Georgia Mountain Laurel - May 16

2 May 2016 www.gmlaurel.com

Also on board...Copy Editor/Writer - Jan Timms

Photographer/Writer - Peter McIntosh

Marketing Executives (Advertising)

Melissa Williams - 706.982.4777 - [email protected] Freeman - 706.782.1608 - [email protected]

Contributing Writers: Jean Hyatt, Melissa Williams-Thomas, Mark Holloway, Jo Mitchell,

Steve Jarrard, MD, Lisa Harris, Kitty Stratton, John Shivers

Georgia Mountain Laurel Mailing: PO Box 2218, Clayton, Georgia 30525

Office: 633 Highway 441 South, Clayton, Georgia 706-782-1600 • www.gmlaurel.com

May 2016 • Volume Thirteen • Issue Five • Copyright 2016

Copyright 2016 by Rabun’s Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine is published twelve times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as uncondition-ally assigned for publication subject to GML magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. The Georgia Mountain Laurel maintains a Christian focus throughout their magazine. Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. reserves the right to refuse content or advertising for any reason without explanation.

Tracy McCoyPublisher/Editor

Cindi FreemanOffice Manager

Marketing Executive

Dianne VanderHorstArt Director/ Designer

Melissa Williams-ThomasMarketing Exec/Writer


IN THIS ISSUE10 GET OUT and Play!14 Adventure Out18 Mountain Nature20 Hiking Rabun Towns & Union24 Tee’d Off

Arts & Entertainment26 Cover Artist - Rena Johnson32 North Georgia Arts Guild34 Rainy Day Workshop

Yesterdays38 Foxfire40 Exploring NE Georgia42 Wheels - Cosby Chastain

A Taste50 Bon Appetit54 The Family Table

Faith in Christ58 Bless Your Heart60 River Garden62 The Chapel at Sky Valley64 Liturgical Arts Festival

Affairs to Remember66 Rhapsody 2016 68 Event Calendar71 The Fur Ball

Health & Wellness76 Live Healthy & Be Well 80 8 Ways to Keep Your Brain Well

Life & Leisure82 Lovin’ the Journey84 Good Work

In Closing86 A Parting Shot88 By The Way

IN THIS ISSUE10 GET OUT and Play!14 Adventure Out18 Mountain Nature20 Hiking Rabun Towns & Union24 Tee’d Off

Arts & Entertainment26 Cover Artist - Rena Johnson32 North Georgia Arts Guild34 Rainy Day Workshop

Yesterdays38 Foxfire40 Exploring NE Georgia42 Wheels - Cosby Chastain

A Taste50 Bon Appetit54 The Family Table

Faith in Christ58 Bless Your Heart60 River Garden62 The Chapel at Sky Valley64 Liturgical Arts Festival

Affairs to Remember66 Rhapsody 2016 68 Event Calendar71 The Fur Ball

Health & Wellness76 Live Healthy & Be Well 80 8 Ways to Keep Your Brain Well

Life & Leisure82 Lovin’ the Journey84 Good Work

In Closing86 A Parting Shot88 By The Way


10 May 2016 www.gmlaurel.comWildwater photos by Whetstone Photography

GET

OU

Tand

play

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Northeast Georgia does not fall short. Whether you hike up a mountaintop or witness the grandeur of a towering waterfall the mountains provide the opportunity.

Perhaps you crave the excitement of rafting the Chattooga or Chattahoochee; there are several whitewater rafting companies who are itching to take you over the rapids. With different skill levels for the amateur and the seasoned rafter. North Georgia is one of the top destinations for adventurers as well as the neighboring states of North and South Carolina. One can choose one of three ways to journey down the river: whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking. Those who visit Helen, Georgia year after year choose to lazily take in the “Hooch” by inner tube.

Another option to enjoy moving water in these parts is with waders on and a fly rod in your hand to catch one of the over 100 species of fish that can be found in our rivers. Trout seem to be the most fished for species and can be enjoyed over an open fire at the campsite or in one of the many gourmet farm to table restaurants in the area. Our lakes offer another opportunity for those who enjoy a good catch but access is limited without a boat.

Northeast Georgia, Western North Carolina and the upstate of South Carolina all offer water sports on the area lakes. All offer public access and recreation areas for families to enjoy the water. From swimming with the little ones to an afternoon relaxing on a pontoon, fishing from a bass boat or taking in the scenery from a vintage Chris Craft our lakes have something for everyone.

We would be remiss without mentioning the sensation of whizzing through the treetops that has become the rage. Ziplining businesses offer thrill seekers a chance

of a bird’s eye view of the mountains as guests, fully harnessed with helmet and white knuckles make the descent down a mountainside. Zip-lines come in many forms; they may be short and low, intended for beginners and children or longer and higher rides for the more experienced. Some zip-lines are laid out in obstacle course fashion and others include nature walks and mountain climbs. The excitement is endless and for a fee you can rent the ever popular GoPro to capture your ride.

If serious mountain climbing interests you from Atlanta north to the North Carolina line you can find at least forty mountain adventures that await. Rockclimbing.com offers an impressive list under “Georgia North”. In our neck of the woods; they recommend: Currahee Mountain, Tallulah Gorge, Mount Yonah, Rabun Bald, Toccoa Falls and Woody Gap. They also offer a list of indoor rock gyms for climbing.

If you are a bit more conservative and just want to put your hiking boots on and hit the trail, reading the Georgia Mountain Laurel each month you’ll find articles that offer you directions and outstanding photography from adventure writer Peter McIntosh and others. You may also purchase one of the many good pocket size guides to the trails that lead you to places such as Brasstown Bald, Pickens Nose or Rabun Bald. One might consider the Bartram or Appalachian Trails which are equipped with good signage and can accommodate any level of skill.

www.gmlaurel.com May 2016 11

Mountain Climbing photos by Mark Holloway

Cycling is another way to discover the mountains. There are bike trails through the forest and bike friendly roads throughout the area. For a Google map of cycling destinations visit www.georgiabikes.org. This site can educate you on the bike laws in our state and offer news and information to those interested in biking. If motorcycles are your passion there is a great website that offers you a vast array of info on motorcycle friendly communities and businesses and the best rides in Georgia and even the US. Visit Motorcycleroads.com for more inf

Maybe you crave to ride horses; there are stables across the area where you can spend a morning, afternoon or most of the day riding mountain trails. Many of the state parks offer equestrian trails and that info can be found at www.gadnr.org. Many of the stables also offer other recreation and even lodging so you can make a weekend of it.

Golf is a great outdoor sporting activity and there are many public courses available for those who have an interest in golf. Many of our mountain courses are quite challenging and rest assured each course offers golfers a place to enjoy lunch or dinner and a cool refreshing beverage at the end of the round. Visit www.golfgeorgia.com where you’ll find a list of places to put club to tee. For our neighboring states visit www.visitnc.com/golf and www.discoversouthcarolina.com/golf.

Agritourism is the newest form of outdoor recreation and includes visiting farms, breweries and wineries, farmers’ markets and u-pick fields while filling your bag with the freshest produce around! There is nothing better than knowing where your food comes from and what beats a juicy tomato or strawberry fresh off the vine? There are events geared around agriculture and you’ll find information on all of them when you visit www.georgiagrown.com.

A great place to get info on the natural beauty of our state is the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (www.gadnr.org). Another outstanding resource is www.exploregeorgia.com. This is THE place to find out all that Georgia has to offer visitors and residents. Visit our website www.gmlaurel.com and you will find a list of the best places in our area to GET OUT and play!



On this adventure we’re going up, way up to Albert Mountain on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. Albert Mountain stands 5,200 feet above sea level and there’s an

old fire tower on top which provides a stunning 360 degree view of the Southern Appalachians. Since it’s on the AT, there are two ways to get there, the short way or the long way. The short way is a 1/2 mile hike, a spur trail to the AT and then up to the top. The long way is 6 miles each way but it’s not strenuous, just a nice steady ascent. There’s a shelter near the top and plenty of level camping spaces along the high ridge if you’re looking for a good overnight backpacking trip. From the top of Albert Mountain, you can see sunrises and sunsets. If you just want a sunset, I’d go the short way.

The top of the tower is locked but there are a couple of landings on the stairway where you can enjoy this grand panorama. To the north you can see Siler Bald, Winespring Bald, Wayah Bald and the mountains of the Cowee gem region. To the east are the granite domes of Sapphire Valley, Yellow Mountain, Whiteside Mountain and Scaley Mountain. More southward are Rabun Bald, Screamer Mountain and way off in the distance, if the air is clear, Currahee Mountain near Toccoa. To the west are Standing Indian, Hightower Bald and Georgia’s highest mountain, Brasstown Bald. Like I said, there’s a lot to see. You might want to bring a map and a compass to help you identify these distant landmarks.

Happy Hiking.!

Adventure Out Albert Mountain, North Carolinaby Peter McIntosh


Peter McIntosh first learned the techni-cal aspects of photography while serv-ing as an Aviation Photographer’s Mate in the U.S. Navy. He is a Hambidge Fellow, having completed a residency program at the prestigious Hambidge Canter.

Peter is a noted conservation photogra-pher supporting the efforts of American Rivers, The Appalachian Trail Conser-vancy, The Nature Conservancy, The Wilderness Society, Georgia Forest-watch, The Chattooga Conservancy and Upper Chattahoochee River Keepers. In Rabun County Peter is represented by Timpson Creek Gallery in Clayton.

www.mcintoshmountains.com


And what do you say to a poem for May?When the warm spring days do start to prevail,

‘Tis time to set out on a high mountain trail.Along this footpath past blooming wildflowers,

To the top of Big Al and the views from the tower.

Getting there:

The long way - From US 441 in Franklin, go 12 miles west on US 64 and turn left onto Old Hwy 64; there’s a sign that reads “Wallace Gap” and “Old Murphy Road”. Go 1.8 miles to FS 67 and a sign reading “Standing Indian Campground”. Stay on this road and look for a parking area on the left with bear proof trash cans. This is Rock Gap and from here it’s 6 miles, going south on the Appalachian Trail.

Now for the short way - From the GA – NC state line on US 441 N. go 4 miles and turn left onto Coweeta Lab Road. Go three miles and bear left past the Coweeta Hydrologic Lab onto unpaved FS 83. Go 5.3 miles to the top of the road and Pickens Nose trailhead. Continue 1 mile and turn right on FS 67. (sign reads “Albert Mountain”); it’s a little over a mile to the dead end parking area. Before the turn around the road crosses the white blazed Appalachian Trail. It’s a little over 2/10 mile up the AT to the top. This part of the AT is very steep and rocky. The easier route is to start at the dead end and follow a blue blazed trail to the AT and then up to the top. And you can do a loop by hiking up one way and down the other and hiking along the road back to your car.



Mountain NatureOld Trilliumsby Jean Hyatt

When I am old (hmm, ok, I’m already old so when I am really old), I want to be like the white trillium. Most trillium grandiflorum come into flower a pure

unblemished white. Then it gets whipped around by the wind a bit and pelted by rain and bugs come and take nectar from it. Other insects might use it for shelter from rain and bigger bugs, and some even chew up the edge of the petals. Through it all, the trillium rebounds, awakening each day with renewed vigor and growth. As it grows old, though, its petals become tinged with shades of pink and lavender putting a rosy look in an otherwise white field of blooms. Finally, being all used up and having done

its part in the society of trilliums, it goes out

with a burst of lovely pinkish purple brilliance after which the plant quickly wilts away, leaving a legacy of beauty.

Besides the grandiflorum, Georgia boasts 21 other indigenous species of trillium, more than any other single state in the union. Most bloom in April and May, but some species bloom into late spring and summer, especially in the higher elevations. My favorite is whatever is blooming at the time, but I think the Catesby and the Painted Trilliums are among the most beautiful.

The Catesby is named for the English naturalist Mark Catesby whose expeditions into the Southeastern US occurred at different times between 1712 and 1726. A few years later he published a book Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands which was the first published account of the plants and animals of North America. Catesby’s trilliums can be white or pink, turning more pink as it ages. It is quite widespread in North Georgia and can be seen locally in many undisturbed areas. The edges of both the leaves and the petals are frequently wavy, giving it a dainty

feminine look. It is not as big as the grandiflorum, and the flower hangs down instead of turning up.

The Painted Trillium, one would suppose, is named so just because it looks like someone took a tiny paintbrush and painted the throat of the blossom in a reddish purple color. It is a strikingly beautiful flower. And it stands up off the leaves, so you can recognize it right away as soon as you see it. It is, perhaps, a little smaller than the Catesby. These grow in moist humus-rich woods all over Appalachia and up into Canada. The edges of this flower are also wavy, hence the Latin name trillium undulatum.

Trilliums are so called because they have three leaves or bracts, three sepals and three petals. You may see many trilliums with no flower; that is because it takes them seven years

to produce a flowering stalk. The seeds have tiny appendages called elaiosomes which are attractive to ants and yellow jackets which carry the seeds away and thus ensure dispersion. But once a trillium begins blooming, it can continue to produce perfectly beautiful blooms for about 75 years. And that is another good reason to want to be like a trillium, don’t you think?

By Jean Hyatt

Jean and her husband Richard own and operate Mountain Nature in downtown Clayton. They can be reached at 706.782.0838.

** Don’t forget to turn off your outside lights at night. Use motion detector lighting, shields, and IDA-approved lighting so you don’t impose your light on those who want to see the stars. I believe God made night dark for a reason. Please help keep it that way. **



“The Earth is our Greatest Luxury. Explore it. Capture it. Preserve it. Thank God for it.” ~ Rena Johnson

Hiking is huge in the North Georgia mountains. I came up to hike this area regularly years before deciding to move up here. The opportunities to hike in Towns, Rabun, Union and surrounding

counties are some of the most diverse in the country.

In this area, you will find everything from roadside waterfalls that you can park next to and even take pictures of from your car, to short family friendly hiking trails that you can complete in an hour or two with or without the kids. If you are looking for a longer hike, you can find numerous hikes that will take the better part of the day to complete. Would you like to add a little camping into the mix? There are ample opportunities for overnight hikes in this area in a variety of terrains and difficulty levels. Are you interested in being a part of something even bigger? Consider hiking part or all of the long distance trails that run through our area, one of which is almost 2,200 miles long in its entirety.

