Best of North Georgia Mountains Issue 44 9-25-19

ISSUE #44

Food, Music, Art, Events, Things To Do, Places To Go, Adventures, Local Writers, Humor...And Much More!

Find out when and where everything is happening!

FUN! A L L

OUR GUIDE TO THE FESTIVALS

THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE? OUR SPECIAL SECTION STARTS ON PAGE 31

Publisher: Mitch Talley Publisher’s Boss: Cindy Talley Founder: Robb Newman Founder’s Boss: Thia Newman Distribution: Eddie Ash, O. Myback Issue Graphic Design: Mitch Sept. 25, 2019 Talley, Cray Ola Writers: Mitch Talley, (c) 2019 The Best of Robb Newman, Thia the North Georgia Mountains, Inc. Newman, Lora Bunch, Raland Patterson, Kathi Editorial submissions Hill, Kathi Chastain, encouraged; send to bestofnorthgamountains@ John Shivers, Patricia Kovsky-Dotson, Ted yahoo.com or mail to 312 Smith, Rebecca Strobl, Double Tree Drive SE, Calhoun, GA 30701.

Joe Cobb Crawford.

#44

To advertise or suggest a story idea, call Mitch Talley at 678-882-6741.

It's in the mountains!

GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds 1729 S. Main St., Ellijay Two weekends of fun on Saturday, Oct. 12 and 19 - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 20 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission $5 for ages 11 and up, free 10 and under. No pets allowed; pet boarding available on site.

48th annual fair with more than 250 handcraft artisans, plus antique car show at Civic Center on Saturday, Oct. 12 and parade in downtown Ellijay on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. www.georgiaapplefestival.org APPLE ARTS ON THE SQUARE Downtown Ellijay Same weekends and hours as Georgia Apple Festival A smaller version of the Apple Festival is set up on the square

allowing you to enjoy a festival, but you can also enjoy local shops and restaurants. This is a free, pet-friendly event.

Vendors are set up on broad street next to the Gilmer County Courthouse.

No charge for admission or parking. Enjoy our wonderful shops and restaurants, too! http://www.gilmerchamber.com/home/explore-theellijays/annual-events/apple-arts/ BLUE RIDGE 2019 FALL ARTS IN THE PARK Downtown City Park Blue Ridge, rain or shine Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10 to 5 About 200 booths full of arts, crafts, food, and more!

Admission adults $5, 12 and under free. Paid and free parking. www.blueridgearts.net/arts-in-the-park.html

CHERRY LOG FESTIVAL Cherry Log, right off 515, first two weekends in October (Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13).

Delicious homemade breakfast starting at 7, and the booths open at 8. Activities till 5 p.m. daily. Local musicians perform, lots of local crafts, canned vegetables for sale made by Cherry Log community. Homemade lunch and dinner each day while supplies last. Free admission and parking. Look on Facebook under Cherry Log Community Action.

39TH ANNUAL GEORGIA MARBLE FESTIVAL Lee Newton Park, 500 Stegall Drive, Jasper Saturday, Oct 5 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy Arts, Crafts, Music & Performances on the Headliner Stage, Fine Art Gallery, Parade, Road Race, Quarry Tours, Kids Zone, Live Demonstrations of Marble & Granite Sculpting, Pottery, Chainsaw Carving and more, along with an array of Festival Foods.

A full weekend of activities begins with the Marble Festival 5K Run/Walk Road Race Saturday morning. The 5K starts at 8 a.m., followed by the 1 Mile Run/Walk at 9 a.m. To register, visit jasperumc.org. Then catch the festival parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. Booths full of crafts, food and fun, along with bands playing non-stop. Also the only two days of the year you can take a guided tour through the marble quarry. Adults $5, children 6-12 $3, 5 and under free, veterans/seniors $3. No pets allowed. www.georgiamarblefestival.com

25TH ANNUAL HERITAGE DAYS FESTIVAL Downtown Talking Rock Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 - 9 to 5 The business section of Talking Rock is ordinarily a rather quiet place to browse the shops and relax. During the Heritage Days Festival, this little town will be filled with booths featuring a wide variety of arts, crafts and antiques. There will be interesting demonstrations for the young and old, bluegrass and Southern gospel music and good food. Go back in time by visiting the restored 1877 Talking Rock Schoolhouse Teaching Museum.

You can also meet the Town Crier and relax with the kids in the park. Admission and parking free. www.talkingrockga.com GOLD RUSH DAYS FESTIVAL Dahlonega Public Square Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 Gold Rush Days, sponsored by the Dahlonega Jaycees and numerous supporters, are a time for thousands to come and see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. More than 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. It is estimated that a crowd of more than 200,000 visits over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement! The Gold Rush Days Festival has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Join us in downtown Dahlonega on October 19-20, 2019 and you will see why! https://goldrushdaysfestival.com/gold-rush-days/

An apple a day...

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Being born and raised in Gilmer County, the apple capital, I was always surrounded by apples. I figured this was just a way of life. And it was, for us.

We had an apple tree in our side yard of the old house where I was raised. Now this tree was not your apple orchard tree. It was as big or bigger than some of our oaks and gave great shade. Its apples were available only when it decided to drop them to the ground. They were small and green and gave new meaning to the word tart.

I wouldn’t eat them, but my mother loved them. She would eat them with salt. She had a big old washtub planted with parsley that was nestled between the roots of the tree where it was easy to reach from the back door for kitchen fixings.

I guess it was apple trees this size that inspired the The wooden bowl in which these tasty song “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else apples reside belonged to my greatbut Me.” grandmother. It was her flour bowl, My granddaddy had a few apple trees close to the gar- and biscuits were made in there every den. My grandmother made apple jelly (and blackberry, morning. my favorite) as well as applesauce.

Whatever you do, don’t My other grandmother bought apples and made appleupset the apple cart! sauce, too. Hers, it seems, was sweeter tasting.

Giving your teacher an We had applesauce on the table at every meal. I used to mix it into my green beans when we had fried okra. For some reason this combo apple was sure to make you the apple of her eye. appealed to my taste buds.

And “A” is for apple, of Being a kid, I never gave much thought to all the apple orchards course. around and never visited them. After I grew up, we purchased bags of When you are arguing, apples each year for enjoyment. I never made jelly or applesauce. don’t compare apples to I must have thought they’d always be available without me making oranges. the effort!

My kitchen has apples After my husband and I married, he was a little perplexed by all here and there. I have a the apple dishes served up. (He was raised in Cherokee County.) He copy of a painting by John asked why we always had applesauce on the table. He didn’t comGeorge Brown. It depicts plain and was near overjoyed at the fried apple pies my grandmother Victorian children sitting produced. He likes apple jelly, too. on a table under a huge I think he was impressed by everything apple. apple tree. There are apples I told him I guess you eat what you have, and we have always had everywhere, and of course, apples. they are eating apples. Mr. It’s a shame the apple got a bad rap regarding Adam and Eve. It Brown must have been from wasn’t an apple. It could have been several things, including a pomeGilmer County. I counted granate. five paintings involving apples.

We do know that one rotten apple spoils the barrel.

We always purchase apples each week. If you want to get filled up And of course, we were taught from tots that an apple a day keeps quickly, that’s the thing to eat! the doctor away. When I was little I thought the doctor stayed away And speaking of eating, I think I’ll mosey in the kitchen and bite into from apples. a fresh, crisp right now.is to love her mother.”

Are you as American as apple pie?

Elaine S. Dalton: "The greatest thing a father can do for apple his daughter

8

THE SON MEETS THE FLY My son’s skepticism in my movie choices is not unfounded. On more than one occasion I have guilted him into watching some TV show or movie that was special to me when I was a kid.

And far more often than not, we both went away from the movie disillusioned.

“Come on, son, watch this movie with me.”

“Meh.” “Seriously. It’s very scary. It’ll get you into the mood for Halloween.”

