Your complete news, information and recreation guide to
On Lake Lanier, members of the USCGA and ABC Atlanta are gearing up for the summer season, providing boating safety classes, vessel safety checks and reinforcing the importance of life jackets as part of National Safe Boating Week May 17-23. Page 42
Lake Fun watercraft rentals at Lake Lanier Olympic Park can put you on world class water where Olympians paddle and nature lovers bask. Page 31 Lake Fun rentals opens in May
Springtime at Lake Lanier
Spring has finally come to Lake Lanier and the shorelines are ablaze with colors from the dogwoods, mountain laurel, rhododendron, wild azaleas and the constant movement of animals and birds. Page 33
Also inside:
Calendar
.Page 26
Classifieds Page 47
Dining guide Page 47
Fishing news Page 10
Lake levels Page 18
Lanier map
Marinas information
Outdoor activity calendar
Recreation guide
Shore Lines
Page 40
Page 44
Page 30
Page 44
Page 17
The Careful Captain Page 20
Curb Appeal
Page 38
Design & Remodel Page 45
Glenn Burns Page 18
O’Neill Outside Page 36
One Man’s Opinion Page 37
On the Water
Vanderford’s travel
Page 12
Page 33
is published by Lanier Publishing, Inc.,
3292 Thompson Bridge Rd. #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 287-1444
Publisher/Editor
Alan Hope
Production
Susan Nish
Susan Daniel Creative, Inc.
Senior Writer
Pamela A. Keene
Contributing Writers
Jane Harrison, Vicki Hope Columnists
Glenn Burns, Vinnie Mendes, Kim Evon, O’Neill Williams, Frank Taylor, Bill Crane
Travel Editor
Bill Vanderford
Lakeside is published monthly by Lanier Publishing, Inc. based in Gainesville, GA, with distribution in some 300 locations around Lake Lanier and other areas. Opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of Lakeside, its staff or its advertisers. Manuscripts and photographs submitted will be considered for publication. Lakeside cannot be held responsible for such materials in case of damage or loss.
LLA annual meeting a success with updates, awards and economic impact
By Pamela A. Keene
Taking place at a new venue –
University Yacht Club – the Lake Lanier Association’s leadership earned plenty of bragging rights for its successes and programs of the past 12 months. With more than 500 members in attendance, the Sunday afternoon event celebrated the organization’s accomplishments, awards and economic impact.
“The event was a success from so many angles,” said Victoria Clevenger, executive director.
“All of our projects are right on target and the support of our members and business sponsors is at one of its highest points. The celebration set the tone for the next 12 months of progress.”
At the VIP Reception ahead of the general meeting, LLA President Todd Baxter reported that a recent study by the US Army Corps of Engineers showed that the Lake Lanier Association’s programs have resulted in a nearly $1 million economic impact nationally.
“Calculating LLA’s environ-
mental programs, recreational initiatives and volunteer hours, the Corps’ report showed that the value of these contributions to be $827,377” Baxter said. “Effectively that amount exceeds the association’s annual budget. We are proud of these accomplishments, and we would not be able to give back to the community without the help of our members, business sponsors and leadership.”
An annual highlight, LLA presented its awards:
Robert Eidson, longtime volunteer, received the Charlie Spencer Award. Eidson collects trash from the lake’s parks yearround; he served as Shore Sweep Captain at Little River Park in its inaugural year as a collection site.
Marine Specialties Inc. was awarded the Val Perry Award, Business Sponsor of the Year for its many years of support and service to the association, most recently for the Project Armor initiative to protect the shoreline and islands from further erosion.
The event included music by
See LLA, page 41
PHOTOS: AMANDA BETH PHOTOGRAPHY
LLA members enjoying the deck at University Yacht Club, above. LLA board poses for a photo during the annual meeting, below.
LAKE LANIER SPECIALISTS
TERESA SMITH
770-654-4173 • teresasmith@kw.com
MICHELE KAPLAN
678-677-5653 • michelekaplan@kw.com
MACKENZIE SCOTT
678-925-2652 • mackenziescott@kw.com
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WE'RE ON TV!
We recently completed our next episode on a lifestyle centered TV show, American Dream TV. We featured 3 local businesses & organizations on this episode - Pelican Pete's, Atlanta Marine & a beautiful lake home with incredible views! Now streaming on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku and our YouTube Channel!
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TOP FIVE BOATING TIPS FOR A SAFE SUMMER ON LAKE LANIER
1. Wear a life jacket – it’s required for kids 12 and under
2. Keep at least 100 feet away from other vessels
3. Observe a safe speed for the conditions
4. Always designate a lookout for other boats, markers and debris
5. Take a Boating Safety Class *
Only $25! - You may be able to save on your boating insurance*
Taught by America’s Boating Club Atlanta at Lake Lanier • We’re local boaters with tips for Lake Lanier and NE Georgia
May Class In Person
Saturday, May 10, 8:30 am - 5 pm
July Class In Person
Saturday, July 12, 8:30 am - 5 pm
In-person class locations will be confirmed with paid registration
June Class Virtual/Online Three Sessions
Session 1 - Wednesday, June 4, 7-9 pm
Session 2 - Wednesday, June 11, 7-9 pm
Session 3 - Saturday, June 14, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
GAINESVILLE
Listed by another agent for 166 days, did not sell
Sold by Bev Knight in 46 days
GAINESVILLE
Listed by another agent for 96 days, did not sell
Sold by Bev Knight in 7 days
Targeted marketing sells lake homes
It takes a specialist to know what features lake buyers want, what phrases will ensure the home is included on lake sites, how to solve Corps-related issues, and how to write an ad that our target market will read. No AI program or non-local agent can process issues like view, path to dock, location on the lake, or the demographics of the typical lake buyer. This is why I specialize. I live on the lake, love the Lanier lifestyle and sell only lake property.
GAINESVILLE
Listed by other agents for almost 2 years, did not sell
BUFORD
Listed by another agent for 114 days, did not sell
Sold by Bev Knight in 131 days in a very difficult market
Sold by Bev Knight in 10 days in a very complicated transaction
Meet CatRangers: Rescuing urgent-need cats and kittens for 15 years
By Pamela A. Keene
past 15 years.
When Sparrow Marcioni learned about a local area feral cat colony that was going to be eradicated, she wouldn’t hear of it. Together with her nowhusband Rick, she sprang into action and brought her friends and rescue acquaintances together to spay, neuter and relocate them or find them homes. Because many were feral and not used to being around humans, her job was especially hard: they needed to be trapped first. “We put the word out that we needed help trapping, medical care, foster homes, farms and rescues for all these cats and kittens,” said Marcioni, founder of CatRangers. “Some of my friends had connections with the humane societies and veterinarians willing to assist us.”
So began a long journey that has resulted in rescuing almost 10,000 cats and kittens over the
“At the time, cat cafes were just becoming popular, so we found a storefront in Buford willing to work with us. We set up furnished rooms where the cats could roam free once they were socialized by foster parents, and received donations of furniture, cat trees, food, litter boxes and other items to help us open our
initial CatRangers, which was originally a Cat Café with coffee, tea and finger foods.”