There are so many hiking trails in this area that I have a shelf full of books just on that one subject, so for this article, I am going to go over just a few of my favorites to get you started.

Roadside – Just driving along the roads here, I am often pleasantly surprised when I run upon an unexpected waterfall on the side of the road. However, if you are heading out to intentionally find a beautiful roadside waterfall,

Hiking in Towns, Union and Rabun Countiesby Rena Johnson


I would have to recommend Cupid Falls in Young Harris, GA. You can literally park right alongside this falls. However, I do recommend getting out and looking at it to appreciate its full beauty. There is also a nice little park next to it. Hint: It’s an awesome spot for nice picnic or lunch break away from the rest of the world.

Directions: From Hwy 76W, turn left on Maple Street (at the corner of Mayor’s Park) continue thru Young Harris College Campus for a 1/4 mile and falls will be on the left.

Family Friendly – Do you want to go for a nice walk and see lots of interesting things that will peak your interest but don’t want to drive too far out of town to get there? Then you have got to check out Warwoman Dell near downtown Clayton in Rabun County.

This trail is approximately one-mile-long and is relatively flat in most areas. It makes a nice little loop and at the far end you will be treated to a beautiful waterfall. There is another smaller waterfall about half way around the loop and many other interesting sites and historical markers along the way. The trail also follows a beautiful little stream most of the way. Be sure to bring your camera.

If you would like to add a little more adventure to your hike, you can follow the Bartram Trail which veers off from the main path, across the creek and up the side of the mountain. You will cross the main road and head on up the Bartram Trail. After a short trek up the hill, about one third of a mile, you will see beautiful Becky Branch Falls from an overlook platform. You will pass some interesting sites on this trail as well, such as an old spring house.

Directions: Take Warwoman Road and go 2.8 miles east from US Hwy 441 in downtown Clayton, GA. Coming out of town it will be on the right-hand side.

Day Hikes – If you are looking for a great day hike, your options are almost limitless in this area. I would recommend looking at some of our incredible state parks. This is a very rich resource for us. For example, Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, GA has 11 miles of trails. Moccasin Creek State Park in Clarksville, GA has 3 miles of trails inside the park plus an additional half-mile trail up to Hemlock Falls just outside the park. Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, GA has 20 miles of hiking trails and is included in the GA State Parks Canyon Climbers Club. Vogel State Park has 17 miles of trails as well. Any of these locations make for a great day of hiking.

Overnight Hikes – Almost all of the hikes mentioned in this article can be turned into an overnight trip if you wish to add a little camping in to your adventure. Be sure to check for available camping areas whether you are hiking a Thru Trail or taking off on a backcountry adventure in one of the many state parks.

Campsites usually fill up fast and on a first come first serve basis, so make your plans as early as possible and head out so you can set up camp in your favorite spot before someone else gets it.

Thru Hiking: The main thru hike that everyone is familiar with in this area is the AT, Appalachian Trail. This is an incredible trail system that runs all the way from Georgia to Maine and is just under 2,200 miles in length. It begins at Springer Mountain near Amicalola Falls State Park and runs north from there up through several counties traversing back and forth all through our area and then crosses into North Carolina about halfway between Hiawassee and Clayton in an area known as Bly Gap near Kitchens Knob.

If you are not quite ready to take on the challenge of a 2,200-mile hike, there is another incredible option in our area. Earlier we mentioned hiking .3 miles of the Bartram Trail in order to see Becky Branch Falls. This was only a very small part of this trek. In total the Bartram Trail is 37.7 miles long in the state of Georgia and extends another 78 miles in North Carolina.

To access either one of these trails, you can begin at the beginning as they say, such as Springer Mountain or Amicalola State Park for the AT or the Georgia/South Carolina state line for the Bartram Trail. You can also section hike each of these systems by choosing different trail heads along the way as beginning or ending points.

For the Bartram trail, the easiest access to section hike part of it might be from Warwoman Dell that we mentioned earlier. For the AT, there are many access points but the two most prominent ones in our area are Dicks Creek Gap to the north, located on Hwy 76 just east of Hiawassee and Neels Gap on Hwy 129/19 just south of Vogel State Park.

Both of those have nearby hiking hostels and re-supply centers. Look for Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap and Top of Georgia Hiking Center and Hostel near Dicks Creek. Both of these places


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offer a shuttle service from their location to the trailhead and back again. Those two points are 37.9 miles apart. If you are looking for a shorter hike on the AT, Unicoi Gap is a great trailhead to utilize as it has a nice parking area and is only 16.7 miles from Dicks Creek Gap.

Before making any plans for hiking the AT, I strongly recommend purchasing an AT guide. The one I use most of the time is “The A.T. Guide” by David “Awol” Miller.

A few more of my favorite spots in this area: Waterfalls – There are so many waterfalls in this area, I am not sure that anyone even truly has an account of how many are out there. It seems that almost every time I go for a drive I find a new one that I cannot find on any map. However, there are a couple of others that I go out of my way to visit and I think they are certainly worth a mention here.

Helton Creek Falls – This is a beautiful two-sectioned waterfall located just 1/2 a mile from the parking area in the Chattahoochee National Forest. This is a great family friendly hike with a great payoff at the end. You will not be disappointed. Directions: Turn onto unpaved Helton Creek Road off GA-19 just south of Vogel State Park; continue 2.2 miles to a small pullout parking area and the trailhead will be on the right.

High Shoals Falls – While Helton Creek is a very short walk with a nice payoff at the end, High Shoals is a longer walk but with two beautiful waterfalls along the way and some beautiful scenery everywhere you look. This trail is 2.6 miles round trip and fairly easy terrain most of the way. Directions: Take GA-75 south toward Helen, continue past the turn for Brasstown Bald (State Highway 180) and turn left at High Shoals sign which is Forest Service Road 283. Go 1.5 miles on this road to the High Shoals Scenic Area for parking.

Views and Scenic –

Brasstown Bald: With an elevation of 4,783 feet, one of my absolute favorite views in this area is from

Brasstown Bald Visitor Center. The views here are incredible, even from the parking lot. If you are into sunsets, you have to add this one to your bucket list. Mountain sunsets do not get much better than this one! While the parking lot offers so much, if you are willing, you can walk 1/2 mile up to the observation tower at the top. The sunset there will take your breath away.

Blackrock Mountain State Park: This park is often talked about as it is noted as the highest State Park in Georgia. I will say that it offers incredible views! However, it offers so much more as well. It has a little bit of everything, even right down to the trail systems. For example, the James Edmonds Trail is 7.2 miles and quite strenuous, definitely not for the faint of heart. The payoff at the end is a nice little waterfall. But for those that want to see the waterfall without quite as much of a hike, you can park in the first parking lot at the

lake, then you will only have to navigate the very last little bit of the trail. It is definitely a GREAT payoff for that hike!

As you are planning any of your hikes in North Georgia, please make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. Always carry a first aid kit along with some extra water and food or snacks. Always add a flashlight to your pack because there will come a time when you “go just a bit too far before it comes dark”, as my grandmother used to say. Whenever possible, utilize the buddy system by having a hiking partner on your journey. If hiking alone always let someone know where you are going and what time you plan to be back.

As an additional safety measure, I recommend joining a hiker safety group such as my personal favorite called: Sebastian’s Hiker Companion App. This service is currently available as a Facebook group and provides an additional source of assistance should anything go wrong on your hike. For more information, you can visit the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups SebastianandFriendsSafetyGroup/

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If you are like most golfers in this part of the country we wait till the Masters is played and then we are ready to start our golf season. With high expectations after watching all the

wonderful shots we saw on TV we head to the course knowing we are going to play better than last year. We approach the first tee with thoughts of pars, birdies and possibly our first hole-in-one. By the end of the round we can’t wait to get to the 19th hole to drown our sorrows after another disappointing round. At that time we make the commitment to get better this year and plan to take lessons. Here are 4 things to consider before making that appointment.

Time Most golfers are playing golf for recreation. It is supposed to be a fun day off from work or we have retired and this is our chosen activity or just a nice way to spend time with the family. With that being said we still want to play better than we do. Keep in mind that to make major swing changes takes time. It means we are going to have to be committed to take time off the golf course and spend time on the range; a lot of time. Major swing changes means we have to undo the muscle memory we have developed through the years and this takes hitting lots of balls. Without this commitment any chance of improvement is slim. Unfortunately we do not obtain a good golf swing through osmosis. So the question is, “Do we need a major swing change?” I can tell you through years of teaching the answer is probably not. You need to find someone who can help you do what you do better. Things you can feel easily when you swing the club. If you can’t feel it change is very difficult.

ExpectationsI expected one day I would be playing in the Masters. As a young kid I would go to the course hit balls and go play. Like most young golfers I would pretend to be playing in the Masters and this putt was to beat Jack Nicklaus. In 1970 my mother took me to my first Masters; we walked to the 10th tee and Billy Casper

was teeing it up. It took one swing to realize I probably was not going to be playing in the Masters any time soon. I had never seen a ball fly like that. This experience did make me work harder but it also helped me develop more realistic expectations. In teaching I try to get my recreational golfer to broaden what is acceptable and through time we can narrow the acceptability. By the way Casper won the 1979 Masters.

Short GameFor many recreational golfers most of your strokes are going to be made from inside 100 yards. If you want to shoot lower scores, spend 90% of all practice time on the putting green and hitting shorter shots. You can get better with these shots just by developing a better feel for the shots through practice. There are plenty of putting and short game drills that can improve this area of your game.

Learn Your LiesDo you ever go out and warm up for your round and hit the ball great? You are so excited about getting to the first tee to shoot the best score ever. You hit your tee shot right down the middle and have that eight iron in your hand that you hit perfectly when warming up. You hit the shot and it goes way off line. For the rest of the round you never hit a shot like you did on the range. Why? While on the range we hit shots to one target off a flat lie. How many flat lies do you get on a golf course in North Georgia? Understanding your set-up and swing is a must to set-up correctly for up hill, down hill and side hill lies. Keep in mind the club is going to bottom out in different spots according to the slope and we must make adjustments in our setup to hit the ball solid and on line.Hit them good and if you ever venture away from the beautiful golf courses in Northeast Georgia come see me at Maggie Valley Club and Resort. Mention the article and say Buster sent you through May and receive your Laurel Magazine green fee discount. Buster Inman is the General Manager of Maggie Valley Club and Resort in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He and his lovely wife Ann have a home in Rabun.

by Buster Inman

Tee’d Off


by Buster Inman

I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s golf game: it’s called an

eraser. ~Arnold Palmer


Experience

Clarkesville, Georgia

PO Box 519 - 132 E Waters StreetClarkesville, GA 30523

706.754.5940

RUTH CAMP BILL CAMP706.499.4702

[email protected]

[email protected] VIRTUAL TOURS AVAILABLE

PERFECT COUNTRY ESTATE! On 20 Acres! For a Car Collector or Horse lover. 5 Stall Barn., Private and gated. Outbuilding can

house 20 cars. $1,250,000 (105795)

MASTERPIECE IN DESIGN! 58+ ACRES, Craftsman Style Farm House. Lake with dock, Barn and fencing. Separate 1200 sq ft

guest house! $899,000 (105874)

STUNNING 4 SIDED BRICK RANCH! 4/5 bedrooms, 5 baths, whole house generator, creek frontage, parking for RV and green house on 6.28 acres.

$399,000 (105490)

EASY COMMUTE!! Fabulous home at the end of a Cul-de-sac and a short distance to

HWY 365. 4BR, 3BA, 4 sided brick. Formal dining, eat-in kitchen, 2FPs 2nd living quar-

ters on terrace level. $379,900 (105415)

LUXURY YOU CAN AFFORD! Custom 3BR/2.5BA home, just minutes from Clarkesville . Great kitchen, 9ft

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GATHER AROUND! Traditional Ranch on 4+ acres, 3BR/3.5BA, 3FPs, creek border-

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CUSTOM MADE LOG HOME! Constructed with 15” to 24” diameter logs located on 5.4 acres, w/babbling brook, 32X52 work shop

and 34X18 RV shed w/power and water. Only minutes to Lake Burton. $899,500 (102830)

SPACIOUS TRADiTIONAL RANCH!! 4BR/3BA in small, nice com-

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COMFORT AT AN INVITING PRICE!! 3BR/3BA ranch style home. Open floor

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WELL MAINTAINED! 3BR/3.5BA traditional brick ranch home. Eat-in

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EXQUISITE LAKE FRONT! Craftsman style mountain home on 3.59 acres. 4/5 BR/4.5BA, 4 car garage. Finished terrace level.

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UNSURPASSED MOUNTAIN VIEWS! 4BR/4BA Craftsman

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COUNTRY LIVING AT IT'S BEST!! Features hardwood floors, granite

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VERY NICE LARGE HOME! 4BR/3BA cape cod features 3BR/ 2 BA on the main, 1 bedroom, 1 bath and 2 large rooms. on terrace level. Hardwood floors, fireplace and island kitchen. $249,900 ( 105844)

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Cover Artist Rena JohnsonA Life of Discovery & Dreamsby Tracy McCoy

I knew when I first met Rena Johnson last year that there was something different about her. I couldn’t put my finger on it at the time. She came to my office to discuss doing an article

about Lightning Bug Synchronization. In the year since, I have come to realize that Rena is full of great ideas.

Born in Sylva, North Carolina, and after losing her parents as a teenager, she finished high school and earned a two-year associate degree in business. Then she moved to Asheville, North Carolina. There she began her studies about God and Theology. She never intended to enter the ministry at that point but she hoped to get to know Him.

After successfully reaching her goals in Bible school, she tried her hand at a couple of different career choices such as being an EMT and then as a horseback guide in the Pisgah National Forest. Then she went to work in a family owned business working the 9 to 5 grind that most of us are familiar with. Rena enjoyed life, in her spare time. Then on a very ordinary day a very horrific accident changed her life forever.

