Georgia Mountain Laurel September 20

from the publisher “Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul.” – Peggy Toney Horton

A

utumn is a favorite of mine, till spring gets here and then she steals my heart. With the year we’ve had, a day of doing nothing but studying the mountainside for a hint of golden hue might be just what my soul longs for. My porch swing is a great place to enjoy the cooler temps, gentle breezes and

thankful for kindness at a time when so many are angry and charged up by the

trip to town and to see familiar faces. A great friend once told me, “grab happiness

good where there seems to be none. when the election is over and we can move forward to heal our nation. Please be considerate of others, take care of yourself and for Heaven’s sake, wash your hands! Enjoy the reprieve that our magazine hopes to give you. We spotlight the people, places and things that make our part of the world so special. Make the recipes, read the stories, celebrate the arts with us, delve into our rich history and let the Laurel take you into the homes and down the trails of the mountains. th

After you scour this issue from cover to cover, walk it down and put it on your neighbor’s porch and then you could bake some cookies for the mailman or mailwoman and tell them how much you appreciate them.

Big Ol’ Hugs, Tracy

Georgia Mountain Laurel Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 2511 Highway 441, Mountain City, Georgia 30562 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com September 2020 • Volume Seventeen • Issue Nine Copyright 2016 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.

2

GML - September 2020

Publisher/Editor - Tracy McCoy Assistant Editor - D’Anna Coleman Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Graphic Designer - Lucas McCoy Office Manager/ Account Executive - Cindi Freeman Account Executive - Melynda Hensley Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh Contributing Writers: Deena C. Bouknight, Susan Brewer, Mark Holloway, Caleb Smith, John Shivers, Guy Gober, MD Emory Jones, Jan Timms, Dick Cinquina, Lorie Thompson, Liz Alley, Peggy Pleasants Thrasher, James W. Hurt, Jr.

4

GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

5

In This Issue Arts & Entertainment 10 14 18

Cover Artist - Hollie Steil North Georgia Arts Guild Featured Artist - Eileen Braun

Outdoors 22 24

Adventure Out Two Waterfalls and Some Railroad History Lovin’ the Journey - Short Treks The Blue Ridge Parkway

A Taste 28 34

Bon Appétit The Family Table

Affairs to Remember 38 45

Rabun County Car Show a Success Habitat for Humanity - Raise the Roof Auction

Faith in Christ 44 46 48

Rabun for the Gospel - Planning Our Future Life is a Blessing River Garden

Business Features 42 50

Madison’s on Main Cage Free Boutique

Health & Wellness 56

Live Healthy & Be Well Prostate Cancer Awareness

Mountain Living 60 62 64

Time to Pass On “Our Happy Place Insurance - What is UM/UIM Coverage and Why You Should Have It Waterfall Home is Key to Family Living

Life and Leisure 66 68 74

The Not So Empty Nest By the Way What a Wonderful World Tribute to Albert Thrasher

Yesterdays 70

6

GML - September 2020

The Rabun County Historical Society The Tallulah Falls Railroad

September 2020 - GML

7

8

GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

9

On Our Cover – The Art of Hollie Steil

W

By Tracy McCoy

hen not serving as Mayor of Georgia’s highest and coolest city, cover artist Hollie Steil has a paintbrush in her hand or is exploring some other form of creative expression. Hailing from Florida, Hollie was the daughter of a professional race car driver. Her father, a new race car on a track in Florida. Eventually, Hollie’s mother remarried and the family moved to Kentucky.

and trying to ‘do art’. The art muses have consistently whispered in my ear to notice and appreciate the beauty interview. Hollie earned her Undergraduate Degree from the University of Kentucky. She initially explored an art major, but switched to a degree in education. She met her husband, Ed, while attending college and the couple was University of Kentucky.

The couple moved to Atlanta to allow Ed to attend gradu ate school at Emory University, where he received a Divin ity degree. He went on to Georgia State University, earning degrees in Special Education and School Administration.

Hollie began teaching school and over the years earned graduate degrees in Leadership and Administration from Georgia State University and the University of West Geor gia. The Steils both worked as school administrators until re

how

people

found

Rabun

While enjoying time with her in love with the beauty and the people of Rabun County and there. We spent weekends in the North Georgia Mountains for years before making the move to full time residents in Hollie went on to say that she and Ed feel very strongly that it is their duty to help their com munity in any way that they

10 GML - September 2020

can. Ed has been involved with Rabun County Habitat for Humanity, delivered Meals on Wheels, has helped with the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, served on the Rabun Owners Association. Ed also served one term on the Sky Sharing her husband’s sense of civic duty, Hollie was also Garden Club, the North Georgia Arts Guild, she served on the board of the Art League of Highlands and Cashiers and through the years has volunteered to paint the iconic hay that she was urged by members of the community to run for for the challenge.

paintings of Georgia O’Keefe, Andrew Wyeth and a new as moving and mentioned the works of Diane Rush, Rabun Martin and mentor Patty Calderone. While in Undergraduate September 2020 - GML

11

The Art of Hollie Steil School, she took a few art courses and has taken several painting classes through the years. Currently Hollie is charcoal, pen and ink, and watercolors as well.

While administration was her profession, Hollie is always the student, whether it is watching YouTube videos to learn new techniques, or talking with other artists about what they have learned. She devours art publications, arts, wood printing and carving, painting fabrics, painting

murals, mosaics and pottery. There are plans on her bucket list to learn blacksmithing and do more work with metals.

Her hobbies outside of art include, photography, visiting art galleries and festivals which all lend themselves to furthering spending time with friends and family very satisfying as well.

Speaking of family, Ed and Hollie have raised two incredible sons, Rusty and Mac, both married and living in the Atlanta area. There are no grandchildren yet, but she anxiously anticipates the day that she can teach her grandchildren to create art. Ed built his wife an art studio in their home, lovingly naming it Bear Point Art Studio in honor of the black bears who visit often. Finding new homes for her art is very satisfying and if you see something here that you love, or would like to see more of her work, Hollie can be contacted

talented artist.

12 GML - September 2020

finding Art

September 2020 - GML

13

The North Georgia Arts Guild

By Susan Brewer

Artists – Artists make art and hope that someone will see it and believe that comes back to the artist… when someone does believe in you… when someone is keenly aware of your vision and that acceptance, that gift coming back, it isn’t always there.

Rejection is a vital part of the process, too—strange as it may

dark and lonely journey and a little crazy making because the exercise involves being unsure, plagued, or puzzled before and stay in a safe harbor and never venture back out. Others venture out time and again. There’s wonder in that.

The Guild –

No matter. The artists who are members of the North Georgia Arts Guild work hard and learn and grow. They are curious.

They are willing to make mistakes. They return again and again to the task at hand. They take risks. These creatives are full of ideas and imagery and the desire to mold, move and manipulate media such as paints, steel, silver, clay, paper,

The artists who become guild members are mostly retired and

interior space that they visit over and over again, where a

of downtown Clayton the last weekend in April. The show promotes the arts, the town, and is a fundraiser for yearly

14 GML - September 2020

completely to the doing of art. The guild’s board members and

September 2020 - GML

15

The North Georgia Arts Guild college scholarships provided to selected graduating students within Rabun County. The guild became the sole sponsor of Celebrate

only. Both, weather permitting, bring large numbers of people to the Arts Tour as well as the Festival of Trees that takes place at the civic center the last weekend in November. The artists make Christmas ornaments and decorate a tree for auction. The ornaments are gems in their own right. since then, the guild has grown to include over a hundred people

smiths, fabric artists, photographers, watercolorists, portrait artists, abstract painters…. The list also includes box makers, pen makers, bowl makers and wood workers… beaders and quilters.

Each one of these individuals comes with their own unique story. These stories are featured in the Georgia Mountain Laurel. And, at nine guild meetings a year, an individual member makes a presentation about themselves and their work. These are an inspiration to listen to, and a joy to witness and take part in.

Changed Times – Unfortunately, both shows this year were cancelled after some debate. and many participants and volunteers who were planning to take part in the shows responded to this news with relief as well as heavy hearts. overblown. There was disagreement – over the need for masks, and so forth – but the determining factor in both cancelled shows became the need to err on the side of caution, on the one hand. On the other, there is the recognition of the absolute threat the virus poses to the health of guild members and the community.

Monthly guild meetings are being conducted outdoors now, with attendees wearing masks and practicing social distancing, at the pavilion behind the Rabun County Civic Center on the third Thursday of each month a challenge, this treading of water—our life journeys are on hold. Our The challenges, though, become an opportunity to revisit where we are, and where we are going. The guild will get through this… Let’s hope that each of us gets through this, too.

Please visit the guild’s webpage at NorthGeorgiaArtsGuild.com artists, see their works and follow the links to their personal web pages— new ways to reach people, to bring the world closer to home – our leafy Facebook and join the Northeast Georgia Arts Guild by clicking on the Join tab online.

16 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

17

Eileen Braun’s Art as a Process

“I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost

T

he artistic road is one often fraught with hills, curves, bumps, and more, yet many artists admit that the

own creative path has been anything but straight. However, experimentation and exploration have resulted in a distinct medium that the nationally recognized, Dunwoody, Georgia based ceramic sculptor describes as “skeletal hulls and Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Braun has lived and worked many years working with clay as a preferred medium.

