APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS 1 A

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APRIL 2020 | | VOL XXXII NO. 4 | www.smokesignalsnews.com SmokeNews and views from Big CanoeSignals and around North Georgia POA Town Hall live-streamed from homes; governance with social distancing due to COVID-19

BY BARBARA SCHNEIDER generated by the pandemic the board is be met by UIG. The POA and UIG also [email protected] deferring non-emergency expenses. “We agreed—based on capital improvements will continue to plan for the Creek Golf and operating costs incurred in 2019—to he March 28 POA Town Hall Course and Capital Contribution Fee but an increase to rates in order to achieve the meeting—live streamed from will not ask for a vote until the pandemic stated 12 percent return per the Service home offices and living rooms to is over,” he said. “There’s a tentative vote Level and Operating Agreement. T 290 property owners’ computers for Creek [golf course] scheduled for June “When the sale of the Big Canoe Util- wherever they might be—was a far cry 2020 but we will wait and see where we ities Company was finalized in April 2018, from past events in the Big Canoe Chapel; are by then.” we expected the deferred rate increase to the usual site for these events. But the Utilities of Georgia be north of 30 percent,” said Aaron Accar- changed venue didn’t deter property own- plans rate hike in May do, UIG president. “UIG was able to come er involvement or lessen the importance of UIG announced a 27.96 percent in under that with a 27.8 percent increase.” topics covered, starting with COVID-19. increase in its water rates in Big Canoe “After the purchase, when UIG was POA President Bob Crouch reviewed as of May 1, 2020. This increase will raise able to really assess the condition of the actions and precautions taken to protect property owner monthly water bills by an water company, the number of outages, the community. Big Canoe Public Safety average $22 a month. reliability and poor conditions, the PRVs director and Fire Chief Ricky Jordan and The rate raise was no surprise. When [pressure reducing valves] were much Public Works are managing the plan. UIG purchased the Big Canoe Utilities worse than expected and caused line “They contacted several other communi- Company in April 2018, the firm agreed to breaks and pressure problems,” explained ties to see what they were doing to protect hold the current water rates firm for two Ron Medders, UIG regional manager who their residents and forwarded that infor- years while the true condition of the water has been the point man for UIG in Big mation to the board,” said Crouch. There is company was assessed and initial improve- Canoe and reported monthly at POA meet- a Big Canoe POA pandemic plan he added. ments were completed. At that point there ings for the last two years. View from the top--Doting mother and “The success of the rollout depends would be an increase in water rates. “Valves failed as the water loss was baby eaglet are perched high in a tree on on property owner social distancing. The POA board in conjunction with a much higher than the 50 percent that was Eagle Island in the middle of Lake Petit. That’s the key to success,” he said. The POA water committee, made up of prop- expected” when UIG purchased the water The first eagle sightings were recorded reports of larger social gatherings (more erty owners with specific and specialized company, he said. They replaced 85 per- in 2016 by Bert and Bunny Loftman. Big than 6-10) in Big Canoe are concerning, he knowledge, have been working with UIG cent of the valves in first two years. UIG Canoe's nature photographers Mark Green added. According to feedback to realtors management for the past two years, finaliz- was concerned with the lack of fail-safe and Marcia Captan started sharing their from prospective home buyers, there is a ing an agreement that included key perfor- and redundant equipment—similar to the spectacular photos of the growing family perception of Big Canoe as a safe harbor. mance indicators to ensure certain agreed cause of the 2015 outage—water-meter age throughout the years with “eaglet watches” As a result of the uncertainty to standards and measurements would and accuracy was way n POA | Page 2 beginning each spring. PHOTO BY MARSHA CAPTAN New smokesignalsnews.com digital-age website launched moke Signals announces its new digital age technology advances, TownNews was best equipped website: smokesignalsnews.com—its biggest to bring smokesignalsnews.com into the digital age. news since Big Canoe neighbors started the Fueled by a passion for local media, TownNews’ S newspaper 48 years ago. Content Exchange pulls content 24/7 from a master Brand new smokesignalnews.com provides you, syndication hub of all participating media as well as our readers, with a robust, hi-tech platform with media partners like CNN, ProFootball Weekly and multimedia content, 24/7 updated state and national Newsy, a Scripps news network. In addition to Smoke news plus the news you need from Smoke Signals’ Signals original, staff-written local news, entertain- award-winning staff, contributors and local experts. ment, sports, and news columns from our local ex- Although Cherokee County has issued a stay-in-place order Smoke Signals selected TownNews’ robust perts, readers can select articles from North Georgia, for its residents, Gibbs Gardens has been exempted from the content management platform—built specifically for the Georgia statehouse and statewide news, national county order because it has made adjustments to facilitate social the unique requirements of the media industry—to sports, entertainment and national news—plus mul- distancing. For information about the Cherokee order go to: www. develop smokesignalsnews.com timedia iTunes and video—all designed for you, our smokesignalsnews.com/cherokee. Gibbs Gardens, a 326-acre More than 2,000 newspaper, broadcast, maga- Smoke Signals readers. outdoor venue, has added an outdoor entrance to access the zine, and web-native publications rely on TownNews Smoke Signals Community Service, Inc. (SSCS) gardens for members, their guests and day visitors who buy tickets for their web, print, mobile and social media prod- is the parent company of Smoke Signals print, Smoke online and print them out at home. For more information about ucts. Based on its 30-year proven record with news Signals Weekly, the Big Canoe Directory and now social distancing at Gibbs Gardens, go to www.gibbsgardens.com. organizations, in-house expertise, digital services and smokesignalsnews.com. The past comes back to haunt a former GBI agent

BY DENISE RAY as lead inves- perspective,” he said with a hint of a smile. [email protected] tigator for the The book’s dedication is telling: GBI. thanking those who searched for Emerson ith a career in law enforce- “I struggled and the criminal investigators whose lives ment spanning nearly 30 with this case— are “forever changed” by the horrific events years, John Cagle, 65, has as have many they investigate. “You’re not alone,” it con- W covered countless cases. others—and cludes. Many could assume he might have become I just figured Cagle begins his account in a person- accustomed to the criminal behavior that it was time to al manner, sharing details of a post-high occupied the streets of Georgia during write out it. school graduation summer job near the those years. But there is one case that still Hopefully that nuclear reactor site in Dawson County. haunts him. A case that was solved and John Cagle. PHOTO COURTESY might get me He recalls exploring the area after his shift closed within 30 days—the fastest time OF BOOKLOGIX beyond it,” the ended. span Cagle can recall. A case that involved lanky Pickens County native said. “It was spooky. Everything around the “pure evil” and “the all-American girl.” There was also another less therapeutic nuclear reactor site was dead, bark was off That case is the murder of Meredith reason for the book: to provide his readers the trees, it was just spooky,” he shared. “I Hope Emerson. with a closer look at the investigative opera- hoped I’d never have to come back there While the homicide was solved and tions that happened back then. because it was so spooky. Little did I know closed very quickly, several nuances of the “There’s been a lot of coverage about that one night 36 years later, I’d be back case are taking longer to fade. Cagle took this case over the years and I felt like I there.” pen to paper with the hope of exorcizing his could go into a little more detail than some After college, Cagle became an educa- demons. The result of that time is “Those of the other publications could; kind of a tor, like his mother and grandmother. Days in January: The Abduction and Murder behind the scenes look. I wrote it so the “Back in the 70s if you taught high of Meredith Hope Emerson,” Cagle’s per- reader could find out through the eyes of school it made you want a career where you sonal account from his unique perspective the investigator rather than a reporter’s could carry a gun,” n AGENT | Page 2

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20182019 GPA GENERAL POA President Crouch reviews March 28 EXCELLENCE town hall, shares his thoughts on moving forward that are under consideration and provide proper level of services. His survey of other property owners the opportunity to ask properties revealed that Big Canoe was the POA President’s questions at our open work session and only one to have a pandemic plan. Their Report board meeting. actions to balance services and safety in this ® COVID-19 has prevented this from situation contributed to our thoughts on SmokeNews & Views FromSignals Big Canoe being a planned face-to-face dialogue so we how to proceed. A publication for Big Canoe and have a process where they can be presented A March 28 Town Hall meeting was surrounding communities. BOB CROUCH in writing or via call-in during the session. live streamed and gave everyone the PUBLISHED BY The very important assessment of opportunity to hear an update on the UIG Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc. he start of my term as a direc- the Bobby Jones Links agreement includes water rate increase, Gautam's views on the tor on the POA board has been many experienced and competent volunteer 2019 food and beverage issues and on the Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc. Board Of Directors quite eventful. Assessment of the property owners to assist in the board’s latest on key board deliberations. Included Jim Braley, Dudley DeVore, T Bobby Jones Links agreement, a decision process. You can expect calls for in Gautam’s presentation was his initial George Thurman, David Howe, decision to delay a property owner vote on further volunteers to participate in the CCF findings on how to reduce the current Wayne Tidwell, Rhonda Stock, the Creek 9 renovation, a plan for a mea- and Creek renovation efforts and several operating deficit in the clubhouse. He spoke Christine Flaherty, Phil Baldwin, Jon Markey sured approach for another property owner other opportunities. It has been gratifying on staffing levels and changes, cost con- vote on a capital contribution fee (CCF) and to see many volunteers I have worked with trols, improved and consistent food quality, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Wayne Tidwell - 770-331-2936 building an effective team beginning with in the past continue to step up. It will be clubhouse booking policies and procedures [email protected] the POA board has been very rewarding. exciting to see new faces filling key roles. already put in place to immediately reduce • And then there is that unprecedented Patankar Gautam, the interim general the aforementioned deficit. We distributed NEWS/SMOKE SIGNALS COVID-19 pandemic. manager, has been delightful to work with. the presentation materials in advance so WEEKLY EDITOR I am gratified that there are so many He has already announced a significant re- that property owners could review them Barbara Schneider - 404-626-5385 good people working on these thorny is- organization that includes a director of ame- and formulate good questions. Two hun- [email protected] • sues. It is inspiring from volunteer property nities and a director of operations reporting dred ninety property owners watched the ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SECTION owners, our invaluable employees, our very to the GM. The director of amenities will live stream and we expect a much larger Melissa Lowrie - 678-910-1338 impressive interim general manager from have oversight of the golf activities and pro number will view the video. [email protected] Bobby Jones Links to six other property shop, tennis, fitness, swim, marina, member- I have received very positive feed- • owners who comprise the POA board. ship and food and beverage services. back from property owners on the start to LIVING SECTION Words that I use to describe what you The director of operations will oversee 2020. There are significant challenges and Anita Rosen - 706-429-7775 can expect from the POA board in 2020 public safety, public works, golf course opportunities and we need your continued [email protected] • are openness, responsible, urgent without maintenance, landscaping and AECD. Each support and patience SPORTS & OUTDOORS SECTION rushing, inclusive of all property owners, of these directors will work closely with as we move forward to Melissa Lowrie - 678-910-1338 transparent, diligent, truthful, humble, team- department heads to provide the needed achieve success. When [email protected] ing and responsive. focus to maintain a high level of service in the property owners of Anita Rosen - 706-429-7775 You should have already seen some Big Canoe. Big Canoe come togeth- [email protected] of those words translated into actions. We This new structure is also more cost er there is no limit to • EDITORIAL LAYOUT DESIGNER have published the fact that there are many effective than the previous plan. Gautam that future. Karen S. Webster - 706-268-1437 work sessions in addition to the monthly has been a significant contributor in devel- [email protected] open session due to the wide range of issues oping actions to protect property owners in • to be dealt with. We now publish the topics this COVID-19 pandemic while providing a BOB CROUCH ADVERTISING DESIGNER Barbara Smith - 770-737-2117 [email protected] came in as aggravation in support of the “I’m not gonna add fluff,” he told his • death penalty so our case contributed to editor. “Every book I’ve read, the big thick WEBMASTER Agent their death penalty case in Florida in which ones, I skip about half of it because I don’t Liz Scherer - 678-404-1664 n Continued from page 1 he was sentenced to death.” care about it. I tried to make this one where [email protected] Reflections about the case people would care about all of it rather than • he chuckled. “So, I just applied. I didn’t have BOOKS EDITOR Part of writing the book meant reliving skip to find something they’d like. So, it’s any law enforcement experience and at that the case and Hilton’s actions. short.” Ken Reynolds - 770-894-2664 time you didn’t have to have any.” [email protected] Cagle broke a couple of rules and Cagle thinks his readers could learn • Fast forward to the Spring of 2007 and writes about them in the book. For exam- about the effects these kinds of things have REPORTING STAFF Cagle contemplates retirement. He’s given a ple, during a criminal investigation it isn’t on officers that investigated cases. Ellen Harrison, David Howe, retirement date of April 1, 2008. wise to disclose a lot of details about your “A lot of people don’t realize that these Laura Link, Barbara Schneider, “We’d come off some high-profile cas- Denise Ray, Wayne Tidwell strategy and what you’re doing outside the kinds of cases could affect—and have af- es, a lot of attention on the agency and me investigating group, he explained. fected—our lives, too. Not to take anything • and I was hoping to slide in under the radar COLUMNISTS “After I met Meredith’s family, I knew away from family and friends, but we carry Bob Anderson, Tom Attaway, Megan Bianco, until April. Everything was going fine. By I had to tell them everything. Even though these things for a while too,” Cagle said. Brent Carroll, Gary Cherry, Wayne Crawford, December I thought I might be able to slide what I would tell them was not what they “Everybody thinks these things can’t happen Debbie Dickson, Doris Dressler, Bonnie East right out with no other big cases,” he said. wanted to hear,” Cagle said of his daily here, but it did,” Cagle said. “You need to Christine Flaherty, George Fox, That plan was foiled with the start of 2008, briefings. be aware of your surroundings. You had a Dr. Ray Habermann, Cynthia Hendry, literally. Another misjudgment was to become serial killer.” Fran Holman, David Howe, Will Jackson, The murder of Meredith Emerson Judy Kaufman, Ann Pike, Bonnie Plikaytis, personally involved with the case. He kept in touch with Susan and David Robert C. Smith,Theresa Hartz Rasmussen, As Cagle recounts the investigation, he “I got too close to this case because Emerson, parents of Meredith, for a few Ken Reynolds, Jim Rice, Clardy Schwarz, remains respectful of Emerson’s memory, Meredith was such a good girl, her parents years. He used to go to Blood Mountain Margo Vallone, Randy Waters, her family and her friends. He sheds light on are good folks and she had good friends,” New Year’s Day, but hasn’t been back in Artsy Chow Roamer those who tried to capitalize on her death, Cagle said. several years. • too. Cagle doesn’t include crime-scene STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER There were a few setbacks that Cagle Meredith’s Legacy pictures, explaining “learning how she died thinks could have resulted in a different Right to Hike, a group created in Em- Jim Francis will be enough.” • outcome of the case, which he shares in erson’s honor raising awareness on issues CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER The University of Georgia alumna his book. They include the attempts to get including hiking safety has been created. In Steve Papke went for a hike January 1, 2008 with her money from Emerson’s bank accounts at addition, the Georgia State legislature enact- • beloved dog, Ella, on Blood Mountain in the ATMs and a phone call Hilton made to his ed a law to protect photos of crime scenes. STAFF CARTOONIST Chattahoochee National Forest. She lost her Bob Glover former employer that had gone unreported. The Meredith Emerson Memorial Privacy life three days later at the hands of serial The third “is on me,” Cagle said. Act was passed after Hustler magazine ••• killer Gary Michael Hilton. Within a month, PRINT & ONLINE ADVERTISING Hilton placed a phone call from the requested copies of crime scene photos Hilton would plead guilty and be sentenced house phone of Huddle House restaurant in relating to Emerson’s murder through the BUSINESS MANAGER to life in a Georgia prison. Marble Hill. Georgia Open Records Act. Jeanne Holbrook - 706-669-7095 “I’ve never known a case like this “The Huddle House is about three Gary Hilton [email protected] to progress through the criminal justice miles as the crow flies from my old job Hilton sits in a Florida prison awaiting • system in 31 days. It never happened in a sight. Why didn’t I think to go look in there? the death penalty. SALES REPRESENTATIVES case like this,” Cagle said. “Meredith was Sarah Mansfield - 770-402-3839 It occurred to me that if I’d thought of that, “They need to kill him,” Cagle said. [email protected] abducted on Jan. 1, killed on Jan. 4, he [Hil- we might’ve had a shot at rescuing her,” “His state appeals have run out. Now he’s • ton] was indicted in the morning of Jan. 31 Cagle said. going through the federal system. Maybe Steve Melching - 678-360-3712 and pled guilty that afternoon and got a life Retired from GBI but not the case they’ll get to it pretty quickly. I plan on [email protected] sentence.” On April 1, 2008, Cagle retired from the being there.” Throughout the conversation, Cagle PRINT & ONLINE GBI, but never retired from the case. “This Blood Mountain is probably the most refers to the avid hiker by her first name, one, this is the only one that’s stuck with popular hiking spot in the Southeast, Cagle CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING rather than a more formal “Miss Emerson” [email protected] me,” Cagle said. said. Hilton was there New Year’s Eve. He ••• as law enforcement often does out of re- He teaches two courses at the Univer- later told authorities that he was hunting CIRCULATION spect for victims. sity of North Georgia and has written a text- people, looking for somebody to grab but Petr Fechtner - 706-669-7095 “To see the horror on the faces of Mer- book about writing better police reports. He people were in groups so he decided to hold [email protected] edith’s family and friends as we progressed, lives atop a mountain and enjoys spending off until the next day. Meredith was alone it was just heartbreaking,” Cagle said. time with grandchildren, including a grand- with Ella when he grabbed her. SUBSCRIPTIONS After Hilton’s arrest in Dekalb Coun- [email protected] daughter named Emerson. Hilton admitted that she almost took ty January 4, authorities wanted to give “That adds a little twist, doesn’t it?” him. Almost beat him up, but he got the best FIND US ON Emerson’s family closure and allow them to Cagle commented. of her, Cagle added. In these small commu- FACEBOOK give her a funeral. Hilton asked if the Union Writing the book has helped somewhat. nities Hilton admitted that “he would not County prosecutor would take the death “I’m kind of embarrassed when somebody have stopped killing had we not caught him. penalty off the table in exchange for the asks me to sign it. I’ve never done this He would have gone somewhere else and location of her body. Emerson’s body was before. I have a lot of good comments on it, done the same thing. He’s probably respon- quickly recovered in Dawson County. but I didn’t write it for that reason I told the sible for more,” Cagle said. “We became aware during the inves- people at Booklogix. I’m not writing this to To give more insight into the psyche of tigation that we were obviously dealing make money, I’m writing this to try and feel Hilton, Cagle shared a story. with a serial killer and he [Hilton] thought better.” A nine-year old Hilton was bothered that taking the death penalty off was a good Cagle describes “Those Days in Janu- by the way his stepfather was treating his strategy. It was not,” Cagle explained. ary” as a “two-drink book, whatever you’re mother, Cagle said. The man said to the boy, Smoke Signals® “When he was tried in Florida, he was drinking.” “why don’t you just shoot me,” and the boy convicted of the Cheryl Dunlap murder. In His editor told him the book should be did. Mailing Address: the sentencing portion of the trial, our case 11293 Big Canoe, Big Canoe, GA 30143 30,000 to 40,000 words but his is 25,000. Office Phone: 706-669-7095 Email: [email protected] mittee Member David Howe explained the ager, said the POA board agreed to continue Printed and mailed by the Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc. modification to the rate calculation devel- paying full and part time hourly workers Jasper, GA 30143 POA oped between the committee and Utilities based on an average of the last six months’ n Continued from page 1 © Copyright 2009 Smoke Signals All editorial and Inc. financial personnel to replace imprecise salary as well as insurance. Patankar went advertising material is the property of Smoke Signals and wording and exhibit in the original SLOA. through a detailed explanation of Big may not be used in any other publication or media without off. “Plus, there was a safety concern for the express written consent of Smoke Signals. employees who had to read the meters,” he The average user in the Big Canoe water Canoe’s food and beverage loss in 2019 and Advertiser is solely responsible for the content of all said. Large capital investments were needed system will see an increase of approxi- the likely reasons for some of the issues. For advertising published at their request or their agent and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the publisher right away. mately $22 a month in water rates to a $100 2020, he seeks to reduce labor costs, retain from any claim or lawsuit arising out of any advertisement. According to UIG, $4.58 million has average monthly charge. cost of goods and reduce operating costs. been spent on improvements to date; the Update on Bobby Jones Links status To achieve these financial goals, he seeks A note from the editor Smoke Signals is very fortunate to have a dozen regular firm plans to spend $2.4million more in 2021 The board is still working through a to generate new and creative clubhouse contributing columnists and scores of volunteer writers and $1.03 million more in 2022. final agreement with Bobby Jones Links. programming to make the restaurant more who have expertise in fields ranging from literature to “We want to make sure the employees are of a destination for property owners; to legal matters to pet care and medicine, and a desire to Medders noted that tier pricing has give back to the community. Smoke Signals’ relationship been changed to encourage conservation. taken care of,” said Crouch. There is a focal reinvent Duffers, food truck and swim club; with these volunteers is strictly as publisher, without For residential customers the new tiers point for employees’ concerns and issues. and provide consistent food quality. He board interference, of their writings that we find pertinent and of interest to our readers and community. are 0-5,000 gallons, $4.86; 5,000 to 15,000 Jason Brownell will continue as director of is also looking at pricing clubhouse usage The opinions expressed by our op-ed writers are gallons, $6.40 and >15,000 gallons, $10.24. Operations and Robert Sabat has been hired with pricing for all clubs and marketing Big not necessarily endorsed by Smoke Signals Community The POA’s water committee met with as director of Amenities. Canoe as a wedding destination. Services, Inc. UIG monthly for the past two years. Com- Gautam Patankar, interim general man- n Continued on next page APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS 3 A Second Front Dear Valued Smoke Signals Reader: on our community including business ages, and that would certainly apply to Our extraordinary volunteers, closings and service modifications such print newspapers. According to guidance columnists and reporters, ad reps and e appreciate your support as restaurant curb delivery of meals, and from Cox Enterprises, our parent com- administrative staff, who work together of our award-winning messages from medical facilities about pany, and information from the World virtually from the safety of our homes and newspaper and we plan to CDC recommendations and changes in Health Organization (WHO), a highly offices, are dedicated to providing our Wcontinue serving you even critical services. We also provide links credible source of factual information, the community with free but relevant news in these extraordinary times. to and about other reliable sources of likelihood of an infected person contam- and entertainment even through these Our new website, smokesignal- information. We will continue to get as inating commercial goods is low and unprecedented times. snews.com, was launched March 14 with much vital information to our readers as the risk of catching the virus that causes We thank you for supporting Smoke expanded coverage of our community our resources will allow. COVID-19 from a package that has been Signals and the businesses that advertise and region with a new look and naviga- For those who have concerns about moved, traveled and exposed to different in our paper. tion. Additionally, to provide better local the safety of our printed issues found conditions and temperatures is also low. coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in the racks located in key places in Big This would apply to newspapers as well.” Sincerely, Atlanta Journal-Constitution has offered Canoe and throughout North Georgia, we And for those who prefer to read the to share with Smoke Signals much of their offer this information from the Atlanta digital version of our newspaper, that will Wayne Tidwell coverage of the pandemic in Georgia. Journal-Constitution who prints Smoke always be available at smokesignalnews. Executive Editor Our Smoke Signals staff is also Signals: com. Additionally, the Smoke Signals Smoke Signals Publiications working very hard to provide local “We also recognize you may have weekly eBlast will always be available to coverage of the effects of the pandemic questions about the safety of mail/pack- subscribers.

Home Restaurant’s Matt Dunagan makes a socially- UIG suspends distanced curbside delivery to a hungry Big Canoe resident water on Sunday, March 29. Home has suspended dining room shutdowns service until further notice but avannah, GA. – Aaron offers a full curbside menu. M. Accardo, president of For more information about Utilities Inc. of Georgia, has curbsides and pick up service announced that the company at Big Canoe’s Black Bear S will be suspending water service Pub, Sourwood Restaurant, shutoffs for delinquent payments Home Restaurant and other in all its service territory effective local restaurants go to “New immediately. Additionally, the take-out, home delivery company will begin reconnecting options for feeding the socially service to those customers who distanced—and hungry,” are currently not receiving water (https://smokesignalsnews. service due to lack of payment on com/news/big_canoe/ delinquent accounts. new-take-out-home- Utilities Inc. of Georgia custom- delivery-options-for-feeding- ers impacted by this decision will be the-socially/article_5c4a41ca- notified as quickly as possible and 6e07-11ea-ac1c-27dc93e7c5fc. reconnections will begin promptly. html). You’ll find menu Accardo indicated that the policy information as well as IGA will remain in effect until at least shopping curbside pickup and March 30 and will be reevaluated at Forno’s new delivery to your that time considering the prevailing front door. PHOTO BY JIM FRANCIS COVID-19 conditions. COVID-19 Friends and Family Guide Provided by the CDC Posted In: Coronavirus When soap and water are not available, use tures. So far, no cases of COVID-19 in the Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Disease 2019 Response, Snapshot alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least US have been linked to imported goods. Avoid using public transportation, rideshar- 60% alcohol. Q: Should I be nervous about ing, or taxis. For more information about the ews of its increase spread Q: Should I wear a mask? traveling and visiting public spaces various steps to take when sick, individuals through the world is ratch- A: CDC does not recommend that (restaurants, retail stores, museums, etc.) should visit the What to Do If You Are Sick eting up public uneasiness healthy people wear facemasks to protect right now? With COVID-19 page on the CDC website. N about Coronavirus Disease themselves from respiratory illnesses, A: For the general American public, There is no specific antiviral treatment 2019 (COVID-19). CDC has been providing including COVID-19. If you have been diag- the immediate risk from COVID-19 is recommended for COVID-19. People with regular updates on how we are working to nosed with COVID-19 and have symptoms, considered low at this time, but we do have COVID-19 should receive supportive care contain the spread of this new public health a mask is warranted to protect others from heightened concern for certain commu- to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, threat, while also preparing for the possibil- the risk of infection. Health workers and nities in the United States. You might see treatment should include care to support ity of a global pandemic. As of 4 p.m. March other people taking care of someone infect- local communities begin to take action with vital organ functions. 30 there are 140,904 cases and 2,405 deaths. ed with COVID-19 in close settings should the goal of limiting exposure by reducing People are thought to be most conta- Because you are part of the CDC wear facemasks. face-to-face contact and preventing spread gious when they are most symptomatic (the workforce, you are probably being asked Q: When will there be a vaccine for among people in community settings. sickest). Some spread might be possible questions by neighbors, friends, and family COVID-19? What these actions look like at the com- before people show symptoms; there have wondering how this mysterious new virus A: Currently, no vaccine exists to munity level will vary depending on local been reports of this occurring with this new will impact them. This is a dynamic cir- prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent conditions. Friends and family should heed coronavirus, but this is not thought to be cumstance where the outbreak landscape illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. the guidance of their local or state health the main way the virus spreads. changes daily, so knowing how to respond Q: I know the outbreak began in departments on these matters. For people Q: I heard that someone’s dog tested to anxious inquiries can help prevent China. Should I avoid people who appear interested in traveling, it is always a good positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong. healthy curiosity from the worried well to be from China or may be of Asian de- idea to see if there are any travel health no- Should I be worried about my dog getting from becoming rampant paranoia. scent? tices posted for their destination. Visit the infected and passing on the infection to Many of the questions are predictable A: People—including those of Asian COVID-19 Information for Travel page on others? from well-meaning members of our social descent—who have not been in an area of CDC.gov for specific travel health notices A: At this time, there is no evidence circle, such as “Should I wear a face mask,” ongoing spread of COVID-19 or been in about this outbreak. that pets, including dogs, can spread or “When will there be a vaccine?” While contact with someone with a confirmed Q: I’m worried about being prepared. COVID-19. There is no reason to think that working at CDC doesn’t make you an or suspected case of the virus in the last Should I be stocking up on supplies at any animals, including pets, in the Unit- expert about all things COVID-19, you can 14 days are not at greater risk of becoming home? If so, what should I have? ed States might be a source of infection be a voice of reason to stem the spread of sick than other people. The greatest risk is A: Americans should be prepared for the with this new coronavirus. However, it is unfounded fear and rumors. You can direct to people who have recently visited an area possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their important to include pets in your family’s people to what is known now and provide of ongoing spread, as well as healthcare community. Everyone has a role to play in preparedness planning efforts including much-needed perspective. workers caring for patients with COVID-19 getting ready and staying healthy. having a 2-week supply of pet food and pet We’ve compiled the answers to some and those in close contact with patients. Help protect yourself and your medicines available. of the most frequently asked questions, the Q: What is the risk of infection for the community from getting and spreading Q: I have heard some cleaning prod- current responses and, most importantly, average American? respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 by ucts claim they can kill coronavirus. Is a definitive source of accurate information A: At this time, some people will have following CDC guidance for home, work, that true? If so, which products should I about the disease – CDC’s COVID-19 web- an increased risk of infection, such as and school: Preventing COVID-19 Spread use? site. healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 pa- in Communities. Individuals can practice A: As this is a new virus and products Q: How can I avoid getting COVID-19? tients and other close contacts of patients. everyday prevention measures like frequent have not been tested against this specific A: There is currently no vaccine to For the general American public, the imme- hand washing, staying home when sick, and strain, standard cleaning products that kill prevent COVID-19. Avoiding exposure to diate risk from COVID-19 is considered low covering coughs and sneezes. CDC also other viruses will be presumptively fine the virus that causes COVID-19 is the best at this time. provides information on how to be ready against COVID-19. way to prevent infection. Practice everyday Q: Can I get COVID-19 from products for many types of emergencies. Most commercially available household preventive actions recommended to help shipped from China? Q: When someone is sick with disinfectants are expected to be effective prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, A: The virus that causes COVID-19 is COVID-19, what symptoms do they have in disinfecting contaminated surfaces. including related to previous coronaviruses—SARS- and what steps should they take for treat- Product label instructions must be followed. • Avoid close contact with people who CoV and MERS-CoV. While it’s too early ment? How long are they contagious? The strongest evidence so far indicates are sick to say this new virus will behave in exactly A: Reported illnesses have ranged from that COVID-19 is transmitted by respira- • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth the same way, we can use the information mild symptoms to severe illness and death tory droplets—coughs and sneezes—from • Stay home when sick gained from those earlier coronaviruses to for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Symptoms infected individuals. It’s not yet clear how • Cover your cough or sneeze with a guide us. Generally speaking, coronaviruses may appear 2-14 days after exposure and in- likely humans are to be infected by touching tissue and throw tissue in the trash do not survive well on surfaces, and are clude fever, cough, and shortness of breath. possible contaminated surfaces. It is not • Clean and disinfect frequently generally thought to be spread most often People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 recommended at this time to do anything touched objects and surfaces by respiratory droplets. There is likely very are able to isolate at home during their beyond routine cleaning in your household • Wash your hands frequently with low risk of spread from products or packag- illness. You should restrict activities outside if no one is sick. soap and water for at least 20 seconds. ing shipped over time at ambient tempera- your home, except for getting medical care. n Continued from previous page share, guests and renters—is being studied. Sandy Lipkowitz asked “Which Martin Whitt asked about the revenue “After this pandemic is over, we intend to employees are included in the 76 percent impact projected for revenue and expenses Questions submitted prior to the study issues at the gates and come up with labor cost?” at the clubhouse due to COVID-19. meeting included one for UIG about the some recommendations for the future.” “Front house sales, Duffers, Food and “Our curbside sales are rising,” said unsightly look of well pump houses on Questions from the audience: Beverage, Swim Club, food truck—those Patankar. “We have lowered our on-hand Quail Cove Road. Medders said he intends Andrew Crane asked, “What’s the basis of who present, make and sell food,” respond- inventory and operating costs are down to “make aesthetic improvements.” getting water losses below 50 percent?” ed Patankar. but we are still paying employees based on Crouch was asked about closing “We’ve fixed the low-hanging fruit,” Ellen Harrison asked if there were any a six-month average.” the gates to short term renters during Medders replied. “More pressure release plans for The Chimneys. Ed. note: As of Monday, March 30, the COVID-19 crisis. He said the entire valves are needed.” He will target leaks “Yes, we have plans for weddings and Eagles Rest Park on top of Mt. Oglethorpe question of closing the gates regarding through district meters and service line banquets. We are actively selling for 2021,” has been closed until further notice at the property owners—full time, part time, time replacements. replied Patankar. request of Pickens County. 4 A SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS APRIL 2020 Trump okays federal emergency aid for Georgia FEMA announced Sunday, March pandemic beginning on Jan. 20, 2020 and tive measures (Category B), including di- al recovery operations in the affected area. 29 that federal emergency aid has been continuing. rect federal assistance under Public Assis- Additional designations may be made at made available for the state of Georgia Federal funding is available to state tance, for all areas affected by COVID-19 a later date if requested by the state and to supplement the state and local recov- and eligible local governments and certain at a federal cost share of 75 percent. warranted by the results of further assess- ery efforts in the areas affected by the private nonprofit organizations on a Gracia B. Szczech has been named as ments. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cost-sharing basis for emergency protec- the Federal Coordinating Officer for feder- Important medical links for accurate updated COVID-19 information The following sources updated 5 p.m., Sunday, March 29 offer information that may be of interest during the current COVID-19 pandemic. If you have other sources and/or suggestions, please share them with our readers and email them to [email protected]. Center for Disease Control and March 16. The Board of Commissioners If you have a fever and cough or dif- Emory Healthcare Prevention (CDC) declared a local state of emergency and ficulty breathing, these steps will help you https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/covid/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavi- enacted emergency ordinances. This dec- find the care you need and limit the spread index.html rus/2019-ncov/index.html laration is effective immediately through of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our region: • Emory Healthcare updated its This page includes a listing of topics April 7, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. All citizens are Call before you come. Please call visitor policies as of March 24. “We are to click on: Situation Summary, School, to shelter-in-place to avoid all nonessen- your doctor's office or an urgent care no longer allowing visitors in patient care Workplace and Community locations, tial outings and stay indoors as much as clinic for advice about where you should areas, except for special circumstances. Information for Healthcare Profession- possible. “The public will not be able to go for treatment. If you already have an • Family meetings to make health als, Cases in the U.S., FAQs, Resources enter the Administrative Office Building appointment scheduled and have recently care decisions on behalf of the patient will for Home, Symptom, Cases and Latest during this time. traveled to an area affected by Coronavi- be organized by phone from home.” Updates, World Map. The statistics are rus, please call the office before you leave For comprehensive information, updated daily and sometimes hourly—of- Georgia Department of Health your house. go to the url above. Emory previously fers guidelines on what you will need to https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily- Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Call- announced it postponed all inpatient and do and how to prepare for and/or help status-report ing 9-1-1 is always the fastest and most outpatient elective surgeries and proce- prevent the spread of COVID-19. The site As of Sunday, March 29, The number efficient way to get proper treatment for dures as of March 17. explains what to do if you get sick and a of confirmed Georgia COVID-19 cases medical emergencies. series of other helpful and informative 2,683 with 678 hospitalized (25%) and 83 Consider staying home and com- Northside Hospital topics. deaths (3.09%). pleting an E-Visit. We have updated our https://www.northside.com/covid19 online E-Visits to ask screening questions The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 (Coronavirus): SCAM ALERT — The Better Business that may indicate if you have Coronavirus. COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you Dawson County Updates Bureau serving metro Atlanta, Athens and Just visit www.ngpg.org/evisit-info for are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (https://www.dawsoncounty.org/pr/ Northeast Georgia sent an alert about a instructions about how to complete an or have been exposed to the novel coro- page/covid-19- potential scam involving a phone message E-Visit from the comfort of your home. navirus, please contact your primary care coronavirus-dawson-county-updates from a company with the phone number doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do As of Sunday, March 30, Dawson 844-989-1702 that urges consumers to Piedmont Healthcare not show up unannounced at an emergen- County Government is operating as keep their family safe from coronavirus https://www.piedmont.org/patients- cy room or health care facility. 844-442- business as usual. Please use the menu by purchasing healthcare plans from the visitors/coronavirus 2681 buttons below, or to the left, for more caller. A no-visitor policy until further no- Effective immediately, entry to all five information on specific departments or tice, except in special circumstances. The Northside hospitals and specialty facilities offices. Dawson County is NOT under a Hospital guidelines and updates only visitors who will be permitted are es- is temporarily restricted. Visitors will not shelter-in-place order NOR is the County UPDATED MARCH 17 sential family members who must receive be accepted at Northside Gwinnett Ex- under a curfew prior approval from the patient care team tended Care Center, Northside Gwinnett Dawson County Planning & Develop- Northeast Georgia in cases such as end-of-life care, labor and Joan Glancy, and all Northside Hospital ment by appointment only: Medical Center Hospitals delivery patients, and for legal guardians Cancer Institute outpatient oncology prac- Dawson County Tax Commissioners https://www.nghs.com/covid-19 of minors receiving care, which includes tices and infusion centers. Office: taxpayers encouraged to use online Only select entrances will be open our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Visitor restrictions for Northside services for patients and visitors at each Northeast Visitors who are approved must pass the Hospital Atlanta, Northside Hospital Dawson County Tax Assessors Of- Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) hospital health/quarantine screen. Visitors will not Cherokee, Northside Hospital Duluth, fice: office close to the public. starting the afternoon of Sunday, March 15. be permitted into the room of a patient Northside Hospital Forsyth and Northside Each patient and visitor will be screened who is presumptive positive, confirmed Hospital Gwinnett are outlined on the Pickens County for COVID-19 as they enter. You can see a or a Person Under Investigation (PUI) for website. No visitors will be allowed for https://pickenscountyga.gov/ complete list of open entrances, updated COVID-19. (See Piedmont Mountainside a known COVID-19 patient or a patient Pickens County Administrative Offic- visitation limitations and other helpful news article on page 8.) under investigation for COVID-19. es were closed to the public as of Monday, information at www.nghs.com/covid-19.

