Lakeside On Lanier October 2023

Your complete news, information and recreation guide to Lake Lanier

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A sailor looks homeward

Around Lake Lanier, Ricki Lee Hagen is known as a seasoned sailor and a licensed 100-ton US Coast Guard Near Coastal Master Captain who’s also the owner of Grendel, the 37-foot wooden cutter that would be perfectly at home on an open sea. Page 20

LLA’s new office open

The week preceding this year’s Shore Sweep was a busy one for the Lake Lanier Association. The group moved into its new offices and hosted its first board of directors meeting there. Page 2

Fishing on an Alaskan cruise

Travelers looking through the big picture window on deck 2 we were stunned to see numerous large fish being hauled up by somebody on the 3rd deck above them. This was simply one of many exciting times catching fish while on an Alaskan cruise. Page 33

Page 26

Classifieds Page 45

Fishing news Page 10 Lake levels Page 18

Marinas information Page 44

Outdoor activity calendar

Safety guide

Shore Lines

Columns: The Careful Captain

Page 31

Page 44

Page 20

Page 14

Curb Appeal Page 38

Design & Remodel Page 43

Glenn Burns

O’Neill Outside

On the Water

Vanderford’s travel

give it their all

photos, page 17.

Page 18

Page 21

Page 12

.Page 33

PHOTO BY KIM MARTIN/KIMMERS PHOTOGRAPHY Paddlers

during the 23rd annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival held on Lake Lanier last month. Story,

is published by Lanier Publishing, Inc.,

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

(770) 287-1444

Publisher/Editor

Alan Hope Production

Susan Nish

Susan Daniel Creative, Inc.

Senior Writer

Pamela A. Keene

Contributing writers

Jane Harrison, Millie Adcox

Columnists

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

Travel Editor

Bill Vanderford

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

It’s official: LLA’s new office open for business

By Pamela A. Keene

The week preceding this year’s Shore Sweep was a busy one for the staff and volunteers of the Lake Lanier Association. In addition to planning for the organization’s largest public-facing event, the group moved into its new offices and hosted its first board of directors meeting there.

Located in Village Shoppes of Gainesville at 821 Dawsonville Highway, Suite110, Gainesville, the office was designed to include staff offices, meeting space and room for presentations.

“Being in our new space signifies a new era for the associa-

tion,” said Amy McGuire, executive director of the 4,400member lake advocacy group. “As we settle into the new space, we’re looking forward to bringing people together for special-interest seminars, meetings and social activities. Within the next few weeks, we’ll announce a public open house to signal our official opening.”

As the move approached, the association announced a brandnew telephone number. “Please update your records to ensure you have the new number, which is 770 744-4547,” McGuire said. The group’s new Social Out-

reach Committee, formed in April, includes 20 members who are creating member events and activities to encourage more interaction while creating ways to continue to protect the lake. Its mission includes community education, fundraising and increased community awareness.

“This is an exciting time for our membership and the lake,” she said. “As we move into 2024, there will be even more to celebrate about the association and the lake.”

For more information about the association, to join or volunteer, visit lakelanier.org.

LLA gets new telephone number

Please note: The new phone number for the Lake Lanier Association is 770 744-454 effective September 1.

PHOTOS BY LAKE LANIER ASSOCIATION

The front of the new Lake Lanier Association office in Gainesville.

Lake Lanier Association's board of directors meet at its new office.

3621 Lake Ridge Court, Gainesville

RENOVATED top-of-theline home in the prestigious Harbour Point Yacht Club has it all! 6 BR/6.5 BA. Owner's suite on the main level, powder room on main, 3 BRs w/ensuites on the upper level. 1 BR/bath suite above the heated and cooled 3-car garage and on the terrace level. 10’ plus ceilings throughout. 3-Story home with everything an entertainer could desire! Including: 2 kitchens, theater with 86” smart TV and surround sound, gym, cardio room, heated swimming pool with spillover spa/hot tub, putting green, privacy “cabana style” curtains and more. Boat slip option available! $1,949,000 (Hall)

6310 Cortland Walk, Alpharetta END UNIT 3 BR/3.5 BA townhome in Halcyon!

Amenities include pool, clubhouse, firepit, and access to the Big Creek Greenway. 2-car garage, open dining, kitchen, living room and covered balcony. Kitchen includes SS appliances, quartz ctops, and a gas range. Oversized owner's suite is located on the 3rd level. Being minutes from GA-400, you enjoy easy access to Downtown Alpharetta, Avalon, the new Cumming City Center, Lake Lanier, and more! It doesn't get much better than this low maintenance lifestyle! $680,000 (Forsyth)

741 Sams Road, Dawsonville

NEW CONSTRUCTION

3BR/4.5 BA home on Lake Lanier. This masterpiece boasts meticulous craftsmanship. The heart of this home is a chef's dream, featuring GE Café appliances. 2 master BRs, 12-foot ceilings on the lower level, 10-foot ceilings on the main. Outdoors indulge in the outdoor shower, path lights and rear super oversized fireplace. The custom landscape, large boulders and a fire pit, provide a serene backdrop for relaxation. A permitted deep-water dock with a party deck and new decking awaits you, easily accessible via the pathway across the street. $1,500,050 (Dawson)

1904

Road,

south end of the lake. 4 BR/2BA home w/ master suite on main level. Wraparound front porch. Easy access to the lake, with TWO single slip docks. There is a mobile home on the property that is currently being utilized as a rental, adding to the income potential. With three covered carports specifically designed for RV storage, you'll have plenty of space to store your outdoor toys. New roof installed in July 2023. There are two lots included in this package amounting to a generous 1.81 acres that have been combined together for tax purposes. REDUCED $999,999 (Gwinnett)

233

3BR/2 BA home on Lake Lanier built in 2019 with a single slip dock! Open concept floor plan and wall of windows. Indoor/ outdoor living leads to the large back deck overlooking the fully fenced yard. The location of this home by land is ideal for those who want to be near Hwy 400 and by water for those who desire the quieter lake this part of Lanier has to offer. Whether you're looking for a second home, full time home or investment home, the lake lifestyle has something to offer everyone! $700,000 (Dawson)

6433 Waterscape Ridge, #39-40, Gainesville

AMAZING 1.86 AC

UNDER CONTRACT!

6288 Lanier Harbor Landing, Buford WONDERFUL, end unit, 3 BR/2.5 BA townhome built in 2021! Open concept - beautiful kitchen with a walk-in pantry opens to the great room. Oversized patio overlooking the woods. On the upper level, the master bedroom is very spacious with a HUGE walk-in closet and a master bath with a soaking tub, separate shower and double vanities & 2 additional bedrooms. Public boat ramp and courtesy docks that make it easy to launch your boat for a day on Lake Lanier. Buford City School district. $410,000 Gwinnett)

PRIMO LOT in Waterside on Lake Lanier subdivision with covenants, no HOA and individual docks. The minimum heated sq ft requirement is 3000 sq ft. This lovely lot has a single slip dock in a great cove for swimming and relaxing. Close to Athens Boat Club and easy access to Gainesville and Dawsonville and SO close to the North Georgia Mountains with hiking, tubing and kayaking within 30 minutes. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. $284,900 (Hall)

water at the double slip dock. Waterside is a lovely subdivision with VERY NICE homes and NO HOA. Septic tank permit for a 3 BR home of 3000 sq ft+ and an architectural review board for new house plans. Seasonal lake view from the building site where you will be able to see the lake for miles. Build your new home when you're ready and enjoy the lake and your boat dock in the meantime! $295,000 (Hall)

of the sale process. She adeptly guided me through complex negotiations with our tenant, ensuring that I always felt informed and in control. In conclusion, if you are looking to buy or sell a property in GA, it would be nothing short of insanity not to call Michele Kaplan. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for her work truly set her apart. In a market crowded with professionals, Michele's star shines the brightest. Highly recommended.” - Liam

Herman Sosebee Road, Dawsonville

Buford Dam

Buford ON THE CHARMING

Just click the QR code with your phone’s camera to watch the video. You’ll find these and other Lake Lanier videos on our YouTube channel

@TheGoodLifeGroupLanier

Brittany

“I was just raving about you guys’ services to a friend. I definitely noticed the extra attention to detail, the extra level of care and the attentiveness. There were so many small subtle things that made the biggest difference. [Your] knowledge of the community, the area and…the estate process …everything was over and beyond. There’s a human aspect to grief and loss and [with you] I felt an added level of support. Ten out of ten, I would highly recommend! The professionalism was unparalleled.”

Check

…when you’re ready for …when ready for the good life! the life!

McCall, Homeowner

Sheila Davis

770-235-6907

sdavis@gonorton.com

770.536.1250

#1 Agent on Lanier since 2012

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

BUFORD

$3,395,000 • 8 ACRE LAKE LANIER ESTATE IN BUFORD! RARE opportunity to find acreage on south Lake Lanier! Many recent updates! Gated long drive, magnificent property offers acreage, trees, privacy and tranquility. Circular driveway leading to a beautiful, traditional, and updated 8,538 sq ft all-brick home with fully finished terrace level. Features: 2-car garage + a 2-car drive around garage at the terrace level with storage and a workshop, a heated gunite salt-water pool, and a large barn/workshop to store all your toys! Quiet cove on south lake, with 350' of shoreline, single slip party dock. No HOA! FMLS#7232570 5040 Blackberry Lane Sheila 770-235-6907

FLOWERY BR

CUMMING

GAINESVILLE

$3,355,000 • A “SOON TO BE BUILT HOME” IN THE NEW GATED NORTHRIDGE ESTATES ON LAKE LANIER DEVELOPMENT, plan by AR Homes “Palmetto” plan on lot 3, where water views, gentle topography and grass to water set this lot apart. 5,148 square feet of finished space plus 1287 sf of covered outdoor living space with two outdoor fireplaces. This plan is all about lake living and entertaining! Incredible lake views from almost every room. FMLS#7216157 4632-A Shirley Road Sheila 770-235-6907 or Stephanie 770-654-4161

GAINESVILLE

$2,700,000 • MAGNIFICENT SOUTH LAKE VIEWS! Custom 6 bedroom home w/3 finished levels of luxury, beautifully appointed w/upgrades and custom features throughout. Rare permitted-gravel path to deep-water max sized twin-slip party dock. Saltwater pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and firepit. FMLS#7224447 6538 Bluewaters Drive Sheila 770-235-6907

FLOWERY BR

$2,350,000 • THE LAKE LANIER HOME YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! 1st time on the market, this well maintained and updated property is move-in ready. Deepwater lot, one-year new 32x32 top of the line aluminum dock with party deck, cable railing and a boat hoist. FMLS#7241493 5845 Charleston Lane Stephanie 770-654-4161

GAINESVILLE

$1,995,000 • PREPARE TO BE WOWED BY THE BEST PANORAMIC WATER AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS ON LAKE LANIER FROM THIS BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME! In the gated High Pointe neighborhood with a covered boat slip. 5 BR, 4 BA & 2 half BA. FMLS#7232307 2736 High Vista Point Stephanie 770-654-4161

GAINESVILLE

$1,649,000 • 5 BEDROOM, 4 BATH RENOVATED RANCH over finished terrace level w/ lake views. 171 feet of water frontage on Lanier. Grandfathered road to 32x32 twin slip dock in protected deep cove. FMLS #7277024 5995 Warpath Road Stephanie 770-654-4161

1,600,000 • HARBOUR POINT Gorgeous 5 BR, 6.5 BA, w/ well-design-ed floor plan. Room for a pool. Home includes a boat slip option at the community dock, ensuring effortless enjoyment of the lake. FMLS# 7240914 Virtual tour: https://tinyturls.com/185726 3629 Lake Ridge Court Michelle 404-379-5798

$1,475,000 • TURN-KEY 5-BEDROOM LAKEFRONT RETREAT! Double slip, deep water dock with 234 feet +/- of water frontage! Nestled in nature. 32x32 dock features low maintenance decking, boat hoist/lift, dock boxes, and 2 jet ski ports. FMLS#7260125 3184 Lake Ranch Drive Nicole 678-858-0265

GAINESVILLE

• CONTEMPORARY LAKEFRONT HOME. 4 BR, 4BA in a highly sought after South Lake Lanier location, with a deep water double-slip dock. FMLS#7213774 5930 Pilgrim Point Extension Nicole 678-858-0265

FLOWERY BR

LOTS

Remembering Tom Dougela of Park Marine

By Pamela A. Keene

Brent Danneman remembers the first time he and Tom Dougela took a boat out on Lake Lanier as brand-new boat salesmen.

