Georgia Mountain Laurel October 17 by The Laurel of Northeast Georgia

It is here!

October has arrived; my favorite month of the year. I can’t get enough of the crisp mornings and the smell of cinnamon and pumpkins! Heaven’s to Betsy, the leaves turning brings so much joy to my heart. Watch out for me because I am one of those people who stop right in the middle of the road for a bright maple or rich poplar. This issue is packed with goodness just for you. We apologize for any delay, we are blaming Irma. A week without power and internet cramps our style. But we are thankful all has been restored and we are praying for other victims who are still sufferinng. Peter has something special for you, it’s a leaf-looker’s road trip and The Lake Team gave us a look into one of Rabun’s Modern Marvels on Lake Rabun. You’ll be in the kitchen trying all of the fantastic recipes you find in this issue. Between Bon Appetit and The Family Table, you’ll have a lot ot try! Don’t miss Natalie White’s feature about family outings to the area’s best corn mazes, fall festivals and farms. Get out and enjoy yourselves!

Tracy October 2017 • Volume Fourteen • Issue Ten • Copyright 2017 Publisher/Editor - Tracy McCoy Editor - Luke McCoy Assitant Editor - Nikki Dunbar Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Office Manager/ Account Executive - Cindi Freeman Account Executive - Melissa Williams-Thomas Account Executive - Melynda Hensley Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh Contributing Writers: Jan Timms, Jean Hyatt, Mark Holloway, Susan Brewer Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, John Shivers, Natalie White Emory Jones, Lorie Thompson, Melissa Williams-Thomas

Georgia Mountain Laurel Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 2511 Highway 441, Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com Copyright 2017 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.

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

In This Issue

Arts & Entertainment 12 14

Cover Photographer - Rick Caplano North Georgia Arts Guild

A Taste 18 20 24

Bon Appetit Black Bear Cabin Amish Foods The Family Table

Outdoors 28 34 38

Adventure Out Mountain Nature Corn Mazes, Farms & Festivals

Mark Your Calendar 44 50 52

Event Calendar Sky Valley Fall Fest & Car Show Mountain Shopportunities & Car Show

Faith in Christ 54 55 56 58

Bless Your Heart His Last Days Comes Indoors River Garden Life is a Blessing

About Town - Macon County 60 62 64 66

Mountain Aire Cottages & Inn Naturally A Modern Marvel Morning Glory Cleanin’ Betty’s Creek Farm

Just Thinking... 70 72 74

Lovin’ the Journey Notes from a Southern Kitchen By the Way

Health & Wellness 76 78 79

October 2017

Live Healthy & Be Well Atlanta Gastroenterology Georgia Vision Center

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Rick Caplano – Capturing Life in the Valley & Beyond by Tracy McCoy

his month’s cover photographer, Rick Caplano, isn’t in it for the money. In fact, he doesn’t sell his photography. He just enjoys shooting pictures and he enjoys sharing them with his followers on Instagram. Photography is a means to freeze time and space and capture a moment that might never be again. Partiers dancing on the beach or a sun rising or setting or the mighty Tallulah River near where Rick and his artist wife Lizzy make their home. Rick lived most of his life in Florida. He married and had two great children, a son and a daughter, and an incredible career. His grandparents lived in Tate City, a community 15+ miles from the small town of Clayton, Georgia. Rick and his family visited often as a boy, and years later his parents lived in the community. Then Rick became a land owner in “the valley”. Still living in Florida, after his marriage had ended and his children were grown, he met a beautiful artist named Lizzy Falcon. They began to date and eventually married. Both Rick and Lizzy retired from positions within our Government having decades of service. Leaving Florida was something the couple wanted to do, but where would they end up? They lived a short time in Tennessee, but it just didn’t have the mountain town feel they were looking for. Rick suggested the land he had acquired in Tate City and it was perfect. The decision was made. So how do they spend their days so far out? In quiet peace and solitude of course! He with his camera and she with her brushes, they explore, create and enjoy, both wondering if life could get any better. Tate City affords Rick a plethora of subject matter. Between this paradise and the Caplano’s trips to the beaches of Florida, this guy can sit down to find he has shot thousands of images. Rick occasionally enhances an image, but for the most part, they are as they were shot. His Canon is always within reach. He recounted tales of animal encounters that often don’t give a photographer time to do more than hit the shutter button. If you have explored the Tallulah River road, you know that there are at least a dozen photo opportunities on any given day. Rick likes to catch people being natural and having fun. These are most certainly some of life’s greatest moments. He hands out his business cards to those he

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

photographs so that they can request that he e-mail the photos he took. One of his most looked at photos is of a young couple dancing on the beach. The pleasure of the moment makes this photo so captivating. Deep down aren’t we all looking for a place to dance? Lizzy’s art takes the couple around the country to shows and openings, and Rick is happy to follow along with his camera in hand. He really enjoys sharing his photos with interested parties. In fact, that is how I discovered his talent. While Lizzy was visiting the GML office, I talked with Rick and he mentioned that while his wife painted, he enjoyed photography. Rick refers to himself as an amateur and he may be, but he certainly has an eye for what makes a great photo and that is a large percentage of what makes a photographer. We hope you enjoy his photos and encourage you to explore more from his Instagram page (cap_pix). Check out Lizzy’s art at www.lizzyfalconart.com. Getting to know this couple has been our pleasure. gmlaurel.com

October 2017

NORTH GEORGIA ARTS GUILD Trisha Moore Captures a Sense of Life by Susan Brewer Gentleness is valued and safely harbored within Tricia Moore’s creative designs: in threedimensional media, including merino sheep’s wool fiber sculptures and in sculpey clay pieces, as well as her two-dimensional collage works. Her recent focus is on fine crafting small animal portraits, but a full picture of Trisha’s gifts should include her leadership of the North Georgia Arts Guild “programs” over the last several years, which have grown significantly during her service. Says Tricia: “The NGAG board discussed how the guild could promote the visual arts while serving the community. We wanted to involve students, and we wanted to help art student artists moving to college, too, so we decided to award yearly art scholarships. The high school students now hold a student art exhibit each year at ‘Celebrate Clayton’ with judging and awards, and younger students get the chance to make art at the Kid’s Corner project there, too.” The guild just celebrated its second year in awarding the art scholarships, holding the student art shows, granting prizes, and offering the kid’s table. They bear the mark of Trisha’s vision and work, joined together with that of others. Trisha’s life-long love of art was supported until time for college. Then practicality ruled, so instead of pursuing art, she earned a degree in nursing. However, years of work as a nurse earned her money to pursue the degree nearer and dearer to her heart, this time in art education. The guild’s work… well, it’s possible to 14

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

see how assisting graduating seniors to pursue art directly may hold personal significance for her, in addition to everything else. Art has been a lifelong devotion. “I can’t imagine not being able to do art work. It kind of defines me,” she says. The love is in the doing. The small creatures pictured here, she sells at shows. She will do three-dimensional portraits of animals from pictures. The first one she created was of her own dying dog, Tazzy, out of his own fur as a memento of him. “He was supposed to live for two years; he lived for eight more—I took really good care of him!” she said, laughing. Tazzy was a Pomeranian, as is her current dog, Tinker, who goes with her on walks to waterfalls like the ones at Minnehaha, and Panther Creek. “For the shows, I’ve been concentrating on little creatures, animals in needle-felting, and doing them in clay—doing things I love doing, but what I know people would like to have, too.” Her work captures personalities in these balls of fur, supported by armature wiring, and with eyes she makes of clay. The fibers are joined together by jabbing them with a set of barbed needles. As the work becomes more delicate, a single needle is used. Her clay work, on the other hand, is shaped, put together, and scored, then fired in a 250o oven. “I hope my art work captures a sense of life,” she said, and they do. Gentle life – sweet, loving life – lives in her work. To contact her about a project, reach Trisha by emailing her at artgirl715@gmail. com.

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Bon Appétit by Scarlet Cook

his time of year the South’s most favorite activity is tailgating before the game. These recipes are made ahead in your crockpot and taken to the game. (Or left in the kitchen to enjoy as you watch the game from the comfort of your home.) If you put the entire removable liner of the crockpot in a cooler, it will keep the contents nice and warm. I have found that if you serve them in Solo cups, filled half way, they are much easier to eat than trying to balance a disposable bowl. Now go find your pompoms and you are ready.

Pork Stew w / Green Chilies

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup - Serves 8

Serves 6

5 Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1” pieces – about 1 pound – or you can use boneless, skinless breasts cut into pieces 1/2 Cup uncooked wild rice 1/2 Cup chopped onions 2 Cans (10 3/4 ounces each) cream of chicken soup 14 Ounces chicken broth 2 Cups chopped carrots 1 Cup half-and-half

Mix rice, onions, soup, broth, and carrots and pour over chicken.

1 1/2 Pounds boneless pork loin, cut into cubes 2 Cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies, drained 1 Jar (20 ounces) thick style salsa 1 Can (15 1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained 1 Can (15 ounces) navy beans, rinsed and drained (or pinto beans if you prefer them) 1 Medium onion, chopped 1 Cup chicken broth 3 Teaspoons chili powder 3 Teaspoons dried cilantro 2 Teaspoons sugar

Cover and cook on low heat 7 to 8 hours or until chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Mix all ingredients in a 4 quart crockpot.

Place chicken in 4 quart crockpot.

Stir in half-and-half.

Cover and cook on low 6 – 7 hours or until pork is tender.

Cover and cook on high 30 – 45 minutes or until hot.