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32 RACCOON RUN RIDGE 164 BOBCAT RIDGE DRIVE 1358 COX MOUNTAIN DRIVE 3088 SKITTS MOUNTAIN RD. 10 SUMMIT DRIVE WEST Exquisitely furnished Mtn Lodge “Cooking Light” Magazine’s Luxurious Mountain Living The Ultimate Country Retreat 180° Lake Petit Views! w/spectacular views, masterful Showcase Home 5BR, 4F, 2H BATHS ~ $1,000,000 4BR, 3BA, 2HLF BA, ~ $975,000 4BR, 3.5BA ~ $949,000 craftsmanship & complete tranquility 4BR, 6.5B ~ $1,150,000 6BR, 4.5BA ~ $1,200,000

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476 WILDCAT DRIVE 80 TEABERRY LANE 18 NUGGET LANE 630 PORTICO POINT 371 MYSTIC TRAIL, THE Pristine custom David Hall Wildcat home Warm and Gracious Home in a great Quality Custom Home on 1.59 Acres Large Family Home on Private lot in PRESERVE AT SHARP MTN. with 30 mile long range views location w/Beautiful Mountain Views 4BR, 4.5BA ~ $689,000 Highly Sought Alpharetta SD Elegant Timber Frame Home in 4BR, 4.5BA ~ $949,000 5BR, 5.5BA ~ $775,000 7BR, 6 BA ~ $639,000 Premier Gated Community 3BR, 2FULL/2 HLF BA ~ $625,000

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234 PETIT RIDGE DRIVE 109 RED BUD PASS 113 SCONTI KNOLL DRIVE 78 HIGHLAND FARMS COURT 369 CHEROKEE TRAIL Custom Built Home in Prime Location Fabulous Family Home with Curb Southern Living Show Home Charming LIKE NEW Craftsman near Ken Rice built Custom 4BR, 3 FULL BA, 2 HALF BA Appeal in Blackwell Creek 4BR, 5BA ~ $547,500 Club w/Views Home on Corner Lot $599,000 4BR, 3.5BA ~ $599,000 3BR, 3.5BA ~ $499,000 4BR, 4BA ~ $459,000

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74 CHEROKEE WAY 367 WINDFLOWER DRIVE 158 WOODSTREAM POINT 211 FALLEN DEER PATH 429 GROUSE GAP Beautiful Home in Great Neighborhood Turn Key! Total Remodel, Handicap Accessible, Beautifully Updated and Exceptional Custom Features and Best Location 4BR, 3.5BA ~ $389,000 Close to North Gate Move-In Ready! on 2.5 acre Estate Lot 4BR, 3BA ~ $434,500 4BR, 3.5BA ~ $375,000 4BR, 3.5BA ~ $375,000 3BR, 2.5BA ~ $350,000

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78 PONY LANE 1070 BROOK KNOLL LANE 57 SHAGGY MAPLE 2130 MACEDONIA RD ELLIJAY 1752 RIDGEVIEW DRIVE Custom Built/Great Value & Location The Orchards at Brannon Oak Farm Open Plan exudes “Mountain” Country Cottage with acreage Wonderful Opportunity! A little 4BR, 3.5BA ~ $349,000 Cumming’s Nicest Active Adult charm on secluded cul-de-sac 2BR, 2BA ~ $269,900 vista pruning a you’ll have a Community 3BR, 3.5BA ~ $325,000 gorgeous interior BC view. 3BR, 3BA ~ $347,900 3BR, 2.5BA ~ $249,000 FEATURED HOMESITES...

• 2641 Sconti Point - Easy build end of cul-de-sac lot ON BOTH SIDES OF BLACKWELL CREEK with Lake Sconti and golf course views for only $30,000! SOLD • 6501 Buckskull Ridge - $149,000 • 238 Sanderlin Mtn Dr - $165,000 - Level entry lot with • 1264 Grouse Gap - $79,900 - Large Lot - BIG View! Big View to Amicolola, Dahlonega and Mt Yonah. • 470 Falcon Heights Lane - $90,000 - Views to Amicalola & Beyond! • 8133 Wilderness Parkway - $57,500 - Mature • 8256 Cox Mtn Rd - $99,000 - Big Canoe’s Finest View Lot - See it all! trees, natural hardwoods and 2 Streams! • 8188 Willow Dr, $55,900 - Great Lot with View SOCIAL DISTANCING? Safely visit all Big Canoe Homes on my website - NO registration required! www.CampriniandCompany.com Berkshire Hathaway Home Services|Georgia Properties|#1 Real Estate Company in greater Atlanta Y Prestigious Phoenix Award (11 Years Board of Realtors Circle of Excellence) Y Leading Edge, President, and Chairman’s Circle Gold Awards Y Lifetime Member Multi-Million Dollar Club Cell: (770) 856-9725 Berkshire Hathaway Home R Member 400 North Board of Realtors Services Georgia Properties R Accredited Buyer’s Representative (678) 513-2023 Jack Camprini R Certified Fine Home & International Property Specialist 325 Brannon Rd. Ste 200, Cumming GA 30041 REALTOR R Certified Skilled Negotiator Email: [email protected] BIG CANOE RESIDENT Information provided is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 6 A SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS APRIL 2020 Northside Hospital COO shares latest information about coronavirus prevention BY WAYNE TIDWELL “We recom- "We didn’t give you hand Northside Cherokee has 200 beds, 22 [email protected] mend that you operating rooms and has had continuously wash your hands sanitizer for nothing.” grown since they started about two years Ed. note: The information in this article about with soap for ago. the COVID-19 pandemic is as of March 6 20 seconds or “If you just have symptoms, even if you In fiscal year 2019, Forsyth, with 325 when the presentation was made. Updated the time it takes have traveled to the affected areas, you can beds, had 785,000 patient encounters, 62,00 information can be found at CDC.gov. to sing ‘Happy manage it at home,” she said. “Remember, in ER and 15-16,000 surgeries, a 25% increase Birthday’ twice,” this is a virus, so there is no treatment. You year over year, according to Jackson. earing hand sanitizers for those Jackson said. treat the symptoms. Anti-virals do not work Big Canoe is centered between attending the March 6 Big Canoe “Or you can use on this particular COVID virus. But you can Northside Cherokee and Northside Forsyth. Breakfast Club (Formerly Squires & Lynn Jackson, Chief sanitizer. Rub manage that at home. You don’t need to go (27 miles to Forsyth, 28 miles to Cherokee). B Stags), Northside Forsyth Hospital Operating Officer of your hands good to the hospital to get diagnosed. You should Forsyth opened its women’s center in COO Lynn Jackson provided important Northside Forsyth, and let it dry.” call your healthcare provider before you 2008. Prior to that the area of Forsyth had information about the subject on everyone’s speaking at the Big When visit a hospital so the hospital can prepare been without hospital-based OB services for mind today. Canoe Breakfast Club. it comes to for you.” 25 years, according to Jackson. “What do you think the elephant in the PHOTO BY WAYNE TIDWELL travel decisions, Northside Hospital Forsyth also does the most gamma room is right now?” Jackson said. “We didn’t Jackson recom- Jackson provided a lot of information knife (radiation surgery for those with brain give you hand sanitizer for nothing.” mended the CDC website where there is a about Northside Hospitals, which includes tumors) cases in Georgia. Jackson of course was referring to section about travel and what cautions you five acute care hospitals, one nursing home “We have the largest same day total the coronavirus but she also reminded the should take depending on what country you and one rehab hospital, over 21,000 employ- joint replacement program in the state and group that there were other health con- are traveling to. ees, 1600 in-patient beds and 250 out-patient now the Southeast,” Jackson said. “We have cerns. She said there were no COVID patients locations from Blairsville to Macon. the shortest length of stay for total joints “We should be as worried about the at Northside. “Last year we saw more than 3.7 million in the country (.6 days). We have stayed flu as we are about this (coronavirus),” “Northside has received no COVID patient visits,” Jackson said. “We have over almost entirely away from opioid use. Our she said. We are still seeing in our hospital patients at any of our locations,” she said. 3500 physicians on our medical staff, the re-admission rate is almost the lowest in the active cases of the flu.” “Now, I am not going to tell you we haven’t largest in the southeast. Probably about 700- country. We are top two in hospital survey Jackson said Northside was using seen in every hospital everywhere in the 800 of those are OBGYN. One in six babies ratings.” advice from the CDC to deal with the coro- country what the CDC calls PUI, ‘persons in Georgia are born at Northside. They Forsyth has 600 designated campus navirus “because we want to go straight to under investigation.’ That means if someone deliver more babies than any hospital in the physicians, 3500 employees, 360 volunteers, the experts. comes in and says they have traveled and country.” 24 operating rooms, 26 hospitalists (inter- “What they are telling us is there is no have a cough or cold. We have an imme- Jackson said compassionate support nists who practice hospital medicine). vaccine for the coronavirus,” she said. “The diate response to that. No patients have of patients was a high priority at Northside “In the new operating rooms they new coronavirus is called COVID-19. Just to gotten to the point of needing to be tested.” Hospitals. have Indigo Clean Technology continuous be clear, people have been getting corona- Jackson said that there is no such thing “Nobody wants to be in a hospital,” disinfection technology that kills harmful virus for a long time. But that is a different as a coronavirus testing kit. Jackson said. “So, we as employees have to bacteria that might be linked to hospital strain.” “No hospital in the country can test for be very supportive of that journey.” acquired infections,” Jackson said. “A purple When it comes to wearing masks, COVID,” she said. “They can test for corona Jackson said Northside participates in light comes on when doors are closed and Jackson said the CDC does not recommend but not for COVID. The CDC and several a lot of activities that help benchmark their no one is in the room. When the doors are that people who are well wear a face mask. specialty centers have exclusivity of those process against the performance of other opened the lights turn off.” Face masks should only be worn by those because there are not a lot of them yet. organizations. Construction of two more floors will who show signs or symptoms or have been The hospital will be required to do a lot of All three of the Northside Hospitals add 64 new beds and 45,000 square feet. It exposed. testing before they will be given permission are ranked as best hospitals in Georgia by will go live in fall 2021, according to Jackson. “We use facemasks when we are to send a specimen to the testing facility.” U.S. News and World Report, according to At 10 stories it will be the only skyscraper in taking care of patients but we have to use a Jackson said infection preventive measures Jackson. Northside received the Gold Seal of Forsyth County. specialized one because patients may cough are not new to Northside. Approval for healthcare quality by the Joint In the Q&A period Jackson was asked on us or sneeze on us and we have direct “Infection preventive measures are Commission and has been ranked in the top what hospital one should go to if having contact with patients so it is appropriate in always a priority at Northside, so we are do- 100 large employers best place to work in heart or stroke issues. She answered “the a healthcare environment,” Jackson told the ing this every day. We have had as many as the United States, the only Georgia hospital closest” one. Ambulances typically have the group. 50 flu patients in our ER at a time so this is to receive that award. ability to send EKG and other information She said the best place to go to get not new to us or any hospital. We all know Northside has been recognized nation- to the hospital from the ambulance so that current information (about coronavirus) is how to handle this. We are adhering to the ally for patient experience. the hospital can prepare for the victim. CDC.gov. CDC’s recommendations and guidelines not “That’s near and dear to us because the Jackson urged Big Canoers to volunteer Some recommendations by Jackson only for prevention but for surveillance and hospital experience is everything” Jackson at the hospital. A free lunch is provided for any time there is someone in the home sick treatment. That’s the important thing, that said. those who serve a 4-hour shift. More vol- include: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and you stick to the guidelines because they are Northside Forsyth has been recognized unteer information can be found at www. mouth, stay home if you are sick, cover your changing literally hour by hour day by day.” for its safety and was recently recognized as northsideforsythauxillary.com. cough or sneeze, clean and disinfect what Jackson recommended talking to your a five-star hospital by Centers for Medicare For a complete list of services and you touch, wash your hands with soap and doctor before deciding to go to a hospital and Medicaid, only achieved by 11 percent locations visit www.northside.com or call water. when feeling ill. nationwide. 404-845-5555. • FOR SALE •

87 Woodpecker Way 269 Cherokee Trail 1051 McElroy $499,000 $569,000 Mountain Drive ...... $659,000 • 3800 + - square feet • 4000 + - square feet ...... • 3 BRs on Main, 1 on Terrace • 2 BRs on Main, 2 on Terrace • 4200+- square feet • Mountain View • 2 car Garage plus 1 car Garage • 3 BRs,4 BA,1 half bath • Circular Driveway • Keeping room • Classic Modern Mountain • Covered Decks and Breezeway • Office • Mountain View • Excellent Storage • New roof 1/2020 • Custom cabinets • Enclosed garden area with stone patio • Large deck, partially covered • Excellent Storage

Nick Schiltz, Associate Broker • 404-281-8773 Solid Source Realty GA • 770-475-1130 Ext. 3734 APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS 7 A In Memoriam Linda Lee McClure Gordon a member of the Rabin Gap – Nacoochee of her love for animals, especially dogs, she January 27, 1940 – March 11, 2020 Guild and worked at Floyd and Stanford volunteered for many years with Big Canoe Law Office. Animal Rescue. inda Lee Gordon entered the arms The Gordons moved to the Big Canoe In addition to her husband, she is sur- of her heavenly Father on March 11. community in the mountains of North vived by daughters, Cathy Gordon Wallace Born in Locust Grove, Ga. on Janu- Georgia in 1997. She was a member of The and Virginia Gordon Holmes; grandchil- ary 27, 1940, she was chosen by her Big Canoe Chapel, and for 11 years she dren, Gordon Trent Wallace, David Alex- L served as the chapel Membership and Vis- ander Wallace (Charlotte), Laura Catherine adopted parents, Lee and Coral McClure. Linda Lee grew up in Atlanta, attending itation Coordinator, visiting new residents Wallace, Christin Nesbitt, and great- grand- E. Rivers Elementary School and Northside to the Big Canoe community. She partici- daughter, Haven Holmes. High School. She attended the University of pated in many areas of chapel life including: A Celebration of Life Service will Alabama where she met her future husband, Woman’s Guild, Ridgerunners, Seekers be scheduled at a future date. The family Chuck Gordon whom she married in 1959. Sunday School Class and Women’s Guild Bi- suggest memorial donations may be made They were active in Second Ponce de Leon ble Study. In the community, Gordon was a to the Big Canoe Chapel Membership / Baptist Church, leading singles and young member of the Lettuce Read Book Club and Visitation Program, or Big Canoe Animal adult Sunday School classes there. She was Wildflower Bunch Garden Club. Because Rescue. It took a village to save Mama and her pups BY JANE GALVIN All the pups are males. replied, "the dog park." The biggest shout out goes to Karen Thanks to this special village these hen Karen Rickards took her Rickards who unselfishly stepped up to the dogs will enrich the lives of the people and two dogs to meet friends at plate and saved the lives of five dogs. When their families who adopt them for years to the dog park one recent Sat- asked where she met so many helpers she come. W urday, she had no idea that she would be returning with six new dogs. A call on a friend's cell phone, while at the park, from Kristen Vanucchi was about to change her life. Kristen was traveling on Old Federal Highway in Cumming by the recycling facility when Mama and her five puppies appeared. Kristen was on her way to an appointment but stayed with Mama and the pups until Karen arrived with crates. A call to Forsyth County Animal Shelter confirmed it was full and could not Karen Rickards, the last two puppies and take the dogs for a few days. From there Mama. PHOTOS BY JIM FRANCIS Karen tried Pickens Animal Control but since she had a Dawson county license five dogs. They are all healthy and would be plate, Pickens would not take the dogs. ready for adoption by March 30. By then the Karen returned to her home in Big puppies will have had their second round Canoe with her now extended family and of shots and the time period for an owner LAZY BEAR FURNITURE made more phone calls. Big Canoe Animal coming forward will be up. Rescue could not take them since they were Karen said she is overwhelmed by the found outside its jurisdiction. generous help from her "village." Many new items to welcome in 2020 BCAR has very strict bylaws agree- She would like to thank Liz Wintter and ments with the POA on what BCAR can do. BCAR; Anne Jaeckle, who fostered three One of the bylaws states that all animals puppies; Charlene Mosshart; Ursula Berl; coming into the shelter must be found in Traci McLeod; Sherri Post; Monica Harris; Gifts, Lighting, Rugs and of course Big Canoe or the immediate area. However, Kate Critchett; Dr. Tomlinson, Wayside An- the situation did warrant help from BCAR's imal Clinic; Kelly Ingram, Forsyth Humane Bears and Canoes outreach program. Karen said that BCAR Society Fur Kids; and Be-Paws We Care, has been her lifeline with a special shout out Jasper. to Liz Wintter, the kennel director. As of this writing three of the puppies BCAR has covered food and all medical have been adopted. If the other two and FOOTHILLS CENTER • 770-893-1500 expenses. Mama are not, they will be traveling to Dog Dr. Tomlinson at Wayside Animal Clin- Orphans in Massachusetts. It would be ic put aside a chunk of time to examine all wonderful if they all could stay in the area.

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Dawson County Sheriff

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jeff Johnson, Dawsonville, GA 8 A SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS APRIL 2020 ‘An event that affects the whole world is unprecedented’

just a little self-pity at this point. prayer time and appreciating the life It’s a bit ironic that I consider myself I’ve been gifted. We are so blessed and You Don't “alone.” I have hundreds of things to watch often take it for granted. Something like Say... and binge on cable TV. There is Facebook, this happens and it forces us to look in- twitter, email, text and phone calls. I have ternally at all we have. It is during this been in communication with over 1,000 time we have so many to call on, even JILL PHILMON people but I am still complaining I am alone. if it’s through social media, we still can Maybe this is because I’m a baby boomer feel love and friendship. It’s a time to and I need, or require, the human interac- reflect and give thanks. n sitting back and retrospectively look- tion and one on one. I miss hugs and pats on Thursday, I have an appointment ing at the actions the Coronavirus has the back. I miss looking at someone eye to to pick up groceries I ordered online created thus far, it’s pretty amazing to eye. I miss my social life. at IGA and I’m as excited as a child I realize that so much can change, very Speaking of eye to eye, I have also headed to Disney World, but the IGA is quickly, in our world. We are used to ter- learned the need for great hygiene goes out open. I’m actually going to see people rible things happening in the world all the the door when you are only communicating and if I’m lucky they might even have time but our sympathy is normally toward through social media. My dog loves me the toilet paper I requested. Kudos to one area or country at a time. To have an no matter what I smell like and my iPhone Sandy and Jeff Downing, Mark Butts event that affects the whole world is un- isn’t complaining about my bad breath. I and all the staff at the IGA for working precedented. But that’s where we currently have also learned that the longer you stay so hard to make sure our community are, and I have to admit it’s a bit scary! in isolation the less underwear you require. at Big Canoe didn’t do without for very Isolation, quarantine or shelter-in- God help the UPS man if he actually has long. You are unsung heroes. place—I don’t care what you call it, it means to deliver to my door and not the postal To close, I applaud the overall stuck at home alone with my dog. I do facility. I hope mental health is included in community of Big Canoe. There’s have to admit that’s probably better than his benefits plan. no place on earth I’d rather be stuck home with two kids I’m home schooling, so I digress! What I have learned during during a pandemic. I pray this will end believe me I’m not feeling sorry for myself, this period of isolation is the need for quiet COURTESY OF DAVE JOHNSON soon and I can go back to hugging. BSA Troop 20 enjoys Blue-Bird ski weekend

BY MARC RESTAR

t was a chamber of commerce approved blue-bird weekend! The snow was plentiful! The conditions were perfect for the “Southern Boys” of Troop 20 to earn their Snow Sports Merit Badge at the Cataloochee Ski I Area in Maggie Valley, N.C. Like most merit badges, preparation started well in advance of the trip with the dreaded classroom instruction that included winter sports safety and first aid, the skiers responsibility code and proper gear use. But with all that out of the way, scouts and siblings alike took to the slopes and within hours were shredding it up and holding their own next to the “Northerners” of Carolina. As a matter of fact, the entire troop was still on the slopes enjoy- ing the glistening lighted slopes, when the lifts closed at ten o’clock at night As the van was loaded Sunday afternoon after another awesome day of skiing, it was unanimously decided the troop will make this ski trip an annual event. If you are interested in joining Troop 20 on the ski trails or the Appala- chian Trail, please contact Scoutmaster Dodson, 706-248-9818. Piedmont Mountainside Hospital adds mobile unit iedmont Mountainside Hospital reserved for patients who are seeking Denise Ray, CEO of Piedmont Mountain- tients, visitors and staff from exposure to announced Monday, March 23, it emergency care, but who do not have side Hospital. “Most importantly, this of- coronavirus. Piedmont has worked closely has added a mobile unit that can respiratory symptoms. fers a way to make sure we’re able to offer with the Centers for Disease Control and P expand its emergency department “In addition to increasing capacity, high-quality care to people in our commu- Prevention (CDC) and other agencies, in- if needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. the mobile unit will allow us to care for nity in the most efficient way possible.” cluding the Georgia Department of Public The mobile unit, located outside patients who don’t have respiratory symp- The addition of the mobile unit is the Health (DPH), to stay up-to-date with the of the emergency department, is not toms in a different location from patients latest of a number of efforts at Piedmont latest information. a COVID-19 testing center. It will be who do have respiratory symptoms,” said Mountainside aimed at protecting pa-

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Locally owned & operated Since 1999 APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS 9 A

"The purpose of U.S. strategic forces is the avoidance of war by assuring an overwhelming and devastating response in the event of a first strike by an adversary." The nuclear triad and global competition

BY DAVID HOWE pared to act virtually instantly on orders [email protected] of the President. The second leg of the nuclear triad is olonel Bob Priest, USAF (Ret) air power. Since the 1950s, the subsonic treated the North Georgia Vet- B-52 has been the principal aircraft with erans in their March meeting nuclear capability. The current fleet con- C to a strategic overview of the sists of the 58 B-52 aircraft in operation. current U.S. strategy for military and eco- The B-2 Spirit, a stealth bomber devel- nomic supremacy and its evolution over oped in the 1970s, provides additional the decades since the Cold War with the airborne support with nuclear-capable Soviet Union. bombs and cruise missiles. Currently, U.S. Priest emphasized that national pow- has 20 B-2 bombers. er is important when viewed in relation to The sea power side of the triad other countries around the globe. Among encompasses the Ohio class nuclear the various elements that describe nation- submarine and its capacity of 24 subma- al power, the key measures are military rine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). power and GDP (national wealth), where By treaty, only 20 missile silos can con- in both areas the U.S. presently excels. tain the current Trident II ICBM, which His key warning about the threat to the also has MIRV warheads. Priest pointed supremacy of U.S. national power came to stealth as the obvious advantage of a at the end of the talk when describing the mobile underwater launch platform in growth of two aggressive world econo- responding to a first strike. He noted that mies: China and India. there are currently 14 Ohio-class subma- Colonel Bob Priest speaking at the March meeting of the North Georgia Vets. PHOTO BY Simply put, Priest described the rines operating in the world’s oceans. WAYNE TIDWELL Cold War emerging after WWII as our Priest pointed out that by treaty, tac- response to the Stalinist goal of spreading tical nuclear weapons in artillery configu- "Priest emphasized spent 43 years in military service. During communism across Europe and beyond. ration have been generally eliminated. three decades in the Air Force, he gained With a nuclear capability already in He stated that under the command that national power is operational experience in the Strategic hand, the U.S. used the threat of nuclear and control of the Single Integrated important when viewed in Air Command (SAC) with assignments as retaliation to effectively halt that spread. Operational Plan (SIOP), 1,400 missiles in a flight commander in the Minuteman II As the USSR eventually acquired a nu- any combination are currently available relation to other countries ICBM and Headquarter SAC staff. Colo- clear capability, the principle of mutually to be launched on a moment’s notice in around the globe." nel Priest held command positions during assured destruction, or MAD, became the response to an attack. Desert Storm and managed DOD Secu- watchwords of deterrence. Priest was careful to emphasize that rity Assistance Programs for Egypt (US The four-and-one-half decades fol- current military policy under which the military and economic terms during this Embassy Cairo), developed and managed lowing the end of WWII saw continuous nuclear triad exists does not include any century. He stated that the so called “belt command, control & communications development of aircraft, intercontinental option to initiate a first strike. The pur- and road” strategy of China is to become (C3) systems in Europe (HQ USAFE), in ballistic missiles, and nuclear capability, pose of U.S. strategic forces is the avoid- the dominant economic and geopolitical Washington, DC as Asst Sec USAF-Ac- mostly between the U.S. and the USSR. ance of war by assuring an overwhelming influence in the world. He said further quisition and in Headquarters Air Combat Until the mid-1990s under the U.S. and devastating response in the event of a that the Chinese military today is already Command (ACC). He helped develop the Strategic Air Command (SAC), the U.S. first strike by an adversary. on par with the U.S. and that the Chinese first use of instructional technology in developed and managed fleets of bomber Priest described the cost in human GNP is predicted to exceed the U.S. in USAF training and taught at Air Universi- aircraft and ground-based missiles. SAC terms of nuclear attacks on large cities. less than 10 years. ty and the USAF Academy. His remaining was the primary organizational structure The extent of physical destruction and Russia, he said, continues to pursue years of service were mostly Joint orient- maintaining U.S. deterrence over that loss of human life, not just in the imme- the strategy of undermining NATO and ed, supporting the DOD analyzing and period. diate aftermath of a nuclear explosion international order, “letting us destroy consulting on future Joint and Combined Priest described the current “nuclear but the long-term effects of radiation on ourselves.” He said that Russia “has operations based on US Iraqi wartime triad” under the U.S. Strategic Command, the surviving populace, is hard to com- violated every treaty agreement” and is experiences. successor to the Strategic Air Command, prehend. An 800-kiloton bomb dropped currently pursuing the development of in terms of ground, air and sea power. on Washington D.C., according to Priest, hypersonic weapons and others such The North Georgia Veterans welcome Minuteman is the ground-based solid would kill one million people and subject as an unmanned submarine carrying a honorably discharged veterans of all fuel intercontinental ballistic missile 2.5 million to deadly radiation. A 450-kilo- 100-kiloton weapon which, if detonated military services. Monthly luncheon (ICBM) carrying a 1.2 megaton multiple ton weapon dropped on Moscow would off the U.S. coast, would produce a deadly meetings are held in the Big Canoe independent (MIRV) warhead. A megaton kill 3.5 million and subject 8 million to tsunami. Clubhouse at Lake Sconti on the second is the explosive equivalent of one million physical injury and radiation poisoning, By mid-century, India is predicted to Wednesday of each month. Information tons of TNT. Five sites in the north-cen- Priest estimated. exceed the U.S. in GNP and closing in on can be found at ngvets.org. Registration tral U.S. house the Minuteman, along with Priest concluded by pointing to the China, Priest said. for lunch is required. 24/7 operational controls that are pre- potential growth of our adversaries in Colonel Bob Priest, USAF (Ret), 10 A SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS APRIL 2020 Program to honor deceased military veterans proposed for Big Canoe

BY PHIL ANDERSON posed two-sided color banners are 18” x 36” or more. The stacked field stone obelisk in size and made of reinforced vinyl. Cape supporting the flagpole holds a brass plaque he North Georgia Veterans Coral, Florida-based Military Tribute Ban- with the inscription “This Memorial Over- (NGV), in concert with the POA, ners, the vendor, currently supports more look is dedicated to the men and women of the Boy Scouts and Wood Work- than 30 cities and towns. References for the Big Canoe who have served their country T ers, are proud to propose a Big vendor report that their banner programs faithfully in times of peace and war.” Canoe property owner program to honor are extremely popular and that the vendor Details for POA approval of this pro- our deceased military veterans. Through is highly professional and totally reliable. posed program will be addressed during this proposed program, property owners Property owners interested in sponsor- the April 16 POA work session and April 23 will be able to sponsor military tribute ban- ing a banner will make application on the board meeting. ners to honor their fathers, mothers, family vendor’s website at https://militarytribute- Veterans Day, November 11, 2020—the members and fellow veterans—deceased banners.org. Payment for each banner in the target date for the first deployment of the former US military service members—will- amount of $150 will be by check to the NGV banners—is subject to any date change due ing to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend to cover the cost of fabrication, supporting to the current COVID-19 crisis. This pro- our freedom. brackets, shipping, wood, hardware, storage, gram will be fully funded by the NGV and While on display during the weeks and any needed repairs and replacements. the banner sponsors with no POA funding that include Memorial Day, Independence The NGV will sponsor community required. Day and Veterans Day, these banners will information and property owner assistance A February 12 Power Point presenta- serve as a fitting tribute to the brave service sessions to kick off the program. When tion was given to the POA board along with members we honor and proudly convey sponsoring property owners permanently a complete information paper, vendor video that Big Canoe is a patriotic and apprecia- relocate from Big Canoe, their banners will and frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) and tive community that will never forget their be given to them. can be found at http://www.ngvets.org/ in sacrifices. All banners will be displayed three the bulletin board section under Military Big Canoe Boy Scout Leaders, Jeff Dod- times each year on Lake Petit Dam as a Tribute Banner Program. son and Marc Resetar, wholeheartedly and fitting complement to the existing Veterans We invite your questions and com- without reservation support the program Memorial Overlook that was dedicated on ments to POA Board Member Wayne whereby our Scouts will install and recover September 8, 2001, just three days prior to Crawford at wcrawford@bigcanoepoa. the banners when on display three times 9-11. The design and construction of the Me- org and NGV members Phil Anderson at each year. morial Overlook was entirely funded by 67 [email protected] and Paul Goldstein at As pictured with this article the pro- private donations, 13 of which were $1000 [email protected].

Please share your garden shots with Smoke Signals readers each month. Send your photos PHOTO TAKEN IN KAREN WEBSTER'S BACKYARD ON SUNDAY, MAR. 29. to: [email protected] with a brief description of what's in the photo.

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Vote May 19 Proven, Dedicated Leadership 706-525-9145 [email protected]

Paid for by Committee to Elect Billy Thurmond APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS 11 A New World War II book features three Big Canoe veterans

didn’t do anything special.” Those are the words Rona Simmons, a North Georgia resident and pub- “Ilished author, heard repeatedly as she interviewed veterans across the country for her latest book, “The Other Veterans of World War II”. The daughter of a WWII fighter pilot, Simmons says she was lucky. After the war, like so many other veterans, her father had put the war behind him and moved on with his life. In the late 1990s, however, she persuaded him to sit down and share his memories. “When we were done,” she says, “he rose from his chair and I am certain he stood an inch taller.” Inspired by the experience and realizing how few of our veterans have shared their stories, Simmons decided to give them a voice. She would write a new book on WWII—not “just another WWII book,” but one about the war from an as yet unexplored point of view. In 2016, a chance meeting led her to Jill Lyons, the daughter Cumming resident and member of the North of Pete Peterson, a veteran who had served Georgia Veterans group, Thompson flew with the army’s graves registration unit. (through his son Knox Glass). over 1,000 missions to help deliver supplies Through Peterson’s memoir and letters Former Big Canoe resident and the mother But the book is more than just the to American troops on the ground in Asia. home and Jill’s childhood stories, Simmons of Rita Van Fleet. Stepp was a second stories; it is the war in a nutshell. And, she In 2019 he was chosen to lead the pledge pieced together his story and discovered lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps says, “It brings long-overdue appreciation to of allegiance at Governor Brian Kemp’s how little she knew about veterans who had and treated the wounded returning from the men and women whose everyday tasks, COURTESY OF MARIE STEPP inauguration. COURTESY OF LOUIS THOMPSON served behind the front lines. She suspected the Battle of the Bulge. unexpected acts of sacrifice, and faith and others had a similar gap in their knowledge humor had as much to do with the success- and that a book on noncombat veterans ful outcome of the war as their brothers on could offer a fresh perspective on the war. the front lines did.” “Finding the veterans and convinc- This is Simmons’s second book on ing them to sit down had its challenges.” WWII. In 2016, she coauthored “Images Thankfully, groups like the Atlanta World from World War II:” The Art of Jack Smith War II Roundtable and Big Canoe’s North with Georgia artist and WWII veteran Jack Georgia Veterans Organization came to Smith, telling the story of the War in the the rescue. “The North Georgia group,” she Pacific through Smith’s paintings. Last year, says, “practically kidnapped every World Simmons began a third book on the war. War II veteran within 50 miles and brought This one, she says, is a blend of fiction and them to me.” nonfiction and tells the story of another spe- Over a year and a half, Simmons met cial group of veterans and provides another 19 noncombat veterans—men and women, new angle on the war. whites and blacks, Christians and Jews, Ed Note: Rona Simmons, the author representing all branches of the military of “The Other Veterans of World War II,” and all major theaters of war. Each told her was scheduled to speak at the April North they had done nothing special and thought Georgia Vets luncheon meeting before it they had nothing to say. Undaunted and was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pan- convinced their depiction as pencil pushers demic. Smoke Signals will inform readers or grease monkeys or worse was far from of the new date for the event as soon as it’s the truth, Simmons listened and took notes. rescheduled. “The Other Veterans of World Along the way, she scoured bookshelves, War II: Stories from Behind the Front attended lectures, and talked to historians Lines,” published by Kent State University to flesh out the story behind the stories. Press is available or can be ordered wherev- Three of the veterans Simmons spoke The father of Big Canoe resident Knox Glass, Cone served in the Philippines as a horse- er books are sold. with had ties to Big Canoe: Marie Touart mounted battalion surgeon. Cone survived the Bataan Death March only to perish soon Submitted by Rona Simmons for North Georgia Vets Stepp, Louis Thompson, and Frank Cone after in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. COURTESY OF KNOX GLASS 12 A SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS APRIL 2020

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100 SUMMIT DRIVE 33 CHOCTAW RIDGE 18 BLUEBIRD COURT 329 REDBUD PASS $399,000 • 5BD/3.5BA $439,000 • 5BDS/4.5BA $799,000 • 4BDS/3.5BA $589,000 • 4BDS/3.5BA Mountain Views, Level yard, Near Clubhouse & hiking trails. Beautiful Lake Petit frontage Blackwell Creek neighborhood, Near Gates/Amenities. EarthCraft Energy Efficient Home. property. Excellent value lake. Near Main Gate & hiking trails NEW PRICE NEW PRICE

898 PETIT RIDGE 263 HICKORY TRAIL 231 CHEROKEE TRAIL 837 WILDCAT TRAIL $550,000 • 4BDS/4.5BA $189,000 • 4BDS/3BA $450,000 • 4BDS/2.5BA $719,000 • 5BDS/4.5BA Beautiful Mountain Views Cabin w/inlaw suite. Stream. 2car garage. Near North Gate, 2car garage - Near North Gate. Freshly painted interior Circular drive. As is. flat driveway, many upgrades. Like new construction (2013).

183 DEER RUN RIDGE 532 RED FOX DRIVE 1105 VALLEY VIEW DRIVE 18 CHOCTAW RIDGE $295,000 • 3BDS/2.5BA $685,000 • 4BD/4.5BA $285,000 • 3BDS/3.5BA $449,000 • 5BDS/4.5BA Beautiful Plummer Cabin on Private on 1.6 acres. Built by 2004 Built with Privacy Near Clubhouse/Trails, private setting w/Mtn view premier builder David Hall. Open floor plan EarthCraft & Energy Efficient

80 SANDERLIN DRIVE 52 CRESTED IRIS CIRCLE 316 HUNTERS TRACE 289 SANDERLIN MTN DR. $444,900 • 5BD/4BA/2HBA $329,900 • 4BR/4BA $750,000 • 4BDS/4.5BA $799,000 • 3BDS/3.5BA Beautiful long range Mtn views Great value/Mtn views Beautiful Mountain View New construction to be built. Level circular drive Two beds on main near Gate. Gorgeous home Long range mountain views.

