The call came over VHS Channel 16: “There’s a sinking boat with multiple people in the water.” The location took our patrol boat toward Old Federal Park, about 20 minutes away. Page 14
Margaritaville, LI celebrate fall
Your complete news, information and recreation guide to Lake Lanier
For seven weekends from the end of September until the second weekend in November, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands will host Fall Family Weekends at LandShark Landing. Page 2
New York’s Niagara Falls
Words could properly describe the awesome power of Niagara Falls as it constantly dumps more than a half-million gallons of water over a sharp edge with such force that the mist rises above the river. Page 33
Also inside:
Calendar
Classifieds
Dining guide
Page 26
.Page 47
Page 47
Fishing news Page 10
Lake levels Page 18
Marinas information Page 44
Outdoor activity calendar Page 30
Recreation guide
Safety guide
Columns:
The Careful Captain
Curb Appeal
Design & Remodel
Glenn Burns
O’Neill Outside
Page 44
Page 13
.Page 13
Page 38
Page 43
Page 18
Page 20
One Man’s Opinion Page 29
On the Water Page 12
Vanderford’s travel Page 33
Competitors cheer during their race at the 27th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. The event, which drew some 10,000 attendees in early September, featured some 75 teams from California, to Oklahoma, to New York. The event is just one example of sports tourism’s impact on Hall County and Lake Lanier. S ee story about the rise in sports tourism, page 8.
is published by
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3292 Thompson Bridge Rd. #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 287-1444
Publisher/Editor
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Production
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Senior Writer
Pamela A. Keene
Contributing writer
Jane Harrison
Columnists
Glenn Burns, Vinnie Mendes, Bianca Bryant, O’Neill Williams, Frank Taylor, Bill Crane
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.
Margaritaville, Lanier Islands partner up to celebrate fall
By Pamela A. Keene
For seven weekends from the end of September until the second weekend in November, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands will host Fall Family Weekends at LandShark Landing.
From kids’ arts and crafts to yard games and Saturday night movies starting at 6 p.m. LandShark Landing will be all decked out for the changing of the season from LandShark Landing to Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lanier Islands.
“For seven weekends, every Saturday and Sunday starting on September 28-29, guests can enjoy activities at LandShark Landing and Camp Margaritaville RV Resort to take advantage of the cooler weather as fall arrives,” said Bucky Perry, vice president of operations at Margaritaville Lanier Islands. “Our Family Fall Weekends have something for every age.”
Activities range from $10 pontoon boat rides and foam parties to pumpkin decorating and movies on the beach every Saturday. Crafts and games take
place from noon until 6 p.m. each weekend of the Fall Festival.
“Seasonal specials at LandShark Bar & Grill highlight the fall with menu items that will rekindle warm thoughts for the whole family,” he said. Specials at LandShark Bar & Grill offers Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a LowCountry Boil on both days.”
To celebrate the spookiest time of the year, on Saturday, October 26, both Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Lanier Islands’ Game Changer will be stirring it up just in time for Halloween.
“Open to the public, Game Changer will be our Halloween headquarters as we present our spooktacular Monster Mash Party,” said Missy Burgess, director of marketing and public relations for Lanier Islands. “It’s the perfect event for families with a costume contest for all ages with ghoulishly good prizes, plus Halloween trivia and Trunk or Treat for the younger set.”
Monster Mash at Game Changer includes spooky-themed food and beverages. Trunk or
Treat will start at 5p.m.; the costume contest will begin at 6 p.m.; and Halloween Trivia takes place at 7 p.m.
“People can really show off their creativity in the costume contest,” she said. “And people’s competitive spirit will come alive in the trivia contest.”
In addition to these special events, Game Changers’ amenities will be open, including virtual sports suites, more than 50 arcade games, virtual reality experiences, axe throwing, escape room and duck pin bowling.
“That same evening at LandShark Bar & Grill, we’ll have a DJ and a costume contest that starts at 7:45 p.m., plus cornhole and yard games for everyone,” Perry said. “Themed food and décor will set the mood for a
haunting good time.”
Meanwhile, guests at Camp Margaritaville Lanier Islands will host trick or treaters who are staying in the campground, plus a golf cart parade and a contest to see whose campsite captures the spirit of the season.
Fall Festival Weekends will continue until November 10 at Margaritaville Lanier Islands.
For more information or to RSVP for events on October 26, visit lanierislands.com and MargaritavilleLanierIslands.com.
Costume contest at Game Changer is set for Oct. 26.
PHOTO: MARGARITAVILLE
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- Bruce & Sally A.
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Sports tourism brings Gainesville into international spotlight
By Pamela A. Keene
Sports tourism is big business, but you don’t need to tell Gainesville’s leadership. They already know it. Ever since Gainesville was chosen to host the canoe/kayak and rowing for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the city has taken center stage as one of the most sought-after courses for big competitions and training visits by canoe/kayak and rowing teams from around the globe.
“Visiting teams travel to our area from across the United States and Canada, and the Boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park has garnered recent interest from national teams from as far away as Australia,” said Robyn Lynch, director of Tourism for the City of Gainesville. “Due to the mild climate in Georgia, we see sports tourism throughout the year in various sports. Tourism is Gainesville reached $20 million in 2023 with $17 million being attributed directly to sports. Sports tourism account for more than 85 percent of the total tourism economic impact in the City of Gainesville.” This impact goes much further
than the obvious spending on hotels and lodging, meals and transportation. “When the teams come to train, they may stay for just a few days up to six months,” she said. “While they’re here, they may be spending money outside of the apparent costs. Visiting athletes use local resources such as medical and training facilities, explore our attractions and shop at our local retailers.”
Bureau staff has been working to support the Greater Gainesville Sports Alliance, which was formed in 2020 and is composed of sports, hospitality, civil and industry leaders.
“Since the beginning, the program has been managed by members of the tourism team, in addition to their responsibilities with the CVB and Lake Lanier Olympic Park,” Lynch said. “Increased interest in Gainesville as a sports tourism hub and destination for travelers is very positive, and we want to continue to be at the top of list for teams and spectators.”
The Greater Gainesville Sports Alliance works closely with local
sports clubs and venues; it also interfaces with sporting event planners to market their events, provide funding assistance when
applicable, distribute visitor information to participants and spectators, and negotiate accommodations for players,
coaches and officials. For more information, visit www.exploregainesville.org or call 770 531-6598.
McKenna Kauffmann named manager of sports tourism for Gainesville
By Pamela A. Keene
To meet the increasing growth of sports tourism in Gainesville, watersports athlete McKenna Kauffmann has been named manager of the Greater Gainesville Sports Alliance.
In the newly created job she will help attract, manage and facilitate sports tourism for the City of Gainesville and Hall County. Interfacing with local universities, youth athletics and professional organizations, she will bring in a wide range of sporting events, from golf championships to rowing regattas at Lake Lanier Olympic Park.
“By fostering Gainesville’s thriving and growing sports landscape and working with the Greater Gainesville Sports Alli-
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ance, we are all focused on driving economic growth, championing all of the area’s sports venues, working with local teams and maximizing team training and competitive events,” she said.
Kauffmann, an accomplished wakeboarder and snowboarder, first became interested in watersports as a youngster in California. When her family moved to Georgia as a teenager, she continued to pursue wakeboarding in earnest. Her first job at Bartow County’s Terminus Wake Park in Cartersville allowed her to train and coach. She also worked her way into event management and marketing.
While studying
at her alma mater, Kennesaw State University, Kauffmann spent almost a half-dozen years at Terminus Wake Park before joining the Nautique Boats team at Callaway Gardens. There she assisted in managing the resort’s prestigious Masters Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament and getting to know some of the major
Kauffmann
Kauffmann in competition.
COURTESY MCKENNA KAUFFMANN
See Kauffmann, page 20
Lanier Fishing Report
Lake level: 3.3 feet down
Temperature: 70s
Clarity: Main lake clear, creeks stained Bass fishing Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. Late September has been mostly cloudy and windy which set up for some good top water. In the lighter wind areas the Lip Thrashin Riser has produced a lot of fish around the humps and end of long points. As the wind gets stronger the Whopper Plopper, Spook and Fluke have all been great at drawing strikes. It’s amazing how a bass can bend the rod with a fluke and not get hooked up but it happens this time of year. The colors have been very basic, bone in the clouds and chrome in the sun and white or blue and white Flukes. There is scattered top water feeding but it can happen at any time but often it is brief so have something ready to throw on the deck at all times. The bass are not always tight to the brush now and may be scattered around it. Lots of fish are hugging the bottom in the 25- to 30-foot range and a three-eights Spot Choker with at three-inch paddle tail worked slowly with get them to bite. This bait can also be used to target the suspended bass you see but simply counting down to the correct depth and using a
steady retrieve with an occasional twitch. For those that like to worm fish the bite is picking up around blow downs and docks. Look for the structure and docks that are close to the deeper water. Any worm in the green shades will draw strikes. It’s fall, it’s cool and the fish are coming alive so Go Catch ‘Em!
This Lanier bass fishing report is by Phil Johnson: pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.
Striper fishing
Stripers have started to make the transition from Buford Dam to all the creeks and channels heading north. The method is simple but finding them is always the challenge. Down lines using blue backs, fishing in depths of 30 to 90 feet of water. Using your electronics, locate the bait and start your thumping to wake up the stripers. Once they get aggressive catch a couple and move on to the next spot but come back and do it again. Most of the time put a flat line outback and that good for a bonus fish. Trolling lead core is another option, 8 to 9 colors using a Captain Mack chipmunk 1 or 2 ounce jigs.
This Lanier striper report is by Buck Cannon Buck Tails Guide Service: 404 510-1778.
News &
Notes
Ken Sturdivant, Southern Fishing Schools Inc., will host fishing classes at the Aquarium at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Lawrenceville at 2 p.m. on October 12 and 26, November 9 and 23, and December 9 and 23.
Sturdivant will also host additional fishing classes in the Outdoor Skills Workshop at the Bass Pro Shops, Outdoor World in Lawrenceville, Georgia at 7 p.m.: Bass Fishing, October 22, Stripers, November 19. Crappie, December 17. All events are
subject to change without notice.
There is a benefit bass tournament set for October 12 at Little Hall Park. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for 5 bass alive over 14 inches and Big Fish. This tournament is to benefit the Cherney’s Journeys and proceeds benefit veteran’s outdoor activities. Details: contact Captain Josh Thornton, 770 5306493 or Adam Cherney 470 209-5656.
This fishing report was compiled by Ken Sturdivant’s Southern Fishing, www.southernfishing.com.
‘When the Coast is Clear’ at summers end on the Jersey Shore
Up on the Jersey Shore, the day after Labor Day is celebrated as “When the Coast is Clear.” This is in honor of Jimmy Buffet, who in 1986 came out with the song by that name. It seemed to fit in so well with our situation that we adopted it as our anthem and celebrated it as our holiday. All the kids are back in school, and all the tourists have gone home, taking their beer cans, trash, loud car music and all the other obnoxious touristy things with them. The miles of white sandy beaches are deserted, and the water is still warm enough for swimming. It’s too early to start hauling boats out of the water for the winter, but the evenings are cool enough to have a fire in the fireplace at the bar at my brother’s marina, where the “irregulars” all gather and talk about crazy things that happened over the summer.
