Highroads Living - Fall Edition - 11.5

LOCAL Leisure TIME

Leisure looks different for everyone. Whether your free time is devoted to entertainment, a hobby, physical exercise, festivals, or just getting together with friends, research has shown that leisure activities in all their forms benefit psychological, social and physical well being.

Leisure has several implications, which are generally positive for individuals and many communities in our area. North Georgia and Western North Carolina have county recreational facilities, art shows a wide variety of events to fill your calendar.

Considering some more Leisure Time? Highroads Living encourages you to find a local activity near you.

Gilmer County Golf Course Hole, Private Shenandoah 30540

Habersham County Mountain Resort Hole, Rockfort Creek Golf & Hole, Crabapple Hole, Course

Towns County Valley Resort Hole, Harris,

Rabun County Club & Hole, Country Club Dr. 30525 Valley Resort Hole, Valley Sky Valley, GA 30537

Rabun County Golf Club Hole, US Hwy. Clayton, GA 30525 Golf Club Hole, Waterfall Dr. 30525

Lumpkin County Golf Club Achasta Hole – Semi Private Birch River

Union County Butternut Creek Golf Course Hole, Public Hwy. 19/129 N. Blairsville, GA 30512

Fannin County Ridge & River Club in Fall of 2009 East Main Street Ridge, GA 30513 County Resort Club Hole, Private Bahn Innsbruck Rd. 30545 Mountain Golf Course Hole, Public Hwy. Cleveland, 30528

Anderson Music Hall

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

1311 Music Road Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 georgiamountainfairgrounds.com 706-896-4191

Dobbs Theater

Goolsby Center

Young Harris College 1 College Street Young Harris, GA www.yhc.edu/tickets 706-379-4307

Rollins Planetarium

Young Harris College

1 College Street Young Harris, GA 706-379-5195

Blue Ridge Community Theater

2591 East 1st Street Blue Ridge, GA www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 706-632-9223

Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association 207 Dalton Street Ellijay, GA 30540 www.gilmerarts.org 706-635-5605

Habersham Community Theater 1370 Washington Street Clarkesville, GA. 30523 www.habershamtheater.org 706-839-1315

Swanson Center Mainstage Theater

Piedmont College 165 Central Avenue Demorest, GA 30535 www.piedmont.edu/FA/ 706-778-3000 ext. 1355

Historic Holly Theatre 69 West Main Street Dahlonega, GA www.hollytheater.com 706-864-3759

Sautee-Nacoochee Center 283 Georgia Hwy 255 N, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571 www.snca.org 706-878-3300

Rearden Theater

Rabun Gap Nacoochee School 339 Nacoochee Drive Rabun Gap, GA 30568 www.rabungap.org 800-543-7467

SPOTLIGHT ON Theater

Black Rock Mountain Park (706) 746-2141

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Black Rock Mountain State Park, named for its sheer cliffs of dark-colored biotite gneiss, has the highest altitude of 3,640 feet.

Moccasin Creek Park (706) 947-3194

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Known as the park “where spring spends the summer,” Moccasin Creek is located on the shores of lovely 2,800acre Lake Burton. Accessibility offers easy navigation for large RVs, children’s bicycles and wheelchairs.

Tallulah Gorge Park (706) 754-7970

Camping (706) 754-7979

Picnic (706) 782-4014

One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep.

Unicoi Park (706) 878-2201

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Lodge (800) 573-9659

Unicoi State Park, named from the turnpike that was the early means of transportation, is over 1,050 acres of beautiful nature trails.

Smithgall Woods Park (706) 878-3087

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Dukes Creek, one of North Georgia’s premier trout stream, runs through this spectacular mountain property and has become known for it’s catch-andrelease fishing.

Vogel Park (706) 745-2628

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Vogel State Park is one of North Georgia’s oldest and most popular located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Amicalola Falls Park (706) 265-4703

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Lodge (800) 573-9656

Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an appropriate name for these 729-ft falls ~~ the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

Fort Mountain Park (706) 422-1932

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall, which stands on the highest point of the mountain.

