1212 GAGA 1616

&& REREFLFLECECTIOTIONSNS MM MM XX VV II W W OOM T YY II II MEEN O UUNN T N OOFF RRAABBUUNN CC O

121212 GA 161616

&& REFLECTIONS MMMXMMX M X VVV I II W Y II WWOOOM N TTYY II II MMEEE N O C O UUUNNT NN OOFFF RRRAAABBBUUUNNN CCOO

12 16

&

MMXV I

W O T Y II M E N U N O F RDecemberA B 2016U N C O The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2016 1

WE HAVE YOU COVERED YEAR ROUND

TheClaytonTribune.com RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / WOMEN OF RABUN II / DEC 2016 THE TABLE OF CONTENTS Mary Ann ➤ Rabun’s Author About The Cover Extraordinaire Lipscomb The Clayton Woman’s Club “She dropped the Education was is seen behind Blue Ridge ‘F-bomb’ twice in in Mary Ann’s blood. Hotel, which was located on North Main Street in the novel...” BY TREVOR MCNABOE Clayton. BY TOMMY CULKIN AND KLARK BYRD PAGE 10 PAGE 2 From The archives of the Rabun County Historical society A life stranger Rabun County’s The Photo Next Door ➤ First Ladies than fiction Mary Hambidge in 1919 “Mary would say that she traveled to Greece with PAGE 15-29 had been living on the Jay Hambidge, stopping verge of extinction until in Paris, France, where she met Jay Hambidge.” this photo was taken. Service Above Self: Cricket Werkheiser BY TOMMY CULKIN FROM THE PAGE 6 HAMBIDGE CENTER PAGE 30

KEVIN SHIELDS, PUBLISHER; KLARK BYRD, EDITOR; TOMMY CULKIN, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER; TREVOR MCNABOE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER; TOM TUCKER, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT; DEBBIE MARTIN, SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE; HEIDI COOK, OFFICE MANAGER; HALLE FOWLER, CUSTOMER SERVICE; DENNIS MARTIN, DISTRIBUTION. THE CLAYTON TRIBUNE IS PUBLISHED AT 120 N. MAIN ST., CLAYTON, , 30525. TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL OUR OFFICE AT 706-782-3312, FAX 706-782-4230 OR VISIT WWW.THECLAYTONTRIBUNE.COM. FIND US ON FACEBOOK: /CLAYTONNEWS THE CLAYTON TRIBUNE IS PRINTED WEEKLY IN THE U.S.A. EXCLUSIVE MARKETING-GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Mary George Barber Poss Born in Athens, Georgia- March 10, 1928 1968-2016 & graduated Athens High School in 1945, then went on to attend the . She married Edwin C. Poss in 706-782-7133 1946, together they have 2 children: Jamie Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. Durrah (husband Tim& 2 sons Ashley & Ryan Martin) & Scott Poss (wife Pat & 3 children: Meredith (Poss)Thompson, Jordan & Nicolaus Poss. Mary George studied art with lessons from Lamar CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Dodd and Tony Van Hassell, had the first art gallery in Athens & Rabun County, Georgia and has many of her paintings displayed in several galleries in , Georgia. HOMES - LAND-LOTS - She is well known for her Historical scene paintings. She has traveled to Switzerland with other artists as part of an - LAKE SEED - Exchange Program to display local art and designed Savan- WATERFALL - KINGWOOD - SKY VALLEY nah Place Business Condos, the current RE/MAX of Rabun NORTHRIDGE - HIGHLAND GAP (old Forestry Service building), the Main Street Building, Stornoway Condos, Vince and Barabara Dooley’s first home on Lake Burton, as well as several other homes in the area. www.PossRealty.com She also won first prize from the McCall Magazine for a bathroom design and appeared on the Art Linkletter show, The Clayton 706-782-7133 honored as Homemaker of the Year in Madison County. Tribune Reader’s Choice Survey 2012-2016

PEOPLE’S CHOICE Alley’s Grocery – painted by M.G. Poss Old Clayton – painted by M.G. Poss Prints by Mary George Poss can be viewed or purchased at RE/MAX of 809 HWY 441 S. • CLAYTON, GA • 30525 Rabun in Clayton. RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 1 1848-1918 MARY ANN LIPSCOMB The Light in the Mountains By Trevor McNaboe and Klark Byrd TRIBUNE STAFF

estled along the foothills of the North Geor- tain children to read” from her porch. gia mountains not far from the two-mile long, Mary Ann was so touched by 1,000-foot deep Tallulah Gorge is Tallulah the experience that she used her influence as the president of the Falls School, a beacon of education that has Georgia Federation of Women’s served the families of Habersham and Rabun Clubs to seek a resolution in 1906 for the founding of a school counties for more than a century. there. According to Tallulah N Falls School’s history, Mary The private institution of today serves students from around Ann concluded her resolution by the world. Boasting a multi-million dollar endowment that helps make education there saying, “My sisters, the question among the most affordable in Rabun County, Tallulah Falls School grew from the hum- for you is not what you are going ble beginnings of one woman’s desire to educate the “mountain children.” to get out of the world, but what In 1905, Mary Ann Lipscomb arrived in Tallulah Falls from Athens aboard the Tal- you are going to give the world.” lulah Falls Railroad. Local historian Brian A. Boyd said it was “a period of tremendous With the resolution’s unan- growth” for the small mountain city as the railroad had just 23 years before connected imous adoption, the Tallulah the metropolitan areas of to rural .The once long Falls Industrial School opened and difficult journey to Tallulah Falls had become a scenic ride toward a booming tour- its doors on June 30, 1909. Mary ist attraction. The city boasted 17 hotels and boarding houses, among them the famous Ann served as the school’s first Cliff House. director until August 1914, Like many who traveled north from Atlanta and Athens, Mary Ann had come to Tal- when due to poor health she lulah Falls to spend the summer. While at her summer cottage, she came to know some named her successor, Lucy of the children in the area and saw in them a desire to learn how to read and write. As Lester Willet. Illness claimed Tallulah Falls School’s history states, Mary Ann “taught an assortment of shy moun- Mary Ann’s life just four years 2 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 ➤

MARY ANN LIPSCOMB 1848-1918

Photos from Tallulah Falls School A STATUE OF MARY ANN LIPSCOMB on the Tallulah Falls School campus shows her reading to children. Mary Ann was prompted to start the school after the summer of 1905, when she came across the mountain children of Habersham and Rabun counties who were eager and ready to learn. later, but her dream of edu- Lipscomb, a son of then Uni- the Lucy Cobb Institute. throughout the state. cating the mountain children versity of Georgia chancellor As a result of navigat- In the wake of the Industri- continued. What had begun Andrew Lipscomb. The mar- ing the hardship of raising al Revolution, the nation had as summer lessons on Mary riage lasted just five years as her children alone, Mary a need for textiles. Children Ann’s porch in 1905 had just tuberculosis claimed the life Ann became an advocate were more likely to report to 10 years later grown into a of her husband. Francis left for women’s financial inde- work than to school. Mary school boasting 96 students. Mary Ann with three young pendence. Along with fellow Ann challenged mill owners Education was in Mary children. Lucy Cobb Institute educator with a presentation on child Ann’s blood. Born to Wil- Mary Ann moved to Wash- Rosa Woodberry, Mary Ann labor to prevent situations in liams and Laura Rutherford ington, D.C., to pursue a bet- founded the Athens Woman’s which children would be as- in December 1848, she was ter career opportunity and Club, a chapter of the Georgia signed to underpaid and dan- the daughter of a Universi- to take care of her children. Federation of Women’s Clubs. gerous jobs. When the move- ty of Georgia mathematics She became an educator at Among the organization’s ac- ment failed to gain traction, professor. Education would the Waverly Seminary un- complishments was its work she switched her focus to pro- always factor largely into her til moving home six years with area schools to provide viding education to all chil- life, going hand in hand with later to join her sister, Mil- textbooks and supplies for dren. She did this statewide her religious upbringing. dred Rutherford, at her alma students to enhance their by issuing letters to newspa- Mary Ann attended a pri- mater, the Lucy Cobb Insti- studies. pers throughout the state and vate school in Athens led by tute. During the following 27 As Mary Ann continued to lawmakers. Elvira Lee before graduating years, Mary Ann served as her work with the Georgia An article in the May from the Lucy Cobb Institute, a teacher and later as princi- Federation of Women’s Clubs, 9, 1909, Atlanta Journal, which had been founded by pal. Mildred also served the she expanded her scope be- penned by Mary Ann, states her uncle, Thomas Cobb. school as teacher, principal, yond the work of the Athens “Our women were in dead In 1869, Mary Ann married co-principal and until her Woman’s Club for Athens earnest when they pled for a Civil War veteran Francis death in 1928 was president of and Clark County to areas Child Labor Law in Georgia. 4 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 They pleaded long and earnestly, and well, until they secured a law which would free the children from labor in the mills and workshops. They are in dead earnest now, or to change BETHEL& CO. the phrase a little, they are in living earnest now in advocat- — ESTABLISHED 1975 — ing compulsory education for the state — a law which would Tax Return Preparation take the child out of the streets and the fields and put him in TAX RETURN PREPARATION ACCOUNTING SERVICES Accounting ServicesBookkeeping the same room.” Business Check Writing CO. Fiduciary Elizabeth S. BethelBudgeting Despite America’s racial issues and segregation &through- Accountant Payroll Services LISHED 1975 — Financial Statement Preparation out the early part of the 20th century, Mary Ann was blind Tax Counseling Valdosta State University 2003 BBA to race. She saw only children in need of a good education, Drop in at 66 N. Church Street, Clayton, GA orQu caickBll toook makes Pro an Ad apvisorpointment. prompting her to fight for schoolbooks and supplies to educaACC-OUNTING SERVICESElizabeth S. BethelP.O. Box 1056 Clayton, GA 30525 tion both black and rural white children. Bookkeeping Phone: 706-782-4531 • Fax: 706-782-2277 • www.bethelco.com Check Writing Accountant In 1902, again with the aid of fellow Athens Woman’s ClubBudgeting Graham C. Bethel members, Mary Ann’s dream of a free kindergarten classPayrol l Services Accountant opening in the East Athens Mill district became a reality.F inancial Statement Preparation Valdosta State University 2003 BBA QuickBooks Pro Advisor By the time Mary Ann decided to summer at the family Tacotx C-ounseling Florida State University 1970 BS tage in Tallulah Falls, sheDrop was i na a seasonedt 66 N. Church veteran Street, Cl inayton the, GA fight or ca ll to make an appointment. to educate Georgia’s children, no matterP.O. their Box 1background.056 Clayton, GA 30525 We look forward to serving you www.bethelco.com now and in the future. Seeing the lack of services in the mountains Graham C. Bethel stirred Mary Ann to action and from humble beginnings now stands a school with international renown for its college pre- Accountant paratory work. Still today on school campus stands a red cottage known Florida State University 1970 BS as Lipscomb’s Cottage. Her contributions to the education of local children is honored further with a statue of her reading We look forward to serving you now and in the future. a book to children, built near the Upper School’s dining hall. Mary Ann lived as an early 20th century woman deter- Drop in at 66 N. Church Street, Clayton mined to provide Georgia’s children with the one lifelong or call to make an appointment. resource they could use to better themselves and their sit- P.O. Box 1056 Clayton, GA 30525 uations. She died a much beloved educator whose influence Phone: 706-782-4531 • Fax: 706-782-2277 www.bethelco.com would be felt for generations to come. n 062614-88004