The marina is situated right where the river opens out into the bay, so all the big power boats that have been going slowly through the “No Wake Zone” see the wide-open water, and hit the
On the Water
throttles, leaving a two- or threefoot-high wake behind them. This plays havoc with all the boats tied up at the marina, bouncing them into docks or each other, or at a minimum, spilling drinks. No amount of yelling or fist shaking did any good until Archie, one of the irregulars, came up with a plan. He built a “catapult,” like a giant sling shot with about 30 feet of bungee cord. This he fastened to a couple of tall pilings at the end of the dock. It would toss a water balloon about 50 yards and was surprisingly accurate. When a spotter would call out “incoming,” Archie would cock the thing and let fly, most of the time overshooting the target, but the sight of a water balloon flying by was usually enough to make
the big boat slow down, at least for the next couple of hundred yards.We enjoyed this spectacle for a couple of weeks until I pointed out that it was illegal to introduce any form of plastic into any waterway of the U.S., so he decommissioned the catapult. But this was when paint ball guns were becoming popular, and several of the guys at the marina bought them, so one diversion was replaced by another.
At that time, the song “Karma Chameleon” by Boy George and the Culture Club was popular and it was one of my brother’s favorites. However, Harry, one of our bartenders, couldn’t stand it, and referred to them as the “Vulture Club.” One night, after listening to it for the umpteenth time, he took the CD out of the player, announced “No more Vulture Club” and broke it in half! Everyone was waiting to see what my brother would do. He didn’t say a word but walked out the back door. I followed him to make sure everything was OK. He quietly started up the forklift, picked up Harry’s car (a Ford Fiesta) and
carefully placed it on top of the walk-in cooler. At closing time Harry couldn’t find his car. After the usual questions, everyone went out into the half empty parking lot to double check that it was gone. Someone pointed to the top of the walk-in and asked, “Um, is that it?” Then came Harry’s apologies, and pleas to get it down, but my brother wouldn’t budge. He said as soon as a new CD appeared, he’d get the car down. Of course, all the stores were closed by then, so Harry had to beg for a ride home, and first thing the next morning he showed up in his mother’s car with a new CD. After that, everyone knew not to mess with the music, no matter what!
Once in a while, a guy would come into the bar who thought he was totally “cool.” You know the type, wearing a wife beater undershirt, showing off his “tats” and what muscles he had for anyone who would notice. Pretty soon someone would steer the conversation around to working-out and body building, and eventually the subject would get to “arm wres-
tling.” They would let him go on a bit and finally someone would say, “I bet you couldn’t even beat a little girl.” At once bets were being made and then they would introduce him to Bonnie.
Now Bonnie was one of our waitresses and she was a cute little thing about 120 pounds, with long blonde hair halfway down her back, usually kept in a braid. She didn’t look at all threatening, but anyone who had ever seen her coming out the walk-in cooler, balancing a case of beer on each hand, as easily as if they were two empty trays, would know better than to mess with her! She was also the first runner up in the NJ State Women’s Arm-Wrestling Championships two years in a row.
When all the bets were down and referee was agreed upon, the match began. Now arm wrestling depends not only on strength, but also timing. Once the referee says “go,” you must go and not be just thinking about it. Most amateurs don’t know this and depend only on strength to win a match, which
See Mendes, page 46
Vinnie Mendes
Remember that above all, you are the captain
Who doesn’t love having fun?
We all do, of course! That’s why we have hobbies and activities we’re passionate about. The joy multiplies when we can share those passions with friends and family. Seeing them enjoy what we love adds an extra layer of satisfaction. One of the great things about owning a boat is that we get to share that joy with others.
Now, imagine you don’t own a boat, but a friend invites you out for a day on theirs. You’re excited because it sounds like a blast! The only boats you’ve ever been on are cruise ships or ferries. As a non-boater, there’s a lot you don’t know – and worse, you don’t know what you don’t know.
• You may not realize it’s unwise to have your limbs between
Frank Taylor
The Careful Captain
the dock or another boat when docking or rafting up.
• You might not know that sitting on the bow of a cruiser while underway can be dangerous.
• You may not know that kids under 13 are required to wear a life jacket when the boat is underway.
And there’s so much more you don’t know.
Our
Advertisers make Lakeside on Lanier Possible! Please let them know you saw their ad here!
As the boat owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your passengers know how to safely enjoy their time on board. It’s your boat. You are the captain. What does that mean? Sometimes it means telling your passengers to sit down. Other times, you might have to politely refuse their help because it could be dangerous. And occasionally, you just have to say “no.” Ultimately, it means you need to take responsibility for knowing how to boat safely.
Let’s be real, though: it may sound more complicated than it is. Learning boating laws and safe practices isn’t rocket science. Anyone can do it, as long as they’re willing to put in the effort. Enforcing rules while out on the water is usually simple. If you ask your guests politely, they’ll generally comply without issue. If they don’t, you have the right to ask them to leave.
Failing to learn safe boating practices, or not using them, can have devastating consequences. A great day on the water can quickly
turn tragic if someone gets hurt –or worse. I know people personally who have faced lawsuits because a guest was injured during a day on their boat. Don’t take that risk. Do your homework.
There’s a saying I like: “Everyone wants to be a boss until it’s time to do what bosses do.” It rings true. Being in charge comes with responsibility, and the same applies when you’re the captain
of your boat. It’s not a popularity contest – it’s a responsibility. The moment someone steps onto your boat, you take on that responsibility. Don’t be afraid to do what’s right.
Be the captain.
Frank is past commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and is currently a content creator at the YouTube channel “The Ships Logg.”
Boater Education Courses with Certification Exam
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
More safety info: lakesidenews.com/explore-lake-lanier/safety-guide
Training and preparation pays off in Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue
Editor’s note: This article is based on an event that happened on Lake Lanier on July 4, as reported by United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 29 Member Erik Amato. The story is created from exerpts from Amato’s reporting of the event in the or ganization’s newsletter. Two other USCGA members – Bruce Lindsey-CXN and Michael Goetschl –were also involved in the rescue that had a positive outcome, thanks to their extensive training and preparation.
–
Taboard.
Further evaluation once they were onboard revealed that the non-swimmer was in the initial phases of shock. Using blankets on board we got her warmed up a bit.
Alan Hope, Publisher
he call came over VHS Channel 16: “There’s a sinking boat with multiple people in the water.” The location took our patrol boat toward Old Federal Park, about 20 minutes away.
As we approached, we scanned the water and located a jet ski partially submerged with three people nearby.
Additionally, a Good Samaritan jet-ski rider was in the water trying to help keep the other jet ski – with one person holding on to it – from sinking.
About 20 yards from the jet ski, two female teenagers wearing life jackets held on to each other and one appeared to be in distress. She was yelling that she didn’t know how to swim.
Once we determined that none of the people was injured, our priority was to get the non-swimmer into our boat. Then we brought the other teen and the father
Once the people were safe, we set up to tow the jet ski back to the dock, using the Coast Guard’s
All were safe, but there’s more to the story.
Giving thanks
Normally on a busy holiday weekend, our patrol crew makes about 40 personal contacts to help keep boaters safe, mostly con-
towing hawser. Once it righted, it was towed to the dock about a half-mile away.
It turned out that the three were a father and two teenaged daughters spending the day with friends at the lake.
cerning navigation lights. Especially when there’s a night event with fireworks, we stay quite busy.
I was surprised the following day, when the father texted me to request some photos.
It turned out that he and his wife are executive pastors at Discover Life Church in Lawrenceville.
In return, I asked him to tell me what led up to the incident. He sent the most moving and touching letter; see accompanying letter with some excerpts.
And to my fellow USCGA mates, for all of you who study, test, train, practice, complete currency requirements, and train some more, keep it going.
You never know when a situation confronts you and your shipmates – a situation you’ll be prepared and maybe save lives.
-Erik Amato
A ‘thank you’ to Flotilla 29
“Erik,
Thank you so much again for rescuing us. I am overwhelmed at the fact that I am sitting here today, with no significant injuries on a day that records so many at the lake. Below is my write-up of what happened that day.
On the 4th of July, my motherin-law’s cousin offered to take us out on their tritoon boat. We were thrilled! ... We were excited to spend a day on the lake to unwind, relax, and take our minds off some of the stress.
After riding around the lake for a while, my kids wanted to swim. … So another friend on the dock offered to let us use his jet ski. Of course, I said yes. I have driven a jet ski before, so I was comfortable taking my kids with me.
As we rode around, I noticed that the jet ski seemed harder than normal to balance, but I shrugged it off as it being a jet ski I hadn’t driven before.
Next, my oldest daughter, Gemma, and my spiritual daughter, Glory, wanted to go out. So, I obliged.
As we headed back to the dock, I did a slow throttle to turn the jet ski, and as we turned, the jetski it rolled over, which happens sometimes. The bigger issue was that Glory did not know how to swim, and even though we were all wearing life vests, she began to panic. I was trying to calm her down and also flip the jet ski back over so
we could climb up. We tried several times, but no matter what we tried, it would not roll over. I noticed that the back end was getting lower and lower in the water and began to sink. I prayed, “God, send help. Please God, send someone.”
I continued to try everything I could to get the jet ski above water.
Slowly, it kept sinking until the nose was pointing straight up and it seemed to get lower and lower in the water.
Finally, another jet ski came over, and a Hispanic man jumped off to try and help, to no avail.
Then I stopped for a minute and thought. I knew that if the jet ski sank, with daylight disappearing, we would be sitting ducks and could become another statistic. I began to figure out a way to let the girls live.
I began to think about my family’s life without me, and I got scared. I didn’t know what to do, so I told my daughters to start singing worship songs.
So we all started singing, and as we did, in the distance, we saw a boat with red lights. The Coast Guard! It felt like an eternity, but I positioned the girls so the boat could pull up and get them out of the water while I stayed tethered to the jet ski.
They got the girls up, took care of them, and then moved on to me. When they finally pulled me out of See Letter, page 17
PHOTOS COURTESY USCGA
Early Out, one of the USCGA vessels
Approaching the disabled PWC as a survivor hangs on.
Amato Goetschl Lindsey
Flotilla 29 rescuers
Others try to ptich in and help the stranded boaters.
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 2024 was made possible by the following:
A sailing tradition: 50 years of the Barefoot Open Regatta Oct. 11-13
By Pamela A. Keene
The racing tradition at Barefoot Sailing Club has reached a significant milestone: 50 years of racing on Lake Lanier. From its early days, the club sponsored small-boat racing, but over the years, it competitions have expanded to include multiple fleets
• Letter
Continued from Page 14
the water, the amount of relief I felt cannot be described with words. I don’t know how long we were in the water, but it had to have been at least 30 minutes – 30 of the most terrifying minutes of my life.
I would just like to thank the Coast Guard who were there that day for being so calm, knowing what to do, and when to do it. Saving the girls first and then coming to me. They had my priorities. I will forever be grateful.
And if you’re wondering, they were able to save the jet
of auxiliary boats in two days of serious racing.
“Back in the early days, the club focused on dinghy racing,” said Lisa Schoer, commodore of the social sailing club. “Today, the majority of our members sail larger cruising sailboats and the competition is always keen.”
The 2-day regatta is open to all sailboats on Lake Lanier. A valid PHRF (performance handicap racing fleet) rating, issued by the Lake Lanier PHRF Committee. Fleets will be offered by rating ranges in both spinnaker and nonspinnaker groups.
Friday night’s skippers meeting sets the tone for the weekend at University Yacht Club.
Races on Saturday begin at 10
ski too! They hooked it up to their boat and towed it back to the dock. While we were riding back, they said that they didn’t plan on coming over to that part of the lake, but something told them to head this way.
I believe that happened when I prayed, “God, send help, please God, send someone.”
I cannot thank them enough. Erik, and everyone else, thank you so much for following your instinct. Or, as I say, the voice of God.”
