Lakeside On Lanier May 2023

Your complete news, information and recreation guide to Lake Lanier

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

National Safe Boating Week

From avoiding a boating accident to preventing a tragic drowning, experts suggest some easy ways to make this a safe boating season on Lake Lanier. On May 20-26, National Safe Boating Week is observed. Page 49

Stay-cation in your plans?

It’s time you got lost, right here in Hall County and around Lake Lanier. You’d be surprised how much there is to do and see – enough to fill more than a long weekend or a week’s vacation. Page 24

Maine aboard a windjammer

When I was invited to participate in a week-long cruise aboard a 100-foot windjammer through the islands and rugged coast of Maine ... I jumped at the chance! Page 33

Page 10

Page 20 Lanier map

Page 52

Marinas information Page 40

Outdoor activity calendar Page 35

Recreation guide Page 43

Safety guide

Shore Lines

Columns:

The Careful Captain

Curb Appeal

Page 22

Page 24

Page 20

Page 42

Design & Remodel Page 47

Glenn Burns Page 18

Story, page

O’Neill Outside Page 12 On the Water

Vanderford’s travel

Page 14

Page 33

The Lake Lanier Convention and Visitor’s Bureau utilizes this colorful exhibit during travels across the country, promoting the lake and Hall County. The bureau, funded by the hotel-motel tax, focuses on leisure along with group and business travel.

8.

is published by Lanier Publishing, Inc.,

3292 Thompson Bridge Rd. #250, Gainesville, GA 30506

(770) 287-1444

Publisher/Editor

Alan Hope Production

Susan Nish

Susan Daniel Creative, Inc.

Senior Writer

Pamela A. Keene

Contributing writers

Jane Harrison, Millie Adcox

Columnists

Glenn Burns, Vinnie Mendes, Sara Bagwell, O’Neill Williams, Frank Taylor

Travel Editor

Bill Vanderford

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

LLA looks to the past and future at annual member celebration

By Pamela A. Keene

At its annual Member Celebration, the Lake Lanier Association rolled out a new brand image and celebrated the organization’s 67th in existence. It also awarded the inaugural Charlie Spencer Award to honor an outstanding volunteer from the past 12 months, Lu Treadway of Gainesville.

“Our brand-new image will be anchored by a vibrant, modern twist on the association’s classic logo,” said Amy McGuire, executive director of the 4,500member lake advocacy organization. “This new logo will be the springboard for everything the association does going forward.”

Featuring strong, bright colors and a color-block icon combining the lake’s blue water, green treelined shoreline and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the logo was designed using crowd sourcing. About six months ago, the group issued a call for designs and 400 people made suggestions.

“We have taken the best of the submissions and created a memorable logo that’s clean, simple and distinctive,” McGuire said. “It will be easily recognizable. This summer, the public will see it begin to appear on our soon-tobe unveiled website, signage and T-shirts. We are very excited about it and know that our constituents will be too.”

Volunteer of the Year

Lake Lanier resident Lu Treadway was awarded the group’s Charlie Spencer Volunteerism Award for 2022.

“Lu has given selflessly to the lake and the association in countless ways, from the many moving parts of Shore Sweep to taking meeting notes, helping with the member celebration and even stuffing envelopes,” said Bonny Putney, vice president for LLA’s Shore Sweep. “She and her husband Robert Hathaway have moved floats, cleaned up islands and rallied the troops to help for many years. They even have a pontoon boat named ‘Trashy Ways,’ to help pitch in and do whatever needs doing. I can’t do

Shore Sweep without her. She is willing to go anywhere and do anything; she’s a real blessing.”

Named for former safety committee member and long-time association supporter, Spencer was involved with the association for about eight years. “Not only did he help with safety initiatives, including the 100-foot signs at marinas, he also provided advice to ensure that we had the best and

proper insurance for Miss Jackie, our association’s tri-toon,” Putney said. “And when he passed, he named Lake Lanier Association as a memorial designate, encouraging people to make donations in his memory.”

Looking ahead

Within the next several months, the organization will be moving into a store-front location

See LLA, page 8

The band TeenDads performs at the annual Lake Lanier Member Appreciation event last month.

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

6507

Paradise Point Road, Flowery Branch

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! This unique, gated lake home with over 1.55 acres, TWO Docks - one double-slip dock and one platform with over 20 feet of water. Grandfathered screened-in cabana house at the edge of the water and a grandfathered asphalt drive all the way down to the lake. This home has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths on the main floor and 2 additional rooms upstairs, currently used as sleeping areas, and a 1/2 bath. The terrace level has a full kitchen, huge living room/dining area, additional sleeping area and a full bath! You are just a short boat ride from all of your favorite marinas, lake restaurants, and vibrant downtown Flowery Branch with all the shopping and restaurants! $810,000 (Hall)

874 Horton Road, Dahlonega

THIS BEAUTIFUL LOT with an amazing pond and small home is located within 15 minutes of Montaluce Winery and all of the other gorgeous wineries Dahlonega has to offer. This 1.09 acre lot with a pond (did I mention that?) has a 2 bedroom 1 bath home and a 2 car carport PLUS a 4 stall carport/barn/RV or ATV storage! What a great opportunity to fix up the house and rent it to college students attending University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, or have your very own weekend home to enjoy or short term rent for the massive amount of people from Atlanta that want to enjoy a get-away to the mountains for the weekend. You are so close to waterfalls, hiking and the absolute beauty of the North Georgia Mountains. This is the 1st time this little slice of paradise has been on the market. $195,000 (Lumpkin)

Castleberry Bridge Road, Dawsonville 8530 McBride Lane, Gainesville

FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Great location on the lake in Chestatee Bay! 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a massive garage for a workshop, multiple cars or boat storage. The Corps line is about 10 ft off the water. Single slip dock. $800,000 (Forsyth)

WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY to own 257 +/- acres with approximately 3000 feet on the Etawah River and nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains! There are so many opportunities for the new buyer to develop, buy and hold,hunt and enjoy the beautiful Etawah River. This property is located on the "waterfall" section of the river. There are several wid creeks on the property as well as the river frontage. You'll have beautiful views of the North Georgia Mountains from the cleared area as you drive into the property. This lovely tract has been used as a hunting camp for years and now it's time to sell. Please call David Williams at 404-386-4782 or to see the property call Jeff Sorohan at 770-688-5168. A 4 wheel drive or an ATV is best to see the property. $2,200,000 (Lumpkin)

the main level with 2 additional bedrooms on the upper level, PLUS a bonus room. The unfinished lower level is perfect if you need additional square footage and is stubbed for a bathroom. Amazing 2 car garage has a new driveway and a finished room above. Another benefit of this perfect home is the stone patio behind the garage and off the kitchen. The single slip dock will never lose water and it's only a 10 minute boat ride to Athens Boat Club to gas up the boat or jet skis. $1,000,000 (Dawson)

*** Featured Home ***

Checks all boxes and then some

Are you looking for a modern, meticulously renovated home on south Lake Lanier? This home fits that bill & so much more. All the fixtures & finishes are right on point w/ the latest trends, plus dozens of other distinctive features. It’s a short walk to the almost-new MacDaddy double-slip party dock on great water which you can see from the house. You’ll love the outdoor spaces including the fire pit, massive decks, huge patio & more. Upstairs, there’s a versatile lofted floor w/ a living/tv room, reading nook, office & an extra room for visitors (would make a great bunk room). The terrace level looks right out of a design magazine including a huge fireplace, mini bar, built-in bar table, tv nook, wide open space (dance floor?) plus so much more. $1,150,000

***FREE STAGING***

Time after time, we’ve inherited other agent’s unsold listings. We staged them to sell, and they sold quickly. We have two storage units of furnishings, and we can also do virtual staging. We can’t fill an entire house, but we can stage key rooms and definitely provide a lake vibe to any home. Best of all, it’s a free service!

Cynthia Runions Operations Manager 865-973-8832

David Scoynes Senior Agent 770-365-7570

Angie Trotman Senior Agent 770-540-9679

#1 Agent on Lanier since 2012 (cumulative sales)

Lake Lanier’s #1 Realtors and Trusted Advisors Since 2001

FLOWERY BRANCH

$3,185,000 • MAGNIFICENT SOUTH LAKE VIEWS! Custom 6 bedroom home w/3 finished levels of luxury, beautifully appointed with upgrades and custom features throughout. An expansive screened porch allows for outdoor dining and entertaining by the wood burning fireplace. This is one of Lake Lanier's most sought after addresses on the SE side on almost an acre, the home on one lot and an adjacent separate buildable lot, allowing options for expansion, permitted gravel path you can drive to the lake.

saltwater pool, hot tub and firepit. Property is fully fenced

770-235-6907

GAINESVILLE

$1,872,000 • NEW PRICE & BUILDER IS OFFERING $20K TOWARD BUYERS CLOSING COSTS FOR A CONTRACT THAT CLOSES BY MAY 31st!

BUILDER'S PREFERRED LENDER, Keith Brady with Peachstate Bank, HAS AN IN HOUSE LOAN AT 5.75% FOR THIS PROPERTY. TAKE ADVANTAGE AND MAKE THIS YOUR LAKE HOME!

Beautiful just completed construction with water views on the south end of the lake in the sought-after BAY POINTE ON LAKE LANIER subdivision! Ready for move-in now, start living LAKE LIFE! Level lakefront lot with 88 ft of shoreline including a covered boat slip. The 4 BR| 4.5BA modern farmhouse plan has an inviting exterior with a covered front porch and 3 car garage. Fish or put in the kayaks and paddleboard from your own backyard that has room for a pool. Covered slip A-10 at the Bay Pointe community dock is included. Quality construction with lots of upgrades. FMLS#7183935 5431 Mayflower Court Stephanie 770-654-4161

CUMMING

FLOWERY BR

CUMMING

$1,399,000 • LIGHT & BRIGHT LAKEFRONT HOME with gorgeous sunset views and a rare flat, short, gentle walk to the lake with a grass mowing permit in place. Large screenedin porch with a clear view of the 32x32 double slip party dock located in a 55' wide, deep no-wake zone cove. FMLS#7194514 3840 Adams Road Sheila 770-235-6907

$1,995,000 • SOUTH LAKE LOCATION, BREATHTAKING LAKE VIEWS, 5BR| 5BA, SOLD COMPLETELY FURNISHED FOR TURNKEY ENJOYMENT!

The new 32 x 32 Martin aluminum twin slip dock provides plenty of housing for your boats and toys! Enjoy year-round outdoor living and views! Easy walk to the twin slip dock with party deck for sunning and entertaining!

FMLS #7169689

4175 Merritt Drive Sheila Davis 770-235-6907

GAINESVILLE

$1,895,000 • PREPARE TO BE WOWED BY THE BEST PANORAMIC WATER AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS ON LAKE LANIER FROM THIS BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME! Situated in the gated High Pointe neighborhood with a covered boat slip, this property offers luxury lake living. Convenient to downtown Gainesville and Chattahoochee Country Club. The European style home is designed for entertaining with an open floor plan on the main level and longrange views from almost every room. 5 BR, 4 BA & 2 half BA. 2736 High Vista Point Stephanie 770-654-4161

CUMMING

$1,289,000 • LAKE LANIER CHARMING COMPOUND PERFECT FOR FULL TIME OR 2ND HOME LIFE! 4 bedrooms 3.5 Baths total. Renovated luxury lake cottage w/water views, and new 3 car carriage house for guests. An easy, gentle walk leads to the boat slip in the HOA managed 8 slip covered dock. Located on a quiet wake-free cove, yet close to the big water. FMLS# 7186949 6563 Crestwood Peninsula Sheila 770-235-6907

$1,250,000 • ONE-OF-A-KIND SOUTH LAKE LOCATION! 1.5-acre lot ready for you to build your dream home! Gentle topo, grass to water, beautiful setting and gorgeous lake views, twin-slip dock permit. Situated on a peninsula with lake on both sides, Easy golf cart ride or walk to and from dock. FMLS# 7185737 6240 Holland Drive Sheila 770-235-6907

GAINESVILLE

BUFORD

$1,195,000 • PENINSULA POINT LOT! 4 BR/3BA brick ranch plus bonus room on unfinished basement. Long range views of Lake Lanier, gorgeous sunsets from the house and dock, great mid lake location, quick boat rides to Port Royal and Aqualand marinas, 32x26 single slip party dock with sun porch, new dock path. 5451 Pine Forest Circle Jennifer 770-356-2629

FLOWERY BR

GAINESVILLE

MURRAYVILLE

$865,000

$984,000 • RARE LOT WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PAVED PATH TO THE WATER. 3/2 Cottage, 176 ft water front, .61 acre lot. Unobstructed big water views, 32x32 dock, and a grass to water setting make this lot a true gem! 3375 Shoreland Drive Nicole 678-858-0265

$895,000 • CHARMING SOUTH LAKE LANIER COTTAGE with gorgeous year-round water views and a deep water dock! A cozy 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with landscaped yard, ample outdoor living spaces and beautiful sunsets. FMLS# 7199447 5985 Nachoochee Trail Stephanie 770-654-4161

clubhouse with fitness center, pools, walking trails, lakeside marina and more. FMLS#7159965 3986 Great Pine Drive Stephanie 770-654-4161

Lots For Sale

FMLS#7177322

$824,999 • ENJOY THE DRIVE THROUGH BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY SIDE PAST ESTATES AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS THEN ARRIVE AT THIS GREAT LAKE LANIER HOME! FLAT LOT AND PRIVATE DOCK ON DEEP WATER! 5 BR 3 BA. This home offers options for an Air B&B, full time or 2nd home. FMLS#7129960 8094 Beachwood Drive Stephanie 770-654-4161

• $525,000

• 3109 Emerald Circle, #5

• Michelle 404-379-5798

• Gainesville

FMLS#7006742

• 5547 Hidden Harbor Drive

• $499,999

• Gainesville

FMLS#7185025

• Jennifer 770-356-2629

• 6825 Lookout Point, #24

• $129,900

• Dawsonville

FMLS#7176925

• Dawsonville

FMLS#7191212

• Michelle 404-379-5798

• $99,900

• 6930 Crestline Dr, #6

• Michelle 404-379-5798 - SOLD

• $85,000

• 7005 Lake Vista Drive

• Dawsonville • Stephanie 770-654-4161

Lake Lanier CVB puts Hall County’s tourism on national radar

By Pamela A. Keene

Lake Lanier is making its presence known across the country, thanks to programs initiated and managed by the Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau. Funded by the hotel-motel tax in Hall County, the organization’s mission is to promote leisure, group and business travel to the county.

