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February 2014
3292 Thompson Bridge Road #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 Phone: (770) 287-1444 Fax: (770) 287-1445 E-mail lakesidenews@mindspring.com
Vol. 20 Issue 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Spring Into Summer Boat Show On the weekend of March 7-9, the Marine Trade Association of Metropolitan Atlanta hosts the “Spring Into Summer Boat Show” at the Gwinnett Center off I-85. Page 25
Water wars lawsuit update As the deadline approached for Georgia’s response to Florida’s lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court over water rights, a tri-state organization seeking to settle the water wars out of court tightened release of information. Page 2
Caribbean paradise The Turks and Caicos Islands are located at the far southeast corner of the Bahamas archipelago. These gems of the Atlantic Ocean are approximately 575 miles from Miami and are comprised of over 40 islands and uninhabited cays, including eight major islands. Page 50 Also inside: Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Break from the lake . . . . . . . .Page Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Captain’s comments . . . . . . . .Page Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page COE column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Cruising Wilsons . . . . . . . . . . .Page Dining guide . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Fishing column . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Glenn Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lake Lanier Olympic Venue . . .Page Lake levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lanier map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Marinas information . . . . . . . .Page Outdoor activity calendar . . . .Page Sailing calendar . . . . . . . . . . .Page Shore Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Steve Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . .Page US Coast Guard Auxiliary . . . . .Page
47 54 30 20 55 51 24 46 10 22 16 22 52 44 41 35 42 51 8
PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE
Youngsters had a blast at the new Rockin’ Rollin’ Bubbles during this year’s Atlanta Boat Show. For more photos, story and a precede on a new boat show at Gwinnett Civic Center next month see page 25.
For more info, see our ad on page 7.
2 LAKESIDE
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 Phillip Sartain, Roy Crittenden, Tommy Wilkinson, Millie Adcox, Mike Rudderham, Glenn Burns, Bob & Carolyn Wilson, Lisa Beers, Jane Harrison Steve Johnson 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.
February 2014
ACFS quiet as water wars lawsuit looms By Jane Harrison As the deadline approached for Georgia’s response to Florida’s lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court over water rights, a tri-state organization seeking to settle the water wars out of court tightened release of information. The ACF Stakeholders, composed of a diverse group with water interests in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, voted at its December meeting to secret information being compiled in its on-going Sustainable Water Management Plan. The decision to keep information confidential was taken to help prevent study data from being manipulated by either state in the lawsuit, according to Jim McClatchey, ACFS chair. “This represents a big change. Up until this point we’ve tried to be as transparent as possible,” McClatchey said. “Our group does not think the legal process is the solution. If (ACFS members) from various states can reach a consensus, it should send a powerful message that the states can.” Florida Gov. Rick Scott filed a federal lawsuit in October 2013 alleging Georgia caused the decline of oysters in Apalachicola Bay by hoarding waters from the
Chattahoochee and Flint River systems. The court granted Georgia an extension until Jan. 31 to file a response. As of Jan. 22, no response had been filed. Special attorneys general appointed by Ga. Attorney General Sam Olens declined to answer questions about when and how Georgia would respond. Florida’s legal action came as ACFS continued work on a scientific-based study about how the three states might share water from the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint river system. Lake Lanier is the largest reservoir on the system. ACFS requested Gov. Scott to suspend legal action until June 2014, when the management plan is expected to be completed. McClatchey reported that to his knowledge, Scott has not acknowledged the request. The management plan is on target for completion in June, McClatchey said. The organization raised about $1.5 million in nongovernment funds to pay for a scientific model of the river system. The study contains more than 1,000 pages of data and documents, including a model of how fresh water from the Georgia rivers impacts the health of
Apalachicola Bay and its oysters. ACFS expects to share information from the study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is rewriting the water control manual for Lake Lanier. The study contains data submitted by water use consultants and researchers from the University of Georgia, Auburn University, Florida State University and the University of Florida. In October, former ACFS chair Billy G.
Turner said he believes the plan “will have a solution with which all the users on the system can live. If Georgia responds to Florida’s bill of complaint by Jan. 31, the Supreme Court could consider how it will proceed with the case in conference Feb. 21 or 28. However, there is no confirmation that the court would address the complaint on those dates, according to a court public information spokesperson.
12 MONTH TITLE PAWNS
FROM $66 PER MONTH
BRING THIS AD! PARKWAY PAWN & GOLD
www.ParkwayGold.com 334 Dahlonega St. • Cumming
770-757-8654
LET US MAKE YOU SMILE!
February 2014
LAKESIDE 3
Call 678-835-9331 and add Property Code for Additional Photos and Property Address. INFO 24/7
21485
INFO 24/7
21495
INFO 24/7
12855
Atlanta Partners Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated.
Gorgeous ranch on 3 lots (almost an acre). ~ 2 fireplaces and kitchenette in terrace level ~ Boat house on deep water~fantastic sunroom with HUGE lake views~ 3 BD/4 BA~ Easy walk to dock and grandfathered picnic pavillion at water's edge. Motivated Seller, REDUCED; $549K (Hall)
INFO 24/7
18325
Awesome South Forsyth Location ~ Single slip dock~ Fabulous sunroom with open water views~ 4 BD/3.5 BA~ Finished terrace Level~ Near GA 400~ Owner Financing/Lease Purchase Available. REDUCED $529K (Cumming)
16675
INFO 24/7
Teresa Smith Dock has NEVER Lost Water~Easy path to single slip dock~ HUGE outdoor entertaining area and lake views~ 5 BD/3.5 BA~ Two master suites on main~ Full finished terrace level~ 599K (North Hall)
INFO 24/7
Lake Lanier Specialist • Lake Lanier Resident
770-654-4173 • 678-318-5026 teresakw@live.com We sell lifestyles...not just homes.
21475 Visit Our Websites at: www.LivingOnLakeLanier.com www.LanierAreaRealEstate.com
Gorgeous 1 of a kind point lot in Dawsonville. Open 6 BR/4BA floor plan w/master on main & full separate terrace level w/kitchen, living room, 2BR and 1 large bath! Over an acre lot! Perfect multigenerational home!! Fabulous lake views and always deep water. $950K
INFO 24/7
18315
1.36 Acres on Double Lot~ Kitchen & Bath Renovation ~ 3 BD/2.2 BA~ Single slip dock~ Vehicle trail to lake~ Full finished terrace level~ Make an Offer! $389K (Forsyth)
INFO 24/7
12895
Huge vaulted screened porch overlooks lake ~ Deep Water ~ Gated property includes 2 lots for “total privacy”~Single slip dock~ 5 BD/4 BA~ 3 finished levels, Bring All Offers; REDUCED $749K (Hall-Flowery Branch)
INFO 24/7
21465
R UNDE T! AC R T N CO
ALWAYS DEEP WATER ~Don't miss the amazing lake views ~Ranch, 4 BD/3.5 BA~ Master on Main~ Dock w/Double slip dock permit~ $629K (Hall)
INFO 24/7
13115
Old Fashioned Lake Retreat ~Perfect year round weekender and seasonal lake views~ 2 BD/1BA on main~finished basement~easy walk to platform dock on grandfathered road~ REDUCED~ $140K (Dawson)
INFO 24/7
21505
Four Seasons on Lanier on large cul-de-sac lot. ~ 4 BD/3.5 BA on full terrace level~ enjoy swim/tennis community near Lake Lanier~ REDUCED ~ $223K (Hall)
Lot Listings on Lanier
Lot Listings on Lanier
One of a kind South Lake Lot; sunset views, open water; SS dock. $479K (Gwinnett) Info 24/7 21545
INFO 24/7
16845
http://app.kw.com Type in Agent Code: KW1PLWBUI
JUST LISTED!
! D L SO 3 Finished Levels of Living Space ~Chalet style home with vaulted ceilings~ 4 BD/3 BA on over 2 Acres~ . $349K (Hall)
INFO 24/7
16665
R UNDE T! AC R T N CO
FANTASTIC Custom Cottage ~ Just what everyone wants...the feel of a mountain cabin on the lake! Tongue and Groove vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, easy walk to double slip dock~finished terrace level ~3 BD/3 BA on Chestatee Bay~$639K (Forsyth)
2 Lots in Oak Harbour, cul-de-sac, SS dock. $139K-$169K (Hall) Info 24/7 12875 (Hall)
FURNISHED BUNGALOW ~Easy walk to single slip dock~ 3 BD/2 BA~Swim/Tennis Community~ Motivated Seller ~ $199K (Hall)
Search from your mobile device for any property at anytime:
Army Corp Approval for 32 x 32 Slip Dock ~ price includes pontoon boat & golf cart~ 2 BD/2 BA~ Make cash offer! $149K (Dawson)
INFO 24/7
13115
Fantastic Hidden Harbour Lot, Owner Financing; open water;SS dock permit. $375K (Hall) Info 24/7 21525
INFO 24/7
21535
R UNDE T! AC R T N CO
Lot with double slip dock, buy now, build later; $275K (Hall) Info 24/7 21445 Near Lake Lanier, ready to bring your builder, near 5 marinas & 3 boat ramps, $43K (Flowery Branch) Info 24/7 16815
Enjoy the beauty of lake views ~ Wooded sanctuary~ Master on main~Upstairs loft~Finished terrace level~ 5 BD/3.5 BA~No dock allowed~ $330K (Hall-Buford)
Bungalow, in gated swim/tennis, 3 BD/2BA, Fixer Upper-seeking cash offer. $75K (Hall)
3 Sides Brick Home; ~ Vaulted great room, open floor plan~Master on main~ Upstairs loft and generous bedrooms~ 4 BD/2/5 BA~ Dock~ REDUCED; $379K (Cumming)
4 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Sheila Davis
www.LakeLaniersFinest.com 770-235-6907 • sdavis@nortonnorthga.com
The Norton Agency 434 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
770.536.1250 THE POWER TO PERFORM
$1,299,000
$995,000
! C E D SOLD CAPTIVATING SUNSET VIEWS! LUX SOUTH LAKE LIVING IN SOUGHT AFTER “POINTE SOUTH”! EXQUISITE 5BR LAKE HOME WITH TWIN SLIP DEEP WATER DOCK IN PRIVATE SOUTH LAKE COVE! Three finished levels of luxury living on 1.69 AC spacious lot…great privacy! Video tour @www.5326PointSouthDrive.info. FMLS#5149269
! N A J SOLD SPECTACULAR HOME WITH THREE LEVELS! Lake Lanier resort living & big enough for all your family and friends. 5BR/6B with three master suites.Twin slip dock in deep water! Video tour @ www.6414chesladrive.info FMLS#5170238
$989,000
POINT LOT WITH INCREDIBLE PANORAMIC VIEWS AND NEW DEEP WATER TWIN SLIP PARTY DOCK! Built in 2002 this charming and elegant Cape Cod home has cedar shake and board and batten, two stone FP’s, finished terrace level, master suite on main, 3 screened porches, and firepit. 3991 MOUNT VERNON RD, GAINESVILLE, 30506 FMLS# 5093078
$569,000
$849,000
JUST LISTED! ADORABLE RENOVATED COTTAGE IN PREMIER SOUTH LAKE CUMMING LOCATION! Grass to water views, deep water single slip party dock. 3BR/2.5B, Master up with sitting and fireplace. 3770 T W HENDERSON, CUMMING 30041 FMLS# 5236174
$549,000
! C E D SOLD AMAZING OPEN SUNSET VIEWS & GRASS TO WATER FROM THIS UPDATED COTTAGE WITH TWIN SLIP DOCK! 3BR/2B, with sep guest apartment, bonus rm, terrace level game room, two covered porches! 3360 LOOPER LAKE COVE, GAINESVILLE 30506 FMLS#5147768
REDUCED - $1,500,000
AMAZING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY ON 9.5 ACRES! Includes a 4BR renovated home, guest house, pavilion and private dock. Approved for 18 lots and 18 boat slips. See video tour @ www.1799ClevelandHwy.info. FMLS# 7046198
$355,000
$289,000
DEAL! GET-A-WAY TO THIS COZY 3BR/2B CABIN WITH PRIVATE SETTING AND GRASS TO WATER SINGLE SLIP DOCK NEAR QUIET ROWING VENUE! This home is updated and ready for you or your weekly rentals! Dock can always push out in good water. Video tour @ www.3569StancilRoad.info FMLS# 5236044
REDUCED - $1,289,000
CAPTIVATING 3.5 ACRE ESTATE SITE NEAR CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTRY CLUB AREA WITH GRASS TO WATER VIEWS & PRIVATE GRANDFATHERED BOATHOUSE. One of the last great lots on Lanier, includes two small cottages. See video tour@ www.1189AntiochCampground.com. FMLS# 5143948
EXQUISITE 4 SIDES BRICK RANCH ON FINISHED TERRACE LEVEL. Private lot w/ Sslip dock in year round deep water. Gated S/D in North Hall. 5BR/4.5B, Study, elevator, terrace level bar and billiards rm, sunroom, 4 FP’s. FMLS# 5207745 Video tour @ www.4436NauticalWay.info
$899,000
! C E D SOLD PERFECT 10! SOUGHT AFTER SOUTH LAKE WATER, LOCATION AND VIEWS! Gentle and private lot with private deep water dock! 2008 Custom craftsman built ranch 4BR/4.5Bs with finished terrace level. Four car garage.Video Tour @ www.5786hiddencoveroad. info FMLS#5187259
$695,000
PREMIER TWO ACRE ESTATE LOT IN QUIET ESTABLISHED COUNTRY CLUB AREA WITH PRIVATE TWIN SLIP DEEP WATER DOCK. Adjacent to Lake Lanier estate homes and short drive to Chattahoochee Country Club and golf. 1185 ANTIOCH CAMPGROUND RD, GAINESVILLE 30506 FMLS#5156265
$450,000 $339,000
REDUCED! AFFORDABLE LAKE FRONT LIVING IN PRESTIGIOUS GAINESVILLE/ NORTH HALL N’HOOD! 5BR’s/3.5B picture perfect brick front home in sought after Mount Vernon Pointe! Finished terrace level with guest suite, ready for second kitchen. Large and private backyard with path to the lake and CORPS frontage for fishing, swimming, kayaking and more! Boat ramp within a mile. 3874 ALEXANDRIA, GAINESVILLE 30506 FMLS#5102457 VIRTUALTOUR@ www.Obeo.com/764251
! G N I D PEN NEW CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITY! Builder in place to build this charming 2BR with bonus room home for you! Lot available without home for $249,000. S-slip dock included. Call me for details! 9275 LONG HOLLOW RD, GAINESVILLE 30506 (FORSYTH COUNTY)
“ON GOLDEN POND”… ROMANTIC GET-A-WAY 4BR COTTAGE ON GRASS TO WATER LOT! Gorgeous views. Single slip dock. Two screened porches. Great building lot or cottage. 7388 CHEROKEE LANE, MURRAYVILLE 30564 FMLS# 5212045
February 2014
LAKESIDE 5
Sheila Davis
www.LakeLaniersFinest.com The Norton Agency 434 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
770.536.1250
770-235-6907 • sdavis@nortonnorthga.com
THE POWER TO PERFORM
$1,875,000
$3,499,000
BREATHTAKING PRIVATE 3 ACRE GATED ESTATE WITH NANTUCKET DESIGN, GUEST HOUSE AND TWO DOCKS! AMAZING LONG RANGE
INCREDIBLE PRIME LAKE ESTATE ON 6 ACRES WITH POTENTIAL 2ND HOMESITE! TWO DOCK PERMITS. Separate Apt and 6 car garage. Perfect for family compound or retreat. 3633 LOOPER LAKE POINTE, GAINESVILLE FMLS# 4213782
VIEWS AND 380 FEET OF SHORELINE! Main house has 4BRs, high end finishes, cedar shake & stone on three finished levels with two covered porches. 5 Car garage. 9055 KNOLL DR, GAINEVILLE 30506 Forsyth county FMLS#5148615
$749,000
$989,000
FOUR SIDES BRICK LUXURY LAKE HOME WITH THREE FINISHED LEVELS! DEEP WATER TWIN SLIP DOCK. Finished terrace level with mahogany bar, fitness room, billiards and family room. FMLS# 5199142 Video tour @ www.8585anchoronlanier.info
$699,000
FANTASTIC DEEP WATER LOT WITH TOTALLY UPDATED LAKE HOME! TWIN SLIP PARTY DOCK STEPS FROM HOME. 3BR/2.5B, finished terrace level. Screened porch and so charming! FORSYTH COUNTY. 8940 FIELDS WAY, GAINESVILLE 30506 FMLS#5236147
BEAUTIFUL THREE FINISHED LEVELS WITH GENTLE WALK TO SINGLE SLIP DEEP WATER PARTY DOCK. 5BR’s/3.5B’s w/finished terrace level. Tasteful updating and an open plan for entertaining. N’hood pool. Video tour @ www.8555AnchoronLanier.info. FMLS#5242050
$999,000
ONE OF A KIND CUSTOM DESIGNED LOG HOME ON POINT LOT! WOULD MAKE A GREAT CORP RETREAT OR GET-A-WAY LODGE. Gated, spacious 5BR4B with 2 story vaulted GR, huge stone FP’s, TWIN SLIP DOCK! REDUCED FROM $1,299,000! 6438 CHESLA DR., GAINESVILLE 30506 FMLS# 5150233
6 LAKESIDE
February 2014
THE PATTI CHAMBERS TEAM THE LAKE HOME YOU'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF MAY NOW BE AFFORDABLE ... CALL US! $675,000 $450,000
The Chambers Team 631 Dawsonville Hwy • Gainesville, GA 30501
www.PattiChambers.com • Office 770-503-7070
$229,000 $214,900
$995,000
VERY CLOSE TO THE WATER with 24x24 single slip dock has composite decking. Swim platform and jet ski drive on ramp. Approx 10' deck across back w/covered porch. New roof, new floor covering, hot water heater. Excellent weekender, fishing cabin or homesite.
SOUTHERN LIVING AT ITS BEST in this spectacular Lake Lanier home on always deep water. 5BR/ 4.5BA, open floor plan w/gourmet kitch, top of the line appliances, study, dining rm, great rm w/vaulted ceilings, 3 FPs, master ste on main, hw flrs, screened porch. Fin terrace lvl w/bar, game area, BR, BA & lg gathering area. Beautifully landscaped yard, outdoor stone FP, waterscape & pond.
D L O S WONDERFUL CITY LAKE HOME. Truly one of the most beautiful big water lots on Lanier. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, fireplace, family room, LR/DR, gorgeous views. Long driveway offers complete privacy. Covered boat dock. Call Patti.
$925,000
THIS NANTUCKET INSPIRED HOME is a true master piece and located only minutes from the chattahoochee country club & golf course. Unbelievably gorgeous 3.25 acres w/lake on 3 sides. Lovely porches overlook Lake Lanier & the private enclosed boat dock.
