Home Living in North Georgia - August 2017 by The Times

HOME Living in North Georgia

August | 2017

A botanical retreat from a sloping yard

Valhalla Resort offers a luxury mountain getaway Easy Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opens pop-up restaurant

HOME Living

In North Georgia

August 2017 1

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2 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

HOME Living

In North Georgia

August 2017 3

From the Editor Savoring the last of summer

Editor/Designer Michelle Boaen Jameson General Manager Norman Baggs Advertising Sales Leah Nelson HOME Magazine, a division of: The Times Gainesville, GA A Morris Multimedia Inc. property 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 | 770-718-3421

www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

s we enter the last month of summer, I am reminded of all the wonderful times in my childhood where summer seemed endless, from swimming and fishing to picking peas and okra in the garden. Well, I may have done a lot more running through the corn rows than actual work. But that is also the beauty of summer as a child â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more fun, less work. Children seem to have a shorter summer now than I remember. School starts in August, but the weather is still sweltering and the water still beckons. That makes it hard I am sure to pay attention to the teacher! There are still plenty of things to be excited about this month including a brand new luxury resort now open in North Georgia complete with a sky bar and shimmering pool. There are also plenty of melon recipes out there for this ubiquitous summer food and we list a few inside. Margaritas anyone? Gardens are still going strong as we witness with the gorgeous yard of Master Gardener Chris Michael. Soon, we will need to focus on fall planting, but let us enjoy the beauty of what summer is still offering. Enjoy this issue and bask in the remaining moments of our Southern summer.

ichelle ameson

Michelle Boaen Jameson editor@homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @HomeMagazineNGA

4 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Morris Multimedia Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Morris Multimedia cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. HOME: Living in North Georgia reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by HOME: Living in North Georgia.

Left to right: Dustin E. Davies (Rising Star) Ronny E. Hulsey Jonathon Pope (Top 100)

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August 2017 5

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August 2017 Home & Garden

Hall County Master Gardener Chris Michael took an empty yard on a steep slope and turned it into a garden paradise.

What’s in a rug? Possibly recycled water bottles. Homespice Decor offers colorful, durable indoor and outdoor rugs made from a variety of materials. They also use profits to help stop violence against women in India.

Food & Drink 8

Gainesville Chef Tim Broxton left a life of law to pursue a culinary dream. Now he runs Easy B’s Kitchen and recently held one of Gainesville’s first pop-up restaurant with a Caribbean theme at Sunrise Marina.

Watermelon is great to enjoy by the slice with a little a salt (or not). But there are other ways to use the summer staple that are not the norm. Sorry if you look forward to those watermelon seed spitting contests!

6 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

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Travel & Leisure 14

If you are looking for quick getaway to the mountains of North Georgia, you may want to check out the latest luxury resort, Valhalla. It offers spectacular views and world-class food.

Young musicians gathered at Brenau University for a summer camp to improve their musical abilities. Luckily, they were guided by some professionals from Atlanta.

Get to Know 42

34 On the Cover Cascading stone steps are flanked by large hostas and ornamentals on the way down to Chris Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lush garden, filled with both common and rare plants. Photo by Michelle Boaen Jameson

Former Gainesville College President Martha Nesbitt is just as busy in retirement as she was before she retired. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s committed so much time to nonprofits and the Gainesville community that she is being honored in September by the Hall County Community Council on Aging.

Inside Every Issue 4 46 HOME Living

From the Editor Events Calendar

In North Georgia

August 2017 7

Keeping it easy Gainesville Chef Tim Broxton shares his culinary skills Story by JK Devine As a young man, Tim Broxton planned to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. He was going to be a lawyer. After the Gainesville native graduated from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and joined his father’s law firm, life dealt him a heavy blow. His mother died in 2004 from surgical complications of uterine cancer. Three years later, his father died of heart disease. To deal with these life-altering events, Broxton escaped to Spain for a month to visit a friend. In San Sebastián, he fell in love with the country, its culture and especially the food. This single experience was followed by yearly trips to Europe until 2008, changing Broxton’s perspective. But it wasn't until a conversation at a coffeehouse in downtown Gainesville that led Broxton to commit to a new path. “I was in Inman Perk studying for the bar exam … and mentioned to a guy there that it would be great if they had good food here,” he said. The man, who Broxton later discovered was one of the owners, agreed. The two discussed what kind of food would pair well with the coffee. Broxton then had an epiphany. Gainesville Chef Tim Broxton, owner of Easy B’s Kitchen. Photo by David Barnes