356 BLAZINGSTAR TRAIL 75 BUCKSKULL HOLLOW 6 LAUREL RIDGE POINT 112 TWIN CREEKS DRIVE $750,000 • 4BDS/4.5BA $199,900 • 5BD/2BA $310,000 • 4BDS/4.5BA $489,000 • 4BDS/4.5BA Master Suite with study/FP Cabin near amenities Excellent rental potential 2 Car Garage/Private Guest on entire 2nd floor Excellent rental history Potential view of lake/mtns Suite - Close to Gate/Amenities SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

7 CRAFTSMAN TRAIL 51 INDIGO BUNTING TRL 19 THRASHER WAY 201 ROYAL FERN $535,000 • 5BDS/4BA $599,900 • 5BD/4.5BA $375,000 • 4BDS/2.5BA $549,900 • 3BDS/4.5BA

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News SMOKE SIGNALS | APRIL 2020 | 13A Multi-purpose event venue opening in refurbished Lakota Cove facilities BY WAYNE TIDWELL [email protected]

he 6.1-acre Lakota Cove site on Old Mill White Road at Cove Road is now The Lodge at Old T Mill; a multi-purpose event venue. Big Canoe resident Mike O’Brien and business partner David Jones closed on the property December 4, 2019 and have been refurbishing the 12,000-square-foot main The entrance to the Lodge at Old Mill. building and 2,700-square-foot secondary building. "Renovations to the O’Brien had been retired for one week when he got a call from Jones in late Octo- buildings were made to ber asking if he would be interested in the accommodate weddings venture. “He was very interested in this proper- and corporate events and ty and wanted a business partner who was can host up to 325 guests." up in this area,” O’Brien said. “I’m no longer retired because I am the acting general con- tractor for the renovation. We have been working on the property five to six days a week since we closed. It’s been a full-time job and then some.” A 20-foot high and 12-foot wide fireplace has been added to the large room of the Lodge Renovations to the buildings were at Old Mill multi-purpose venue, formerly Lakota Cove Furnishings. PHOTOS BY JIM FRANCIS made to accommodate weddings and cor- porate events and can host up to 325 guests. O’Brien said they have knocked down walls and put in a 20-foot high, 12-foot wide stacked stone fireplace as a center piece in the main room. He said the facilities have been updated to current fire code require- ments, the kitchen has been upgraded and a new bar has been installed. O’Brien retired after 43 years in IT and Jones has been in commercial real estate for The wood carved entrance door to 35 years. They have partnered with Debbie The Lodge. Ley who runs Tatum Acres and The Corner separate groom dressing area and a groom’s District in Ball Ground. man cave, which is also available for small “I have a lot of experience in business parties, with a bar and big screen TV, foos- and management so I said I would take over ball table and things like that,” O’Brien said. the business side,” O’Brien said. “We didn’t The main room can be configured for want to run the wedding side of the event large or small events and there will be two business so we had to find an operating outdoor venue sites, according to O’Brien. partner and that’s why we got Debbie in- The old Lakota Cove facility is being thoroughly refurbished as a multi-purpose venue. “We will not do food prep here volved.” although we have a full kitchen for conve- With the 325-person capacity, The clubs-The Ridgerunners in Big Canoe for large non-profits and companies in Atlanta nience only,” O’Brien said. “We will have a Lodge will be able to host large meetings. example. Although we will be doing lots who like to get off-site and away from At- caterer’s room with stainless steel counter “I’ll be working on getting companies of weddings, we want to book as many lanta. It’s close enough to be an easy drive tops and warming ovens, an ice machine and club events booked,” O’Brien said. non-wedding business events, holiday for people yet it is a way to get away, he and hand washing sink. Every event is “Since we have a 325-person capacity we parties, luncheons and dinners and other said. intended to be catered. There will be a bar can do a pretty large conference here events as possible.” O’Brien pointed to the modifications with coolers for drinks, etc.” and off-site planning sessions and large O’Brien thinks The Lodge will appeal to that have been done or will be done to the The Lodge will open in April. Some property including an enlarged parking lot events have been booked, according to with handicap parking, and refurbishing of O’Brien, nine months to a year out. Big the bridge over the creek. Posts supporting Canoe rentals will be utilized for visitors to the large building are now all stacked stone. The Lodge events. The kitchen has been completely rebuilt, Tours of the venue are available, ac- according to O’Brien. cording to O’Brien. “We’ll have a bridal prep area and The Lodge at Old Mill, 230 Old Mill lounge and a hair and makeup room for White Road, Jasper, GA, 30143. For more in- five or six women, a changing room, and a formation go to https://lodgeatoldmill.com. Local nonprofit helps children of Dawson County’s incarcerated

A two-year old boy checks out his new book from Isabelle’s Book Club, Inc. Waiting for his scheduled visit with his father, the youngster made all the sound effects while going through his book about monster trucks. PHOTO BY DENISE RAY BY DENISE RAY are provided free to the children and then [email protected] ask if the children may pick out a book. The reactions are relief (on the part of the f you happen to be in the Dawson caregiver because books are free) and de- County Detention Center on a Sun- light (on the part of the child because they day afternoon, you might wonder make the decision). Children are encour- I what the cheerfully decorated table aged to take up to two books a visit. covered with stacks of new books is all It’s not uncommon to have children about. The books are there for the children choose books beyond their ability, but visiting a parent who is a Dawson Coun- they’re encouraged to take it. Volunteers ty inmate. Volunteers, like myself, with believe “they’ll grow into it,” meaning Isabelle’s Book Club, a local nonprofit, sit the child will learn to read it themselves. at the table and strike up conversations Meanwhile family members can read it to with caregivers. We explain that the books them. n BOOK CLUB | Page 15 14 A SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS APRIL 2020

"The questions were provided by Dawson County residents with the offer of anonymity. Candidates were then given a week and 1,000-word limit to formulate responses and submit them to the paper." Meet the candidates for Dawson County Board of Commissioners Chair BY DENISE RAY tors as well. Good leadership can foster a [email protected] work environment that leaves employees feeling valued and respected leading to wo candidates have entered job satisfaction and employee retention. the race for Chairman of the THURMOND: It is important to have Dawson County Board of the right number of employees in each T Commissioners: Rene Duren department and pay a competitive wage and Billy Thurmond. Both are running on to recruit and obtain qualified staff. If you the Republican ticket. Billy Thurmond is do not do both you will have a reduction seeking re-election. He is being chal- in productivity and cost efficiency. When lenged by Renee Duren. you pay a non-competitive wage, you Smoke Signals presented the candi- will be constantly recruiting personnel. dates—listed in alphabetical order—with Vacant positions mean less productivity. several questions. The questions were If elected, what goals do you have provided by Dawson County residents for your term? with the offer of anonymity. Candidates DUREN: were then given a week and 1,000-word • Make improving our roads a top limit to formulate responses and submit priority. Repave crumbling roads, repair them to the paper. All responses were potholes, replace stormwater culverts and taken exactly from the submissions and bridges as needed are listed in alphabetical order. Rene Duren. PHOTO COURTESY OF RENE DUREN Billy Thurmond. PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY THURMOND • Work with Emergency Services One of the duties of the county and Law Enforcement to ensure ade- commissioners is to construct, approve to assure the public interest or are they loads. Roads are a concern for the majori- quate coverage for the safety of citizens and implement a budget. Should any too onerous? ty of citizens I’ve met while campaigning. throughout our county part of the county budget be shielded DUREN: With over 3,000 residential This is a great time to plan for current • Create a Code of Ethics and an from cuts? And if so, which area? units permitted or approved through zon- and future transportation needs with the Ethics Board made up of citizens. Ethics DUREN: I expect all departments to ing changes in 2019, it’s clear that our land development of a transportation plan complaints related to commissioners or operate efficiently while providing quality use regulations and permitting processes based on community feedback. other county employees or appointees services to citizens. Wasteful spending are not too burdensome. Our land use THURMOND: Full implementation will be evaluated by the Ethics Board must be eliminated in each area of the regulations will help assure public inter- of the county transportation plan with • Develop a Future Land Use Plan county budget. No department is auto- est only if the board of commissioners proper funding. This will allow us to take that truly reflects the citizens’ vision for matically immune to cuts. With that said, require developers to comply with our care of our roads and bridge infrastruc- the county and consistently implement Public Safety (Emergency Services, Fire regulations. ture. The board receives the most calls that plan. Our Future Land Use Plan is the and Law Enforcement) is a top priority THURMOND: This board of com- from our citizens about our roads’ infra- best tool we have to manage growth and should only be shielded from cuts missioners recently updated the land use structure. The board placed the TSPOST • Develop a balanced budget, elimi- that would negatively impact the safety ordinances for the first time since 1998. referendum on the May 19 ballot, that if nate wasteful spending, and prepare for and welfare of our citizens. These revised ordinances give the board passed, would provide the proper funding an economic downturn THURMOND: The primary function the additional options needed to make source to accomplish putting this plan • Improve communication between of the board of commissioners is to pro- decisions on future land use requests. into action. the citizens and the board of commission- tect the health and safety of the citizens. We also updated the comprehensive plan When managing public agencies, ers by holding monthly town hall style The public safety organizations, public along with the future land use map. The is it better to have more employees at meetings on Saturdays to update citizens, works and the courts must be adequately changes to these ordinances and updates a modest wage or few employees at a answer questions and listen to concerns. funded to ensure that this happens. The to the permitting process, which must wage high enough to attract quality THURMOND: other departments and agencies are also be an ongoing process, are all part of an applicants? • Improvement to our service deliv- important to our citizens as they provide effective growth management plan that DUREN: Finding the right balance ery strategy wanted and needed services. This is will protect public interest. between workload and pay is key. Regard- • Continue to look at alternative why this board has worked hard to find What do you see as the most press- less of pay, a consistently overworked funding sources to property taxes alternative funding sources other than ing needs for infrastructure or capital employee is likely to leave—especially if • Continue to update all county ordi- property tax to ensure we can fund each projects in the county? they feel unappreciated. Not to mention, nances department adequately. DUREN: The most pressing needs the quality of their work will deteriorate. • Work with all of our community The primary duty of a county com- for infrastructure are roads and bridges. So, having few employees at a wage high partners for a better Dawson County for missioner is to create and implement Some of our roads have been neglected enough to attract quality applicants is all of us. policy. Are county land-use regulations for 20+ years. We have bridges in need of better only if the workload is reasonable. and permitting processes doing enough replacement to serve increased traffic and It’s important that we consider other fac-

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is key. If they want to read it, they will. It "Statistics show that a youngster. The little boy chose a book won’t be “school” or “homework.” about Monster Trucks. The pair sat down Book club Statistics show that the more a child the more a child reads, and waited for their scheduled visit. The n Continued from page 13 reads, the stronger their academic skills the stronger their child—who would turn two in as many become. If a child isn’t reading proficiently weeks—was fidgeting and not interested by third grade, there’s a 20 percent chance academic skills become." in his grandmother’s keys. I went to them The organization has plans to grow by they won’t graduate high school. A child and asked if I could read the book to the “I am excited to see a publication five jails in the state within the next year. learns to read by third grade and from child and “Nana” agreed. As I turned the directed to helping those who otherwise “I applaud the volunteers with Isa- then on, they read to learn. If reading is pages, the little fella made all sorts of may be forgotten. Often times in an arrest belle’s Book Club for their passion, vision a struggle, frustration builds and grades engine noises. I pointed to things on pages situation, the children are the ones most and desire to positively influence our most decline. and he quickly told me what I was pointing impacted with questions and uncertainty,” vulnerable—our children,” Dawson Coun- Volunteers and children to, adding animal sounds for the various Johnson said. “This insightful book truly ty Sheriff Jeff Johnson said. Vicki Jones is the newest member animals that apparently attend monster illustrates and explains the where, why Holiday visits are hard of the volunteer team. The Dawsonville truck shows. He learned the word “blue” and how their parent is being held.” I’ve been volunteering with the or- resident gives of her time when she’s not that day. Donated books needed now ganization since its inception in 2014. I’m growing her real estate business. Isabelle who? Two years ago, Barnes & Noble’s The often called “The book lady” and have met “Seeing a child smile while picking out One question often asked at speaking Collection designated Isabelle’s Book Club children whose stories are unforgettable. a book means so much,” Jones said. “It’s engagements and events is “who is Isa- a recipient of donated books during the Sometimes I turn away, so they don’t see not only their smile in that moment, it’s belle?” Isabelle is the aunt of the nonprof- holidays. The result was overwhelming, the tears welling up in my eyes. also knowing that they will discover new it’s founder whose Christmas tradition of and the generosity of the community was I remember one little boy who spied worlds through books.” gifting books had a profound impact on just incredible. But book quantities are a Harry Potter book and asked if he could Because the stigma of family incar- the founder. The idea for the organization starting to wane as the need to increase have it. The book was hard cover and sev- ceration can be painful for the children, came about to advocate and bring aware- the number of programs grow. eral inches thick, and probably weighed as volunteers are encouraged to simply ness to the silent population—children of Currently there’s a need for books much as the child. I told him of course he smile if they encounter the children some the incarcerated. Strengthening academic for babies. Giving babies books they can could have it and I hoped he would enjoy place other than the jail. The kids some- skills could keep children in school longer, literally sink their teeth into is a wonderful reading it. He looked at me and said it times don’t hesitate to greet me, and one increase graduation rates, provide greater introduction to reading. The importance was going to be a Father’s Day gift for his instance made me laugh. opportunities post-graduation and break of reading to a child can’t be stressed father, who he was about to visit. I encountered two girls after they’d the cycle of generational crime. It just enough. Another boy asked if he could have visited the jail and one said, “you’re the needed a name. The recent visit of a grandmother and one and gift it to a young cousin. lady from jail.” Her comment drew a few For more information visit the web- her grandson made me realize that not What do you say to that request? looks from passersby. site www.isabellesbookclub.org. everyone may be able to read the book to Holiday visits are the hardest on chil- The organization is a 501(c)(3) as of dren and volunteers. I’ll never forget the 2014 and is run solely by volunteers. Daw- boy who brought his Christmas presents son has had a program since 2016 and has to the jail so his mom would watch him provided children with almost 400 books. open them. Ever since then, I make sure “Statistics show that one in 28 chil- there are books at the jail at Christmas. dren have a parent that is incarcerated. Reprieves and academics That translates roughly into one child in Isabelle’s Book Club provides brand every classroom in the state of Georgia. new books for the kids for two very specif- Think about that the next time you attend ic reasons. First, it offers a reprieve from an event at your child’s school.” a life that can be chaotic, heartbreaking “Somebody I love is in jail” and uncertain. The second reason is for Interactions with the children are academics. delightful and often informative. Often When a parent is arrested and in jail the children will share their story or ask it means loss of income—sometimes both questions about what happens in the jail. incomes. Necessities such as food, cloth- I met with Dawson County Sheriff ing and a place to live are top priorities. Johnson and created “Somebody I Love is Caregivers—family members or foster in Jail,” a booklet designed to help address care—may not be able to understand the concerns children have about a parent We’ve been serving homework or have a lot of opportunity to living behind bars. Tackling questions like help the child. Support through the school “what happens if my parent gets sick?” and satisfied customers in Jasper system is great but limited. So, academics “what do they eat?” and explain words like for over 40 years! may fall lower on the priority list. “pod,” “inmate” and “incarceration,” among Sometimes children dealing with pa- others in the booklet. The booklet is given rental incarceration are placed in the fos- to children and has been well-received. ter system as family members are not able It has garnered high praise from judges, rrbodyshop.com to take care of them. For these children CASA, school social workers, DFACS and the books are significantly more important most importantly, the kids themselves. 706-692-2088 as the new book may be the child’s sole Witnessing parental arrest is traumat- possession. ic, there are medical studies that prove 3255 Refuge Rd, Jasper Another significant reason for getting it. The booklet is to reassure the child books into the hands of the young mem- that their parent is safe and has his or her bers of the community is their education. needs met. It helps take one worry off the Quality Without Compromise! Having the child choose the book(s) child’s mind.

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New facility for public works being built.

BY TUCKER GREEN Pickens County Information Officer

crazy month of weather has not slowed down activities in Pickens County. Several proj- Aects are underway throughout the county. One major project is the construction of a new facility to house the Departments of Public Works, and Utilities. The new 15,000 sq. ft. facility is being built by Momon Construction Inc. out of Calhoun. They were awarded the contract as the low bidder. The facility will include: four pull-through bays to work on equipment, offices, a break room, sign shop, and storage areas for parts and materials. Currently, construc- tion is roughly 60 percent complete and expected to be finished this Summer. During the month of February: • Pickens Animal Shelter brought in 55 animals, and 46 went out through var- ious forms of adoption. Animal Control responded to 12 cases. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY • The 911 Operations Center re- BY COLLEEN ADAMS teers completed the task in just a day and a ceived 1,619 total calls, 731 were medical Habitat for Humanity Pickens County half. responses or fire related. Board Member While HFHPC builds new homes for • The Water Department installed families in need, the Home Repair Ministry nine new meters. ickens County’s Habitat for Human- provides yet another important outlet for • The Department of Planning and ity participated in the International families to allow them to stay in their homes Development issued 43 new building Women’s Build 2020 on Saturday by repairing what they already have. Often permits. March 7, partnering with Lowe’s the elderly are especially in need of assis- • Pickens County Recreation De- P partment had 550 kids sign up for base- and Big Canoe Men’s Fellowship. tance for home repairs. Thanks to the many In conjunction with International volunteers that give of their time and talent ball, softball, and T-ball. These young Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide on and to the local businesses for supporting athletes will be spread across 49 teams. March 8 each year, Habitat for Humanity these worthwhile ministries, another home • The Road Department has been locations in Canada, India and the United board, install new OSB where needed, wrap repair has successfully been completed. performing routine road maintenance, States promoted International Women Build the building and then install new siding. There are a lot of things to be proud of and prepping roads for the upcoming Week, March 1-8, 2020. This was a tall order for the first ever wom- here—and a lot of “firsts" for our affiliate: paving season. Habitat for Humanity-Pickens County en’s volunteer build week not to mention an The first Women’s Volunteer Day The Pickens County government (HFHPC) Home Repair Ministry, led by all-day job. Eager women volunteers—Gina The first repair ministry project departments continue to stay busy Dennis Gueraid, partnered with Big Canoe Vann, Rebecca Coleman, Monique Vinelli, The first project we’re doing in con- working for the citizens of Pickens Men’s Fellowship, led by Mike Twiss, on Debra Cook, Colleen Adams—showed up junction with Habitat International & Lowes County. The Pickens County Board of a home repair project for a local family. and were ready for the challenge. Along The first fundraising "job site” project Commissioners continue to do a great Lowe’s building supply contributed and with the men from the Home Repair Min- A very sincere thank you to our volun- job of leading these efforts. Stay connect- Quick Burger of Jasper stepped in to pro- istries—Dennis Guerard, Mark Tooker, Bill teers. ed with us by liking our Facebook page: vide lunch. Shellheart, Grady Hopper, Steve Greenwell For more information about Habitat for Pickens County Ga Government, follow The project was to remove old siding and Mark Twiss—hammers pounded, Humanity Pickens County or to learn more us on Twitter: @pickensgagov and mon- and some dry rotted oriented strand board, power saws sang and ladders were hoisted. about donating or volunteering, go to www. itor our website: www.pickenscountyga. an engineered wood similar to particle Working together, the group of 15 volun- pickenshfh.org. gov for updates.

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BY DENISE RAY vious chairman and now serves as the [email protected] vice chairman of the board of trustees of Lanier Technical College. He is a member ormer Georgia Governor Nathan and past president of the Dawson County Deal headlined a campaign kick- Rotary Club and past assistant district off event in Gainesville for State governor for Dawson, Lumpkin and White F Rep. Kevin Tanner’s campaign for counties. Tanner is a member of the Congress March 4. Dawson and Lumpkin County Chamber At the event, Governor Deal endorsed of Commerce, as well as the Dawson Tanner (R-Dawsonville) for Georgia’s 9th and Lumpkin county Republican parties, Congressional district seat. having served six years as the chairman The two share a long history togeth- and vice chairman of the Dawson Coun- er, personally and professionally. Tanner ty Republican Party. He was a former was a member of the Dawson County Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Steering Committee for former Governor board member. Tanner is also a member Nathan Deal’s campaign. of the advisory board for the Brain Injury Throwing his support behind Tanner, Association of Georgia. Deal added another chapter to the rela- Kevin Tanner and family pose with former Governor Nathan Deal after Tanner He currently serves as the chairman tionship. announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress. Deal offered his endorsement of the Dawson of the House Transportation Commit- “Kevin is very special to my family County resident because of his track record and effectiveness. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN TANNER tee and has been a member of several and me. I first met Kevin when he was other committees in the House, including serving as Deputy Sheriff in Dawson “I am honored to have the support of serving the citizens of Dawson County for Appropriations, Education, Special Rules, County,” Deal said. “Later on in his career Governor Deal for my campaign. He has 30 years now in various roles from law Natural Resources and Intergovernmen- he was elected to the State House where been a strong leader for Georgia, and I enforcement to county manager to their tal Coordination committees. In 2019, he he played a vital role in helping with my was proud to work with him to advance state representative,” he said. “I'm proud was appointed to serve as the co-chair of agenda to move Georgia forward.” his agenda to move Georgia forward,” of where I come from, I love the commu- the joint Georgia Commission on Freight Deal continued to be impressed Tanner said. “Now, I am ready to continue nity that I've been blessed to grow up in & Logistics. He has previously served as with the legislator’s work under the Gold the 9th district’s legacy of conservative and to live in and I look forward to having chairman of the House Commission on Dome. leadership like that of Governor Deal. the opportunity to continue to serve them Transit Governance & Funding and has “With everything from dealing with In Congress, I will continue my record at a different level." served on several special study commit- issues like the opioid crisis, transportation, of fighting to protect our North Georgia Tanner has a long and dedicated 27- tees, including chairman of the House Un- and criminal justice to cutting income families and values.” year history of public service. His career manned Aircraft Study Committee. Kevin taxes and supporting efforts to make and The decision to run was something began with Dawson County as a volunteer is a current member of the executive keep Georgia the # 1 state to do business, I Tanner considered for a while, he said and fireman in 1989. He then worked for the board of the Northeast Georgia Boy Scout could always rely on Kevin to be effec- make the choice after prayer and discus- Dawson Sheriff’s Office in 1990 where he Council and was appointed by Governor tive.” sion. served in many positions. Tanner previ- Perdue to serve as the 9th congressional Tanner’s track record and effective- “I have spent the last several days ously served as Dawson County manager district representative on the State Board ness make him the right candidate for the praying about the decision and talking it before his four terms as Georgia’s District of Corrections. seat, Deal said. over with my family,” Tanner said. “I have 9 Representative. Currently he represents Tanner has an impressive list of “Now Kevin is running to continue truly enjoyed serving in the State House, an area that includes portions of Lumpkin, legislation to his credit. He authored his service,” Deal said. “Running for Con- but I feel the call to try to make a differ- Dawson and Forsyth counties. legislation that relates to brain and spinal gress is a high calling but the atmosphere ence at the national level.” Tanner was recognized in 2011 as injuries, mental health issues, transpar- in Washington has gotten a lot worse In a statement that accompanied the the Appointed Official of the Year by ency within the Georgia Parole Board, since I was there.” announcement, Tanner highlighted his Georgia’s Association of County Commis- educational incentives and the current Strong character and determination background in both public service and sioners. In 2007, Georgia Trend Magazine opioid epidemic. Tanner has also authored were just two of Tanner’s characteristics law enforcement. He added that he would named Kevin one of Georgia’s “40 Under a major education reform bill designed to that Deal highlighted as qualifications for continue to represent his “unapologetical- 40.” He has also been recognized as one of help low-performing schools. In doing so, the Washington, D.C. position. ly conservative” values in congress. Dawson County's Citizens of the Year. he was able to build a coalition of support “It really takes someone with a lot of “I am ready to continue our district's The North Georgia College and State from members of both the Democratic courage to be able to stand up and do the 27-year history of having conservative University (now University of North and Republican parties and the education right thing. Kevin will be one of those peo- leadership in Congress,” he said. “I am Georgia) alum has been heavily involved community. ple,” Deal said. “He will be one of those ready for the fight to stop the radical left in community and civic activities in the Tanner has been married to the leaders in Congress that we can count on and work alongside President Trump to North Georgia area for many years. He former Stacie Pickering for more than to take the lead and get the job done. I am protect the conservative values that make served as the past vice chairman of the 20 years. They are the proud parents of pleased to endorse Kevin Tanner to be North Georgia and all of America great.” board of trustees for Chestatee Region- three beautiful daughters, Kaitlyn, Abbie the next Congressman for Georgia’s 9th Tanner also voiced his appreciation al Hospital in Dahlonega and as a past and Chloe. The family attends church at District.” for the Dawson County community and member of the Rainbow Children’s Home Bethel Baptist Church. Surrounded by family and throngs of said that it has been an honor to serve board in Dahlonega. The 9th Congressional district seat supporters, a humble Tanner shared his local citizens for so many years. A successful local small business has been held by Rep. Doug Collins (R- remarks about Deal’s endorsement. "I've had the pleasure of working and owner, Tanner also served as the pre- GA) since 2013.

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Reading about the South of culture. He had little, if any, curiosity and The differences described above also population of the agricultural South was did not ask questions or wonder why his apply to other states and regions. more likely to adhere to ancestral folkways, TURNED boss wanted something done. He just did It may not have been openly ac- especially when almost all the neighbors what his boss told him to do. knowledged in the 1940s, 50s or 60s, but were of similar ancestry. PAGES In a recent column, I described a in the South, life was different for African Reader responses to my plea were request from a friend seeking recommend- Americans and whites, and the wealthy and wide-ranging. I appreciate those of you who ed reading to help him understand the the working class and the poor. In short, identified yourselves as transplants from South. His southern parents had moved to my friend’s question is too big to answer the North and identified books that you KEN REYNOLDS the Northwest when he was a toddler. In in one or two (or maybe even 100) man- found helpful. Some people recommended the column, I requested suggestions from ageable sized volumes. One person cannot humorous books, while others recommend- ay back when yours truly Smoke Signals readers. And you responded. give voice to a region, but many try. Even ed the Bible or academic histories. Some of was a young southern man, I My hearty thanks to each of you who more troublesome is trying to pin down the you focused on fiction, others on non-fic- moved to the Pacific North- sent your recommendations. Unfortunately, exact geography of where the South starts tion. Some readers went so far as to group W west to live and work. Let I cannot include every one of the books and ends. And is the “New South” still “The recommendations by state. me make a disclosure here: My father taught here, but I did try to respond to each of you South?” Almost to a person, you asked me to me to take nothing for granted and to make personally. I have terrible clerical skills, and There is much that ties southerners share the responses. Please see the accom- sure I understand what I am doing and why if I missed responding, please accept my together, and those ties make us of one ilk. panying article for a list and some commen- I am doing it. After several months on my apology. There is no question that the lasting impact tary. new job, the boss, not for the first time, If I had not believed it before, your of the Civil War and Reconstruction shaped expressed frustration about my questions. responses have convinced me it will take the South of my and my friend’s parents and Ken Reynolds is We had our usual chat about just doing my friend a lifetime of reading to meet his the generations before and after them. The Smoke Signals’ Books the work, and then he made a statement that goal. The South today is not the South of the boll weevil, the depression, industrializa- Feature Editor. He is has stuck with me. He said, “I just don’t un- 1960s when his parents moved. Although tion, and the mass migration of millions to addicted to books and derstand the southern mind.” The comment each place in the South has much in com- the urban north are only some of the larger to questioning why startled me because it had not occurred to mon with the others, Georgia is not Missis- influences on my parents’ generation. things are the way they me that minds in the South were any differ- sippi, and neither of them is Virginia. The To go any deeper here would be to are. Email kreynolds@ ent than minds in any other place. I could same is true of North Alabama as opposed attempt what I have just said can’t be done. smokesignalsnews.com. not help him to understand, but since then, to Southern Louisiana, and the residents of However, it is important to note that com- I have come to recognize he was over-at- the Coastal Carolinas do not live like the hill pared to urban areas populated with people KEN REYNOLDS tributing a personality trait to the influence and mountain residents to the west. from multiple nationalities, the thinly spread Reader recommended books about the South BY KEN REYNOLDS changing world. [email protected] Janisse Ray describes the life of a poor white girl growing up in a fundamentalist t least a decade before the Civil family in the middle of a junkyard. “Ecology War, serious scholars wondered of A Cracker Childhood addresses her love and wrote about the American of and hope for the future of the longleaf A South. I doubt that anyone has pine forest in South Georgia. cataloged every one of those efforts. In “Rammer, Jammer, Yellow Hammer” addition to the scholarly works, novelists, by Warren St. John, Non-Fic is about RV’ers short story writers, poets and pundits of who follow the Alabama Crimson Tide from all sorts have written about or harangued game to game. about the South. We may live in one of the Ferrol Sams’ trilogy, “Run with the most written about parts of the universe. Horsemen,” “Whisper of the River,” and All those words were written in a “When All the World Was Young” describes quest to understand what may surpass life in a small Georgia town through the understanding. Yet you, the readers of this Depression and after. newspaper, were not reluctant to add your "Tell about the South. What's it like there. What do they Celestine Sibley wrote chatty and recommendations to a reading list for some- folksy columns and tales set mostly in Geor- one who wants to try. do there. Why do they live there. Why do they live at all." gia, in and around Atlanta. Her fans treasure There were so many responses that Question to Mississippian Quentin Compson by his Harvard Roommate in "Absalom, Absalom" by William Faulkner her books. we cannot include all of them. Some of you Kathryn Stockett wrote about work as listed titles and authors; others included Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s home in oxford, Mississippi. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT MISSISSIPPI VIA a black maid in a white household in 1960s comments about the recommendation. We FLICKR.COM Jackson, Mississippi. The 2011 movie, “The hope some of these will prompt further “A Christmas Memory” by Truman 1970’s McIntosh County, Georgia, where Help,” won multiple awards. reading and thought about this place we call Capote is an autobiographical tale of a rural the white sheriff controlled everything and Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn. What The South. Alabama boyhood. everybody. Changes wrought by the civil else is there to say? Every southerner knows of our affinity “An Hour Before Daylight” by Jimmy rights movement had bypassed McIntosh. In Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family for stories, whether true or tall tales. Per- Carter is his account of a Great Depres- An uneducated, unemployed black man, and Culture in Crisis, J. D. Vance vividly haps Faulkner and O’Connor have made sion-era boyhood on a Georgia farm before Thurnell Alston, challenged the sheriff and describes how people removed from their too many people associate gothic tales the civil rights movement. his courthouse gang. native culture became trapped in and de- with writing about the South, but we are “The Water is Wide” by Pat Conroy is “A Painted House” by John Grisham pendent upon a new economic reality. After also fond of sentimental, off-beat, and just an autobiographic tale of an eager young was, inspired by Grisham’s childhood in a generation, independent mountain people plain funny stories. Some of the recom- teacher at the height of the civil rights rural Arkansas. The seven-year-old narrator of West Virginia struggle with the collapse mendations were for fiction, but most were movement in a community still bound by lives in the cotton fields with his parents of coal mining. non-fiction. And not all the authors are the bitter effects of racism. and grandparents in a little house that's nev- “Yesterday in the Hills” by Floyd Wat- southerners. “The Potlikker Papers, A Food History er been painted. They farm 80 rented acres. kins and Charles Hobert Watkins is non-fic- Here are the titles with multiple rec- of the Modern South “by John T. Edge. A Lewis Grizzard wrote fiction and tion about the loves of old-time hill people ommendations: narrative of the American south through non-fiction set somewhere in or out of of North Georgia from the 1890s until World “Midnight in the Garden of Good and poverty, the Civil Rights era, the rise of con- Lewis’ mind. If you can’t laugh-out-loud at War II. Evil” by John Berendt is non-fiction set in venience food, and finally the New South. life’s absurdities, skip Grizzard. But if you NPR commentator and author Bailey Savannah, Ga. A real-life murder mystery A Wonderful expiration of southern history appreciate spot-on skewering of pretense of White focuses on South Georgia eccentrici- peopled with a wide range of Savannahians, captured through the lens of food. all sorts, you will find it exemplified in his ties. “Mama Makes Up Her Mind” is humor including a southern belle, black debutantes, Lists that did not name William Faulk- “The Atlanta Journal-Constitution” columns. about her life as a first-grade teacher who a redneck gigolo, and a voodoo priestess. ner were in the minority, but only two of his Grizzard’s take on not liking the New South lives with her mother in a small Georgia Beginning with “All Over but the Shou- titles received multiple recommendations: is priceless. town. tin,’” Rick Bragg’s accounts of his family’s “As I lay Dying” and “Absalom, Absalom.” “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Mississippi is the place many life on the margins in Northeast Alabama In 1989, Pulitzer Prize in history winner Zora Neale Hurston first appeared in 1938. non-southerners think of as emblematic of may not help you understand the South, but David Hackett Fischer published “Albion's Hurston’s novel features a strong-willed racial hostility. Perhaps despite, or because they definitely give you an authentic feel for Seed: Four British Folkways” in America. black woman recounting her life in cen- of its history, the state has produced an southern story telling. His “The Best Cook Fisher contends that early America was tral and southern Florida, including being admirable number of writers of both races. in the World: Tales from My Momma's settled primarily by people from four charged with murder. Faulkner heads most lists, but it would be Table” might even help you get some idea distinct and competing cultures and that “Mudbound” by Hilary Jordan. Two a serious mistake for anyone wanting to of growing up with a real good cook as your their beliefs and customs have influenced WWII veterans, one black and one white, understand the south to overlook Richard mama. American life and history. Of interest to experience the turmoil of Jim Crow Missis- Wright. “Black Boy,” is his 1945 telling of his James Lee Burke set his Dave Robi- those wanting to understand the South are sippi. childhood in Jim Crow Mississippi, Arkan- cheaux novels in and around New Iberia, the sections dealing with immigrants from In Sue Monk Kidd’s “The Secret Life sas and Tennessee and his transition to life Louisiana. A sheriff’s deputy encounters a the South of England, 1642–1675 and from of Bees,” strong black women struggle with in Chicago. wide range of characters in literature dis- the northern borderlands of England, the racism in South Carolina and find shelter guised as detective fiction. Burke is a master lowlands of Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and solace with beekeepers. of descriptive prose. 1717–1775. Hackett maintains those cultures “Our Southern Highlanders” by Horace “The Mind of the South” by W. J. Cash still drive us today, including our politics. Kephart was one of the earliest realistic was rooted in a series of magazine articles. “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle non-fiction portrayals of life in the rural Cash wrote for “American Mercury” in the Stop Café” by Fannie Flagg takes place in Appalachian Mountains and one of the first early thirties. Cash’s book is sweeping in Whistle Stop, Alabama, in a little joint with serious analyses of Appalachian culture. scope and loaded with history and sociol- good coffee and outstanding barbecue and Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” ogy, yet it earned wide critical acclaim, a huge secret. Her “A Redbird Christmas” needs no further comment. Alabama. importantly from northern and southern was also mentioned. Neither does Margaret Mitchell’s The family home of Floyd Burroughs, cotton reviewers. It also met much negativity, “Cold Mountain” by Charles Frazier is “Gone with the Wind.” Georgia sharecropper. Hale County, Alabama. primarily because the book is more explan- a fictional description of life for non-com- Albert Murray was a literary and jazz Published in the book, “Let Us Now Praise atory than praising. Cash did not hide the batants in the mountains of North Carolina critic, novelist, essayist, and biographer. In Famous Men.” Photo by Walker Evans, 1936. warts, and at times he was openly critical. during the Civil War while a wounded, his memoir, “South to a Very Old Place,” “A Lesson Before Dying” and “The Au- disheartened soldier struggles toward home about growing up in Alabama during the Although no one mentioned it, this tobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “A across the disintegrating South. He en- 1920s and 30s, Murray smoothly blends list needs one more title. Several years ago, Gathering of Old Men” are novels by Ernest counters slaves and marauders and bounty remembrances of his youth with snippets the late great Fred Shaw, a transplanted Gaines, who grew up near Baton Rouge and hunters. He finds help and danger. of conversation, African American folklore, Pennsylvanian, recommended James Agee’s based his works upon his knowledge of the “Dispatches from Pluto” by Richard and cultural criticism “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men.” Although people and legends and facts of the area. Grant., A real-life account of a modern Born into the post-war planter class I knew the book was a classic, unsparing “Cold Sassy Tree” by Olive Ann Burns non-southerner’s attempts to meet Delta near Greenville, Mississippi, William Alex- account of life in the rural Depression-era is a novel set in the early 1900s. An older residents of all stripes and learn about local ander Percy, died in 1942 after producing South, I had never bothered to read it. At man’s romance rocks a small Georgia town, culture from rural Mississippians near his remarkable memoir, “Lanterns on the Fred’s urging, I filled a grievous gap in my and a boy's childhood melts into adoles- Greenville. Levee: Recollections of a Planter's Son.” He reading list. Walker Evan’s photographs are cence. How people lived and died in a small “Praying for Sheetrock” by Melissa memorialized life in the Mississippi Delta of haunting. Southern town at the turn of the century. Fay Greene is a non-fictional tale set in his youth and his coming to terms with the APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS 21 A Books

BOOK REVIEW The Reincarnation of Spenser?

When Parker died in 2010, I began But it introduces an irreverent hero whom looking for someone who might replace Spenser, and even Hawk, might take along Murder, etc. Spenser. Lee Child’s Reacher almost fit on a mission. He will do anything for his the bill, but there wasn’t enough humor. friends, especially St. Paul PD Command- And John Corey, Nelson DeMille’s NYPD er Bobby Dunstan and his family, as well TRISHA DONOVAN detective, was certainly funny and icon- as the “lowlifes” his former girlfriend oclastic enough, but he wasn’t a private scorned. We also meet the lovely Nina m an unapologetic fan of the “bad eye. Truhler, who owns a jazz club/restau- boys” of the mystery genre. The A year ago, I found David House- rant called Rickie’s. Nina and McKenzie fast-talking, wise-cracking private wright, an Edgar-winning crime writer. become a couple over the next few books, I’eyes who have a problem with His protagonist, McKenzie, is a former although she refuses to consider marriage, authority and a soft spot for damsels in Minnesota cop turned unlicensed PI who no matter how often McKenzie proposes. distress. Although I loved the hard-boiled does “favors” for friends in trouble, at no She understands his need to help people “gumshoes” in the novels of Dashiell Ham- charge. He doesn’t need the money be- and gets a thrill out of tagging along some- mett and Raymond Chandler, it was Ham- cause he’d tracked down an embezzler a times, even when, as in “The Devil May mett’s Nick Charles who charmed me. He few years earlier, netting over $2,000,000 Care,” she gets in harm’s way: was witty and sophisticated, but he also in insurance money. But first, he had to “Does it hurt?” I asked. had friends in low places. Then I fell for resign from the St. Paul PD, since police “Yes, it hurts. So does childbirth and Archie Goodwin, Nero Wolfe’s eyes and officers can’t accept rewards or finder’s stepping on a Lego with your bare foot.” ears in Rex Stout’s series, and the bane of fees. Also, 11 years on the job without mak- “We’ll get you some ice.” New York’s Finest. After that, I found John ing detective—his justifiable, but highly “Get me a drink.” D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee, a self- publicized shooting of an underage armed “That, too.” named “salvage consultant,” who took on robber was too problematic—had taken a The humor, fast-paced dialogue, and detecting to support an enviable lifestyle “A Hard Ticket Home” is the first book toll. Most of McKenzie’s colleagues never fascinating cast of characters in House- on his houseboat, “The Busted Flush.” in David Housewright’s series about forgave him; the rest simply envied him. wright’s series leaven the violence in the And then I met Spenser, the most McKenzie. The 17th volume, "From the As the first novel in the series, “A 16 books he’s written so far. I’ve read all famous creation of Robert B. Parker. Grave," is due this summer. Hard Ticket Home,” opens, McKenzie but two of them. He’s not Robert B. Park- A former English Lit professor, Parker agrees to help a middle-aged couple find er, but then, who could be? endowed his Boston PI with knight-errant their runaway daughter. His girlfriend qualities; he was loyal, brave, and sin- the law. Handling violence daily seemed dumps him; she doesn’t like the class of Trisha Donovan gle-minded in his quest for whatever truth to be part of his job description, especially people for whom he does his favors. But is retired from law he was seeking. Spenser took on cases that when he teamed up with Hawk, his favor- before long, McKenzie is wishing he’d tak- enforcement and writes the police had abandoned; he also cham- ite mercenary. But every knight has a lady en her advice and become a stockbroker. crime novels as P.L. pioned vulnerable women and children love, and Susan Silverman, a Harvard-ed- Or even a lawyer. Doss. and went after some very bad guys in the ucated psychologist, was Spenser’s. Their “A Hard Ticket Home” isn’t for the city’s underbelly. relationship was the source of a lot of faint-hearted. It’s a gritty and graphic A man with his own code of honor, the humor and witty dialogue in Parker’s novel, exposing the reader to a level of Spenser walked a fine line when it came to novels. violence that threatens to curdle the soul. Trisha Donovan.

