robe almost in one swoop. Libby slipped into her affectionately called, space boots that were actually bedroom shoes and scooted to the kitchen for her first of two cups of coffee. As her Keurig brewed her first cup, Libby leaned on the window seal looking at the frost on the grass. When the sun’s rays hit the frost it was quite dazzling to watch. Libby grabbed her coffee and devotion, her journal and pen and began to reflect. It had been a difficult year but hopefully, her loneliness would become more her friend that her enemy. In her journal Libby wrote, “It’s now been a full year as of today that mom and dad left this earth and went to Heaven. I’m okay now, not fabulous but okay. I’m thankful for my career, my friends, my church and community Lord, but I’m really lonely, so if you have a fella picked out for me, I’m ready. Libby giggled. “Yep Lord, a husband would be a good thing I think. However, he’d have to know that my parent’s farmhouse
32
and land are where I plan to stay…non-negotiable.” So with that thought she closed her journal and got ready for her day. Libby was a list maker and on tap was to show some missionaries that had come in from who-knows-where, a few houses that she had picked out. It seemed they wanted a fairly small cottage-like home on a property full of trees. “No problem with that, North Georgia was full of small homes surrounded by gorgeous trees. However, it being winter the scenery would be a bit gray.” Libby pulled on her leggings, boots and a long beautiful sweater that was the perfect shade of green that made her eyes pop. She grabbed her bag with her small laptop and appointment book and headed out the door. The crisp, cold hair hit her face and she gasped. “Whew,” she thought, “colder than I realized.” But, Libby plunged ahead knowing how good it was going to feel to switch on her heated seats in her car. She hoped it wasn’t a sin to really love her SUV, but she really did enjoy driving it and especially loved a warm backside on a cold day. Pulling up at the first house, Libby noticed her clients weren’t there yet, so she sat and made a couple of calls and checked her laptop for current emails. She was so engrossed in her business that she didn’t hear the truck pull up or the client walk up and knock on her window. Seriously startled, Libby jumped and the laptop hit the floor, along with her cell phone and purse. “Hey, I’m sorry,” came from a very deep voice with a rather handsome face. Libby grinned, “Its fine…no worries,” she said. The handsome man opened the door for her and as she stepped out he introduced himself. “I’m Levi Stanton, your new client.” “Well, I’m Libby Langley here to help you but I must say I’m a bit confused. I thought I was meeting a married couple that happens to be missionaries.” Levi chuckled a little. “I’m sorry for the confusion, but my parents received news that they needed to stay a few more months so they put me in charge of finding them a house to come home too.” “Well, alright then, let’s head into this cottage perfect for two, unless you plan to live with them?” Levi leaned against the hood of her car and looked at her intently. “Do I look like the kind of man to still live with my parents?” His eyes traveled all over her face assessing her, and definitely liked what he saw. Libby was quite startled by the question, “Well, I don’t know, but please tell me how your looks would tell me what kind of man you are.”
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
Now it was Levi’s turn to be a bit taken back. He was more used to women flirting with him than questioning him. He laughed this great laugh and said, “Touché.”
shop and said, “Let’s go back to my ‘really big truck’ and I’ll follow you home so you can leave your car.”
Levi walked quickly ahead and helped Libby open the front door and insisted she go in first. Libby got right to the point of business and showed him each room. She was a bit unnerved by his presence but, she was determined that he wouldn’t know it. She was guessing he was in his early to mid-thirties, stocky but not heavy. His hair was actually more red with strong brown undertones almost the complete opposite of hers. He actually had darker skin as compared to her lighter and very dark and direct brownish black eyes. Quite easy on the eyes, she thought.
Levi followed her enjoying the route he was taking. Beautiful farm and pasture land on this side of town, and then he watched as she pulled into the driveway of the picturesque farmhouse and the beautifully landscaped yard that framed the home.
Levi would have given a million dollars to have known her thoughts. Just in how she carried herself he knew this was a woman to carry home to mama. His mother was his model of comparison, and he’d never taken anyone to meet her except for Holly, his first and he always thought his last love. She was a woman of purity and grace, everyone loved her, especially himself. He had fallen in love with her almost instantly and they were inseparable all through college. He had planned to propose to her right after graduation, but she fell ill, terribly ill. Holly developed a rare blood disease that took her within weeks of her diagnosis. Levi was devastated at twenty-two and grieved for years. Now at thirty-three, he never believed he’d meet another woman of that quality, but maybe he just had.
He sensed a sadness in her voice and wanted so badly to wrap his arms around her, but he knew he couldn’t. He just said, “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Libby cleared her throat to grab Levi’s attention where he seemed to be in deep thought. “So what do you think? Do you suppose this would be a great fit for your parents?” Levi loved the house but didn’t want his time with Libby to end so he said, “I really like the house and property but I think I need to see several more before I make my decision. Do you have the time to show me more today?” Libby nodded yes and said, “Absolutely. Would you like to leave your ‘really big truck’ here and ride with me or you can certainly follow me in your ‘really big truck’,” she said with a gleam of laughter in her eyes. “So you think I have a ‘really big truck’, huh?” “I really do. I don’t think I’ve seen one quite that big around here and our North Georgia boys do like big trucks.” Now he really laughed. “This is a truck I use to pull large tractors and haul farm equipment, not to mention other stuff…” Libby was teasing him about his truck when she realized he must own the Stanton Tractor Company, one of the largest and most successful companies in the South. She didn’t say a word of her new realization; if he wanted to tell her then that was his to tell. “Well, sounds like you need a ‘really big truck’ then,” and smiled a dazzling smile that lifted his spirits. Not that they weren’t lifted when he first laid eyes on her. After an afternoon of looking, discussing and putting numbers to paper, Levi declared he was hungry. “If you’re hungry, would you join me for dinner tonight? There is that new restaurant in town that serves great food and I think has entertainment.” Libby’s eyes rested on his and for just a moment, she didn’t feel really alone. She felt happy. “I would love to and we can celebrate a day of progress.” Levi pulled out her chair at the coffee
www.gmlaurel.com
Libby agreed feeling quite happy at his considerate nature.
Levi jumped out and walked over to Libby, “You have a beautiful home Libby.” “Thank you, it was my parents and I inherited it since I was an only child.”
Libby nodded, “Do you mind if I freshen up a bit while we’re here? You can come inside and wait, I promise I won’t be but five minutes.” Levi grinned thinking, “What woman is ever ready in five minutes? Not even his mother.” Libby re-did her make-up a bit trying to cover up those dadblamed freckles that were poking through again. A little mascara to perk up her tired eyes and a bit of coral gloss. She tossed her hair to fluff it up and took one last glance in the mirror. This was the best she could do in five minutes. During those minutes, Levi walked around admiring her taste and looking at family pictures. Her mother was certainly an attractive woman and he could tell she got her eyes from her dad. “Well, I’m ready,” she said. Levi turned around and caught his breath. She really was quite lovely, and all of a sudden he really was quite tongue-tied. So he smiled and opened the door. After he practically had to pick her up to get her into his ‘really big & tall truck,’ it took them all of ten minutes to get to the restaurant and find a seat. And of all things, it was karaoke night! Libby had no idea it was karaoke night and as discreetly as she could she hid behind the large Italian menu. Levi looked at her kind of funny but didn’t question her…thank goodness! He ordered her a glass of red wine and they talked and laughed without missing a beat. She was having so much fun she forgot about the karaoke, she forgot that she knew the owner and she forgot what he knew. She just hoped and prayed he didn’t see her. But, no such luck “Ladies and gentlemen, I see we have a good friend of mine here dining with us tonight. She’s the daughter of good friends of mine, and I’m thrilled to see her. She is also known around these parts as a great karaoke singer and if everyone will encourage her, let’s get Libby Langley up here for some great entertainment.” Libby died on the spot. Levi was looking at her with a big ole grin on his face. “I’ll escort you to the stage.” Libby shook her head no. But, the audience wouldn’t stop. She had no recourse but to go. With a red face she accepted the arm of Levi and headed to the stage. Stanley, the owner and friend, hugged her tightly and said, “Do me proud.”