8 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

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He could help people eat better by offering better quality food. “We were talking about creating the premier food and coffee combination in Georgia,” he said, indicating he could make the food. “That was the beginning of Easy B’s.” In 2010, Broxton established his customcatering business Easy B’s Kitchen at 1547 Riverside Drive in Gainesville. Broxton’s older brother, Joel, said he always knew his brother’s passion was food. “At family events, we always had the more memorable things to eat,” he said. “At Callaway Gardens, he cooked a rack of lamb. It was the most amazing meal I’ve ever had.” Now, Tim Broxton is tackling two new culinary projects. The first will be Easy B’s Kitchen will sell its food inside Inman Perk, the place where he changed his career from lawyer to chef. He

10 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

Opposite page top: Diners enjoy the food made by Chef Tim Broxton at a pop-up restaurant at Sunrise Marina in Gainesville. Below: Ceviche made by Broxton. Right: The pop-up restaurant has a Caribbean feast theme. Bottom: Rum Cake and Coconut muffins with fresh berries. Photos by JK Devine

struck the deal recently. This second is Broxton starting pop-up restaurants in Hall County. “I saw (in Spain) that you could eat healthy by eating fresh local ingredients and not have to embellish them with unnecessary things,” the 45-year-old man said. “And I would like to share my unique experience through popup restaurants.” Broxton did just that with his first pop-up July 8 at Sunset Cove Marina. Brockton chose a Caribbean-theme based on his travels to the islands in the Gulf of Mexico. His menu included: • St. Bart’s shrimp ceviche and Nassau mixed fruit • St. Martin snapper grilled in banana leaves • Jamaican jerk chicken • Cayman Calypso rice • St. Croix fried plantains • Granada coconut cake • Barbados rum cake Broxton said he wants to conduct a pop-up restaurant every four to six weeks with a different theme. In fact, he said his next one will focus on Spanish food featuring tapas. HOME Living

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Red Snapper in Banana Leaf. Below: The raw ingredients needed to make the Red Snapper dish. Photos by David Barnes

“I’m wooed by the food in that country,” he told his more than a dozen guests in July. A date had yet to be set for the next pop-up at press time, but Broxton seems primed to succeed. Some of his guests already acquainted with his culinary skills gushed about the food at the July pop-up. “He makes the best ceviche in North Georgia,” said Juliet Watson, who grew up with Broxton. “He did my parents 50th wedding anniversary. The tapas were wonderful. They were to die for.” Newcomers to Broxton’s food were also pleased with the Caribbean menu at the pop-up. “I loved the fried plantain. The rice was awesome,” said Barbara Kesler, who was eating Broxton’s

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food for the first time. “The chicken was good, tender and perfectly cooked. It was cooked so well that you could cut it with a fork. You didn’t need a knife.” Broxton was pleased overall with the food he served at his first pop-up restaurant, especially since he took his time finding the right ingredients. “The hardest thing to do is to find the highest-quality ingredients,” he said. “You have to go to numerous sources such as farmers markets and fish markets.” But the most important was the taste. “If I taste it, and I’m happy with it, then it’s a success,” he said.

Red Snapper In Banana Leaf 12 x 12 Banana leaf 1 six ounce filet of Red or Pink Sanpper 1 Green onion or spring onion 4-6 matchstick sized slices of red bell pepper 1/4 Manzano pepper sliced thinly 1 tsp. coconut milk 2 thin slices of onion Directions: Heat frying pan until hot. Add 1 tsp. canola or sunflower oil and heat fish on both sides for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Place seared snapper in banana leaf, fold green onion (scallion) in half and place on top of fish along with the peppers and lemon. Grilling: If using charcoal, after coals have greyed, push coals to one side and place parcel on hot grill and grill indirectly until fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.. You may grill over direct fire but the banana leaf will scorch. The fish will be protected, so the end result (taste) will be the same; however, the leaf will not present as well. Serve immediately. Using scissors, cut a slit down the center and down the sides of 1/2 of the leaf. Note: Use caution as hot steam will emanate from the leaf when opening.