From her fully equipped home clay studio, Braun created and

When starting out in the encaustic wax medium, Braun the experimenting and permission to fail, which is really

in coloration. As she delved into the medium, forms became more complex and she included encaustic wax applications both on the interior and exterior.

Braun’s artistic process begins with a sketch. She, like many other artists, keeps a sketchbook to draw in when creative

bowl forms. She has received national attention and awards – in space. The shadows they create are informed by the

Center for the Arts and Sciences in Rabun Gap, Georgia.

from a ceramic artist to a sculptor of encaustic wax. colored pigments to heated beeswax . Traditionally, the liquid or paste is then applied to a surface, such as prepared wood, canvas, etc. Not so for Braun. Her encaustic wax art is entirely her own.

were a blend of my mother attending to our growing family’s

18 GML - September 2020

She settled on reed from the inside of the rattan plant as the material she uses to shape and build her sculptural forms.

Then she applies the encaustic wax. “Because wax is used as the pigment binder, encaustics can be sculpted as well or collaged into the surface, or layered, using the encaustic She also has implemented the method of accretion, a constant application of wax to the surface heated and set by countless number of passes with the brush to create a craggy surface that resembles a stalactite or stalagmite.

She added, “My materials are selected to guide your eyes

across the surface and equally allow you to pause for contemplation. My hope is that when approaching, the

like leaves on a river, animated by the light in the room and

Braun’s body of work, especially since she switched her focus from clay to encaustic wax, is vast. She works seven days

As an artist, Braun maintains that the more complex the art

a home studio and gallery is rotating works so that she can view her art from different angles and in different lighting.

Over the years her clay and/or encaustic work has been shown nationwide at such galleries as Gravers Lane Gallery, She is represented in Georgia by Thomas Deans Fine Art, Atlanta. Braun also works on some commission projects through Thomas Deans Fine Art, which is the main gallery that sells her work. Braun’s encaustic art sells from a few hundred dollars for smaller pieces that are a few feet in diameter to

She enjoys meeting viewers of her art at a gallery or show and hearing input about her work. “Everyone sees and enjoys A solo exhibit at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, Louisiana is scheduled to run from January to March More about Braun, and to see new videos of her explaining her artistic journey, visit EileenBraun.art, or follow her on

September 2020 - GML

19

North Carolina Franklin, Otto, and Surrounding Areas of North Carolina

20 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

21

Adventure Out

Two Waterfalls and Some Railroad History

F

or our adventure this September, we’re gong to see some natural beauty and get a little history lesson as a bonus. This will involve visiting two parks, one in South

that the next time you think your job is tough. Now when you

we’re heading over to South Carolina’s Stumphouse Tunnel tunnel, a beautiful waterfall and some nice hiking trails, all in one location. The Stumphouse Tunnel was to be part of the Blue Ridge Railroad, a project that began in the mid eighteen hundreds to run from Anderson, South Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee. Construction halted with the outbreak of the Civil War and was never restarted. At this park you can only picks, shovels, hand drills and black powder. Consider

22 GML - September 2020

is a primitive trail leading to the base of the falls if you’re so inclined. But do be careful if you take this trail.

Also at the waterfall parking area is the trailhead to the Blue Ridge Railroad Trail. This trail mostly follows the old rail bed part of the trail is a short steep ascent but, from there on, the

more tunnels along this trail, the Middle Tunnel and the Saddle Tunnel. The Middle Tunnel is just ½ mile from the of these tunnels are not accessible. There is a sign at the Middle Tunnel explaining that this tunnel is now used as a bat cave. Please don’t disturb this natural habitat.

The Stumphouse Tunnel Park has recently been revamped with lots of new picnic tables, a pavilion and a privy. There are two small ponds you can walk around as well. This is a great spot where you can learn some history, see a nice waterfall, take a nice hike and have a picnic. But if you want to wait, there are picnic tables at out next destination as well.

Up next we head back to Georgia for a visit to a little recreation area called Warwoman Dell, located right outside of Clayton on Warwoman Road. This park was also the site of Blue Ridge Railroad construction. You can see the old railroad bed and, at the far end of the park, is a small waterfall, created when rock was quarried for railroad construction. This tiny but charming cascade doesn’t have here, and a privy. And there are numerous little picnic areas set back in the woods all through the park. The trail to pavilion. Happy Hiking!

To see two waterfalls and some railroad history.

‘Tis interesting to see where they were building these tracks, And the spots are so pretty, you’ll want to come back.

28. Turn right on Hwy 28, going towards Walhalla, and The

for the sign. The entrance is a very sharp right turn off of Warwoman Road. This park is free.

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

September 2020 - GML

23

Lovin’ the Journey - Short Treks Free is good. Free is always good.

By Mark Holloway

F

ree is good. Free is always good.

That’s because more than a generation ago, the Blue

road from Rabun County, the scenic breath taker begins in Cherokee, North Carolina. From there, the highway weaves

way. So, get on in Cherokee and mash the gas pedal and see where you end up.

You can easily make a simple day trip or extend your adventure to a few days. What’s critical is practicing the slow with the top down is what the doctor ordered. There’s which follows along the top of the very mountain chain for which it is named. But before you think this highway is nothing more than a country road, stop and consider several Zero.

Other than the actual asphalt and wooden guardrails, you’re ‘lost in the woods’. My favorite part is the speed limit which mission statement. But this is certainly a time when going

24 GML - September 2020

stretching overlooks to soak up.

So, soak up and drink in!

This trip, we set our lodging sites on Asheville. This small North Carolina big city has a vibe we enjoy. The people, while on an evening stroll, you can’t really see anyone smiling because the masks mask real life. So look for smiles in people’s eyes and in their laughter.

These troubles will pass.

looking woman’s music wafting from her Hurdy Gurdy on town square. Even with the ‘rona, people were still out enjoying the perfect weather, strolling hand in hand, dressed like bank robbers with a 72 inch barrier... mostly. A Hurdy sorta creation. The young lady played skillfully.

We can strongly suggest the Brasilia Churrasco Steakhouse for pass by your table the entire time with skewers loaded with browned fresh cinnamon pineapple, and tons of other options. A small red and green medallion is on your table deliciousness. There’s even a salad bar which has way more than salad. The manager Michelle was amazing and visited at out table a while. Brandon was our server and you’ll do well on the BRPW, boasting scenic views you’ll holler about. And it’s only an hour and a half from downtown Tiger, Georgia.

Our breakfast choice was an equally popular hangout, Biscuit Head. Sasha Hollingsworth, our friend at Dillard Dental insisted we fuel up at this unique morning eatery.

The Parkway sports many hiking trails. We slowed way down as we drove up to the Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead. Oddly, all the hikers were wearing clothes.

Wise suggestion, Sasha.

atop my Pinarello and pedaling the peaks next trip.

Our Airbnb was central to town but also really close to our usual craving for outdoor adventure. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes right through Asheville.

great food, and get in some cardio, point your front bumper towards the fall leaves of the BRPW.

We ran a four mile loop to Crabtree Falls along the Parkway.

Earlier that day, we hiked up a short trail to Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The famous landmark while proving the summit was actually as high as he claimed.

His grave is at the top.

See you on the trail.

Mark and his wife, Carol, are the owners of Fresh Start, a company dedicated to stewarding the property and homes of their clients. They aspire to be your eyes, ears and hands while you are away, and your resource for anything you need, whether you are a full or part time resident of the area.

Mark can be reached by calling 706.490.7060.

September 2020 - GML

25

26 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

27

Bon Appétit

What is Normal Anyway?

S

By Scarlett Cook

chool has started in some form. Whether it is in person or virtual, your family needs to eat dinner. If you have been cooped up with your children for what seems like days on end, let them work on questions they would like to ask a famous person – dead or alive – that can be the dinner table topic. Hopefully you and your mate can come up with someone comical or creepy or scary or ….; especially if your children take the safe route. They may learn something and I am sure that you will also.

Tomato Basil Meatloaf 6 Servings 2 Pounds ground chuck 1 14.5-Can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano & garlic, drained 1/3 Tomato sauce 1/3 Cup breadcrumbs 1 Large egg, lightly beaten 1 Teaspoon each salt & black pepper 1/2 Cup shredded Mozzarella cheese with cooking spray and place on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet.

Place ground beef in large mixing bowl.

Process diced tomatoes in a blender 5 seconds or just until slightly chunky.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, egg and salt & pepper to ground beef and mix until just combined.

Shape into a loaf and place on prepared rack on baking sheet.

Bake for 1 hour. Top with cheese and bake 15 minutes more.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Broccoli Parmesan 6 Servings 2 Teaspoons butter 3 Tablespoons chopped onion 1 3/4 Cups milk 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 Teaspoon each salt & pepper 1/2 Teaspoon dry mustard Steam broccoli 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan; add onion and sauté until tender.

Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly.

Stir in cheese, salt & pepper and mustard.

Pour cheese sauce over broccoli and serve.