$1,900,000
$1,399,000
$849,500
BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF LAKE LANIER can be enjoyed from virtually every room of this home. The tranquility of this picturesque setting and natural beauty will be unmatched. Finest architectural details. Enjoy the sound of the 100' waterfalls. 2 complete apartments, 3 kitchens, 2 screened porches. Covered boat dock. One of the most beautifully landscaped lots on Lake Lanier! Situated on 1.6 acres.
LAKEFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST. Private 4 sided brick home at end of culdesac in upscale lake S/D. 3BR/2BA on main. Fin terrace level w/2BR/2BAs, den, theatre rm, full kitc for in-law/teen ste. 4-car garage, basketball court. Pool & hot tub. Teak custom built dock w/party deck. Call for list of amenities & appt to view this fabulous lake property. 5 min. to hospital, shopping, restaurants & schools.
$329,900
$485,000
$525,000
VERY PRIVATE COVE WITH 2 ADJOINING LOTS. Quaint cedar shake lake home on beautiful, level grassed lot. Swim dock in place but a possible upgrade to covered dock. Builder's home. Pine raised panel kitchen cabinets, solid wood doors.
NEVER BEFORE ON THE MARKET, this spectacular custom lake front home was architecturally designed to capture panoramic lake views from every window and room. Offering 3BR/3BAs, stunning master on main, 2 FPs, open floor plan, cathedral ceilings & wrap around deck. Beautifully maintained and decorated. Big open water views, steps to covered SS dock always in water even in severe drought. Outstanding yard grassed to water's edge.
MILLION DOLLAR VIEW from this spacious 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home on Lake Lanier. What a wonderful retreat boasting lots of windows and natural light, stunning great room w/pine tongue and groove cathedral ceilings, 2 stone fireplaces and a perfect terrace level for easing living and entertaining.
D E C U D RE PRIVATE LAKE LANIER GATED ESTATE on apprx 7 ac of beautifully landscaped grounds. Very gentle walk to enclosed boat dock. Large screened porch opens to the heated sparkling pool. Many elegant appointments: copper roof, intricate millwork, marble floors in the gorgeous foyer with lighted trey ceilings and custom arches. Handsome paneled study w/FP. As seen on hgtv's frontdoor.com.
WE LIVE AND PLAY ON LAKE LANIER Patti Chambers c 770.287.4879 • Bobby Chambers c 770.654.0533 Sally Chambers Kirchner c 770.538.5626 • Patsy Mercer c 770.540.6507 • Office 770.538.4010
WWW.PATTICHAMBERS.COM
February 2014
LAKESIDE 7
!
ISTING
NEW L
Luxury home has it all Cumming beauty at water's edge. EASY walk to lake, double slip party dock, deep water. 6BRs, fabulous saline pool o'looking lake, upscale features throughout. Sought-after Lighthouse Harbour swim/tennis community. $1.19m
Cul-de-sac lot
Panoramic lake views
Pool o'looking lake BACK
Gated luxury, all brick
ET!
RK ON MA
Luxury home in Cumming, easy walk to lake, dbl slp pty dock, fin. terrace lvl $799,999
Double slip party dock, gourmet kit, 2 story fireplace, master on main. $574,900
5BR w/ pool renovated by award-winning designer, amazing sunset views. $570K
Gated, cul-de-sac lot, Forsyth County. High-end features. $569,900
Sought-after Marina Bay
Close to Cumming
Newly updated
Proven income producer
ED!
REDUC
Stone gate, 2 story fireplace, artist's built-in cabinetry, upgrades. $525K
Covered SS dock, EASY walk, master on main, drought-proof water. $525K
4 BR/3 BA home, Buford location, deep water, just renovated. $499K
3 BR/3.5 BA, craftsman style, short walk to water, screen porch, 4 decks. $449,900
Chattahoochee Landing
Spacious home in Forsyth
Cresswind on Lanier
Affordable, great location
UNDER
4 BR/3.5 BA, drought-proof water, high ceilings, updated fixtures. $424,900
Gated swim/tennis
3 BR/2 BA, 2 slp pty dock w/lifts, deep water, open floor plan, scr. porch. $350K
ACT!
5 BR/3.5 BA, covered SS dock, palladium windows, master on main. $415K
!
ISTING
CONTR
NEW L
55+ community., tons of amenities, upgrades galore, full basement, like new. $399,900
5 BR/3 BA, close to water, SS dock, finished terrace level w/ 2nd kitchen. $375K
8 LAKESIDE
February 2014
More information about navigation rules on the water In last month’s article I did a brief introduction to the importance of having knowledge of the navigation rules that govern the operation of our vessels on the water, and this month I would like to get into that subject a little deeper. The “Navigation Rules” handbook measures merely 7 inches by 6 inches but may be the most important maritime publication you can have on board your vessel. The manual contains the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS). It also contains the Inland Navigational Rules, which were enacted by law in 1980 and became effective for all inland waters except the Great Lakes a year later. The Inland Rules became effective on the Great Lakes in 1983. Some differences do remain between the International and Inland Rules. The side-byside presentation of the rules in the publication will allow mariners to determine those differences based on where they operate their vessels. In 1993, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to the COL-
listed under the following topics: • General Rules: Rules 1-3 covering Application, Responsibility Roy and General Definitions. Crittenden • Steering & Sailing Rules: Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition USCG of Visibility: Rules 4-10. Auxiliary • Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another: Rules 11-18 • Conduct of Vessels in Restricted MORE INFO: 770-393-4382, Visibility: Rule 19 • Lights & Shapes: Rules 20-31 alcrit@mindspring.com, • Sound & Light Signals: Rules Flotilla 29 Lake Lanier, http://a0700209.uscgaux.info 32-37 • Exemptions: Rule 38 Contained in Annex V, Inland REGS. These amendments became effective in 1995. The Coast Pilot Rules, “Copy of Rules” is Guard revised the Inland Naviga- this statement: After 1 January 1983, the operator of each selftional Rules to reflect the COLREGS amendments. Additionally, propelled vessel of 12 meters or the Coast Guard has adopted sev- more in length shall carry on board and maintain for ready referal changes to the Inland Navierence a copy of the Inland Navigational Rules to bring those gation Rules. In my opinion, it Rules into conformity with the would be a good idea to have a COLREGS and to adopt recomcopy on vessels of any size, since mendations from the Navigation having knowledge of the rules is Safety Advisory Council the whole idea. (NAVSAC). The current edition The Penalty Provisions section of the publication includes all recontains various penalties for varvisions through January 1, 1999. ious violations, but, in general, viWith all that said, let’s take a look at what the COLREGS con- olations of the Rules of Navigation tain. There are 38 Rules of Navi- subject the skipper to a fine of gation in the manual and they are $5,000 for each violation.
MARY SMITH marysellsga@gmail.com 678.316.3605 770.536.3007
www.marysellsga.com
In conclusion, it behooves the skipper to have knowledge of the Rules of Navigation and if your vessel meets the 12 meter criteria, have a copy on board. Copies are available at most boating supply stores and some marina stores and are available for a moderate price. It makes good reading during our cold weather season. Copies can also be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U. S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Some aspects of the rules of navigation are covered in our safe boating courses offered at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Center just outside the entrance to Aqualand Marina on Lights Ferry Road. Courses begin February 22. Roy Crittenden is the Public Affairs Officer for Flotilla 29.
Safe boating course set for Feb. 22 Flotilla 29 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lake Lanier, announces a one-day, seven-lesson “About Boating Safely” course. The course is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2014. This course also serves as a PWC certified course for children under the age of 16. This course will be given at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Center, 6595 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch, Ga., on the left just before the entrance to Aqualand Marina. Classes run from 8:30 a.m.
until 4:30 p.m. and cost is $40. Discounts available for additional family members. Course contents include: • Know your boat • Before getting underway • Navigating the waterways • Operating your vessel safely • Boating’s legal requirements • Boating emergencies • Enjoying watersports • State of Georgia regulations Successful completion of this course may result in a reduction in your boat’s insurance premium.
MORE INFO: Pat Lindsey, Flotilla Commander Flotilla 29 • 770 271-4059 • lakelanier.ga@aol.com
ONE STOP MARINE SERVICE AND REPAIR FOR INBOARD AND OUTBOARD BOATS AND JET SKIS CERTIFIED MARINE TECHNICIAN Mercruiser & Volvo Certified Your Dock or Our Shop
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Charming lake cottage with covered dock on deep water ... the perfect getaway! The house is located on a peaceful part of Lake Lanier with little boat traffic, easily accessible from GA 400, close to shopping. Efficient modern kitchen, roomy dining area, great lake views and a spacious deck with hot tub. Stay warm and cozy in winter with wood-burning stove - you won’t need to run up the thermostat! Washer, dryer and all kitchen appliances remain and furnishings are available to purchase. Easy-care yard, no grass to mow - it’s wooded and natural. In addition to your dock there is easy on-off boat access right around the bend at park ramp. $300,000 See video & complete photos at www.27TotoCreekDrive.com
STUAR T
Jet Ski Maintenance and Performance Applications SBT Engine Replacements
INSURED
CALL 678 617-6137 Prompt, Reliable, Competent, Courteous Service
SHOP - 4545 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, GA
February 2014
LAKESIDE 9
10 LAKESIDE
February 2014
A common sense approach to lure selection That’s one fine sounding title. But maybe we should just say, “What to stock.” This month’s column deals with lures to put more bass on the end of your line. Most mentioned in this article deal with black bass species while a few cross over into striped bass territory. Visit a large tackle retailer and you’re greeted with literally tens of thousands of choices at a conservative estimate. Whether or not you live near a major retailer, there have never been better choices at your fingertips or a mouse click away. When faced with scores of plastic worm choices in a dizzying array of colors (at least dozen shades of green alone) consumer choice overload can set in. This explains why wives often think husbands have gone missing when they’re just making “a quick stop” at Bass Pro Shops. My wife brings a book to read on the lobby sofa. In my personal experience, even seasoned anglers have reason for expanding into categories of lures they have never really tried before. These have potential in unlocking the gate to different and productive techniques. Often versatility is a key to success on the water. You may be starting with
to pay $20-plus for a hard bait. While I admit to owning a few top end plugs that are worth the Tommy asking price, most of the proven Wilkinson killers I have used over the years cost four to six bucks. And, they Casting still work. Lanier Pick-a-pack of Zoom If there is such a thing as a “must have” category of artificial an empty tackle bag or you may lures it’s got to be soft plastics. own about half of the categories This will be one paragraph today mentioned herein. Perhaps you al- although whole articles are justly ready have pretty much everywritten on sub-categories of plasthing described here. There’s tics. I’m not even going to try and probably some technique specific cover them all. Enter the lizard. lure that can improve your on the Spring is coming on and this is water game. It might not even be easily one of the most dependable mentioned here. Of course, the offerings to toss into the shallows more sizes and colors you have, or mid-depths. The most effective the more prepared you are. On the way to present this is on a light opposite end of the spectrum, too Carolina rig with the bait sepamany selections can make for a rated about 18 inches from the cumbersome tackle bag which re- sinker. Earth tone colors are alsults in indecision with every ways a good choice but deep hues cast. There’s always a happy such as june bug are tried and true medium with a little room for the in stained water. If you buy one, acquisition of that new bait pick a pack of five-inch Zoom you’ve heard or read about. If lizards in green pumpkin with you’re just starting out or on a chartreuse tail. One nearly unitight budget, I’ll highlight the lure versal and overlooked plastic is in each category, along with the lowly swimming grub. While color, to pick if you can only buy often passed over these days, one. Prices in certain styles can they’re as deadly as ever. Threeget hefty. These days it’s possible to four-inch models work very
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well. Pair them with lead heads of appropriate size and weight for the depth of water you’ll be fishing. If you buy one grub, go for a four-inch Tripple Ripple and pair it with a 1/8th ounce lead head. When it comes to colors, favorites are pearl, chartreuse, and pumpkin. If you buy only one, go with pearl. Another really fine choice to stock in your tackle kit is the tube bait. Rigged with light specialty lead heads, these have a seductive fall that few bass can resist. They’re perfect to pitch in and alongside of boat docks. With some practice, you can skip these way back into areas that conventional lures just can’t reach. I especially like insert a bit of foam in the hollow body and fish them on a light Carolina rig. The tube rises and falls never darting the same way twice. My choice for this is the Tender Tube: melon pepper please. If you’re looking for the ultimate “go to” lure, don’t be without plastic worms. On Lake Lanier, finesse style worms rule. Hands down. These are straight with no curl in the tail. Lots of other worm styles work great but this one just seems to produce a little better. The hottest rigging style these days,
and for good reason, is on a specialty lead head made for this application only. Crawl and stop this along the bottom with very subtle twitches every so often. Or go with a deep vertical presentation with subtle twitches. Which worm is number one? Based on experience along with sales I’ve seen, the Zoom Finesse Worm in green pumpkin is tops. While on the topic of Zoom Worms, be sure to have a good supply of Trick Worms for later in the spring. These are deadly fished around cover with no weight. If you get only one, make it white. If you’ve walked the aisles of plastic baits, there’s obviously a lot more to cover such as down sized drop shot baits, stick worms, creature baits, crayfish, etc. All of these catch fish but will be mentioned some time down the road. Pair jigs with plastic or pork Three more lure categories the bass angler should not be without are spinnerbaits, jigs, and spoons. Spinnerbaits are undisputed producers that are available in a number of weight and blade configurations. Most models have one or two blades attached to a safety pin shaped wire frame See Fishing, page 11
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February 2014
LAKESIDE 11
• Fishing
Lanier Fishing Report
Continued from Page 10 sporting a weighted head, hook, and body on the lower arm. These are very snag proof and can be retrieved through heavy cover in the shallows or slow rolled along the bottom in deeper water. Styles with a single round Colorado style blade will produce the most vibration. This will give you an edge in off colored water you typically encounter in upper tributaries during the spring. For murky water, brighter colors such as chartreuse and green or fire tiger are good choices. For clear water applications in late spring and summer, choose a spinnerbait with double willow blades and a more natural baitfish color scheme. These are productive when burned across underwater points and humps. A 3/8th ounce model is a good size for each. If you buy one pick the tandem style with a willow and Colorado blade. The white and chartreuse combination is always a good skirt choice. Use this when bass are shallow. Bass jigs will put fish in the boat year round. These are the mainstay lures of many top fishing professionals. They resemble everything from crayfish to bluegill. While some of these are made for a swimming presentation, most are designed to be fished right along the bottom or pitched into heavy cover. Experienced anglers always pair them with some type of plastic or pork trailer
for added action. Soft plastic crayfish are quite popular for this use. A lot of jigs in the aisle will work very well on Lanier. Choose a 3/8th ounce model in brown and orange. While jigging spoons get most press during the winter months, many anglers don’t realize they work great on deep bass during the summer as well. Every deep water fisherman should own a few. The one choice pick here is a ? ounce Flex-It Spoon in the white foil color combination. Get lucky with Lucky Craft No discussion of hot bass lures would be complete without the mention of the glamour categories of crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwaters. Crankbaits have been around for generations and for good reason. Just cast one out and start reeling; the bait does it’s thing and it’s easy for anyone to hook up on a strike. Of course, seasoned anglers add finesse and tactics that can make crankbait fishing an art form. But, they’re still easy for the average angler to pick up and get fine results with. There are a lot of great diving plugs on the market today. You’ll probably want to own a number of these to cover a variety of depths and water clarity situations. If you’re just starting out and only want one of these lures, pick up a number seven See Fishing, page 12
Lake Level: About 1071 or full pool. Surface Temp: Lower 40s and hovering in that range. Clarity: Clear in main lake areas with some color up tributaries due to recent rain events. Bass fishing has been fair at best lately. The deep water bite is in full effect. While a few fish have been caught shallower (this means 25 feet) expect to drop baits in at least 30 to 45 feet of water. Classic winter haunts are places to search. The edges of submerged timberlines, old ditches, and drops into creek channels are all worth attention. Understanding how to read your graph unit is a key element to successful winter angling on Lanier. You don’t need to take many lures right now. The soft plastic twin tail skirted grub is a classic this time of year. Pair a 4 to 5 inch model on a 3/8th ounce football style head and fish it very slowly along the bottom. A finesse style plastic worm rigged on a standup had made for the purpose can also get attention when presented vertically in these areas. Choose plastics in shades of green or other earth tone colors. Striper fishing has also been just fair. Both live baits and artificials will produce a few fish right now. This is the time to start searching farther up the creeks and tributaries. Don’t overlook longer finger type coves as these can hold fish as well. Remember that when temperatures moderate along with abundant sunshine, the stained water in these areas may warm a degree or two which can give them and edge. Drift smaller trout on free lines behind the boat and cast bucktails or fluke type plastics with no weight all the way up to the shoreline. As the month progresses don’t hesitate to search even farther up creeks and tributaries. If you don’t locate linesides in these areas move out to the creek mouths to drift live baits or troll with light weight umbrella rigs. Wherever you are keep a close eye on your graph unit looking for schools of baitfish. When you find these these, strikers will be close by.
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12 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Norton: Water remains at the top of the economic heap in the South By Pamela A. Keene In his annual Native Intelligence report, presented in late January in Gainesville, Frank Norton emphasized the importance of water on the economic condition and growth of Northeast Georgia and the South. “We have been in a death fight for water since Gov. Joe Frank Harris first created a regional water advisory group to help sort out economic interests of the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint River Basin,” Norton said. “If there are any non-believers that water means economic vitality out there, they just need to look at the sales activity of homes on Lake Lanier versus water levels, and see how those two are forever intertwined.”
He predicted in the current water wars between Alabama, Florida and Georgia that there will no winners, “except perhaps the phalanx of lawyers and consultants.” He pointed out that it will become a battle of which state can plan the most reservoirs, build the largest watershed, capture (the most) rainwater, storm water (and) recharge water. Likening water to liquid gold, he cited China’s aggressive damming of its rivers as a way to shift the geo-political power of the entire continent by restricting water flow. “The state legislature and the governor’s office have developed a long-range plan, but (we) are concerned that it’s not fast enough,” he said. “Georgia is on
Bass Club seeks new members The Roswell Bass Club is seeking new members. Both boaters and non-boaters are welcome. The club meets the first Tuesday of each month at Kroger at Winward and High-
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the precipice of a powerful economic business wave and water holds the key to its kingdom.” Here are some of the ideas that Norton has supported for nearly three decades: • Work to quickly create and implement a network of regional reservoirs both south of Atlanta and in the North Georgia Mountains. • Reward development and redevelopment – both business and personal – for substantial water conservation initiatives using Georgia Tax Credits. • Dig Lake Lanier deeper to access the 15 to 20 percent of the lake’s storage capacity that has been lost to 50 years of silt. Norton said this will restore between 61 and 92 billion gallons of water storage capacity. • Increase Lake Lanier’s full pool by two more feet, which he said will add another 28 billion gallons of water to the lake. • “Georgia’s industrial and job base is double and the positive vibes, facts for continued metro Atlanta business migration are too compelling to ignore.”