Plantains Choose the oldest looking plantains possible yellowish black. The riper plantains are sweeter than the ones that are all yellow (not as ripe). Slice plantains perpendicularly into biased strips 1/4 inch thick or to taste Heat frying oil (peanut, canola or sunflower) to 355 degrees F. and fry until golden brown. Salt immediately upon placing the cooked plantains on a papertowel lined plate.

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14 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

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Story by Michelle Boaen Jameson Photos courtesy Valhalla Resort Garnering its name from the ancient mythical heaven for Norse warriors, Valhalla Resort Hotel recently opened its doors to relaxation. Located near Unicoi State Park and Mount Yonah Winery, the mountain resort provides a unique, high-end combination of old world charm and true Southern hospitality. Owners Jerry and Gayle Murdock bring a new level of luxury to the mountains. Spend the weekend enjoying gourmet meals, wines, spa treatments and golf at the full-service resort for the discerning traveler. Valhalla primarily caters to travelers and diners looking for an upscale, adult getaway. The Murdocks visited White County 12 years ago. The “charm of the location, the stunning natural beauty of the mountains, and the warmth of the people” inspired them to establish a residence. They found a need for higher-end dining and a luxury resort option for people located within an hour drive from Atlanta. They wanted visitors to experience a nice mountain resort similar to Highlands, North Carolina, but on “a smaller scale and with the same amenities while closer to home,” to make last-minute weekday or special weekend getaways more convenient. Gayle is the designer of Valhalla and a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers. She has her Masters of Art degree from Connecticut State College and attended the New York School of Interior Design. She worked as an interior designer in Atlanta, St. Simons Island and Destin, Florida, including hospitality and commercial projects in the Southeast. Gayle was a member of the team that restored the famous Jekyll Island Club and Wharf Bar.

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16 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

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Above: Valhalla Resort Deluxe Suite. Right: Valhalla Resort Solasta pool with a mountain view.

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With Jerry’s Scottish heritage, the Valhalla name was fitting and “inspires a respite from the complexities of everyday life where guests can feast, retreat and relax.” The Murdocks met Chef Dean Hill in Stafford, Virginia, where he was the executive chef for Potomac Point Winery. His previous experience and unique farm-to-table concepts are what Jerry and Gayle wanted to stand out at Valhalla. Chef Hill said, “When I cook, I like to use local, fresh ingredients that are found seasonally, and I like to layer them for a multitude of different flavors. I’ve adapted that style to Southern comfort food combined with fine dining. I’m all about the farm-to-fork concept.” Executive Chef Dean Hill brings extensive experience from various wineries and five-star resorts and was trained at Pennsylvania Culinary Institute’s Le Cordon Bleu Program. While Valhalla may offer the same types of amenities as other resorts in the region, the uniqueness comes with the HOME Living

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exclusivity, hospitality and quaintness. One additional feature of Valhalla Resort Hotel is that it is pet-friendly; guests can book special rooms, so they can travel with their furry companions. Valhalla is also designed as a venue for corporate retreats. Complimentary shuttle service to local attractions, wineries and excursions offers guests a seamless concierge experience. Flying in on a small aircraft? Valhalla Resort Hotel will receive guests at Habersham Airport or at its onproperty heliport, allowing guests to land at a momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice. For more information, visit http:// valhallaresorthotel.com/ or email info@valhallaresorthotel.com.

20 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

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To Lush

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Story by Pamela A. Keene Photos by Michelle Boaen Jameson

Visitors approaching Chris Michael’s lakeside home from the street have an aerial view of his roof. “The mailbox is actually about 10 feet higher than our roof,” Michael says. “And because we live on a cul de sac, when we first moved in 35 years ago we ended up with most of the runoff from the rest of the street in our yard.” Drainage challenges didn’t rain on Michael’s desire to create a stunning yard. In fact, his home was featured on the 2017 Hall County Master Gardeners “In Our Own Back Yards,” a summer tour of private gardens in the county. Michael’s run-off problems are behind him and his yard is a showplace, but it took him doing several

24 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

Top left: A sign in the garden of Chris Michael hangs on the wall outside his porch. Top right: Chris Michael holds up the bloom of a “Midnight Marvel” hibiscus. Right: The bloom of an uncommon “Montgomery” hydrangea.

