Lakeside on Lanier June 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Your complete news, information and recreation guide to Lake

In May, Van Pugh Park South became reservation-only day-use. The park has 54 sites. Each reservation is site-specific. Page 8

Meet Travis England

It’s difficult to keep up with Travis England, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ new Public Affairs Specialist for the Mobile District who will be located at the Lake Lanier/Buford Dam office of the Corps. Page 14

Cumberland Island

Diversity of uncanny natural beauty combined with multi-generational histories is only a small part of any visit to Cumberland Island. This enchanted 20-mile strip of land off the Georgia coast seems to be suspended in time far from the madness of our modern world. Page 40

Also inside:

Calendar

.Page 26

Classifieds Page 47

Dining guide Page 47

Fishing news Page 10

Lake levels Page 18

Marinas information

Outdoor activity calendar

Recreation guide

Safety guide

Shore Lines

.Page 44

Page 30

Page 44

Page 34

Page 14 Columns:

The Careful Captain Page 13

Curb Appeal

Design & Remodel

Page 38

Page 43

Glenn Burns Page 18

O’Neill Outside Page 20

On the Water Page 12

Vanderford’s travel Page 40

is published by

Lanier Publishing, Inc.,

3292 Thompson Bridge Rd. #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 287-1444

Publisher/Editor

Alan Hope

Production

Susan Nish

Susan Daniel Creative, Inc.

Senior Writer

Pamela A. Keene

Contributing writers

Jane Harrison, Millie Adcox

Columnists

Glenn Burns, Vinnie Mendes, Bianca Bryant, O’Neill Williams, Frank Taylor

Travel Editor

Bill Vanderford

Lakeside is published monthly by Lanier Publishing, Inc. based in Gainesville, GA, with distribution in some 300 locations around Lake Lanier and other areas. Opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of Lakeside, its staff or its advertisers. Manuscripts and photographs submitted will be considered for publication. Lakeside cannot be held responsible for such materials in case of damage or loss.

Keeping up with the Lake Lanier Association at its member celebration

By Pamela A. Keene

Nearly 500 members of the Lake Lanier Association got a double treat at last month’s Member Celebration. In addition to learning about the organization’s accomplishments and plans, attendees were among the first North Georgians to attend an event at the recently opened boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. The event paid tribute to LLA former president and longtime board member Val Perry, who died in February after a long battle with cancer. (See separate article.)

Food trucks, 12 businessmember vendor booths and breakout sessions with board members provided plenty of activities for guests. The organization’s silent auction raised funds for initiatives including Shore Sweep, solar lights and life-jacket loaner stations.

“We are especially proud of our first-ever silent auction fundraiser, which was well received,” said Victoria Clevenger, executive director. “Additionally, members told us that the sessions with

board members provided insight into our active projects and priorities.”

The association presented two awards: the newly announced Val Perry Award/2023 Business Sponsor of the Year to United Rentals, and the Charlie Spencer Award /2023 Volunteer of the Year to Al Petrangeli.

A new promotional video premiered at the meeting and can be viewed on the group’s website.

For more information about the organization, visit lakelanier.org.

LLA pays tribute to the late Val Perry, former president

By Pamela A. Keene

Anyone who met him realized right away that Val Perry was a person who got the job done. Whether during his long career with IBM, or as vice president at Equifax in his second career, Perry made an impression with his convictions, his vision and his ability to lay out an issue and convince

others to be in agreement.

Perry passed away last February from a lingering illness, but he will be remembered for a long time as former president and board member of the Lake Lanier Association.

The association came together in 1966, a vision of founder Jackie Joseph, who served as president for the first 47 years of the organization. “As it is with all organizations, LLA would never have come into being without its founder’s vi-

sion,” said board member Clyde Morris in remarks at the group’s recent annual member celebration.

“But as organizations evolve and mature, there comes a time when a founders’ initial vision is no longer enough. Eventually it becomes apparent that a new vision, or a bigger vision, is necessary for an organization to continue to grow and really be effective.

“And so it was when Val Perry emerged from the shadows of a

See Perry, page 8

LLA members enjoy the outside pavilion portion of the new Boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park.

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

Perry

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Van Pugh South now reservationonly day-use park; other park news

By Pamela A. Keene

On May 5, 2024, Van Pugh Park South became reservationonly day-use. “For people who make reservations, it will be like having your own day-use park,” said Travis England, public affairs officer for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Mobile District. “You can reserve one of the parks’ campsites for the day and be certain that you have lake access.”

Each site reservation is $15 for up to 15 people and three cars in each site; the park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“As the summer season gets busier on Lake Lanier, this is a good way to bring your family or friends to the lake without worrying about a park being at capacity and being turned away.”

England said one of the most frequent complaints that park rangers hear in the summer is that a park has reached capacity and visitors are turned away.

“We want to ensure a good experience for our lake users and putting this system into place at

Van Pugh South is a way to help alleviate being surprised when some of the more popular parks are full,” he said. “Yes, it requires planning ahead and the number of visitors at each campsite cannot exceed 15 people and three cars, but you have the option to reserve more than one campsite.”

Van Pugh South has 54 sites.

Each reservation is site-specific. The park gate will be manned.

“We realize that many people enjoy recreation at Lake Lanier and this is just one of the ways that we can ensure that people can access the water,” England said.

“It’s going to be an excellent and

See Parks, page 13

• Perry

Continued from Page 2

sleepy, little homeowners association to transform LLA into arguably the most important steward of Lake Lanier.”

Joining the board of directors in 1999, Perry served for a number of years as executive vice president, becoming president when Joseph retired in 2013. He served as president until his own retirement from the board in 2016.

“For nearly 17 years, Val was the face and the voice of the Lake Lanier Association,” Morris said. “It was Val who had the vision of the association to sue the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to mandate that new wastewater treatment plants utilize the best available technology in their wastewater returns to the lake. And it was Val who willed LLA to success before the Georgia Supreme Court, securing safe drinking water and a cleaner source of recreation for everyone in North Georgia.

“Val also played a key role in

“Fire on the Water II” ICF Dragon Boat World Championship 2018, Lake Lanier 24”x36” - Acrylic on canvas by Anne Brodie Hill

Brodie Hill, ASMA, GWS

Lake Lanier Artist www.annebrodiehill.com • 770-718-7586

Lake Sidney Lanier & Gainesville prints, Postcards, Notecards Original Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor Paintings

Gallery on the Square, 118 Main Street, Gainesville, GA

Other Fine Artists at Gallery (www.gallerysq.com)

Ann Alexander, Pam Kohler-Camp, Lydia Ferguson, Ann Goble, Jane Hemmer, Paula Hoffman, Shannon Hughs, Joyce Hornor, Connie Lynn Reilly and Shirley Seguin

Prints, postcards, notecards also available at: Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street, Gainesville, GA Frame-Tastic, 565-B Shallowford Road, Gainesville, GA

resolving the Water Wars between Georgia, Florida and Alabama, helping elevate the lake’s importance as one of the most important economic drivers in the Southeast.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that LLA would never have taken on those Herculean challenges – and made the leap from an obscure little group of folks with a wish to protect their lake into the strong, accomplished, and influential player it is today – without the vision and leadership of Val Perry.”

To commemorate Perry’s contributions and service to Lake Lanier and its constituents, the group

created the Val Perry Award, given to the organization’s Business Sponsor of the Year.

United Rentals was recognized by the inaugural award at the member celebration.

United has donated tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of machinery such as excavators and the manpower to operate them for the association’s two most recent Shore Sweep events.

Board member Clyde Morris honors the late Val Perry.

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

A scene at Van Pugh North.

PHOTO:COE

Lake level: .52 over full pool

Temperature: 70s

Clarity: Mostly clear

Bass fishing

Bass fishing on Lanier is good. The bass are in the middle of their transition to their summer homes in the 25- to 35-foot range around structures.

The fishing has been somewhat up and down with some really strong bites and then a window of grinding to catch one which is typical of this time of year.

The Slick Stick and the Jerkshad continue to be the most consistent baits for recent days when worked over deep brush, humps and long points.

The true top water bite is just beginning and there has been some activity on the Ima Skimmer in the same areas. The top water activity is scattered and random right now so be prepared for it to happen anywhere anytime.

If the activity in the top of the water column slows drop down with the shakey head on the deeper edges of the humps and on the end of the long points. A pumpkin green Senko has worked good at times recently. Be sure to check the dock bite on

the docks in 15 to 20 feet of water with the shakey head as the fish are seeking shade this time of year.

The bass tend to bite better with when there is wind on Lanier so be sure to use it to your advantage by fishing the areas the wind is blowing on or into. When you hit the right window now it is a lot of fun so Go Catch ‘Em!

This bass fishing report is by Phil Johnson: pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845

Striper fishing

Striper fishing is heating up on Lanier. Using blue backs over a 50- to 80-foot bottom put your bait 25 to 40 feet deep. Points and coves right off the river channel are a great place to start.

Proper equipment is needed to locate your bait areas. Line counting reels with 20 pound test main line with a 6 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader, 1 ounce sinker and #4 hook. Get ready for the trolling umbrella rigs and lead core and once the water temperature reaches 80 degrees, you will need bigger equipment and the fun just begins –reeling in a big striper 250 feet behind the boat.

Remember to wear your life jackets. This striper report is by Buck Cannon, Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778.

Crappie fishing

Crappie fishing is good. The fish are suspended 10 feet deep under docks. I have been having a lot of success on brush piles

in about 15 feet or less water. Make sure to try bright jig color combinations.

The gear I recommend for crappie fishing is a Acc crappie stix 1 piece rod and reel with a 4 to 6 pound test K9 line, along with Garmin Live Scope and Power Pole. This crappie report is by Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530- 6493.