My son looks at me with a somewhat more than skeptical eye. “You’ve said that before. Remember (title of film redacted)?”

I look down and remember that disaster. Wow. When I was a kid, that movie scared the daylights out of me. But when an opportunity arose to watch it again on cable TV (with my son), I see that what scared me as a youth, left me confused, bewildered and outright embarrassed as an adult. And my son was none too pleased with having wasted an hour-and-a-half watching a corny movie, with corny acting and laughable special effects. (I will not name this film out of a service to you in case you have fond memories of it as well. Who am I to be a critic?)

“This….is different,” I say somewhat timidly, as I am hoping that it is.

“Ugh…” he says, indifferently.

I realize it is time for drastic measures. So I play the guilt card. “You know, when I was your age, my dad was already dead.

I’d have given anything to watch a scary movie with him…”

“All right…all right…” he says with frustration because…I “went there.” It works every time.

Giddily, I lead him to the living room and explain to him how this movie totally creeped me out as a kid. After the popcorn was popped, we settled in to watch the 1958 version of The Fly. My son’s skepticism in my movie choices is not unfounded. On more

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than one occasion I have guilted him into watching some TV show or movie that was special to me when I was a kid. And far more often than not, we both went away from the movie disillusioned.

Were my tastes in film really that bad? Or did things change over the years? I think the answer is mostly the latter. As I’ve gotten older, I have seen a lot more movies. Acting styles have changed. Directing styles have changed. Characters have changed.

In the past, most movies reflected life as it was back then. A hero saves a damsel. The female, either through no fault of her own, or by her own bad choices, has led to a point where her only chance at rescue comes at the hands of the handsome leading male.

Many (but most assuredly not all) of those movies were sexist and offensive to modern sensibilities. Interestingly, the ones that have aged well,

By SAM BEESON

Billy Meyer: “Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious.”

don’t usually follow those patterns. They were different back then, and so have come into their own now.

So as I sat down with my son to watch Vincent Price in The Fly, I thought about that. Here, the heroic scientist has made some awful decisions and has gotten himself into something of a pickle, to say the least.

I won’t give away any spoilers (but if you haven’t watched this movie by now, you seriously need to catch up), but the scientist turns to his wife for assistance. Unfortunately, he asks the nearly impossible and only gives her a short time to complete the task, after which he decides on a drastic solution in which he turns once again to his wife for help.

It had been decades since I have watched The Fly myself, but as I watched I thought about how well the movie had aged. The scientist’s wife was strong and capable. The males around her were condescending and protective. And in the end, they saw to their horror, that she was right all along.

“Hey,” my son piped in during the show, “This movie is pretty good.”

And it hadn’t even got to the best part yet. If you have seen the movie, you know what I’m talking about. The two words that haunt my memories for nearly 50 years, “HEEELP MEEEEE…..HEEEELP MEEEEEE…!”

Brrrrr…!

To this day, if I am doing something that requires my son’s assistance, I will mimic that voice and say “heeelp meeeee…” to him. In the past, he always thought that I was just weird and I never bothered explaining where that came from. But finally, THAT scene came on.

“Oh wow…” my son said quietly, “So THAT’S why you do that…”

After the movie was over, my son remarked how much he enjoyed the film. “Ok, Dad. You made up for (title of film redacted).

“Thanks,” I say, accepting the unusually high praise. “You know, Turner Classic Movies is playing The Music Man, which is a great musi…”

“Dad. Stop. Just stop.”

I look down sheepishly. Best not to push it. Instead, I’ll DVR The Music Man... and play the guilt card later.

This is one smart kid!

The proof is in the pudding (or maybe the applesauce in this case). That's because experts say anyone who takes a chunk out of apples is also taking a step toward a healthier life. A member of the rose family, apple’s phytochemicals can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries and the cancer-causing effects of carcinogens.

Phytochemicals in apple skin inhibit the reproduction of colon cancer cells by 43%.Their proanthocyanin content helps prevent heart disease and diabetes.

If you only eat crunchy, juicy apples in apple pie or Pop Tarts rather than from earth's orchard apothecary, you might reconsider. The fruit of the apple tree has been used as food, medicine, and ritual since ancient times.

Apparently, Eve had a devil of a time tempting Adam to eat fruits and vegetables. When you think about it, the first commandment was Eve telling Adam, “Eat this apple or else!” In mythology and folklore, apples were a means to immortality; an emblem of fruitfulness; an offering in suitor contests; a means of divination and a magical cure.

In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, crisp apples symbolized love and beauty. When ancient Romans conquered England they brought apple cultivation with them. It is believed they took apple trees and cultivated apples with them into England as they conquered and made applesauce out of the country.

About 1629, both apple seeds and trees were brought to America by John Endicott, an early governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Nurseryman Johnny Appleseed promoted apples as he carried seeds with him wherever he trav-

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By WENDELL FOWLER

Che Guevara: “The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall.”

eled, planting then in thinly settled parts of the country; mostly for distilling strong drink. The first apple pie was reputed to have been baked at Valley Forge.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is American as apple pie.

Apples skin contains orchards of plant nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber and a constellation of antioxidants science says can prevent many of today’s chronic diseases. Fresh, apples contain vitamin C, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, (folate) riboflavin, potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium and fiber; it definitely is undeserving of the metaphorical “forbidden fruit” stigma. The National Cancer Institute reports antioxidants found in apples reduce risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent – however, only when they are fresh, not canned or baked into oblivion.

Bob on this: The forbidden fruit’s nutritional profile fosters healthy lungs, prevents heart disease, stroke, and various cancers, assists weight loss, relieves constipation, and promotes dental health. Routinely eating fresh apples can lower blood pressure, glucose levels, bad cholesterol levels and risk for Alzheimer’s. The crunchy heart-shaped orbs support seniors’ immune system as well.

A member of the rose family, apple’s phytochemicals can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries and the cancer-causing effects of carcinogens. Phytochemicals in apple skin inhibit the reproduction of colon cancer cells by 43 percent. Their proanthocyanin content helps prevent heart disease and diabetes.

Then there’s pectin in apple skin. Apples contain 78 grams of pectin per 100 grams of edible fruit. Make note, this only applies when one leaves on the skin. Pectin can reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver; it also slows and aids digestion, and the rise of blood

sugar, making it ideal for diabetics. People should see a doctor if diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms recur or are persistent in nature, as there may be an underlying problem needing identification and treatment.

Intended for much more than being asphyxiated in warm caramel, Mayo Clinic indicates the quercetin abundant in apples helps prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells. Apple hide contains about 4 milligrams of quercetin, an antioxidant which prevents oxygen molecules from damaging individual cells, which leads to cancer.

Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigment flavonoids that combats "free radical" molecules that incubate disease. Research suggests quercetin may help prevent Parkinsonism as well. A study on mice at Cornell University found quercetin in apples protects brain cells from the sort of free radical damage leading to Alzheimer's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Quercetin may also help ward off cataracts and macular degeneration, control asthma, maintain health when suffering from Crohn’s disease, prevent current gout attacks, and speed up healing of recurrent heartburn, or GERD. Fibrous apples are low-glycemic and don’t spike blood sugar. Even though they’re rich in natural sugar (fructose) the nutritional makeup of an apple prevents the body from releasing too much insulin. Cornell University food scientists say phytochemicals found the flesh, particularly in the skin, provide the fruit's anti-oxidant and anti-cancer benefits.

Forage seasonal apple juice from your local orchard. However, ask the grower if they wash, sanitize, and filter the nectar to prevent E. coli or salmonella. Some orchards use fallen apples because they are sugary ripe and easy to harvest, but pathogens lie in wait.

By Patricia Kovsky-Dotson

McCAYSVILLE revitalized!

This town is on a roll just like the Toccoa River rolls under the two historic bridges on main street!