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Above: Chris Michael designed his master shower to hold his orchids on one side and various vines which creep around the shower head. Below: Michael was awarded a the Bill Jackson Master Gardener of the Year award for 2016. Opposite page: Michael has planted a “Dooley” hydrangea named after former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley. The plant is a special hybrid. fixes before contacting Grant Gardens for a workable plan. “We decided to remodel our home and lot in 2009, so we got in touch with Grant Gardens and Shay (Grant) created an excellent plan, which we implemented a bit at a time over the past several years.” The front yard had been terraced and several retaining walls were built by various gardening companies leading up to the major overhaul. At the recommendation of Grant Gardens, Michael added an underground irrigation system, installed faux rock retaining walls, installed natural stone steps leading up to the street and planted a few shrubs. While he admits that his outdoor gardening skills were lacking early on, he regularly volunteered at the Atlanta Botanical Garden/Gainesville when work first began there and it was called Smithgall Woodland Legacy. “I have a really green thumb for houseplants, but gardening outdoors was a new thing for me,” says the now-retired IT professional at the

26 August 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

Northeast Georgia Medical Center. “Mildred Fockele and the other staff and volunteers at the Botanical Garden are so knowledgeable and helpful.” The experience also put Michael in line to be “paid in plants” for his donation of time. “I have ended up with some awesome and rare plants, extras from the Botanical Garden, either things we propagated ourselves or that were surplus plants that had been brought there. I’m especially proud of the White Cedar I rescued from a dumpster,” he says. In 2012 he became Hall County Master Gardener and further expanded his gardening experience and network of friends. “In turn, it has been the most wonderful experience. I still learn things every day.” Michael has been named “Top Volunteer” at the Botanical Garden for the past several years. In 2016, he was named “Master Gardener of the Year” by Hall County Master Gardeners in recognition of his dedication and volunteer service to the organization.

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Left: A White Cedar is one of Michael’s favorite plants. Top: A brilliant blue Hydrangea Macrophylla. Above: Nearly every corner of Michael’s yard is landscaped with a variety of ornamental plants and bushes. Once he resolved the issues of his front yard slope and drainage, Michael turned to his back yard, realizing that he would have to adjust his thinking about plant selection because it was all shade and hardwoods. “There wasn’t much grass and with the shade I knew there wouldn’t be, so I found other things to plant, such as liriope or Mondo grass,” he says. “I also realized that making the backyard interesting wasn’t just about creating a sea of green, but that I needed to add plants and shrubs

with different textures and seasonal blooms.” He says he’s most proud of that White Cedar tree and the work that he’s done in his back yard, including finding enough sun there to plant a small rose garden and several blueberry bushes. A recent storm blew down a large tulip poplar tree in the back and he turned it into an opportunity to add more sun-loving evergreens. In addition to the shrubs and trees, Michael and his wife Peggy have planted containers, placing them on the steps in the front yard and

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along the deck. “We’ve actually got about 50 containers with mostly annuals, a few perennials and even some tropical houseplants to make them interesting. Plus we can move them around for color,” he says. “Thanks to the Atlanta Botanical Garden/Gainesville, and Hall County Master Gardeners, I’ve learned that the secret of gardening is planting the right plant in the right place.”

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Rugged good looks Homespice Decor offers colorful, eco-friendly rugs Story by Anna Bentley Photos courtesy Homespice Decor “Some people leave their work at the office,” says Junior Gupta, founder of Tucker-based Homespice Decor. “My work is part of my home, in the living room, the kitchen, the bathroom and even outside.” Gupta’s work is an extensive line of handcrafted braided rugs and coordinating home accessories. Founding the family-owned company nearly 20 years ago was almost instinctual — “Everyone in my family has a business; it’s in our genes,” he says — but it also reflects a family trade that spans generations. “Homespice’s legacy with textiles began four generations ago, when my great-great grandfather filled a bullock cart with textiles and set out to start a business,” he says. Gupta fuses his family’s expertise and legacy in textiles with traditional American folk art designs and motifs, offering home accessories in colors and designs to fit any decorating style. Though the company’s products span stair treads to table runners, rugs are its main focus. “Rugs are great because they’re more than just something that looks nice,” says Gupta. “While they do add a nice splash of color or contrast to a room and floor space, they’re also useful. When placed under a dining room table, they can keep