NOTE:

What’s Covered:

• Boat Handling – Docking and Trailering

• Safety Equipment and Procedures

• Navigation Basics – Rules of the Road

• Boat Types and Terminology

• Water sports – paddle craft, personal watercraft (PWC) and towing

In Person Class

Saturday, July 13, 8:30 am - 5 pm

In-person class locations will be confirmed with paid registration

Virtual/Online Three Session Classes

June

Session 1 - Wednesday, May 29, 7-9 pm

Session 2 - Wednesday, June 5, 7-9 pm

Session 3 - Saturday, June 8, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

July /August

Session 1 - Wednesday, July 31, 7-9 pm

Session 2 - Wednesday, August 7, 7-9 pm

Session 3 - Saturday, August 10, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Casimir Pulaski, legendary hero and end of an era in military fortifications

Casimir Pulaski was born in Poland in the mid 1700s, the third son of an aristocratic family. Back then the custom was that the title, land, and money went to the firstborn son. Any later sons joined the army, navy, or priesthood and the daughters were married off to whatever family offered the best prospects. Therefore, Casimir wound up in the Polish cavalry and excelled, rising quickly to higher and higher rank. In the 1700s, the Polish army was one of the best in the world and nothing could withstand a charge of their heavy cavalry right up until the coming of tanks in the 1930s. Since there were no major wars being fought in Europe at the time, Casimir made his way to America in 1776 and offered his services to George Washington. Washington was just forming the Continental Army and was in desperate need of trained officers, so he put Pulaski in charge of recruiting and training a cavalry force to go up against the British. Casimir and his cavalry performed as well as any European force and eventually he led his

troops at the siege of Savannah in 1779. There, he was mortally wounded and died a few days later. He has been immortalized with the title of “Father of the U.S. Cavalry.”

Today, he is commemorated by his statue in Monterey Square which is also his tomb. In the mid 1990s, the statue was in a poor state of preservation with some of the stone crumbling and threatening to bring the whole monument down. Back then, I was spending a lot of time in Savannah in connection with the 1996 Olympics and wound up sitting in on several meetings of the statue restoration committee. They had received a donation to restore the statue and also to confirm that the body buried under it was actually Pulaski.

Dr. Jimmy Metz, the Chatham County Coroner, explained that the DNA is passed down through the female side of the family as there may be some question of who the true fathers were. After an extensive search, they found no female descendants, however they did locate his grandmother’s grave in Poland. Luckily her grave had survived all the wars and turmoil of the ensuing 200 odd years. The committee got permission to collect a DNA sample which proved that the body in Savannah actually is that of Casimir Pulaski. He was laid back to rest under his statue where he had been for over two centuries.

Jump forward (or backward) to the Civil War. The Port of Savannah was defended from the sea by Fort Pulaski, named in honor of Casimir. It was a strong masonry fort on the Savannah River, armed with a number of powerful, smooth bore cannons, and was considered absolutely impregnable. It is located a few miles upstream from Tybee Island and the Atlantic Ocean.

At that time the Union Navy

had blockaded the entire coast of the south and Savannah was a major port for the blockade runners. The Confederacy depended on the port for war materials such as weapons, gun powder and anything that they could not manufacture themselves. It was also vital for the export of cotton and other products.

Now the Civil War, like most wars since, saw a tremendous advance in technology, as well as medicine and transportation. One of those advances was the development of the “rifled” cannon.

“Rifling” is a series of spiral grooves that cause the cannon ball to spin as it goes down the barrel and travels in a straighter line toward its target. In a “smooth bore” gun, the cannon ball just bounces down the barrel, and where it winds up depends on what direction the last bounce took it.

The North was far ahead of the South in developing these guns and when the Union Army decided to attack Fort Pulaski, they simply set up a rifled cannon on Tybee Island, about five miles

away from the fort and accurately shelled it for two days. The fort fought valiantly, returning fire with their smooth bore cannons, but they had neither the range nor the accuracy to do much damage to the Union gun. In just 36 hours the Union Army destroyed the supposedly “invincible” fort which had taken 13 years to construct. This signaled the end of

Casimir Pulaski Monument in Savannah, GA.

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

So just who is your co-captain in case of an emergency?

Did you know that boating is one of the top family-oriented activities in the country? On any given Saturday, you’ll find parents out fishing with their kids, water skiing, or simply swimming while at anchor. Of course, boating isn’t always a family affair; you might be out with friends. While I’ve taken my boat out solo on occasion, it’s always more enjoyable with friends or family aboard.

As the captain of your vessel, you bear the responsibility for the safety and well-being of your passengers. This means piloting your vessel safely to your destination and back to the dock or boat ramp. If an incident occurs, it’s also your duty to make decisions to mitigate any dangers.

But what if you’re unable to perform your duties as captain?

Do you have a co-captain?

I’m not suggesting you might shirk responsibility and indulge in a few too many drinks while on the water. I’m talking about unforeseen events that could leave

Frank Taylor

The Careful Captain

you unable to manage your vessel. While it may be uncomfortable to contemplate such scenarios, it’s necessary to be prepared.

The unfortunate reality is that people can experience medical events or injuries at any time and while engaging in any activity. Picture a day when you’re out on your boat with family or friends, and suddenly you’re unable to safely pilot your boat back to shore. Is there anyone aboard who could take your place? It happens, and I’ve been in a situation where I was a guest on a boat and the captain became incapacitated. I was the one who had to get us

back to shore. If it happened to you, who else on your vessel could step up? If you can’t identify someone, perhaps it is time to do so. Maybe it’s time to train someone.

If you regularly boat with your family or the same groups of friends, you probably already have some prime candidates. After all, these individuals have observed you piloting your vessel many times before. They are familiar with some of your procedures and may have even assisted you in the past. It’s possible that all they’ll need is training in a few additional skills.

The first skill you should teach is how to properly use a marine radio. In an emergency, this can be one of the most valuable skills for a fellow passenger to possess. Knowing how to operate a marine VHF and understanding which channel(s) to use for help are crucial. It can literally make the difference between a challenging situation and a disaster.

Additional skills should in-

clude anchoring, navigating the vessel, tying lines, and approaching a dock. Acquiring these skills will take some time. It’s important to remember that your co-captain doesn’t have to be an expert; they just need to be comfortable with getting you and your passengers back home safely.

Here’s another benefit of hav-

• Parks

Continued from Page 8

busy season and we’ve listened to people who visit the lake regularly about how we can make the Lake Lanier experience better.”

To reserve a day-use site in Van Pugh South, visit recreation.gov. The website can also be used to reserve campsites and shelters at other Corps of Engineers’ parks, not only at Lake Lanier but at other Corps’ projects.

Other park news at Lanier Van Pugh North day-use

ing a co-captain: letting someone else take over every now and then gives you a chance to enjoy your boat from a different perspective – as a passenger.

Frank is past commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and is currently a content creator at the YouTube channel “The Ships Logg.”

park is open this season. It can be accessed on a first-come, first served basis; the park offers picnic areas and restroom facilities, plus a boat ramp, grills, a playground and beach access.

The Corps of Engineers and Hall County are nearing completion of a lease agreement that will transfer operations of Sardis Creek Park to Hall County.

For more information, visit www.sam.usace.army.mil.

Travis England, Mobile District Public Affairs Specialist Shore Lines

From the fascinating to the remarkable, Lake Lanier harbors many personalities and places along its shores. Lakeside presents “Shore Lines” – stories about people who live, work and play around the lake and the places that make the area special.

By Pamela A. Keene

It’s difficult to keep up with Travis England, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ new Public Affairs Specialist for the Mobile District. Arriving at the Lake Lanier/Buford Dam office of the Corps last October, where he will be located, England quickly dove into his new job.

“Over about 6 to 8 weeks, I visited all 10 Mobile District Projects and met with probably more than 150 park rangers working at those projects who interface with the public every day,” he said. “They’re the boots on the ground – the face of the Corps in all our projects – and first, we want them to know that they are appreciated, even in these times of budget cuts and our reduced workforce.

“We’ll also be sharing ideas among the rangers about innovative and creative work at their projects and how they can be adapted throughout the division,” he said.

England will be working directly with the park rangers to help build community partnerships, creating programs that can help provide better customer service for the millions of visitors who recreate at Mobile District Parks all year long.

“The commonalities among the projects, the successful programs that exist at some projects and not others, and realistic ways to maximize manpower and reduced budgets were a major part of our new initiative for park rangers,” he said. “Sharing information and supporting each other across projects is a vital part of my work, but it’s not all I’ll be doing.”

What brought England to Corps

“I grew up wanting to be a park ranger,” said the Elkins, Arkansas, native. “Really. I’ve always had a deep appreciation and fascination for the outdoors. Most of my childhood was spent outside.”

He earned an interdisciplinary degree in Environmental Studies from Hendrix Collete in Conway, Arkansas, where he also played football.

Immediately after he graduated, he began work as a summer ranger at Table Rock Lake, a USACE-operated lake in southwest Missouri.

“Four months later I came to Cartersville and Allatoona Lake as a permanent park ranger, creating 12 distinct interpretive programs that I presented throughout the area’s primaries, elementaries,

middle schools, high schools and universities.

“After a few years, I became frustrated with the realization of how little public knowledge there is about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the park rangers and staff who work for the Corps,” he said. “After COVID, I took it upon myself to start producing content that highlights the Corps’ missions, service and initiatives.”

His commitment and focus to bring the diverse work of the Corps of Engineers, its staff and particularly park rangers, and their roles as ambassadors to the public, earned him South Atlantic Division Water Safety Ranger of the Year in 2021.

He was recognized again in 2023 by the South Atlantic Division and received the 2023 US Army Corps of Engineers’ National Water Safety Ranger of the Year.

More than recreation

“One of a ranger’s many responsibilities is water safety, and sometimes that gets lost in the eyes of the public because of the day-to-day other operations we’re charged with,” England said. “But when you think about it, for the millions of visitors to Corps projects’ lakes and waterways, being aware of water safety can be the difference in a good day or one that’s not.”

However, he said, many people who use Corps’ lakes for recreation seem to think that’s why the lakes were created.

million people came to Lake Lanier last year, the Corps is also responsible for managing the water flow, power production, navigability throughout the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint system from its headquarters in North Georgia all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.”

Once the lake was full, the initial authorized purposes – power production, navigation, and flood control – could be fully realized.