“We were both in boat sales at Browns Bridge Marine at Holiday Marina, and we took out a 40-foot Bayliner to test drive it,” said Danneman. “We got out on the lake then realized not only did we not know starboard from port, we also had no idea how to bring the boat back to the dock. We finally got another boater to take a line from us to be towed back to the dock.”

Needless to say, times changed over the years as the two friends spent the past 30 years in the boat business on the lake.

From those early days in the 1990s, Danneman and Dougela forged a relationship that went way beyond working together.

“Tom was one of my best friends all these years,” said Danneman. “We followed each other from Browns Bridge Marine at Holiday before settling at Park Marine. Tom was one of the best salesmen and boat brokers I’ve

even known. He will be missed.”

Dougela passed away on September 17 at his home in Buford of an apparent heart attack. He and Danneman were set to have lunch the next day, something they did regularly after Dougela retired from Park Marine.

“It’s hard to believe he’s gone,” Danneman said. “Over the years we had so much in common, it was just a natural friendship, starting as a business relationship but maturing over the

Pirates of Lanier Poker Run a success

years.”

The two bonded over military service back in the 1960s and 1970s. Both served in the US Army but didn’t meet until the early 1990s.

Both served domestically, with Dougela a drill soloist in the US Army Drill Team. He demonstrated his skills on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Dougela was part of the President’s Honor Guard for both President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Nearly 300 boaters, many from across the country, gathered at Lake Lanier the weekend of September 15-16 for the annual Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run. The event raised money for three Georgia charities – Camp Twin Lakes, Camp Sunshine and Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier.

He also served a detail at The tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“His dedication to country, family and his friends was beyond amazing,” Danneman said. “He knew so many people around the lake. He was greatly respected.

Dougela retired from Park Ma-

rine as a senior member of the sales staff several years ago, in his early 80s.

He is survived by his wife Terry, three daughters, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was interred at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

“Crazy About Sailboats” - Oil on canvas, 24x36, 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

Tom Dougela, left, and Brent Danneman.

PHOTO BY GORDON MEDIA SERVICES

Lake level: Down 4.7 feet

Clarity: Clear to mostly clear

Temperature: 80s

Bass fishing

Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good and getting better. The lake is currently down more than four feet so be careful running the lake as very shallow areas are starting to appear. The cooler temperatures have the bass moving into the fall top water mode and the fun fishing is beginning.

It is still a little hit or miss from day to day as some days are great for numbers but the next day is a little bit of a struggle. Even on the tough days though there are still some really good fish being caught. The Riser still was the best performer in recent days as it seems it’s something new that they haven’t seen. One of the surprises with the Riser is that it works so well even on days with no wind. This bait can be hard to find but currently both Hammonds and Lip Thrasher Lures have them available. Other baits that have been producing are the IMA ‘Skimmer, Vixen, Gunfish and Lanier Bait’s Magic Swimmer. On the sunny days chrome or clear bottom baits have been the best choice while on cloudy days a bait with a white bottom seems to produce the best.

Key areas have been off the sides of humps, long points and over brush in 25 feet or less of water. However they are likely to come up anywhere as this is a shad driven bite so watch for areas that the wind is blowing shad into. There is still a drop shot bite in the 25- to 30-foot brush with either a Blue Lily or Morning Dawn color worm. The largemouth are also starting to show up on both the top water bite and in the backs of the creeks with the cooler water. A green pumpkin worm or a three eights ounce jig in brown with chartreuse will get you bites. As the water continues to cool the activity is just going to increase so it’s a great time to go catch ’em!

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

Striper

fishing

Stripers are roaming around in search for oxygen. Once you locate a pocket of oxygen they will be close. Use down lines with blue backs fishing between 28 to 35 feet deep. Thumping the bottom of the boat can bring in the fish. Also try trolling lead core 250 to 280 feet back using jigs with chartreuse trailer and the underspin with the trailer. Umbrella rigs at 130 feet behind

the boat moving 2.7 to 3 mph with the big motor is working, too. Remember to wear your life jacket.

This striper report is by Buck Cannon 404 510-1778.

Crappie fishing

Recently we have been catching crappie at 8 to 15 feet deep over a 20- to 30-foot bottom. When it comes to bait, use small baits like a gray sugar bug and slow action and target shaded areas. Use live small minnows straight down with a split shot or small jigs with a slow retrieval for the best

results. In terms of timing, fishing during early morning or late evening when the temperature is slightly cooler is recommended. Look for covered docks near a channel. The moving water is a little cooler and may have a little more oxygen making the fish more active. The gear I recommend for crappie fishing is Acc crappie Stix 1 piece rod and reel with a 6-pound test K9 line, along with Garmin Live Scope and Power Pole.

This crappie report is by Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493.

Nautical Boat Club® is for Those Who Want More from a Boat Club

A premium experience sets us apart from the others

Your leisure time is valuable, and your Nautical Boat Club® membership will help you make the most of it. You and your family will enjoy all the benefits of playing out on the water, for less money, and without the stress or hassle of boat ownership. Here’s what sets us apart:

CONCIERGE-LEVEL SERVICE

• Experience the difference from the moment you step on the dock (boats are fueled and pre-packed) to your return, everything is taken care of so you can enjoy more valuable time with friends and family.

• Enjoy a personalized, impeccable guest experience led by a professional and knowledgeable dock crew.

• Cast off from the best marinas with tidy docks and an amazing fleet of boats to access any time.

EXCLUSIVE

MEMBERSHIP PERKS

• Premium boat brands and first-class maintenance

• Guaranteed reservations

• Unlimited use of the full fleet of boats

• Boating safety and orientation instruction

• Complimentary water toys

• Guests are always welcome

• Reciprocity at all Nautical Boat Club locations featuring premium ports and first-class marinas across the country

A favorite sailor, author and musician is gone too soon

I was just getting used to the loss of my song writing hero, Harry Chapin, when I saw Jimmy Buffett for the first time in concert. It was 1979 and he was playing at the Six Flags Amusement Park in Jackson N.J. For the price of admission to the park, you could enjoy all of the rides and see two concerts, one at 6 p.m. and one at 9:30. If you showed up after 5, admission was only five dollars! What a deal.

The silly thing was I couldn’t get anyone to go with me! I showed up with my binoculars in my knapsack, along with a bottle of rum and a couple of limes. I bought a large Coke and made for the concert venue, which was an outdoor stadium where they held rodeos during regular hours. It was small enough so I could get fairly close to the stage. Never having seen Jimmy before I was impressed by his charisma and the way you felt like he was singing the music just for you. He played his own music, and a lot of old favorites that fit in with the general laid-back atmosphere.

Vinnie Mendes

On the Water

After the concert, I bought another Coke and took my “Cuba Libre” to the Ferris wheel, where I relaxed until the next performance, going up and down and around with a spectacular view of the entire park. The second performance was a lot more crowded, so I opted to sit up in the top of the bleachers where I could get a good view of the audience as well as the musicians. The weather was hot and muggy, but the music was just as great as his first show.

He and the Coral Reefers played several different sets covering the favorites he missed the first time around. About halfway through the show a thunderstorm came through turning the whole

place into a wet T shirt contest. He and the band were sort of protected by a cover that overhung the stage, but a lot of rain blew in and drenched them too. They just kept on playing and after the song was over, he asked “Are y’all cool enough now that we’ve turned on the air conditioning?” I just sat back with my binoculars and enjoyed the scenery.

After that, I was hooked. Many of his songs just happened to come along at the right time of my life that they could have been written with me in mind. Here are a few of my anthems:

• Son of a Son of a Sailor

• Captain and the Kid

• He Went to Paris

• Growing Older but Not Up

• Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season

• The Weather is Here (I wish you were beautiful)

• Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

• If the Phone Doesn’t Ring It’s Me

• Boats to Build

• Last Mango in Paris

• A Pirate Looks at 40

Many people don’t know that Jimmy Buffet was also an author, publishing a number of books from fiction to music lessons. My favorites are “Where is Joe Merchant” and “A Salty Piece of Land.” (The last chapter of which brought tears to my eyes.)

Many eulogies have been written listing all his accomplishments but thinking of the profound influence he’s had on my life, all I can think of to say is, “Sail on, Jimmy, Sail on.”

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.”

Someone made this wood carving for Vinnie when he turned 40. He says it gives new meaning to Buffett’s song that includes “… the occupation's just not around."

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VINNIE MENDES

Onboard emergencies and how to handle them

Boating is a thrilling activity, but it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected situations on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice boater, knowing how to respond to emergencies can mean the difference between a safe outing and a dangerous situation. Below are some emergency situations and things that you can do to prepare yourself and your boat to be ready for each case.

Man Overboard (MOB)

Imagine cruising across the water and suddenly, someone goes overboard! Time is important in this situation. You need to get the person back on board quickly and safely.

• React immediately: Shout “Man overboard!” to alert others on the boat. Assign someone to keep their eyes on the person in the water. It is easy for the captain to lose sight of a person in the water while trying to handle the boat, especially in less than desirable conditions.

• Throw a flotation device: Toss a lifebuoy, or any flotation device, toward the person over-

board.

Frank Taylor

The Careful Captain

• Initiate a rescue: If conditions allow, carefully turn the boat around and approach the person in the water slowly and safely so that they don’t encounter the boat, especially the propellers.

Engine Failure

I have experienced this before and it is not fun. Your engine dies and it leaves you floating helplessly at the mercy of the current and wind.

• Drop anchor: This will prevent you from being pushed by the wind or current into a more dangerous situation. (Of course, if the water is too deep or if you are far away from land, it may not be possible to drop anchor.)