Word spread as people started to visit. “They often came by just to enjoy some quiet time with the cats, sometimes even reading to them, and in some cases, people started adopting them. Our visibility in downtown Buford was a plus, but after nine years our land-
5th annual CatRangers Charity Golf Tournament
When: Tuesday, June 10
Where: Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course
Registration: includes greens fees, cart rental, cash prizes, breakfast, lunch, players’ gift bag and trophies
To register or be a sponsor: www.catrangersgolf.com
Lake Sidney Lanier & Gainesville prints, Postcards, Notecards Original Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor Paintings
Ann Alexander, Pam Kohler-Camp, Patricia Fabian, Lydia Ferguson, Ann Goble, Jane Hemmer, Paula Hoffman, Shannon Hughs, Joyce Hornor, Connie Lynn Reilly and Shirley Seguin
Prints, postcards, notecards also available at:
Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street, Gainesville, GA
Frame-Tastic, 565-B Shallowford Road, Gainesville, GA
Butch's Market, 3613 White Sulphur Road, Gainesville, GA
lord sold our building leaving us with only 45 days to find a new home for 70-plus precious kitties.
“Through many tears, prayers and lots of networking we found a new building less than two miles away,” she said.
“Now we needed a true miracle, someone to pay cash for our proposed building. Our prayers were answered: a very kind young couple who loved our current place, stepped up and paid cash allowing us to close in a record 13 days.”
In the meantime, Marcioni had received 501c3 non-profit status with the IRS, making it easier to seek business and community sponsors and allow people to contribute and receive a tax deduction.
Fast forward to spring 2025. Now in its third brick-and-mortar location in a wood-frame house in Historic Buford, CatRangers can accommodate 100 kittens with
space for another 100 or more living in foster homes. “People are starting to know where we are in our new location.”
Today CatRangers provides a home-like atmosphere for cats and kittens in a free-roam setting; cats share space in multiple rooms equipped with cat essentials and furnished like someone’s living room. “Our center serves several purposes: we accept cats and
Sunset"
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CATRANGERS See CatRangers, page 46
Cats have plenty to claw on at CatRangers.
Sparrow Marcioni and Rick Curry
Getting ready for the charity golf tournament.
Lake level: Above full pool
Temperature: 60s
Clarity: Mostly clear
Bass fishing
Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is very good. The bass are up in shallow areas now with some being on beds and others feeding heavily. The wind has been the biggest advantage recently, blowing on main lake points, humps and reef poles. Several moving baits have been very effective for catching these shallow bass. A white spinnerbait with silver willow leaf blades worked with a moderate retrieve or a white chatter bait worked slower closer to the bottom have caught bass over four pounds.
Scanning around these areas will often show bass in the 15- 20-foot range close to the bottom and they are good targets for the new Hot Spot Choker with a three three Keitech worked slowly by them. A jerkbait is also a good option in these areas when you work it with a slow steady retrieve.
There is some schooling showing up and it mainly seems to be in the very shallow water areas so have something handy like a chrome IMA Skimmer or a Gunfish on the deck. The shakey head with a green pumpkin green Trixster Tamale worm will also
catch fish around the shallower docks and on the rocky points but recently it has just been more fun to throw the moving baits.
The fishing should only improve over the next several weeks so pick your favorite baits and keep moving in the prime areas. It’s warm and it’s fun so Go Catch ’Em!
This bass fishing report is by Phil Johnson. Email: pjohnson15@hotmail.com; 770 366 8845.
Striper fishing
Lake Lanier stripers are in the spring run and the bite is on! The weather is changing and with the warmer weather, the fishing gets better. Windy conditions will be a challenge but the fishing will continue to improve. Planer boards, flat lines and down lines are all producing good quality fish.
Blue backs, gizzard shad and shiners and the larger river herring are baits of choice. Points and coves are holding fish and many are in the shallow waters so the planer boards will get close to the banks. Lots of boats on the lake so be careful and wear your life jackets and be courteous.
This Lake Lanier Striper report is by Buck Cannon, 404 510-1778.
Crappie fishing
Lake Lanier crappie fishing is good. The water temperatures are in the low 60s and the fish are shallow on structures in large groups under docks. They are starting to show up on open water brush. Small groups can be found roaming in open shallow water.Try casting a 1/32 jig and letting it fall right in front of them. Try not to go below the target. Crappie have been at depths of five to 10 feet above a 20- to 40foot bottom. Minnows have been good four feet under a bobber. For your best fishing
experience consider using the following equipment: a one piece ACC Crappie Stix rod and reel paired with 4 or 6 pound test K9 line with an Atx lure company jig. Further optimizing your efforts, a Garmin LiveScope, protected by a sonar shield cover, and a Power Pole are highly recommended.
This Lake Lanier Crappie report is by Captain Josh Thornton, 770 530-6493.
This fishing report was compiled by Ken Sturdivant’s Southern Fishing, www.southernfishing.com.
My grand adventure when Willie Mae needed a goose!
If your house caught fire a couple of hundred years ago, you would probably lose it, unless you had a good water supply and a large family or a lot of friendly neighbors to form a “bucket brigade,” passing buckets of water from one person to the next in order to get enough water on the fire to put it out.
As towns grew larger and turned into cities, volunteer fire brigades were formed. These were people who worked at regular jobs but also volunteered to fight local fires when necessary. They had equipment such as long ladders, wagon mounted, hand operated pumps and leather hoses to move water more efficiently and also had rudimentary training on the best ways to extinguish a fire. As a matter of historical interest, the first volunteer fire brigade in Philadelphia was formed by Benjamin Franklin.
The little village next to where I grew up had a stream running right through the middle of it. About 150 years ago, the fire brigade dammed it up to form a
pond so they would have a good water supply. After much bickering and political arguments over what to name it, they finally settled on “Fireman’s Pond.”
Soon after the pond was formed, the geese moved in. Some were local “wild” geese, some just escapees from area farms and a few migratory geese that just stopped over and decided to stay. Generations later they acted as if they owned the pond, (which they actually did) and it was a treat for all the kids in the area to go feed stale bread to the geese. I remember doing it as a kid, as does my father, and I took my kids over there when they were growing up.
There was always an “alpha”
goose who would be in front of all the rest, grabbing the choice morsels before any of the others could get them.
Now we had an old lady named Willie Mae who had worked for our family forever. I always remember her birthday because it was December 24, 1900. She was my mother’s nursemaid when she was a tiny baby as she was mine and all my brothers. As adults, we took care of her as one of the family.
I remember one Saturday morning after I had gotten out of the Navy and was home from college, she called me up and said “Vinnie, I needs a goose.”
She had always had a goose as a watchdog at her house, mostly because it was a lot less trouble than a real dog. She woke up that morning to find that after 15 years, the goose had died, and now she needed a replacement. I told her “No problem” and headed over to Fireman’s Pond to get her a goose! I tossed some bread to the geese and sure enough, the alpha goose came
right up to me and demanded his share. You can imagine his surprise when I threw my jacket over him and tossed him in the back of my Volkswagen! On the short drive over to Willie Mae’s house, he “decorated” the entire back seat and floor. When we got there, I put him into the goose run with some food and water and he settled down, so I went home to spend the rest of the day cleaning out the car. (UGH).
The next morning around 11 I got a distress phone call from Willie Mae to get over there right away. It seems that the goose had escaped from the goose run and wouldn’t let her into her yard!
Now on Sundays after church, Willie Mae and her “Gal Friends” would get together at one of their houses and play pinochle. This
Sunday was Willie Mae’s turn. They always pulled the venetian blinds all the way down and shut the wooden slats, and maybe enjoyed a sip or two of sherry, but that was nobody’s business but their own.