The lake was officially designated as Lake Sidney Lanier by Public Law 56-457 on March 29, 1956.

England’s job as Public Affairs Specialist is wide ranging: from internal idea-sharing and communications with all the park rangers in the Mobile District to revamping public-facing digital and social media.

“They simply don’t know that –take the Buford Dam Project as an example – its original purposes outlined by Congress in 1946 when construction was authorized were power production, navigation and flood control,” he said. “And while nearly 12

He is also responsible for translating heavy scientific topics into easy-to-consume media for the public, receiving public complaints and making sure they reach the right contact within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. England drafts press releases, media advisories and public serv-

Water-Safety Tips

ice announcements for the Mobile District Projects.

Most importantly, England’s role as a Public Affairs Specialist has him informing the public through a variety of mediums about what the Corps is doing at their local lake.

“It’s important to understand what your local government entities are doing around you,” he said, “and I takes on that responsibility as well.”

The job is right up his alley

“Last October, I took chance and left my park ranger job at Allatoona Lake for a position with the Mobile District Public Affairs Office,” he said. “It’s just what I’ve always envisioned for myself and my career: helping people share information to do their jobs better, improving relationships and communications between park rangers and the public, attracting more collaborations with area businesses, maximizing work with Corps volunteers and raising positive awareness for the work our park rangers do every single day, from water safety to environmental restorations.”

Wear a life jacket. It has to fit to work, so make sure it buckles or zips up, and that you can’t pull it over your ears.

Alcohol and water don’t mix, being intoxicated on, near, or around the lake is dangerous.

Have a swimming buddy, or a shared float plan. Never find yourself alone on the water, especially if people don’t know you’re out there.

–

compiled by

Pamela A. Keene

PHOTOS

Travis England enjoys a sunrise over the lake.

Travis England was named National Water Safety Ranger of the Year.

Travis England was named National Water Safety Ranger of the Year .

Lake Lanier Association

Ready to jump in?

What's stopping you?

Support LLA, become a member today!

For as little as $100 a year, your Household Membership supports these on-lake intiatives...

Removing over 90 tons of trash annually at Shore Sweep Light-up 289 hazard markers with Solar Lights Stock and maintain 10 life jacket loaner stations 2 miles and counting of shoreline protected with Rip Rap Monthly Water Quality Testing , all 12 months of the year

Remove Abandoned and Derelict Docks & Vessels (ADDV) from the waters of Lanier

LLA is made up of boaters, fisherman, property owners, drinking water users, area businesses and anyone passionate about Lake Lanier. As a non-profit, we are 80% funde d by memberships and tax deductible donations. Our on-lake initiatives are not possible without memberships li ke yours!

Ready to Jump In?

Scan the QR code above to join or renew your LLA Membership or visit: members.lakelanier.org/join

CLEAN LAKE

Shore Sweep, Adopt-a-Lake Water Quality Testing, Clean Lake Pledge & Mini Clean-Ups

FULL LAKE

Rip Rap, Erosion and Sedimentation, Island Protection through municipal funding, USACE Basin Management

SAFE LAKE

Life Jacket Loaner Stations, Solar Lights, Channel Markers, Safety Course & Education

TOGETHER

Through education and advocacy, we work to keep you informed about important matters. LLA works closely with local authorities to protect Lanier.

We may have to add to list of hurricane names this year

June 1st is the beginning of meteorological summer. It’s also the beginning of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

This year, with El Nino transitioning to La Nina, along with the above normal ocean temperatures, it is expected to be brutal.

For the Atlantic basin, 25 named storms are expected. That is unprecedented when you consider the average is 12. In addition, the number of major hurricanes is expected to be double the average! If this happens, we are going to have to have another list of names.

This month, tropical storm formation is most likely to occur in the Gulf of Mexico. Sea surface temperatures have to be above 80 degrees and this is where the temperature warms to that level first.

In July, the prime area for development is the Caribbean Sea. By August and Sep-

Glenn Burns Lanier Outlook

tember, the Eastern Atlantic Ocean is the area to watch. This is typically where the strongest ones form. They have a lot of warm ocean water to “feed” on.

Along with La Nina, there is another fly in the ointment for 2024. It is called the North Atlantic Oscillatio, or NAO. The simplest explanation is that the big Bermuda High Pressure that centers itself in the Atlantic during summer will be stronger and perhaps a little farther east than is typical.

This is bad news for us, as it will likely steer more systems west toward the Gulf Coast and Southeast Coast, possibly tracking them there with no way out. That would mean longer-lasting storms.

During an El Nino year, wind shear over the oceans can really take a bite out of hurricane strength and movement. Just the opposite will be the case this season. No wind shear, incredibly warm sea surface temperatures (ocean temps are currently at record or near record levels now) and the position of the Bermuda High, will all be contributing to an expected hyper-active season. In looking at the past La Nina hurricane seasons, there’s reason to be concerned.

See Burns, page 20

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

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How to really learn about fishing our local reservoirs

The Southeast is covered with Appalachian Mountains and foothill reservoirs. What might be suggested to aide a fisherman to know of, understand, and apply the seasonal techniques to make those fishing trips more successful and at the most reasonable price over time applied to this vast array of lakes? Tough question, huh? Before I get to my recommendations, set aside the value of the trip itself, your experience with friends, family members, youngsters, etc.

This discussion is purely about efficient productive results and the lowest cost to round up all those techniques. Realizing that this is not why you fish these targets, it’s still worthwhile to apply the lesson periodically or as needed before a tournament or special trip you want to catch a full live well of gamefish.

Wow, that was exhaustive. What to do? Hire a guide and spend a day or maybe two getting him to instruct you as to what baits and techniques to use, when to use them according to the sea-

son, and how to make each visit productive. If you pick 10 targeted lakes to expand your horizon, take exhaustive notes and photos and pay for a guide for a day, that’s 10 days at an average of $400 per day. $4,000?

Wow, but look at what you’ve learned from him over that day. Before reaching a final conclusion and comparing another way to get that done for yourself, be advised that each time you hire such a guide, tell him what you want to accomplish, of your intent and get him to agree ahead of time. OK, got it?

Now, figure out how many

times you would have to visit those 10 lakes over the course of a year or more during the four seasons for you to acquire such vast knowledge. You would likely make a trip to each lake (just to keep the numbers even) at least twice per season. So, multiply that out. Ten lakes times eight times, two per season, and figure you’ll spend at least $300 per trip with gas, food, tackle, licenses, etc. That’s 80 trips at $300 each resulting in $24,000 and much of your time will be spent fishing where your catch might be minimal. Why such a difference? The guide you hired has likely spent several years and maybe thousands of days on the water building up knowledge and will be showing what he has experienced to you. Has this been a waste of time? Maybe.

The thought here can be the number of lakes, be it one or 10, the purpose suggested here is if you want to know a lake yearround the fastest way possible, hire an experienced guide.

O’Neill Williams has been a tel-

evision, radio and print personality for more than 40 years and more

• Mendes

Continued from Page 12

masonry forts constructed of brick and mortar. Subsequent forts made of reinforced concrete or stone were used as a means of coastal defense.

This country has a treasure trove of history, and fortunately, historical societies do a great job of preserving it.

If you are ever in the city of Savannah, a walking tour visit-

• Burns

Continued from Page 18

recently has added podcasts and video on demand to his repertoire.

ing the Pulaski Monument and a drive out to Fort Pulaski are a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for over 30 years. His family owns a marina/ bar/restaurant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”

As far as our June weather, the Climate Prediction Center thinks temperatures will continue to be above normal. However, there are too many variables regarding rainfall, so we are given equal chances of above or below normal. The average rainfall for us in June is 4.54 inches.

Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist emeritus for WSB-TV in Atlanta.

New Customers signing an annual contract agreement will get a choice of:

One month FREE storage, $250 fuel credit OR a FREE wash & wax. *Restrictions apply

Lazy Days is the legendary, full-service marina located just a short drive north of Atlanta on I-985, off the Lake Lanier Islands Parkway exit. Lazy Days can dry stack boats up to 36 feet and offers wet slips up to 125 feet. Lazy Days has an on-site service department by Singleton Marine. With more than 690 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and unique recreational activities.

D INTO MARINA OFFICE

Brand new covered slips from 24’ to 106’

Dry Stack up to 36’ with 200+ new courtesy slips

Minimum 8’ wide easy-access walkways and ramps

PWC Ports, private patios, and boat hoists

available

Abundance of convenient, well-lit parking

Lake Lanier’s largest in-house Boat Service & Repairs

24/7 gated security with guardhouse

Lake Lanier’s largest floating Gas Island with 26 pumps

Heated & A/C bath-house with laundry & fitness center

Two Ship Stores with everything from beer & ice to cleaning supplies

In-House & On-Site Boat Sales & Brokerage

(Yamaha, Crownline, G3, Tracker)

Fresh water, GFCI power & wifi available at all docks

♫ denotes musical event On & Around the Lake

o June 3 – Learn to Square Dance, First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville. Info: 678-957-0288.

o June 4, 11, 18, 25 – Trivia Night, NoFo Brewing Co., Gainesville. Info: topher@nofobrew.co

♫ June 5 – The Bells of Christ Church, youth and young-adult bell choir from Christ Church in Savannah, perform at First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville. Info: 770-532-0136.

♫ June 5, 12, 19, 26 – Music Bingo, Hall & Hound Brewing Co., Cumming. 470-239-8423.

o June 6, 13, 20, 27 – Trivia, Hall & Hound Brewing Co., Cumming. Info: 470-239-8423.

♫ June 6, 13, 20, 27 – Music Bingo, NoFo Brewing Co., Gainesville. Info: topher@nofobrew.co

o June 7 – 13th Annual Celebrity Waiter Breakfast Fundraiser at Longhorn Steakhouse, Dawsonville supports Dawson County Family Connection. Info: 706-265-1981.

♫ June 7 – First Friday Concert Series on Gainesville Historic Square. Info: 770-531-6598.

o June 12 – Wine Tasting, Hall & Hound Brewing Co., Cumming. Info: 470-239-8423.

o June 14, 23 – Ben Bostick, The Collection at Forsyth, Cumming. Info: 770-648-2999.