Those who have not visited McCaysville lately will not believe the beautification and structural changes that have been made. Even today, tourists are enjoying the historic town and will soon see that the river is our greatest asset.

McCaysville has been a mining town for its entire history, along with her twin sister town of Copperhill, Tenn.

This exciting little town is located in extreme north Georgia on the Tennessee state line at the end of Georgia State Highway 5, 10 miles north of Blue Ridge, in Fannin County.

Almost as soon as you cross the bridge, you are in Tennessee. Many tourists have their pictures made on the “blue line” through the street representing the two state borders. If not for this “blue line,” tourists might think it is

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Craig Sheffer: “You can't compare an apple to an orange. It will cause a lot of self-esteem issues.”

one town.

For well over a hundred years copper mining has been the huge industry for this area. That is why we are called “The Greater Copper Basin.” Being in a basin setting, we are surrounded by hills and mountains, and our town is fittingly set on the Toccoa River.

It is said that you can't know where you are going unless you know where you have been. Through the years McCaysville has had businesses for the advantage of workers in the copper mining industry.

Just like most towns, we had most of what anybody would need until we had two major setbacks which no one ever expected.

The first and most traumatic was the closing down of the Tennessee Copper Company in the 1980s, which had been sold several times to other companies. At one time the company had employed several thousand people from three joining states.

Naturally, at this crucial point, some men retired while others in droves had to leave the area for other employment. This, of course in time, closed a number of thriving businesses, leaving our town in despair as to the next course of action.

Some businesses tried to hang on until 1990, when the great flood covered our entire area, with up to eight feet of rushing water coming into homes, businesses, and trashing our streets. It took a year or more for the cleanup, leaving many businesses closed, and the town fathers in distress as to what avenue to take.

Into the area began to come antique and other small shops and eateries into the empty buildings, joining the remaining businesses who stayed after the flood. Then, as well as today, the town has businesses for its residents’ convenience, and accommodation to the many families who are relocating in the area from all across the country. We are becoming known for more than the copper industry.

After a number of years, McCaysville began to see the need for revitalization, making tourism one of our vital assets. One of the important and unbelievable things that spurred the work along was the coming into the area of a real estate buyer and developer who wished to help change the face of McCaysville.

That he has done!

Since this is just the story of McCaysville and not a documentary, names of persons currently involved and the projects and businesses they worked on will not be named. Space could not contain all the details. The wonderful praise will come under the

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Dionne Warwick: “I come from a singing family and as is said, 'the apple does not fall far from the tree.' “

umbrella of : Mayor and City Council, of this group the Beautification and Street Commissioners, city street employees, a separate resident group called City Revitalization Committee, and volunteers, along with this important real estate developer who loved McCaysville.

Actually, the first change to the town some years ago, other than the businesses, was the developing of the McCaysville City Park, stretching in town along the Toccoa River banks. At this time, my husband was mayor in the 1980s and had always had a dream of this nature for the city. After a period of getting financial grants, buying property, designing and seeing to the building development, McCaysville had a beautiful park for its citizens and visitors. This can all be stated in a few words, but it took about three years of hard work to accomplish.

After all these numbers of years, it was in need of repair and attention.

The current City Council went to work in getting grants and putting in new picnic tables, grills, landscaping, and general maintenance. The larger projects were the rebuilding of the large deck extending over the river, which had already been completed some years ago. This group remodeled the restrooms, planted more flowers and landscaping by volunteers, and put in a completely new updated playground. As part of the revitalization they have added security.

It is once again so beautiful and useful to residents and visitors and is used extensively. Probably most people did not know that fish were being put into the river at the park for your fishing pleasure. Also, a provision has been made for easy access to the water for tubing, etc.

This is not the end of the city park story! Grants were secured and four acres of land was purchased adjoining the existing park along the river, making this one big park in the near future. Work is already in progress to add walking trails with exercise equipment, benches, tables, swings, and another pavilion with beautiful landscaping, all along the beautiful Toccoa River One of the next projects proposed by the Revitalization group was the placing of large iron benches throughout the city. These are already in place and were purchased by individuals. There is a memory and recognition plaque placed on each bench, thus keeping the history of the former workers, residents and business people in the area.

As an example, I must say that I purchased one of these and requested that it be placed only in the original city park in memory of my husband. It reads: “In memory of Roy Kovsky, Park Developer, Mayor 1982-1985.� These benches will keep alive the memory and recognition of people through the coming years.

We now have a new Welcome Center, despite almost thinking there was no existing building to house it! Through the clever thinking of the workers, they found a concrete block old garage near the park and right on the river. Yes, it was renovated from a dirt floor to a beautiful place for a welcome center.

Of course, the decorating theme is that of mining. As you enter this small yet beautiful building you are greeted with many pictures and artifacts of our former mining industry. You will also find information about mining, literature, maps, and things available to see and do. Many visitors come daily.

Another phase of this project was building a brick sidewalk to the

Welcome Center, making it accessible for visitors. Along the sidewalk along the river you will see benches, street lighting, and a huge cast iron bucket used in the mines, along with landscape shrubs and flowers. You talk about beauty from ashes – this group of developers and workers made it work! You may visit this Welcome Center down this sidewalk or through the next street every day and a half day on Sundays.

One of the most beautiful sites to see is going across the concrete bridge. The concrete has been pressure washed and new street light posts stretched across both sidewalks. This has been accented by the hanging of multiple huge baskets of flowers hanging here and all over the city. The old steel bridge near this one has been graced with a huge American flag, which will remain for sometime. At Christmas, both bridges and the town are decorated with beautiful lighting and a huge Christmas tree.

So far, you have seen the beautification part of the city. Now, let me introduce you to the large development down our city street which complements everything. Our wonderful real estate developer has purchased a whole block of businesses down one side of main street.

These had once housed stores such as clothing, hardware, variety, and smaller businesses. Of course, they had turned into antique and small shops of various kinds. After purchase, these were removed and renovation began! No one could peek in, and the people were wondering what would be in these spaces. Excitement began to build as the other work continued throughout the city.

After months of work, the complete inside has been opened up and made into a huge restaurant with seating also on a riverside deck, plus a smaller breakfast, sandwich and bakery shop. All of these are portray-

ing the mining industry, with a name to commemorate one of the large mines.

Also within these walls you will find a dozen shops selling just as many different items. These businesses are open now, but development is still in progress on this street. Not only do these shops open out to the back Bridge Street, but the décor is rustic depicting the mining era of long ago.

Not only does this block of new businesses give credit to our new developer, but many houses and other property have been acquired by him for future development. A city could never be grateful enough!

If you have ever visited the area anytime through the past several years, you possibly have arrived by train. This, of course, is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, which makes one to two trips daily from Blue Ridge through the mountains and by the river to McCaysville. Many thousands have discovered our area through this means of transportation through quite a number of years.

The train has a beautiful depot at which they unload their passengers to eat and visit the shops, along with taking in the views. This has been a true boost to McCaysville and Copperhill's support through the years. Visitors now can take advantage of much more to see and do in the area. How great it is to see our streets filled once again with people from everywhere.

Also, for years rafting has become a part of our area with tubes and

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more advanced equipment being available by several businesses. Most people who see water think of fishing! This has been a great place for this for years in our creeks and river.

If you are visiting, and we hope you will, if you look far enough across the bridge you can possibly see some remains of the once Tennessee Copper Company industry. If you go through our twin city of Copperhill, you can pass some of these mining remains, and be on your way just five miles to the Ducktown Basin Museum. This building is on the former mining property and houses the pictures and story of the mines of yesteryear.

If you have lived in McCaysville all of your life, as I have, it is difficult to realize how many changes have been made. Progress is in the making.

Few original residents are still in the area, but those of us who are, along with all our new people, are truly grateful for the vision and hard work in developing the many things that will appeal to tourists, along with beautifying the area for its now many area residents.