As a working woman and mother I believe the ideals of the Rotary Club match those I strive to possess on an individual level. Service above Self – identifying others needs and meeting those needs; women are usually pretty good at seeing the needs of others and often place them in front of our own. Each week our meetings are adjourned by asking ourselves the following questions: Of the things we think, Club of Clayton say or do: Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it Chartered November 1948 build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Yes, as a woman, as a human being, I want to speak truth and I expect the truth to be spoken in return. Have I dealt with everybody I come in contact with fairly, treating them with respect? Building goodwill and better “Service Above Self” friendships is right up our (women’s) alley because we like to go places in groups. Each week I know I’ve honored this statement because of the strong bonds of friendship to all the men and I’ve formed with both men and women in Rotary. And the last question we ask ourselves is “Will it be beneficial to all concerned”….which can be measured in many ways. Women of Rabun County Families both locally and across the world benefit from projects that Rotary participates in whether it’s in the form of medical vaccinations, since 1948 clean water, books, fire- wood, food or money. The benefit for me….is in know- www.claytonrotary.com ing I might have had a part in changing someone’s life.

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 5 A life Stranger Than Mary Hambidge was a character as colorful as her flaming red hair and icy blue Fiction eyes. Today she is orn Mary Crovatt in 1885 in Brunswick, Mary Hambidge remembered for was raised in a wealthy family. Her father, Alfred J. Crovatt, was a prominent lawyer, mayor and a member of the Jekyll her kind spirit, Island Club, which included such illustrious members as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer and William Vanderbilt. her eccentricities Mary attended boarding school in New England before returning home to Georgia for a short time. Not content with her life, she and her exemplary traveled to New York — or as she called it, “fled” — with aspirations of talent as a weaver. becomingB an actress. To support herself, Mary did work as a part-time model. In addition to that, she became a professionally trained, world class whistler. Mary’s whistling career, which sometimes involved performing with By TOMMY her pet mockingbird Jimmy, gave her an air of eccentricity. CULKIN “It just lent itself to this aura she had about her,” documentarian Hal Jacobs said. “In some ways, her life was almost so strange that you think Tribune Staff Writer it had to have been fiction.” While in New York, Mary sought to reinvent herself. Jacobs said she hung out with an artistic and Bohemian crowd. Through her new friends, she met Jay Hambidge in 1914. Jay an influential artist at the time, notable for creating the concept of dynamic symmetry in art. He proposed that the study of arithmetic with the aid of geometrical designs was the foundation of the proportion and symmetry in Greek architecture and art. Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences “Jay Hambidge was one of those Bohemian artists who just seemed to be MARY HAMBIDGE POSSESSED A DEEP on top of everything,” Jacobs said. “He developed this theory that gained affinity for nature and the outdoors. Pictured at recognition worldwide and is still important today.” ➤ right, Mary does exercises with her friend, Vassos Kanellos, at her Betty’s Creek Property. 6 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016

MARY HAMBIDGE

Over time, the two developed a relationship, though certainly not a conventional one. Jay was 20 years older than Mary, was married and had children. Jay made connections between art and nature, and found the inspiration for dynamic symmetry in leaves from maple trees. Mary always had a love of nature and the outdoors, and found herself interested in his ideas and philosophies about art, and then in him personally. The two formed a romantic relationship. “I think Mary wanted to be an artist, and Jay gave her a nontraditional way to appreciate and view art,” Jacobs said. “Mary would say that she had been living on the verge of extinction until she met Jay Hambidge.” In 1919, Jay’s research took him to Greece to study ancient architecture. He took Mary with him, and it became a life-changing experience for the young woman. In Greece, she found a culture of experienced weavers of whom she became enamored. “She found a small secluded community of women who would weave together, and she decided that that’s Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences what she wanted to do for the rest of her MARY HAMBIDGE BECAME A RENOWNED weaver after becoming enamored with the weaving communities of Greece. Her life,” Jacobs said. work was featured in museums and the World Fair, and used by important dignitaries. In this picture from the 1950s, Mary poses Recreating that type of society in in front of one of her looms America became Mary’s lifelong goal. Jay died abruptly in 1924, and although Mary applied Jay’s concept of dynamic create self-sustaining community where they never married, Mary took his last symmetry to her craft and her life. All people worked the land and then learned name after he passed. her textiles were meticulously made the philosophy of dynamic symmetry “The fact that she did that just added from sheep’s wool that she gathered and art. to her eccentric air she had,” Jacobs from the sheep on her property. If there Unfortunately, Jacobs said, the said. was the slightest error in her work or the foundation never fully reached Mary’s In 1926, Mary moved to Mountain work of her employees, she threw it out. goals during her lifetime. After she died City, where she stayed briefly before She only wore clothes that she made; she in 1973, it became the Hambidge Center returning to New York for a short time. sought a communion with nature. for Creative Arts, and is today an artist In 1932, she returned to Rabun County, “She really did seek to live a sort of residency program. settling down in the Betty’s Creek area, idyllic, pastoral life like she witnessed In addition to founding the Hambidge where she lived for the rest of her life. while she was in Greece,” Jacobs said. Center, Mary was also instrumental in Around 1936, Mary began the Weavers Most of Mary’s workers did not the earliest days of Foxfire. of Rabun Club. Even before forming the necessarily share her unique worldview, “Foxfire practically originated in club, she was a skilled weaver and did and only saw their weaving as a job, but Mary’s backyard,” Jacobs said. “Many a lot of weaving for her personal needs. Mary did not particularly mind. of the people getting interviewed for the When she started the club, she hired “She was giving jobs to men and magazine were workers at the Hambidge roughly six weavers. Weaving then women in a little community where jobs Center.” became a professional career for Mary. were sometimes scarce, and she was a Mary’s story will not be forgotten. Jacobs said Mary was highly good employer,” Jacobs said. “I don’t Jacobs is currently working on a successful. She produced textiles and think her workers really bought into documentary he expects to be finished garments for celebrities, important her ideas, but it was clear that she didn’t by spring 2017. He said he isn’t sure if politicians and some of the largest expect them to.” he’ll release it for retail sale or online, clothing businesses. Her work was After about 10 years of running the but he said he will consider those featured in museums across the country, Rabun Weavers, Mary began referring options when he gets closer to finishing including the Smithsonian and Museum to the business as the Jay Hambidge the project. of Modern Art. It even received awards Foundation. It’s focus shifted from being “I was doing some work for the at the World Fair. a business to being a place for people to Hambidge Center, and the more I read “She produced textiles that were used learn how to weave and to learn about about this woman’s life the more I knew by President Harry Truman in 1945, Jay’s theories of art. I just had to tell her story,” he said. “In so she was clearly a big name in the The foundation moved one step closer so many ways, it really is stranger than business,” Jacobs noted. to her Greek ideal. Her goal was to fiction.” n 8 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 Not many women Family Friendly think of buying a business and Pet Friendly when they are 4 months pregnant. When Russ approached his wife about Goats on the roof Goats on the roof purchasing Goats on the Roof, she thought he was certifiably insane. Ten months later, with a now five months old in tow, they moved from south Alabama to north Georgia Family Owned and Operated! to run Goats on the Roof. Brooklyn, their daughter and CEO, Lots to do, we carry... was in charge of the transition team and all went smoothly. • Award winning nitro ice cream Pregnancy and then having a newborn aside, April was • Gem mining born to run Goats on the Roof. Her background in retail, • Feed the goats and become an official Goat Ranger! merchandising, and retail operations, along with a talent of • Sit back and relax in one of our Amish Adirondack baking and making homemade fudge prepared her for the rockers by the fire pit roasting marshmallows! excitement of running her own show. • Amish foods However, nothing could quite prepare • Amish Furniture her to do all that and literally have • Unique Gifts Closed for the Season • T-Shirts goats…on her roof. She did quickly January 3rd thru February 2nd of 2017 become a goat fanatic. • Homemade fudge Her knack for coming up with new Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ideas and products, combined with her February 3rd thru March 9th of 2017 welcoming personality, has made Goats Open 7 days a week starting on a Roof a must stop for tourists and March 10, 2017 locals alike. If you haven’t paid them a visit, you absolutely must make Goats Gift Store 3026 Hwy. 441 S., Tiger GA 30576 Big Billy’s Cafe Open Open on the Roof your next destination. 7 Days a Week 706-782-2784 7 Days a Week 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM www.goats-on-the-roof.com 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Silence Is Lonely Poem by Roy Bain

When at first our hearing begins to fade; Though the signs are foretelling, we may choose to evade. We tell others they don’t speak clearly, they mumble a lot; My concentration is elsewhere, that’s why I ask what. Call for your Please talk a bit louder; your voice is so weak; FREE I could hear you OK, if you would look at me as you speak. hearing I can hear you just fine, when you’re close at hand. test and If you would learn to enunciate, I could understand. consultation. It’s easy to blame others, though it’s not really fair; It’s your hearing problem, SERVICE ON ALL MAKES! solve it, show others you care. 91 E. Savannah Place He who said, ‘Silence is Golden’ Clayton, GA spoke for himself only; SALES & SERVICE For the hearing impaired, Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm “Silence is Lonely”. (706) 782-0109