If you are visiting the area for the weekend, plan to incorporate a show with your plans. You will be impressed with the professional quality productions and reasonable ticket prices. This season’s performances bring a variety of Broadway productions from comedy to drama. Holiday classical favorites are also routinely attended by visitors and many locally who support the arts.

COME SEE OF THE

North Georgia State Parks include a variety of recreational activities besides camping and welcome travelers to explore “Our Neck of the Woods”. Enjoy your passion to see a waterfall, go horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, or just have a picnic.

The great State Parks of North Georgia are waiting for you to watch nature at it’s best!

Senior Living in the North Georgia Mountains

5 Fall Home Maintenance Tips:

BRANAN

An affordable community of apartments setting. rental assistance those 62+ or mobility impaired.)

SIMPSON ESTATES

The independent lifestyle you’ve been looking for! your home mountains burden of lawn maintenance.

leaders in senior living 493 Wesley Mountain Blairsville, GA 30512 706-745-5565

Whilehome maintenance may seem pricey, being proactive about home upkeep can save more money by preventing expensive repair or replacement costs in the future - not to mention safeguarding against damage to your home. The hard part is knowing how often and what type of maintenance to do, and where to start.

1. Check your smoke detectors

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 96% of homes are now installed with smoke detectors. However, nearly 20% of them have non-working smoke alarms. The NIST estimates that if every home had working smoke alarms, deaths from U.S. residential fires could drop 36%. Why aren’t these smoke detectors working? Primarily missing or dead batteries. Smoke detector batteries need to be replaced at least annually, not just when they chirp.

2. Trim your trees

Little known fact, you’re responsible for the damage if a tree on your property falls on a neighbor’s house. Or if a dead branch damages your home, it can result in a homeowner’s insurance claim, meaning you have to pay the deductible. For peace of mind, trim the trees on your property every fall.

3. Check washing machine hoses

Did you know a washing machine hose holds 70 pounds of pressure? If it fails, it can spray 650 gallons of water per hour into your home. So if you’re away for the weekend and a hose bursts, you may open the door to the equivalent of a 20-foot by 40-foot in-ground pool’s worth of water, which can damage floors, drywall and personal items. Hose maintenance is easy: Inspect the hot and cold washing machine supply lines monthly, looking for blisters, worn tubing,

4. Conduct a generator safety check

A portable generator is handy equipment for when the power goes out, and regular maintenance will ensure that it works when you need it. First, always unplug and turn off all power to the generator. Examine the AC wiring and alternator to clear dirt and debris. Inspect the air intake system and replace the air filter. Oil in your generator needs to be changed every 25 hours of running, or one year unused. When you’re ready to use the generator, take it outside to a wellventilated area before starting up. Generators produce carbon monoxide from the exhaust and can cause serious injury or death if used indoors, in a garage (including with open doors) or even on a porch.

5. Maintain your HVAC

One of the most critical items to maintain is your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Regular maintenance helps keep the system in working order, extending the life of the system and saving on energy costs. According to HomeAdvisor, replacing an HVAC system costs from $5,000 to $10,000. To save money and extend the life of your system:

• Change air filters regularly.

• Schedule regular maintenance checks (spring/fall) from your local HVAC professional.

Take care of your home, so your home can shelter you and your family. These regular maintenance tasks will help reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises - and costs - to help give you peace of mind.

cracks or loose connections. It’s best to replace supply hoses every 3-5 years.

MedLink

HOW THE MISSION OF PROVIDING ESSENTIAL MEDICAL CARE TO UNDERSERVED

POPULATIONS IS MORE VITAL THAN EVER.

By Tiffany Rucker Marketing Manager for MedLink Georgia

While many Americans might befocused on the cost of their ownhealth care or concerned about therising cost in healthcare expenses, itis safe to bet that a majority alsomight not know much about thehealth center, known as MedLinkGeorgia, that has been trying toimprove the health of NortheastGeorgia communities since 1979.

Federally Qualified Health Centers, like MedLink Georgia, provide health care for patients that need it most, whether it be in underserved areas in rural Georgia or for low-income areas where patients might not otherwise be able to afford the care they need.