November 2015
33
THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE - A Prayer of Thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father PRAY WITH US: Lord, you inhabit the praises of your people. As we come together with others into your presence praying thanks and praises aloud to you Father, peace and surety of your everlasting care and provision enter our soul, and we can know you are in control, that you care greatly for us, and are vitally concerned in every area of our life. If we have troubles, we cry out to you. You will sustain us in everything, for your presence is in our life. We trust Jesus Christ as our Savior, we come to Him confessing our sins, and you forgive us and meet us where we are. We make Jesus the Lord of our life by asking Him to take the reins of our life. Lord, you make all things new and bring peace. We trust God to be God. Now we want to thank you and praise you, and honor you for who you are. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name” Psalm 30:4. Thank you O Lord, my God, for the privilege to pray Thank you for your awesome creation of heaven and earth Thank you for your creation of man and all living things Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to redeem me from sin Thank you for loving me even while I was yet a sinner Thank you for forgiving my sins, not remembering them Thank you God was in Christ reconciling me unto Himself Thank you for fighting all my battles with me and for me Thank you for sending your Word to deliver and heal me Thank you for health, cure, abundance of peace and truth Thank you Jesus took my sins and sicknesses upon himself Thank you for the gift of faith, a shield from the enemy Thank you for blessing my children & grandchildren Thank you for bringing my children home from the enemy Thank you if I know you hear me, I have what I asked Thank you that perhaps you give repentance as a gift Thank you that you are holy, I call you Holy, Holy, Holy Thank you for your Holy Name, the name above all names Thank you by your Word you made the heavens and earth Thank you for salvation planned for me before creation Thank you for your redemption peace between you and me Thank you for your magnificent greatness and majesty Thank you for your unlimited love, power and might Thank you for your great honor, you reign over creation Thank you for your coming judgment of earth and man Thank you for your all-knowing presence is everywhere Thank you for your goodness fills the earth and heavens Thank you for your precious gift to me of eternal life Thank you for hope because you always keep your Word Thank you for your trustworthiness, so I can trust you Thank you for your eternal mercy and tenderness Thank you for your Word is true and my guide in life Thank you for all your works are done in truth and love Thank you for clothing me in your holy righteousness
Thank you for delivering me from darkness and death Thank you for the bodily healing you freely give to me Thank you for breathing the breath of life into man Thank you for you control the oceans, winds and waves Thank you for you sealed me unto the day of redemption Thank you for the Holy Spirit, my Comforter and Teacher Thank you that nothing can pluck me out of your hand Thank you for you are King over the earth and heavens Thank you for answering my prayers with loving kindness Thank you for your prophesy always comes to pass Thank you for you have not left me without hope Thank you for you give me wisdom and understanding Thank you for you freely forgive all who come to you Thank you for you preserved your Word over the ages Thank you for you are God throughout eternity Thank you for you will guide me unto death Thank you for you deliver me from trouble Thank you for faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness Thank you for liberating me from bondage to sin Thank you for giving me material & spiritual prosperity Thank you for God gives me power to get wealth Thank you for peace, joy and the peace of Jerusalem Thank you for your Word because your Word is your will Thank you for your Word that is a lamp unto my feet Thank you for the Spirit of power, love, a sound mind Thank you for your Word is forever settled in heaven Thank you for you make me lie down in green pastures Thank you for restoring my soul (mind, will, emotions) Thank you my name is written in the Lambs Book of Life Thank you for I overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb Thank you for you are my very life Thank you for supplying all my need through Christ Jesus Thank you for you are the Great Provider of all things Thank you for you are Lord and God, there is none other
“And a voice came out of the throne saying; Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great” Rev.19:5 We are asking everyone to pray for the hand of God to take charge of America and bring our Nation back to righteousness. P.O. Box 112, Lakemont, GA 30552 • 706.782.5435 • 706.490.3063
Libby took the microphone, and once in hand she became a whole other person, one that could entertain without reservation with her singing and somewhat dancing. She was amazing. Levi was mesmerized. She was incredible. Her voice, her rhythmic movements were sassy with an adorable attitude one minute then turned sweet and sincere, it was a performance that kept a guy guessing. He was up to the challenge. “Encore, encore,” the audience shouted. Libby waved them off with a bow and sincere thank you as she headed back to her seat to Levi who was standing ready to seat her. As he pulled out her chair, he leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You amazed me.” She laughed and tossed her hair back from her face. “I’m sorry about the performance, I totally forgot that Stanley owned and operated this restaurant. I grew up with coming to his other restaurant and he always had karaoke night. He loves it. Stanley encouraged me along with my parents to sing, and he gave me tons of practice. His places were always family oriented so my parents felt safe about letting me sing and perform.” “Now that you know this about me, tell me something about yourself.” Levi leaned in and whispered, “I have nothing to top that except that I eat one thing at a time on my plate, and it always drives my mom crazy, even to this day. That’s all I got.” Libby laughed but it was her eyes that shone, “Levi Stanton, one thing I am quite sure of is that is NOT all you have, but I’ll let it go for now.” Levi leaned back in his chair and just watched her for a moment as someone came by and spoke to her briefly in passing. So graceful and caring she seemed. Libby turned back towards Levi and caught him staring. “You’re staring,” she said gently. “I know, I can’t help it,” he replied as he took her hand into his. “I also know that I’ve known you for eight hours now but it feels like eight years.” Libby smiled. “Do you feel it Libby?” She nodded yes, for she didn’t trust herself to speak. After arriving home, Levi, as expected was the perfect gentleman. With a promise to see him the next day for more house hunting for his parents, she left him on the porch not leaving until the door was shut and he heard the lock. Libby was overwhelmed with questions, with happy thoughts and the what if’s that could happen, good and bad. Then she looked over at her Bible and heard God say, “Trust Me.” The thoughts stopped whirling and she slipped into bed as Levi was still driving home.
Read the conclusion of “Hers & Mine” in the December issue of the Georgia Mountain Laurel.
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
35
Splendor Mountain
Truly an Exquisite Destination
W
hen you meet Chevin Woodruff, your first impression is one of warmth. Chevin has a kindness in her eyes and a big wide smile that is captivating. A well educated, strong woman with a genuine heart for Jesus, she exudes grace in all she does. Splendor Mountain is an extension of her and with that I could end the article but you would miss the mission and purpose behind both Chevin and this unique place. Atlanta was Chevin’s home before coming to Rabun County. Simply stated, Chevin wanted a place to walk her dogs off the leash. She too longed for freedom, peace a place to refuel and relax. Not surprisingly she found her way to Rabun County. Chevin had childhood memories of waterfalls, ferns and Rhododendron. On a trip up to visit her sister, for a boat party on Lake Rabun, she fell in love! She asked some realtor friends to look around; while waiting to eat lunch, they met a lady, who later gave them a tour. They called Chevin about a beautiful tract of land that she should see. She met with the realtor and traveled out a gravel mountain road and she loved it! The dogs were with her, they jumped out and ran to the waterfall and slid down, came back to Chevin and that did it! The realtor told her that if she bought the 10 acres that the land next door was land locked and for sale. After buying three other parcels, Splendor Mountain now sits on 75 acres in this beautiful county. She had no plans of leaving Atlanta, but Chevin says God had a different idea. The original plan was a small cabin for extended visits. She wanted to name the property from the verse found in Isaiah 55:5 NIV “Surely you will summon nations you know not and nations you do not know will come running to you because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has endowed you with splendor.” So the name Splendor Mountain was decided on. Remember the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams.... if you build it, they will come. Well that is kinda how it went. The first wedding at Splendor Mountain was a cousin’s and since then hundreds of guests have witnessed “I dos” on Chevin’s Splendor Mountain. Over the years since making Rabun County her home, Chevin has added three large lodges to the property. Sapphire Lodge and Ruby Lodge can each accommodate up to 20 people. Shadow Rock Loft, sleeps 2 and overlooks the waterfall, is perfect for a romantic stay. The Sunrise Lodge is an event facility perfect for parties or gatherings of any kind. The fire-pit at Mountain Song overlook is a great place to gather for deep conversations or marshmallow roasting. Providence Garden is the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding, a picnic or a rousing game of volleyball. Some choose just to sit in the Adirondack chairs and breath in the fresh mountain air. The visitors to this wonderful hidden gem have ranged from romantic couples and families, women’s groups, writers, artists, musicians and church groups to those seeking spiritual renewal. There is a connectedness, peace and joy at Splendor Mountain. The grounds are well maintained and the lodges exude southern charm and elegance. The views at the scenic look-offs are incredible. The labyrinth offers solitude, the lake offers visitors a place to swim or just relax along side it. Then there is the waterfall that Chevin’s dogs so enjoyed on her first visit to the property, you will find a fireplace, tables and chairs and a grill beside it, another place to have an event. Review after review raves about the immaculate accommodations, exceptional hospitality of the owners and the property described as Heaven on earth. Chevin truly feels as if her guests are her own personal visitors. Chevin and her husband Steve invite you to become part of the family of friends. She has poured her heart and soul into Splendor Mountain and would love for you to discover for yourself why folks can’t wait to return each year. We recommend that you visit www.splendormountain.com for more information and photos of the property. Splendor Mountain awaits and you will not be disappointed. Chevin can be reached to talk about all of the possibilities for your upcoming event by calling 404.218.7638. by Tracy McCoy
36
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
37
Bon Appétit
We Give Thanks e all consider the Norman Rockwell painting as the standard that we judge our Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone wants their turkeys to look just like the one in the painting with everyone gathered around with admiring looks. But we all know the truth – how hard it is to actually carve the turkey at the table! Cornish hens can take the place of the turkey and it is up to everyone to carve their own; they are just as pretty as larger birds but much easier to manage. Here are some recipes that will pair nicely with Cornish hens or your Butterball turkey. And don’t forget to be thankful for whatever (or whomever!) appears on your table.
W
Cornish Hens 8 servings
Sprinkle with cheese and cook for 45 minutes. This casserole can bubble over in the oven, so place a piece of foil on lower baking rack to prevent having to clean your oven.
8 Fresh or completely thawed Cornish hens 8 Onions, peeled 3/4 Cup margarine 1 8-Ounce jar orange marmalade
Honey Glazed Carrots 5 – 6 servings
Preheat oven to 350˚. Clean and dry hens. Season inside and out with salt and pepper and refrigerate overnight. Remove hens from refrigerator and place an onion in each hen. Place hens in a large baking dish. In small saucepan over low heat melt margarine and marmalade; spoon over hens. Bake for 1 – 1 ½ hours until hens are tender. Baste at least 3 times during cooking time. If hens are browning too quickly cover loosely with foil.
2 Pounds carrots, peeled 2 Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons honey 1 Teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 Teaspoon grated orange zest 1/2 Cup orange juice 1/2 Teaspoon pepper Cut carrots diagonally in 1” slices. Place 1/2 cup water, butter, honey, 2 teaspoons salt and ginger in a large skillet and bring to a boil. Add carrots, cover and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and cook 10 – 15 minutes or until all water has evaporated. Add zest and juice and stir well. Simmer uncovered or 5 minutes. Add pepper and more salt to taste
Easy Potato Casserole 8 servings This is best prepared the day before and baked to serve. Preheat oven to 325˚. 3 Cups milk 4 Tablespoons margarine 8 Medium potatoes, peeled 2 Cloves garlic, finely minced 1 Cup shredded Swiss cheese or your favorite cheese
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower 6 servings
Combine milk and butter in a large saucepan. Over low heat, bring to a boil. Slice potatoes in 1/8” slices. Drop into milk mixture; add garlic. Partially cover the pan and simmer for about 15 minutes or just until the potatoes feel a little tender. Pour potato mixture in a greased baking dish. (At this point, casserole can be covered and refrigerated until time to bake.)