An issue with her heart caused Rena to pass out and she fell face-first into a concrete barrier. It shattered every bone in her face from her eyes down. The pain was excruciating and the next two years would include 18 reconstructive surgeries, incredible mental and physical anguish and a great shift in perspective.

Rena refers to her life in two parts for a good reason. The two years she spent recovering and healing were a time of self-discovery. She made the decision that she would live a life she would never regret. She wanted to squeeze the joy out of every day and accomplish amazing things. She hoped to change lives and bring happiness to others.

Her tenacious spirit endured during the two years indoors; Rena began dabbling in computer programming, she kept busy and stayed focused on healing. There were many difficult times but she held on to her faith and what lives inside of her and pressed on.


After recovering enough to fly, she made a trip to England and so began her new life. When she returned, she decided she wanted to become a full timer writer. She put pen to paper and has since written four novels. They are the Caprician series of “Spiritual Fiction” about a woman whose life mirrors her own. A woman who meets God in her difficult places and who through a spiritual realization, finds healing.

Rena then completed an online writing course for magazines and true to her nature she created her own destiny by searching online for jobs in the publishing world. She found an opening with an off-road magazine and she, knowing nothing about the sport of four-wheeling, contacted them and offered her insight on what they were lacking... a woman’s perspective on off-roading. They invited her to submit an article so she educated herself and sent in that article. Soon enough she had a regular column and before long was writing product reviews and gathering a lot of off-road gear in the meantime. In this job, she was asked to start providing images along with the articles so she bought a small point and shoot camera. She instantly fell in love with photography. This incredible lady, always full of great ideas shared one with her editors; she thought it would be a great idea to have a pink 4-wheel ATV and to tour the country visiting trade shows where she would promote the magazine and the ATV manufacturer all the while raising money for breast cancer. Before she knew it there was a pink Polaris RZR Side by Side in the driveway and The Off-Road Tour for a Cure became a reality. Through this organization Rena raised funds for The Breast Cancer Society, The American Cancer Society, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital and many more.

Rena’s travels landed her in our state in 2010 and she was ready to settle a bit and catch her breath, but not for long. Hoping to pursue her photography, Rena contacted the Friends of Georgia State Parks and not surprisingly she had a great idea, she would tour the state of Georgia photographing the state parks, a project she completed late last year. She recently moved from Madison, Georgia to the quaint mountain town of Hiawassee and is excited to be making her home in such a beautiful place; her camera has not gathered one speck of dust on its lens since the move.

After settling in Georgia Rena began sharing all she has learned about photography with eager students. She has done countless workshops and continues doing so. Working one on one or in a group setting in the field is her preference although she does do some classroom work as well. She is also very excited about her new online courses, where she continues to work one on one with each student enrolled in any of those courses as well. Her enthusiasm and excitement is contagious and something that

adds to her effectiveness as an instructor. Rena believes that if you are following your dreams that God will provide. He has taken care of her for many years and she joyfully rests in His presence. She has a calm spirit to go with that sparkle in her eye and delightful smile.

Rena shared a story about a workshop at Grandfather Mountain in Banner Elk, North Carolina. She had saved to attend this camp out photography adventure; however, when she arrived, it was raining, and it rained and rained! A heavy fog moved in and clung to the mountainsides. It was cold and so foggy you could barely see your hand in front of your face. The following morning they had planned to hike to the top of the mountain to photograph the sunrise. Rena didn’t let the weather stop her

knowing that God had provided this opportunity for a reason. She hiked for what seemed like hours and still could see nothing, As she says, “You can’t see what you can’t see.” Having climbed to what surely was the top and not being able to see anything she sat down and had about a forty-five minute discussion with God about why she had come and what did He have planned for her. She could see the form of another peak across the way. She made her way back down and over to climb the second peak and as she neared the top she began talking to God, she was cold, angry and frustrated feeling as if she had wasted money and time, neither of which could she afford to waste. She remembers shouting, “I give up God!” Then as if audible words she heard Him speak to her heart, “Don’t give up before the miracle, Rena.” She hiked about five more minutes and came out from under the canopy of trees and found she was above the cloud line where she witnessed the most beautiful sunrise. She got the photo she had come for but she left that mountain with so much more. She learned it wasn’t up to her, when she surrendered is when God brought it all together for her. Rena is excited everyday about what is in store for her.


Hiking is one of her favorite pastimes and last year a fellow hiker left for a hike in the Smokies and never returned. It took some time for her friends to locate her because they weren’t sure of her location. This impacted Rena so she had an idea. She has created an app with the help of close friends and colleagues called “Sebastian’s Hiker Companion”. The app goes live this month. Users register on the app, setting up an account with their name, contact info, work contacts and three emergency contacts. When a hiker, or any other adventurer, plans a trip they log in and enter their plans with departure and return times. When they return safely they log back in and end their event. If for any reason they

don’t log in within a reasonable time, Rena and/or other admins will begin calling until they reach someone who can check on the hiker. If no one can locate the hiker or knows of their safe return, Search and Rescue can then be contacted right away. Users will pay a monthly fee and the funds will go to run the app and 25% will go to charity. The Facebook page is already up and active, so feel free to join there for updates on the app. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SebastianandFriendsSafetyGroup/ Who is Sebastian? He is Rena’s best friend, four-legged and furry he has been with her through thick and thin.

What gets Rena out with her camera? Nature, and any opportunity to capture that magical light that God provides so readily, so naturally her website is www.OutdoorPhotosByRena.com. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RenaJohnsonsPhotography and you can find out more about

her workshops at www.meetup.com/rena-johnson-photography-workshops

Having just completed the tour for the state parks, I asked what was in her future... with a smile she said, “the National Parks”. Rena also has some liter projects in the works; she feels strongly about cleaning up liter on the trails. With another second to ponder what’s ahead for her, Rena stated that Africa and Australia are on her radar! I have to say that this exceptional lady is such an inspiration that I find myself excited about all she WILL achieve and I am glad to be her friend and on her cheerleading squad, “GO Rena!”



North Georgia Arts GuildLinda Bell: new dimensions in rug hookingby Jo Mitchell

When is a craft more than itself? Can it also be fine art, occupying the same aesthetic space? That might depend more on your subjective reaction that any strict definition.

So, then, what is it that draws us? Is it recognizing the skill and labor that goes into a finished piece? Is it the color—be it vibrant and electric, or soft and subtle? Is it the composition, creativity or cleverness of it? Is it for pleasure or for use?

With the rug-hooking of Linda Bell, you get it all: skill, plus imaginative creativity; traditional and abstract renderings; wide ranges of color, from bold/striking to gentle/subtle and things that have a purpose other than being delightful to look at—and touch.

Linda’s inspiration derives from the beauty of the countryside or the character of historic buildings—“just waiting to be hooked!” Sometimes it is photos of her grandson that “holler” to be represented with her hand-dyed 100% wool fabric.

Having cut the fabric into thin strips, she pulls the loops up through a linen backing to fashion rugs, wall hangings, purses, ornaments, coasters, table toppers or runners; even framed art pieces. The options are as open as Linda’s imagination—which is exciting, especially in planning the colors. Happiness and satisfaction follow when the piece turns out as hoped.

Planned or spontaneous? If it involves interpretation of a photo, composition is intrinsic. Sometimes she simply has fun with the color to see how it will go. There is much planning overall in a hooked piece, large or small, Linda says—the initial designs, the color-dyeing, then the hooking and finishing—a “long process”. Recently she’s been experimenting with color and line, toward abstract designs “just for fun”. While her traditional pieces turn out pretty much as anticipated, the abstracts tend to jump from idea to idea, evolving.

Linda is gratified for smiles on the faces of viewers, and wishes them to understand why she, “Needed to translate that design into a hooked piece; I want them to enjoy the end result of the planning and execution.” For Linda, the most relevant and gratifying aspect is love of color, the passion for which she hopes to pass along to her students: When she finds, or dyes just exactly the right color for a motif, she is a “happy hooker! If a color isn’t right, the whole piece suffers…but when it’s all right, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Linda got started with her art form during a tour of homes when she saw traditional rug hooking in process and was, well, “hooked immediately.”


Since the 1980s she has studied with many teachers and attended weeklong workshops earning certification as a McGown-trained teacher.

Linda earned Best of Show at a McGown National Exhibit in Buffalo, NY. She was featured in Celebrations, a juried selection of hooked art published by Rug Hooking Magazine.

You can see the artist’s works at Artworks in Hiawassee and at the Blue Ridge Art Center in Blue Ridge, GA.

Contact information: [email protected]; LBhookery.blogspot.com, and LBhookery on Facebook.


Rainy Day Workshopby Melissa Williams-Thomas

This month’s rainy day workshop was the most difficult project I have done so far. There was a whole lot of trial and error. I set out to make a hammock type chair, which seemed simple enough. After five hours worth of mistakes, I changed the plan to a chair swing. Once the new plan was

formulated, the project only took around thirty minutes to make. I am very grateful to my crafty father-in-law for all of his help.

Materials: 3/8” solid braid polypropylene rope1-1/4” X 3’ dowel rod (preferably oak)1 plastic Adirondack chair2 wooden boardsscrews

Step 1: Drill holes in the dowel rod approximately 2-1/2” from both ends. Draw a line with a straight edge so your holes are lined up. We used a 1/2” bit on a drill press, but you can use a hand drill if needed.

Step 2: Drill two more holes approximately 10” in on both sides.

Step 3: Cut two pieces of rope 84” long and one 36” long. Burn the edges after you cut to avoid the ends fraying.

Step 4: Trace the underside of the arm of the chair on the board. Cut the wood to size. Place the boards on the underside of the arms and secure with clamps.

Step 5: Drill holes approximately 3” from the front and the back of both arms. You can secure the wood to the arms with a few screws.

Step 6: Feed one of the 84” ropes through the right front of the chair arm. Secure with a knot on the underside of the chair arm. Repeat on the left side of the chair.

Step 7: Feed the rope through the outer holes on the dowel rod and then through the back of the arms of the chair. Secure with a knot.

Step 8: Tie a knot in the end of the 36” rope and feed it through the center hole in the dowel rod. Place it through the remaining hole and secure with a knot.

Step 9: Hang your chair and enjoy!!!





The way that this whole trip came together was when my friend and I were in high school, we decided we wanted to do something really cool

after we graduated. We had hiked together that spring break, I guess about a seventy-mile stretch, the last seventy miles of the trail, from Neel’s Gap to Springer Mountain in Georgia. We started at Unicoi Gap. When we hiked that little section, we hiked with three other friends. One of our friends was a girl named Julia. She was killed in a bike accident during our senior year, and she had said that she wanted to go on a senior trip. She said she wanted to go out on the trail, so our whole group thought it would be a cool idea to do it. When she died, we decided to do the whole trip, kind of as a remembrance to her. That’s how it started.

First we had to figure out how we were actually going to get to Maine, ‘cause that’s a long way from Rabun County. My parents decided that they would go on vacation and take us to Maine. It took us three and a half days to drive up there. They basically dropped us off, and we started walking home. We were right here [Points to Mount Katahdin in Maine] and there’s Clayton over 2,000 miles away, so they basically drove us up there and we walked home.

The Southern end of the Appalachian Trail is at Springer Mountain, Georgia and the Northern end is at Baxter State Park at the top of

Mount Katahdin. They are approximately 2,175 miles apart. At both ends, you can’t drive in with a car and just get out and you’re on the Appalachian Trail. You have to hike several miles to get to the beginning of the trail. On the trail you can see the little blue marks on the rocks; those are

FoxfireHiking the Appalachian Trail

With Brian Phillips

called blazes. Blue blazes mean that you’re on some sort of side trail, and white blazes mean you’re on the Appalachian Trail. We had to hike about five miles just to get to the start of the actual trail. The actual start is Mount Katahdin. Usually you have views of about 360 degrees—beautiful views of hundreds of mountain ridges in Maine—but we were in the middle of the clouds, so we didn’t really have that good of a view.

My friend Dustin is another one of the guys that hiked this little section with us. He is now in the Navy and is a rescue swimmer. He lives in Japan. When we first came out of the clouds, it was actually really difficult to follow the trail on top of the mountain. It was just rocks, not any trees. Usually when you hike a trail, you just follow the trees and it makes it obvious where the trail is, but when you’re on the peak of a mountain, it’s just rocks and fog. You can only see like twenty feet, and it’s really difficult to figure out where the trail goes. A couple of times we thought we were lost, but then we found another blaze and were okay.

It took us about five months and a week to hike the whole trail. We had to camp and we had to have all of our gear and stuff. My mom kept dated pieces of paper on the map. She was keeping track of where we were and what date we reached each destination.

We stayed on the trail the whole time, but every now and then we would go into town to get more food or eat at a restaurant. Then we would come back at the same place we left, and we would start the trail. [They were very careful not to skip a portion of the trail because they wanted to walk every step.] At our first town,


there was a house that you could stay in for a little amount of money. They give you a pretty good breakfast and stuff. So, we were about 110 miles into our trip at this time.

We saw lots of different species of animals, but not as many in Maine as I thought we would see. I expected to see more bears, but the only bear I saw on the whole trip was when I sat down to eat lunch and I heard a little rustle in the bushes. I turned around, and it was a bear running away from me. It had already come around and seen me, and it was scared, so it ran away. That was the only bear I saw.

A lot of times now if I go out somewhere in the woods, I really try to make sure that I slow down and realize what my surroundings are and really take it in.

Adapted by Foxfire Magazine student, Jessica Phillips, from the Foxfire Magazine Spring/ Summer 2010 Pgs. 19-33.


If you’re interested in Georgia’s geology, then you probably already know that the soils of the Piedmont are a rich red color for which Georgia is famous. The red coloring is a mixture of kaolinite and

halloysite and iron oxides. This mixture, weathered over time, yields a rich clay soil that has been the foundation for a Northeast Georgia tradition of folk pottery.

On a recent warm spring evening, Annette Meaders Boswell & her husband Mike graciously took me on a tour of the land across the road from their home place where a lone chimney and the ruined pottery shop buildings and wood fired kiln are reminders of a rich

family history of pottery making. The ruins are located close to where her great grandfather John Milton Meaders built his home in 1876.