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 9 In becoming a champion Rabun’s of a growing civil rights movement, Lillian Smith shined a light on the Author ‘Strange Fruits’ Extraordinaire

t a glance, Lillian Eugenia Smith was seen as a typical Southern woman, with a warm smile and eyes that showed her intelligence and caring. Yet Lillian was anything but typical. ¶ An important fig- ure of the civil rights movement in the 20th century, Lillian was out- spokenly progressive on the issues of race and gender. Born in 1897 in the small north Florida town of Jasper, Lillian was the seventh of nine children. ¶ She was a precocious child who went on a brief hunger strike to protest the diminished attention she received following the birth of her younger sister,A Esther. Her father worked in the shipping industry college offered her a full scholarship the following and was fairly successful for a time. However, year. However, Lillian felt she needed to assist her his business failed due to embargoes established family. She dropped out of school to work at the during World War I, and in 1915 the family moved girls camp. to Clayton. Having played the piano since she was a pre- They already owned a piece of property on Old teen, Lillian grew into a talented pianist by the they had used as a summer time she reached her 20s. She had a passion for home. To make ends meet, the Smith family con- music, and in 1917 she decided to pursue a dream verted the house into a small inn. A few years by applying to the Peabody Conservatory in Bal- later, Lillian’s father repurposed the inn into the timore. She was accepted. She studied at Peabody Laurel Falls Camp for Girls. for five years off and on. Craig Amason, the director of the Lillian E. Although Lillian was talented, she recognized Smith Center of College in Clayton, she wasn’t quite as skilled as her fellow class- said, to his knowledge, the girls camp was the first mates and chose not to pursue a career in music. of its kind in Georgia. In 1922, Lillian had the opportunity to teach The fall after moving to Rabun County, Lillian music at a missionary school in China, and she ac- enrolled at Piedmont College in Demorest. She ex- cepted the position. She taught in China for three celled academically while she was there, and the years, and the experience helped cultivate her ➤ STORY BY TOMMY CULKIN, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER 10 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016

LILLIAN E. SMITH passion for equal rights. Despite the ire she drew “Lillian would tell people from across the nation, Ama- that her time in China was son said Lillian was support- the most important expe- ed by the local community. rience of her life,” Amason “By and large, no, she said. “She saw terrible, terri- did not receive too much ill ble racism while over there. treatment from the people She grew up around racism of Rabun County,” Amason in America, but to see racism said. “I think they were pro- like that from an outsider’s tective of her in a way. All of point of view was very eye them might not have shared opening for her and gave her her point of view, but she had new perspective on the rac- become a beloved member of ism in the states.” their community and they ac- She returned to America in cepted her.” 1925 and assumed full control Although the novel had a of the family’s camp, eventu- mixed critical reception, it ally buying it from her father. was a financial success and One of the first actions Lil- the book rose to bestseller lian took as the new owner status. and director of Laurel Falls In 1948, Lillian and Pau- Camp for Girls was to appoint la ended the camp so Lillian the camp athletics instructor, could make writing her ca- Paula Snelling, as her sec- reer. ond-in-command. Over the remainder of her Lillian and Paula’s rela- career, Lillian published tionship grew into romance, many more novels. While and the two remained in a none reached the level of fi- closeted partnership for the nancial success of “Strange rest of their lives. Fruit,” the books generally With Lillian and Paula at received high critical praise. the helm, the focus of the Her second novel, “Killers camp shifted. They dimin- of the Dream,” was published ished the spotlight on sports in 1949. Amason described and physical competitions, it as a psychological memoir and placed more emphasis that incorporates multiple on the arts, with classes on true stories from her expe- painting, poetry, literature, Lillian E. Smith Center riences at the camp. It again psychology and more. LILLIAN E. SMITH SPENT MUCH of her adult life in a closeted relationship with Paula Snel- dealt with racism, and fo- Lillian yearned to be a writ- ling. In this undated picture, the two enjoy a peaceful moment together cused on the effect that segre- er but couldn’t find the time gation had on people. due to the responsibilities of Mitchell, who had just writ- practically unheard of at the In 1955, Lillian was diag- running the camp. Paula pro- ten ‘Gone with the Wind.’” time,” Amason said. “She nosed with breast cancer. posed the idea of publishing a Eventually, Lillian found dropped the ‘F bomb’ twice in She passed away in 1966 from literary magazine, and so in the time to write fiction as the novel, and not a whole lot it. She wrote about her battle 1936, the two women published she had wanted. In 1944, she of people were doing that at with cancer in her final nov- “Pseudopodia” — a quarterly published her first book, the time.” el, “The Journey.” magazine that offered social “Strange Fruit.” Many communities banned Today, Lillian is regarded and economic commentary “Strange Fruit” is the tale the book. Many literary crit- as a groundbreaking writer. with a focus on the South. of an interracial romance, ics also ignored it, deeming She fearlessly tackled some of The magazine changed its which was considered high- it unworthy of recognition. the country’s darkest social name twice, eventually set- ly controversial and taboo at Although many chose not problems, and she specifical- tling on “South Today.” the time. to consider “Strange Fruit” ly criticized the South while Amason said the literary The national response to worthy of review, those who herself living in it. journal quickly rose in prom- the book was largely one of did generally praised it. “I think she was one of the inence. shock, disgust and dismissal. “At the time, there were most courageous writers of “When they started pub- At the time, it was uncom- people who said the racism in her time, and I think she was lishing it, it was little more mon for female writers to America was a ‘negro prob- an important writer,” Ama- than a pamphlet, but by the tackle issues of sexuality and lem,’” Amason said. “What son said. “She was willing time they finished (publish- race, and certainly with the she said in her book, how- to suffer the consequences ing the magazine) it had directness that Lillian wrote. ever, was that it was a white of being outspoken and will- about 10,000 subscribers and “For a woman to write the problem. What she said is ing to take the heat for mov- had been attracting big name story of an interracial love that whites who have lived ing forward on social justice reviewers at the time like affair in 1944, and to have within this system of segre- issues that a lot of her fellow W.E.B. Dubois, and they were language that really pushed gation are the strange fruits Southerners were hesitant able to interview Margaret the envelope like that, was of this society.” about.” n 12 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 In the Neighborhood? Let’s Get to Know One Another

New to the area? Unfamiliar with the Edward Jones way of doing business? Take an hour or so to learn how we work with millions of individual investors.

Together, we can create and implement an investment strategy designed to help you achieve your long-term fi nancial goals. We tailor our recommendations based on you: your current situation, objectives and risk tolerance.

Call or visit today to schedule your personal fi nancial review. www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Make Your Financial Future a Priority Call or visit today to schedule your personal fi nancial review. Ara E Joyce Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com . Member SIPC In the Neighborhood? 20 Oak Crescent Cir Clayton, GA 30525 Let’s Get to Know 706-782-7936 One Another Ara Joyce joined Edward Jones in 2010 and began serving NewIn toIn thethe thearea? Neighborhood? Unfamiliar Neighborhood? with the MKD-8821-A-AD as a financial planner for Rabun EdwardLet’s Jones Get way of to doing Know business? Take anLet’s hour or so Get to learn tohow weKnow work County in 2011. As part of her belief that her clients are her with Onemillions Another of individual investors. family, she penned a mission statement for her branch of One Another Together, we can create and implement Edward Jones. It states that her office will do what is right, NewNew to theto thearea? area? Unfamiliar Unfamiliar with the with the treat everyone with respect, educate her clients on their an investment strategy designed to help you achieveEdwardEdward Jonesyour Jones long-termway of way doing fiof business?nancial doing business? choices, and that their needs will always come first. goals.TakeTake We an tailor houran hour ouror so recommendations orto learnso to how learn we work how we work In addition to financial planning, she has become a staple basedwithwith on millions you: millions your of individual current of individual situation, investors. investors. within the community. Spend just a few moments with her objectives and risk tolerance. Together, we can create and implement and you will come to realize that her passion for animals is Call Together,or visit today we can to create schedule and implement your an investment strategy designed to help unmatched. Ara serves as a member of the Board of Directors personalan investment fi nancial strategy review. designed to help for PAWS 4 Life. Her passion for service doesn’t stop with www.edwardjones.com you achieve your long-term fi nancial Member SIPC you achieve your long-term fi nancial animals as she is active in Meals On Wheels, is a member of goals. We tailor our recommendations goals. We tailor our recommendations Rotary and has served as a past president, and hosts regular based on you: your current situation, based on you: your current situation, Lunch and Learns for the ladies of Rabun County. objectives and risk tolerance. Melissa Johnson started working with Ara in 2009. She objectives and risk tolerance. Call or visit today to schedule your loves working with people and believes that Rabun county is Callpersonal or visit today fi nancial to schedule review. your full of great people. She too is a fan of all the work of PAWS 4 www.edwardjones.com personal fi nancial review. Life. Member SIPC Makewww.edwardjones.com Your Financial Future a Priority Member SIPC If you have financial questions Call or visit today to schedule your personal fi nancial review. or needs in your life, from setting Ara E Joyce up retirement, setting up a college Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com . Member SIPC fund, managing investment or simply 20 Oak Crescent Cir starting to invest, give Ara and Melissa Clayton, GA 30525 a call today! 706-782-7936 MKD-8821-A-AD Make Your Financial Future a Priority Call or Make visit today Your toMy scheduleFinancial wife Helen your Future personalCannon Hunterfia nancialPriority is review. Call orAra visit Etoday Joyceco-owner to schedule your of ourpersonal business fi nancial since review. 1969. Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com hunter . She used to handle the flowerMember ar- SIPC 20 OakAra ECrescent Joyce Cir Clayton,Financial GArangements Advisor30525 for a time.www.edwardjones.com Helen gradu- 706-782-7936. Member SIPC hunterdd 20 Oak Crescentated Piedmont Cir College and taught Clayton, EnglishGA 30525 at Rabun County High School. MKD-8821-A-AD 706-782-7936 Funeraldd Home She also taught Sunday School at Clayton Baptist to make FuneralWe arrange cremations Home a differenceMKD-8821-A-AD as a testimony to her Faith. We arrange cremations LloydLloyd & &Helen Helen Hunter Hunter She was a stay at home mother to our two beautiful daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Kowalski, our oldest, lives in WarwomanWarwoman Rd., Rd., Clayton, Clayton, GA GA Tucson, AZ And Patricia “Patty” Vining from Atlanta, GA. 706-782-4243 We have one beautiful granddaughter, Samantha “Sam” www.hunterfuneralhome.com706-782-4243 in Tucker, GA. www.hunterfuneralhome.com Helen is a wonderful mother and wife, smart and has a great sense of humor. She loves to read and is a Georgia Bulldawg fan. I fondly remember that my wife was the prettiest gal in town back when we were courting and still is. - Lloyd Hunter