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feet warm against a cool floor. When placed on a porch, they can be a great place to wipe feet so as not to track in mud and dirt. “In either place, they can truly transform a space — whether indoors or outdoors — into something beautiful and comfortable.” The company’s newest line of rugs and home accessories — released this year — features bright, vibrant colors and new patterns, says Homespice’s president, Falguni Patel. “For the 2017 collection, we’ve come up with a very different color concept. We have all of these bright, summer colors — blues, dark blues, light blues,” she says. The collection includes a farmhouse line in classic, earthy color combinations of red, navy, tan, ivory and green in a vertical stripe, a new design for the company. Homespice’s farmhouse rugs — and many of its other products — are made of jute, a natural, durable fiber. And the technique the company uses to handcraft each rug lends a distinctive look, says Patel: “Each braid is very unique. It has a different pattern in it; it’s not just a green or white. It’ll have greens and a little bit of red. It gives it a different look when the rug is actually made.” Rugs are available in sizes ranging from 20

To further combat issues of inches by 30 inches up to 8 violence against women, Gupta feet by 10 feet; the half-moon started Ninja Girl — and pledged line also offers 18-inch by 29inch semicircle rugs perfect to donate 10 percent of all for entryways in 10 color Ninja Girl proceeds to women’s safety initiatives where the bags combinations ranging from are made (India, currently). browns and greens to warm Donated funds will help create oranges and reds. For environmentally minded standardized rape evidence kits customers, Homespice also (barely existent in India, Gupta says) and get completed rape kits offers an ecofriendly ultra wool Opposite page: A rug in Portsmouth green stripe. Left: Farmhouse tested more quickly. line in bright, summer colors. runner. Ultra wool in Coastal Seaglass. “They look and feel like wool, but “We are bringing awareness and raising funds for efforts to protect, they’re not actually wool,” says Patel. serve and provide justice for victims of violence against women,” says “They’re made from 99 percent recycled water bottles.” These indoor/ Gupta. outdoor rugs are also resistant to stains, mold and mildew, she says. Ninja Girl’s handbags feature bright, bold patterns; wanderlustHomespice’s ultra wool line isn’t its only socially conscious product, though. Gupta launched Ninja Girl, a line of “karma-positive” inspired designs; and vibrant mixes of colors and patterns. As sales grow, Gupta sees the worldwide impact swelling as well: “As these handbags, messenger bags and wristlets, in 2016 after a move to India handbags get shipped around the country, thousands of people get to highlighted an epidemic of violence against women. “As I moved to India I noticed that there is a huge problem of crimes read about what we’re trying to do. Through our website, they get to read about victims, (read about) real-world challenges and make realagainst women,” he says. “As I spent time on this issue, I have also realized that many of the victims are at the margins of society and have world impact.” Homespice products can be found in home decor stores throughout no help.” north Georgia, as well as through online retailers like Amazon and So, he decided to help them. In 2015, he worked with lawmakers Wayfair.com. And all Homespice rugs and accessories — including the and activists to help pass India’s Juvenile Justice Act, which allows juveniles over the age of 16 to be tried as adults for heinous crimes and Ninja Girl line — are available at homespice.com. streamlines adoption processes in the country, among other measures.

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What a melon! Story by Michelle Boaen Jameson Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing better than biting into a cool slice of juicy watermelon on a hot Southern day. Whether you grow your own or pick one up from a produce stand, watermelon is a sure sign that summer has arrived. But what if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the usual melon balls or wedges? There are plenty of other ways to enjoy watermelon, from salsa to ice cream. Get creative with this quintessential summer fruit.

Watermelon ice cream Ingredients 2 cups cubed watermelon 2 cups whole milk 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Directions 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a loaf pan and freeze for 3 hours. 2. Remove mixture from loaf pan and blend again. Pour back into loaf pan and freeze for another hour. Serve.

Margarita Watermelon Ingredients 1 watermelon, cut into triangles

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1 cup tequila 1/3 cup triple sec 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice Salt, for garnish Lime zest or melon slice for garnish Directions 1. In a large dish, layer watermelon. Pour over tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Let soak 1 hour. 2. On a small plate, mix together salt and lime zest. 3. Garnish watermelon slices and serve.