Annette shared wonderful stories from her childhood of growing up watching the pottery being fired. Firing the kiln was a big event in the neighborhood. Annette described it as somewhat of a “carnival event” with folks gathering around. The kiln would be fired with slats from local sawmills and the flames would be visible for miles around as they fed the fire to reach the required 2500-degree temperature for firing the pots. Times have changed since then and now more modern methods are used for creating decorative pottery. Back when her great grandfather John and her grandfather Cheever Meaders were making pottery there was a need for the large pots to preserve and store foods, such as beans, kraut, syrup and churns for making butter. This was before modern canning methods and glass jars were available.

Although Annette & Mike have not carried on the tradition of making pottery for a living, Mike has constructed a small kiln where they can fire their own pottery. In the photo above on the right is an example of a piece that Annette made with handles and bunches of grapes on the sides. The other pieces in the picture are some old pots that they discovered buried on their property. Annette kindly explained to this “pottery novice” that the old jugs with the two lip handles were for storage, such as pickled beans. The taller jugs with the two ear type handles were for pouring and storing syrup.

Annette took the time to explain to me the labor intensive process they used to make these large clay jugs. It fascinated me that she can pick up a jug and tell me which one of her family members had made the piece. Close to the old kiln is what looks like an old heap of dirt but as we walked closer Annette began to dig with her hands between the briars and weeds. She would hold up shards of pottery and continue her stories, showing me examples of terms such as “tobacco stain glaze”. For a novice of pottery terms, I leaned many things, including that the jugs had to be glazed before firing so that they would hold liquids.

Exploring Northeast Georgia

Meaders Family PotteryBy Kitty Stratton

Ruins of Old Meaders Pottery Shop

A mixture of new and old pots

Photo of an Old Kiln


Annette Meaders Boswell holding shards of pottery

Although the old ways of making pottery have been replaced by more modern methods, the history lives on in documentaries and books. Clay in the Blood: The Meaders Family Folk Pottery Tradition is a DVD featuring footage from the original Smithsonian film documenting Cheever Meaders’ traditional way of making North Georgia pottery and the last known taped interview with the late Lanier Meaders. It was produced in 1996. To hear a 2002 interview with Annette about the history and legacy of her family’s generations of pottery making visit youtube.com and follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5JM9343rEI.

The VeteranFirst to stand and first to fallTheir bravery clearly seen

Their honor and their faithful pallHas now and always been

We ask of them the ultimateAnd give them slight rewardThey the gallant forward line

They our nation’s guard

So oft we tend to overlookTheir grave and gallant deeds

Yet when we ask them they will riseIn full measure to our needs

Let us praise them one and allAnd greet them as oft we may

For they are those who heed the callTo the last hour of the day

by Robert Coffey


Around this time last year, we visited with Cosby and Marilyn Chastain and had the privilege of viewing and photographing two of their automobiles. Last March, we showcased the beautifully restored 1974 F-100 Ford truck. While we were there, we took the opportunity to interview Cosby about the custom-made 1934 Ford Coupe, as well. We are going back into our unpublished

archives to bring you the photos and story of Cosby’s ’34.

Cosby and his good friend and highly regarded car guy Tony Allen built this spectacular classic-black automobile from the ground up. The project began in 2011 and saw its completion in 2014. A couple of days following and with encouragement from Tony Allen, Cosby and Marilyn with Tony along for the ride, took it out for its maiden “voyage“ only to find a fleet-footed Rabun County deer crossing the road at an inopportune moment. Miraculously, though both bodies collided, the ’34 remained unscathed!

This beauty is powered by a 347 cubic-inch stroker engine with 330 hp and 380 ft. lb. torque. It has an automatic overdrive transmission, air conditioning and power windows and locks. The uniquely elegant interior is leather, ostrich and snake.

The Fords of 1932-1934 are very popular with hot rodders. During the period after WWII, the 1932-1934 Fords, known as Model Bs, were frequently rodded. This continued into the 1960s on a large scale, as noted in the hit song “Little Deuce Coupe” and as the pivotal street-racing car in the film “American Graffiti”. Today, the roadster and coupe are the most sought after body styles, as these were popular for street rods and hotrods. Unmodified examples have become rare. Since the 1970s, bodies and frames have been reproduced either in fiberglass or lately in steel, which has helped resolve sheet metal shortages and increased the number of rods being created or restored. These are often very expensive, and a typical show-quality car will sell for upwards of $60,000.

Our thanks again to Cosby and Marilyn Chastain of Chastain Tree for allowing us to showcase this amazing vehicle.

WHEELS....Cosby Chastain’s 1934 Ford Coupe

by Larry & Gail Allgood




322 Theron McCray Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904 - $499,900.00 Great Riverfront Cabin on the Best Stretch of Riverfront in Clay County...

Possibly All of Western NC. Features include Jetted Tub, Outdoor Fire Pit, Detached Two Car Garage with Workshop & Guest Quarters Above. Home is Completely Furnished

and Move In Ready!! This is a Must See!

Splendid Mountain Properties from Richard Kelley and Century 21 Scenic RealtyOffice: 706.896.8633 Mobile: 706.781.5220

www.mountvalleyacres.com

342 Harbor Road, Hiawassee, GA 30542 - $1,450,000.00 Great Lake Home that is Very Spacious. Fabulous Kitchen, Dining Room & Great Room Combination.

Rock Fireplace. Super Master w/ Bath. Lots of Bedrooms for Family & Friends. Nice Decks overlooking the Lake for Entertaining. A Full Finished Downstairs for added guests or just to get away.

The Home is close to town, which makes it a great location for eating out or shopping. Great Boat Dock with Walking Dock right in the Front Yard... Very Gentle to the Water.

Double Car Garage with Lots of Room for all of your toys for the Lake.

2052 Sweetwater Bend, Hayesville, NC 28904 - $699,000.00 Designed and Built to meld today’s Upgrades and Convenience with Style, Warmth and Quality of Past

Centuries, this HEARTHSTONE Log Home sits graciously on Riverfront Acreage with Privacy to Spare. Deep Covered Decks on both the Front & Back Flank, the Great Room with it’s Authentic Colonial Styled Fireplace, Staircase & Hand Wrought Iron Hardware & Detail. The Kitchen Features Vermont Soapstone Counters, Five

Star Subzero & Bosch Appliances over Brick Styled Ceramic Tile Floors. Big Bedrooms with Huge Baths and the Large Sleeping Loft are all ready for the overflow of friends and family who won’t ever want to leave!

A Perfect Home to Entertain, get away or learn Fly Tying for the next trip down the Stone Steps to the River.

597 Long View Drive, Hiawassee, GA 30546 - $728,500.00 This is a Great 4 Bedroom/3 Bath Lake Home with Year Round Deep Water. Very Gentle to the Lake with Super Walking Platform to the Covered Dock with Boat Lift & Lights. This Home is Very Spacious Inside & Out. Beautiful Sunroom,

Very Large Living Room with Separate Dining Room, Great Master Bedroom with Walk-In Closet, Double Vanity in Master Bath and a Jetted Jacuzzi Tub with Heater, Large Kitchen with Gas Range, Stainless Steel Appliances, Wine Cooler, Center Island and Quartz Countertops. Features include Central VAC, Dual Fuel Heating, 75 Gallon Hot Water Heater, Gas

Stove in Living Room and much more. The Downstairs has its own Separate Living Quarters with a Small Refrigerator, Sink & Microwave, Bathroom & Bedroom, Living Room and Pool Table (included). There are Large Decks on both levels that would be great for Entertaining or just Relaxing while you watch the sun set over the Lake. This one is a MUST SEE!!

Call Richard Kelley: Office 706.896.8633, Mobile 706.781.5220

Century 21 Scenic Realty3680 Hwy. 76 - Young Harris, GA 30582

[email protected] - www.mountvalleyacres.com


Come Visit Towns and Union Counties



Bon AppétitThe Strawberries are Here!

by Scarlett Cook

We’ve waited all winter long for fresh local strawberries and they are finally on their way. I know that the ones that the grocery store sells have gotten better over the years, but they pale in comparison to ones picked locally. Nothing signals that summer is on the horizon more than a warm, plump, juicy strawberry. Strawberries are absolutely delicious on their own, but the

things that you can do to them are endless.Too make sure that your berries stay at their best, once you get them home, look over them carefully and set aside any that are too

ripe to last more than one day. Eat those first and then put the others in the fridge. Strawberries will usually last 2 – 3 days chilled. To make sure that you can

keep them at their best, spread them out on a back sheet lined with paper towels. Wash just before you will use them

as this hastens their demise and leave the hull on so that the berries won’t absorb water


Roasted Strawberry Shortcakes with Vanilla Biscuits 6 servings

Biscuits1 3/4 Cups plain flour3 Tablespoons sugar (plus extra to sprinkle on biscuits)1 Tablespoon baking powder1/4 Teaspoon salt1 Cup heavy whipping cream2 Teaspoons vanilla

Berry Topping2 Pints strawberries, washed and hulled1/2 Cup Sugar1/2 Cups heavy whipping cream1/2 Cup sour cream2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 425˚. Grease a large baking sheet.

Whisk together the flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

Beat 1 cup of the whipping cream just until you have soft peaks. Beat in the vanilla.Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and the whipped cream and stir the mixture with a fork just until it begins to form a dough.

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough several times just until it is well combined. Pat out to a 1/2” thickness. With a 3” cutter, cut out 6 rounds; gathering the scraps and re-patting if necessary. Brush the biscuits with cream and sprinkle with sugar and place on baking sheet.

Bake for 12 – 15 minutes. Let cool on the pan on a wire rack.

After the biscuits are out of the oven increase oven temperature to 450˚.

Toss the berries with the 1/2 cup sugar. Transfer to a baking dish with sides. Roast strawberries for about 12 minutes, stirring twice.

When ready to serve, beat together the remaining 1/2 cup whipping cream, sour cream and powdered sugar until the mixture forms soft peaks.

Split each biscuit and place bottom halves on plates. Spoon generous portion of warm berries over each one, add a dollop of cream, replace the tops and drizzle with any leftover juices from the baking sheet. Serve at once.

Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar Makes about 2 cups

1 Pint strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar Pinch of lemon zest

Stir together the strawberries and the rest of the ingredients. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. Do not refrigerate.

This is good over ice cream, pound cake or just about anything!

Meringues with Strawberries and Lemon Curd 8 servings

3 Large egg whites, at room temperature1/4 Teaspoon salt1/8 Teaspoon cream of tartar1/4 Cup packed dark brown sugar – with no lumps1/2 Teaspoon vanilla extract2 1/2 Pints strawberries, hulled and sliced3 Tablespoons sugar6 Tablespoons lemon curd – homemade or purchased (found with the jams & jellies)

Preheat oven to 225˚. Trace four 3” circles onto sheets of parchment paper, leaving at least an inch between them. Place paper on two large baking sheets.

Beat egg whites on medium high speed just until foamy. Add salt and cream of tartar and beat just until soft peaks form. Sprinkle brown sugar into egg whites and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla.

Spoon the meringue onto the circles on prepared sheets, starting in the middle of each circle and working outward. Use the spoon to shape meringues into a nest shape.

Bake for 2 hours or until meringues are crisp but not brown. Turn off oven and let the meringues cool in the oven for at least an hour. Then cool completely on the baking sheets on wire racks.

The shells can be prepared and store in a tightly covered container for several days, but they are best not made on a damp day as they will become sticky.

To serve:Stir together the strawberries and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Spoon lemon curd into meringues and top with strawberries.


A Taste of the MountainsFarms • Local Wine • Restaurants • Fresh & Local



Weeknight suppers should be fast, easy clean-up, low-cost and tasty! Fulfilling all of these criteria is a tall order! One of my family favorites are roasted chicken thighs with potatoes, onions and carrots and a simple side salad. Chicken thighs are budget friendly, offering one of the least expensive meats you can buy. Pay the extra money for the organic or pasture raised,

if you can.

Chicken thighs are ideal for roasting, since they have a lot of fat and will hold their moisture while being roasted at high heat. I use a steel roasting pan because it is light weight and virtually non-stick. You can use a regular roasting pan or a black iron skillet, but keep the weight in mind, as you will have to pick up the pan to pour off the liquids.

PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 375˚.

Start with a light coating of olive oil in the bottom of the roasting pan. Layer in potatoes and onions that have been peeled and quartered. Keeping a uniform size here is important since you want all of the food to be done at the same time. I find a regular sized potato perfect, if cut into quarters. I added a very large sweet potato as I like it better than a regular potato. I cut it into similar sized pieces to the russet potatoes. Add carrots, celery, parsnips or any other root vegetable that you enjoy. To season this layer of vegetables, I used rosemary, salt, crushed red pepper and a little sage on the sweet potatoes. Use the herbs that you like best! You can use fresh or dried herbs.

The Family TableRoasted Chicken Thighs and Simple Salad

by Lorie Thompson

Place your chicken on top of the vegetables, skin side down. Season the chicken. Once again, use the seasoning you enjoy. I used a little Greek seasoning on the chicken along with additional rosemary and crushed red pepper. Turn the chicken over and season the skin side to your taste. I will occasionally add lemon slices on top of the chicken.


Roast for approximately 45-50 minutes. Remove from oven and pour off the chicken fat and accumulated juices. Check potatoes to see they are soft. Check temperature of chicken. A meat thermometer should read 165˚ or more. If you do not have a meat thermometer, pierce the thigh in the thickest part and if juices run clear, it is done. If there is any pink color, it should go back into the oven. If the chicken is done, but not the potatoes, remove the chicken and put the potatoes back into the oven until they are soft. When the potatoes are soft, place the chicken back into the pan and allow it to warm back up, before serving.

This dish smells so wonderful cooking. Your family will be waiting at the table when you are ready to serve!

One of my favorite side dishes for this meal is an old fashioned iceberg lettuce salad with Thousand Island Dressing. Yes, it is all about the dressing!