Once again, thanks and deep appreciation to the City, all committees, developer and volunteers who have made progress possible. Residents know who you are!! Thanks for your vision and hard work. We are grateful for the grants we have been able to receive and the vision of our leaders to use them. We are progressing with our great potential. It is no wonder that our new developer liked McCaysville! Visit us and you will, too!

Hubert H. Humphrey: “The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.”

Lessons learned under the apple tree

“A drizzle of rain had fallen all afternoon and the ground surrounding the apple tree was soft and soggy—a really red, muddy mess. Walking in the pasture that evening was slippery.

The cow and her calf did not take cover underneath the apple tree. Oddly, they stood over beyond the edge of the tree’s shelter from the rain, out in the fog and drizzle.

Jerry and I took cover under the apple tree and studied a plan for getting the cow and calf to the barn.

The drizzle had stopped when we heard Homer close the door of his house. He looked like he was in his Sunday-go-to meeting church

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clothes, but he wasn’t. He wore a dazzling white shirt, clean khaki pants, and white socks beneath his penny loafers.

He swaggered toward us with the confidence of a Holiness preacher approaching a podium

By JOE COBB CRAWFORD but didn’t join us under the apple tree. Even at a distance I could smell the fragrance of his abundantly applied Old Spice cologne. Then with arrogance tingeing his authoritative bass voice he demanded:

“What’s you boys trying to do?”

Jim sheepishly looked up and hesitantly responded, “Well…, uh, we’re supposed to get this cow and her baby into the barn, but she’s acting a little crazy. I’m ‘sort afeard’ to bother her until she settles down some.”

Homer gave a smug snicker, confidently smirking at our juvenile cowardice. Then he began a speech, almost a tutorial on how to deal with cows: “A cow—‘specially a cow that has just come in with a calf—acts funny and ‘ya gotta’ watch ‘em close. But now, the ‘mainest thang’ is, ye never let ‘em know year ‘afeard’ of ‘em. ‘Ye

Victor Hugo: “He who opens a school door closes a prison.”

gotta’ show ‘em whose the boss.”

He then paused and removed an almost fresh pack of Camel cigarettes from his shirt pocket. Gazing at the cow, he pecked the pack against his index finger, grabbed an extended cigarette from the pack, and stuck it between his pursed cracked lips. Quicker than a humming bird he clicked his Ronson lighter, took a deep drag on his Camel, and continued his dissertation: “Boys, you don’t know it, but when I lived in Florida I worked on a thousand-head dairy farm. I was all the time ‘axed’ to take kear of problems like this. Ya see boys, I ain’t ‘skeerda nuthin’. There’s really not much to it. Y’all stand there and watch, and I will show you how it’s done. The next time y’all won’t be so ‘skeerd andal’ know how to do it.”

Then Homer took another long drag on his Camel. Vigorously he flipped it. Landing in the soaked red clay it sizzled and smoldered. With almost condescending compassion Homer then looked straight at the momma cow and informed her, “Sah now heifer. Me and you is going to the barn.”

Strangely the cow quickly bobbed her head toward the ground, almost as though she understood and was in agreement with Homer’s edict. Then like a warrior going into battle, toward the mother of the newly born cow Homer charged.

Seeing his sudden approach, the cow did not hesitate. She burst into a gallop toward Homer. With head bowed almost to the wet ground she scooped and lifted the little man off his feet.

A half second later, Homer found himself draped over the cow’s head, lying faced opposite her momentum, fiercely hugging her neck as she sprinted down the muddy hillside. It all looked as wrong as sin on Sunday, but Jim and I didn’t know what to do.

Then, quick as a flash she stopped, sending Homer hurling through the air, then crashing to the ground and then tumbling and rolling in the mud.

Seeing Homer lying stunned in the mud the bodacious bovine sprinted back to Homer for another sortie. She lowered her head again and used it to root and roll Homer along in the mud, moving him farther down the muddy hillside and closer to Mill Creek. She then proceeded to grind Homer’s glowing white shirt—with more of Homer now found outside the shirt than inside it—into the rain soaked red Georgia clay.

Sufficiently satisfied with her work, the mad momma froze in place, looked wild-eyed mean toward the creek, and gave a faint moo. With swollen udder and tits flopping from side to side, she then hurried back to the side of her baby calf. There she held out and kinked her tail and let out repeated abbreviated bellows. She appeared to ponder whether to stay by her baby’s side or to go give Homer another butt, ride, and roll in the mud.

Before she could decide, Homer, looking more like mud than man, stumbled to his feet, limped at first, but then fast trotted for refuge. Not looking back, he cut a trail to his humble abode—back to the little house in our cow pasture.

Jim and I stayed in the shelter of the apple tree a while longer and watched a proud momma lick and groom and bond with her calf.

Later, when the calf had started to suckle from its mom we furtively slipped away. We had failed to complete Dad’s order but, as kids, we didn’t want to pay the steep price Homer paid for his vanity that day.

That’s the last time I saw Homer. He moved from the little house in our pasture down on Mill Creek. …”

“HOMER HERO”- An excerpt from The LIES We BURY Based on a memorable childhood incident that happened more than 50 years ago down on Mill Creek in Fannin County,Ga.

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE '19 BROUGHT TO YOU BY... nGeorgia Northwestern Technical College nGeorgia Highlands College nCNA Nursing School of Calhoun nUniversity of North Georgia

Oscar Wilde: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”

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COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Don't let obstacles get in your way You might think the most daunting task during college is the initial process of being accepted. But college can present new obstacles you may not be prepared for. Follow some of the below advice to avoid being overcome by these common feelings.

Financial Despair When you’re facing the heavy workload from your college courses, the last thing you have time for is working a full-time job. If your situation requires an income during your time as a student, keep your eyes peeled for financial assistance programs.

Schedule an appointment with the financial aid office to talk with an adviser to see which benefits you qualify for. If you must work while going to school, a great tip from the organization Mapping Your Future is to search for a job on campus as they are more flexible with students’ schedules.

Don’t Procrastinate If you are planning to take a small break between high school

and college, you should realize the difficulties you may face once you’re ready to return.

Not only will you be out of practice academically, you may also accumulate financial responsibilities which weren’t present after high school. These burdens may be drastic enough to demand you work full time while studying.

Before taking a break in between semesters, consider the struggles you will face when you are back in the classroom and plan accordingly.

Poor Grades While you may have received exceptional grades throughout your high school career, college courses may be more difficult and demanding. If you get a score on an exam or assignment you are unsatisfied with, it’s important to not let it get you down. Use it as a learning experience to teach yourself how to prepare more efficiently in the future. Consider joining a study group or find a tutor if you continue to struggle with the class.

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Month-by-month, keep a checklist It is important to not procrastinate when it comes to beginning your college career. Staying ahead of the curve will ensure you have everything in place at the right time. Keep on track by following these tips provided by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

August – December One of your first moves as a high school senior should be to register for the SATs if you didn’t complete it during your junior year, or you wish to retake the test and obtain a higher score. You will also benefit from sitting down with at trusted educator to ensure your college applications are being filled out correctly and you are on track to graduate.

Senior year is also a great time to research as many schools as you can. Take advantage of local college fairs, representatives who visit your class and take tours of several campuses.

October Shortly after October 1, file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. After about four weeks, you should receive your student aid report, which will reveal your eligibility for financial aid.

If your desired college requires an essay, this is a good time to complete it, proofread it and re-proofread it. You should also research scholarship opportunities around this time; remember, the NACAC says you should never pay for scholarship information.

November – January

Now is the time to get our high school transcripts in order as every college you apply to will require a copy. You should also send out your early decision or early action applications during this time.

It’s also important to organize your regular decision applications and financial aid forms as they are typically due in February. You may also register for a January SAT; it is considered the last one a college will consider while you’re a senior.

February – May At this point, you’re on the downhill slope. Remain focused even after you receive an acceptance letter as your college will want to see a second-semester transcript. Most schools require a commitment or deposit no later than May 1, so make sure to get it in on time.