Watermelon Salsa Ingredients 1/2 baby seedless watermelon 1 large mango, diced 1/2 red onion, diced 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced 2 limes, zested and juiced 1 Pinch salt 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 1 bag Tortilla chips

Directions 1. Slice one baby seedless watermelon in half lengthwise. Trim a little off of the rounded edge of the watermelon, so it sits up like a bowl without rolling around. Use a spoon to scoop out the watermelon flesh of one half—being careful not to scoop all the way through the trimmed bottom— forming a bowl with the watermelon rind. Dice the watermelon flesh into bite-sized pieces. 2. Pour the diced watermelon, mango, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, lime zest, salt and cilantro into a large mixing bowl, tossing to combine. 3. Spoon the salsa into the watermelon bowl. The salsa tastes better as the flavors sit, so if you can, refrigerate this for 20-30 minutes before serving. 4. Serve with tortilla chips. All recipes by Delish.com

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Eli takes a solo on stage with the band King George 27th at The Brenau University Burd Center during Camp Jam. Opposite page: Camp Jam Director Dave Corley.

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They be jammin’ Music camp brings together aspiring musicians and industry professionals Story by Pamela A. Keene | Photos by Scott Rogers

The sounds of electric guitars, drums and keyboards wafts through the hallways at Brenau University’s Burd Auditorium, not what you’d expect on a sunny summer day on an otherwise relatively quiet campus. But for six days each summer, young aspiring musicians converge on Brenau University to get a leg up on careers in the world of entertainment. Called “Camp Jam,” the annual event brings in youth ages 12 to 17 from all over the country who want to write songs, produce music and possibly become the next Top 10 musical artist. It’s one of a half-dozen Camp

Jams across the nation and they’ve been taking place for more than a decade. “Many of the kids are children of musicians and their parents are eager for them to have a chance to see what the music business is all about,” says professional guitarist and singer Dave Corley, director of Camp Jam. “But we also have a number of kids who just love to make music and this is their chance to be with others of like mind, put together bands, learn to write and produce music and perform.” Corley says that, while some of the students take part in band and orchestra programs at home, Camp Jam plugs them into today’s HOME Living

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Corrina lends her vocals to the band No Idea as they perform on stage at the Brenau University Burd Center during Camp Jam. Opposite page: Musicians perform in front of their peers.

music and entertainment arena. “Some of these kids are considered geeks or outcasts in their schools, but when they come here, they find out that they’re not alone. They share a love of music and the desire to perform and this is a place they can do just that. Everyone here is very into music and they all have a common purpose.” Camp Jam offers both overnight and daytime sessions. Programming is the same between the two; only the day campers live

Camp organizers take over part of the Burd Center for the Performing Arts, designating several large rehearsal rooms for these musicians to work on their music. It’s not unusual to see a teen sitting by herself to work out musical riffs or complex guitar fingering, or a small group in a common area picking out music on unplugged electric guitars and creating vocal harmonies. For the occasional visitor, it’s like being immersed in virtual creativity around every corner.

locally and don’t spend the night in the dorms. “About 90 percent of the kids are overnighters and many of them have attended multiple years,” Corley says. This year’s Gainesville camp hosted students from Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. “We even have a student who traveled from Mexico City to be here,” he says. “And we’ve had other international students from Europe and New Zealand at other camp locations.”

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Corley and the staff build a production and sound studio on site and students all get their turns recording, mixing, laying tracks and learning about the technical side of entertainment. Camp sessions are taught by professionals in the music business, people who are sincerely interested in fostering young talent. The rest of the year, staff members are playing gigs, recording, writing songs and making a living. They bring their

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August 2017 37

real-life experience to Camp Jam. “They’re accessible to all the campers and really want to help them succeed in their goals,” he says. “The campers also learn that this business is all about relationships, and they realize that being here may just open some doors for them.” Success stories? Yes, including the young drummer from Oklahoma who attended the camp in Dallas a couple of years ago as a teen. “Some other musicians heard him play and he was asked to be in their band,” Corley says. “All the other guys were in their 20s and 30s, and he actually went on tour with them. Of course, his family was very supportive of him.” The week, culminates in a stage show for campers, parents and guests. All week long, bands put together cover arrangements of hit songs or work out how to interpret original music for the big finale Friday night. They head home that evening after the show, but many of them have formed friendships that last from year to year. “They stay in touch by texting, Skype or FaceTime and make their plans to get together again next year,” Corley says. “It’s amazing to watch them as they grow their talent and excel. At Camp Jam, there are no canoes or swimming lessons,” he says. “It’s just rock music and a time for these kids to test their musical wings.”