• Assess the situation: Deter-

mine the cause of the engine failure, such as fuel issues or mechanical problems. If you have the skills and/or tools, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.

• Call for help: Use your marine radio or cellphone to call for assistance if you can’t resolve the issue yourself. Having a membership with Tow Boat/US or Sea Tow is also a good resource.

• Use sails or auxiliary power: If you have sails and/or a backup engine available you may be able to maintain control of your boat and maneuver it to a safe location.

Grounding

There is a saying that you are not a real boater until you have run aground. Here is what you do if this happens.

• Reduce speed: Do this immediately to minimize potential damage.

• Check for damage: Assess the boat’s condition for problem areas.

• Re-float the boat: Try shifting weight on the boat. Alternatively, if you are in an area affected by tides and the tide is low, you can

wait for the next high tide to refloat the boat. If the boat is taking on water, you should not try to refloat it.

• Call for assistance: If you can’t re-float the boat, call a professional for help.

Fire on Board

This is probably the scariest of things that can happen on a boat. I know it’s easier said than done, but the best thing to do is remain calm.

• Alert everyone: Shout “Fire!” to alert all passengers.

• Isolate the fire: If safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher to try and contain the fire.

• Deploy flares/distress signals: Use these aids to signal for help.

• Abandon ship: If the fire can’t be controlled, get everyone into life jackets and abandon the boat. Move away from the boat to avoid injury from an explosion. Having a ditch bag available is extremely important. Keep one on the boat that is prepped and ready to go. It should contain things like flares, hand held marine radio,

emergency position indicating radio beacon and signaling devices.

Sinking Boat

This does not happen very often, but it can happen. Be prepared.

• Assess the situation: Determine the cause of the water ingress, such as a leak or hull damage. See if the leak can be stopped.

• Put on life jackets: Have everyone put on life jackets just in case.

• Use bilge pumps: If available, use these to remove water from the boat.

• Deploy life raft: In the event you are not able to stop your boat from sinking, grab your ditch bag, deploy the life raft (if equipped) and ensure everyone moves safely off the boat.

Remember, preparation and prevention are key to avoiding emergencies on the water. Conduct regular maintenance on your boat, stay informed about weather conditions, and equip your boat See Taylor, page 21

New Custom Construction • Ready to Move in Now!

Wow!!! Are you ready for Ultimate Lake Living? This home has the most amazing Sunset & Gentle Breezes every night,

do go inside,

will love this New Custom Construction Home with 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, located on the North End of Lake Lanier on 1.5 acres with a 3-car garage. Easy access to 32’x32’ Double Slip Martin Aluminum dock using the concrete golf cart path. Too Many Special Features to List. This is a real must see! Sophisticated, Open Concept Design with easy entertaining on a large scale and for everyday living. Impressive Gourmet Kitchen with Custom Wood Cabinets to Ceiling, Quartz Countertops, 48” gas stainless steel gas range, Beautiful Metal Vent Hood, 11’ wide center island, coffee station, built in microwave and large walk-in pantry. Great Outdoor Living, starting at Front Porch with Eastern Pine Columns, Vaulted Covered Back Porch, Back Deck with Trex Deck Flooring + Terrace Level Cover Patio. Effortless flow from Indoor to Outdoor Spaces with Multiple 8’ Sliding Glass Doors. One of the Special Features is 2 Primary Bedrooms, 1 on Main level and 1 on Terrace level. Luxurious Main Level Primary Bathroom with free-standing soaking tub, steam shower, body sprayers, heated floors, Makeup station and VIP suite, LED vanity mirrors. Spacious Storage Closet with Washer and Dryer hookups + Custom Closet design, floor to ceiling closet system. All 5 bedrooms have their own ensuite and view of the lake. The Terrace level was built for entertainment with a 12' ceiling, Custom Wine Cellar, 2nd Kitchen & Bar, Designer Lighting, Large Gathering Room with fireplace, game room & extra unfinished storage. 2nd primary suite with large bedroom and large bathroom. 5th bedroom is extra special with access to the bunk room from this room. Great when having extra family or friends visit. This property offers tremendous flexibility, both outdoors and inside, for the maximum enjoyment of just about any activity or hobby. It is one of the most extraordinary properties for entertaining friends and family at the lake. All bathrooms have showers designer tile to ceiling, all glass frameless shower enclosures, handheld sprayers, and modern matte black fixtures throughout. Smart technology designed with 1-gig high-speed internet, state-of-the-art interior and exterior. This home is also equipped with an EV charging outlet and is pre-wired for a whole-home generator, pool and security cameras. Spray insulation, batts and ceiling insulation between floor systems for noise reduction. Plenty of parking with 16ft driveway and extra 2 parking pads. There is No HOA. $3,450,000

Thank you to our Business Sponsors!

Thanks to the support and partnership of our business sponsors, the Lake Lanier Association is able to make a greater impact. Consider supporting these businesses which work with LLA towards a Clean, Full and Safe Lake Lanier. Shore Sweep 2023 was made possible by the following:

Dragon boat festival draws thousands to Lake Lanier

The waning dog days of summer brought the 26th annual Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival once again to Lake Lanier’s Olympic Park. The event continues to unite people from many cultures and backgrounds through team building, sportsmanship, and competition. Held on September 6, there were 64 registered teams that competed in 11 divisions. Proceeds from the event benefit Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club and Dragon Boat Atlanta, a Breast Cancer Awareness dragon boat team.

According to Tracy Barth, director of the festival, “this year showed us that teams are ready to return to the water and in a big

way! With a crowd estimate of just over 8,000, we are already planning how to better accommodate this growing event.”

As exciting improvements like the new boathouse and additions to the tower side of the venue are completed, Lake Lanier Olympic Park will continue to honor its Olympic legacy in style with events like the Dragon Boat Festival where spectators and attendees can witness the blessing of the boats by Laotian Buddhist monks, enjoy the cultural displays and dances, sample food, and enjoy Lake Lanier. To get race results or learn more about past and future Dragon Boat Festivals, visit: DragonBoatAtlanta.com.

There was plenty of splashing during the event.

Buddhist monks from north Georgia bless the fleet to ensure the safety of paddlers during competition.

Elaborate costumes were part of the opening ceremony.

The banging of drums help keep paddlers in rhythm.

Boats are set for the start.

From yawns to consternation, students from the Omni International School in Atlanta prepare to sing during the opening ceremony.

PHOTOS BY KIM MARTIN/KIMMERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Members of the Laotian American Society sported colorful umbrellas during their opening ceremony performance, left.

A dragonboat passes near Clark's Bridge during competition, right.

Paddlers reach deep to move their dragon boat during a race.

Will the fall colors come out this year?

Without a doubt, October is my favorite month of the year. The first tinges of the cooler temperatures that lie ahead provide a refreshing reprieve from those brutal summer temperatures we endured this year. Most days being outside is like natural air conditioning, rarely too hot or too cold. What I love most of course, is the fall color. While science continues to try and understand exactly what happens at this time of year, we do know for certain the three things that influence fall color. They are the leaf pigments, the weather, and most importantly, the increasing hours of night. The veins that carry water into leaf gradually close off, trapping sugars, as nights grow longer. During this time, biochemical processes continue in our trees, turning the

Glenn Burns Lanier Outlook

landscape into a mosaic of yellow maples, red sourwoods and oaks, purple dogwoods, and the golden bronze of the hickories.

Every October I am asked if I think we will have a good fall color season. Some years they are dull and muted and there are those years when the countryside looks like it’s on fire. I tell people it really depends on the weather. Here is what we need for spectacular fall color. First, we need a long string of sunny and warm days. At night, we need cool temperatures, but not freezing. The first part of our autumn equation is in our favor, but not the second. Our 90 day autumn outlook continues to show warmer than normal temperatures but also is suggestion above normal rainfall as well.

While these warm temperatures are beneficial, anything too warm, will make the color less intense. A lot of rain is never a good thing for brilliant fall color. Heavier rains also cause the leaves to fall off the trees faster, making for a shorter season.

This autumn I would say might be a little muted due to the increased rain predicted. (You can track Georgia’s fall colors live by going to www.exploregeorgia.org.)

See Burns, page 46

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

Karen Minton's peak leaf color forecast.

PHOTO:WSB-TV

Reconnecting with his roots: A sailor looks homeward 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

Around Lake Lanier, Ricki Lee Hagen is known as a seasoned sailor and a licensed 100ton US Coast Guard Near Coastal Master Captain who’s also the owner of Grendel, the 37-foot wooden cutter that would be perfectly at home on an open sea. Hagen’s trademark vessel, and the bones of Lord Nelson Charters Ltd., has graced the waters on Lanier for nearly three decades, providing sunset cruises, corporate team-building programs, and a true representation of the romance of sailing.

“Theater was my first love when I was younger, but the first time I set foot on a sailboat, my life changed,” said Hagen, who came to the lake in the 1980s as a beach entertainer at Lanier Islands. “At that time, I was doing five 15-minute Childrens Theater shows to entertain the kids at the beach, and between sets I explored and learned to sail on a Sunfish.”

That initial adventure, where he readily admits to capsizing or being knocked in the head by the boom, led him to larger boats, becoming an American Sailing Association instructor and landing a gig doing corporate team building for Lanier Sailing Academy, then owned by Bob Evans in the mid1990s.

Hagen’s roots

Growing up on a farm in Northeast Iowa, Hagen’s early life on a 360-acre dairy farm was

filled with 24/7 farm chores, raising horses and no vacations.

“Sailing was the furthest thing from my imagination in those days,” he said with a smile. “Little did I know how much my goals and my life would change.”

Always interested in theater, performing in high school and studying it in college, he moved to Atlanta in 1973 and worked for the Georgia Railroad for nearly a decade. He still found time to stay involved in theater and the technical side of the entertainment business as a sound engineer in the music business, working with several local bands including Midnight Sneaker, Gary Bennett Band and blues singer/songwriter Mary Ellen Jones.

He soon left his railroad job to pursue theater and music full time. He directed plays at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, was lighting designer for Capital City Opera and stage managed The Nutcracker each Christmas for the North Georgia Ballet. He acted in many Atlanta theater productions, taught acting classes and performed in schools with a local children’s theater. He also found time to tour with a Christian music group out of Mount Paran Church and directed Easter and Christmas productions there.

“When I heard about an opportunity at Lanier Islands and a chance to act, I didn’t hesitate,” he said. “Looking back on that time now, taking that job and deciding to learn to sail pretty much shaped the next 30 years of my life.”

He taught at Lanier Sailing Academy’s ASA school, continued to do corporate team building for Evans and began to dream of a life on the water.

“Bob was a great mentor to me and encouraged me to pursue my love of

sailing,” Hagen said.

It was at this time he earned his US Coast Guard 50-ton Masters license, purchased Grendel and began nurturing his dream, a 5-year plan to get a sailboat ready for a second 5-year plan to sail to Australia to see the America’s Cup.

Grendel: A story all its own

Along the way, Hagen came across Ned Smith, who worked at Aqualand and had built the Lord Nelson sailing ship from scratch. Grendel was a classic cold molded sailing yacht featuring elegant mahogany hull, traditional bronze fixtures and seven different exotic woods used in the cabin.