• Fishing Continued from Page 11 Shad Rap by Rapala. The natural shad color pattern is a great choice for this time tested favorite. Jerkbaits are similar to crankbaits but feature streamlined minnow shaped bodies. You’ll find shallow running models, mid-depth models along with deep running models, and versions of each that suspend when the retrieve is paused. Early in the spring, the mid to deep suspending models tend to produce better results. As the water warms, shallow runners become more effective. My go to jerkbait is the Pointer 78 by Lucky Craft. It’s a high end suspending bait but it really produces well. For most situations you’ll encounter on Lake Lanier, the Tennessee Shad color is a fine choice. Some anglers have said they would rather catch one fish on top than 10 down deep. Now, I don’t know if I would take things that far but topwater fishing is certainly a thrill and often a very effective way to put fish on the end of your line. Most fishermen grow into a collection of topwaters in different
sizes. This can be important when bass are keying on smaller baitfish. In mid to late spring, larger baits such as the Super Spook rule the roost and elicit strikes from bigger bass. If you’re starting out with just one topwater, grab an Excalibur Super Spook Junior. This is a middle of the road size. While any baitfish color should work just fine, it’s hard to go wrong with bleeding shad. In closing, I know there are many lures that work great but not mentioned here – fluke type baits, buzz baits, swim baits, Al-
abama rigs – the list goes on. The ones highlighted are staples that will work anywhere you fish for bass, not just on Lake Lanier. And, there’s no doubt that your local bait shop will have some other proven killers that you could and should give a try! Until next month, think safety and enjoy the lake. Tommy Wilkinson is a veteran of the fishing industry and resides in Jefferson, GA. MORE INFO: thwilkinson6@gmail.com
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LAKESIDE 13
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February 2014
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LAKESIDE 15
Possible record number of Polar Bears plunge into Lake Lanier By Jane Harrison Lake Lanier extended a full, but certainly not warm welcome into the New Year for a possible record number of participants in the annual Polar Bear Swim. The 165 jumpers who plunged into the near 50-degree water on New Year’s Day may have helped set a record for the 17-year event. The lake greeted celebrants with an abundance rare for winter in the aftermath of year end rains that raised it to its loftiest December ever. Some said it was breath-taking. But they weren’t chattering about high water.
“It took my breath away. I couldn’t feel my body,” said one teenage polar bear, boasting to his friends while he shivered in a towel outside the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue boathouse. The event, a fund raiser for the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, brought participants from across North Georgia to jump into 2014 on a cloudy, mid-40 degree afternoon. Cheery voices of family members and friends who joked around as they waited in line contrasted with shrieks of “Oh my God! It’s so cold!” from those who clamSee Jump, page 55
PHOTOS BY JANE HARRISON
A crew of Santas got a post Christmas chill in Lake Lanier. "Green Man," also known as Don Landrum, leaps into the lake with friends. The green streak was awarded second best costume.
The Best Costume Award went to four North Hall friends: Madison Savage, Emily McCoun, Gayanne Agnew, and Katie Brown.
Several groups of family members and friends chose to start 2014 with a jump in Lake Lanier, above and left.
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16 LAKESIDE
February 2014
LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE UVA braves January cold to train on Lanier By Jane Harrison When the University of Virginia men’s crew migrated south for winter training on Lake Lanier, the Polar Vortex came down to Georgia with them. The 47 Cavaliers experienced similar temperatures Jan. 3-11 to those back home in Charlottesville, but the north Georgia lake offered more than the Rivanna Reservoir could supply: liquid water and plenty of it. Despite temperatures that dipped into single digits Jan. 6-7, UVA Coach Frank Biller reported miles of ice-free water for long distance rowing. “Our home waters freeze in January. We come down here to have liquid water. To us, Gainesville is perfect in January,” Biller said. The Virginians, who ventured to Lanier for their fourth annual winter training camp, lead the throng of youth and collegiate rowers expected to practice here through March. A Boston high school crew heads in late this month, followed by about 30 other teams that will converge at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue before the March 29-30 John Hunter/Lanier Sprints regattas. The Lake Lanier Rowing Club plays host, allowing visiting rowers to store boats, exercise, and commune at the boathouse. The club also rents motor boats for coaches to accompany crews on practice runs. Strong wind and bitter cold kept UVA rowers off the water Jan. 7, when they opted to lift weights, work out on ergometers, and play water polo at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center. On other days, they departed from the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue boathouse for twice daily practice sessions. For endurance training, they rowed about 28 kilometers (just more than 17 miles) round trip toward Thompson Bridge. For more intensity, they performed reps on the 2000 meter Olympic course. “We never run out of water here,” Biller remarked. He added that even last year, when the lake was down more than 10 feet, Lanier had plenty of rowable water. “We’ve rowed right over islands” that were exposed last year but are now covered by an over full lake. Biller said that when the water gets up
LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE INFO Here's a profile and calendar for the two clubs operating at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue:
Lake Lanier Rowing Club
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
UVA crew members launch for winter training on Lake Lanier on a cold January afternoon.
beyond the normal shoreline, debris washes in and can damage boats. “It’s not an issue at all,” he said, because rowers and coaches on motor boats look out for obstacles, such as the tree trunk that drifted between the Olympic course and Clarks Bridge. Team Captain Forrest Brown, a junior, described Lanier as a “beautiful body of water” with extraordinary space for continuous rowing. He said that despite the cold, the crew “always has a fun time down here.” The team stayed at Guest House Inn & Suites and ate most meals at Brenau, where rowers consumed most of the 4,000-plus calories they need daily. Besides side trips to the Wild Wing Café and McDonalds, rowers said they did not have time to get out much. They ate, slept and trained. Freshman Will Lewitus also liked Lanier’s expansiveness. “It’s very big and spacious. You don’t have to turn around a lot to row long distances.” Biller commented that some of the best water is just around the bend from the boathouse. The Olympic course, where 1996 Olympic rowers and paddlers competed, is wide enough for him to motor down the straightaway in the middle of five or six racing sculls. “It’s nice to have that straight shot.”
Contact: John Ferriss Phone: 770-287-0077 Email: LLRC@mindspring.com Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Website: www.LakeLanierRowing.org Club offerings: Recreational and competitive rowing for ages 13 to 80+. Beginner to elite offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and camps hosting of local, regional, national and international rowing regattas. Calendar of events: Thru March - Winter Collegiate Crew Training March 29-30 - John Hunter/Lanier Springs Regattas
Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club Contact: Office Administrator Brenda Miller, LCKC President Kevin Seitz Phone: 770-287-7888 Fax: 770-287-3444 Email: info@lckc.org Website: www.lckc.org Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Club offerings: Recreational and competitive canoe and kayaking for ages 12 and up. Beginner to masters programs offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and summer camps. Also hosts local, regional, national and international competitions. Calendar of events: March 22 - Lula Bridge Race Venue seats about 2,000 with parking capacity of about 400 cars. The boathouse and tower are available to rent for meetings and special occasions.
Selection narrows for venue director By Jane Harrison A Gainesville Hall ’96 selection committee has narrowed its search for a Lake Lanier Olympic Venue to eight candidates. The committee reviewed credentials of more than 50 applicants for the first time manager of the facility that hosted 1996 Olympic canoe/kayak and rowing events. The committee planned to send finalists a written survey to compare responses to similar questions. After reviewing survey responses, committee members aim to conduct on-site or internet interviews with chosen candidates. GH ’96 chair Mimi Collins said the group hopes to complete interviews this month and introduce the manager at its March 18 meeting. Applicants reflected a range of ages and “a good mix of skill sets,” Collins said. Many have parks and recreation department and/or sports related experience. She added that the selection committee was pleased with the skills and diversity the position attracted. Since the Olympics, the venue has been managed primarily by the Lake Lanier Rowing Club and Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club. Gainesville and
Hall County alternate maintenance duties. Each government budgeted $150,000 for the venue this year. That funding is expected to help hire a venue manager and assist with facility upgrades. LLOV attracts about 2,000 high school and collegiate rowers January through March for winter and spring training and a major regatta at the end of March. University of Virginia men’s crew coach Frank Biller brought his Cavaliers to train at LLOV for the fourth year in January. He said he believes hiring of a venue manager will be a “good investment” for Gainesville and Hall County. “I’m really glad (they) realized the potential the venue has,” he said. He added that he hopes visiting crews will continue to get the same personal level of service they have gotten from the Lake Lanier Rowing Club. “They make you happy. Whatever you need, they get it for you,” he said. The person hired will be Gainesville’s and Hall County’s “face on the lake,” Biller said. That individual should be able to take on challenges and new ventures that will bring in more than enough to pay the salary, he added.
CAUTION ZONE N
February 2014
LAKESIDE 17
Athletes test winter fitness at Mark Williams Ergatta By Jane Harrison Pulses raced, sweat streamed, and spectators yelled as participants in the Mark Williams Ergatta heated up the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue boathouse on a blustery January morning. More than 70 contestants worked the ergometers in the stationary rowing competition named for a much loved Lake Lanier Rowing Club member. “I’m overwhelmed by people’s kindness, sincerity and support,” said Kristy Basinger, daughter of the late Mark Williams. “I know my dad would have loved it.” Williams, who passed away in 2012 after battling leukemia, traditionally raced in LLRC ergattas. Known as an “incredible erg hammer,” he inspired others, including Kristy, an award winning erg competitor. One of LLRC’s founders, he helped bring the 1996 Olympic rowing events to Lake Lanier. The Jan. 25 ergatta was the biggest tribute yet as athletes from three other clubs and several unaffiliated individuals joined LLRC members at the ergs. Adult participants erged the equivalent of 2,000 meters; kids logged 500
classes, except with ergometers. As a competitive rower, she has experienced the venue on the water in the John Hunter Regatta. That’s how she learned about LLRC and the ergatta. LLRC member Howard Stranathan, who helped organize the ergatta, said he was pleased
and surprised at the turn-out. The ergatta grew more than three-fold from its premiere two years ago. He said the club posted it on two national rowing websites and that Kristy Basinger, following in her father’s wake, invited folks to come to the boathouse and give their best on the ergs.
2014 LLRC Polar Bear Row PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
Women competitors race on stationary rowing machines in the Mark Williams Ergatta.
meters. Each competitor’s progress was beamed onto a large screen graph which showed their race stroke-by-stroke. Coaches and supporters kneeled or stood behind participants and enthusiastically voiced their encouragement. University of North Georgia crew coach Nathan Mahon brought a small contingent of his 15-member team. He said the stationery rowing competition helped him gauge his athletes’ baseline fitness a week before the highly competitive Atlanta Erg
Sprints. He added he plans to bring his rowers back to LLOV in March to row on water in the John Hunter Regatta. Several athletes on the Rowbot crew from Smyrna might take a swim in a regular regatta. They may not know how to feather an oar, but they have the heave-ho to win ergatta medals. “It’s a lot of fun … some have never done any rowing,” said Aubrey Anderson, who with husband, Charles, operates an indoor rowing gym. She compared their program to stationary bike “spin”
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
Lake Lanier Rowing Club members celebrated the New Year with the annual Polar Bear Row the morning of Jan. 1. The club also presented awards to members who logged a million meters in 2013 and exceeded 200 kilometers in year-end challenges. The club has rowing programs for middle school age through senior adult. Information: www.lakelanierrowingclub.org.
18 LAKESIDE
February 2014
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February 2014
LAKESIDE 19
Michele Michalec
Denise Abruscato ®
®
“Consider It Done”
®
Realtor, ABR, SFR, CDPE 678 222-8663 Cell 678 455-3048 Office dgahomes@gmail.com
566 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 120 • Cumming, GA 30041
www.deniseabruscato.remax-georgia.com
Each office is independently owned and operated. Information believed accurate but not warranted.
O $589K REDUCED T
678-315-1917 Cell 678-455-3049 fax Foreverhomes123@gmail.com www.Foreverhomes123.com
1 Acre Point Property Remodeled 1 acre point property St. Michaels Bay surrounded by Lake Lanier on 2 sides. Private drive w/new 3-car garage & loft. Master on main, remodeled kitchen w/view of lake from 2 sides. New hardwoods, appliances & lighting. Theater room w/ surround sound, decorative trim. ADT pulse security system w/night vision infrared cameras door and motion sensors. Can be upgraded for full automation lighting & thermostat controls. Premium yard space & covered patio. New roof w/ architectural shingles. Single slip boat slip year round water, club house, pool, tennis and playground across the street in cul-de-sac.
ROPERTY CED POINT P U D E -R K 45 $3
140’ Shoreline Point Lot
Commercial Boat Repair & Dock Business O $230K! REDUCED T
Successfully built business - 26 years in service. 16 boat storage areas, boat and engine repair. Dock servicing - 51 Lake Lanier dock contracts to service, move in move out as lake changes. Fabulous boat repair and dock servicing reputa-
Absolutely the most, breathtaking view, of open water on a point property. Home site is ON the water's edge. 2 mile view of open water with well groomed shoreline, beautiful rounded river rock blanket. Welcomed by large slate colored steps. Embellished by natural stone seawall that wraps around property. 3BR/2BA home or great floor plan for your new home.
tion. Great location off Hwy 53 near War Hill Park, lots of boating traffic in north Lake Lanier areas.
Lake Lanier home Sellers – We are seeking Lake Lanier home sellers with open views of Lake Lanier. Many buyers are searching for open views and strong resale values. We are available to support your home selling needs and gain best values while interest rates are still extraordinary. Our teams are ready to support your home seller needs, quickly and efficiently soon. Don’t miss these selling opportunities now. Our markets continue to improve.
20 LAKESIDE
Boat show signals successful start to new year The Atlanta Boat Show was a great success compared to last year’s edition. There were many lines waiting to see the new models and everything else manufacturers had on display. I’ve heard that sales were better than last year’s as well. The gator show and the kid’s water toys were a hit. I hope you had the chance to enjoy the show. If you didn’t, visit one of the many boat dealers around the lake and I’m sure you will find a new or used boat for your needs. If you need to sell your boat before buying a new one advertise in Lakeside and it will reach people looking for a good buy on a boat. Those of you who purchased a new boat or P.W.C. might want to sign up for a boating class with the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary which will have classes during the month of February. You might want to also have your crew attend. If something happens to you, one of your crew will take over to get you back to the dock so the more they know the better everyone on board will be in an emergency. When you complete an approved course some insurance companies will give you a 10 percent discount on premiums. Those of you who purchased a new boat, it would be a good time to start your maintenance log. Read your owner’s manual thoroughly so you will know when to start service. I hope you all have a safe and happy boating season. Winter months charter When we had the recent cold snaps where wind chill temperatures were in the single digits, I’m sure you wished you were in sunny Florida. Why not plan to charter a yacht on the west coast of Florida. A family of four could charter a yacht for a week, and it would be cheaper than renting a beach front motel. If you don’t like where you are, you can always weigh anchor and find a place you like. Of course these are bareboat charters where you are the captain. I would recommend cruising in the Sarasota to Ft. Myers area. There are many excellent overnight stops, and if you run offshore you are close to an inlet if it gets rough. Another place to explore would be east of St. Myers on the Okeechobee Waterway and take the Rim Canal around Lake Okeechobee and see some of old Florida. Get yourself a recent waterways guide and plan your trip. You will find places like Cabbage Key, just south of Boca Grande pass. It’s been said that Cabbage Key in-
Mike Rudderham Captain’s Comments
spired Jimmy Buffett to write “Cheeseburgers in Paradise.” For information on charters contact: www.chitwood-charters. com or call 1-800-769-1377. They are located at the Dock of Hyatt, Sarasota, FL. An air conditioned, fully equipped 36’ Grand Banks trawler that will accommodate six people will charter for a four-day package for $1,595 to $2,095 per week. These boats are all in bristol condition. I personally captained one for a client and it was a trip of a lifetime for them. If you would rather charter a sailboat, or have instruction on sail or power yachts you can contact: Southwest Florida Yachts in Cape Coral Fl. www.swfyachts. com or call 1-800-262-7939. They have many different sail and power yachts that would satisfy any charter group. Also they have several leasing plans, some with free days. They are located in the heart of cruising paradise. If you go have a great time and share your stories and photos with Lakeside readers. Kayak fishing Kayaking is becoming one of the fastest growing forms of boating. There are many different kayaks: surfing, ocean, whitewater, racing, and fishing. Fishing from a kayak is unique. You can go in an area quietly, like you are in stealth mode, to get to that unreachable structure where you know that lunker is hiding. I used a kayak to portage into nearby lakes when I was young. You could shoulder the kayak and your fishing gear with ease. Now colleges are forming kayak fishing teams, much the same as we reported about bass fishing teams some issues back. They call it the “College Kayak Series.” Stephen F. Austin, Lamar University, Texan A&M and LSU created some of the first teams. The winning ream was Lamar University. I’ll bet with the “Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club” we might already have the makings of a team. With all the colleges around Atlanta I’ll bet several teams could be formed. For more information contact: www.takemekayakfishing.org. Kiwi spirits solo update While sailing off Brazil, Dr.
Stanley Paris blew out a sail on New Year’s night. He waited until daylight to inspect the damage. He tried to remove pieces of the shredded sail stuck in the shrouds and fell onto an extrusion of the deck causing excruciating pain and he couldn’t use his left arm. He managed to get to the cockpit where he collapsed for several hours. It took several days but now he’s better, but limited with what he can do, especially with his left arm. He continues on his course, although conservatively and gently until he feels good enough to attend to all the tasks. Paris is still on schedule and will make more progress as his health gets better and he can make more speed. We will keep you posted. Iron woman While Dr. Stanley Paris is on his first leg of his solo circumnavigations “Iron Woman:” 71 year old Jeanne Socrates, ended her 259 day solo circumnavigation in Victoria, British Columbia. This was her third attempt and successful sail in her stock Najad 380 named “Nereida.” This was also a non-stop sail. It seems like a lot of folks are trying this feat since the 16-year-old tried it two or three years ago. Check out her website at: www.svnereida.com. Cash for a PT boat When I was selling yachts in Florida I had a gentleman come in my marina office from a chauffeur-driven car. He sat down and told me the story about how he and his two boyhood friends wanted to be commercial fisherman. They each went off and made their fortunes. They met in later years and decided to fulfill their boyhood dream. So they bought an old P.T. boat, rebuilt it and installed new 8-71 GM diesels and a gen set. They had fished the boat five or six times when his buddies got sick and passed away. Now he was losing his sight and had to sell the boat. I said I’d look at it and try to sell it for him. One of my associates and I went to Tarpon Springs to inspect the boat. She was in good condition, and when I inspected the helm station you had to wonder where this boat had been and what her sea going history was. I discovered their log book and it was obvious they were not covering expenses, but I don’t think it mattered since they were fulfilling their boyhood dreams. I advertised the boat and got the curious, but no serious inquires. Then a young commercial fisherman showed some solid interest. A couple days later he came in the office with grocery bags of
February 2014
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could have sea-trialed that boat. Be courteous, practice safe boating and I’ll see you on the water soon. Mike Rudderham is a veteran marine surveyor with more than 40 years experience in the marine industry.