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Above: Drummer Kamal and the band No Idea perform on stage at the Burd Center at Brenau University during Camp Jam.

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Previous page: Brian practices his bass parts just off stage at the Brenau University Burd Center before hitting the stage with the band No Idea during Camp Jam. Left: Evan, of Roswell Ga., practices in the seats at the Brenau University Burd Center as camperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bands perform on stage during Camp Jam. Above: Will handles guitar duties as his band performs on stage atthe Brenau University Burd Center during Camp Jam.

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Not slowing down

Martha Nesbitt honored for community work Story by Norm Cannada Photos by David Barnes

Martha Nesbitt at her Gainesville home. Nesbitt will be honored by the Community Council on Aging in September.

etirement is certainly not slowing down Martha Nesbitt. Nesbitt, who retired in 2012 as president of Gainesville State College (now University of North Georgia Gainesville campus), continues to live in Gainesville and stays active serving on the boards of Northeast Georgia Health System, Lakeview Academy and the Elachee Nature Science Center, while also traveling, enjoying exercise, golf and other church and community activities. With all of her busyness, she said her husband, Pete, may not always be convinced she is actually retired. “The year after I retired, I was getting up and going to a hospital meeting at 7:30 (a.m.) and Pete said, ‘Well you might as well not be retired,’” she remembered. “I said, ‘Oh, no. I go to this meeting at 7:30 and before, I had to go from there to the office. Now, I get to come home.” For Nesbitt, retirement means “being able to do the things I want to do.” It’s just that there is a lot she wants to do. “I can pick and choose what I want to do and I do what gives me the most pleasure,” she said. “I also really like to help other people in one way or another, so being involved in the community helps me with that. I like being involved; I’ve got a high energy level, which I’m very fortunate. I certainly thank

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the good Lord for my good health because if you retire and have bad health, that’s no fun at all.” Nesbitt’s community involvement in retirement follows 15 years

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as president of Gainesville College and then Gainesville State College, where she led the school from an enrollment of 2,800 to about 8,000, a move to state college status, opened a second campus in Oconee County, and led the school to achieve tobacco-free status. In addition, she was active and held leadership positions in the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Gainesville and a variety of other groups while serving in her busy day job. In fact, the day she retired as president of the college was also her last day as president of the Rotary Club. “I found Gainesville to be a very giving community when I came,” Nesbitt said. “People wanted to get Martha Nesbitt, former president of Gainesville State College, talks with her husband Pete Nesbitt as me involved and, as president, I they pose for a portrait at their home in Gainesville, Gainesville-Hall County Community Council on wanted to be involved.” Aging with the Quality of Life Award. Nesbitt will be honored Sept. 14 Phillippa Lewis Moss, administrative director for the council on for her involvement and community aging, called Nesbitt, “the quintessential quality of life candidate.” service over the years as the 2017 recipient of the Gainesville-Hall “She has dedicated her life to higher education; she has literally County Community Council on Aging’s third-annual Quality of educated two generations of Georgians and U.S. residents,” she said.” In Life Award. The award recognizes Nesbitt for “her commitment to addition to that, she has been involved in a number of volunteer efforts. improving the quality of life for residents throughout Gainesville and Even in retirement, she has continued to give, so when we discussed Hall County,” according to a statement released by the council.