28 GML - September 2020

Roasted Veggies 8 Servings 1 Medium eggplant, peeled and cubed 1/4 Teaspoon salt 2 Zucchini, sliced 1 Large potato (sweet or white) peeled and sliced 1 Onion, peeled and cut into eighths 1 Red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1” pieces 1/4 Cup Olive oil 1 Teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1/2 Teaspoon each salt & pepper

Sprinkle eggplant with 1/4 teaspoon salt and let stand 30 minutes; pat dry.

Toss together eggplant and remaining ingredients and arrange on a foiled lined rimmed baking sheet(s). It may take two sheets to spread veggies into single layer.

Bake 30 minutes or until veggies are tender and golden brown.

Before serving sprinkle with remaining salt & pepper.

Cheesy Garlic Bread 6 Serving 1 Loaf French bread 1 1/2 Teaspoon jarred minced garlic 1 Cup shredded Italian cheese blend 1/4 Cup softened butter 1 Teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

Cut bread into slices.

Stir together garlic, cheese, butter and seasoning.

Spread mixture on one side of bread.

Bake 5 – 7 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Easy Cherry Fudge Cake 12 Servings 1 Box devil’s food cake mix 2 Large eggs 1 Teaspoon almond extract 1 Cup sugar 1/3 Cup milk 5 Tablespoons butter 1 Cup chocolate chips

20 seconds with a heavy duty stand mixer. Increase speed to medium and beat 1 minute.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 27 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack 10 minutes.

Bring sugar, milk and butter to a boil in a heavy duty 2 quart saucepan over medium high heat stirring occasionally; boil 1 minute.

Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.

Quickly spread frosting over warm cake.

September 2020 - GML 29

A Taste of the Mountains

30 GML - September 2020

A Taste of the Mountains

September 2020 - GML

31

Old Fashioned Apple Cobbler Ingredients Apple Filling 4 to 5 pounds granny smith apples peeled cored and sliced 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Cobbler Batter ž cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup half and half Instructions cooking spray.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Spread baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter to cut in butter until it resembles a course meal, or pulse the whole thing together in a food processor.

Pour in half and half and stir to form a thick batter.

Scoop the batter in large clumps on top of the apples to form a rustic cobbler crust.

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

32 GML - September 2020

34 GML - September 2020

By Lorie R. Thompson

I

n my younger days, I could not wait for September to arrive as it was the beginning of the hunting season. Deer season in Georgia and the elk bugling in the West, made September a banner month for Mountain Man and me. The high country of the Rocky Mountains called to our young hearts. Golden aspens, dry air, and cool weather, after a hot North Georgia Summer, combined with the excitement of travel and elk hunting, made for compelling reasons to head West.

One of my treasured memories was a telephone call to my Mama, standing in a phone booth in tiny, Elk City, Idaho. We had come into the town after seven days of hunting in an isolated and rough wilderness area. I made a “collect call” home to What???? What babies? When I left home in early September, my sister-in-love, Gail, was expecting “a” baby (as in one) to arrive in late November. What is this about babies (plural) in mid-September? My Mama went on to tell me that Gail had unexpectedly gone into labor and delivered a surprise set of twins. Both babies were in Atlanta in neo-natal care, but both were doing good. As a side note, they were some of the last children born in Rabun County Hospital.

Our little truck could not make it back to Georgia fast enough to suit me. By the time we pulled back into Wiley, Georgia my new nephew, David, was home, although with a heart monitor and my new niece, Denise, was thriving, although still in Neonatal care. It was an exciting time for our family. The surprise and joy of that moment was a treasure.

September is a month to harvest the last of the Summer garden. The eggplant, okra, pepper, and tomatoes will continue to roast up a pan. They cook down into this rich, sweet, goo that is perfect on top of bread, cheese, or anything else. I love them stacked on top of oven-fried eggplant. Let me tell you how to do it.

Spread a thin coating of olive oil onto a baking sheet. Wash and cut tomatoes into equal-sized slices, placing them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Slice 2-3 cloves of garlic, and add to the tomatoes. Salt them and sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Place in a pre-heated oven at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and browning. Stir, turning the tomatoes over, and cook an additional 15 minutes or until tomatoes have reduced.

Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables. We always have them in the garden in September. I make oven-fried eggplant rounds and often use them for the base of eggplant parmesan.

They are delicious as a side or as an appetizer stacked with fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of the roasted tomatoes on top.

Let me tell you how to make them.

Wash and dry your eggplant. Remove both ends and slice into equal 1/4 inch slices. Sprinkle each round, lightly on both with water on top of the eggplant to compress them. Place the colander in the sink or into a bowl and allow them to drain for 30 minutes.

After draining, the eggplant can be diced up and sauteed with tomatoes, onions, squash, and peppers for Ratatouille. Or, it could be oven-roasted with nothing more than a drizzle of good olive oil but, let me tell you how to oven-fry it for crispy rounds. They are worth the effort.

September 2020 - GML

35

To oven-fry, pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Lay a cooling or baking rack inside a sheet pan. (if you don’t have a the pan, but they do not crisp as well.)

Spray the rack with cooking spray. Mix 1 C seasoned bread crumbs and 1/3 C of free or plain bread crumbs season them with 1/2 tsp of granulated garlic and crushed red pepper, 1 tsp of parsley, basil parmesan. Or, use 2 T of Italian Seasoning in place of individual herbs.

Dredge each eggplant round in the breadcrumb mixture. Spray with cooking spray on both sides and re-dredge the slices. Olive oil spray is excellent here, but use what you have. Layer the breaded slices on the baking rack and place it in a hot oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes and turn the slices over. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the slices are brown.

They will “crisp” up as they cool.

These are delicious straight out of the oven, but they are lovely “stacked” with a layer of fresh mozzarella and a spoon of roasted tomatoes and garlic on top. The eggplant alone would make an excellent meal for me, but Mountain Man is a true carnivore and would not consider this a meal without meat. So, I add braised baby spinach and pan-fried, Italian Sausage, peppers, and onions.

The spinach is simple. Melt 2 T of butter diced shallots and garlic cloves. Soften the shallots and garlic cloves in the butter and oil. Add 1 tsp of salt. Slowly add a large tub of fresh spinach to your pan and allow it to wilt down, adding more as it wilts. The baby spinach is very tender and requires no more than wilting to serve. through. Onions love butter, so add some butter to your pan. Slice and add onions and peppers salting lightly. As they begin the roasted tomatoes. Delicious!

I wish for you a cool and dry September with plentiful tomatoes and eggplant. May God bless you with golden days to create golden memories.

Lorie Thompson is a REALTOR at Poss Realty in Clayton, Georgia. Her expertise in her industry is second only to her culinary talents. Lorie is a dynamo in the kitchen. Honestly if she prepares it, it will likely be the best you’ve ever had! Lorie and her husband, Anthony (Peanut), make their home in the Persimmon Community. She is the proud mother of Joe Thompson and Kendall Thompson.

36 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

37

Scenes From the 2020 Inaugural Rabun County Car Show

I

n light of the craziness of the days we are living in, we hesitate to promote events as we have seen many big events cancelled. So, we did not do an article about the 2020 Inaugural Rabun County Car Show held on August 8th prior to the event at the new pavilions behind the Rabun County Civic Center, but are pleased to share scenes from the recent event.

Annie Berryman, the director of the Rabun County Events and Venues, stated that the event was a huge success and was the The event was hosted and sponsored by the Rabun County Board of Commissioners and Josh’s Auto & Customs. All makes and models were invited and the show saw over 120 entries. The event included community market vendors that can be found on Saturdays at the pavilions and live music. A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Another Chance Pet Rescue and Rehabilitation located in Lakemont, Georgia. Winners of the car show were: 1st Place: Larry Allgood - 2008 Honorable Mention: Trevor Farid - 2018 Ford Mustang GT, Most Unique:Bruce & Sharon Martin - Wood Doodlebug. Watch for upcoming events in all Rabun County Event Venues. You may follow them on Facebook, Instagram, visit their website at www.

38 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

39

Clarkesville, Georgia

40 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

41

Welcome to Clayton Madison’s on Main!

M

adison’s on Main boutique originally opened their doors thirteen years ago in the mountain town of Bryson City, North Carolina. Pooh and Todd Lancaster and their daughter Madison, for whom the store was named, have created a shop atmosphere that caters to women of all ages.

They make shopping an experience again, rather than a chore.

Madison’s on Main pulls from a love of family and a love of “all things pretty” to create a shop unlike any other. Offering thoughtful gifts, home decor, jewelry, and women’s clothing as well as baby items, this shop is a charming addition to our already incredible downtown. Situated next door to Wander North Georgia, the storefront is inviting and the store itself has been described as “happy, fabulous”, comfortable and accommodating” in customer reviews. The store opened it’s doors here in Rabun in on August 21st and they invite you to stop in and look

from social media, with shipping straight to your door.

42 GML - September 2020

“Planning Our Future”

By Caleb Smith, Pastor of River Point Rabun

L

ooking back over the last two years, I have continually been reminded that God plans our days, not us. After

more, my wife and I decided that it wasn’t in the cards for us to have any more children. God had given us two wonderful children but during that process we had also lost three.