38
1 Large head cauliflower 3 Tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper 1 Cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 Cup freshly grated Gruyere Preheat oven to 350˚. Cut the cauliflower into florets; discard the stems. Place florets on sheet pan and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
Let’s Talk Turkey About Wine
T
hanksgiving is fast approaching and it’s time to polish the silver, sort through family recipes and choose “the” wine. Last year, I asked our region’s Six Best Chefs America to recommend a “one wine fits all” for a Thanksgiving celebration. This year, I turned to the owners of two retail establishments in the North Georgia Mountains known for their wine inventory - Sue Willis, Grapes & Beans in Clayton, and Ed Kountz and Linda Pallone, Bacchus Wine Shoppe in Hiawassee. Grapes & Beans After several years of visits to her Rabun County lake house, Sue opened her restaurant 16 years ago in an historical building on Savannah Street. She features specialty coffee and a well-curated wine list along with a local and organic lunch menu. Regulars place their orders at the front, select a coffee, iced tea or wine and walk out the back door onto a kudzu-covered patio and another world. While her background is in nursing, with several years at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital, Sue is a wine connoisseur and can suggest wines for any occasion. At Grapes & Beans, Sue looks for wines that mimic her eclectic menu and suggests two Greek wines for Thanksgiving--both available at her shop: Deep Rosé – Gaía Wines 2014 14-18h ($16). This full-bodied, dry rosé features the Agiorgitiko grape from the upland vineyards of Nemea in the Peloponnese region of Greece. Grapes are harvested, crushed and kept chilled on the skins for 14 to 18 hours to produce a deep watermelon color. Fruity aroma with hints of cherry and gooseberry is a perfect match for turkey. Serve chilled. Fruity White – 2014 Sigalas “Aa” Santorini ($20). Features two ancient varieties—Assyrtiko (75%) and Athiri (25%) — from vineyards first planted some 3,000 years ago on the island of Santorini (known as Thira in ancient times). The volcanic soils of Santorini produce a natural acidity and chalky minerality. Aromas of lemon, peach and melon pair well with turkey. Serve chilled. Carl and I were delighted to see wines from the Aegean Island of Santorini at Grapes & Beans. On a visit to the island 12 years ago, we were surprised to see grapevines growing along the ground. Prevailing winds are so strong that the vines would not survive if trellised. (Those same winds protect the vines from fungi.) We fell in love with the whites and enjoyed a glass or two each evening as we watched the sunset over the caldera from our “cave” on a steep cliff above the sea. (Sort of The Flintstones meet The Jetsons.) Bacchus Wine Shoppe Ed and Linda purchased the Bacchus Wine Shoppe four years ago and have renovated and expanded it to twice its original size and now offer over 500 wine labels. They also added space for growlers next door, with 15 on tap, along with a beer room, cigars and gifts. Ed recommends several wines for Thanksgiving – all available at their shop: Sweet White (Great for Fall!) – Hogue Columbia Valley Late Harvest Riesling ($9.99). Easy drinking, all purpose white wine. Perfectly ripe grapes deliver notes of apricot blossom, orange zest and honeyed lemon. Will pair well with turkey and the “tang of cranberries” and desserts like pumpkin or pecan pie. Serve chilled. Dry White (Cut the Heaviness) – Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($17.99). Chardonnay can be oaked or un-oaked and this moderately-oaked option pairs nicely with the buttery notes of the
40
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
mashed potatoes, while cutting the heartiness of the gravy and richness of stuffing and meal of a T-day meal. Made from coolclimate grapes from the Russian River Valley, this elegant wine blends bright flavors of pear and citrus with a lush, creamy finish of oak and spice. Serve chilled.
eventually sold her grapes to a winery in Mississippi, where her Pinot Blanc became the first Georgia wine to take a medal in a national competition. She ran the vineyard for 12 years. The vineyards are long gone and the land is now part of an environmental park.
Rosé (The Classic Pairing) – In French and other classical cuisines, a dry rosé is often a go-to choice with a meal of game bird or fowl. Try a California take on this rule – Halter Ranch 2013 Paso Robles Rosé ($17.99), a salmon-colored blend of the grapes Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Picpoul Blanc that brings a “Cali flair” to a French classic – flavors of red cherry and ripe raspberry over a dry, mineral finish. Serve chilled.
A bottle of her first vintage, 1981 Etowah Ridges, a dry white wine blend of Seyval Blanc, Vidal, Pinot Blanc, Semillon and Villard Blanc, is displayed at the Habersham Vineyards Tasting Room, near Helen.
Red (Be Versatile) – Beaujolais Nouveau, the perennial French favorite from the Beaujolais region of Burgundy, is the light-and-fruity red choice that comes out to great fanfare each November and is preferred by many as a Thanksgiving pairing. (Bacchus is taking pre-orders for Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau.) For a heartier yet still-versatile choice, try a Red Blend: Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee ($33.99) is a Sonoma County blend of Zinfandel, Petit Syrah and Carignane, creating a rich, full-bodied red that drinks as well as it presents. Or, for an excellent option…the Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 62 ($14.99), a non-vintage blend (predominantly Zinfandel) ranked by Robert Parker as one of the “World’s Greatest Wine Values”. Sparkling (Start the Holiday Joy Early) – Gruet Winery Blanc de Noirs ($19.99). French Champagne maker Gilbert Gruet established a family-owned winery in New Mexico, Gruet Winery, in 1984 as a New World experiment. The awardwinning Blanc de Noirs is US sparkling wine at its best—made in the Methode Champenoise style, the wine is aged for at least two years, creating a sophisticated, complex layering of notes of berries and fruit over a creamy texture and toasty vanilla notes. 90 PTS Wine Spectator / Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines. I stopped by recently and discovered a spectacular Chenin Blanc amidst a large selection of French wines. If you visit, plan to stay awhile! So, you’ve decided on a wine. How much will you need? Bottle of Wine: 750 ML of wine 2.4 pounds of grapes (39 ounces) 25.6 ounces of wine (4/5 quart) 5 glasses of wine (5 ounce pour) Case of Wine: 30 pounds of grapes (468 ounces) 307.2 ounces of wine 12 bottles of wine 60 glasses of wine (5 ounce pour)
Heard it on the Grapevine . . . Hue and Jane Rainey, who opened their Tasting Room at Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards in 2009, plan to retire at the end of the year. The Tasting Room will be open through December 30th and all of their vintages have been re-released and are for sale…. Claire Livingston purchased Cavender Creek Vineyards near Dahlonega and recently completed her first harvest. Founders Donna and Raymond Castleberry are enjoying their “second retirement”…. Georgia Wine Producers, the newly formed organization representing vineyards and wineries throughout Georgia, held its inaugural Georgia Trustees Wine Challenge in October and will announce top awards at a gala dinner in November. Stay tuned! By Carla Fackler Carla and Carl Fackler planted their first vines in 2005 and made their first wines in 2011. They produce wines on two labels: Stonewall Creek Vineyards (vitis vinifera grown in their vineyards--Petit Manseng, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat), and Standing Deer Cellar (Norton and Petit Manseng grapes from The Stack Farm nearby). With a B.A. and M.S. in journalism, Carla has worked in public relations, magazine publishing and editing (non-profit newsletters and publications). Stonewall Creek Vineyards, 323 Standing Deer Lane, Tiger, Georgia 30576. 706.212.0584 / www. stonewallcreek. com
North Georgia Women & Wine Began with Gay Dellinger The first person to plant vinifera and French-American hybrids in Georgia was a woman – Gay Dellinger. She planted her first three acres near Cartersville in 1979 and named her venture Split Rail Vineyard. She added five more acres and
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
41
Mountain Nature White-breasted Nuthatch
W
e have been having quite a time watching the whitebreasted nuthatch that has been coming to the feeder the past couple of months. He appears to be a little larger than our normal nuthatches, almost as big as a cardinal I think. He’s like one of those guys always in a hurry that comes sliding into a room, making his presence known and immediately getting all the attention. The white-breasted nuthatch is a very common bird in this area, as he is in almost every region of the US. His back is slate gray with a few black feathers, and he has a white throat and chest. He is unique in that the white on the short neck extends all the way up to the chin and above his eye. His head sports a black cap and nape if male, and gray cap and nape if female. The line separating the nape and cap from the chin and chest makes for a very striking bird.
Hiawassee, Georgia
42
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
This nuthatch is a year round resident here, as is a similar species, the brown-headed nuthatch. Another species that winters here is the red-breasted nuthatch. We don’t see the brown-headed very often, and I don’t remember ever seeing the red-breasted one although some of our customers get them to their feeders. We have had several families of nuthatches raised in our yard over the years. They nest in bluebird-sized boxes and use a lot of shredded up bark, sticks, grass and moss to build a nest. The eggs are white with brown speckles. Both male and female build the nest, and feed the young. They also stay together year round, even when traveling within a flock with other nuthatches or with chickadees, titmice and downy woodpeckers. Nuthatches will find a seed, take it to a tree and lodge it into the bark, where they extract the seed from the hull by pounding on it with their sharp beaks. They also eat insects and insect eggs, which they find by climbing down a tree finding goodies missed by birds that travel up a tree trunk. They are adept at climbing downward due to an extra large hind toenail which acts as a claw to grip tree bark.
www.gmlaurel.com
If you want to attract this bird, put out suet or offer large seeds, like black oil or stripe sunflower or shelled peanuts. The one that comes to our feeder just loves the Squirrel Buster Mini filled with Cole’s Special Feeder. He flies quickly to it sliding in to a screeching halt, as it were, upside down, slamming the feeder and scaring all the other birds away with his aggressive behavior. Yes, we like this nuthatch; he knows what he wants and he goes after it. By Jean Hyatt Jean and her husband Richard own and operate Mountain Nature in downtown Clayton. They can be reached at 706.782.0838. ** Don’t forget to turn off your outside lights at night. Use motion detector lighting, shields, and IDA-approved lighting so you don’t impose your light on those who want to see the stars. I believe God made night dark for a reason. Please help keep it that way. **
November 2015
43
Adventure Out Three Forks
O
n this adventure we’re heading to a remote beauty spot in the northeast corner of Rabun County. Our destination is Three Forks, the place where Holcomb Creek, Overflow Creek and Big Creek come together to form the west fork of the Chattooga River. And what’s amazing is that the three streams converge at one spot and Holcomb Creek and Big Creek meet Overflow Creek via small waterfalls. It’s a sight to see but it’s not easy to get to. Three Forks can be accessed from Hyw 28 in South Carolina, but we’re going in from the Georgia side. This is a difficult hike; a little more an 1.5 miles each way, mainly because the last portion of the trail isn’t really a trail at all but a scramble down a very steep hill, over, under and around thick Rhododendron. The trail begins moderately enough, at John Teague Gap on Overflow Road. The footpath ascends gently for a couple of hundred yards and then begins to descend with a few ups and downs in between. We stay on this section of the trail for about 1/2 mile, at which point we look for a trail (remnants of an old logging road) descending a bit more steeply to the left. So we reach Overflow Creek just above where it drops into a small canyon. This is where we cross the creek, being very, very careful. If you’re worried about wet boots, this trail is not for you. After crossing the stream, make your way up through the underbrush and pick up the primitive trail, going east alongside Overflow Creek way down below. After about 1/4 mile, start looking for a clear spot to descend. There is no single right way to go here as there are a few well worn options and all of them leading down to the water. Again be careful as this is very steep terrain. Once arriving at the confluence of the three creeks, give yourself plenty of time to explore. There is a whole lot to see here, upstream, downstream, this way and that. Again, this is a place where you shouldn’t mind getting your boots wet. There are some primitive campsites right by the water if you so inclined and lots of nice places for a picnic, Happy Hiking!