BOOK REVIEW Along the Extraterrestrial Highway

BY STEVE DONOGHUE As she eventually makes clear, that the U-2 spy plane and its successor, the phenomenon is most certainly not rooted Oxcart project. The CIA has stated: “Over arah Scoles, a science journalist in reality. In this case, reality, is prosaic. half of all UFO reports from the late 1950s and contributing editor at “Popular On June 14, 1947, on a ranch a few miles and 1960s were accounted for by manned Science,” follows up her terrific outside of Roswell, New Mexico, rancher reconnaissance flights (namely the U-2) S 2017 book “Making Contact” with William Brazel and his son Vernon came over the United States.” And as Scoles “They Are Already Here: UFO Culture and across some small scraps of tinfoil, rubber explains, the last thing the military wants is Why We See Saucers.” Making Contact strips, paper, and sticks in the desert, an for people to see lights in the sky and think was about the pioneering scientist Jill Tart- amount of material that wouldn’t cover “spy planes.” er, who was crucial to SETI, the Search half a picnic table. No metal. No saucers Scoles comes to feel a great deal of for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. They Are or saucer fragments. No alien writing. No companionship with the various UFO Already Here is about the many people — engines. Certainly, no bodies, alive or dead. believers she meets along the so-called loners, crackpots, enthusiasts, even a few When the Brazels’ five pounds of “Extraterrestrial Highway.” Of a visit to scientists— who believe extraterrestrial in- miscellaneous scrap made it to the Eighth Campfire Hill, a couple of miles from the telligence has already come looking for us. Army Air Force base in Texas, it was iden- front gate of Area 5, she recounts feeling The book is about the strange and tified as the remains of a weather balloon, something like a light electric touch at the proliferating world of UFO deniers, skep- or perhaps a balloon-lofted radar target. back of her neck. It was “Like an autonom- tics, and true believers. Scoles goes to their And that’s just where things stood, for ic reaction that twists the mouth’s mus- meetings, tramps out to their wasteland decades. cles into a smile, tilts the head to the sky, ‘crash sites,’ and sits by their campfires at Gradually the situation was trans- and makes the mouth say, ‘WHERE ARE night, hearing and remembering every- formed into a different narrative: heroic THEY?’” thing. She has mastered that rarest of all UFO believers fighting for the truth against They’re not here, and they have never journalistic talents: the ability to listen to an all-powerful government intent on sup- been, but even so, They Are Already Here flagrantly implausible stuff with sympathy pressing it. The more government officials is neither nagging nor negative. Rather, "They Are Already Here: UFO Culture and without ever sacrificing her critical rigor. say, “But … but this is just five pounds of it’s concerned with deeper narratives, and Why We See Saucers," By Sarah Scoles, She has a fine-tuned BS detector, but flimsy garbage you found in the desert,” with putting a very human face on what’s Pegasus Books, March 2020, 248 pgs. she also has a heart. And in the course of the more UFO believers yell, “See? That’s become almost an American mythology. this delightful book, she needs both, often. might actually be seeing. Like Christopher just what we’d expect you to say, if you Even die-hard skeptics shouldn’t miss it. She presents dozens of the outlandish Bader, Joseph Baker, and Carson Mencken were covering up the truth!” characters she’s met in her quest to under- in their landmark 2011 study “Paranormal To be fair, as Scoles clarifies, the US Steve Donoghue is a book reviewer whose stand what she describes as “UFO culture.” America” (given a substantially revised military probably is indeed covering up the work has appeared in the Wall Street Thousands of Americans every year report second edition by NYU Press in 2017), truth —but again, it’s prosaic truth.: Area Journal, the Washington Post, the Boston seeing UFOs, and They Are Already Here Scoles tries to get at the root of the whole 51 and other UFO hotspots have hosted Globe, and the Christian Science Monitor. asks what these people have in common, phenomenon. cutting-edge military aircraft testing for what separates them, and what it is they well over half a century, including both

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By KEN REYNOLDS with the consequences of not following the carrying the burden of the informal title objective, the leader must be clear about the [email protected] leader —a military obligation, the money, or “leader of the free world.” objective. In Follow the Leader, guidance any of hundreds of other possible reasons, If the president is to be effective, he was unequivocal; we saw the leader doing o you remember playing Follow including ambition and peer pressure. must be willing to seek advice and counsel what needed to be done. the Leader? It is a terrific game Although becoming a boss or business from people who have specialized knowl- Today, we are experiencing a for kids as it requires no unique owner or a minister, a general, a governor, edge and skills. It is unrealistic to think one COVID-19 pandemic. Each person reading D skills to lead the group. Kids want a CEO, or president usually indicates some person can have adequate knowledge to this has an opinion as to whether our lead- to play, and they will follow and do as the previous leadership success, achieving the address every issue that arises in a gov- ership has heeded the warnings generated leader does. When players cannot or will titles does not make a person an effective ernment that touches lives in every corner by multiple government-run pandemic not do as the leader wants, they drop out of leader of the earth. Obtaining such advice is a simulations, including one as recently as the game, and the only consequence is the When all is right with the world, defining characteristic of an effective leader last year. The simulations clearly showed game goes on without them —and maybe possessing the title is usually enough to —the ability to identify and use the right we were not prepared. You likely also have a bit of feeling dejected until the next game be successful, because subordinates tend advisors, who are willing and able to pres- decided whether guidance and instructions starts. Follow the Leader was my intro- to comply with orders or direction from ent information the president does not want from our leadership have been adequate. duction to the word “leader” —a person to higher up. When things begin to go wrong, to hear. Advisors who toady to the leader’s For all our sakes, I continue to hope they follow. leadership faces a genuine test. In adversi- desires, weaken the leader’s effectiveness. have been. Later, I learned there are other types ty, an indefinable something either makes Effective leaders assume accountability Each type of organization has its mea- of leaders; scouts, sports, religion, military, people trust and want to follow the person for conditions they inherit, and they work surement of success. In business, it is profit. business, civic, and political, to name some. who holds the title or find a replacement. toward improving those conditions that If the business is not profitable, it fails, or To be effective, each of those leaders must Although leadership as an entity may are less than ideal. They do not disavow the directors select a new leader to save it. have some special skill or knowledge. With be indefinable, we know trust is an essential responsibility or blame others for the prob- For politicians, the measure of success so many groups needing leaders, leader- element of effective leadership. We must lems that existed when they assumed the is reelection. Unfortunately, reelection does ship became the subject of academic study. believe our leader has the knowledge and mantle of leadership. not measure the president’s leadership There are diverging and often contradictory determination to guide us in the right direc- All organizations, and particularly gov- effectiveness. It measures popularity only philosophies of leadership. tion and will do it for our good and not for ernments, have a fundamental obligation to in key states, not national popularity. We One incontrovertible truth in each of personal gain or glory. continue their existence. For that to happen, know from experience that the person who those philosophies is that some people are The need for specialized knowledge the elements of the group must be working receives the most individual votes may lose leaders, and most of us are followers. Too increases as organizations become big- toward the same objective. Effective leaders the election. Human nature assures that we often, those in positions of authority mis- ger and more complex. There is no more work to unite the citizens in efforts to make focus our attention and efforts toward the takenly think they are leading when, in fact, far-reaching organization in the world than the government better, stronger, and yes things that generate rewards. When we do subordinates are doing nothing more than the United States government. I cannot greater. They do not demonize opponents that, the law of unintended consequences complying with the boss’s directives. They imagine a more difficult and demanding job and others who disagree with their policies. too often leads us to neglect other things follow because they are not prepared to deal than being the president of our country and For everyone to work toward the same that may lead to failure —even disaster.

“This is America and whenever there is some sort of organized revolution around a track, the approved direction is counter-clockwise as in NASCAR and horse racing.” Playfield culture and the strategies walkers use to track performance

But when you have a counter-walk- er, there is always an awkward approach Silver Threads moment when you have to decide (A) to Among The Old unplug your earplugs and make a comment different from the comment you made on the last lap five minutes ago, or (B) do ROBERT C. SMITH everything you can to avoid eye contact, usually by fiddling with your earphones or suddenly looking around as if something t’s not widely known but something is amiss like a bear sighting or the dam sinister is happening at the playfield. springing a leak. Seemingly out of nowhere, sticks, Most of us simply give an unfocused pinecones, rocks and other tokens I smile and nod to these wrong-way walkers. are appearing on the railing of the bridge But I like to say, “Why, ’ello, mate!” which crosses a small creek close to the (Okay, okay … for all you scientists out playground. there, it is a commonly held misconception This is the bridge walkers cross as that water always drains counterclockwise they traverse the gravel track around the What are these sticks for and why do they appear mysteriously on the playfield bridge? in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise periphery of the playfield. Recently these in the Southern Hemisphere because of mysterious formations were noticed by my the Coriolis effect imparted by the Earth’s wife Diane and I as we embarked on our rotation. But it’s more fun to think this new exercise program. debunked belief is alive and well on the My heart procedure in December and playfield.) no-nonsense cardiologist compelled us to Dogs get serious about daily exercise by which I Dogs are a big part of the playfield ex- mean … we had to do some. perience. There are actually dogs that walk We had done some casual walking on calmly by their owners’ sides and com- the Jeep Trail and Wildcat loops but these pletely ignore other dogs, people, birds and were mostly to enjoy the outdoors with squirrels. These are rare. A good number exercise playing something of a second- are like our late Cocker Spaniel Toby who ary roll. These were pre-Fitbit days and was pointedly excluded from all exercise walking was regarded as something that did walks because of his non-linear approach not have to be quantified, analyzed and cat- to exercise walking and his insistence on alogued. Simply put, walking was exercise, Our magnificent dam (second largest earthen dam in Georgia) provides the backdrop sniffing every third blade of grass and fallen not data. for exercise walkers on the playfield gravel track.PHOTOS BY ROBERT SMITH leaf. One circuit of the track would take 20 But that all changed as we strapped minutes instead of the usual five. on our Christmas present Fitbits and ap- And while the walking may be more “There is the rare walker, Signs are posted reminding owners proached the playfield track in a grim and monotonous than strenuous, (the playfield of POA rules. They insist that you leash business-like manner. This quarter-mile, is dead level), the truly hard part is remem- who, for reasons known and clean up after your dog and there are gravel track is well used by walkers, joggers bering which lap you are on and how many only to themselves, doggy bag dispensers adjacent to the track. and dog exercisers and close enough to the you have done in total. Most owners scrupulously follow the rules postal facility to include that in your daily In today’s world this shouldn’t be a chooses to walk around but track etiquette dictates that onlookers routine. problem … even for old people like our- the track in a clockwise discretely avert their eyes while this proce- My wife and I had never walked there selves. dure is being carried out. and, as a matter of fact, we could never un- Digital fitness trackers, specialized Ap- direction” Finally, harking back to its heritage as derstand why people chose to simply walk ple watches, countless phone apps and the the community’s only baseball field, there around in a large circle with no change of whole gamut of other hi-tech devices are is some sort of organized revolution around is a wonderful vintage backstop that the scenery. Once we tried it, however, we more than willing to measure pulse rate, a track, the approved direction is count- POA has, in its wisdom, allowed to remain. found that the setting has its own peculiar distance walked, calories burned and, in a er-clockwise as in NASCAR and horse rac- There are no base paths, pitcher’s mound charm. pinch, the astrological signs of its users. ing. Even movie directors have their chase or any other nod to baseball basics. It really does have a very dramatic Not one, however will help you scenes run from left to right across the big For those of us of a certain age, this setting with the looming dam a magnificent remember how many laps you’ve walked screen. is the backstop of our youth. It evokes a presence capped as it is with a fluttering without some mental gymnastics concern- For the most part, the majority of walk- time before pickup baseball games at the American flag. Geese in formation and very ing pace length, number of steps and track ers adhere to our counter-clockwise culture schoolyard were homogenized into little occasionally our homegrown bald eagles length. But, judging by the number of sticks, and march around the track like cars on the league teams with uniforms, adult coaches overfly earnest exercise walkers as they rocks, pine cones and other tokens placed interstate, all in the same direction. Howev- and rules. complete their rounds. The soundtrack to by exercise walkers on the bridge at the er, there is the rare walker, who, for reasons This timeworn chain link backstop has all this is the dam’s rushing outflow channel play-field track, we’re not the only ones known only to themselves, chooses to walk the requisite bulge around the bottom that that thunders along the eastern edge of the who seem to have a problem translating around the track in a clockwise direction. says it was well used by generations of Big field. “steps” into laps walked. It could be that they are from a coun- Canoe families as they took practice cuts But most importantly, we thought, with The low-tech solution many walkers try in the Southern Hemisphere, such as with the bat, chased down passed balls or each lap being exactly a quarter mile, it’s have come up with involves placing your Australia, where, as we all believe, every- slid across the plate in close plays at home. easy and convenient to track your progress. markers (sticks, rocks, etc.) on sections of thing (water draining, etc.) is upside down In fact, that backstop is to pickup base- Or so we thought … which brings us the bridge delineated by vertical posts and and backwards. ball games what the bridge lap counter is to back to those mysterious objects on the then advancing them, one section at a time, By doing so, these rebels completely exercise walkers. It is low tech, but it works bridge. as you complete each lap. upset the time-honored mores of track and it’s not digital. It wasn’t long before my wife and I It serves as something of an abacus etiquette. When everyone is walking tumbled to the realities of walking the play- for those too absorbed in listening to their essentially single file, there is no need to Robert C. Smith ([email protected]) field. It’s hard to keep track of your laps. podcasts, music playlists or telephone con- constantly acknowledge the passage of is a longtime resident of Big Canoe who can It sounds like it should be easy. You walk versations to keep track of their progress. your oncoming fellow walkers with a nod be found most mornings walking around the one lap around the perimeter. Then you Walkers’ etiquette or a hello or a quick comment about the track at the playfield. walk another. And then maybe a third or a Which brings us to playfield track eti- weather. fourth. quette. This is America and whenever there

Opinions of contributors do not represent the views of Smoke Signals or Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc. APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS 23 A OPINION “In the United States 90 percent of the population have heard of living wills, 71 percent have thought about them but a dismal 29 percent have executed one.” National Healthcare Decision Day on April 16 raises tough questions

BY ALBERT BARROCAS, MD, FACS, “Are you comfortable sound mind has a legal right to determine FASPEN and SHOSHANA COHEN what healthcare he/she will accept. leaving this kind of life The law differs from state to state ational Healthcare Decision Day, or death decision up to particularly in the situation when an indi- April 16 raises some tough ques- vidual is deemed as decisionally incapable. tions for families—with no easy someone who may not This situation is one of the main reasons N answers any day of the year. even know you?” for advanced care planning with execution Most, if not all, of us make decisions every of a living will/advance directive including day without thinking. However, there are assignment of a proxy. some decisions we ignore or postpone until Tu.be or not Tu.be? Other perspectives to consider a critical situation arises that creates confu- Tough questions require educated As you ponder the answer to the origi- sion, stress and strained relationships with answers. One of the decisions individuals nal question keep the following in mind: family and friends. or surrogate decision makers confront is The overwhelming majority of theologians, In this article we raise the questions the use of feeding tubes. Long-term feeding clergy, ethicists, etc., do not differentiate and hopefully offer a path to making tubes are inserted using a variety of meth- between withholding and withdrawing an healthcare decisions when confronted with ods, but the most used is the Percutaneous intervention such as a PEG tube, though the a critical, terminal, or end-of-life care condi- Endoscopic Gastrostomy or PEG. Prior to latter is more emotionally burdensome and tion. The scenario becomes more significant decisions regarding insertion or withdrawal requires that “When in doubt, don’t take it in the setting where you or your loved of these tubes, we should use the acronym out.” ones may no longer have decision-making to ask another question: Please Explain the Drs. Albert Barrocas (left) and Stanley J. In some instances, the healthcare team capacity. Without an advance directive (e. Goal of the intervention? Dudrick during the American Society for may withhold a potentially beneficial inter- g., living will and/or proxy designation) Tube feedings are part of what is Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) vention, such as PEG feedings, for fear that healthcare providers are forced to make known as Artificial/Specialized Nutrition Conference March 2019. Dr. Dudrick, when found to be ineffective and/or associ- uncomfortable decisions for their patients Support when individuals are unable to who died on January 18, 2020, received ated with risks, the emotions from patients within the limits of the law. meet their nutrition demands by the oral many prestigious awards including being and families may create a major conflict. In the United States 90 percent of the route. Tube feedings fall in the category of recognized as one of the “Fifty Most To avoid this confrontation and still population has heard of living wills, 71 per- Enteral Nutrition (EN), utilizing the gastro- Influential Physicians in History” by provide a potential beneficial therapy, a cent have thought about them but a dismal intestinal tract, while some individuals need Medscape. PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. BARROCAS limited timed trial is recommended with the 29 percent have executed one. partial or total feedings through their veins caveat that at the point that the healthcare The impetus for this discussion at this in a process known as Parenteral Nutrition studies have indicated that individuals not team determines that the intervention is no time is that National Healthcare Decision (PN) with those totally dependent on the receiving nourishments, particularly in end longer beneficial or “low yield,” it will be Day (NHDD)( http://www.nhdd.org ) is Intravenous route as Total Parenteral Nutri- of life situations including severe dementia, withdrawn without input from patient or April 16 each year. Considering the adage tion or TPN. At this juncture it is important neither suffer nor experience the sensations family. that “The two certainties of life are death to differentiate this form of artificial nutri- of thirst or hunger while avoiding undesir- Your wishes should be codified in an and taxes,” NHDD is easy to remember tion and hydration (ANH) from naturally able side effects such as being restrained, acceptable legal form, kept in a safe place, since it takes place one day after the dead- available food and water which most of us fluid overload and incontinence. shared with pertinent family, friends and line for filing state and federal income taxes enjoy. But ethically, just because it can be healthcare providers; and updated at the on April 15. NHDD is part of the Conversa- Although the concern for nourishing done should an intervention be carried out time of hospitalization or annually during tion Project, an Initiative of the Institute for individuals unable to ingest food and water if the risks outweigh the benefits. HCDD. Healthcare Improvement (IHI), a non-profit by mouth was present centuries ago, the Western society bioethics is based on Although you have an ethical and legal organization leading in healthcare improve- ability to do so was limited and ineffective. four basic principles: right to accept or reject proposed interven- ment worldwide. The NHDD website offers In the late 1960s, thanks to the pioneering • Autonomy - Individuals of adult age tions, that right does not translate to a right a multitude of resources including what I effort of Dr. Stanley J. Dudrick and his and decisional capacity have a right to make to demand care and/or intervention not recommend as the first “must see” step, a 3+ team at the University of Pennsylvania, determination regarding their care. This acceptable to the healthcare team. minute video entitled “Imagine” on the land- the first successful patient was managed principle outweighs or trumps the other Major nutritional, geriatric, mental ing page https://theconversationproject. totally through the intravenous route (TPN, three. health and hospice organizations support org/nhdd/. The next recommended step in initially referred to as Hyperalimentation). • Beneficence - Doing the best for the the concept of withholding/withdrawing your journey towards a healthcare decision In the years that have followed, refinements individual in his/her best interest. ANH and particularly tube feedings in is the often emotionally laden critical/cru- in the techniques, formulas, and equipment • Non-maleficence-Above all do no patients with advanced/severe dementia cial conversation(s) with family and friends. have resulted in saving millions of lives and harm: “Primum non nocere.” and those in end of life states provided the The Conversation Project (https:// improving the lives of many more. TPN has • Distributive justice-Fair treatment for informed affected individual or surrogate theconversationproject.org/) has developed been described as one of the four most sig- all decision maker agrees. For more informa- a plethora of resources to assist in this nificant accomplishments in the history of As it relates to decisions whether to tion go to https://www.choosingwisely. very important process. In the first page modern surgery together with the discovery insert a tube for feeding, the autonomy prin- org/patient-resources/feeding-tubes-for- of this website you will find a link to what and development of asepsis and antisepsis, ciple dictates that it is the individual’s right people-with-alzheimers/” should be your second exercise by utilizing antibiotic therapy and anesthesia. to make the determination provided that the Without a properly executed advance the “Your Conversation Starter Kit” that Medical technology healthcare team discusses the appropriate directive there is no documentation of what provides an excellent template for antici- vs the ethics dilemma evidence-based information. Two examples you, as an individual desire. Oftentimes pated conversation(s) with family friends, Technological advances in ANH in of decision algorithms for the insertion of physicians are left to make the decisions healthcare providers and any other selected some respects outpaced changes in the PEG tubes and the roles to be carried out by for you. Do you have an advance directive individuals. bioethical and legal arenas. I have referred the healthcare team are: In some settings (living will and or designated proxy)? If not The last page of the starter kit links to to the conflicts/dilemmas created by what certain professionals may not be available. are you comfortable leaving this kind of life the third step in your journey: the execution can be done technologically, what should In that case the concept of transdisciplinari- or death decision up to someone who may of an advance directive and proxy deter- be done ethically, and what must be done ty or cross-functioning is implemented. The not even know you? mination within the confines of state law. legally as “The Troubling Trichotomy” appropriate function is carried out by the In conclusion, what is the answer to The state of Georgia has such a document (TTT). We can begin to answer the original most qualified substitute. the question “Tu.be or not Tu.be?” The in a PDF-filler format, allowing completion question posed by using TTT via a brief Legally some factors must be consid- answer is the one that you will make based online at https://www.pdffiller.com/jsfill- summary as follows: ered, even if technology and ethics are in on the efforts you will undertake with good er-desk15/?projectId=415010888#749d4a18aa- Technologically we can maintain the concert regarding the tube feeding decision. evidence-based information with this article 05046fad37a7b32f06b2cb nutrition status of individuals totally via As is the case in the ethical realm, the as a beginning to additional inquiry. tube feedings. At the same time multiple law has long maintained that an adult of The doctor ate the chicken that ate the soybeans that ate the algae that ate the what?

Nice story, right? Well, eventually the doctor realized he was a sort of celebrity. Big Canoe He had the honor of being one of the first Law School people on the planet to eat chicken that had been fed a steady diet of soybeans which were fertilized with (yuck) algae. GEORGE FOX And not just any algae; this was spe- cial algae that thrived on the sewage at a processing plant. o lighten your day: here’s a true So as our young doctor realized he medical story that has nothing was truly heroic, a pioneer. Columbus to do with the Coronavirus. crossed the Atlantic. Franklin discovered Once upon a time, a physi- electricity. And our doctor was among T the first people on the planet to eat cian-to-be was in college in the zoology honors program. He got a job separating chicken that had been fed soybeans which female virgin fruit flies from the rowdy were fertilized with algae that were raised male fruit flies. (Don’t ask.) on excrement. He did it so well that he was awarded a National Science Foundation summer Meet with George Fox fellowship. He traveled to Southern and his lawyers in California to work on a project for North their Sandy Springs or American Aviation. mance and being in the right place at the cian-to-be was assigned to watch algae Big Canoe offices, or Our budding physician was exces- right time, he was assigned to travel to grow . . . on sewage at a processing plant. via phone, Facetime, sively bright, so they put him on a project the Mojave Desert and report on algae Those algae were eventually harvest- Zoom, and others. which would launch a specific strain of populations as they grew through the ed. They were used to fertilize soybeans. They’ll teach you what bacteria into space, bring it back, and night. The soybeans were then processed into you need to know. then examine it upon the rocket’s return. Now alga grows 10 times more rap- chicken feed. GEORGE FOX Fox is also adjunct Heady stuff, right? idly than terrestrial plants, and it grows The fowl that ate the feed were professor in Emory Law School's Center Unfortunately, when the satellite was on non-productive and non-arable land. grown, slaughtered and eventually judged for Transactional Law. Questions are coming back down, the rocket misfired. Algae doesn't require fresh water, it can “safe” for human consumption. welcome; reach him at Fox@GaLaw. There was no backup. R.I.P. that strain of be fertilized more efficiently than land And the culmination of the exciting com. He also cautions that what's above bacteria. crops, and you can avoid the intensive summer was a big chicken barbeque is not legal advice, and you should seek Our young doctor was disappointed. water usage and wasteful fertilizer runoff. celebration to which all the scientists and professional advice before doing or not But because of his outstanding perfor- Sounds lofty, right? Well, our physi- students were invited to partake. doing something based on this material.

Opinions of contributors do not represent the views of Smoke Signals or Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc. 24 A SMOKE SIGNALS | NEWS APRIL 2020

THE NUMBERS ADD UP TO CHARLES VECCHIO! H Top Resale Agent for Big Canoe® in 2016 & 2017 H

The number of appraisals Charles Vecchio completed as a certified residential/review appraiser over his 22 years in the 100,000 business. Who better to accurately price your property?

Total dollar value of real estate sold and closed over the past 11 years inside the gates of Big Canoe. Charles Vecchio is devoted to $90,000,000 selling his own listings with an average annual 80% closure rate.

Charles Vecchio, as an associate broker for Big Canoe Realty over the past eleven straight years, has placed either first or second as 1st or 2nd Big Canoe’s “top producing” resale agent.

Amount of full time experience Charlie has in the real estate business including the last 12 years at Big Canoe Realty. 34 years Charlie knows the local market and he really knows his business. Buying or Selling - Charlie is your BEST choice for Big Canoe Real Estate I Want Your Home Listing!

NEW LISTING/PANORAMIC VIEWS, NEW LISTING/MILLION DOLLAR JUST REDUCED/GOLF & MOUNTAIN VIEWS, JUST REDUCED/TRANQUIL SETTING, TRANQUILITY DESIGN/BUILT IN 2010 VIEWS, JACUZZI/SAUNA RENOVATED/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY PRISTINE COND/GOLF W/LAKE VIEWS

SOLD AND CLOSED

1363 Cox Mountain Drive 316 Sanderlin Mountain Drive 340 Willow Drive 996 Wedgewood Drive 4BR’s/3.5 BA, $1,150,000 4BR/3.5BA, $795,000 5BR/5BA, $699,900 5BR/4Full BA - 3 Half, $629,900

JUST REDUCED / EXECUTIVE HOME, JUST REDUCED / LEASE PURCHASE JUST REDUCED/LONG RANGE VIEWS, NEW LISTING / 2 BR’S ON MAIN, 3 CAR GARAGE / RUSHING STREAM OPTION CLOSE TO GATE & AMENITIES PRISTINE COND/CENTRAL LOCATION NEW ROOF/HVAC’S /3 FIREPLACES

SOLD AND CLOSED SOLD AND CLOSED SOLD AND CLOSED SOLD AND CLOSED

191 Sconti Knoll Dr., 4BR/4.5 BA 50 Twin Creeks Drive 931 Summit Drive 62 Soaring Hawk $550,000 3+BR/3.5 BA, $479,999 3+BR’s/3.5 BA, $579,900 5BR/4.5BA, $474,900

JUST REDUCED/CHOCTAW VILLAGE, JUST REDUCED / RUSTIC / MTN VIEWS, JUST REDUCED/SEASONAL VIEWS, OPEN NEW LISTING/CRAFTSMAN STYLE, FURNITURE AVAILABLE/VIEWS UPDATED CABIN/GARAGE FLOORPLAN/PRIVATE SETTING, CLOSE TO LAKE/NEAR STREAM

SOLD AND CLOSED SOLD AND CLOSED SOLD AND CLOSED

186 Choctaw Ridge 423 Ridgeview Drive, 4BR/3.5 BA 3847 Wilderness Pkwy, 4BR/3.5BA 1608 Quail Cove Drive, 4BR/3.5 BA 5BR/4.5 BA, $459,900 $370,000 $350,000 $394,000

JUST REDUCED/UPDATED LOG HOME, JUST REDUCED, LONG RANGE VIEWS, JUST REDUCED/HIGH VOL CEILINGS, JUST REDUCED / UPDATED/ VIEWS, CATHEDRAL CEILINGS/NEAR LAKE 2 B/R’S ON MAIN/OPEN FLOORPLAN RUSTIC FINISHES/INCOME PRODUCER BACKS TO STREAM & TRAILS.

SOLD AND CLOSED SOLD AND CLOSED

44 Indigo Bunting Trail, 4BR/3BA 464 Deer Run Ridge, 3BR/3BA 9 Laurel Ridge Way, 5BR/5BA 249 Dogwood Lane, 3BR/2BA $350,000 $379,900 $284,900 $250,000

NEW LISTING / RUSTIC CABIN, T&G NEW LISTING/PLUMMER CABIN, NEW JUST REDUCED / CLOSE TO LAKE, JUST REDUCED/CONDO UNIT, RUSHING CATHEDRAL CEILING/WOOD BEAMS ROOF/UPDATED BATHS/APPLIANCES PORCHES/DECKS GALORE / GAR-1 STREAM/CLOSE TO AMENITIES

UNDER CONTRACT SOLD AND CLOSED UNDER CONTRACT SOLD AND CLOSED

32 Buckskull Hollow Drive, 196 Crazy Bear Ridge, 2BR/2BA 23 Owls Brow, 5BR/3BA 86 Sconti Ridge, Unit 415-B, 2BR/2 BA + Loft, $182,000 $184,900 $269,900 1BR/1BA, $79,900

Committed To Serve You With Excellence Charles Vecchio Associate Broker 706-268-2327, off. • 770-331-9045, cell Email: [email protected] Website: www.bigcanoe.com

www.linkedin.com/pub/charles-vecchio/19/761/784/ 1 B SMOKE SIGNALSNorth | ARTS G eor& ENTERTAINMENTgia APRIL 2020

APRILArts 2020 | The area’s most comprehensive& eventsEntertainment guide and calendar | COVERING ATLANTA & NORTH GEORGIA | www.smokesignalsnews.com One man’s trash is … an exhibit at Bowen Contest remembering Big Canoe artist searches for beauty in the commonplace

BY CHRISTOPHER BARKER

ith almost everyone non- essential “sheltering in place” for the foreseeable W future, readers have most of what they need to become creative and competitive artists. Time. Trash. Both should be in abundance as responsible Americans protect themselves and everyone else by isolating as much as possible in family groups that are creating more packaging and other household waste than normal because they’re not leaving home to work and dine in restaurants. Add creativity and thinking outside the box that has become trash, and the result can be entries in the earth-friendly Eco Art Competition postponed until July at Bowen Arts Center in Dawsonville. The contest and July 11-31 exhibit hon- Self-portraits were photographed by Sara ors the efforts of late Big Canoe resident Lindkrantz of herself. “I called her my and artist Sara Lindkrantz, who champi- Glitter Girl, because she loved bling,” says oned the diversion of discarded materials friend Lisa Schnellinger. from the waste stream into beautiful art. She and a friend, fellow Big Canoe resident and artist Lisa Schnellinger, had talked about the need for an eco-art show before her passing in April 2019. “The show arose from my friendship with Sara,” says Schnellinger, who met Lindkrantz in the photography club she was leading after Schnellinger’s move to Big Canoe in 2007. “Sara was not bound by traditional ideas – not pretty pictures,” says Schnel- linger at the outset. “It’s hard to describe her art; she dabbled in many different me- diums and was extraordinarily creative.” A glass artist who creates in a glass studio she inherited in DeKalb County, “Chad the Shad” is a community project Schnellinger says her friend “was doing “Matron Saint of Big Canoe Hiking Trails,” a painting by late Big Canoe resident and created from plastic lids and bottle caps interesting montages, combining her own artist Sara Lindkrantz, is featured on a card for sale at the Bowen to support the Eco at the Glynn Visual Arts Center in St. Art Competition in July. Simon’s. PHOTO BY LISA SCHNELLINGER “Sara Lindkrantz photography of nature around Big Canoe use material headed for the landfill in art. relentlessly positive – people remarked with photos she found in antique shops. It “She combined a love of art and the on that. She had chemo, but if not for her championed the was so imaginative.” environment,” such as making a work of super-short hair, you’d never know it. She diversion of discarded Both were painting – “trying things sculpture from plastic CD cases and paint- continued to be her positive self, and she and spurring each other on creatively,” ing with discarded house paints. was inspirational.” materials from the says Schnellinger. “We discussed asking Bowen to have Lindkrantz and her husband didn’t waste stream into “Her other great love was the envi- a show with this theme: ‘Don’t toss it – want a memorial service, so her friend put beautiful art.” ronment, and she was a very early person make art!’ ” together a retrospective exhibit – “every going to war against plastic bags and But Lindkrantz lost her 8-year battle artist wants a retrospective,” says Schnel- pesticides. She often talked about ways to with stage 4 breast cancer despite “being linger with a laugh. n BOWEN | Page 6

“Uncle Preston” shows the Waterford bridge in Big Canoe combined with a discarded “Christmas Journey” features Big Canoe’s Lake Petit and a discarded vintage photo put vintage photo in a digital montage that Sara Lindkrantz made. together in a digital montage created by Sara Lindkrantz. We’re all in this together

elow is the text of an open letter are also likely to have personal financial theaters have the ability to issue gift cer- We look forward to seeing you once from a group of Atlanta theaters, struggles through the coming weeks. tificates that patrons can use for future again at our theaters. Until then, stay which was published by Atlanta We are coming to you now to ask shows. Please check with the theaters safe and healthy. B InTown Paper. It was written for your continued support of local the- you frequent, and inquire if they can sell This too shall pass. by Matthew Terrell, communications atre, even as we temporarily shutter our a gift certificate. Treat your future self director for Dad’s Garage Theatre. doors. There are three easy ways you to a night of entertainment, and once life 7 Stages can help support us through these un- returns to normal we look forward to Actor’s Express TO OUR LOCAL THEATRE FANS, certain times: make a donation, buy a gift welcoming you into our theaters! Alliance Theatre FRIENDS, AND FAMILY: certificate and talk to your legislators. Talk to your legislators. In the Aris Theatre Right now is an unprecedented time Make a donation. All of the theaters coming weeks there will likely be bills Atlanta Lyric Theatre for our community, and the local theatre listed in this letter are nonprofit orga- put forth on the state and national levels Aurora Theatre community will likely be hit especial- nizations. That means that we re-invest for economic relief for those affected by Center for Puppetry Arts ly hard. COVID-19 has caused a great any profits we make back into our mis- COVID-19. Please reach out to your leg- City Springs Theatre deal of change, and we are all facing sion, rather than paying shareholders. As islators and let them know that nonprofit Dad’s Garage Theatre a tremendous amount of uncertainty. non-profit organizations, it also means arts organizations and artists should be Georgia Ensemble Theatre Currently, our leaders are making the we can accept tax-deductible donations! included in these relief packages. Horizon Theatre Company hard but necessary choice to ban mass This is by far the best thing you can do We can make it through this togeth- Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre gatherings of people, and nobody is sure right now to support your local theaters. er, but local theaters need your support Out Front Theatre Company how long this may go on. This directly A pledge for monthly support is also to help weather this storm. Even once Serenbe Playhouse affects theaters, as we will most likely be a wonderful way to provide sustained COVID-19 passes, theaters will still be Stage Door Players unable to host shows and sell tickets for support as we work to recover in the facing financial gaps and tight bud- Synchronicity Theatre an extended period of time. Theaters are coming months. Finally, if you bought a gets, and will likely be asking for your Theatre Buford facing a major loss in revenue because ticket to a show that gets cancelled, con- donation to offset our losses. Please have Theatre du Reve of this. In addition to the impact on our sider turning the cost of that ticket into a patience with us. We are all dedicated to Theatrical Outfit organizations, the performers, artisans, donation, rather than asking for a refund. bringing you amazing theatrical experi- and administrative staff of local theaters Buy a gift certificate. Many local ences. DAWSONVILLE

2 B SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 2020

1 B SMOKE SIGNALSNorth | ARTS G eor& ENTERTAINMENTGia APRIL 2020

ArtsAPRIL 2020 | The& area’s most comprehensiveEntertainment events guide and calendar | COVERING ATLANTA & NORTH GEORGIA Elm Street releases digital version of new play One man’s trash is … an exhibit at Bowen Contest remembering Big Canoe artist searches for beauty in the commonplace

BY CHRISTOPHER BARKER

ith almost everyone non-essential “sheltering in place” for the foreseeable W future, readers have most of what they need to become creative and competitive artists. Time. Trash. Both should be in abundance as responsible Americans protect themselves and everyone else by isolating as much as possible in family groups that are creating more packaging and other household waste than normal because they’re not leaving home to work and dine in restaurants. Add creativity and thinking outside the box that has become trash, and the result can be entries in the earth-friendly Eco Art Competition postponed until July at Bowen Arts Center in Dawsonville. The contest and July 11-31 exhibit hon- Self-portraits were photographed by Sara ors the efforts of late Big Canoe resident Lindkrantz of herself. “I called her my and artist Sara Lindkrantz, who champi- Glitter Girl, because she loved bling,” says oned the diversion of discarded materials friend Lisa Schnellinger. from the waste stream into beautiful art. She and a friend, fellow Big Canoe resident and artist Lisa Schnellinger, had talked about the need for an eco-art show before her passing in April 2019. “The show arose from my friendship with Sara,” says Schnellinger, who met Mrs. Lindkrantz in the photography club she was leading after Schnellinger’s move to Big Canoe in 2007. “Sara was not bound by traditional ideas – not pretty pictures,” says Schnel- linger at the outset. “It’s hard to describe her art; she dabbled in many different me- diums and was extraordinarily creative.” A glass artist who creates in a glass studio she inherited in DeKalb County, “Chad the Shad” is a community project Schnellinger says her friend “was doing “Matron Saint of Big Canoe Hiking Trails,” a painting by late Big Canoe resident and created from plastic lids and bottle caps interesting montages, combining her own artist Sara Lindkrantz, is featured on a card for sale at the Bowen to support the Eco at the Glynn Visual Arts Center in St. Art Competition in July. Simon’s. PHOTO BY LISA SCHNELLINGER “Sara Lindkrantz photography of nature around Big Canoe use material headed for the landfill in art. “being relentlessly positive – people re- with photos she found in antique shops. It “She combined a love of art and the marked on that. She had chemo, but if not championed the was so imaginative.” environment,” such as making a work of for her super-short hair, you’d never know diversion of discarded Both were painting – “trying things sculpture from plastic CD cases and paint- it. She continued to be her positive self, and spurring each other on creatively,” ing with discarded house paints. and she was inspirational.” materials from the says Schnellinger. “We discussed asking Bowen to have Mrs. Lindkrantz and her husband waste stream into “Her other great love was the envi- a show with this theme: ‘Don’t toss it – didn’t want a memorial service, so her beautiful art.” ronment, and she was a very early person make art!’ ” friend put together a retrospective exhibit going to war against plastic bags and But Mrs. Lindkrantz lost her 8-year – “every artist wants a retrospective,” says pesticides. She often talked about ways to battle with stage 4 breast cancer despite Schnellinger with n BOWEN | Page 6

“Uncle Preston” shows the Waterford bridge in Big Canoe combined with a discarded “Christmas Journey” features Big Canoe’s Lake Petit and a discarded vintage photo put vintage photo in a digital montage that Sara Lindkrantz made. together in a digital montage created by Sara Lindkrantz. We’re all in this together

elow is the text of an open letter are also likely to have personal financial theaters have the ability to issue gift cer- We look forward to seeing you once from a group of Atlanta theaters, struggles through the coming weeks. tificates that patrons can use for future again at our theaters. Until then, stay which was published by Atlanta We are coming to you now to ask shows. Please check with the theaters safe and healthy. B InTown Paper. It was written for your continued support of local the- you frequent, and inquire if they can sell This too shall pass. by Matthew Terrell, communications atre, even as we temporarily shutter our a gift certificate. Treat your future self director for Dad’s Garage Theatre. doors. There are three easy ways you to a night of entertainment, and once life 7 Stages can help support us through these un- returns to normal we look forward to Actor’s Express TO OUR LOCAL THEATRE FANS, certain times: make a donation, buy a gift welcoming you into our theaters! Alliance Theatre FRIENDS, AND FAMILY: certificate and talk to your legislators. Talk to your legislators. In the Aris Theatre Right now is an unprecedented time Make a donation. All of the theaters coming weeks there will likely be bills Atlanta Lyric Theatre for our community, and the local theatre listed in this letter are nonprofit orga- put forth on the state and national levels Aurora Theatre community will likely be hit especial- nizations. That means that we re-invest for economic relief for those affected by Center for Puppetry Arts ly hard. COVID-19 has caused a great any profits we make back into our mis- COVID-19. Please reach out to your leg- City Springs Theatre deal of change, and we are all facing sion, rather than paying shareholders. As islators and let them know that nonprofit Dad’s Garage Theatre a tremendous amount of uncertainty. non-profit organizations, it also means arts organizations and artists should be Georgia Ensemble Theatre Currently, our leaders are making the we can accept tax-deductible donations! included in these relief packages. Horizon Theatre Company hard but necessary choice to ban mass This is by far the best thing you can do We can make it through this togeth- Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre gatherings of people, and nobody is sure right now to support your local theaters. er, but local theaters need your support Out Front Theatre Company how long this may go on. This directly A pledge for monthly support is also to help weather this storm. Even once Serenbe Playhouse affects theaters, as we will most likely be a wonderful way to provide sustained COVID-19 passes, theaters will still be Stage Door Players unable to host shows and sell tickets for support as we work to recover in the facing financial gaps and tight bud- Synchronicity Theatre an extended period of time. Theaters are coming months. Finally, if you bought a gets, and will likely be asking for your Theatre Buford facing a major loss in revenue because ticket to a show that gets cancelled, con- donation to offset our losses. Please have Theatre du Reve of this. In addition to the impact on our sider turning the cost of that ticket into a patience with us. We are all dedicated to Theatrical Outfit organizations, the performers, artisans, donation, rather than asking for a refund. bringing you amazing theatrical experi- and administrative staff of local theaters Buy a gift certificate. Many local ences.

Arts&Entertainment A publication to highlight arts, entertainment and cultural events across North Georgia. PUBLISHED BY Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc.