Although we don’t always know or understand God’s plan, we were comforted in knowing that He had a plan for us, even if it looked different than our plans. When our Son was nine and our daughter was four we felt God leading us to be a safe haven for children in Foster Care and provide a loving home for children who needed it. We had no idea that three years later we would walk through the adoption process and God would give us another son for us to love and call our own. On August 31, 2018 God gave us our son, Jase.

Just a few months later God would bring another “new” into our lives. At that point I had been in ministry for almost 15 years, and I had served in about every position in the church that a pastor could. I had primarily done youth ministry but I had also been a Worship Pastor, a Children’s Pastor, and an Associate Pastor. I had no clue that not only would the next step God had for me be as a Lead Pastor but also a Lead Pastor of a brand new church in a brand new area I wasn’t familiar with.

Georgia to lead River Point Rabun church and it has been such a blessing for us.

As we have looked back at what God has brought us through and how our plans didn’t always line up with what His plans heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” We can make our plans, and we should make plans, but we should also keep in mind that while our plans may look good to us, God’s plans are always better. time in our nation, a time that has us unsure about what the future holds, here are a couple of questions we should ask ourselves to make sure we are trying to stay in line with God’s plans as we plan for our futures: Have I prayed about the plans I am making for myself or my family?

44 GML - September 2020

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Praying for God’s guidance will help us to plan our ways according to His will but it will also help us to have peace when the plans may change and go differently than we expected.

What are my motives? gain, it is neither glorifying to God nor what is best for us. Our There is nothing inherently in me that is good. Anything good motivations to be what’s best for me and what lines us with God’s will. His will is always better because it results in His glory, not our own.

How will my plans glorify God? This last question can make your future planning a lot easier.

If anything you are planning for doesn’t glorify God then you shouldn’t do it.

I understand that you could ask all three of these questions and have an answer for all of them that gives you peace to go ahead with the plans you are making and even then those plans could fall apart. I have had those times happen in my life. It has been in those times though, that I have learned the most about God and have grown the most. Placing our faith in Christ as the Lord of our lives means that we are also trusting Him in every situation that we face and go through. Trusting that even if it is hard, He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Even if it hurts, He will comfort me. Even if it doesn’t make sense, His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

The time that we are all going through right now may leave some people feeling hopeless, scared, and uncertain about their future. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all of our cares upon Him, because he cares for us. He cared so much for us that he sent his only son to die on a cross for us to have a relationship with him through Christ Jesus. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Is He the Lord of your life? Planning our future is a lot easier with him as our guide.

Raise the Roof Auction Offers Unusual Items

W

Habitat for Humanity® of Rabun County’s Silent Auction this year. The auction has gone virtual this year, meaning you can view the items and bid now! If you see something you must have, many have a “Buy It Now” price, so you can ensure it is yours today!

It is easy to view and bid the auction items. You can visit habitatrabun.com and click the “Raise the Roof” button, then the “Auction” button, or text RAISEROOF to 41444.

1963 Arcangeli Super Jolly--a rare Italian wood boat, it is estimated that there are only 80 in Europe and only 1 in the US GTC Bentley 2010 Series 51 Convertible--only 45,000 miles, has been kept in a climate-controlled garage 7 Day Run Wild African Safari--once in a lifetime African Safari for two Golf Packages--At local resorts such as Sky Valley, Waterfall, and Old Edwards Fly Fishing Expeditions--some even include dinner!

Ziplining Adventure for four One of a kind pieces of pottery and art UGA Package featuring signed football and a metal statue of Services--An estate planning package, one free tire rotation and balance, etc.

Plus, beautiful furniture, antiques, jewelry, and many one of a kind items.

This beautiful GTC Bentley 2010 Series 51 Convertible is calling your name!

All proceeds go toward building the 2020 Habitat home. This year’s recipients are Allison and Daniel. The ADA-compliant home is currently under construction in Tiger. To construct the ADA home, Habitat Rabun needs to raise $100,000.

“Like many, COVID has drastically impacted our funding at Habitat Rabun. ADA homes cost more to build, about 30 percent more,” said Habitat President Pat Stueck. “Habitat believes in homes and communities. We need our community to join us any way they can to ensure we Raise the Roof for Allison and Daniel.”

Event Chair Barbara Anderson believes this auction adds an excellent way for the whole community to get involved.

So, we ask everyone to look at the items, bid on them, and share them with their neighbors and friends. Help us make this the most successful Habitat auction ever!” Bidding ends at

completely restored and is ready for the lake!

habitatrabun.com for more information about the auction or Raise the Roof for Habitat.

September 2020 - GML

45

Life is a Blessing Best News Ever

By Tracy McCoy

Some say, “Don’t give up” And hope that your good is good enough Head down, keep on working If you could earn it, you deserve it Some say, “Push on through” After all, it’s the least that you can do But don’t buy, what they’re selling It couldn’t be further from the truth These song lyrics from contemporary Christian group Mercy Me, sum up what I thought I learned about Christianity growing up in church. If I wasn’t good, then God was mad and I would probably be “in trouble”. I was not the perfect person that I thought I had to be in order for God to love me, in fact I was just the opposite! I owed it to God to be good and thought I had to earn His favor but I just couldn’t measure up.

Like the song says, “this couldn’t be further from the truth!”

I had heard about the grace of God in the same church, but somehow I missed its true meaning. I sang the words to Amazing Grace for years before I grasped what is so amazing about it. I grew up hearing “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” Not true with grace. Pastor Charles Stanley “Grace is the unmerited favor of Almighty God. It is when we get what we don’t deserve. Mercy on the other hand is rich in the forgiveness of God. It is when we don’t get what we deserve.” Read that again and let that sink in.

Some say, “Don’t ask for help” God helps the ones who help themselves Press on, get it right Otherwise, get left behind Some say, “He’s keeping score” So try hard, then try a little more Hold up, if this were true Explain to me, what the cross is for.

You see, when a person admits they’re not perfect and brings their wrongdoings and sins before God and accepts the gift of redemption Jesus offers freely, they are free. FREE is a word we all love to hear. Free lightens our load, brings joy, makes us feel special. In fact the word brings a smile to my face. Being saved is not well understood outside of the faith community. What does that mean, “I am saved”? Another term used for choosing to follow Christ is “I gave my heart to Jesus”. Being saved and giving your heart to Jesus are two of the most FREEing things you can do, but it sounds like it’s something you accomplished. The fact is Jesus did it all the

46 GML - September 2020

day He willingly died for your sins. Salvation has zero to do with your good works and EVERYTHING to do with grace.

What if I were the one to tell you Well, I think your day’s about to get better What if I were the one to tell you That the work’s already been done It’s not good news It’s the best news ever When it is said that Jesus died on the cross for you, that is a complete sentence. There is not a single if, and, or but that follows that. All that needs to happen is you acknowledge that you are imperfect (we all are) and you ask God to forgive you for the times that you chose the wrong path, treated others unfairly, hurt those around you or yourself. These are sins that we all commit and the price was paid for them already, and because of Christ you have been freed from the penalty of them. If you accept this grace that Jesus offers you are free from condemnation, you’ve been given eternal life. You are given the right to be called a child of God. You are loved and treasured beyond human comprehension and you can have a relationship with the God of the Universe! You can’t earn it and you’ll never be good enough to deserve it, it is the requirement is that you come.

So won’t you come Come all you weary and you burdened You heavy laden and you hurting For all of you with nothing left

life, everything else will fall into place. Once you experience that relationship of Father and child with your Creator and come to really know the nature and heart of Jesus, all of those “works” will be second nature. Oh you are still human, don’t get me wrong. I’ve never met a perfect person aside from the son of God. But with the relationship comes the sweet Holy Spirit of God that inhabits your soul. He will offer a gentle nudge or may knock you off your feet if you need reminding of what’s the next right thing to do or if you need to sit down and have a heart to heart with our Father in Heaven. You will see the world in a new light, you will see yourself changing and becoming more like Christ as you follow his teachings found in God’s word. He summed it up for His disciples when they asked Him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in

the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Surrender is a beautiful thing. Are you trying to make it through this crazy world on your own? I can tell you that apart from Jesus, I couldn’t make it. Without Him, you are standing on your own, you will answer for the way you’ve lived your life. But you don’t have to. You see the good news is this…

What if I were the one to tell you That the work’s already been done It’s not good news It’s the best news ever Best news ever

To hear this song by Mercy Me visit https://youtu.be/XyBMEDKiKaI

September 2020 - GML

47

A place where new life springs forth out of despair, failure and death.

A place where God brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to you.

MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT HEALED There has to be a reason for this because God’s Word is true, but there is a missing link to freedom and victory. The Word of God tells us that there is a progress in learning and doing what we learn that takes us to spiritual maturity. The same is true as we progress from elementary school through high school and beyond. When we learn our ABC’s we begin to “do” what we have been taught, that is, to read and write. It is the same with Christian teachings – we DO what we are taught. If we don’t do or use what we learn, then we live in a state of ignorance. When we were in school we could not move forward to higher grades until we got a passing mark. It is the same in the Lord’s schooling of us.