From attending regional and national trade shows to creating special campaigns to draw visitors to the lake and area attractions, bureau staff tells the Lake Lanier story in multiple ways.

“We’ve appeared in a number of travel, leisure and consumer magazines, including Southern Living, Mountain Tourist, Southbound Magazine and Upstate Living,” said Stacey Dickson, president of the bureau. “People come from across the country to visit the lake; we want to ensure that they have memorable, exciting and repeatable experiences.”

The lake and Hall County participated in the April Southeastern Tourism Society Domestic Show-

case in Huntsville, Ala., where representatives met with more than 40 journalists, plus those in the bus and group tour booking industry. Additionally, the bureau co-hosted Boomers in Groups Conference with Explore Gwinnett, meeting with more than 100 group tour planners.

At the Atlanta Camping and RV Show, staff distributed more than 4,000 Lake Lanier tote bags and information about how to plan a visit to Hall County and Lake Lanier.

New publications created by the organization include a fold-out visitor guide and a separate camping guide.

Downtown Flowery Branch is now home to a Lake Lanier Visitors Center and Souvenir Shop. Currently staffed on Fridays and Saturdays, the plan is to expand

the hours during the summer.

“By the end of May, we plan to have the results of our comprehensive tourism research study,” Dickson said. “We’ve already

learned quite of bit of information about where our visitors come from and what they enjoy doing when they are here.”

For instance, preliminary findings report that approximately 50 percent of visitors come to visit friends or relatives. “People who live here, if they don’t have a lake home, often do a short-term rental with our many lake houses through VRBO and AirBnB,”

• LLA

Continued from Page 2 at the corner of McEver Road and Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville. For the past 25 years, it had been headquartered in the North Georgia Community Foundation Building on Oak Street.

The office will house staff offices, a meeting area, a dedicated space for accepting water sample drop-offs and a studio space for creating podcasts and videos.

An open house will be announced to members shortly after the move is complete.

“The association had a very

Dickson said. “After all, if you don’t have a house on the lake or a boat, the next best thing is to know someone who does.”

Short-term rentals such as VRBO and AirBnB around Lake Lanier account for good growth in the travel and tourism market.

To learn more about the Lake Lanier CVB and to find out about the latest events and news, visit www.discoverlakelanier.com.

"Bolling Bridge, 1996, Lake Lanier” by Anne Brodie Hill

Anne Brodie Hill, ASMA, GWS

Lake Lanier Artist

www.annebrodiehill.com

• 770-718-7586

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

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

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

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

Prints, postcards, notecards also available at: Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street, Gainesville, GA

Frame-Tastic, 565-B Shallowford Road, Gainesville, GA

successful year in 2022 and that has positioned us for even more growth and progress toward our clean, full and safe lake initiatives,” said McGuire. “More than ever before, we have many excellent strategic partners from across north Georgia who will move us to the next level of lake advocacy, community presence and member engagement.”

For more information about the Lake Lanier Association, to join or volunteer, visit www.lakelanier.org.

The bureau attends travel shows to promote Lake Lanier attractions.

PHOTO BY LLCVB

Lake Lanier Fishing Report

Lake level: .66 feet over full

Temperature: 60s

Clarity: Clear in main lake, stained in creeks

Bass fishing

Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. The fish are in all stages of spawning right now with some already spawned and others preparing to on the next full moon. A variety of baits are working so it’s a great time to be on the water and fish your favorite technique.

The top water swimbait bite seemed to slow down with the cooler night temperatures we have had but there are still fish to be caught that way. We’ve been throwing Red Fins, shallow running jerk baits and the Slick Stick Pro Series on flats and reef poles to catch fish.

It seems that while the fish are orienting to the flats you still need to have deep water (30 feet) nearby. A lot of the fish have been suspended over the 20 to 30 feet of water and while they will react to a jerk bait they won’t take it. If you run into this just put on a Pro quarter ounce Spot Choker with a prism blade and a keitech then count it down to them on the retrieve. Another bait that has been producing

fish is the fluke. It can draw a strike from the suspended fish as well as fish on docks and rock areas.

Right now start the day working shallow to very shallow and then back out if you need to. The worm bite is still a very effective way to catch bass also. Both a green pumpkin worm on a three sixteenths shakey head or a wacky rig worm are working well. Work the shakey head on secondary rocky and red clay as well as all around a boat dock. For a wacky rig work the shallow rocky points and the banks leading into the pockets.

As the water temperature heats up look for everything to break loose even more with top water coming alive. It’s a great time to be on Lanier so Go Catch “Em!

This report is by Phil Johnson. Pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.

Striper fishing

Stripers on Lanier have moved up the rivers and the methods used are the planer board and flat lines have been the ticket.

Blue backs and shad are the preferred bait. Water depth is around 25 to 35 feet deep. Pull the umbrella rigs at .05 to 1 mph. Use your electronics, locate the bait, and start your pull and you should have

stripers near.

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

Crappie fishing

Crappie are still shallow. Check blow downs in those shallow waters. Look for shallow docks. The crappie are suspending under them at less than 10 feet. The major-

ity recent catches came from jigs with dark colors.

Minnows are getting very few but I always take them with me just in case. Crappie love the shade so cast into the shadows or shaded areas of dock. When dock shooting the biggest fish are usually the first to bite.

This report is by Captain Josh Thornton 770 530 6493.

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‘Bearly’ out of the ordinary mountain life story

My little studio office from where we transmit the live “O’Neill Outside” radio show down to WSB in Atlanta is in our bottom floor basement below the main floor of the cabin.

When having WIFI tune-up and maintenance from time to time, the local telephone guy has to work from there out to the wiring connections under the porch above.

About the first of February or so, he was visiting and making a few adjustments outside the back door from the office. He exited to begin his work then popped back in rather wide eyed and a bit excited.

“O’Neill, did you know you have a bear under your porch?” It was an unusual statement while returning. Matter of fact, I’ve never been told that before.

Well, this immediately required a brief inspection. A flashlight aided view revealed a female black bear huddled behind a concrete wall and under the planking of the porch. So, whataya do? I

chose nothing in the short term. It did not appear that the WIFI work would be incumbered, so he pro-

ceeded with his work and exited.

I placed a small battery powered motion activated camera about 10 feet away and pointed it in her direction. We see her almost daily moving around but never over 2 or 3 feet from a sitting position. Since that day sometime in February, she has not exited her little ‘den.’ With some effort and patience, I can see through the porch boards that she’s still there with two babies. Well, they were babies, now I’d call them cubs.

She looks up through the board spacing and give me the ‘eye’ and snorts a quiet ‘warning.’ Not thinking that they represent a threat to us or our property, I telephoned the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for advice. They visited, confirmed the bear’s presence, and advised as best they could, that no action would be the best action and that our bears would likely leave in April.

Sure enough, the sow and two cubs ambled out late in the afternoon of April 10, surveyed the

area around our house and have not been seen since.

Mountain life is unusual and can be exciting.

O’Neill Williams has been a

Mama bear and her cubs under the porch.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY O’NEILL WILLIAMS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY O’NEILL WILLIAMS Bear cubs under the porch.

Hot air balloons in the lake and over the mountains

My brother-in-law Toby was truly a Renaissance man. Listening to him, you’d think he’d been everywhere and done all kinds of interesting things, and if he hadn’t been there or done that, it wasn’t worth going or doing! And you know what? It was all true!

One day we were talking about strange things that had happened around Lake Lanier, and he mentioned that a hot air balloon had once landed in the lake! I looked it up and sure enough, it happened back in 2011. By law, balloons may fly only between the hours of sunrise and sunset. A pilot was flying over the lake and the sun began to set. As he tried to land his balloon at Old Federal Park a gust of wind came along and blew him into the lake. There were no injuries and a bunch of nearby boaters rushed to pull everyone out of the water and also rescue the balloon.

We got to talking about the balloons, and it seems that Toby was actually flying them out of Helen, Ga. back in the early 1970s.

Helen was established in the

early 1800s, and grew when gold was discovered in the area during the 1840s. This was several years before the better known California Gold Rush. When the gold ran out, timber became the main enterprise and continued with a huge sawmill functioning right into the 20th century. By the late 1960s the town had dwindled to a gas station and general store with a few houses surrounded by open fields. About that time a group of local businessmen came up with the idea of turning Helen into an Alpine Village nestled among the mountains similar to those in Bavaria and Switzerland that exist today. (This is especially nostalgic to our veterans who served in Europe during the Cold War.)

In recent years it’s grown into

a tourist destination for people all over the South and beyond. Myriad stores feature glass blowing on premises, antiques, motorcycle leathers, arts and crafts etc. In addition to the shopping there are activities such as camping and hiking, trout fishing, tubing, and rafting on the Chattahoochee, (which is very shallow and only a few yards wide this close to its source), and then the Oktoberfest in the fall as well as many other things including rides in hot air balloons!

When Toby was there back in the ’70s, the wide-open spaces made it especially attractive for ballooning. You can’t steer a balloon. It just floats in whatever direction the wind takes it. The only control you have is your altitude, where hopefully you can find an air current that takes you in the direction you want to go. You also require a chase crew to pick up the balloon and its basket wherever it lands. Sometimes this can get exciting if it lands behind a fence on private property or in a pasture occupied by a possessive bull!

Toby had many stories about their adventures, both in the air and on the ground with the chase crew. On the days when it was too windy to fly the balloons, the crew would take surveyor’s tapes, stakes, and string to mark off lots along the proposed streets of the new “Village.”

As far as unusual entertainment goes, in early June there will be the “50th Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race!” It starts in the fields outside of Helen and ends when the first balloon crosses Interstate 95! This is not only the oldest balloon event in the country, but also the only long-distance race. The balloon just carries enough propane fuel

to stay aloft for about four hours, so the chase crew must be on the spot when it lands for refueling. Otherwise, time is wasted waiting for the fuel while your competitors are heading for the finish line! (This almost makes sailboat racing look tame!) Information about the race or about Helen in general can be found at www.helenga.org or www.cityofhelen.org.

In memorium: Toby Murphy, 1944 to 2022.

Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for the past 25 years. His family owns a marina/bar/restaurant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”

Vinnie Mendes On the Water

Lake Lanier Association

Let's Talk Boating Safety!

School is almost out and Memorial Day weekend will soon return to mark the kick-off to summer - it’s officially lake season again!

Let’s take a minute to talk about boating safety and etiquette. Consider these tips whether you enjoy the lake for a day, a season, or all year round:

Wear It - The best boaters are prepared and being prepared starts with wearing a life jacket! Be sure to have sizes and styles appropriate for the activities you or your guests will be enjoying while on the water.

Own Your Wake - Stay at least 200 feet from the shoreline, docks, and other boaters. It is dangerous to throw obtrusive waves at another boat, swimmer, angler or shoreline owner.

Keep the Tunes in Check - Sound is amplified over the water, so keep the music at a decent level. Not only is it a disturbance to others but the operator may not hear the spotter.

Know the Rules of the Road - Become familiar with waterway markers and navigation rules, which dictate how you operate your vessel in order to prevent collision.

Be Prepared - If you are the captain, you need to be prepared with the safety rules for your craft and make your guests aware as well. Know state and local laws. Set a good example by always wearing a life jacket and have enough life jackets for each person onboard.

Pack-In, Pack-Out - Keep Lake Lanier clean by properly disposing of any trash you have. Do not throw it overboard!

LLA reminds you to have fun out there, but be safe, be kind and share the lake with everyone that uses it. Follow LLA on Facebook and Instagram for more Boating Safety Tips all summer long!

A New Look for the LLA!

Out with the old & in with the new! At the 2023 Annual Member Celebration, the LLA revealed a new logo!

The new logo features nods to the original logo with a lake scene, as well as new visuals. It highlights our year of inception - 1966 - as well as features an addition to our tagline - Clean, Full, Safe, Together. It serves as a reminder that it takes the whole Lake Lanier community and beyond, working together, to protect and preserve this lake that we love.

Executive Director, Amy McGuire, stated that fresh energy is coming to the association and it starts with our image. LLA is excited to showcase this new logo in the new LLA office space, set to open later this year.