Smoke Signals PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRONSON KURTZ Community Services, Inc. Board Of Directors hile Elm Street Cultural times in her life. As was one of the most Jim Braley, Dudley DeVore, Arts Village had to cancel famous and respected children’s authors in George Thurman, David Howe, live performances of the the world, her books captivated millions, Wayne Tidwell, Rhonda Stock, W Georgia premiere of Will but the life she led wasn’t quite a storybook Christine Flaherty, Phil Baldwin, Jon Markey Coleman’s “Helvetica” due to COVID-19 affair. Through the eyes of her beloved concerns, the downtown Woodstock-based stuffed bear, Myron, we see the three EXECUTIVE EDITOR arts center has launched a complete digital women she was—the past, present, and Wayne Tidwell - 770-331-2936 experience of the play. Audiences can en- future of the person no one knew. [email protected] joy the show from the comfort and safety “Helvetica” is recommended for ages • of home for free through May 10. 16+ due to strong language and mature ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT “Arts access has a new meaning these themes. Audiences are able to experience EDITOR days,” says Christopher Brazelton, Elm the show digitally using the following Melissa Lowrie - 678-910-1338 Street’s executive director. “We still need website link: https://elmstreetarts.org/ [email protected] it and this show was created for con- helvetica-the-digital-experience. • necting — a relevant, intergenerational audiences during this time, Elm Street is Elm Street will continue to provide EDITORIAL LAYOUT DESIGNER connection.” The digital package includes offering the digital experience of “Helvet- updates on how the outbreak impacts the Karen S. Webster - 706-268-1437 a recorded version of the play, available ica” for free. “If you enjoy it, we ask that rest of their programming and the most [email protected] to stream now. It was filmed by David you consider supporting Elm Street with up-to-date information will be available on • Thompson Technologies LLC (DDT- a tax-deductible donation which will help their social media as well as their website. ADVERTISING DESIGNER Live). Also included: a digital copy of the our programming continue during these Barbara Smith - 770-737-2117 program, storybook and an online gallery difficult times.” Submitted by Elm Street [email protected] of production photos by Bronson Kurtz. To In the play, children’s book author Cultural Arts Village make the show as accessible as possible to Helvetica is introduced three different •••

PRINT & ONLINE “The Alliance has also launched a variety of digital resources to support learning ADVERTISING and entertainment while much of the population is stuck at home.” BUSINESS MANAGER Jeanne Holbrook - 706-669-7095 ATLANTA [email protected] • SALES REPRESENTATIVES Sarah Mansfield - 770-402-3839 Alliance Theatre utilizes costume shop [email protected] • Steve Melching - 678-360-3712 artists to sew masks for hospital staff [email protected] he ongoing coronavirus pandemic has led to PRINT & ONLINE shortages nationwide in the supply of face CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING masks at hospitals. In response, artists at [email protected] T Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre’s costume shop are working to sew masks that will be distributed to ••• Georgia hospitals. Although the Alliance Theatre remains closed to support the call to limit public gatherings, CIRCULATION artists are continuing to work from home to produce the Petr Fechtner - 706-669-7095 masks. They will go to Emory Healthcare and other area [email protected] hospitals. The Alliance has also launched a variety of digital SUBSCRIPTIONS resources for families, teachers, youth, teens, and adults [email protected] Theatre costume to support learning and entertainment while much of the population is stuck at home. These online resourc- FIND US ON designers sew masks es include live virtual coaching and virtual classes for FACEBOOK during hiatus. instruction on screenwriting, playwriting, arts criticism, script analysis, voiceover, monologue coaching, audi- tion techniques: sides, self-taping, acting, and more. The Alliance is streaming its most recent productions. More information on these digital offerings is available at www. alliancetheatre.org/digital. Submitted by Alliance Theatre

Due to precautions necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), theaters and museums around the world are currently closed. Fortunately there are ways to bring culture into our homes during this unprecedented hiatus. Visit https://artsandculture.google. com to see inside the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Spain, the Taj Mahal in India or the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum in Mongolia (among many others). Ballet performances are available as well as concerts and shows. Google’s Arts and Culture is an outstanding portal and a way to see the world while keeping safe. Smoke Signals® Mailing Address: 11293 Big Canoe, Big Canoe, GA 30143 Office Phone: 706-669-7095 What’s Inside | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Printed and mailed by One Man’s Trash Is...An Exhibit Theatrical Outfit Announces Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc. Jasper, GA 30143 At Bowen...... 1, 6-7 2020-2021 Season...... 12 Smoke Signals is owned by Smoke Signals Community Services, Inc. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village ...... 2 Atlanta Symphony Hall: “Police Deranged with all rights reserved. Alliance Theatre Utilizes Costume Shop ...... 2 for Orchestra”...... 13 © Copyright 2009 Smoke Signals All editorial and Canton Festival Of The Arts...... 3 advertising material is the property of Smoke Signals and may not be used in any other publication or media without Terraces Announces Summer Season the express written consent of Smoke Signals. Lineup...... 4 Advertiser is solely responsible for the content of all advertising published at their request or their agent and April Calendar...... 5 shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the publisher from any claim or lawsuit arising out of any advertisement. Megan At The Movies...... 8 The opinions expressed by our op-ed writers are Big Canoe Photo Club...... 8 not necessarily endorsed by Smoke Signals Community bigcanoenews.com/ Services, Inc. Big Canoe Artists Club • 11 The Curious Corner...... 10-11 art-entertainment APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 3 B

CANTON Canton Festival of the Arts returns with unique gifts

The Chalk Spot is back by popular demand. amilies will enjoy shopping for unique gifts for moms, grand- mothers and wives the week before F Mother’s Day at the 17th annual Can- ton Festival of the Arts. The event will run Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3. See one-of- a-kind art by more than 50 artists, live chalk art demonstrations and live music. The festival is produced by the Cher- okee County Arts Center, a nonprofit dedi- cated to enriching community life through the arts. While entry is free, a $5 donation per adult with a $10 family cap is suggested to benefit the nonprofit, as this event serves as its primary fundraiser. “We’re excited that this festival is no longer a well-kept secret because of great participation in recent years,” said Lisa Brunelle, board president of Cherokee County Arts Center. “It’s a great opportu- nity to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, while shopping for those sometimes hard- to-find gifts for mom. Here, finding the gift that will make an impression for a great price is easy.” Artist’s Market The popular Artist’s Market is the centerpiece of Canton Festival of the Arts, showcasing more than 50 local and national artists. Visitors will find fine works of art including paintings, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, glass, n sculptures and textiles at a va- MAY 2-3 riety of price points and styles BROWN PARK for purchase. All artists will be onsite and some will demon- strate their craft. Canton Chalk Spot Last year’s chalk event returns in 2020 “We’re excited by popular demand, now on both days of that this festival is the festival. Aspiring artists will have the opportunity to create live chalk art. It is rec- no longer a well-kept ommended to register ahead of the festival; secret because of day-of walk-in registrations are welcome while space and supplies last. There is a great participation in recent years.”

small registration fee, and an early bird fee if submitted by April 24. Maker’s Market New this year! Visit our Maker’s Mar- ket for homemade jams and jellies as well as handcrafted soaps, lotions and accessories for children and pets plus other fine crafts. All are handcrafted and American made. Music Cafe Relax and snack on great local food while listening to a talented lineup of singer songwriters and bands from Northwest Georgia. The festival is May 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Brown Park at 251 E. Marietta St. in downtown Canton, rain or shine. Free, on-street parking is available or in the Cherokee County Courthouse parking deck located at 94 N. Main Street. The Cherokee Arts Center is located in downtown Canton serving citizens of Canton and surrounding counties. The mission is to enrich the quality of life by promoting, developing and coordinating excellence in the Art. The gallery is free and open to the public and all proceeds from the festival directly support the educational and outreach programs. Visit www.CantonArt- Festival.com or follow @CantonFestival on Facebook for more information. 4 B SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 2020

MARBLE HILL Terraces announces summer season lineup

BY GRAHAM NICHOLSON for the Terraces Committee

e are proud to announce the Terraces Committee has fin- ished bookings for the 2020 W season. We look forward to hosting you, your family and friends with the following musical acts, mostly on Saturdays (save for July 3) and starting at 7 p.m. Our season opener will be quite a gem, as we begin not only with one great band, but two. On Saturday, May 23, we welcome The Wildermen, an eight-piece Americana band hailing from the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. They live and breathe these roots, therefore sing about them with passion and emotion. The band is headed by Randy Dobson and Frankie Sparks who split time with vocals, guitar and bass. The dynamic duo of Daniel Johnson and Dallas Hyde combine on harmonica and electric guitar. Stephen Clark covers the rhythm section and percussion responsibilities. To round it off, be sure to catch Andrew Olsen, Blue Goodman and Tyler “Turtle” Smith as they create sultry horn melodies on trum- pet, trombone and French horn, respective- ly. This group of musicians has played in various forms since their high school days. Madam Radar. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TERRACES COMMITTEE They performed with Dolly Parton as part of her Netflix series “Heartstrings” and “Our season opener performed in the Clint Eastwood directed will be quite a gem, movie “Richard Jewell.” as we begin not only with Headlining that night is Madam Radar, another North Georgia band, who now calls one great band, but two.” Austin, Texas home. The band is made up of Kelly Green (lead/slide guitar and vo- We have various ticket packages and cals), Kody Lee (drums/saxophone/vocals), prices for this season. Please check www. Jace Cadle (rhythm/vocals), along with terracesconcerts.com for further informa- Violet Lea (bass/vocals), who they recruit- tion and for purchase availability. You will ed through a Craigslist ad in Austin. They also be able to purchase tickets through the were previously named Texas K.G.B. (Kelly alpha box at the Big Canoe Postal Facility, Green Band), which their producer Gody Stand Around at Big Canoe Chapel and at Quist thought needed a rebranding, and the box office at the venue on concert day. after many brainstorming sessions, agreed We are currently working on our sup- on their current name, Madam Radar. The ported charities for this season. group blends Americana, country and blues Should you have any questions regard- music. With the band now having three ing this upcoming Terraces Concert series, strong singers and songwriters, it is easy to please contact Shelby Collins at 404-863- hear contributions from all three in every 2676. During the season, we will continue song on their self-titled album. While songs to have the Concert and Weather Hotline The Wildermen. have different songwriters, they all stay true available at 470-273-6767. For GPS address to the band’s sound. Petty Tribute Band Please watch Smoke Signals and the information, the Terraces Amphitheater We have booked the following acts for Saturday, July 25 – A1A – Jimmy Buffett Terraces website for information on the is located at 1849 Steve Tate Highway in the remainder of the season: Tribute Band Clubhouse’s mobile kitchen availability. Marble Hill. Saturday, June 20 – The Brotherhood – Saturday, Aug. 15 – 120 East Band Contact the Clubhouse at 706-268-2420 for See you at the Terraces Amphitheater Doobie Brothers Tribute Band Saturday, Sept. 5 – MainStreet – Bob further information. for incredible evenings of music, dance and Friday, July 3 – The Wildflowers – Tom Seger Tribute Band fellowship!

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APRILCalendar 2020 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Theatre Music • “Hamilton,” Fox Theatre, Atlanta (through • The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett May 3) - PPD Tribute Band, Holly Theatre, Dahlonega • “Much Ado About Nothing,” Shakespeare (new date Jan. 9, 2021) Tavern, Atlanta (through April 5) - PPD • The Mastersons with Bonnie Whitmore, • “On Your Feet,” Aurora Theatre, Law- Crimson Moon, Dahlonega renceville (through April 12) - PPD • Tommy Joe Conner, Fainting Goat Vine- • “The Outsider,” Stage Door Players, Dun- yard, Jasper woody (through April 12) - PPD • Adrian Stover, Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay • “The Brothers Size,” Actor’s Express, Atlanta (through April 11) - PPD SUNDAY, APRIL 12 • “The Light,” Horizon Theatre, Atlanta Happy Easter (through April 26) - PPD Visual Arts THURSDAY, APRIL 16 • 20 Years of the Bowen ~ a retrospective, Theatre Bowen Center for the Arts, Dawsonville • “Moon Over Buffalo,” School Street (through April 17) Playhouse, Cumming (through May 10) Music THURSDAY, APRIL 2 • Midori and Bartók, Atlanta Symphony Music Hall, Atlanta (April 16, 18) • Karen Waldrup, Crimson Moon, Dahlonega Other FRIDAY, APRIL 17 • Terry Fator, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Music Centre, Atlanta • Rescheduled - Justin Moore & Tracy Lawrence, Cobb Energy Performing Arts FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Centre, Atlanta Music • Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at KSU - PPD • The Temptations & The Four Tops, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Atlanta - PPD Music Cobb Energy Visual Arts • 70s Soul Jam, Cobb Energy Performing • “Appalachian Perspectives” (in conjunction Arts Centre, Atlanta - PPD Performing with “Crossroads: Change in Rural America”), • Darrell Scott, Crimson Moon, Dahlonega The Art Center, Blue Ridge (through June 6) • Bee Gees Gold: The Tribute, Falany Arts Centre Performing Arts Center, Waleska SATURDAY, APRIL 4 • Amanda Roark, Fainting Goat Vineyards, THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS Theatre Jasper • “Menopause The Musical,” City Springs • Gregg Erwin, Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay Performing Arts Center at Byers Theatre, Visual Arts Sandy Springs, (April 4-5) • Eco Art Competition, Bowen Center for Music the Arts, Dawsonville (PPD - please see • Banks & Shane, Holly Theatre, Dahlonega details on page 1B) - new date Sept. 5 • 16th Annual ATL Blues Festival, Cobb En- SUNDAY, APRIL 19 ergy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta - PPD Music • Keith Anderson, Crimson Moon, Dahlonega KATHY HUTCHINS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM • Styx with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, • Surrender Hill, Fainting Goat Vineyard, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta - PPD Jasper • Lindsey Beth Harper, Fainting Goat • Sarah Forde, Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay Atlanta Vineyards, Jasper Other Symphony Hall • Camille Rae, Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay • Orchid Care Clinic, Atlanta Botanical Other Garden, Atlanta TYLER HENRY • Bert Kreischer, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta SUNDAY, APRIL 5 • Tyler Henry, Atlanta Symphony Hall - PPD Music • Alicia Keys, Atlanta Symphony Hall, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 ROB HAINER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Atlanta - PPD Theatre • Boomers Gone Wild, Crimson Moon, 19 • “Cotton Patch Gospel,” Theatrical Outfit, Dahlonega Balzer Theatre, Atlanta - PPD 3 • Aspen Anonda, Fainting Goat Vineyard, Music Jasper • RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles, Cobb En- • Scott Stambaugh, Cartecay Vineyards, ergy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta - PPD Ellijay • Niall Horan, State Farm Arena, Atlanta

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 State Farm THURSDAY, APRIL 23 Theatre Arena Music • “Trouble at the Tropicabana,” Blue Ridge • ASO’s Donald Runnicles conducts “Carmi- Community Theatre, Blue Ridge (PPD until na burana,” Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta 2021) NIALL HORAN (through April 26)

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Music Theatre • Ben Rector: The Old Friends Acoustic • “Ripcord,” Holly Theatre, Dahlonega (new Tour with Cody Fry, Atlanta Symphony dates May 8-17) Hall, Atlanta 22 Music Other • Alexis Cole, The Arts Council Smithgall • Bill Burr, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Arts Center, Gainesville (April 24, 25) Centre, Atlanta - PPD SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Music • Just Roxie, Crimson Moon, Dahlonega • Ace Suggs, Fainting Goat Vineyards, Jasper • Travis Bowlin, Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay Other • Earth Day Celebration, Bowen Center for the Arts, Dawsonville

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 Music • Megan Fowler, Fainting Goat Vineyards, Jasper • David Wilcox, Crimson Moon, Dahlonega • Tommy Joe Conner, Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 Music • One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & The Works, Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta - PPD TINSELTOWN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 30 Music • ASO’s Stephen Mulligan conducts “The Rite of Spring,” Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta (April 30 and May 2) • Sarah Peacock, Crimson Moon, Dahlonega

In light of the rapidly changing developments resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), many theaters have cancelled the remainders of their seasons, museums have closed and concerts are postponed. Those planning to hold shows at press time may cancel/postpone. Always confirm dates with venues. 6 B SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 2020 Bowen n Continued from page 1 Art from the artist’s home, art borrowed from Lindkrantz collectors and a 100-slide presentation comprised the artist retro- spective at Big Canoe’s Swim Club last June. Sold art and the sale of photographer John Seibel’s prints of Lindkrantz’s work provided the prize money for the Eco Art Competition. Bowen Arts Center Director Ginny Greenwood was receptive to the pro- posal for “Sara to have the eco art show “Departure” is a kiln-carved piece made of she never got to have,” says Schnellinger. broken picture frame glass repurposed by Originally scheduled for April, the show Lisa Schnellinger. and contest reflected “perfect timing with things more closely. I’ve seen artists make Earth Day, but it’s better to be safe. wonderful things from waste materials,” “With climate change and the pan- including more than 100 artists exhibiting demic, there are plenty of environmental in a recent show about climate change. things to be concerned about. Using Schnellinger says great examples of trash to create beauty can be inspiring to trash-from-art are at St. Simon’s Island, non-artists and also a chance for people where two pieces are on display: rags tied who don’t think of themselves as artists artistically on chain-link fencing, and col- to be creative. Taking something ordinary orful plastic lids and bottle caps in exhibits and commonplace like trash and looking both “remarkable and weatherproof.” at it differently as a resource is a great ex- The artist says her art reuses the ercise in imagination and thinking outside waste glass she finds in Big Canoe – “table- the box.” tops, windowpanes, vases. I’ve seen people With the current virus limiting move- make tapestry out of plastic bag strands ment, “maybe there’s more time to look at they weave and collages out of old photo-

“Dissolve to Rise: Grasping” shows the use of broken tempered-glass pieces fused into artwork by Lisa Schnellinger.

Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground is a perfect place to practice social distancing. Currently, tickets are available exclusively online. Visit www.gibbsgardens.com for the latest operational changes implemented to keep guests safe. PHOTO COURTESY OF GIBBS GARDENS “Entering the Glacier” is made from discarded glass tabletops that Lisa Schnellinger cast into a sculpture. n Continued on next page FEATURED LISTINGS

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2020 President Elect For The Pickens County Board of Realtors 2019 & 2018 Director for the Pickens County Board of Realtors 2018 & 2017 Recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 B n Continued from previous page

“Taking something ordinary and commonplace like trash and looking at it differently as a resource is a great exercise in imagination and thinking outside the box.” graphs – not the pictures, but the materials in them that contain color. I expect we’ll see some pretty cool collections where people have used trash creatively. “We got a surge of entries when this was first advertised, and they were inspir- ing – the sort of things that would prompt people to say: ‘I can do something really different here.’ “We’ve been promoting the show in Atlanta, and we hope to get pieces from artists all over the state. It would be a great tribute to Sara, and I think she’d be happy this finally happened.” The juried show at the Bowen will be- stow Sara Lindkrantz Best-in-Show awards Another self-portrait photographed by using retrospective proceeds: $500 for first Sara Lindkrantz of herself. place among adult entries, $200 for second and $100 for third; and student awards of $200, $100 and $50. means Sara is still ‘alive.’ I think it will be a PET PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY JO COX Exhibitors may show and sell up to fun show with a more serious back-story.” Whether your furry friend is lazy and cuddly or fast moving and hyper, three entries that “must be original in Creating art from discarded materials my goal is to capture their spirit in a way that makes you smile. You’ll want to concept, composition and execution by isn’t new. “ ‘Upcycling’ is what a collage be excited to share your pet’s photos with family and friends. Besides individual the artist,” according to guidelines. “Any artist does, and you might not realize recycled material can show artistic flair for something is made from trash,” says portrait sessions, I am available to photograph for dog competitions, dock a collage, sculpture or wall hanging. Schnellinger. diving and horse competitions. “ ‘Arte povera’ is an Italian term that “Build your work from used mate- Contact me today to book your session. You won’t be disappointed. rials such as recyclables, post-consumer means ‘poor art,’ ” and it refers to an artis- materials (no foods or liquids), scraps, tic movement in the late 1960s and early fiber, plastic, glass, metal, wood, broken 1970s when impoverished artists “started furniture, old paint, tools, junk, old stuff, using rags, mud, all kinds of things,” says treasures, pipes, PVC or toys,” but nothing Schnellinger. The art in that movement “smelly.” was “not just done by poor artists but done July 2 is the deadline to enter at www. by well-known artists who wanted to take bowenarts.org, and professional and a different approach, turning traditional amateur artists can bring their entries to art on its head and in a symbolic way the Bowen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 2, 3, challenging commercialized art. It was an 7. Adults pay $10 per entry, and students important movement with global influenc- under 18 pay no entry fees “because we es that most people aren’t familiar with. want to encourage young people to create “It’s not just about an environmental Now taking something.” During a time when outside issue; it’s about developing the ability to socializing is discouraged, “It could be a see and imagine beauty, and that’s always reservations to great family project as well. good for the planet. capture memories “There’s no limit to what you can do “There’s so much beauty in the world, of your furry – the goofier, the better. Google artfrom- even in things we don’t put value on, like friend! trash. This is not limited to professional moss and tree bark. I think Sara saw that, artists. and we hope to get more people to see “I hope people are having fun, because that.” that’s what Sara was like, and I think it www.maryjocoxphotography.com | 770-362-7346

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*Rebate offer is valid only with the purchase of qualifying Lennox® products. **Service offer applies to new customers only. ***See dealer for details and visit www.energystar.gov for more information on the credit guidelines and list of qualifying heating and cooling equipment. ©2009 Lennox Industries Inc. See your participating Lennox® dealer for details. Lennox® dealers include independently owned and operated businesses. 8 B SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 2020 ‘Emma’ “Visually, this ‘Emma’ Goth and Flynn might seem like mis- casting on paper, but the actress makes is straight-up a surprisingly adorable Harriet and the eye candy between actor-musician brings a whole extra level of masculinity to Mr. Knightley. Between the art direction, “Emma,” “Little Women” and Celine costumes and many Sciamma’s “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” fancy period pieces presently look to be colorful food decorations the go-to genre for female filmmakers. during the tea time Megan Bianco is a and dinner party southern California- sequences.” based movie reviewer and film historian, providing Say what you will about Paltrow’s entertainment content real-life online presence, but no one was exceeding 700 more tailor-made for this character than published articles to she was over two decades ago. She effort- various publications lessly made the young woman charming MEGAN BIANCO since 2010. She has a and lovely, but just as much privileged degree in Film Criticism & Screenwriting as she exudes. Garai and Silverstone did from California State University, fine jobs of accomplishing these traits as Northridge. You can follow her on well. Indie film star Taylor-Joy’s delivery Instagram @moviemuses. has Emma at her brattiest, but not at a disadvantage. In fact, I’d say it makes her character arc by the end even more rewarding. Jane Austen’s “Emma” gets yet another remake. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOX HILL FILMS/FOCUS FEATURES

afford to not get married, so rather than waste time looking for a husband she may Megan not love, her primary interest is playing At The Movies matchmaker for her friends and acquain- tances (and more for her own amusement than anything else). Emma’s latest protégé is a new orphan girl in town named Har- MEGAN BIANCO riet Smith (Mia Goth), who she feels is in desperate need of some guidance and ust like with Greta Gerwig’s “Little social advice. The only person who sees Women” only two months ago, when through Emma’s façade and calls her out the trailer for Autumn de Wilde’s on her shenanigans is her brother-in-law’s J new interpretation of Jane Austen’s brother George Knightley (Johnny Flynn). classic romantic comedy “Emma” first Bill Nighy co-stars as Emma’s humor- dropped, my immediate question was, ous father and Miranda Hart is an equally why? How many more on-screen versions amusing Ms. Bates. Like Gerwig, de Wilde Carla Boutin, Agent of this popular tale do we need? Over the began her career in a different artistic 137 Prominence Court, Suite 210 decades, we’ve already gotten a dozen or position before film directing (photog- Please stop by and say, “Hi!” Dawsonville, GA 30534 so adaptations that include an impressive raphy in the latter’s case). Visually, this I’m looking forward to serving your needs for feature film starring Gwyneth Paltrow in “Emma” is straight-up eye candy between Bus: 706-268-1500 1996; a stellar mini-series with Romola the art direction, costumes and many Bus: 706-344-1300 insurance and financial services. Garai from 2009; and arguably the most colorful food decorations during the tea [email protected] Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® creative adaptation when filmmaker Amy time and dinner party sequences. De Wil- CALL ME TODAY. Heckerling and starlet Alicia Silverstone de’s vibrant direction along with Eleanor BIG CANOE RESIDENT modernized the story, set it in a Beverly Catton’s witty script make for possibly Hills high school and called it “Clueless” the funniest retelling of Austen’s tale yet. (1995). So with these quality screen takes Similar to Scarlett O’Hara, Emma herself to live up to, can the new movie for a new as a protagonist doesn’t exactly have decade hold its own? the most likable personality. She can be As we know, it’s 1815 in Austen’s fic- charismatic and sophisticated, but also— tional Highbury, England, where 21-year- unapologetically—a brat. The specifics in old Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) the portrayal and performance can make is pretty, rich and precocious. She can all the difference in how appealing she is. APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9 B

“The group walked a mile in the dark to get to the boat and starting taking images around 4:30 a.m.” Teamwork makes for stunning capture

“Milky Way over the Donna Kay.” PHOTO BY RANDY LEWIS, JUNE LEWIS, BRIAN ROBBINS & JERRY DEEDS

the Florida Panhandle to photograph the Milky Way above the Donna Kay. The Milky Way is only visible part of the year and on this night in February it was dark over the Big Canoe Photo Club boat, because they were shooting out over the Gulf of Mexico, allowing the Milky Way to sparkle brightly. The group walked a mile in the dark to get to the boat and starting taking images STEVE CARLISLE around 4:30 a.m. They set their cameras to make 20 to 30 second exposures at ISO 3200, with the f-stops as wide open as their lenses would allow. Brian was inside this very dirty boat lighting the inside and controlling his camera remotely with a Cam- ack in 2018, the Donna Kay, a shrimp boat working the Gulf of Mexico, washed Ranger. June lit the exterior of the boat for very short periods of time with the flash- up on the white sandy beaches of Cape San Blas, Florida, during Hurricane light in her cell phone. It was truly a group effort and the resulting image is certainly Michael. Four photographers from the Big Canoe Photography Club, Randy spectacular! B and June Lewis, along with Brian Robbins and Jerry Deeds, made the drive to

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Not valid with any other offer. 10 B SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 2020 The rise of the Sober Curious movement

for January dryness. I got out the google machine and banged away. What I found The Curious was both surprising and interesting. Those Corner dang millennials were at it again! Ever disdainful with their “OK, Boom- er” remarks, millennials have decided they aren’t going to drink the same way and they ARTSY CHOW ROAMER are driving a change. They want to feel like they are drinking without the actual alcohol Oh demon alcohol part messing things up. Not a bad idea, Memories I can’t recall really, and the markets are responding. Who thought I would fall Alcohol free beer and wine have been A slave to demon alcohol around for a while. My first foray into wine ~ Alcohol – Hailey Tuck produced disappointment and after trying again recently, it still does. Prominent f you’re like me, January 1 meant wine writer, Emma Beckett, says she really coming off a continuous run of non- couldn’t recommend any particular brand stop eating and drinking through the but offered that a shot of balsamic vinegar holidays. Dry January was a desir- in red and verjus (acidic juice from unripe I grapes) in white went a long way towards able necessity. But why do it? As George Clooney would say, “… mainly to prove we making it taste better. Sour cherry juice still can!” There has been a substantial shift stands in for a pinot noir. I admit I did not in drinking habits and a growing number try this so I can’t honestly report on wheth- of people are looking for ways to cut back er it works or not. or cut out alcohol altogether; a movement Heineken had a “no alcohol” product, called Sober Curious. but like others it did have a tiny amount. Named after a book written in 2018 Their new beer is called 0.0 with absolutely by Ruby Warrington, it is the perfect asset none! I’m not much of a beer drinker but for those interested in an alcohol “free-ish” my husband is so we grabbed a six-pack to lifestyle. I decided to research product test. My husband thought it was great and options to see just what might be available Seedlip offers three distinct flavors in their distilled spirits. PHOTO COURTESY OF SEEDLIP very drinkable, n Continued on next page

Kin’s High Rhode cocktails provide the buzz without alcohol. Mocktails are a fun way to cut back. Heineken O.O has all the great taste you expect. PHOTO BY ARTSYCHOWROAMER

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Kin Euphorics Dream Light is a nightcap promising good sleep. (to the degree I never seem to have one in the fridge) and I did too. Craft beers are get- ting into the game as well by making new flavors. Surreal Brewing Company won the World’s Best Non-Alcoholic Beer in 2019 with their new craft recipe. Seedlip is the world’s first distilled non- alcoholic spirit. If vodka with water or soda is your thing, then this is your stuff. Made to be used with mixers to create grown up “mocktails,” inventor Ben Branson wanted to offer unique flavor profiles using specific blends of real ingredients distilled with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” acrylic on museum profile canvas, 30x30 inches, by Jacqueline alcohol which burns away in the process. Allison. Coming from a generational farming background in the UK, Branson began with Garden 108 utilizing peas, hay and local herbs like rosemary. He wanted to recreate Big Canoe the memory of eating fresh peas in the hay- Artists Club field with his grandfather (BTW, he has the letters P-E-A-S tattooed on his right hand). It is a floral blend, but don’t think gin. He has gone on to create Spice 94 ARTIST GALLERY: JACQUELINE ALLISON based on the Jamaican allspice berry and Citrus 42 with three types of citrus. They The Big Canoe Artists Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. in the are not really meant to be sipped by them- Broyles Community Center at the Big Canoe Chapel. Membership in the club is selves but you could if you wanted to. They $25 per year, and is open to all Big Canoe property owners regardless of skill level. are complex and a little bitter and meant Members enjoy the camaraderie, educational and collective exhibit and marketing to shine through in a mix like bourbon or opportunities provided by association with the club. For information about club tequila. In other good news, there is no burn Spritz is the go to for BYOC get togethers. membership or club artists and their work visit www.bigcanoeartists.com. going down or any additives or sugar. PHOTO BY EUPHORICS: HEIDI’S BRIDGE Is it catching on? The products have been spotted in swanky bars such as Bac- you drunk or high. Can it really do that? The Just grab a six-pack and BYOC! Artsy is a freelance chanalia in Atlanta, the French Laundry in company claims the drinks react with your High Rhode is promoted as a mixer; writer, columnist and California and the Dead Rabbit in New York own body chemistry. While one might make floral and tart with an herby finish. It’s your full-time blogger at www. City. Hmm … maybe it’s not just a millennial you feel real laid back or Zen-another might ready-to-party euphoric that will energize ArtsyChowRoamer. thing. You can purchase Seedlip on their make you feel energized and ready to party. in the best of ways. There is a great gift com. The North Georgia website at www.seedlipdrinks.com along You could stick to water or seltzers but package with an awesome flask along with mountains and Big with a book filled with recipes developed why not sip on something different or mix it their products at www.kineuphorics.com. Canoe offer the beauty, specifically for their spirits. with one of Kin’s products for a “conscious Get some fabulous recipes for some of the inspiration and quiet The next new thing in no booze is connection?” Dream Light is a nightcap prettiest drinks I have ever seen. Being an for the lonely endeavor of writing. Her euphorics, specifically Kin Euphorics. It described as having a smooth smokey- artsy fartsy type, can I just say the bottle husband and furry travel buddies are the is manufactured using adaptogens to help spiced flavor that helps you sleep better and designs on these products will make you best partners in crime. Don’t be a stranger- manage stress, nootropics to support good wake clearheaded. It is meant to be sipped want the stuff. follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram cognition and several nourishing healthy just like any other good nightcap would Now you know just a few reasons why & Twitter. plants like hibiscus and licorice. Kin is be. Spritz in a can is ready to drink as your Sober Curious is on the rise and the markets meant to elevate your state without making sparkling go-to for the next get together. are listening.

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TEMPORARILY CLOSED. showtime Due to the current health situation. at first baptist Visit our website! May 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, The Ultimate Folk Art 30, 31 Gallery in the South! Tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students Representing a plethora of self-taught artists! $10 First timers to our theater

www.taterpatchplayers.org We follow COVID-19 updates. Check 95 Philadelphia Lane, Facebook, www.taterpatchplayers.org, or Jasper email us [email protected]. 706-253-2800 Will issue refunds for any cancelled or rescheduled productions.

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ATLANTA Theatrical Outfit announces 2020–2021 season

heatrical Outfit is excited to “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes announce the 2020–2021 season Mystery” Dec. 2–27, 2020 under the leadership of incoming Who killed Sir Charles Baskerville? Is his T Artistic Director Matt Torney. nephew Henry in danger? And is there any Theatrical Outfit is deeply invested in how truth to the legend of a supernatural hound? theatre can strengthen Atlanta’s communi- This sounds like a case for the world’s most ties by starting urgent, exciting, profound famous detective! From the award-win- conversations, by celebrating the power of ning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig, live art to bring people together and recog- comes a fast-paced comedy mystery that nizing an active, vibrant culture helps make takes us from Baker Street to the haunted a better future. Dartmoor. Join Sherlock Holmes and Dr. The season features six award-winning Watson as they try to escape a dizzying web plays by the best American writers that of clues, disguises and deceit as five actors will be extraordinary in The Balzer Theater deftly portray more than 40 characters. at Herren’s—intimate, with exceptional “Passing Strange” Jan. 27–Feb. 21, 2021 design, and outstanding acting ensembles. From singer-songwriter and Tony Award Opening the season, Matt Torney will direct winner Stew comes “Passing Strange”—a the daring Outer Critics Circle award-win- daring autobiographical musical that ning satire “Admissions” by Joshua Harmon. takes audiences on a journey across the “Tiny Beautiful Things,” based on the book boundaries of place, identity and theatrical by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the convention. Desperate to escape his boring stage by Nia Vardalos, will rearrange TO middle-class upbringing in L.A., a young in a bold new way. The holidays will see a African American artist travels across hilarious mystery for the whole family with Europe in search of “the real.” With a Tony “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” award-winning book, and a roof-raising by Ken Ludwig. The New Year will get score filled with gospel, rock and punk off to a rocking start with the Drama Desk music, “Passing Strange” is “The Freshest award-winning musical “Passing Strange,” Musical In Town” (Wall Street Journal). with book and lyrics by Stew with music by “The Humans” March 17–April 11, 2021 Stew and Heidi Rodewald. Next, Tom Key Named the Best Play of 2016 by every major will return to the TO stage in the haunting publication including NPR and TimeOut Tonya award-winning drama “The Humans” New York, “The Humans” takes a hopeful, by Stephen Karam. Finally, the season will heartbreaking and humorous look at the conclude with a powerful partnership with decline of the American middle class, and Theatre J in Washington D.C. on a co-pro- one family’s hopes and fears. Erik Blake has duction of “Fires In The Mirror: Crown brought his family from Pennsylvania to Heights, Brooklyn and Other Identities,” by celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s Anna Deavere Smith. new apartment in the city, but as darkness “When selecting plays for my first sea- falls, mysterious things start to happen and son I asked three questions: Will audiences family tensions reach a boiling point. Tom love this story? Will this play shine in the Key returns to the stage to star in this Tony Balzer Theater? And does the play start ‘a award-winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist. conversation that matters?’ For each of this “Fires In The Mirror: season’s plays the answer is a resounding Crown Heights, Brooklyn yes,” says incoming Artistic Director Matt Theatrical Outfit Artistic Director Matt Torney. PHOTO CREDIT JERRY SIEGEL and Other Identities” May 5–30, 2021 Torney. “The work is theatrically daring, of- Theatrical Outfit and Theater J join forces fers an extraordinary showcase for talented purchased by calling 678-528-1500. Fees ap- “Tiny Beautiful Things” to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Atlanta artists, and speaks powerfully to the ply. Balzer Theater at Herren’s is downtown Oct. 21–Nov. 15, 2020 the Crown Heights riot by bringing Anna present moment. Additionally, I am thrilled at 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta. Based on the New York Times bestselling Deavere Smith’s (Shonda Rhimes’ “For The to bring Theatrical Outfit to Washington “Admissions” Sept. 9–Oct. 4, 2020 book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted by People”) documentary theatre masterpiece D.C. for the first time with a co-production Fresh from sold-out, critically acclaimed Academy Award nominee Nia Vardalos to life with soaring theatricality. Taken of a masterpiece of documentary theatre runs in New York and London, Joshua Har- (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beau- directly from a series of interviews with with Theatre J. This season has the poten- mon’s “Admissions” boldly and hilariously tiful Things” explores Strayed’s time as the over 50 members of the Jewish and black tial to make a huge impact, and I can’t wait tackles the college admissions process. anonymous, unpaid, advice columnist Dear communities following the historic riots, to welcome you to Luckie Street to get the Sherri Rosen-Mason is the white head of Sugar. While navigating her readers’ ques- “Fires In The Mirror” turns their voices into conversation started.” admissions at a New England prep school tions and pleas for advice, Strayed weaves a tour de force one-woman show starring Join Theatrical Outfit’s smart, authentic fighting to diversify the student body, yet, together her own personal experiences to January Lavoy. and vital 2020–2021 season. Season tickets when her son is denied admission to an Ivy create a column full of light, laughter and are now on sale and range from $120-240 for League college, the entire family’s values humanity. a six-show package. Season tickets may be are put to the test.

Michael doesn’t see himself living on the beach when he retires, but he’d like to vacation there with his wife. He worries he isn’t saving enough in the 401(k) account he has at work, but he isn’t sure what more he can manage with two kids, a mortgage and credit cards. Michael is like most Americans. He faces two dilemmas: 1. Saving enough money for a comfortable retirement. 2. Making those savings last his lifetime. Retirees today are spending more than they expected. The average Social Security benefit is less than $1,300 per month,* and it’s uncertain if it will be there for Michael when he retires. It has become rare for companies to fund traditional pensions for their employees, leaving retirees to rely on income from part-time jobs, personal savings and tax-advantaged retirement savings, such as 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts, called IRAs. A professional financial representative in your community can explain your retirement savings options in simple terms, so you can decide what’s the best option for you. Some options include: • Traditional and Roth IRAs, offering potential income tax benefits while saving for retirement. • 401(k) and 403(b) plans, allowing contributions to be made directly from your paycheck and grow on a tax-deferred basis. Plus, many companies match your contributions up to a certain percentage. • Fixed annuities, offering a guaranteed interest rate, tax-deferred growth and a range of income options at retirement, including lifetime income you can’t outlive. • Variable annuities, which allow you to actively manage your investments and earn a return based on performance of the options selected. Saving for retirement doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. A financial representative can help you determine how much money you’ll need in retirement and develop a plan to save. The key is to set goals and get started. The longer you wait to start saving, the more you will have to save to reach these goals.

Let’s start the conversation.