♫ June 14 – Caleb Wilkie and The Privateers, Locos Grill & Pub, Gainesville. 770-534-5771.

♫ June 14 – Flowery Branch Block Party-Margaritaville, Flowery Branch. Info: 706-708-6648.

♫ June 14 – Aunt Betty, Branch House Tavern, Flowery Branch. Info: 678-828-8345.

♫ June 30 – Believers Concert Band Patriotic Celebration, Gainesville FUMC. 770-364-5442. Blackstrap Rock Hall

♫ June 7 – Skyway 61/Dayglo Mourning/By Way of Fire

♫ June 8 – The Tarnished/Delta Hate/Cleansing

of the Temple

♫ June 14

Lakeside Calendar June 2024

– The F Pantera Cover Band/Seven Year Witch/Hego Crazy Boy

♫ June 15 – Pure Ed/Bleach Garden/Mara Nagra Info: 678-696-8285; blackstraprockhall.com

Boot Barn Hall

♫ June 6 – Use Your Illusion/Guns ‘N Roses Experience

♫ June 7 – Heart of Atlanta/Heart tribute

♫ June 8 – Corey Smith

♫ June 13 – Dueling Pianos

♫ June 14 – No Diggity Band

♫ June 15 – Cougar Town/John Mellencamp tribute

♫ June 20 – Randall King

♫ June 21 – Jeremy’s Ten/Pearl Jam tribute

♫ June 22 – Crystal Gayle

♫ June 28 – Charles Esten

♫ June 29 – Frankly Scarlet/The Ultimate Grateful Dead Experience Info: bootbarnhallga.com

Buford Community Center

♫ June 21 – Completely Unchained/Last Chance Riders Info: 770-904-2740; bufordcommunitycenter.com

Clarkesville’s Habersham Community Theater

o July 18-21, 25-28, Aug. 1-4 – The Voyage of The Dawn Trader Info: 706-839-1315; habershamcommunitytheater.com

Cumming City Center

♫ June 5 – Canon Tyler

♫ June 7 – Beastie Goy/Beastie Boys tribute

♫ June 12 – Taylor Harlow

♫ June 14 – Olivia Ivey Band

♫ June 19 – James & Julia

♫ June 26 – East and Ward

♫ June 28 – Grains of Sand Band

Now Leasing

Dock your boat in one of our covered slips or place it in our dry storage so you can be on the water minutes after you arrive. This is the way to enjoy every minute of lake time and get the most out of boat ownership!

Info: 770-781-2010; cummingcitycenter.com

Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater

o June 15-16, 21-23 – Madagascar, A Musical Adventure Jr.

o June 28-30 – A Year with Frog and Toad, Kids Info: 706-530-5162; hollytheater.com

Georgia Art League

o June 20 –Suwanee Arts Center Tour Info: 470-272-3010; melanievaughan133@gmail.com

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

♫ June 6-27 – Acoustic Sunsets/Hamilton Gardens

♫ June 7 – Happy Together Tour 2024/The Turtles, Jay & The Americans, The Associations, Badfinger, The Vogues, The Cowsills

♫ June 15 – RiverBend

♫ June 18 – Bert Kreischer: Tops Off World Tour

♫ June 21 – The Marshall Tucker Band Info: 706-896-4191; georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Hall County Library

o June 17 – How to Canoe or Kayak

o June 28, July 26, Aug. 23 – Master Craftswoman Agatha Christie – A Reading Group Info: 770-532-3311, X4011

Interactive Neighborhood Kids

o June 3-9 – Donut Craft Week

o June 6, 13, 20, 27 – Thriller Thursdays: Bumblebee Visits (6/6), Belle Visits (6/13), Bluey Visits (6/20), Patriotic Mickey & Minnie Visit (6/27)

o June 10-16 – Father’s Day Craft Week

o June 17-23 – Eagle Craft Week

o June 24-30 – Sunglasses Craft Week Info: 770-536-1900; inkfun.org

Quinlan Arts Center

o Thru June 8 – Spring Exhibition

o June 13-Aug. 10 – Summer Exhibition Info: 770-536-2575; quinlanartscenter.org

♫ June 15

School Street Playhouse

– Blue Suedes/tributes to Dean Martin/Young Elvis

♫ June 22 – Allman Brothers tribute

Info: 770-781-9178; schoolstreetplayhouse.com The Arts Council

o June 8 – Southeastern Young Artists with the Gainesville Ballet Co.

♫ June 22 – Dookie – America’s Premier Green Day Tribute Band

♫ July 3 – Northwinds Symphonic Band presents Patriotic Pops Concert

♫ July 13 – Gangstagrass

♫ July 20 – Riverstreet

♫ July 26 – Rush of Fools

♫ Aug. 10 – Kings of Queen/Queen tribute

♫ Aug. 24 – Back in Time

♫ Sept. 14 – Dancing Dream-Abba tribute Info: Julie Garner, julie@theartscouncil.net; 770534-2787.

37 Rock Cafe

♫ June 6, 13, 20, 27 – Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos

♫ June 7 – After School Special/Eric Parker & AB Rogers

♫ June 8 – Dock Rock Radio/Gary Carter

♫ June 15 – Radio ’80s/Chris Butler Acoustic Set

♫ June 21 – Sunset Strip

♫ June 22 – New Sensation/INXS tribute

♫ June 28 – All Talk/Chris Butler Acoustic Set

♫ June 29 – Rubiks Groove Info: 678-288-2030; buford.37main.com

The Well

♫ July 6 – Radio ’80s Info: 404-271-3178; gigs@thewellga.co

University of North Georgia

♫ June 28 – Piano Concert, Dahlonega Info: 678-717-3930; www.ung.edu

♫ Real Deal Country, Sautee Nacoochee. Katie Deal & Country River Band performs, 5-8:30 p.m. June 1, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $25. www.gastateparks.org, 706-8781077.

o June Fest, Gainesville. Meet beekeepers and monarch butterfly experts, enjoy live music, refreshments, children’s entertainment and games, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 1, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantabg.org, 404-8884760.

o Hacker Run 5K & Dog Dash, Cumming. 8:30 a.m. June 1, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. $10-$40. www.runnersfit.com.

o Cruise In, Clermont. Classic cars, food trucks, vendors, DJ music, 4-8 p.m. June 1, Clermont Chattahoochee Park, 639 Main St. www.clermontga.com.

o Master Naturalist, Helen. 8-week adult environmental education program with classroom lectures and hands on-activities led by local and state experts, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays June 3July 22, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $285, $5 parking. Registration required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-4707.

o Learn to Row, Gainesville. Beginner rowing classes for ages 18 and older, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues. & Thurs. June 4-29, Lake Lanier Rowing Club, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3100 Clarks Bridge Rd. $240. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Movie in the Park, Dawsonville. Children’s activities, concessions, 6 p.m., movie at dusk, June 7, War Hill Park, 4081 War Hill Park Rd. Free. www.dawsoncountyga.gov.

o Soque River Paddle, Demorest. Chattahoochee Riverkeeper leads 3-mile paddle trip on the Soque River to its merger with the Chattahoochee, June 7-8, Cannon Bridge, Demorest to Wildwood Outfitters in Cleveland. Optional camping June 7. $30, includes dinner, breakfast and shuttle. Limited boat rentals available. www.chattahoochee.org.

o Iconic Trees of Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville. Naturalist-guided hike to identify amazing trees along on Appalachian Approach Trail from Visitor Center to Reflection Pond, 11 a.m. June 8 & 22, Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. Guidebook, pencil, and paper provided. $5. www.gastateparks.org, 706344-1515.

o Tri the Parks, Gainesville. Triathlon, duathlon, aquabike for individuals and relays, 8 a.m. June 8, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $64.50-$159. www.runsignup.com.

o Elevate 5K, Suwanee. 78:30 a.m. June 8, George Pierce Park, 55 Buford Hwy. NE. $55. www.runnersfit.com.

o Miles for Mimosas 5K, Sugar Hill. 8 a.m. June 8, Sugar Hill Distillery, 1166 Church St. $35. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Harmony in Motion: Ballet & Strings, Gainesville. Southeastern Young Artists & Gainesville Ballet Company perform on outdoor stage, gates open 3:30 p.m., show starts 4:30 p.m. June 8, Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW. $30 individual, $40 per person table of 8, $15 kids 10 and younger. www.theartscouncil.net.

o Floral Chunanee Falls Hike, Helen. Enjoy mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms on guided 1-mile hike to waterfall, 10-11:30 a.m.

Outdoor Calendar June 2024

June 8, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. Registration required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Farm Camp, Sautee Nacoochee. One day camp for children ages 7-12 focuses on 1900s dairy farming, includes crafts, games, homemade ice cream, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 11, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $35. Registration required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.

o Party at the Pool, Dawsonville. Free admission, snow cones, family fun, 6-9 p.m. June 12, Veterans Memorial Park pool, 186 Recreation Rd. www.dawsoncountyga.gov.

o Habitat Rocks, Gainesville. Dance music, barbecue at annual Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, June 14, The Boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Donation levels $1,500 to $10,000. www.habitathallcounty.org.

o Summer Blooms Walking Tour, Gainesville. Garden stroll with horticulturist, 10 a.m.noon June 15, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $29. Register in advance. www.atlantabg.org, 404888-4760.

o Introduction to Hiking, Helen. Learn about hiking gear, safety, trails, and backwoods first aid, 10 a.m.-noon June 15, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5, plus $5 parking. Reservations required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Run the Ranch 5K/Fun Run/Nature Walk/Block Party, Flowery Branch. 8:15-8:40 a.m. start times, June 15, Eagle Ranch, 5500 Union Church Rd. $20-$35. www.runnersfit.com.

o Blackstrap Ghost Tours, Gainesville. Walking ghost tour to historic sites near Blackstrap Rock Hall and Midland Greenway hosted by Blackstrap Rock Hall and The Longstreet Society, 8 p.m. June 15, Blackstrap Rock Hall, 852 Main St. SW. $20 adults, $10 children ages 612. www.blackstraprockhall.com.