Autumn Veggie Soup - Serves 4 2 Cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken or vegetable broth 1 Can (28 Ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained 1 1/2 Cups chopped carrots 3 Small zucchini, cut into 1/2” slices 1 Medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped 8 Green onions, sliced 2 Cloves garlic, minced 2 Cups shredded cabbage 2 Teaspoons dried oregano 1 Teaspoon salt 1 Teaspoon pepper 1 Cup uncooked instant rice Mix all ingredients except rice in a 4 quart or larger crockpot. Cover and cook on low 6 – 8 hours. Stir in rice and cook 15 minutes or more until mixture is heated throughout. 18

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Beef and Wine Serves 8 – 10

6 Slices bacon, cut into 1/2” pieces 3 Pounds boneless chuck roast, cut into 1” pieces 1 Large onion, cut into 1/2” pieces 3 Cups baby carrots 1 Cup red wine or 1 cup beef broth 3/4 Cup beef broth 3 Tablespoons plain flour 1 Teaspoon dried basil 1/2 Teaspoon dried thyme 1 Teaspoon salt 1 Teaspoon pepper 1 Can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 Small can sliced mushrooms, drained 1/2 Cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (do not use those packed in oil) Cooked noodles Cook bacon until crisp. Place bacon in crockpot. Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from skillet. Brown beef in fat; stir in onions and cook about 3 minutes. Spoon into crockpot. Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes and noodles to crockpot. Cover and cook on low 7 to 8 hours. Add tomatoes and noodles and cook an additional 30 minutes.

gmlaurel.com

Cherry Cobbler - Serves 6 1 Can cherry pie filling 1 Cup plain flour 1/4 Cup sugar 1/4 Cup margarine, melted 1/2 Cup milk 1 1/2 Teaspoons baking powder 1 Teaspoon almond extract 1/4 Teaspoon salt Spray inside of 2 – 3 1/2 quart crockpot. Pour pie filling into crockpot. Blend remaining ingredients with a spoon until smooth. Spread batter over pie filling. Cover and cook on high for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

October 2017

Black Bear Cabin Amish Foods

Authentic & Delicious!

lack Bear Cabin Amish Foods is a gourmet food store in beautiful Rabun Gap, Georgia. The store’s ownership changed earlier this year when Joshua and Sharon Charlton took over. The couple offers a large selection of Amish foods, including their famous roll butter and over 40 varieties of award-winning Amish cheese. For those of you with a sweet tooth, the store has Italian gelato (ice cream), over 20 kinds of creamy fudge (some sugar-free), and local ciders, honey, and tasty breads. Black Bear Cabin Amish Foods also has Martha Seay’s beautiful Georgia pottery on display and also carries a nice assortment of Amish health remedies and handmade Amish soaps. Recently Joshua ad Sharon journeyed to Ohio and brought back some beautiful handmade rocking chairs and gliders. The quality is exceptional and they make a perfect gift idea for Christmas. There are different styles to choose from and they are all comfortable and sturdy. The Charlton’s invite you to stop in and look around and when you do mention this article for a $1 off of a cup of Italian Gelato! We know you will be amazed at the quantity and quality of products they have. The couple is warm and helpful and the store will make you feel that you are surely in Amish Country. The log cabin feel adds to the overall experience. The couple is happy to live in Rabun County near family that moved here decades ago. They feel that God directed their path to the mountains and are grateful to bring the Amish products to the area. Stop in at 5736 Highway 441 in Rabun Gap, Georgia (across from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School) or call 1.916.202.0093. You can also find and like Black Bear Cabin Amish Foods on Facebook (www.facebook.com/amishfoodcabinrabungap) or Instagram. 20

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Albert Einstein

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

The Family Table

Comfort Food In Time For Cooler Temperatures by Lorie Thompson

very year in September I make a prediction that the upcoming winter season will be bitter. This year, I really do believe it! After all, the most reliable weather predictors are all in agreement: every persimmon I have seen cut open has a seed in the shape of a shovel so we know we will have a lot of snow. I saw a totally black wooly worm, yesterday. No brown stripe at all! There is a bumper crop of acorns this year all with very thick husk. The bees and hornets have built their nest in the ground. What other proof could you want!? Without a doubt, it is going to be a rough winter! When the weather turns cool, I will move the preparation of my family meals from the outdoor grill and the stove top to more oven-baked foods. One of my family’s favorite oven baked meals is Old Fashioned Meatloaf. I have been dieting in recent months and eating only a plant-based diet, but I could not resist this weekend’s meatloaf. It truly is wonderful comfort food. My Mama made really good meatloaf. There was no recipe. She just made it. I watched her make it many times and now I make it as she did, just by adding the ingredients as I go without the benefit of measuring tools. As I prepared it for my family this weekend, I measured the ingredients to create a recipe to share with you. I hope you will enjoy it. Old Fashioned Meatloaf- 1 lb. ground pork, 1 lb. ground chuck, 2 C diced onions, 2 eggs, 1 C evaporated milk, 1 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 tsp granulated garlic, 1 1/2 tsp salt, Black or red pepper, 1 C Ketchup and 1 C Heinz 57 Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine eggs and evaporated milk whisk until mixed. Add ground meat,

spreading it across the bowl. Sprinkle evenly with salt, and granulated garlic. Add dry oatmeal and onions and mix. In a separate bowl, mix ketchup and Heinz 57. Add one-half of the sauce to the meat and incorporate. Place meatloaf in a casserole or loaf pan. Don’t compress the meat. Cover with the remainder of the sauce. Bake until meatloaf is firm. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meatloaf. Bake approximately 45-60 minutes. For a larger meatloaf, for each additional pound of meat add 1 egg, 1/2 C evaporated milk, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic, 2/3 C oatmeal, 1 onion, 1/2 C ketchup and 1/2 C Heinz 57. This is a great dish to make in a larger portion and divide it into several pans. Meatloaf sandwiches are the best! My husband has mentioned Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce to me each month as I prepared to cook and photograph my article. He is so thoughtful! He always mentions his favorite

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

foods for consideration as a Family Table recipe. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he gets to eat the photographed food! This recipe creates a decadent dessert. Save it for special occasions! All ingredients should be at room temperature. Combine 12 egg yolks, 2 C heavy cream, 2 C half & half and 1 1/2 C sugar. Mix until eggs are fully incorporated into cream and sugar. Add 2 tsp vanilla. Cut a large French loaf or sourdough loaf into 1” cubes and place into a large bowl. Add the egg/cream mixture and stir to fully coat the bread cubes. Allow to rest for 1530 minutes. Butter a large casserole dish and add the bread mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes until the center of the casserole is beginning to set. Make the Whiskey Sauce while the pudding is baking. In a large boiler add, 1 stick unsalted butter, 1 C sugar and 1 C half & half and 1 C heavy cream. Heat until sugar is melted. In a measuring cup, mix 1/3 C cornstarch and 2 T water. Add to the boiler. Return to heat until mixture is bubbling. Cook for 3-5 minutes on low heat until sauce is thick. Add 3/4 C Whiskey and stir to incorporate. You can boil for just a minute more if you want to cook out the alcohol. Pour over hot bread pudding, poking holes throughout to allow the sauce to penetrate. You can add raisins and/or pecans. You can change out the Whiskey for Rum or use no alcohol at all. Add Vanilla to the sauce if you do not use any alcohol. Make it your very own and enjoy! My daughter, Kendall laughingly tells me I am “small town famous” because, without fail, when she is with me in Walgmlaurel.com

Mart or Ingles someone comes to talk to me about real estate or the recipes in the Laurel. She says it to tease me, but I am proud of it. One of the joys of living in a small town is knowing your neighbors and being known by them. My Mama always cut out and saved anything in the local newspaper that had my photo or name in it, even the advertisements for properties that I had paid to have placed! She would LOVE having her recipes featured under my by-line in this beautiful magazine. I love that many of you call me, email, or text to get clarification on a recipe or to give me feedback on what you enjoyed. Thank you for telling me when you have made one of my dishes and enjoyed it! I love knowing that you will make the recipe and share it with your family, in your own home, at your own family table. My Mama would be proud! May God bless you and your family at your own Family Table! Lorie Thompson is a native of Rabun County, she is a REALTOR working at RE/Max of Rabun in Clayton. She is a wife, a mother, and a dear friend to many. Lorie is known for her expertise in the kitchen. Anyone who has eaten at her table becomes family!

October 2017

Clayton, Georgia

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Adventure Out Autumn Road Trip by Peter McIntosh

ue to the damage from Hurricane Irma, many of the trails in north Georgia and the surrounding area are impassable, including the trail to Lookoff Mountain, which was the planned adventure for this October. But we’re still getting out, taking an autumn automobile excursion I first wrote about a few years back. With an exciting new addition near the end of the excursion.

On this adventure, we’re hitting the road for a leaf-peeper loop tour that takes us from Rabun County to White County to Towns County and back to Rabun. And since this is a loop, you can start anywhere, Helen/Robertstown, Hiawassee, Clayton, or any community nearby. I’m starting in Clayton, with all the roads being major thoroughfares, so you can follow this route with a simple map or GPS. And you hikers fear not, there are several great hiking excursions along the way. If the trails are open, that is.

little over three miles, we come to another roadside attraction, the Bridge Creek Fresh Market and Stonewall Creek Vineyards tasting room, where Pat Crunkleton serves up lots of delicious goodies, fresh from local farms. Bridge Creek Road dead ends into Burton Dam road where we take a right and head over to Highway 197. We turn left on Highway 197, heading south for 3 miles to the intersection with Highway 356. We turn right on Highway 356 following the signs to Unicoi State Park. (Please

Let’s get started. From downtown Clayton, we’re heading south on Main Street, which is also Old Highway 441. In 2.5 miles, we come to Tiger Mountain Vineyards, where you can stop in for a wine tasting or a snack at the Red Barn Cafe. Half a mile further up, we come to the four way stop in Tiger. The Tiger Food Mart here serves up some very tasty burgers. We now turn right on Bridge Creek Road, and in a

Autumn Road

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

keep in mind this adventure is about the journey, not a destination, so take it easy, pull over to take photos, etc.) After 9 miles on Highway 356, we come to Unicoi State Park, crossing over Unicoi Lake. There’s a parking area on the far side of the lake that offers access to the Lake Loop Trail, a 2.5 mile footpath circling the lake with some nice bridges and fishing docks along the way. Anna Ruby Falls is also nearby if you’re so inclined. (You can call Unicoi State Park to see if Anna Ruby Falls trail is open.) We continue on Highway 356 to its end at Highway 17/75. Just before this intersection, look for Fred’s Famous Peanuts on the right, a great place to stop for a snack. We turn right on Highway 17/75 and go north for 1/2 mile. The intersection with Alt. Highway 75 on the left, crossing over the Chattahoochee River. There’s a flea market here and a zip line course that takes you back and forth across the river. We turn left on Alt. 75 and go a little over 2 miles to the intersection with Highway 348 on the right, aka the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. This is a really beautiful stretch of road, and freshly paved I might add. In 1.7 miles on Highway 348, look for the Dukes Creek falls parking area on the left. (Another hiking opportunity, 1/2 mile each way.) Continuing on, it’s about a mile to the Raven Cliffs parking area, also on the left. (This is a moderate trail, 2.5 miles each way, leading to Raven Cliffs Falls. This is a beautiful footpath with several