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 13 Chelsea Rumsey was born and raised in Rabun juices run freely. Impressed is so much more than a sim- County. From the time she was a little girl she has always ple graphics shop. It has become to go-to retailer when wanted to own a retail store it comes to monogrammed and Impressed fulfilled that clothing, business signs, and dream in 2016. Rabun County Athletics spirit Chelsea has always been wear. outgoing. As a graduate of In addition to the retail West Georgia University in store, you can always find 2012 with a double major in Chelsea out in the commu- Marketing and Real Estate, nity. While her designs can she knew she wanted to be seen at the Spirit Store come back and raise a fam- at Wildcat football games, ily in Rabun County. While Chelsea is also a staple in at West Georgia, she was an the stands cheering for her active member in the Tri beloved Cats. Delta sorority and with the If you are looking for a College Republicans. After shirt or sign for your busi- a detour of working in Atlanta in business-to-business ness, a commemorative shirt for a family event, or some- sales, she returned to Rabun in 2014 as a 3rd generation thing simple like having your child’s backpack mono- member of the Rumsey Team selling Rabun County Real grammed with their initials, Chelsea invites you to stop Estate. by and let them show you, not only their products, but In 2016, her uncle, Ken Rumsey, and Chelsea founded the creativity they can bring to the table. Let Impressed Impressed. Impressed allowed her to let her creative impress you!

621 Hwy. 441 South, Suite 1 Clayton, GA 706-212-2818 [email protected]

14 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 Rabun County’s FIRST LADIES

FOUR WOMEN FOUR ROLES NO LIMITS Rabun’s First Ladies

Georgia Trend Magazine File Photo MARY ELIZABETH LAW IS SEEN on The Rock House yard in down- town Clayton in March 2007. She was featured in an article in Georgia Trend Magazine in 2007 relative to her service on the County Commission. County Commissioner By Trevor McNaboe her son, The Toccoa Record and Klark Byrd Publisher Tom Law, then the The Clayton Tribune Mary Elizabeth editor of The Clayton Tribune, with information gathering ary Elizabeth for the local newspaper’s 100th Law has a anniversary. deep affection LAW “A friend and I were read- for history — ing the first 50 years of The for the story to her native land’s history. female county commissioner, Tribune and found her birth it tells, for the lessons it holds It’s a fitting role for a woman she was a daughter of South announcement in 1931 in the andM for how it serves as soci- who has not only witnessed Appalachia in the small War- paper. So I said let me see if ety’s benchmark. Easily found Rabun County’s developments woman Community, which, we can find mine and no, we today volunteering her time at and growth for more than she said, was so far in the couldn’t,” Mary Elizabeth the Rabun County Historical three-quarters of a century, sticks her birth didn’t even said. Society along with daughter she’s been a part of it. make the newspaper. That was While growing up, Mary Carol Turner, Mary Elizabeth Long before Mary Elizabeth a discovery she made near- Elizabeth attended Clayton is an authority when it comes served as Rabun County’s first ly 20 years ago while helping School, which was situated 16 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 where today stands the Rabun County Public Library and Rabun County Tax Commissioner’s Office. That’s where she also attended Rabun County High School, the gymnasium of which stands today as the Rabun County Civic Center along Highway 76 West. Mary Elizabeth then sought postsecondary education in De- morest at Piedmont College. “I thought that when I went down to Piedmont College for school that I wanted to be a teacher, but then I got married and had children and that didn’t materialize,” Mary Elizabeth said. She learned a bit about local politics while working for her father, Robert Vick- ers. A member of a family that has for eight generations called the mountains of Northeast Georgia home, Vickers served as Rabun County’s Judge of the Ordinary for 32 years. The position made him “a one man county commission,” Mary Eliz- abeth told Georgia Trend Magazine in March 2007. Vickers had an interest local history, which piqued Mary Elizabeth’s Submitted Photo interest. MARY ELIZABETH LAW IS PICTURED with her first child, Carol, who was born at Rabun Maternity Hospital in 1950. “In his office were all the will books and law books. When I wasn’t busy, I would go “I worked for Co. for 26 she said, but it was necessary because back there and read that stuff,” she said. years starting in 1963 and retired in 1989 that was where people paid their bills. With a growing family of her own, as a customer service representative,” “For a while I was the only woman in Mary Elizabeth sought a more financial- Mary Elizabeth said. the office and I did a lot of other things be- ly rewarding job with Georgia Power Co. The work was hard and challenging, sides customer service, such as time- ➤

We ❤ our clients Holly Payne’s career began with her being busted by her mom, Nancy, for cutting her friends’ hair in their basement salon when she was just a teen. That started a life-long love of all things hair. In 1997 she began working for her mother in the family shop and took over the operation in 2010. From a name change, to accepting credit cards, Holly’s Salon has made some changes, but the dedication to treating clients like family still rings true today. As she puts it, she has made some of the “best friends of her life” within the four walls of the salon. Haley Sands has been with her four years. As a native of Rabun County she too has a love of the people who walk through their doors. Meeting new people and helping them achieve their desired look are what motivates her daily. When not cutting hair, she can be found singing to the Lord at Mountain Grove Baptist Church. Holly’s Salon Abbey Taylor is the new face in Holly’s Salon. While just training, it only takes a few minutes to figure out she fits the Color – Foil – Haircuts vibe to a T. Just like Hollly, Abbey has wanted to be involved in Perms – Waxing the beauty industry since she was a little girl. When she isn’t at Pedicures – Manicures the shop, she loves to ride horses. Whether a native of Rabun or a newcomer to the Facials community, Holly and her staff want you to join their family. From simple cuts to complicated color jobs, Holly’s Salon 706-746-2851 invites you to call today! 54 Darling SpringS rD., Mountain City, ga.

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 17 Rabun’s First Ladies keeping and journal entries,” Clayton Tribune. “You’ve got to get through Mary Elizabeth is tickled as Mary Elizabeth said. Her successful bid earned your working years and rais- she talks about her grandchil- When her aging mother fell her a seat on the board for ing your children before you dren and four great-grand- ill, Mary Elizabeth opted for one term, from 2004 to 2008. have time to think about all children, of which just one is an early retirement to care As a commissioner, she was this (history),” Mary Eliz- a boy. One of her grandsons for her. It was during that part of a group who pitched abeth said. “If you’re inter- joined the U.S. Marine Corps. time she became interested the idea of constructing a His- ested in people, you’re inter- He’s now a major stationed at in the Historical Society. torical Society building using ested in your family and the Lackland Air Force Base in Originally formed in 1976, some of the money from the connection they have with San Antonio, Texas, where the Rabun County Historical 2005 Special Purpose Local everybody else.” he is the father of her three Society became little more Option Sales Tax. For Mary Elizabeth, her great-granddaughters, she than an afterthought, she That funding paid for the work with the Historical said. said, until the reinstatement current Rabun County His- Society is for her family — “Isn’t it funny? I’ve got of the charter in 1992. Since torical Society building at 81 which now spans four gen- three grandchildren that then, Mary Elizabeth has North Church St. in Clayton. erations, including herself are boys and then three served as the Historical Soci- Inside, visitors are greeted — and for the community. It’s great-grandchildren that are ety’s treasurer. by photographs depicting just another chapter in the girls,” she said with a wide Following an eight-year the vast changes that have 85-year-old’s life where she smile and a laugh. stint on the Rabun County occurred in Rabun County is found supporting the fam- Although the continual Planning Commission, Mary through the years. ilies who call these South Ap- march of time has made Mary Elizabeth shadowed her fa- “We are fortunate to have palachian mountains home, Elizabeth’s accomplishments ther’s footsteps in 2004 by this building and this year just as she did as a member of a part of Rabun County’s his- seeking to become a coun- has been good to us,” Mary the school’s Parent Teacher tory, her age is hardly deter- ty commissioner. She made Elizabeth said. Organization or the organiza- rent enough to keep her from the move, she told Georgia There is concern, however, tion supporting youth sports. doing what she loves. Trend, because she “wanted that a majority of people who “Before we had the (Rabun “I’ve enjoyed it because I a bigger voice in the way the come to the Historical Soci- County Recreation) Depart- enjoy hearing the people tell county was run.” ety are visitors to the county ment, we had a volunteer their stories and a lot of times “I’m a Rabun County local. and not local residents. She organization for kids to play if I don’t know something, My roots run deep. That’s theorizes from her own expe- ball — baseball, football and I know somebody that does something that I said when I rience that interest in local basketball,” Mary Elizabeth know. I enjoy meeting people ran for county commission- history doesn’t pick up until said. that come through here,” she er,” Mary Elizabeth told The residents reach a certain age. Now an elder in the family, said. n