♫ Musical Odyssey: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Gainesville. SouthEastern Young Artists perform classic seasonal masterpiece, 7 p.m. June 16, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Ticket cost to be determined. www.atlantagb.org, 404-7888-4760.

o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 8:15-9:45 p.m. June 20, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10 cash, plus $5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Food Truck Friday, Gainesville. Food

atl.com.

o Made in the USA 5K, 10K/15K/Half Marathon, Sugar Hill. 7:30 a.m. June 29, Sugar Hill Distillery, 1166 Church St. $35-$60. www.fivestarntp.com.

On-Going

trucks, beer/wine tents, live music, retail vendors 5-9 p.m. June 21, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Free admission; table rentals available. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Strawberry Moon Paddle, Gainesville. Guided group paddle on peaceful section of Lake Lanier, boat rental available, 7-9 p.m. June 21, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $40. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Herbs & the Five Senses, Gainesville. Taste, touch, and smell assortment of foods and drinks infused with herbs, get recipes, 10 a.m.-noon June 22, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $40. Register in advance. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Southern Surf Slam, Gainesville. Wake surfing competition, food, beverages, entertainment and more, June 27-29, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. www.surf-

♫ First Friday Concerts, Gainesville. Concerts on downtown square 7-10 p.m. first Fridays through September, preceded by 4-6 p.m. solo artist near Main St. Concert lineup: June-Vintage Vixens; July-The Soul Purpose Band; August-Fly Betty Band; September-Steve Bryson Band. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Curious Saturdays, Gainesville. Mobile Curiosity Cart offers families insights into garden/ecosystem, 10 a.m.-noon first Saturdays through September, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantabg.org, 404-8884760.

♫ Evening Concerts/Movie, Cumming. Outdoor concerts or movie, 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 8-10 p.m. Saturdays: Canon Tyler, June 5; Beastie Goys, June 7; Taylor Harlow, June 12; Olivia Ivy Band, June 14; James & Julia, June 19; Movies Alfresco, June 21; East & Ward, June 26; Grains of Sand Band, June 28; Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com. – compiled by Jane Harrison

For more calendar items, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.

UYC Maritime Foundation: Community outreach, scholarships and education

By Pamela A. Keene

Ever since it was incorporated on Jan. 5, 2006, the UYC Maritime Foundation has been a champion of water safety, boating education, youth sailing programs and community scholarships.

From sponsoring multi-week junior sailing programs each summer to being a strong supporter of the Lanier Tech Marine Engine Technology curriculum, the organization’s presence is making a difference in North Georgia and the Lake Lanier community.

“Our intent and mission has always been to focus on maritimerelated goals,” said Wayne Flanagan, chairman of the organization based in Flowery Branch.

“Over the years, our outreach has expanded to include sailing instruction for an area high school, and a hands-on STEM program for middle school students, as well as boat rides for individuals with special needs.”

The foundation’s financial support has come mostly from donations, sponsorships and various fund-raising events.

“Although the Maritime Foundation is a separate organization from University Yacht Club, club members and friends of University Yacht Club often provide

hands-on assistance and volunteer services,” he said. “For instance, when we began our Junior Sailing Program 14 years ago, many members stepped up to help us build our initial fleet of Optimist Prams – 12 in all – so that our youngest a spiring sailors would have boats for instruction.”

Club members have funded the purchase of specialized boats, including O’pen BIC boats, Lasers, 420s and Sunfish. “Our club members are always at the ready to volunteer for our projects, from preparing meals and snacks for the Juniors to providing their own sailboats for the students to experience the sport from another perspective,” Flanagan said.

On-the-water learning

“Since the junior program began, approximately 200 students have learned to sail and built their confidence and teamwork skills,” said Susan Reddaway, director of the Junior Program. “About a dozen of the original students have come back year after year and are now coaching for us. It’s so rewarding

UYC scholarships awarded to area high school seniors

For 16 years, high school seniors attending West Hall High School and Flowery Branch High School have benefited from the UYC Maritime Foundation Scholarship Program.

Open to graduating seniors at each high school, the scholarships for $2,500 each are based on a combination of written applications and one-on-one interviews with representatives of the UYC Maritime Foundation.

“All of the scholarship recipients have outstanding grades and are involved in an impressive array of extracurricular activities,” said Irmina Owens, chair of the scholarship committee of the foundation. “They all work during the summer and many also work during the school year. Each has demonstrated that they are deserving of the scholarship.”

Recipients from West Hall High School are Christopher Sembler, Kevin Soto and Maddox Wilson.

Students from Flowery Branch High School who received scholarships are Casey Beaver, Logan Magnuson and Autumn York. Their areas of study ranged from engineering and architecture to nursing/healthcare and art education.

“We were so impressed with the quality of the students and the way they presented themselves to us,” she said. “All the applicants had impressive credentials, making our decision all the more difficult.”

In all more than 70 scholarships have been awarded to local students since the program began.

– Pamela A. Keene

to see how well they’re doing and how much this program has influenced the lives of all our students.”

Last year, the UYC Foundation partnered with America’s Boating Club Atlanta to work with students from Eagle Ranch during a special week of sailing instruction.“Club members volunteered their support and they also fund this program.

The UYC Maritime Foundation will once again conduct sailing instruction in partnership with Eagle Ranch for one week of instruction similar to the junior sailing program. The foundation will be hosting Eagle Ranch house parents and staff for a separate staff appreciation day.

competition with 80 teams from around the globe. The STEM competition involved developing a way to cut costs on international cargo shipping.

“We know we can always count on the members of University Yacht Club to support worthwhile foundation activities,” Flanagan said. “Whether sharing their knowledge, their time or their resources, it’s always a benefit to the community.”

Beyond the conventional Several years ago, Sharon Elementary School teacher Wendy Wing connected with Flanagan and the foundation to give her students some hands-on experience as they prepared for the FIRST LEGO League Razorback Invitational, an international robotics

On paper, they had developed an X-Wing Kite Sail that could be retrofitted to cargo ships, but none of them had ever been on a sailboat to see how a sail works.

“Club members stepped up with their sailboats and took team members out to see how a sail works,” Flanagan said. “The students saw first hand how the wind affects a sail, plus how wind direction, sail shape and other factors effect efficiency. A couple of the students were so excited about the experience that they participated in our junior program that summer.”

Educational support scholarships

Club members are taking their outreach into the classroom by mentoring students in the West Hall High School Sailing program. By providing on-the-water experiences, the students are learning sailing techniques and boating safety. “For a number of years, marine repair shops have found it difficult to hire qualified marine technicians, so we have been assisting with setting up the program at Lanier Tech,” Flanagan said. “About eight years ago, we began a partnership with Lanier Tech to support their program and also offer scholarships to help fill this need.”

More than 20 scholarships have been awarded to Lanier Tech students based on recommendations from school advisers.

The foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes education and instruction of sailing and power boating, especially with regards to water safety, for youth and adults. In addition to the annual youth scholarships, the organization presents three weeks of youth and junior sailing education each summer, the Hot Ruddered Bum February lake-wide sailing regatta and the November Lanier Cup, a lake-wide sailing clubs championship.

It is supported by donations from individuals, sponsorships, businesses and various fund-raising events.

For more information, visit www.uycmaritimefoundation.org.

Robotics team with UYC member Kent Rogers at the helm.

UYC Maritime Foundation supports the annual Junior Sailing Program.

PHOTOS BY UYC MARITIME FOUNDATION

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Fins Up Water Park unveils new waterslide coaster ‘Apocalypso’

Fins Up Water Park (formerly Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Water Park) unveiled its new, highly anticipated Fins Up Falls waterslide complex last month, which features Georgia’s first and largest waterslide coaster, Apocalypso. To celebrate the occasion, Fins Up hosted more than 60 of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier’s middle and high school students. The group, who were among the first to ride the revolutionary slide, also received a $1,500 donation.

“We are grateful to (Fins Up) for their incredible generosity,” said Anastasia Legakes, COO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier. “The donation will make a significant impact on the programs we offer here at the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier, ensuring that we can continue to empower and uplift the youth in our community.”

Apocalypso is one slide incorporated into the four-slide tower, which spans 418 feet and features the most significant drop of its kind in the U.S. The slide sends riders through steep hills and valleys at an average water speed of

30 mph before a final descent onto a massive wave wall.

The water park also debuted three additional slides for this season, bringing its total number of attractions to 18.

• Serpentine Storm: Thrilling rotations combined with a downward-spiraling descent.

• Dreamsicle Dive: High-intensity fun with closed and open tubes for an exhilarating ride.

• Mango Mania: Perfect for younger thrill-seekers.

“Our goal is to provide the best

water park experience for guests, and what better way than bring the first waterslide coaster to Georgia on the shores of Lake Lanier,” said Bucky Perry, Vice President of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. “We believe in providing guests with the best customer experience possible and I’m confident we will exceed their expectations with our updates at Fins Up Water Park.”

In addition to Fins Up Falls, the water park doubled the Aquatic Adventure inflatable ob-

stacle course in Lake Lanier, providing guests with increased capacity and numerous opportunities to jump and splash in the lake.

For more information on season passes, visit MargaritavilleatLanierIslands.com.

Good times at Beginner Racing League ‘Fungatta’

By Vicki Hope

The May 11th event coincided with the annual Duck Derby, making it one of the busiest days of the season so far.

Basics of Boating - America's Boating Course

• Course: Meets Georgia DNR and NASBLA requirements for boater and PWC certification; covers boat handling, safety equipment/procedures, rules of the road, boat types/terminology.

• Instructors: America’s Boating Club – Atlanta (formerly Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron

• When: In-person Full-day Class OR Virtual 3-session classes: In person - Saturday, July 13 Virtual/Online 3 sessions - July 31 plus August 7 & 10

• Cost: $25 per student; Optional: $28 reference text available from instructor

• Information/registration: americasboatingclubatlanta.org/ or Email - ABC@usps-atlanta.org

Boating Safely & Personal Watercraft Certification - USCGA

• Course: NASBLA certified entry level classroom-only course with test for boater education and PWC certification. Covers basic boating terminology, “rules of the road,” navigation, operation, legal requirements, emergencies, water etiquette and more.