These centers have been the backbone of the health care system for the economically disadvantaged in both urban and rural areas. They provide quality health care and affordable medication to people regardless of their ability to pay and offer sliding fee scales to uninsured or underinsured patients who qualify. In addition, MedLink serves local communities through available resources and education.

Federally Qualified Health Centers are also important beyond traditional, everyday preventative care. These centers are vital to help meet the state’s emerging health priorities. During the pandemic, MedLink Georgia played a key role in providing testing and care for those affected by the COVID-19.

Now, post-pandemic, we see another emerging health priority for behavioral health services. Lockdowns and the associated isolation, lack of personal contact, and missing out on important life events have fueled issues like loneliness, anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, especially in vulnerable groups.

MedLink Georgia continues to meet an array of healthcare needs for patients and communities. In addition to primary care, they provide behavioral health, nutrition counseling, diabetes education, women’s health, medicationassisted treatment for substance use disorder, general dentistry, podiatry, and pharmacy services to over 51,000 patients.

MedicalDirectory

BLAIRSVILLE

Brasstown Pharmacy Drug & Gun 23 B Murphy Hwy. 706-745-2303

Blairsville’s most reliable Pharmacy for all your prescriptions, including hormone replacement therapy, vaccinations, & compounding for your specific needs. Firearms and ammunition plus parts or accessories. brasstown.biz

CLAYTON

MedLink GA 706-754-4348 ext 2018 896 US-441

Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org

See pg 6

JASPER

Georgia Mountains Hospice 70 Caring Way 706-253-4100 800-692-7199

Life with Care & Compassion! Local non profit hospice serving 10 north GA counties since 1993 including Pickens, Gilmer, Union, Fannin, Dawson ,Forsyth, Murray ,Bartow, Gordon, & Cherokee County. Providing Home Care, Nursing Home, & Assisted Living support. www.georgiamountainshospice.org

MURPHY

Mims Family Dentistry

96 Central St • Ste 201

CLEVELAND

MedLink GA 706-754-4348 ext 2018

17 White St.

Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org

See pg 6

DEMOREST

MedLink GA 706-754-4348 ext 2018

396 Historic Highway 441 N.

Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org

See pg 6

HAYESVILLE

Chatuge Family Practice 828-389-6383

241 Church Street

Established 42 year Community medical practice that offers many services. Variety of Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and Assistant Payment programs available.

See pg 13

828-837-3577

We want you to keep your teeth happy & healthy for a lifetime. Services include braces to implants. Open 8am-5pm daily. mimsfamilydentistry.com

See pg 10 Murphy Dental Center 828-837-5911

119 Natural Springs Drive Modern Dentistry in a caring, home-like atmosphere including General Dentistry and CEREC Dentistry. murphydentalcenter.com Peachtree Community Health Center 4048 E US 64 ALT, Suite 1 828-837-8131

Providing whole person care by integrating primary care and behavioral health at one location, during one visit. Our services encompass individualized treatment, health education, and community assistance from a team of providers that include physicians, nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), community health workers, and peer support specialists. M-F | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm amchc.org

ROBBINSVILLE

See pg 16

Tallulah Community Health Center 409 Tallulah Rd. 828-479-6434

Providing whole person care by integrating primary care and behavioral health at one location, during one visit. Our services encompass individualized treatment, health education, and community assistance from a team of providers that include physicians, nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), community health workers, and peer support specialists. M-F| 7 am - 6 pm amchc.org

SeniorLiving

BLAIRSVILLE

Wesley Mountain Village / Simpson Estates 706-745-5565

493 Wesley Mountain Drive

The independent lifestyle you’ve been looking for! Enjoy your own home in the mountains without the burden of lawn care and maintenance (for those 55+) simpsonestates.org / wesleywoods.org

See pg 4

See pg 16

There are many things to enjoy about fall. From cooler temperatures to the colors of the leaves, and all the fun activities that come with the changing of the season, it is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. But along with the changing seasons and a slight chill in the air, come the looming days ahead of increased respiratory infections. This fall, don’t let pneumococcal pneumonia get in the way of taking in all the things this season has to offer.