Let’s look at Hebrews 6:1-2. “Leaving the principals of the doctrine of Christ, let us go into perfection, not laying again the foundation…”, But many have not laid the foundation properly. The foundation is laid in a certain order. We will 1. Repentance from dead works.

2. Faith toward God. 3. Baptisms.

4. Laying on of hands We must learn and put into practice these foundational steps in the order they are given to have a solid foundation so our house (our life) will not fall. When you hear truth, you have to do something about it (be a doer). If not, you will live in a wilderness experience in a mess and die there.

When we initially receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are born again and we are to repent for our past sins. Repentance means to turn from a thing and go in a different direction. This is the bedrock foundation of our life! We often fall back into old ways and we need to repent daily, sometimes hourly. This is the same as repairing a broken foundation on our home.

God’s nature of love. Dead work is sin and it brings death.

We should ask ourselves this question: What gives the devil a legal right to my life? It is unchecked sin in our lives. It is Satan who brings death, disease, natural catastrophe, corrupt government and businesses, war, broken and ruined families, addictions, false religion, godless humanistic philosophy, no repentance in our lives from known sin, it prevents His answering our prayers. Examples of “dead work” (sin) are fear, anxiety, stress, bitterness, anger, envy, unforgiveness.

The second foundation is Faith toward God. It is believing the Bible, the Word of God, and trusting that God will do what

48 GML - September 2020

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:7 He said He would do. Believing that God heals today and can take care of our every need.

The third foundation is baptisms. There are 4 of them. It prevents success if not followed. You must be saved and be Baptized in water showing that you are dead to Satan and the world and alive to the Father, and Baptism with the Holy Spirit to set yourself apart to be used of God to do His works Lord to purge your impurities (the chaff) because we cannot do it ourselves, and Baptism into each other as one in the Body of Christ. The term baptism means that two become one, diverse but act as one in unity. You become one with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and other Believers.

The fourth foundation is laying on of hands ordained by God in the church for impartation of the Holy Spirit, ordination for special service, accompany to prayer, and for healing along with anointing with oil. In James 5:14-16 repentance and confession of sins is listed as needed for healing if they had sinned. Sin is a block to healing and we know all have sinned.

If we had “gone on to perfection”, as Hebrews 6:1 says, the world would be beating a path to our door, but something is wrong. Christians are just as sick and needy as the world! We do not teach a silly social gospel. We are bringing this strong message not to scare you, but to make you watchful that you strengthen the things that remain, Rev.3:2-3. The key is overcoming. This is a journey, not a one time deal. Set your sights on where God wants to take you to get out of dead religion and super-hype religion. Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments”. John 14:15. His commandments say, “Love God, love others, and love yourself, period. Matt His righteousness and are pronounced clean! Receive this and rest in it!

Ask the Lord to show you any areas in your life where you have sin and repent to Him, asking His forgiveness. Keep short accounts with sin so that you will stay close to Him, your prayers will be answered, and you will be healed.

RIVER GARDEN P.O. Box 112, Lakemont, Georgia 30552

September 2020 - GML

49

Cage-free Boutique

Simple Sophisticated Style

A

downtown Clayton. Initially, they started out in a small store front on Main Street, but after 3 years and high demand, they moved across the street to a larger, more upscale space. And now, Cage-free Boutique is now 5 years old! The boutique is solely owned by Kimberly Ramey, who has been rebranding the store to cover ladies of all ages and sizes.

Cage-free Boutique’s mission is to empower women of all sizes and celebrate diversity through simple, sophisticated style.

wardrobe needs; some with a modern twist. She orders pieces in small numbers, so that you can retain your uniqueness in a small town setting. With a variety of accessories (hats, scarves, jewelry, and shoes-just name a few), you can easily take your look from daytime to evening and from weekday to weekend! The look is comfortable, yet classy, and priced to accommodate most budgets.

Recently, Kimberly has added clothing for girls -

There is also a nice selection of “Mommy and favorite little girl. For the ladies, sizes go from 0 name brands often found at Nordstrom’s like Kut from the Kloth and Sorel beside true boutique brands that she handpicks. Kimberly is proud to brands right here at home.

Along with everything you want for your closet, for good reason; they work to lighten our loads, combat pain and promote wellness for us and our pets too! Kimberly offers a line of oils, topicals and smokeable hemp as well as edibles like brownie mix and coffee. Her pet line is safe for your fur babies and useful for anxiety and painful joints. A healthy alternative that is safe for human and animal consumption.

Now that you are ready to shop Cagefree Boutique, what are your options?

Well, you can stop in at 55 North Main Street in downtown Clayton, Georgia, on Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm and try on to your heart’s content. Or if you prefer, you can shop online at www.cage-freeboutique.com 24/7. The website has just been reworked, and there is a blog on the horizon! If you have questions, give them a call at 706.782.6155. Growing counter almost every day the doors are open. So be sure to stop in and say hello, and while you’re there, you might as well shop! Your husband said you buy whatever you want… wink, wink.

50 GML - September 2020

CLAYTON,GEORGIA Shop - Dine

Stay and Play

52 GML - September 2020

CLAYTON, GEORGIA

September 2020 - GML

53

Find your retreat on Lake Burton

Lake Burton - Fee Simple!

Best of Both Worlds

102 LANDING LANE EXCELLENT FEE SIMPLE & FLAT LOT ON LAKE BURTON

Great rental potential! 3 BR/2BA home just waiting for a new family to add their personal touches!

MLS 8799879 - Only $1,075,000

Inviting Retreat at Waterfall Club 235 GREY FOX TRAIL THE WATERFALL CLUB & LAKE BURTON An entertainer’s dream! Incredible views of Lake Burton.

Lake access. Over 7,000 Sq Ft - 5 BR 6 BA - Open Concept Comes with Waterfall Social Membership (Upgradable) MLS 8778345 - $1,699,000

Our Happy Place

19 PARKVIEW COURT WATERFALL AT LAKE BURTON

Great 4800 sq ft house with awesome outside MLS 8815857 - $689,000

Bargain on Burton Motivated Seller 382 CHARLIE MOUNTAIN ROAD FILLED WITH CHARM & CHARACTER! MOVE IN TOMORROW & START ENJOYING LAKE LIFE!!

Must see this 4 BR/4 BA picture perfect home surrounded by lush landscaping & ONLY 10 minute drive to Clayton!

MLS 8769293 - Reduced to $1,099,000

54 GML - September 2020

Priced to Sell!

2059 HWY 197 3 BR 2 BA FEE SIMPLE! Flat lot, one-stall boathouse & party deck MLS 8824333 - $589,000

Your Cottage on 275’ of Trout Stream Tina An

zo

REAL 404. TOR ® 964.

2363 809 Hwy 44 Clayt on, G 1 South A 30 525

72 SEABROOK LN GORGEOUS CABIN ON 275’ TROUT STREAM DOUBLE LOT! Perfect in every way 3/2 Loaded with Charm!

MLS 8824920 $499,000

www .Tina

Anz

Tina Sells Properties!!

o.co

m

Waterfall Club Properties SOLD!!

SOLD!!

545 ACORN CREEK Near Lake Burton

302 FINCH Lake Burton

SOLD!!

SOLD!!

68 OLD BRIDGE LANE Lake Burton

354 COLLINS Lake Burton

Build your dream home at Waterfall at Lake Burton, and enjoy stunning views of the north GA mountains, the Waterfall attributes. Call Agent for details!

Golf & Social Memberships are available offering 3 amazing dining experiences, Lake Burton access for swimming, kayaking, boating, etc, Jr. Olympic Indoor Pool, state of the art & so much more! Build here and Start Living Your Best Life!

UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD!!

115 SEABROOK LN Lake Burton

UNDER CONTRACT 135 SEABROOK LANE Lake Burton

60 ALACHEE TRAIL Lake Burton

UNDER CONTRACT 0 PARKER HOLLIFIELD Above Lake Burton

0 Waterfall Dr Unit: 4D - 0.55 Acres MLS 8810917 - $120,000 0 Waterfall Dr Unit: 5D - 0.66 Acre MLS 8806095 - REDUCED TO $87,500 2 LOTS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Comes with Transferable FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP for $5000!

0 Winterberry Trail Unit: 9 - 1.65 Acres MLS 8823354 - REDUCED TO $75,000 September 2020 - GML

55

Prostate Cancer Awareness

Live Healthy and Be Well

by Guy Gober, MD

W

e are now in month six of our across America COVID-19 crisis. My personal experience with the pandemic began in Nevada at Nellis Air Force Base Hospital on March 15th, 2020. This was the

In June of 2020 I traveled from Nevada, with my son, through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and ultimately found myself home safe in Rabun County, Georgia. We, both my son and I, have by the grace of God remained symptom free and test negative.

Every State park, every campground, every restaurant, McDonalds, gas station and coffee shop from Las Vegas to Clayton had a different standard for COVID-19 Prevention. There is, however, one constant: our lives, our jobs, our families, and our personal healthcare have been put on hold.