Directions: Take Warwoman Road east from Clayton for 16 miles to Overflow Road (Forest Service Road 86). Turn left and drive 4 miles to John Teague Gap, where the trailhead is on the right.
And yes it’s time for my November rhyme: Amazing natural wonder on this hike we seek, At the joining together of a trio of creeks. With clear running water, over pretty cascades, And cool restful spots to relax in the shade. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment; w w w . mcintoshmountains.com
44
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
45
North Carolina Franklin and Surrounding Areas
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
47
Lovin’ the Journey
A new adventure is heading my way....
E
leven year old Neal is on his side grabbing his ankle with his heavy back pack still strapped on. The rocks and roots along the narrow Panther Creek Falls Trail just south of Tallulah Gorge can be treacherous. Neal had fallen while hiking with a large group. I was running the 7 mile out-and-back trail when I encountered the outdoor enthusiast. My informal and limited first aid knowledge was barely adequate. I got the boy’s pack off and examined his ankle. I called for a hiking stick from the group. Soon Neal was testing out his legs and moments later the hikers were back on track.
He eventually hiked to the trail head and found her car. He also found a weak cell signal and called 911. After daybreak, the lone hiker would find her way back to the parking lot where the mobile command center and crew were now operating mere feet from her car. Lieutenant Matt Wood spotted her and radioed the good news to all the teams combing area side trails. Not all searches end so well. I’m sure as time goes by, I’ll gain a lot of wisdom from these seasoned men and women who’ve seen and experienced plenty…reuniting lost folks with loved ones and retrieving less fortunate souls from the clutches of a beautiful and dangerous river.
I’ve witnessed many similar trekkers, taking on the rigors of an unfamiliar trail, often wrongly suited for its demands. Too many Twinkies coupled with too little cardio preparation and zero thought to hydration finds some wannabe hikers, particularly descending the Gorge, wearing a blood pressure cuff answering a rescuer’s questions while sitting along the trail, gasping.
Your motivation can lead you down exciting paths. Your passion for the outdoors can find you wanting to offer medical help when you don’t have much to give.
But young Neal’s trail injury was my tipping point. For years I’ve imagined organizing a group of rescue runners. Maybe that vision is getting legs. I’ve often felt so inadequate when I have run up on hurting folks. I began to ask myself what it’d take to become a wilderness first responder.
I’m changing that aspect of my life. ‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it’. This verse in the ancient Psalms couldn’t be more relevant for those of us living and playing in the U.S. National Forests.
I got my answer. Some remarkable people invited me to join their ranks. Leaders of the Rabun County Search and Rescue Team asked me to attend their meetings; ultimately resulting in me getting voted in recently. I’m humbled and excited. The process has begun. Eventually I’ll grab hold of some life changing and saving 411. This local chapter is my pathway to officially becoming trained as a wilderness first responder, and maybe even a high angle and swift water rescuer. As our chief Riley Owens closed a recent meeting, team members began sharing details about a search so fresh the trail mud seemed wet on their boots. Just days before our meeting, a young woman from Athens attempted to hike in after dark to join her friends along the Chattooga River Trail. A wrong turn along the dark trail would set quite an effort into motion. She set up camp and waited out the darkness and hiked out at daybreak. She essentially self-rescued. But not before the wheels of SAR began turning in the wee hours. Her boyfriend would ultimately end up backtracking nearly twenty miles in the dark looking for her.
48
The crisp fall will soon give way to winter. Carol and I’ve discovered every season offers outdoor marvels. I’m sure my vision and perspective will deepen as I view our hallowed mountains, rivers and trails through the eyes of a rescuer. So stay tuned. I’m sure I’ll have much to tell. In the meantime, from our festive Thanksgiving table to yours enjoy a blessed fall season! See you on the trail. By R. Mark Holloway Mark and his wife Carol are the owners of Fresh Start, a property management business, in Rabun County. He is a father, a mentor avid outdoorsmen and great journalist.
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
49
Foxfire An Old-Timey Hog Killing
N
athan Justice: To go step by step through the process of raising, fatting, and killing a hog, I interviewed my papaw, Clod McCrackin. He has done all of this in his
lifetime.
In order to raise your own pigs, you have to learn a few things. My papaw talked to me in detail about everything, or almost everything, you need to know. He talked about how to raise hogs to eat and how to kill and prepare them for the table. The first thing that I asked him about was where to keep the hogs while you are preparing them to eat. He told me, “If you’re going to raise your own pigs to eat, then you are going to want a place that is at least 6 foot by 8 foot, so your sow and piglets will have enough room to roam around. If you bought your own weaned pigs, then you are going to want a place for them.”
Now, it’s time to start deciding what you’re going to feed it once you’ve got it in the lot. Papaw grows his own corn, so he feeds his ground-up corn with a little supplement in it. He told me, “I feed my pigs ground corn once a day, but I give them all they can eat. It takes as much water as it does feed to get your hog to at least two-hundred pounds.” After you have raised your pig up, it’s time to decide if you are going to eat the hog or use it for breeding. If you choose to eat the pigs, then you will have to kill and process the animal. Papaw says that December is the best time of year to kill hogs, “because the weather will be around thirty-eight degrees. We used to kill them in November, but the season got warmer, so we started killing them in December because it would be colder. The
50
meat also keeps better in December.” Your first step is to prepare everything two or three hours before you kill the animal. Now that you’ve made the preparations, it’s time to kill your hog. “I always let the kids kill the hogs. They take turns on every hog that gets killed.” After you shoot the hog, you need to cut his throat and let him bleed out. After he bleeds, you need to figure out a way to get him out of the hog pen. “You can drag him or lift him or whatever you want to do. We have a rope on a table that we use to hoist the pig up and lower it into the water to scald him.”
Once you get your water to 180 degrees, “You’ll have to take the ropes, wrap them around the hog, and have four or five good strong people holding the ropes to hoist and lower your 200 or 300 pound hog into the water to scald him. You will hold him in the water until the hair starts to pull off of the hog real easy. Be careful; if you keep your hog in the boiling water too long, it will cook the hog on the inside!” Now that you have got your hair off of the hog, it’s time to gut him out. “Gutting and cleaning out both mean the same thing. You just take out all the guts. We have got a gambrel (a metal device for suspending a slaughtered animal) to hang the hog on while we gut the animal. “What you do to gut him out is get a knife and cut from a little bit below his rectum and go down to his chest. (The pig is hanging upside down.) Cut one straight line down the muscle behind the skin and take the guts out.”
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
After you gut the hog, it’s time to get the meat you are going to eat out of him. There are lots of different cuts of meat on a hog. Papaw taught me all about the different cuts of meat. He told me, “If you want pork chops, you can cut him down the middle, or if you want to do it the old-timey way, you can just cut him down the middle, break his ribs on each side, and jerk the tenderloin out. You can have backbone and ribs. Your fatback and bacon comes from the middling.” Once you have broken down the animal, it’s time to put your meat in the smokehouse! “When you put your meat in the smokehouse, you’re going to cure it or preserve it, so it will keep a long time. You can sugar cure it, salt cure it, or you can smoke your meat to preserve it...” After you have your meat in the smokehouse and have decided what you’re going to do with it, you need to keep the meat at least four feet off the ground inside a concrete building because concrete keeps the meat cooler year round. Papaw says, “I put salt or sugar on my meat and put it all the way around the meat. I put it on the top of it, the sides of it, and the bottom of it. If the meat is warm, it will take more salt, so like I said before, I wait until it cools off, which will take six to eight hours. I just wait until the next day.” After you have salted the meat, it’s now ready to eat! [Editor’s Note: There’s nothing better than a good smoked ham on Thanksgiving Day for dinner with the family!] Adapted by Foxfire Student Jessica Phillips from The Foxfire Magazine, Spring/ Summer 2013, pgs. 23-29.
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
51
Echoes from the Hills
“Why I love the C-130 Aircraft”
T
he great need of supporting and encouraging our troops today caused me to reminiscence on my experiences. In 1965 as administrative supervisor in USAF Recruiting Det. 2, 3507th Recruiting Group in Fort Des Moines, Iowa, I was transferred in August 1965 to Vietnam to report for post office duty. I had no experience in postal work but orders were orders! At Saigon, I learned I was to be Superintendant of Mails at II Corps Headquarters near Pleiku for the US Army and local miscellaneous or transit units. As the Army was short of postal clerks the Air Force promised to furnish postal clerks as needed. When I said I had no training in postal work I was told, “Well, it is in your MOS, and your personnel there know and will brief you.” At Tan Son Nhut Air Base I boarded an old C-47 stuffed with RVN troops in uniforms soiled with red dust. The loadmaster, a staff sergeant, said, “Vietcong have dressed in uniforms and have taken flights upcountry.” I hoped he was joking. At one stop, the pilot leaned out the window and yelled, “Is the Officers’ Club open? I’m mighty dry!” We still made it safely to II Corps! Shortly afterwards I was told to report to Saigon to be presented a medal I earned in the recruiting detachment in old Fort Des Moines, Iowa. I boarded a C-130 as a sole passenger. It was carrying several empty fuel drums and I could smell the fumes! The loadmaster said, “I guess you already know not to smoke on this flight.” I smoked back then, but I didn’t want a smoke on that flight! Many planes were circling to land at Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon. Our C-130 got in behind a C-47 and was following it down. Right after the C-47 hit the runway a tire blew and it was seen to slew sideways. With a mighty roar and tremor the C-130, switched from throttling back to full power, made a twisting turn to gain safe altitude and space. A C-130, armed with Gatling guns and cannon, was kept at the nearby Pleiku Air Base. When it fired at a target on the ground it appeared the plane was suspended on a column of fire! The
52
killing zone covered an area the size of a football field! It may be the reason that while I was at II Corps no large enemy unit was able to come against us locally in strength. I record these incidents to praise the C-130 and crews! One night in the II Corps compound I was in the latrine, reading a western Zane Grey novel. I had on a t-shirt and shorts. My mind was not on reality when I heard a thump – thump sound of mortars on the perimeter and popping sounds of small arms fire. I raced out the door and started down some steps when I felt a blow on my upper left arm like a swung ball bat! The arm went limp and I felt pieces of bone grinding together. I grabbed my left wrist with my right hand and sat down on nearby steps. Apparently a few enemy troops had probed the nearby perimeter defenses. However, a drunken soldier had begun firing wildly and I ran into a bullet’s path. Two medics who had become my pals ran immediately to my side. They bound my wound, put a sling on my arm and gave me shots. The bullet shattered my upper left arm bone into small pieces. While cutting away my t-shirt the medics found two bullet holes in it where the bullet traveled closely across my chest and struck my left arm! With a medic attending, I was flown on a C-130 to Tan San Nhut Air Base near Saigon. After an operation in the Army Hospital at Saigon I was flown in a med evac plane to Japan for further operations and rehab. This explains my love for the great C-130 aircraft, plus medical personnel! By Bob N. Justus Bob is an Army Veteran who spent his life serving his country. A native of Rabun County, he now makes his home in Habersham County. He loves the outdoors, especially the Great American West. Fishing mountain streams and hiking trails keep him busy when he isn’t writing or shooting pictures. A great patriot and southern gentleman, best describes Bob Justus.