Well, this Sunday, the goose had other ideas. Nobody was going to enter his yard and that was final!
When I arrived, you can imagine these four “plus sized” ladies, dressed in their Sunday finery, complete with straw hats and lace
See Mendes, page 31
Vinnie Mendes
On the Water
Father goose guarding Vinnie’s dock.
PHOTO COURTESY VINNIE MENDES
Offered for the 昀rst time, presents prime residential development potential with Lake Residential zoning (approx. 1.71 units/acre). With around 30 usable acres, the site could yield an estimated 52 lots (min. 25,500 sq ft each). It includes two dock permits on Lake Lanier, upgrade potential, and boasts lake frontage on Six Mile Creek plus ample road frontage on Browns Bridge Road—just three miles from GA-400 in Forsyth County.
Dam Park, and top waterfront dining. Perfect as a full-time home or weekend retreat—serenity and adventure await.
Lake Lanier Association
Annual Member Celebration Recap!
It was a GREAT day at LLA’s Annual Member Celebration! Members, donors, sponsors and volunteers came out to enjoy perfect weather and fellowship at University Yacht Club!
This year’s celebration was complete with a VIP Happy Hour featuring Master’s themed cocktails served by Fishtales and desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes! Attendees heard from LLA Staff and Board Members about our 2025 program goals, volunteer opportunities and funding needs. The day was complete with music by Another Shot, vendor booths, cornhole and some attendees even tested their luck by bidding in the silent aucti on.
THANK YOU to all the members, business sponsors and vendors who came out to kickoff lake season together. The LLA team appreciates your continued support of our mission ~ a Clean, Full and Safe Lake Lanier! Special thanks to our 2025 Annual Member Celebration Sponsors!
Ready to join the fun? Scan the QR code to join or renew your LLA Membership or visit: members.lakelanier.org/join
Lake Lanier Association
Ready to jump in?
What's stopping you?
Support LLA, become a member today!
For as little as $100 a year, your Household Membership supports these on-lake intiatives...
Removing over 90 tons of trash annually at Shore Sweep Light-up 289 hazard markers with Solar Lights
Stock and maintain 12 life jacket loaner stations 2 miles and counting of shoreline protected with Rip Rap Monthly Water Quality Testing , all 12 months of the year
Remove Abandoned and Derelict Docks & Vessels (ADDV) from the waters of Lanier
LLA is made up of boaters, fisherman, property owners, drinking water users, area businesses and anyone passionate about Lake Lanier. As a non-profit, we are 80% funde d by memberships and tax deductible donations. Our on-lake initiatives are not possible without memberships li ke yours!
Ready to Jump In?
Scan the QR code above to join or renew your LLA Membership or visit: members.lakelanier.org/join
CLEAN LAKE
Shore Sweep, Adopt-a-Lake Water Quality Testing, Clean Lake Pledge & Mini Clean-Ups
FULL LAKE
Rip Rap, Erosion and Sedimentation, Island Protection through municipal funding, USACE Basin Management
SAFE LAKE
Life Jacket Loaner Stations, Solar Lights, Channel Markers, Safety Course & Education
TOGETHER
Through education and advocacy, we work to keep you informed about important matters. LLA works closely with local authorities to protect Lanier.
Hammonds: serving Forsyth County, Cumming and North Georgia for more than a century Shore Lines
From the fascinating to the remarkable, Lake Lanier harbors many personalities and places along its shores. Lakeside presents “Shore Lines” – stories about people who live, work and play around the lake and the places that make the area special.
By Pamela A. Keene
Candy Hammond remembers when Hammond’s Crossing was a 4-way stop at the intersection of Ga. 306 and Ga. 369/Browns Bridge Road. At the time, the Hammond family owned much of the land around the intersection.
After transferring from Fort Lauderdale, where she worked as a respiratory therapist, Candy met Thomas Hammond in Gainesville. They married in June 1979. She recalls the early days.
“Back then, Thomas and I lived in a single-wide trailer where the Race Trac gas station is today,” she said. “In those days, there were only about 30,000 people living in Forsyth County.”
Portions of that very same land have remained in the family, long before Will Hammond built his general store and trading post in 1898 to serve farmers in the area. Many of them paid for their purchases with cotton, corn and even chickens.
From that time 127 years ago, the name Hammond’s in Forsyth County has been linked to the word “store.” Although the actual locations of subsequent Hammond’s moved a bit, they always
occupied one of the corners of Hammond’s Crossing.
Will Hammond’s original store operated until 1958 when it was torn down to make way for the next generation of Hammond’s stores.
In 1960, Artie and Tom Hammond built a new general store, selling groceries, gas, sewing supplies and live bait.
that served Cumming and Forsyth County and was an Amoco gas station. They sold fishing gear and bait out of a 10-by-10 room in the store.
“It was our plan to become self-employed entrepreneurs. Fishing started to become more popular, then the larger chain groceries moved in,” Hammond said. “It was time to shift our business to focus on fishing tackle and live bait.”
Their decision was right on target. By 1992, they had expanded their tackle offerings and Hammond’s became known as the place for avid anglers. They built a store dedicated just to all things fishing.
In 1999, they sold the original 1986 store as a convenience store; it’s still a convenience store today.
Candy and Thomas built the current store, a big red barn that’s hard to miss.
Since 2010 it’s been known as Hammond’s Fishing Center. The 7,000-square-foot building is fully decked out with walls of fishing gear and tackle. Their range of bait – from herring, trout and minnows to crickets and worms –was among the best in North Georgia. They finished the upper level as a hair salon for their daughter Kelli.
BY
“This was Thomas’ dream to have a bait and tackle store, and he enjoyed the business so much,” she said.
Thomas Hammond passed away on August 26, 2013, following a short battle with cancer. The family requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Thomas Hammond High School Fishing Fund, which supports high school fishing.
Since the early 1900s people had been calling the intersection where the store was located “Hammond’s Crossing,” but it wasn’t officially recognized by the Georgia Department of Transportation until 2016.
tackle, boating supplies, live bait and fishing and outdoor equipment.
“These days, we carry a $1.5 million inventory, and every employee is extremely knowledgeable and obsessed with fishing,” she said proudly. “But our store is about more than inventory; it’s the knowledge that our employees have and the longevity and reputation of Hammond’s.
These days, Candy, her son Jason and Candy’s son-in-law Tim Hawkins run the business.
“Unfortunately, a fire in 1968 took the store to the ground, and for a time – nearly 20 years – the land stood vacant,” said Candy Hammond, whose late husband Thomas was Artie and Tom’s son. At some point the family sold or leased some of its land, but they always held on to much of it. By 1986, Thomas and Candy decided to build the next Hammond’s Crossing, a grocery/convenience store
The intersection was formally named “Hammond’s Crossing,” complete with a ceremony and new road signs.
“We really appreciate Sen. Steve Gooch and Commissioner Cindy Mills for their work on seeing this through.”
Today, Hammond’s Fishing Center has become a destination business with the latest in
“Granddaughter Madison (Hawkins) has taken to fishing,” she said. “Her dad Tim is the captain for Madison’s and her high school fishing partner Hayden’s team, and she’s really loving to fish. Her grandfather would be so proud of her.”
Candy Hammond could retire anytime she wants, particularly with the next generation stepping in to continue the Hammond tradition. But she won’t hear of it.