The last case I performed at Nellis, a prostate ultrasound and biopsy, revealed an early stage prostate cancer. cancer. Both are eminently treatable and curable.

I am reminded of the words of my Medical School Pathologist, Dr. J. Robert Teabeaut, rest his soul, “Cancer doesn’t know what day it is, Guy.” Cancer follows no one’s schedule, is not oriented to convenience, and most importantly, in this day and time, cancer has no regard for our COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, prostate cancer death rates are predicted to rise. Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis in men. One in nine men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

Early detection saves lives. Cure rates with early stage prostate cancer approach 99 per cent. However, advanced stage disease has a less than 30 per cent rate of survival. Those at highest risk most deserve the necessary screening for prostate disease.

Who is at risk? Current guidelines start at age 45 years old for the following groups.

1) family history (father/brother) positive for prostate cancer. 2) African American males 3) history of prostatitis or recurrent prostate obstruction 3) family history BRAC gene (1 or 2) mutations and 4) military veterans.

All men at age 50 years old should be advised to obtain yearly prostate exams and PSA (lab test). These recommendations follow the guidelines of the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control. And, by the way – this month of September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

In Rabun County we can still do our part.

On the second Saturday of September we hold our annual Prostate Cancer

56 GML - September 2020

Awareness Golf Tournament. Held yearly at Rabun County Golf Course, this year we will also be breaking in our new clubhouse and course improvements.

Do not let COVID-19 keep you from your yearly healthcare follow-up. Do take the front seat on your and your family’s healthcare needs. And join us for our annual golf outing with PCAR on September 12, 2020.

scholarships. For more information contact Dr. Gober @ 706-782-3572.

September 2020 - GML

57

58 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

59

Time to Pass Along “Our Happy Place”

By John Shivers

T

of the warm and cozy home at 382 Charlie Mountain Road west of Clayton were searching the Rabun County landscape for the “perfect” place to retreat and recoup from the hassle and hustle of everyday life. When they found it, they bought it, enhanced it, and they and their friends and family enjoyed it. Over time, they’ve amassed more memories than they can relate.

For the past 25 years this home has been their sanctuary. But time marches on, situations change, and now it’s time to pass along this home, affectionately known as “Our Happy

Place,” to a new generation of memory makers.

In true home sales jargon, the specs read much as you’d expect. The house has four bedrooms and four baths. If you’re entertaining friends and family, this home has it covered. There’s a “screened” porch that just begs you to sit and relax. But this

60 GML - September 2020

porch has clear vinyl panels that make it suitable, desirable even, to enjoy in July and January.

No more pulling the furniture to protect it from the elements. And inside, there’s the expected renovated kitchen with granite countertops and a breakfast bar with seating for four. No surprise there, except for the way in which the axis of the home revolves around the ease and ability to entertain and enjoy it. Custom skylights infuse the interior with brightness.

But it’s not the bedrooms, the porch, or the kitchen that make this home so special. It’s almost as if the quality of the living that’s happened there has wine, this home has aged with grace to create the mellow, laid-back lifestyle that new owners will inherit.

The home structure that exists today is a far cry from its humble beginnings as the foreman’s shack for a logging company. From those bones, subsequent owners have added and renovated and the home has morphed into its 2020 identity.

But the integrity of the original structure has been preserved and polished. You see it in the warm windows that marry the home to its site on the shores of Lake Burton. It’s easy to understand how arrives each time is, “I love this place!”

“Our Happy Place” happens to be the Lake Burton residence closest to Clayton, only ten minutes away. Between the shops, the many dining opportunities and other amenities found “in town,” the residents of 382 Charlie Mountain Road have the best of both worlds, convenient to civilization yet an almost Nirvana-like privacy awaiting back at home. Sit on the screened porch and enjoy being part of the National Forest or relax on the back deck overlooking the lake. It just doesn’t get much better. beautiful native trees, blooming trees and plants, and walkways placed just so, beckoning, inviting one and all to come explore, against a backdrop of nature sounds and the music of a babbling creek that runs the entire length of the property. There’s a separate outbuilding to house a handyman’s workshop, and shelter for the golf cart to take stall boathouse and swim platform only serve to increase this home’s livability quotient. in to make memories, check out MLS #876293.

Contact agent Tina Anzo with Poss Realty, to tour this property.

September 2020 - GML

61

What is UM/UIM Coverage and Why You Should Have It

by James W. Hurt, Jr.

D

uring the last six months of rising numbers in COVID-19 cases and the economic uncertainty that has seen a sharp increase in automobile collisions involving more and more uninsured or underinsured motorists. Many are costs where they can. One of these cost-cutting measures seems to be with regard to auto insurance. This article will address how you can help protect yourself and your family in the event of an accident.

What Is UM/UIM Coverage?

Uninsured (UM) motorist and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage is an additional amount of auto insurance available for you to purchase on your own automobile policy to protect you in case of an accident where the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage to pay your expenses. Georgia law only requires that drivers have minimum liability coverage.

UM/UIM coverage can provide critical protection for you and your family if you are injured in a collision involving any of the following: • A driver with no insurance at all • A driver with only the minimum insurance requirement • A hit-and-run driver where the at-fault driver leaves the For bodily injury, the minimum requirement in Georgia is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per collision. For property damage, the minimum is $25,000 per collision. If you are involved in a collision that isn’t your fault, and the other driver only has these minimum limits, you may be at risk of having to pay out of pocket.

Why You Need UM/UIM Coverage This is where purchasing UM/UIM Coverage is very important.

Let’s take a look at a current case I’m handling. We’ll call our client Bob to protect his identity. Bob was T-boned in an intersection when another driver ran a red light. Unfortunately for Bob, the driver only had the minimum insurance limits, but Bob was very seriously injured. After a lengthy hospital stay with a concussion, several broken bones, and physical therapy, the driver’s $25,000 policy is not going to come close

62 GML - September 2020

to covering Bob’s medical expenses. In fact, he is still currently in physical therapy and his medical bills are already well over $100,000. Since Bob doesn’t have UM/UIM Coverage, we are negotiating his medical bills with the providers, but he will most likely still have to come out of pocket to pay the balance of his bills. It’s a scary story, and remember, Bob was not at fault for any of his injuries.

Types of Coverage Available Now that you see why purchasing this additional insurance could be so vital, let’s discuss the types of coverage from which you can choose.

Stacked auto insurance increases your uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) depending on the number of vehicles you own.

Unstacked insurance means that your UM and UIM coverage limits for multiple vehicles are not combined. Premiums for unstacked insurance may be lower than premiums for stacked coverage. That’s because stacking coverage increases the overall limit, or the amount that your insurer might have to pay toward a covered claim.

Reduced-by coverage pays you the difference between what the at-fault driver’s insurance policy pays and your insurance coverage. For example, if you have $100,000 in underinsured coverage and the other driver has $25,000, you would have $75,000 available under your own policy.

Add-on insurance coverage will pay you on top of the amount the at-fault driver’s company pays. This is the best choice for UM/UIM coverage. This means that in the example listed above, you would potentially have $125,000 available to you rather than $75,000. You are required to decline this type of coverage in writing if you chose to go with the cheaper reduced-by coverage option.

Medical Payments coverage is another option. In addition to the standard limits on your insurance policy, you can also opt for additional medical payments coverage in the event that Of course, all of these options come with a premium to pay, so do your research, talk with your insurance agent, and choose your options wisely. It will help you be prepared for an unforeseen catastrophe.

James W. Hurt, Jr. (Jimmy) is the principal and managing partner of Hurt Stolz, PC, a consumer protection and

September 2020 - GML

63

Waterfall Home is Key to Family Living

by John Shivers

T

he home at 188 Magnolia Place in Clayton, in the Waterfall Club west of town, might well be called “The Gables.” This traditionally-styled details draws the eye to the multi-angled those various exterior angles translate into interesting vaulted ceiling heights and room shapes. In between, there’s a heck of a lot of comfortable living going on. the end of a cul-de-sac, the folks who get mail here have an extra-degree of privacy, while at the same time, they’re treated to some breathtaking bird’s eye four-seasonal views of Lake Burton, and portions of the acclaimed Waterfall golf course. Nearby is the community dock that offers kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and a place to picnic down by the lake.

Constructed on three levels, this home offers total, four bedrooms, four full baths, and one half-bath set the stage for family living at its

64 GML - September 2020

room with charming window seats overlooking the lake adds to the entertainment potential, and can be used for movie night as well as additional sleeping space. It’s the perfect space for the kids to have a sleep-over or the inlaws to have their own living area when they visit. throughout, as are the rooms on the other two levels.

The great room features multiple windows overlooking stone, and the generously-appointed chef’s kitchen that makes meal prep and entertaining both a breeze and a pleasure. Stainless appliances including the restaurantstyle professional range, double oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave, great solid surface counter workspace, a walk-in pantry and a center butcher-block island complete the culinary picture. A breakfast bar and nearby dining area in a windowed alcove make for comfortable entertaining.

The master suite with its own private screened porch and spa-like bath with double vanities, oversize shower and laundry / mud room and a two-car garage convenient to second family room, are two more bedrooms and two full baths. Many spacious closets are found throughout the house.