OLD LOGO NEW LOGO

The wacky weather hits just keep coming

As I sit here writing my column for May, I am seeing more weather records coming into my feeds. There’s a blizzard warning for the upper Midwest with 60 mph winds and blowing a drifting snow, along with sub-zero windchills. The snow melted in California but the relentless rain has resulted in a “super bloom” of wildflowers. Lake Tahoe just ended its ski season. However, many areas still not accessible due to the huge amount of snow still on the ground, refusing to melt.

Here in the South, we had 85 degrees in February and we are all wearing sweaters again in late April. Red tide continues several months ahead of schedule along the west coast of Florida. The seaweed bloom continues to grow and is setting records in

size and duration.

For much of the Mississippi River Valley, east through Georgia, the flood threat remains elevated through the end of spring. All of the extended outlooks continue to show above average rainfall for us. (Happy Mosquito Season).

Glenn Burns Lanier Outlook

Temperatures this month should continue the bizarre swings like we saw through most of winter and spring. Above average rainfall likely to continue into summer and even with that prediction, I think we will see temperatures a little above average into July.

What is contributing to all this strange weather? The answer I think is two-fold. For those who dismiss climate change, this year was like getting hit over the head with a baseball bat. Even the naysayers would have to admit it is a reality now. In addition, we had the La Niña pattern. The cooler water in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean changed up the upper level wind patterns to bring about these bizarre weather patterns that were greatly enhanced by climate change.

Now, NOAA has just issued an El Niño watch. This is the opposite of La Niña,

Anchoring can certainly be a safety issue if you’re not prepared

There are some boaters that choose not to carry an anchor and rode aboard their vessel. Usually, the reason is that they do not plan on stopping anywhere other than a dock or a spot where they can beach their boat. Are you one of these boaters? If so, you may want to rethink your strategy. In the event of a loss of power, anchoring could be the very thing that you need to do in order to prevent a disaster.

Of course, when we think about using an anchor, the plan is usually to go to a quiet cove somewhere to drop the hook and spend some time relaxing or swimming. However, having a proper anchor and rode aboard is actually a safety issue. Should your vessel become disabled or should you have an emergency where you cannot pilot your boat, being able to drop anchor is the best way to avoid getting you, your passengers and your vessel into danger. Without one, you are left to drift in whatever direction the wind and/or current takes you. The first thing you need to

Frank Taylor

The Careful Captain

know about anchoring is the type and size anchor you need for your boat. Clearly, larger boats need larger anchors but the anchor type can differ depending on the waters you are in. For example, fluke anchors work really well in mud and sand but a plow anchor would be better for areas with weeds and grass. Make sure you get an anchor rated for your boat’s size and the areas in which you are boating.

Just having an anchor aboard is not enough. It is also imperative that you know how to use it. This may seem a bit strange but many people believe that all you have to do is drop the anchor and it will magically hold the boat in place. This is not necessarily true. The

holding power of an anchor has little to do with its weight and an anchor needs to do more than just sit on the bottom. In reality, the anchor is designed to dig into the bottom. There are several models available, but one thing they all have in common is that they are designed to either grab or sink into the bottom hence holding the boat in place.

The rode is also very important. You definitely need to have more rode than the depth of the water. This concept is referred to as scope. For example, if you are anchoring your boat on a windy day, it is recommended that you use a scope of 7 to 1. This means if the depth of the water is 15 feet, you need to have 105 feet (7x15) of rode extended to securely hold your vessel in place. The scope places the rode at an angle thus allowing the anchor to serve its purpose of digging into the bottom. Many boats either have an all-chain rode or 7 to 10 feet of chain between the anchor and the nylon rope. Using chain as part of the rode typically increases the

anchor’s holding power because it helps keep the anchor at the proper angle to sink into the bottom.

When anchoring, it is good practice to “back it down.” Allow the anchor to get to the bottom with some slack and then reverse the boat until the anchor grabs. This process helps “set” the anchor to ensure it is holding. Once it is set, you can let out the remaining scope and you will be good to go. To pull your anchor back in, move the boat forward as you pull the rode in. Once you are

• Burns

Continued from Page 18

where we see ocean warming off the coast of South America in the eastern equatorial Pacific. This would result in above normal rainfall, a higher frequency of severe weather, and warmer than normal temperatures. I have also seen some pretty severe ice storms during El Niño.

I am so looking forward to May, one of THE nicest weather

directly above the anchor, you will be able to pull the rode straight up to release the anchor’s hold.

As they say, practice makes perfect. Don’t forget to get out there and work on your anchoring skills. Hopefully you will never need it for an emergency, but if you do, you will be glad you have it.

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

months of the year for north Georgia. Our average high is 81 and our average low is 59. Winds during the month average about 8-9 mph. Our rainfall averages about 4 inches. Hope you get our and enjoy the lake and all to has to offer. Stay safe and have fun!

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

Lakeside’s Safety Guide

A GUIDE TO BOATING AND SWIMMING SAFETY RESOURCES PRESENTED BY LAKESIDE ON LANIER

BOATING

Boater Education Courses with Certification

Exam Basics of Boating - America's Boating Course

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

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

• When: Virtual 3-session classes OR In-person Full-day Class: In person - Saturday, May 13; Virtual 3 sessions - May 31, plus June 7, 10; In-person - Saturday, July 8; Virtual 3 sessions - August 2, 9, 12

• Cost: $25 per student

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

Boating Safely & Personal Watercraft Certification - USCGA

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

• Instructors: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers

• Minimum age: 12

• When: 8:30 am-3:30 pm; May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21

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

• Cost: Individuals $35; bring lunch

• Information/registration: Hector Colon, hlcolon55@gmail.com, 678-778-2131; http://wow.uscgaux.info/peclass.php?unit=070-02-09

On-Line Courses

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

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

Other Boater Education Opportunities (Certification exam not included)

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

Vessel Safety Checks

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

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

Sailing Classes

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

SWIMMING (Lessons/Aquatic Programs)

Frances Meadows Aquatics and Community Center

• Location: 1545 Community Way, Gainesville.

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

• Lessons: Swimming and water safety program for all ages and levels, age 6 months to masters, basic aquatics safety to skill proficiency for competitive swimmers, lifeguard training.

• Lanier Aquatics Swim Team: Competitive swimming groups for Rookie (age 4) through Masters (age 18 and older); www.gainesville.org/753/Lanier-Aquatics-Swim-Team

Georgia Mountains YMCA

• Location: 2455 YMCA Drive, Gainesville

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

• Swim lessons: For all ages and levels, parent-child swim, Masters Swim Program, water fitness, water safety, life guard certification. Fees and times vary.

Cumming Aquatic Center

• Location: 201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming

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

• Lessons: Swimming and water safety program ranges from toddler-age in Parent Child Aquatics Program to teens and adults in Learn to Swim and Adult Aquatics Program. Private or semi-private lessons available. Fees and schedules vary. Competitive swimming and diving programs, Masters Swim Team also available. Lifeguard certification offered.

Gwinnett Swim

• Location: 5396 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford

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

• Swim lessons: For all ages and levels. Fees and times vary.

Swim Atlanta

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

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

• Swim lessons: For all ages and levels. Fees and times vary.

NOTE: Please contact Lakeside on Lanier News to list additional boating and water safety classes. lakesidenews@mindspring.com.

STAY-CATION IN YOUR PLANS? You’d be surprised what’s just around the corner

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

You know how you always drive the same route to your regular places? The grocery store? Your favorite park? Your marina? The kids’ school?

It’s time you got lost, right here in Hall County and Lake Lanier. You’d be surprised how much there is to do and see –enough to fill more than a long weekend or a week’s vacation. And all without having to fully tank up at today’s ever-increasing fuel prices.

Thanks to the Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau the ideal stay-cation is right around the corner. “Whether you want some fun day-trips, an afternoon adventure or a full weekend including lodging, we’ve got you covered,” said Stacey Dickson, executive director of the bureau. “With new and hidden treasures at Lanier Islands to myriad dining choices from down home to white tablecloth, you don’t need to drive far to discover fun for the family or a romantic getaway.”

She suggests visiting www.discoverlakelanier.com and explore places to play, eat, shop and stay, as well as a comprehensive and up-to-date list of events.

“Then take your pick, build an itinerary, load up the car and head out,” she said. “Be adventurous and you’ll find out without venturing too far from home that you can discover what brings visitors

from across the state and the Southeast to Lake Lanier for recreation, lodging, dining and attractions.”

Downtown Flowery Branch

Changes are afoot at the oncequiet downtown Flowery Branch. With new eateries and retail stores moving into the south side of Main Street, the Thursday farmers’ market under the spacious pavilion, and a staffed welcome center at 5512 Main Street, it’s worth a visit. It has a gift shop featuring a colorful Lanier Hawaiian shirt that’s sure to keep selling out.

The Social Peach Boutique is filled with stylish and fun clothing; other stores are set to move in as well. Several new restaurants are opening in the next few months, including El Sabor Consteno Mexican food and 4 Elephants featuring Laotian specialties.

The city’s new amphitheater is the location for festivals and concerts starting this summer.

Long-standing businesses include the successful Antebellum, a constant national award-winning white-tablecloth restaurant created by Nick and Alison St. Clair, their popular Peyton’s Pies wood-fired pizza with a second location in downtown Gainesville, Beer Me Taproom, Whole Being Café and Janet Upchurch’s Sample Pleasures for local art and antiques.

Key destinations reveal their newest fun

For years people have flocked to Jaemor Farms on Ga. 365 for farm-fresh produce, fresh peach and strawberry ice cream and seasonal peaches and apples. This year, visitors can also partake of you-pick wildflowers.

Don’t forget to try at least two varieties of fried pies; choose from oldfashioned dried apple and dried peach, fresh fruit apple, peach, cherry, blueberry, sweet potato and sugar-free apple. Apple fritters are large enough to share.

The Lake Lanier Olympic Park is a flurry of activity as the new boathouse rises from the shoreline off Clarks Bridge Road. The racing tower side of the park offers a wide range of activities for both the rowing and canoe/kayak venue, from Food Truck Fridays and reginal/national competitive events to the July 14 Beach Bash and the Chicken Cook-off on October 21.

An innovative program to provide more lake access, Gainesville’s Kayak Vending Machine at Longwood Park received a Trailblazer Award, presented by the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. The

partnership between Gainesville Parks and Recreation and the Gainesville CVB provides kayaks for people to rent.

“This is an excellent way to spend some time on Lake Lanier, even if you don’t have a boat,” said Robyn Lynch, director of tourism for the city. “This is just another way that we can help our area residents enjoy the many recreational resources we have to offer.”

Eight years ago, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville opened to rave reviews. Created on part of 168 acres donated by the Smithgall family in 2000, it has become the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast.

In addition to tours, the Gainesville location offers family programs and brings in traveling exhibitions. Its current display, which continues through August 27, La Calavera Catrina’s nine colorful and whimsical largerthan-life sculptures represent the most popular figure during Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico,

Getting started here at home

Here are several resources for planning your stay-cation:

• Discover Lake Lanier – www.discoverlakelanier.com –

Official site for Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Explore Gainesville – www.exploregainesville.org – The city’s visitors’ site with events calendar and more

• Facebook’s page for Discover Lake Lanier

www.facebook.com/lakelaniercvb

• Facebook’s page for Explore Gainesville –www.facebook.com/ExploreGainesvilleGA

Latin America and the U.S.

“Death is treated as a celebration of life, not a mournful commemoration,” said Mildred Fockele, director of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville. Monarch butterflies and Mexican marigolds are woven into the figures as well, two important themes in the celebration of life.”

The garden recently added several sculptures, donated by Hamilton Gardens in Blairsville. They include a praying mantis, a dragonfly with wings that move in the wind and a clump of stately cattails.

Exploring Lanier Islands and Margaritaville

Don’t think you know everything there is to do at Lanier Islands and Margaritaville. Perhaps you’ve visited the park for a day, but there’s more to see and do if you add a couple of overnight stays.

Lanier Islands recently opened Game Changer, its 15,000-squarefoot indoor recreation destination that includes virtual sports suites, a hole putting green, arcade games and an escape room. Game Changer has its own chef for its restaurant and bar, plenty of largescreen televisions that are tuned in to the latest sports programming. The two-level entertainment facility has four lanes of ax throwing, more than 50 classic and state-of-the arts arcade games, a 9-hole putting green and

See Shore Lines, page 25

Quietude not far from home: Some of the sites at Margaritaville RV Resort offer firepits, Adirondack chairs and westerly views.

PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Carli Echols is a thirdgeneration family member at Jaemor Farms.

PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE

The new Lake Lanier Visitors Center in downtown Flowery Branch.

PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE

• Shore Lines

Continued from Page 24 a western-themed escape room that includes a bank-vault breakin challenge. Four virtual sports suites, ideal for corporate events and private parties, can simulate golf, soccer, football and baseball.

In addition to Legacy Lodge, overnight guests can choose from the newly renovated Lakehouses at Legacy for family gatherings, or Legacy Villas that can be booked with as many as six individually keyed rooms and flexible floor plans.

Margaritaville’s brand-new RV and Camping Resort is nestled along the shoreline under tall pines and hardwoods and offers several options for RV stays. And if you don’t have an RV, there are a couple that you can lease to experience the lake life.