“Other than on Thanksgiving and Christmas, the store hasn’t been closed since we opened it in 1986, except in mid-January of this year when a bridge was so frozen that no one was going anywhere.”
But the next day the store was open. “That’s just what we do. We are truly blessed. But, you know, when I look back, I was the happiest when Thomas and I lived in that little single-wide trailer.”
Hammond’s Fishing Center is located at 4235 Browns Bridge Road, Cumming. The phone is 770 888-6898; the website is hammondsfishing.com.
PHOTO
ALAN HOPE
PHOTO BY VICKI HOPE
For those needing a fishing rod Hammond's might just be the place to begin the search.
PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE
Candy Hammond is flanked by son Jason and son-in-law Tim Hawkins.
The most recent Hammond's Fishing Center was built in 2010.
PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE
Tim Hawkins displays one of the hundreds of shad in one of the 13 thousand gallon bait tanks at Hammond's.
Weather stats for one of my favorite months
For me, it’s a toss-up. October and May are my two favorite months of the year. I think May has a slight edge since we know we are headed into our warmer months, rather than the other way around. The May outlook from the Climate Prediction Center is calling for ABOVE AVERAGE temperatures. However, regarding rainfall, we seem to be right on the cusp of above average to not enough data to make an accurate prediction. It is my humble opinion that we will see above average rainfall. I’ll get to why shortly. In meantime, let’s take a look at what the numbers are for May.
the Gulf of America. You can see the warm loop current and the colder water near the shoreline. The gulf is expected to get extremely warm this summer, just like last summer. That extremely warm water will bring a ton of warm, tropical air, right over Georgia, wrapping across the western flank of the Bermuda High Pressure off the southeast coast. With that in mind, the 2025 hurricane season is expected to be extremely active, in part, due to this warm water.
Glenn Burns Lanier Outlook
On May 1, the average high temperature is 77 degrees. By the 15th of the month, our average high is 80 degrees. By the end of the month, average high is 83. Rainfall average for the month of May is 3.6”. May is the second driest month of the year. For comparision, October’s average rainfall is 3.11”.
Beside this article is the current map showing the water temperatures in
The seasonal hurricane forecast team, led by Phil Klotzbach at Colorado State, says the Accumulated Cyclone Energy is predicted to be 125% above the average, similar to last season. The team is forecasting and ACE of 155. The average is 123.
The forecast is for 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, as the season unfolds on June 1.
The official list of Atlantic hurricane names for the 2025 season includes An-
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
So what are the main causes of injuries from riding a PWC?
As the weather warms up, many of us are eager to hit the water, especially those of us who own personal watercraft (PWC).
I’m no different – my Waverunner has been patiently waiting in the garage, ready to be hooked up to the truck and taken to the lake. As we look forward to afternoons of buzzing across the water, let’s take a few minutes to think about how to avoid becoming a statistic. Here are some of the most common causes of PWC accidents and how you can avoid them.
Operator inexperience
Let me be honest: If someone asks to borrow my PWC, the answer is going to be “no.” It’s not because I don’t like you or think you’re a bad person, but because my machine is fast. Very fast. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of speed and end up pushing beyond your riding capabilities. This can quickly lead to an accident, resulting in injury or worse.
Inexperienced riders often aren’t familiar with the handling characteristics of a typical PWC.
Frank Taylor
The Careful Captain
For example, many don’t realize that with most PWCs, there’s no steering unless you’re applying throttle, and there are no brakes. If you’re new to PWCs or are thinking about purchasing one, start slow to get to know your machine in a safe, controlled way.
Excessive speed
Excessive speed is a leading cause of accidents, whether on the road or on the water. Sometimes, riders choose speeds that are beyond their skill level or that their watercraft can’t handle in the current water conditions. Remember, a PWC rider doesn’t have much protection, and it’s easy to be thrown off. The risk of injury – or worse – rises significantly at high
speeds. Always ride at a speed that matches your skill level and the water conditions.
Alcohol/drug use
This one should be obvious: never operate a PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The same rules that apply to operating any vehicle apply here as well. Just don’t do it.
Lack of safety equipment
PWC safety equipment is similar to what you’d need for boating. Riders must wear a life jacket, and you’re also required to carry a fire extinguisher and a distress signal.
It’s important to note that the type of life jacket required for PWC riding should be more restrictive than what’s typically required for boating. Cheaper life jackets can rip or come off when you fall off a moving PWC. For maximum safety, a Type 3 life jacket is recommended. Never wear a type 2 life jacket when riding a PWC. They do not offer adequate protection. For high powered PWC’s a neoprene life
jacket is preferred.
Depending on your adventure, additional safety gear may be necessary. It’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Reckless operation
PWCs are fun – that’s why we buy them. But that fun can turn dangerous if we forget to operate them safely. Reckless behaviors, like jumping waves, riding too fast for the conditions, or getting too close to other vessels, can lead to serious accidents.
Also, some PWC riders get a bad reputation because of the few who ride recklessly. You can still have fun while being responsible. Take a moment to think about where you are and what you’re doing. If you want to test out the handling of your machine, head to a part of the lake with minimal traffic. It’s simple and can help you stay safe.
Bad weather
We can’t control the weather, but we can certainly pay attention to it. Always check the forecast
before heading out, and keep an eye on the skies while riding. Even if you do everything right, there’s still a chance you’ll get caught in a storm. I’ve been in my share of unexpected storms while on my PWC. The key is to stay calm and make good decisions. If you can, find shelter on shore to ride out the storm. Taking a short break is a minor inconvenience compared to what could happen if you don’t. If shelter isn’t available, make your way at a safe speed that allows you to maintain control of your PWC.
Conclusion
Some PWC riders think that safety takes the fun out of the experience. But imagine how little fun you’ll have if you or someone you know gets injured. You can have both safety and fun at the same time. It just takes a little planning and awareness.
Frank is past commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and is currently a content creator at the YouTube channel “The Ships Logg.”
The Best Location on Lake Lanier
*Restrictions apply
Lazy Days is the legendary, full-service marina located just a short drive north of Atlanta on I-985, off the Lake Lanier Islands Parkway exit. Lazy Days can dry stack boats up to 36 feet and offers wet slips up to 125 feet. Lazy Days has an on-site service department by Singleton Marine. With more than 690 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and unique recreational activities.
GAINESVILLE/HALL COUNTY
Boot Barn Hall – 213 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville – 678-434-0475
o May 1 – Marty Haggard
o May 2 – The Johnny Cash Experience
o May 3 – Ramble Tamble
o May 8 – The Eagles and Friends Tribute –
o May 9, 10 – Corey Smith: Suburban Drawl Tour (rescheduled from Jan 4)
o May 11
– Chris Knight
o May 14
– Thunderstruck, America’s AC/DC Tribute
o May 15 - Randall King
o May 16
– No Diggity Band, 90s & 2000s Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop
o May 17 – Chris Cagle
o May 22 – Neil Diamond Experience
o May 23 – LA ONDA: The Ultimate Regional Mexican Party
o May 24 – Savannah Dexter & Brabo Gator
o May 30 – Departure: Journey Tribute Band
o May 31 – Fly Betty Band
Don Carter State Park - 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd., Gainesville - 678-450-7726
o May 2 – Nocturnal Night Hike – 7-8 pm, meet at Huckleberry Trail, no flashlights necessary, $3, plus $5 parking.
o May 10 – Birding Walk with Bill Elliott – 89:30 am – walk around the beach, meet at picnic shelter #3, call to register, $2, plus $5 parking.
o May 12 – Pages in the Park – 1:30-2:30 pm, story time at Picnic Shelter #1, $5 parking.
o May 17 – Become a Campfire Chef: Nachos! – 6-7 pm, call to register, $5, plus $5 park.
o May 25 – Bats & Bees Pollinator Bingo – 12 pm, picnic shelter #2, all ages, $5 parking.
o May 26 – Memorial Day Sand Castle Competition – 11 am-12:30 pm, $5 parking.