February 2014
LAKESIDE 21
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FALL IN LOVE...YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE! Hardwood Floors-Vaulted Great Room w/Fireplace-Large Lakeside DR w/Bead Board Clg-Huge Screen Porch w/Custom Doors Open to Living Area-2Bedrooms+ Loft/2Baths, 2 Decks-Arch Roof-Covered Slip-Dock!
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9140 Browns Bridge Rd
Sits on the shoreline with full length screen porch o’looking Thompson Creek on Lake Lanier, one of the best coves for wakeboarding. Almost an acre level lot with , fenced yard & pole barn lg enough to hold 4 cars or 2 boats! Accents include a stone FP, loft and vaulted great room, spacious and colorful bedrooms and baths. Shady covered patio and work shop. Lake community includes tennis, pavilion and basketball court. Located just 2 minutes to Outlet Mall, shopping, movies, restaurants. Boat dock and great views. What a deal! $299,000 www.1610KiloughChurchRoad.info
Park-like setting on peninsula cul-de-sac located at end of Duckett Mill Road. Huge lake home, You will never want to leave this sanctuary. Tons of floor length windows and 1200 feet of decking, fenced yard. Will hit market 1st week of September for only $525,000. www.3725TimberlakeDrive.info
LAKE RANCH LODGE
TWO ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE LOT
Lake Ranch Lodge is an authentic, mid-century modern, lake house. Hand-built decades ago by craftsmen, it features custom-milled paneling of pecky cypress – one of the rarest and most beautiful kinds of wood – and exudes a relaxing get-away feel that will make it hard to want to leave. All Season perfect getaway or corporate retreat. $750,000 www.3184LakeRanchDrive.info
Once in a lifetime something like this comes along at this price. Lakefront w/dock in deep water cove in south end sailing waters. Creek, large pond w/fountain. Porches wrap around home. All rooms are spacious, kitch w/granite, island, SS. Steam shower & spa tub. Finished terrace level. Executive office joins grt rm. Views of Lake Lanier from everywhere. Just a stones throw from veranda to dock. $625,000 www.5918RoselightLane.info
Coming 1st week of February. Call for pricing! Approximately $425,000 with single slip dock. 1.5 acre gorgeous lot with circular drive and detached garage/shop area. Fenced yard. Built in 2012 and very contemporary inside. www.9140BrownsBridgeRoad.info
LAKEFRONT WITH DOCK
Enjoy relaxing on the screened porch in the midst of trees. Lakefront home w/dock - first time on the market! Two bedrooms and two baths on the main level open floor plan. Open terrace level with 3rd bedroom/full bath and kitchen area and additional den and covered patio. Two rock fireplaces. Approximately $425,000 www.3398BanksMountainDrive.info
22 LAKESIDE
February 2014
So just what is ‘polar vortex?’ As we move out of a record setting cold January for much of the eastern two thirds of the country, our long-range models show we can expect a nice warming this month. Last month we all heard ridiculous headlines like “the polar vortex is set to devour the Midwest and Northeast.” I think a little explainer about the polar vortex is in order. I believe we all know or have at least heard of, the Bermuda High. In the summer, it’s a semi-permanent area of high pressure centered near Bermuda. It’s what keeps us warm and muggy during the warm months. It’s also a guide for hurricane movement. In the winter, the Bermuda High migrates eastward across the Atlantic and sets up near the Azores. It then becomes known as the Azores High. It’s pretty much the same thing with the Polar Vortex. It’s a semi-permanent area of low pressure centered near Baffin Island. The polar vortex, as it sounds, is circulation of strong, upper-level winds that normally surround the north pole in a counterclockwise direction – a polar low-pressure system. These winds tend to keep the bitter cold air locked in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is not a single storm. On occasion, this vortex can become very weak and can become distorted and dip much farther south. When this weakening occurs (called a negative north Atlantic Oscillation) frigid arctic air is allowed to plunge much farther to the south than normal.
This is why we saw the record cold across much of the country, including Glenn a 6 degree record low Burns here in Atlanta earlier last month. Lanier The north Atlantic Outlook Oscillation models show it going into the positive range this month and therefore, we can expect a nice warming trend, at least for the first week or two. That is as far as the model data goes out. The Climate Prediction Center is a little more confident, indicating above average temps for the entire month. So, if you like warm temperatures, this is certainly good news for you. On the other hand, this may not be such good news for those of us in the meteorological community. When we see a rapid thaw after harsh cold, we tend to see above average severe weather. Climatologically, severe storm season begins this month along the southern gulf coast states, from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. The reason being is this geographic area tends to get warmer first. That being said, we have certainly seen our fair share of violent storms and tornadoes in Georgia in February. With temperatures warming, and it could be a significant warming, the battle zone between cold air and warm air could be accelerated northward. There has also been another weather feature we have taken great note of this winter. Our jet stream is split over the continental United States. The cold polar branch wavers across the country like a snake bringing
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
LAKE LANIER WATER LEVELS JUN 1 1072.00 2 1072.10 3 1072.18 4 1072.11 5 1072.09 6 1072.04 7 1072.06 8 1072.13 9 1072.30 10 1072.52 11 1072.49 12 1072.40 13 1072.34 14 1072.33 15 1072.37 16 1072.46 17 1072.43 18 1072.41 19 1072.34 20 1072.11 21 1071.90 22 1071.93 23 1071.97 24 1071.85 25 1071.76 26 1071.66 27 1071.62 28 1071.52 29 1071.58 30 1071.61 31 AV 1072.77 MAX 1073.67 MI 1071.87
JUL 1071.62 1071.52 1071.71 1072.00 1072.30 1072.80 1073.13 1073.09 1072.93 1072.76 1072.54 1072.34 1072.45 1072.58 1072.50 1072.30 1072.24 1072.24 1072.20 1072.35 1072.47 1072.35 1072.22 1072.10 1071.97 1071.97 1072.09 1072.16 1072.08 1071.97 1071.97 1072.09 1072.52 1071.52
AUG 1071.93 1071.86 1071.90 1071.95 1071.87 1071.82 1072.41 1072.58 1072.45 1072.56 1072.78 1072.78 1072.77 1072.62 1072.48 1072.37 1072.44 1072.63 1073.22 1073.38 1073.44 1073.53 1073.41 1073.55 1073.63 1073.38 1073.11 1072.92 1072.67 1072.48 1072.61 1072.29 1073.13 1071.52
SEP 1072.67 1072.74 1072.65 1072.45 1072.26 1072.05 1072.09 1072.15 1072.08 1071.95 1071.83 1071.74 1071.67 1071.70 1071.72 1071.66 1071.59 1071.54 1071.49 1071.44 1071.60 1071.66 1071.62 1071.59 1071.69 1071.66 1071.61 1071.63 1071.64 1071.61
OCT 1071.60 1071.53 1071.50 1071.44 1071.47 1071.62 1071.68 1071.66 1071.60 1071.54 1071.47 1071.50 1071.54 1071.49 1071.40 1071.36 1071.37 1071.34 1071.37 1071.39 1071.34 1071.28 1071.21 1071.14 1071.08 1071.09 1071.11 1071.07 1071.05 1070.98 1070.94 1072.69 1071.36 1073.63 1071.68 1071.82 1071.94
down the cold arctic air. The southern branch of the jet stream is riding hell-bent across the Mexican Baja into the southeast. This river of air running at nearly 80 miles per hour churns through the atmos-
NOV 1070.92 1070.95 1070.97 1070.94 1070.90 1070.84 1070.82 1070.78 1070.78 1070.79 1070.76 1070.69 1070.64 1070.59 1070.54 1070.57 1070.61 1070.60 1070.59 1070.54 1070.50 1070.45 1070.45 1070.49 1070.46 1071.04 1071.31 1071.29 1071.31 1071.34
DEC 1071.36 1071.34 1071.28 1071.14 1071.02 1071.10 1071.35 1071.50 1072.02 1072.18 1071.96 1071.91 1071.74 1072.02 1072.14 1071.96 1071.74 1071.55 1071.34 1071.12 1071.17 1072.20 1072.93 1072.98 1072.94 1072.70 1072.48 1072.68 1072.69 1072.45 1072.24 1070.78 1072.91 1071.34 1072.98 1070.45 1071.02
JAN 1071.95 1071.70 1071.41 1071.28 1071.17 1070.99 1070.86 1070.73 1070.61 1070.59 1071.17 1071.43 1071.44 1071.30 1071.19 1071.09 1070.92 1071.02 1071.09 1070.03 1070.97 1070.94 1070.87 1070.80 1070.87 1070.94 1070.91 1070.94
phere at around 18,000 feet. When these strong upper level winds cruise over thunderstorms, they add a tremendous amount of energy and wind shear. Tornadoes and See Burns, page 38
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
February 2014
LAKESIDE 23
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appenin’ asis
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24 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Enjoying leisure time well spent in the Bahamas Bob and Carolyn Wilson, aboard Sea Island Girl, continue Lakeside's long running series of cruising adventures which began in the mid-1990s. To date we've had the Johnston family, Jean and Bill Bayman, and Mechelle and Bill Cooksey all contribute to the series. Bob and Carolyn boated on Lake Lanier until leaving for their adventure in 2002. It may not mean a lot for some, but when your wife shows you the shells she picked up on the beach and says “I had to bend over to pick up every one of these little shells, and just think of the weight I’m losing,” well you just look over her collection, smile and keep your mouth shut. Along with her many lady friends in the Bahamas, Carolyn is into the more artistic endeavors rather than yoga or jogging. She uses the shells collected to transform Poinciana tree pods into pleasing works of art, and weaves pine needles with raffia into quite impressive looking baskets. Making a basket is intense and time consuming. It gives her a sense of gratification when showing them and she enjoys giving them as gifts to several of her friends back home.
lenging evenings, complete with a “bring your main course and something to share” dinner. Bob & We have been fortunate to Carolyn have several talented individuals Wilson in our group. Ray Vallerie and Bob Williams are always standing Cruising by in case anyone needs someone Wilsons with mechanical skills, and Bob’s wife Judy is the master gardener Other friends are into the more looking after our own private gartraditional exercise mode of run- den here at the resort. Jim and Kathy Fenn are always willing to ning, yoga and water aerobics, and for a group of senior citizens share their boat for off-shore fishing adventures, and if it’s a good they do pretty well. It is when they are convinced that they are in day, they share their fish with their late 20s and play pickle ball those of us that elect to stay tied to the dock. that their age catches up with A Canadian friend, Linda them. It is easy to spot these athWeeks, has a special place in my letic over achievers; they are the heart. She was an art teacher beones with knee braces, arms in slings or casts. We have even had fore she and her husband decided to get away from the cold weather a few on crutches! Games have become a popular and go cruising. For two years, past-time with many of the cruis- she has devoted much of her time to unleash the artistic abilities in ing boaters here in the Bahamas. all of us. Linda has a phenomenal Bocce Ball happens at 2:30 on way of bringing out previously Sundays, Mahjong has achieved dominance among the ladies three unrecognized talents in many of us. days a week while others just I dropped in on one of Linda’s enjoy relaxing aboard their boats sessions in 2012 while walking engaged in serious games of bridge. Although trivia has not as the dog. Having never thought of watercolor painting, it seemed yet started, it will soon be rerelatively straight forward, so the turned as one of the more chal-
Finale of a fishing trip, top, and Bob’s zebra waterpainting.
next day I joined the group with eight paints, a pad of paper and a brush. “Marvelous! Fantastic!” were her words, and I was hooked. Another local artist commented on one of my first paintings by saying, “now, go paint 300 more.” While home in Atlanta I have extended by training under Dylan Pierce, a noted Atlanta-based watercolorist, and now find it difficult to see what Linda ever saw in my early paintings. Having the time to spend doing what we enjoy is a real God-send, and that is why the lifestyle has been good for us. We
are surrounded by wonderful friends, each with something to share, and the Caribbean climate makes it all the better. If you have ever pondered cutting the lines on the lake, and setting off on a cruising adventure, we certainly would encourage you to establish a plan to do so. It can be an exciting time and a way to separate yourself from the more traditional lifestyle, to enjoy new places and meet new friends who are endeavoring to do the same. - Until next time, Bob & Carolyn Wilson
MORE INFO: cruiswils@gmail.com or www.cruisingwilson.blogspot.com
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February 2014
LAKESIDE 25
January’s Atlanta Boat Show brings in the crowds By Pamela A. Keene Attendance at January’s fourday Atlanta Boat Show was up by 25 percent, with nearly 25,000 people checking out what’s new for the 2014 boating season at the Georgia World Congress Center. “This was our highest attendance since 2008,” said Larry Berryman with the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which manages the show each year. “We had 165 exhibitors, nearly 100 seminars, good weather and a very successful show.” Singleton Marine Group and MarineMax each showed the largest boats, both 40-foot motor yachts that attracted big crowds. Crowe Marine won the Best Boat Display for its Bennington Pontoon Boat display. Hideaway Bay Marina won the Best Accessory Display. “The most popular attraction at
the show was the Swampmaster Alligator Show, presented by Jeff Quattrocchi three times each day,” Berryman said. “He provided an entertaining and educational show featuring live alligators and it was absolutely packed for every show.” Children’s activities included The Rockin’ Rollin’ Bubbles, human hamster balls that kids could get inside and roll across the water. Youngsters also participated in the catch-and-release trout fishing pond, many catching their first fish ever. “The boating industry continues to offer the best choice for family recreation and hundreds of boats were sold at the show,” he said. “Plus the incredible work the exhibitors put into their displays has really made the Atlanta Boat Show a terrific event for the entire boating community.”
PHOTOS BY ALAN HOPE
A list of used boats were available for attendees as well, top. Hideaway Bay Marina won Best Accessory Display during the Atlanta Boat Show. Michael Duling, regional manager of Hideaway Bay, is congratulated by the show’s Exhibit Relationship Manager Scott Cohen.
Creative boat displays, right, included this vertical version. A toddler, above, tries to get personal with a bass at the Let’s Go Fishing Center.
Spring Into Summer Boat Show kicks it into high gear
All types of boats were available at the show, including kayaks from The Outside World in Dawsonville.
By Pamela A. Keene On the weekend of March 7-9, the Marine Trade Association of Metropolitan Atlanta hosts the “Spring Into Summer Boat Show” at the Gwinnett Center off I-85. “We’re kicking off the summer boating season with this show,” said Barkley Geib with the association. “We’ll have great seminars, exhibitors, and more, and we encourage people to come out and see what’s available for the 2014 boating season.” Area fishing guides, including Ken West, Ron Mullins, Henry Cowen, and Mack Farr, among others, will lead seminars. Friday, March 7, is Family Day with $5 admission for everyone. Radio and television personality O’Neill Williams will make a special appearance on Friday. Saturday’s show includes a remote broadcast by radio station The River from noon to 2 p.m., complete with prize giveaways
and more. The show includes exhibitors showcasing the latest for 2014, from paddle boarding and wakeboarding to fishing and boating equipment, accessories and more. There will be boats on display from some of the area’s boat dealers as well. Dealers and boating experts will be on hand for one-on-one time with visitors to the show. “If you’re thinking about buying a boat, upgrading your equipment or are just dreaming, come to the Spring Into Summer Boat Show,” Geib said. “It’s the perfect time to see available boats all in the same place. And the Gwinnett Center offers free parking, easy access from I-85 and it’s close to Lake Lanier.” The Marine Trade Association of Metropolitan Atlanta represents all aspects of the marine in-
dustry. Members include companies and organizations who are dedicated to the growth in recreational boating and the creation of jobs for the marine and boating industry in an environmentally friendly, safe and responsible way. Members serve the needs of boaters throughout North Georgia, from Lake Allatoona to Lake Lanier and beyond. “This is going to be a fantastic boating season,” Geib said. “Come on out and share our excitement.” The show runs from Friday, March 7, through Sunday, March 9. Showtimes are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. all three days. Admission is $8 per person; admission for children 12 and under is $5. Friday’s admission for Family Day is $5. Tickets may be purchased online at www.springsummershow.com at $6.50 for adults through Thursday, March 6.