Tiny house-style cabins at Camp Margaritaville have lakefront views, firepits, and furnished kitchens to serve as home base for visiting the beaches and amenities at the park.

Out-of-town guests have experienced Margaritaville in a way

that locals often miss. By booking an overnight stay, locals can become immersed in the lake lifestyle without a long drive.

Just scratching the surface

The area offers many more attractions, including the Northeast Georgia History Center and the Quinlan Arts Center, breweries and distilleries including Liquid Nation Brewery and Remedy Distillery, the Elachee Nature Center with regular nature hikes and family adventures, plus the Highlands to Islands Trail.

Georgia State Parks and Historic sites and the many US Army Corps of Engineers’ lakeside parks and campgrounds broaden options.

“So many people miss what’s going on in their own back yards because it’s local and they take ‘close by’ for granted,” Dickson said. “However, maybe it’s time to dig deeper beyond what’s familiar and check out what Lanier, Gainesville and Hall County have to offer. You won’t be disappointed.”

Looking to the future: The brand-new boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park takes shape.

An Escape Room, indoor golf and dozens of games are just part of the fun at Game Changer at Lanier Islands, above. Check out the upscale glamping sites at the Margaritaville RV Resort, left.

PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE

PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Gainesville’s Kayak Vending Machine at Longwood Park offers self-serve access to paddling on Lanier.

CREDIT: CITY OF GAINESVILLE

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

♫ denotes event includes music.

o May 6, June 3 – Greeting Card Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., held at Hall County Library, Gainesville Branch, 127 Main St. Craft a greeting card with the help of Patricia Anderson, who will provide expertise, tools and materials (for age 18 and up only).

Info: 770-532-3311 X4011; hallcountylibrary.org.

♫ May 10, 17, 24, 31 – Blue Sky Concert Series presented at 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in downtown Gainesville Square, 112 Main St. SW. Info: lshubert@gainesvillega.gov.

♫ May 5, June 2, 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 – First Friday Concert Series presented 6-10 p.m. in downtown Gainesville Square at 301 Main St.

Info: lshubert@gainesvillega.gov.

o May 6 – Learn Bridge in a Day held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lanierland Duplicate Bridge Club, 3042 McEver Rd. Gainesville. Fee: $25, includes instructional materials. Student discounts available.

Info: Shawn.LBIAD@gmail.com.

o May 13, 27, June 2, 9, 10, 16, 23, 24, 30 –

Historic Downtown Braselton Tours features guided tours on foot or by trolley. All tours include a look inside the famed Braselton Brothers Department Store built in 1904. Other landmarks include the Braselton family homeplace, roller mill, town hall, cotton gin, school and jail. Times: 10-11:30 a.m., May 13, 27, June 10, 24; 12:30-2 p.m., May 13, 27, June 10, 24; 4-5:30 p.m., June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Info: 706-921-4016.

Lakeside Calendar May 2023

♫ May 19, June 16, Aug. 18 – Food Truck Fridays feature live music, food trucks beer & wine tents and retail vendors. Lake Lanier Olympic Park’s Northeast Georgia Health System Plaza sponsor this free, open-to-the-public concert from 5-9 p.m. at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.

Info: exploregainesville.org/food-truck-Friday

o May 26, June 23, July 28 – Tea with Jane Austen, 3-4 p.m., at Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch. This reading group will be spending a year reading all novels and some Juvenilia by Jane Austen, every fourth Friday of the month. Last session will be in November ending with a Jane tea party.

Discussions: Northanger Abbey, May 26; Persuasion, June 23; Lady Susan, July 28.

Info: 770-532-3311, X4011.

o May 27 – Fatal Treasure features treasure hunting author Jedwin Smith, 1-2:30 p.m., speaking at Hall County Library Gainesville Branch about the search for gold, silver and emeralds off the Florida Straits in search of the ship Atocha. Free.

Info: 770-532-3311, X4011.

Buford Community Center

♫ May 12, 13 – Bee Gees Gold perform at 8 p.m. in Sylvia Beard Theatre. John Acosta’s por-

trayal of lead singer Barry Gibb is with a zest for detail. Bee Gees Gold tribute is the ultimate salute and experience of seeing the Bee Gees in their prime.

♫ May 20 – Drivin n Cryin/Mother’s Finest perform on the Concert Lawn at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Celebrating their 35th Anniversary together, Atlanta-based folk rock act, Drivin n Cryin, have spent most of their career on tour. Now, 35 years later they are enjoying a milestone anniversary for the band. Info: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com.

Clarkesville’s Historic Habersham Community Theater

o June 1-4, 8-11 – Almost Maine, 1370 Washington St., Clarkesville. Times: 7:30 pm., June 1-3, 8-10; 2 p.m., June 4, 11. Almost Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the US – it’s almost in Canada. And it almost doesn’t exist because its residents never got around to getting organized – thus Almost. The show is about love – Almost.

Info: 706-839-1315; habershamtheater.org

Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater

o May 5-7 – The Spitfire Grill tells the story of new beginnings and friendship between two strong women told with folk-inspired music.

Times: 8 p.m., Fri./Sat.; 2 p.m., Sun. Tickets: $30, adults; $15, students/children.

♫ May 13 – A Tribute to the Music of John Denver features Jim Curry for this tribute to the music of one of the most beloved singer/songwriters in this country. Curry’s voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, and he has performed Denver’s music in shows throughout the U.S. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $41/$33.

♫ May 20 – Steve Kelly’s Country Music Roundup features Holly favorite Steve Kelly with his Country Music Roundup Band offering an evening of country classics. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $41/$33.

♫ June 3 – Peace of Woodstock will take you on a musical journey from the acoustic opening act of Richie Havens through the closing moments of the festival with the explosive sounds of Jimi Hendrix. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $41/$33. Info: 706-530-5162; www.hollytheater.com

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

♫ May 13 – Josh Turner – Long Black Train 20th Anniversary Tour with special guest Wyatt McCubbin performs at 7-10 p.m. at Anderson Music Hall, 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. Tickets: $47.

o May 19 – The Beach Boys perform 7-11 p.m. at Anderson Music Hall. The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Scott Totten, Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher and See Calendar, page 51

Remembering the coast of Maine aboard a windjammer

I have always tasted the side of life and adventure that others consider crazy and dangerous. Nevertheless climbing nearly a hundred feet up into the windy rigging of a sailing ship at sea had never been in my plans. Even without a safety net or parachute, the breathtaking view of Maine’s Penobscot Bay from the swaying mast of a windjammer was worth the physical effort and risk.

Opportunity is a door I have always kept open, and when I was invited to participate in a weeklong cruise aboard a 100-foot windjammer through the islands and rugged coast of Maine ... I jumped at the chance! The boat was an immaculate vessel and just one of more than a dozen historic windjammers who are members of the Maine Windjammers Association. Most of these vessels are schooners that date back as far as the late 1800s.

Photographers find the passing scenery and the active life aboard a windjammer to be a constantly changing series of unique opportunities. Others discover that the gentle swaying and quietness of a sailing ship at sea can be a respite from the madness of urban life. Therefore, each passenger seems to find his or her own interest that might include reading, knitting, sleeping on deck, taking hundreds of pictures or becoming part of

Bill Vanderford Travel Editor

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

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

the working crew pulling lines and setting sails.

The home harbor of Camden, Maine is a quaint New England fishing village that has not been spoiled by the passing of time. This charming town seems to wrap its arms around a protected harbor along Penobscot Bay and has proven to be THE favorite home for many of the old windjammers. Its picturesque waterfront is lined with sailing vessels, eclectic shops, restaurants with a view of the harbor and the rolling brook that pours into the bay from lush green hills above the village.

With a morning tide rising and a hearty New England breakfast consumed, the crew raises the sails of the windjammer and makes a dash across the openness

See Travel, page 36

A windjammer sunset.

Windjammer crew rowing home.

The ship's bell is well guarded.

Down East lobsterbake.

Restaurant in Camden complete with lobster traps. Bar Harbor is a beautiful place, right.

Outdoor Events

BRAG takes scenic routes in Northeast Georgia

By Jane Harrison Northeast Georgia’s

rural roads, scenic by-ways and some city streets will bear the light tread of bicycle wheels early next month when the 43rd Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) rolls through.

Starting June 3 in Clayton, with overnight stops in Clarkesville (June 4), Gainesville (June 5) and Braselton (June 6&7), the Lakes and Libations tour heads to Madison (June 8) and Thomson (June 9) before landing in Augusta (June 10).

More than 1,000 cyclists are expected to ride the total 325 or so miles, or at least part of it, in a tour that packs its own food, beverages, mechanics and showers, but also syncs cyclists with the beat of host communities.

The parade of cyclists is expected to start wheeling into the Gainesville Civic Center around

11 a.m. and will likely continue until around 2 p.m. They can wind down or shake a leg to the Ivan Duke Band at the civic center from 4-7 p.m. Or take a shuttle to downtown and the Midland Greenway area for specials at restaurants and tap rooms, according to Robyn Lynch, Gainesville tourism director.

Motorists may see some rolling road closures to accommodate the throng, but there will be no complete closures, Lynch said.

Cyclists will enter Gainesville the “back way” from Clarkesville along Old Cornelia Highway. Near the county line, they can take a slight detour to get some fresh bites at Jaemor Farms before wheeling into Lula for a rest stop and tie into Cagle/Cagle Mill roads. Riders will cross State 365 at Kubota Way, travel Gateway Centre Parkway eventually to White Sulfur Road, and pick up Beverly, Lakeview, and Park Hill before turning into the Civic Center.

They’ll depart the next morning around 7 and head onto Jesse Jewell Parkway and Old Cornelia

Highway for a spin through rural East Hall and Jackson County en route to Braselton. The next day is a near 40-mile country ride that loops into Hoschton, Pendergrass, Talmo and the Belmont community of southeast Hall. After another night in Braselton, they head onto the graceful southern streets of Madison.

BRAG executive director Franklin Johnson seeks input from local cycling groups and city officials to design scenic routes off busy thoroughfares. “We reach out through our own participant database to see what they suggest,” he said. He often pre-rides sections himself.

Occasionally optional courses, such as the “short” route on Day 1 from Clayton, accommodate riders of different skills and endurance levels. “We wanted to give folks options of going around Lake Burton or not,” he said, so if they would rather not take on the hills in the exclusive enclave they don’t have to exhaust themselves.

Johnson said he looked at the Highlands to Islands Trail in

Gainesville and Hall County as a possibility but ruled it out due to its current incompletion and incompatibility with BRAG’s destination. He also noted “there’s a lot of traffic” (from pedestrians and other wheels) on the greenway.

Both Lynch and Tim Evans, an economic development official with the Gainesville-Hall Chamber of Commerce, describe BRAG as a valuable tourism

event that brings cyclists back to do business or have fun with families. Evans, a regular BRAG participant, described the bike tour as spokes of a network between business people and community leaders who ride together. He said it is also a great way to exercise and see Georgia’s “kind people and all that our beautiful state has to offer.”

See www.brag.org for more information on the route.

Live music ringing out everywhere around Lake Lanier

By Jane Harrison

Musical notes are ringing out everywhere around Lake Lanier this season, from amphitheaters and downtown squares to lakeside restaurants and greenways. Tourism officials tout music’s value in not only attracting visitors but also in adding notes of joy and reflection to hometown residents.

Live music “goes with the Dahlonega vibe,” said Samuel McDuffie, tourism director for the mountain town near Lanier’s north end. Pickin’ and grinnin’ string players around the historic downtown square and occasional rockers thumping bass at Hancock Park “give another reason tourists come to our area,” he said. But they especially enjoy the old timey, Appalachian music from the region’s soul, he added.

McDuffie’s got it in him. The songwriter plays guitar and mandolin and sings in several shows a year in the town he promotes and

at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. Performing live at an outdoor venue forges a special interaction between the artist and audience, he said. “It’s a memorable moment,” he said, one that travelers want to come back to.

Dahlonega’s Saturday Appalachian Jam brings dozens of musicians downtown to play impromptu pieces from May to

October. The First Friday concert series resounds from Hancock Park with a variety of musical genres.

Gainesville tourism director Robyn Lynch shares the excitement about what live music brings to a community and tourism. “Live music is so popular!” Lynch said by email. “And Gainesville has a lot to offer … First Fridays on the square and Food Truck Fridays. Many special events also include live music: The Arts Council Summer Concert Series, Latino Fest, Midland Music Fest, The Lake Show, Mule Camp, Jarrard Burch Foundation Singers and Songwriters Show, and many others.

“In addition many of our local restaurants and bars have weekly live music including Black Strap Rock Hall (opening May 13 on the Midland Greenway) and The Boot Barn at Bourbon Brothers will be open this summer with

live music several nights a week.”

“With all of the live music options in Gainesville this summer, we expect regional visitors to make weekend trips where they can enjoy the lake, food, attractions and live music!” Lynch said.

Check Lakeside’s Outdoor Calendar to see where to catch live shows outside around the lake. Be sure to subscribe to Lakeside’s weekly “Scoop” beginning Memorial Day Week to find out who is performing on weekends at restaurants on the lake.

PHOTO: JARRARDBURCHFOUNDATION.COM

BRAG participants.

PHOTO: BRAG FACEBOOK PAGE

The Arts Council has a full slate of shows this summer.