– Sincerely, Donald (Andy) McMahon
a.m. Dinner will be catered by University Yacht Club; music by ThunderGypsy playing beach music and classic Sixties to Eighties tunes and dancing will follow.
“This year, we are opening Saturday night’s dinner and party beyond race participants and their crews,” she said.
“We welcome people to come to dinner and the party, as long as
they register at our website in advance. It’s a good time to meet other sailors and get to know our club.”
Sunday’s races are slated to begin at 10 a.m., followed by a social hour and awards ceremony.
Schoer anticipates six racing fleets, depending on registration. For more information, to register for the event or to join the club, visit barefootsailingclub.org.
Action from a previous Barefoot Open Regatta.
PHOTO CREDIT: RON GOLDFARB
Wedges wreck havoc with predicting the weather
Last month we had a rather unique weather situation occur. We had a wedge of cool air over us while at the same time, a Cat 2 hurricane named Francine moved into Louisiana. Normally, a hurricane moving into that part of the country, would travel northeast and have a major impact in north Georgia with wind, rain, and tropical tornadoes. Not this time.
The wedge was so strong, it forced Francine to move due north into Arkansas, limiting the impacts to our area. All we saw was some patchy drizzle and a few light showers. The computer models really
October wedge.
struggled with the rainfall amounts, most indicating 1-4 inches with isolated higher totals. I think most of us ended up with less than .20”, if that.
My first encounter with a high pressure wedge was in January of 1982. I began my meteorology career with NBC in West Palm Beach, Fla. in 1976. In 1978 the NBC station in Minneapolis hired me and also paid for my graduate school at the University of Minnesota. Needless to say I learned a lot about winter weather!
In 1982, WSB in Atlanta called and invited me to work for them. When I got the call from the news director, the temperature outside was 35 below zero! Being from the south, it was a no-brainer.
Arriving in Atlanta with my family on January 13th, was a total shock. Cars all over the road, abandoned. No hotel rooms. Most everything was shut down because of what was now called “Snowjam ‘82.”
Everyone said it was a surprise ice and snowstorm. I just thought, how could a storm of this magnitude be a “surprise”? Turns out, it had to do with a “wedge.”
I thought now would be a good time to explain exactly what a wedge is, since fall
See Burns, page 41
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
COURTESY NWS
Old stories, myths and legends from around area lakes
Having had the privilege and opportunity to have sought gamefish in reservoirs created by the construction of huge both earthen and concrete dams all over the country, I’ve been told literally dozens, if not hundreds, of times some of the legendary stories that always seem to “float to the top” when being informed about the lake being visited.
By way of reference, I’m referring to lakes in Georgia, Alabama, South and North Carolina, Tennessee and a multitude of others across the 50 states and Canada. Wanna hear about a few?
The most repeated – and too often believed – is that there are huge catfish lazily making their way in the deep waters in the area of the dam that are big enough to swallow a human and that fishermen should not venture into those areas. I’ve heard this in virtually lake I have visited. Is it true? No. How do I know? I have fished in Lake Lanier since 1958 literally thousands of times and I’ve never encountered such a fish and do not know of anyone who
O’Neill Outside
has. It’s an interesting prospect but not true. In all these years, someone would have viewed, caught or at least hooked one of these guys. Furthermore, I’m told that across the land area covered by 37,000 water surface acres, several old towns and homes with cemeteries that were opened over the years since the 1950s via the wear and tear of the waters and the resulting ghosts occasionally show themselves to the lake’s visitors. Bull.
If some graves were emptied by the lake’s waters and not prior by family or city/town exhumation, the bodies would have long
since decayed and no longer exist. Did this create ghosts? No. I was once told that on Lake Texoma, a border lake between Texas and Oklahoma, in the fading light of the upcoming evening, one can see Billy the Kid, walking the banks. What a stretch. I’ve been there and missed Billy.
I was once told that during certain times of the year on a Tennessee Lake I fish occasionally, that giant schools of hybrid bass will gang up and try and turn your boat over. Been there and it never happened. Of course, occasionally strange occurrences will take place that are true. I was at Lake Seminole, boated quietly and having lunch at least 200 yards from the nearest shoreline, a six-foot rattlesnake (are they not all six feet?) swam over and tried to crawl over the transom of my boat, I suppose to just say hello. It’s true. I have multiple photos and three witnesses. When I tapped him on the head with a fishing rod, he backed off, coiled up and rattled a warning all while floating on the water. I asked a O’Neill Williams
local tackle store operator near the lake if that was unusual. He told me, in no uncertain terms since he was “local,” that rattlers do not swim. My reply was that the one I encountered that day certainly was capable of swimming and did at the time but cruised away after I rejected his warning. True story that time. The most far-fetched
are the most interesting and least likely to be true.
Catch O’Neill on Saturday mornings on WSB from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. 750 on AM or 95.5 on FM.
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.
• Kauffmann
Continued from Page 8
promoters and athletes on the international circuit.
Work at the World Wake Association, as well as with the Pro Wakeboard Tour furthered her management experience. She regularly interfaced and collaborated industry giants like Nautique Boats, Malibu Boats, USA Waterski and Wakeboard, Red Bull and X Games.
“McKenna’s love of watersports, her knowledge of how to manage events and her perspective as an accomplished athlete all factored into her being chosen
as manager of the Greater Gainesville Sports Alliance,” said Robyn Lynch, director of Tourism for the City of Gainesville. “With the rapid growth of sports tourism, the reputation Gainesville has for excellent facilities and the attention of international athletes in all sports, we are embracing our evolving place on the world stage of sports.”
For more information, visit www.exploregainesville.org. The website includes a list of upcoming events.
By Pamela A. Keene
This year’s Shore Sweep spilled over into the following week as sponsors and staff continued the annual lake cleanup.
and refill them the Monday after.”
“We were surprised at how much trash and debris we were able to remove this year,” said Bonny Putney, director of the signature event by Lake Lanier Association. “We actually ran out of dumpster space at Gainesville Marina, Van Pugh Park, Balus Park and War Hill Park and had to dump them and bring them back
In addition to manpower, the event uses heavy equipment and commercial dumpsters.
Putney said that thanks to Martin Dock, Southeastern Dock Supply and Hall County Solid Waste, the excess garbage and debris, including a large amount of dock foam, was removed by Monday afternoon. To learn more about the success of Shore Sweep 2024 and how you can get involved in the annual cleanup next year, visit www.lakelanier.org.
Heavy equipment was utilized and chunks of old styrofoam were removed during Shoresweep 2024.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LLA
New Customers signing an annual contract agreement will get a choice of:
One month FREE storage, $250 fuel credit OR a FREE wash & wax. *Restrictions apply
Lazy Days is the legendary, full-service marina located just a short drive north of Atlanta on I-985, off the Lake Lanier Islands Parkway exit. Lazy Days can dry stack boats up to 36 feet and offers wet slips up to 125 feet. Lazy Days has an on-site service department by Singleton Marine. With more than 690 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and unique recreational activities.
Brand new covered slips from 24’ to 106’
Dry Stack up to 36’ with 200+ new courtesy slips
Minimum 8’ wide easy-access walkways and ramps
PWC Ports, private patios, and boat hoists available
Abundance of convenient, well-lit parking
Lake Lanier’s largest in-house Boat Service & Repairs
24/7 gated security with guardhouse
Lake Lanier’s largest floating Gas Island with 26 pumps
Heated & A/C bath-house with laundry & fitness center
Two Ship Stores with everything from beer & ice to cleaning supplies
o Oct 4-6, Oct 11-13 – The Mystery of Edwin See Calendar, page 34
Sidney Lanier’s lasting legacy throughout Georgia
As an elementary school student, my siblings and I stood staring from the dock across the waters of a quiet cove on the Murrayville northern tip of Lake Sidney Lanier. My grandfather, William C. “Bud” Crane was a man of many hobbies, interests and projects. He didn’t finish all of the projects, but you had to admire the ambition.
In this instance, Grampa Bud was baiting the hook of my first fishing line to dip into the lake and the mouths of waiting bream as he told us of the Chestatee and Chattahoochee rivers meeting to form what man had made into Lake Sidney Lanier (with an assist from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). Bud was finishing a lake cabin and dock of his own design and construction on a se-
Bill Crane One Man’s Opinion
n SHARE WITH BILL: bill.csicrane@gmail.com
cluded cove at the northern end of Lake Lanier.
Our “other” usual family vacation spot was Jekyll Island, which my grandparents, Mary and Bud Crane can also claim credit for introducing us to. And to access Jekyll, you crossed the Sidney Lanier Bridge along U.S. High-
Our Advertisers make Lakeside on Lanier Possible! Please let them know you saw their ad here!
seum named for famed musician, author and poet, Sidney Lanier. He was educated nearby in Milledgeville, then the location of Oglethorpe University. Lanier served during the Civil War as a Confederate private, in the Confederate Signal Corps, and in the tidewater region of Virginia. The ship on which he served was captured in 1864, and Lanier served as a prisoner of war at Point Lookout in Maryland. He contracted tuberculosis in the POW camp and suffered greatly from the disease for the rest of his life.
way 17, connecting Brunswick, Ga. and the mainland, along with a causeway to Jekyll Island. I was told, then and now, it is the longest bridge span in Georgia. Who was this fellow named Sidney Lanier?
Decades later the start of my own career would land me in Macon, Ga., with well known CBS affiliate, WMAZ-TV 13, and Eyewitness News. And there again, the birth home and a mu-
After a time in Alabama near Montgomery, Lanier became a lawyer and returned home to Macon. Though well regarded, Lanier long struggled to support his wife and three children. Failed careers as a flutist and musician were supplanted by poetry he would write for magazines and periodicals of the day. “The Marshes of Glynn” and “The Song of the Chattahoochee” are considered among his greatest works. Though he lived only 39 years, Lanier left us quite a legacy.
In more recent times, due to Lanier’s brief stint in the Confederacy, there was talk, primarily emanating from Washington, D.C., of renaming the great lake, that bridge, schools and other honors paid to the poet and wordsmith. Lanier was not a general, nor an elected official, he was but a lowly private, called to duty and fighting on behalf of his family, for his homeland. Thankfully, that prattle did not last long.
I am grateful, as my own grandsons approach the age of their first fishing pole, or walk on the beaches of Georgia’s Golden Isles, I can still look forward to telling them of a man who lived less than 40 years, yet has Georgia’s largest lake, longest bridge and much else named in his honor, despite rising from the humblest of backgrounds.
Bill Crane is a writer and true son of the South. A longtime columnist and political analyst, he is now spending a good part of his time living the lake life and loving North Georgia. He will share his thoughts and travels here.
Sidney Lanier (circa 1875), age 35.
LIBRARIES OF JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
o 54th Oktoberfest, Helen. Bavarian-themed music, food, dancing, drinks, nightly through Oct. 27. www.helenchamber.com, 706-8781619.
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. 3-13; Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. www.cummingfair.squarespace.com/cumming-country-fair-festival-1.
o 3rd Annual Oktoberfest, Gainesville. Live music, family activities, food trucks, biergarten & more, Oct. 4, Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW. www.theartscouncil.net.
♫ Trotline Concert, Cumming. Country/southern rock band, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 4, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o NAMI Walks, Gainesville. 3.1 mile walk on Rock Creek Greenway to support mental health advocacy, registration 10 a.m., guest speaker 10:30 a.m., walk 11:15-12:30 p.m., farewell speaker 12:45-1 p.m. Oct. 5, Rock Creek Veterans Park, 223 Northside Dr. Free. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Microgreens Made Easy, Gainesville. Learn how to sow, grow and harvest microgreens, 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 5, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $34, members $29. www.abg.org, 404-888-4760.
o Member Fall Evening in the Garden, Gainesville. Members invited to harvest-themed evening with hundreds of pumpkins, music, crafts and treats, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 5, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.abg.org, 404-888-4760.