Here are some fun, health-oriented activities to try this fall:

Take long walks outside: One of the best ways to stay active as the weather changes is taking a long walk to enjoy the fresh, crisp air.

Pick your own apples: Enjoy a healthy snack full of fiber and antioxidants by picking apples at a local apple orchard.

Hit the farmer’s market: Take advantage of fresh, organic fruits and veggies at your local farmer’s market, while supporting local businesses and farms.

Find out if you’re at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and learn about vaccination to help prevent it.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and pneumococcal vaccination is available year-round. While you’re getting vaccinated against flu this season, don’t forget to ask your doctor or pharmacist about

pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination. Even if you’ve already had a previous pneumonia vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend it for additional protection.

What is pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks. In severe cases, it can put you in the hospital and even be lifethreatening.

Who is at risk?

The risk for pneumococcal pneumonia increases for adults 19 or older with certain chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, COPD, and chronic heart disease, among others. People aged 65 or older are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, even if they’re generally healthy, because the immune system weakens with age.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

No matter the season, it’s important to think about what you can do to help protect your health. Don’t wait - talk to a doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination. To learn more about the disease, risks, symptoms and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com.

Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter.

However, a staycation - a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) - can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel.

Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together.

VISIT LOCAL LANDMARKS. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start

by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before.

CAMP OUT IN THE BACKYARD. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.

SET UP A PICNIC IN THE PARK. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy.

HAVE A HOME SPA DAY. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.

VISIT AN AMUSEMENT PARK. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value.

Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy

In Our COmmunity

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Friends of Fannin County Library 400 W. Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 706-632-5263

Friends of Gilmer County Library 268 Calvin Jackson Dr. Ellijay, Georgia 30540 706-635-4528

Friends of the Habersham County Library 178 Green Street, Clarkesville, GA 706-754-4413

301 N. Main Street, Cornelia, GA 706-778-2635

Friends of Lumpkin County Library 342 Courthouse Hill, Dahlonega, GA 706-864-3668

Friends of Rabun County Library 73 Joe Dotson Circle, Clayton, GA 706-782-3731

Friends of Towns County Library 698 Miller Street, Young Harris, GA 706-379-3732

Friends of Union County Library 303 Hunt Martin Street, Blairsville, GA 706-745-7491

Friends of White County Library 90 Pete’s Park Road, Helen, GA 706-878-2438

Community Involvement, Activities and Volunteer Programs

SENIOR CENTERS

Fannin County 440 W. First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706-632-5438

Gilmer County 111 Gilmer Street Ellijay, GA 30540 706-635-7688

Habersham County 217 Scoggins Drive NE, Demorest, GA 30535 706-776-7768

Lumpkin County 266 Mechanicsville Road Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-2358

Rabun County 2832 Old 441 South Tiger, GA 30576 706-782-3853

Towns County 954 Main Street North Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-3138

Union County 95 Senior Center Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512 706-439-6105

White County 1239 Helen Highway Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-4097

Clay County 196 Ritter Road Hayesville, NC 28904 828-389-9271

Cherokee County 69 Alpine Street Murphy, NC 28906 828-837-2467

FOOD PANTRIES

Fannin County Food Pantry Family Connections 101 Industrial Park Road Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706-632-6063

Food Bank of NE GA 236 Level Grove Road, #D Cornelia, GA 30531 706-776-3337

Gilmer Co. Community Food Pantry 1298 Old Hwy. 4 North Ellijay, GA 30513 706-273-3663

Lumpkin County Food Bank Community Helping Place 2030 North Grove Street Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-867-9621

Rabun County Food Bank Food Bank of Northeast Georgia 5312 Highway 441 South Tiger, GA 30576 706-782-0780

Towns County Food Pantry 1294 Jack Dayton Circle Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4783

Union County Cottage Food Bank 1441 Pat Colwell Road Blairsville, GA 30512 706-835-1630

White County Food Pantry 1236 Logans Ridge Road Cleveland, GA 30528 706-348-6225

Clay County Food Pantry 2278 Hinton Center Road Hayesville, NC 28904 828-389-1657

Cherokee County Food Pantry First United Methodist Church 73 Valley River Avenue Murphy, NC 28906 828-837-2718

FREEDOM.