Lakeside Calendar May 2025
o May 31 – Yoga on the Shore – 8-9 am – bring a mat, all levels, call to register, $5
Elachee Nature Science Center - 2125 Elachee Dr. Gainesville - 770-535-1976
o May 1, 15 – Spring weekly walks – 1 pm, meet at Visitors Center, free.
o May 3 – Outdoor Soundbath Experience with SNDBATH – 11 am-noon, members: $25; educators: $30; public: $35. Bring yoga mat, blanket, pillow, water bottle, call to register.
o May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Discovery Saturdays
- Wild animal showcase, exhibits, crafts and hike, 10 am-3 pm, $10 ages 3 and older, $5 park.
o May 6 – (First Tues each month) – Pages & Pines Silent Book Club - 12-:30-2:30 p.m.
Historic Downtown Gainesville
o May 2 – First Friday Concert – 7-10 pm, downtown square
o May 3 – Adult Field Day – Roosevelt Square 2-5 pm, sponsored by Downtown Drafts
o May 7, 14, 21, 28 – Blue Sky Concert –11:30-1:30 pm – lunch and music on the square
o May 8 – Public Art: block pARTy FUNdraiser – 6-10 pm, City Hall
Gainesville Garden of the ABG -1911 Sweetbay Dr, Gainesville - 404-888-4760
o May 3 – Edible Gardening for students – 10 am-noon
o May 7, 14, 21, 28 – Storybook & Sensory Bin Time – 10 am-noon
o May 9 – Fairytale Friday – 11 am.
o May 11 – Mother’s Day in the Gainesville Garden – 11 am-3 pm
o May 17 – Summer Greenhouse Tour, 10 amnoon
o May 17 – Girl Scout Badge Day, 10 am-2 pm
o May 19 – Strings in the Garden: for supporting members and above – 6-9 pm
Georgia Art League - (at Quinlan Visual Arts Center- Gainesville) - 470-272-3010
Contact: melanievaughan133@gmail.com.
o Through Sept 17 - Ferguson Family Exhibit: Clay and Kin – Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, 283 GA 255, Sautee Nacoochee, 706-878-3300.
Hall County Library - 770-532-3311, X4011, hallcountylibrary.org
Blackshear Place – 770-532-3311, ext. 151
o May 2 – Gentle Yoga – 11:30-12:30
o May 19 – Lego Play – 3:30-4:30 pm -o May
28 – Play Time – 10:15-11 am
Gainesville Branch – 770-532-3311, ext. 3000
o May 3 – Greeting Card workshop – 10 am-1 pm, adults
o May 10 – Georgia Cross Stitchers – 10 am4:30 pm, family, all ages
o May 12 – Teen Writers Workshop – 6-7 pm, ages 14-18.
Murrayville Branch – 770-532-3311, ext. 171
o May 1 – Music Concert – 1-2 pm, adults
o May 5 – Mother’s Day Paper Flower Bouquets – 5-6 pm, elementary age
o May 12 – Teen Duct Tape Art – 5-6 pm, Middle/High School
North Hall Tech Center - 770-532-3311, ext. 181
o May 1, 2 – Wildflower Seed bombs
o May 17 – Sew Cool! – 2:30-4:30 pm
o May 19 – Baby Play Date – 11-11:30 am
Spout Springs Br. – 770-532-3311, ext 191
o May 1 – Historically Speaking Book Club –2:30-3:30, adults
o May 15 – Teeny Tiny Art Show: Canvas Deadline 7 pm, baby/preschool
o May 27 – Plant Swap – 3-4 pm – drop in and share a plant or two, adults
Lake Lanier Olympic Park – 3105 Clarks
Bridge Rd., Gainesville - 855-536-1996
o May 10, 11 – USRowing and Lake Lanier Rowing Club host the 2025 USRowing Southeast Youth Championships
o May 16, Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 15 – Food Truck Friday – 5-9 pm
o May 17 – Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club host the Gainesville/Hall Dragon Boat Challenge –Linwood Ecology Center/Nature Preserve118 Springview Dr, Gainesville MasterGardener@hallcounty.org
o First Wednesdays Jan-May and Sept-Nov –Turning Leaf Book Club - Monthly discussions of nature-themed books, 11 a.m. Northeast Georgia History Center - 322 Academy St NE, Gainesville – 770-297-5900
o May 13 – The Big Cat: the Life & Career of Johnny Mize, guest speaker Jerry Grillo - 7 pm.
Quinlan Arts Center - 514 Green St NE, Gainesville - 770-536-2575
o May 3, Jun 28 – Leather Working Workshop
o May 13 – Ekphrasis for the Masses
o May 17 – Travel Watercolor Sketchbook: The Arts Council - 331 Spring Street, SW, Gainesville – 770-534-2787, Email: Kaytiea@theartscouncil.net
o May 17 - Venue Jazz Orchestra, 8 pm
o May 23 - Ultimate Music Wave Festival6:30-10:30 pm
Voices of North Georgia - First Baptist Church Gainesville, 751 Green St NW
o May 2, 3 – Choral Pops Showcase - St. Paul United Methodist Church, Gainesville, 7:30 pm
– compiled by Vicki Hope For more calendar items, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.
Brand new covered slips from 24’ to 106’
Dry Stack up to 36’ with 200+ new courtesy slips
Minimum 8’ wide easy-access walkways and ramps
PWC Ports, private patios, and boat hoists available
Abundance of convenient, well-lit parking
Lake Lanier’s largest in-house Boat Service & Repairs
24/7 gated security with guardhouse
Lake Lanier’s largest floating Gas Island with 26 pumps
Heated & A/C bath-house with laundry & fitness center
Two Ship Stores with everything from beer & ice to cleaning supplies
Fresh water, GFCI power & wifi available at all docks
o Nocturnal Hike, Gainesville. Test all five senses exploring the world of nocturnal animals, 7-8 p.m. May 2, Huckleberry Trail, Don Carter State Park, 5000 North Browning Bridge Rd. No flashlights necessary. $3, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Edible Gardening for Students, Gainesville. Gardeners ages 6-16 explore how food grows, 10 a.m.-noon May 3, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $25-$30. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.
o Fins Up Water Park Opens, Buford. Season opener for water park with slides, tubes, splashes, wave pools, waterslide coaster & more, 11a.m.-6 p.m. May 3, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.