Batesville Barn cascades along the way. If the trail is open, of course.) Onward and upward we come to a scenic overlook on the left, but go just a little further to a much better overlook, offering the same view of Mount Yonah and the foothills below. Higher up we go and soon come to the high point on the road, Hog Pen Gap and the Appalachian Trail. Now the road descends down to its termination point at Highway 180. (Lots of pretty views on this section of road.) We turn right on Highway 180, following

Unicoi Lake gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Anna Ruby Falls

Raven Cliffs

the signs to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain. In a little less than 9 miles, we reach the access road to Brasstown Bald on the left. It’s 3 miles to the parking lot and a 6/10 mile steep hike to the observation tower at the top. During the day, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, there is a shuttle to the top. There is a visitors center/gift shop and restrooms at the parking area. There are restrooms and a theater at the top. The 360 degree view from the platform on the top of this 4,784 foot mountain is spectacular. Looking north, if it’s clear, you can see the white quartz rock on the top of Bell Mountain, our next destination. Now back down to Highway 180 where we go left, heading back to Highway 17/75. (The sign says Helen but we’re not going that way.) At Highway 17/75, we turn left again, going north towards Hiawassee and Highway 76. At the intersection with Highway 76, we turn left and head west for 1.3 miles, looking for Shake Rag Road on the right. This is the road to Bell Mountain Park. There is a convenience store at the intersection called the Lake View Store and a power substation, just across the road. Shake Rag Road is a single track paved road leading all the way to the top, 3 miles from Highway 76. Stay on the paved road as there is a sign, about 2.5 miles in, where Shake Rag Road bears off to the left. Stay on main paved road. This is a very steep road so don’t try it if you don’t have good brakes. It’s steep coming down as well! There is a new park at the top with an observation platform offering stunning views of Lake Chatuge and the surrounding

mountains. If you look to the south-southwest, you can see the tower on the top of Brasstown Bald Now we head back down, slowly and carefully, to Highway 76. Now we turn left, heading east. We ascend to Dick’s Creek Gap where we again cross the Appalachian Trail and then descend. After about 5 miles, look for the Popcorn Overlook on the left, one of my favorites. Now back on the road and back to Clayton where you can celebrate your adventure at one of the town’s many fine eateries. Happy driving!

Bell Mtn

Let my poem begin for month number ten: We’ve weathered the storm, just a bit worse for wear, And now it’s time to enjoy the cool autumn air. Along pretty winding roads and up o’er the hills, This autumn leaf road trip will give you some thrills! To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com Brasstown Sunset 30

Unicoi State Park: http://www.gastateparks.org/Unicoi Brasstown Bald Info: 706-896-2556 October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Clayton, Georgia

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Mountain Nature

See Ya Later, Hummingbirds by Jean Hyatt

e have enjoyed having 3 or 4 hummingbirds here this summer. Some customers report having 25 or 30, but I usually only get 2 or 3. They are sure aggressive, chasing each other around all over the place. Don’t store your feeders away just yet though. The rubythroated hummingbirds who make their homes here generally stay in this area till about the 2nd or 3rd week of October. I leave my feeders out till the end of October, in case a late wanderer just happens by. The males will leave first, then the females shortly afterward. The ones you see last are this year’s babies, and they will really beef up before they think it’s time to leave. I have to laugh at them sometimes because they look like fat bumblebees slowly chasing one another away from the feeder. Some have heard that leaving your feeders out will cause hummingbirds to stay, then die because of the cold. This is not true. There is no feeder anywhere that will lure a hummingbird from its yearly instinctive migration. The migration urge is just too strong. I read of a study some years ago, where some birds were caged at migration time, and they kept flying into the side of the cage toward the south, even though they had food. Also, some hummingbirds can withstand extreme cold. Even ruby-throats can survive cold by going into a trance-like state called torpor, where the bird’s metabolic rate is slowed drastically, maybe up to 95%. This allows the bird to use much less energy than is required in a normal state where it must use its energy to stay warm. At about the same time our hummers are leaving, sometimes a western hummingbird will wander into the area and take

up residence for a few months. The Rufous Hummingbird is the most common “rare” over-wintering hummingbird in this area. They are considered rare in Georgia because they do not normally come here, even though they are quite plentiful in their indigenous western habitat. If you are interested in rare hummingbirds in this area, you can go to http://georgiawildlife. com/hummingbirds-your-backyard and learn more about them. As always, it is important to keep your nectar fresh during this last ditch effort to gain weight for migration. Change out the nectar every 3 or 4 days, or if the weather is cold, every 5 or 6 days. Fungus, mold, and bacteria begin to form when nectar is left unattended, and can cause harm to the hummingbird if it is consumed. After October is over, bring in all your feeders and scrub them well in warm soapy water and a splash of vinegar. You can even use a little bleach to clean any stubborn mold off the feeder if you wash and rinse it well afterward. Replace any broken or worn out parts and store away for next year’s hungry hummingbirds. They’ll be back in late March, looking in your window wondering why you don’t have anything out for them to eat yet. At least that’s what mine usually do. 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. **

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Festivals, Hayrides, and Corn Mazes. Oh My! by Natalie White

ing it with me! “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” Calm down. Calm down. I’m not talking about the wintery holiday with the jolly round man that incites mall madness. I’m talking about Fall! While it may not be in the air regarding the weather, it is certainly found in the stores with pumpkin this and apple cider that. But best of all, fall can be found in every county with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and fall festivals. Without further ado, here is what’s going on in your neighborhood and beyond. RABUN COUNTY Hillside Orchard Farms, Country Store, and Farm With three generations of the Mitcham family running the cannery and farm, Hillside Orchard Farms provides onsite sourced fruits and vegetables, as well as full family entertainment. If you don’t have your hands full with a fried apple pie or hand scooped ice cream, then stroll on down to the barnyard and feed the goats or Festus, the Donkey. There is also an indoor gem mine, but the real treat for fall visitors is the 3-acre family-friendly corn maze that features landmarks of Rabun County beginning with Highway 441 and Tallulah

Gorge. There is also a train ride for the family, tractor-pulled hay rides if you need more room, apple picking, a picnic area, and of course, the barnyard of animals to meet and greet. Located at 18 Sorghum Mill Drive in Lakemont, this fully operated farm is open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 1pm to 6pm. The corn maze just kicked off, so bring the family, but make sure to leave some room in your car to take some goodies home with you. Hillside boasts over 600 jams, jellies, pickles, relish, ciders, and hot sauces. You may also find their canned items at Jaemor Farms if you’re in Hall County. Mark your calendar for Scout Day on October 14th and Farm Day, which is always the fifth Saturday of fall, this year, November 4th. UNION COUNTY Southern Tree Plantation Located at the top of Union County, Southern Tree plantation is more than a tree farm. True, this might be your Christmas tree destination farm, but don’t wait till then. With fall in the air, Southern Tree is already piled with pumpkins ready for family picking. There are also loads of family fun activities that include hay rides, a kids’ train ride, pony rides, a petting farm, barnyard playground, and even marshmallow roasting. However, if you’re looking for a challenge as well as a pumpkin, then you must check out their wooden maze. Boasting that you’ll be completely puzzled

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

by this difficult, permanent wooden barnyard maze, they do say getting lost is as much fun as finding your way through. You can find this wooden maze as well as your fall and winter fun at 2531 Owltown Road, in the city seat of Blairsville. They are open on Saturday 10 am, to 5 pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. And don’t forget to keep them in mind for the Holiday season too! WHITE COUNTY North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm It’s a zoo. It’s a pumpkin patch. It’s a festival. This all-in-one location literally has it all for fall family fun. With adult and child-sized mazes, the whole family will love the tractorpulled hay ride and face painting. And don’t forget the pony rides, petting zoo, and the farm animals. The Scarecrow Trail kicked off September 22nd and will continue until the end of October. Weekend times include Friday from 11am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Pumpkin Fest has just begun. Browse through the pumpkin patch, pick your perfect pumpkin, enjoy the wool jump, and wildlife walk. All this is included with zoo admission. Located at 2912 Paradise Valley Road in Cleveland, the fall events kick off in October, Saturdays & Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm. Make sure to mark your calendar for their Boo at the Zoo: Halloween Weekend too!

For Fall Festivals see page 40

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Fall Festivals

by Natalie White

Hey!

Are you looking for a Fall Festival? Then here are just a few for you! (In order by date) September 28th- October 29th The 47TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST in Helen, GA is Helen’s biggest celebration, with German music, food, drinks, and dancing (including waltzes, polkas and the chicken dance!) With beer, brats, bands, and Lederhosen, the festival might not scream family friendly, but with their very own dance floor, kids of all ages are encouraged to enjoy the festivities, too. Bring the family and join the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States with Germanstyle bands from around the country and around the world. October 7th With a one-day celebration of the heritage of the Southern Appalachian mountain region, the FOXFIRE MOUNTAINEER FESTIVAL keeps the heritage of times gone by alive. With bluegrass and a bit of gospel music on stage throughout the day, local regional artisans will also be in the spotlight exhibiting their work, as well as demonstrating their mastery of heritage skills such as woodworking, blacksmithing, folk pottery, and textile crafts. The outdoor field events will give more adventurous visitors a chance to see how they would fare in the mountains of old, with challenges from the past such as wood-chopping and log-sawing, archery, and greased-pig chases, and even three-legged relays and sack races. And don’t worry, lunch won’t be a problem, with a variety of food choices from local and regional vendors. Admission is $5 per person with children 5 and under free. All proceeds go to The Foxfire Fund that supports educational programs within Clayton. October 8-9 and October 15-16 The GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL brings two exciting weekends to Ellijay, Georgia every year with hundreds of vendors offering food, art, crafts, and more, as well visitors from all over. This 46th annual event will host over 300 vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items, as well as many on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. This is an antique car show held at the Civic Center on October 14th, and a parade on the 21st beginning at 10am in historic downtown Ellijay. October 14-15 and October 21-22 The BLAIRSVILLE SORGHUM FESTIVAL has been a part of Blairsville’s heritage for more than 40 years. Celebrating the art of sorghum syrup making, the festival is more than the sugary sweet stuff (and even if it wasn’t, we’d all still be there). With local artisans and crafts on display, you can also watch, and even participate, in the greased pole climbin’, log sawin’, or just listen to good life music. There will be a traditional square dance on the 14th and 40