MORE INFO: www.springsummershow.com
26 LAKESIDE
February 2014
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28 LAKESIDE
February 2014
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February 2014
Lakeside Calendar February 2014 Feb. 2 – Groundhog Day held 10 a.m. at Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park, 293 Gran Ellen Dr., Athens. Info: 706-613-3616; athensclarkecounty.com/bearhollow. Thru Apr 3 – “Jerusalem” film screening presented by Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. Admission: Adults, $13; students and seniors, $12; children under 12 years old, $11; museum members, $8. Info: 404-9296300; fernbankmuseum.org. Feb. 1-9 – “Charlotte’s Web” presented by Holly Theatre, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. Times: 7 p.m., Feb. 1, 7 & 8; 2 p.m., Feb. 2 & 9. Admission: $14, adults; $10, students. Info: 706-864-3759. Feb. 8-Apr. 13 – “Orchid Daze: Impressionists,” exhibit held at Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. Info: 404-876-5859; atlantabotanicalgarden.org. Feb. 10 – Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat,” performed 10 and 11:30 a.m. at the Aurora Children’s Playhouse, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. Admission: $7. Free parking available on the deck attached to Aurora Theatre at 153 Crogan St. Info: 678-226-6222; auroratheatre.com. Feb. 11 – 50 Plus Dancing Diners, Valentine Dinner Dance (open to all seniors, age 50 or older) held at Luna’s Restaurant in Gainesville’s downtown square offering special $10 menu. Laigh Langley Trio to perform. Reservations required. Info: 770-531-0848. Feb. 11-Feb. 22 – “Chicago,” presented by Gainesville Theatre Alliance at the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts, Hosch Theater in Gainesville. Rated PG. Tickets: $22-24, adults; $20-22, seniors; $12-14, students. Info: 678-7173624; gainesvilletheatrealliance.org. Feb. 14 – “Valentines in the Garden” presented 7-11 p.m. at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. Info: 404-876-5859; atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
Feb. 14-Feb. 22 – “The Glass Menagerie,” presented by Gainesville Theatre Alliance at the University of North Georgia’s Ed Cabell Theatre in Oakwood. Times: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22; 2:30 p.m., Feb. 15. Rated PG. Tickets: $18-20, adults; $16-18, seniors; $12-14, students. Info: 678-717-3624; gainesvilletheatrealliance.org. Feb. 15-Aug. 24 – “Whales: Giants of the Deep,” presented at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. Admission: $18, adults; $17, students and seniors; $16, children ages 3-12. Info: 404-929-6300; fernbankmuseum.org. Thru Feb. 22 – Joe Walters “Ascension,” exhibit held at Marcia Wood Gallery, 263 Walker St., Atlanta. Admission: Free. Info: 404-8270030; marciawoodgallery.com. Thru March 29 – The New American Shakespeare Tavern located at 499 Peachtree St., Atlanta, presents “The Taming of the Shrew.” Tickets: $15-36. Info: 404-874-5299; shakespearetavern.com. Thru April 3 – “Jerusalem” film screening presented by Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. Admission: Adults, $13; students and seniors, $12; children under 12 years old, $11; museum members, $8; 404-9296300; fernbankmuseum.org. Brenau College Feb. 4 – “Move over Bach and Beethoven, Brahms,” is here presented at 7:30 p.m. in Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium. Faculty recital features the Brahms Piano Quintet, Op. 34 in F minor. The Leaptrott Trio, in residence at Brenau, includes Benjamin Leaptrot, piano; Kenn Wagner, violin; Charae Krueger, cello; and invited guest artists. Feb. 13 – “The Second Bud” revealed presented at Brenau University Downtown Center, 301 N. Main St., Gainesville, as part of Brenau’s
Sense & Sustainability lecture series. Author Martha Ezzard, an award-winning newspaper columnist, environmental lawyer and former Colorado state senator, discusses her book, “The Second Bud,” about how she and her physician husband John turned a north Georgia family farm into a successful winery. Reservations required. Info: 770-534-6160; brenau.edu/sustainability/wine. Thru Feb. 14 – Brenau Student Art Exhibition at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Feb. 14-17 – “WADE – Women’s State High School Art & Design Competition,” held in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts, Leo Castelli Gallery, will include workshops, portfolio reviews and a lecture on art criticism. The exhibition will feature selected works in multiple media from students across the state. Reception held 4-5 p.m. on Feb. 17. Thru Mar. 13 – “Masterworks on the Move,” held at Simmons Visual Arts Center, Sellars Gallery includes paintings from Wesleyan College’s traveling exhibition offering snapshot into 19th and 20th Century American Art. Thru Mar. 21 – “Fragile-The Delicate Balance between Women and the World,” in Simmons Visual Arts Center, Presidents Gallery, explores various issues of special relevance to women in modern society with works by Heather Hanline, Karina Taylor, Jennifer Prince and Veronica Martin. Reception held Feb. 6, 5:30-7 p.m. Info: 770-534-6263, www.brenau.edu. Cumming Playhouse Feb. 13 – Mar. 9 – “On Golden Pond” Info/times: 770-781-9178; www.playhousecumming.com. Fifth Row Center Feb. 4-Apr. 1 – Auditioning to win role in musicals held 7:30-9 p.m. at 5509 Main St., Flowery Branch. Fee: $80. Feb. 5-Apr. 30 – Juniors Actors Studio for ages 7-11 years old held 3:45-4:45 p.m. at 5509 Main St., Flowery Branch. Fee: $90. Info: 678-347-7359.
Lake Lanier Islands Resort Feb. 1 – The Kiwanis Club’s Father-Daughter Dance, held 6-8 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. Admission: Couples, $40; additional individuals $10. Info: northgwinnettkiwanis.com. More info: www.lakelanierislands.com. North Atlanta Trade Center Feb. 8-9 – Atlanta’s Exotic Bird Fair Feb. 8-10 – Western & English Atlanta Trade Show Feb. 15-16 – Eastman’s Gun Show Feb. 21-23 – Georgia RV & Camper Show Info: www.northatlantatradecenter.com Piedmont College Feb. 13 – Jurgen Tarasch reception held at 6 p.m. at the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art. Feb. 13-16 – “Blithe Spirit,” the classic Noel Coward comedy, presented in the Swanson Center. Times: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 13-15; 2 p.m., Feb. 16. Feb. 25 – Andrea Price, soprano, performs in Faculty Recital at 7:30 p.m. in Piedmont College Chapel. Info: www.piedmont.edu Quinlan Arts Center Thru Feb. 15 – Quinlan’s Winter Exhibitions, opening reception 5:30-7 p.m., Dec. 12. Feb. 27-Mar. 1 – The Quinlan Visual Arts Center Gala Art Auction, 514 Green St., Gainesville. Gala held 6:30 p.m. on Mar. 1. Tickets on sale Feb. 3 for $125. The 2014 Artist Guest of Honor is North Georgia Artist Gregory Johnson. Info: www.quinlanartscenter.org Tannery Row Artist Colony Thru Feb. 22 – Third Annual N. Georgia High School Art Exhibit includes high school art at its finest. Mar. 8-Apr. 26 – A Perfect 10-year Anniversary Show for all past and present TRAC artists. Artists can apply online at tanneryrowartistcolony.com. Info: 770-904-0572; www.tanneryrowartistcolony.com.
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February 2014
LAKESIDE 31
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32 LAKESIDE
February 2014
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LAKESIDE 33
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Lanier Sailing Club Events 2014 SAILING EVENTS ON LAKE LANIER Club Event Day Date FEBRUARY 2014 LLSC UYC LLSC SSC UYC LLSC LARC SSC LLSC UYC LARC LLSC
1064 UYC Spring #2 Laser Frostbite #5 Ice Breaker #4 Hot Ruddered Bum Laser Frostbite #6 Winter #4 - SSC Hosts Ice Breaker #5 Laser Frostbite #7 UYC Spring 3 Winter #5 - BFSC Hosts Laser Frostbite #8
Sat Sat Sun Sun Sat Sun Sun Sat Sun Sun Sat Sun
02/01 02/01 02/02 02/02 02/08 02/09 02/09 02/15 02/16 02/16 02/22 02/23
Sat Sat/Sun Sun Sun Sat Sun Sat Sat Sat/Sun Sat Sat/Sun
03/01 03/01-02 03/09 03/09 03/15 03/16 03/22 03/22 03/22-23 03/29 03/29
MARCH 2014 SSC LLSC SSC UYC BFSC SSC UYC SSC LLSC UYS LLSC
Nippert #1 Laser Southerns Regatta Nippert #2 UYC Spring 4 Dorton 1 Nippert #3 Commodore's Cup Nipper #4 Atlanta Cup J24/J22 UYC Makeup 1 PHRF Championship
APRIL 2014 AISC
Dogwood Regatta/Wed Night Sign-up Fri 04/04
Club
Event
Day
AISC BFSC LLSC SSC AISC AISC UYC BFSC LLSC SSC AISC LLSC
Dogwood Regatta Around Alone Commissioning Nippert #5 AISC Summer 1- #1 AISC Summer 1- #2 UYC Makeup 2 Dorton 2 MC Rebel Rouser Regatta Masters (Skippers over 50) AISC Summer 1- #3 PHRF Championship
Club
Date
Sat/Sun Sat Sat/Sun Sat Wed Wed Sat Sat Sat/Sun Sun Wed Sat
04/05-06 04/12 04/12-13 04/13 04/16 04/23 04/26 04/26 04/26-27 04/27 04/30 04/27
AISC SSC
Sat Sat/Sun Wed Wed Sat Sun Wed Wed Tue-F Sat
05/03 05/03-04 05/07 05/14 05/17 05/18 05/21 05/28 05/27-30 05/31
AUGUST 2014
MAY 2014 SSC LLSC AISC AISC BFSC BFSC AISC AISC LLSC BFSC
Lormand Cup Multihull AISC Summer 1- #4 AISC Summer 1- #5 Dorton 3 Women Skippers - Open AISC Summer 1- #6 AISC Summer 1- #7 Junior Week #1 Dorton 4
JUNE 2014 AISC LLSC UYC AISC LLSC UYC AISC BFSC
AISC Summer 1- #8 Junior Week #2 Junior Sailing Camp #1 AISC Summer 1- #9 Reggae Regatta Junior Sailing Camp #2 AISC Summer 1- #10 Dorton 5
Legend Pointe
Event
Wed Su-F Su-F Wed Sat/Sun Su-F Wed Sat
06/04 06/01-06 06/08-13 06/11 06/14-15 06/15-20 06/18 06/21
Day
AISC Awards Party Couples Race
Wed Sat
Date 06/25 06/28
JULY 2014 LLSC Firecracker Cup Sat/Sun AISC AISC Summer 2-#1 Wed BFSC/SSC Moonlight Scramble/Firefly Sat AISC AISC Summer 2 - #2 Wed BFSC Dorton 6 Sat SSC Newcomers Race Sun AISC AISC Summer 2 - #3 Wed AISC AISC Summer 2 - #4 Wed
AISC AISC Summer 2 - #5 Wed BFSC/SSC Moonlight Scramble/Firefly 2 Sat AISC AISC Summer 2 - #6 Wed BFSC Dorton 7 Sat AISC AISC Summer 2 - #7 Wed AISC AISC Summer 2 - #8 Wed BFSC Dorton 8 Sat LLSC Vern Pickering Commodores Cup Sat/Sun
07/05-06 07/09 07/12 07/16 07/19 07/20 07/23 07/30
08/06 08/09 08/13 08/16 08/20 08/27 08/30 08/30-31
LARC - Lanier Auxiliary Racing Committee AISC - Atlanta Inland Sailing Club BFSC - Barefoot Sailing Club LLSC - Lake Lanier Sailing Club UYC - University Yacht Club
For complete sailing calendar, visit www.lakesidenews.com.
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38 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Authorities will likely never know what led to drownings By Jane Harrison It may never be known why two young Dawson County men wound up in freezing waters of Lake Lanier the second day of 2014. Hall County divers recovered the bodies of Mason Cox and David Wood, both 20, from Frederick’s Cove near Ga. 400 on Jan. 10, a week after they went missing. Autopsies determined the life-long friends died from “accidental drowning compounded by hypothermia,” according to Sherry Lang, Georgia Medical Examiner spokesperson. Toxicology reports were not expected to be complete for several weeks. Maj. Tony Wooten from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office reported neither body exhibited evidence of internal or external trauma. They were found about 30 feet from a boat dock on the residential cul-de-sac in water about 15-20 feet deep. Both were fully clothed, however Wooten said Cox’s jacket was missing and had not been found a week later. The men had told family members they were going fishing from a neighbor’s dock at 3:30 a.m. Jan. 2, but their fishing rods were
found in one of their bedrooms. When Wood did not return home for his sister’s birthday that afternoon, his mother called the sheriff’s office. Dawson and Georgia Bureau of Investigation officers searched land and water with helicopters and cadaver dogs and focused on a dock across the street from Wood’s family home where they observed a chair and a fishing lure thought to have belonged to Wood’s father. Wooten reported that the last cell phone signal from Wood’s phone came from the area at 5:47 a.m. Jan. 2. As the search continued into Jan. 6, temperatures dropped to single digits and an inch of ice formed on the water, delaying a sonar search of the cove. Marine Specialties Inc. deployed a barge to assist in breaking up the ice, but the lake was too frozen to successfully launch sonar equipment until about 11 a.m. Jan. 10. Georgia Department of Natural Resources Region II officers began a methodical search with a new pontoon boat designed to operate side scan sonar that relays images to a laptop computer on board. DNR officers sent a Re-
mote Operation Vehicle (ROV) to investigate targets. The ROV, essentially a swimming robot operated by a hand held lever on board, verified findings in the early evening. Hall County divers recovered the bodies around 5:30 p.m. near a dock straight off the cul-de-sac. It was not the dock where the men were originally thought to have been fishing, Wooten said. “We may not ever know” what caused the men to enter the lake, Wooten said. “One could have fallen in and the other could have gone in after him.” On the morning of the recoveries, Cody Cox, 22-year-old brother of Mason Cox, said his only sibling had planned to start school to become an EMT the day before. He said Wood had just returned from construction work in Mississippi. The three grew up together on the cove off the Chestatee River near the Dawson/Lumpkin County line. They competed on the same wrestling teams in middle and high school and had gone fishing together frequently in Frederick’s Cove. The deaths and subsequent
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PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
Georgia DNR rangers used sonar and a Remote Operation Vehicle to locate two Dawson County men who drowned in Frederick's Cove.
search occurred during one of the coldest weeks in recent memory on Lake Lanier. The double drowning started a morbidity count early in the new year. Seven people died in 2013 on Lake Lanier, according to Georgia DNR Region II Capt. Thomas
Barnard. All drowned. Four people died in non-boat related incidents, including two who entered the water from boat docks. Of the three boating-related fatalities, two drowned when they fell overboard and one fell off a tube that was being towed by a vessel.
• Burns Continued from Page 22 severe thunderstorm winds will now be our focus of attention. After such an active winter, we will have to wait to see how weather patterns continue to
evolve. My best advice, be prepared. Severe storm season is almost here. Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist for WSB-TV in Atlanta.
February 2014
LAKESIDE 39
1991 SEA RAY SEDAN BRIDGE
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40 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Winter waterfowl visiting Lake Lanier By Jane Harrison Some winter visitors to Lake Lanier can be seen frolicking and feeding on the water before they fly back home next month. Now is the time to view several varieties of waterfowl over wintering on the north Georgia lake prior to their migration to their nesting grounds in northern environments. Year round residents – Canada geese, mallards and wood ducks – share the lake with visiting hooded mergansers and buffleheads who congregate in open water, said wildlife biologist Ken Riddleberger, Wildlife Supervisor of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Game Management Division. Hooded mergansers are recognizable by their “hammerhead” crest or a “Mohawk hair-do,” which is mostly white on the male and tawny brown on the fe-
Hooded Mergansers
ologist Scott Frazier. He speculated they either got off course in a weather event or got imbedded with a flock of Canada geese. DNR has not received reports of any unusual sightings this year, he said, but it is “quite possible” the migrants may fly in, depending on the weather. Buffleheads Riddleberger recalled an intermale. Their long, saw-toothed bill esting sighting several years ago enables them to eat fish they of crested mallards, domesticated catch near the surface, Riddleducks that originated in Europe berger said. and were set loose on Lanier. The The small, round bufflehead is unusual ducks sport a “feather a diver. One of the smallest ducks pouf” on the tops of their heads on Lanier, it immerses itself unand were seen floating near a derwater in search of crustaceans dock. and insect larvae. Males are preDucks and geese are most acdominately white, with black tive in the early morning and late around the face, neck and back. evening, when they venture forth Females are gray-brown. Both and return from feeding, Riddlegenders have a patch of white on berger said. “But they can be seen their heads. in rafts in the middle of the lake Riddleberger said a few others at any time.” occasionally visit, including Boaters out on the lake are green winged teals, pintails, and more likely to spot the visitors black ducks. Last year two unthan are bird watchers surveying usual travelers were reported on from shore. Lake-goers may be Lake Lanier. Swans and snow interested in reporting their avian geese apparently took a southern findings this month in a North turn for the Georgia lake. “We American tally of birds. The don’t expect to see snow geese,” Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. said DNR Region II Wildlife Bi- 14-17, invites bird watchers to
Crested mallards, domestic ducks from Europe, were unusual visitors on Lake Laner several years ago.
count individual birds and report their tallies to help document bird populations. Info: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ whycount.html. Information from bird counts on Lanier sheds light on distribution and movement of birds who range from Central America to Canada. Area birds are also the
focus of two other area programs. The Natureversity lunch and lecture session at Elachee Nature Center this month features Georgia’s important birding areas. Owls and other raptors are stars of a regular Saturday show and an extended program Feb. 25 at Amicalola Falls State Park. (See Outdoor Calendar on next page).
Those who see unusual waterfowl sightings at Lake Lanier are invited to send photos to DNR via the website, www.georgiawildlife.org or directly to wildlife biologist Frazier at scott.frazier@dnr.state.ga.us.