• Instructors: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers

• Minimum age: 12

• When: 9 am - 5 pm: June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19

• Where: U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla 29, 6595 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch

• Cost: Individuals $35; bring lunch

• Information/registration: Perry Hidalgo; uscgaux29@gmail.com; 470-310-3336/404-447-4599 http://wow.uscgaux.info/peclass.php?unit=070-02-09

On-Line Courses

• www.boat-ed.com and www.boaterexam.com/usa/georgia include study guide and Georgia Certification Exam with unlimited exam attempts; cost is $34.95 payable upon exam passage. Temporary certificate printed upon passage; permanent card mailed.

• www.boatus.org/free offers free course, exam and print your own certificate; mailed certificate $5.

The docks were “teaming” with action during last month’s Fungatta held at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. The Lanier Canoe and Kayak (LCKC) club’s Beginner Racing League (BRL) members enjoyed the culminating event of an 8-week paddling program – the “BRAFF Fungatta.” Competitors were racing on the historic 1996 Olympic course. Teams gained experience in racing skills, teamwork and just plain fun. With safety first, lifejackets, experienced staff and coaches were on hand to ensure all went smoothly. Between races, experienced, national caliber athletes that got their start at LCKC shared their experiences of the club and how they helped them hone their racing skills.

Lakeside’s Safety Guide

Other Boater Education Opportunities (Certification exam not included)

• Advanced Boating Classes in piloting, marine communications, and other boating skills offered periodically by the America’s Boating Club – Atlanta. americasboatingclubatlanta.org.

Vessel Safety Checks

• Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron offers vessel safety check-ups by appointment; americasboatingclubatlanta.org/vessel-safety-check.

• Vessel Safety Checks by appointment: Both U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons offer vessel safety check-ups at your boat by appointment. www.safetyseal.net.

Sailing Classes

• Windsong Sailing Academy: Basic and advanced sailing training and certifications including engine maintenance, marine electrical systems, coastal and celestial navigation, marine meteorology and emergency planning. Public and private week evening and weekend classes available. Fees vary. www.WindsongSail.com. (770) 967-1515.

Frances Meadows Aquatics and Community Center

• Location: 1545 Community Way, Gainesville.

• Information/registration: 770-533-5850, www.gainesville.org/359/Swim-Lessons Georgia Mountains YMCA

• Location: 2455 YMCA Drive, Gainesville

• Information/registration: www.gamountainsymca.org/programs-2/swim-lessons, 770-297-9622 Cumming Aquatic Center

• Location: 201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming

• Information/registration: 770-781-1781 www.cummingaquaticcenter.com (register online)

Gwinnett Swim

• Location: 5396 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford

• Information/registration: www.gwinnettswim.com, 404-590-7946

Swim Atlanta

• Location: 5059 Post Road, Cumming, 770-888-0010; 1152 Auburn Road, Dacula, 678-8892039; 4050 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 770-622-1735; other Atlanta locations

• Information/registration: www.swimatlanta.com

Boater Education Courses with Certification Exam

Youngsters from The Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier take in the new Apocalypse waterslide at Fins Up Water Park.

PHOTO: FINS UP

PHOTO BY VICKI HOPE

Paddlers head out to the startiing line at the Fungatta.

You’re not the only one eating from your garden

Those vine-ripe tomatoes you’ve been nurturing since mid April are just as tempting to you as they are to insects. Your squash may have become a target for squash bores that can ruin a whole summer’s crop overnight. All of a sudden your beans have holes in the leaves and beans.

For many gardeners, the first reaction is to purchase one of the more well-known insecticides, such as Sevin, or anything you can find at the nearest box retailer that has insect spray on the label. If so, you’d be doing your vegetables a disservice.

You’d be wiping out the beneficial insects that pollinate and also feed on other insects. In fact, only about 5 percent of garden pests are harmful; the other 95 percent are beneficial.

The good guys: Beneficial insects to “court” because they feed on harmful insects include red wings with dark spotted wings; lacewings, small light green insects with translucent wings; praying mantis stick-like insects; and honeybees, hard-working pollinators.

Pamela A. Keene Curb Appeal

sects, as well as recommendations (organically or otherwise) to control harmful insects without affecting beneficial ones.

Visit your garden at least once a day and set aside plenty of time to search for signs of insects. It’s easier to work backward, noting the type of damage, then matching it with the insect causing it.

What to look for:

Scout first

Georgia Garden Guru Walter Reeves has always said the best (insecticide/disease control) is a gardener’s shadow. He’s saying that the more you visit your garden, the better you’ll be able to manage pests and diseases before they get out of hand.

One of his most popular presentations to gardening groups was Reeves’ “How to Be Sherlock Holmes in Your Garden.” He covered tips for scouting insects, differentiating between beneficial and harmful in-

• Smooth rounded holes in the center of the leaves typically indicate slugs and snails

• Leaf curl, wilting/yellowing leaves of stunted growth can most likely indicate aphids, as will ants

beetles and flies. They may also consume other beneficial creatures.

on your plants

• Seedlings laying on the ground because the stems have been cut through are cutworms, the larval stage of night-flying moths

• Hornworms’ favorite plant is tomatoes, and its caterpillars leave black droppings, large holes and irregular definition; look on the

underside of leaves to discover the large pale green larvae of the hawk or sphinx moth

• Leaf miners’ larvae leave light-colored s-shaped marks on the surface of leaves where leaf miners larvae have “mined” the leaf surfaces; look on the undersides of the leaves for tiny eggs

See Curb, page 46

How to treat Japanese Beetles

You know the signs: what seems like hundreds of the iridescent black Japanese beetles defoliate everything in your garden in record time. They typically arrive in June and stay into July.

Despite a plethora online and advertising claims, there are few remedies.

Japanese beetle traps are not effective, unless you gift several to your neighbors. Designed to attract the beetles through pheromones, and why lure something you’re your landscape that’s mostly likely already scoped it out?

Chemical treatments, such as Sevin dust are hit or miss and generally messy to apply

Physically remove the beetles by hand and drop them into a bucket filled with water and a bit of liquid dish detergent will drown them. Then throw them in the garbage.

Prevention: Japanese beetles are the adult stage of white grubs. Apply a grub control product using a fertilizer spreader in April when they are starting to emerge from the soil. Reapply in the late summer, early fall after they have laid their eggs in the soil.

Praying mantis are beneficial to the garden. As carnivores,they eat feed on grasshoppers, moths,

CREDIT PIXABAY

Cumberland Island ... simply an unforgettable experience

Diversity of uncanny natural beauty combined with multi-generational histories is only a small part of any visit to Cumberland Island. This enchanted 20-mile strip of land off the Georgia coast seems to be suspended in time far from the madness of our modern world. With the exception of a single road and a barren beach that runs the length of the island on the Atlantic side, dense forests of ancient live oaks, palm trees, palmettos and pines merge with the ever present marsh on the west side of the island. Also immersed in this biologically diverse setting are rare and endangered wildlife, alligators, feral horses, nine-banded armadillos, wild hogs, raccoons, sea turtles, shore birds, manatees and numerous other creatures.

Throughout my life, my love for fishing and photography brought me to Cumberland Island on numerous occasions, but this trip would be very special. Though I had heard of Carol Ruckdeschel many times from her writings, conservation friends and things that have been written about her … I had never met her personally until now, and it will forever be an unforgettable memory for me.

Carol has an impressive reputation on Cumberland Island, but she first gained national attention when the New Yorker magazine did a feature which highlighted her diet of roadkill animals back in 1973 before she moved to Cumberland. She is a very intelligent naturalist, whose passion for the wilderness and the sea turtles that she so loves has often put her at odds with local landowners and various government agencies.

Bill Vanderford Travel Editor

n MORE INFO: JFish51@aol.com www.georgiafishing.com

Despite being a loner, who probably prefers the companionship of animals to that of humans, I found her to be very down to earth, and extremely friendly! Though she’s more than 80 years old, her radiant smile, her signature braided pigtails with streaks of gray among the brown strands of hair along with her slim body is really quite attractive for someone who has lived alone in the wilderness for more than 50 years!

In the few hours that I was in Carol’s presence, we spoke of many things, and I asked her numerous questions. I was especially interested in the multitude of natural things that she had consumed as food over the years, and her personal relationships with animals of different kinds. It was fascinating to hear her story of a great friendship she had with a female bobcat, her fellowship with the wild pig families and her true feelings about the wild horses. I could probably write a book about the things that I learned in just a few hours from this knowledgeable and experienced naturalist … but that would be too much for

this article.

Cumberland Island’s first residents were the Timucuan Indians followed by the Spanish and English explorers in the 1500s. By late 1886, most of the island had been acquired by Lucy Coleman Carnegie, wife of Thomas Carnegie, co-founder of the iron and steel conglomerate Carnegie Brothers & Company. Lucy brought luxury to the island in the form of estates, family mansions like Greyfield, Plum Orchard and Dungeness.

Today, Cumberland Island is mostly protected land under the

See Travel, page 41

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

A group of wild horses feeding on Cumberland.

Osprey family on a nest on top of the chimney at Dungeness.

Wild horse feeding near Dungeness.

Tourists and wild horses near the gate to Dungenesss. Carol Ruckdeschel and Yogi at Cumberland Island.

The small African Settlement Church where John Kennedy, Junior was married. Wild horse family in the marsh.

The entrance to Dungeness.

Independence Day celebrations show off hometown heritage

By Jane Harrison

Communities in and around Lake Lanier celebrate Independence Day with hometown fun that shows off their heritage. From greased pole climbing to running 5Ks, vintage music to patriotic pops, tractor parades to boat parades, the shorelines and headwater towns burst with an array of festivities. Here’s a look:

• Patriotic Pops Concert, Gainesville. Northwind Symphonic Band performs annual patriotic concert on the lawn, gates open 7 p.m., music starts 8 p.m. July 3, Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Sprint St. SW. Bring lawn chairs, picnic; food truck available. $25 individual, $35 per ticket reserve table for 8. www.theartscouncil.net.