Outdoor Calendar May 2023

♫ denotes musical event.

o Virtual Science Night. Online discussion of snakes of Georgia from Georgia DNR, presented by Elachee Nature Science Center, 7-8 p.m. May 2. Register at www.elachee.org.

o Mommy & Me Nature Program, Gainesville. Children ages 18 months to 4 years learn about and meet reptiles, 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 3, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 per adult. Limited to 20 children. Register in advance. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

o Farmers Market Opening Day, Flowery Branch. Fresh fruits and vegetables, plus kids activities, Star Wars obstacle course, art gallery in historic railroad depot, and more, 3:30-6:30 p.m. May 4, Flowery Branch Farmers Market, 5401 Railroad Ave. www.flowerybranchga.org.

♫ Art in the Park, Gainesville. Art pop up shop, live music, food trucks, drinks, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. May 5, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. www.facebook.com/vision2030publicart.

o Max’s Moon Run Fun Run/5K, Suwanee. Fun run for kids 12 and younger 7 a.m., 5K 7:10 a.m. May 5, Suwanee Town Center Amphitheatre, Town Center Ave. $20-$35. www.runnersfit.com.

o Farmers Market Kick Off, Braselton. Season opener with fresh produce, food, music, and movie under the stars, 4 p.m. May 5, Town Green, 9924 Davis St., across from Braselton Parking Deck. www.explorebraselton.com.

o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 7:50-9:20 p.m. May 5, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, plus $5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Moonlight Paddles, Gainesville. Paddle on peaceful section of Lake Lanier with Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club guide, rent or bring your own paddle craft, 8:30-10:30 p.m. May 5, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $40 boat rental. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Group Run Wild Wings Lot, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. May 6, 20 and June 3, Wild Wing Café, 311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. See website/Facebook page for updates. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Hall County Fit Families 5K, Gainesville. 9 a.m. May 6, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. $30. www.runnersfit.com.

o Fishing Rodeo, Mountain City. Fishing in Black Rock Lake for youths 15 and younger, prizes awarded for catch, 9-11 a.m. May 6, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway. $5 parking. www.gastateparks, 706-746-2141.

o Recycling/Disposal Spring Cleaning, Cumming. Dispose of and recycle hazardous household waste, including paints and electronics, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 6, Lot 3, Cumming Fairgrounds, 35 Castleberry Rd. www.keepforsythcountybeautiful.org.

o 25th Annual Rubber Duck Derby, Gainesville. Thousands of “adopted” rubber ducks float in race to win prizes, plus food and family activities in fundraiser for Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 6; duck race 2:30 p.m., Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Duck prices start at $6. www.duckrace.com/gainesville.

o Cookie Crusher /Half-Marathon/Fun Run/5K, Cumming. 7:30/8/8:30 a.m. May 7, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. $25$70. www.runnersfit.com.

o Learn to Dragon Boat, Gainesville. Learn how to paddle boats used in ancient and modern popular water sport with instructors from Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club and Dragon Boat Atlanta, 2-5 p.m. May 7, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $10. C.

o Maysville Gravel Mayhem. Bicycle event on gravel roads on three routes (62-, 41, -28-miles) with aid stations, May 13, 416 Hurricane Shoals Rd. $60-$80. www.topviewsports.com/maysvillegravel.

o Falls to Farm Hike, Sautee Nacoochee. 11mile one-way hike celebrates 150 shared years of history between Anna Ruby Falls and Hardman Farm, includes hike shuttle, aid stations, post hike meal and Hardman Farm tour. 7:30 a.m. May 13, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $40. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.

o Super Mom 5K/10K/ Half Marathon, Buford. 8 a.m. May 13, Buford Community Center Amphitheatre, 395 E. Main St. NE. $40-$50. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Scamper Against Cancer 5K/Fun Run, Suwanee. 8/9 a.m. May 13, North Gwinnett Church, 4973 W. Price Rd. $32. www.active.com.

o Mason Strong 5K, Dawsonville. 9 a.m. May 13, Veterans Park, 186 Recreation Rd. $25-$30. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Valley of the Giants Gravel Roll, Blairsville. 40-, 70-, and 100-mile bicycle rides on gravel roads, starting time 8 a.m. long course, 9 a.m. short and intermediate courses, May 13, Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillery, 112 Welborn St. $70$100. www.gravelroll.com.

o Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race, Winder. Teams and individuals compete in 6 and 3 hour trail races, 9/9:15 a.m. May 13, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $45-$135. www.dirtyspokes.com.

o Group Run Riverside, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. May 13 & 27, Riverside Preparatory Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. See website/Facebook page for updates. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o What’s Blooming on the Ridge, Helen. Naturalist guided hike on Laurel Ridge Trail to discover native plants, 10-11:30 a.m. May 13, Smithgall Woods State Park. 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Home School Nature Day, Gainesville. Students ages 5-12 explore Walnut Creek, learn about watersheds and basics of stream life, 9 -11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. May 18, Elachee Nature

Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Register in advance. $15. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

♫ Food Truck Friday, Gainesville. Food, drinks, and music with Six Foot Ramblers, 5-9 p.m. May 19, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. On site parking limited, shuttles available, courtesy dock available. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Run the Rails 5K/10K, Buford. 7:30/7:45 a.m. May 20, Buford Community Center Amphitheatre, 395 East Main St. $30. www.runnersfit.com.

o Giddy Up 5K, Cumming. 8 a.m. May 20, North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Dr. $30. www.active.com.

o Flowery Branch Spring Run 5K. 9 a.m. May 20, Flowery Branch Train Depot,5517 Main St. $30. www.runnersfit.com.

o Beginner Archery, Tallulah Falls. Learn to shoot an arrow or improve your skills, 1-2:30 p.m. May 20, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Must be strong enough to pull 30pound bow. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

♫ Drivin N Cryin/Mother’s Finest Outdoor Concert, Buford. Legendary Georgia artists perform at Buford Community Center Amphitheatre, gates open 6 p.m., music starts 7 p.m. May 20, 2200 Buford Hwy. Free. www.bufordcommunitycenter.com.

o Hacker Run 5K & Doggie Dash, Cumming. Runs with or without dogs, 8:30 a.m. May 21, Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way. $35-$45. www.runnersfit.com.

o North Georgia Triathlon, Dawsonville. Pool swim/bike/run various distances for kids and adults, individuals and relays, various start times May 21, Veterans Park, 186 Recreation Rd. $40$55. www.fivestarntp.com.

♫ Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival. Arts and crafts, wine and beer garden, live jazz, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 21, Downtown Dahlonega. www.chestateeartists.org.

o Be Safe Out There, Helen. Learn about hiking safety, what to pack and be prepared for the unpredictable, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 27, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Home School Hiking Club, Mountain City. Ranger-led hike not exceeding 3 miles for home school students, includes activities, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 24, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. Register in ad-

vance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-746-2141.

o Splash Pad/Pool Opening, Dawsonville. Water features and outdoor pool openings, May 27; Splash Pad, 10 a.m., Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd.; Veteran’s Park Pool, noon, 186 Recreation Rd. www.dawsoncountyga.gov.

o Splash Zone Opens, Gainesville. Outdoor water park opens for season May 27, Frances Meadows Aquatic Center, 1545 Community Way. See website for hours. www.gainesville.org/349/Pools-and-Fitness.

o Splash Pad Opens, Gainesville. Children’s mini-water park opens, May 27, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. www.facebook.com/HallCountyParks.

o Outdoor Leisure Pool Opens, Cumming. Outdoor pool with water features opens in May. See opening date at: www.cummingaquaticcenter.com.

o Lanier Sailing Camp, Flowery Branch. Ages 13-16 learn fun and exciting sport of sailing; sailboats and certified instructions provided. Campers must know how to swim and feel comfortable/confident swimming in Lake Lanier.

Week 1 Tues.-Fri. May 31-June 2; week 2 Sun.Fri. June 4-9. www.llsc.com/summer-camps.

o Valley Voices Outdoor Theater, Sautee Nacoochee. Original play about Hardman Farm and Nacoochee Valley history by local author Emory Jones featuring cast from Piedmont College, 5-9 p.m. June 1-3, 8-10, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $25. www.gastateparks.org, www.valleyvoicesplay.com, 706-878-1077.

o Movie in the Park, Dawsonville. Children’s activities, concessions and movie at dusk on beach on Lake Lanier, activities begin at 6 p.m. June 2, War Hill Park, 4081 War Hill Park Rd. Free. www.dawsoncounty.gov., 706-344-3646.

o BRAG, Clayton to Augusta. Annual Bicycle Ride Across Georgia starts June 3 in Clayton with stops in Clarkesville, Gainesville, Braselton, Madison, Thomson and Augusta. Participant costs vary. www.brag.org.

o Run the Ranch Fun Run/5K, Flowery Branch. 8:15/8:30 a.m. June 3, Eagle Ranch, 5500 Union Circle. $15-$30. www.runnersfit.com.

o Take Flight, Mountain City. Learn about critters that fly, from insects to owls, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway. $5 parking. www.gastateparks, 706-746-2141.

o National Trails Day, various parks. Numerous hikes and activities at state and national parks, June 3. See www.gastateparks.org and www.nps.gov

♫ Annual Lake Show, Gainesville. Lakeside concert, plus food and drink trucks, fireworks, gates open 5 p.m., music starts 6 p.m., fireworks 10 p.m. June 3, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Sponsor tickets $600-$1,500. www.johnjarrardfoundation.com.

o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 7:45-9:15 p.m. June 3, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, plus $5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Moonlight Paddles, Gainesville. Paddle on peaceful section of Lake Lanier with Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club guide, rent or bring your own paddle craft, 8-10 p.m. June 3, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $40 boat See Outdoor Calendar, page 36

• Travel

Continued from Page 33 beyond Camden Harbor and into another time and space. No course is ever pre-planned on a Maine windjammer ... only the wind dictates the exact path and where it will rest at anchor each night.

All meals, including breads and desserts, are made onboard from scratch with fresh ingredients that were purchased from local Maine farms. Except for an afternoon snack around 4 p.m. and morning tea at 7 a.m., meals are promptly signaled by the ship’s bell at 8, noon, and 6. The highlight of each cruise, however, is an evening spent on some uninhabited island where everyone is treated to the unique sights, smells and sounds of a traditional New England “Down East” lobsterbake! It’s hard to beat the taste of fresh-caught lobster cooked in ocean water with live seaweeds in a gorgeous setting just before a colorful sunset. The festive atmosphere is enlivened by the only jug of wine that is offered during the week of sailing.

Time aboard a Maine wind-

jammer is spent taking in the clean salt air, seeing a kaleidoscope of changing scenery, enjoying the camaraderie of the crew, captain and other passengers, and discovering the romance of sailing that has been so much a part of American history. I will always remember the legendary lighthouses, the island towns of North Haven, Islesboro and Bar Harbor, and names like Jericho Bay, Casgo Passage, Frenchman Bay, Cranberry Island or Calderwood Island. Nevertheless, it is the sails, the stories of the sea and New England Coast and the unforgettable feeling of freedom at sea under huge sails off the rugged coast of Maine that will be etched in my memory!

For more info: Maine Windjammer Association, www.sailmainecoast.com, 1-800-807-9463.

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.

• Outdoor Calendar

Continued from Page 35

rental. www.exploregainesville.org.

On-Going

♫ Blue Sky Concerts, Gainesville. Live music on Historic Downtown Square, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in May. Performer schedule: Rodney Appleby, May 3; Roger Moore, May 10; Eli Hannon, May 17; Eduardo Cautino, May 24; Out Past 9, May 31. Tables available or bring your own seating. www.exploregainesville.org.

♫ Summer Music Series, Gainesville. Outdoor concerts at Smithgall Arts Center, various Saturdays through September, plus Independence Eve show, 331 Spring Street SW. Performer lineup: Fly Betty Band, 8 p.m. May 6; North Georgia Chamber Symphony, 4 p.m. May 13 (free); The Venue Jazz Orchestra, 8 p.m. May 20; Allman Tribute, 8 p.m. June 3; Riverstreet, 8 p.m. June 17; Northwinds Patriotic Pops Concert, 8 p.m. July 3; Marcel Portilla Band, 8 p.m. July 15; Back in Time Band, 8 p.m. July 29; Mary Kate Farmer, 8 p.m. Aug. 12; Dancing Dream Abba Tribute; 8 p.m. Sept. 22. Bring chairs, blankets or reserve a table. Gates open an hour before concert.Various prices. www.theartscouncil.net.

♫ Appalachian Jam, Dahlonega. Mountain music makers pick guitars, fiddles and other instruments on the Downtown Square outside the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, 2-4 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 14. www.dahlonega.org.

♫ Cocktails in the Garden, Gainesville. Enjoy cocktails on garden paths serenaded by musicians, 5-8 p.m. through October, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet

Bay Dr. Garden admission, members free. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Social Paddle, Gainesville. Peaceful kayak paddle with Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club adult recreational program coordinator, noon-2 p.m. Mondays through Sept. 27, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. No experience necessary. $300 membership. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Sunset Paddle, Gainesville. Guided kayak paddle on Lake Lanier with Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club member, 6:30-8: 30 p.m. May 5; 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 22; 7-9 p.m. Aug. 26; 5-7 p.m. Oct. 28, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Register in advance. Limited to 10. $40. www.exploregainesville.org., 706348-3044.