February 2014
Outdoor Activity Calendar See Lake Lanier Olympic Venue Calendar for canoe/kayak and rowing activities. ISI Cycling, Gainesville. Group road cycling for all speeds and levels in North Hall area, mountain biking at Chicopee Woods, see www.isicycling.com. Brenau Masters Swim Team, Gainesville. Practice and competitive program for masters swimmers of all levels, high school age and older. Mon., Wed. & Thurs. 6-7 a.m. Brenau University Natatorium, Washington/Prior St. $60 month. (770) 534-6279, bbachman@brenau.edu. Sunday Kroger Rides, Gainesville. Base pace road bike rides averaging around 40 miles roll out at 1:15 p.m. Sundays from Kroger parking lot on Thompson Bridge Rd. velocraig@hotmail.com. First Visit Tour, Helen. Learn more about the park with van tour to covered bridge, Dukes Creek, cottages, 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 1 & March 1, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087. Trail Crew Work Day, Gainesville. Bring water, lunch and gloves for trail maintenance work, tools provided, ages 18 and older, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 1 & March 1, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Call to register. www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976. First Saturday Hike, Gainesville. Join Elachee naturalist for a guided hike in Chicopee Woods 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 1 & Mar 1, Elachee Nature Science Ctr, 2125 Elachee Dr. $5 adults, $3 children 2-12, free to Elachee members and children younger than 3. www.elachee.org, 770 535-1976. Surf & Sun 5K/Fun Run, Cumming. 8:30 a.m. Feb. 1, West Bank Park, Buford Dam Rd. $25, $30 race day. www.fivestarntp.com. Love Out Loud 5K Run/Walk/Fun Run, Gainesville. 5K 3 p.m., fun run 3:15 p.m., Riverside Military Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. 5K $20, $25 race day; fun run $10/$15. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church Gainesville the proceeds benefit local missionaries in the Middle East, Costa Rica, Pakistan and India. https://run-
LAKESIDE 41 signup.com Stars Over Elachee, Gainesville. View constellations, the moon, planets and stars, 5:45-7:45 p.m. Feb. 8, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Suggested for adults and children age 8 and older. Bring flashlight and pencil. Register in advance, reserve a telescope. $10 adults, $5 children 2-12, free to Elachee members. www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976. Mountain Bike Night Rides, Gainesville. Rides after dark for SORBA/IMBA members in Chicopee Woods 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 & 27, Chicopee Woods Mountain Bike Trails, Elachee Dr. Lights required. Join IMBA at www.imba.com. www.gainesvillesorba.org. Chocolate Rush 5K/Fun Run, Dahlonega. Trail runs 9 a.m. Feb. 8, 527 Cavender Creek Rd. 5K $20 early, $25 late registration; fun run $10/$15. www.active.com. Hemlock Update & Winter Botany, Helen. Update on progress of treatment of Eastern Hemlock for wooly adelgid infestation and talk/ hike on identification of winter plants, noon- 4 p.m. Feb. 8 & 9, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. Register in advance. $15, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087. Falconry Experience at Buck Shoals, Helen. Learn about art of falconry with presentation and live hunt by Buster Brown, co-director of Georgia Falconry Assn, Feb. 9, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $35 adults, 706-878-3087. Lanier Running Club, Gainesville. Club meeting, 7 p.m. Feb. 10, Re-cess Southern Gastro Pub, 118 Bradford St., NW. www.lanierrunningclub.org. Natureversity Lunch/Lecture, Gainesville. Brown bag lunch and lecture by Charlie Muise, Coordinator of Audobon’s Georgia Important Bird Areas Program, 12:30-2 p.m. Feb. 13, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 donation requested. Call to reserve seating. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976. Great Backyard Bird Count, North America. Bird watchers count birds and report findings online to create real time snapshot of bird distribu-
tion and movements, Feb. 14-17, http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/whycount.html. Close Encounters of the Bird Kind/That’s Owl Folks, Dawsonville. Alternating shows spotlight Georgia birds that have been rescued; spectators have a chance to learn about and get up close to owls, hawks, and other birds, 1-2 p.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, Amicalola Falls State Park Lobby, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (706) 344-1500. Snakes Alive, Dawsonville. Fun educational program features live Georgia snakes. 1-2 p.m. Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Amicalola Falls State Park Lobby, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (706) 344-1500. Valentines Run 5K/1-Mile Fun Run, Oakwood. Fun run 9:30 a.m., 5K 10 a.m. Feb. 15, Lanier Technical College, 2990 Landrum Education Dr. $25. www.runningintheusa.com. The Great Valentine Race 5K, Cumming. 8:30 a.m. Feb. 15, Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. $25 by Feb. 13, $30 after. www.fivestarntp.com. GPS Basics, Helen. Learn to use a hand held GPS with classroom and field work, includes marking a waypoint and creating a route, 11 a.m.5 p.m. Feb. 15, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $30, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-8087. Fireside Arts & Crafts Show, Helen. 39th annual indoor fine arts and craft show features more than 50 exhibitors, 5-8 p.m. Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 23, The Lodge at Unicoi State Park, 1788 Hwy. 356. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201. Southern Cross, Dahlonega. Tough 50-mile endurance cyclocross/mountain bike race on trails and gravel roads, 10 a.m. Feb. 22, Montaluce Winery, Hightower Church Rd. $80. www.bikereg.com, www.55nine.com. Xterra Thrill in the Hills 21K/42K Trail Run, Winder. 42K 8 a.m., 21K 8:30 a.m. Feb. 22, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. 21K $40 by
Feb 9, $45 Feb. 10-20, $50 race day; 45K $50/$55/$60, plus $5 parking. www.dirtyspokes.com, www.active.com. Frosty Fun Run & 5K Trail Race, Jefferson. Fun run 10:30 a.m., 5K 11 a.m. Feb. 22, Crows Lake, 144 Crows Lake Dr. $25 by Feb. 16, $30 after; $20 no t-shirt option. www.runnersfit.com, www.active.com. I Love Livi 5K Dawsonville. 1 p.m. Feb. 22, Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. $25 by Feb. 16, $30 after. www.runnersfit.com, www.active.com. CASA Superhero 5K Run/Walk, Cumming. 5K 8 a.m., 1K 9 a.m. Feb. 22, Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way. 5K individual $25 early, $35 late; team $20/$30; 1K $10/$15. www.active.com. Chasing Away Winter 5K/Fun Run/Tot Trot, Dahlonega. 2 p.m./2:45 p.m./3 p.m. Feb. 22, Lumpkin County High School, 2001 Indian Dr. 5K $25, Fun Run $15; $3 extra for tech shirt; add $5 race day. www.fivestarntp.com. Wonderful Raptors, Dawsonville. Interpretive manager and wildlife rehabilitator Lauretta Dean shows off raptors rescued in and around N GA, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 25, Amicalola Falls State Park Lobby, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $3, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (706) 344-1500. Dirty Spokes Off-Road Duathlon, Winder. Traditional 3.8 mile run/10 mile bike/2.1 mile run format or 3.8 mile run/10 mile bike format for individuals and teams, 8 a.m. March 1, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. Individuals $40 by Feb. 20, $45 after, $50 race day; teams $60/$65/ $70, plus $5 parking. www.dirtyspokes.com. Cupcake Road Race 15K/5K, Cumming. 15K 7 a.m., 5K 7:30 a.m., Baby Cake 1K 8:45 a.m. March 1, Totally Running, 405 Peachtree Pkwy. 15K $45-$55, 5K $40, 1K $10. www.active.com, www.totallyrunning.com. Challenged Child & Friends 5K/1 Mile Fun Run, Gainesville. 1 p.m. March 2, Riverside Military Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. 5K/Fun Run. Individuals $25, teams $20. www.challengedchild.org.
- Compiled by Jane Harrison
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42 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Old McDonald’s BBQ: 30 years of good eats and still going strong 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 ack in the day, visitors to the south end of Lake Lanier coming in on Holiday Road could follow their noses to some of the best barbecue for miles around. Almost 30 years ago, George McDonald, who lived on Lee Street in Buford, opened Old McDonald’s Real Pit BBQ on the main road to Holiday Marina. After several years, he sold the place to Bob Burley, who by 1982 secured a food service permit for the open-air barbecue that also held square dances in the old pole house next door. “Bob ran Old McDonald’s for about 24 or 25 years, but once Friendship Road became the main way to get to the lake on this side of town, traffic was re-routed to the new road, which ran along the back side of the restaurant and things slowed down,” said Judy Richardson, the current owner of the Lake Lanier landmark. “Around that time, he sold it to Jim Benedict, who kept it going for about three years.” Meanwhile, about 20 or so
B
years ago, Richardson, her husband Kenny and their two small children left their native Ohio to come south. They settled in Flowery Branch where Judy found work in the restaurant business. “I started working in restaurants when I was 14, bussing tables for Ponderosa Steakhouse,” she said. “We had to wear these ugly dresses and nurses shoes, but it was just the start of working in restaurants. I’ve always worked in food service – either as a server or a bartender – plus I got into management.” Back then, Crocker’s on Big Creek Road was considered the local hang-out. Judy landed a job there and got to know many people around the lake. When Crocker’s closed, she and several friends went to work at Seven Sisters in Buford. She’s also logged time at the former Up the Creek, Doc Holliday’s, and others. When Benedict owned Old McDonald’s, Judy managed the catering business for him, delivering and setting up meals for private parties. When Benedict
PHOTOS BY PAMELA A. KEENE
Old McDonald’s has been a fixture in South Hall for 30 years.
passed away several years ago, Judy was asked to partner with another owner, but within a year she took over full ownership. “I thought about it long and hard, but knew it was the right thing to do for me and for my family,” she said. “It was a 30year-old business that needed some upgrades and improvements, so that’s just what I did.” She tackled health code upgrades, bringing the restaurant from a low rating of 73 when she took over to its 97 rating today. She also obtained a license to sell beer. “We didn’t want people to pass us by because they couldn’t have a beer with their barbecue. “We improved the building, cleanliness and the quality of our service,” she said. “It was kind of tough because within the first four months of my taking over, all of the original staff quit. But I have high standards and things needed to change. I treat my staff and customers with respect and they know what to expect from me.” Judy attributes her “northern upbringing” and being raised by a single mom for setting her on the right path. Also, her experiences at other restaurants taught her valuable lessons about taking care of her employees during the good times and the bad. “I hope that everyone who has worked with me or for me has taken away something positive.” Her sense of responsibility and independence keeps Old McDonald’s going. “If my name’s on it, I’m responsible, and people are looking at me now. We made the changes that needed to be made and kept what was great about Old McDonald’s.” The menu includes the original recipe barbecue meats and sauces, Current owner Judy Richardson with mementos customers have left on the familiar macaroni and cheese the counter. and a hearty breakfast on the
weekends. “Breakfast was Jim’s favorite meal, so he expanded it to every day we were open,” she said. “Now, we’re back to serving breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, all year long, in addition to lunches and dinners every day but Mondays. Old McDonald’s is one of the few Lake Lanier restaurants that serves breakfast. “There’s the breakfast crowd with many regulars who only come here for breakfast. I never see most of them at lunch or dinner, just breakfast.” “Each item is cooked to order so it may take a little longer, but I don’t start with pre-cooked bacon or sausage and the flat grill is pretty small, so if a big party of 10 or 12 comes in, customers may have to wait, but they’re getting freshly prepared food,” she said.
“And, you know the only time we see grumpy customers is in the morning, probably because they haven’t gotten their coffee yet, but we can take care of that!” Lunch and dinner are a whole new ballgame. “That’s a whole different crowd,” she said. “Lunch is our busiest time for dine-in during the week, but people would be surprised to know that about 70 percent of our business is takeout. Plus we still do an amazing amount of catering – of course, more in the summer than in the winter.” Although Richardson had a few lean years when the lake was low and the economy was soft, she committed to keeping the doors open. “I stayed to stick it out because of all these customers,” she said. “So many peoSee Old McDonalds, page 43
A ceramic pig “chef” urges customers to “pig out.”
MORE INFO: www.oldmcdonaldbbq.com, 770-945-8608
February 2014
LAKESIDE 43
Novel of aeronautical intrigue penned by Lanier resident By Pamela A. Keene First-time novelist and Lake Lanier resident Roland Smith has used his experience in the airline business to craft a novel of intrigue. Set mainly in Jacksonville, Fla., the 300-page self-published book tells the story of an airline employee who seeks revenge for the wrongful death of his wife on
a routine flight. “It’s completely fictional, but it’s based on my experience,” he said of “Hijack Over Weaver’s Needle. “I’ve had the story milling around in my mind for years, so once I retired, it was the perfect time to write.” Smith and his wife Mary Lou have been coming to Lake Lanier
• Old McDonalds Continued from page 42
dren – daughter Falyn, 24, and son Bryce, 22. “They’ve all been so supportive. The kids were teens when I took over Old McDonald’s and they – and Kenny, who’s also my very best friend – have been my rocks.” As she starts her sixth year, she reflects on her life’s journey. “I’ve met all these absolutely wonderful people and I love what I’m doing. I couldn’t be happier.” Old McDonald’s winter hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Roland Smith in his office, above, and enjoying Lake Lanier, right.
with a smile. “I just feel a compulsion to write and there are so many other ideas out there.” “Hijack” offers a behind-thescenes look at the airline business corporate life, complete with the varying personalities and management vs. profit challenges. It’s descriptive and believable with enough detail to keep the reader engaged. “I was partly inspired by the whole DB Cooper thing and when you read the book you’ll see how this plays into the story,” Smith said. Cooper is the fictional name for a real-life unidentified man who hijacked a commercial
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airplane in November 1971, demanded a $200,000 ransom and has never been caught. “Hijack Over Weaver’s Needle” is available through Amazon.com. Search the book site by title. As a side note: There is another Roland Smith author whose books come up through an Amazon search. He is listed as a former zookeeper. He is not the Roland Smith of Cumming who has written “Hijack Over Weaver’s Needle.” “Hijack Over Weaver’s Needle” can be purchased as a trade paperback or in a Kindle version.
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ple have eaten here for years, and now they’re bringing in their children and grandchildren.” Richardson is at Old McDonald’s six days a week, managing all the paperwork and ordering food and inventory, serving as back-up cook or server if needed. Her Mondays are spent around the house taking care of family, but when pressed, she admits she’s usually running errands for the restaurant. She also spends time with husband Kenny, who’s been a welding maintenance technician at Wrigleys for more than 14 years, and her two adult chil-
for years, driving up on weekends from Atlanta’s south side, where they lived for the convenience of his job. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in engineering, he served four years in the US Air Force before his 26-year career in airplane maintenance for Delta Airlines. The couple moved to Cumming in 2006. When Smith first went to work for Delta, the couple purchased a small sailboat and fell in love with being on the water. Since that time, they’ve owned several sailboats and a couple of pontoons on Lanier, keeping them at either Aqualand Marina or Port Royale. “Currently, we’re without a boat, because we sold our pontoon boat, but I’m certain we’ll get another one soon,” he says. “Boating is my first passion and writing is my second, and I really enjoy both.” Smith describes his writing process as “going in bursts. I’ll make notes in the middle of the night about characters and dialog, then I might write for three or four days straight, then put it down for a while.” He says that his brother is also a writer who has published six books. “He makes me look bad,” Smith said
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44 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Lake Lanier Marinas Info AQUALAND MARINA Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-967-6811 Website: www.aqualandmarina.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 Store: Yes Store/Dock hours: Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 6 days a week; Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $4.99 On-site eatery: Dockside Grill Take-out menu: Sandwiches Restaurant description: Casual Menu: Famous “Docker Burger,” sandwiches, salads & seafood grilled & fried. Phone: 770-363-2318 Security: 24/7, gated Additional amenities: Self service work yard with deep draft well & marine travel lift, houseboat launching ramp, pump-out station, bathhouses with showers, laundry facilities, wet slips with private gated parking. Sales of new boats by Coast to Coast Yacht Sales, brokerage services by Marine Max, rental boats & cabins by Lanier Aqua Rentals. AQUAMARINA LAZY DAYS Hours of operation: : Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-945-1991 Website: www.lazydaysmarina.com Location: 6700 Holiday Rd, Buford Types of slips available: Wet docks for 75-150 foot covered & 100-foot open slips; 554 dry stack; New 125' x 24' & 150 x 26' HB slips now available. Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethonol and ValvTect diesel marine fuel Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $4.99 premium; $4.39 diesel Security: Holiday Marina security patrols marina Full Maintenance, Repair and Service: Marine Max, 770-614-6968 Additional amenities: Free pump/porti-potti station for members. Wet slips: private gated access, golf cart valet service, free dockside pumpout. New gas dock easy access for houseboats. New courtesy docks for dry stack customers. Boat sales: Marine Max. BALD RIDGE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., marina has 24/7 access. Phone: 770-887-5309 Website: www.baldridgemarina.com Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Cumming Types of slips available: Covered & uncovered. Store: Sandwich shop; some boating supplies Store hours: Seasonal Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $4.99; $4.59 diesel (Dock open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon., Wed. & Fri.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun.; Closed Tues. & Thurs.) On-site eatery: Dockside Sandwich Company Eatery hours: 11-6 M-F and 10-6 Sat/Sun - Seasonal Menu: Grilled & cold sandwiches, snack foods, drinks Restaurant description: Casual Phone: 770-889-5177 Security: 24/7 security, gated
Additional amenities: Full-service department, parts department, boat body work, yacht repair & Marine Max Stovall sales dock. Boating supplies/commissary/dry goods/retail clothing items. GAINESVILLE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-536-2171 Website: www.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 1/26/14) $4.89 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Pay-at-the-Pump, 9 a.m.- ‘til dusk) On-site eatery: Skogies Menu: Barbecue, seafood and American fare. Phone: 678-450-1310 Security: 7 days a week Additional amenities: Parts department, land service shop, recreational room, bath house, pumpout station. Sales of new, used and brokerage boats. Bennington Pontoon Boats, Four Winns Deck/Sport Boats and Yamaha Outboards. HABERSHAM MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-887-5432 Website: www.habershammarina.com Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., Cumming Types of slips available: 650 slips for dry storage up to 27’ Store: Yes Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $ 4.68 (Dock open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Sat., Closed Sun. Will resume regular hours March 1) Security: Yes Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available. HIDEAWAY BAY MARINA Hours of operation: Office: 8:30 a.m5:30 p.m., 7 days; Marina: 24/7 Phone: 770-967-5500 Website: www.hideawaybaymarina.com Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150) Showroom: Atlanta Marine Store/Gas Dock hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 7 days a week Types of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $4.58 On-site eatery: Fish Tales Security: 24/7 manned security Additional amenities: Restaurant-Seasonal, complete boat/motor repair, new bathhouse w/ locked showers and AC, laundry, pump out, trailer storage. HOLIDAY MARINA Hours of operation:Office/Store/Dock, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-945-7201 Website: www.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 totalling 1238 Slips Store: Yes; Convenience items and basic boating supplies. Types of fuel: Premium, unleaded & diesel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14): $4.99 premium; $4.99 unleaded; $4.49 diesel (5 percent discount with Westrec advantage membership) On-site eatery: Castaways Seafood Bar & Grill Menu: Fish, chicken and burger baskets Phone: 678 765-0424 Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Boat rentals, repair service, pumpout station, boat sales, TowBoat US LANIER HARBOR MARINA Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days; Gas dock: 24 hours. Phone: 770-945-2884 Website: www.lanierharbor.com Location: 2066 Pinetree Dr., Buford Types of slips available: 40’x16’ & 50’x18’, with power, water, satellite hook-up Store: Yes Store hours: 24/7 gas dock & store Types of fuel: 89 octane, 93 octane Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $4.89 mid-grade, $4.99 premium, with 10 cents off a gallon, both mid-grade and premium, for Boat US members. Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: 24/7 towing service PORT ROYALE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-887-5715 Website: www.bestinboating.com/port_royale Location: 8800 Port Royale Dr., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to 80' totaling 514 slips & dry stack storage (470) for up to 39'. Store/Dock hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Store: Service Store & Ship Store Types of fuel: 90-octane Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $4.84 On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill Security: Gated, 24/7 Additional amenities: Climate controlled bath house with showers, 24/7 self-service pump out, rental boats, Courtesy dock for dry stack, two ship stores, full-service center, largest floating gas dock in Ga., 16 gas pumps. SUNRISE COVE MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon.; Closed Tues. Phone: 770-536-8599 Website: www.sunrisecovermarina.com Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer). Store: Yes Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 1/26/14) $4.95 with 5 percent off with Westrec Advantage Membership Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundry facility and pump-out open 24/7.