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
53
WHEELS Hoyt and Judy Allison’s 1957 Chevy 210…
F
rom a garaged relic to the stunning restoration you see in the photographs, this beautiful vehicle waited from 1982 to 2012 for its frame-off rotisserie restoration to begin.
Purchased from Hoyt’s cousin in 1971, it was driven to work by Hoyt until the engine failed in 1982. In 2012, it was pulled from the garage and towed to Cleveland, Georgia to Designer Street Rods for its spectacular restoration. Originally clad in black, it is now cloaked in an elegant charcoal grey with a sublime terracotta leather interior. The 327 cubic inch engine was pulled and replaced with an LS3 6.2 liter 480 horsepower
54
Corvette engine. It has the ability to fly apparent by the throaty rumble of the engine. Notable upgrades include a Currie 9-inch Ford rear end, a 4L70E automatic transmission with overdrive, Wilwood disc brakes and 17” Boss wheels. With final restoration completed in April of 2015, it is no longer a driver, except for pleasure and to car shows where it won eight top awards in its first two months! This beauty is Hoyt and Judy Allison’s pride and joy. by Larry & Gail Allgood
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
Hoyt and Judy Allison live in Sautee, Georgia. Hoyt works for Scovill Fasteners in Clarkesville, Georgia and Judy is with Freudenberg-NOK in Cleveland, Georgia.
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
55
Exploring Northeast Georgia Crescent Hill Baptist Church -A Time for Thanksgiving
T
ucked away in the gentle and peaceful Nacoochee Valley there is a small church of timeless beauty. Crescent Hill Baptist Church is located near the junction of Hwy 17 and Hwy 75 in the Nacoochee Valley close to the ancient Indian Mound with the gazebo on top.
Georgia’s newest State Historic site just a year ago. The church was first known as the Nacoochee Presbyterian Church but changed owners several times before becoming the present Crescent Hill Baptist Church. Captain Nichols sold the church, along with his home in 1893 to Calvin Hunnicutt from Atlanta. In 1903 Dr. L.G. Hardman (Governor of Georgia 1927-1931) purchased the church and Hardman Farm and it remained in his family until the Hardman property was donated to the state of Georgia in 1999. This small but picturesque wood frame church is built on a stone foundation with many notable features. The windows are a Gothic Revival style, which was popular from around 1830-1860.
Crescent Hill Baptist Church was completed in 1872 by Captain James Nichols, a civil war veteran from Milledgeville, who also built the nearby Hardman House which opened as
Other characteristic details of the Gothic style are steeply pitched roofs and front facing gables with delicate wooden trim called vergeboards. The wooden trim is often called “gingerbread” and the Hardman House and outbuildings, within walking distance of the church, also have excellent examples of this distinctive architectural style. Other distinctive features of the church are the portico or porch with the slender Gothic columns and ornate church spire. The Nacoochee Presbyterian Church stopped having services in the building in the early 1900’s. In 1921 Dr. Hardman allowed a Baptist group to worship there and the church was renamed Crescent Hill Baptist Church. The church is well worth a visit if you are in the area and you can see the original craftsmanship of the 1870’s in the Gothic architecture and the stained glass windows. At this time of year we give thanks for a church that has stood the test of time and has remained unchanged for almost 150 years. By Kitty Stratton Kitty is a gifted writer, history buff and photographer. She makes her home in Stephens County where she lives with her husband and pets.
56
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
57
SERVICES
58
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
59
SERVICES
60
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
61
Mountain Happenings - November & December, 2015 December 4th - 6th Mountain Wine Country Holiday Wine Tour 14 participating wineries in North Georgia and Western North Carolina Info: 877.745.7483 STEPHENS COUNTY November 7th Tour de Tugaloo Yonah Dam Park, Toccoa Info: www.tourdetugaloo.com November 7th - 8th Toccoa Harvest Festival Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 November 14th / December 12th Southern Gospel Jubilee Concert The Schaefer Center, Toccoa Info: 706.297.7121 December 4th - 5th ChristmasFest Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 December 4th - 5th Festival of Trees Stephens County Courthouse Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 December 5th Christmas Parade Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 HABERSHAM COUNTY November 7th Run with the Rams 5K Hazel Grove Elementary School Mt. Airy Info: 706.968.5244 November 14th Lake Russell 5K & Fun Run Lake Russell Recreation Area Mt. Airy Info: 706.778.4654 November 26 - January 1, 2016 Christmas in the Park Cornelia City Park, Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654 December 3rd - 6th, 10th - 13th “Stocking Stuffers” Habersham Community Theatre Clarkesville Info: www.habershamtheater.org December 5th Habersham Christmas Parade Downtown Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654 December 12th A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas Downtown Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220
62
WHITE COUNTY October 1st - November 1st Oktoberfest Helen Info: 706.878.1908
Unicoi State Park, Helen Info: 706.878.2201 October 31st - November 1st and each weekend through mid November Visiting Artists Series November 7th and each Saturday until mid November Saturday Evening Music Concert Series
November 6th - 8th Civil War Reenactment Helen Riverside Park Helen Info: 706.878.2181 November 10th History Program - Old Time Music Traditions in White County Helen Arts and Heritage Center Helen Info: 706.878.3933 November 14th The Barefoot Movement SNCA Theater Sautee Nacoochee Info: 706.878.3300
November 26th - December 12th Festival of Trees North Georgia Zoo Cleveland Info: 706.348.7279 November 10th Mommy & Me at the Zoo November 14th - 15th Pumpkin’ Smashin’ Fun
November 21st Appalachian Christmas & Pancake Breakfast with Santa BabyLand General Hospital Cleveland Info: 706.865.2171 November 27th Annual Lighting of the Village Helen Info: 706.878.2181 December 5th Annual Christmas in the Mountains Downtown Cleveland Info: 706.865.5356 December 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th 8th Annual Christkindlmrkt Marktplatz, Helen Info: 706.878.1908
November 21st - 22nd Santa is Coming November 22nd Behind the Scenes Tour November 27th - 29th Holiday Celebration December 25th - 30th Winter Break & Tree Toss Smithgall Woods Helen Info: 706.878.3087 November 7th and the first Saturday of the month First Visit Tours November 7th Bags to Baskets RABUN COUNTY
December 12th Annual Christmas Parade Helen Info: 706.878.2181
November 7th and each Saturday through November 21st Simply Homegrown Farmers’ Market Covered Bridge Shopping Center Clayton Info: www.rabunmarket.com
December 31st Dropping of the Edelweiss Helen Festhalle, Helen Info: 706.878.1908 Yonah Mountain Vineyards Cleveland Info: 706.878.5522 October 31st - November 1st and each Saturday and Sunday Tour de la Cave and Barrel Tasting November 7th and each Saturday Live Music Saturdays November 8th and the 2nd Sunday of the month Reserve Wine Tasting
November 7th and each Saturday through November Bluegrass on the Square Main Street, Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.6040; 706.212.0241 November 14th / December 12th Wayne Dutton Livestock Roping Rabun Arena, Tiger www.rabunarena.com November 5th - 7th Cirque Performance Rearden Theater, RGNS Rabun Gap Info: www.rabungap.org
November 2015
November 19th Rabun Trout Unlimited Meeting The TU/Scout Hut, Clayton Info: rabuntu.org November 19th North Georgia Arts Guild Artist Program - Dianne Mize, Painter UGA Extension Rabun County Conference Room, Clayton Info: www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com November 26th Turkey Trot for Clayton Cluckers 5K Fun Run Registration at Fromage Earl Street, Clayton Info: 706.982.1284 November 27th Christmas in Downtown Clayton Christmas Tree Lighting Downtown Clayton Info: 706.782.1520 November 27th - 28th Festival of Trees and Holiday Arts & Crafts Shopping Extravaganza Rabun County Civic Center Clayton Info: 706.212.2149 November 28th Santa on Saturday at the Rock House Main Street, Clayton Info: 706.782.1520 December 3rd, 5th - 7th “Eb Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol” North Georgia Community Players Dillard Playhouse, Dillard Info: 706.212.2500 December 5th Christmas Parade Main Street, Clayton Info: 706.782.4812 December 8th Reverse Raffle Dillard House, Dillard Info: 706.212.0228 Tallulah Gorge State Park Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.7981 November 1st Aesthetic Water Release November 7th, 15th, 21st Whitewater Watching Hike November 7th - 8th, 14th - 15th November 21st - 22nd Whitewater Releases November 27th Walk off the Turkey Hike December 5th Christmas at the Gorge
www.gmlaurel.com
Hambidge Center Rabun Gap Info: www.hambidge.org November 7th and the first Saturday of the month First Saturday Gristmill Visits November 14th and the 2nd Saturday of the month Second Saturday Artists’ Talks November 21st and the 3rd Saturday of the month Nature Hikes TOWNS COUNTY November 7th and each Saturday Towns County Farmers’ Market Across from Georgia Mountain Fair Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4966 November 28th Towns County Sheriff’s Office Empty Stocking Christmas Parade Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4444 December 5th Mountain Country Christmas Tour of Homes Homes in Hiawassee & Young Harris Info: 706.896.4966 December 12th Three Dog Night Concert Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4191 Crane Creek Vineyards Young Harris Info: 706.379.1236 December 21st Winter Solstice Celebration December 31st New Year’s Eve Party Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Young Harris Info: 706.897.6179 November 27th - 29th Brasstown Holiday Show December 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th, December 19th - 20th Brasstown Valley Crafters Holiday Weekend The Ridges Resort Hiawassee Info: 706.896.2262 December 1st - 25th Happy Holly Days Celebration December 31st New Year’s Eve Celebration
www.gmlaurel.com
UNION COUNTY November 3rd and each Tuesday Smoky Mountain Melodies First United Methodist Church Blairsville Info: 706.379.3836 November 4th and each Wednesday Bingo Haralson Memorial Civic Center Blairsville Info: 706.300.5722 November 4th MNRG Mountain Holiday Fest Pat Haralson Memorial Civic Center Blairsville Info: 706.633.3396 November 5th and each Thursday through November Trivia at the View Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.439.6092 November 8th, 29th December 20th Sunday Evening Singing Shady Grove Methodist Church Blairsville Info: 706.781.2906 November 13th Writers’ Night Out Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 November 28th - 29th Mistletoe Market & Sugar Plum Tearoom Arts & Crafts Show Blairsville Technical College Blairsville Info: 706.896.0932 November 30th - December 31st Tour of Trees Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 December 4th - 5th Kris Kringle Mountain Market Union County Farmers’ Market Blairsville Info: 706.439.6043 December 5th Breakfast with Santa Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.2151 December 12th Holly Jolly Christmas and Tour of Trees Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 December 12th Christmas Tree Lighting Vogel State Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.2628
CLAY COUNTY, NC November 28th / December 19th Hayesville Evening Market Hayesville Square Info: 828.389.8931
December 5th Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade Main Street, Highlands Info: 828.526.2112
Licklog Players Community Theatre 34 Creek Side Circle Hayesville Info: 828.389.8632 November 1st, 6th - 8th “Let’s Murder Marsha” December 10th - 13th “Sanders Family Christmas”
Historic Cowee School Franklin Info: CoweeSchool.org
John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown Info: 828.837.2775; 800.FOLKSCH www.folkschool.org November 3rd and each Tuesday Tuesday Night Contra & Square Dances November 7th Blacksmith & Fine Craft Auction November 13th Butternut Creek Concert November 21st December 5th, 19th Contra and Square Dances December 6th Fireside Sale December 11th Brasstown Ringers Holiday Concert Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville Info: 828.389.2787 November 7th War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of WWII December 18th “It’s A Wonderful Life Concert” MACON COUNTY, NC November 5th - 9th Highlands 9th Annual Culinary Weekend Highlands Info: www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com November 11th Veteran’s Day Parade Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 November 28th Highlands Annual Tree Lighting Main Street, Highlands Info: 828. 524.3161 November 28th / December 5th Winter Wonderland Downtown Franklin Info: www.HolidaysinFranklin.com November 29th Franklin’s Christmas Parade Downtown Franklin Info: 828. 524.3161
November 2015