o Pollinators of Georgia Campfire Program, Gainesville. Program for overnight guests to listen to Native American bee lore, play educational games, learn how bees communicate & more, 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 3 & 24, RV pavilion, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Outdoor Sound Bath Experience, Gainesville. Meditate to sounds of crystal quartz bowls, native drum, wind gong and chimes, 11 a.m.-noon May 3, Elachee Nature Science Center patio, 2125 Elachee Dr. $25 members, $30 educators, $35 general public. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o Grand Gallop Kentucky Derby Watch Party, Cumming. Picnic packages, baked goods, Derby hats, mint Julips, hat contests & more, 3-7 p.m. May 3, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Snake Saturday, Tallulah Falls. Live encounters in educational program about native snakes, 10-11 a.m. May 3, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
o Public Art Block Party, Gainesville. Fundraising party for public art with mural painting, food trucks, music, local art, drinks, 6-9 p.m. May 8, Historic City Hall/Roosevelt Square, 117 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. $60 individuals. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Tour & Tea at Tallulah, Tallulah Falls. Stroll on North Rim, hear stories about Tallulah Falls from Victorian days, sip tea on back patio of Interpretive Center, 5:30-7 p.m. May 9, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $15, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706754-7981.
o Birding Walk, Gainesville. Morning walk around the beach with retired forestry technician Bill Elliott, 8-9:30 a.m. May 10, Picnic Shelter 3, Don Carter State Park, 5000 North Browning Bridge Rd. $2, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Blooming Ridge Hike, Helen. Guided hike on Laurel Ridge Trail to identify spring blooms, 10-11:30 a.m. May 10, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.
o Mother’s Day at the Garden, Gainesville. Live music, cocktails, plus picnic lunch for two available, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 11, Gainesville Garden of Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $45 boxed lunch for two; preorder by May 2. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.
Outdoor Calendar May 2025
o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile-and- a-half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 8:15-9:45 p.m. May 11, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, plus $5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706754-7981.
o Pages in the Park, Gainesville. Storytime w/Hall County librarians, game time with park ranger, 1:30-2:30 p.m. May 12, Picnic Shelter 1, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Thrive Together Community Health Fair, Cumming. Local health professionals and vendors discuss various health topics, noon-4 p.m. May 15, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Summer Greenhouse Tour, Gainesville. Behind the scenes tour of 3-acre greenhouse, nursery, 10-12, May 17, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $20-$25. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.
o Girl Scout Badge Day, Gainesville. Garden activities to help reach badge requirements, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 17, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $29-$34. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.
o Bear Days, Dawsonville. Chat with bear enthusiast from Appalachian Friends of Bears, learn about bears’ environmental roles and how to help, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 17, Visitors Center, Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Parks Rd. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o Paws for a Pawpose 5K/Fun Run/Doggie Run, Cumming. 5K & Doggie Run 7 p.m., Fun Run for kids only 8 p.m. May 17, North Forsyth High School, 3635 Coal Mountain Dr. $10-$35. www.runnersfit.com.
o Run the Rails 5K/10K, Buford. 7:30/7:45 a.m. May 17, Downtown Buford Amphitheater, 395 E. Main St. $35. www.runnersfit.com.
o Flowery Branch Spring Run/Walk 5K. 9 a.m. May 17, Train Depot, 5302 Railroad Ave. $30-$35. www.runnersfit.com.
o Spring Fishing Rodeo, Elberton. Fishing competition, registration 8:30 a.m., competition 9 a.m., winners announced 11 a.m. May 17, Richard B. Russell State Park, 2650 Russell State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-213-2045.
o Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival. Wine & beer tastings, arts & crafts, live jazz performances, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 18, Downtown Dahlonega. www.chestateeartists.com.
o Led Zeppelin Tribute Concert, Buford. Zeppelin cover band Zoso, gates open 6 p.m. May 17, Concert Lawn, Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Hwy. www.bufordcommunitycenter.com.
o Movies Al Fresco, Cumming. Bring chairs, blankets for outdoor movie, Monsters University; refreshments available, 8 p.m. May 23, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o The Hero Hill Climb Walk/Bike, Dahlonega. Bike or walk up gravel hill to honor fallen service member and ring freedom bell, 8 a.m. May 24, Camp Merrill, 1 Merrill Dr. $$25. www.runnersfit.com,
o Movie Under the Stars, Braselton. Familyfriendly movie, concessions available, 7-11 p,m. May 24, Town Green, 9924 Davis St. www.explorebraselton.com.
o Bees & Pollinator Bingo, Gainesville. Play pollinator-themed bingo, 1-2 p.m. May 25, picnic shelter 2, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Memorial Day Sand Castle Competition, Gainesville. Teams of 6 or less have 45 minutes to build sand castles judged for creativity, neatness, details, stability & height; prizes for 1-3 place, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 26, Don Carter State Park beach, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-4507726.
o Day in the Life of a Miner, Dahlonega. Peek back at life of goldminer, demonstrations of panning for gold, blacksmithing, butter churning, folk toys & more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 31, Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, 1 Public Square. www.gastateparks.org, 706-864-2257. On-Going
o First Friday Concerts, Gainesville. Live music, kids’ zone, food trucks, vendors, first Fridays through September, pre-show 4-6 p.m., 7 p.m. main stage bands, Downtown Gainesville Square. Rock Station May 2; Geoff Saunders Trio & GoMachine Collab June 6, Fly Betty Band July 4 with fireworks on Midland Greenway; Mary Kate Farmer Aug. 1; Gregg Erwin Band Sept. 5. www.exploregainesville.org.
o First Friday Concerts, Dahlonega. Live music 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays through October, Hancock Park, North Meaders/Warwick Street. www.dahlonegadda.org.
o Appalachian Jam, Dahlonega. Appalachian music pickers and singers perform around Dahlonega Gold Mine Historic Site, 2-4 p.m. Saturdays through October. www.dahlonegadda.org.
o Blue Sky Concerts, Gainesville. Live music on Downtown Square, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in May; Rodney Appleby May 7, Chad Bowmar May 14, Caleb Davidson May 21, Eduardo Cautino May 28. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Storybook & Sensory Bin Time, Gainesville. Nature-inspired stories on the terrace for ages 1-5, 10-10:15 a.m. Wednesdays through August; sensory bin available 9:30 a.m.-noon, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.
o Fairytale Friday, Gainesville. Children dressed as favorite fairytale character enjoy parade with music, 11 a.m. second Friday through July, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.
o Adult Learn to Row, Gainesville. Learn terminology, safety and techniques for sweep and combination rowing, class sessions May 6-31, June 3-28, Aug. 5-30, & Sept. 2-27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues. & Thurs; 8-10 a.m. Sat., The Boathouse, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3100 Clarks Bridge Rd. Register in advance. https://lakelanierrowing.sportngin.com/.
o Monthly Farmer’s Market, Braselton. Buy fresh produce, eggs, meats, baked goods & more, Fridays 4-7 p.m. through September; no market July 4, Braselton Town Green, 9924 Davis St. www.explorebraselton.com.
o Food Truck Fridays, Gainesville. Live music, food trucks, beer & wine, retail vendors, 5-9 p.m. May 16, June 20, July 18, & Aug. 15, Lake Lanier Olympic Park Plaza, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. On site parking limited, off-site shuttle available. Courtesy dock available with limited slips. Free admission. Reserve tables available. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Spring Weekly Walks, Gainesville. Naturalist-led hikes exploring Chicopee Woods, 1 p.m. May 1 & 15, Elachee Nature Science Center. 2125 Elachee Dr. Free. www.elachee.org.
o Tin Cup Cruise In, Cumming. Classic cars & family fun, first Thursdays through October, Cumming City Center, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Zumba Dance Party, Cumming. Latin-inspired dance fitness, 7-8 p.m. May 13 & 27, June 10 & 24, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Yoga on the Lawn, Cumming. 6-7 p.m. first Sundays through Oct. 5, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Jazzercise, Cumming. 8:30 a.m. Fridays, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Sunday Shred, Cumming. Weekly, free exercise workout, 10 a.m. Sundays through Oct. 26, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Saturday Walking Club, Cumming. 8 a.m. Saturdays, Big Peach Running Co., Vision Drive (in front of fountain), Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.bigpeachrunningco.com.