♫ First Friday Concerts, Gainesville. Live music on Historic Downtown Square 7-10 p.m. first Fridays through September. Performer lineup: Willie Ziavino & C.O.T. Band, May 5; Hot Flash, June 2; Backyard Loveseat, July 7; Mixed Tape, Aug. 4; Six Foot Ramblers, Sept. 1. Set up chairs and blankets 6 p.m. Food trucks, downtown dining open. www.exploregainesville.org.

♫ First Friday Concerts, Dahlonega. Live music in Hancock Park, corner of North Park and Warwick St. Performer lineup: Lumpkin County High School Band, May 5; Gina Gailey Band, June 2; Radford Windham & Step Back Cadillac, July 7; Southern Accent, Aug. 4; Ugly Cousin, Sept. 1; Kurt Thomas, Oct. 6. www.dahlonega.org/events.

o La Calavera Catrina Exhibition, Gainesville. Explore nine colorful larger than life skeleton sculptures of La Catrina, Day of the Dead figure, by Los Angeles artist Ricardo Soltero, Thru Aug. 27, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantagb.com, 404-888-4760.

o Discovery Saturday, Gainesville. Wild animal showcase, exhibits, crafts and hike, various times 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through June, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 2 and older; children younger than 2 and Elachee members free. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

o Vintage Car/Truck Car Corral, Swap Meet, Clermont. 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 1st Saturdays through November, 151 Oxford Rd., next to Clermont Ball Field. www.clermontga.org

o Sunday North Hall Rides, Gainesville. Bicycling on rural roads averaging 17-18 mph at steady pace, 30-45 miles, roll out 12:30 p.m. Sundays from Haynes Rd. velocraig@hotmail.com.

o Turning Leaf Book Club, Gainesville. Monthly discussions of nature-themed books, 11 a.m. first Wednesdays Jan.-May, Sept.-Nov., Linwood Ecology Center, Linwood Nature Preserve, 118 Springview Dr. mastergardener@hallcounty.org.

o Story Times/Sensory Bin Time, Gainesville. Children ages 1-4 listen to stories about bees, flowers and garden friends, 10-10:15 a.m.; families explore themed bins, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays April-Aug. Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Free with garden admission or membership.

www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Group Runs, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy. Check website/Facebook page for updates and other weekly runs.

o Canoe/Kayak/SUP Rentals, Gainesville. Canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals, reserve via email 48 hours in advance for paddling Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $20-$30 per hour, $10 for additional hours, maximum 4 hours. info@lckc.org.

o First Visit Tour, Helen. Guided van tour of Smithgall Woods State Park to see covered bridge, Duke’s Creek, park cottages and more, 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. Donations welcome. Reservations required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Flowery Branch Summer Farmers Market. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays through September, 5301 Railroad Ave. www.flowerybranchga.org.

o Farmers Market, Braselton 4-7 p.m. Fridays through September, Town Green, 9924 Davis St. across from Braselton Parking Deck. www.braselton.net.

o Wine & Roses, Helen. Sip wine under giant hemlock tress, enjoy guided tour of historic cottages and gardens, 5-7 p.m. Thursdays in May, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $15. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087. – compiled by Jane Harrison

Maine lobster fisherman working.

Camden Harbor, above. Making wooden boats is common in Maine, left.

People visiting a beautiful lighthouse on the Maine coast.

ENJOY SAFE BOATING ON THE LAKE!

UYC celebrates long-standing traditions with Opening Day

By Pamela A. Keene

From a table set for the “Fallen Comrade” to the blessing of the fleets, the 73rd Annual Opening Day at University Yacht Club commemorated centuries-old marine traditions in early April.

More than 125 members gathered to officially open the club for the 2023 season, under the leadership of Commodore Bret “BB” Benninghoff. Fifteen new members were welcomed into the organization and eight members who “Crossed the Bridge,” passed away in the past year, were saluted by the peal of a brass bell.

“The Fallen Comrade table, also known as the Missing Man table, holds many traditions – an empty chair honors those who are no longer with us, it is round to represent the lasting concern those of us still here have for the absent, the red rose signifies the blood they have shed to ensure

our freedom, and the inverted glass reminds us that they can no longer partake,” Benninghoff explained. The event included the presentation of colors, “The Star Spangled Banner,” cannon firings and the current Commodore’s Blessing of the Fleets –both power and sail – for the coming season.

The new officers and Board of Governor members were recognized, as were each of the living Past Commodores.

The afternoon’s ceremony was capped off with a traditional dinner.

“The traditions of boating and a yacht club such as University are time honored and have stood the test of time,” Benninghoff said. “We are indeed fortunate to have the members of our club and this facility where we are all like family, but we are also blessed to be able to enjoy Lake Lanier and the boating community.”

NEVER on the open market before, this gorgeous 4 BR, 3.5, BA lake home is nestled on a cul-de-sac lot and tucked into a quiet cove on Lake Lanier in a most cov eted area of Gainesville. From the moment you step in the welcoming foyer, views of nature and lake living gently take you through the Formal LR and DR to a beautiful sunroom tha t overlooks your gunite pool and gentle walk to double slip dock with lighted path at night.With an eye for detail the homeowner updated the kitchen and thought of everything from a warming drawer, pot filler, coffee bar, subzero fridge,double convection ovens to wine rack, concealed baker island, granite countertops, barn wood island w/quartzite breakfast bar, soothing paint colors, and so much more! This designer kitchen overlooks the keeping room and features vaulted V-grooved ceiling w/beams, old brick fplc, custom mantle and gas logs. With the master bedroom and guest bedroom on the main level this home lends itself to all buyers. The terrace level is perfect for entertaining also w/a second family room & fplc, large wet bar, 2 more bedrooms for growing families or guests! Two additional flex rooms for exercise room, office or whatever your h eart desires! When you step out to the backyard the outdoor living space elevates your spirit with peace and tranquility! Run... don't walk to this little hidden gem in the heart of Gainesville. $1,695,000

3159 Tanyard Branch Road • Gainesville

The Color Guard in action during the 73rd annual Opening Day at University Yacht Club last month.

PHOTO BY UYC

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.

On-site eatery: Smokey Q BBQ

Store hours: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat./Sun.

Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $4.79; $4.29 diesel (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

Security: 24/7 security, gated

Additional amenities: Full-service department, parts department, boat body work and yacht repair.Boating supplies/commissary/dry goods/retail clothing.

Lake Lanier Marinas Info

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 4/14/23): $6.49 premium; $6.19 unleaded; $5.79 diesel (5 percent discount with Suntex advantage membership)

On-site eatery: The Twisted Oar

Menu: Fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak

Phone: 678 714-7572

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Boat rentals, repair service, pumpout station, boat sales, TowBoat US

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 4/14/23) $5.39 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week. Changes Memorial weekend to 8 a.m.-6 p.m., 7 days a wk.)

Ship Store Seasonal: Open May-September

On-site eatery: Skogies

Menu: BBQ, seafood and American fare. Phone: 678-450-1310

Security: 7 days a week

Additional amenities: Parts department, land service shop, climatecontrolled bath houses, pump-out stations, security 7 days a week/video surveillance. Sales of new, used and brokerage boats.

LAZY DAYS (at Holiday on Lake Lanier)

Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 6 days a week. Closed on Tuesdays. Changes May 15 to 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat./Sun.

Phone: 770-945-1991

Location: 6700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford

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

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

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $6.49 regular

Security: 24/7 surveillance monitoring

Full Service Department: Barefoot Boating, 770-820-5949

Boat Club: Carefree Boat Club, 678-725-0730

Additional Amenities: Bath house facility with individual private units. Trailer storage, dock carts, ice available, boat detailing service, free pump out for customers; Dry Stack-Boat Cloud smartphone app to control launch/retrieval of boat. Pre-Fueling service, wash racks; Wet Slips-gated/private parking, golf cart valet service, in-slip pump out.

Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to 106' totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'.

Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $5.49 regular (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.)

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

Menu: Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings and more

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, houseboat rentals.

SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND MARINA

Hours of operation:Office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Closed Sat./Sun.; Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Sat.

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

Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $5.99, non-members; $4.00, members (Dock/Ship Store open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

On-site eatery: Pig Tales

Menu: BBQ, burgers, wings and more

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.

HABERSHAM MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.

Changes Memorial Day weekend to 8 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: 600 slips for dry storage up to 28’

Store: Yes

Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $4.69 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week. Changes Memorial Day Weekend to 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.Fri.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.)

Security: Yes

Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available.

PORT OF INDECISION MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week

Phone: 470 323-3465

Website: www.margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy.

Store: Yes; only open on weekends.

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

Types of fuel: non ethanol.

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $6.19 non-ethanol

On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Margaritaville

SAFE HARBOR

HIDEAWAY BAY MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week. Changes Memorial Day weekend to 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 7 days a week.

Phone: 770-967-5500

Website: www.hideawaybaymarina.com

Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch

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

Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $4.99, non-members; $3.59, members

On-site eatery: Fish Tales Lakeside Grille

Menu: Grouper fingers, sandwiches, salads and more

Security: 24/7 manned security

Showroom: Atlanta Marine

Additional amenities: Full Maintenance, Repair and Service on site: Harbor Marine & Associates. Bathhouse w/ locked showers and AC, laundry, pump out, trailer storage.

HARBOR LANDING

Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week

Phone: 470 323-3465

Website: www.margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy.

Types of slips: Houseboats only. 18x60, 22x80

Types of fuel: Diesel, non ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $6.19 non-ethanol (Gas is not sold after 4:30 due to volume return of boats.)

On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Margaritaville, daily pontoon boat rentals (no overnights). Luxury houseboat program. Call for details.

PORT ROYALE MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Leasing/Dock & Ship Store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Service, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. Closed on Sundays. In May, Dock & Ship Store change to 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat./Sun. After Memorial Day Weekend, Dock & Ship Store hours change to 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 7 days a week.

Phone: 770-887-5715

Website: www.bestinboating.com/port_royale

Location: 8800 Port Royale Dr., Gainesville

SUNRISE COVE MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon.

Closed Tuesday. Changes after Memorial Day weekend to 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.

Phone: 770-536-8599

Website: www.sunrisecovermarina.com

Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville

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

Store: Yes (Sandwiches and wraps only available in summer)

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 4/14/23) $5.59 unleaded ethanol free

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundry facility. Pump out open only during office hours.

Mulching, composting can solve summer garden challenges

Mulch. That five-letter word can make the difference in how much you need to water your garden, how many weeds you’ll have and how well your plants and vegetables will grow.

In a recent online gardening summit, presented by Joe Lamp’l – the Joe in www.joegardener.com – he shared his top 10 reasons for embracing mulch in the landscape.

“Mulching can do so many things for your landscape,” he said. “I generally recommend a 2inch layer of natural mulch, rather than dyed or synthetic, as best for your soil and plants. And using natural materials is much less impactful to the environment.”

Lamp’l talked about wood chips, leaves and pine straw as excellent sources for mulch. “You can get it much more affordably, or even free, if you know where to source it,” he said. “Arborists often have wood chips left over from tree removal and are more than happy to give a load to you, rather than take it to the landfill.

“You can also collect fallen

leaves from your yard and shred them to make a nice top-dressing for plants.”

Some people prefer the look of pine straw, available at box retailers or garden center. “It tends to break down a bit more quickly but has many of the same benefits of woodchips.”

Here are Lamp’l’s top 10 reasons to apply mulch in your landscape on your gardens and around your shrubs.

Mulch:

• Protects the soil surface from drying out.

• Improves water infiltration.

• Reduces soil compaction.

• Reduces soil-borne diseases.

• Reduces weeds.

• Retains soil moisture.

• Protects roots from temperature extremes.

• Improves soil health as it breaks down, adding organic matter.

• Reduces runoff of topsoil and chemicals, such as synthetic fertilizers.

• Creates an atheistically pleasing landscape. A word about compost Lamp’l is a strong advocate for home-made compost. His statement, “Feed the soil and let the soil feed the plants,” is one of his mantras for successful organic gardening.

“Frankly, you have all the ingredients already on hand, so all you’ll need to do is pick a location near water with a pretty good amount of sunlight, and you’re ready to go. You can build pallet composting bins or keep it in a pile,” he said.

Here are sources for both brown waste and green waste, two of the four ingredients needed:

1. Brown waste includes paper and cardboard products (shredded paper, paper towel rolls, and other paper products) and leaves, twigs, and yard debris.

2. Green waste from inside includes vegetable scraps, fruit, salad scraps, and coffee grounds. From outside, add fresh grass clippings, yard debris and poultry manure, if you have it available.

“Water and air are crucial for the compost to ‘cook’ so every

dressings

time you turn it – ideally about once a week – spray it with water to wet all the ingredients to the dampness of a wet sponge.”

Keep adding greens and browns and turning regularly. “You’ll know the compost is ready when the original ingredients are no longer visible,” he said. “It will smell rich and earthy, will clump when squeezed, but break apart easily

See Curb, page 54

Shredded leaves, left, or compost both make excellent top

for the garden.

Lakeside’s Recreation Guide

CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Camping enthusiasts may enjoy the luxuries of fully developed areas with water and electrical hookups or “rough it” at designated primitive areas. Most campgrounds have park attendants on duty to assist visitors. Camping in undesignated areas such as on the lake’s shoreline and islands is prohibited.