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Community college or university?

One big decision a student must make before attending college is which type of school is right for them.

Both community colleges and universities offer many positives and negatives, but which one will benefit someone depends on where they want to go with their career.

For some, an associate degree from a community college is a stepping stone before transferring to a university to continue their education. Others take interest in a career which only requires a two-year degree, while some prefer to begin and end their college days at a university.

Admission Requirement Differences A community college is typically much easier to get your foot in the door. While certain programs like nursing, law enforcement and engineering may have stricter admission requirements than other fields, usually someone who has graduated high school won’t have much trouble being accepted.

Universities are much pickier about who they accept. For many,

a potential student’s high school career is scrutinized, including grades, courses taken and a minimum score on ACT or SAT. The application process is much more involved, too. If you are having trouble getting accepted to a university right out of high school, don’t be discouraged. Community college can be your second chance to impress a higher-education institution once you complete your courses.

Major Difference in Cost Another huge difference you will notice is in tuition costs. According to a recent report by College Board, the annual cost to attend a community college is $3,440 for an in-district student. When attending a public university, this number rises to $9,410 annually for in-state students and $23,890 for out-of-state students. Private universities average the steep price of $32,410 annually. For those who don’t qualify for financial aid or scholarships, community college is the route that makes most sense to their budgets. The two years give students the chance to save for the higher prices of a university.

Different Degrees Those attending community college can obtain an associate degree or short-term certificates which train people for a specific career.

A student can then decide to apply to a university to further their education or enter the workforce with their certification.

Universities offer many more options as far as degrees — bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs are offered to make it possible for a student to gain their degree in the same setting.

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Keep your eye on the big picture After graduating high school, the thought of college courses and a shift in lifestyle can be intimidating. One thing to remember is that there are many other people on campus who are facing the same challenges.

Especially if you are attending college miles away from your support team at home, it can be easy to become distracted and lose self-discipline. You should understand how these upcoming changes can negatively impact your goal of achieving the degree you dreamed of.

Dangers of Party Atmosphere College life sometimes gets a bad reputation as being a party. In fact, some reputable news outlets and school publications reveal a top 10 list of America’s Best Party Schools each year. While you will benefit from networking with your peers, be sure to keep academics as your No. 1 priority.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, these dangers associated with drinking in college affect those ages 18 to 24.

• More than 1,800 students died yearly from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, on average, between 1998-2005.

• About 696,000 students are assaulted by a peer who has been drinking, on average, between 1998-2001.

• About 97,000 students report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault during the same period.

The key to staying safe in college is to drink responsibly and moderately. The Addiction Center says many students turn to binge drinking due to stress, anxiety, a desire to fit in and insecurity.

If you feel like you have developed a drinking problem, call the Addiction and Alcohol Hotline at (844) 244-3171.

Associate with Like-Minded Peers One way to avoid temptations and focus on academics is by associating with peers with similar goals. Find other students to form study groups and develop ways to benefit the community and campus. If you keep your eyes on the prize and celebrate achievements in moderation, the transition from high school to college will be seamless.

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Always be ready for emergencies Everyone deserves the right to feel safe while gaining an education, however, emergencies are bound to occur.

A great way to stay safe while walking on campus is to travel with a group, especially while it’s dark. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, there were 27,000 reports of criminal incidents against persons and property on campus in 2014.

If you must make a trip without the company of friends, it can be a good idea to arm yourself with pepper spray and a whistle.

If you feel like you are threatened, making a scene can dissuade a potential assaulter into fleeing or draw attention from nearby help.

Prepare for Different Emergencies With so many people in one area, the risks of emergency situations are heightened on a college campus. When considering a school, try and talk to campus safety officials and familiarize yourself with proper protocols during threatening events.

• Fire: According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 3,800 university housing fires occur each year in the United States. Eighty-eight percent are cooking fires. Whether you live on or off campus, FEMA recommends knowing at least two different ways to leave any room in case of fire.

• Weather emergency: Stay alert to the incoming weather to your area. In case of tornado or severe thunderstorm warning, know how to get to the safest area in the building you are in. Most

colleges will have designated areas like basements or interior hallways.

• Active shooter: Unfortunately, this threat is becoming all too common in America. Your college will have a plan in place for this emergency. Most suggest locking or barricading doors if it is unsafe to leave the incident and to report to 911 with any information about the shooter’s whereabouts or injured people.

Inquire about an Alert System Thanks to technology, college officials can send notifications to its entire student body when a threat is imminent. If your school is equipped with this function, ensure your phone number is registered so you’ll be informed of emergency situations.

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Saving for college can ease way Earning a degree at the school of your dreams can come with exceptional costs. In addition to covering tuition and books, students are also responsible for paying for their daily lifestyle.

If a paid scholarship isn’t in your cards, saving money before classes start can lessen the stress.

According to the America’s Debt Help Organization, the average borrower in college in 2017 is expected to carry more than $38,000 in student loan debt.

Defaulting on a student loan can do crippling damage to your credit score, lessening your chances of landing your dream home or a new car. Save now so the bill left behind after graduation isn’t so intimidating.

Unexpected Costs You already know the staggering costs of tuition, books and housing while attending college, but there are a few expenses students forget. Don’t be left unprepared. Consider creating a list of the items you use daily and incorporate them into your budget while saving. Don’t forget the little supplies like hygiene products, cleaning materials, regular car maintenance and parking.

529 Plan One of the most efficient ways to save for college, according

to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, is to enroll in a 529 plan. Defined as a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs, there are two types of 529 plans from which to choose: Prepaid tuition plans: This account allows a college saver to purchase units or credits at participating colleges and universities for future tuition and mandatory fees. Oftentimes, credits cannot be applied toward room and board.

College savings plans: College savers open an investment account for the beneficiary’s future tuition, mandatory fees and room and board.

Speak with a professional about how to begin saving for your future education. For parents, it is never too early to start saving so your children can focus on their college careers rather than how they’ll afford it.

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Start a business while in school We have all seen the success stories from college dropouts who went on to be CEOs of gigantic companies.

However, there are many business leaders who began promoting and developing their company while they were still hitting the books.

There are many advantages to testing the waters while you’re still studying.

For one, putting your ideas out to the world are less risky during college as the financial demands will be less before you have a mortgage or family. You’re also in a large group of community-minded people who are much easier to reach by promoting on social media, posting flyers in high-trafficked areas and word of mouth.

Gain Real-World Education A classroom is a great place to set the roots for your journey as an entrepreneur, however, you can only learn so much in that environment. Take what you’ve learned and put it to use in the real world to get a feel as to how people are responding. While in college, you also have access to professors who are knowledgeable in business. Consider having a discussion to determine which

methods you use aren’t working and how to improve them.

Don’t be discouraged if your first idea doesn’t take off – college is about trying new things and reaching different people.

Don’t be Afraid of Failure Each step you take towards introducing an epic business is in the right direction for your overall experience. Don’t be discouraged if your ideas don’t flourish. Instead, highlight your resume with your innovations and drive you used while starting a business in college.

DOUBLE JEOPARDY DOUBLE It’s very rare for a husband and wife to be called for jury duty at the same time, but that’s what happened recently to Rhett and Olivia Parrott. Whitfield County court officials were glad to see the couple, especially since only about 30 percent of the residents summoned to serve as jurors bother to show up. It’s a disturbing trend Judge Jim Wilbanks for one would like to reverse.

When Rhett and Olivia Parrott opened their mail a few weeks ago and discovered they’d be sharing time as Whitfield County jurors, they didn’t realize they’d soon become quasi-celebrities.

But that was the case earlier this summer when local court officials told them they couldn’t remember ever having a husband and wife summoned to serve as jurors at the same time.

Then when attorneys in a civil matter went on to choose both of them to serve on the same jury, Superior Court Judge Jim Wilbanks, who was presiding over the civil trial, says he was shocked even more.