– compiled by Jane Harrison For more calendar items, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.
Aptly named Lake Fun rentals opens this month at LLOP
By Jane Harrison
Feeling landlocked with no boat and no dock to get out on the lake that beckons steps from your door? Need a new activity to liven up the season and get the heart rate up? Or, seeking a unique outdoors experience with a special somebody or business partners?
Lake Fun watercraft rentals at Lake Lanier Olympic Park can put you on world class water where Olympians paddle and nature lovers bask.
The paddle-craft and electric boat rental business will open for its second season this month with six kinds of vessels to choose from: single kayak, double kayak, Hobie kayak, Epic surf ski, standup paddleboard, and motorized electric disk. Lake Fun owner Zsolt Szadovszki, former Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club coach, and assistant Walker Peck, an aspiring international paddler can explain the how-tos of each and launch getaways on a quiet cove of Lanier behind The Boathouse.
The pair explained the appeal of each last month as they prepared for opening day. “The dou-
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veils, white gloves, long dresses, stocking seams perfectly straight, right down to their highly polished lace up “sensible shoes” with wide low heels. They were standing around on the sidewalk, glaring at the goose who was returning their glares just as intently.
I reluctantly took off my jacket and went into the yard to do battle with the goose, but he was not in the mood. He led me on a merry chase all around the yard until I finally cornered him under the front porch. By this time some of the neighbors had gathered around to enjoy the fun.
I crawled out from under the porch with him wrapped in my freshly laundered jacket and tossed him back into my Volkswagen. Recognizing where he was, he decorated it again! I took him back to Fireman’s Pond and happily turned him loose. He immediately went back to his buddies to brag about his great
aerobic workout. Inflatable SUPs, once unusual sightings on Lanier, remain popular for skilled paddlers and newbies wanting to try the popular watersport. The non-motorized boats can be rented an hour or two, eight hours or even longer through Lake Fun’s flexible rental arrangements.
ble is pretty popular,” Szadovszki said, especially for couples seeking an outdoor date or folks just wanting to partner-up to paddle.
Last year several anglers rented Hobies for fishing, rigging them up with rod holders and fish finders.
The sleek, low-profile surf skis often draw more experienced paddlers perhaps targeting a swifter
And, then there’s the electric disk – a six-foot floating circle with a comfy seat, steering console, and small motor capable of propelling the lightweight craft about five miles per hour. “It’s so easy,” Szadovszki said. He and Peck have helped parents situate themselves and a small child on the disk for fun one-to-two-hour excursions.
adventure while I went home to clean out my car for the second day in a row.
Next morning I went out to a local farm and bought a twomonth-old gosling which immediately bonded with Willie Mae and guarded her yard for the next 15 years.
Note: This is what reminded me of this story: The goose family set up housekeeping at the head of my dock ramp. Somehow, they must have sensed that I was not a threat and just looked at me as I went back and forth, but Father Goose attacked my neighbor when he tried to get to his boat, and he hasn’t gone boating since.
Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for over 30 years. His family owns a marina/ bar/restaurant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”
“We show them how to work it and help them onto disks or kayaks,” Peck said, adding that “it’s really safe here” in the coves and wake-restricted waters at LLOP. He’s out patrolling in a motorboat when families or corporate groups rent from Lake Fun.
Some returning customers who originally rented kayaks come back to try the surf ski, the “new wave for recreational kayaking,” Peck said. “It’s faster, easier and stable.”
Szadovszki started the business last June, working out a partnership with LCKC to use a portion of their leased space at the cityowned park. That space, a metal building with its own dock to the left of The Boathouse and the main docks, once housed rowing equipment and now is partially stocked with the rental boats and LCKC boats that Szadovszki refurbishes. In addition, he works for Epic Kayaks, which stores kayaks in his “shop” and donates boats to LCKC.
LCKC president Kim Martin described Szadovszki as pretty much “the guy. He has been an Olympic level coach … He is our boat repair specialist. He coaches
when we need his help and expertise. He is also the owner of Lake Fun and he partners with us by helping us promote our programs and making financial contributions to the club in our partnership,” she said by email.
The Hungarian native has built his life around paddling, first as a competitor on the Hungarian National Team, then on the California coast where he rode the waves in ocean kayaks and surf skis, attaining a reputation as an elite marathon paddler. He packed up and moved to Hawaii and trained individuals before coaching the Hawaiian team. LCKC tapped him as head coach in 2019. He also coached the American Canoe Association sprint team, including 2020 and 2024 Olympic gold and silver medalist Nevin Harrison who trained at LLOP. He no longer coaches full time but mentors athletes such as Peck, who is making his mark in international waters in the under age 23 category.
“It has always been my dream to work with an organic, locally grown club,” Szadovszki said. He added that the warmth of the community is similar to what he felt in Hawaii. “The bottom line is, this shop (and Lake Fun) makes me feel great, to put all kinds of people on the water and see people smiling makes me feel
great.” He recalled a regular customer last year with a mobility impairment on land, but she discovered new freedom in a kayak. He mentioned other “weekend warriors” who got their workouts or found serenity in a sleek surf ski or SUP.
Szadovszki said he hopes this season’s rentals will surpass last year’s slow start. “We learned, we did good, but we need to get into the public eye,” he said. “We need to put it out there,” even if it means standing in hotel lobbies with fliers and posting signs at apartments springing up around Gainesville, places where folks may feel the pull of the lake but have no means to get out on it. He also plans to make appearances at Food Truck Fridays and spread Lake Fun news to wedding parties, corporate retreats, and family gatherings renting space at The Boathouse.
Gainesville Tourism Director Robyn Lynch recently touted the lake’s value to city tourism and the role Lake Fun can play in tourists’ visits. “Lake Lanier is a destination for over 12 million visitors a year, and having access to the lake in Gainesville through water sports rentals can enhance the visitor experience,” she said.
See www.lake-fun.com for hours, rates and reservations. Walk-ups also welcome.
Zsolt Szadovszki ( left) and Walker Peck post with a single kayak, surf ski, and electric disk, three of the watercrafts available for rental at Lake Fun at Lake Lanier Olympic Park.
A group of Lake Fun customers board watercrafts last summer.
PHOTO COURTESY LAKE FUN
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
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Springtime at Lake Lanier brings rebirth and farewells
Spring has finally come to Lake Lanier and the shorelines are ablaze with colors from the dogwoods, mountain laurel, rhododendron, wild azaleas and the constant movement of animals and birds. Sediments deposited from recent rains mix with the constantly falling pollen to give the lake water a greener color. Surface temperatures are rising above 60 degrees for the first time, and the spotted bass population has turned its interest to food and making love!
The only sad part of the spring season is that the beautiful loons that have been here throughout the winter months will soon disappear until next fall. With the possible exception of bird watchers, it wasn’t until the movie, “On Golden Pond,” that most people ever noticed loons, and up until a few years ago, none were seen in our area. For some unknown reason, however, these mysterious visitors from the North start showing up around mid November and remain until early May.