21st with the parade kicking off only on the 14th downtown on the square in Blairsville. Admission is just $4 with kids twelve and under always free, as well as parking! October 13-21, 2017 With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. Each October, the GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FALL FESTIVAL is a 9-day event featuring exciting musical performances, arts and craft vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show, and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention, all in beautiful Hiawassee, GA. Admission is $12 a day with children 12 and under always free. Three-day and nine-day passes are also available. October 21st The 21ST ANNUAL PUMPKINFEST kicks off at 9am in Downtown Franklin at 5 W. Main Street. Considered Western North Carolina’s largest celebration of Autumn, this all-day event features nearly 100 arts and crafts and food vendors. Historic Downtown Franklin will be full tilt with everything pumpkin. Bring your pumpkin (or purchase one downtown) and sign up early for the World Famous Pumpkin Roll. The Costume Parade and Contest is another highlight of the day, as well as the Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest. And don’t miss out on the great food, mountain arts & crafts, and entertainment, including roving street performers. PumpkinFest runs from 9am to 4pm and is free for the whole family. October 21st SKY VALLEY’S 4TH ANNUAL FALLFEST in Georgia’s Highest and Coolest City. From 10am to 4pm, the downtown welcomes fourlegged friends with a Dog Costume Contest benefiting PAWS4Life, a Hay bail Trail, Hay Rides to the waterfall, a Car Show, and silent auction. There will also be live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, a kids’ corner, and pumpkin painting. And on your way there, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Sky Valley Hay Bale Trail, which has become a time-honored tradition in the community. Hay bales located all across the county will be on display throughout the month of October. October 21st and 22nd Dahlonega’s Town Square is taken over each year by GOLD RUSH DAYS festival-goers ready to enjoy a parade, children’s activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, live musical entertainment, wrist wrestling, and delicious food. Always free to attend, it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 will attend to see the fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event.

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Franklin, NC

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Mountain Happenings November 10th - 12th North GA Arts Tour Holiday Road Participating Art Galleries in Habersham, Rabun, White and Towns Counties Info: www.ArtsTour.org STEPHENS COUNTY October 3rd and each Tuesday and Saturday through October Stephens County Farmers’ Market Broad Street, Toccoa Info: www.mainstreettoccoa.com/market October 6th - 8th Currahee Military Weekend Historic Downtown Toccoa and surrounding landmarks Info: 706.886.2132 October 14th and the second Saturday of the month Second Saturday Historic Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.886.2132

October 28th Art-Oberfest Helen Arts & Heritage Center Helen Info: helenarts.org

October 7th Glow in the Park Sam Pitts Park Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220

November 4th Civil War Reenactment Helen Riverside Park Helen Info: 706.878.281

October 7th 30th Annual Big Red Apple Festival Downtown Cornelia Info: 706.778.8585

November 24th Annual Lighting of the Village Downtown Helen Info: 706.878.2181

November 4th Habersham Freedom 5K & Fun Run Lake Russell Recreation Area Mt. Airy Info: 706.778.4654

October 28th - 29th Toccoa Harvest Festival Historic Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269

November 23rd - December 31st Christmas Lights Spectacular Cornelia City Park Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654

October 31st Costume Parade Historic Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 The Ritz Theater Toccoa Info: www.ritztheatretoccoa.com

October 14th and the 2nd Saturday of the month Southern Gospel Music

October 5th Acapella Group ‘Chanticleer’ Piedmont College Demorest Info: www.piedmont.edu/chanticleer

October 31st Trick or Treat on the Square On the Square Clarkesville Info: 706.754.2220

October 14th Pioneer Day Traveler’s Rest Historic Stagecoach Inn, Toccoa Info: 706.356.4362

October 12th Qing Li & Paolo Gualdi

October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Clarkesville Farmers’ Market Downtown Clarkesville Info: 706.768.2976

October 7thand each Saturday through October 28th Summer Concert Series Unicoi State Park & Lodge Helen Info: 706. 878.2201

HABERSHAM COUNTY

Grant Street Music Room Clarkesville Info: grantstreetmusicroom.com October 14th Willie & Waylon “A Remarkable Tribute Show” October 21st Paul Rodgers & Bad Co. Tribute

October 1st Evening Star Remembered October 3rd and the first & third Tuesdays of the month Learn & Dance October 28th; November 25th Community Contra Dance Info: 706.754.3254 October 13th GA Mountain Vintage Affair October 22nd; November 5th Cannon Classical Music Series November 11th - 12th Lilies of the Valley November 17th - 19th “Two Rooms”

October 28th Halloween Costume Ball Featuring the Donna Hopkins Band & Surprise Guests

BabyLand General Hospital Cleveland Info: 706.865.2171 www.cabbagepatchkids.com

November 11th Songs For Kids

October 7th Cabbage Patch Kids’ Tea Party

October 20th Farewell Angelina

November 18th Honeywood Scorpio Birthday Bash

October 28th Halloween Promotion

November 2nd Randall Bramblett

WHITE COUNTY

November 18th Appalachian Christmas Celebration

October 16th and the 3rd Monday of the month Open Mic Monday

September 28th - October 29th Oktoberfest Helen Info: 706.878.1908

Sautee Nacoochee Center Sautee Info: 706.878.3300 www.snca.org

October 2017

continued

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Mountain Happenings Yonah Mountain Vineyards Cleveland Info: 706.878.5522 October 7th and each Saturday Live Music Saturdays October 21st and the third Saturday of the month Masterpiece Mixers RABUN COUNTY October 7th and each Saturday Clayton Farmers’ Market Covered Bridge Shopping Center Clayton Info: 706.490.1179 October 7th and the first Saturday of the month through December Build Your Own Canjo Black Rock Mountain State Park Mountain City Info: 706.746.2141 October 7 and each Saturday Bluegrass on the Square Tallulah Falls Opry House Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.6040 th

October 7th Harvest Stomp Stonewall Creek Vineyards Clayton Info: 706.212.0584

October 21st Old School Garden’s 1st Annual Fall Perennial Plant Sale City Hall Complex Grounds Clayton Info: 706.782.9730

Rabun Arena Tiger Info: 706.212.0452

October 23rd Beer Brewing Class Community Garden Clayton City Hall, Clayton Info: 706.212.0241

October 14th; November 11th Junior Rodeo

October 28th Jazz Saturdays Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Tiger Info: 706.782.4777; tigerwine.com

November 17th - 19th Annual Pickled Turkey Shootout

October 31st Rabun County Rec Dept Trunk or Treat Rabun County Recreation Dept. Tiger Info: 706.782.4600 November 23rd Clayton Cluckers Turkey Trot Downtown Clayton Info: 706.982.1284 November 24th - 25th Holiday Arts and Crafts Extravaganza and Festival of Trees Rabun County Civic Center Clayton Info: 706.982.9432 November 24th Christmas in Downtown Clayton and Christmas Tree Lighting Downtown Clayton Info: 706.782.1520 706.982.1284 www.downtownclaytonga.org

October 7 Foxfire Mountaineer Festival Rabun County Civic Center Clayton Info: 706.746.5828 th

Tallulah Gorge Park Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.7981

October 7th Founder’s Day Celebration Main Street, Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.6040 October 19th Grow-Cook-Eat Farm & Food Tour Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Clayton Info: 706.782.0780 October 19th North Georgia Arts Guild Program “Why Watercolor”, Margie Minutello The Amara Center, Clayton Info: www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com October 21st Sky Valley FallFest and Car Show Sky Valley Lakeside Pavillion Sky Valley Info: 706.746.2204; skyvalleyga.com

October 5th; November 4th Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike October 4th, 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th, 20th, October 28th - 29th Aesthetic Water Releases October 31st Trunk or Treat for Halloween

October 7th M&K Quarter Horse Pleasure Show

October 15th; November 12th Barrel Racing

Hambidge Center Rabun Gap Info: 706.746.5718 www.Hambidge.org October 7th and the first Saturday of the month First Saturday Grist Mill Visits October 14th and the second Saturday of the month Second Saturday Artists’ Talks October 14th The Great ARTDoors Festival October 21st and the third Saturday of the month Third Saturday Nature Hikes TOWNS COUNTY November 4th Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup Towns County Swim Beach Hiawassee Info: 828.837.5414 Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4191 www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com October 13th - 21st Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 26th Casting Crowns

November 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th Whitewater Releases

October 28th 2nd Annual Appalachian Brew, Stew & Que Festival

November 24th Walk Off the Turkey with a Hike

November 4th Jamey Johnson in Concert November 23rd - 25th November 30th - December 2nd Mountain Country Christmas in Lights continued

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Mountain Happenings Crane Creek Vineyards Young Harris Info: 706.379.1235 www.cranecreekvineyards.com October 6th and each Friday Friday Evening Tapas & Acoustic October 21st Annual Harvest Festival

October 28th Hallowine Night

Union County Farmers’ Market Blairsville Info: 706.439.6043

CLAY COUNTY, NC

October 6th Cruise In Info: 678.773.5934

UNION COUNTY October 6th and each Friday through October Friday Concert Series Old Historic Courthouse Blairsville Info: 706.745.5493

October 6th and each Friday through October Trash and Treasures

October 7th 9th Annual Charity Poker Run for S.A.F.E. North Georgia Technical College Blairsville Info: 706.379.1901 October 7th Blairsville Extreme Adventure Race Meeks Park, Blairsville Info: 719.237.5109 October 7th - 8th Indian Summer Festival Woody Gap School Suches Info: 706.747.2401

October 3rd and each Saturday & Tuesday through October 24th Union County Farmers’ Market October 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th Canning Plant Union County Fine Arts Center Blairsville Info: 706.835.4500 October 5 - 7 High School Play: Children’s Play Info: 706.745.2216 th

October 13th; November 10 Writers’ Night Out Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 October 14th - 15th, 21st - 22nd Blairsville Sorghum Festival Meeks Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 October 21st and the third Saturday of the month Cruise In on the Square On the Square Blairsville Info: 678.773.5934