The terrace level is as beautiful and functional as the

here, and a comfortable bedroom and full bathroom to simply expand the possibilities.

Double decks on the rear of the home, accessed by a spiral staircase, offer fantastic lake views and many options for relaxing or entertaining. And down on the water, a two-stall boathouse awaits your watercraft and opens up yet more options for great Rabun County lake living.

This home was built in 2004 and has recently been updated. With its many oversized rooms, it’s perfect for entertaining family and friends with plenty of outdoor areas for summer fun and those fall football games, or a round of golf on the beautiful greens of The Waterfall Golf Club. This home is not only a must see, once you see it, you won’t easily forget it. Might as well make it yours!

Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain Agent Evelyn Heald represents this oh-so-livable home, GMLS #8799046. Contact Evelyn at (cell) 404-372-5698 view this property.

September 2020 - GML

65

The Not So Empty Nest

by Liz Alley

S

eptember is a melancholy time of year for me. Although in the south the hot days of summer linger, they are dimmer and shorter in September than in the dog days of August. The evening cicadas’ song seems heavier in September, as though it is meant to pull us away from the brightness of summer and into the soft amber light of fall.

Five years ago, I went through what I think of now as “the summer of divorce.” I’d been married 27 years and the undoing of this felt like the undoing of me. I remember those long summer days that seemed to sap whatever small amount of energy I had. There were so many changes going on that year, I could hardly keep up. It felt like someone line but I hadn’t even gotten my shoes on yet. That summer I struggled to for the old one. Finally, at the end of August, family and friends helped me move into my new house. When all the boxes were in, the furniture placed, the moving over and the reluctant good-byes said, I stood in a house of my own. I was left with the realization that I’d be living alone taking care of me, but also that I sure could use a sign that everything

was going to be okay.

I walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. I heard the chirping before I saw the nest and the blue swallows that had built their home at the top of a column on the patio. It looked to me like they had moved in way before I had, their family of little birds already hatched, their mouths opening and closing like tiny doors on dark compartments. Against the dusky night sky, I watched as they put on a show, trying, it seemed, to cheer me up. They dipped and dove like acrobats using the power line as a high wire. Their furry feathers were the same color as my house. At the table where I was making a list of things I needed, I wrote at the top of the page “Bluebird Cottage” and knew, this was my sign from God that my nest was not completely empty.

Since that day, everything with my swallow family has not been bliss, as they are a bossy bunch of birds. Every spring they show

66 GML - September 2020

up at their “vacation home” where they get busy expanding their family. I believe they have sister wives on two adjacent watch the sunset, they swoop in like “I” am the intruder.

They are like teenagers who leave a mess for me to clean up.

One day, as I sat at the counter eating lunch with my Dutch the sand with these birds which they have promptly crossed without a care.

Then comes September, where the skies seem empty without my acrobatic, teenaged, expanding bird family. In the late days of August, I see them congregate on the power line, all heads looking south as if they’re planning the route back to their winter home. By September, they have packed their bags, gathered their young, and left the nests. Again, I clean up the mess they’ve left for me and vow to remove the nest of these ungrateful and aggressive birds but I know I won’t. I know come March; I’ll be glancing out the kitchen window waiting for their return. “So” I’ll say “you’re back” and they nests. I’ll watch them for a few minutes, my hands on my hips and then I’ll ask “Why don’t you install a bathroom will ignore, then swoop toward my head as a signal for me to go back inside, and I will smile at having my pesky birds back home.

Liz Alley was born and raised in Rabun County in the city of Tiger. She loves to write. She is an interior designer specializing in repurposing the broken, tarnished, chipped, faded, worn and weathered into pieces that are precious again. She is the mother of two daughters and one granddaughter. She divides her time between her home in Newnan and Rabun County

i

September 2020 - GML

67

By the Way

There’s nothing sadder than a pig with hurt feelings

By Emory Jones

M

y pet pig, Cunningham, and I have had a falling out.

You see, through no fault of my own, some of the pieces I sometimes write about him—to my wife’s surprise—recently won an award from the Georgia Press Association.

Unfortunately, and I never will believe this was accidental, the newspaper put my picture in the paper instead of the pig’s. social media, TikTok and television, keeping a secret from a pig nowadays is pert nigh impossible.

Still, I had to try. First, I told Cunningham his computer had the Coronavirus. Then I unplugged his television and cunningly convinced him the darn thing had died. Lastly, I hid the paper behind the frigidaire.

But all was for naught because, as any farmer will say, it’s hard to hide a newspaper from a pig.

Once Cunningham found the paper, he promptly spotted the picture of me holding the plaque and instinctively wanted to know what it was about.

Being quick on my feet, I told him I’d won a Weight Watchers award for losing 25 pounds. Looking back, I should have fabricated a more feasible falsehood, but again, as any farmer will tell you, it’s hard to think fast when you’ve got a pig staring you down, quick-witted or not.

Suspicious, Cunningham drug the paper to my wife, Judy, who—not buying the weight loss story either—was as surprised as the pig to see my picture there. (You know what they say, behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.)

Judy usually refuses to read newspapers to pigs—it’s just the way she was raised—but this time, she recklessly made an exception.

After learning the award was about him, Cunningham did what any pig would do—he ran away from home.

Now, normally, when Cunningham runs away from home, he gets hungry and either comes right back or winds up at that feed mill on Cleveland’s Cemetery Street, soliciting peppermint As he always does, the manager met me at the door.

“What do you want?” he asked, inadvertently blocking my way.

“Nothing,” I said. “I’m looking for my pig. He’s run away from home again. I thought he might be here.”

“Why did he run away from home again?”

“Because they put my picture in the paper instead of his.”

“Well, that would do it. Anyway, he’s not here.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s hard to miss a pig.”

He had me there. I decided to search the north end of the county and assigned the south side to Judy. We’ve looked for a week now, and I think Judy is riding with one of the neighbors because I’m pretty sure her car has never been moved when I get back home.

Please keep an eye out, and if you see Cunningham, tell him his computer is well, and the TV is no longer on the blink.

I remember how awful I felt when my grandmother would punish us by taking away the Sears and Roebuck catalog.

Don’t get me wrong. Grandmother may have been grumpy on the outside, but if you ever needed anything—like a spanking—

Emory Jones grew up in Northeast Georgia’s White County. After a stint in the Air Force, he joined Gold Kist as publications manager. He was the Southeastern editor for Farm Journal Magazine and executive vice president at Freebarin & Company, Story of the Nacoochee Valley Indian Mound; a humorous history book called Zipping Through Georgia on a Goat Powered Time Machine; White County 101 and Heart of a Co-op--The Habersham EMC Story.Emory is known for his humor, love of history and all things Southern. He and his wife, Judy, live on Yonah Mountain near Cleveland, Georgia.

68 GML - September 2020

“And then the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awaked.”

– Raquel Franco

September 2020 - GML

69

From the Rabun County Historical Society

Tallulah Falls Railroad steam locomotive

The Tallulah Falls Railroad 58 Miles That Opened Northeastern Georgia to the World

By Dick Cinquina

T

he railroad lost money practically every year from its inception in 1897. Collapsing wooden trestles plunged trains into deep ravines. Its wood-burning steam engines were antiquated.

Many locals dubbed the Tallulah Falls Railroad the “Total Failure.� But the importance of the TFRR is inestimable.

Northeast Georgia had few passable roads by the late 1800s. The area, poor by virtually any standard, was isolated even from neighboring North and South Carolina.

The TFRR opened this region to the world. For 64 years, the people and economy of Rabun, Habersham and Macon (N.C.) counties relied upon the railroad for daily passenger, mail and freight service. The TFRR was a game-changer.

Intended as a Feeder Line The history of the Tallulah Falls Railroad began in 1854 when Athens, Georgia chartered the Northeastern Railroad as a feeder line connecting Athens with the Blue Ridge Railroad at Clayton. The Blue Ridge was envisioned as a major east-west railroad that would pass through Rabun County from Charleston to Cincinnati.

Due to the Civil War, nothing was done about the Northeastern until 1871 when construction started on tracks from Athens to Lula.

In 1881, the company was sold to the Richmond and Danville System, which extended the rails to Cornelia and then Tallulah Falls in 1882. The Richmond and Danville was sold to the Blue Ridge and Atlantic Railroad in 1887. Investors acquired that line to form the Tallulah Falls Railroad in 1897.

Southern Railways acquired the capital stock of the TFRR in 1905. The line operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern for the rest of its existence.

70 GML - September 2020

58 Miles from Cornelia to Franklin The TFRR was extended to Clayton in 1904 and then to its northern terminus at Franklin, N.C. in 1907. The 58-mile run from Cornelia to Franklin made 23 stops in six hours.

The Blue Ridge Railroad was never completed, despite numerous attempts to revive it. And in 1886 a rail line from Atlanta to Knoxville strictly local railroad with no connection to a major freight route. The seeds of the TFRR’s demise were sown from the outset.

Wooden Trestles and Wood Burning Engines Massive wooden trestles were the most distinctive aspect of the TFRR. When the railroad was built, wooden trestles were cheaper to build over rivers, steel bridges. The TFRR originally crossed 58 trestles, one for every mile of the road.