“Ned worked on that boat for seven years, first under a tarp at Aqualand and later in a Quonset hut that he actually built for the project. Truth be told, he built the hut around the boat, and had his own dream of a circumnavigation.”

Once the boat was complete, Grendel had several adventures of its own. First it was trailered to Tennessee, where it was used in a pilot for a proposed television series. Then Smith took the boat to Savannah where he was soon to discover that ocean sailing wasn’t for him! When he brought it back to Lanier, Smith sold the boat to Hagen.

Abandoning his 5-year sailing plan, in 1997 Hagen opened Lord Nelson Charters Ltd., his own American Sailing Association school at Lanier Islands, where he also provided sailing charters, corporate team building programs for the resort and managed a sailboat rental fleet. Grendel was the star of the business.

“I had several licensed US Coast Guard captains who brought their boats and joined me at Lord Nelson Charters,” he said, “including Bob Miller, Nate Hope and Vinnie Mendes. Business was good.”

Since that time, Grendel has been used for pirate-themed corporate team-building programs, sunset cruises, chartered half-day and full-day excursions on Lake Lanier. It’s even been the scene for magazine, catalog and TV shoots as well as several romantic proposals and weddings.

“She cuts such an elegant presence on the water and there’s not another craft like her,” Hagen said. “She truly represents the adventure, intrigue and romance of sailing.”

Romance of another kind

In addition to opening Lord Nelson Charters in 1997, his life changed even more that year. He met his future wife Nilsa at a church picnic and in 1999 their newborn son Christian joined their blended family of four daughters. Between them, they now have 15 grandchildren, and this year they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

He and Nilsa started sailing together and eventually were hired to provide sailing charters in the Caribbean for Atlanta-based WinShape Foundation’s marriage enrichment programs.

“We’d do about eight or so couples’ trips each year, and I had someone here running the charter business and school at Lanier,” he said. “When Hurricane Irma hit the BVIs in 2017, we had to restructure and moved the program to the Abacos in the Bahamas.”

Hagen’s love of bluewater sailing prompted him and Nilsa to purchase a 35foot Endeavor sailboat in 2010 to keep at the coast near Myrtle Beach.

“I purchased the Sea Jay from a buddy of mine who sailed it out of Punta Gorda,” Hagen said. He brought it back to Lanier and used it in the fleet at Lanier Islands until moving it to Little River, S.C. “It was perfect

for us to keep on the Atlantic where we often sailed her with family and friends.”

Hagen has continued his charters and nautical team building on Lake Lanier, but in the past year or so, he’s decided he is ready to return to his roots. One of the first steps was selling the Endeavor last month.

“I wasn’t prepared for the emotion of letting Sea Jay go. All I could think of was all the memories, so many memories and it was really hard.”

About those roots Hagen again has a plan. He has put Lord Nelson Charters, Grendel and the ASA school on the market, either separately or together.

“Nilsa and I are ready to just buy a piece of land north of here, have a garden and a place for kids and grandkids to get away, ride dirt bikes and enjoy a country life,” he said. “After all, I started my life on a farm, and I’d like to get back to that part of my heritage. There’s still so much to do, and of course, we’ll still be sailing.”

Captain Ricki Lee, wife Nilsa, daughter Heather and granddaughters Ashlynn and Haley.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RICKI LEE HAGEN

A sunset scene aboard Gresdel.

Clients having a good time aboard Gresdel.

Tips from an non-expert on how to take the shot (photo) – properly

Pictures of days that you go fishing, hunting, camping or hiking are treasures that grow in value with each viewing. Trouble is that many folks do not know how to make the best of it.

Here are a few notes and examples of both poorly shot and properly taken photos. Are the better ones more valuable? Well, no, but they are surely more viewable. If the photo quality and positioning causes you to ask, “Who’s that in the picture?” Well, you probably could have done better.

• Taylor

Continued from Page 14

with essential safety equipment. Additionally, take boating safety courses to enhance your knowledge and readiness. Atlanta’s Boating Club and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary both offer boating safety classes to the public.

In the end, your safety and the safety of your passengers

Ok, here we go.

1. GET CLOSER. I doubt the photo is a landscape shot. Vir-

tually it’s a photo of a person or persons, so, get close to the subject.

2. Great deer photo but who is the hunter?

The hunter’s face should not be covered in shadow. Use the sun or some type of reflector or

should always be the top priority when boating. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and may your journeys on the water be safe and enjoyable.

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

simply remove or move your cap or hat back on your head to reveal the face. Your face should be centered in the top half of the photo and the bottom of the picture should stop at your belt line. It’s rarely useful for the photo to show your feet, so the bottom is the belt line, center of the top half is the face.

3. Sunrises and sunsets are great topics and it’s hard to go wrong. The thing you should do is put a recognizable shape of someone in the photo. Make it a silhouette

if you like, just get a person in there. Put the silhouette in a corner with the sunrise or sunset in the center of the top half.

4. Keep trying for that perfect fishing photo.

I can’t say I’m an expert at this photography thing at all. Maybe 10 percent of my photos are shot correctly, but we can all do better. I’ve included a few examples in this effort. Good luck with these “shots.”

O’Neill Williams has been a television, radio and print personality for more than 40 years and more recently has added podcasts and video on demand to his repertoire.

Tip: Make sure the face isn’t hidden by shadows. Tip: A sunset or sunrise shot should have a person in it.

This is what O’Neill considers a perfect photo.

♫ denotes musical event

o Oct. 2-15 – Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser Sale Info: 678-898-4296; themarketplace1717@gmail.com.

o Oct. 5 – Local Author Fair held 2-7 p.m. at Gainesville Branch Library

o Oct. 5-15 – Cumming Country Fair & Festival, Cumming Fairgrounds. 770-781-3491.

♫ Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Dec. 21 – Music Concert held at Murrayville Library. 770-532-3311.

♫ Oct. 6 – Austin Coleman performs at 7 p.m. at Tap It Gainesville Growlers. 678-421-3312.

o Oct. 7 – Cocktails in the Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville 404-888-4760.

o Oct. 7 – Greeting Card Workshop featured at Hall County Library, Gainesville Branch. Info: 770-532-3311, ext. 4011.

o Oct. 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2 – First Thursdays at Old Town Flowery Branch. 404-491-9601.

♫ Oct. 13 – Roger Moore performs 8 p.m. at Jacks Public House, 6332 Grand Hickory Dr., Braselton. Info: 770-967-8377.

o Oct. 13, 14 – Lula Legends & Lore offers tales and history of Lula held at Lula Mercantile. Info: 386-385-2042.

♫ Oct. 13 – Elevation, a tribute to U2 performs at Rosati’s Pizza & Sports Pub, 9 p.m. 678-513-1113.

♫ Oct. 14, Nov. 11 – Roger Moore Music featured at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. 678-805-2380.

o Oct. 14 – Dinner & Concert to Support Rainbow Children’s Home Info: 706-864-5110; melinda@RainbowChildrensHome.org.

♫ Oct. 14 – The King James Boys perform at 7 p.m. at Pure in Heart Gospel Chicken House, Info: 706-300-6733.

♫ Oct. 20 – The Troubadour Project performs at 7 p.m. at Cresswind at Lake Lanier. 770-536-3300.

Lakeside Calendar October 2023

♫ Oct. 21 – The Troubadour Project performs at 7 p.m. at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes, Info: 770-455-5844.

♫ Oct. 21 – U.S. Navy Band Commodores National Tour will perform at 7-8:30 p.m. at West Forsyth High School. Info: 770-888-3470.

o Oct. 27 – Tea with Jane Austen: Gainesville Branch of the Hall County Library System, 770532-3311, X4011.

♫ Oct. 27, Dec. 8 – Roger Moore Music featured at Loco’s Grill & Pub, 770-534-5771.

♫ Oct. 29 – Gold City Quartet performs at 6:15 p.m. at New Haven Congregational Holiness Church. Info: 770-532-1141.

♫ Dec. 1 – Aunt Betty performs 9 p.m. at Branch House Tavern. Info: 678-828-8345.

Brenau University

o Thru Oct. 12 – Leggett Collection and other highlights from Brenau University Permanent Collection. Sellars Gallery at Simmons Visual Arts Center.

o Thru Oct. 25 – Maggie Evans Solo Exhibition. Info: 770-534-6299.

o Thru Nov. 28 – Chris Boyko: Assembling the Masses, in the Presidents Gallery.

♫ Oct. 24 – The Poet Speaks concert presented by the Music Department and the Vocal Chamber Ensemble at John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts.

Info: 770-538-4764; brenau.edu

Buford Community Center

♫ Oct. 20 – The Purple Piano

♫ Nov. 2, 3 – Live at the Garden: A Tribute to Billy Joel Info: bufordcommunitycenter.com

Cumming City Center

♫ Oct. 20 – The Bourbon Brothers Band

♫ Oct. 27 – Brotherhood, a Doobie Brothers Tribute

Info: 770-781-2010; cummingcitycenter.com

Clarkesville’s Historic Habersham

Community Theater

o Oct. 4-8, 12-15 – Clue, murder mystery

Info: 706-839-1315; habershamcommunitytheater.com

Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater

o Oct. 1, Oct. 6-8 – The Music Man

♫ Oct. 14 – Banks & Shane

♫ Oct. 28 – Chi-Town Transit Authority

Info: 706-530-5162; hollytheater.com

Gainesville Theatre Alliance

o Oct. 7-14 – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Info: 678-717-3624;gainesvilletheatrealliance.org

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

♫ Oct. 6-14 – Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

Info: georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Interactive Neighborhood Kids

o Oct. 2-8 – Taco Craft Week

o Oct. 9-15 – Christopher Columbus Craft Wk

o Oct. 16-22 – Baseball Craft Week

o Oct. 23-29 – Halloween Craft Week

o Oct. 27 – HallowINK

o Oct. 30-Nov. 5 – Pumpkin Craft Week, Info: 770-536-1900; inkfun.org

Piedmont University

♫ Oct. 3 – Corey Flowers

Info: 800-277-7020; piedmont.edu.

Quinlan Arts Center

o Thru Oct. 7 – Fall exhibition

o Oct. 12-Dec. 9 – 76th Annual Members Show

o Thru Oct. 18 – North Georgia Art League

Fall Exhibition “Putting on the Maude.”

o Oct. 28 – Q Ball, A Night at Moulin Rouge, Info: 770-536-2575; quinlanartscenter.org

School Street Playhouse)

♫ Oct. 21 – Joe Gransden Quartet

o Thru Oct. 21 – Moon Over Buffalo

Info: 770-781-9178; schoolstreetplayhouse.com

Tannery Row Artist Colony

o Oct. 14 - 2nd Saturday events

Info: 470-326-6656; tanneryrowartistcolony.net The Arts Council

o Thru Oct. 6 – 2023 Artist Educator Exhibition

Info: julie@theartscouncil.net; 770-534-2787. 37 Rock Cafe

♫ Oct. 6 – Sammy

♫ Oct. 7 – Pickup Line

♫ Oct. 13 – The Troubadour Project

♫ Oct. 14 – Manorism

♫ Oct. 20 – Freebird (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute),

♫ Oct. 21 – 80 HD (‘80s New Wave Hits)

♫ Oct. 27 – Legends of Rock, 9:30 p.m.