November 3rd and each Tuesday Cowee Farmers’ Market November 21st and the third Saturday of each month SEBA Jam December 5th Christmas at Historic Cowee School Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts Franklin Info: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598 www.GreatMountainMusic.com November 6th - 7th, 13th - 14th The Addams Family Musical November 20th Lysa Terkeurst December 5th Dailey & Vincent a Bluegrass Christmas December 6th Raleigh Ringers Christmas Celebration December 11th, 18th “It’s a Wonderful Life” December 12th Christmas with the Lettermen December 19th Rockapella Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center Highlands Info: 828.526.9047 November 7th National Theatre Live: Hamlet November 14th National Theatre Live: The Beaux Stratagem November 21st MET Opera: Lulu - New Production November 27th Christmas in New York: Frank D’Ambrosio December 6th Bolshoi Ballet: The Lady of the Camellias (Live) December 17th Highlands Players Holiday Reading December 20th Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker (Recorded in 2014)
63
Sadie Hawkins Dance to Benefit Habitat for Humanitay
Clayton Music, Literary and Art Club
R
abun Manor in Dillard, Georgia invites you to join them for a traditional Sadie Hawkins Dance to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Mark your calendars and ladies find yourself a date for Saturday, November 14th and put on your dancing shoes. The evening begins at 6:00 PM with a fish fry, corn hole games, apple catching and hog calling contests and a contest for the best dogpatch attire. Maybe you’ll just want to enjoy the tunes of Sweet Charity’s Rockin’ Replay or employ the services of our Marryin’ Sam. For those who prefer to eat off of Chef Charles Madrey’s menu that is an option at the dance. The evening will bring back many memories while you are making new ones. All of this fun for such a great charity. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. That is something worth dancin’ about! Rabun Manor is located at 205 Carolina Street in Dillard, Georgia. For more information either visit www.rabun-manor.com or call 706.746.2060.
T
he Clayton Music, Literary and Art Club will meet on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Rock House, located on the corner of Main Street and Savannah Street in downtown Clayton. The program, entitled “Everyone’s favorite” will be two violin duets, with professional violinists Anne Pummell and Jill Welch playing classical music by Bach, Beethoven, Bohme, Haydn, Bartok, and Vivaldi, as well as popular show tunes by famous composers Rogers and Hammerstein and Hoagy Carmichael. Anne retired to Rabun Gap from Michigan, where she played in many orchestras, taught violin and organized a youth orchestra. She plays violin and viola and comes from a family of musicians. Anne started formal training at age four. Jill started playing violin at age eight. She has played in many orchestras, has taught violin and plays for many area churches, clubs, private parties and weddings. Both Anne and Jill currently play with the Toccoa Symphony. The Music Club was organized in 1927 yes, 88 years ago and the club’s focus is on music, literature and art. And the nice thing about Music Club is that you don’t have to be a musician or writer or artist just come and enjoy the fine cultural programs we have to offer. Everyone is welcome and it’s free. For more information call 706.746.7121.
at the Bowen Center for the Arts November 13, 5-7pm - Down Home Art Show Reception & Awards November 14, 7:30pm Dawson Community Chorale and UNG Orchestra perform Handel’s Messiah at First Baptist Church of Dawsonville. November 10-14 Candy Cane Lane Holiday Shoppes open Tuesday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 12-4.info@dawsonarts.org 334 Highway 9 North - Dawsonville, GA 30534 - 706-216-ARTS (2787) - Located just North of Historic Square
64
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
5th Annual Charity Lane Festival of Lights December 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, 13 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
M
ark your calendars to enjoy what has become one of Rabun County’s finest holiday events! Charity Lane Festival of Lights will take place December 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, 13 beginning at 5:30 PM and lights will go out at 10:30 PM. A true benchmark of community coming together for the greater good, the location along Wolffork Road begins just north of Mountain City on Hwy 441 across from Don’s Mobil and continues for seven miles through Wolffork Valley ending at Dillard United Methodist Church on Hwy 441 in Dillard. Along the route you will see Christmas displays and lights put up by charities and homeowners. There is a $10 suggested donation per vehicle at the start of the drive. Wolffork Baptist Church will offer hot chocolate and caroling on both Saturdays and Wolffork Christian Fellowship Church will have singing and refreshments each night. Dillard United Methodist Church will be open each night of Charity Lane 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM with over 100 nativity scenes on display as part of its annual “Come to the Stable” event. Children’s craft activities and refreshments will also be provided. Plus the Charity Lane Holiday Shop will be located in the Dillard United Methodist Church fellowship hall with different organizations offering a variety of items, crafts and baked goods for sale each evening. For more information, please contact Community Partnership of Rabun at 706.782.8390 or rabuncpr@ windstream.net or visit Charity Lane Festival of Lights on Facebook.
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
65
Downtown CLAYTON
66
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
67
River Vista Half Marathon & Triple Peak Challenge
R
unners are a very different type of people. They will run on a clear 17 degree day, in a rainstorm, in the high mountains or at sea level on a hot humid day. This may seem crazy and …. well it is. However the beauty is the Rocky Mountains, the sound of the sea, the tranquility of a country road and the alluring sites of a large city. Then, there is this fantastic feeling and that is the finish. The accomplishment of completing a race of any distance is a personal treasure. My wife Cheryl and I have completed races in many beautiful places such as Colorado, New York, Texas and California. Every race we have gone to has benefitted a worthy and noble cause. That is another reward to any runner. Our trips moved us to bring a race to our home – Rabun County and to support a great cause. This is the second year of the River Vista races. We are excited to offer a race in one of the most beautiful places anywhere. We are also proud to offer a challenging event. This year is a three day event with a 5K, 10.4K and half marathon scheduled for the first weekend in December. Participants can run one race, two or all three. Presently we have runners from 18 states and three countries already registered for this event. The River Vista Resort, our platinum sponsor, is planning another fantastic weekend for runners and families of runners. We are thrilled by the continued support of Rabun businesses as well. The noble cause, which I mentioned before, is one that is in the hearts of many. Paws4Life is an open admission, no kill animal shelter. Many sad stories are there at the shelter but they are overshadowed by the good stories and happy endings for hundreds of animals. Community support for Paws4Life is tremendous and thankfully so. The community of runners is another group that we are thankful for along with the staff and volunteers at the shelter, and they still need your support. Along with our gracious sponsors, we want this event to become a showcase for our county for years to come. Last year, from this event, the River Vista half marathon & 10.4K was able to present Paws4Life with a check for $7,480.00. This worthy cause benefits not only the shelter, but our entire community as well. Runners last year were impressed with the beauty of the courses, the friendliness of the people and the great times during the race and after race events hosted by the River Vista Mountain Resort. Manager Julie Welch and Shawn Harkrider are busy planning this year’s events, which include a post-race celebration featuring Scooter’s Bar-B-Que and entertainment by DJ Steve Hott. This year’s addition of a 5K event sponsored by, Chelsea Rumsey and Sam Rumsey, The Rumsey Team – ReMax of Rabun, provides runners with a three day running event. The 5K on December 4th will start at 6:00 PM and run through the Christmas lights of the Dillard House. The 10.4K will start at 8:00 AM and the Half Marathon starts at 7:30 AM on December 6th. The 5K and the half marathon are certified courses and Peachtree Qualifiers. All runners receive specific event shirts and medals, with special “bling” for runners completing the three day challenge - The Triple Peak Challenge. Come out and run with us and know that there are thankful animals with you on the run or runs of your choice. We promise an unforgettable experience. For more information go to www.rivervistahalfmarathon.com or contact Cheryl or Barry Cook at rivervistahalfmarathon@gmail.com. By Barry Cook Photos by Kevin Croom - kccpix.com
68
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
69
FOLKS -
T
Richard’s Kids: A Blessing for All
hanks to a local, grassroots organization called Richard’s Kids, literally thousands of Rabun County children have received new and badly-needed clothes. Otherwise, they would have gone without. Thanks also to this same organization; many individuals have been blessed, through their investments of time and money. In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus explains that when we have cared for those less-fortunate, He blesses us for doing His work. This local blessing began with Richard Powers, the founder of Richard’s Kids, but it didn’t stop with him. It was in the late 1990’s, during yet another sleepless night, when he told God he would go anywhere and talk to anybody about helping children in need, if only God would let him sleep. He was soon sawing logs. And talking. What’s more, people were listening and responding. All this from a man who professes to find public speaking difficult. But when the speaker is as sincere and compelling as Richard Powers, you’re so caught up in the stories; your heart yearns to hear more. Your heart yearns to do more. And more is what Richard’s Kids has done for local children in grades eight and below. What began as a heartfelt, one-time gesture to one child, has evolved into a well-oiled machine of loving mercy that has allowed many hands and many pockets to make a difference Just a bit of background here. It was in the late 1990’s and Richard’s wife Sarah worked in the primary school on Betty’s Creek. It was normal for her to share stories of what happened at school with her husband. But when she told him about the child she’d witnessed, whose clothes were too large and terribly worn, who had dropped his lunch plate while trying to hold up his pants and hold on to his tray, Richard’s heart was touched. “Somebody should do something about that,” he confesses he told her. No one did. Time passed and Richard couldn’t get that little boy out of his mind. Eventually, in what he assumed would be a one-time gesture, he asked Sarah to donate money for new clothes for the
child instead of buying him a Christmas present. Somebody had finally done something, and Richard went on with his life. Except now he was having trouble sleeping. Visions of other children going to school without warm clothes, suitable clothes, clothes that fit, were clean and in good condition, began to fill his nighttime thoughts. They kept him awake. It wasn’t that Richard was unwilling to do more, but he questioned how just one person could even begin to answer all the needs he saw. It would take an army of people and how were they to know? The answer was simple: he would have to tell them. But knowing the answer and applying it were two different things entirely. Richard admits that he’s uncomfortable speaking in public, but night after night, the reality of what had to happen become more apparent. That’s when he and God had the late night conversation. And after Richard slept soundly that night, Richard’s Kids was born. Granted, that earliest version was a far cry from the organization that exists today. But everything has to start somewhere. And from that start, people with time and money to spare have been blessed, when their efforts made life better for deserving children in Rabun County. Richard is a former firefighter. He visited and talked with fire departments in the area. Sunday school classes at his church assisted. Funds were raised, and that first year, he started in one school where 23 children were presented with new clothes. The second year, he included other schools and 60 children benefitted. In those early days, Richard and Sarah collected the money and did the shopping. As the program grew, volunteer shoppers were recruited. Their mission was straight-forward: purchase three outfits of clothes; one to wear, one to be dirty and the third hanging in the closet, ready to be worn. In addition, underwear, socks, shoes and possibly a winter coat were bought for each child.