Over time, this number dropped to 42, the remaining ones having been replaced The trestles were built with enormous lumber beams sawed 12 inches square.

The TFRR’s longest trestle was 940 feet near Wiley, Georgia. The trestle over Panther Creek, south of Tallulah Falls, was the highest at 100 feet. The only exception to the wooden trestles was the 585-foot steel and concrete bridge built later to cross Lake Tallulah, created by construction of a hydroelectric dam on the rim of Tallulah Gorge in 1913.

Big Cannon Trestle at Wiley was the longest trestle on the TFRR route

Wooden trestles were extremely expensive to maintain. They also lacked the strength were additional factors contributing to the TFRR’s eventual demise.

The TFRR operated Baldwin steam locomotives.

Several wood-burning engines were already antiquated when placed in operation. In 1917, the railroad locomotives, 10 passenger cars, 46 freight cars and six service cars.

Collapsing Accidents

Trestles

and

Spectacular

Train derailments were a common occurrence due to poor roadbed maintenance. However, two spectacular accidents contributed to the TFRR’s colorful legacy.

Creek trestle in 1898. The middle section of the trestle collapsed, plunging the car 100 feet into the ravine. One fatality Trestle collapse at Hazel Creek in Habersham County in 1927 September 2020 - GML

71

and several injuries resulted from this accident.

The middle section of the Hazel Creek trestle near Demorest, Georgia collapsed in 1927, taking the engine and two passenger coaches to the bottom of that ravine. One passenger was killed and 14 were injured.

Continual Operating Losses As a short line railroad serving only three counties, the TFRR never customers. Weak freight revenue, combined with the high cost of maintaining wooden trestles, caused the TFRR to report annual operating losses in most of its 64 years of existence. After only 11 years in operation, the railroad went into receivership in 1908 for a short time.

The hydroelectric projects of Georgia Railway and Power Company on the Tallulah and Tugalo rivers had a mixed impact on the railroad. The TFRR hauled the materials and equipment needed for building six dams and generating plants between 1910 and 1926. However, the dam at Tallulah Gorge, by silencing the “Niagara of the South,” resulted in declining numbers of tourists traveling by rail to Tallulah Falls. That dam also necessitated an expensive line relocation and bridge over the newly created Lake

movie “The Great Locomotive Chase.” He paid the TFRR $10,000 Falls.

By this time, the railway had lost its mail contract. In addition, overthe-road trucking was cannibalizing the TFRR’s freight business.

In an ironic twist, the TFRR hauled the supplies and equipment needed for building Highway 441 in 1960-61, which ran near its tracks through Habersham, Rabun and Macon Counties.

destroyed the entire town of Tallulah Falls.

Final Run in 1961 Bankruptcy Filed in 1923 The TFRR went into bankruptcy in 1923 and remained in receivership for the rest of its existence.

The Great Depression took a heavy toll on the TFRR’s freight and passenger business. The Interstate Commerce Commission granted a request by the receiver to abandon the line in 1933. However, no action was taken due to a public display of support for the railroad. The TFRR limped on.

In 1946 engine No. 73 struck a log truck at a crossing in Habersham County. Damage to the train amounted to only $100, a small sum but not affordable for the ailing line. Passenger service was abruptly and permanently ended on July 31, 1946.

The TFRR sold its steam locomotives in 1948 to purchase two diesel engines. “Dieselization” reduced the operating costs of the line from over $90 per operating day to under $20. This helped prolong the life of the railway.

Walt Disney’s “Great Locomotive Chase” discovered the TFRR. Paramount Studio paid the railroad as the Walt Disney also chose Rabun County as the location for his 1956

72 GML - September 2020

By 1960, the line’s debt totaled a staggering $5 million. The TFRR on March 25, 1961. Following an unsuccessful effort to purchase the railroad by the Rabun Industrial Development Company, the TFRR’s assets, including its steel rails and trestle lumber, were auctioned off.

Tallulah are the only remnants in Rabun County of the railroad that dramatically and permanently transformed life for the people of northeast Georgia. The tourism and logging industries would not have been possible without the TFRR, nor would the creation of six hydroelectric dams and recreational lakes.

The TFRR was anything but a Total Failure.

Learn more about our history by becoming a member of the Rabun County Historical Society. Membership and complete information about the Society are available at www.rabunhistory. org. Our museum at 81 N. Church St. in Clayton is open 10-2 every Monday and Friday and admission is free. You also can under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, making your membership dues and donations fully tax deductible.

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”

– Dale Carnegie

September 2020 - GML

73

What a Wonderful World Celebration of a Life Well-lived

by Peggy Pleasants Thrasher Publisher’s note: Peggy, What a lovely tribute to the man who loved you more than life.

It showed every time he talked of meeting you, dating you, your accomplishments and truly every time he looked at you. You two have packed a lot of living in your years together. While I know you miss him more than anyone knows what a joy to have had Albert as your husband, partner in life and father to your children. He was loved by many, including my family. On September 13, Peggy and Albert would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

A

and the ashes interred in the Tiger, Georgia Cemetery to be remembered by laughing and telling some story. This is my remembrance of a note left by a favorite aunt, ‘Do not grieve for me. As death is a part of life, and because I have loved life, I know I shall adore death.’”

Al Thrasher would often say what a wonderful life he had and give thanks to God. He was grateful for children, grandchildren, extended families, his church, the Rabun County Senior Center, for being able to live in this beautiful part of the world, for opportunities and experiences that he enjoyed, for friends, employees, bosses, and colleagues. Through any personal experience (good or bad), he gleaned knowledge to apply to future challenges. At one time while struggling with obstacles as he was working on a big community project, he said, “I tried to save the world but the world did not want to be saved!” He did not give up!

He was a very capable person just as his parents, sister, and brother were and his children are. As a Georgia Tech graduate, he was often the businessman who headed up community projects. He worked tirelessly to organize Junior Achievement in Spalding

74 GML - September 2020

United Way to raise $100,000. As president of promoted our city and county. While President awareness of and preventing child abuse. As he fought to conserve natural resources, and he taught gun safety courses and marksmanship.

He coached youth football and served on enjoyed competitive shooting for many years into his retirement. But these were not his only interests!

Did he have hobbies?

Many of them were

boats to water skiing to taking his young family out into the Atlantic to observe the launch of an Apollo mission. He loved group boat trips all over the south, through locks and rivers, including a trip of 321 miles on the Ocmulgee and Altamaha rivers. He thoroughly enjoyed snorkeling and scuba diving (and all the equipment required!) and was still talking about another scuba diving trip just before his death. He liked frozen water, also, in the form of snow to enable him to snow ski and have more stuff! He got interested in raising cattle in the early 1970’s and raising corn was a vital part as this required lots of equipment: tractor, corn picker (after a couple of years of the family picking corn!), and many implements.

He enjoyed woodworking (we are proud of lovely furniture he made), working with metals, leather working—especially gun holsters, hand loading ammunition, shooting the “tater gun,” riding motorcycles, buying new lawn mowers for cutting grass “just right,” dressing up in western wear for his Cowboy Action shooting matches, cowboy hats and boots, unusual belts, playing the guitar, photography, backpacking especially on the Appalachian Trail, visiting museums and historical places, reading historical books, dancing, and traveling.

When we lived near Indian Springs State Park, he became “Ocmulgee Al,” a stage coach driver, promoting the reopening of the McIntosh Hotel as a historic site.

We had delightful trips to Europe, Alaska, and Peru. We cruised the Danube River and the Caribbean. We traveled across the United States”from sea to shining sea” and north to Alaska and the Arctic Circle. Slide-on campers and RV’s enabled us to travel—often covering a lot of territory! Touring the Australian outback was a thrill as each couple had

What a Wonderful World I see trees of green Red roses too I see them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world I see skies of blue And clouds of white The bright blessed day The dark sacred night And I think to myself What a wonderful world The colors of the rainbow So pretty in the sky Are also on the faces Of people going by I see friends shaking hands Saying, “How do you do?”

They’re really saying “I love you” I hear babies cry I watch them grow They’ll learn much more Than I’ll never know And I think to myself What a wonderful world Yes, I think to myself What a wonderful world

He was always eager to tell of his life’s experiences. When a story started with “when I was a little boy” or “when I held a regular job” a long, entertaining story would commence!

He was supportive of me and very proud of my accomplishments whether academic, professional, social, or fraternal. As I worked on graduate degrees, he spent many hours on his hobbies and projects.

He delighted in calling me “Dr. Peggy”! As I grieve, I am thankful to have shared his life, our children and families, his faith, our friends, and myriad memories.

At the conclusion of his Final Wishes he stated, “At a time and place most convenient, I hope that my family and friends will gather, absent the ashes, to swap stories, laugh, and generally have a grand ole’ time.” Our family and I look forward to that celebration of his life when the COVID-19 threat has passed.

Finally, he requested that “What a Wonderful World” be shared during the celebration of his life.

September 2020 - GML

75

76 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

77

78 GML - September 2020

September 2020 - GML

79

80 GML - September 2020