♫ Oct. 28 – Nightmare on Main Street

Info: 678-288-2030; buford.37main.com. The Well

♫ Oct. 20 – 84 a Tribute to Van Halen

♫ Oct. 27 – Carpool

♫ Oct. 28 – Rush Band

♫ Dec. 16 – Slippery When Wet

♫ Nov. 11 – Landslide, Fleetwood Mac tribute Info: 404-271-3178; gigs@thewellga.com.

University of North Georgia

♫ Oct. 5 – Sinfonietta Concert

♫ Oct. 13 – Jazz Band Fall Concert

♫ Oct. 27 – UNG Piano Ensemble Concert

Info: 678-717-3930; www.ung.edu.

Voices of North Georgia

♫ Oct. 13, 14 – Celtic Airs Info: voicesofnorthgeorgia.com. For more calendar details, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.

Sunrise Cove Marina is named for the stunning views and surroundings, especially against the morning sunrise. A quiet cove tucked away on Lake Lanier, the Marina rests on 62 sprawling acres of beautiful timberland countryside, with an abundance of wildlife presence.

Cumming City Center offers new destination for concerts, shopping, dining, outdoor fun

By Jane Harrison

It’s a place where folks can tread on a boardwalk over a wetland studded with seasonal native blooms, shop for trendy game day duds, grab an ice-cream cone or sit down for dinner, groove to live music, and sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar. No, it’s not booming downtown Gainesville. It’s the Cumming City Center, a 75-acre retail, entertainment, and green space community mecca that seemingly sprung from the dirt west of town.

Prior to taking office, Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow envisioned a modern gathering place grounded in old time Americana, a welcoming place where hometowners and visitors in flip flops or gym clothes could shop, dine, and mingle. Or where high school homecoming courts in glam attire could primp and pose.

“When I ran for election in 2017, my vision for the city was creating a city center. I found that property for sale and it was the only suitable site financially for what I wanted to do,” he said. The acreage, consisting of kudzu-covered former farmland, an eroded straightened stream, lots of kudzu, and adjoining empty lots collecting litter, became the go-to destination downtown Cumming could not offer. Hemmed in by municipal buildings, the jail, and poultry industry infrastructure, the old heart of Forsyth County resembled a clogged artery, a workplace beat that shut down after work.

The city put roughly $4 million into acquiring the property between Ga. 20 and Sawnee Drive, a swath between one of the oldest

churches in the city and Forsyth Central High School. Another 11 acres was donated. Brumbalow walked the land with a notebook and penciled in his vision: local shops and eateries with early 20th century facades, a grassy amphitheater, classic fountain, pocket parks steeped in local history, mini-golf course, and a half-mile trail system destined to tie into the Big Creek Greenway from Cumming to Roswell.

After groundbreaking in 2019, the pandemic slowed construction and development somewhat, but it also brought new business perspectives seeking fresh air.

“Covid did not stop local business owners,” said Cumming City Center Marketing Director Jennifer Archer. “A lot saw the downtime as an opportunity to change strategies, to reinvent.”

The new concept at the City Center presented open air spaces, where eatery customers could order dinner at a booth inside or purchase food at server windows and eat at a pavilion with tables. Merchants liked the center’s walkability which invited people on fitness walks or pushing strollers into their shops and restaurants.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony in June 2022, Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp praised the project as both a local amenity and a “new venue that will draw visitors from around the state and beyond.” That ceremony marked the end of the city’s construction phase and the beginning of individual buildouts at each business, according to a City Center press release.

Archer said she sought a vari

ety of local mom and pop businesses and avoided big box. “We tried to target different types of food and clothing stores from trendy to boho to offer different types of vibes,” she said. She added that the 117,000 feet of retail space is completely leased. Some of the businesses are still getting ready to open, including Crooked Culture Brewery which is hiring but buckets and ladders inside show a tap room not ready to pour. A sign in a British pub front says “Coming Soon.”

Each store that opened after months of pop-up markets and food trucks marked a milestone, according to Archer. “The coffee shop is always packed,” she said. The farmers market, which moved from the Cumming Fairgrounds, will continue to bring in shoppers on Saturdays through the fall. Annual festivals, such as the September Cumming Art Fest and upcoming winter market, holiday tree lighting, and beer, wine and seltzer celebration, all enrich the culture of the small town-outside-of-town.

Archer said “a huge deal” was consummated when Cummingbased Lou Sobh Automotive signed as title sponsor of the centerpiece amphitheater. “Lou Sobh has been extremely active supporting our community,” she said. The partnership enables the center to host nearly weekly entertainment arranged by Chris Cauley’s Four Carsons Entertainment, run

by a Cumming music director and vocalist who performed on NBC’s “The Voice.” Live jazz, blues, folk, and rock concerts bring 2,000 to 3,000 attendees to the outdoor venue on weekend nights.

When the amphitheater’s artificial turf is not lined with concertgoers, the kids of Cumming come out to play. On a September evening after a rainy day, dozens of kids of all ages tossed frisbees and footballs. Teenagers from North Forsyth High School dressed-up for homecoming festivities romped the grounds and posed for photos at the fountain. Miniature golf players putted on greens that replicate famous holes around the

world. Parents pushed strollers along the boardwalks that meander over late summer wildflowers and cattails. Clear weather views of Sawnee Mountain beckon future hikers to explore the territory across Ga. 20 where trail expansion is under way.

A server at Homestead, an upscale casual restaurant with rooftop bar, remembers riding 4-wheelers on the vacant territory when he was in high school. He savors the venue now. “I love the City Center. It is a place for Forsyth County to show who we are, where we are.”

“I’m happy it’s come to life,”

See Cumming, page 35

PHOTOS BY JANE HARRISON

Kids of all ages play on the Lou Sobh Amphitheater lawn at Cumming City Center.

The reflection pond behind the amphitheater forms a favorite backdrop for photos of special occasions.

A Roswell artist shows Art by Dawn Corner to shoppers at the Cumming Art Fest last month at Cumming City Center, above.

Putt-putt golfers aim on greens that replicate famous holes around the world at Cumming City Center, right.

Folks gathered to shop and mingle at Cumming City Center for the Cumming Art Fest on a rainy Saturday last month.

Outdoor Calendar October 2023

♫ denotes musical event.

o 53rd Oktoberfest, Helen. Bavarian-themed music, food, dancing, drinks through Oct. 29, Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strauss. 6:3010 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays, 1 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sundays, $10 Mon.-Fri., $12 Sat., Fri. & Sat. $20; www.helenchamber.com, 706-878-1619.

o Scarecrows in the Garden, Gainesville. See scarecrow creations by local artists, youth groups, businesses and more, Oct. 3-29, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission, www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Family Frolics Nature Program, Gainesville. Explore natural habitats with sensory play, crafts, stories and more, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 & Nov. 1, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Children ages 18 mo.-4 yrs. free with $10 adult admission. Register in advance. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

o Cumming Country Fair & Festival. Carnival rides, live music, bull-riding, petting zoo, doggie sports, sea lion show, human cannonball, chainsaw carving, haunted attraction, and heritage village, Oct. 5-15, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. 4-10 p.m. www.cummingfair.squarespace.com.

o Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee. Oct. 6-14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Rd. Big name country and blue grass performers, pioneer village, daredevil and cowboy circus, carnival rides, flower show and crafts exhibits. $6 arts & crafts ticket, $16 day pass includes concerts. No pets. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

o Kids’ Old Fashioned Cooking, Sautee Nacoochee. Children age 7-12 accompanied by adult learn how to cook lunch on historic wood stove, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 6, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. Reservations required. Limit 20. 706-878-1077, www.gastateparks.org.

♫ First Friday Concert, Dahlonega. Live music by Kurt Thomas, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Hancock Park, corner of North Park and Warwick St. www.dahlonega.org.

o 54th Annual Sorghum Festival, Blairsville. Vintage mule-run sorghum mill, sorghum “biskits,” crafts, mountain music, pioneer demonstrations and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7 & 8, 14 & 15, Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane. www.blairsvillesorghumfestival.com, 706-745-2272.

o Braselton Medieval Fair. Living history exhibits, vendors, armor and martial culture from 11th century, and more, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7 & 8, Braselton Town Green, 9924 Davis St. www.explorebraselton.com.

o Indian Summer Festival, Suches. Crafts, food, music, and Saturday night dance at school gym at community center, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7 & 8, Woody Gap School, 2331 Ga. 60. www.suches.com. 706-747-2401.

o Tugaloo Lake Paddle, Tallulah Falls. Guided paddle on park lake, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 7, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Call to register. $25, plus $5 parking. 706-7547981, www.gastateparks.org.

o Foxfire Mountaineer Festival, Clayton. Traditional music and crafts, greased pole climbing, sack racing, longest beard contest, crosscut saw contest, children’s activities, food,

and demonstrations of rail splitting, team plowing, and quilting, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct.7, Rabun County Civic Center, 201 W. Savannah St. www.foxfire.org.

o National Play Outside Day, Gainesville. Family field day activities, 11a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 7, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Call to register. $10 per person, free to members. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

o Raptors in the Park, Tallulah Falls. Blue Ridge Raptors brings birds of prey to the park, 11-11:30 a.m. Oct. 7, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5-$7.50, plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981, www.gastateparks.org.

o Cocktails in the Garden, Gainesville. Enjoy cocktails on garden paths serenaded by musicians, 5-8 p.m. Oct.7, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Build a Terrarium, Gainesville.1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 7, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $50, $45 members. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Lake Lanier Islands Triathlon/Aquabike, Buford. 400-yard swim/15-mile bike/5K run or swim/bike option, individuals and relays, 7:30 a.m. Oct. 8, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Resort, Grand Hall Parking Lot, 7000 Holiday Rd. $105-$175. www.gamultisports.com.

o Scarecrow Crafts, Gainesville. Create art coordinated with Scarecrows in the Garden, 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 10, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Motul Petit Le Mans/Fox Factory 120, Braselton. 10-hour sports car race, plus 120-mile sprint, plus kick off festival on Braselton Town Green, kids zone, food trucks, car corrals, camping and more, Oct. 11-14, racing on Oct. 14, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Hwy. www.roadatlanta.com.

o Mule Camp Market, Gainesville. Free Friday & Saturday night concert, plus more live music, food, carnival rides, and art jamboree, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 13&14, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 15, Midland Greenway, 682 Grove St. www.gainesvillejaycees.org, 770-532-7714.

o Fall Plant Sale, Gainesville. Public sale of fall plants, Oct. 13-14, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Backpack Love Fun Run/5K, Flowery Branch. 7:45/8 a.m. Oct. 14, Flowery Branch Depot, 5517 Main St. $25-$35. www.runnersfit.com.