I use my sister-in-law Ruth’s recipe. It came from her mother Bonnie Harper. Ruth credits this salad dressing and her ability to make great sweet tea as the initial reason my brother Cannon took an interest in her! Haha! It really is that good!

Make this dressing over the weekend and allow its flavors to “marry”. Use the salad as a side dish or add boiled eggs, croutons, and chopped ham or turkey and serve a chef’s salad for another great weeknight supper. Your family will love it!

Bonnie Harper’s 1000 Island Dressing

1 quart of mayonnaise (I am a Blue Plate girl!)1/4 cup of ketchup1/4 cup of finely chopped bell pepper1/4 cup of finely chopped onionsmall jar of finely chopped pimentos or roasted red pepper1/4 cup of finely chopped sweet pickles

Stir and refrigerate.

The original recipe is divine, but I love it with an added teaspoon of granulated garlic and an added tablespoon of sweet pickle juice. Taste it and make it your own! The most important thing is to sit at the family table together at the end of the day and enjoy the time together.

Lorie Thompson is a native of Rabun County and a Realtor at Re/Max of Rabun in Clayton, Georgia. Lorie and her husband reside in the Persimmon community and have two successful children.


DiscoverDowntownClayton, Georgia



In the garden she stood as lovely and proud as a flower but inside Evie was

a chipped and worn clay pot. She gazed over her spectacular bounty of coneflowers, black eyed Susans and relished the delicate aroma coming from her Phlox. Evie was forever fascinated how God made such beauty come from black, smelly dirt.

Evie pulled the weeds, watered and whispered little blessings over her flowers. Silly words she knew, but it made her feel good. She rinsed off her small gardening tools, patted them dry and returned them to her shed. Evie turned the water on one last time to rinse the dirt off her hands wishing at the same time she could wash away her hurt. But, she couldn’t.

Bending over to grab her gloves she felt her feet leave the ground as Tanner lifted her up from behind and swung her around. Giggling, Evie gave him a big bear hug as he put her back down.

“Looks great Evie,” he loved to praise his wife, her eyes always lit up in appreciation. He especially wanted to see her smile since her heart had been so wounded last Sunday. Gossip was such a killer and Evie had gotten the brunt of it.

Evie had run back into the toddler class to get the crib sheets to wash for the week, when she overheard her name mentioned in the hall. Perking up she walked towards the door but quickly stopped when she heard the word, controlling.

“Don’t you think Evie is controlling? I mean, the staff puts her on all the committees and she thinks she is the only one who can come up with ideas?” Sadie continued on with two other friends who chimed in with their negative opinions. These were her friends, she thought. Did they really think she was controlling?

Tears trickled down her face and she quickly wiped them away with the crib sheets in her hand. Standing quietly, she didn’t dare walk out but they weren’t budging from the door. Finally, Evie worked up the nerve and walked out, putting on a small fake smile. But, that couldn’t shield the hurt that showed in her eyes.

Sadie’s own eyes bulged along with Martha’s and Franny’s as they instantly realized that she had heard every word said. “Oh no,” Sadie gasped. “Evie heard every word we said, what are we going to do?”

Sadie called out to her, “Evie, Evie wait!”

Bless Your HeartA Lesson Learned

by Lisa Harris

But Evie pushed on and rushed to her car, she just didn’t want to see or talk with Sadie or anyone else for that matter.

Finally, safe at home, she spilled out all that had been about her said to Tanner.

Tanner listened to every word, pondering on what he’d say back. Evie had learned not to rush his responses; he was a man whose words were always carefully weighed before spoken.

“First,” Tanner said, “You’re special to God and special to me.”

“Second, every weakness has a strength. For instance, why do you think the staff puts you on committees?”

Evie sighed, “I guess because they know I will follow through.”

Tanner grinned, “Exactly!”

“But,” he continued, “the flip side of that strength is the weakness of being controlling.”

Evie’s tears began to flow again.

Tanner grabbed her and pulled her close, “Evie, you are gifted with amazing creativity and leadership skills. You just need to delegate more and let other people’s gifts shine.”

Evie leaned back and looked into Tanner’s eyes, “So, you think I’m controlling too? Do I do that to you?”

Laughing, he leaned in and gave her a kiss, “Honey, you can control me anytime…I’m smart enough to let you think you’re the boss!”

Sadie tossed a pillow at her laughing husband and she laughed back.

As always, Tanner had a point. She did need to delegate and keep her hands and opinions to herself. She took the rest of the day to reflect and allow God to speak to her heart.

Sadie had called Martha and Franny about what to do. Agonizing over the gossip, the cruelty of it and the pain it had caused was more than they could bear. They had hurt a friend, and even worse than that, she was a sister in Christ.

Apologizing was what they wanted to do, but how and when was the question; little did they know that Evie had that covered.

After truly listening to what God was saying about how to best handle her beloved friendships; she sat down and sent an email


inviting Martha, Sadie & Franny to lunch. They all accepted. They would come the next day so she had little time to prepare. Evie went ahead and organized the lunch so that would be done. Secondly, she set out very old dishes that had been her grandmothers on her round pine kitchen table. “Perfect,” she thought.

When her friends arrived the next day, they came in apologizing, but Evie wouldn’t hear of it. She led them into her dining room and had them sit; then Evie stood up and grabbed her plate and lovingly held in her hand. “These are my grandmother’s dishes that I so love and cherish. They are old, cracked, scratched and a bit cloudy in places, chipped and tired looking. They have held the finest of foods made by talented people to mounds of grits from the basic Southern cook. You see, these plates don’t care if they hold French cuisine or Southern grits…both are awesome, just different.

Like the four of us, we are the same but different and that makes us wonderful in God’s eyes. He has shown me that we each bring beauty to the table; we just do it the way we were specifically designed. Yes, I over-heard and I was hurt, but God gently allowed me to see how I have not let your beauty shine, and I am so sorry.”

Tearfully the girls took only seconds for apologies to flow and hugs to cling to. What could have turned into bitterness, became friendships stronger and more resilient. Why? When God whispers corrections and directions to our hearts and we walk it out in faith, hearts are mended and friendships saved. Bless our Sista’hood Hearts.


A place where new life springs forth out of despair, failure and death.

A place where God brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to you.

THE COURTS OF HEAVENIn the Courts of Heaven, the Accuser who is the Devil, brings charges against us day and night before the Judge of Heaven who is Almighty God. The scriptures tell us more on this subject in the very next verse. “And they (Christians) overcame him (the Accuser) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death”. Rev.12:11. There are multiple Court cases raging against us in Heaven day and night! The Devil is trying to discredit us and block our prayers from being answered. In the United States of America when someone brings a lawsuit against you, whether they are lying or telling the truth, you must get a lawyer and answer it in court. As Believers, we already have a Lawyer, our Parakletos, our Advocate to plead the truth in favor of us at the throne of God in the Court of Heaven – He is the Lord Jesus Christ! Our part is to show up and testify, with the Lord Jesus as our Defender.

The enemy, the Devil accuses us of sins that carry death penalties and he puts various diseases, sicknesses and other problems upon us as he accuses us before God. Our Advocate, the Lord Jesus is standing beside us and speaking up for us. It is up to us to answer the charges in our own words before God and give testimony on our own behalf.

We have a wonderful testimony to bring to you about how God stepped in to change a very bad health situation! Recently, a husband and wife were experiencing a tough problem in which the husband had a very serious heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation. This involved the heart valve and caused an extremely rapid heartbeat. His pulse was 153 beats per minute for many hours. At the onset, they went to the Emergency Room at Northeast Georgia (heart hospital) in Gainesville. They arrived at the hospital at 5:00 on Friday afternoon, he was checked in and given a battery of heart tests including EKG. He was assigned to a bed, hooked up to monitors, and surrounded by many technicians, nurses and doctors who worked for over 3 hours. This hospital is the #1 heart hospital in the State of Georgia, and the # 2 heart hospital in the Nation. They have all the best equipment and doctors, but things were not going well at the hospital! His pulse was still 153!

The wife left the room and went into the Ladies Room so she could pray out loud. The month before she and her husband had received a Christian apostolic teaching written by Robert Henderson, and sent from the ministry of Sid Roth “It’s Supernatural”. They had not read it until a day or so before his heart problem had gotten this bad. The article was all about appearing in the Court of Heaven to plead your case before

Almighty God. The wife applied what she had learned in this teaching about the legal aspect of spiritual warfare, and acted on what she could remember about it. It had told her that the enemy wrongly accuses us and puts sickness on us, hoping to see if we will allow it. She prayed as best she could and addressed the Supreme Judge, God Almighty at the Court of Heaven, and said: “My husband has confessed his sins, he has been washed and made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus has taken my husband’s sin upon Himself on the cross and suffered the death penalty for him. Therefore, my husband has been declared “not guilty” by the Court of Heaven because his penalty was paid by the Son of the Living God! Satan, you are commanded in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to loose my husband and let him go!” Her prayer ministry took 5 minutes!

Back in the Emergency Room her husband’s heart had immediately ceased to beat too fast, and he told them he could feel it slowing. The wife immediately returned to her husband’s bedside, the doctors and the staff were awe-struck! She heard the doctor saying “Look at the monitor, the pulse is coming down fast!” The nurses and tech support were saying, “I’ve never seen something like this happen”, “ I can’t believe my eyes”, and the husband was saying, Praise God, thank you, thank you, Jesus! The hospital kept him for an additional 2 hours to make certain of his condition and released him to go home at midnight. He is doing very well.

What happened there in the hospital was a glorious example of how we are supposed to pray. It is also a wonderful example of how we should be on guard about how the enemy works by going to the throne of God with lies about you and me, and how we are to handle that the right way. If you have never received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and your Defense Attorney in the Courts of Heaven, you need to know that He came to earth to take all of your sins upon Himself, to die in your place, and to give you eternal life in exchange! He came to heal all your diseases and create in you a new heart.

God gave the husband His promise months before; “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD” Psalm 27:14.

RIVER GARDENP.O. Box 112 Lakemont, GA 30552 706.782.5435 706.490.3063

“For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.” Rev. 12:10



Nestled in the beautiful Northeast Georgia mountains in the city of Sky Valley is a church whose name

says it all: The Chapel of Sky Valley, a church for ALL people, interdenominational.

The Chapel of Sky Valley is a church where the love for ALL people speaks through its members, services and outreach.

It is a church where the gospel is studied and taught to be a healing of Christ, not to cause pain through condemnation. We see and preach a holy scripture that from be-ginning to end shows a God who leads his people with love through a desert to a cross and beyond. The church teachings are sim-ple: the church teaches that Christianity is not a religion of guilt but of grace, not divine punishment but of divine love.

“For God and Country” is announced proudly by the Chapel of Sky Valley, Georgia, with the creation of the new Veterans Memorial Flag Plaza at the Chapel of Sky

Valley. The America Flag is dedicated to all veterans, past, present and those who will serve in the future.

The Chapel of Sky Valley Welcomes You

Our communion table is open to all. It is a supper given by Christ for the saved and for sinners. He ate with both and so should we. What right do we have to say you are not wel-come at His table?

A church for ALL PEOPLE, is not without its challenges, for by opening our doors and our hearts to all God’s children, we accept those who see God through different eyes and with different needs for His care, but we accept that chal-lenge and love all who come in His name.

The church is not perfect and holding to its belief in being a church for all people, it has had to make some tough de-cisions in the past years, but we prayed and asked for God’s guidance and our members could do not more than that, and we are proud of being a church for all people, not just the ones who think our way. We are a church where you can belong before you believe because if we keep you away, how can you ever see the Christ we believe in?

As an interdenominational church, we are guided by the Holy Spirit in all we do and answer to no denominational restrictions, but to love and serve God’s people equally in every aspect of our worship life.

We welcome you to come and join us on our mission to be the true Followers of the Way, followers of Christ.

The Most Rev. Dr. John S. Erbelding Senior Pastor, The Chapel of Sky Valley



The “Flower, Garden and Liturgical Arts Festival” of St. James

Episcopal Church in Clayton, Georgia, will celebrate its 10th anniversary on June 10 and 11, 2016. We invite our many friends to come join us in this celebration. Our Flower Guild believes altar flowers enrich our Sunday worship and highlight var-ious seasons of the church year. With that as our basic foundation, ten years ago a small group at St. James de-cided to host a festival that shared our flower arranging skills and also expressed var-ious aspects of Christian life. This was our gift to the com-munity.

Since that beginning, our fes-tival has grown. Our small group now includes men and women, the young and the

“Happy Anniversary to Us”

The 10th Flower, Garden and Liturgical Arts Festival of St. Jamesby Ginny Heckel

older, the inside of our Church and the outside of our Church. Most members of St. James become involved in one way or another. The festival includes not only flowers, but needle work done by parishioners, various pieces of art, music, flower arranging demonstrations and our gardens. It is because of this total involvement that our “Flower Festival” has now become the “Flow-er, Garden and Liturgical Arts Festival of St. James”.

Among themes that we have used in the past are: “Eas-ter Morning”, “Our Fragile Earth”, “Our Island Home”, “Holy Tables for Holy Times”, “Take my Hand” and “Count Your Blessings”. This year for our 10th Anni-versary Festival, we are highlighting our present and future commitment to the Outreach Programs of St. James. Each of the ten tables in the sanctuary will rep-resent one of the many organizations that St. James supports. The designer of each table will choose from


the long list of these organizations and then decide some creative way to repre-sent that organization through flowers. For example, Habitat for Humanity may be represented by a house created out of daises and the Paws4life table may have a pooch made from carnations. Each table will be a creative effort to pres-ent the organization and to display the beauty of flowers.

Additionally, vestments specific to each season in the church year, and designed and sewn by our Liturgical Arts Guild, will be on display. During the two-day event, our gardens can be toured, and the Garden Guild will have a special presentation. On Saturday morning there will be a flower arranging display entitled “Flowers for the Home”.

Our Flower, Garden and Liturgical Arts Festival has truly become part of the life of St. James. We hope that our friends from other churches and our friends from the various honored organizations will join us this year for our 10th Anni-versary Celebration. We promise that you will be astonished by the beauty of the flowers, and amazed at the many ways St. James reaches out into the com-munity of Rabun County.