“I can’t ever remember having a husband and wife summoned at the same time,” Wilbanks said, “and it just added to the rarity when they were chosen for the same jury.”

Rhett, a driver’s ed teacher and baseball coach at Dalton High School, and Olivia, a counselor at Eastside Elementary School, say they had never been called for jury duty.

By mid-afternoon on Monday, June 17, however, the couple had already begun listening to opening statements from both sides as well as testimony from the plaintiff, who was seeking damages for injuries in an automobile accident.

By the next afternoon, the Parrotts and their 10 fellow jurors had already listened to all the evidence, made their deliberations, and rendered a verdict in the case.

By MITCH TALLEY

PHOTO BY MITCH TALLEY

Olivia and Rhett Parrott stand outside the Whitfield County Courthouse, where the husband and wife had the rare distinction of serving on a jury at the same time.

George Bernard Shaw: “What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.”

43

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Rhett said of serving as jurors, “but I think there was a comfort level in each step because (court officials) did a good job for those of us who hadn’t been through the experience before of explaining what was going on - whether it was the first room where you’re in with all the other jurors where they explained the process to us, to the courtroom and to the actual jury itself once that was picked. I feel like they educated us about the process throughout so we knew what to expect.”

While he wondered at first if he was qualified to serve as a juror, Rhett says that notion soon left his mind. “They really educate you about the process so you don’t feel underqualified,” he said. “They make sure you’re comfortable with what you’re being asked to do.”

‘Sticking to the facts’ Once they had heard the evidence and Judge Wilbanks had explained how they were to make their decision based on proper application of the law, the jurors worked well together, Olivia said.

“I think we were thorough, talked back through all the evidence that was presented and stuck to that,” Rhett added. “Everybody has their opinions, but I feel like we all did a really good job sticking to the facts that were presented and basing our decision on that.”

Olivia says the jurors mapped out the facts on a dry-erase board in the jury room. “We all looked at the evidence,” she said. “We all bounced ideas off of each other – well, what about this? Well, what do you think about this?

- and based upon that, we were able to come to a conclusion. But even before we started laying out all the evidence, we got pretty lucky in that everybody was already on the same page.

But it was nice to have that justification of okay, yeah, the evidence is showing this and we all agree.”

Rhett said the jurors weren’t in a hurry just to make a decision. “I don’t think anybody was rushing,” he said. “It wasn’t a case of we all agree, let’s just get this done. It was a case of I feel like a lot of people were on the same page but we’re still gonna look back through the information that we have, the evidence that we have just to make sure that there’s nothing we

missed and that we feel confident in the decision we’re making.”

The couple praised Judge Wilbanks for making all the jurors feel appreciated.

“After we made the decision, Judge Wilbanks actually came in and asked us if we had any questions and just took that time to personally thank each of us and look us each in the eye, not from across the room but right in front of us,” Olivia said. “I thought that was neat because I never had heard of a judge taking that time out just to come and talk to us and answer questions.”

Juror participation slipping One thing they heard from the judge surprised them: the low percentage of people summoned to be on a jury who actually bother to show up.

“I was shocked,” Olivia said.

“We were all shocked,” Rhett said after being told only about 30 percent of the jurors report for duty each session – and it’s been going on like that for years.

“I guess it’s one of those things – we’ve

always heard it’s your civic duty, if called, to serve,” he said.

Judge Wilbanks agreed.

“I don’t know the percentages, but I imagine back when I was growing up, I know my parents took jury duty very seriously so I imagine probably the numbers were 70, 80, 90 percent of the people showed up. I mean, that’s just what you did. It was like voting. It was not only an obligation, it was a privilege, part of our giving back to the community, giving back to society.”

Unfortunately, records kept by court administrator Brad Butler reveal low levels of participation for years. Turnout in 2018, for instance, ranged from 29.3 percent to 38.0 percent, and that trend even hit a disturbing low of 17.1 percent in May this year.

“When you get down to the percentages being so low,” Wilbanks said, “that you don’t have enough people show up to have jurors for jury trails, then the result of that is we as judges can’t do our jobs.”

So far, the court has been able to provide jury trials to civil litigants that are entitled to it and criminal defendants who are entitled to it, but if the turnout plunged too low for a jury to be

selected, cases might have to be continued to another trial week, which would back the system up and the process would grind to a halt in a worst-case scenario, the judge said.

That’s one reason the judge makes it a point to talk to all jurors about how important their service is to the judicial process and how appreciated they are. He also points out the low participation figures to them.

“Did any of you notice all the people that didn’t show up?” Wilbanks asked jurors on June 17. “I always say, here’s my options, what do you want me to do about it? And this time they were pretty adamant – they told me you need to have the sheriff go arrest these people and bring them to court to be held responsible. And that’s probably the strongest response I’ve gotten in all these conversations I’ve been having now for at least a good three or four years.”

That get-tough response actually happened a few weeks ago in Laurens County, where nearly three-fourths of the jurors were absent and the sheriff responded by having deputies make calls to the no-shows and use the department’s Facebook page to warn that no-shows

could be arrested. That strategy paid off when enough people were coaxed into court late to make up four juries.

That’s a step Wilbanks doesn’t want to be forced to take in Whitfield County.

Officials ponder solutions “The law certainly allows us to have the sheriff go round up jurors,” the judge said, “but is that really the best use of the sheriff’s resources and deputies’ time? Up until this point, we’ve basically felt like it wasn’t. We would be taking deputies away from their other responsibilities, which is either security at the courthouse or serving civil papers or just patrolling the roads and providing security for the county. If at any given moment we’ve got, say, five deputies on the road, if I take two of those off to go get jurors, then the sheriff just has three deputies on the road providing security and safety for all the rest of us. So I’ve impacted not only financially but I’ve also impacted the security of each one of us in the county that are protected by the Sheriff’s Office.”

The judge said another option would be to send out another summons to the people who

didn’t show up, but he believes that would just cause an additional mailing expense that wouldn’t really lead to much return. If they didn’t report for duty the first time, it’s likely they wouldn’t be very responsive to a second summons either, Wilbanks believes.

The solution so far has been a simple case of mathematics – just have the clerks of court in Whitfield and Murray counties send out notices to a larger number of prospective jurors so that if only 30 percent of them actually show up, as has been the case for years, then the judges still end up with enough jurors to hold trials.

That’s a defeatist attitude, though. Instead, the judge would like to convince more people just to do their civic duty the way the Parrotts did.

“I have a lot of respect for anybody that shows up on Monday for jury duty,” Wilbanks said. “I tell them that.

I thank them multiple times.

However, please understand I need you back next time, I need your sister back, I need your son back, your daughter, your uncle, your neighbor.

Please go back and tell them how important this is. I’ve been doing that now for a few years, and I don’t know if I’m making any impact – the numbers don’t seem to indicate I am, but we still talk about it anyway.”

Judge Jim Wilbanks His words did stick with the Parrotts, at least.

“As somebody who doesn’t deal with the law each day, getting to learn about the judicial system and see it in action was a good experience,” Olivia said. “To me, being a juror was a reminder of how lucky we are to live in a country that we do get to participate in and be a part of the judicial process.”

A little inspiration, is what we all deserve, you can find it in some pages, it will be spoken, till it's heard.

Sink your teeth in, bite it off, but not more than you can chew, the very essence of your life, will often get you through.

But if you have deep passion, let it rise up to the top, worry not about your fears, you're more than what you thought.

That spark that's held inside you, will never go away, as long as you are grateful, and give thanks for it each day.

This may seem like a ramble, but it's written with a grin, for I'm just one in a billion who trusts that Love, will Always Win. -SARA WINICK-HERRINGTON

Worn paper dolls...

From a since gone And forgotten childhood Dance around years...

To the monotune tune Of a deafening silence...

Listen closely...

As mere paper...