November 24th Black Friday Sip and Shop Event

October 21st - 22nd Punkin Chunkin Festival Hayesville Info: 877.389.3704 November 11th - 12th Candy Cane Market Ridges of Mountain Harbour Hayesville Info: 828.389.3704 Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville Info: 828.389.2787 peacockperformingarts.center.com October 6th - 15th “Deathtrap” October 21st - The Return

October 14th A Salute to America’s Veterans th

November 17th - 19th “The Sound of Music” High School Musical Info: 706.745.2216 November 28 Middle School Play Info: 706.745.2483 th

Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.2655 October 2nd and each Monday Garden Tour October 20 Backyard Beekeeping Seminar th

John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown Info: 800.365.5724 www.folkschool.org October 3rd and each Tuesday (no dances Novermber 21st & 28th) Beginning Contra & Square Dance October 6th Dusty Road Rangers October 7th - 8th 43rd Annual Fall Festival October 7th; November 18th Contra & Square Dance October 13th Hoot and Hollar October 20th The Clydes October 27th - 29th Fall Square Dance Weekend 2017

October 27 27th Annual Blairsville Kiwanis Golf Tournament Butternut Creek Golf Course Blairsville Info: 706.781.8489, 706.745.4502

November 17 Seedsaving for Newbies Paradise Hills Resort and Spa Blairsville Info: www.paradisehillsga.com

November 4th Blacksmith and Fine Craft Auction

October 28th Fall Festival Vogel State Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.2628

October 7th and each Saturday Live Music Series

November 10th Faith Willin’

October 28th Outdoor Movie Night & Costume Contest More Details to be Determined Info: 877.745.5789

October 2017

October 28th Halloween Costume Dance

gmlaurel.com

MACON COUNTY, NC October 6th and each Friday through October Friday Night Live Town Square, Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 October 6th - 8th Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival Village Green Cashiers Info: 828.743.8428 October 7th; 14th Pickin’ on the Square The Gazebo on the Square Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 October 12th - 14th 11th Annual Autumn Leaves Craft Show Macon County Fairgrounds Franklin Info: 828.349.4324 October 20th - 22nd 28th Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree Robert C. Carpenter Community Building, Franklin Info: 828.524.3161

gmlaurel.com

October 21st 21st Annual PumpkinFest Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516

November 26th Franklin’s Annual Christmas Parade Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.3161

October 28th A Glimpse of His Last Days

October 31st Highlands Downtown All Hallows Eve Celebration Downtown Highlands Info: 828.526.2112

Cowee School Franklin Info: www.coweeschool.org

November 9th Open House & 2018 Season Kick-Off

November 9th - 12th Highlands Food & Wine Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 November 11th Veterans’ Parade & Ceremony Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 November 25th; December 2nd Winter Wonderland Nights Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 November 25th Highlands Annual Tree Lighting Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park Highlands Info: 828.526.2112

October 21st and the third Saturday of the month SEBA Jam October 21st The Boxcars October 28th Contra Dance Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts Franklin Info: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598 www.GreatMountainMusic.com October 5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st Smoke on the Mountain

November 4th An Evening with Dailey & Vincent

November 11th Jamie Grace November 25th The Mountain Faith Band Sounds of Christmas DVD Premiere Event Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center Highlands Info: 828.526.8084 highlandscashiersplayers.org October 12th - 15th, 19th - 22nd “Guilty Conscience” November 24th PAC Concert

October 26th A Night of Down Home Gospel

October 2017

Sky Valley Fallfest and Car Show

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

he 4th Annual Sky Valley Fallfest is scheduled for Saturday, October 21st from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors will be treated to hayrides throughout the day to the valley’s magnificent waterfall; a crystal clear falls with a vertical drop of 100 feet that flows into the beautiful Estatoah Falls.

The car show kicks off at 10:00 AM in the parking lot of the old Sky Valley Ski Lodge. Car lovers will enjoy getting up close and personal with some of the finest cars in the mountains. This year’s car show will again honor the service and sacrifices of Vietnam era veterans and their families as part of the National 50th Commemoration program. The show will include antiques, classics, hotrods and other unique cars and trucks. The Mayor’s Choice awards will be given that day at 3:00 PM. The Fallfest has activities for all ages. Arts and crafts vendors will have their wares for sale. There will be plenty of food and kids of all ages will enjoy the pumpkin painting and inflatable games. There will be live music from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM providing festival patrons with entertaining and energetic music. Back by popular demand is the HOWL-o-ween Dog Costume Contest beginning at 1:30 PM and a silent auction to benefit Rabun Paws 4 Life. There may even be some furry little friends on site for adoption. Finally, you will not want to miss the return of the Hay Bale Trail, which features whimsically decorated hay bales scattered throughout the city. This is a time-honored tradition in Sky Valley since 1998 and a combined effort of the talented and imaginative people in the community. Everyone anxiously waits to see the creative displays and hay bales come to life each year. Fallfest activities take place adjacent to the beautiful Sky Valley Golf and Country Club. Parking shuttles will be available from the posted event parking areas within the valley. Admission is free and the photo opportunities are priceless. You will enjoy a day of fun amid the beautiful fall leaf display in the valley. For additional information please visit www. skyvalleyga.com or call 706.746.2204. The address for the Sky Valley Country Club is 568 Sky Valley Way #1, Dillard, GA 30537. This will put you in the middle of the action!

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Mountain Shopportuities Unique & Fun Charity Shopping Event

by Tracy McCoy and Melissa Williams-Thomas

ountain Shopportunities is a unique charity event. On December 9th owners of home-based businesses will gather in the Rabun County Civic Center to sell, display, and introduce their products. These type businesses often lack a platform to showcase their items and this is an opportunity for them to do just that. This event is an opportunity to shop with and support your friends, family and neighbors.

Joining the Fight & Oﬀering Hope

Some of the businesses that will be at Mountain Shopportunities will make furniture and handmade jewelry, you will find handbags, skincare, haircare and nutritional products. There will be art and craft vendors, home décor and household items. Some of our vendors will represent direct sales companies and provide catalogs and business opportunites while others will offer local and handcrafted items you can’t buy anywhere else. There will be drawings and door prizes given away. Our silent auction will be filled with items from each business represented. It will be an excellent time to do that last minute Christmas shopping! All proceeds from the day will go to a new charity called Pathways (see details below). We will be accepting donations and will have warm cider and baked goods for sale. The Christmas spirit will be provided free! We have some fun and exciting things planned for throughout the day. Remember I said unique! Shoppers get ready it’s going to be fun!! Vendor Space is 10 X 10 with tables and chairs provided for only $50 and one item donated for our silent auction. We invite you to join us as a vendor so call early to reserve your space (some limitations apply). For more information or to register as a vendor call 706.982.4777 or 706.982.9197. 52

o you know someone struggling with addiction? It is estimated that one in ten Americans over the age of 12 are classified with a substance abuse or dependence problem. This is not a will-power issue. Most addicts want to quit, try to quit, but cannot seem to stay quit. Addiction is a disease. This disease does not discriminate; young or old, rich or poor. It robs parents of their children, brothers of their sisters, addicts of their lives. By the time an addict is ready for help, most have burnt every bridge. They lie, cheat, steal, anything and everything in order to feed their addiction. This is a very isolating disease. They push away friends and family to hide their problem or to avoid confronting the problem. There are three options for the active addict: jails, institutions, and death. The jails are full of people with drug charges and far too often we hear the heartbreaking stories of mothers burying their children due to an overdose. We, at Pathways, would like to help change this. Pathways provides financial help to men and women seeking treatment with the funds needed for admission into a long-term residential treatment facility. A place where someone can learn the tools to live a healthy, productive life. There is no cure for addiction, but it can be managed with treatment and a recovery plan. Life in recovery is amazing! I know first hand because I have been there. I have felt that feeling of hopelessness and desperation. The life of an addict is exhausting. You don’t have to live like that. If you are struggling with addiction, please know there is hope. A better life is waiting for you, all you have to do is take that first step and call. All calls are confidential and there is no obligation. Mountain Shopportunities is our second fundraiser this year. We need your help to fight addiction and offer help and hope to addicted individuals. We are seeking volunteers and Pathways partners. Every family is affected, please find a way to help. You are needed! For information call 706.982.4777.

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Bless Your Heart

Church Ladies Then & Now

by Lisa Harris

on’t you just love Church Ladies? Most likely you are one or at least know one. The Church Ladies I grew up with were from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s stock. They were sturdy, focused on the task at hand, reliable, and ready to fire up the stove at any given notice. A baby was born—bam, the Church Ladies almost moved in with the new mom. Bringing food, helping to clean, watched the other children and of course, gave tons of advice, whether solicited or unsolicited, the young moms got several ears full. You could always tell an old Church Lady from a young Church Lady just by the food they brought to the covered dish suppers. The older Church Ladies made ‘scratch’ cakes and pies. They labored over the golden fried chicken that had been soaked in buttermilk, hoping for the coveted compliment from the preacher. The younger Church Ladies picked up Kentucky Fried and left it in the barrel container, they didn’t even try to disguise their ‘sin’ of not cooking! If a man’s wife died, the ‘single’ Church Ladies changed hats. They became the ‘Casserole Ladies.’ The heat of their compassion flared up along with the stove. Nothing better to soothe the soul of loss than a hamburger casserole given with a hopeful hug. In defense of the Casserole Ladies, they truly had the widowers best interest at heart. After all, the deceased wife got the ultimate, they got Jesus, all they wanted was her left behind man. (wink, wink) It’s 2017 and, yes, we still have Church Ladies. They just look different. By different I mean, super cute yoga pants, hair tossed into ball caps, nails done in salons and most sport brightly colored pedicures. They can throw a baby or bridal shower in no time...with the help of Pinterest. (How did we ever manage without Pinterest?) In a flash, a ‘gender reveal’ party materializes, and a Pantry Party for supported missionaries is in motion. Do you need a meal? Well no problem. A text-savvy Church Lady can order up pizza and have it sent to your house. What if you need a ‘veggie’ meal? That calls for the gifting of restaurant cards to ease your nights of cooking. The beauty of all this is most can be done by the click of your phone. Amazing! What does the heart of a 2017 Church Lady look like? They have incredible hearts. They hurt for the foster children and then open their homes. They pray with the

young marrieds who cannot conceive, they work with the children’s ministry with a zeal of no other. These Church Ladies labor hard in women’s ministry while juggling their own families. Are there still ‘pot-luck’ dinners? Yes, but now it’s Chick-fil-A fried chicken, and Whole Foods salads and bakery cakes. They are careful to provide us with as much gluten free, insecticide free, chemical free, totally organic food at our functions. I believe that’s now called ‘farm to table.’ Before the 70’s it was called ‘normal eating.’ They are tireless in their efforts. What do these thirty- to forty-something-year-old Church Ladies need from us fifty- to sixty-year-old and older Church Ladies? They need our support, not criticism. They need our encouragement and ‘well-done’ pats on their backs. They need our prayers and to be loved on. They need our example, and when asked, they need our wisdom we’ve gleamed through the years. These special ladies need our humor, our honesty and our vulnerability. I look at them and see myself twenty-plus years ago. Eager to do God’s calling on my life, eager to serve those in ministry and eager to be a part of something much greater than I could imagine. I hope I’m still like that. Church Ladies never change. Years do. Their hearts are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. They are awesome women with or without Pinterest. They learn quickly what is important and what is not. Church Ladies are sooo not perfect; but what they are is willing. And they love Jesus…and coffee, lots of coffee.