3 easy ways to enjoy living color in your outdoor space this fall

There’s no easier way to add autumn atmosphere to your entryway, walkways and flower boxes than with the warm hues of rich yellows and sunny oranges. Blooms in these colors convey happiness and warmth, making them beautifully eye-catching. Some plants in these tones are especially attractive to bees and butterflies, helping create pollinator-friendly spaces.

For example, award-winning Echinacea Artisan Yellow Ombre is a native-type prairie plant that attracts songbirds, bees and butterflies throughout fall, and into winter. It’s drought tolerant and low maintenance, making it a nobrainer for colorful autumn gardens. Another great option as the weather cools is Achillea Milly Rock Yellow Terracotta. This perennial has a breathtaking golden-orange color that is perfect for fall because it is frost tolerant, plus it attracts pollinators while resisting hungry rabbits and deer.

Moody blues are trending for fall

While yellow and orange are quintessential fall colors, you can add an on-trend element to your outdoor space with Spreading Pansy Cool Wave Blue. The stunning dark, moody blue hue plays nicely when combined with a jeweltoned autumn palette. It is also a standout choice by itself,

The vibrant shade of solid blue is beautiful in planters and hanging baskets, as well as in landscaping and window boxes. This sun-loving variety is a spreading pansy, meaning it can serve as great groundcover, as well. You can enjoy this pansy in fall, and with superior overwintering hardiness, it’s the earliest pansy to return in the spring.

Create dimension through floral shapes

Color is one important aspect of landscape design, but to really elevate your outdoor appeal, consider dimension as well. Creating variables in plants through shape and texture adds visual interest, bringing new depth to a space. To create this, mix florals with greenery and don’t be afraid of nontraditional flower shapes.

The perfect example is Celosia, which features blooms in unique shapes such as plumes, spikes or wavy crests. You can create any outdoor aesthetic you desire with varieties available in yellow, orange, red and dark purple. Each adds texture and dimension, pairing well with mums and other popular autumn florals.

reflecting the cooler weather, crisp air and clear night skies associated with the fall months.

Make Healthy Easy with Grapes

If you’re like many Americans who put a priority on wellbeing, choosing simple yet healthy snacks and ingredients an easy first step. example, a popular and convenient that can also be an ally in wellness, of that can you

• Using fork, coarsely mash remaining chickpeas and remaining oil; spread among pieces of crust. Mound grapevegetable mixture on top. Dot with goat cheese and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 490 calories; 9 g protein; 66 g carbohydrates; 22 g fat (40% calories from fat); 4 g saturated fat (7% calories from saturated fat); 30 mg cholesterol; 380 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

Roasted Salmon and Grapes with Pistachios Over

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

1 frozen cauliflower pizza crust (11 ounces) olive oil, carrots, and yellow black California or chickpeas, tablespoons chopped parsley tablespoons pesto to taste ground black pepper, taste ounce

• Heat oven to 400 F. Place frozen crust on large, parchmentlined baking sheet brush top lightly with 2 teaspoons olive oil. until crust is lightly golden, about 10 minutes.

Transfer to cutting board and cut into quarters. mandolin, peeler or large, sharp knife and cutting thinly slice fennel, bell pepper and onion.

Transfer to mixing bowl and add grapes and 1/2 cup chickpeas. parsley, pesto and 1 tablespoon olive oil; toss well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 7-8 minutes

Servings: 4

4 wild sockeye or coho salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 cup green California grapes 1/4 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley 5 ounces baby spinach 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly oil shallow, 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

• Pat fish dry and place skin side down in pan. Brush fillets lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour wine in pan, scatter grapes around and sprinkle pistachios and parsley on fish.

• Roast salmon 7 minutes for medium-rare; 8 minutes for medium.

• In large bowl, toss spinach, onion, remaining oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; toss again and divide among four plates.

• Place fish on top of greens. Spoon roasted grapes around fish.

Nutritional information per serving: 360 calories; 31 g protein; 12 g carbohydrates; 19 g fat (48% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 105 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.

Source: California