Sings a sublime melody...

-CHELLE LANCE

Happy Today I sit in the calm of what is now while looking back on the chaos of yesterday with a smile.

It is those times that made me who I am today and brought me to this place I find peace.

I exhale slowly with an understanding of how often we miss the lesson during the storm but in retrospect gain clarity.

Gratitude for each day is what I am absorbing from it all. The blessing of just being.

I am happy and smiling today. I am wrapped in love and appreciation for what is, what was, and what will be.

-LORA BUNCH

CORNER

POETRY

An interview with an artist...

ANDREA SUMMERLIN WILSON A talented and groundbreaking artist in the art of carving, female carver Andrea Summerlin Wilson is creating some stunning wood spirit folk art.

This interesting folklore is a mystical and magical kind of story.

They are beautiful and captivating creations. Andrea says that “after moving to the Dahlonega area, I have tapped into the art scene, which, by the way, has the most talented artists of all mediums. Wood carving, especially being a female wood carver, has given me a platform to show my skills and make a name for myself.”

I was intrigued as I know you will

By LORA BUNCH

'After moving to the Dahlonega area, I have tapped into the art scene, which, by the way, has the most talented artists of all mediums.

Wood carving, especially being a female wood carver, has given me a platform to show my skills and make a name for myself.'

-ANDREA WILSON

Jean de La Fontaine: “Friendship is the shadow of the evening, which increases with the setting sun of life.”

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be to learn more about this lady.

Lora: What does being creative mean to you?

Andrea: I can’t remember a time I wasn’t creating things.

My mother was always teaching us how to use our imagination and be creative in our way of thinking. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up so we made our own Christmas ornaments, and I would paint on any piece of wood I could find.

Lora: Do you remember the first piece you carved?

Andrea: I started out drawing and painting, but as I got older I began to work with clay sculpting and wood carving.

Lora: Do you remember when you realized that creating art was a need for you?

Andrea: Art has always been a need for me.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt the need to create something out of nothing.

Lora: Do you come from an artsy family?

Andrea: I do feel we are a very artsy family.

We all sing, play musical instruments and have an eye for design.

Lora: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Andrea: My inspiration comes from those who dare to dream and have a positive attitude

and love for life. Nature is a huge influence on me, as well. Whether I’m hiking or hunting or playing in the creek, there’s always something out there drawing me in.

Lora: Where can we find your artwork?

Andrea: You can find my work on Facebook and at a few shops around Dahlonega. I started selling them online several years ago on my page called Little Farm Girl

Designs.

Lora: What are three things (not people) that you cannot live without?

Andrea: Three things I don’t want to live without would be my art, music and my dogs.

Lora: Are you a music lover and what are the top songs on your playlist right now?

Andrea: Music is a big part of my outlet while I work. It keeps me zoned in while I carve. If you were to check my playlist you would find Fleet Foxes, Lord Huron, Mandolin Orange,

Ray LaMontagne and a lot of old country like Willie Nelson and Vern Gosdin.

Lora: What interesting things have come from your artwork and the sales you have made from them?

Andrea: My carvings have been sold all over the world and each piece is unique to the individual who buys it. I get letters all the time thanking me for getting them through hardships such as chemo, a death of a loved one, but also happy times like birthdays and a new home. My wood spirits seem to draw the most interesting people. And that connection is what my art is all about.

Lora: What is your favorite piece that you have created?

Andrea: I created a cedar

root ball Indian princess which was commissioned for Miss Tennessee.

There are so many favorites it’s hard to list them all, but each is unique like the person requesting it.

Lora: What different types of art and materials do you use?

Andrea: I’ve carved in gourds that I’ve grown, antler sheds, wood of all types, clay, and have painted on everything from oyster shells to okra to magnolia leaves. If it has a surface I’ve painted on it.

Lora: What words or acts do you want to pass on to new artists?

Andrea: When I moved to North Georgia I was blessed to meet Billy Roper, a well-known folk artist. He has been instrumental in leading me down the right artistic path here in North Georgia. I have assisted him in teaching a couple of classes at the Southern Appalachian Folk school in Jasper, Ga. I believe in teaching all you can to the next generation. It feels as if it is an obligation to share what gifts you were given along the way.

Andrea has so many interesting and amazing art creations and a love for art and sharing it with others that her energy is contagious. Her personality shines through her words and her works. You can tell she loves what she does and it comes from a place of inspiration and hard work.

You can find her on social media as well as some of the North Georgia art gatherings. She is seen around the Folk Art School in Jasper from time to time as well.

I get letters all the time thanking me for getting them through hardships such as chemo, a death of a loved one, but also happy times like birthdays and a new home.

My wood spirits seem to draw the most interesting people. And that connection is what my art is all about.

-ANDREA SUMMERLIN WILSON

STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES One of the questions I always asked the military vets on my show, those who served, is what was one of the most foolish things you did while in the military? Here’s my answer.

In the spring of 1969 I was flying my helicopter in support of the National Guard on the Big Island (Hawaii). My mission was to fly the Battalion S-3 (Major Kirk).

The second night around 2100 hours, Major Kirk came to my tent. “Lt. Patterson, Pele is active tonight and I want to go see her. How about flying me up to Mauna Loa?” I didn’t have a clue who Pele was but grabbed my helmet and bolted to my helicopter. I noticed the sky south of us had a beautiful red glow, and I was mesmerized by it. Major Kirk smiled and pointed to the sky, “See? Pele is active tonight. Pele is the Goddess of Fire.”

I began to fly up the mountain to the volcano. When we arrived, I could see a river of lava flowing south towards the sea. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had never seen anything so beautiful. I couldn’t wait to tell Mother and Daddy about it.

I handed the Major my camera and asked if he’d take some pictures for me. All I could think was that no one in Blue Ridge had ever seen anything even close to the beauty I was looking at in this moment. It was a deep rosy red about a hundred yards wide and three miles long. It was about halfway to the ocean and moving extremely slow.

I made a few circles so the Major could get a good look and then turned and flew directly over the active volcano.

My dumb thing to do!

As we got closer, the aircraft started bouncing from the turbulence of the hot air. The Major screamed, “Pele is going to kill us! Pele is going to kill us!”

The Major didn’t even key his mic, but I could hear him loud and clear!

I remember thinking the Major was acting more like a kid than a soldier.

However, I turned the helicopter away from the heat of the volcano. The Major said, “Get me out here, I’ve seen enough.”

The next morning at daybreak, I walked to the Major’s tent.

“Sir, I’m going back to check out the volcano. Do you want to go with me?”

“No, Lieutenant, I’m briefing the Colonel in a few. Maybe later,” replied the Major.

I just saluted him and left. It was just 0630 hours, and the briefing was always at 0800 hours. In fact when I think about it I never flew the Major again!

I didn’t really care. I was eager to see the volcano in the daytime. Once there, the lava flow was less than 20 feet from the sea. I flew in circles until it reached the ocean.

It was worth the wait – when the scalding hot lava hit the ocean, steam came rising up. As more and more flowed into the sea, the steam got thicker. I noticed the sand on the beach began to turn a beautiful, dark color – the lava had turned into black pebbles the size of coffee grounds.

Flying over an active volcano is about the dumbest thing a pilot can do!!!! I had just graduated from flight school three months before and being a young lieutenant didn’t help!

The wilderness in my backyard When I retired almost 10 years ago I was side twice a year so I was definitely in civilizadetermined not to waste away because I no tion. But I soon learned I was not out of the longer had a job. I've seen people do it, and it wilderness. is just too sad. Besides I had been in harness Being an old man it behooved me to exertoo long to stop pulling a load. cise in addition to gardening so twice each day Marion T. "Ted" Smith is the author of a new book, “Life in the Park: A Novel.� It So I gave myself several jobs to do in retireI would walk a half-mile and back on the road is available on Amazon and at Barnes & ment. For instance I took up gardening and that ran by my house. I did this for almost five Noble. years. canning in earnest. I have always enjoyed watching things grow plus fighting the weather Some days I might not find anything to and the bugs and mammals made life interesting. photograph, but it is like the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: No man And from my old job as a journalist I kept writing and photography. ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not Regarding the latter, I began to take a camera with me everywhere I the same man. went, most importantly on my daily walks, and I would post the photos That is how the road was. on Facebook.