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Moving the Outdoors Indoors Smoky Mountain Center for the Preforming Arts Hosts “A Glimpse of His Last Days” Sat. Oct. 28th

he Smoky Mountain Center for the Preforming Arts is hosting a benefit for our Tallulah Falls outdoor passion drama, “His Last Days”, at 7:00pm on Saturday October 28th at the Franklin, NC theater. “His Last Days Passion Drama” is based on a cantata by Dallas Holm which portrays the final days of Jesus’ life. The October program will include the His Last Days choir onstage, a cast creating live scenes of Jesus’ last days, and many close-up pictures from the summer outdoor drama. The Mountain Voices will also be joining the program for part of the evening’s presentation. His Last Days is not just an Easter story, but a continual timeless narrative of faith. Reserved tickets are available through Smoky Mountain Center - $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds will go toward developing and supporting the summer passion drama. Tickets can be reserved at Smoky Mountain Center through www.greatmountainmusic.com.

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Life Is A Blessing God likes REAL by Tracy McCoy

hristians shouldn’t cuss, but sometimes I do. We shouldn’t talk about someone, but sometimes I do. They should always be grateful and thankful, but sometimes I am not. Does that mean I am not REALly a Christian? No, it means I am REALly human. I am 100% human. I have doubted my standing, when I am angry or hateful or even weary. Asking myself how can I be so human yet have Christ living within me? Aren’t I supposed to be perfect? I am always supposed to look and act the part, right? Clean, pressed, combed, smiling, and kinder than kind. That is the image I have in my mind, but is that REAL or not? I think God likes real people. There are many men and women in the Bible who were near and dear to Jesus’ heart who were as imperfect as me. People who had nothing more to offer God than a willing heart. People less worried about what man thought about them and more concerned with following God.

and they did. Now, does our Savior expect us to leave our families and give away everything we own to follow him? Sometimes, but I think He wants your entire family to put Him first and the rewards are so great that you will never regret it. He wants us to use the resources He provides to care for others as well as ourselves. Abundance was God’s promise, and while that might not come in the form of dollars and cents, there are much greater blessings than those. More and more people find themselves simplifying their lives. Less is more! Folks are unplugging from the wall and plugging into quiet time with Jesus and what they are finding is peace and contentment. They are finding that REAL intimacy with God can quiet the cussing, gossiping, and bad attitudes. Christians are human and they make mistakes and spout off before they think, but the Holy Spirit usually reminds us to right our wrongs and watch our words. That quiet time I speak of rejuvenates and restores. It is time when we can confess our human moments and ask for His forgiveness. As soon as those cuss words or that gossip comes past my lips, I regret it and often in that moment I whisper “Ooops, I am REALly sorry Lord, forgive me.” I am definitely a work in progress, a very imperfect person transformed by the grace and goodness of a loving God and His Son who was sent to pay for my sins and yours. I long to be all that God wants me to be. I am pure and good and loved only because of Jesus, but I live in a human body with everyday stresses and I make mistakes, but praise God I am forgiven and I am growing and learning as I go.

...I think He wants your entire family to put Him first and the rewards are so great that you will never regret it.

God used these men and women in mighty ways. Moses led God’s people out of bondage, David fought a giant and became a King, Saul turned Paul spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. The list of men that shaped history and worked for God are countless and even continue today. They don’t all wear suits and ties, some ride Harleys and have tattoos. Why can God put people like me to use? For two reasons, the first, JESUS, being the key, and the second, a willingness to be used. Jonah ran from God and it didn’t turn out very well for him until he surrendered and followed God’s will for his life. Sometimes I run, do you? There were no fellows with shiny shoes walking behind Jesus. These men, while rough around the edges, were hard workers. They had dust on their toes and a burning desire to follow Him. He asked them to leave it all behind and follow Him,

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Mountain Aire Cottages & Inn

The Gem of the Mountains

ountain Aire Cottages & Inn truly is “The Gem of the Mountains”. Frank Lastra, Owner/Innkeeper, invites you to come and stay at his cozy retreat in Clayton, Georgia. In April 2017, Mountain Aire celebrated 17 years of hosting guests in a friendly, down home manner, like visiting family. It is a nice change from the impersonal chain style hotels. Three individual home-like cottages and four deluxe kitchenette rooms/suites offer guests options. All beautifully decorated and themed, remodeled by Frank himself. This is the perfect setting for a private getaway, family reunion, or church retreat. Mountain Aire is upscale, yet affordable. Frank prides himself on visitor reviews. Guests consistently comment on the cleanliness ad convenience of Mountain Aire Cottages & Inn. Guaranteed non-smoking interiors, free Wi-Fi, easy access, and the central location are just a few of the reasons that Frank has repeat stays year after year. The cottages sleep 4 - 6 people and are fully furnished, some with jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and decks. Mountain Aire is just a short walk down cherry tree-lined sidewalks to town where you will find award-winning “Farm to Table” restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops. The property is just a few miles from many outdoor adventures like hiking, golfing, rafting, canoeing, boating, fishing, and hunting. After a day of exploring the beauty of the Northeast Georgia mountains, come home to Mountain Aire Cottages and Inn and experience your home away from home. For more information please visit www.mountainairecottages.com or call 706.782.9568.

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Naturally a Modern Marvel

by Heather Leigh Johnson

house can be a home, but the best homes can be more. The home of Steven Bennett and Chester Old, for instance, is also a piece of art, a gallery for a collection, and popular place to stay. The modern home epitomizes the philosophy of its awardwinning architects, Mack Scogin and Merrill Elam, in which place defines the character and outcome of each project. Just off Betty’s Creek Road, the home constructed over twenty years ago takes advantage of its deeply-wooded setting by blurring the lines between inside and out, interior and exterior spaces.

The open-concept dining area offers bench seating and views into the living room, kitchen, and, of course, outdoors.

The modern home is composed mainly of glass and concrete, steel and slate, and its design remains a fresh source of delight for owners and guests alike. The entry gallery’s main wall made entirely of glass makes visitors feel as if they haven’t quite left the parking pad paved with locally-sourced stones.

The master bedroom begins off the grand living room, after an office space with more built-in book- and display-shelves. Two separate bathrooms again make smart use of doors to divide and join while two walk-in closets supply ample storage space for the couple and their beloved pugs. A window at eye-level to the bed pierces the concrete wall and makes it appear to float. This motif appears throughout the home, as if the architects were whimsically showing off their ability to defy the laws of gravity. But steel beams, both visible design elements and hidden support, secure the home to its wooded lot.

The corridor gallery showcases Old’s “Dysfunctional Object” series before giving way to the grand living room. In this space, a central fireplace glossed in white Venetian plaster holds sway as the focal point. That’s not an easy trick in a room also boasting a twentyfour-foot-long built-in art shelf, a windowed inglenook designed for reading, and far wall of windows that evaporate into a view of mature hardwoods. Outside, a sculptural deck provides the perfect space for a pot-luck with ample adjacent seating. Around the corner stands a signature outdoor room, an L-shaped wall of concrete pierced with a vast window that frames the nearby Tree House. Back inside, the kitchen’s doorways, drawers, and curly maple cabinets carry the sleek design throughout, while an ingenious butler’s pantry conceals the main workspace. A half-bath behind the bar divides into larger and smaller compartments with a playful use of doors which sounds confusing but makes perfect sense in person.

Through one of the seven exterior doors, the screened porch affords nine-hundred square feet of living space. A central built-in Weber grill and adjacent fireplace use Cor-Ten weathering steel for both visual and practical applications. The pull-out fire drawer is almost too clever for words, while a king-sized bed in the far corner adds soft comfort to the large space.

Two outbuildings, the Tree House and the Pond House, act as guest spaces that mirror the main home’s design. The compound’s overall look is so strong with its clean lines, bold use of steel, and poplar forest setting, that it is frequently used as backdrops for fashion shoots. The twenty-two-acre lot backs up to property owned by the Hambidge Center, and the hilltop acreage could allow for future use as a retreat center or spa, ensuring that this house will always be more than just a home. This modern mountain house is offered by The Lake Team - Harry Norman, REALTORS Luxury Lake and Mountain. For additional information call: 706-715-5550 or email laketeam@icloud.com.

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Morning Glory Cleanin’

Residential and Commercial Cleaning

amona Giordano and Christa Ramey are not new to hard work. These ladies, who call their company Morning Glory Cleanin’, give 100% to all they do and always have. This team has been in the cleaning business for several years and are insured and bonded, affording their clients peace of mind. They have solid references that speak to their trustworthiness and the quality of their work. They offer residential and commercial services and are accepting new clients. Romona and Christa perform light housekeeping or deep cleaning. They also work with builders and contractors on construction clean-up. If you have considered hiring someone to clean for you, Morning Glory Cleanin’ may be the answer. Give them a call today for more information at 706.970.9409.