Lakemont Living 70
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
Most of the children had never had clothes with the tags still attached, Richard explains. As the years went by, the numbers continued to grow... 100… 300. One year they bought for 900 children. Not only was more money needed to meet the demand, but the task of shopping grew to be monumental. Clearly a new direction was mandated. Richard’s Kids incorporated as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, complete with a local board of directors. Teachers have been the source of referrals from the beginning, and one teacher from every school served has a place on the board. Assistance is based on need as determined by teachers and administrators. Names of the children remain confidential throughout the gift purchasing process. There have been other changes as well. Now parents, assisted by a Richard’s Kids’ board member, shop for their own children, using the organization’s funds to pay for their purchases. An average of $100.00 per child is the normal expenditure, and they buy for all the children in the family. Board members receive no compensation, and there are no salaries or hidden costs. Money donated to Richard’s Kids goes to the children being served. Their mission is to help the children. They have seen that mission blessed. Richard tells the story of the third Christmas when it appeared from all accounts on Friday, before they were supposed to shop on Monday, they were $3,000.00 short of the amount they needed. Yet on Monday morning, just in time to shop, the money was there. “The good Lord was looking out for us,” Richard says. “He has provided for us every year.” Another story that brings things full circle involves a mother whose children were clothed by Richard’s Kids. Several years later, when this mother’s economic situation improved, she donated one thousand dollars to help other children. About ninety percent of the donations they receive come from people who have heard about the good work they do. And while Rabun County has been very generous, about half the money collected comes from outside the county. Individuals who have second homes in the county are very generous, and they tell their friends.
www.gmlaurel.com
Richard, who is easily moved to tears when talking about how people have stepped up to the plate, is forever meeting people who tell him how Richard’s Kids helped them. Most times, these are people he doesn’t know. But with some 7,500 children who will have been helped by the time they make Christmas purchases this year, that’s a lot of people. Richard and his board and volunteers pray daily for the children they’ve been called to serve, and for their organization. “God led me to this,” Richard says with quiet conviction, and seems so much at peace over how it’s all turned out. Richard’s Kids doesn’t just do Christmas. If families arrive in town without adequate winter clothing, the organization rises to meet that need. In the past, when an elementary school needed a washer and dryer, the organization partnered with the PTSO to purchase those appliances. On another occasion, teachers were raising money for a student’s root canal procedure and Richard’s Kids paid half. “There are an awful lot of people with an awful lot of needs,” Richard says. “Whatever the need is, we try to meet it as best we can. We don’t have unlimited funds, but so far we’ve been able to meet every obligation we had.” Richard and Sarah have four grown children who are totally supportive of their parents’ efforts. In earlier years, many of them would help with the annual shopping expeditions, and come often from the Macon area where they live, to be a part of Richard’s Kids’ activities. Richard Powers struck a bargain with God. In exchange for a good night’s sleep, he would undertake to be one of the Lord’s angels here on earth. But as sleep claimed him that restless night, he couldn’t have known then, that he would also be the catalyst that allowed many others to earn their own angel status. And that he would be richly blessed as well. If you’d like to be blessed, Richard’s Kids can be found at 47 Deer Trail Road, Clayton, GA 30525. by John Shivers
November 2015
71
Let Me Introduce You.... to Joel Johnson
I
f you have been in The Rusty Bike Cafe you know they have some great food, they serve breakfast all day and the staff is friendly and welcoming. The restaurant’s owner may be in the kitchen or sitting with customers sharing a laugh. His name is Joel and he is quick witted, always moving and usually smiling.
Joel was born in Chicago, Illinois. Georgia is the 7th state he has lived in and Rabun County is the 7th county in Georgia that he has called home. Joel and two of his siblings were adopted into a wonderful family who later had a natural child for a total of four. He is married to Melissa Johnson who is a limited partner in the local office of Edward Jones Investments. At age 13 Joel was hired by IHOP in Roswell, Georgia. His goal at the time was to buy his first motorcycle. He began as a dish washer and left the job six years later as Assistant Manager and had bought not one motorcycle but three. The company offered Joel his own IHOP store but he was looking for more. He enrolled at Georgia State University where he earned a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration with an emphasis on country clubs. He spent the next 21 years in the country club setting with 13 years as general manager. In fact, Waterfall Country Club is what brought him and his family to the mountains.
72
He knew that this area was one of the most beautiful parts of the state so when the opportunity to live and work here became available, he couldn’t pass it up. When he left Waterfall finding another job was not as easy as he had hoped in a depressed market. He worked any job he could find during this time, mostly odd jobs but it helped feed his children. He was offered a job in Highlands at a cafe. He said yes before learning the job was manager of a lunch counter in the local pharmacy. Joel was the cook, dishwasher and waiter. He says that this experience humbled him. “Once I got over myself and had a great time. I made many new friends and met a lot of nice people.” Joel and Melissa’s faith sustained them during those leaner times. Church friends told Joel about Miss Megs, a local restaurant whose owners were closing due to health issues. There was initially a plan for friends to back Joel in the restaurant but that fell through. Joel had been praying and he trusted God to work it out if it was His will. So when the deal fell through he drew on his faith and went to Miss Meg’s owner Brian Smith and explained that his deal had fallen through. The two men went to the bank together to see if there were any options and as Joel told me, “God’s plans are always better than ours.” A deal was made and the door was opened for Joel Johnson to own his own restaurant.
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
The name The Rusty Bike Cafe was first proposed during a conversation with his brother Jeff over a year before. While trying to find a name he remembered talking with Jeff about what name would bring people to a restaurant. Jeff told him something off the wall like The Rusty Bike and Joel liked it. He began collecting bikes, bike parts, bike signs and the like... as time has progressed he has added motorcycle memorabilia to the mix of décor around the place. The theme and the atmosphere work but it’s the food that brings them back. Joel tells me that he has customers who eat several times a week and he has some who eat breakfast and lunch with him each day. As I sat with Joel we talked about his children and this father’s pride was evident from his expressions to the tone of his voice. He told me Melissa and he has been blessed beyond measure. They have been married twenty years and have two children together. Joel’s oldest son Drew is the best part of a previous marriage. Drew is a senior at the University of Georgia, Jack is a senior at Rabun County High School and Grace is in the 9th grade. When I asked what his favorite thing to do was without hesitation he told me that he enjoyed watching Jack play football. He said he wasn’t necessarily a football fan, but when his son is on the field he and Melissa becomes the biggest fans in the stands. “My kids are my greatest joy,” he said. Joel and his family attend Liberty Baptist Church in Tiger, Georgia. Last summer he joined a group from his church that took off on motorcycles and spent a week traveling over 1,000 miles sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with campers all around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He has traveled to Costa Rica and Africa on mission trips as well. His son Jack went with him on the trip to Costa Rica. Joel told me how moving it was for him and his son to sit in a worship service entirely in Spanish. He relayed a story of helping a young man pray for his paralyzed father. Very moving! On a trip to Africa, Joel and the others would spend 9 or 10 days evangelizing tribes who had never seen a white man or heard of Jesus. The country had experienced a 67 month drought. They had been there a week sharing the Word of God. On the last day dignitaries from Kenya arrived and told Pastor Scott Cates that he could introduce his team but nothing more. Scott began to preach and as his words were translated clouds began to move in on all sides. The crowd was mesmerized by the preacher’s words and by the clouds and as drops of rain began to fall and the clouds dumped much needed rain they came to Christ through faith. After that it rained every afternoon for two weeks. “I got to witness God at work, and that was lifechanging,” Joel told me. He described it as a real Old Testament kind of miracle.