Day Use Parks

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

Picnic Shelters

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

Day Use Fees

Day use fees are charged at some park areas which have boat ramps or beach areas. Fees (per day):

Boat launching $5

Vehicles $5

Commercial vehicle $20

Pedestrian/bicycle $2

Annual pass $40

STATE, COUNTY & CITY PARKS

Rules, Regulations and More

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

n MORE INFO: Water release schedules - 770 945-1466

Lake information - 770 945-1467

Changes afoot at LLIDA and Islands following retirements

By Pamela A. Keene

Big changes are coming to the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority and to Lanier Islands. At the April meeting, LLIDA Executive Director Bill Donohue and Lanier Islands’ Vice President of Hospitality Grier Todd announced their retirement.

Donohue has served as LLIDA’s executive director since 2008 when he was appointed by then-Governor Sonny Perdue to lead the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority and the North Georgia Mountains Authority.

Todd has worked with Lanier Islands since 2001, except for an 18-month sabbatical about seven years ago.

Both men have worked closely with Lake Lanier Islands Management, the company founded by the Virgil Williams family in 2005 to manage the resort.

“Both Bill and Grier will be greatly missed,” said Terri Jondahl, chair of the LLIDA board. “It has been a pleasure to work with them over the years and they

have both played critical roles in helping with Lanier Islands’ past growth and in setting us up to achieve even bigger things in the future. Their insight and experience have been invaluable and they leave behind an incredible legacy in what has been accom-

plished at the Islands.”

The board presented Donohue with resolution plaque honoring his years of service.

In other LLIDA business, funding for additional infrastructure and shoreline work has been approved and will begin in the next few months.

The board approved its funding agreement with the Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau, providing the LLCVB with a 20 percent portion of the hotel/motel tax collected from accommodations to be used for marketing and advertising. It also approved the contract for the bureau with a 1-year automatic renewal, unless one party requests that it be discontinued.

“The agreement, which was requested by the LLCVB, is in line with contracts the bureau has with other municipalities,” Donohue said. “Stacey (Dickson) and her staff are doing and excellent job of marketing Lake Lanier and the opportunities for visitors here.”

In addition to marketing, the CVB team represents Lake Lanier

at trade shows across the Southeast. “At the recent RV show, the team generated a significant number of leads for overnight stays, group and leisure travel,” he said.

The next LLIDA meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday in June.

Editor’s note: Lakeside News will be featuring both Donohue and Todd in upcoming issues.

Skogies to hold Memorial Day #LemonAID benefit

Skogies restaurant at Gainesville Marina has big plans for this Memorial Day – a fundraiser to help Gold Star families.

“At Skogies we recognize that our freedom comes with a high cost” says Tony Jonovitch, owner of Skogies. “What better way to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend than with a fundraiser dedicated to helping our local families of fallen soldiers.”

The restaurant is offering an all-you-can-eat buffet from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for $20. And your first drink is free. There will be live music all day plus a live auction at 7 p.m.

Skogies is partnering with the nationally recognized nonprofit organization Believe With Me, and their yearly #Lemon-

AID project. All funds raised during this event (Skogies has set a goal of $50,000) will help purchase gifts for children of the fallen at Christmas and along with benevolence funds for Gold Star Families. Over the See Skogies, page 51

Terri Jondahl, chair of LLIDA, presents Bill Donohue with resolution recognizing his work with the authority.

PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Founder and CEO of Believe With Me Lyette Reback is flanked by Skogie owners Tony and Heather Jonovitch during a previous fundraiser at the restaurant.

PHOTO BY SKOGIES

Bathrooms trends have been consistent over the past several years, and bathrooms, especially master baths, continue to be one of the most desired rooms to remodel. Everyone is looking to create more functional, but still beautiful, timeless spaces. Ways to do this are swapping out builder-grade materials for more durable options, and making the space more conducive to aging in place. There are lots of ways to make your space feel like your own.

For tile, there are so many unique options to choose from, whether you want a stone, brick, marble, or concrete look, there is something for everyone. In bathrooms, I tend to steer away from natural stones, like real marble because of their high porosity and high maintenance. Instead, go for a porcelain option that is durable and doesn’t require any re-sealing. There are also lots of porcelain options with some texture which will help add slip resistance. Choose these options, as opposed to polished tile, when

Sara Bagwell Design & Remodel

planning for aging in place.

When it comes to color, gray has continued to decline in popularity, with a move toward warmer tones and even some color. Beige, taupe, and other warm neutrals are back in style, along with earth-tones like greens, terracotta, yellows, and blues. Don’t be afraid of bringing some color into your space, even just as an accent that’s easily changed out when you get tired of it. In smaller spaces like bathrooms, stick with lighter color choices to help the space feel larger and more open.

Another trend we’ve continued seeing everywhere is warmer wood accents. Of course, the most popular place we see this is in cabinetry; a stained finish on a modern door style gives a sleek, updated look. We also see wood accents in the form of shower seats, stools, or bathmats, typically made from teak or acacia wood that holds up well to moisture. You can bring in the wood look in the form of floor tile, as well.

When it comes to cabinetry, if you watch home shows or follow any designers online, you’ll see that there is a trend toward more furniture-like pieces, as opposed to the builder-grade, built-in style of cabinetry. If your style is more traditional, something with legs, feet, and even some open shelving would work great. If you like more of a modern look, consider a floating vanity cabinet. Again, warmer wood tones are dominating in cabinetry right now because they work great with all types of tile options.

In bathrooms, one thing I encourage clients to be open to are

unique vanity mirrors and lighting. These items can really make a statement and help define the style of the space. There are practically an infinite number of options out there so look to a design professional to guide you to the correct size and look to balance your space. If you’re on a budget and still have the plate glass

builder-grade mirrors, adding a frame is a simple upgrade. This will help elevate your space and make it feel more custom. When it comes to plumbing and lighting finishes don’t be afraid to try something new. Satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze dominated for a while; however,

See Design, page 54

Swapping builder-grade materials for more durable options have been trending for a while.

PHOTO: TRACY TESMER DESIGN/REMODELING

Hey fishermen, go for a Georgia Bass Slam for your bucket list!

Last year, Arizona resident Michael Lopez traveled across seven states, twice, so he could complete his Georgia Bass Slam. Spurred on by an initial catch of a brilliantly colored redeye bass from Jacks River in Fannin County, he found information about the Bass Slam and decided to make that a goal for the year. He completed the Slam in October, catching a total of seven bass species, including a shoal bass at Buck Shoals Wildlife Management Area.

The Georgia Bass Slam recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch different species of bass in a variety of habitats across the state, while also stimulating interest in the conservation and management of black bass and their habitats, ac-

cording to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Georgia’s 10 recognized native black bass species are largemouth, smallmouth, shoal, Suwannee, spotted, redeye, Chattahoochee, Tallapoosa, Altamaha and Bartram’s.

Anglers can find out more about these eligible bass species, including images, location maps and more at www.bassslam.com.

To qualify for the Georgia Bass Slam, fish must be caught within a calendar year, must be legally caught on waters where you have permission to fish, and anglers must provide some basic information on the catch along with several photos of each fish. Anglers submit their photos and information to

georgia.bassslam@dnr.ga.gov for verification. Complete rules posted on the website.

Successful Bass Slammers will receive a frame-worthy certificate, two Go Fish Education Center passes, and some fantastic and fun stickers (for vehicle windows/bumpers) to advertise your achievement. Anglers are recognized on the Bass Slam webpage, and possibly through a variety of social media platforms. All successful submissions will go into a drawing for a grand prize!

Don’t have time to dedicate to catching five species of bass, but maybe you have your eye on a lunker largemouth? The DNR has a program for that, too! The Trophy Bass Angler Award program recognizes largemouth bass catches of 10 pounds or greater.

Try your luck at a Georgia Trout Slam

If your angling skills need a new challenge this year, it’s time to triple up your catch and take on the Georgia Trout Slam. Catch all three species of trout found in Georgia (rainbow, brown and brook) within a calendar year and you claim the slam!

The Georgia Trout Slam recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch different species of trout in the state, while also stimulating interest in the conservation and management of trout and their habitats, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

To qualify for the slam, fish must be caught within a calendar year, must be legally caught on waters where you have permission to fish, and anglers must provide some basic information about themselves and their catch (such as county where caught). Anglers must also be able to submit a photo of themselves with the fish, and one clear side photo of the fish.

Anglers can review complete rules and submit their information and photos for verification for the Georgia Trout Slam at GeorgiaWildlife.com/trout-slam.

What is the reward? Successful Trout Slammers will receive an

official “Georgia Trout Slam” decal and the names of all successful anglers will go into a drawing for a grand prize!

Details about the Georgia Trout Slam are available at www.georgiawildlife.com/trout-slam.

These fish are rare, and the data from these catches helps to provide genetics and growth information that is valuable to fisheries managers.

Those successfully submitting a qualified fish will receive a certificate, hat, t-shirt and an entry

into a drawing for a reward package. Catch one larger than 13 pounds, and you may be eligible for a free mount of your bass! More info at www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/anglerawards. For more information, visit www.bassslm.com.

Get that ‘first fish’ feeling at a family or Kids’ Fishing Event

Do you remember the first fish you caught? Even if you don’t remember all the details, I bet you remember how it made you feel. Help generate the same feeling for your kids when you bring them to a Family or Kids Fishing Event, suggests the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

“Taking a child or family member fishing is something to cherish for years to come – for both of you,” says Scott Robinson, Chief of Fisheries for the Wildlife Resources Division. “Family and Kids fishing events offer a great place to start. Volunteers and staff organizing the event are focused on helping your child have a great experience and develop a love for fishing before they try to ‘tackle’ it on their own.”

Family and Kids fishing events are held throughout the year and offered across the state on public and private waterways. They typically take place at a location with a successful catch rate to make the

experience even better for new anglers. Many events have onsite volunteers to help those who are new to fishing. Some events even offer additional options, such as lunch or snacks, prizes and educational information.

Family and Kids fishing events are sponsored across the state by multiple partners, such as counties and municipalities, conservation groups and more. The Wildlife Resources Division co-sponsors many events by providing channel catfish or trout to improve fishing, educational materials for participants and guidance for sponsors.

How do you find more information or local events? Visit www.georgiawildlife.com/kidsfishing. Here you will find tips on fishing with kids, recommended places to go fish with children, a “kid’s first fish certificate,” and a link to the GO System where you can search for events near you.

For more on fishing in Georgia: www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.

PHOTO: MICHAEL LOPEZ

Michael Lopez of Arizona caught this Shoal Bass at Buck Shoals Wildlife Management Area to complete his mission of catching seven in Georgia during a calendar year.

A fisherman holding a rainbow trout, above.

Brown Trout, left. Brook trout, below.

PHOTOS: GEORGIA WILDLIFE

Awareness on the water can save a life, prevent a tragedy

By Pamela A. Keene

Do you think you don’t need reminders about the safe operation of your boat this year? Think again.

From avoiding a boating accident to preventing a tragic drowning, experts suggest some easy ways to make this a safe boating season on Lake Lanier.

As a reminder, the National Safe Boating Council has declared May 20-26 as National Safe Boating Week.

“Everyone can use a refresher about their boating and marine recreational skills,” said Ken Odum, commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta, formerly known as the US Sail and Power Squadron of Atlanta, based on Lake Lanier. “No matter how proficient you are, you may have new people on your boat, children others who aren’t as skilled as you are. It never hurts to have a reminder for yourself and those you’re responsible for when you’re on your boat.”

Odum suggests that skippers take a couple of minutes to show people where the life jackets are stored and how to locate the fire extinguisher before heading out on the lake, particularly if you have new people on board.

“This one step can save crucial time if something happens on the boat,” he said. “It’s best to be prepared and never need a safety time than to lose time in an emergency.

“And make sure you have another adult who can operate your boat if something should happen to you as the driver,” he said.

Free service

Each year, Lanier’s boating clubs – America’s Boating Club Atlanta and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 29 – offer free vessel safety checks to help boaters be sure they have the correct equipment on board. Both groups offer special dates for these checks, announcing them on their websites. They set up pro-

What’s on your boat?

Do you have these items easily accessible on your boat if your boat is at least 16 feet long? Depending on the length of your boat, you may need additional safety equipment.

• Fire extinguishers – no more than 12 years old and green gauge

• Life preservers for each person aboard

• Your current boat registration and registration decals

• A Type IV throwable flotation

• A horn, whistle or bell

• Navigation lights

• A communications device, either a cellphone or a VHF radio Boats under 26 feet have an engine cutoff switch and the lanyard must be worn by operator when underway the same as a PWC.

grams with area marinas or come to a boat slip or dock upon request.

“The process takes about 45 minutes, and it’s the best 45 minutes you’ll spend in the boating season,” Odum said. “It’s a time to ask questions about updates to Georgia Boating Laws or for advice about boating.”

The skipper/owner is given a sticker for the boat that demonstrates they are properly equipped.

“When the DNR or the Corps of Engineers is patrolling this summer, they will see that you’ve been checked and this assures them that you are in compliance,” he said. “It’s totally free and can save you time on the water.” Boating 101: required for those born after January 1, 1998

Nine years ago, the Georgia General Assembly passed a law requiring anyone born after January 1, 1998, and operating a motorized vessel to pass a safe boating course and receive a Georgia Boat Education Card.