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. 5, Rabun County Civic Center, 201 W. Savannah St. www.visit.explorerabun.com.
o Indian Summer Festival, Suches. Crafts, food, and music, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5 & 6, Woody Gap School, 2331 Ga. 60. www.indiansummerfestival.org. 706-747-2401.
o Yappy Hour, Gainesville. Party for dogs with dog yoga, adoptable dogs and more, 2-4 p.m. Oct. 6, Midland Dog Park and NoFo Brewery, 682 Grove St./434 High St. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Motul Petit Le Mans, Braselton. Sports car races, interactive displays, food, entertainment, and more, Oct. 9-12, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Hwy. www.roadatlanta.com.
o Home School Curiosity Day, Gainesville. Life science, botanical, environmental studies includes tour with horticulturalist, 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 10, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.abg.org, 404-888-4760.
♫ Old Crow Medicine Show Concert in the Garden, Gainesville. Little Hopes opens, 8 p.m. Oct. 11, Ivester Amphitheater, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. General admission $79, members $74, onsite parking $25-$15. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.
Outdoor Calendar October 2024
o Movies Alfresco, Cumming. Family, snacks, and drinks, bring chairs and blankets, 8-10 p.m. Oct. 11 (Top Gun), Oct. 26 (Hocus Pocus) , Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee. Big name country and blue grass performers, pioneer village, daredevil and cowboy circus, carnival rides, flower show and crafts exhibits. Oct. 11-13, 17-19, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Rd. Free to children age 12 & younger. No pets. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.
♫ The Spirit of Rush Concert, Cumming. Rush cover band, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 12, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Bats of Georgia, Dawsonville. Short presentation and easy walk with bat-detecting gear, 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Oct. 12, Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o 55th Annual Sorghum Festival, Blairsville. Vintage mule-run sorghum mill, sorghum “biskits,” crafts, mountain music, dancing, pioneer demonstrations, biskit eating contest, hatchet throwing, and old timey games, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12 & 13, 19 & 20, Meeks Park, 490 Meeks Park Rd. Parade Oct. 12. www.blairsvillesorghumfestival.com, 706-745-2272.
o Trout Time, Helen. Learn how to tie flies, cast, and interpret stream ecology for catching trout with Trout 101 lesson from Trout Unlimited, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 12, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.
o Halloween Paddle, Gainesville. Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Lake Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club host 2.5 mile flatwater paddle on Lake Lanier focusing on lake history and underwater town; costumes, boat decorations encouraged, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 13, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Register in advance. www.exploregainesville.org.
o October No School Nature Days, Gainesville. Live animal encounters, arts and crafts focus on nocturnal creatures, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 14 & 15, with special programs 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. $5 parking. www.elachee.org, 770535-1976.
o Downtown Squarecrows Contest, Gainesville. Businesses/organizations put up scarecrows, compete in contest last two weeks in October. $35. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. 1.5 mile night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Oct. 17, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane
Hurt Yarn Dr. $10 cash, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
o Super Moon Paddle, Gainesville. Guided group paddle on peaceful section of Lake Lanier, boat rental available, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 18, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $40. www.exploregainesville.org, 770-287-7888.
o Halloween Haunted Hike, Helen. Annual spooky hayride up to Martins Mine Trail to hear haunted history of North Georgia gold rush, 57:30 p.m. Oct. 18 & 19, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.
o Blackstrap Ghost Tours, Gainesville. Walking ghost tour to historic sites near Blackstrap Rock Hall and Midland Greenway hosted by Blackstrap Rock Hall and The Longstreet Society, 8 p.m. Oct. 18, 19 and 31, Blackstrap Rock Hall, 852 Main St. SW. $20 adults, $10 children ages 6-12. www.blackstraprockhall.com.
o Camp Elachee for Adults, Gainesville. Test skills with ax-throwing or archery, play yard games, experience Star Lab, unwind on the patio with food, music and drinks, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 19, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $35 activities voucher, $100 activities, meal and 2 drinks. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o 19th Annual Gainesville Chicken Festival Teams compete in chicken cook-off, plus kids’ zone, venders’ market, live music and more, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. www.exploregainesville. org., 770-531-2664.
o Runni. Costume optional with Halloween goodies, music and more, 8/8:30 a.m. Oct. 19, Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. $30-$45. www.fivestarntp.com.
o Run for Life 5K, Gainesville. 11 a.m. Oct. 19, Lakeview Academy, 796 Lakeview Dr. $30. www.active.com.
o Closed Terrarium Ecosystem Workshop, Gainesville. 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 19, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $50, members $45. www.abg.org, 404-888-4760.
o Sugar Rush 5K, Sugar Hill. 9 a.m. Oct. 19, 5039 W. Broad St. $35-$40. www.fivestarntp.com.
o Head Games, Cumming. Foreigner tribute band, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 19, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega. Parade, crafts, food, plus panning for gold, hog calling, buck dancing, gospel singing, and blue grass music, Oct. 19 & 20, Public Square/Downtown Historic District. www.goldrushdaysfestival.com.
Memorial Hall Gym, UNG, 82 College Circle. $25-$40. www.runnersfit.com.
o Tin Cup Cruise in Halloween Edition, Cumming. Decorated cars, costumes, treats for kids 6 p.m. Oct. 24, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Bat Week, Dawsonville. Learn how bats help humans and how humans can help bats, 4-5 p.m. Oct. 24-31, Amicolola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o 57th Annual Mountain Moonshine Car Show/Festival, Dawsonville. Huge car show, race car parade (9 a.m. Oct. 26) and more, Oct. 25-27, Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 E. www.kareforkids.org. 706-2165273.
o Mountain Farm Celebration, Sautee Nacoochee. Old fashioned country fair with pioneer skills and exhibits, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $8, free to children younger than 5. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.
o Trunk or Treat, Gainesville. Guests decorate cars, hand out treats to costumed kids, plus decorated campsite contest, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 26, Don Carter State Park, 500 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
o Braselton Antique & Artison Festival. 400 vendors, live music, food trucks, noon-7 p.m. Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27, Downtown Braselton, 115 Harrison St. www.explorebraselton.net.
o Haunted Halloween Party/Hearse Show, Gainesville. Freaky venders, creepy acts, live music, ghastly vehicles competing for prizes, 28 p.m. Oct. 26, Blackstrap Rock Hall, 852 Main St. www.blackstraprockhall.com.
o Spooky Tales Night Hike, Gainesville. .64 hike on Ed Dodd Trail with narrated myths and legends, costumes encouraged. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10, free to members. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o Let’s Glow Crazy 5K, Flowery Branch. Sunset, about 8:15 p.m., Oct. 26, Cherokee Bluff High School, 6603 Spout Springs Rd. $20-$25. www.active.com.
o Trick or Treat on the Square, Gainesville. Costumed kids trick or treat at downtown businesses, compete in costume contests, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 31, Downtown Gainesville. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Trunk or Treat, Tallulah Falls. Decorate vehicle for Halloween, hand out treats to children walking car to car, plays hayrides, prizes, and other activities, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
o Fall Fest, Dawsonville. Annual fest with animal shows, hayrides, pumpkin painting, s’mores, crafts and more, 3-8 p.m. Nov. 1, Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Dr. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o Fall Greenhouse Tour, Gainesville. Behind the scenes tour of 3-acre greenhouse and nurseries, 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 2, Gainesville Garden
o Gold Rush 5K, Dahlonega. 8 a.m. Oct. 19, See Outdoor Calendar, page 41
New Don Carter State Park manager, naturalist dive into Autumn
By Jane Harrison
The new manager at Don Carter State Park got her feet wet over the summer and is set to dive into fall with new programs and a local naturalist. Jamie Madden brings deep experience managing Georgia state parks to the only such park on Lake Lanier. Naturalist Michaela Weis, a Gainesville native, looks forward to bringing fun, educational activities back to the park that has not hired a naturalist in two years.
Madden, 33, started work in July following the departure of 7year assistant manager/manager Steven Emery, who left to manage Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen. Born and raised in Kansas, she earned her degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science from the University of Kansas. She specialized in park management, conservation and interpretive park programs.
Madden departed the flatlands of America’s heartland for the Peach State while she was in college. “I needed to complete an internship for my degree and found an internship in Georgia that would allow me to get credit,” she said. A part-time stint at Ellijah Clark State Park on the western shore of Clarks Hill Lake in Lincolnton near the South Carolina border led her to other positions at numerous Georgia State Parks. She visited campsites, welcomed campers and fielded questions as the roving interpretive ranger at North Georgia parks, Fort Mountain in Chatsworth and Vogel in Blairsville, as well as historic sites, Chief Van House in Chatsworth and New Echota in Calhoun.
Next came a string of manage-
ment positions at North Georgia parks: assistant manager at Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn and Richard B. Russell in Elberton and manager of Panola Mountain in Stockbridge and Red Top Mountain on Lake Allatoona in Acworth.
She came to Don Carter State Park seeking a “better work/life balance” after being in charge of the sprawling, bustling, metro environment at Red Top. The mother of two sons, ages 4 years and 22 months, also saw the potential to grow the “smaller, more contained” 1,316-acre park on Lanier. She and husband, Michael, were impressed with Hall County and the park’s proximity to vibrant Gainesville. Her husband found work in Dawsonville. When she’s not working, Jamie Madden enjoys family time, crafting, reading and hiking.
responses about what she can and cannot do regarding special onsite accommodations for horse riders. Decisions about those amenities must come from higher ups on the state level, she said. She spoke with enthusiasm about upcoming programs, including the Labor Day sandcastle competition, a Girl Scouts “I Love State Parks Day” hike, Trunk or Treat this month, plus a S’Mores with Santa event in December. She added that the park planned to start work on a new event center near the RV campground in September. The enclosed facility, similar to a group shelter but accommodating 150 people, is expected to open next fall.
Weis, the new part-time naturalist, graduated from Chestatee High School in North Hall and is currently enrolled at the University of North Georgia. She plans to transfer to the University of Georgia School of Forestry. “I always knew I wanted to work with the public. It is my passion to be-
come an environmental educator,” she said. “I feel lucky to be here” at a state park so close to home, she said. She grew up camping and enjoying outdoor activities with her family. She spoke excitedly about upcoming programs, especially one aiming to sweeten up the winter. She hopes to introduce a syrup tasting day with local syrup-makers. It might include pancakes. Additionally a National Coffee Day program was in the works for Oct. 4. Details were not available by Lakeside deadline.
Madden noted that Lake Lanier is by far the main draw to the park with a wide, sandy beach, two boat docks, paddle sport rentals, and fishing docks. About 90 percent of visitors come for the beach, she estimated. The park accommodates overnight guests in eight 2-bedroom cottages, 44 tent, trailer and RV campsites, and 14 primitive tent campsites. Madden reported Labor Day holiday visitors filled all the campsites and cottages. The four picnic shelters were 90 percent booked for the three-day weekend.
Visitation drops off sharply in the late fall and winter. A few hikers, trail runners, equestrians,
and cold weather anglers step foot on the trails or launch into the lake in the off-season. Madden said she looks forward to spreading the news about what the park has to offer to the Gainesville community year-round. She expressed surprise that despite its opening 11 years ago, many local residents are still unaware of the gem on the north end of the lake. Its lure includes 14.5 miles of well-marked hiking trails, paved and woodsy paths, many of which open up to lovely lake views after the leaves fall. Another 14.5 miles of horse trails wind through the woods on wide paths with bridges crossing creeks. Madden looks forward to weekend and seasonal programs, like those she and naturalist Weis plan this fall. She deemed their Labor Day sandcastle contest a rousing success after signing up 11 teams whose architects showed off their creativity on the park shore.