• Laurel Park Celebration, Gainesville. American Legion - Paul E. Bolding Post 7 presents an all-day Fourth of July celebration. Gates open at 9 a.m. with food vendors, kid’s activities, music, splash pad, and more; fireworks at dark visible from numerous points around the north end of Lake Lanier, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. $ 10 per car. Rain date Aug. 3.

• 67th annual Thomas Mashburn Steam Engine Parade/Independence Day Celebration, Cumming. Parade with sports teams, dance academies, antique cars, tractors and steam engines on Tribble Gap Road from Forsyth Central High

• Travel

Continued from Page 40 classification of National Seashore, with the exception of some remaining private land still owned by the Carnegies, Candlers (of Coca-Cola), and several other private owners.

Of the 15 barrier islands along the Atlantic coast of Georgia, Cumberland is the largest and is actually 1/3 larger than Manhattan Island in New York. There are no bridges that link the island to the mainland. Therefore, the only access to the public is by ferry boats from St. Marys, Ga.

Visitation is strictly controlled by the National Park Service, and except for a few private dwellings, the only lodging on the island is at Greyfield, which is extremely expensive, so unless you have permits and plan to camp, the best place to stay … and always my choice in St. Marys is the Riverview Hotel, (www.riverviewhotelstmarys.com ) which was built in 1916. This property has also been the favorite of many notable people. This old hotel is on the waterfront and has become the central gathering point for folks headed to Cumberland Island. It is across the street

School to Cumming Fairgrounds. 10 a.m.-noon July 4; Independence Day Celebration with children’s activities, food, vendors, live music, adult beverages, and more 4-10 p.m., fireworks 9:30 p.m. Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. www.cummingfair.net.

• Celebrate the 4th, Braselton. Food, music, parade, fireworks; food trucks/family activities, 5 p.m., parade on Ga. 53 begins at 6 p.m., live music 6:30-9:30 p.m.; fireworks between 9-9:30 p.m., July 4, Town Green, 9924 Davis St. www.explorebraselton.com.

• Run,White & Blue 10K/Fun Run/5K, Cumming. 7:45/8/8:30 a.m. July 4, Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way. $25-$45. www.runnersfit.com.

• Red, White & Blairsville. Food trucks, bounce houses, and fireworks, 7:30-10 p.m. July 4, Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane. www.visitblairsvillega.com.

from the ferry docks to the island.

For those who love golf and have an extra day when you visit St. Marys, nothing could be better than spending a day on the submarine base. The Navy has a course there named Trident Lakes Golf Club, (912) 573-8475 which is picturesque and challenging to play.

No picture or story could ever accurately capture Cumberland. One must become caught up in the natural rhythm and feel this special place. The desert-like sweep of sandy beach is dotted with shells, the slight movement of ghost crabs and free-roaming wild horses. Inland, the moss shrouded live oak and pine maritime forests provide ample habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including deer, feral hogs, bobcats and birds. It is easy to see why Carol Ruckdeschel fell in love with this place, and spent her life making it better!

Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide.

• Fireworks at the Fairgrounds, Hiawassee. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds annual blast in the mountains with live 60s-70s music with Vintage Vixens, 6-8 p.m., fireworks 9:45 p.m. July 4, 1311 Music Hall Rd. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

fireworks from Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center. Arrive before 9 p.m. July 4, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. 706 878-2181, www.helenga.org.

• July Evening of Fun, Mountain City. Line dancing, snacks & old fashioned games to celebrate Independence Day, 4-6 p.m. July 6, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. $5 parking. 706-745-2141, www.gastateparks.org.

• Parade and Celebration, Dahlonega. Firecracker 5K, car show, patriotic parade, free concerts in Hancock Park, food trucks, reading of Declaration of Independence, DJ and fireworks show on University of North Georgia drill field at dusk, July 4. For schedule see www.dahlonegadda.org.

• Old Fashioned Celebration, Blairsville. 7 a.m. 5K/1-mile fun run, 9:30 a.m. flag raising ceremony, followed by bicycle parade, pedal boat races, greased pole climbing, watermelon eating contest and other family activities at one of the nation’s oldest state parks, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. 5K /fun run $20, $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706 745-2628.

• Annual Fireworks at Dusk, Helen. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, view

• Red, White & Boat, Gainesville. Celebration at marina for tenants only, July 6; 9 p.m. fireworks visible from various points on the lake, Gainesville Marina, 2145 Dawsonville Hwy.

• Margaritaville Lanier Islands, Buford. Water park, live music, fireworks, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. See website for details. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.

• Mall of Georgia Family Fun Day, Buford. Village Amphitheatre, 4345 Buford Dr. Details: www.mallofgeorgia.com, 678 482-8788.

A huge wild turkey.

The Plum Orchard Carnegie Mansion on Cumberland Island, above. Riverview Hotel in St. Marys, below.

Wild horses near the surf, above, and a relic on the beach at Cumberland, right.

Dinner bell inside Plum Orchard.

Wedding photos on the beach at Cumberland.

Weather didn’t dampen patriotic parade

By Pamela A. Keene

The weather forecasters called the shots – wrongly – for The Great American Boat Parade on Saturday, May 18. While 500 boats showed up for the event, organizers heard from many boaters who were discouraged by the week’s constant predictions of storms and heavy rain.

“The weather forecast was terrible, but the weather turned out to be fine,” said John Gunter, committee chair of the annual event. “I heard from so many people all week who asked if there would be a rain date and I had to tell them no. Our permit was only for Saturday.”

In spite of the forecast, the event took place as planned: the parade with approximately 500 boats on the water, plus concerts, check presentations and fireworks. Both bands – Pandora’s Box, an Aerosmith cover band, and Back in Black, an AC/DC cover band – performed from the stage at Margaritaville. Check presentations were made to the Hall County Sheriff’s Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s K-9 division.

BADGE, Benevolent Association Dedicated to Giving to Employees of Forsyth County Service Organizations Inc. also received a check. Founded in 2015, the independent, nonprofit organization fosters aid

and the overall well-being to employees of Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Fire Department, Emergency Management/E911, and Cumming Police Department.

“About 1000 people showed up at the beach for the after-parade festivities including a spectacular fireworks show,” Gunter said. “We produced an event that would have easily been perfect for about 8,000 people. However, the people who did come got a private concert.”

For more information about The Great American Boat Parade, visit the group’s Facebook page or the group’s website: www.greatamericanboatoparade.org to make a donation to help first responders.

Ducks splash into Lanier for charity

A brilliant blue sky greeted thouands of bright yellow rubber ducks that splashed into Lake Lanier during the Duck Derby held at Lake Lanier Olympic Venue last month.

The event, now in its 26th year, supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lake Lanier.

The May 11th event featured kids games, food vendors, music and more leading up to the main event.

According to the organization, the grand prize winner of $10,000 in cash

was Paul Kindzia; first place, Joyce Jone; second place, Daniela Garcia; third place, Ranjita Yalamanchili; fourth place, David Thomas; fifth place, Shonqueta Rongel; sixth place, Michael Ferrero; seventh place, Odillia Fadool; and eight place, David Chester.

The amount of money raised was not available at presstime.

For more information visit boysgirlsclubs.com.

Some 500 boats braved the weather forecast for the 2024 Great American Boat Parade.

PHOTO BY JACK JEFFERY

Marine Specialties Inc. dumps the ducks.

A youngster heads to the finish line to watch the duck race.

PHOTO BY BGCLL

PHOTO BY VICKI HOPE

Top remodeling ideas to enhance outdoor lake living

Chances are if you’re reading this feature, you have a home at or near the lake or at least spend a lot of time on the water. Whether you’re eyeing an investment or looking to upgrade your current property, there are so many options when it comes to enhancing the part of your lake home that makes it so valuable – the natural beauty.

If you’re hoping to transform your lakeside property into a picturesque oasis, you’ll need to blend creativity, functionality, and an appreciation for the environment. Whether you’re looking to enhance your outdoor living space for personal enjoyment or to entertain guests, the possibilities are as vast as the water that greets you. These two remodeling ideas combine the desire for relaxation and luxury to elevate your lake’s outdoor living space to new heights.

Deck expansion

Those who know, know –there’s not much better than stepping from inside your lake home onto a spacious deck that blends with the view. To take your lakeside property to the next level,

consider a deck expansion project. Not only will you gain additional square footage, but also an opportunity to enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your outdoor living space. There are several things to consider before expanding your deck.

1. Multi-level decking: Consider incorporating multiple levels into your deck design to create zones for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. By varying the elevation, you can maximize views of the lake from different vantage points while adding visual interest to your property. Higher levels are great for outdoor dining with a

panoramic view, while lower levels can be great for intimate seating, lounging, or even a secluded hot tub.

2. Integrated seating and storage: Built-in seating and storage are perfect solutions for optimizing space and enhancing comfort. Benches with hidden compartments provide ample seating while keeping cushions and outdoor essentials neatly stowed away when not in use.

Consider incorporating storage benches along the perimeter of your deck which will minimize clutter and provide a convenient spot to store lake and boating essentials, water sports equipment, towels, and more.

3. Custom lighting and other amenities: Lighting features not only accentuate the natural beauty of the surroundings but also enable you to extend outdoor enjoyment into the evening and nighttime hours. From charming string lights to embedded LED step lights along staircases, thoughtful lighting design enhances safety and ambiance. Additionally, consider incorporating

amenities such as a built-in outdoor kitchen and outdoor fireplace to create cozy spots for family and friends to gather.

Dock renovation

Transform your lakefront property into a waterside retreat with a dock renovation that combines practicality with relaxation. Whether you’re seeking a serene spot for morning yoga or a launching point for watersport adventures, a revamped dock offers endless possibilities for lakeside enjoyment.