T his year’s Rhapsody in Rabun annual fundraising gala event will be held on the evening of Monday, September 12, 2016, at

the Civic Center in Clayton. The 2016 event marks the 26th year of support for local community programs.

The proceeds from the event will benefit Rabun County Athletic Programs, supporting over 400 students on 30 teams in 11 different sports at Rabun County High School and Middle School. The proceeds will allow for uniform and safety equipment updates, purchase of championship banners, coverage of team travel expenses and recognition of athletes.

In 2016-2017, the Wildcats will be competing in Region 8AA and will be facing an almost entirely new set of opponents. The revamp of the region is expected to have significant impact on gate receipts due to the 2-3 hour traveling distances for over half of the opposing teams. These gate receipts cover officials, referees, gate keepers, security and clean-up for all sports, along with sports equipment updates as the budget allows.

You can come help support the student athletes while enjoying The Headliners - possibly the most requested band in the Southeast. Whether your preference is big band, classic 50’s and 60’s rock and roll, beach music, Motown, disco hits from the 70’s, or hits from the 90’s and today, you’ll have a great time! This five piece horn band performs over 200 nights a year - staying fresh and in demand.

While you’re resting your dancing feet, enjoy silent and live auctions featuring many wonderful items donated from our local citizens and businesses. Last year, over 300 items were contributed, including handmade items, art and other collectibles, wine, gift certificates and various merchandise from local businesses, lawn mowers, golf outings and equipment, computer equipment, food items, jewelry, furniture, restaurant meals, gym memberships, oil changes, guided hunting, ziplining and rafting trips and travel packages. As you can see, there’s something for everyone!

Rhapsody in Rabun - Rally for the Red!by Lee Parham


Some of the area’s finest restaurants will donate food, with over 15 eateries typically participating. These good people provide great food and service to their clientele, and even more importantly, care about our community and those less fortunate. They’ve jumped in enthusiastically to help this cause and hope that you do, too!

There are several ways to participate. Sponsorships are available ranging from individual levels at $125 to Platinum levels at $2,700, all of which include reserved seating for one or more guests. If you prefer to make a donation, there are options available at the Sapphire level for $250, the Ruby level for $500 and the Emerald level for $1,000. Donations of any amount are appreciated and are tax-deductible. Sponsors and benefactors also receive recognition in the event program and post-event publications. You can also buy an individual ticket, without reserved seating for $50.Join us for a night of fun, food and dancing while helping make a difference in the lives of our student athletes.

Reservations and donations can be made online at www.rhapsodyinrabun.com or by contacting [email protected] for a reservation form that can be mailed.

Make plans now and buy your tickets early! Show your Wildcat spirit and Rally for the Red!

Main StreetFranklin, North Carolina


STEPHENS COUNTY

May 7th

City of Toccoa Golf TournamentThe Links at Lake Toccoa Golf CourseToccoaInfo: 706.898.5685

May 14th

5th Annual City of Toccoa Car Show & CruiseDowntown ToccoaInfo: 706.839.1315; 706.599.2313

May 14th and the second Saturday of the month through OctoberSage MarketCorner of Pond and TugaloToccoaInfo: 706.282.3309

May 14th and the second Saturday of the monthSecond SaturdayHistoric Downtown ToccoaInfo: 706.886.2132

May 16th and the third Monday of the monthCareer CoachStephens County Library, ToccoaInfo: www.gmrc.ga.gov/WorkforceDevelopment.htm

May 21stPancake BreakfastSpeaker Dr. Bob Bouwman, author of “Traveler’s Rest and the Tugaloo Crossroads”Traveler’s Rest State Historic SiteToccoaInfo: 706.886.2256

June 1st and each Wednesday and Saturday through OctoberStephens County Farmers’ MarketCorner of Pond and TugaloToccoaInfo: 706.282.3309

June 4th

Stephens County Historical SocietyD-Day Run and EventsCamp Toccoa at CurraheeInfo: 706.282.5055

Ida Cox Music SeriesDowntown ToccoaInfo: www.idacoxmusicseries.com

June 4th

Toccoa Jazz

June 11th

The Heap

June 18th

Second Time Around

June 25th

Tugalo Hollar

The Schafer Center ToccoaInfo: www.mainstreettoccoa.com

May 14th & June 10th

Southern Gospel Jubilee Concert

May 20th

Tyler Barham

May 26th

Angela Primm

June 2nd and each Thursday through JulySummer Movies

HABERSHAM COUNTY

May 6th

March of Dimes for BabiesFriday Night FlicksPitts ParkClarkesvilleInfo: 706.754.2220

May 7th and each SaturdayClarkesville Farmers’ MarketOld Clarkesville MillClarkesvilleInfo: 706.778.9374

May 14th

A Southern Floyd“A Tribute to Pink Floyd”Grant Street Music RoomClarkesvilleInfo: 706.754.3541

May 20th and the third Friday of the monthFriday Night LiveDowntown ClarkesvilleInfo: 706.754.2220

May 20th – 21st

54th Annual Mountain Laurel FestivalHistoric Downtown ClarkesvilleInfo: 706.754.4216

Habersham Community TheaterClarkesvilleInfo: www.habershamtheater.org

May 10th

Movies on Main - “Mamma Mia”

May 13th – 15th; 19th – 22nd

“Noises Off!”

Mountain Happenings - May and June, 2016

WHITE COUNTY

May 3rd and each Tuesday and Friday through AugustBingoHelen Festhalle, HelenInfo: 706.878.1908

May 7th

Third Annual Shred DayUnited Community BankClevelandInfo: 706.865.5356

May 7th

24th Annual WineFestHabersham WineryHelenInfo: 706.878.9477

May 8h and the second Sunday of the monthReserve Wine TastingYonah Mountain VineyardsClevelandInfo: 706.878.5522

May 28th

BavarianfestHelen FesthalleHelenInfo: 706.878.1908

June 2nd – 4th

43rd Annual Helen-Atlantic Hot Air Balloon RaceHelenInfo: 706.878.2271

June 2nd – 5th

16th Annual US Riders New Reunion Run and 11th Annual Southeast Victory RunHelenInfo: 478.237.3761

June 11th

Shriners’ ParadeDowntown HelenInfo: 706.878.2181

June 18th – 19thWoods & Water Craft ShowUnicoi LodgeHelenInfo: 706.897.6179

June 18th

Cabbage Patch Tea PartyBabyLand GeneralClevelandInfo: 706.865.2171

June 25th – 26th

Father / Son WeekendUnicoi State ParkHelenInfo: 706.878.2201


at Sautee VillageSauteeInfo: 706.878.0144

May 6th and the first Friday of the monthFirst Friday Music Pickin’


Yappy Hour

Sautee Nacoochee CenterSauteeInfo: 706.878.3300

June 3rd – 4th

Unicoi Wine Trail Festival WeekendUnicoiWineTrailFetival.com

June 17th – 18th

The Hollar Games

Helen Arts & Heritage CenterHelenInfo: 706.878.3933

May 12th

“Floral Fantasy” Art Exhibit Opening & Reception

May 20th

Firehouse BBQ and Live Art Auction

Smithgall WoodsClevelandInfo: 706.878.3087www.smithgallwoods.com

May 7th and each SaturdayFirst Visit Tours

May 21st

Kids’ Day at the Park-Imagiplay!

May 21st & June 18th

Youth Fish Day at Buck Shoals

June 20th – 24th

The Science of Nature Camp

North Georgia Zoo & FarmClevelandInfo: 706.348.7279

April 29th – May 1st

Fiber, Farm & Art Festival

May 7th – 8th

Celebrating Moms


Mommy and Me at the Zoo

May 15th and the third Sunday of the MonthBehind the Scenes Tour

May 27th – 30th

Memorial Day Weekend at the Zoo

June 3rd & 10th

Family Night Friday

June 18th – 19th

Celebrating Fathers

RABUN COUNTY

May 7nd and the First Saturday of the MonthGrist Mill VisitsHambidge Center, Rabun GapInfo: 706.746.5718

May 7th and each SaturdaySimply Homegrown Farmers’ MarketClayton City Hall ComplexClaytonInfo: www.RabunMarket.com


Celebrate ClaytonDowntown ClaytonInfo: 706.212.9958www.CelebrateClayton.com

May 7th

Foxfire Folk-Life CelebrationFoxfire Museum & Heritage CenterMountain CityInfo: www.Foxfire.org

May 14th – 15th

WannaGoFast 1/2 Mile ShootoutHeaven’s LandingClaytonInfo: www.heavenslanding.com

May 14th

Tour of Georgia Gran FondoBeginning & Ending at the U JointClaytonInfo: www.gfncs.com

May 21st

Honor Our Veterans ConvoyUp 441 to Rabun Business ParkDillardInfo: 706.212.0241

May 21st

Paws 4 Life Fur BallRabun County Civic CenterClaytonInfo: 706.782.4892; 706.201.3397

May 27th – 29th

Memorial Day Weekend FestivitiesRiver Vista RV ParkDillardInfo: 706.746.2722

May 28th

Craft Beer FestivalMud Creek Falls 5KSky ValleyInfo: www.skyvalleyga.com

June 3rd – 5th, 10th – 12th

“Double Wide, Texas!”North Georgia Community PlayersDillard PlayhouseDillardInfo: www.ngcommunityplayers.com

June 4th

The Mountain Ivy Garden Club’s Plant/Bake/Yard SaleThe Rock HouseClaytonInfo: 706.782.9203

June 10th - 11th10th Annual Flower, Garden and Liturgical Arts FestivalSt. James Episcopal ChurchClaytonInfo: 706.782.6179

June 19th

Rabun County Music FestivalAtlanta Symphony OrchestraRearden TheaterRabun GapInfo: www.RabunMusicFestival.com

June 25th

“Foxglove”Foxfire Museum & Heritage CenterMountain CityInfo: 706.746.5828

June 25th – 26th

5th Annual Georgia Mountains Farm Tour 2016Farms around Rabun CountyInfo: 706.212.0241

Rabun ArenaTigerInfo: 706.212.0452

May 7th

NBHA Barrel Racing

May 14th – 15th; June 11th – 12th

Junior Rodeo

June 4th

Little Britches Rodeo

June 25th – 26th

Wateree Cutting Horse Show

Tallulah Gorge State ParkTallulah FallsInfo: 706.754.7981


May 7th – 8th, 14th – 15th

May 21st – 22nd

Aesthetic Water Release

May 4th & 18th

June 1st & 15th & 29thSlackline 101

May 8th & June 5th

Sunrise Hike


Hidden Gem Hiking Series


Full Moon Paddle

May 22nd – 23rd & June 20th

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

May 28th – 30th

Gorge Floor Hike

June 11th & 25th

Witches Head Hike

June 22nd

Family Paddle

TOWNS COUNTY

May 7th – 8thRummage Sale to Benefit PUPHiawassee Garden Club BuildingHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.4966, 800.984.1543

May 11th

Georgia Mountain Job FairTowns County Conference and Rec Center, Young HarrisInfo: 770.538.2727


US Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating ClassesOld 911 Center on Jack Dayton CircleYoung HarrisInfo: 706.896.3167; 404.304.7068

May 20th & 27th & June 17th“Solar Quest & Aurora System” Rollins PlanetariumYoung Harris CollegeYoung HarrisInfo: 706.379.5195

May 21st

Relay for Life Glow Run 5KBrasstown Valley Resort Golf CourseYoung HarrisInfo: 706.896.5916

June 3rd – 5th

North Georgia Highlands Seafood FestivalMayors ParkYoung HarrisInfo: 706.897.6179

June 4th – 5th

Home & Garden ShowThe Event Center at FieldstoneYoung HarrisInfo: 855.321.2110; 828.321.2111

June 6th – 8th & 13th – 15th

June 20th – 22nd & 27th – 29th

Summer Horse CampBrasstown Valley Resort StablesYoung HarrisInfo: 706.379.4606

Music on the SquareTown SquareHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.4966, 800.984.1543

June 4th

The Bauman Family

continued


June 11th

Bill Rinaldo

June 17th

Paul Constantine

June 18th

Shady Grove

June 25th

Bonnie Ridge Bluegrass

Crane Creek VineyardsYoung HarrisInfo: 706.379.1235

May 7th and each SaturdayWinery Tour

May 28th

Clusterfest

Georgia Mountain FairgroundsHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.4191www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com


BMW Motorcycle Rally

May 14th

Georgia Mountain Eggfest

May 14th

Travis Tritt

May 28th

Chubby Checker, Robert Lee Smith & the Tams, Bennie Anderson & the Drifters

June 2nd - 3rdGreater Atlanta British Motorcycle Assn.