She anticipates bringing her own creativity and practicality to grow the park that the late Don Carter, Gainesville real estate executive and long-time Georgia Natural Resources Department worker and board member, envisioned more than 25 years ago.
Former DCSP manager transfers to Smithgall Woods
By Jane Harrison
At an August meet and greet with Friends of Don Carter State Park Madden told the dozen or so attendees she has long term plans at Don Carter. “My oldest child just started preschool. I plan to stay until they graduate,” she said. Most who met her that evening represented the local equestrian community, many of whom rode northeast Hall trails before the park broke ground. She answered their questions and suggestions with openness and updates on trail maintenance equipment and
Steven Emery oversaw trail expansions, construction of new recreation facilities, and endless bridge repairs during his seven years at Don Carter State Park. Emery, the second manager at the state park on Lake Lanier, transferred to Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen in July. He manages the 5,800-acre mountain park known as a trout “angler’s paradise” on Duke’s Creek.
Emery wore many hats during his two years as assistant manager and five years as manager at Don Carter. Visitors would see him filling in at the check-in kiosk, cutting blowdowns off trails, prying old board off equestrian bridges, and leading occasional hikes. Early on he led paddle excursions near the quiet northern end of the lake.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Don Carter,” Emery told Lakeside News by email. “During my time there we opened 11 new
miles of hiking trails, made numerous bridge repairs on hiking and equestrian trails, opened 2 new primitive campsites, added 2 new restroom facilities, added a small concession stand at our beach area, added additional picnic tables and grills to expand our day-use area, added a new playground in our cottage area, added a playground and outdoor fitness area to our campground and began work to get a group shelter built at the park.”
Steven Ellis, president of Friends of Don Carter State Park, wrote a fond farewell to Emery on the group’s Facebook page. “Smithgall Woods is mighty lucky to have someone as sharp, hardworking, and diligent as he is. It’s not often in today’s time that you have the opportunity to work alongside someone in a professional manner and come out on the other side as friends, but I certainly like to think that is how it has happened for Steven and
nearly anyone he has worked with at Don Carter.”
Emery took the position formerly held by Will Wagner at Smithgall Woods. Wagner served as the first manager at Don Carter when it opened in July 2013.
Steven Emery pries an old board out of an equestrian bridge on a work day at Don Carter State Park.
FRIENDS OF DON CARTER STATE PARK
Don Carter State Park manager Jamie Madden, left, and naturalist Michaela Weis.
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
Teams competed in the sandcastle-building contest at Don Carter State Park on Labor Day.
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
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New York’s Niagara Falls area is beautiful this time of year
No words could ever properly describe the awesome power of Niagara Falls as it constantly dumps more than a half-million gallons of water over a sharp edge to explode below with such force that the mist rises above the river from where it came!
At night, colored lights illuminate the falls into an erie scene of beauty accompanied by the resounding crash from millions of gallons of water tumbling dramatically into blackness of the gorge below. Even in winter when the falls freeze to form gigantic razortipped icicles, Niagara Falls is a magnificent sight to behold!
All of this fresh and highly oxygenated water has created numerous other wonders downstream as well as one of the most fertile fisheries in America. Beyond the falls, the Niagara River passes through the Whirlpool in the Niagara Gorge which can be easily seen from Whirlpool State Park in Niagara County. This natural whirlpool was formed more than 4,000 years ago and is said to be 125 feet at its deepest point. Though the natural rotation in the whirlpool is counterclockwise, it often reverses direction when water is diverted to nearby hydroelectric plants.
Very near Whirlpool State Park is the 42-acre Devil’s Hole State Park offering an upper level that is quite open and complete with picnic tables and cooking grills and is free to use. The Niagara Gorge Rim Trail passes through the park and affords spectacular views of the gorge, the river, and Devil’s Hole, which was formed in the last ice age.
The Devil’s Hole is one of the
Bill Vanderford Travel Editor
n MORE INFO: JFish51@aol.com www.georgiafishing.com
best fishing areas in New York, and fishing boats can be seen along its length during most of the year. Catches include king and coho salmon during the fall and steelhead and lake trout during winter months. The rest of the Niagara River all the way to where it enters Lake Ontario is prime smallmouth bass territory ... especially around old Fort Niagara and in the first part of the lake.
One of the best places to visit along this part of the Niagara River is the historic village of Lewiston where French explorers and Indians traded, and we fought with the English Canadians during the War of 1812. I would highly suggest taking a historical boat ride on the Erie Canal out of the nearby town of Lockport and cruise under the famous “UpsideDown railroad bridge.
These are simply suggestions of other things to do and see in the area, but the wonder of Niagara Falls is still the main reason people come.
This gorgeous landmark defines the border between Canada and the United States and is lo-
cated about 20 miles north of Buffalo, N.Y. The falls can be seen by a number of methods including boats from below the falls. The best way to view this awesome spectacle, however, is to walk the catwalks, trails, and sidewalks.
The actual falls include three distinct cataracts. The tallest are the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side, which dive 180 feet over sharp rocky outcroppings and are separated by tiny Luna Island. The more famous Horseshoe Falls are much wider, and more impressive. These falls curve their way across from Goat Island on the American side to Canada.
Niagara Falls dates back 12,000 years and was formed when the retreat of melting glaciers allowed water trapped in Lake Erie to gush north to Lake Ontario. During those beginning years, the falls were seven miles downriver, but constant erosion has cut them back to their current site.
Terrapin Point on Goat Island is in the middle of the Niagara River just above the falls, and allows a wonderful vista from above the Horseshoe Falls. One might also take the Cave of the Winds tour which leads down to the base of the falls by elevator. The crashing water is so close and the mist so dense, rainwear is issued to everyone.
Even though the scene is captivating, one is only observing about half the volume of water –the rest is diverted to hydroelectric power stations. Nevertheless, Niagara Falls is truly one of the world’s wonders, and everyone should see this marvel of nature once in their lifetime … and the fall colors are spectacular!
For additional information, visit www.niagara-usa.com.
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide.
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
Rainbow over the American Falls at Niagara.
The cable car over the whirpool on the lower Niagara River.
Famous "Upside-Down Bridge" on the Erie Canal.
Children having fun near Horseshoe Falls, above.
Fort Niagara at the mouth of the Niagara River, above.
Salmon anglers at Devil's Hole on the lower Niagara River, right.
Horseshoe Falls from Goat Island.
• Calendar
Continued from Page 26
Drood
o Dec 6-8, 12-15, 19-22 – A Christmas Carol
o Feb 14-16, 21-23, Feb 28-Mar 2 – Proof
o Apr 25-27, May 2-4, 9-11 – You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown
DAWSONVILLE/DAWSON COUNTY
Downtown Dawsonville
o Oct 4 – Food Truck Friday – 86 Allen St, Farmers Market Pavilion, 5-8 pm
o Oct 5, 12, 18, – Amicalola Farmers Market – 86 Allen St, 8 am-1 pm
o Oct 18, 19 – Ghost of Racing Haunted House and Ghost Walk – 415 Hwy 53 East, 711 pm
o Oct 20 – Caffeine & Exotics – Atlanta Motorsports Park, 20 Duck Thurmond Rd, 11 am –1 pm
o Oct 25-27 – 57th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival and Car Show – 415 Hwy 53 East, 8 am-5 pm
Bowen Center for the Arts - www.bowenarts.org/ 706-216-2787
o Thru Oct 25 – 2024 Annual Quilt Show –Garden Party, Free
o Oct 5 – Circle Dance Class! – 10 am-noon
o Oct 9 – Bob Ross “Joy of Painting” Oil Painting Class – 10:30 am-3:30 pm
FLOWERY BRANCH
Branch House Tavern – 678-828-8345, branchhousetavern.com
o Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Trivia Night – every Tues, 7:30 pm
o Oct 2, 9,16, 23, 30 - Karaoke every Wed, 7:30 pm
o Live music every Fri & Sat, 9:30 pm Flowery Branch Amphitheater - flowerybranchga.org
o Oct. 6 – Music in the Branch
o Oct 10 – Winter Market Kick Off: Gilmore Girls theme, 5310 Railroad Ave, 3:30 pm
o Oct 18 – Movie under the Stars – 5603 Mitchell St, 6:30 pm
o Oct 26 – 5K Boo Run, 8 am
GAINESVILLE/HALL COUNTY
BlackStrap – 678-696-8285, blackstraprockhall.com
o Oct 3 – Full Band Open Mic – Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm
o Oct 4 – Bong Wizard/Stone Nomads/LungBurner – Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm, $12 adv, $15 door
o Oct 5 – BAM/Seduced By Suffering/A Vessel of Honor – Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm, $12 adv, $15 door
o Oct 6 – Psychic Fair – 12-5 pm, Free o Oct 11 – Freakshow Sinema/Fatal Attraction/Buried Within – Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm, $12 adv, $15 door
o Oct 12 – Before We Were Old Fest - Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm, $12 adv, $15 door
o Oct 13 – Full Band Open Mic – Doors 5 pm, Show 6 pm
o Oct 18 – EMBR/Grave Next Door/Tommy Stewarts Dyerwulf – Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm, $12 adv, $15 door
o Oct 19 – Mom Fest – Door noon, Show 1 pm
o Oct 25 – Of Ancients/The Guild/Tomb of
Oedon – Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm, $12 adv, $15 door
o Oct 26 – The Blackstrap Haunted Halloween Party! – all ages, Free, 2-8 pm; 18+, 7 pm, $20 adv/$25 Door
o Oct 31 – Ritual Killer/Hollow God/Clockwise – all ages – Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm, $10
Boot Barn Hall – 678-434-0475, bootbarnhallga.com
o Oct 4 – Molly Hatchet – 7:30-10 pm, $60-80
o Oct 5 – The Bellamy Brothers – 7-10 pm, $60-80
o Oct 10 – The Wailers, featuring Junior Martin – 7:30-10 pm, $25-69
o Oct 11 – Railroad Earth, presented by Gainesville Jaycees & Mule Camp Market, 7 –10 pm, $30-100
o Oct 12 – Bon Jovi Tribute: Slippery When Wet – 7:30-10 pm, $15-44
o Oct 17 – Boys & Girls Club 2024 Gala – 610 pm, $175
o Oct 18 – Jim Messina – 7-9 pm, $49-79
o Oct 19 – Corb Lund – 7 :30-11 pm, $25-55
o Oct 24 – Celtic Thunder – 7 :30-10 pm, $4580
o Oct 25 – The Nashville Nights Band, 90s Country Experience – 7 :30-10 pm, $14-40
o Oct 26 – R&B Inc. & Weekend Getaway, A Night of Funk and Soul – 7-10 pm, $20-44
o Oct 31 – Dueling Pianos: Halloween Show! – 7:30 pm, $20-35
o Oct 5-12 - The True Story of the Three Little Pigs – Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium, all ages
o Nov 8-16 – A Monster Calls – UNG-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre, ages 13+
o Feb 14-22 – Macbeth – Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre, ages 13+
o Apr 11-19 – Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – UNG Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre, ages 15+
Georgia Art League (at Quinlan Visual Arts Center-Gainesville), 470-272-3010
o Oct 7 – Georgia Art League Members’ Show
- “A Sense of Place.” Opening Reception October 10, 5:30-7:30. Submit art October 7. Sautee Art Affair – Online Art Auction 24/7 through Oct 9. Support local working artists while raising funds for the Sautee Nacoochee Center.