What started out as a love of theater, blossomed into North GeorGia CommuNity Players. In 1999, Kirk Bozman, Pastor of 1st United Methodist The NorTh GeorGia Church and Lim Forgey, Minister of Music, made the dream CommuNiTy Players come true. From the beginning, Carolyn Kidd with her helper, Sue Boshart, launched their first show, “Have You Seen My Son”, and it was the beginning of something fabulous. Most plays highlighted Christmas and Easter but they soon went on to produce their first large stage production, “Fiddler on the Roof.” After growing out of the church home, and moving on to the Rabun Civic Center, it was heaven! But, the burden of no sound system or lighting became too much so they moved to the Rearden Theatre in Rabun Gap. Productions 2016 Board Members such as “Nunsense,” and “Peter Pan” were a huge success but costs became monumental. Searching for a new home, the North GeorGia CommuNity Players mourn the passing of they found the Old Dillard School House which is now the Dillard City Hall. With help from the community, grants and They are Sharon Purdy, dearly local fundraising they obtained a state of the art sound and nGcP PreSiDent, Director, missed! Actor & DAncer lighting system, plus new seating. NGCP continues to produce top plays and plans a summer camp again for children in Sue Boshart Michelle Gaglio Actor, ProDucer, Director, Director, BoArD MeMBer, 2017. The North Georgia Community Players would like PreSiDent, FrienD FrienD to remember the passing of Sue Boshart, past President and Michelle Gaglio, past Director, for their dedication eNJoy liVe TheaTer to the foundation of NGCP. Being a non-profit volunteer Dillard Playhouse organization, we try to serve the community to bring quality productions to the people of Rabun County and surrounding 892 Franklin St. Dillard, GA areas. Sharon Purdy, our current President, Board Members 706-212-2500 and actors work tirelessly to give top performances. www.ngcommunityplayers.com

18 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 Working with animals on a daily basis is a joy and always different. The learning curve is steep and those who work with animals have to be physically strong, under- stand animal behaviour and body language, all with compassion and understanding. herein is a major reason why out of a staff of 33 employees, 29 are women in the workplace. It is my privilege and honour to have as coworkers such strong women who are leading the Veterinary industry.

stephen Mark Arbitter DVM

CAGE FREE BOARDInG PhYsICAl ThERAPY & TRAInInG

• Outdoor Facility with Pond & Exercise Yard • Individual Dog Condos • Open Cat Room for Cats to Play

220 Cathey Road • Mountain City, GA 706-746-5100 ...Call today! rabunanimalhospital.vetstreet.com

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 19 Rabun’s First Ladies

Tommy Culkin/The Clayton Tribune MOUNTAIN CITY MAYOR GRACE WATTS is seen at her desk in the Mountain City Municipal Complex in December 2016. Mountain City Mayor By Tommy Culkin a result of a water service dis- Staff Writer pute between Rabun County veryone has sto- Grace and the City of Clayton. ries. When you’ve In her time as mayor, Grace worked with people has had to deal with count- as Grace Watts has, less angry and unreasonable you come to know a WATTS constituents who tried her pa- lotE of stories. tience. She prides herself on proud of. Grace’s watch, and has avoid- The current Mountain City never losing her cool. One of Grace’s most notable ed the need to collect property mayor took office in 1988 — be- She recalled one incident coming Rabun County’s first actions as mayor was to intro- taxes. that occurred shortly after female mayor — and she has duce a full-time police force There are even more im- the city’s sewer lines had held the position ever since. roughly seven years ago. Be- provements Grace would been installed, while road re- Grace said she was able to ac- fore that, Mountain City only like to get started, but, she pairs were being done. A man complish a lot of things in her had part-time officers. said, that can’t happen while stormed into City Hall, angry time as mayor to improve the Mountain City has also in- Mountain City is ineligible to that hook up to the system was city, things she is especially stalled a sewer system under receive state grants or loans, mandatory. 20 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 “He was shouting and bel- speed trap. Grace vehemently ligerent and saying some very denies the charge as Mountain vulgar things,” Grace said. “If City’s speed limit is the same some of my (male employees) as Clayton’s and higher than had been in the office, they Dillard’s. probably would have thrown “The only times people get him out.” pulled over for speeding here Grace, however, diffused the is when they deserved to be, situation with a measured re- and if anything, our officers sponse. are a bit easier on speeding “I explained to him that because otherwise they’d be work had to be done, it was the pulling over every other car,” law and that was just the way she said. it was going to be.” She recalled the absurdity Grace gained experience of one traffic stop in particu- handling difficult customers lar. while working in real estate. “Not long ago a lady was While fulfilling her duties as pulled over for driving past mayor, Grace helped man- a school bus that had its stop age and own Mountain City sign out, and when the officer Homes for a number of years. pulled her over, she kept say- “The public could some- ing, ‘I didn’t see no school bus,’ times get very cruel and rude, Submitted Photo and finally the officer said to and often a major thing to FORMER MOUNTAIN CITY MAYOR DON Melton swears in Grace as a councilwoman in her, ‘Lady, it was that great them was a minor thing to us,” 1985. Three years later, Grace took the mayoral position, which she continues to hold to this big yellow thing with flashing Grace said. “But you had to day. lights!’” learn how to work with them Grace was the first female because you wanted their Her approach to being may- law, and sometimes people mayor in Rabun County and service obviously. You had to or is to understand that all aren’t going to fully appreci- she said she is humbled by the learn to be a bit diplomatic people can’t be pleased all of ate that, but you have to keep distinction. and bite your tongue, and not the time. moving forward,” Grace said. “I don’t know that I de- say what you really want to “You have to do what you It annoys her that her city served it more than a lot of say.” have to do according to the has gained a reputation as a other women I’ve known ➤

Surprise DAD WITH a COMPLETE DETAIL Gift Certificates AVAILABLE

My wife Brenda has been my partner and support COLLISION & MECHANICAL in the family business since day 1. She is one of the MAINTENANCE • REPAIR best at detailing and very particular of her work. Born in Rabun County, Brenda has lived in Clayton • DIAGNOSTIC CLEANING & DETAILING all her life. She loves to camp and fish with family and our friends at deer camp. She gave birth to our 706-782-0215 • 706-490-2373 3 wonderful kids Christopher, Elgan and Anna. Family is the core of her life! 779 HWY. 76 E. CLAYTON, GA 30525 Thank God for the women of Rabun who have stood 1 MILE EAST OF CLAYTON strong by family through the good and tough times. SHOULD YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT, YOU HAVE A CHOICE! - OWNER DAVID PHILLIPS -

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 21 Rabun’s First Ladies over the years, but it is nice,” he had a tumor and he need- she said. ed surgery. The surgery was Since she was elected, Rabun a success, but that wasn’t the County has only had one other end of Harrison’s health prob- female mayor. Grace said she lems. has not experienced any hos- A short time later, it was tility due to her gender. discovered that he had a heart “I’ve always been able to get murmur, and doctors again along just fine with men,” she needed to operate. In a single quipped. “I think it’s because I day, Harrison had two valves worked so much with men be- replaced, three bypasses, and fore becoming mayor, it wasn’t he suffered a massive stroke. hard to work with them.” As a result of the stroke, Har- Grace credits her mother as rison can no longer use his left being an incredibly important arm. The complications affect- person in her life. ed his pituitary gland, causing “I would probably say that him to become diabetic. After my mother was the most in- that, he got an infection inside fluential person in my life,” his ear that resulted in a loss she said. “She taught us about of hearing. Submitted Photo work ethics, that you don’t ask Taking care of him has be- GRACE WATTS WAS BORN AND raised in Rabun County. Pictured, Grace plays outside for help from anybody, and come a full-time obligation for when she was just 1 year old. The year was 1944. I’ve kept those lessons in my Grace. mind my whole life.” “I can’t leave him,” she said. Looking back on her long ing her retirement to spend Seven years ago, Grace’s life “He’s a diabetic, so he gets and successful stint as mayor, more time with family. hit a complication when her three shots a day, I need to Grace said she’s ready for her The most rewarding as- husband, Harrison, sudden- give him his thyroid medicine, career in politics to come to a pect of her time as mayor, she ly suffered numerous health and a lot more. It’s been seven close. She has decided to retire said, is the relationships she’s complications. After years of years since I’ve had a day off.” when her term ends. formed. perfect health, Harrison woke Despite the challenge, Grace “I’m very thankful for my “I’ve been thankful to al- up one morning and couldn’t said she is happy to make the time as mayor, but it’s time,” ways have good employees see. Grace took him to the sacrifice for her husband of 55 she said. that I’ve grown close to,” she hospital and it was discovered years. Grace said she plans on us- said. “We’re just like family.”n

Are you looking for a way to give back to the Rabun County Community? Are you looking for a place to serve? If the answer is yes, then the Northeast Georgia Community Food Bank is the place for you! The Food Bank expanded its reach into the Georgia mountain region in 2016 by opening a distribution warehouse and food processing center in Rabun County. The $6.4 million food hub includes a production facility, flash freezing For more information on volunteer capabilities, a teaching kitchen and a food dis- opportunities and for answers to other ques- tribution center. Completion of a commercial tions, visit our website: kitchen will be completed in 2017. Through the www.foodbanknega.org food hub, the Food Bank aims to combat hunger COVERED BRIDGE SHOPPING PLAZA and spur economic development in northeast 46 Plaza Way Georgia and serve as a small business incubator Clayton, GA 30525 for farmers by providing local food businesses a space and equipment to produce a marketable Donations and Volunteers are always welcome! product. The Food Bank is always in search of people with a desire to serve. If this fits you, whether it is your time or money, call the Food Bank today!

22 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 Now offering a 10% Early Bird Discount on Spring Classes Simply Deposit 10% by January15, 2017

Page Rhoad is Teaching Social Skills to the Social Media Generation

Although she has a masters degree in public speaking from UNC Chapel Hill and she once taught ballroom dancing, Page always jokes that she also used to paint her nails as a teenager to hide the grease under them from working on her car.

Before starting Foxglove Cotillion last year in Rabun county, previously in Atlanta, Page taught manners and etiquette to more than a thousand students over seven years on her way to seven consecutive national awards as a Cotillion director.

Her incredible rapport with middle school students (her kids refer to her as the children whisperer) has afforded her the opportunity to teach them how to navigate the social world outside of a smart- phone. And she makes it fun. Students wear wigs and use props to simulate real world social situations and are taught formal dining etiquette and dances like the Foxtrot.

“Having good manners doesn’t make you better than anyone else, but it does make you better prepared” Page quipped. Her unique approach to teaching “Good Manners and Great Dance Steps” fo- cuses on teaching the practical soft skills that can give you an ad- vantage as you interview for jobs scholarships and colleges, or when you meet the parents for the first time!