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

The Betty’s Creek Farm on Big Creek Road

A Dream Come True

n the shadow of Picken’s Nose, one of the most beautiful valleys in the area winds its way from Dillard, Georgia to North Carolina heading west off of US Highway 441. Land along Betty’s Creek is almost priceless and very rarely offered for sale. An outstanding opportunity to own 32.28 acres awaits just the right buyer. The property, which is all flat and usable, lies between Big Creek and Barker’s Creek with the North Carolina state line as the north boundary. Big Creek is just right for fishing and Barker’s Creek is perfect for wading and child’s play. This property, which was once a tree farm, has paved road access all the way. The property is gated with gorgeous river rock columns and handmade wrought iron gates. The land is currently being utilized as an event venue, most notably for weddings. A hand hewn event barn is the centerpiece of the property, but there are multiple homesites with outstanding views of surrounding, untouched mountains amid the acreage. The barn has pine floors, a catering kitchen, 1 1/2 baths, and a covered outdoor area. It has served as an indoor wedding venue or reception hall.

honeymoon! Many vows have been exchanged beneath the pergola draped with flowers and greenery. A lovely stone patio with a large fire-pit can be found nearby. The property has been used for family reunions and gatherings of all kind. Recently a private Eclipse Viewing party was hosted here. The uses for this property are too many to count. It is so amazing and gorgeous that it has to be seen to be appreciated. Whether you are looking for a place to call home, a wellestablished business, or a mountain retreat, this may well be exactly what you are looking for. The property is listed with Lorie Thompson of ReMax of Rabun. Information is available by calling 706.490.1820 or e-mailing rabunrealestate@gmail. com.

A large pond is on the east end of the property with a timber frame pergola and small rustic log cabin sitting beside it. The antique cabin was moved in to function as a dressing room for wedding parties or for the gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Put your money where your house is. Hire a

PRO 68

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Hire a

PRO

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Lovin’ the Journey

by Mark Holloway

The river roared with high water. Hurricanes can bring out the rowdy best in the river’s character…and also the kayakers and rafters. Bennett got quite an introduction to mountain life, taking in the spectacle. I tested our 4Kw generator a day ahead of Irma’s unwelcomed winds and destruction. She fired up as requested. Thankfully our neighborhood’s utilities are safely buried and we only lost power from 9pm to 8am. Many folks struggled for days without the electric comforts of home. I must admit, the power company field crews are folks I don’t think much about in good weather. But when the lights start to flicker, I suddenly get thankful.

hings always seem bad when you’re in the middle of a storm. But I think what’s even worse is anticipating the tempest before it hits. Thankfully my Airborne Ranger father raised me to be anything but Chicken Little. The sky has never fallen on me. Nor will it. I’ve never been the worrying type. When Irma was attacking my south Florida relatives, I didn’t worry. I’d rather invest that energy in asking the Lord to protect them. The Carringtons on Marco Island fared better than some expected, greeting the Cat 4 in resilient, typical Florida Cracker style. My other Florida kin in Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, Gainesville, and Orlando survived, too. Our nephew Danny escaped Orlando with his wife Nicole and their 2 year old Bennett. I’m convinced Danny lured his little weather event right to us. But we fought back and hiked down to Bull Sluice on the Chattooga River the day after.

October 2017

Bennett will only remember this trip to the mountains by what his parents tell him. Perhaps they’ll remind him of his hike to Minnehaha Falls. Or maybe visiting his grandfather while here. Maybe they’ll tell him how he and I named two fist-sized river rocks Charlie and Bobby and made them talk by clanking them together. He does have a permanent souvenir though. Yet another precious child has left our home for parts south, wielding a sturdy, hand hewn, custom hiking stick. Perhaps my great nephew will one day bring his children here, back to the mountains, back to the Chattooga, back to Uncle Mark and Aunt Carol’s home…and to a front yard which sports rope swing tied high to a maple’s friendly branch 50 feet up which offered him a thrill. We hope he’ll return often, but never again because of threatening flood waters. We prepared as best as humans can against a physical force much stronger. Yet I slept well that night, confident in Edward Mote’s lyrics penned in 1817, “On Christ the solid rock I stand…” Hurricanes in the mountains are not normal. I hope the Caribbean storms lose our address up here. Normal for us is fall leaves. Whispers of winter. Pumpkin spice by the fire and occasional snow covered mountain views. I’m looking for some normal. See you on the trail. Photo credit: Victoria Holloway

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Notes from A Southern Kitchen Oh Mabel, Look at the Leaves... by Kendall R. Rumsey NotesFromASouthernKitchen.com

s you are reading this, God’s Country is awash in color; the yellows, reds, and oranges that highlight our mountain vistas in a patchwork of hues that come to visit us each

north for hours and as I reached that stretch on the highway where you first see the expanse of mountains, I got it. I became a “Mabel” and I looked at the leaves.

Like the Bluebells of Texas, the Great Northern Lights of Iceland, and the Tulips in Holland, during these short weeks, the changing colors of the mountains that surround us become one of God’s most beautiful masterpieces.

As I first saw those vibrant colors from the leaves, I was overcome by the beauty of these mountains that had raised me, the homeland that I still was tied to and the masterful creation God had put in front of me. As a thirty-something year old man, I truly knew and saw the magnificent creation of leaf season for the very first time.

Fall.

Growing up in the midst of this seasonal change, I never understood the appeal. After all leaves change, they fall, they grow again and they change, the circle is repeated year after year. For my peers and I, it wasn’t anything that held great appeal. I remember as the traffic increased and the temperatures became a bit cooler, one of my best friends, Von Watts, used to regale us with her mantra of fall….. “Oh Mabel, look at the leaves!” This was our way of laughing off the traffic and impending work we all had to do once the leaves fell, growing callouses on our young hands from the rakes that would be attached to us for weeks. For us “Mabel” represented the thousands of people who would visit us during this time in admiration of God’s handiwork. After High School, I moved south, and over the years, my southern trek continued until I was situated in a climate that had one season: summer. In South Florida, the temperatures rarely dipped below 70 and the fronds on palm trees didn’t change their colors. I didn’t miss the change in seasons. Living in South Florida is paradise and the natural beauty of the green and year-round flowers and daily trips to the beach far outweighed those gradual temperature changes and the colors of the mountains. That is until I had the opportunity to visit God’s Country during the peak of leaf season. I remember the moment that I truly appreciated the leaves like it was yesterday. I had been driving

After that trip, I made sure to get home every year during leaf season just to be in awe of the beauty that beckoned me homeward. Since moving back to God’s Country, the fall season is my favorite. My screened porch becomes an ideal place to sit and watch the color changes: the brightness of the yellows and the burnt oranges, the glowing reds all act as a calling card of the season, the season of change when God’s Country makes a gentle pivot to the winter that lies ahead. Like every year, the traffic is heavy, it takes a bit longer to get into a restaurant and a quick run to Wal-Mart becomes more of an outing than an errand, but with the small inconveniences comes Rabun’s moment to shine. The beauty that surrounds us year-round is peaked during this time for the world to see. A beauty that takes God’s hand to bring into a reality. A colorful masterpiece that is second to none. This year, as the leaves have changed and our mountains are covered by a beautiful quilt of color, sit back and enjoy, become a “Mabel” and look at the leaves! Kendall Rumsey is a resident of Clayton, GA. He is owner of imPRESSed, a custom imprint company and publishes the blog, Notes from a Southern Kitchen. www.impressedstyle.com www.notesfromasouthernkitchen.com

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so glad I live in a world where there are

Octobers. - L. M. Montgomery

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

By the Way by Emory Jones

I’m Hanging Up My Cell Phone

y cell phone and I are getting a divorce. It’s okay—we’ve never really been happy together.

My wife, Judy, is against the divorce. She says if I don’t have a cell phone with me at all times, it will cause her mental anguish. But we were married for 25 years before I ever heard of a cell phone—and just between you and me, her level of mental anguish is roughly the same now as it was then. She argues that I might run out of gas or have a flat tire and need to call someone to let them know. But the truth is, I don’t know all that many people who would give a rat’s pa-toot that I ran out of gas or have a flat tire. Anyway, Jimmy Carter was President the last time I had a flat tire. The last time I ran out of gas was on a date in high school, and I planned that for two weeks. If I have an accident, it will likely be up to the people in the car behind me to call for help.

text messaging. I thank the Good Lord every day that I never activated that feature. The final straw was a call I got last week. What the fellow actually said was, “The car your wife dropped off is ready to be picked up. There is an eight hundred dollar bill, but the car’s running fine. “ Thanks to the stupid cell phone, all I heard was, “Your wife … picked up… eight hundred dollar fine…” It upset me so much I had an accident. Thankfully the people in the car behind me called for help. Okay, I’m not actually canceling my service. My wife would never allow that. I’m just going to leave my cell phone in that little space between the car seat and the console it loves so much. So if you need me, call me on my landline. If you don’t get me, I’ll call you back when I get home.