Hall County Library - 770-532-3311, X4011, hallcountylibrary.org
o Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Baby Steps (0-18 months) 10:15-10:45 am and Toddler Storytime (18 mo-3yrs), 11-11:45 am
o Oct 2 – Author Talk – George Weinstein
o Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 – Thursdays, Little Sprouts Storytime – 11am-11:30 am - preschoolers
o Oct 4 – Death Café – End of life planning with Wilson Legal
o Oct 5, 19 – Greeting Card Workshop – 10 am-1 pm
o Oct 5, 12, 19 – Saturday Storytime –baby/preschool, 11-11:45 am
o Oct 7 – Cat Café – 1-3 pm – Hall County
Animal Services with kitties to cuddle.
o Oct 7, 14 – Medicare 101 – World Financial to discuss open enrollment, 5:30-7 pm
o Oct 8 – Digging into American Revolutionary War Records – 10:30 am-noon
o Oct 10, 24 – Dungeons & Dragons, 5:30-7:30 pm
o Oct 12 – Georgia Cross Stitchers – 10 am4:30 pm
o Oct 12 – Cuentos y Cantos – 3-3:30 pm
o Oct 12 – Ghost Hunting for Teens – ages 1318, 6 -8:30 pm
o Oct 14 – Elementary Crafternoon – 1:302:30 pm
o Oct 15 – Curiosity Club – STEM program for 1st-5th graders – 1:30-3 pm
o Oct 16 – Smokey Bear Birthday Party –1:30-3 pm
o Oct 16 – CreativiTEENS – ages 13-18 – 4:305:30 pm
o Oct 17 – Silver Speed Dating – ages 40 and up, 5:30-7:30 pm
o Oct 18 – Intro to Microsoft Word – 1-3 pm
o Oct 19 – Fall Gnome Painting Workshop –$10 supply fee, 2-4 pm
o Oct 21 – Adult Coloring Week
o Oct 21 – Researching between 1775 and 1783 – 4 -7:30 pm
o Oct 25 – Tea with Tolkien Book Club – 1-3 pm, adults
o Oct 26 – River Cruising – 2-3:30 pm, adults
o Oct 28 – Spices for Health – free, adults 18+ 10:30 am-noon
o Oct 28 - Manga, Movies, and More Mondays! – middle/high school (ages 13-18 only) 6-7 pm
o Oct 31 – A Not-So-Scary Storytime 11-12, baby/preschool
o Oct 11-13 – Mule Camp Market 2024 – The Gainesville Jaycees – Midland Greenway o Oct 17-31 – 2024 10th Annual SQUAREcrows on the Gainesville Square.
o Oct 31 – Trick or Treat on the Square 3-6 pm
INK – Interactive Neighborhood for Kids770-536-1900, inkfun.org Crafts week activities are $1 plus tax per craft with paid admission, Free to INK members. Time/Play Blocks: Mon-Sat 10 am-12 pm, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm & 3 pm-5 pm, Sun 12:30 pm-2:30 pm & 3 pm-5 pm
o Oct 1-6 – Pumpkin Craft Week
o Oct 7-13 – Ghost Craft Week
o Oct 14-20 – Bat Craft Week
o Oct 21-27 – Spider Craft Week
o Oct 28-Nov 3 – Halloween Craft WeekBoooo!
Other
o Oct 7, 21, Nov 4, 18 (Mondays) – The BASICS Story Time! – interactive story time for early learners (children ages 0-5 will receive a free book). 11-11:30 am.
o Oct 25 – HallowINK Event! – Reservations required (770-536-1900) Buy tickets to reserve your spot for trick-or-treating, games, food & more throughout the museum. 4pm-7pm. No 3 pm-5 pm play block this day. Cost: Adults $18, children $23; INK member Adults $13, Children
o Oct 6 – Yappy Hour – bring your dog outside on Midland Greenway, inside at NoFo, 2-4 pm.
Quinlan Arts Center - 514 Green St. NE, 770536-2575, quinlanartscenter.org
o Thru Oct 5 – Fall Exhibition: In the Beginning …, M-F 9 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, closed Sun
o Oct 8 – Ekphrasis for the Masses – noon-1 pm (every 2nd Tues)
Tap It Growlers – 110 Maple St., tapitgrowler.com
o Oct 5 – Oktoberfest – 3 pm
o Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 – Karaoke – 8-11 pm (every Saturday night)
The Arts Council - 770-534-2787, Julie Garner, julie@theartscouncil.net
o Oct 4 – 3rd Annual Oktoberfest
o Thru Oct 25 – The Artist Educators Exhibition – a celebration of the creativity and talent of educators from the Hall County School District, Gainesville City Schools and private schools of Hall County who are also accomplished artists. Tue-Fri 10 am-5 pm; reception, Fri Oct 25 5:30-7:30 pm.
Wild Wing Café - wildwingcafe.com
o Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Karaoke Night! – 7-10 pm (every Tues night)
o Nov 2, 22; Dec. 13, 31 – Manorism Official
HIAWASSEE-TOWNS COUNTY
o Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds – Hiawassee - 706-896-4191, georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
o Oct 3, 10 (Thursdays) – Acoustic Sunset Series at Hamilton Gardens – Fall Series, 5 pm, live music 6:30 pm (Grace Pettis 10/3; Wyatt Espalin 10/10)
o Oct 3 – The Park after Dark, 7-10 pm –Open walk down the gardens Main Trail to Fishing Hole Rock.
o Oct 5 – Document Shredding – 10 am-2 pm
o Oct 5 – Neil Diamond Tribute – 7 pm
o Oct 11 – Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, 6 pm
o Oct 11 – Dylan Scott – 7 pm
o Oct 12 – Joe Nichols – 7 pm
o Oct 13 – Anthem Edition, LeFevre Quartet, & Gold City – 2 pm
o Oct 17 – Tracy Lawrence & The Malpass Brothers, 7 pm
o Oct 18 – Three Dog Night – 7 pm
o Oct 19 – Nate Smith – 7 pm
o Oct 25 – Sara Evans – 7 pm
o Oct 26 – Appalachian Brew and Music Festival – craft breweries from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Alabama, delicious food from area restaurants, regional arts & crafts, and lots of Appalachian & Americana music! 11 am-5 pm
o Oct 31 – Halloween at Fairgrounds – 5 pm9 pm
BONUS TRAVEL COLUMN
Reaching a personal milestone - visiting all seven continents
Lakeside’s Senior Reporter
Pam Keene reached a landmark that few people ever achieve on her most recent adventure. Traveling “down under,” she and her husband Rick Fulgham recently spent almost three weeks in Australia and New Zealand. The journey, curated by Overseas Adventure Travel, was filled with several milestone moments.
Here’s Part 1 of her journey “down under,” learning how the other half of world lives.
By Pamela A. Keene
Most people wait to log their seventh continent by going to Antarctica, but not so with me.
Eighteen months ago, Rick and I traveled to Antarctica via Buenos Aires by way of the southernmost town in the world – Ushuaia – before boarding an 80-passenger ship to the planet’s southern polar ice cap.
That trip made Australia a bucket-list exploration to be certain. Less than 1 percent of the world’s population has traveled to all seven continents, so I was pumped to earn my traveler’s stripes.
Imagine my excitement as we boarded a plane for Cairns, Australia, in late July, our first of six cities on the other side of the globe that we would visit. The flights were long, all totaled nearly 30 hours with three segments and layovers. Blessedly, I watched a few movies then slept intermittently until time to change planes.
Arriving a day early to adjust to crossing the international date line, we had time to explore on
our own. We wandered along the shore that was lined with restaurants, bars, souvenir sellers and tourists, but it was never so crowded as to be inconvenient.
Cairns, pronounced “cans,” is one of many hopping off points for a visit to the mythical Great Barrier Reef. The coastal town is very walkable and clean. It’s tropical with a bit of a nip in the air.
Plenty of restaurants offered myriad multi-cultural choices from sushi, fresh seafood and steaks to Italian, Thai and American. Don’t worry; the usual American chains were present, but who eats there, even when you’re at home.
The Cairns Aquarium, focusing on the Great Barrier Reef, has 71 tanks, more than 15,000 animals displayed in 10 ecosystems. Aquarium hosts gather visitors in open several rows of seating in front of floor-to-ceiling thickglassed walls to share information about the types of sharks, rays and other sea life that swim behind.
Our fellow travelers arrived the next day and the 16 of us quickly became acquainted. Our trip leader Anna was amazingly organized; within our first few hours, she had given each of us a packet of “Anna-grams” for our time in Cairns that included our daily schedules, tips for our current city and activities and other tidbits. Usually our trip leaders post daily schedules the night before and we all photograph them. Anna’s way was innovative, setting the tone for an epic adventure.
Four days wasn’t long enough, but we stayed on the go, meeting kangaroos and koalas – don’t call them bears! – up close, hearing about crocodile farming, learning about aboriginal music, dance and culture and touring a tropical rain forest.
The highlight – you guessed it! – our day at the outer Great Barrier Reef. A 90-minute high-speed catamaran ride across the waves took us to a stationary pontoonstyle platform with an underwater observation level. Some of our friends scuba dived, others snorkeled and I opted for a helicopter ride over the water. Stunning!
An internal flight brought us to the iconic city of Sydney, the most populated in the country. Here’s where the Australia rubber meets the road.
When you think Australia several things come to mind: Ayers Rock (also known as Uluru), the distinctive Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Of the three, two were right outside our upper story hotel window overlooking the harbor.
An American guide from Acworth –really –gave our private tour of the opera house and its seven performances spaces, each with distinct characteristics of seating arrangements, acoustics, staging technology, and size that can accommodate everything from hard rock concerts, to ballet and jazz.
Its design of 14 shells was inspired by seashells and the maritime history of the city. Also called sails, these shells are sections of the same sphere. The structure has more than 666,984 square feet of glass and more than
1 million custom-made root tiles. Its height is just over 613 feet.
The interior is a maze of technology, with massive steel girders and cables to concrete ceiling beams. Two of the performance theaters have mechanical stage lifts to move scenery and props to the stage; scenery is stored below the stage.
A visit to Sydney cannot be complete without climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, opened in 1932 after six years of construction. The steel arch span is the second-largest in the world at 1,650 feet; at its highest point, the bridge stands 440 feet above sea level.
Mind-boggling numbers for fun: 6 million hand-drive rivets; more than 4.5 million climbers
See Australia, page 39
Idyllic scene in Sydney Harbour, above. The Opera House at dusk is stunning from any angle, left.
The grand concert hall at the Opera House features movable raspberrycolored baffles that are adjusted for each performance.
PHOTOS BY PAMELA A. KEENE
A small amusement park is tucked along the shore beneath the Harbour Bridge.
since 1998. More than 160,000 road vehicles and 480 trains travel it daily; annual more than 1.3 million pedestrians and 400,000 cyclists traverse the span.
I know. I was there at the very top, climbing 1,332 steps to the summit. We wore special onepiece gray suits – very flattering! – with several carabiners for attaching ourselves to cables that kept us safe as we climbed.
Cameras, cell phones and other loose accessories were not allowed. We were given a ballcap that attached to the collar of our suit to prevent it getting blown from our heads. I was lost without my water bottle, but I survived.
Before we climbed, I worried about my fitness level. I work out several times a week, cardio and weights, but I wasn’t certain I was prepared for the climb.
Surprise! It was a piece of cake because other than four vertical ladders at the beginning and again at the end, the steps were low and well-spaced. The guide stopped often to point out landmarks and points of interest below.