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 23 Rabun’s First Ladies Schools Superintendent By Trevor McNaboe of Education was pleased and Staff Writer impressed with Melissa’s work abun County Melissa as the head of their school sys- Schools Superin- tem. She was offered the full- tendent Melissa time position as the school sys- Williams sits at the tem’s superintendent, which helm of the coun- WILLIAMS she accepted. She wrapped ty’sR public school system, a up a three-year contract with becoming an administrator zone as far as people and plac- Jenkins County by serving as sprawling network of facili- in a school system. Instead, es,” she said. ties serving 2,200 students a superintendent for two more she returned home to work as In spite of her initial doubts years. year. It’s a challenging role, a teacher in the same schools and fears, Melissa served as as might be expected with the In 2011, Melissa’s career where she received her public curriculum director for the shifted from below the “Gnat county’s largest employer, but education. Jenkins County school sys- one Melissa tackles with pa- Line” to Towns County, where “That’s where I graduated tem for two years before being she made history as that coun- tience and a smile. from and spent about 17 years offered a position as inter- The path to becoming the ty’s first female schools super- in the classroom before mov- im superintendent. That role intendent. She headed up the head of Rabun County Public ing to the central office,” she opened up after her superin- Schools began with her up- school system in Rabun Coun- said. tendent’s husband suffered a ty’s neighbor to the west for bringing in Pulaski, a small The move up kept Melissa major heart attack. Since the town in . three years. busy with responsibilities in school system lacked an act- One of her proudest accom- When the time came for her to technology, student record- ing assistant superintendent, attend college, there was but plishments in Towns County ing, personnel issues and as the Jenkins County Board of was changing the high school’s one choice — Georgia South- director of Candler County’s Education approached Melissa ern University. schedule to a seven-period day, Career, Technical and Agri- with the opportunity. a task completed after her ad- “I had no option of where I cultural Education program. She agreed to step into the was going to college because ministrators were able to ob- “I was in the classroom for role, even while maintaining serve schools in Rabun Coun- my parents did not want me to one period a day to manage the her duties as curriculum di- leave home, so it was States- ty. CTAE program for the high rector. “I loved it,” she said of her boro,” Melissa said. “I did everything in Jenkins school and the superintendent work in Towns County. “I Although her family tree County, with the exception at the time called me in to ask thought that was where God is full of educators, Melissa if I had ever thought of getting of special education and bus- intended me and my family to thought she would try some- my leadership degree,” Melis- es, for an entire year. It was a retire, but he has a sense of hu- thing different for her postsec- sa said. busy year,” Melissa said. mor and the opening (in Rabun ondary education — she decid- It was a suggestion she took It was a challenge she ac- County) came available.” ed to major in accounting. to heart. cepted largely because of an The position in Rabun Coun- “I made it through the sec- Then, after five years of economic downturn at the ty opened after former schools ond intermediate accounting working in the central office time, but there was one initial superintendent Matt Arthur, class and decided I don’t want for Candler County schools, stipulation — she would do the who had served the county’s to do this for the rest of my Melissa received an offer to go job as long as Title I monitor- education system for 12 years, life,” she said. to a neighboring school system ing didn’t occur. As luck would accepted a position with Gov- In reviewing her available in Jenkins County. She accept- have it, it was a Title I monitor- options, Melissa found that ed, and became Jenkins Coun- ing year. ernor Nathan Deal’s Office of one of the few majors she could ty’s curriculum director. “If you haven’t had expe- Planning and Budget. switch to without losing credit “The first day I walked into rience with that, you can’t “I’ve always said whoever from the coursework she al- there I cried and said I think understand the headaches. follows behind Matt Arthur ready completed was business I’ve made a mistake, because it We got all of that done in one would be crazy because he’s education. was the first time that I really year,” Melissa said. such an influential leader and “I thought, we’ll try it and I had been outside my comfort The Jenkins County Board so well liked that no one will absolutely loved it. I had teach- measure up to him,” Melissa ers that had tried to encourage said. me when I was in high school Figuring she would give it to actually go into education her best, Melissa accepted the and go into history,” Melissa “I’ve always said whoever follows Rabun County Board of Educa- said. tion’s offer. She not only made Despite being a good his- behind Matt Arthur would be crazy history once again by becom- tory student, business edu- ing Rabun County’s first fe- cation was a natural fit. But because he’s such an influential lead- male superintendent, she also upon graduating from Geor- became its highest paid public gia Southern, Melissa was er and so well liked that no one will employee. not immediately interested in “I think it is inspiring ➤ 24 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 measure up to him.”

Rabun’s First Ladies that organizations allow fe- found scrawled on a bathroom males to be in the head posi- stall wall. A broad sweep by tion. I was always raised that the Rabun County Sheriff’s Of- you don’t take pride in your- fice found there was no bomb. self but you do the best job that One student was arrested. you can,” Melissa said. At the opposite end of the One of the many factors Me- spectrum, the Rabun Coun- lissa took into consideration ty Wildcats football team has while contemplating the move been named Region 8-AA to Rabun County was the ex- champions every year that Me- pectations of the school sys- lissa has been superintendent. tem’s employees, faculty and And student SAT scores in administrators. the 2015-16 school year rose 20 “Every person in here has points from the previous year. a desire to do their very best In addition to her work as because they want the school Rabun County’s top educator, Tribune File Photo system to be the very best,” there are three things near RABUN COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT MELISSA Williams visits the Fifth Grade she said. and dear to Melissa’s heart — Wax Museum in May 2015. Williams is Rabun County’s first female superintendent. Her time as the leader of her family, her faith and her Rabun County Schools has friends. She described her a church and that has had a earned a degree in health care been both challenging and family as “plain folk,” adding big influence on who I am and administration and took a job rewarding. For instance, the her parents have been married what I do,” Melissa said. at Habersham Medical Center. American Humanist Associa- for more than 60 years. In fact, She and her husband, Steve, Although she feels at home tion challenged the school sys- she said, she was born and to whom she’s been married in Tiger, Melissa recalls being tem just weeks into the 2015- raised in the same place where for 32 years, have one son, the only person in her immedi- 16 school year for allowing her parents were raised. Tyler. Steve’s family grew up ate family to really leave home administrator-led prayer in She lived in a tight-knit com- near Metter, a town whose dis- and seek employment outside schools. The school system an- munity where everybody knew tance from Pulaski at 6 miles Candler County. swered back that it would fol- everybody else. She attended is nearly double that between “In a way it was kind of low federal law and eliminate Pulaski Baptist Church, which Tiger and Clayton, Melissa groundbreaking for me and the practice. Just a few weeks she called the hub of the com- said. my family and a little bit scary later, the school was locked munity. Tyler, also a graduate of as well, but an overall great ex- down after a bomb threat was “I was very much raised in Georgia Southern University, perience,” she said. n

BRASSTOWN CREEK A passion for food and people, Brasstown Creek Gathering Place and owner Katie GATHERING PLACE & BBQ Hembree Moore are known for two things... Great BBQ and helping people. Prior to opening her BBQ restaurant 11 years ago, Katie was always known for great food among her family and friends; now her res- taurant is number one on TripAdvisor and the South Carolina BBQ Trail, and a feature at Humble Pie and Macon Coffee Shop. Her passion for food is evident in her barbe- OPEN ALL YEAR cue and newly bottled sauces. Prior to her award winning BBQ restaurant, Katie, born Friday & Saturday from 4pm-9pm and raised in Clayton Georgia, a 1972 grad- Closed Major Holidays uate from Rabun County High School, was a • Dining • Catering • Picnic on property dedicated nurse at Stephens County Hospi- tal for over 20 years. Her passion for people • Parties • Special Events today continues through her scholarship Ask about our smoked turkey, butts and beef program and donations to her local com- brisket for Thanksgiving and Christmas. munity. Come join us for great barbecue in a Scenic family environment and support 275 Brasstown Rd Westminster, SC | (864) 647-2458 doing good in our community.

26 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 Oconee Federal has a 5-Star rating Oconee Federal MORTGAGE LENDING Whether you seek to purchase, build, or refinance a home, you can rely on us for competitive rates and friendly, professional service.

Oconee Federal is a very sound, well-established financial institution regulated and routinely examined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. We currently exceed all regulatory capital requirements and continue to earn BauerFinancial’s 5-Star Superior Rating. This rating means Oconee Federal is among the strongest financial institutions in the country. We’ve Lucy Schmalix, Dona Andrews, Jennifer Gragg, Charlie English, been providing hometown service and value to those Heather McCracken, Royce Cooper, and Pam Wright who live, work, and own businesses in the areas we serve since 1924. When you visit any of our offices, you can Member FDIC Oconee Federal always expect to be greeted by a familiar face. Because NMLS #810392 our employees are not only experienced, professional 221 Hwy 76 East, Clayton, GA 706-782-3738 bankers, they’re also your friends and neighbors who oconeefederal.com live in and love their communities just as you do. Pam Wright - NMLS #958649 Dona Andrews - NMLS #486297

Why Do You Need An Independent Insurance Agent? How much do you know about your insurance policies? Does your family’s home have enough coverage if it was lost in a fire? Would you be able to stay in business if a claim was filed against your company? These life changing circumstances aren’t something anyone wants to consider. That is why it is so important to have an experienced, knowledgeable and caring risk manager to give you piece of mind that we have you covered. Why have a long wait with a 1-800 number when you can have a local agent and advocate? AIC/InsuringAmerica is an Independent Insurance Agency that offers you that kind of personalized service. What that means for you as a consumer is the best coverage, stability in the insurance marketplace and a reputation of excellence. Give us a call today! Our caring staff looks forward to tailoring an insurance plan for all aspects of your personal and professional life. AIC/Insuring America

Main Office (706) 353-7811 Lois Kemper, CEO (706) 202-4838 www.insuringamerica.com