June 11thAppalachian Wine, Music and Art Festival

June 17thLynyrd Skynyrd in Concert

UNION COUN TY

May 4th and each WednesdayBINGOHaralson Memorial Civic CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 678.630.0452

May 5th and each ThursdayTrivia at the ViewView Grill at the Butternut Creek Golf Course, BlairsvilleInfo: 706.439.6054

May 6th

13th Annual Kilted Golf ClassicOld Union Golf CourseBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.7359

May 6th, 13th, 27th and each Friday June - OctoberTrash and Treasure at the Union County Farmers’ MarketOld Smokey RoadBlairsvilleInfo: 706.439.6043

May 7th

2016 Kentucky Derby PartyNorth Georgia Technical College Conference Center, BlairsvilleInfo: 706.897.7692

May 13th and the second Friday of the monthWriters’ Night OutUnion County Community CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 877.745.5789

May 17th

Buy Local ExtravaganzaNorth Georgia Technical CollegeBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5789

May 21st and the third Saturday of the month through OctoberCruise-In on the SquareDowntown Courthouse SquareBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5789

May 23rd

Charity Golf Tournament benefitingHealing Hands Community ClinicButternut Creek Golf CourseBlairsvilleInfo: 770.362.7434

May 28th

Memorial Day ParadeDowntown on the SquareBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.6341

May 28th – 29th

Spring Arts, Crafts & Music FestivalDowntown on the SquareBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5493

May 28th – 29th

Spring Arts in the ParkDowntown City ParkBlue RidgeInfo: 706.632.2144

May 28th

Relay for LifeUnion County Farmers’ MarketBlairsvilleInfo: 706.835.8384, 770.297.1176

May 28th and each Saturday through OctoberParadise Hills Concert SeriesParadise Hills ResortBlairsvilleInfo: 877.745.7483

June 4th and each Tuesday and SaturdayUnion County Farmers’ MarketOld Smokey RoadBlairsvilleInfo: 706.439.6043

June 11th – 12thScottish Festival and Highland GamesMeeks ParkBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5789

June 25th – 26th

10th Annual Mountain FlingNorth Georgia Technical CollegeBlairsvilleInfo: 706.896.0923

Blue Ridge Community TheaterBlue RidgeInfo: 706.632.9223

May 7th

Band Kelley

May 19th – 22nd & 26th – 29th

June 2nd – 5th

Live Theater - “Drinking Habits”

Rock Creek Fishing HatcherySuchesInfo: 706.838.4723

May 6th

Veterans’ Appreciation Day

May 11th

Fishing for Special Needs Children

June 3rd

Seniors Fishing Rodeo

June 4th

Family Fishing Rodeo

Copperhead LodgeBlairsvilleInfo: 706.835.7433

May 7th

Spanky

May 27th

Michael Hulett

June 4th

One Night Stand Band

June 18th

Mike Watson Band

June 24th

David Phelps

CLAY COUNTY, NC

May 5th

Hayesville Evening Market OpeningOn the SquareHayesvilleInfo: HayesvilleEveningMarket.com

May 6st and each FridayMusic NightEagle Fork VineyardsHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.8466

May 10th – 22nd

Sacred Threads Traveling Art Quilt ExhibitionGood Shepherd Episcopal ChurchHayesvilleInfo: 678.549.3900

May 21st

Butts & Spuds Cook-off FestivalHistoric SquareHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.3704

May 27th

Summer Concert SeriesSusan Riley and the Junction BandHayesville SquareHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.2121

June 4th16th Annual Car-B-QueOn the SquareHayesvilleInfo: www.RotaryClubOfClayCounty.com

June 10th – 12th & 17th – 19th

“Till Death Do Us Part”Licklog Players34 Creekside CircleHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.8632

May 24th

Summer Concert SeriesBonnie RidgeHayesville SquareHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.2121

Peacock Performing Arts CenterHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.2787

May 14th Jacob Johnson & The Band Kelley

June 3rd – 5th & 10th – 12th

“Annie”


continued


Don’t Miss This!The Fur Ball

to benefit Paws 4 LifeMay 21, 2016

The Fur Ball has proven to be Rabun Paws 4 Life’s biggest fundraiser of the year. A well established and

highly favored event, The Fur Ball’s success is vital for the spay/neutering of all pets prior to their adoption and to provide the high standard of care that they demand for every pet at the shelter. So join in the fun at the Rabun County Civic Center located at 201 West Savannah Street in Clayton, Georgia on May 21, 2016 beginning at 5:00 PM. Pull out your “Sunday best” and come out to show your support. The evening will include dinner, beer and wine, live music and dancing and a live and silent auction.

Attendees can expect to find local art and collectibles, valuable gift baskets and many other items donated by businesses

in and around Rabun. The community is always so generous in their donations to help make this event one of the county’s most attended.

Individual tickets are $40 each with discounted tickets for children age 13-15 ($15) and those 12 and under get in free. Table sponsorships are a great way for groups, organizations and businesses to show their support and are available from $250 for 4, $350 for 6, $475 for 8 and only $600 for 10 guests (each person at your table receives a free beer and wine ticket). To reserve your space at The Fur Ball please call Rebekah Krivsky at 706.201.3397 or Cyndy Brogdon at 404.226.6885. You may also e-mail [email protected] or visit www.rabunpaws4life.com for tickets or information.


John C. Campbell Folk SchoolBrasstownInfo: 828.837.2775; 800.FOLKSCHwww.folkschool.org

May 7th & 21st

Contra & Square Dance

May 6th

Rosin Sisters

May 13th

Brasstown Bellringers

May 27th

Raven Welch Band

June 3rd

Pressley SistersCornbread Ted & The Butterbeans

June 11th

Annual Gala & Benefit Auction

June 24th

Steve Hickman & John Devine

MACON COUNTY, NC

May 1stTuckasegee Brass in ConcertResurrection Lutheran ChurchFranklinInfo: 828.524.2787

May 2nd

Rotary Club of Highlands Golf TournamentHighlands Country ClubHighlandsInfo: 828.526.8784

May 4th – 8th

Echo Valley ShowplaceSylva RoadFranklinInfo: 828.524.2516

May 5th – 8th

Highlands Road Gem Show1602 Highlands RoadFranklinInfo: 828.369.6341

May 6th – 8th

Mother’s Day GemboreeMacon County Community BuildingFranklinInfo: 828.369.7831

May 6th – 8th

G & LW Gem ShowSylva RoadFranklinInfo: 828.524.2516

May 7th

Airing of the QuiltsFranklinInfo: 828.524.7766

May 7th

Franklin Garden Club’s Plant SaleDowntown FranklinInfo: 866.372.5546

May 13th – 14th

Macon Tracs Spring Rummage SaleMacon County FairgroundsFranklinInfo: 828.349.6262


Horse ShowMacon County FairgroundsFranklinInfo: 828.524.3267

May 19th – 20th

Collective Spirits:Wine and Food FestivalThe BascomHighlandsInfo: 828.526.4949

May 20th – 21st

Franklin High School FFA RodeoMacon County FairgroundsFranklinInfo: 828.524.6467

May 27th – 28th

Spring Into Summer Craft & Art ShowMacon County FairgroundsFranklinInfo: 828.349.4324

June 2nd

Rotary Club of Highlands Bingo NightHighlands Community BuildingHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

June 3rd

Smoky Mtn. Shrine Gem’s Annual Yard SaleShrine BuildingFranklinInfo: 828.342.7535

June 9th – 12th

Highlands Motoring FestivalKelsey-Hutchinson ParkHighlandsInfo: www.highlandsmotoringfestival.org

June 11th

Special Operations Adventure RaceHighlands Rec Park and Civic CenterHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

June 16th – 19th

Taste of Scotland FestivalDowntown FranklinInfo: www.scottishtartans.org

June 18th – 19th

Highlands Village Square Arts and Crafts ShowHighlands PlazaHighlandsInfo: 828.787.2021

June 20th

Pawsitively Purrfect PartyThe County Club of Sapphire ValleyHighlandsInfo: 828.743.5750

June 23rd – July 9th

Highlands Playhouse: ChicagoHighlands PlayhouseHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2695

June 25th

SMPCC’s Bluegrass at the Barn Fundraising Concert / Silent AuctionBloemsma BarnFranklinInfo: 828.349.3200

June 25th

Family Day at the BascomThe BascomHighlandsInfo: 828.526.4949

Cowee School FranklinInfo: www.coweeschool.org

May 21st

Slocan Ramblers Concert

June 18th

Blue Wheel Drive

Smoky Mountain Center for Performing ArtsFranklinInfo: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598www.GreatMountainMusic.com

May 7th

Nelson Illusions “Smoke & Mystery” Tour

May 14th

Taste of Home Cooking School

May 21st

Chonda Pierce

June 3rd

Johnny Rivers

June 4th

Ms. Patti’s Entertainment Tonight

June 24th

David Phelps

June 30th

Mountain Voices

Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts CenterHighlandsInfo: 828.526.9047

May 19th – 22nd

“The Game’s Afoot”Highlands Cashiers PlayersInfo: 828.526.8084

June 17th – 18th

Travis LeDoyt... The Best Young Elvis

June 25th

Guy Bavli Mentalist and Illusionist

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music FestivalMartin Lipscomb Performing Art Center, HighlandsInfo: 828.526.9060

June 19th

Opening Concert

June 26th

Champagne & Chopin Concert

June 29th

Picnic Concert at theKelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Friday Night LiveTown SquareHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

May 20th

Randy Flack


Johnny Webb Band

June 3rd

Tallulah River Band

June 10th

Southern Highlands

June 17th

Mountain Dulcimer Group

Saturdays on PineKelsey-Hutchinson ParkHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

June 11th

The WellStrung Band

June 18th

Goldie and The Screamers

June 25th

Joe Lashers Jr.






One of our pat ients k n o w s

someone who has been recent-ly diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthri-tis (RA) and asked if we could provide some more information about this condi-tion and how it is different from “regu-lar” arthritis. So, this month we will discuss RA, its causes, how to diagnose and of course, treatment and management options if you have this disease or know and help someone who does. I appreciate the suggestion for this article, because we always want to write about topics of interest that are help-ful to our readers!

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is different from the normal “ar-thritis” that we often speak of getting as we grow older. Ag-ing arthritis is also known as Osteoarthritis (OA) and is an

Live Healthy and Be Well!

“Arthritis – OA versus RA – what’s the difference?”by Stephen Jarrard, MD FACS

inflammation, tenderness and stiffness of the joints caused by overuse and “wear and tear” of life. OA may affect

single joints or more than one, and usually waxes and wanes in flares that may even be affected by

changes in weather conditions. In OA, often the natural cushioning material of the joint starts to wear and in more severe cases, joint replacement, such as a hip or knee, may pro-vide the best solution. Most people manage OA with heat, topical liniments and NSAIDs

(Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs). As with any pain condition, we always caution

against using narcotic pain medications unless they are absolutely necessary, as there can be prob-

lems with dependency developing on the drug itself. Talk to your provider about the best way to treat pain, stiff-

ness and soreness associated with OA – “regular arthritis”.

RA is a systemic disease of the immune system that has a predi-lection for bony joints. You can think of it as a problem where your immune system is defective, confused and in overdrive, and is “attacking” the joints of the body. It is a painful, disfiguring and can even be a crippling condition if not treated and man-

aged properly. It can lead to loss of function and mobility. The process involves an in-flammatory response of the capsule around the joints, the production of excess fluid as a response by the joint and finally the de-velopment of fibrous “hard” tissue in and around the joint – often making it large and misshapen. As the disease progresses, it of-ten leads to the destruction of the cartilage (which normally allows smooth motion of the joint) and eventually total fusion of the joints. RA can also produce diffuse inflam-mation in the lungs, the membrane around the heart (pericardium), the membranes of the lung (pleura) and white of the eye (sclera). It may also lead to the formation of nodular lesions or “hard knots”, most com-mon in the subcutaneous tissue (under the skin). Ultimately, RA is a clinical diagnosis made on the basis of symptoms, physical exam, radiographs (X-rays) and certain lab-oratory findings can all help in making an accurate diagnosis.

The disease usually affects people of mid-dle age, and women are two or three times more likely than men. It is believed that

over half the risk of getting RA is genetic in origin. So, having a strong family history (as with many diseases) is a definite risk fac-tor. There is no evidence that physical or emotional stress triggers


the disease, but rather that other factors are involved or possibly random chance plays a role and pulls the trigger if you are pre-disposed to having the disease. Of the non-ge-netic risk factors, smoking seems to be the most significant. RA is almost three times more common in smokers than non-smokers.

There are both drug and non-drug treatments available. Non-drug treatment includes physical therapy, orthotics, occupational therapy and nutritional therapy - but these don’t stop the progression of the disease or the destruction of the joints. Analgesia (painkillers) and anti-inflamma-tory drugs, including steroids in more severe cases, may suppress the symptoms, but don’t stop the progression of joint destruction either. There are strong medicines called Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), an ex-ample of which is Methotrexate, which actually do slow or halt the progress of the disease. The evidence for comple-mentary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, or ho-meopathic therapies, for RA related pain is weak. There is a lack of high quality evidence which leads us to the con-clusions that their use is currently not supported by the evi-dence. CAM therapies may not help RA, but they can have effects with and on other medicines you take, so please in-form your health care providers of any CAM treatments you may be on and continue taking traditional treatments your providers recommend and prescribe. One thing that has been found to help with disease management, regardless of the stage of the disease, is regular exercise to maintain muscle strength, maximum flexibility and overall health. There is not much current evidence that specific diets have much effect, although a healthy, balanced diet will never hurt anything.

As with almost any disease process, the best hope of treat-ment and maintaining maximum health and wellness lies with early detection and proper management. If you have a strong family history of RA (parents or siblings, especial-ly), make sure your provider knows this as part of the fam-ily history portion of your records. Then, if you notice any unusual joint pains, swelling or issues as described above – make sure to tell them right away so that some testing may begin early. While there is no cure for RA, this early detection and treatment will preserve your function and mobility much longer than if it is allowed to progress be-fore proper diagnosis.

We really do enjoy hearing from you with any questions, concerns, or ideas for future columns and/or health and wellness related issues for the Georgia Mountain Laurel. Please send an email to [email protected], or call us at 706.782.3572, and we will be sure to consider your input. This and previous articles can be now be found on the web at www.rabundoctor.com in an archived format. If you use Twitter, then follow us for health tips and well-ness advice @rabundoctor. Like and follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/rabundoctor. Until next month, live healthy and be well!


Health & Wellness “To insure good health: eat lightly, breathe

deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”

~William Londen



The brain is the body’s most complex organ. It’s also the most important one. That’s

why keeping it healthy is critical, especially as you age. Every day, scientists are discovering how closely our minds and bodies are connected. As it turns out, the things that you do to keep your body and heart healthy may also be good for your brain.

Incorporate these eight healthy habits and activities into your daily life to help you optimize brain health and stay sharp in the years ahead.

Get MovingPhysical activity is good for your health at every age. Studies show being active is associated with a lower risk of brain issues. Whether it’s nightly walks, playing with the grandkids or taking your favorite yoga class, find an activity that meets your needs and gets your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes every day.

Eat to ThriveThe antioxidants in nutrient-dense foods like berries, broccoli and legumes, including some fats such as olive oil, may lower some risks to your brain. Try eating a healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with lots of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice.