*2014 OASDI Trustees Report Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America. Member: FINRA, SIPC. APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 13 B

ATLANTA Police drummer to play with ASO

tewart Copeland’s “Police Deranged for Or- chestra” is a high-energy orchestral celebration of legendary rock star and composer Stewart S Copeland and his career as the founder of one of rock’s most beloved bands, The Police. Performing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Stewart will take the Symphony Hall stage Friday, Nov. 13. With more than 60 million records sold worldwide, six Grammy awards, and induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Po- lice—founded when Copeland recruited Andy Sommers and Sting in 1977—have been a defining force in rock music for n NOV. 13 over forty years. ATLANTA “Police Deranged for Orchestra” is SYMPHONY HALL bursting with The Police’s biggest hits, including “Roxanne,” “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” and “Message in a Bottle.” With Copeland on drums, three singers, guitarist and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, these unique compositions, also arranged or “deranged” by Copeland, give new life to classic songs and select hits from the career of one of the generation’s greatest and most influential artists. Tickets are now available for the show at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Tickets are $149.50, $89.50, $69.50 and $49.50 through Ticketmaster and the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office. Police drummer Stewart Copeland visits Atlanta in November. RANDY MIRAMONTEZ / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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APRIL 2020 | Food & Drink • Feature ColumnsLiving • Church News • Gatherings • Health | SMOKE SIGNALS | www.smokesignalsnews.com

“As with the vaccine, there are many pharmaceutical and biotech companies studying potential treatments for Covid-19.” Coronavirus—what else?

OUT IN

all events at least through March and prob- China and South Korea with results report- ably April. ed later this year. One million doses will be Ask The Prevention and containment proce- available in late 2020 for further testing and Pharmacist dures are extremely important as there emergency use. is no immunity against the virus and no Drug treatment—in development proven vaccine or approved treatment. As with the vaccine, a new drug takes The elderly and those with compromised years in development. However, there DR. BOB ANDERSON immune systems are most vulnerable. Let’s are many pharmaceutical and biotech take a glimpse at the development of future companies studying potential treatments y now we are all familiar with vaccines and treatments as well as what we exploring how best to attack this specific for Covid-19. Fortunately, due to genet- the drill: frequent hand washing have learned thus far from this pandemic. coronavirus. Some are testing injectable ic testing and artificial intelligence, this (especially soap and water); social Vaccines—in development and intranasal vaccines in their existing process can be sped up considerably. In distancing (6 feet); no handshak- Normally, a vaccine takes many years pipeline for SARS—seasonal acute respira- these desperate times, the World Health B before it can be FDA-approved. The best Organization has recommended the use ing, fist bumps, high-fives or hugs—elbow tory syndrome—which is a similar, though bumps only; self-quarantine with any kind attack of the virus must be identified, the not identical, to coronavirus. of the antiviral Remdesivir. This drug has of cold symptoms; cancel cruise plans for safety and efficacy of the vaccine must be One small biotech company received a shown some effectiveness in animal studies at least a month or two; and try not to fly studied in healthy and sick humans, and it $9 million grant to accelerate the develop- against a similar coronavirus. anywhere outside the country. The Atlanta must be mass-produced for consumer use. ment of its novel Covid-19 specific vaccine. There are currently two Phase III Metro area and Big Canoe have initiated There are many large pharmaceutical Clinical studies in healthy volunteers are clinical studies to identify the optimal dose virus mitigation policies hat have cancelled and small biotechnology companies that are due to start as early as March in the U.S., in 761 moderate n COVID-19 | Page 3 Stay healthy while social distancing BY CHRISTINE FLAHERTY Wednesday, we do the moderate half-mile loop around the outer perimeter of the e’re all supposed to be Wildcat Pool area. Again, walkers choose social distancing. This new the number of loops to do. Friday, we do phrase has been at the top the 2-mile red loop at the Wildcat Park (1 W of every public health hit mile past the pool). It is a bit more chal- list as one of the ways to squelch the new lenging and includes the optional addition coronavirus. So, are you hunkering down of the 1-mile blue loop. at home in an effort to avoid infection? Are Of course, then you can go home and you wondering when your life will return binge-watch your favorite TV shows. Or to normal? Or are you thinking . . . as much you could clean out some closets, start as I care about this person I am now with writing that novel or take on a much-ne- 24/7, I do feel a little outside stimulus glected repair project. Whatever you do, might be a welcome diversion? don’t forget to wash your hands. If you answered yes to even one of Contact Christine Flaherty at christine. these pressing questions, this could be the [email protected] for more informa- time to join the Healthy Living Commit- tion, to add your name to our walkers’ tee for one of its three-per-week walks. email reminder list, and to confirm the Choose Monday, Wednesday or Friday at walks are being conducted. 9:30 a.m. to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and get some valuable exercise—all while The Healthy Living Committee is a maintaining the aforementioned social part of the Wellness Collaborative, a distance. 501(c)3 organization. Visit the Wellness Monday, we walk the relatively easy Collaborative website at www.bcwell. 1-mile loop at McDaniel Meadows, where org for more Healthy Living offerings and walkers are free to do one loop or two. information about our other services.

“While we isolate ourselves and think we are indestructible, this tiny virus has other ideas.” Together may eventually be my own health that is at risk, if I don’t. Mountain If we play by these rules, the virus Musings won’t win. We will. This virus is a bit of a blessing because it calls on us to be our best selves by looking out for others. If we resist, we do so at our own peril. This is the truth. ANN PIKE, PH.D. It is a danger when any of us feels invincible and separated from the rest of microscopic particle in China— us. They are mistaken and perhaps delud- someone coughs and sneezes— ing themselves out of fear. Let’s reassure sickness in large numbers— them by putting meals or medicines at their stock markets plunge, jobs doorstep if they are sick. Call people who A live alone and may feel socially isolated or lost—deaths ensue—commerce trembles to a halt—pandemic within three months. depressed. Let them know in their moments It started with a cellular particle of loneliness they are doing their part for discernable only under an electron mi- someone else. Thank them. croscope. Is there any doubt we are all We will get through this together. The intimately connected with each other? A meal delivered to someone in quarantine is a reassuring gesture. whole is always greater than the sum of its Somebody coughing in China can make me ourselves in unconnected ways. Surely it The question is, are we listening? Can we parts. sick and possibly die. I never knew his name can’t be true that when someone coughs in accept this mutual interdependence as a and he never knew mine. We don’t speak China hundreds of thousands get sick here. reality? Accept it or not, it is the truth. Ann Pike, a 13-year the same language and have never shared This is scary, to say the least, but as scary as On a large scale, if we share research, resident of Big Canoe, a meal. Yet we are intimately connected it is, it is the truth. resources and knowledge, we can all ben- spins tales from the through this microscopic particle. Fortunately, there is a less unsettling efit. On a small scale, if I don’t shake your comforts of her mountain While we isolate ourselves and think side to this scenario. Ironically, it is because hand, don’t be offended. Thank me. I am home. She attributes we are indestructible, this tiny virus has we are connected that we will survive. If I looking out for you and me. What was once her success to generous other ideas. It teaches us what it can, within embrace the fact that what I do affects you, bigger than any of us individually, becomes friends who support her its web of contagion. We are all connected. and vice versa, perhaps we can connect manageable by all of us. If you go out of with encouragement We are connected more than we would like around what is good for both of us. Perhaps your house only when necessary, I thank and inspiration. By day, to believe. This is unsettling to our sense of even a microscopic particle can’t divide our you for looking out for me. I will look out ANN PIKE Dr. Pike is a licensed independence and invincibility. This tiny resolve if we unite around a common good. for you by wiping down the grocery cart psychologist in Jasper, appreciative of the particle challenges our belief that we are We are not so independent as we want to when I have to shop. Even though I may not opportunity to witness all those who triumph independent actors, making decisions about think. This is what this virus has to teach. know you, your health is a concern to me. It over life’s challenges. 2 C SMOKE SIGNALS | LIVING APRIL 2020 ‘Getting Through the Going Through’

sensitive leadership training. Nancy has been a Bible teacher for 50 years, teaching Big Canoe Chapel in the U.S. as well as Hong Kong, Myanmar, Books Women’s Guild Malawi and the Philippines. Her interest in racial reconciliation led to her involvement in the establishment of the Baptist World and More Alliance Freedom and Justice Commission. SUSAN STARLING With a passion for understanding Scripture, BY SUSAN STARLNG Nancy is an avid student of biblical and “Do not be anxious about anything, but in Majority World cultures. She blogs at www. ig Canoe’s Women’s everything, by prayer and petition, with nancylucenay.com. Guild has postponed thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Join us to support Books and More, the Books and More. A new ~Philippians 4:6 guild’s major fundraiser for this year. See B date will be announced. accompanying article for details. When the event occurs, come ll women in Big Canoe and the browse the “Ye Olde Book Knook” surrounding area are invited The purpose of the Big Canoe’s Women’s and find some entertaining books to attend the Women’s Guild Guild is to bring together women of Big and puzzles. Visit the “Nearly New meeting on Wednesday April 9. Nancy Lucenay. COURTESY OF NANCY LUCENAY Canoe and the surrounding communities, to Boutique,” featuring gently used A encourage Christian fellowship, to understand scarves, purses, shoes, jewelry and This, our last meeting of the season, will be in Broyles Center beginning at 10 a.m. Nancy, a native of Dallas, Texas, has God’s will for our lives through Bible study, more. After shopping, relax and During this time of social distancing, please been married to Harry for 50-plus years. and to promote activities that benefit the enjoy refreshments with friends at confirm the meeting is being held. Harry and Nancy have been in ministry chapel and surrounding communities. More the “Heavenly Coffee Shoppe.” The guild is looking forward to having 51 years, serving churches in Texas, than $1 million has been donated to agencies This is the guild’s major Nancy Lucenay speak on “Getting Through Mississippi, Hong Kong and Georgia. in Dawson and Pickens counties through fundraiser for the year, so bring the Going Through” and sharing stories of Committed to encouraging impoverished fundraising efforts of the guild. For more your friends and help support how people in Asia are counting on God. church leaders on the mission field, they information about the Women’s Guild, visit many very worthwhile agencies in Cathy Wentworth will entertain us on the founded Way Walkers Worldwide, a www.bigcanoechapel.org. Dawson and Pickens counties. Bell Tree. nonprofit organization providing culturally What really happened at the Broyles Mission Conference

BY BRENT CARROLL

he 30th Broyles Mission Conference, Feb. 20-23, at Big Canoe Chapel has successfully T concluded, with no thanks to Mother Nature. Winter’s breath blew cold with snow, rain and icy roads resulting in a mad scramble to reschedule, reorganize, reprint and essentially replan how to pack a four-day event into 36 hours. The call was sounded, the gauntlet hurled and the Broyles Mission Committee courageously met that challenge—with lots of help from chapel staff, members and the guest It takes many hands to pull off an anniversary dinner speakers from Atlanta Mission, Hope for celebration for 200 people. Chapel members Susan Schwall, left, Haiti’s Children, Young Life Pickens and University of North Georgia Singers delight the audience during the Pam Hopper, Dan Bellenger, Judie Bellenger, Glenda Mitchell, North Georgia Family Partners. Broyles Mission Conference. PHOTOS BY RAY DUNCAN Jayne Greene, Peggy Nelson, Jan Cates and Bill Nelson. Calm was restored and the conference proceeded, better than ever. Conference Co-Chairs Frank and Over 200 chapel members enjoyed a Nancy Schwartzmiller stated, “It takes gourmet dinner, cookies, ice cream and many hands to prepare for the mission lots of fellowship. Musical performances conference. We were blessed with by the renowned University of North an incredible team who worked with Georgia Singers brought standing amazing flexibility. They never lost sight ovations. Saturday’s fun-filled Hospital of the larger purpose, which was bringing Art PaintFest resonated with laughter, the community together in fellowship to smiles and amazing wall murals by see how they can be the hands and feet of Big Canoe amateur painters. But the Christ through outreach and service. This showstoppers were the moving, powerful community continues to blow us away and inspirational presentations delivered with its service and commitment.” by the four speakers from each of the Hearts were moved. Minds engaged. Christian organizations represented. And Big Canoe stepped up with giving. If you’ve wondered how the gifts are used, consider this. Last year, three Indonesian villages were so malnourished that 1 out of 5 children died before the age of 5. Today, the villages are free of malnutrition. Here at home, the Broyles Mission Conference helped No Longer Bound Amateur painters, including chapel members Bob and Susan Schwall, enjoy the Hospital increase its staff to serve men with Art PaintFest. diagnoses of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders. In Syria, . never seen this much joy on the faces of the improvement of the human condition. Help the Persecuted has aided hundreds children and adults.” Donations may be mailed or dropped off of Syrian families with winter clothing, For the past 30 years, the Broyles at Big Canoe Chapel, 226 Wolfscratch Broyles Mission Conference Co-Chairs food, furniture, kitchen supplies and Mission Conference has supported over Circle, Jasper, Georgia 30143. Checks Frank and Nancy Schwartzmiller launch heaters for cold days. On behalf of Help 180 selected organizations in 50 countries should be made payable to Big Canoe the three-day event. the Persecuted, Mary O’Brien writes, “ . . with well over $1,500,000 given toward Chapel/Missions.

Living iTips Of The Month A few of my favorite things

BY GARY CHERRY mapping app for active directions while driving. It even lets you know of stopped o satisfy the frequent requests I traffic and radar sites ahead. receive about apps for the iPhone, Google Translate. This app is very I’ve listed the most popular—and useful if you travel abroad. T useful—ones available. While TripAdvisor. Whether you’re at home many may not interest you, go through the or abroad, TripAdvisor is one of the best list and choose those you can use. apps to download. Its massive database has If you download and install an app and over 700 million reviews from travelers all find that you don’t need it, it’s simple to de- around the world on attractions, restaurants lete it. Just hold on the unwanted app to get and more. it wiggling (on earlier model iPhones) or to WhatsApp is a useful app for your iPhone. Mobile Passport. Mobile Passport is open a small menu. Choosing Edit from the ALEX RUHL / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM a program authorized by U.S. Customs menu choice gives a wiggling app. In both and Border Protection, designed to help cases, there will be an X to delete the app. your iPhone or iPad, this app is for you. travelers move more quickly through U.S. General apps WhatsApp. WhatsApp is a great choice Customs checkpoints when returning to Google. This is possibly the most for anyone who doesn’t have unlimited tex- the United States from an international trip. downloaded app, and for good reason. ting and spends a lot of time connected to Once downloaded, you only need to have Want to find nearby restaurants or track a Wi-Fi. It lets you send and receive messag- Wi-Fi or mobile service at a participating This Side Of The Guitar • 7 package using your voice? Google’s app isn’t es, pictures, audio notes and video messag- port of entry into the U.S to use this app. just for searching the web. The official app es. Most importantly, this app allows you to Maps.me. Download and save city Ask The Pharmacist...... 1, 3 allows users to have full-fledged conversa- FaceTime and chat with Android users. It’s maps, which can then be used with no cell Healthy Living...... 1 tions with their phone. It’s also an excellent one of the most feature-packed chat apps service. Mountain Musings...... 1 place to find the latest news. Indispensable! out there and absolutely worth download- Currency FX. This app is an easy-to-use YouTube. Next to Google, YouTube ing. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. currency converter. Big Canoe Chapel Women’s Guild...... 2 (owned by Google) is the most used and GIPHY. GIPHY is your top source iExit. One of my most recommended iTips Of The Month...... 2 downloaded app. Coincidentally, during for the best and newest GIFs and animat- travel apps, iExit gets lots of information at Big Canoe Photo Club ...... 3 almost every iPhone class we conduct, ed stickers online. Find everything from all interstate highway exits. Gatherings...... 4 Google and YouTube are the two places we humorous GIFs, reaction GIFs, unique GIFs Fly Delta. Who doesn’t use Delta out of Ridgerunners...... 4 recommend to search for information about and more. Use them with text messages. Atlanta? Snapshots: Tales Of Big Canoe...... 6 the iPhone’s use. Travel apps FlightAware. This app is very helpful if This Side Of The Guitar...... 7 Dropbox. Dropbox lets you back up Google Maps. Google Maps gives a you want to know if a flight has departed/ photos and videos and access files stored on somewhat different look and with propri- landed. It’s also fun to track the progress of Wayne On Wine...... 8 any of your computers or mobile devices— etary traffic conditions. I like to compare any flight, using the flight or tail number of View From The Quarterdeck...... 9 from anywhere. It’s easy to send any file, its information with what I get from Apple the airplane in question. Word Of Mouth...... 10 large or small, to anyone. Maps. Tune in next month for more discus- Tapestry: Story Threads From North Georgia... 11 Kindle. If you like to read books on Waze. In my opinion, this is the best sion of popular apps. APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | LIVING 3 C

“Imagine her excitement, or shock as she put it, upon learning she won Grand Prize in the national contest, having her photograph judged the very best out of a whopping 2,500 entries.” Diane Hooper wins national photography contest

actual spilling of burning hot embers over the top of Glacier Point to the valley 3,000 Big Canoe Photo Club feet below. This spectacular event thrilled park visitors at precisely 9 p.m. every night for almost 100 years. David Curry, STEVE CARLISLE who was the master of ceremonies, would stand at the base of the fall and shout, “Let the fire fall!” The glowing embers made a he deadline was looming and dazzling display of bright orange as they she knew the competition would flowed to the valley below, delighting the be formidable, but at the last national park’s campers. The park stopped T minute and on the spur of the the event in 1968 because of damage by moment, Diane Hooper bravely submitted spectators and the belief it was not fitting her landscape image, hoping for any kind with the theme of nature. of recognition. Imagine her excitement, or In 1973, with the 100th anniversary of shock as she put it, upon learning she won the park nearing, a natural firefall was pho- Grand Prize in the national contest, having tographed by Galen Rowell at Horsetail her photograph judged the very best out Falls. His iconic photograph has brought of a whopping 2,500 entries. It’s every the exciting event back to Yosemite, this photographer’s dream to win a contest, time as a natural occurrence that resem- but seeing your picture on the cover of a “Let the fire fall!” bles the manmade firefall from the past. magazine is exhilarating! Diane typifies of the kind of Diane Hooper attends the Photogra- Diane Hooper’s grand prize- photographer that makes the Big Canoe phy Club meetings during the wintertime, winning photo (left) of the San Juan Photography Club well known for its when she and her husband live at their Mountains. PHOTOS BY DIANE HOOPER depth of talent and experience. But the home in Big Canoe. She shared her joy range of expertise extends from seasoned with other members at a recent meeting, Diane marveled at the striking contrast “firefall” only happens in February when pros to those eager to learn and spend a proudly holding up the magazine with her between the fresh grass and budding the sun hits the top of Horsetail Falls at a few hours mingling with other residents picture on the cover. leaves against the background of soaring certain angle creating an illusion of molten of our community who share a love of this Not only did she win the Country mountains, still dressed in white. It was a lava being poured over the edge to the de- fascinating medium. magazine photo contest, but the grand gorgeous spring day and the brilliant blue light of the crowds below. She scrambled The group gathers in the upstairs prize came with a check for $1,000. She sky and the picturesque fence framed her to park the car and set up her tripod before room at the Swim Club the third Saturday took the award-winning picture of the ma- shot beautifully. She captured the scene the light dimmed and ended the spectacle of every month at 9:30 a.m. April 18 will be jestic, snow-covered peaks in the San Juan with an 18-55mm wide-angle zoom lens on for another year. Hooper found a spot and the next meeting and anyone interested in Mountains of southwest Colorado, where her Canon camera. took the magical photograph titled “Let the photography is welcome to attend. Please she spends the summer each year. Diane Hooper came upon a rare fire fall!” accompanying this article. confirm this meeting before coming to the It had been a really tough winter with sighting a few years ago while visiting Yo- The Yosemite firefall began as a Swim Club. record-breaking amounts of snowfall. semite with her daughter. Mother Nature’s nightly event in the late 19th century as

A U.S. pharmaceutical company donated and delays in getting results. Equipment— U.S. government so far gets a “D” due to its a large supply of this drug in January for especially face masks for health personnel unpreparedness. Despite inconveniences COVID-19 experimental treatment for hospitalized pa- and respirators in hospitals—are in limited and cabin fever, I think U.S. citizens—in- n Continued from page 1 tients in China. Additional clinical studies supply and/or distribution. South Korea has cluding Big Canoe residents—are following are planned for the U.S. and Europe. found that frequent testing and isolation is recommendations by their state, county and severe hospitalized patients with the Favilavir, a derivative of the antiviral the best way to contain the virus. If the vi- and local officials and deserve an “A.” Covid-19 virus in China. My former em- Acyclovir (used to treat the herpes virus) rus is not adequately contained here in the Hopefully, we will have a proven vaccine, ployer, the University of Nebraska Medical was recently approved in China to fight the U.S., it will easily overrun our healthcare treatment and a better pandemic strategy Center, is coordinating a global study on coronavirus. In a small clinical study of 70 system. in place for the 2020-21 seasons. Remdesivir’s safety and efficacy in 394 pa- patients in China, the drug showed some The Center for Disease Control in In the meantime, tients in 50 sites. One of their first patients efficacy and safety. More studies will be Atlanta has been the scapegoat for many better stay healthy! is from the Princess cruise ship! These needed for FDA approval. of these issues. Since the SARS epidemic studies are considered the “gold standard,” What have we learned? of the early 2000s, the government still Dr. Anderson is professor double-blind, random-assignment and I think our government underesti- does not have a pandemic policy. Even Big emeritus from Mercer placebo-controlled, so the results should be mated the scope and significance of the Canoe has one! In recent years, funding for University and a full- meaningful. Covid-19 virus and is playing catch-up the CDC and National Institutes of Health time resident of Big Kaletra is a currently marketed combi- with 9th-inning funding. There has been a has been the subject of several unsuccessful Canoe. nation antiviral drug for HIV which attacks shortage of viral test kits and confusion on attempts for major cuts. a key enzyme needed for viral replication. access and procedures for their proper use If report cards were issued, I think the DR. BOB ANDERSON

Announcing Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria Will Temple New Owner of Forno’s • Same Great Food • New Improved Service • New Look and Feel Now Delivering Daily 11:30 AM-1:30 PM AND 5:30 PM--7:30 PM to Big Canoe AND during these hours we will also deliver for IGA, Jasper Drug and Park Aire Cleaners...Look for my upcoming e-mails or contact me @ [email protected] for details 218 Foothills Parkway, Marble Hill, GA 30148 770-893-4222 • 762 448-9505 4 C SMOKE SIGNALS | LIVING APRIL 2020 Gatherings

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Editor’s Note: During this period of social distancing due to COVID-19, please check for cancellations of any of the dates described below.

Big Canoe Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Group The cards were good to Taylor Leon- ard and Bruce Toups playing North/South on Feb. 14 and finishing with 60.50 percent. Donna Welsh and Dottie Nix combined for 58 percent to lead the East/West position. Feb. 21, it was Bob Crouch and Chuck Palm- er topping North/South at 59 percent; East/ West was dominated by Gary Charles and Beth Moreau explains proper framing at David Gillard, 68 percent. The final game the Big Canoe Artists Club meeting. PHOTO in February brought Crouch and Palmer BY MONICA BURNETTE top honors for all players at 65.10 percent. Guest speaker Brian White leads Pine Needle Quilters in a session on foundation March 6, it was Crouch and Palmer again, piecing. PHOTO BY CAROLE ENGLISH 757-373-4527. Contributed by Barb Fraser 65.53 percent, but Arthur and Leni Olsen Travel Club postpones meetings took the leading position March 13 at 64 section. Contributed by Monica Burnette bers were busy picking out and preparing Due to concerns about the novel percent. Pine Needle Quilters Guild projects to take to our annual retreat, which coronavirus, the Travel Club regretfully The group meets Fridays. Games start There is no better way to start the is scheduled for March 31-April 3 at The announces the postponement of its April at 12:30 p.m., registration is at 12:15 p.m. month than by learning a new quilting tech- Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge. Over half meeting and hopes to reschedule the speak- Bob Crouch can provide information on nique. The quilt guild was excited to have of our members are planning on attending er for a future date. The meeting was to location, schedules and fees, 706-579-3375/ Brian White return for another workshop, the retreat this year. There will be lots of have featured Kim Guimaraes, Abercrombie [email protected]. Scores submitted by Big this one on foundation piecing. This class sewing, laughing, eating and fun for all. & Kent’s national sales director for Luxury Canoe Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Group lived up to Brian’s reputation for providing April will arrive with an unusual meet- Expedition Cruises. Big Canoe Artists Club fun and information in a relaxed, enjoyable ing for our guild. We will share the high- When Travel Club resumes, members At the March meeting, Lisa Schnel- class. As shown in the accompanying photo, lights and pictures of our “Fun and Games” and guests are invited to come early to linger discussed a juried art show she is ar- everyone went home with at least one block meeting featuring “Let’s Make A Deal” and meet and mix and enjoy a complimentary ranging to honor former club member Sara completed and the skills to complete the “Strip Poker.” Members are encouraged to beverage. Programs begin at 6 p.m., in the Lindkrantz that will focus on found object/ other eight. wear Vegas-themed hats for the meeting— Mountains Grill at the clubhouse. Contribut- recycled items art (“eco art”). Sara, who saw March continues to be a busy month and don’t forget your “strips.” ed by Margo Vallone the value and beauty in everything, encour- for our guild with several outings planned. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the aged others to help Mother Earth and give On March 12, members carpooled to the month, 1 p.m., in the lower level classroom Contact Anita Rosen, arosen@ new life to recyclables. The sale of Sara’s Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Duluth. at the chapel. There are always door prizes, bigcanoenews.com, with club or community works will provide prize funds for this Lots of chatter, planning, drooling over show-and-tell, refreshments and lots of gatherings. Check www.bigcanoepoa. exhibit. Show details and entry form can fabric and buying of quilting necessities friendly faces to welcome prospective org for information on Big Canoe clubs/ be found at https://www.bowenarts.org/ was present on the trip, which was followed members. If you are interested in joining organizations. Always confirm meeting times events/eco-art-competition and in the cover by a great lunch. March 17 was our regular the guild, whether you are an experienced and locations. story of this month’s Arts & Entertainment SEW&SEW at the Village Station. Mem- quilter or a beginner, contact Barb Fraser, Ridgerunners to hold ‘Spring into Fall’ Luncheon, Sept. 8 BY CHRISTINE FLAHERTY have all heard the “abundance of caution” Ridgerunners’ Big Canoe Woman of circulated this summer and posted on the explanation way too frequently of late, but the Year will also take place at this Ridgerunners’ website, www.bigcanoerr. t may seem too early to think once again it applies. event, which will open the 2020/2021 com. about fall, but perhaps a bit of So, mark your calendars as we will Ridgerunners’ season. Like the butterfly focus on the light at the end of the launch the fall season with a fun and emerging from its cocoon, Ridgerunners Ridgerunners is Big Canoe’s largest I proverbial tunnel will serve us well. festive “Spring into Fall” luncheon, will surely be ready to spread their wings women’s social and educational Unfortunately, given the current climate Tuesday, Sept. 8. The venue will be the and gather together as we discontinue the organization. All women residents of Big and in the interest of keeping all residents rustic and charming Willows Farm. It is glum and challenging practice of social Canoe over the age of 21 are invited to join. healthy (and happy?), Ridgerunners is a short ride from Big Canoe and will be distancing. Members for the 2019/2020 To become a member, visit our website at postponing its annual spring luncheon, festooned with decorations to celebrate and 2020/2021 seasons will all be invited. www.bigcanoerr.com. Ridgerunners’ events formerly scheduled for April 14. We likely the season. The announcement of the Additional details on this event will be are open to members only.

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HOMESITES...BUILD YOUR DREAM • 2154 Royal Fern Trail - NEW PRICE $25,000. Private setting and gentle slope on this 2.46 ac estate size home site. Easy build locations. • 5578 Black Bear Trail - NEW PRICE $99,000. This fabulous lot in High Gap provides the buyer plenty of privacy on this large 2.21 Acre lot. Bonus is they’ll have a wonderful long range view as well. Several areas of green space behind this lot adds to the privacy. Not far to the north gate. • 2713 Eagle Ridge - NEW PRICE $115,000. Great building lot end of cul-de-sac McElroy Mountain. Motivated seller marked lot to build their dream home but found a home to buy instead. Clearing for the home should yield a good view. • 3111 Falcon Heights - $179,000. Build your dream home and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains and Lake Petit. Very desirable section of Big Canoe with many high end homes. Homesites like this do not come along very often. Owner financing available to qualified buyer. • 3023 Wild Turkey Bluff - $139,000. Outstanding long range northerly views! Prestigious high priced homes on both sides. Large lot loaded with hardwoods. Check out the view from neighboring properties to get a feel for your amazing view potential. High Gap area just minutes to North Gate!!!! Great value! Listen to the stream that borders rear boundary. Beautiful hardwoods. Outstanding value! • 2745 Turnbury La - $125,000. Easy build golf course lot on Cherokee #2, signature hole. Cul-de-sac lot in Desirable Audubon Ridge neighborhood. Easy access to gates and amenities. Priced to sell! • 3008 Wild Turkey Bluff - $98,500. Gentle slope with multiple building sites. • 2924 Yanegwa Knoll - $75,000. 1.87 Acres, private setting with multiple building sites. Beautiful hardwoods and mountain laurel. There is a southeast exposure and an interior mountain view. Easy access to north gate and Wildcat rec center. Great value, priced to sell! • 2619 Highland Trail - $40,000. 4 Plus acre homesite in desirable Audubon Ridge neighborhood. Beautiful hardwoods, mountain views! Great value!

www.bigcanoe.com 6 C SMOKE SIGNALS | LIVING APRIL 2020

“It was pretty bad for Joan for a while, and also for me as I had to do all the cooking, cleaning and shopping for six weeks.” Banana peels and a perverted sense of humor

by his wife of 32 years, Rebecca, who “I never thought to ask Then there’s our friend Brenda, who, requests that in lieu of flowers, family and standing on a chair endeavoring to reach Snapshots: friends band together to hunt down what Rick why his mouth was a container situated on a high shelf, fell Tales Of Big Canoe local entomologists proclaim as the only wide open to begin with, backwards, crashing back-first on the sighting ever recorded of a giant killer hardwood floor. “I broke my back,” she hornet in the U.S.” Something like that, and he didn’t volunteer croaked. Well, she managed to crawl to her anyway. that information.” cell phone, called hubby who fortuitously BRENT CARROLL Well, the rest of the story. Rick’s no answered on the first ring. “I’ve broken my dummy, so when he started wheezing and back!” Brenda croaked again. “Come home s a kid, I loved the Road Runner noticed in the rearview mirror that his face back to the cart, she tripped on the tee box right away, I need to go to the ER.” animated cartoon series. Wile was swollen as a tick, he floor-boarded it marker and face-planted. Her face came up “Brenda,” he said. “You’ve not broken E. Coyote always got clobbered to Piedmont. They took care of him with OK, but her wrist looked like something your back, besides I’m about to tee off with A in the end, winding up on an IV and a shot in the fanny. He’s fine, but from a horror movie. my group. Take two Advil.” crutches, bandaged head-to-toe, getting now drives with his windows rolled up, It was pretty bad for Joan for a while, “John!” she yelled. “I’ve broken my his just desserts. Same with Bluto in the permanently. You have to be careful out and also for me as I had to do all the back! I heard it snap! Get over here right Popeye episodes. How that guy survived there. cooking, cleaning and shopping for six now.” all those injuries was amazing, I don’t care Closer to home, golf is a dangerous weeks. And, to top it all, I had to be really “Brenda, calm down. It’s probably just if it was make-believe. Call me sick, but it’s sport. Joan broke her wrist the other day encouraging, supportive and nice to Joan. a bruise. I’ll try to come home at the turn. just funny stuff. Like slipping on a banana after launching a drive that landed 3 inches All that can take a lot of a man. Anyway, See you in a couple of hours.” peel. from the Choctaw par 3 second hole. like Rick, she’s fine now, but is considering As Brenda tells it, John came home Well, life imitates art. A few weeks Giddy with excitement, jumping up and giving up golf on a high note (a birdie on three hours later, a touch soused from the back, when my friend Rick was driving down like a bobble head, elatedly skipping Choctaw 2, and a permanent limp wrist to 19th hole. He took one look at her pain- home from a long day of painting houses, show for it.) You have to grimaced face and semi-slurred, “Maybe a 3-inch, blood-red Japanese hornet flew be careful out there. we should take you to the ER.” through his driver’s side window. Bad Once there Brenda informed the enough, but worse, the SOB flew smack doctor, “I fell and broke my back.” into Rick’s open mouth where it promptly “Now, now,” expressed impaled its dagger in Rick’s tongue and the doc. “Let’s not jump to cheek. Rick managed to hack and spit conclusions, I think it’s likely out the devil, but it then flew down the bruised, but let’s get a scan to back of his shirt, and for added measure, be sure.” Thirty minutes later, stabbed him a few more painful times. the good doc announced, “Her I never thought to ask Rick back’s broken!” why his mouth was wide open “What?” asked John. “Her to begin with, and he didn’t back’s broken!” volunteer that information. Doctor: “She broke her back!” I’m guessing maybe he was Brenda: “I broke my back!” singing to himself. Yodeling Some people are just plain or yawning. Or, maybe stubborn. But, Brenda’s back is, well, he was making that awful back, and she’s about her business clucking sound that Joan does as usual. That was about three years when she’s trying to get her ago. I believe John is still in the ears unstopped. Whatever, doghouse. it was a really bad situation I don’t know if all this is age- but still funny in a perverted related or what. But, I’m convinced kind of way. that no matter, we have to watch out I mean, heaven forbid, for banana peels and be careful out if he had corked off how there. would his obit have read? “Rick so-and-so died Brent and Joan Carroll moved to unexpectedly March 10 after Big Canoe in 2014. He is an avowed a momentary struggle with frustrated writer, recognized by an attacking red Japanese mixed tenses, copious commas and hornet. The Pickens County run-on sentences. Still, he is widely Coroner declared death by published—in his own mind. murder. The murderer is still at large. Rick is survived

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This Side Of The Guitar

TOM KILPATRICK

hat’ll ya have, what’ll ya have?” No, you are not at The Varsity in “WAtlanta. You are at the monthly Acoustic Showcase in Big Canoe. Just like The Varsity, you can pick from a varied menu, musically speaking. Partial to Folk/Americana? Listen for a song from the Kingston Trio or Woody Guthrie. Like Bluegrass? Tap your toe to Bill Monroe. Classic rock ’n’ roll? Dance in your seat to anything from Buddy Holly to Led Zeppelin to the Stones. Contemporary more to your liking? Could be the Cranberries, perhaps Prince, maybe Madonna, often orig- inals. Country? How about a Hank Williams’ pain song or a Dewberry train song? Only enjoy classical? You might be surprised to Deb Osgood delights the March audience. hear Mozart on the mandolin or Beethoven on the violin. You name it—love songs, ing measures including limiting social group foot-stompers, tear-jerkers, patriotic songs activities ... for organizations that serve and everything in between. Except rap—we high-risk populations, cancel gatherings of have to draw the line somewhere. more than 10 people.” To conform with this, You get the idea. Acoustic Showcase Acoustic Showcase is canceling the April is a musical smorgasbord. With onion rings gathering. and a fried pie, musically speaking. We are hoping for a very short-term April Showcase canceled break and to be back in May. In the mean- The POA has stated, “The CDC has time, wash your hands often and be safe and recommended implemented social distanc- we will see you all real soon.