o Chris Gaunt 5K/10K, Gainesville. 8/9 a.m. Oct. 14, Flat Creek Baptist Church, 5504 Flat Creek Rd. $25-$50. www.active.com.

o 52nd Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay. Apple treats, food trucks, crafts, music, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays Oct. 14 & 15, 21 & 22, Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 S. Main St. No pets or firearms. www.georgiaapplefestival.org, 706-636-4500.

o Fly Fishing Clinic, Helen. Trout Unlimited introduces fly fishing to beginners, 10 a.m.noon Oct. 14, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5, plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087, www.gastateparks.org.

o Tales on the Trail, Mountain City. Guided family-friendly hike to hear interesting stories about the park and mountains, plus campfire and s’mores, 3-5 p.m. Oct. 14, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. Meet at the lake. $5 parking. 706-7452141, www.gastateparks.org.

o Paddle Your Saddle Triathlon, Dawsonville. 1.7-mile lake paddle/6.81-mile bike ride/2.15mile run, individuals and relays, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 15, War Hill Park, 4081 War Hill Park Rd. $40$65. www.fivestarntp.com.

o No School Nature Day, Gainesville. Children ages 3 and older discover live animal exhibits and create crafts relating to nocturnal animals, 10 a.m-3 p.m. Oct. 16-18, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

o Third Thursday Home School Program, Gainesville. Ages 5-12 learn about nocturnal animals, 9-11 a.m. Oct. 19, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $15 per student, members free. Register in advance. 770535-1976, www.elachee.org.

o Running Scared 5K/15K, Dawsonville. Race in optional costumes, 8 a.m. Oct. 21, Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. $35-$65. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Give it a Shot Shotgun Clinic, Helen. Participants age 12 and older learn to handle, operate, maintain and store a shotgun, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 19, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. 706-878-3087, www. gastateparks.org.

o Halloween Block Party, Flowery Branch. Urban legends/myths theme, costumes encouraged, food trucks, live music, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 20, 5512 Main St. www.discoverlakelanier.com.

♫ Outdoor Concert, Cumming. The Bourbon Brothers Band, 7 p.m. Oct. 20, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton St. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com.

o Senior City Golf Championship, Gainesville. Open to Hall County male amateur golfers over age 50, Oct. 21-22, Chattahoochee Golf Course, 301 Tommy Aaron Dr. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Gold Rush 5K, Dahlonega. 8 a.m. Oct. 21, Memorial Hall Gymnasium, UNG Campus, 82 College Circle. $20-$35. www.runnersfit.com.

o Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega. Parade, crafts, food, panning for gold, buck dancing, gospel singing, and blue grass music, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 & 22, Public Square/ Downtown Historic District. www.goldrushdaysfestival.com.

o Fall Leaf Peeping, Gainesville. Mid-morning kayak paddle from boathouse to see fall colors, 9-11 a.m. Oct. 21 & 28, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge. $20. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Run for Life 5K/Kiddie K, Gainesville. 9:30/10:30 a.m. Oct. 21, Lakeview Academy, 796 Lakeview Dr. $25-$30. www.active.com.

o Tour de Tugaloo, Toccoa. 53-mile mixed surface gravel bike ride plus 100-, 62-, 38- and 20mile road rides, with SAG vehicles and SAG stops, post ride meal and entertainment, 9 a.m. 100-mile start, 9:30 a.m. other routes start, Oct. 21, Toccoa First United Church, 333 East Tugaloo St. $60. www.active.com.

o Grow Your Own Microgreens, Gainesville. 10-11 a.m. Oct. 21, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $50, $45 members. www.at lantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Mountain Farm Celebration, Sautee Nacoochee. Old fashioned country fair with pioneer skills and exhibits, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, biscuits baked in wood-fired antique stove, old timey games, plus first floor tour of historic mansion, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 21, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.

o 18th Annual Gainesville Chicken Festival

Fifteen-plus teams compete in chicken cook-off, plus kids’ zone, recycled art market, live music and more, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 21, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Purchase wristband for 10 chicken samples. www.exploregainesville.org, 770-531-2664.

o Beginner Archery, Tallulah Falls. Learn to shoot an arrow or improve your skills, 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 21, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Must be strong enough to pull 30- pound bow. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Camp Elachee for Adults, Gainesville. Adventurous fun-draising event 5-8 p.m. Oct. 21, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $35. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

o Liquid Learning Science Night, Gainesville. Georgia DNR presents program on Bats of Georgia, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 24, at location to be announced. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

o The Unseen World of Microscopic Botany, Gainesville. 10-11 a.m. Oct. 25, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $34, $29 members. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o 56th Annual Mountain Moonshine Car Show/Festival, Dawsonville. Huge car show, race car parade (9 a.m. Oct. 28), moonshine still, free moonshine samples, crafts, games, kids’ rides, music, and more, Oct. 27-29, Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 E. www.kareforkids.org. 706-216-5273.

– compiled by Jane Harrison For more calendar details, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.

Finding a way to fish is always possible on Alaskan cruises

Travelers looking through the big picture window on deck 2 we were stunned to see numerous large fish being hauled up by somebody on the 3rd deck above them. Within in minutes, I had drawn a crowd as I landed and released rockfish by the dozens from a tiny walkway! Because I was prepared, this was simply one of many exciting times catching fish while on an Alaskan cruise.

If one has the proper equipment, any cruise or overland Alaskan trip can be greatly improved by adding some diverse fishing opportunities to the mix. First you should know what to carry and how and when to successfully use these simple angling tools.

After much trial and error, I have discovered a setup that is light, takes little space in a suitcase, and is very efficient and productive. My fishing outfit consists of two Bass Pro Shops telescopic rods (one spinning and one baitcasting) that sell for less than $20 each, one light spinning reel and one old Garcia bait casting reel. The rods close down to 16 inches, the reel needs a folding handle and a full spool of 8 pound-test fishing line. The old Garcia reel incorporates a line guide that goes from side-to-side as the line goes out at a rate of 6 feet per pass with a full spool of 12 pound test line which allows exact depth measurement. For Alaskan waters, I take two plastic sandwich-type, ziplock bags that have stronger sides to protect the hooks

Bill Vanderford

Travel Editor

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

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

from coming through. All of this together takes up less space than one heavy shirt.

Lure selection for Alaska is also very simple ... especially if you know your itinerary. It’s the old KISS theory (Keep It Simple Stupid)! Most fishing opportunities in Alaska consist of deeper saltwater jigging and fast-moving rivers or streams in freshwater. Therefore, saltwater fishing will usually be accomplished with vertical jigging spoons without any curvature that weigh from 1 to 3 ounces. In swift, shallow, freshwater tributaries, I carry slightly larger, wobbling Johnson spoons or 3/16th to 3/8th ounce Swirleybirds with a trailer for the baitcasting, and 1/8th ounce Swirleybirds or Little Cleos for the light spinning tackle. This selection of lures has allowed me to catch thousands of fish during my numerous trips to Alaska!

Even on my last cruise, which included 10 days overland and four days on a ship, I had an opportunity to land quite a few grayling, some northern pike, a few salmon and numerous species of saltwater fish.

During another cruise on a smaller ship, I caught and released more than 400 saltwater fish that included salmon, halibut, several species of rockfish and dolly varden trout.

Most of my suc-

cesses happened when we are anchored in less than 200 feet of water, and I can find a place to vertically jig a spoon from the ship or a dock on the shore. On smaller ships, however, kayaks are often an option as well as inflatable motorized boats with one of the crew. In places like Denali National Park, it is possible to hike or simply ride one of the shuttle buses to a productive stream. It is also good to know that only in Alaska, you don’t need a fishing license in any National Park.

On any Alaskan cruise, fishing charters are always offered at your own expense in ports of call for salmon and halibut. Also on overland cruise trips, freshwater fly and spin fishing for trout, grayling and salmon are available to those who don’t mind paying.

Whether in Alaska, the Yukon Territory or British Columbia, it is imperative that you obtain the proper fishing licenses. Au-

thorities in these areas take fishing and conservation seriously, and a trip could turn into a nightmare if you don’t have the proper papers!

The beauty and diversity of Alaskan waters will have you constantly clicking away with your camera, but it would be a shame if that’s all you do! Swimming below the surface of those picturesque waters is a plethora of hard fighting and great eating fishes waiting for your lure, so don’t dare miss the chance of a lifetime.

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.

Fishing Ketchikan Creek.

A family catching grayling in Denali.

One of many kinds of flounder caught in Alaskan waters.

Shallow and deep spoons with clippers. Kathy Watt with a nice halibut.

Bill Vanderford with a sculpin.

A colorful greenling from Alaskan waters.

Jigging a spoon from a cruise ship, above. Fishing from a kayak, below.

The 25th Annual Golf Classic

Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier

Friday, October 13, 2023 Friday, October 13, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. Registration, 11 a.m. Start

Format: 4 Man Best Ball Scramble (Handicap System)

Entries: Maximum of 128 Players (32 Teams)

Fee: $150 per player/$600 per team

All Inclusive: Food, beverage, cart, green fees, gate fee, range balls, drink tickets, golf balls, gift package, door prizes and awards banquet.

Million Dollar Shootout Raffle

Boat Hole In One • $25,000 Hole In One Legacy Golf Package

call 770-945-7201.

Construction & Excavating EASTERN

• Cumming

Continued from Page 30 said Marcus Miller, Homestead’s VP of Operations. “The businesses here have hunkered down and stuck with it” while waiting for the City Center to evolve. “The best is yet to come,” he said. “The live music outside has been great … the outdoor space is really special. You don’t find this kind of community anywhere else.”

An artist selling whimsical paintings at the recent Art Fest said the City Center has blossomed from last year’s buds. “It reminded me of the wild west last year. This year the lights are on,” she said. She knows local artists who set up permanent shops. “I see a whole field of kids playing,” she added. “It’s really inviting.”

Reagan Tippin pushed a baby stroller onto the main plaza while her husband paused by the fountain with their 2-yearold. The family had just left the coffee shop for a jaunt on the grounds. “I think it’s lovely,” the five-year Cumming resident remarked. “I love the layout. It’s very easy to go from the parking deck to the coffeehouse, the amphitheater and greenway. You can stretch out with a blanket and grab something to eat.”

She especially enjoys the concerts. Early on, the Tippinses bought a commemorative “Family Brick” with their name on it to help

finance one of the pocket parks with a steam engine. They feel they are a part of it.

“It puts a smile on my face every time I go,” said Cumming Mayor Brumbalow. Although Archer noted some detractors “for whatever reasons,” most townspeople and tourists have reacted positively. “Amazing is an understatement,” Brumbalow said. “People love the environment.”

He pointed out that two other developments to the south, Halcyon and Avalon in Alpharetta, exude a whole different upscale ambience. “We wanted (Cumming City Center) to be cozy, relaxed … not urbanized hustle-bustle,” he said. A third being developed, The Gathering at South Forsyth, a private enterprise eyeing a professional hockey team, radiates grander ambitions. “Our environment is a small town, Americana feel, setting us apart” the mayor said.

He’s excited about the trail’s future connections, plus a 65-unit residential component, potential boutique hotel, and police department move to the City Center. He said the city is looking at the feasibility of adding more property to its popular new venue with an old timey feel.