Know Your Blood PressureHigh blood pressure can have serious effects on your brain health. If your blood pressure is high, get it under control. It may help reduce some risks to your brain.

Drink ModeratelyHow the body handles alcohol can change with age. Some older adults can feel “high” without increasing the amount of alcohol they drink. This can make them more likely to become confused or have accidents. So limit the amount of alcohol you drink – or don’t drink it at all.

Get a Good Night’s SleepPoor sleep, or inadequate sleep, due to issues such as insomnia or sleep apnea, doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. It can have

8 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Sharp

serious physical effects and can impact memory and thinking, too. Get comfy and go to bed. Seven to eight hours is a good night’s rest.

Discover a New TalentWhen you learn new things, you engage your brain. Try something you haven’t done before – learning French, ballroom dancing or carpentry, for example. Challenging your brain on a regular basis is fun and beneficial.

Stay ConnectedScience has shown that regular engagement in social activities can help reduce some risks to your brain. Stay connected and invite family or friends over for a healthy meal, go on a hike together or just hang out.

Talk to Your DoctorAs you age, some changes in brain function, including short-term memory, happen more frequently than when you were younger. If you have questions or are concerned, ask your doctor at your next appointment.

For more tips on keeping your brain healthy and thriving, visit BrainHealth.gov.

(Family Features)


There is Help and Hope for GriefHave you experienced the loss of a loved one?

Amedisys Hospice offers a Grief Support Group to anyone who may need assistance with understanding and coping with a loss. Support following the death of a loved one can be very crucial.

We welcome you to join our Grief Support Group starting May 9, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Clayton First United Methodist Church Family Life Center located just north of Clayton off Old Highway 441 North at 205 Ministry Mountain Drive.

Our support group is free of charge, and we look forward to seeing you there.


I’m not a food critic. I’ve never been critical of food. As a matter of fact, I’m in favor of food. I’m a food supporter. I’ll go out on a limb and say I’m a supporter of those who grow

food, make food and cook food.

I’ve actually gone out on a limb to get food.

When I was in first grade in Orlando, we had orange and tan-gerine trees growing in our back yard and we’d climb to get ‘em. There were orange groves just past the homes at the end of our street. But by the time Mickey arrived, there were more houses past the houses.

I’m also a secondary vegetarian. I eat the animals that eat veg-etables. I’m told vegetarians won’t eat anything with a face. But I’ve looked into the face of a sunflower and I’ve eaten my weight in sunflower seeds, mainly at Braves games.

I’m in favor of food. Some food wins my affection more than others. I grew up in an officer’s home. We weren’t allowed to be picky. Somewhere along third grade I distinctly remember sitting at the table around 11 PM staring down some villain vegetable like Wyatt Earp at the O.K. Corral. The formal meal ended around 7 PM. But there I was an 8 year old gunslinger without a prayer. The eggplant won the shootout.

We lived in Mexico City and dad would take us out to the villages and and let us see the poor who called cardboard and scrap metal home. We quickly developed an appreciation for

broccoli, peas and a real roof. Dad was a decorated combat Airborne Ranger. He’d tell us about how his young Vietnam-ese aide would run miles ahead along the jungle canals and creeks and catch crawdads and boil them in his helmet. He’d then serve up a steaming hot meal to his captain as he arrived with his reconnaissance team. Once I arrived into manhood, dad told me they’d eaten dog in the Southeast Asia country. I’m glad he’d waited to share that tidbit of news until I was older. We’d had plenty of pet dogs.

Carol and I were in Ho Chi Minh a lifetime later. Restaurants there actually have storefront signs featuring what animal they specialize in serving. Yep, along with cows, pigs and chickens, you’ll see dogs on some of the signs. Yum.

I’m quite surprised at our culinary options here in the moun-tains. For such a small town, Clayton and the surrounding area offer a surprisingly large number of fine choices. If you’ve ar-rived here and are reading this as you settle into your weekend escape or you live here in this wonderful corner of the North-east Georgia mountains, I have some suggestions for you.

First, Manrique’s on Highway 441 in Clayton. There’s no Mex-ican food like it. Not Tex-Mex but authentic. The owners are amazing. Manuel and Mary Lou treat us like family. Manu-el often cooks the meals and brings them to your table. I’ve named my favorite meal El Marquito. The servers actually know what the Marquito is now.

Next, the Rusty Bike is a few doors down. They serve way more than breakfast. But I just can’t seem to get past Joel’s morning menu. He, like Manuel and Mary Lou, has great en-trepreneurial stories, carving a successful path in a crowded market. Joel Johnson has been a chef at a high level and now serves food named after bicycles, and ATVs. Go figure.

Great restaurants must offer something beyond good food. I’m no research scientist but there must be chemistry, a blend of sorts, between taste, variety and vibe. There’s a vibe in the places Carol and I take all our out of town friends.

Speaking of vibes, another favorite of ours doesn’t even exist. The first time we walked in, I sensed an old world vibe. I’ve been to Italy three times and the Italians just seem to know how to create an atmosphere. Mama G’s has that vibe. Last winter Paul Gaglio’s restaurant burned to the ground. My fa-ther in law Gary Cook called to say he was slowly passing by, watching as the memories went up and away into a cold December sky. The fire left us all stunned and a vacuum was created immediately. But Mama G and her son are resilient folks and their new restaurant is under construction. It is a good thing dreams aren’t trapped in a physical building. It is a good thing dreams can be rebuilt and relaunched.

The Universal Joint in downtown Clayton sports a different vibe. They stay open later than all of our other locally owned

Lovin’ the JourneyGood food. Good vibes

by Mark Holloway


restaurants. Who knew I’d love a Greek sandwich in a place that once fixed SUVs, 4WDs and station wagons. They serve perhaps the best burgers around. The place always seems crowded and loud. Perfect. We’re always glad when Carmel brings her smile and service to our table. The eatery also spon-sors the annual Gran Fondo National Championship Race Se-ries as the start and finish lines where hundreds of cyclists gather after pedaling the countryside.

Spreading your wings a bit northward; there’s a new place to quench your thirst after a day of outdoor adventure. Frank-lin’s Lazy Hiker is a unique craft brewery. The local brewmas-ter and visionary Noah McIntee decided fresh and cold ale would draw tired hikers off the Bartram Trail and the Appala-chian Trail only ten miles away. Noah says, “Our taproom and large outdoor fireplace allow hikers to dream about the trail or be thankful to be off it.” They’ve got a big one-year celebration coming next month toasting their Lazy Hiker brand and aptly named options like the Slack Pack IPA and Trail Mate Golden Ale.

The other day Carol, our friend Julie Barnett and I ate at From-age. The ladies were veterans but it was my first time. I asked innocently, “I wonder what ‘fromage’ means?” They both answered, “It means cheese in French.” They didn’t add the word “silly’ to the end of their answer, but they should have. The restaurant puts cheese in most everything you order there. Good idea. I’m a cheese supporter. I’ll return there.

I’ll also eat at Fortify again. The vibe there has a Big Apple or Buckhead vibe.

The Bible teaches us to eat what’s set before us. I’ve been on many missions trips where that’s a tough thing to do. But eat-ing well in these mountains is not only possible, it’s a joy.

I’m gonna surprise Carol with a date to the Farmhouse. Don’t tell her. I’m told the place is good. There’s also some buzz about a new restaurant opening soon on Highway 76 West. They’re already growing their own food on the property. That’s about as farm-to-table fresh as you can get. There are other great places we enjoy, like the Ugly Dog Public House and the Cyprus Restaurant in Highlands. The sushi from the Ingles deli is good but if you want a restaurant to go with it, try Sakura in Franklin.

My favorite place to eat is close by Carol’s kitchen. Her gour-met food has graced our table for 35 years.

I remember being on the Appalachian trail when Carol and I pulled out our thawed steaks and squash from our back packs. Our trail mates were stunned as we settled in by the fire our second night on the AT. They might have been jealous.

Enjoy your spring. Eat local. Eat outdoors.

See you on the trail.


“To grow, and be the organization the community looks to for help,” Clayton Rotary Club President Jim Antosiak said, when he was asked about the

club’s plans and goals for the future. It’s a future built on a solid foundation first laid on October 14, 1948. That’s when the Rotary Club of Gainesville, Georgia helped 18 local Rabun County men organize and affiliate with the world’s first volunteer service organization, that was established in 1905.

In the 67 years since those initial charter members held that first meeting, the faces have changed several times over, but the basic precepts that Rotarians subscribe to have not wavered. Through a vast array of activities and community involvement, members have personified Rotary’s Core Essence: to be a local network of respected business, professional and community leaders that change lives in their community and worldwide by advancing “The Object of Rotary”.

Currently there are 42 members who meet for lunch at noon each Thursday on the lower level of Rabun County Civic Center. From those meetings spring activities that change lives. “Our main goal is scholarship money for students going to college or vocational school,” Antosiak says by way of explanation. The local club also sponsors the high school Interact Club, which is structured along similar Rotary precepts. They’re also participating in a program to eradicate polio.

Toward that end, the club has manned the concession stand at basketball games and cooked hamburgers and hot dogs at the football games. Once a month they pack food for kids and help with food distribution at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church, and often give away popcorn at various community functions. On May 13, they’ll be offering a free paper shredding service at the Rabun County Civic Center parking lot, and they’ll be supplying food and cooking at the Challenge Air Fly Day at Heaven’s Landing on May 30th.

“We try to help wherever we can,” he affirms. And every way they help is put to Rotary’s Four-Way Test.

I. Is it the TRUTH?II. Is it FAIR to all concerned?III. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?IV. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

So how does one become part of this group of civic and community minded men and women? A member proposes to the board the name of an individual he or she believes would make a good Rotarian. If the board agrees, that person is invited to attend a couple of meetings as a guest of the club. If all

agree it’s a good fit, the person is invited to join. Their name is then presented to the club for a period of 10 days, and if there are no objections, a fireside chat is held, where the prospective member learns the background of Rotary and the responsibilities of membership. This way there are no surprises. The new member is then welcomed into the club at the next meeting.

Rotary has a listing of 20 good reasons to unite with them. Among those positives are: friendship, business development, personal growth and development, leadership development, citizenship in the community, continuing education, fun, public speaking skills, citizenship in the world, assistance when traveling, entertainment, development of social skills, family programs, vocational skills, development of ethics, cultural awareness, prestige, nice people, absence of an “official creed” and the opportunity to serve.

Club leaders say that last good reason, the opportunity to serve, is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian; the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one’s own life.

Working together, Rotarians worldwide, some 1.2 million business community and professional leaders, volunteer to address problems ranging from illiteracy, disease and hunger, to poverty, lack of clean water and environmental concerns. Right here at home in Rabun County, the latest generation of Rotary members is at work every week, striving to improve some aspect of local life. That was yesterday’s mission and tomorrow’s goal.

If you’d like to make a difference, check out your local Clayton Rotary Club.

GOOD WORKClayton Rotary Club Is All About Rabun County

by John Shivers

Current officers of the Clayton Rotary Club are:

Jim Antosiak, PresidentBurl E. Parker, President-electTerry Thornton, SecretaryLarry Cavender, TreasurerTony A. Allred, President NomineeAdam Wright, Public Relations ChairRocky Ford, Membership ChairHugh Donnett Harper, Sergeant-at-ArmsDavid Tatum, Rotary Foundation ChairAra Elizabeth Joyce, Immediate Past PresidentRonald W. Barden, Bulletin Editor / Webmaster


903 - Good Work

by Terry Barnes - tbarnesphotography.photoshelter.com

Dogwoods



from personal experience. It’s called “The Tent I Left Behind” and some of her timely tips in-clude:

• Febreeze Extra-Strength is about as good as any-thing to remove skunk odor.

• At night, raccoons can do a near perfect bear imitation.

• Acupuncture was likely invented by a camper after a porcupine encounter.

• You can compress a man’s sleeping bag even further by running over it with the car.

• Every tree species has one branch that grows at the exact same height of the human nose.

• The guitar of the teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.

I guess the straw that broke the camel’s back was the time I made reservations at a campsite in Alabama. I was excited, but Judy was concerned about “the facilities” so I suggested she write and ask if the site was fully equipped.

Now, Miss Judy is a delicate lady when it comes to language, so she couldn’t bring herself to write the word “toilet”. Al-ways helpful, I suggested she use the subtler, yet old-fash-ioned term, “bathroom commode”. Thinking that was still a tad indelicate, too, she changed it to merely BC, writing, “Is there a BC on or near your campground?”

The ranger told me later, that not being familiar with the term BC; he assumed she was asking about the closest Baptist Church. So he wrote the following reply:

Dear Madam:I take pleasure in informing you that our BC is about nine miles north of the campground. My wife and I don’t go as regularly as we should—particularly in cold weather—but we would be happy to sit with you on your first visit and perhaps introduce you to some of the people who go more often than we do.

That was in 1984, and she hasn’t gone camping since.

By The WayThe Scoop on Why My Wife Won’t Go Camping

I noticed that several articles in this month’s magazine have outdoor themes. That, along with a stern email from the edi-tor, made me decide I’d write something about the outdoors,

too. The subject got me thinking about camping—an outdoor activity I enjoy. It also got me thinking about not camping—an indoor activity my wife enjoys.

I realize now we should have discussed the subject of outdoor activities during the courtship phase of our relationship years ago, but, for whatever reason, we didn’t. And, in my defense, Judy didn’t disclose her aversion to camping until after the wed-ding. She told me that tidbit inside the pup tent on our honey-moon. While I find camping stimulating, Judy sees it as giving blood, one mosquito at a time.

Here are just a few of the many excuses she’s come up with over the years to avoid going camping:

• To bears, people in sleeping bags look like soft tacos. • If ONE careless match can cause an enormous forest

fire, what about the dozens it takes you to start a tiny campfire?

• There isn’t a Waffle House at the trail head. • Big Foot might steal our pickles. (In her defense, that

did happen once.

Being open-minded, Judy does admit to learning a few things from her admittedly limited number of camping experiences. She even composed a little paperback list of insights she gained

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Georgia Mountain Laurel - May 16