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 27 Rabun’s First Ladies Clayton City Manager By Trevor McNaboe put me in this position. … The Staff Writer Marie Mellinger Conservation he road to becom- Cissy Award was one of my very first ing Clayton’s first awards that I was very pleased female city manag- to get,” Cissy said, adding the er was not an easy city has since received hun- one for Cissy Henry, HENRY dreds of thousands of dollars Tbut the rewarding journey has in grant funding while work- “I just couldn’t take working it came down to it I was put in ing with the Chattooga Con- been well worth it. and owning a business with as interim city manager for the Hailing from Alabama, Cis- servatory. my husband anymore,” she latter part of 2005,” she said. Most recently at the fifth sy’s family moved to Northeast said with a laugh. In 2006, with lame-duck Georgia when she was in grade annual Rabun Awards Ban- In becoming the utility bill- mayor Danny Gillespie’s en- quet in March, Cissy received school. She and her four sis- ing clerk, Cissy learned from dorsement and a vote of ap- ters — one of which is her so- the Rabun County Chamber the ground up as the previous proval by the city council, of Commerce’s President’s roral twin — attended Clayton clerk, who had worked for the Cissy was voted in as Clayton’s Elementary School in the very Award. Presented by Cham- city for 30 years, had passed full-time city manager. ber President Tony Allred, the building that today is home to away from cancer. The chal- “When I became a full-time her office. Downtown Develop- award honored Cissy’s tireless lenge, Cissy said, was learning city manager, they made it work with organizations such ment Authority member Buff the billing system with just worth the while, and I was Green, father of Clayton May- as Relay For Life. Allred said software and technical sup- challenged as far as going Cissy often works under the or Jordan Green, with whom port to help her out. through the motions of satis- Cissy works closely in leading radar to help those in need. “Back then, we read the me- fying a five-member board and “Her work individually is the city, was the principal of ters. So I learned a lot about keeping the City of Clayton’s the school when she attended, what pushed us in that direc- the system by being that per- business in the forefront,” Cis- tion and it’s unsung,” Allred and his wife was one of her son that not only did the bill- sy said. teachers. said. “People don’t realize ing portion of it but also going As her involvement in Clay- what she does.” “Having the Green family be out and reading the meters,” ton’s inner workings grew, she a part of where I am at today Despite the recognition and she said. sought more training so that despite her tenure — among is very special. It feels like a she could more effectively do One of the people who men- the longest in Clayton — Hen- lifelong family member,” Cissy her job. tored Cissy was Louella Dover. ry’s position is up for renewal said. “She knew everybody and it “I started going to the year- by a vote of the city council A graduate of Rabun County just amazed me how she han- ly conventions in Savannah. each January. High School, Henry pursued dled herself with the public,” This year was my ninth year “It’s challenging because postsecondary education at Cissy said, adding that she be- going and every year they add you have to be appointed every North Georgia Technical Col- gan learning from Dover from new classes to it,” Cissy said. year,” she said. “The unique- lege. Her coursework included the beginning. “Dealing with department ness about the position I’m in various subjects, such as eco- Following the 2005 election, heads, dealing with employ- today is that it takes a strong nomic development. The cer- then city manager Henry Bur- ees and the council — every backbone.” tificate for that course, issued rell retired. two years it seemed like it Cissy’s role in the leadership by the University of Georgia, “They started interviewing changed.” of the city is one she takes se- is one of several Cissy proudly people to replace Henry Bur- Henry’s office walls today displays on her wall. rell from all over Georgia. are lined with certificates and riously because of its impact “I’ve taken several classes There were people with great awards from her decade-plus on residents. Her approach, and I finally stopped putting qualifications,” Cissy said. time as Clayton’s city manag- she said, is to not overthink them up there (on the wall) After conferring with Bur- er. things, to use common sense about five years ago because rell, Cissy decided to apply for “These awards are import- and to always remember her you can get overwhelmed at the position. ant because somewhere down No. 1 priority, the taxpayers how many you have,” Cissy “He encouraged it, and when the line I touched somebody to and customers. said. Ensuring that the residents She began working for Fruit of Clayton are safe and satis- of the Loom in Rabun Gap, fied with their services are two first on the floor and later in things she greatly values. the personnel office. Then, she “We’re not retail, but I want peo- “We’re not retail, but I want and her husband at the time people to be treated just like I opened a boat shop on Charlie ple to be treated just like I want to want to be treated. My door is Mountain near Lake Burton. always open,” Cissy said. “I’m In 2003, the utility billing clerk be treated. Knowing that there are a go-to person. Knowing that position with the City of Clay- there are people out there that ton opened and Cissy jumped people out there that depend on me depend on me to help them is at the chance. my drive.” n 28 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 to help them is my drive.” Submitted Photo CLAYTON CITY MANAGER CISSY HENRY hugs Rabun County Chamber of Commerce President Tony Allred in March 2016 after receiving the Chamber’s President’s Award. Henry was honored for making selfless contributions to the community.

SERVICE ABOVE

You don’t have to be a native of Rabun County to develop SELF a passionate love for the area. For proof, look no further than Cricket Werkheiser. BY TOMMY CULKIN Tribune Staff Writer CRICKET WERKHEISER ACCEPTS THE CLAYTON Rotary Club’s J.C. Dover Wheel Award from Club President Burl Parks. The award is given to a person who demonstrates years of selfless dedication to the betterment of the community.

File Photo/The Clayton Tribune ricket Werkheiser mother. She remembers fond- and her husband, ly, and with a smile, how her John, bought a mother commanded respect. house in Clayton “She had a quiet and ele- in 2000 while still gant sort of power,” Cricket living in Atlanta. said. “She got things done.” Seven years later, Born in Dayton, Ohio, the family left the Cricket spend much of her metropolitan area to make childhood in Arcanum, Ohio. CClayton their full-time home. She loved both the metropoli- Once here, Cricket and her tan Dayton and the small ru- sister, Mary, opened Two Sis- ral Arcanum, and her ability ters, a clothing, home decor to adapt to any environment and jewelry store located in still serves her today. Butler Galleries on North Submitted Photo “In much the same way, Main Street. The business has BEFORE MOVING TO RABUN COUNTY, CRICKET Werkheiser worked for BlumbergExcelsior, I loved Atlanta and I love fared well, prompting them to a major supplier of legal supplies. Her job allowed her to meet high profile individuals, such as Clayton,” she said. “It’s never open a small shop in Dillard U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, pictured. really mattered to me wheth- as well. er I’m in a big city or a small Not content to simply co- ton Crawl, an annual festival to her good friend and the as- city.” own a local business, Cricket featuring local restaurants, sociation’s current president, Cricket eventually moved has volunteered her time to wineries and music. Jenny Wilson. back to Dayton when she local organizations, boards In addition, the CMBA also “Jenny is in so many ways married John, and they made and charities, all in an effort does work to improve the my right hand man and also their home there for four to improve her adopted home- quality of downtown. Cricket my left hand man,” Cricket years. Cricket credits her town. is also proud of the organi- said with a smile. “I rely on husband as being a driving “I’m not sure if I know any- zation’s efforts this year to her so much with the CMBA, force in her life. The two met one who works as hard and expand downtown parking. At and she’s a wonderful friend.” by chance when he was the does as much volunteering the request of the CMBA, the Cricket’s enthusiasm for roommate of Cricket’s sister’s as she does for Clayton,” said Clayton City Council turned community service stems boyfriend. They married two City Manager Cissy Henry an unused lot on the corner of from her deep love of the land. years later and have been with a chuckle. Main and Hamby streets into “It’s just a wonderful place together ever since. In July, the Rabun County an employee parking lot; and to be,” she said. “The people Before moving to Rabun Rotary Club honored Crick- the CMBA also got positive are all wonderful, the land is County, Cricket worked as et with its JC Dover Award, feedback when it asked the gorgeous, and it’s just a great a sales associate for Blum- named for the beloved doc- county to allow parking at the place to live.” bergExcelsior, a sales and tor who in 1942 assisted in Rabun County Courthouse The other reason she feels marketing administrative as- opening a county maternity during the day. compelled to be so involved sistant for Hilton Hotels and home. The award is given to “Both the city and the with the community is that a recruiter for ISA Communi- a person who demonstrates county have been incredibly it’s simply a part of her per- cations Services Inc., which years of selfless dedication to helpful in listening to our sonality. later became Sprint. the betterment of the commu- concerns about parking,” “I’m definitely a Triple A Recently, Cricket stepped nity. Cricket said. “There’s still personality,” Cricket said down from the Rhapsody in “Cricket is one of the hard- some maintenance to be done with a laugh. “I always have Rabun board, but it’s a sure on that employee parking lot, est working citizens of Rabun to be moving, have to be get- bet another organization will such as putting in a light and County I’ve ever seen,” said ting stuff done. If I’m sitting soon benefit from what she some signs, but that’ll get Rabun County Rotary Pres- still for too long, I get antsy.” has to offer. done eventually. For now it’s ident Burl Parks. “And she Cricket said her strong can- “I think I might actually serving its purpose.” focuses most of her work on do attitude was instilled in take a bit of a break,” she said. the city of Clayton.” Cricket also is fond of the her at a very young age by her “But not for too long.” n Over the years, Cricket has blue flower pots project she served on the Rabun Coun- started about three years ago. ty Chamber of Commerce The CMBA, from Werkhe- and the Rhapsody in Rabun iser’s idea, lined Savannah 112 Hwy 441 N boards. She is the vice presi- Street and Highway 441 side- Mishima dent of the Clayton Merchants walks with bright blue flower Clayton, GA (next to Ingles) and Business Association, of pots. which she has served as pres- Despite her numerous 706-782-0045 ident, and is a member of the obligations, Cricket does not Clayton Downtown Develop- find it challenging to juggle ment Authority. everything, saying it comes Asiaian Cuisine Cricket said she is espe- naturally to her. cially proud of the work the However, she is loathe to CMBA has done for down- take responsibility for the Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner town Clayton, including host- achievements of the CMBA — American Dine In or Carry Out ing such events as the Turkey even those she orchestrated. AMERICAN Trot, a 5K race held each Cricket credits all the work OWNED Thanksgiving; and the Clay- the CMBA has done recently 32 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 An extraordinary life TallulahTallulah Falls School Mary Ann Lipscomb celebratingcelebrating Mary Ann Rutherford Lipscomb believed that educa- Mary Ann Rutherford Lipscomb believed that educa- tion was the key to a successful and productive future. Born thethe lifelife andand tionin Athens was the in 1848,key to Lipscomb a successful worked and productive tirelessly in future. the decades Born accomplishments inafter Athens the Civil in 1848, War toLipscomb ensure that worked education tirelessly was inavailable the decades to all accomplishments afterof Georgia’s the Civil children. War to ensureShe challenged that education the state’s was millavailable owners to allto of offree Georgia’s children children. from the Shelong, challenged dangerous the hours state’s of millmill ownerswork and to of freewas childreninstrumental from in the the long, passage dangerous of child hours labor oflaws. mill work and was instrumentalLipscomb’s inhusband the passage died afterof child only labor five laws.years of marriage Mary Ann Lipscomb leavingLipscomb’s her with three husband young died children, after only yet shefive dedicated years of hermarriage life Mary Ann Lipscomb leavingto the protection her with three and educationyoung children, of Georgia’s yet she children. dedicated her life • Pioneering educator to the Inprotection the early and 1900s education Lipscomb’s of Georgia’s family children. had a summer • Pioneering educator cottageIn in the Tallulah early Falls.1900s She Lipscomb’s became burdenedfamily had over a summerthe lack • Advocate for Georgia’s children cottageof formal in educationTallulah Falls. in the She isolated became area. burdened She began over tothe tutor lack • Advocate for Georgia’s children ofmany formal of the education local children in the but isolated realized area. much She morebegan needed to tutor to • Founder of Tallulah Falls School manybe done. of theIn 1904local childrenLipscomb but began realized her muchcampaign more to needed establish to • Founder of Tallulah Falls School bea local done. school, In 1904 and Lipscombwith the help began of theher Georgiacampaign Federation to establish of prior recipient of the aWomen’s local school, Clubs, and Tallulah with the Falls help School of the was Georgia established Federation in 1909. of prior recipient of the Women’s Mary Clubs, Ann Tallulah Lipscomb Falls was School recognized was established by the inGeorgia 1909. Georgia Women of Achievement Award Women of Achievement Program in 2010 for her triumphant Georgia Women of Achievement Award life andMary meaningful Ann Lipscomb accomplishments. was recognized by the Georgia Women of Achievement Program in 2010 for her triumphant www.tallulahfalls.org life and meaningful accomplishments. www.tallulahfalls.org The City of Clayton Mayor, Council Members and Staff would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of kindness during the Give Back to the Community, Thanksgiving Meal.