See Lakeside’s Outdoor Calendar for events at Cumming City Center.

Six countries, 12 towns, 14 days, two rivers bring castles and a closer look at history

Lakeside’s Senior Reporter

Pam Keene recently returned from another adventure, this time cruising on the Rhine and Mosel rivers from Switzerland to Antwerp. Traveling along two of Europe’s many picturesque rivers amid vineyard-covered hillsides was a chance for a laid-back journey that blended modern-day Europe, medieval history and frequent reminders about the history of WWII that stirred pride and thankfulness for our parents’ and grandparents’ generation. Tom Brokaw had it right in his book, “The Greatest Generation.”

By Pamela A. Keene

Having traveled to nearly 70 countries, I’m always game to add more destinations and adventures. Some, like southern Africa, Bhutan and Antarctica are truly bucket-list journeys. Other places, like Provence, France, the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and Eastern Europe and the Danube River, have their own advantages and benefits, such as spending 14 days on a small riverboat, where you only unpack once and you’re taken to some of the world’s most famous cities and delightful villages off the beaten path.

A couple of months ago, my travels took me to the Rhine and Mosel rivers on the 140-passenger River Harmony, owned by Grand Circle Travel, sister company to Overseas Adventure Travel, oattravel.com. It provided an opportunity to immerse myself in parts of Europe I’d never visited. The

trip began in Basel, Switzerland, where we boarded our ship that was to be our home for the next two weeks.

Our itinerary tempted us with the number of cities we’d be visiting and the sites we would see, including at least two other “Notre Dame” cathedrals, windmills, wine country in both Germany and France, plenty of German and Belgian beers, a plethora of castles, and, well, just read on.

As Switzerland’s secondlargest city, Basel is on the border of Germany and France. Just a short walk from our moorage, we could walk to the Border Triangle on the Rhine and see all three counties simultaneously. Basel is home to large pharmaceutical companies, but its attraction for travelers is its medieval architecture, including its Town Hall and 12th century cathedral built of red sandstone. It’s also a center for arts and culture, with more than 30 museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, built in 1662.

With so much ground to cover, we soon sailed toward France: destination Strasbourg and the Alsace region. Captain Martin, who I’d met on a previous cruise to Holland and Belgium in Springtime, shared some highlights to come – cruising past medieval castles, hillsides planted with vineyards and through 33 locks.

Docking in Strasbourg, we prepared for our travels along part of the 199-mile Alsace wine route, taking us past more vineyards and through small villages, whose historic medieval homes lined nar-

row streets. Most were half-timbered, as is typical throughout Germany, and Alsace comes by this architecture honestly because over the centuries it has been part of Germany and then part of France, which it is currently.

Our walking tour of one village, Riquewihr, provided a glimpse of daily life, from the charming shops to a group of young boys in their school uniforms, a chance to talk with some of the residents there. Almost everyone in Europe speaks English, and it always makes me feel a bit like an underachiever because I barely made it through introductory Spanish in college.

Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral stands 142 feet and is the second-highest cathedral in France. A fine example of Gothic architecture, its stained glass, rose windows and ornate façade are breathtaking.

As we continued along the Rhine, we headed toward Boppard, back in Germany. Rick and I had been there a year ago, but this trip was different. A tour of the ancient Marksburg Castle high

above the city revealed stunning views of the Rhine Gorge, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Partially furnished with period pieces, it also has an excellent display of armor through the ages. The tour ended with local beer, three kinds of German sausages and typical mustards – and of course fresh-made pretzels. Not to be outdone, the next morning as we crossed the Mosel

See Cruise pages 37, 42

The view of the Mosel River Gorge from the Reichsburg Castle in Cochem paints a picturesque scene.

The Kinderdijk Windmills are owned by the Kinderdijk World Heritage Foundation, are a protected UNESCO Heritage Site and are among the most-visited tourism destinations in the Netherlands.

PHOTOS BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Our trip leader, Amin Sirag, is a native Egyptian who now lives in London.

Near Rotterdam, Kinderdijk’s 19 stone windmills were built in 1738 to move drainage water in response to flooding, above. Inside a windmill, which serves as a family home, the millers and their families keep their wooden shoes off the floor on a rack near the door, below.

BONUS TRAVEL COLUMN

PHOTOS BY PAMELA A. KEENE

The Basel Cathedral in Switzerland features two towers nearly 220 feet tall.

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is adorned with large golden clocks on it spire.

A view of the pipes of Luxembourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral’s organ in front of a large stained-glass window.

Universal truths: All kids of all ages love ice cream, as these young school children demonstrated at 10 a.m. in the German town of Cochem.

The Dutch are known for their cheeses that are often displayed in all their tasty glory in shop windows.

Black forest cake, fruit tortes, streusel and cream puffs are meant to tempt visitors in a refrigerated specialty shop. Yum!

A rainbow-hued crosswalk in Antwerp was an uncommon site, and a contrast to the neoclassical bronze sculpture of Mercury with his winged helmet. Above the bridge in Cochem, the Reichsburg Castle stands tall, while below the bridge cruise ships line the shoreline.

The Freedom Museum in Groesbeek, tells the story of the country’s liberation in three languages. To raise awareness for the war in Ukraine, a burned-out tank from the Russo-Ukrainian War is displayed outside the museum.

In the Luxembourg American Cemetery, graves of American soldiers are marked with either Christian crosses or the Star of David.

Fresh-made pretzels plus dark or light German beer go hand-in-hand, top left.

Trains are a common mode of transportation and the tracks often run near major rivers and through vineyards, top right.

In Strasbourg, France, beautiful canals are lined with half-timber houses.

October gardening chores help prep for spring gardening

Now that the summer growing season is over and the temperatures are getting a bit cooler, it’s time to look toward next year’s gardening.

It’s never too early to prepare and here are some key chores to do this month.

1. Clean up your vegetable gardens and raised beds. Remove dead and dying plants, turn the soil, add organic matter and put the garden to bed for the winter.

2. Collect leaves from your yard, shred them or run them over with a mulching lawn mower and add them to your compost pile or put a layer of them directly in your garden beds. You can also use them to mulch around tender perennials and shrubs.

3. Repair garden fencing and raise-bed repairs while it’s cooler.

4. Consider purchasing the new corrugated garden beds that are gaining popularity. Place them in spots that get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. Go ahead and fill them with soil – a combination of bagged garden soil, organic matter, shredded leaves from your

yard and compost. Add some 10-10-10 fertilizer according to the instructions on the bag. You can top them with a double layer of newspaper and mulch to hold the paper in place and you’ll be ready to plant in them come spring.

5. Prune back fruiting ramblers, such as blackberries and raspberries. Remove suckers, which can be replanted in the same bed or used to propagate more plants.

6. Divide daylilies and other perennials, if you haven’t done so in the past 4 to 5 years. When the clumps get too large, they can

stop producing flowers. Find new beds for the extras, or share them with friends to plant in the fall.

7. Take semi-ripe and hardwood cuttings of your favorite outdoor plants to propagate. Confederate roses, dinner-plant hibiscus, angel trumpets, gardenias and various types of hydrangeas can be rooted over the winter. You can use a combination of vermiculite and peat moss, but last year with my seed starting I tried a new product, PittMoss, www.pittmoss.com. It worked great, holds moisture, is organic and weed-free, creating a good environment to use for starting stem cuttings. I also use a powered or liquid rooting medium according to package instructions for some of the hardwood cuttings.

8. Mulch your gardens and landscape for winter to protect the plants’ roots from harsh temperatures.

9. Collect hoses, sprinklers, timers on faucets and other irrigation aids; drain the water from them and store them in a pro-

tected place.

10. Color for now: Plant pansies in clumps for greater impact this winter. Protect them from grazing deer by either using a deterrent spray like Liquid Fence or Hinder, or covering them with mesh netting or chicken-wire cloches.

11. Color for later: Fall is the ideal time to plant bulbs, and cheery daffodils are the most rewarding. They’re deer-proof, they multiply year after year, and you can pick them to make sweet bouquets in the spring.

Confederate roses can be rooted over the winter.

PHOTO: PAMELA A .KEENE

covering features, travel and gardening.

• Cruise

Continued from Page 36 River, past thousands of acres of vineyards and several dozen of the 125 villages that line the river, our crew had its own Bavarian treat for us. They called it a typical German “breakfast” – a choice of sausages, pretzels and dark beer. Even at 10 a.m., who can resist?

We enjoyed similar treats and entertainment on board throughout our trip, including a local choral group singing a mixture of European and American songs and a special Bavarian-themed dinner, complete with schnitzel, red cabbage and all the trimmings.

Our Mosel cruise took us to Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in Europe, bordered by Belgium, France and Germany. It has its own language and is considered one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. Its NotreDame Cathedral, not as ornate as others in Europe, does have beautiful hand-carved columns that support the high-arched Gothic ceiling.

Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel ensure that its travelers are not tourists, but people who want to go beyond the biggest museum or the most interesting cathedral. Any time I’ve been on a trip with a significant connection to World War II, there’s been a chance to visit a key location. On the Provence trip, we visited the Rhone American Cemetery, where 851 American soldiers are buried. It was the same on this trip. Not only did we visit Jewish ghettos, our trip leader pointed out memorials, statues and small bronze markers on the cobblestone streets in many cities that bore the dates and names of people who were taken in the night by the Nazis.

After leaving Luxembourg, where at the town square a small plaque thanked the Americans for liberating the country, we drove to two cemeteries.

A special commemorative ceremony at the 50-acre Luxembourg American Cemetery to honor the fallen from the Battle of

the Bulge recognized the veterans traveling with us. They laid a wreath in front of the towering chapel with a red-granite angel sculpture. The immaculately manicured grounds are well-landscaped.

Patton is buried there. His grave, set apart, overlooks the graves of nearly 5,100 war dead, marked by white granite markers bearing Christian crosses and Stars of David and the names and dates of the death of the soldiers. It was sobering.

Less than a mile away, German soldiers are interred; following the battle American soldiers helped gather the German dead to be buried. The Sandweiler German war cemetery is much less well maintained. Stone arches open to rows of understated darkstone markers where 10,913 Germans soldiers were laid to rest: two soldiers per grave with graves on both sides of the markers, listed by name when they could be identified. Of those 10,913 souls, 4,829 are interred in a mass

grave on the grounds. The contrast spoke volumes.

We sailed to Cochem where we toured Reichsburg Castle that overlooks the river. Originally built in the 11th century, it was burned by King Louis XIV in 1689. Dormant for nearly 200 years, it became a private summer home for a Berlin entrepreneur. In 1978, the city took it over for public tours.

The highlight of our visit to the Netherlands, of course, were the 19 picturesque Kinderdijk windmills. Used for centuries to help control flooding, most are now private homes. Windmill operators are volunteers and there’s a waiting list.

But even more charming, our overnight stay in a marina in Willemstad, an historic village where sheep graze the hillsides and people traveling by sailboat or cruising yachts spend multiple nights moored along the cobblestone streets.