Our time in Sydney included a
BONUS TRAVEL COLUMN
harbor cruise and a trip to Bondi Beach four miles east of central Sydney. A popular resort and beach town where massive homes line the roads, it was the site of beach volleyball competition at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Anna told us that it’s known for its world-class surfing and big waves. The day we were there the seas were calm, but dozens of surfers in full-body wetsuits bobbed in the water as gentle rollers and an occasional breaker passed by.
Our four days here passed quickly and then it was time for another internal flight to Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand. I made a note to return to Australia again to see “the rest of the continent” at least the high points. Most of the people live along the coast, but there a different world in the “outback” that’s filled with deserts, plateaus, scrublands and not many people.
The taste of Australia made me long to see more. But my mission was accomplished as I spent eight days on my seventh continent. Ahhh!
Eating supper in a night market offered many delicacies like these fried calamari on a skewer, above.
Bridge climbers make their journey in groups of 15 or so.
PHOTOS BY PAMELA A. KEENE
You could almost reach out and touch the rays displayed under special lighting.
View from the helicopter showing a small part of the Great Barrier Reef.
Surf’s up! (above)
Some boaters have a strange sense of humor, below.
Along the main road, bananas and other fresh produce are sold on the honor system.
This artist hand-makes beautiful tweed clothing.
The kangaroos at a local attraction were so tame they ate out of our hands. A koala and his keeper.
A visitor takes a photo in one of the many aquariums.
Kick your landscape up a notch this fall: Move it or lose it
Everybody says it, but few take it to heart: Fall is the best time for planting.
Yes, as the weather cools and trees and shrubs begin to go dormant, get serious about ways to change up your yard, transplant bushes that didn’t do as well as you expected, and add new options for beautiful color and interesting textures when spring arrives.
As fall brings cooler mornings and less high temperatures, look at your landscape and make plans to shake things up a bit. If plants and shrubs haven’t been performing up to snuff, move them later this fall and into early winter.
Garden Guru Walter Reeves always says, “A plant (or shrub) hasn’t found its proper place until it’s been moved at least three times.” Make plans now for ways to change up your yard once the true planting and transplanting has begun in late October through January.
If you’re like me, you probably have shrubs or perennials that didn’t perform well where they’re currently planted. I’m making a
A. Keene
I pruned my mop-heads this summer in early August, barely cutting off the brown dry faded flowers. I expect a good flush of flower heads in July next year. They’ll get a good feeding with slow-release fertilizer as soon as the weather warms in April to push them along.
list of those – some hydrangeas, variegated Osmanthus Goshiki (also known as false holly), abelia, some smaller gardenias and a couple of Encore azaleas.
Have you planted shrubs, such as mop-head hydrangeas, in too much sun? They prefer morning sun and a northeast exposure with protection from harsh winds, so October will be a good time to relocate them. And remember that mopheads, the blue and pink bloomers, needed to be pruned right after they finished their summer show.
And, if you’re just getting around to pruning mopheads now, just STOP.
But my panicle hydrangeas love, love at least 5-7 hours of sun to produce stunning blooms. Just be careful about afternoon rays of a western exposure that may be just a bit too hot in the throes of summer. They’ll be pruned in the early spring and given a feeding of balance slowrelease fertilizer.
Are your ever-blooming Encore azaleas only producing blossoms in the spring? It’s time to move them out of the shade. Encores should provide an impressive show in the spring, then a more reserved flush of blooms in the late summer building to another fine display from August into October. However, they need full sun to do their magic.
Confessions of a plant-aholic
they’re used to the 25 to 35 unplanted shrubs, trees, vining plants, fig trees, flowering ornamentals, perennials, daylilies and the like in our driveway. Truth be told, some of them have been in the driveway for about a halfdozen years, just because I don’t want to plant them in the wrong place.
- Some of them can be seen from the road, and I guess that’s not good. A couple of springs ago we had a party with plenty of cars in the driveway. Someone just driving by the next day asked, “Did you have a plant sale yesterday? I see you have some left and we want to buy them.”
- Argh! Needless to say we didn’t sell them a thing! And it didn’t motivate me to get these in the ground any sooner.
- I can’t go past a box retailer or specialty nursery without stopping – and adopting several additions to my landscape.
- A good friend gave me the most appropriate T-shirt ever: “It’s not hoarding if it’s plants.” I love to wear it to nurseries. The folks there just smile. Pamela
- When friends come to visit
- I’m making a vow this fall. Into the ground these lovely potted plants will go. Even it it’s wrong, they can always be moved next fall.
Learn from the Masters (Gardeners, that is!)
“Growing Healthy Communities,” Nov. 9, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., East Hall Community Center, Gainesville. Three See Curb, page 46
Encore Azaleas and gardenias patiently “wait” to be planted at Rose Lane.
PHOTO BY PAMELA A.KEENE
• Outdoor Calendar
Continued from Page 30
of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $20, members $15. www.abg.org, 404888-4760.
o White Water Watch Hikes, Tallulah Falls. Strenuous, technical hike to see paddlers maneuvering whitewater release through Tallulah Gorge, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. weekends Nov. 2-17, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. 12-person limit. $15, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
On-Going
o Sprouts, Gainesville. Nature-based play for children ages 18 months-3 years with their caregivers, 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays beginning through May 8, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 per child, $5 parking, free to members. Registration encouraged. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o Weekly Walks, Gainesville. Explore ecology of Chicopee Woods on guided hikes to learn about tree identification, bird and animal habitat, and stream health, 1 p.m. Thursdays Oct. 3-Nov. 21, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 general admission, free to members. For adults 19 and older. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o Scarecrows in the Garden, Gainesville. Artists, youth groups, organizations display pollinator-themed scarecrows for annual exhibit through Nov. 3, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.
o Guided Waterfall Hike, Dawsonville. Join park naturalist for 1.5 mile round trip hike on Appalachian Approach Trail to waterfall, 9:3011a.m. daily through Dec. 31. Register in ad-
• Burns
Continued from Page 18
and winter is prime time for these unique creatures of weather. See accompanying graphic showing a perfect example of a wedge. I know it may be difficult to see, but this is the actual weather map on January 14, 1982. This of course, was well before computers and we would get the maps every day via fax.
This was the set-up. We had a strong and very cold Canadian high pressure across New England. The lines around the high are called isobars, lines of equal barometric pressure. They define where the high pressure is. Notice the little “kink” in the isobars down through North Carolina. That shows me there is a wedge of cold air in place and heading for us. Winds flow clockwise around high pressure. Cold air is thick and dense and behaves like syrup. When the cold air gets pushed up against the side of the Appalachian Mountains, it gets funneled down the side of the mountain into north Georgia. Also shown is a temperature map showing what temperatures look like in a
vance. $12, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o Pages & Pines Silent Bookclub, Gainesville. Bring a book to enjoy reading on nature center patio, 12-:30-2:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Elachee Nature Science Center. 2125 Elachee Dr. Free. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o Iconic Trees of Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville. Naturalist-guided hike to identify amazing trees on Appalachian Approach Trail from visitor center to Reflection Pond, 11 a.m. 2nd & 4th Saturdays through November, Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. Guidebook, pencil, and paper provided. $5. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o Sunday Shred Workouts, Cumming. 45-minute high intensity workout, 11 a.m. Sundays, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Free.
www.cummingcitycenter.com.
♫ Music in the Park, Dahlonega. Live music 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Fridays through October, Hancock Park, one block north of downtown square. www.dahlonega.org.
♫ Music in the Branch, Flowery Branch. Free concert, food trucks, 6:30 p.m. first Sundays through October, Flowery Branch Amphitheater, 55603 Mitchell St. www.flowerybranchga.org.
♫ Appalachian Jam, Dahlonega. Traditional mountain music players, singers and listeners gather outside the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site to enjoy tunes, 2-4:30 p.m. Saturdays through October, downtown Dahlonega.
– compiled by Jane Harrison For more calendar items, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.
winter wedge.
At the same time this cold air is plunging southward, you will notice back on that 1982 map, low pressure riding northward, out of the Gulf of Mexico. It was spreading warm tropical air with a lot of rain north. Again, think of cold air like syrup and warm air like feathers. The warm air cannot push the cold air away so it goes up and over the top of the wedge. As the rain falls, it hits the subfreezing pavement and then we have our worst case scenario: an ice storm.
I promised when I began working at WSB there were not going to be any more “surprise” winter weather events. That promise has carried over to the new team.
As we enter “wedge” season, for now expect cool and drizzly conditions from this unique creature of weather in the South when they occasionally move in. Otherwise, enjoy the fall color and that beautiful October sky!
Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist emeritus for WSB-TV in Atlanta.
Freedom Waters weekend shares the joys of boat rides
By Pamela A. Keene
For the fourth year, nearly 675 children with special needs, veterans and their families, captains and crew enjoyed a day on the water at this year’s Freedom Waters Weekend at Port Royale the weekend after Labor Day.
Saturday’s boating day focused on veterans and their spouses; on Sunday, children with serious illnesses/special needs and their families were hosted for boat rides. Both days participants also enjoyed lunch and entertainment.
“More than 100 captains brought their boats and donated their time for the weekend,” said Debra Frenkel, founder and executive director of the organization based near Naples, Fla. “These are very special people who generously give of their time to provide boat rides for people who otherwise might not be able to experience time on the water.”
Freedom Waters Foundation enhances the wellbeing of children and adults with disabilities as well as veterans by providing therapeutic boating experiences.
In addition to activities at its Naples home base, weekend events take place each year at Lake Lanier/Port Royale and at Lake Monroe/Fourwinds Lakeside Inn and Marina in Bloomington, Ind. Donors included Port Royale Marina, Marine Specialties, Martin Docks, Yamaha, Gordon Food Services and Galley Gourmet.
“It’s amazing to me to see almost 700 people come together,
few who know each other, but all with loving, giving hearts who want to make smiles and memories,” Frenkel said. “So much love and not one negative incident. That’s pretty magical and special. New friendships are made, and most can’t wait until next year.”
For more information about the foundation, visit www.freedomwatersfoundation.org.
Practice Safe Boating
Use life jackets, stay sober and monitor the weather to try and prevent boating accidents!
Boat owners and participants of this year’s Freedom Waters Weekend gather for a group shot at Port Royale Marina.
PHOTO COURTESY FREEDOM WATERS FOUNDATION
Seven mistakes to avoid when remodeling an older home
Remodeling an older home can be a rewarding experience. Older homes often have charm and unique architectural features, and updating these kinds of properties allows homeowners to enjoy those quirks along with more modern features. But anyone considering a remodel of an aging home should expect challenges and prepare for potential pitfalls that can derail even the bestplanned renovation projects.
If you’re planning to remodel a home built several decades ago (or more!), it’s important to be aware of common mistakes and oversights homeowners often make. Addressing these early on can save you time and money, as well as headaches and heartbreak. Here are seven of the most common older home remodeling mistakes we see and some tips for how you can avoid them.
Underestimating the cost
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when remodeling older homes is underestimating the cost of the renovation. Older homes often come with hid-
den issues, such as outdated wiring, plumbing, structural damage or even termite infestation. In north Georgia, where heat and humidity can exacerbate certain conditions like wood rot and mold growth, these issues can be especially problematic.
Many homeowners set a budget based solely on visible repairs or aesthetic changes, without accounting for the cost of upgrading infrastructure to meet modern building codes. For example, an older home might require a complete electrical overhaul to comply with current
safety standards, a project that could significantly raise the overall cost.
Working with a professional design-build firm experienced with remodeling older homes is one way to avoid this issue. Another wise move is to have a contingency fund of at least 10% to 20% of your total budget to cover any unexpected expenses.