Low-cost basic safe boating classes are offered on Lake Lanier by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary/Flotilla 29 and America’s Boating Club Atlanta, formerly known as the US Sail and Power Squadron of Atlanta.

The courses cover the Rules of the Road, docking, how to deal with sudden weather changes, anchoring, watersports safety, safe fueling and required safety equipment.

“A boating course, even if

you’re an experienced boater, can refresh your knowledge, and it may even help you save money on your boating insurance,” Odum said. “Many companies honor a completion certificate when providing boating insurance.

“Additionally, we have a number of new boat owners and families come take our courses,” he said. “And for people born after January 1, 1998, Georgia law requires them to have completed a boater education course before operating a motorized vessel.”

For more info, visit www.americasboatingclubatlanta.org or US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-9, wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?un it=070-02-09.

Just for fun: Test your safety knowledge. Here’s a short basic quiz to test your boating knowledge. Created by Discover Boating, it can give you a quick understanding of your boating proficiency. Check out this link to measure your boating knowledge: www.discoverboating.com/ownership/safety/quizzes.

America’s Boating Club Atlanta member Dave Fuller gives a safety talk to refresh boaters.

PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Lakeview Dining

Bullfrogs Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily. This Southern Gastro Pub features reimagined traditional Southern fare and variety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. B3, 770-945-8787.

Fish Tales Lakeside Grille – Casual lakeside dining featuring grouper fingers, signature salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Hideaway Bay Marina. Sun-Thur 11 am - 9 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm. C-3, 770-967-3775.

Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining on the water at Port Royale in open-air thatchedroof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. Daily, 11 am - 9 pm. B-2, 770-887-5715 ext 5.

Pig Tales - Casual lakeside dining featuring BBQ, burgers, wings and more. Great customer service, full service bar with draft beer, wine & mixed drinks, live music on weekends. Sun-Thur 11 am - 9 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. C-3,678-828-7676, www.PigTalesLakeLanier. com.

Sidney’s Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Only serving breakfast. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. B-3, 770-945-8787, www.lanierislands.com.

Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. A full Sunday breakfast menu includes eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Gainesville Marina. Fri. - Sun. C-1 678 450-1310; www.skogieslakefrontrestaurant.us.

The Twisted Oar - Holiday Marina. Offering fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak; casual dining. Full bar service, tropical and frozen drinks. Live entertainment, trivia, indoor/outdoor flat screen TVs. Open yearround. www.facebook.com/twistedoar, C-3, 678 714-7572

American Antebellum – Contemporary, farm-to-table takes on classic Southern fare are served in an elegant 1890s home. Open for dinner Tues. - Sat. 5510 Church Street, Flowery Branch, C-3, 770-965-8100. www.antebellumrestaurant.com.

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.

Lakeside’s Dining Guide

Take out available. 5466 McEver Rd., Flowery Branch, C-3, 678-828-8345.

Coastal Breeze Seafood Grill – Offering seafood, steaks, ribs, oysters on the half shell, salads, burgers and more. Lunch and dinner, full bar. Sun.-Sat, 11 a.m.-9:00 p.m. 5390 Lanier Islands Parkway. C-3, www.coastalbreezega.com, 770-945-9181. Collegiate – Old-fashioned hamburgers, hot dogs and milk shakes served in 1940s setting. 220 Main Street SW, Gainesville. C-2, 678-989-2280.

Foster House – Restaurant and special events facility. Breakfast Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m.; Lunch Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2, Sun. lunch buffet 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; DinnerCountry buffet and music, Fri. 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 305 West Main St., Cumming. A-3, 770-887-9905.

Two Dog Café – Classic small town diner with an emphasis on fresh food and fast service for lunch. 317 Spring St. Gainesville. C2, 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). 311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy., Gainesville. C-2, 770-536-9177.

Yahoola Creek Grill – Features Southerninspired, 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. 1810 S. Chestatee St., Dahlonega. 706-482-2200; www.yahoolacreekgrill.com.

Continental/Fine Dining

Aqua Terra Bistro – European fusion cuisine served daily. Open 11a.m.-9 p.m., Sun.Thurs; 11 a.m-10 p.m, Fri.-Sat. 55 East Main St., Buford. No reservations. B-3, 770-2713000.

Blue Bicycle – Chef owned and operated bistro. Open Tue.-Sat. Reservations are suggested. Located on 30 Industrial Park Rd, Dawsonville, B-1, 706-265-2153.

Luna’s – Continental cuisine, romantic atmosphere. 200 Main St., Gainesville. C-2, 770-531-0848.

Poor Richard’s – Specializing in Prime Rib, steaks, ribs and fresh seafood. Casual dining, dinner only. Full-service bar. 1702 Park Hill Dr., Gainesville. C-1, 770-532-0499.

Scott’s Downtown – Upscale casual ambience with specialty sandwiches for lunch and gourmet entrees for dinner. 131 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville. C-2. 770-536-1111.

Sperata - a fusion of fine American and European dining. Open Thurs.-Sun. for dinner. Buford. B-4. 678 765-7911, www.speratarestaurant.com.

Barbecue/Country/Home Cooking

Johnny’s BBQ – Real Pit BBQ pork, chicken & ribs. Brunswick stew. Minutes

from Clark’s Bridge rowing venue. 1710 Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville. Casual. D-1, 770-536-2100.

Smokey Q BBQ - Pulled Pork and Chicken Sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteaks, Pork and Chicken Tacos and more! Seasonal. Bald Ridge Marina, 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming. A-3, 770 910-4961.

Deli

Whole Being Cafe @ Common Grounds

– Light breakfast, lunch and dinner and desserts followed by fresh roasted coffee. 5510 Main St., Flowery Branch. C-3, 770-9674080.

Italian

5 Brothers Pizza & Pasta - Family owned with mom and her five sons! Delivery available. Offering award-winning alfredo sauce, seven layer lasagna, homemade meatballs, pizza, calzones, and more. Also available: our famous rice balls -and homemade tiramisu and cannoli. Open Wed.-Sun. Downtown historic Buford. 1944 Braselton Hwy, Buford. B3 470-299-3309; www.5brotherspizzapasta.com

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. Dominick’s is open Mon.-Fri. for lunch; Sun.-Sat. for dinner. Located at the

corner of Buford Hwy. and Hamilton Mill Rd in the Buford Village Shopping Center., Buford. B-3, 770-614-0019.

Vinny’s New York Pizza & 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. Closed Sun. Located at 4977 Lanier Island Pkwy, Buford. C-4, 678-4829966.

Mexican

La Cazuela – An Atlanta area landmark with two locations around Lanier. Features fajitas, selection of combination platters and more. 4965 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford, B-4 770-614-6871.

Oriental

Kenzo Sushi – Sushi & Japanese Steak, Teriyaki & Fried Rice. Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; closed Sunday.4977 Lanier Islands Pkwy, #108, Buford. B-4, 678288-9050.

Little Tokyo – Japanese dining - hibachi grill, sushi. Dine in, take out. Open for dinner 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; Closed Sun. 2096 Buford Dam Rd., Buford. B-4, 770-945-3350.

• Skogies

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course of Memorial Day Weekend, hundreds of children in dozens of states will be hosting their own #LemonAID stands and helping raise funds to provide Christmas presents for 2,500 children of fallen military service members. Skogies is aiming to be #LemonAID’s biggest supporter this Memorial Day Weekend.

Skogies has several levels of sponsorship.

• $250 Corporal: Mentioned in all social media/media/internet regarding the event!

• $500 Sergeant: Mentioned all day at the live event.

• $1,000 Major: Company logo on volunteer shirts.

• $2,500 General: 4 passes to the Memorial Day LemonAID event, company banner at Skogies for the season.

More info about the charity for the fundraiser is available at www.believewithme.com. Skogies is also taking donations and accepting items for a silent auction. For questions about the event call 770 534-3231.

• Calendar

Continued from Page 30

Randy Leago continue the legacy of the iconic band. Tickets: $60.

♫ June 3 – Happy Together Tour 2023 featuring The Turtles, Gary Puckett & Union Gap, Little Anthony, The Classics IV, the Vogues and The Cowsills, at Anderson Music Hall. Time: 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.) Tickets: $45.

Info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Interactive Neighborhood Kids

o May 1-7 – Cinco de Mayo Craft Week, celebrate the holiday with a fun craft.

o May 8-14 – Happy Mother’s Day! Make a special craft for Mom.

o May 15-21 – Bee Craft Week, bzzzz ...

“bee” ready to make a bee craft.

o May 22-28 – Paper Airplane Craft Week, create an airplane out of paper.

o May 30-June 4 – Memorial Day Craft Week, create a patriotic craft.

Time/Play Blocks: Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-noon; 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m.; Sun.: 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m.

Info: $1 with paid admission to museum; members, free. 770-536-1900; www.inkfun.org.

Northeast Georgia History Center

o May 13 – Mother’s Day Tea will feature a variety of hot teas, sweet and savory treats, as well as a presentation on the history of High Tea with NGHC’s education director, Marie Bartlett. After tea, explore the center’s exhibits, included with tea ticket. Plus, a kids scavenger hunt of the galleries is also included. First seating: 11

Lanier Landscaping and Bobcat Service

a.m. Second seating: 1 p.m. Tickets: $35 per person for non-members. Members receive a 15 percent discount using promo code “member.” Registration required.

Info: 770-297-5900; www.negahc.org.

Quinlan Arts Center

o June 15-Aug. 12 – Summer Exhibition, the synthesis of visual and poetic language, featuring artists Steve Walker and Amanda Lovett.

Opening reception held 5:30 p.m., June 15. Info: 770-536-2575; quinlanartscenter.org

School Street Playhouse

(formerly Cumming Playhouse)

o Thru May 21 – Funny Money, a farce by Ray Cooney, directed by Lisa Sherouse Riley, tells the story of Henry A. Perkins, a mild-mannered CPA who accidentally picks up the wrong briefcase … one full of money. Times: 7:30 p.m., Fri./Sat.; 2:30 p.m., Sun. Tickets: $25/$20. Info: 770-781-9178; www.schoolstreetplayhouse.com.

Tannery Row Artist Colony

o Thru June 2 – Spring Juried Art Exhibition 2023 held at 554 West Main St., Buford with opening reception from 5-8 p.m., Apr. 15. Info: 470-326-6656; tanneryrowartistcolony.net

The Arts Council

♫ May 6 – Fly Betty Band kicks off the 2023 Summer Music Series featuring music from the ’70s to current hits. Also, Sherry’s Bait & Barbeque Food Truck will be available. The Smithgall Arts Center (rain or shine) at 331 Spring St.

SW, Gainesville. Bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets or reserve a table up front. Gates open at 7 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets: $15; tables of 8 – $25 per ticket.

♫ May 13 – North Georgia Chamber Symphony performs a free concert under the pavilion at Smithgall Arts Center at 4 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.). Following the performance enjoy a woodfired pizza at Peyton’s Pie Co. in the Gainesville Marketplace on the square. Attendees will receive a discount certificate from Peyton’s Pie Co.

♫ May 20 – The Venue Jazz Orchestra, 8 p.m. at the Arts Council Center (doors open at 7 p.m.). The Orchestra is a modern “big band” based out of the Venue at Friendship Springs. Twenty of the finest musicians in Northeast Georgia, the VJO not only brings back the memories of the Golden Age of Jazz but also performs hits from throughout the decades.

♫ June 3 – A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band, an eight-piece group that faithfully recreates the music of this legendary rock band. The tribute concert will be presented on the lawn at The Smithgall Arts Center (rain or shine) at 8 p.m. (gates open at 7 p.m.). Also, Branch House Food Truck will be available. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets or reserve a table up front. Tickets: $25; Tables of 8 – $35 per ticket.

Info: hutch@theartscouncil.net.

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. Safe Harbor 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 CLOSED AS OF 2/4/14

8. Lazy Days at Holiday 770-945-1991

9. Safe Harbor Hideaway Bay 770 967-5500

10. Sunrise Cove 770 536-8599

11. Sunset Cove 678 304-3157

•Design

Continued from Page 47

there are so many other beautiful options available like matte black, chrome, polished nickel, or champagne bronze. The trend of mixing metals is still going strong, as well; black and chrome work great together, while dark bronze and champagne together provide an updated traditional look. The best way to do this is to keep all your plumbing fixtures the same finish but mix in another finish for your cabinetry hardware and/or light fixtures.

The current bathroom trends go beyond just materials, though. Large, tiled showers are still very popular in place of a separate tub and shower in the master bath. When planned and designed well, this option can be very conducive to aging in place, incorporating sleek benches, grab bars, and cur-

• Curb

Continued from Page 42

when you run your fingers through it.” Visit www.joegardener.com for expert garden information, free gardening guides, TV episodes, podcasts and his Online Gardening Academy.

bless entry. For those that do still enjoy taking a bath, freestanding soaking tubs or air massage tubs are the most popular. However, if you’re planning for aging in place, I recommend a drop-in tub that has lower sides and a deck to sit on to help with getting in and out.

When it comes to a bathroom remodel, everyone’s style and needs are different. Some are simply looking for an updated yet timeless look, while others need space that’s more functional. It’s ideal to work with a designer or design-build remodeler when re-doing a bathroom to maximize the space you have and come up with ideas that you maybe hadn’t considered.

Sara Bagwell is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.

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