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DECK ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS LLC 706-268-2047  RAY BEDINGFIELD  770-595-6986 310 YANEGWA PATH, BIG CANOE 8 C SMOKE SIGNALS | LIVING APRIL 2020 Revisiting wine trends while staying home

at University of California, Davis produc- ing new wine and raisin grapes resistant to Wayne both Pierce disease and powdery mildew. On Wine Dr. Andrew Walker, a geneticist and pro- fessor of viticulture and enology, leads the program. UC Davis is one of the foremost wine education and research centers in the WAYNE CRAWFORD world. Two years ago, at the request of the UGA agriculture team and Georgia Wine am at home, with my wife Kathy, Producers, Walker attended the annual following national guidelines for conference at Chateau Elan. We tasted coronavirus social distancing. Kathy four experimental wines that showed great is careworn to have me home habitu- potential to be resistant to Pierce disease, I all with favorable results. ally. Having canceled the Wine Group this month to sidestep a group tasting and not The great news is UC Davis, pursuing violate health recommendations, my article the genetic success led by Walker for over will revisit wine encounters confronting 20 years, released five new patent-pending Georgia and the wine world. I am also varietals well suited to both California editing the next edition of my book, “Geor- and the Southeast. Rootstock is in short gia Vineyards and Wineries: A Historical supply, but vineyards can place orders Guide to Modern Georgia Wines.” with the few vineyards with vines. Walker Over the past several years, we have did a great job explaining how he selected lost vineyards, wineries and key dynam- Southwest and Mexican grape species that ic Georgia wine leaders. Including new demonstrated high resistance to Pierce businesses. there continues to be just over disease to crossbreed. He linked them to 60 wineries and multiple grower vine- Vitis vinifera or European grapes to pro- yards with about 1,000 acres under vine. duce highly resistant vines to these critical Three years ago, there was close to 74 Five years of wines, including 1989 Chestnut Mountain signed by David Harris from the diseases. varietals growing in vineyards with Vitis Mossy Creek Vineyard, now owned by Habersham Vineyard and Winery. The second The new vines are three red grapes rotundifolia—muscadine—with about 500 Chestnut Mountain wine is the 1990 Chenin Blanc, which is the front part of the label and two whites, and, by all accounts, they acres planted in grapes just for wine. Yes, showing the tribute to Gay Dellinger. The next three bottles are vintage years 1991 to 1993 of make good wine. The four wines I tasted Georgia is the leading muscadine producer Chateau Elan wines, all produced using Georgia Vitus vinifera grapes. PHOTO BY WAYNE CRAWFORD two years ago showed great potential to in the world. We also grow Vitis aestiva- produce excellent wines. Paseante noir is lis—Norton, Vitis vinifera—cabernet sauvi- become the next-generation Georgia wine as a first choice. like zinfandel; Comminare noir is similar gnon, American and French hybrids which experts. Georgia’s challenges to cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah; and embrace blanc du bois and chambourcin. Climate changes Georgia grapes grow mostly in the Errante noir is more aligned with caber- Over several years, Georgia growers have Another world trend involves climate Piedmont and the Coastal Plain region, net sauvignon. The two white wines are added new grapes and removed others. shifts in varietal growing regions that are which is humid and subtropical with low Ambulo blanc, much like sauvignon blanc, This is normal in agriculture, and we see beginning to impact what a vineyard can elevation—below 2,000 feet down to sea and Caminante blanc, similar to a blend of considerable new opportunities in grape plant. In agriculture, successful planting level. A small section is North Georgia sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. genetics. strategies include crop diversity, pest in the Blue Ridge, with Ridge and Valley We have a considerable growth We were very fortunate to have Dr. control, soil, sunlight, water and consistent being humid continental. Accordingly, industry in Georgia that has matured from Cain Hickey, Ph.D. in Viticulture, join temperatures. For example, pinot noir, the Georgia better supports warm-weather its latest inception in 1979. Usually, I would the University of Georgia teaching staff great Burgundy red grape, does not grow grapes, muscadine and hybrids, particularly encourage readers to enjoy Georgia win- three years ago. He injected significant well in Georgia; the same is true for ries- those able to resist Pierce disease, which eries but the timing is not right, with the improvement in vineyard management ling from Germany and Alsace. Both need has expanded further north, up to 1,800 Georgia Highway Wine Trail postponed and harvesting techniques to help raise colder growing regions to survive. feet, given in part to the last several warm due to COVID-19 precautions. the Georgia wine industry, now a $4-bil- In Georgia, climate, weather, soil, winters. ‘Drink What You Like’ lion-plus business. Unfortunately, his location, altitude and pests are driving Given Georgia’s climate and weath- My next article will focus on Red considerable skills have him departing to change. As temperatures rise, this is also er, diseases must be countered regularly Zinfandel. Penn State University. We wish him well, true in Europe, Australia, New Zealand during the year for vineyards and other Wayne Crawford is but UGA and the Georgia legislature have and other countries. Wine grapes grow crops to survive. Downey and powdery the author of “Georgia no plans to replace him immediately, given now in England and Belgium. In England, mildew are notable, but Pierce’s disease Vineyards and current cost-saving measures. Perhaps, nei- both sparkling and white wine production is the primary disease to limit European Wineries—A Historical ther UGA nor the Georgia legislature have is on the rise with temperature changes. grapes, Vitis vinifera, according to Dr. Phil- Guide to Georgia Wines” the aids to assess must-replace positions. Wine geeks had understood Champagne lip Brannen at UGA. Brannen spends long (www.wayneonwine. Moreover, we need a senior professor in was the northernmost region in France hours across the state teaching and sharing com), and is a French wine production at UGA. These professors growing wine, and Belgium was good for his expertise on plant disease through the Wine Scholar, a Certified are directly helping the state wine industry beer. Now, Belgium has been increasing many extension agents in the counties. Specialist of Wine and make money and enhance tourism. They vineyard acreage since the early 1990s, and, Concurrently and, perhaps, with sig- WAYNE CRAWFORD holds a Wine Scholar are carrying their expertise across the state yes, sparkling and white wine based on nificant long-term benefit for Georgia and Master Certificate in Champagne. and, most importantly, training students to chardonnay and other grapes are emerging California vineyards is the work going on

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Two T-37s cut through the fleet the downwind leg.PHOTOS BY GIDGE DADY Dragonflites round the mark.

me to finish in last place in two out of the four T-37 heats. View From Because our scoring system is cumu- The Quarterdeck lative over the entire series, you can have a bad day but still do well in the overall se- April Sundays ries. This will be of particular importance once we commence the regular season, JOHN HERZLER which should have a minimum of seven 10:30 am regattas. ast year at this time, the BCMYC With congratulations to all, the final was just forming and recruiting cumulative standings for the Frostbite Website Service anyone living in our great commu- series are as follows: L nity with an interest in radio-con- • DF-95s: Rich Mcleod First, Rick trolled yachting. Flash forward one year Himes Second, Mark Dady Third. www.holyfamilyepiscopalchurch.net and we’ve completed our first Frostbite • T-37s: Rich McLeod First, Skip Earle Regatta with no less than 12 yachts Second and John Herzler Third. competing in two separate categories and A big thanks to Race Director Rick heats. Quite an accomplishment to this ob- Himes, as well as the members of our race The Community Can Follow us on Facebook server who has been around almost since committee for overseeing and tabulating the beginning. It’s also a great compliment all regattas. to our Commodore Rich Mcleod, as well As we deal with the social distanc- Episcopal Church of the Holy Family as our other club officers who’ve put in a ing issues and precautions so correctly lot of hard work to make this happen. imposed by our POA, our monthly club While I’ve resided in Georgia since meetings and the commencement of the

1993, it’s difficult for this Northerner to regular regatta season are postponed until Episcopal Church describe the past three months as a Frost- further notice. However, that doesn’t mean bite—far from it. In fact, this was one of that an occasional solo sailor might not of the Holy Family our milder Georgia winters, which made show up at Lake Sconti. We’ll keep you up (at the corner of Grandview and Cove Roads) for more fun. In addition to the variable to date on our website (www.bcmyc.org). weather, some of us (yours truly) were BCMYC is a sanctioned RC Sailing Club 202 Griffith Rd. • Jasper, GA 30143 • 770-893-4525 also dealing with equipment/shakedown of the American Model Yacht Association. www.holyfamilyepiscopalchurch.net issues. During this last regatta, I was the For additional information, contact us at victim of an unruly rudder, which caused [email protected]. Pandya Medical Center Primary Care For The Entire Family

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“Understandably, most do not respond correctly according to the scale because it is an approximation, not a universally recognized measurement.” How many is many?

“The more skillful the Word writer/speaker, the more Of Mouth possibility for the reader/ hearer to decipher less

FRAN HOLMAN independently.”

Principle Seven: There should never be To assist student-writers, The Bryan any doubt left as to how many. English Writing Center of Blinn College posts has many traditional figures of speech for a “Vague Words Table.” The 34 entries estimating number, which have now lost to be preferred over very as a modifier their original connotations. From an early include considerably, chiefly, incredibly, level of national experience, a “legion” profusely and vastly. The words on this seemed a huge number of armed men. But list and similar ones also lack precisifica- when a speaker now says: “The mothers tion. who ungrudgingly do without sleep Many and much are quantifiers that themselves, if their babies are sleepless, do not specify quantity. Their usage, are a credit to the country—their name is though, is specific. Many is chosen to ‘legion,’” he means that there are “millions qualify plural, countable items. For of mothers like that.” Yet a Roman legion How many grains of wheat form a heap? example, “Many dogs can be taught new consisted of four or five thousand men tricks.” “Many dog” or other singular only. Similarly: “There are a myriad grains combination are incorrect. Much is used of sand on this beach”—but a myriad is WORDS to quantify Mr. Jordan’s fortune % for singular, uncountable items. “Much only ten thousand and probably “tens of rain has fallen in the last three days.” millions” is intended. ~“The Reader Over Blurred quantification is ancient. Your Shoulder,” Robert Graves and Alan Mr. Jordan’s fortune consisted WHOLLY of bar-gold. 100 Eubulides of Miletus, a 4th century B.C. Hodge PRACTICALLY all his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 99 student of Euclid, is credited with sorites. This word, Greek soros for “heap,” n this classic discussion of rhetoric, His fortune consisted ALMOST ENTIRELY of bar-gold. 95 references reasoning which employs Graves and Hodge present “Princi- NEARLY ALL of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 90 given propositions to form a conclusion. ples of Clear Statement.” Principles Eubulides illustrates with the example of I Six and Seven particularly address BY FAR THE GREATER PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 80 a heap of wheat grains. specificity of amounts. Using what they THE GREATER PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 70 Is, Eubulides queries, one grain of characterize as a “popular measure of pro- wheat a heap? Is 1,000 grains a heap? The portion with approximate percentages,” MORE THAN HALF his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 60 import of Eubulides’ puzzle is at what the authors present an incremental scale RATHER MORE THAN HALF his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 55 point, at what exact number, is a heap a using the gold bar wealth of Mr. Jordan. heap. Percentages for wholly, half and none are HALF his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 50 Two “many” caveats: First, rhetori- readily understood, but consider a large cally, vagueness may lean to a side, to a NEARLY HALF his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 45 part, the greater part and a small part, border. The writer/speaker has an intend- three of the 19 entries from the scale. If A LARGE PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 40 ed meaning of the term, and the reader/ you determined the percentages respec- hearer deciphers the meaning of the term. tively as 40, 70 and 15, you are correct. QUITE A LARGE PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 35 The more skillful the writer/speaker, the Understandably, most do not respond A CONSIDERABLE PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 30 more possibility for the reader/hearer to correctly according to the scale because decipher less independently. it is an approximation, not a universally PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 25 Second, the situation itself informs recognized measurement. A SMALL PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 15 when precisification is necessary. Some- Graves and Hodges and a myriad of times, indefiniteness is enough. others plea for definitive numbers over NOT MUCH of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 10 rhetorical ciphers: “There are disingenu- A VERY SMALL PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 5 Dr. Fran Holman, honored as University ous measures of number that ought to be Distinguished Professor and College avoided in writing: for example, ‘handful’ AN INCONSIDERABLE PART of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 1 Endowed Professor at Louisiana Tech when not applied to nuts, blackberries, NONE of his fortune consisted of bar-gold. 0 University, lives in Big Canoe with her coffee beans and similar small objects.” husband. APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALS | LIVING 11 C

“Travis liked the challenges of nature and the beckoning of what lay beyond though sometimes what lay beyond wasn’t what he imagined.” Travis McDaniel and the art of paying attention

Tapestry: Story Threads From North Georgia

BONNIE EAST

ust as ashes are picked up by the wind and carried to the oak, falling to the grass and to the coat of the deer, to the J bed of the forest and the foot of a bird, to the pool of water and to the shoreline, there is a man who walks among us. This man has heard the voices of the ashes as they pass by. He has held them for a moment, captured their stories and filled a void that exists within the unknown by any man brave enough to pay attention. Travis McDaniel pays attention. He is an artist, craftsman, musician, songwriter, poet, published author and historian whose knowledge of his ancestry and the move- ment of generations over geography rivals any. Born in 1936, Travis always was drawn to the outdoors. He became a Boy Scout so he could hike through forests, canoe rapids, Dragging Canoe’s head. PHOTOS BY BONNIE EAST climb over mountains and camp in the wil- derness. He was comfortable when he was “Travis’ 36th great- outdoors. And he was brave when he was grandfather was the great exploring. Travis acquired his work ethic early Celtic/Viking warrior in life. “My father started me in the pest Somerled, a historic figure control business when I was five, a penny apiece for every bean beetle picked.” This known as ‘Lord of the Isles’ was the same year his father, an agricul- who eventually controlled tural county agent, was killed in a collision involving his vehicle, a cotton truck, and a the Western Isles and farm tractor. Highlands of Scotland.” Travis enjoys a moment strumming his guitar. His widowed mother lost her father from a stroke and his other grandfather, “a farmer trying to make a living on a cottoned-out red dirt Georgia farm,” died years earlier while hauling a massive grave- stone for his parents when the wagon and stone turned over on him. Not knowing his grandfathers and barely knowing his father left a void that sat unresolved in Travis until his 40s. The only college degree that interested Travis was wildlife management, “But I didn’t have confidence in myself,” he said. “In school, I wasn’t any good at subjects like math or chemistry or spelling.” One of Travis’ teachers, Ms. Camp, said, “Travis, if you will try your very best, I will guarantee you at least a D.” And, in spelling, a D it was. A college-bound friend encouraged Travis, “You can do anything if you want it bad enough.” “That moment,” Travis said, “changed my life.” He headed to college. Travis liked the challenges of nature and the beckoning of what lay beyond though sometimes what lay beyond wasn’t what he imagined. His first job after gradu- ating college with his wildlife management The march of hand-carved animals. “There is over 100 years of grain in this bear’s back,” said Travis. degree was on a remote shoreline in Virgin- ia. Travis, his wife Joyce and their first two standing between me and chiefdom is my One hundred and fifty years after Clayton’s this bear’s back.” This particular grouping (of three) children headed for the refuge. unfortunate birth order,” Travis chuckled. execution, Travis crawled through 20 yards of figures was created since Joyce died. I “The only way to get there was to drive five Fast forward to the 1700s. A Fain of dense thickets to uncover Clayton’s began, “Their bodies are moving …” and miles along the shore during low tide.” cousin (Fain being Travis’ mother’s maiden dulled, forgotten gravestone. “There was Travis finished, “… with melancholy.” After 17 years working refuges across name), traveling with his militia near the something tugging at me to find it, to com- There is far more to Travis than the six states, Travis—now in his 40s—and his Little Tennessee River, was ambushed plete the story and unearth the perilous, sum of his exquisite ancestral archive. family moved to Atlanta where he worked and killed by Cherokee warriors under the bold history of my cousin.” The Georgia Travis is a transformer. He turns void into in the regional office of the US Fish and leadership of a young radical named Drag- Historical Society erected a marker in Blue fulfillment and loss into works of art. He Wildlife Service for another 17 years. This ging Canoe. As a youth, Dragging Canoe Ridge to acknowledge the efforts of Union turns self-doubt into achievements and the move presented a new opportunity, being begged his father to let him fight. Though sympathizers in Georgia history. unknown into understanding. only one block from the Georgia Archives. too young, the tribal leaders told him if Travis’ story thread of history, nature, After a few visits to research his ancestry, he could drag the canoe to the river by him- loss, compelling passion and resolution has Bonnie East has lived in Travis heard the voices of the ashes as he self, he could join them. continued throughout his life. He lost one Big Canoe for four years began a journey began that would take him Travis reached high on a shelf and of his daughters in a traffic accident in 1991 and is an avid listener back 1,000 years to 1100 AD. brought down one of his handmade sculp- and, last year, his beloved wife Joyce passed of oral history. If you, Travis’ 36th great-grandfather was the tures. He touched the face of Dragging away. or someone you know, great Celtic/Viking warrior Somerled, a Canoe and said, “He feels anguish from his A display of beautiful hand-carved has a story, big or small, historic figure known as “Lord of the Isles” obligations.” wooden sculptures of animals Travis has of heart or grit or is a who eventually controlled the Western Isles In the 1800s, another cousin, Clayton known march across a table in his home, one-of-a-kind pioneer, and Highlands of Scotland. Travis, a genetic Fain, formed a Civil War regiment of Union each body carved and sanded from mem- please contact Bonnie at genealogist, has the DNA match to prove sympathizers hiding in remote areas of ory. Rubbing the smooth Western cedar, bonnie@bigcanoenews. his grandpa was Somerled. “The only thing Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. he said, “There is over 100 years of grain in com.

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815 Shetland Trace • $629,900 496 Sanderlin Mtn Drive S • $599,000 811 McElroy Mtn Drive • $599,000 2840 Quail Cove Drive • $575,000 2209 Valley View • $475,000 4BR/4.5BA, FMLS #6699352 4BR/5BA, FMLS #6681495 4BR/4.5BA, FMLS #6562660 4BR/4.5BA, FMLS #6643973 4BR/3.5BA, FMLS #6667937

UNDERNEW CONTRACT PRICE UNDER CONTRACT NEW LISTING NEW LISTING UNDER CONTRACT

1549 Valley View Drive • $549,000 63 The Paddock • $499,000 87 Trotters Lane • $459,900 85 Cliff Fern Point • $450,000 484 Hunters Trace • $445,000 5BR/3FB/2HB, FMLS #6105536 5BR/4.5BA, FMLS #6651022 4BR/4.5BA, FMLS #6696258 4BR/2.5BA, FMLS #6699065 3BR/3BA, FMLS #6626009

SOLD NEW LISTING NEW PRICE SOLD NEW PRICE

304 Owls Brow • $435,000 55 Hillside Way • $415,000 87 Yanoo Trace • $409,000 532 Cherokee Trail • $438,000 142 Blackgum Drive • $425,000 3BR/4BA, FMLS #6631184 4BR/4BA, FMLS #6696306 5BR/4.5BA, FMLS #6552889 4BR/4BA, FMLS #6522217 4BR/3.5BA, FMLS #6564242

NEW PRICE NEW PRICE UNDER CONTRACT NEW LISTING UNDER CONTRACT

291 Woodland Trace • $375,000 84 Sourwood Circle • $375,000 393 Red Coat Pass • $379,800 114 Yanoo Trace • $349,000 294 Yanoo Trace • $349,900 3BR/3BA, FMLS #6650834 4BR/3.5BA, FMLS #6547506 4BR/3.5BA, FMLS #6502449 3BR/2.5BA, FMLS #6686650 3BR/3BA, FMLS #6649213

NEW PRICE NEW LISTING FURNISHED UNDER CONTRACT NEW PRICE

15 Wild Turkey Lane • $344,900 883 Columbine Drive • $299,000 37 Laurel Turn • $259,900 161 Bluebell Circle S. • $250,000 40 Trout Lily Trail • $215,000 3BR/2.5BA, FMLS #6675996 3BR/2.5BA, FMLS #6696388 2BR/2.5BA, FMLS #665099 4BR/3BA, FMLS #6664148 3BR/2BA, FMLS #6539718 7 NEW PRICE UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT NEW LISTING NEAR AMENITIES

40 Laurel Ridge Trail • $205,000 781 Woodland Trace • $199,000 48 Sconti Ridge, Unit 409B • $145,000 178 Sconti Ridge, Unit 435 • $135,000 34 Sconti Ridge, Unit #405 • $134,900 3BR/3.5BA, FMLS #6675162 3BR/2BA, FMLS #6555990 2BR/2BA, FMLS #6683920 2BR/2BA, FMLS #6691245 2BR/2BA, FMLS #6503544 LAND & HOME SITES: See all our listings at ... www.HarryNormanBC.com 70 Foothills Pkwy, #1 - $200,000, FMLS #6677878 70 Foothills Pkwy, #2 - $175,000, FMLS #6677863 70 Foothills Pkwy, #3 - $175,000, FMLS #6677850 2107 McElroy Mtn Drive - $99,000, FMLS #5992403 6034 Buck Skull Ridge Rd, $125,000, FMLS #6593165 4848 Waterford Way, $125,000, FMLS #6671078 Doug Maggie Jay Bert Pat Shelby Alice Wanda Helen 4835 Waterford Way, $125,000, FMLS #6628042 Hosmer Hosmer Foster Sellars Thuman Collins Lee Stewart Carlock 95 Carter Trail, Dawsonville, $116,991, FMLS #6671770 Broker/Owner 2584 Summit Circle, $97,500, FMLS #6628001 2569 Wilderness Pkwy, $69,000, FMLS #6625464 240 Sanderlin Mtn Drive N - $49,900, FMLS #6534583 8115 Disharoon Drive - $69,000, FMLS #6124867 112 Disharoon Drive - $80,000, FMLS #5868565 Rosemarie Paul Jack Tania Dave Mark Jim 2653 Sconti View Drive - $69,000, FMLS #6088686 Heindel Foretich Updegraff Baaske Patton Malone Corbitt 00 Valley View Drive - $64,900, FMLS#6660473 – SOLD ©2006 Harry Norman, Realtors, A HomeServices of America, Inc. Company. All rights reserved. Licensed in Georgia and North Carolina. Equal Housing Opportunity. Big Canoe is a registered service mark of Big 889 Cherokee Trail - $25,000, FMLS #6646187 Canoe Company, LLC. Harry Norman, Realtors is not affiliated with the Big Canoe Company, LLC, and no such representation is intended or implied. Information believed to be accurate but not warranted. HARRY NORMAN, REALTORS® 200 Foothills Parkway, Marble Hill, GA 30148 • 770-893-2400 APRIL 2020“She needed an owner who would spendSMOKE time withSIGNALS her—someone | LIVING she could shadow throughout the day.” 13 C BCAR celebrates as Grayson finds forever home

Big Canoe Animal Rescue

TOM ATTAWAY

rayson is a black-and-white flecked, 55-pound, female Australian cattle dog, otherwise G known as a blue heeler. In January 2018, at the age of 2, she was found wandering Afton Road and Steve Tate Highway. She has been at BCAR ever since, a little over two years. These dogs are related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the dingo. If blue heelers are not challenged, they easily become bored and get into mischief. Someone who has had blue heelers her whole life recently told me, “Blue heelers are crazy, but they BCAR’s Director of Adoptions Jodette are well worth it!” We at BCAR can confirm Endsley, left, congratulates Terri, Kyle and this with some examples. Grayson. PHOTO BY TOM ATTAWAY • Driving Grayson to the vet one rainy day, I turned on the wipers. Grayson went As a consequence of the above, we had after my windshield wipers! I had to shut to isolate Grayson from the other dogs at How smart is Grayson? Smart enough to pilot a pontoon. PHOTO BY KAREN ATTAWAY them off. Every time Grayson looked out the BCAR, walk her separately and ensure she side window I quickly swept the windshield handle of a leash someone had, for some If another dog is barking, for example, they did not have a chance to interact with our wipers so I could continue driving. reason, clipped onto the gate of this yard. see it as their job to tell that dog to shut up other resident canines. • I once put a sticky trap under the sink After I got her loose, she ran back into her and stop being so rude. While not trying to Initially, Grayson was not used to life and behind the soiled towel bin at BCAR to yard, where the shop vac was running. By start a fight, they will nip or bite a barking in a shelter. During her first few months at catch a mouse that had evaded conventional the time I got over there, she had the nozzle dog to get its attention in order to get it BCAR Grayson lifted one of the chain link traps. Grayson, of course, found the trap and in her mouth. I had to turn the shop vac off to behave. This is one of a blue heeler’s gates off its hinges. She also pulled a 4-inch got it stuck on one of her hind paws. Trying to get her loose. Fortunately, she still had perceived responsibilities. x 6-foot piece of trim board off the outside to get this off was complicated by Grayson’s her tongue. • One of the two trainers Grayson of the building—nails and all. thrashing and the big mouse caught on this In addition to the above, Grayson spent six weeks with summed it up: Grayson needed a home with some trap. I wish I had a video. presented BCAR with the following “Grayson does not have a clue how to be- land—a farm or a ranch. She needed room • One day, I was using my shop vac in challenges. have around other dogs.” He said Grayson to run and, most importantly, work to do. Grayson’s outside run. I had her locked in • Australian cattle dogs, and Grayson was challenging. He also commented that, She needed a home with no other pets. the next yard. Hearing a commotion, I ran in particular, do not like other dogs unless in spite of this, he really enjoyed working She needed an owner who would spend into the next yard and found Grayson with they are also blue heelers. Blue heelers see with Grayson “because she is so damn time with her—someone she could shadow her paw caught in a loop made out of the themselves as the elected “hall monitors.” smart.” throughout the day. n GRAYSON | Page 2

SportsAPRIL 2020 | Sports • Fitness • Gardening& • PetsOutdoors | SMOKE SIGNALS | www.smokesignalsnews.com Another mother’s tale with an ursine twist BY WILL JACKSON “Big Canoe’s Bear Mom 2 Black Bear Project and her two tiny cubs were ig Canoe had an adventure with discovered at a Big Canoe black bear motherhood on Christ- mas Day (Smoke Signals, February home near Wildcat by B 2020). In that case, a very preg- contract workers nant female bear scooted out from under a home’s low deck—with some caring setting up a ladder.” encouragement from Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources’ professionals—and • After mating in the summer, the headed into the woods to find a more female’s reproductive system waits a few private site for her upcoming labor and months, until late fall, before a delayed delivery. attachment of her embryos into her womb In early February, a Big Canoe resident occurs. Surprisingly, the gestation period in a different neighborhood was surprised of a bear is only about eight weeks, usually to discover an uninvited Bear Mom (a around December and January, before cubs different female) had dropped by to stay are born in late January and February. awhile and deliver two cubs. There are im- • Adult black bears will eventually portant differences in these two situations, weigh hundreds of pounds, but newborn and the second case presents some timely cubs are tiny, weighing only a few ounces, learning opportunities. and are about the size of a chipmunk or Bear Mom 2 got pregnant last summer, small rodent. then spent the late summer and early fall • The small newborn cubs are obvi- gorging on available food to fatten up for ously unable to care for themselves, but her winter dormancy and the approaching Bear Mom nurses them with a fat-rich milk demands of motherhood. Some key points that promotes rapid growth. After their first are worth knowing about how a bear’s nursing months, cubs will quickly grow to pregnancy differs from human reproduction nearly eight pounds and begin to venture stages. out with Mom. • It’s not unusual for two cubs to • Cubs will stay with their mother for have been sired by different males, but the about 18 months, learning life lessons about fathers don’t stay with the mother. They climbing trees, finding food and avoiding flunked the Mr. Mom course and have humans, after which the mother will push no protective instincts to care for their them away into their young adulthood. The offspring. Later on, Mom Bear may have to mother will not mate or produce any new defend her cubs from aggressive attacks by Cubs stay with their mother for about 18 months, learning to climb trees, find food and litters during that time. She will birth new the male(s). avoid humans. cubs only every other year. n BEAR | Page 2

“While the virus is presently not contagious to our canine and feline companions, I wonder if this pandemic will affect our pets in indirect ways.” COVID-19, a threat to my pets?

and with fewer deaths than parvovirus. We vaccinate for this virus in younger dogs but, as they age, they’re less susceptible and not typically vaccinated once they’re adults. Vet’s Q&A Clinic There is also a coronavirus that infects cats. It’s a very complicated infection, too much to go into details in this article. It causes a condition in cats known as FIP, feline infectious peritonitis. These viruses are different than the one currently causing the human outbreak DR. RAY HABERMANN and are not contagious to humans, at this time. As I write this article, the country is literally going on lockdown with closures of most, if not all, schools, amusement parks, sporting events, etc. While the virus is presently not Q: Dr. Habermann, with the concerns right now regarding the novel coronavirus in our contagious to our canine and feline companions, I wonder if this pandemic will affect our society, is there anything I need to be concerned with regarding its effects on my pets? pets in indirect ways. Will people stop taking them to dog parks, doggy daycares, grooming salons, etc., to avoid being in public? Will the supply chain of foods, veterinary medications A: In short, the answer to this question is no—at least for now. One concern vets have is and basic pet products be interrupted by the dramatic change in the way society operates coronavirus, like the influenza virus, has the potential to mutate and become infective to for a short time? Will animal healthcare facilities (vet clinics, specialty other species of animals. and emergency clinics, veterinary teaching hospitals) remain open There is a theory this is what happened with the current pandemic—that the virus during the pandemic? The answers to these questions remain elusive. started in one species of animal and mutated to be infectious to humans. When the world Hopefully, by the time this article is published, this will be behind us, first became aware of the outbreak that spread quickly through China, there was a report and we can get back to some normalcy in our routines. of a dog in Hong Kong testing positive for the disease. However, the story was invalidated quickly when scientists determined the test was positive due to an environmental Direct questions about this topic or any other you would like Dr. contamination from the virus and not because the dog was carrying or sick from the virus. Habermann to address in future articles to [email protected] To prevent some confusion, there are coronaviruses that affect both dogs and cats. In or 706-216-1356. dogs, the virus causes a viral diarrhea (it’s a GI virus) similar to parvo, though less severe RAY HABERMANN 142 D C SMOKE SIGNALSSMOKE SIGNALS | SPORTS | LIVING & OUTDOORS APRIL 2020

“It is hoped the scheduled speaker, Big Canoe in an ATV, and even goes to work with Kyle. Terri said, ‘Grayson is always with Landscape Manager Mathew Parks, will be available to Grayson us; she is our baby.’ This is truly the best give his informative talk later in the year.” n Continued from page 1 possible outcome for all; there is no better family for Grayson to spend her life with However, BCAR mainly adopts dogs than Kyle and Terri. Grayson is loved and out as indoor pets. It was a challenge to she is blessed.” Wildflower Bunch find a suitable owner for Grayson. BCAR’s In my opinion, Grayson is the smartest Directors of Adoption during Grayson’s dog we have had at BCAR. She is loving time with us, first Bonnie Plikaytis and now and affectionate with people and will no announces postponements Jodette Endsley, went to heroic efforts to doubt make Terri and Kyle an obedient and find Grayson a home. They tried eve- loyal dog. I love Grayson and have enjoyed rything. Jodette finally handed out flyers in spending time with her these last two years, local feed stores, and this did the trick. including during our adventures. Though I A forever home is found will miss her, I am celebrating, as are all the “It’s been a little over a week since BCAR volunteers, that Grayson has found Kyle and Terri came to visit Grayson at her forever home and family. BCAR’s Saturday Open House, and it was Good luck, Grayson. We wish you, love at first sight,” said Jodette. “That same Terri and Kyle the best life has to offer. afternoon the family called and wanted to Thank you, Terri and Kyle, for opening your come back to get Grayson. They had been hearts and giving Grayson a chance. I know to PetSmart and were driving back with all you will not be disappointed. new goodies for Grayson. All they needed To find out more about BCAR, was her. call 706-268-1346; check the BCAR “Kyle and Terri had recently lost their poster in the postal facility; go to www. dog. They have had a lot of experience bigcanoeanimalrescue.org; check us out with blue heelers. Grayson was meant to on Facebook; come to Open House every be a part of this family. With no other pets Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and volunteer! (except a donkey) and no children at home, Grayson’s new home meant she would be BCAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill shelter queen diva and their constant companion. for homeless dogs and cats found in the Big “Grayson now spends her days on a Canoe community, providing them with a 15-plus acre ranch with lots of room to run. safe, healthy and positive environment until She makes trips with her new owners in the they are adopted into their forever, loving car, rides around their property with them homes.

would leave peacefully when the cubs Members enjoyed a lovely and healthy brunch buffet at the March meeting. PHOTO BY were older and more able. That should be JUDY KAUFMAN Bear around April. n Continued from page 1 The homeowner reacted calmly and Members were invited to a brunch thoughtfully. The health and safety of the Wildflower Bunch buffet in the greeting area at the Big Canoe’s Bear Mom 2 and her two bear family were so much more impor- clubhouse, where a long table, brim- tiny cubs were discovered at a Big Canoe tant to her than the occasional use of her Garden Club ming with healthy and yummy brunch home near Wildcat by contract workers front porch. Access was roped off and foods, awaited. This plan allowed easy setting up a ladder. They heard a huffing signage was posted directing visitors to mingling, meeting new members and sound—a black bear’s common warn- another entrance. In a couple of months, greeting old friends. Many thanks to the JUDY KAUFMAN ing signal—coming from under the front Bear Mom and her cubs will move up the board for creating this very successful porch. A very quick peek confirmed the mountains to continue their challenging gathering. Cynthia Hendry presented presence of the new family. journey. ildflower Bunch is post- a new program, filled with humor and Public safety was notified, the Black This incident provided another ex- poning its annual Plant eye-popping photographs. Read more Bear Project was called and the DNR was ample of how informed and conscientious Sale, originally scheduled about that next month to find out what contacted. Wildlife experts from DNR Big Canoe neighbors can handle bear W for April 17-18, until the kind of gardener you are. came to Big Canoe to assess the situation issues when they arise. Kudos, again, to fall. In addition, the April 1 meeting at Information on how to be part of and provide guidance. They advised that DNR for its support, and a special thank- the clubhouse is cancelled. It is hoped this dynamic club can be found at the Bear Mom 2 had likely made her birthing you to a conscientious homeowner for the scheduled speaker, Big Canoe postal facility, just to the right of the den under the porch in December and setting a heroic example. Landscape Manager Mathew Parks, will window, or at www.wildflowerbunch. had been quietly waiting for her due date Reminder: Bird feeders should have be available to give his informative talk com. The annual membership fee is $20. to welcome her babies. Beneath the porch been put away on March 1. Please help later in the year. The club’s board has planned a vibrant was a perfect choice—dry, warm, quiet spread the word. Your support of Bear- March meeting year, filled with a variety of horticultural and undisturbed. DNR recommended Wise standards makes a difference— WFB’s board started the new opportunities that are sure to appeal. leaving the mother and her young, fragile especially to the bears. season with a refreshing new agenda. babies under the porch, anticipating they

“In return, the thrift store receives funds to give back to the community, and the surplus items are prevented from ending as waste. Over 30,000 pounds are shipped monthly.”

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Conservation benefits a community

BY GRETCHEN HUDOCK

onservation can begin at home, sometimes with spring cleaning or clearing out a cupboard. No mat- C ter what inspires you to organize, items donated to the Community Thrift Store in Jasper can benefit your neighbors and the environment. The mission of the Pickens County Community Thrift Store, www.pickenscom- munitythriftstore.org, is “to serve the mem- bers of our community who find themselves in need of essential goods and basic human and life-enhancing services.” To meet these goals, the thrift store accepts donations The Community Thrift Store is on of clothing, household items, collectibles, Samaritan Drive, Jasper. furniture, etc., to sell to the public at greatly reduced prices or to donate to those who qualify. Sports & Outdoors Don Russell, who launched the thrift store with a core of volunteers in 2000, explained the store’s simple philosophy: Sales of larger items benefit the community.PHOTOS BY JUDY KAUFMAN “There are no employees, no supervisors, no manuals. God is in charge; volunteers manage it.” The thrift store, said Russell, is an example of “people helping people.” Even the trash generated is a blessing to those in that business as it gives them work. The Red Cross gives vouchers to victims of home fires so they can shop for household items at no cost. The store helps those who come to socialize, look for the latest find or just exercise by walking the aisles. Sales tax generated assists the county and schools. Since its opening on Jan. 25, 2000, the thrift store has donated over $6 million to the residents of Pickens County through Maggie’s House • 9 organizations that help others. Its employee Big Canoe Animal Rescue...... 1-2 base is totally volunteer and can include Black Bear Project...... 1 those who need community service hours. Clothing is available at the thrift store. Vet Q&A Clinic...... 1 Donations of items of acceptable Wildflower Bunch Garden Club...... 2 quality, i.e., not wet, dirty or stained beyond and bookcases are popular items. Clean tex- unloading items into the building. Leaving Conservation Committee...... 2 help, are appreciated, as are those having tiles and articles, though imperfect, having donations outside can render them unsale- Mountain Gardening...... 3 all their parts, such as cords, attachments some useable life—linens, curtains, clothing, able and create trash that costs money to WaterSports...... 4 and manuals. The store does not take paint, towels, hats, shoes and larger yardages of remove, leaving fewer funds to be shared Golf .... And Other Things Out Of Doors...... 5 toxic chemicals, mattresses or old TVs, fabric—are also in demand. Excess stock with the community. At-home pickups can however, short tapers and stumps left after Rules Guys...... 6 is crated and sent to countries in need. In be arranged for large items. burning a candle can be recycled, as can return, the thrift store receives funds to Volunteers are the core of the Com- Women’s Golf Association...... 7 metal bed frames, bicycles beyond repair, give back to the community, and the surplus munity Thrift Store. To help, contact the Men’s Golf Association...... 7 etc. A designated bin outside the building items are prevented from ending as waste. Community Thrift Store, 706-253-7770, or Trails Committee...... 8 is available for proper disposal of American Over 30,000 pounds are shipped monthly. Don Russell, 770-894-3246. Big Canoe Summer Sports Camps...... 8 flags. The thrift store is at 110 Samaritan Editor’s note: March 16, the Community Maggie’s House...... 9 To maximize funds going back to the Drive, Jasper. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thrift Store in Jasper closed until further Big Canoe Hikers...... 9 community, items such as antiques or col- Tuesday through Saturday. Donation hours notice due to coronavirus concerns. Please Doggie Dialogues...... 10 lectibles are placed online for sale. Books, are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Sat- do not leave donations until they reopen. The Marketplace/Smoke Signals Classified...... 11 especially current fiction and cookbooks, urday, when helpful staff is there to assist in APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALSSMOKE SIGNALS | SPORTS | LIVING & OUTDOORS 153 CD

“Nature provides numerous white-flowering herbaceous natives.” Big Canoe perfection: the white garden

“No white garden Mountain could be complete Gardening without our native dogwood.” Bloodroot CYNTHIA HENDRY By far, the easiest white-flowering pe- Serviceberry White crested iris rennial is white aster. While I have written othing is prettier in the semi- about it before in these pages, I would add shade of Big Canoe’s massive a new conclusion about this plant. It can be oak and hickory forests than a used as a ground cover. Bonnie Plikaytis and N green and white garden. With I were studying hers in the dead of winter many good native plants blooming white, it and marveled at how crisp it looked. Of is easy to combine them with other non-na- Mountain mint course, Bonnie properly cuts it back in late tives to create an evolving display from fall as soon as the new foliage appears at the spring to fall. base of the taller flowering parts. Easy native trees and shrubs The white-flowering spring ephemerals No white garden could be complete like trillium, spring beauty, anemone and without our native dogwood, but an earlier bloodroot can be difficult to locate in retail. blooming serviceberry can steal the show However, they are often available at native in March. Both are bird-friendly as the plant rescues and sales. Be sure to carefully abundant fruit are relished by the birds. select your site and amendments for these The serviceberry produces fruit in early Butterfly weed Mountain laurel ‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas precious plants. summer and the dogwood in fall. Two other Summer-blooming natives like aruncus white-blooming native trees are silverbell, and white phlox are more widely available. blooming in April, and sweet bay magnolia, There is a good cultivar of the white phlox blooming in June. called ‘Davidi’ that is more fungal resistant. At the shrub layer, use oakleaf hydran- Aruncus appreciates consistent moisture. gea and the smaller smooth hydrangea. Another easy late-summer bloomer is Extensive breeding work has been done on ‘Autumn Bride’ heuchera. My best source these two natives to present smaller plants for this plant is also Big Canoe’s favorite in the oakleaf types and sturdier structure in fern source, Elinor Craig. Sadly, Elinor has the smooth hydrangea types. Both of these semi-retired, but she plans to be at Gibbs on hydrangeas have long blooming periods. Mother’s Day selling ferns and her favorite My favorite smooth hydrangeas are the perennials. cultivars ‘Annabelle’ and ‘Bounty.’ ‘Bounty’ In conclusion has a smaller bloom but is tough as nails. Combine your white plants with the One of the earliest blooming native blue-green foliage of Illicium paniculata and shrubs is fothergilla. It can get leggy in part variegated plants like Osmanthus varie- Chionoides rhododendron shade, so I recommend giving it a good Foamflower White aster gata and Pieris japonica. Not only is their pruning just after it blooms. Blooming a foliage color complementary, they are deer little later in spring is itea. My favorite resistant. Hopefully, their odor will mislead selection is a cultivar ‘Henry’s Garnet,’ the deer away from your more vulnerable famed for a deep garnet leaf color in fall. If plants. The sight of these groupings just you have sun and want your garden to be makes me swoon on a warm spring day. tremendously fragrant in summer, grow Happy spring gardening! ‘Summersweet’ clethra. It appreciates continued moisture. There is a new white False Solomon’s seal ‘Einstein’ clethra Cynthia Hendry has cultivar available called ‘Einstein.’ lived and gardened in Herbaceous natives Big Canoe for more than Nature provides numerous white-flow- 30 years. Her landscape ering herbaceous natives. My favorite design work includes Best resource for studying the presentation and of Show for Big Canoe growth needs of these plants is Dr. Allan Street of Dreams, as Armitage’s beautiful book “Armitage’s well as Big Canoe Show Native Plants.” His candid discussions and Homes for Southern Showy trillium Fothergilla Black snakeroot detailed descriptions reveal the truth rather CYNTHIA HENDRY Living and Atlanta than a sales pitch. magazines.