They designed cell phone service for the flatlands, not our mountains. On the five miles between my house and the nearest town, Cleveland, there are roughly 100 yards where my phone functions. I’m tired of yelling, “HOLD ON, I’M GOING TO LOSE YOU TILL I GET PAST THAT BIG BARN ON BLUE CREEK ROAD!” Judy assured me that I would love having a cell phone on business trips, which I do take sporadically. The first time I used it was on a jaunt down to Ocilla to interview a cotton farmer for one of the farm magazines. Outside Fitzgerald, I stopped to “freshen up” as the ladies say. Someone had taken the first stall, so I went into the second one. That’s when I heard a voice from the next stall say, “Hello there. How’s everything going?” Not being one to strike up a conversation with the fellow in the next stall, I sort of mumbled nondescriptly, “Well, not too bad...” Then the voice said: “So, what are you up to?” I thought a bit and then answered honestly, “I’m headed over to Ocilla to interview a cotton farmer.” At that point, I heard the other man say: “Look, I’ll have to call you back. Every time I ask you a question, some idiot in the next stall keeps answering me.” The truth is, nothing is going on in my life that I can’t wait to hear about until I get home. Think of all the great men in history who didn’t have cell phones—Jefferson, Lincoln, and Andy Griffith, to name a few. In fact, the only person on the Andy Griffith show I can imagine even wanting a cell phone is Barney. I hear that some people have panic attacks when their cell phone goes down. Well, I have one when my cell phone rings. I read about one person who entered rehab for excessive 74

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Live Healthy and Be Well! “TIPS TO LOWER THE RISK AND MORTALITY OF CANCER” by Stephen Jarrard, MD, FACS

he month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Instead of writing about the topic of breast cancer again, let’s address cancer in general, and discuss some related issues. Can cancer be cured? We do speak of a “cure” if a certain treatment can help a person be cancer free for five years. If we are not able to effect complete cure, how is the best way to prevent cancer in general or specific kinds of cancer? And, what are some techniques to at least lower the risk to the minimum amount possible? As always, we would like to present some facts, debunk some of the myths that surround this terrible disease, and always look toward prevention. Cancer is not as feared as it was even a few years ago. There was a time that when a friend, neighbor, or family member had cancer - people spoke in hushed tones, almost afraid to say the word out loud, and it was often considered a death sentence. Many types of cancer are now much better understood and very treatable. But, many myths have grown up to surround this topic, and this misinformation can often lead to people making bad decisions. The following comments are statements about cancer that are NOT true (no solid scientific evidence): • “Cancer is a modern, man-made disease.” (Evidence has been found throughout history). • “Super foods” can cure or prevent cancer. (While diet is important, there are no super mega foods that do this, despite a lot of hype). • “Acidic diets cause cancer.” (Again, diet and nutrition are factors, but this is simply not true). • “Cancer is a fungus.” (If only it were that easy. Cancer is an abnormal growth of existing cells). • “Cancer treatment kills more than it cures.” (Cancer therapies are hard, but they do help people and often can bring about a clinical cure or at least induce long remissions). The best way to attack cancer, as with any other disease, is prevention and limiting known risk factors. Research and experience over the years have taught us much about “how to act” with regards to adopting choices and habits that are healthy and help fight disease. I must credit the staff of the Mayo Clinic for compiling these tips, and if you would like more in depth information, please visit their website at: http://

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/ cancer-prevention/art-20044816 Do not use tobacco. And although we all know this – it should be pointed out that tobacco use does not only lead to lung cancer, but also increases your risk of many other types of cancer. If you don’t smoke, please don’t start. If you do and would like help quitting, inform your healthcare provider and they will be glad to steer you in the right direction. Eat a healthy diet. Especially in our area – there are plenty of fruits and vegetables available. After all, we are now the “farm to table capital” of Georgia! Aim for a high fiber, lower fat diet, and try to minimize and moderate sugar, processed foods, and “fast foods.” Exercise and be active daily. Strive for and maintain a healthy weight. Limit (moderation) or do not consume alcohol. Proper diet, which includes portion control coupled with regular exercise, is the best way to lose weight. Fad diets and “gimmicks” do not work in the long term. The bottom line is that to lose weight and take off pounds – you must burn off more calories than you take in on a consistent basis. Sorry - no one likes to hear that, but it is a fact. Protect yourself from the sun. Wear appropriate clothing to cover your skin. Apply good sunscreen when you cannot avoid the sun. Seek shaded areas when you can. Always remember that even though our society seems to favor the “bronze glow,” ultraviolet radiation from the sun and artificial lamps is not your friend. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and this can pre-dispose to skin cancer. Immunizations. If you are a high risk individual, or work in the health care field where you might be exposed to bodily fluids – immunization against Hepatitis B is highly recommended, if not required. Hep B is a major risk factor for liver cancer. Also, if you are a young man or woman under the age of 26, you are encouraged to be vaccinated against human papilloma virus (HPV). This is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and genital cancers later in life, and also some head and neck skin cancers. Avoid known risky behaviors. Practice safe sex. Avoid sharing things that might contain or harbor someone else’s bodily fluids, such as needles. If you decide to get a tattoo, make sure it is from a reputable, clean, and sanitary place. Both HIV and

October 2017

gmlaurel.com

Hep C seriously damage your immune system and pre-dispose to cancers and other diseases. Practice health maintenance. See your provider regularly. Get your screenings on time, such as an initial colonoscopy at age 50 – or earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. Women need their regular breast exams and mammograms, as well as their GYN screenings. If you see a suspicious place on your skin, or feel a lump somewhere it shouldn’t be, have it checked out as soon as possible. Other common cancer symptoms to be aware of and report include unintended weight loss, unexplained fevers, and night sweats. As always, we want you healthy and well. But, you must realize that true wellness is more than the absence of disease. There is a physical and “medicine” side to this – but also a mental and spiritual side that is just as important. Do all the above things, but never underestimate the power of a positive attitude, being in spiritual peace and harmony, and having a good support system around you such as family and/or good friends 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. Like and follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/rabundoctor. Until next month, live healthy and be well!

gmlaurel.com

October 2017

Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives

aving a colonoscopy isn’t something people get excited about, but preventing colon cancer before it starts should be. Colon cancer is ranked as the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and one in 20 people will develop it in their lifetime. But, when detected in its early stages during a colonoscopy, colon cancer is one of the most highly treatable and preventable cancers. In fact, research has shown that many colon cancer deaths could have been prevented with a screening colonoscopy.

the inner lining of your large intestine – or colon. The physician uses a thin, flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope to visually inspect your colon for inflamed tissue, ulcers, bleeding and any abnormal growths (polyps). Not all polyps found during a screening are pre-cancerous or cancerous, but over time, they can grow and become cancerous. So when polyps are found, they are removed at the same time to prevent cancer from forming. What do you need to do before the procedure?

The board certified physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates (AGA) perform this procedure regularly at AGAaffiliated outpatient endoscopy centers as well as area hospitals. Because early detection and removal of polyps during a colonoscopy can actually prevent the disease, screening colonoscopies are recommended for everyone beginning at age 50, and younger for those with a family history or other risk factors. While there is evidence that more people are getting screened than in previous years, one in three adults ages 50 or older are not getting this life-saving test. If it’s time for your screening colonoscopy and you’re in good health, you may be able to schedule your procedure directly – without a pre-procedure visit. When you make your appointment, ask about our Direct Access Program. www.atlantagastro.com 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242] Blairsville, Clayton, Murphy How to Reduce Your Risk Take these steps now to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer: • Follow the recommended guidelines to schedule a colon cancer screening

Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. For the bowel preparation, you will be on a clear liquid diet for at least one day before the procedure. Then you will be asked to drink a liquid solution – or ‘prep’ – that will flush the colon. This is a critical step in the process since the doctor must be able to see the entire colon during the procedure. A list of detailed instructions will be provided before your procedure. How long does the procedure take? The entire process – from check-in to check-out – typically takes about two hours. A colonoscopy itself usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. What happens after the procedure? Your physician will explain the findings to you and your family and may give you special instructions. If a biopsy was performed or a polyp removed, you should receive the results in about two weeks. Even though you should feel fine, you must have someone else drive you home after the procedure because of the sedation. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or make important decisions for up to eight hours after your procedure. Most people resume a normal diet after the procedure. When should you get screened? Because the risk of getting the disease increases with age, screening colonoscopies are recommended for every adult beginning at age 50 and age 45 for African-Americans.* For those with a family history of the disease, or other risk factors, screening could start even earlier. For example, if your mother or father was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 50, you should be screened at 40.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables • Maintain a healthy weight • Don’t smoke • Know your family’s cancer history • Don’t ignore symptoms

Screening every 10 years is usually the recommendation, unless you’re at a higher risk for colon cancer. Talk with your physician to understand your risk and the guidelines you should follow for testing.

FAQ: Common Questions About Colonoscopy Screenings What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is considered the single best method for detecting and preventing colon cancer. The procedure is performed under light sedation and allows a trained gastroenterologist to look at

October 2017

*American Cancer Society

gmlaurel.com

Georgia Vision Center CLEARLY AN EXCELLENT CHOICE IN QUALITY EYE CARE by John Shivers

ith the launch of the 21st Century, vision diagnosis and eye care has come light years from the old cardboard eye chart on the wall with the huge E at the top. Thanks to today’s technology, not only are more conditions of the eye known, but also, there are many more ways to successfully diagnose and treat those problems. Nowhere is this cutting edge vision health approach more available than at Georgia Vision Center in Hiawassee. Led by Dr. Joey Arenncibia, a graduate of Young Harris College, the University of Georgia and Southern College of Optometry, the practice was established in 2000, the same year the new century began. Dr. Joey has been practicing for more than 30 years.

something’s in the eye, or excess watering are all symptoms. Georgia Vision Center offers quality vision care products and personalized optometric services to Hiawassee and the surrounding areas. Their experienced doctor and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems. In their mission to provide the best eye care services possible, the most advanced, stateof-the-art diagnostic technology and eye care products are employed.

One of the new issues that threaten eye health and vision is Dry Eye Disease, where the eye doesn’t produce enough natural moisture. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD, is usually the cause. Meibomian glands are found around the eye, and secrete oils onto the surface of the eye, which help keep tears from evaporating too quickly. In April 2016, Georgia Vision Center became one of the first local eye clinics to offer LipiFlow, a fast and painless treatment for Dry Eye Disease.

Georgia Vision Center is committed to educating their patients and providing advanced eye care and unmatched personal care services to Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina. With the combined years of practitioner experience, their professional affiliations, and the incredible selection of frames and contacts, Georgia Vision Center could be seen as the logical choice for your family. Dr. Joey and his staff welcome new patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 706.896.3303, visit their website www.gavisioncenter.com, or stop by 344 Main Street South, Hiawassee, GA 30546. GAVC is a member of Vision Source, North America’s premier network of private practice optometrists.

The treatment has been shown to improve quality of life for some 86% of dry eye sufferers, and is the only FDA cleared treatment for this problem that can negatively affect vision and quality of life. MGD affects people of any age, and can be triggered by many factors: extensive use of digital devices and computer-intensive tasks among them. Blurry vision at certain times of the day, irritated, scratchy, or burning eyes, the feeling that

gmlaurel.com

In addition to their progressive vision technology, GAVC also has a fashionable eyewear boutique. Selecting frames and lenses is a very personal choice. Their experienced optical staff is there to help. Highlight your features, play with color, and augment vision for different functions such as reading, driving, and playing sports. Thanks to a wide variety of styles and brands, your eyewear can become as unique as you!

October 2017

gmlaurel.com