It is a cross-country shortcut between two main roads that are not major thoroughfares themselves. Now I am sure it looked like the same Have you ever worked on a long-term project, gathering more and more information, and suddenly learned something you had not even road to people in the few cars that used it. At 45 miles per hour few thought about? things are noticeable, especially small things.

That's what happened to me. I grew up in the country so I moved back But at an old man's pace the road was another world. I immediately to the country when I retired. It wasn't the boonies although I like the noticed flowers and insects and other creatures I had never seen before. boonies. But I was several miles from a dirt road, especially one that Wild things were everywhere. It was like John Muir said, I had been livforded a creek. ing on the world not in it.

The road by my house was paved, and the county mowed the roadSo I became an amateur naturalist, searching the internet sometimes

By Ted Smith

for hours to identify a wildflower or bird or within one half mile of my house over a period of seven years. unusual insect just so I could satisfy my curiosity, not to mention having something to say My goal in publishing the book is not monetary gain. It is just my hope that this about the photos I posted.

Like I said this went on for nearly five collection will inspire others to pay more attention to the natural world they live in. years. Then I had a stroke, recovered, had This is vital given the threats to nature another one two months after the first, recovered, and a little over six months later had a that humans have created. In keeping with that goal, all proceeds from sales of third one that left me permanently disabled.

I lost the use of my right arm and leg and the book go to environmental groups and animal rescues. was confined to a wheel chair. Well, I could "Life in the Park, a Novel" is a collection address my situation in one of two ways.

I could bewail my fate or consider myself of 17 interconnected short stories set in lucky. Early on I asked my physical therapist the fictional town of Hall's Corner in Northif she had known anyone who had had three west Georgia. Hall 's Corner's residents strokes. She said, Alive? are ordinary people who are dealing with conflicts that are common, but this exploThe choice was easy. I learned to use my camera and to type left-handed. It was not ration of their lives reveals the depths that A widow skimmer dragonfly. (Photo by Ted Smith) a perfect solution of course but it was better exist below the surface. than nothing. And so I continued taking photos, and even though I had My inspiration for the novel is the belief that every person has a story, some which extend into the past, and some which take on mythic proto move out of the country I discovered that the wilderness was everyportions in the present, all intertwined in the tapestry of a place. where. All I had to do was look and pay attention.

To make a long story short, or shorter, with the encouragement and Funny how life works out. It was only after I got old and retired that I support of my old friend Jeff Bishop I published a book, "Life in the Park. got anything published. Makes me think I should have gotten old much A Novel" in 2015 and earlier this year a second one called "The Wildersooner. ness in My Backyard." It consists of 258 full-color photographs of wildBoth books are available on Amazon and would make excellent Christflowers, plants, insects, butterflies, birds and other animals - all taken mas gifts.

PAW’S CORNER by Sam Mazzotta

PUZZLES4KIDS - by Helene Hovanec

Just how hot can a hot car get? (c) 2019 KING FEATURES SYNDICATE, INC.

DEAR PAW'S CORNER: This morning, I was walking into the drugstore when I heard a small dog frantically barking from a nearby car. I looked in the window and saw a toy poodle rushing back and forth along the back seat, putting her paws on the closed windows and barking at everyone passing by. The car was not running, so no air conditioning, though it was parked in a shady spot. I rushed inside the store and called for the manager, who contacted the police. They immediately opened the car and rescued the little dog, who was panting heavily. Please let your readers know that leaving your pet inside a locked car, even in the shade, can be a death sentence! -- Relieved Pet Mom in Maine DEAR RELIEVED: I'm glad this story had a happy ending! Folks, even on a pleasant day with temperatures in the mid-70s, the interior of a car can heat up to life-threatening levels of more than 100 F. That's even on a cloudy day, or when parked in a shady spot. Even if you leave your pet inside a locked, running car with the air conditioning on, that's still not acceptable. Your pet will be very anxious without you present, and anything might happen while you're away. If you want to take your pet with you, make sure the places you go will welcome pets inside.

(Your pet should be well-trained and responsive to your commands, and not aggressive to other dogs.) Or, have a friend come along and sit in the running car with your dog or walk them in a nearby grassy area or park while you shop. Otherwise, leave pets at home. The risk is not worth it.

Send your questions, comments or tips to ask@pawscorner. com. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

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JUST KIDDIN' A collection of jokes and funny stories designed to leave you with a smile on your face Grandpa was telling his young grandson what life was like when he was a boy. "In the winter we’d ice skate on our pond. In the summer we could swim in the pond, and pick berries in the woods. We’d swing on an old tire my dad hung from a tree on a rope. And we had a pony we rode all over the farm." The little boy was amazed, and sat silently for a minute. Finally he said, "Granddad, I wish I'd gotten to know you a lot sooner!"

A couple in their 90s are both having some short term memory loss.

While in for a checkup, the physician says that physically they’re okay, but since they’re having trouble remembering things, they might want to start writing things down.

Later that evening they’re sitting and reading, when the husband gets up.

“Would you like anything from the kitchen?” he asks.

“Some vanilla ice cream,” his wife replies.

“Okay.”

“Shouldn’t you write it down so you don’t forget it?” she asks.

“Don’t worry, I won’t forget.”

“Well,” she says. “A few raspberries on top would be great. You want to write that down?”

“I’ve got it, honey. A bowl of vanilla ice cream with raspberries on top.”

“And chocolate sauce, too. Maybe you’ll forget that. Want me to write it down for you?”

A little miffed, he replies, “I’ve got it!

Ice cream, raspberries and chocolate sauce. I don’t need it written down, for gosh sakes!”

He waddles out to the the kitchen. A half hour later, he comes back with a plate of ham and scrambled eggs, and gives it to his wife.

She stares at the plate a few seconds, then says, “You forgot my toast.”

What is blue and smells like red paint?

Blue paint I saw a wino eating grapes.

I told him, you gotta wait.

Hey, I can talk!

Three seniors are out for a stroll.

One of them remarks, “It’s windy.”

Another replies, “No way. It’s Thursday.”

The last one says, “Me too.

Let’s have a soda.”

You know why you never see elephants hiding up in trees?

Because they’re really good at it.

A man is walking in the desert with his horse and his dog when the dog says, “I can’t do this.

I need water.” The man says, “I didn’t know dogs could talk.”

The horse says, “Me neither!”

What did the green grape say to the purple grape?

OMG!!!!!!! BREATHE!!

BREATHEEEEE!!!!!

I intend to live forever.

So far, so good.

Hospital rules state that patients checking out must have a wheelchair.

One day a newly graduated nurse assistant came into the room to find an elderly man fully dressed. He was sitting on the bedside chair, with a piece of packed luggage at his side, all ready to go.

When he was shown the wheelchair, he was adamant that he was fully capable of walking himself to the parking lot.

But the assistant told him rules were rules, so he relented and let her wheel him out.

In the elevator, the assistant asked the elderly man if his wife was coming to meet him.

“I don’t think so,” he replied. “It takes her awhile to change her clothes, so she’s probably still upstairs in the bathroom taking off her hospital gown and getting dressed.”

What is the resemblance between a green apple and a red apple?

They’re both red except for the green one.

Never criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

That way, when you criticize them, you’ll be a mile away, and you’ll have their shoes.

I couldn’t believe that the highway department called my dad a thief.

But when I got home, all the signs were there.

Email us your favorite joke at bestofnorthgamountains@yahoo.com and we might use it in an upcoming issue.