for a few weeks to see if there was any improvement but it was likely the baby would miscarry. At 16 weeks they sent Melissa to a specialist who performed a level two ultrasound and the results showed a compromised umbilical cord, and again no fluid in the womb, yet the baby was still alive. Melissa and Joel prayed for their baby and continued in faith. At 26 weeks, Melissa was hospitalized and given steroid injections to help the baby’s lungs mature and at 29 weeks the baby became distressed and Melissa went into labor. The doctor took the baby by C-section and she weighed just over 2 pounds. Not given much chance of survival from the beginning this child was perfect. She stayed in ICU for 5 weeks. To this day she has an incredible fighting spirit. When choosing a name they agreed God’s grace was with them and Grace would be their daughter’s name. When I asked do you cook at home, he said “No, we eat sandwiches and cereal if we don’t eat at the restaurant.” What does he enjoy most about owning his own restaurant? “I like the schedule here; I am home evenings with my family. I love the people, although when I was young I was more of an introvert. I really enjoy my customers.” Is there a downside, I asked? “Well the cuts and burns are tough and working holidays and weekends, but we make it work. God has been good to me and my family and we are so thankful.” It has been a pleasure to get to know Joel and I am proud to introduce you to him. If you’ve never been to The Rusty Bike you are in for a real treat! The Rusty Bike Cafe is located at 677 Highway 441 South in Clayton, Georgia. The phone number is 706.212.2020. As one Tripadvisor reviewer put it...”Food was delicious and service with a smile! Eggs just like we ordered, bacon crisped to perfection, biscuits and grits and hash browns and coffee made our breakfast the best. You won’t regret a trip to the Rusty Bike!” By Tracy McCoy
Speaking of miracles, Joel and Melissa have a beautiful daughter aptly named Grace. Her story is another example of the blessings in Joel’s life. When Melissa became pregnant with their daughter, she was about 12 weeks along when her water began to leak. On a visit to her obstetrician the couple was told that there was zero chance that the fetus would be viable. The doctor recommended they talk to their pastor and consider ending the pregnancy. That wasn’t an option... period. With such a bleak prognosis, the doctor said at best they’d watch her
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
73
Adventures of Racky and Dill Turkey Day Grub Does Double Duty
A
s the chaos slowly subsided and Racky was able to take stock of the aftermath, his mother’s words resonated, echoing in his brain. “This is going be a really special Thanksgiving,” she had declared a few weeks before the holiday. “Did this really happen?” Dil whispered to Racky. Both boys were sitting on the floor, leaned up against the dining room wall. “My head is spinning bad.” “Oh, it happened alright,” Racky assured his brother. “The question is, how fast will we be shipped back to military school?” He massaged his own dizzy head. “We’ll be lucky if we’re still here Sunday night.” “But it was fun. Wasn’t it?” Secretly, Racky had to agree. It had been fun. Memorable, even. Just not in the way Mama had intended. Relatives from both sides of the family had been invited, and every leaf had been squeezed into the dining room table. Aunt Euphemia and Uncle Horace from up toward Franklin way had sent in their RSVP early, along with the twins Aunt Essie and Aunt Emmie from down in Habersham County. Various others were also
74
planning to gather around the table. While the boys had been excited to see most of their relatives, it had been a different case with Uncle Mortimer, the black sheep of the family. Uncle MO, as he was known, lived across the line in South Carolina, and rarely ventured into Georgia. Every time the older members of the family talked about Uncle MO, they did so in whispered conversation, punctuated with uncomfortable looks back over their shoulders. “All this is really Uncle Mortimer’s fault,” Dil volunteered. “Agreed,” Racky said. “But good luck getting the folks to buy that argument,” was his quick comeback. Dil said nothing, because he knew Racky spoke the truth. They might as well start packing. They were as good as gone from the woods of Rabun Gap, Georgia. Ever since their father had granted the boys an open-ended parole from military schools earlier in the year, both Racky and Dil had been walking the straight and narrow razor sharp edge of good behavior. To misbehave, Father had decreed, would result
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
in permanent banishment. But being model citizens was difficult, when deep in your psyche the urge of act up and show out reigned supreme. Dil and Racky were struggling with pent up temptations of epidemic proportions. On Thanksgiving Day that epidemic had erupted in grand and glorious fashion. Or in unbelievable and disruptive proportions, depending on who you asked. But all parties were in agreement on one matter: it had been a most-memorable occasion. Unforgettable, even. Dil had innocently asked Uncle MO to pass the bread. And it had been Uncle MO who fired the first volley, when he drew back his arm and assaulted Dil with a barrage of mama’s famous homemade yeast rolls. In kneejerk reaction, Dil had grabbed the baked sweet potato on his plate and lobbed it across the table toward his attacker. Only his aim was a little off. The yam went splat, right into Aunt Euphemia’s old prune face, just as Father erupted in a venomous tirade of angry protest. After that, confusion reigned as every dish on the table became potential ammunition, and every diner a target. At the height of battle, Dil and Racky were releasing all their banked temptations, by dueling with turkey drumsticks atop the now decimated Thanksgiving tabletop. “Yep,” a winded Racky assured his brother. “At least we’ll have good memories back at military school. ‘Cause what they fix to eat won’t even make good ammunition!” By John Shivers Illustration by Terry Sells
Clarkesville, Georgia
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
75
A Wedding Story
Jess Watts and Kennedy Rogers
J
ess Watts, the son of Kyle and Sabrona Watts and Kennedy Rogers, the daughter of Michael and Susan Rogers, were raised to be active in their churches. The two were raised by Christian parents who each loved and taught their children well. Christianity was a part of their education, both being either home schooled or attending Christian schools. Kennedy says she is sure they were around each other as children at youth events or at church revivals, but doesn’t remember Jess until the bluegrass/ gospel group he formed with friends, Clover Creek, came to the church her dad, Michael Rogers was pastoring. They were there to play and Jess got her attention. Quite handsome with a smile that is infectious, this talented young man also noticed Kennedy with her beautiful eyes, soft sweet smile and long reddish blonde hair. Soon the couple had their first date. It was a perfect fit, perhaps a match made in Heaven. After dating for about a year Jess said something one day about Kennedy becoming his wife and she said yes but neither took it too seriously. It was something Jess asked more than once; it was something they both knew would happen and just felt deep in their hearts it was God’s will for them. One day he asked
76
her again and she said “yes, now let’s go ahead and buy some rings.” They drove that day down to Cornelia to Carolyn’s Fine Jewelry and picked out their rings. Soon after, a date was set and plans began to be made. On October 3rd of this year Jess and Kennedy were wed. The wedding took place at Rocky Grove Baptist Church on Bridge Creek Road in Tiger, Georgia. The pastor of that church is Jess Watt’s father Kyle, who married his son and daughter-inlaw. Kennedy’s dad, Michael had written a letter to his daughter and Jess that he read during the ceremony. With not a dry eye in the house, Jess and Kennedy pledged their love to each other,
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
and she said yes for a final time. Standing with the bride as Maid of Honor was Jess’ sister Anna Belle Watts, Bridesmaids were: Gracyn Rogers, Callie Cantrell, Carly Willson and Klaire Curbow. On the groom’s side the Best Man was Isaac Williams, the Groomsmen were: Tate Nichols, Tanner Jarrard, Brayden Rogers and Ed Eidson. The ring bearer was Kaelin Mentzer and the two flower girls were: Lydia Gergeni and Addison Rose Justice. The Watts’ photos were taken by Cass Watts Photography, and her cake was made by Vivian Green. The church sanctuary was prepared with vintage décor by Kennedy’s mother Susan Rogers and the downstairs was decorated by family friend Rabun Martin with the help of Amanda Rogers, Kennedy’s aunt. Family and friends all came together to be a part of the day. Kennedy’s hair was done by Georgia McCracken and her bouquet and those of her attendants were arranged by June Littrell, Jess’s aunt. Kennedy’s flower crown was arranged by Kim King from Buds and Blossoms in Clayton, Georgia. Jess and Kennedy’s family and a family friend gave them a honeymoon weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where they spent two nights and three days. They are living in a small home that was built by Kennedy’s dad with the help of many family and friends, while they save money to build a home of their own. Kennedy is taking classes in Early Childhood Development at Truett-McConnell College and Jess is employed by Nichols Contracting. The future is bright for this young couple as they begin their life together. It is my pleasure to share their story.
www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
77
Give the Gift of the Georgia Great Outdoors
G
ift givers and stocking stuffers will have their friends and family dashing through Georgia State Parks to bike and hike across woods and mountains, paddle through marshes and lakes, or tee up on the greens- while laughing all the way.
Historic Sites membership includes a ParkPass and a 25 percent discount on Historic Sites visits, as well as 10 percent discounts on retail shops and overnight stays, and free rounds of golf or camping. For more information on a Friends membership, visit friendsofgastateparks.org.
Purchase a Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites gift card for use at campsites, cabins, yurts, retail shops, picnic shelters, historic sites, boat rentals and numerous other outdoor activities. Gift cards come in any denomination starting at $5 and can be re-loaded for continued use. Purchase the gift cards at most
Georgia State Parks makes it easier to give the gift of golf this season with the GreensPass, offering 12 months of play on eight golf courses across the state. Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best variety and value around, as the golf courses feature natural settings and picturesque surroundings, as well as fun and challenging play. For additional information on the GreensPass, please visit gastateparks.org/GreensPass.
Georgia State Park offices, online at gastateparks.org/giftcard or by calling 1.800.434.0982. Cards are valid at several Georgia State Parks, State Historic Sites, and the golf courses under the management of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Gift card revenues go to support the operations and maintenance of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. For information on locations that accept gift cards, please visit gastateparks.org/gift-card. For a gift that lasts throughout the year, give outdoor lovers an annual ParkPass or a Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites membership. For $50, ParkPass holders get unlimited visits to any park year-round. Annual ParkPasses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. To buy a ParkPass visit any Georgia State Park office, call 770.389.7401 or order online at gastateparks.org. A Friends of Georgia State Parks &
78
About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Georgia’s State Parks are affordable destinations for vacations and quick getaways. Waterfalls and lakes, salt marsh and mountains are just some of the beautiful environments of the state parks. Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best variety and value around. With eight golf courses to choose from, each features natural settings and picturesque surroundings, as well as fun and challenging play. Most state parks offer fishing, boating, hiking, camping, geocaching, birding and more. Accommodations include campsites, cabins, lodges, even yurts, and vary by park. Among the Georgia State Historic Sites are presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, battlefields, plantations and even a gold museum. Georgia’s public libraries have ParkPasses and Historic Site Passes that can be checked out like a book. GaStateParks.org/thingstoknow.
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com
Chattooga River Autumn Photo by Terry Barnes Photography - www.tbarnesphotography.photoshelter.com www.gmlaurel.com
November 2015
79
80
November 2015
www.gmlaurel.com