• “THANK YOU” to the many volunteers that worked to make the dinner possible!

• “THANK YOU” to the many restaurants, busi- nesses and individuals that gave turkeys, hams, pre- Thanks to all the women who make Clayton pared meals, casseroles and the many desserts. a great place to Live, Work and Play. • “THANK YOU” to the many individuals that gave Cissy Henry, City Manager Kathy Allen, City Treasurer monetary donations for the dinner.

Rhonda Lunsford, City Clerk Sue Overholt, Billing Clerk • “THANK YOU” to all the volunteers fire fighters, Kayla Talley, City Clerk Tracy Turpin, Meter Reader visiting firefighters and the 911 Dispatch Center for their dedication in serving the public during the fires. Mia Sharpton, City Clerk Keisha Gipson, Court Clerk • “THANK YOU” GOD for the much-needed rain. Madeleine Ferland, Receptionist Rabun County is a beautiful place to live, work We Wish... www.clayton-ga.us and play; Not only for the beautiful God given 837 Hwy 76 W., Kathy Allen & Sue Overholt scenery, but the kind and giving people that suite 101, live in Rabun County. happy retirement, Clayton, GA 30525 you will be missed. 706-782-4512 • THANK YOU!

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 33 salutes Chick-fil-A of Clayton would like to thank our wonderful ladies for their Ladies of Rabun hard work and dedication. Thank you for your dedication to our Community! abun 151 Highway 441 N Clayton Ga. 30525 Georgia’s Farm-To-Table Capital COunTy 706-212-0022 The Women of Rabun abun “And don’t forget to Explore rabun”. That gentle Georgia’s Farm-To-Table Capital reminder is offered daily to visitors, business owners, and media by Teka Earnhardt, the bubbly Executive COunTy Director of the rabun County Tourism Development abun Authority (TDA). Georgia’s Farm-To-Table Capital Born and raised in Salisbury, NC, Teka experienced COunTy tourism first hand working in her parent’s restaurant. Teka Earnhardt She loved people, both familiar and new, and the service GROWCOOKEAT GROWCOOKof hospitality. She also loved being a team player, EATGrow CooK traveling all over the country competing in roller skating events which are GROWCOOKEAT similar to those of ice skating competitions. During high school she was active in the school community as a cheerleader and a drum major. In July, 1992 Teka married her high school sweetheart, Dale Earnhardt. Dale’s love of sports led him to become a teacher, coach, and mentor at several private schools. In 2008 his career led them to rabun Gap Nacoochee School where he is currently Director of Athletics. In addition to their own three children, the Earnhardt’s embrace the student community as “family away from family” providing leadership and support for students far from their own homes. The Authority was legislated by the State of Georgia in 2005 for the purpose of marketing the assets of the county to visitors and developing tourism as revenue for the county. with a degree in business from University of North ExploreRabun.com ExploreRabun.com Carolina, Greensboro, competitive sports experience, an immersion in youth education and recreation, and a life-long experience in hospitality, Teka was the TDA Board’s perfect choice to serve as Executive Director of the TDA Since 2010 Teka’s love of rabun County and her energetic commitment to rabun County being the best destination in NE Georgia have inspired the TDA’s EAT all- volunteer board and their work has attracted talented community leaders to serve. Her organizational skills have aided the board in creating a clear vision for marketing the county to help it stand out from all the surrounding counties competing for tourism dollars. Funded only through Hotel/Motel taxes collected by the county, the TDA has created Explorerabun.com, the go-to website that features community events, business information, and the rich array of natural wonders, parks, lakes and rivers that draw visitors. when asked what drives her passion for working for the TDA, Teka responded “The chance to serve others by bringing people together to experience something larger than they can accomplish by working alone. when that happens, we all win”. ExploreRabun.com

34 RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 The women on the Celebrate Clayton committee represent the North Georgia Arts Guild incredibly as they work tirelessly year round for the 2 day event each April. Led by Kathy Ford, 18th Annual former past president of the Guild and current event chairman, the group begins it work in ernest almost as soon as the previous year’s event is complete. Kathy Ford began simply soliciting sponsorships to help pay for the festival. In the summer of 2015 she took over as the events chairman and immediately realized just how many moving parts were involved in putting together an annual festival with 7,000 attendees, 100 exhibitors, and a wide variety of food offerings. Mary Jullmann is the money woman. She handles the delicate job of finances for Celebrate Clayton. From checks from vendors coming in to checks to promote and secure needed resources go- ing out, she runs a tight ship to ensure that there is money, in the end, to give scholarships to deserving Rabun County students. in the beautiful Blue Ridge Penny Bradley functions as the Raffle Coordinator for Cele- brate Clayton. The Raffle serves as a way to raise funds for college art scholarships for students in Rabun County. As a painting major in college, Penny has a deep love for art. If you are interested in mountains of NE Georgia your business providing a gift certificate to help raise these mon- ies for local, deserving students, Penny is your woman. June Landreth is a jack of all trades for the festival, filling in wherever there is a need. This year she is helping lead the way APRIL 29 & 30, 2017 when it comes to soliciting sponsorships. Her deceased husband, Tom Landreth, was an exhibitor in the very first Celebrate Clayton and the festival has a special place within her heart. Nancy Skilling is Celebrate Claytons version of a Hollywood Talent agent. She organizes the entertainment. One of her focuses is to seek out a diverse group of singers and musicians in order to appeal to as many people as possible. Karon Miller is one of her many right hands in helping secure and then manag- ing these talented performance artists. Have a talent you want to showcase? Call Nancy! Randy Sells has a job of which no one would be envious. She is responsible for coordinating 100+ exhibitors, taking care of all their individual needs and concerns. She has been involved with ART • MUSIC • FOOD • KIDS KORNER Celebrate Clayton ever since the North Georgia Arts Guild took over sole management. Randy makes sure that Main Street in downtown Clayton takes on the look and feel of an artist market, that Veterans Park takes on the persona of a children’s art center, Over 100 Exhibitors and that food vendors are strategically located to fill the attend- ees’ bellies. Other women fill many important positions within Celebrate featuring Clayton. Lynn Roe coordinates the volunteer army that sacrifices their time and without whom the festival would not function. Kim Fine Art & Unique Crafts Adams coordinate the judges of the art contest. Tricia Miller over- seas the Kids Korner in Veterans Park, ensuring that the children are safe and having fun. www.celebrateclayton.com presented by the North Georgia Arts Guild FREE ADMISSION RAIN or SHINE

www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com Back Row: Nancy Skilling, Mary Jullmann, Kim Adams, June Landreth Front Row: Karon Miller, Kathy Ford, Randy Sells

RIDGES & REFLECTIONS / DEC 2016 35

Remembrances of Mama Margie Bennett

Margie Bennett Margie was a true “southern belle,” and her worked at Foxfire for dialect was just as sweet as she was. She a total of eighteen had high standards for herself and everyone years, serving most around her. Along with her husband, Margie of those years as our made her home everyone’s home. She had vice president. She co-taught the magazine a knack for reaching kids through honesty; class; served as coordinator of all our classes compassion, and genuine affection. at RGNS and RCHS; co-authored Foxfire 8 and Words cannot adequately express how Foxfire 9; supervised the magazine sum- much we all adored our Mama Margie. She is mer student work program; and lived at the greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in Foxfire Center most of those years, hosting every one of us that had the privilege to have with Bob, her husband, our student exchange been a part of her life. Because of her loving program and visiting teacher groups. Foxfire guidance, we became adults who are more was fortunate enough to hire her back for empathetic; we are more thoughtful in our two years in 2000, and even upon her retire- deeds and actions we are more and giving ment, she came back years later to join some and forgiving. But, mostly, we are forever of her former students in writing Foxfire’s grateful to Margie and Bob for giving us a 45th anniversary book. She continued, until safe place to begin growing into the people her passing, to support the organization we are today. financially as a donor. Several former students wished to honor Margie was so much more than this to Margie by sharing their stories, and so very the students whose lives she impacted. She many more shared them in person with Bob had the ability to make every student feel at recent memorials for her. Hopefully, even special, valued, and cared about. Her advice if you never had the opportunity to meet was sound, her dedication to her kids sincere, and get to know her, these stories and short and her legacy profound. Her genuine love for notes will introduce you to one of the most other people was evident in all shedid. She remarkable ladies many of us have known. always had time to listen, wisdom to impart, and love to lavish on every person she knew. - Kaye Carver Collins