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possible candidates, she shone like a bright star.” Nesbitt said she was “surprised” when Moss called to say she had been selected for the award. ”I did think about the fact that it’s being given by the council on aging, so I think you have to be a little aged to receive the award, but that’s OK,” Nesbitt said. “I can think of a lot of people who frankly are more deserving than I am, who grew up in Gainesville and through the years contributed so many things.” A native of Decatur, Nesbitt’s career has focused primarily on higher education, including serving faculty member, vice president for academic affairs and acting president at DeKalb Community College (now Georgia Perimeter College) and then serving for a year as special assistant to thenUniversity System of Georgia Chancellor Stephen Portch before coming to Gainesville in 1997. “I felt like I had won the Emmy when I got it,” Nesbitt said of being selected for the Gainesville job. “My years at DeKalb were good years, but I view them more as really giving me the experience that I tried to put to good use when I was president. I really felt

blessed to have that as the capstone in my career in higher education.” During her 15 years at the college, Nesbitt saw the school nearly triple in growth, add the second campus and add new buildings on the campus, one of which now bears her name. She remembers learning that the fourth academic building completed in 2011 would be renamed the Martha T. Nesbitt Academic Building at a gala in her honor just before she retired. “I have never been as surprised in my life,” she said. “Thrilled is an understatement.” Along with opening the Oconee campus and moving to state college status, Nesbitt said she is most proud of the decision made in 2003 to make the college tobacco free. Gainesville became the first college in Georgia and one of the first five in the nation to make that move. “I’m just proud that we did that,” Nesbitt said. “A university is supposed to stand for a good mind and a good body and we know that smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health that’s legal. It just seemed like the right thing do.” She also remembered graduations fondly. “Some of my happiest memories at the college were graduations,” she said. “It was

always so reaffirming to see the students who had completed their degrees and the happy families who accompanied them at graduation.” She has enjoyed being active in the community, but has also made time for herself, family and friends in retirement including traveling. She said she remembers fondly a trip to Ireland in the fall after she retired and one to Norway in 2014. As she thought about the award she will receive in September and her own life, Nesbitt said she believes “balance” has been important for her.. “One thing I think that has really helped my quality of life during my career and after my career is I try to achieve a balance,” she said. “My family has always been very important. My husband, bless his heart, has always been so supportive. And while my children now live far away, we’re still close and I would always make time to go see them and do things with Pete, and not become a workaholic.” Nesbitt is scheduled to receive the award at the 2017 Quality of Life ceremony set for 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at the First Baptist Church Banquet Hall. For tickets, contact Moss at 770-503-3340.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

August Aug. 4-5 4th Big E Festival & ETA Competition. Main Street Event Facility, 215 S. Main St., Cornelia. 706-201-8232, elvisqueen@windstream.net. $20-25. Aug. 9 Veterans Roundtable Meeting. 1 to 3 p.m. Gwinnett Public Library Buford Library, 2100 Buford Highway, Buford. 770-978-5154, events@ gwinnettpl.org. Free. Aug. 2 National Coloring Book Day. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch, 127 Main St. NW, Gainesville. 770-5323311, ext. 114, gkoecher@ hallcountylibrary.org. Free.

Aug. 3 Gainesville’s Gravity Zero opens for FUEL, 37 Main Buford. 7-11:30 p.m. 37 Main, 37 E Main St. NE, Buford. 678288-2030, 37mainrockcafe@ gmail.com. $20-30. Aug. 3 Learn about the Total Solar Eclipse 2017. Noon to 1 p.m. Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch, 127 Main St. NW, Gainesville. 770-5323311, ext. 114, gkoecher@ hallcountylibrary.org. Free. Aug. 5 EG Kight. 8-10 p.m. The Crimson Moon, 24 N Park St., Dahlonega, crimsonmoonpublicist@ gmail.com. $15-18.

770-869-3999, caroline@ jaemorfarms.com. Aug. 5 Ride to Cure motorcycle poker run. Benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ends at Left Nut Brewing Co., 2100 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville. priscilla6985@ att.net. Aug. 5 Summer MusicFest-Back In Time Band. Musical memories from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. 8-10:30 p.m. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. 770-534-2787, nairika@ theartscouncil.net. $18-20.

Aug. 5-6 “Going Home to Dixie the Aug. 5 Musical.” 8-10 p.m. Forsyth Georgia Belle Peach Festival. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jaemor Farms, Central High School, 520 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming. 5340 Cornelia Highway, Alto.

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Aug. 6 Boomers Gone Wild. 1960s and ’70s hits by live band. 7-9 p.m. The Crimson Moon, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, crimsonmoonpublicist@ gmail.com. $9-12. Aug. 9 An Evening with Emily Saliers. 8-10 p.m. . The Crimson Moon, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, crimsonmoonpublicist@ gmail.com. $37-42.

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