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MARY SMITH marysellsga@gmail.com 678.316.3605 770.536.3007
www.marysellsga.com
Classic mid-century modern, this property is one of a kind. Situated on 2.15 acres with unobstructed views over open water and 164 feet of lake frontage, it is located in the desirable country club area of Gainesville, two minutes from Chattahoochee Golf Course. The large 4-side brick home features 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and a terrace level in-law suite with full kitchen.Water views from most rooms. Driveway down to rare enclosed single slip dock. Great home for entertaining. Storage galore! Spectacular sunsets add an additional WOW factor. $1,200,000 See video & complete photos at www.2445ClubDrive.com
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Lakeside’s Dining Guide Lakeview Dining Big Creek Tavern – Lunch, dinner and breakfast at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Open year around. Featuring the “Best” Angus Beef, a step up from old-fashioned American food. Billiards, video games, beer, wine, liquor. Buford. B-3, 678-482-1662. Bullfrogs Bar & Grille – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Dine poolside or indoors. Selections include salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts and a variety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. B-3, 770-945-8787. Castaways – Holiday Marina. Offering fish, chicken and burger baskets; hand-cut potato chips with special toppings; casual dining. Full bar service, tropical and frozen drinks. Call for hours. C-3 678 765-0424. Seasonal. Dockside Grill Café – Offering full lake views of Lanier in a casual outdoor café setting. Featuring the famous Docker burger, sandwiches including grouper, tuna and mahi. Call for operating hours. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. C-3, 770-363-2318. Dockside Sandwich Company – Offering sandwiches, lahvosh, salads, chips and snacks. Baldridge Marina, Cumming. Seasonal. 770889-2185. Fish Tales Lakeside Grille – Casual lakeside dining featuring grouper fingers, signature salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Open Thur-Sun, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Hideaway Bay Marina. C-3, 770-967-3775. Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining right on the water at Port Royale in an open-air thatchedroof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. Call for hours. B-2, 770-887-5715 ext 5. Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. We serve the best breakfast on Lake Lanier! Menu items include eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Winter hours: Wed /Thurs11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri 11 a.m.9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. C-1 678 450-1310; www.skogies.net. Sunset Cove Beach Club – An open-air eatery on a quiet stretch of beach near LanierWorld at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner. Views of the lake during the day or dine under the stars in the glow of firelight from the fireplace. Come by car or by boat. Also at Sunset Cove, Dog and Draft features 12 beers on draft, plus hot dogs, brats and sausage in pretzel buns. Fire and Ice kiosk offers smoked barbecue and burgers. On the Boardwalk, Sunset Cantina serves Tex-Mex food featuring tacos, quesadillas, and burritos; a fusion of food truck food fare and culinary concoctions with our own special flair! By water, Sunset Cove is between buoys 7SC and 5SC. www.lakelanierislands.com. Buford. B-3, 770-945-8787. Windows Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Provides breakfast buffet and menu options daily, and special dining events every Saturday night throughout the season. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. B-3, www.lakelanierislands.com, 770-945-8787.
American Antebellum – Southern contemporary cuisine including fried catfish with pimento dumplings, grilled wild salmon, thyme roasted pork chop, ribeye with buttermilk mashed potatoes and more. Weekend brunch features biscuits and gravy, ham steak and eggs, buttermilk pancakes, shrimp and grits, and more. Downtown Flowery Branch, C-3, 770-965-8100. www.antebellumrestaurant.com. Braise – Open for lunch and dinner, Tues.-Sun. Also features fried green tomatoes, BBQ shrimp, oyster po’boys, braised short ribs and pot roast. Dessert for two features apple cobbler and brownie a la mode. Comfort food redefined. Live weekly entertainment downstairs at Coo-Coo’s Nest with an extended bar menu and drink specials. Located at 1920 Freedom Pkwy., just off Ga. Hwy. 400. A-3, Cumming, 678-456-8932. Branch House Tavern - The ultimate sports restaurant in Hall County offers a selection of hamburgers, wings, hearty salads, southwestern grill fare, and a huge selection of appetizers and desserts. Big screen sports action on 50 HD TVs, and live entertainment. Also featuring a full bar and dancing all night long. 678-8288345 5466 McEver Rd. C-3 Flowery Branch, GA. 30542. Take Out Available Coastal Breeze Seafood Grill – Offering seafood, steaks, ribs, oysters on the half shell, salads, burgers and more. Lunch and dinner, full bar. Sun.-Thur 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight. 5390 Lanier Island Parkway. C-3, www.coastalbreezega.com, 770-945-9181. Collegiate – Old-fashioned hamburgers, hot dogs and milk shakes served in 1940s setting. Gainesville. C-2, 678-989-2280. Foster House – Lunch and dinner served family-style featuring casual dining at lunch and fine dining in evening. Lunch served 11 a.m.2:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Dinner served 5-8:30 p.m., Thurs.; 5-9:30 p.m., Fri./Sat. Cumming. A-3, 770-887-9905. Norman’s Landing – Specializing in fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, Canadian baby-back ribs with Kansas City barbecue sauce. Cumming. Casual. A-3, 770-886-0100. Silver Bay Seafood – Specializing in seafood dishes like fried grouper, snapper, baby shrimp, oysters, scallops, broiled swordfish, mahi, and much more. Located at 2415 Browns Bridge Rd., Gainesville, C-2. 678 450-4900. Two Dog Café – Classic small town diner with an emphasis on fresh food and fast service for lunch and dinner. Located at 317 Spring St. Gainesville. C-2, 770-287-8384. Wild Wing Café – Offers casual dining, live music, special Monday Trivia Night and 2 Fer Tuesday nights (buy a dozen, get a dozen wings free). Located at 311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy., Gainesville. C-2, 770-536-9177. Yahoola Creek Grill – Features Southern-inspired, made-from-scratch cooking from our outdoor deck, cozy dining room and loft. Full beer and wine list. Open for lunch and dinner, Wed.-Sat. Open for brunch and supper on Sunday. Closed Mon./Tues. Located on S. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega. 706-482-2200; www.yahoolacreekgrill.com. Continental/Fine Dining Adam’s – American Mediterranean cuisine including Rack of Lamb, Calf’s Liver Anglaise, Mediterranean Chicken Penne, Oysters Rockefeller and Seafood Pastilla Rolls. Full bar. Din-
ner Mon.-Sat., 5-10:30 p.m. Located at 15 East Main St., Buford. B-3, 678 754-0379. Aqua Terra Bistro – European fusion cuisine served daily. Open for lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; noon-2:30 p.m., Sat.; dinner hours are 5-10 p.m., Mon.-Sun. Located on Buford’s historic Main Street. No reservations. B3, 770-271-3000. Blue Bicycle – a bistro touting “great food in a place not to feel rushed.” Open for lunch Thurs./Fri.; open for dinner Tues.-Sat. Reservations are suggested. Located at 671 Lumpkin Campground Road, behind the Outlet Mall on GA. Hwy. 400. Dawsonville, B-1. 706-2652153. Corkscrew Café – Fine dining featuring varied menu choices, open lunch and dinner. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Tues.-Thurs.; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri./Sat.; noon-9 p.m., Sun. Reservations suggested. Located on 51 West Main St., Dahlonega. 706-867-8551. Luna’s – Continental cuisine, romantic atmosphere. Gainesville. C-2, 770-531-0848. Oar House in Dahlonega – Specialties: handcut steaks, seafood dishes and homemade desserts, “everything homemade from the bread to the pickles.” Located Hwy 52E, 4 miles east of Dahlonega. D-1. Reservations suggested. 706-864-9983. Poor Richard’s – Specializing in Prime Rib, steaks, ribs and fresh seafood. Casual dining, dinner only. Full-service bar. Gainesville. C-1, 770-532-0499. Scott’s Downtown – Upscale casual ambience with specialty sandwiches for lunch and gourmet entrees for dinner. Gainesville. C-2. 770536-1111. Barbecue/Country/Home Cooking Johnny’s BBQ – Real Pit BBQ pork, chicken & ribs. Brunswick stew. Minutes from Clark’s Bridge rowing venue. Gainesville. Casual. D1, 770-536-2100. Old McDonald’s BBQ – Real Pit BBQ, Brunswick stew, ribs. Minutes from Lake Lanier. Casual. Buford. B-3, 770-945-8608. Deli Common Grounds Coffee Shoppe – Light breakfast, lunch and dinner and desserts fol-
lowed by fresh roasted coffee. Flowery Branch. C-3, 770-967-4080. Italian Dominick’s Italian Restaurant – Features cuisine from the north of Italy, with veal, chicken and seafood dishes. Favorites include chicken saltimbocca and garlic bread appetizer. Halfprice bottles of wine on Monday nights, halfprice appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and endless pasta and salad on Wednesdays. Dominick’s is open Monday thru Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch and dinner from 59:30 p.m. Located at the corner of Buford Hwy. and Hamilton Mill Rd in the Buford Village Shopping Center., Buford. B-3, 770-614-0019. Gianni’s Italian Bistro – serves pizza, subs and pasta. Located at LanierWorld at Lake Lanie Islands Resort. www.lakelanierislands. com. Buford. B-3, 770-945-8787. Piazza – Features traditional Italian dishes, homemade raviolis, pizza, chicken, veal and seafood specialities. Open 7 days a week: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri./Sat. Located on 24 East Main St., Dahlonega. B-1. 706-867-9881. Vinny’s New York Pizza & Italian Grill – New York-style pizzeria known for generous portions and reasonable pricing. Specialties include Philly Chicken and Cheese sub, New York Pizza, Chicken Caesar Salad, Sausage & Pepper plate, baked pasta and Lasagna. Desserts include Cannoli, Tiramisu, Italian Funnel Cakes or cheesecake. Wine and beer available. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-10 p.m.; Sun, 5-10 p.m. Located at 4977 Lanier Island Pkwy, Buford. C-4, 678482-9966. Mexican La Cazuela – An Atlanta area landmark that’s expanded to two locations around Lanier. Features fajitas, selection of combination platters and more. Cumming, 678-947-0718, Buford, 770-614-6871. Oriental Little Tokyo – Japanese dining - hibachi grill, sushi. Dine in, take out. Open Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-10 p.m.; Closed Mon. Buford. B-4, 770-945-3350.
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48 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Tips on preparing your lake home for sale Now that the great recession is loosening its grip, you may be considering putting your lake house on the market this spring. The good news is that there should be a healthy crop of buyers when the weather starts Knight to warm. The bad news is that there will also be a boatload of new listings to choose from at that time. So, how can you prepare your home to stand out and compete with all the other lake homes on the market? Here are 10 easy and inexpensive steps you can take that will make a big difference in the salability and sales price potential of your lake home. 1. De- clutter! When you move, you are going to have to pack up your stuff anyway. Before you put out that For Sale sign, try to pack away at least half of the items in your house – especially knick-knacks, photos, seldom-used kitchen appliances, throws, ottomans, off-season clothes, magazine holders, books and other decorative items. Then, store them somewhere out of
sight. If your decorative items catch the buyer’s eye, then it takes his eye off of the lake and architecture of your home. 2. Landscaping. Freshen up all the surfaces of your landscaping. That means fresh pine straw and mulch, leaves raked, shrubs trimmed … the works. If your shrubs have grown as high as your exterior windows, trim them back. If trees or plants on your property are blocking the lake view, trim them. If you have limbs hanging over your house, inspectors will note that. They’re going to ask you to trim them. Plus buyers will worry about the leaves they drop in the fall and potential problems in ice storms. Go ahead and take care of those limbs. If it’s warm enough, put out some flowers to add to the charm factor. 3. Smell. Most agents will tell you that an unpleasant order is one of the biggest turn-offs for buyers. If your house smells like your pet, it will not sell – period. Air sprays do not help. The most effective way to get rid of those odors is to get your carpets/sofas cleaned and keep litter boxes away from the main part of the
house. Sometimes a plug-in air freshener will help, but it has to be a subtle fresh smell, not an overwhelming flowery one. 4. No shiny brass. There was a building boom on Lake Lanier in the ‘80s, and everyone chose shiny brass fixtures for that new construction. Unfortunately, brass is no longer in style. So, if you have shiny gold fixtures, replace them with oil-rubbed or antique bronze. That includes drawer pulls, lights, vent covers, door knobs, kick plates, doorbells – anything that is gold and shiny. The reason bronze is a good choice is that it looks OK next to the dull brass hinges and other elements that you probably will not replace. Here’s a great trick if you have a crafty family member. The home improvement stores have a spray paint in bronze that can be used on shiny brass. Sand the brass so the paint will adhere, and spray it bronze according to the instructions. That will save a lot of money and allow you to get more use out of your expensive fixtures. Most of the time, you can’t even tell it’s not the original color. 5. Neutral colored paint. A
Expires 3-15-2014 Please present coupon after you receive your quote.
fresh coat of paint goes a long way toward making a home feel new and fresh. All homeowners choose paint colors to match their personalities and furniture. Chances are your buyer will not have the same personality or furniture as you, so choose neutral colors. That way, they will be able to picture their furniture in your house. By the same token, wallpaper is even more taste-specific. No matter how much you love your wallpaper, take it down. Buyers will see it as a big project, and that may take your house off their list. For an afternoon’s work and just a few dollars for the solution, you can completely remove that negative. 6. Don’t block the lake view! Remove or rearrange any furniture or items that block your lake view. Most people put tables and lamps in front of the window. It’s also common to have deck furniture outside the window blocking some of the view. Rearrange it so nothing whatsoever blocks the lake view, especially from the family room. Every iota of view will make your house more appealing. It will also pay to clean your windows to maximize the
light and improve the view. 7. Clean, clean, clean! The No. 1 way a buyer will decide if a home has been well-cared-for is by how clean it is when they go to see it. If it’s dirty on the surface, they assume the home’s unseen systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) have also been neglected. Get the exterior and driveway pressure washed. Make sure the leaves have been cleaned out of the gutters. Scrub the bathrooms and kitchens, and clean the cob webs from all corners and fixtures. If the grout in your tile is dingy, re-grout. It’s easy and inexpensive. If the corners of your doorways have dings and nicks, touch them up with paint. Anything you do to make your home look newer will help it sell quicker and for a higher price. 8. Docks matter. Check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for specific rules, but you are allowed to clean up your path to the dock according to their guidelines. Not only does a freshly strawed path look more appealing, it helps people who are afraid of snakes feel comfortable walking to the dock. You might be See Sale, page 51
Expires 3-15-2014 Please present coupon after you receive your quote.
February 2014
LAKESIDE 49
Spring is coming, the lake is full, and now ...
There’ss Somethingg New w att Holiday! New Premium Covered S Dock ******Space is limited****** 52’ High Roof Covered Slips $600/mo. or $6900 annually* - Convenient to Marina Entrance, Pavilion and Bath House - Calm protected waters - Premium parking - Westrec Advantage Benefits *Must be paid up front on an annual basis
www.holidaylakelanier.com • A Westrec Marina
www.facebook.com/HolidayMarina
6900 Holiday Road • Buford, GA 30518 • 770-945-7201
50 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Return to a Caribbean paradise to escape the cold Sitting here in my office watching the cold wind and rain, I close my eyes and remember the morning sun caressing the windblown sand along a deserted beach. Its warming rays refracted by hundreds of white objects that became more visible with each degree of sun angle. For expert shells seekers, this expanding spectacle would be like a treasure hunter finding an ancient Spanish galleon overflowing with gold. Though many varieties of shells are found in the Turks and Caicos Islands, several species of conch shells are the most dominant. Conch has always been an important part of life and survival in this tropical paradise. These huge sea snails are used as an ingredient in hundreds of delectable food dishes that are served in these islands. In modern times, however, conch has become important in jewelry-making, art work and as an exported food. The Turks and Caicos Islands are located at the far southeast corner of the Bahamas archipelago. These gems of the Atlantic Ocean are approximately 575 miles from Miami and are comprised of over 40 islands and uninhabited cays, including eight major islands: Grand Turk, Salt Cay, West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos and South Caicos. To the south, the Caicos Bank is a shallow, pale, turquoise sea that is partly composed of swamp and tidal flats that are filled with an
Bill Vanderford Travel Editor
MORE INFO: 770-289-1543 JFish51@aol.com www.fishinglanier.com abundant resource of conch, lobster and numerous species of fish. In this area, Sapodilla Bay is a popular mooring for yachts traveling through the Turks and Caicos Islands. The most inhabited of all the islands and certainly the most visited is Providenciales, also known as “Provo.” It’s a wonderfully friendly place to visit and is home to the only Conch farm in the world. A number of diverse lodging possibilities are found on the beautiful, expansive, white sands and tranquil, turquoise waters of famous Grace Bay, which is within easy sight of the protective coral reef. Each property has their own separate identities, but offer an elegant lifestyle in a natural, tropical setting. Restaurant service throughout the islands is done on “Island Time” … which is somewhat slower and certainly more laid back than what most visitors ex-
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
Collecting shells and swimming on the beach.
Conch shells near the beach, above. Scene at Da Conch Shack, right.
pect. Nevertheless, the food, atmosphere and presentation seems to always be surprisingly unique in Provo. However, to enjoy a distinctive island experience and authentic cuisine, drive to Blue Hills Beach for lunch at Da Conch Shack. This open air eatery is right on the beach, serves fresh local seafood in an island-style, and is saturated with loud music and plenty of local flies to swat away. From Provo, the full breadth of the Turks & Caicos Islands is open to enjoy and explore, including dozens of small uninhabited cays and sister islands, many of which are tropical wilderness land. Also known for its favorable year-round climate, the average Provo temperature is a balmy, breezy 78ºF. Therefore, regardless of the season, these islands that dangle at the tip of the Bahamas chain like a shiny gold and turquoise pendant in the sun, are a joy to behold that will conjure up memories luring visitors to surely return. For more information, check their website: www.turksandcaicostourism.com. 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.
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
A bird nesting island, above. A typical island scene, right.
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
February 2014
LAKESIDE 51
North Georgia Barbershop Singers deliver messages of love
Valentine’s Day is Friday, February 14, this year and it’s the perfect time to surprise your sweetheart with a singing Valentine wish. For the sixth year, members of the North Georgia Barbershop Singers – many of whom are also boaters on Lake Lanier – are offering an inperson singing Valentine, complete with a red rose and a card from you, any time on Friday, February 14. Singing Valentines include two love songs, performed by a barbershop quartet, at your loved one’s workplace, home, restaurant, assisted living facility or other location of your choice, within 30 miles of Cumming. To order, call 770609-9853 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Sale
Continued from page 48 surprised how much of an issue that is for some people. As for the dock itself, you’re probably not going to completely rehab your dock. But, there are some inexpensive ways to spruce it up. If your boards are discolored from the sun, try removing them and flipping them over so the fresher side is up. A fresh coat of rust-proof paint on the supports and dock poles will go a long way. You also want to make sure you have encapsulated floats in place. Styrofoam is no longer allowed by the Corps, and buyers who use lake agents will know that. 9. Leaks are a deal-killer. If you have any leaks in your house, fix them. Buyers are scared to death of roof leaks and even more wary of foundation problems. If you’ve had a leak and fixed it, be sure to paint over any sign of that leak. You will have to disclose the leak, but you don’t want the stain screaming at the buyer as he tours the house. 10. Generational or dated décor. It’s a strange phenomenon in real estate that a home full of items over 20 years old is considered “dated” even if the architecture and finishes are completely up to date. Clearly, you will not be able update every item in your house in your staging; but, there are cer-
tain items that seem to carry more weight in people’s minds than any others. If you can remove these items, that will help eliminate the perception of age. Here are some items to consider removing: lace curtains and table cloths, dusty silk flowers or plants, couches/ chairs in ‘80s flowered fabrics, window treatments with bold patterns, any furniture other than antiques older than 20 years, and basically anything that’s really fussy or busy. The trend now is simple, uncluttered elegance. Less is more in 2014. Overall, anything you can do to make your house look bigger will benefit your sale. Remove items from your counters, and your kitchen will look bigger. Move some of your unneeded furniture into storage so more floor space shows, and your square footage will seem higher. Simplify colors and patterns in your house, and the buyer will be able to focus on the beautiful features of your home. A little preparation goes a long way toward helping you sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Bev Knight is the lead agent and founder of The Good Life Group, Lake Lanier specialists with Keller Williams Lanier Partners. You can email her at bev@housesonlanier.net.