Overlooking structural issues
The foundation of an older home is one of the most critical components to inspect before beginning any remodel. In Georgia, the mix of red clay soil and the region’s climate can lead to foundation issues, such as cracking or settling over time. Not only can foundation problems be costly to repair, they impact the overall safety and structural integrity of the home.
Understandably, homeowners tend to focus on cosmetic upgrades, like new floors or paint, and neglect to have a professional inspection of the foundation. A structural engineer or a qualified contractor can evaluate the foun-
dation before beginning any renovations. If there are problems, knowing them from the outset means they can be addressed early on rather than having to deal with them after completing other updates.
Ignoring outdated electrical, plumbing
Older homes in northern Georgia may still have electrical and plumbing systems that are dec-
ades old, sometimes even original to the house. A common mistake is assuming these systems will continue to function properly without inspection or upgrading. However, outdated wiring or pipes pose safety hazards such as fire risks from old electrical panels or water damage from leaking pipes.
If you’re remodeling an older
Renovations of older homes should start with a foundation inspection.
Price of fuel: (as of 9/20/24) $5.89 non-ethanol; $5.99 diesel (Gas is not sold after 4:30 due to volume return of boats.) On-site eatery: Various restaurants.
Types of slips available: 14x32, 14x36, (254 units, up to 40’), cov.
Types of fuel: non ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 9/20/24) $5.59 non-ethanol; $5.79 diesel
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'
Lakeside’s Recreation Guide
totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'.
Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 9/20/24) $5.49 regular (Dock/Ship Store open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., daily.) (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.)
On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill
SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND
Hours: Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Info: 770-967-6811 • shmarinas.com
Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch
Types of slips available: Houseboats, covered cruisers, & all types of open slips plus covered & open dry slips, totaling 1,725 wet docks and 460 dry docks
Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane
Price of fuel: (as of 9/20/24) $5.39, non-members; $3.91, members (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily)
On-site eatery: Pig Tales
SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY BAY
Hours: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.5 p.m., daily.
Info: 770-967-5500 • shmarinas.com
Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch
Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150)
Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 9/20/24) $4.71, non-members; $3.81, members
On-site eatery: Fish Tales
SUNRISE COVE MARINA
Hours: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon.; Closed Tuesday
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 9/20/24) $5.59 unleaded Ethanol Free
The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Bolding Mill, Duckett Mill and Old Federal Campgrounds are managed by Hall County Parks and Leisure Services. Toto Creek Multipurpose Park, plus Thompson Creek and Nix Bridge Day-Use parks are managed by Dawson County.
Camping enthusiasts may enjoy the luxuries of fully developed areas with water and electrical hookups or “rough it” at designated primitive areas. Camping in undesignated areas such as on the lake’s shoreline and islands is prohibited.
All campgrounds have beach areas, boat ramps and restrooms. Most of our campgrounds also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations. To make reservations, download maps, check out campsite photos and see site availability visit Recreation.Gov.
All Army Corps campgrounds on Lake Sidney Lanier recognize the America The Beautiful (ATB) and Golden Passport cards. The ATB Annual and Lifetime Senior Pass, Access Pass, Golden Age and Golden Access passes will grant 50% off all campsite reservation fees.
Day Use Parks
The Corps operates 35 day use parks at Lake Lanier. Facilities range from parks with boat ramps to those with designated swimming areas, picnic tables, shelters and playgrounds. All day use parks close daily at 10 p.m. Boat launching is allowed at all hours unless otherwise posted. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks.
Picnic Shelters
Picnic shelters are available at several Corps’ parks around the lake. They can be reserved for a fee. Call the Lake Lanier Management Office at 770-945-9531.
Day Use Fees
Day use fees are charged at some park areas which have boat ramps or beach areas.
Fees (per day):
Boat launching $5
State and County Parks
Lake Lanier has 18 state and county parks that are available for use.
Rules, Regulations and More
Guidelines are not intended as restraints to the enjoyment of park visitors, but as aids for orderly operation, visitor safety and for the protection of the environment and public property. Complete rules and regulations are posted at the entrances to all campgrounds and copies are available at entry stations. To view annual opening and closing dates and rates for campgrounds and picnic shelters, visit www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lake-SidneyLanier/Schedules.
For more camping info you can also visit: lakesidenews.com/explore-lake-lanier/camping.
Practice Safe Boating
Use life jackets, stay sober and monitor the weather to try and prevent boating accidents!
Make plans to visit The Wall That Heals when it comes to Dahlonega October 31-Nov. 3 at the University of North Georgia. On its tour of 31 communities this year, the wall honors more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War.
Bearing the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, it is a three-quarter scale replica of the black granite wall that stands on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet long and at its highest point is 7.5 feet tall.
The exhibition includes a Mobile Education Center with a timeline of The War and the Wall and additional information to help visitors better understand the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.
Other items in the display include digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes,” service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record
within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program that honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died; video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits
told through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War.
The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict,
and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.
Sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, this is the 29th season that The Wall That Heals will tour the nation.
For more information, visit www.vvmf.org.
A child visits The Wall That Heals.
PHOTO BY VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
• Design
Continued from Page 43
home, it’s essential to have a licensed electrician and plumber assess the existing systems. Like many places, Georgia’s building codes have changed over the years, and your home’s electrical or plumbing system may need to be brought up to current standards. Even if things appear to be working, they may not be able to handle modern appliances and usage levels, potentially leading to problems down the road. Using the wrong materials
When remodeling an older home, it’s important to use materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also appropriate for the house’s age and style. Another common mistake when remodeling an older home is using modern materials that clash with the character of the home, such as replacing original wood floors with laminate or installing vinyl windows in a home designed for wooden frames.
Climate considerations also should play a role in material choice. For example, certain materials may not hold up well to Georgia’s high humidity levels, leading to mold growth or deterioration over time. Consulting with a local contractor or design-build professional who specializes in historic or older homes can help you choose materials that not only fit the style of your home but are also suited to our environment.
Shrugging off preservation guidelines
Georgia is home to lots of historic properties, and many cities have strict historical preservation guidelines when it comes to such homes. These guidelines dictate what can and cannot be done to homes in historic districts, especially when it comes to changing the façade, windows, roofing, or other more visible aspects of the house.
Don’t make the mistake of failing to research whether your home falls within a historic district or has historical significance that requires adherence to specific guidelines. Making unapproved changes to a historically significant home could result in fines, penalties or even being required to reverse the changes, costing more money in the long run. Homeowners in these areas should consult with a local historical preser-
• Curb
Continued from Page 40
speakers covering: Food Canning Basics, Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Producing Plants in Controlled Environments (such as greenhouses). $10 per person. (770) 535-8293. hallmastergardeners.com.
vation society or government bodies to ensure they are following all regulations.
Skipping inspections and permits
No one likes paperwork or waiting on the wheels of bureaucracy to churn. However, skipping necessary inspections and permits is a mistake that can cause significant legal and financial trouble. Some homeowners try to cut corners by proceeding with renovations without obtaining the proper permits or having the work inspected. This can lead to fines, work stoppages, or worse, having to undo work that doesn’t meet local building codes.
In Georgia, building codes are enforced at the local level, and the requirements can vary depending on the county or city where the home is located. Before starting any remodeling work, it’s important to understand what permits are required.
This is especially critical when making major structural changes, upgrading electrical or plumbing systems, or adding new rooms. Hiring a professional design-build firm well versed in the permitting process of your area can make this step a lot easier and save possible headaches later in the renovation project.
Rushing the remodel
Patience, please. Any remodeling project is a process, and older homes often require more time and attention. Rushing through the project in order to finish quickly can come back to bite you in the end. Getting in a hurry to finish can lead to overlooking important details or skipping necessary steps, such as allowing time for inspections, properly curing materials, or ensuring that repairs are thorough and likely to last.
Practicing patience is key when renovating an older home. Taking the time to address potential issues properly will ensure that your remodel is successful and that your home remains safe and functional for years to come.
At Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling, we employ a team of skilled specialists with decades of remodeling experience, including older homes.
Bianca Bryant is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.
• Mendes
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works OK with other amateurs.
You can imagine the excitement of the crowd gathered around as the referee said “Ready … Steady … Go!” Bam! The look on the guy’s face was priceless when he realized that his arm was back flat on the table and the match was over. Bets paid off and the humbled challenger quickly disappeared never to be seen again.
I think the best (i.e. most bizarre) prank was performed by Frannie, a hypno-therapist who worked with a physical trainer and a chiropractor, helping people to quit smoking or lose weight or other bad habits when every other method failed.
One night a guy was sitting next to her making unwanted advances, such as casually rubbing his hand up and down her leg and other annoying things. She decided that instead of pouring a drink in his lap, she’d have some fun. He had made light of her being a hypno-therapist with the challenge “I bet you can’t hypnotize me.”
Now early on in hypno-therapy training there’s an exercise taught where you lock a person’s hands together. This is easily done and wears off after five or 10
Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener. She writes for more than a dozen publications across the country, covering features, travel and gardening.
minutes. It’s also harmless because part of hypno-therapy is that you cannot use it to harm anyone.
She had him intertwine his fingers, then convinced him that they locked together, and he couldn’t get them apart. Sure enough, he couldn’t. Then she simply got up and walked out! He was going crazy trying to get his hands apart, then asking people to dial 911 for him, but no one had any sympathy as they had all been watching his entire performance. Finally, after unsuccessfully trying to dial with his knuckles, he realized that his fingers were gradually coming apart until he could use them again. After being in a near panic state for about 20 minutes, he couldn’t get out of there fast enough!
These are just a few of the stories that would come out and be told and retold, and never seemed to get old. And if they did, this eclectic group of irregulars would soon come up with a bunch of new ones!
Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for over 30 years. His family owns a marina/ bar/restaurant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”
Classifieds
Driveways, walkways replaced or repaired, concrete, masonry, grading, foundations repaired, waterproofing, and retaining walls. Joe Sullivan, 770 616-0576.
Lakeside Dining Guide
Bullfrogs Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily year round. This Southern Gastro Pub features re-imagined traditional Southern fare and variety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770945-8787.
Fish Tales Lakeside Grille – Casual lakeside dining featuring grouper fingers, signature salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Open year round. Hideaway Bay Marina. 770-967-3775, www.fishtaleslakelanier.com.
La Cazuela – An Atlanta area landmark with two locations around Lanier. Open daily year round. Features fajitas, selection of combination platters and more. 4965 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford, 770-614-6871.
Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining on the water at Port Royale in open-air thatched-roof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. Open Thur. - Sun. Oct - spring. 70887-5715 ext 5., www.pelicanpetes.com
Pig Tales - Casual lakeside dining featuring BBQ, burgers, wings and more. Great customer service, full service bar with draft beer, wine & mixed drinks, live music on weekends. Open thru December 31. Reopen in spring. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. 678-828-7676,
www.PigTalesLakeLanier.com.
Sidney’s Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Serving breakfast daily and dinner Friday & Saturday year round. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-945-8787, www.lanierislands.com.
Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. A full Sunday breakfast menu includes eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Seasonal: open through Oct. - reopen in spring. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Gainesville Marina. 678 450-1310; www.skogieslakefrontrestaurant. us.
Smokey Q BBQ - Pulled Pork and Chicken Sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteaks, Pork and Chicken Tacos and more! Seasonal: open through Oct. - reopen in spring. Bald Ridge Marina, 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming. 470 515-3683.
The Twisted Oar - Holiday Marina. Offering fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak; casual dining. Full bar service, tropical and frozen drinks. Live entertainment, trivia, indoor/outdoor flat screen TVs. Open year round. www.thetwistedoar.com, 678 714-7572.