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“Can the fan and participant base of the game be that easily defined— you’re either a ‘Caddyshack’ slob or an Augusta National snob?” Slobs vs. snobs?

than see an Olympic swim competition. They think Ty Webb (Chevy Chase) and WaterSports Carl Spackler are the greatest comedy team in history, even though they’re only on screen together for one scene—a few RANDY WATERS minutes in the movie. The snobs hit the Augusta National souvenir shop armed with passion and orty years ago, marketing efforts plastic. Examples of current products/ billed the July 1980 release of prices include: visor, $50; bag tag, $50; the movie “Caddyshack” as yard gnome, $189.99. OK, I get the first class warfare on the fairways two, but I’d be afraid the gnome would and greens of fictional Bush- come to life and nail me with a 3-wood. Fwood Country Club. It didn’t really work It would probably be justified for damage because the film was a triple bogey at I’ve done to the integrity of the game with the box office, failing miserably. In the a 3-wood in my hands. decades since, it’s become a cult classic. Truth is, many slobs are also snobs You can find it on TV most any time and many snobs are also slobs. It’s OK to of year, but especially during the Mas- say “that one’s in the lumber yard” when ters Tournament month of April. That’s you shank a shot at a nice country club. kind of ironic because no two concepts It’s also fine for the same person to stop or visions of the game of golf are farther and catch their breath, and just soak it all apart. Can the fan and participant base of in the first time Amen Corner comes into the game be that easily defined—you’re view at Augusta National. either a “Caddyshack” slob or an Augusta Thank goodness we got a mulligan National snob? Let’s examine the issue after King James II of Scotland banned here with some key contrasts. anyone from playing “gowf,” because it If you’re a slob, your favorite greens- Framed picture of “Caddyshack” cast. PHOTOS BY RANDY WATERS distracted from practicing archery for mil- keeper of all time is Carl Spackler, Bill itary purposes. Although, there have been Murray’s character in the movie. Who “It’s OK to say many times when having the ability to put else could get away with dynamiting an an arrow through my scorecard would entire fairway to eliminate one furry little ‘that one’s in the lumber have come in handy. gopher? The movie was shot at a country yard’ when you shank So, let’s allow Judge Elihu Smailes club in Davie, Florida and, for that scene, (Ted Knight) write the final verdict: Guilty the crew tricked management into leaving a shot at a nice as charged on both counts—leaning on just in case severe damage was done. It country club.” the comedic genius of late producer wasn’t dynamite but there was quite a Harold Ramis and the “Caddyshack” cast bit of damage to the green and nearby to laugh at and with the most frustrating fairway. In 1966, Jack Whitaker looked at the game those crazy Scots invented roughly If you’re categorized as a snob, your number of people moving into position for 563 years ago, as well as admiring the favorite place on the planet is Augusta Na- the Monday playoff between Gay Brewer, people and the places they provide to play tional. The last time anyone saw a weed Tommy Jacobs and Jack Nicklaus and the game at the highest level. or piece of litter there was the day Bobby described the crowd as a “mob.” Whitaker Jones and Clifford Roberts first walked was taken off the broadcasts for a few Randy Waters has been the property in 1931. The grounds aren’t years after that but was eventually invited a TV/radio sportscaster mowed, they’re manicured. One could back. Fortunately, no one really considers since 1973 in Lexington, argue Mother Nature created azaleas that a black mark on Whitaker’s brilliant Louisville, Pittsburgh specifically for Masters’ week. career. He passed away last August. and Atlanta—WXIA/11 However, that brings up a couple Most PGA tournaments allow cell Alive (1984-2013.) He not-so-pleasant incidents from the past, or phones on the course, but not at the Mas- hosted the Falcons at least not so pleasant for the announcers ters. Pull out a phone or camera on a tour- programming on CW69 involved. On the CBS telecast in the mid- nament day and run the risk of ejection. If and is the color analyst 1990s, Gary McCord said the greens were the ticket is in someone else’s name, the RANDY WATERS for Georgia Tech/IMG so slick they’d been treated with “bikini ticket owner is subject to permanent loss basketball radio network, 1994-current. wax.” Mr. McCord was never invited back. of that credential. The Masters Committee then and now Author’s 1998 Masters’ bag tag— The slobs would rather watch the controls who works the broadcast. replacement cost $50. Caddy Day at the Bushwood pool scene

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years, he’s seen shots hit successfully begins with: “When I played…,” just from some pretty incredible spots. Phil announce the game without all the self- Golf ... And Other is a magician and an escape artist; his glorifying tales. The man has more “I’s” Things Out Of Doors short game usually makes up for his than an Irish potato … really. errant driver. Mackay has seen every Anyway, I am excited to see and hear lie possible in golf and can read them this new wave of golf announcers—less better than most players. One of the color drama, more accuracy and no personal JIM RICE commentators will mention a player is in attacks on the individual golfers just an impossible spot with an incredibly bad because they hit a poor shot. We’ve all ith the weather warming lie. Bones will take a look and respond done that, right? and flower buds popping with something like, “It’s not that bad; Hurray for the upgrade and bring (at Gibbs anyway), I have the player should be able to get it close.” on spring golf with warm temps, dry come back to watching Sure enough, the ball comes out high and fairways and birdie chances … I am soooo W soft and rolls to 3 feet of the pin. Not as ready. a bit of golf on TV. What a wonderful surprise and an awesome upgrade to have dramatic but way more accurate. Davis Love and Paul Azinger doing color Another thing about this new round Jim Rice is an Alabama and on-course commentating instead of announcers is none of them feels he boy living in North of being screamed at by Gary McCord. has to put on this fake British accent Georgia with a An upgrade for sure. Azinger is able to … except for, of course, Sir Nick Faldo. Pittsburgh Yankee. He bring insightful analysis to the shots and While being British gives him some markets sculptural art the situation without being personally excuse (so is Bones Mackay), it hardly for money, plays golf for critical of the individuals or wandering covers for the heavily fake accent. fun and enjoys fine wine down some rabbit hole of a story only the Frankly, if I want to listen to sentences on all such occasions. that I can hardly understand, I’ll binge- Living the dream in Big announcers know about. JIM RICE As for on-course announcers, it’s watch episodes of “The Crown.” The Canoe with his lovely now Jim “Bones” Mackay. Having carried other thing you just really don’t want bride for more than 20 years. to hear from Nick is any sentence that the bag for Phil Mickelson for over 25 Nick Faldo. JIM HUNTER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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BY THE RULES GUYS

hile not widely known, Big Canoe has one of the largest groups of rules officials in W the state of Georgia. On an experimental basis, we are offering in Smoke Signals a monthly rules discussion and updates on course changes in Big Canoe. We will also weigh in occasionally on significant rules controversies that make it into the press. With this in mind, here we go. Recent course marking changes The week of March 16, a new Red Penalty Area (PA) line was marked behind Choctaw 4. This is between the back of the green and the row of holly bushes that shield the green from Steve Tate Road. The line is an extension of the current Red PA, which runs the length of the hole along the creek from tee to green. It has been decided to mark this area as a Red PA to speed play and reduce the chance of injury to players from the dense, sharp holly branches. It also resolves any question of where the out-of-bounds area lies between the hole and Steve Tate by making it a moot point. The relief area available may not be very large as there will be spots directly behind the hole location where it will be difficult to find a large area not closer to the hole. Rules discussion Once every few years, the subject of drop zones becomes a hot topic in Big Canoe. The two most commonly discussed are Creek 3 and Choctaw 9, as they remove a significant carry over the penalty area. Drop zones (DZs) are not mentioned player now has two practical options. considerations, ultimately led to the the ball clunks off the toe of the club, hits in the 24 Rules of Golf, although they In establishing the location of the DZ, placement of current DZ. To confirm this a tree to the right of the tee, and bounces receive brief coverage in a document the guideline states the committee should decision, our local officials have reached directly backward, rolling to a stop on the called “Course Marking for General attempt to maintain the architectural out to the USGA for additional input. In spot you just hit from within the teeing Play.” In this piece, the USGA defers to challenge of the hole. It should not be reviewing our specific hole designs, they area. Enough is enough. You pick up the the local course committee to determine closer to the hole than where the player concurred the current locations were ball, and with a mighty heave, it rockets the appropriateness and location of drop would normally be dropping if normal appropriate. across the road, takes a large bounce in the zones, providing a few guidelines to use in relief options were available and should be Why not just eliminate these drop parking lot, and is last seen heading for the the process. set in an area where at least part of the PA zones for a competition? The USGA Canoe Lodge. Without thinking, you tee up First and foremost, DZs are is negotiated. The USGA also encourages cautions against making changes to a another ball and hit the shot you originally established to provide additional relief that other factors, such as pace-of-play course for a net competition that might envisioned, stopping one foot from the flag. options to a player along with the usual and course design, be considered in have a significant impact on the validity Your putt rolls into the hole. What is your Rule 17.1d relief options. As an example, determining the location of the DZ. of the course handicap. While the DZs score? consider gold and red tee players on Creek The sticking point in this second may have little impact on the handicaps (a) Par (b) Bogey (c) Double Bogey 3. If they hit a ball into the Red PA without guideline for Cherokee 3 and Choctaw of better golfers, this would certainly not (d) Triple Bogey crossing land, their three options would 9 would be the absence of penalty area be true for a significant part of our golfing To find the answer visit the Big Canoe normally be Lateral Relief (LR), Back- between the DZ and the green. Note, population. Rules Golf Genius website at: On-The-Line relief (BOTL), and Stroke however, the USGA uses the word “at- April 2020 quiz https://bcgc-bigcanoerules.golfgenius.com/. & Distance (S&D). The first two options tempt.” Currently, there is no place on You are having a bad day. A really bad Look under: “SS Rules Ques.” would yield a reference point essentially these two holes to create a second relief day. Standing on the Creek 8 tee, you care- Your BC Rules Guys are: Bill Buss, the same as Stroke & Distance, effectually option that meets this criterion. The fully check that your ball is properly within Edd McClain, Jack Foster, John Hansen, offering the player only one relief option. need for an alternative option, along with the teeing area and visualize a great shot Keith Sievers, Ray Haas, Richard Hudock With the availability of a drop zone, the the pace-of-play and course playability that will surely turn things around. Instead, and Tim Towle.

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TATE REALTY | BOB BAKER 770-605-4427 | $729,000 APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALSSMOKE SIGNALS | SPORTS | LIVING & OUTDOORS 197 CD WGA adjusts 2020 schedule “BCWGA Opening Day, Women’s scheduled for April 1, Golf Association is now cancelled.”

all play days and tournaments on the Golf MARTHA POWER Genius platform on the golf amenity sec- tion on the POA website. s this article is being written, Carol McClain, vice-president of the Big Canoe Women’s Golf WGA, will head a subcommittee to plan Association’s plans for the 2020 18-hole tournaments. The first tournament season are being modified to of the year is the very popular Ringer, a A two-day event for 18-hole players sched- accommodate the coronavirus protocol implemented by the POA. uled for Monday, May 4 and Friday, May “BCWGA Opening Day, scheduled 6. Golfers will play both days with exactly for April 1, is now cancelled and regularly the same hole locations. Individuals will scheduled play days and tournaments are record the best scores from 18 of the on hold or will be modified as more proto- 36 holes. Lynn Burns is in charge of the cols materialize,” stated Janet Vandenbark, Ringer tournament. Other tournaments WGA president. “The BCWGA will work for the season and the committee member very hard to keep its membership in- responsible for them are Sandy Towle, formed with the latest updates. Tee times Tri-Member Tournament; Carol McClain, on Monday and Wednesday for play days Member-Member Tournament; and Peggy will still be on the tee sheets. Whether Williams, Big Canoe Cup Challenge. those times are used for structured play Again, the plans are fluid and the BCWGA days or casual golf for WGA members Executive Committee will keep members will be communicated as the dates grow posted on updates and modifications, as closer.” necessary. Cognizant of the above information, Nine-hole Vice President Carolyn regularly planned play days will start April Witt is responsible for 9-hole tournaments 5 for 9-hole players and April 7 for 18-hole starting with the Ringer on May 11 and golfers. Lady Players will continue to play Big Canoe Women’s Golf Association officers have big plans for the 2020 season. May 18. “A Ringer tournament is a com- 18 holes on Fridays. The 4Gs, a new group Seated from left are 9-hole Vice President Carolyn Witt and Janet Vandenbark, WGA petition with each individual trying to im- designed for the 18-holers with a moder- president. Standing from left are Malissa Jett, treasurer; Donna Welch, secretary; Leslie prove her 9-hole individual score, playing ate to higher handicap, or no handicap at Grogan, Katie Lane, 18-hole play day co-chairs and Joyce Fitch, 9-hole play day co-chair. the same nine holes twice and choosing all, will play earlier on Monday mornings Not pictured is 18-hole Vice-president Carol McClain and 9-hole play day Co-chair the best score,” explained Carolyn. starting April 20. Players can sign up for Lynda Waters. PHOTO COURTESY OF BCWGA MGA cancels Opening Day tournament, match play to proceed

on CV-19 changing almost daily, it is hard to know where we might be by mid-April. The top priority of the MGA board, however, is the health and safety of the entire community, Men’s and we will gladly support whatever actions are necessary to prevent the incursion of this Golf Association virus into our homes. There is some good news, however. At the present time, the MGA's Individual and Team Match Play competitions, as they are not large gatherings, don’t present significant risk and will proceed. We were inundated with record-setting sign-ups for both events and KEITH SIEVERS, MGA PRESIDENT ultimately expanded the tournament brackets to accommodate an additional 24 players. We hope this surge in participation and enthusiasm will bode well for tournaments throughout ell, last month I was lamenting the snowfall that was impacting our ability to 2020 when our season reopens. get out on the golf course. How things can change in a heartbeat. In the interim, the MGA board will work with the POA and the golf professionals to As of today, the MGA has cancelled the Opening Day tournament adapt to changing circumstances. We will look for opportunities to create competitions W scheduled for late March. By the time this is published, we should have an in line with public safety. As always, we will keep the membership informed as we move announcement out to members regarding our April Replay tournament. With information forward. TAX REFUND CREDIT MONTHS NO CHECK 12 FREE FINANCING sale

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Trails Committee

CLARDY SCHWARZ

n a very chilly February morning, a group of Big Canoe Trails Committee volunteers ventured O out to improve the Lake Petit Trail. Phil Waldrop, Brian and Rita Boje, Javier Rodriguez, Joe Tipton, Bob Kenyon, Doug Hanley, Reg Richard, Bill Dempsey and Clardy Schwarz braved the cold morning temperatures to improve one of Big Canoe’s top amenities. A re-route around a low-lying, muddy area was carved into the hillside next to the creek. Several bog bridges were relocated to the new site, improving the A new path takes shape on the Lake Petit hiking experience for all who use this trail. Trail. PHOTO BY RITA BOJE The hillside was raked, a layer of duff was Another re-route took place on the removed, and soil and roots were cleared Wildcat Trail Access Path in the Wildcat to create a proper hiking treadway. Some neighborhood where Malcolm Halls branches and small saplings were cut, singlehandedly moved a section of the trail but special care was given to preserving from a low-lying, muddy area to higher mountain laurel and rhododendron. ground. A bog bridge was relocated from Pulaskis, McClouds, rakes, hand pruners and the Lake Petit Trail to the Wildcat Trail small saws were used to cut in the new trail. Access Path. Malcolm Halls works hard on the Wildcat Trail Access Path. PHOTO BY CLARDY SCHWARZ Time to sign up for Big Canoe summer sports camps

Junior Golf Camps This camp is for all levels of players, ages 5-15. Campers will receive instruction putting, chipping and full swing. Lunch is provided each day. The final day of camp is a parent/junior 9-hole scramble tournament. The cost per week is $275 per camper. Camp dates are July 7-10 and July 21-24. Call the pro shop for more information or to sign up: 706-268-3323.

Junior Tennis Camps Tennis Camp is for all levels of players from beginners to advanced. Campers will receive technical training and instruction to develop fundamentals and skills. Beginning the week of June 1, camps will run through the week of July 27. Camp starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. each day for children 7 and up, for $250 weekly/$55 daily. Instruction for kids 7 and under (PeeWees) is from 9-10 a.m. daily and costs $50 weekly/$15 daily. Contact the Racquet Club at 706-268-3367 to sign up.

Kids Summer Fish Camps Fishing camps are June 24-26 and July 22-24; $125 per camper, per session. Price includes rod and reel, tackle, bait, boat and instruction. Call the Marina at 706-268-3303 to reserve a spot.

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“It took a few days for her to settle in and adjust to me and the house, but, after only a month, we are best buddies.” Mollee’s magic the outside. She settles next to me when I sit on the couch to watch TV, taking any opportunity to rub up Maggie’s against my arms and face. This cat has taken away House the loneliness I was beginning to experience after my husband’s passing. Thank you, BCAR, for giving me the opportunity to adopt Mollee. She is everything I had hoped for in FRANCES H. a cat and more. • Call BCAR 706-268-1346. n Jan. 11, Mollee became my companion. • Check out the BCAR adoption postings in the My husband had passed away in Septem- Big Canoe postal facility. ber and loneliness had set in. My neighbor, • Go to www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org. O who lived in Big Canoe for 15 years, told • Check us out on Facebook. me about Big Canoe Animal Rescue and drove me to • Come to Open House every Saturday 11 a.m. to Maggie’s House to adopt a cat. 2 p.m. Mollee’s name was then Lolita. I renamed her • Volunteer! after my husband, whose name was Lee. She has been my delight. She was so well taken care of when BCAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit no-kill shelter for I got her—it just amazed me. It took a few days for homeless dogs and cats found in the Big Canoe her to settle in and adjust to me and the house, but, Community, providing them with a safe, healthy and after only a month, we are best buddies. positive environment until they are adopted into their Mollee comes to me when I call her name. She is forever loving homes. very sweet and loves to play with her toys and sit on her favorite perch to check out all the movement on Beautiful Mollee has found a loving home. PHOTO BY FRANCES H. Big Canoe Hiking Club

BY LAURA SMITH

he Big Canoe two-night hiking trip is just weeks away. April 14 through 16, the Hiking Club will be at Cloudland Canyon State Park. This park is in northwestern Georgia near the small town of Trenton. It is easy T to find with Google maps and is about 2 hours and 15 minutes away. Club members will be arriving around noon and then congregating at Cabin 16 to do our first hike. After the hike, members can check into cabins or yurts. The cabins are • two or three bedrooms with a kitchen and bath. Yurts are a bit more spartan. Daily Walks Members will bring food for breakfast and lunch, but we will go out to dinner as a group with barbecue the first night and a more upscale favorite café the second • Mail Forwarding night. After dinner the first night, the group will meet for a game of Dirty Hiker and socializing around the campfire. For Dirty Hiker, members bring a gift or re- • Plant Care gift from home. These gifts are often quite humorous, such as the stuffed chicken that has been passed around for more than a year. The club visited and enjoyed Cloudland Canyon three years ago. We are expecting 30 or more hikers on this trip. Our hikes will include views of the 706-579-2165 canyon. Many waterfalls will be flowing at capacity after our rainy winter. There is always the option of hanging out and enjoying the scenery instead of a hike. Cloudland is one of the more scenic parks in our state park system. On day two, PAT GARLAND Volunteer at Big Canoe the club will do a morning and afternoon hike and then out to dinner again. On Animal Rescue and the third day, we will take a short morning hike and then return to Big Canoe. resident since 1994 The club is keeping fingers and toes crossed for good weather on this trip. We all have spring fever and are more than ready to escape the house and hit the trails!

SELL YOUR BIG CANOE HOME Georgia Views Realty is the fastest growing real estate firm in North Georgia! Give us a call today! We are all in this together. On behalf of our team, first and foremost - BE SAFE! Call Tony to discuss strategies for selling your home during this trying time! Or setting up a marketing plan for a Coming Soon listing! We have thousands of contacts on our mailing lists! Call Tony now 706.299.6232 Again. Be safe. This too shall pass. 1022 DC SMOKE SIGNALSSMOKE SIGNALS | SPORTS | LIVING & OUTDOORS APRIL 2020

“By studying how dogs age, we can get a better understanding of how humans age as well.” How old is your dog in human years?

Wang’s team studied the DNA sequencing in 104 Labrador retrievers of Doggie all ages and compared their “epigenetic Dialogues clocks” to those of humans. Based on this new research, the AVMA suggests this updated calculation to estimate a medium-sized dog’s human DORIS DRESSLER, CPDT-KA age: • The first year of a dog’s life equals 15 og owners often use the human years. “seven-year-rule” to calculate • The second year of a dog’s life their dog’s age in human years: equals about nine human years. Simply multiply your dog’s age • After that, every five dog years D equals about one human year. by seven. This would make my 13-year-old Labrador retriever 91 years old in human Note: The actual formula is a bit more years. complicated. Google “sciencemag.org con- This calculation is not supported vert dog years” and enter your dog’s age by science, so how did this calculation into the “dog age calculator.” The website evolve? The most common explanation is www.Sciencemag.org states the calcula- in the early 1950s, when this calculation tion is “the natural logarithm of the dog’s became popular, the average life expec- real age, multiplied by 16, with 31 added to tancy of a human was about 70 years and the total.” canines about 10 years; thus the 7:1 ratio Additional research on other breeds became a logical (and easy) way to calcu- is in the works. late a dog’s age in human years. Dog Aging Project But new scientific research suggests The objective of the Dog Aging there is a more accurate way to calculate Project is to recruit 10,000 pets and their your dog’s age in human years. owners to participate in a 10-year study Why the interest in how dogs age? to identify biological and environmental The obvious answer to this question factors that may affect health and longev- is having a more accurate estimate of our ity. Out of this group, 500 dogs will be dog’s age in human years can help us take selected to test a new drug that may help better care of our senior dogs. Results of slow down the aging process and may be recent research by geneticists may also useful to humans in the future as well. give new knowledge about how to extend The goal of the Dog Aging Project the life of our beloved canines—which is to understand how genes, lifestyle and may also be applicable to humans. environment influence aging and to use Size matters that information to help dogs and people The American Veterinary Medical increase the period of their life that is Association (AVMA) has determined that spent disease-free. different breeds age differently. Based on For more information and/or to regis- data collected from veterinary hospitals, ter your dog, go to www.dogagingproject. pet insurance companies and breed club org. surveys, large breed dogs generally have This month, instead of winding up my shorter lifespans than smaller breed dogs. column with my regular salutation, I end Cornelia Kraus, an evolutionary biologist What is your dog’s age in human years? CHART BY DORIS DRESSLER WITH DATA FROM WWW.AKC.ORG with a quote from Sydney Jeanne Seward: at the University of Göttingen in Germa- “Blessed is the person who has earned the ny, estimates that every 4.4 pounds of the University of California has proposed by scientists to study aging in humans love of an old dog.” body mass reduces a dog’s life expectancy a far more accurate way of calculating a through an epigenetic clock.” by about one month. Why this is happen- dog’s age by using DNA methylation, a Epigenetics is the study of how Doris Dressler is a ing is unclear, though the www.akc.org process that occurs in both humans and environmental factors cause these ad- CPDT-KA (certified website suggests that “larger dogs may dogs. justments. The www.bark.com website professional dog trainer, succumb to age-related illnesses sooner What is DNA methylation? The www. explains dogs are good models for humans knowledge assessed) and that the accelerated growth of large akc.com website has the simplest expla- because “they have similar genetics, share with more than 20 years’ dogs may lead to a higher likelihood of nation. “In both dogs and humans, methyl our environment and they also have simi- experience training abnormal cell growth and death from groups are added to DNA molecules lar diseases and health issues.” By study- service dogs and family cancer.” throughout aging, altering DNA activi- ing how dogs age, we can get a better pet dogs. 2019 Epigenetic Clock Study ty without altering the DNA itself. As a understanding of how humans age as well. DORIS DRESSLER A team headed up by Tina Wang at result, DNA methylation has been used

Dentistry Your Family he staff of Smoke Signals wishes to thank our advertisers Tfor their continued support without which we could not produce this award-winning newspaper for the benefit of Big Will Canoe and our local communities. Thank you for choosing us. Smoke Signals is the go-to source for our 20,000+ Love! readers to find the products and services they need. If you want to promote your business, tap into this strong market and get noticed! • Cleaning & Exams • 7,500 papers monthly circulation • 90 distribution points in seven North Georgia counties • Tooth Colored Fillings • 5,000 Big Canoe residents~$170,000 average • Same Day Crowns annual income • 1,100 homes in Bent Tree • Root Canal Treatment • Award-winning graphic design included • Implant Dentistry • Invisalign at reasonable rates • Teeth Whitening B. Manzur, D.M.D. 754 HWY. 53 WEST, DAWSONVILLE, GA

Contact Information 706-265-2505 Email: [email protected] Serving Dawson County for over 30 Years Call: 706-669-7095 APRIL 2020 SMOKE SIGNALSSMOKE | THE SIGNALS MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS | LIVING 2311 CD THE MARKETPLACE Neighbors talking to neighbors

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PARTNER WITH US FOR LUXURY VACATION OR LONG TERM RENTALS Nicky Sensale Landscape Design Woodland Gardens

DESIGNS BY JEANETTE YOU ORDER, WE DELIVER, YOU EAT We are the premier short-term vacation NICKY SENSALE • Over 17 years experience Go to www.georgiadeliverstakeout.com and long-term Georgia Real Estate broker LANDSCAPE DESIGN • Custom painting: cabinets, furniture, commissioned rental management company Transform your existing landscape with a 1. Enter your zip code, in Big Canoe. Our staff cleans, inspects, walls, mantels, & beams optional address, and delivery time. fresh new look for your beautiful home site in • Decorative paint finishes: venetian maintains, and repairs with monthly payments Big Canoe: new construction, trees and lush plaster, glazing, distressing, & more 2. Pick a restaurant from our list and statements. We have a waiting list plants. Let your garden shine, invite birds • Projects: new construction, remolding, and tell us what you’d like to order. looking for long term rental houses, so we and wildlife, enlighten your entry & commercial spaces. 3. Check out, and your food arrives need houses in Big Canoe interested in two to create intrigue & interest all within a I can help you transform any space. within 30 to 60 minutes. months to a year rental. well designed, customized plan. MOUNTAIN HOME RENTALS JEANETTE CARNES GEORGIA DELIVERS 130 Foothills Pkwy, Marble Hill, GA 30148 NICKY SENSALE 706-473-3330 | [email protected] 888-431-5552 770-894-4444 Landscape Design • Big Canoe Resident facebook.com/Designs by Jeanette instagram. www.georgiadeliverstakeout.com [email protected] 688 McElroy Mountain Dr., Big Canoe, GA 30143 com/designsbyjeanette www.facebook.com/georgiadelivers/ www.mountainhomerentalsofgeorgia.com Direct: 949-873-3844

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...... repair, pressure washing and odd jobs. Just about ...... Information: 706-253-2323, 404-525-3178. ANNOUNCEMENTS anything you need done. Call Randy, 678-230-9893. HOUSE MANAGEMENT FREE PREGNANCY TESTS, COUNSELING, ...... (TFN/216) ...... PARENTING CLASSES. North Georgia Pregnancy JOIN ROTARY CLUB OF JASPER. Network with GUTTERS REPAIRED, REPLACED OR CLEANED. HOME WATCH SERVICES. We are Big Canoe’s Center. 706-253-6303. Open Monday & Wednesday local business and professional leaders. Our motto is Call Georgia Gutters (www.gagutters.com), 678- only licensed, insured and bonded Home Watch 12:30-5 p.m. 1549 East Church Street. Appointments “Service Above Self.” Email jaspergarotary@gmail. 525-2570, for all your seamless gutter needs. Free Service! We are Big Canoe’s only member of the and walk-ins. www.babyontheway.org. com. esti-mates. National Home Watch Association. Don’t trust your ...... GEORGIA CLOCK REPAIR announces a mail-order home to a guy with a truck. We are professionals! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED CONSTRUCTION watch battery replacement service in conjunction 21-year Big Canoe property owners. www...... with antique and new clock repair. We have been GAHomeWatch.com. 770-561-5483. THE PICKENS ANIMAL RESCUE THRIFT STORE, BLUE CREEK PARTNERS: Concrete Demolition and servicing clocks in Big Canoe and Bent Tree for ...... a nonprofit supporting the Pickens Animal Rescue Construction. Concrete Acid Staining. New Home more than 10 years. Please contact us, service@ LANDSCAPING SERVICES/SUPPLIES Ranch is looking for volunteer staff. Contact: Jean, Construction & Existing Remodels. Call Jason at 205- georgiaclockrepair.com or 770-781-9536, for ...... [email protected] / 419-601-2521. 688-6395 or email [email protected] additional information. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE, DESIGN AND BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS. You can make a difference ...... SQUEAKY CLEAN WINDOWS. Give us a call at INSTALLATION. Pruning, fertilization, mulches, in the life of a child! Contact [email protected] / DONATIONS NEEDED 706-692-9013 for a free estimate or check us out pine straw. Cynthia Hendry, Woodland Gardens, 706-253-CLUB (2582)...... online, www.SqueakyWindows.com. We also do 770-337-2277. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - PICKENS PLEASE HELP PICKENS ANIMAL RESCUE. P.A.R. complete painting and deck staining, hot water NICKY SENSALE Natural Woodland Landscape COUNTY seeking volunteers. Many skill needs. needs donated items for its Thrift Store. Furniture, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and garage epoxy Design. Custom Specimen Trees, Japanese Maples. Current priorities are volunteer relations, jobsite home goods, media, no clothing. 100% tax flooring with a lifetime warranty. Upgrade your new construction plants. Big Canoe management. Contact Monique Vinelli: 706-253- deductible. 706-253-5947. APPLIANCE SERVICE AND MORE has a new Resi-dent. [email protected] or Text/Call: 949- 4610 / [email protected] / www.pickenshfh. DONATE NO-LONGER-NEEDED, GOOD- local number for service. Please call us for your 873-3844. org. CONDITION FURNITURE to Dawson Coun-ty’s household appliance service, 706-253-0775 or 678- PETERSON LANDSCAPE Pine Straw Sales & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Good Samaritan Humane Society Resale Shop & Boutique. Donations 458-0775. Service, Leaf Blowing, Clean Up, Seasoned Firewood, Health and Wellness Center. Medical experience not 100% tax deductible. Support our no-kill shelter. FORESTER PAINTING COMPANY. Commercial/ Delivery Available, Free Estimates. David Peterson required. Please call our volunteer office, 706-253- 706-525-5030. residential painting. Affordable pricing. Licensed/ 770-298-8294. 4673, or email [email protected]...... insured. Free estimates. No job too big or too ...... ANGELS ON HORSEBACK, a non-profit serving HOME IMPROVEMENT small. Exterior/interior painting, wood repair, trim, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Pickens and surrounding counties, is looking for ...... siding, pressure washing, deck staining. Please call ...... volunteers. Contact angelsonhorseback.org or 770- W CRETE specializes in driveways, sidewalks, patios, Kathleen, 706-344-9754, 706-344-8393. Big Canoe HOME WATCH SERVICES. We are Big Canoe’s 894-7297. Horse experience not required! slabs, pavers, sinkhole repairs, retaining walls and referrals, satisfied customers: Mike/Charlene Ehrlich, only licensed, insured and bonded Home Watch landscaping. Please give us a call at 678-454-0174 706-579-2438; Erwin/Dorian Dillard, 706-579-1536; Service! We are Big Canoe’s only member of the for a free estimate. Brian Roberts, 706-579-1512. National Home Watch Association. Don’t trust your PLUMBING. Mountainside Plumbing, Inc...... home to a guy with a truck. We are professionals! Unrestricted Master Plumber - Rusty Grantham. HOUSE CLEANING/ORGANIZATION 21-year Big Canoe property owners. www. New Construction, Service Work, Remodels...... GAHomeWatch.com. 770-561-5483. Office: 706-692-4277. Cell: 770-894-1716. TWO SISTERS CLEANING SERVICE is taking new ...... [email protected]. customers. Weekly, biweekly and monthly. More than REAL ESTATE FOR SALE CORNER STONE, custom stone masonry. Walkways, 20 years of experience in Big Canoe. We provide ...... outside fireplaces, walls and arches. Free estimates. old-fashioned cleaning like your mother would do. 2.5 ACRE LOT FOR SALE. 2121 BEECH FERN 30 years’ experience, Big Canoe references. Contact Call 706-265-4624. KNOLL. Views, 6 minutes from North Gate. Listed Carl Gaertner, 770-893-3971. EVANS CLEANING COMPANY Residential and for 105K on sale for a limited time 69K. Call 404- ...... Commercial 706-525-8505 394-7560. HOME REPAIR/SERVICES ...... HOUSEHOLD ITEMS/DEBRIS REMOVAL SUPPORT GROUPS Dive into amazing HANDYMAN SERVICES. More than 20 years’ ...... with Smoke Signals experience in Big Canoe. Built and re-modeled more ATTENTION BIG CANOE RESIDENTS! Tired of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WOMEN meets than 100 homes in Big Canoe area. Tile work, roof waiting on bulk trash day? Will remove unwanted every Wednesday, noon, Holy Family Episcopal Weekly eBlasts. repair, deck repair, room additions, finish basements, items of value (no fee) or debris/unwanted items of Church, Pete’s Porch, 204 Griffith Road. Closed siding work, painting and small plumbing jobs. Jeff no value (small fee). Call Jeff Mills 706-636-2606 discussion. Information, 706-253-2323 or 404-525- 706-669-7095 Mills. Office, 706-636-2606; Cell, 706-669-5751. (ofc) / 706-669-5751 (cell). 3178. Fully insured, general liability and workers’ comp. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meets every HANDYMAN SERVICES. Carpentry, electrical, Saturday, 9 a.m., Broyles Center at Big Canoe plumbing, drywall, tile work, deck and fence Chapel, downstairs, rear outside entrance. 2412 CD SMOKE SIGNALS | LIVING APRIL 2020 April Showers Sales on Big Canoe! BUILDER’S PERSONAL HOME! FABULOUS HOME LAKE FRONT

PENDING PENDING PENDING

393 RED COAT PASS 457 SUMMIT DRIVE 100 WATER LILY $379,800 • FMLS #6502449 $999,999 • FMLS #6116357 $995,000 • FMLS #6630949 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths 4 Bedrooms/4.5 Baths 4 Bedrooms/3.2 Baths Loaded with Charm Custom Home with Panoramic Views Fabulous Lakeside Home! Beautifully Maintained Loaded with upgrades! Recent updates-Perfection!

CUSTOM HOME NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

SOLD! SOLD! PENDING

95 BUTTERCUP LANE 161 BLUEBELL CIRCLE 55 HILLSIDE WAY 113 SCONTI KNOLL $399,000 • FMLS #6517039 $250,000 • FMLS #6664148 $425,000 • FMLS #6696306 $547,000 • FMLS #6527391 4 Bedrooms/3.5 BathsFabulous View 3 Bedrooms/3 Baths Great Location Featured on 2017 Garden Tour Updated with Covered Parking Loaded with Extras UNDER CONTRACT IN 5 DAYS! Designers Home-Beautifully done Walk to Nature Valley

NEW PRICE VIEW! VIEW! VIEW! NEW LISTING VIEW!

SOLD! SOLD! PENDING

11 WOOD POPPY COURT 145 CLIFF FERN POINT 40 LAUREL RIDGE TRAIL 484 HUNTERS TRACE $799,000 • FMLS #6086299 $475,000 • FMLS #6511512 $299,000 • FMLS #6675162 $445,000 • FMLS #6626009 4 Bedrooms/5.5 Baths 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths 3/4 Bedrooms/ 3.5 Baths 3 Bedrooms/3 Baths Custom Prairie Style Home Convenient Location and VIEW! Walk to Amenities! 4 minutes from Gate with VIEW! Double Lot-One POA Fee Beautiful Custom Home Cozy, Cottage in a great location! Beautifully Renovated

NEW PRICE NEW LISTING BUILDER’S PERSONAL HOME NEAR WALKING TRAILS

SOLD! PENDING SOLD! SOLD!

668 RIDGEVIEW DRIVE 54 BUCKSKULL BROW 691 TURNBURY LANE 35 GADALUTSEE PASS $449,000 • FMLS #6629609 $189,000 • FMLS #6520607 $775,000 • FMLS #6118927 $439,900 • FMLS #6527302 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths 4 Bedrooms/5.5 Baths Custom Home - 4 Bedrooms/4 Baths One of the best views UNDER CONTRACT IN 4 DAYS! 3 Car Garage - Golf Course and Lake Views 2 Bedrooms on the Main in Big Canoe!! Owner is a licensed Real Estate Agent Minutes from North Gate

PRIVATE LOT! NEW LISTING PRIVACY AND A VIEW! RIDGE LINE VIEW

SOLD! SOLD!

63 THE PADDOCK 77 CHEROKEE KNOLL 776 BLACK BEAR TRAIL 95 TREETOP KNOLL $499,000 • FMLS #6651022 $435,000 • FMLS #6631184 $725,000 • FMLS #6585058 $149,900 • FMLS #6536163 5 Bedrooms/4.5 Baths 3 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths 6 Bedrooms/6.5 Baths 2 Bedrooms/2 Baths 3 Stone Fireplaces~Sunroom Close to North Gate and Wildcat Hiking Inlaw Suite with Kitchen and Private Entry Centrally located 2 Bedrooms on Main~Private Location Trails. Spacious Rooms, Office & Workshop 3 Car Garage/6 Minutes from North Gate Walk to Amenitie

NEW PRICE NEW LISTING VIEW! NEW LISTING

SOLD! PENDING

291 WOODLAND TRACE 64 HIGHLAND FARMS COURT 1239 MCELROY MTN DRIVE 142 BLACK GUM DRIVE $375,000 • FMLS #6650834 $275,000 • FMLS #6539935 $350,000 • FMLS #6643625 $425,000 • FMLS #6564242 3 Bedrooms/3 Baths 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths 4 Bedrooms/3 Baths 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths Custom Home with recent Updates! Convenient to Village and Amenities Convenient to North Gate Beautifully Maintained and Updated Flowing Stream and Privacy! Beautiful Renovation-Wheelchair Ramp 2 Bedrooms on Main Near Amenities and Nature Valley

NEW PRICE NEW PRICE NEW PRICE NEW LISTING

811 MCELROY MTN DRIVE 40 TROUT LILY TRAIL 84 SOURWOOD CIRCLE 34 SCONTI RIDGE, UNIT 405 • $134,900 $599,000 • FMLS #6562660 $215,000 • FMLS #6539718 $375,000 • FMLS #6547506 48 SCONTI RIDGE, UNIT 409B • $136,000 4 Bedrooms/4.5 Baths 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths 2 Bedrooms/2 Baths One of the best views in Big Canoe!!! Walk to Nature Valley Beautifully Maintained. Sunroom, UPDATED! Updated and Move in Ready Seasonal Interior View 2 Fireplaces, Private Guest Spaces Lake and Golf Course View

BIG CANOE LOTS SHELBY COLLINS n Pickens County Board of Realtors 2592 Summit Dr. West $110,000 Great View of Lake and Mountains - SOLD Harry Norman Top Producing Realtor-2018 n 112 Disharoon $80,000 - VIEW, VIEW, VIEW!! Realtors is a proud n 7024 Sourwood Circle $24,999 Cell 404-863-2676•Direct Interior View!! Level Lot!! supporter of the 706-268-2904•Office 770-893-2400 n 160 Yanegwa Knoll $25,000 E-mail: [email protected] n 152 Bellflower Drive $35,000 Big Canoe Website: www.ShelbyCollins.com Seasonal Ridgeline View! n 327 Woodland Trace $10,000 Wellness Collaborative RESOURCE CERTIFICATION - SFR Corner of Woodland Trace and Lone Wolf - SOLD

A subsidiary of Berkshire ® Hathaway Inc. HARRY NORMAN, REALTORS 200 Foothills Pkwy, Marble Hill, GA 30148 • 770-893-2400 List, Sell & Buy with the BEST! ...