While we had dinner aboard the ship, there must have been a

sailing school nearby because we saw Opti and Laser sailors being coached by instructors in zodiacs. They were also practicing mark roundings as the sun set behind them.

Our adventure was drawing to a close as we headed to our final port – Antwerp. The only rain we had the entire trip – a pesky slight drizzle – didn’t deter us from walking through the town where we came upon several weddings taking place at the old Town Hall.

We also met a prospective bride and her best friends on holiday to celebrate her engagement, and a family who had just purchased a bird.

Looking back, 14 days went by too quickly. Although it wasn’t as exotic as Egypt or as adventurous as India, the trip was quite amazing. From historic sites to insights into the people of this part of Europe, it reminded me of why I travel and renewed my appreciation of how different the world is – and how much we are all the same.

How to prepare your home for a lakeside wedding

Living on the lake not only allows for some terrific views and easier access to the water, but also can provide a great setting for entertaining, including hosting special events. Fall and spring seasons are particularly ideal for outdoor events, especially weddings. These seasons offer moderate temperatures and natural beauty, whether it’s the yellows and oranges of fall or the lush fresh growth spring brings.

Preparing a house for a wedding or reception at home requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure that the event goes smoothly and that your guests have a memorable experience. Of course, the earlier you can start planning, the better. Especially if you want to renovate any areas to better accommodate your event.

If you’re up for the challenge, we’ve put together some steps to help you effectively prep your home for a wedding or reception:

Create a timeline and checklist

Start by outlining a timeline leading up to the event, including

tasks such as cleaning, decorating, setting up, and arranging for rentals or services. Make a comprehensive checklist to keep track of everything that needs to be done. Make sure you have proper prep/staging space for the vendors you select. Ensure there is easy access to the kitchen or a designated area for caterers to prepare and serve food.

Declutter and touch-up

Having “company” over is always a great excuse to clean the house. Even more so for a wedding or reception, no matter how small. Begin by decluttering your

home to create a clean and spacious environment in all areas that will be accessible to your guests, including bathrooms, the kitchen, and common spaces. Consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure everything is spotless. Depending on how far out the event date is, you might consider touching up paint or making handyman or more extensive repairs where necessary.

Outdoor space preparation

If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding or reception, ensure that the outdoor space is well-maintained. Trim the lawn, bushes, and trees for removal of any major deadwood. Make sure outdoor furniture is clean and in good condition. If you’ve hired a photographer or videographer, invite them out to evaluate site lines so you can remove any limbs or brush that might be in the way. Consider providing shade options for guests if the weather is hot. Inspect deck and patio areas to ensure there is no rotten wood or trip hazards and that spaces are safe and easy to navigate.

Furniture arrangement

Rearrange your furniture to create ample space for mingling, dancing, and/or dining. It may be necessary to rent additional tables, chairs, or other furniture to accommodate all your guests comfortably. If the event is planned outside, consider contingencies like using a tent, covered porch or deck dry below system to protect guests from inclement weather or unseasonal temps.

Lighting and audiovisual

Proper lighting is essential for setting the right mood. Consider string lights, lanterns, or other decorative lighting options, even replacing old fixtures. If you’re planning to have music or speeches and don’t install a sound system, don’t forget to rent one that covers the entire event space.

Parking and transportation

Most homeowners won’t have enough parking space for lots of guests, and you don’t want people parking in areas that could disrupt landscaping or damage to neighbor’s property.

If parking is limited, consider providing information about nearby parking options or arranging shuttle services.

Guest comfort

Plan for guest comfort by setting up restrooms, providing seating areas, and offering amenities

See Design, page 46

Bianca

Checklists can lead to a hassle free home wedding.

PHOTO: TRACY TESMER DESIGN/REMODELING

LAKE LANIER MARINAS INFORMATION

BALD RIDGE MARINA

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

Info: 770-887-5309 • baldridgemarina.com

Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Cumming

Types of slips available: Covered & uncovered.

Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $4.89; $4.29 diesel (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

On-site eatery: Smokey Q BBQ

GAINESVILLE MARINA

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

Info:770-536-2171 • gainesvillemarina.com

Location: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy., Gainesville

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

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $5.59 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

On-site eatery: Skogies

HABERSHAM MARINA

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

Info: 770-887-5432 • habershammarina.com

Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., Cumming

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

Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $4.99 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

HARBOR LANDING

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

Info: 470 323-3465 • margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford

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

Types of fuel: Diesel, non ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $5.99 non-ethanol; $5.99 diesel nonethanol (Gas is not sold after 4:30 due to volume return of boats.)

On-site eatery: Various restaurants.

HOLIDAY MARINA

Hours: Office/Store/Dock, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.

Info:770-945-7201 • holidaylakelanier.com

Location: 6900 Holiday Rd., Buford

Types of slips available: 22-100' Uncovered including 80, 90, and 100' Breakwater Slips; 26-85' Covered Slips totaling 1,238 slips

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

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23): $6.49 premium; $5.99 unleaded; $5.79 diesel (5 percent discount with Suntex advantage membership)

On-site eatery: The Twisted Oar

LAZY DAYS (at Holiday on Lake Lanier)

Hours: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., WednesdayMonday. Closed Tuesday.

Info: 770-945-1991• lazydaysonlakelanier.com

Location: 6700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford

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

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

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $6 regular

PORT OF INDECISION MARINA

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

Info: 470 323-3465 • margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford

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

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $5.99 non-ethanol

On-site eatery: Various restaurants.

PORT ROYALE MARINA

Hours: Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Service, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., M-F.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., S. Closed Sundays.

Info:770-887-5715 • bestinboating.com/port_royale

Location: 8800 Port Royale Dr., Gainesville

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

LAKESIDE’S SAFETY GUIDE

Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $5.59 regular (Dock/Ship Store open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat./Sun.) (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.)

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

SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND

Hours: Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., M-S. Closed Sat./Sun.

Info: 770-967-6811 • shmarinas.com

Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch

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

Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $5.99, non-members; $4.39, members (Dock/Ship Store open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

On-site eatery: Pig Tales

SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY BAY

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

Info: 770-967-5500 • shmarinas.com

Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch

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

Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $5.78, non-members; $4.45, members

On-site eatery: Fish Tales

SUNRISE COVE MARINA

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

Info: 770-536-8599 • sunrisecovermarina.com

Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville

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

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 9/14/23) $5.89 unleaded Ethanol free

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: Classes will resume in 2024

• 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; 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,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 - 770-533-5850, www.gainesville.org/359/Swim-Lessons

• Georgia Mountains YMCA - www.gamountainsymca.org/programs-2/swim-lessons, 770-297-9622

• Cumming Aquatic Center - 770-781-1781 www.cummingaquaticcenter.com

• Gwinnett Swim - www.gwinnettswim.com, 404-590-7946

• Swim Atlanta - www.gwinnettswim.com, 404-590-7946

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

Don’t let higher mortgage rates delay your dream lake home

By Bev Knight

Many people, deterred by interest rates over 7%, have put off their real estate plans for the near future. Fannie Mae, the agency that buys mortgages from lenders, predicts that rates will drop to 6% by October of 2024. Other experts expect rates to drop even more. So, what do we do in the meantime?

Whether you are buying or selling, there are several ways to mitigate the higher rates. Sellers, you can offer to buy down your buyer’s interest rate to encourage them to choose your property over others. Buyers, you can buy down your own rate.

According to John Bohannon, Senior Loan Officer for Movement Mortgage, most buyers are choosing to go with a 15% down payment rather than the traditional 20% down. Then, they use the other 5% to buy down their rate.

There are two types of buydown programs. In a permanent buy-down, the lender charges 12% of the loan amount up front to

drop the interest rate by .25 to .5% over the life of the loan. Because most experts agree that rates are expected to drop soon anyway, Bohannon does not recommend this approach.

A temporary buy-down might make more sense. In this scenario, the buyer pays a percentage of the loan to lower the rate for one, two or three years. For a one-year buy-down, the rate is dropped by 1% for the first year. In a twoyear buy-down, the buyer gets 2% off the rate for the first year and 1% off in year two. For a 3-year buy down, the borrower gets a 3% reduction the first year, 2% the second year and 1% on the third year. The cost, paid at closing, can range from .75% of the loan amount to over 4% depending on which product you choose.

All these programs assume the borrower will refinance once the rates go down, but the lower rates allow them to buy sooner and avoid the buying frenzy expected after the rates drop.

These programs are generally available for all loans including

FHA and VA.

You may wonder if an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a good option right now. In the past, these were attractive because the rates were much lower than a fixed rate mortgage; but today, because those rates are almost as high as conventional loans, not many are being written.

There is, however, another option. When the rates decrease next year, many lenders are offering to refinance your home with no lender fees. If they service their own loans (i.e., don’t sell them to another entity) they can also waive the Georgia Intangibles Tax which is $3 for every $1000 of the price of the house. You would have to pay for the attorney’s closing fees, but your original downpayment and payments would be credited.

According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, a new firm called “Roam” is moving into Georgia with its charter to help people take over assumable loans in purchase transactions. The article states that 22% of cur-

rently active loans are assumable under certain circumstances, and this firm works with their clients to make that happen. The buyer will need to make up for the home’s equity with cash and there may be other expenses; however, over 40% of current mortgages are under 5%, so it might be worth the effort.

Just a word of advice when evaluating lenders, be sure you are comparing apples to apples. If a company quotes a much lower rate, confirm they’re not making that up in some other fee. Before you use any mortgage company, especially an internet lender, be sure to talk to your real estate agent. Their experience with various lenders is invaluable. Mortgage companies are definitely not all the same.

If you want to buy or sell a house, there are many reasons to move forward and not wait. For sellers, you have very little competition. Even if your house has a few flaws, the lack of competition helps buyers overlook that. For buyers, it’s the end of summer, the

best time to hunt for bargains. These programs will get you into your dream home now so you can enjoy fall on Lake Lanier. Believe me, you’ll love it.

Bev Knight is lead agent for The Good Life Group, Lake Lanier real estate specialists with Keller Williams Lanier Partners. You can reach Bev at 678-860-0990 or www.HousesOnLanier. net.

Knight

John Bohannon, senior loan officer with Movement Mortgage, contributed to this article.

Classifieds

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

Burns

Continued from Page 18

Typically in Georgia, this map shows the best times to see peak fall color.

I hope you have a wonderful October and be sure to come back next month, as

• Design

Continued from Page 43

such as fans or heaters depending on the weather. Consider having a designated space for children if there will be little ones in attendance.

Safety precautions

Ensure that your home is safe for guests by addressing potential hazards such as loose rugs or boards, trip hazards, or uneven surfaces. Keep emergency contacts and a first aid kit handy.

Communication is key

Clearly communicate important information to your guests, such as directions, parking details, and any house rules or

we will have a better handle on what this winter may hold in store for us.

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

guidelines. Of course you want everyone to have a memorable experience, but no one wants damaged property or furniture once all the guests are gone.

By following these steps and putting in the necessary effort, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding or reception at your own home. Remember to stay organized, anticipate potential challenges, and be prepared to adapt as needed to make the event a success.

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