Improving fish habitats on Lanier This time of year, especially when we are getting single digit temperatures, it is hard to get motivated to get out on the water to try that favorite fishing hole. However, those who enjoy fishing know that now is the time of the year to be thinking about fish habitat for the season and future years. The Corps of Engineers’ office often gets asked whether placing fish attractors is allowed on Lake Lanier. The Corps allows brushtype fish structures (such as Christmas Trees) to be place in Lake Lanier as long as a permit has been issued. As with all other species of wildlife, fish require the proper habitats to survive. During the construction of Buford Dam and Lake Sidney Lanier, the majority of vegetation was removed from the top 40 feet of the lake. There is still standing timber in deep portions of the lake; however, habitats and structures are needed
When resources allow, the Corps organizes larger events that Jeff can involve the help of volunEmmert teers. All of these projects have benefited species such as bass, US Army sunfish, crappie and catfish. A Corps of map of the designated areas that Engineers the Corps maintains fish attractors can be found at the Corps website. Obtaining a permit from the MORE INFO: 770-945-9531 Corps of Engineers is simple and www.sam.usace.army.mil/ Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/ can be done at our Project ManLakeSidneyLanier.aspx agement Office located near Buford Dam on Buford Dam Road. in the other depths as well. Fish The permit is free, but it does use structures for protection, need to be picked up in person. shade, spawning, and even to hide The desired location for the fish to catch prey. attractors needs to be identified As recreation areas around the before the permit is issued. Please lake have been developed, the keep in mind that this permit does Corps has installed fish attractors not allow for trees to be cut at the to improve bank fishing for visishoreline or bank and felled into tors. The Georgia Department of the water. Natural Resources and private For additional information or groups, plus individuals, have if you would like to obtain a peralso completed various habitat mit please contact our office at improvement projects. 770-945-9531.
Advantages of electronic navigation The art of navigation has drastically transformed over the past decades. Gone are the common use of sextants to calculate position from a celestial body, old fashioned radars that required the operator to plot geometry on paper or directly on the screen to obtain the needed information, and the USCG operated Loran navigation system. Paper charts are even showing the sign of the times with NOAA set to discontinue printing this year. In regards to the disappearing paper charts, given my current duties as a USCG license instructor and testing proctor, I am confident the knowledge of how to do that specific task will still be required to obtain credentials and license for the foreseeable future. The use of advanced electronics is common, an integral part of all types of boating. The bottom line benefit of these technologies, whether for pleasure, sport, commercial, and government is to provide accurate data you can use to make evaluations and take appropriate action. It expedites the flow of information, presents it in an easy to understand graphic format, and delivers a window of time to make correct decisions. GPS is common in many things we now enjoy in our everyday lives, none more than navigation. Add the new types of
sual piloting. Nothing replaces the burden for you in the navigaSteve tion rules to make correct deciJohnson sions when you are underway using all available means. By unBoating derstanding the basics you make Safety the most of the numerous advantages in electronic navigation. Everything becomes more in sync and enhances boating safety by increasing awareness and confi MORE INFO: dence in navigation. stevejohnson@navteach.com Throughout 2014 there will be short training seminars offered electronic charts, vessel ID systems called AIS, even broadband through Safe Boating Lake Lanier radar, and you see a revolution in and NavTeach.com production sensors is here for boaters to use. the “3 Hour Tour” at various locaSonar, a critical component to tions around the lake. The misunderstanding total surroundings, sion is to deliver easy to understand skill sets to enable a is now used for much more than connection between technology fish finding or depth reading. and conventional methods. ServThrough innovative systems that ing in both realms – Navico Pro utilize the cloud such as Insight Staff for marine electronics couGenesis or even forward looking pled with current USCG instrucsector scan sonars called Spotlight, what is beneath your vessel tor duties – the forum helps deliver part of the core goal of is now extremely viewable and everything in marine education, recordable. safer boating. Schedule dates and Electronic Navigation is a common theme and process, one locations to be published on that is definitely here to stay. My www.navteach.com and other media outlets. recommendation is to know how Sincerely look forward to anto properly use it while at the other great year on the lake and same time keeping your profithe opportunity to help progress ciency with more conventional boating safety for everyone. methods such as reading a magSteve Johnson, US Coast netic compass, surveying a paper chart or booklet, and of course the Guard (ret). is with CPO Johnone that is the most important: vi- son, Inc.
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EXIT 17 EXIT 16
General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........770 945-9531 Water Release Schedules................770 945-1466 Recreation/Water level Info .............770 945-1467 DNR, Law Enforcement Division .....800 241-4113 Lake Lanier Association Inc. ...........770 503-7757 Boating Safety Courses US Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 29 ......770 891-6362 Atlanta Sail & Power Squadron .......770 734-6412 Marinas 1. Aqualand...................................770 967-6811 2. Bald Ridge ................................770 887-5309 3. Gainesville ................................770 536-2171 4. Habersham ...............................770 887-5432 5. Holiday .....................................770 945-7201 6. Port Royale...............................770 887-5715 7. Lanier Harbor............................770 945-2884 8. Aquamarina Lazy Days .............770 945-1991 9. Hideaway Bay ...........................770 967-5500 10. Sunrise Cove ............................770 536-8599
February 2014
LAKESIDE 53
REPRESENTING BUYERS AND SELLERS IN ALL 5 LAKE LANIER COUNTIES CALL US TO BUY OR SELL ON LAKE LANIER!
www.georgiahomegroup.com SUSAN MOSS 770-654-6661 Cell • 770-718-5217 Office susan@georgiahomegroup.com
NORMAN MOOLENAAR 770-539-1994 Cell • 770-718-5226 Office nmoolenaar@nortonnorthga.com
770 536-1250
0
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$99,00
$485,0
Classic Hemingway cottage so close to water's edge and located on spectacular point lot w/double slip, 32x32 dock & party sun deck! Unobstructed big water views, vaulted wood beamed ceiling, brick floors, fireplace, gourmet kitchen with brick pizza oven, oversized screened porch overlooking lake side, sleeps 6 or more, extensive stone work featuring summer kitchen, fire pit and patio. Very private retreat adjoins COE point property. FMLS#5218814
00
$699,0
Beautiful lake lot with mobile home and dock! Use as weekender and build later. Great location near War Hill Park, North Georgia premium outlet stores, restaurants and grocery stores. Property offers good water, beautiful hardwoods and possible dock upgrade. Mobile home was recently leased for $650 a month. Great time to invest in lake property as you enjoy weekends on Lake Lanier!
FEATURED PROPERTY
95
$499,9
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$299,9
View...View...and More View! Situated so close to water’s edge, this 3BR/2BA cozy “turn key” cottage offers, up close, awesome water views; deep water access; cov dock w/party deck, boat lift & electricity; detached 2 car garage; wrap around deck; vaulted great room w/skylight and home furnishings. Start enjoying a genuine “lake themed’ cottage w/all the simple luxuries, needed necessities & many conveniences of a “priceless” Lake Lanier property. In Forsyth County close to GA. 400. FMLS#5208091
All Brick, 4BR,3.5BA, Classic Georgia Lake Lanier Home w/soft shaded views of lake & private cov dock in deep 'drought proof' south sailing waters! Open, spacious and bright interior features big windows, extensive wood trim, hrdwd flrs, trey ceilings, crown moldings, designer lighting, gourmet kitchen and finished terrace level that offers an optional in-law suite or studio. Dine or relax on the screened porch overlooking the lake. FMLS#5167892
00
$159,9
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$450,0
GREAT LAKE VALUE FOR UNDER $300K. Master retreat with fireplace. Full Apartment down with bath, kitchen, breakfast & living area. Shaded summer lake views but dock in drought proof deep water. A great lake experience!
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$499,9 View, view, view on south Lake Lanier sailing waters! Less than 1 mile to entrance of Lake Lanier islands. 3BR/1BA cottage w/2 platform docks. Features include wood burning stove; spacious kitchen w/work island; natural gas heat; outdoor storage shed; refrigerator & washer/dryer. Best Lake Lanier value. Owner investor ready to sell! Bring offer.
Incredible 'buy' on Lake Lanier! Salt water pool, covered dock w/hoist & party deck on 1.9 acres. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (includes 2 master suites); 2 FP’s w/gas logs; granite counters in kitchen; formal dining room; den/office; wood decking overlooking pool and soft shaded trail to private dock in deep water. FMLS#5219484
Fixer Upper with Million Dollar Views!!! Home sits 3 steps to waters edge & dock! Desirable south lake location only 2 miles to Market Place shopping & dining. Cozy a-frame home, with oversized 2 car detached garage with attic storage. Offers 3 bedrooms & 2 baths over partial basement, rock fireplace & screened porch showcasing a surround big water view!
54 LAKESIDE
February 2014
The light switch dilemma in the Sartain household Phillip is taking a break this month. Please enjoy the following “Best of” column. The results are in. After years of tedious data collection and exhaustive analysis, the conclusion is inescapable. Excepting me, everyone in my household is Lighting Impaired. I’m sure that most people will blow it off, accusing me of slipping headlong into terminal crankiness. But that does not negate the obvious fact that no one in my family is physically, mentally, or emotionally capable of turning off a light switch. At first, it was difficult to come to grips with the diagnosis of a debilitating disorder. It’s even worse to find out that it’s almost impossible to cure. Initially, I experienced some guilt – was it something that I said? Could I have done more to reward good light switch behavior? Was it a mistake not to invest in “Clap on – Clap off” light switch timers when operators were standing by? On further reflection, I realized that it was probably beyond my control. What once appeared to be just a cute lapse on the part of my family was actually a dev-
Phillip Sartain Break from the Lake
MORE INFO: Email: attypbs@mindspring.com astating chromosomal abnormality lurking in their genes awaiting just the right moment to blossom into a full blown functional deficit. But the more I thought about that angle, the more I realized the danger of inferring that my wife had passed on yet another hereditary imperfection. In the past, when I have inferred that some obnoxious trait or other emanated from her side of the family, it did not go well for me, all the data and exhaustive analysis notwithstanding. That led me to discard any suggestion that the recently discovered flaw could be traced via the Genome Project to a certain side of the family. Besides, I concluded that, insofar as the chil-
dren were concerned, it was probably the work of an unnamed party’s role modeling efforts in the presence of her children that gave rise to the offending disorder. In any event, and using a diplomatic approach, I addressed the disorder with my wife and children head-on. At the time, my wife was hovering about the kitchen, basking in artificial illumination glory. “Got the power bill today,” I tentatively offered. “That’s good,” she nodded while multitasking between reading a book entitled Why Men Are A Bad Idea, listening to her favorite TV series – The Home & Garden Empire: Final Victory, and stirring a new soup recipe that had enough fiber in it to lay a solid foundation for a barn. “The bill indicated that we could save a boatload of money if we just cut off the lights we weren’t using.” She responded with another “That’s good,” thereby proving that effective female multitasking does not necessarily extend to being fully engaged in a conversation with an increasingly cranky husband with an Obsessive Com-
L.E. Landscaping & Tree Removal, LLC BEFORE
pulsive Disorder about paying the power bill. I was just about to take another shot at raising my concerns when she suddenly announced that she was going to bed. My desire to inquire more or less evaporated as she passed by a forty thousand watt bank of luminous incandescence without blinking an eye. My daughters, sensing the risk of being abandoned to the onerous task of having to flip off a light switch, bolted upstairs ignoring any and all light switches in their path, thus leaving the household lighting free to blaze away into eternity. Standing there, holding the
light bill, I saw the lights, so to speak. Thereafter, I didn’t really see any point in raising the hue and cry over my whole family being Lighting Impaired. Instead, I accepted the imperfections as permanent and made appropriate arrangements. Meaning, I changed my will leaving half of my estate to my family and the other half to Georgia Power. I figure that after I’m gone, they’ll be able will stave off bankruptcy for at least six months or so. Phillip Bond Sartain is a Gainesville, GA lawyer and freelance writer.
D & D Upholstery 770 932-7818 • Pontoon seats • Bow pads • Bass boats • Re-skin seats • Houseboats • Boat covers
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February 2014
LAKESIDE 55
• Jump
CLASSIFIEDS
Continued from page 15
HOMES/PROPERTY
BOATS
bered back onto the dock. But, many of the first timers said they’d be back. “It was insanity,” said Kalyn Columbo, who joined members of the Schofield family, of Gainesville, in a Pajama Crew. Columbo teamed up with Will Schofield and daughters Sarah and Hannah to strut the dock in polka dot pajamas, which they peeled off to swim suits before leaping in together. “It was definitely something different that I will do again,” Columbo said. “It was awesome! I’ll do it next again next year!” exclaimed Rhonda Whitsell, who entered 2014 with five friends from Cumming. “It’s like a cleanse—out with the old and in with the new.” Four college students from north Hall County decided the plunge would be a good way to renew their high school friendship. Madison Savage, Emily McCoun, Gayanne Agnew, and Katie Brown each wore a numeral from the new year and hit the water together. Their team work got them first prize in the costume contest. They also said they’d return. One person with many returns is George Wangemann. The Gainesville City Councilman has celebrated New Years as a polar bear for 15 years. He forewarned newbies that although the air temperature felt fairly tolerable, a shocking chill lurked underwater.
Michael Braff, who along with Kalen Lee Scholz chose the award winners, reported that just below the surface, the temperature drops significantly, something he knows from experience and from observing the grim expressions at the ladder. Polar Bear Swim Director Chris Potter jumped in with staff from his veterinary office after most of the participants had warmed up in the hot tub and sampled the chili cook off entries. He said he thought it was a record turn out. He added LCKC plans to use proceeds to purchase new boats to replace vessels which have been in use since the late 1990s. He pondered that decent weather, at least not as cold as last year, plus online registration probably encouraged more people to take the plunge. 2014 Polar Bear Swim Award Winners • Youngest: Wade Haynes, age 6 • Oldest: John Sundstrom, age 69 • Best Costume: 1st “2014” Madison Savage, Katie Brown, Gayanne Agnew, Emily McCown; 2nd “Green Man” Don Landrum. • Best Splash: 1st Catherine Nix, 2nd brothers Lamar, Ron Schandera • Best Jump: 1st Tom Reilly, hand stand and back flip; 2nd Kris Connolly, forward flip • Chili Cook Off Winner: Cheryl Smith.
Onsite sales, installation, maintenance and repair for all of your marine electronic equipment needs. ~ Serving all of North Georgia ~ ~ Licensed and Insured ~ • Accessories • Communication • Power Supply • Entertainment • Fishing • Navigation • Safety Equipment ~ We Strive to Exceed our Clients Expectations ~
17' Chesapeake LT kayak kit. Never opened. All materials, plans and instructions. Retails for $999 will sell for $399. Call 678 773-7064.
BOAT LIFTS New and used boat and PWC lifts for sale. Call AA Dock Supply, 678 807-7777.
PROPELLERS Boat propellers, buy direct, from manufacturer, the best prices. Repairs also done. Propco Marine Propellers, 770 267-9425.
DOCKS Electrical: Lake Lanier boat dock permits, renewals, electrical certification, Georgia licensed electrical contractor. Call 678-595-9669. Used boat docks. Check out our news page on our web site at www.amaysingdocks.com or call 678 450-4212.
DOCK MATERIAL Decking sale: Composite decking for docks. Half off store prices. Many sizes and colors available. Call AA Docks Supply, 678 8077777.
BUSINESS FOR SALE Downsize? Want a career? Full training; lake based service business. Wood care and pressure washing. Well established since 1995. Call ONLY 7-8 p.m. Mon-Sat. $26k-$35k. Serious interest only. 770 844-6852.
Lake house for sale, 166 feet on water, no dock. 1.75 acres, 5BR/4.5 BA, stainless appliances, granite, master on main, jacuzzi, detached garage, two miles from mall. $259,900. Qualifies for 100 percent loan. 706 318-7565, 706 865-7134.
LAKE HOME/RENT Lake house for lease with option to buy: 166 feet on water, no dock. 1.75 acres, 5BR/4.5 BA, stainless appliances, granite, master on main, jacuzzi, detached garage, two miles from mall. $1,500/mo. Qualifies for 100 percent loan. 706 318-7565, 706 865-7134.
SERVICES Lake Lanier Gear offers great Lake Lanier Map Souvenirs, www.lakelaniergear.com. LLG can custom embroidery and screen print your logo. Call us today for a free quote. 678-6629227 Dock and deck cleaning, staining, metal painting. Since 1995. Lanier Pressure Washing, 770 368-2955.
LIST YOUR CLASSIFIED: Lakeside on Lanier Classifieds Only $15 per Month! Up to 20 words, then only 25 cents per word after that! Call 770-287-1444 or online at www.lakesidenews.com.
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Omega2009@bellsouth.net
2999 Beards Rd. off Holiday Road
MEMBER
(770) 9 32-6474
56 LAKESIDE
February 2014
Patsy Bailey Lake Lanier Specialist
Vice President/Partner
770 540-7752 www.patsybailey.com pbailey@nortonnorthga.com
Invites You to Preview S ome of Lake Lanier’s Premier Properties Charming Custom Rustic Craftsman Design
Holly Hill on Lake Lanier
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Call Patsy. 3 $575,000
CHEROKEE FOREST 1.57 AC. Point Lot , 675’ of Shoreline
434 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501
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! D L SO
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5 BR, 6 BA New England Craftsman Custom
Design. Amazing Sunset Views of Lake Lanier
OWNER FINANCING! 4 BR, 3 BA, Custom Brick Ranch Deep Water Always, SS Dock. Very Gentle Slope, Grassed to Water! The Best North Lake
1.64 Acres of Lush Landscaping, Guest Cottage. Two Slip Dock, Year ‘Round Deep Water
Call Patsy. 3 $1,745,000
South Lake, Deep Water
1335’ on Walnut River - 13.22 Acres
LOCH ARBOR
Gated 4 BR, 5 BA Spacious Custom Ranch Screened Porch, Massive Deck Grassed to Waters Edge, SS Dock OWNER FINANCING
LOTS/ACREAGE • Lot is cleared, ready to build. .71 acres, 200’ on Corps. VIEW, deep water lake lot. $269,000 • 1 acre lot, South lake, very deep water dock. $299,000
Call Patsy. 3 $545,000 Spacious 4 BR, 2.5BA Home w/Beautiful Views!
Beautiful View, South Lake Sailing Water
! D L SO New dble slip dock, Grandfathered drive to water. Sold completely furnished.
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4BR, 3.5 BA
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Working horse farm.
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