1. Expanded entertainment area: Create a versatile entertainment area that extends from land to water. Incorporate spacious lounging areas with comfortable seating and shade structures to provide a break from the afternoon sun’s intense rays. A built-in bar or grill station complete with a mini fridge to keep beverages cold on summer days is always a nice touch that saves time and steps from the sometimes lengthy expanses between lake homes and the shoreline. While you’re at it, integrated speakers and audio fea-

tures allow you to set the mood with your favorite playlist while enjoying views of the lake.

2. Water access enhancements: Upgrade your dock with innovative water access enhancements that cater to both relaxation and adventure seekers. Consider a swim ladder or platform for easier access to the water, or even take things a step further with a custom-built water slide. Consider incorporating designated areas for kayaks and paddleboards in addition to the boat lift that streamlines watercraft storage and

Bianca Bryant

Consider upgrading your outdoor deck, dock, or both!

PHOTO: TRACY TESMER DESIGN/REMODELING

See Design, page 46

BALD RIDGE MARINA

Hours: Office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F, marina: 24/7 access.

Info: 770-887-5309 • baldridgemarina.com

Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Cumming

Types of slips available: Covered & uncovered.

Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel

LAKE LANIER MARINAS INFORMATION

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $4.79; $3.79, diesel (Dock open 9 a.m.6 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sun.)

On-site eatery: Smokey Q BBQ

GAINESVILLE MARINA

Hours: Office, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., daily

Info:770-536-2171 • gainesvillemarina.com

Location: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy., Gainesville

Types of slips available: 600 slips, dry stack covered up to 25', wet covered & uncovered up to 80'.

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $5.55 (Dock open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.Thurs.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun.)

On-site eatery: Skogies

HABERSHAM MARINA

Hours: Office open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat./Sun.

Info: 770-887-5432 • habershammarina.com

Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., Cumming

Types of slips available: 600 slips for dry storage up to 28’

Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $4.90 (Dock open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.Fri.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.)

HARBOR LANDING

Hours: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., daily Info: 470 323-3465 • margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford Types of slips: Houseboats only. 18x60, 22x80 Types of fuel: Diesel, non ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $5.89 non-ethanol; $6.29 diesel (Gas is not sold after 4:30 due to volume return of boats.) On-site eatery: Various restaurants.

HOLIDAY MARINA

Hours: Office/Store/Dock, 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., daily. Info:770-945-7201 • holidaylakelanier.com

Location: 6900 Holiday Rd., Buford

Types of slips available: 22-100' Uncovered including 80, 90, and 100'

Breakwater Slips; 26-85' Covered Slips totaling 1,238 slips

Types of fuel: Premium, unleaded & diesel, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24): $6.49 premium; $5.99 unleaded; $5.79 diesel (Dock open 8:30 a.m-5 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun.) (5 percent discount with Suntex advantage membership) On-site eatery: The Twisted Oar

LAZY DAYS (at Holiday on Lake Lanier)

Hours: Office/Dock open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.Fri.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat./Sun Info: 770-945-1991• lazydaysonlakelanier.com

Location: 6700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford

Types of slips available: Wet slips from 50-125 foot covered & 100 foot open slips; 554 covered dry stack spaces up to 36 feet

Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol marine fuel treated w/ ValvTect; diesel

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $6 regular

PORT OF INDECISION MARINA

Hours: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., daily Info: 470 323-3465 • margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford

Types of slips available: 14x32, 14x36, (254 units, up to 40’), cov.

Types of fuel: non ethanol.

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $5.89 non-ethanol

On-site eatery: Various restaurants.

PORT ROYALE MARINA

totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'.

Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $5.59 regular (Dock/Ship Store open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., daily.) (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.)

On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill

SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND

Hours: Office/Leasing/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily

Info: 770-967-6811 • shmarinas.com

Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch

Types of slips available: Houseboats, covered cruisers, & all types of open slips plus covered & open dry slips, totaling 1,725 wet docks and 460 dry docks

Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $5.39, non-members; $4.16, members (Dock/Ship Store open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

On-site eatery: Pig Tales

SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY BAY

Hours: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.7 p.m., daily.

Info: 770-967-5500 • shmarinas.com

Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch

Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150)

Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $5.43, non-members; $4.15, members

On-site eatery: Fish Tales

SUNRISE COVE MARINA

Hours: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat.

Hours: Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Service, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., M-F.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., S. Closed Sundays. Info:770-887-5715 • bestinboating.com/port_royale

Location: 8800 Port Royale Dr., Gainesville

Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to 106'

Lakeside’s Recreation Guide

Info: 770-536-8599 • sunrisecovermarina.com

Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville

Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered-24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer).

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 5/10/24) $5.89 unleaded Ethanol free

The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Bolding Mill, Duckett Mill and Old Federal Campgrounds are managed by Hall County Parks and Leisure Services. Toto Creek Multipurpose Park, plus Thompson Creek and Nix Bridge Day-Use parks are managed by Dawson County.

Camping enthusiasts may enjoy the luxuries of fully developed areas with water and electrical hookups or “rough it” at designated primitive areas. Camping in undesignated areas such as on the lake’s shoreline and islands is prohibited.

All campgrounds have beach areas, boat ramps and restrooms. Most of our campgrounds also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations. To make reservations, download maps, check out campsite photos and see site availability visit Recreation.Gov.

All Army Corps campgrounds on Lake Sidney Lanier recognize the America The Beautiful (ATB) and Golden Passport cards. The ATB Annual and Lifetime Senior Pass, Access Pass, Golden Age and Golden Access passes will grant 50% off all campsite reservation fees.

Day Use Parks

The Corps operates 35 day use parks at Lake Lanier. Facilities range from parks with boat ramps to those with designated swimming areas, picnic tables, shelters and playgrounds. All day use parks close daily at 10 p.m. Boat launching is allowed at all hours unless otherwise posted. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks.

Picnic Shelters

Picnic shelters are available at several Corps’ parks around the lake. They can be reserved for a fee. Call the Lake Lanier Management Office at 770-945-9531.

Day Use Fees

Day use fees are charged at some park areas which have boat ramps or beach areas.

Fees (per day):

Boat launching $5

State and County Parks

Lake Lanier has 18 state and county parks that are available for use.

Rules, Regulations and More

Guidelines are not intended as restraints to the enjoyment of park visitors, but as aids for orderly operation, visitor safety and for the protection of the environment and public property. Complete rules and regulations are posted at the entrances to all campgrounds and copies are available at entry stations. To view annual opening and closing dates and rates for campgrounds and picnic shelters, visit www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lake-SidneyLanier/Schedules.

For more camping info you can also visit: lakesidenews.com/explore-lake-lanier/camping.

Practice Safe Boating

Use life jackets, stay sober and monitor the weather to try and prevent boating accidents!

www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil -Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier

Provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• Curb

Continued from Page 38

• Chewed leaves with irregular patterns between the veins is a sure sign of the unusual June/July infestation of Japanese beetles.

Organic or not?

The internet is an excellent way to find solutions to harmful pests in the garden. You can choose to go completely organic using remedies such as Neem oil for funguses and diseases; insecticidal soap; or diatomaceous earth are a few. When you choose organic methods, you’re helping protect 95 percent of beneficial insects, plus reducing the negative impacts of synthetic pesticides on the environment.

If you choose to use a non-organic syn-

• Bianca

Continued from Page 43 launch. It will be easier than ever to be on the water at a moment’s notice.

3. Sustainable features: Eco-friendly materials such as composite decking or reclaimed wood reduce maintenance and promote longevity while preserving the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem. Consider solar-powered lighting fixtures along the perimeter of your dock to illuminate walkways and enhance safety without relying on traditional energy sources. By embracing

thetic chemical pesticide, please fully read the labeling information to determine what types of insects it treats, what crops to safely use it on, how long you need to wait if used on a food crop and manufacturer’s cautions. Always follow the label’s specific mixing information and application methods. When using a concentrate, mixing at a water-to-concentrate ratio that’s different – higher or lower – than the label’s recommendations is not better.

Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener. She writes for more than a dozen publications across the country, covering features, travel and gardening.

sustainable design, you can create a lakeside retreat that maximizes enjoyment for generations to come.

With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, you can transform your lakeside property into an outdoor paradise that reflects your personal style and enhances your connection to the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Bianca Bryant is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.

Classifieds

CONCRETE/MASONRY

Driveways, walkways replaced or repaired, concrete, masonry, grading, foundations repaired, waterproofing, and retaining walls. Joe Sullivan, 770 616-0576.

EMPLOYMENT

Atlanta Marine Service has multiple

pay,401K,insurance.Contact Greg at 678-482-6499 or greg@atlantamarine.com

submit a classified, visit www.lakesidenews.com/classifieds or call 770-287-1444.

Lakeside Dining Guide

Bullfrogs Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily. This Southern Gastro Pub features reimagined traditional Southern fare and variety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-9458787.

Fish Tales Lakeside Grille – Casual lakeside dining featuring grouper fingers, signature salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Hideaway Bay Marina. 770-967-3775, www.fishtaleslakelanier.com.

La Cazuela – An Atlanta area landmark with two locations around Lanier. Features fajitas, selection of combination platters and more. 4965 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford, 770-6146871.

Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining on the water at Port Royale in open-air thatched-roof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. 70-887-5715 ext 5., www.pelicanpetes.com

Pig Tales - Casual lakeside dining featuring BBQ, burgers, wings and more. Great customer service, full service bar with draft beer, wine & mixed drinks, live music on weekends. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. 678-

828-7676, www.PigTalesLakeLanier.com.

Sidney’s Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Only serving breakfast. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-945-8787, www.lanierislands.com.

Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. A full Sunday breakfast menu includes eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Gainesville Marina. 678 450-1310; www.skogieslakefrontrestaurant. us.

Smokey Q BBQ - Pulled Pork and Chicken Sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteaks, Pork and Chicken Tacos and more! Seasonal. Bald Ridge Marina, 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming. 770 910-4961.

The Twisted Oar - Holiday Marina. Offering fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak; casual dining. Full bar service, tropical and frozen drinks. Live entertainment, trivia, indoor/outdoor flat screen TVs. Open year round. www.thetwistedoar.com, 678 7147572.