For those unfamiliar with this magnificent waterfowl, some facts are in order. The common loon can fly nearly 60 miles per hour, swim faster than most fish, can remain under water easily for five to 10 minutes and their haunting song penetrates the morning fog on Lake Lanier like the beam of a powerful searchlight!
As always, it will be a sad morning when I go out on Lake Lanier one day soon and don’t hear that high-pitched, lonely song that has warmed my heart throughout this past winter and
Bill Vanderford Travel Editor
n MORE INFO: JFish51@aol.com www.georgiafishing.com
early spring. Nevertheless, I know that summer’s madness of boats and mass humanity will pass, and that when the lake again welcomes the cool breezes of late fall, the loons and sanity will again return to Lanier.
This sad change, however, opens the door to another awakening of mother nature’s magnificent magic wand! We are beginning to see numerous pairs of nesting ospreys and great blue herons with their young.
In the early mornings of most days, I become almost mesmerized by the graceful flying of large birds in the air currents above my boat. With almost no apparent effort, these beautiful creatures of nature sail and turn on invisible wind currents. Though you will see an occasional bald eagle or a redtail hawk, most of these great birds are ospreys.
Within seconds, their poetic motions can change dramatically with a downward burst of their powerful wings that become tucked … the osprey becomes a streamlined projectile hurtling to-
ward the calm surface of the water. No more than a couple of yards from impact, the magnificent wings are partially deployed to slow the crash into the water, and the legs are extended with the deadly talons spread. In less than a blink of the eye, this crafty bird of prey is in and out of the water and climbing back skyward with a fish making its last movements in the clutches of the razor-sharp talons. This life and death struggle to feed their family is a daily routine because fish comprise 100 percent of the osprey’s diet.
Great blue herons can also be seen nesting with their young in many of the high trees along Lanier’s shorelines. These great birds are also fun to watch as they catch fish while waiting near the red clay banks all over the lake. Unlike the osprey, their flight is slow and graceful.
Spring always offers spectacular scenery at the lake, but the surprising wildlife and bird encounters combined with great fishing gives so much more! An abundance of picturesque flora and active fauna are a major part of the continuously changing kaleidoscope of natural splendor at Lake Lanier!
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide.
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
Great Blue Heron in flight, above. and in the mist, right, at Lanier.
Two Loons at Lake Lanier before they disappear until fall.
At Lake Lanier (clockwise from top): Blue Heron on a nest; mom and pop Osprey on a Nest; an Osprey in flight.
A heron with its catch.
Geese in a line, above, and a young Redtail Hawk at Lanier, below.
Preparing to sell a house doesn’t have to be that hard
One of the most frustrating aspects of selling a house is the stress and pressure of preparing the home for pictures, listing and showings. This includes not only staging but also purging, repairing, landscaping and depersonalizing your home. No doubt about it, this process is exhausting and universally overwhelming. Here are a few suggestions to make that process a bit more manageable.
1. Start early. Don’t wait until you are about to list the house to do these projects. It’s the urgency that raises your blood pressure, so plan ahead.
2. Adjust your mindset. Unless you are a very rare exception, you probably have too much stuff. Most people use about 25% of the items in their homes. That includes clothes, shoes, kitchen items, books, art, magazines, keepsakes, and anything else that fills up your space.
Long before you list the house, you need to start purging the things you don’t need or use. Donate them to charity, give meaningful items to relatives, make your grown kids come pick up their old junk, then mindfully consider whether each
piece has any usefulness in your life. For example, did you save all your baby’s toys and he’s now in college? Pull out his favorite toy, then give the rest to someone who would enjoy them. Did you save your jeans from 2000 in the hopes you could wear them again? Seriously? They’re not in style and you’re never going to wear them. Let them go. Once you start purging, you’ll find that it is extremely cathartic. Keep the mindset that you are starting a new adventure, and this is the first step. Everything you purge frees up more room in the home, makes the house look bigger, saves you from having to pack it later and ultimately makes you more money.
3. If it’s broken, damaged or inoperable, fix it or throw it away. All real estate agents will tell you that little flaws signify to the buyer that the home has not been well-caredfor. Even little things like nicks in paint, broken light switch plates, cracks in sheetrock, old water stains from long-forgotten leaks, burnt-out light bulbs – these are minor problems that are easy and inexpensive to fix. But to a buyer, they send the wrong message. Sheetrock often
Basics of Safe Boating
cracks when a house settles, but to a buyer (and too often an inspector), it implies there is a foundation problem. Old water stains scream “this house leaks” even if the problem was resolved long ago. Perception is reality to a buyer, and some inspectors use wording in their reports that scares the buyer to death. Pay attention to the little flaws because they add up.
4. Make it look clean and new. It’s always a shock to show a house and find that it is filthy. Pay attention to fingerprints on doors and light switches. Wipe down your baseboards. An often-overlooked sign of old age is the home’s vents. They get dusty and dirty. For the price of a spray can of paint, you can disconnect the vent covers, clean them, coat with spray paint then reconnect them making it look like new construction. Don’t forget to check your front door. You probably come in the garage and haven’t looked at it in ages. The buyers will get their first impression standing on your front porch. Make it sparkle. And don’t ignore pet smells. You probably don’t register those smells, but a buyer will. Most of the time, getting the carpets cleaned
will make a huge difference, and Febreze is your friend.
5. Landscaping matters. We often hear that the deer eat all of the flowers in people’s yards. Let’s all agree that lake deer are well-fed. Check with your nursery to see what plants are deer-resistant; then choose plants with as much color as possible. Purple flowers do not show up well in pictures, but yellow ones do. Marigolds are not the prettiest flowers, but they keep bugs away and show up on camera. Lemongrass is also bug resistant and makes a nice backdrop for other plants. By all means, refresh your ground cover and kill weeds. Also, old overgrown bushes, especially boxwoods and similar shrubs, can date a house. Trim them down or better yet, replace them with something smaller. Today’s landscaping trends are fairly simple. It’s better to have a variety of colors and textures than huge, mature plants that actually cover the features of the home. You can find hearty, leafy plants in gold and burgundy that complement the look of your green plants, and you may not even need flowers (a.k.a. deer food). And last but not least, go ahead
Lakeside’s Safety Guide
• Course: Meets Georgia DNR and NASBLA requirements for boater and PWC certification; covers boat handling, safety equipment/procedures, rules of the road, boat types/terminology.
• Instructors: America’s Boating Club – Atlanta (formerly Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron)
• When: In Person: Saturday, 8:30 am – 5 pm: May 10, July 12
Online Instructor Led: Wed, June 4, 7 – 9 pm; Wed, June 11, 7 – 9 pm; Sat, June 14, 8:30 am –12:30 pm: Wed, Jul 30, 7 – 9 pm; Wed, Aug 6, 7 – 9 pm; Sat, Aug 9, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Cost: $25 per student
• Information/registration: americasboatingclubatlanta.org/ or Email - ABC@americasboatingclubatlanta.org
Boating Safely & Personal Watercraft Certification - USCGA
• Course: NASBLA certified entry level classroom-only course with test for boater education and PWC certification. Covers basic boating terminology, “rules of the road,” navigation, operation, legal requirements, emergencies, water etiquette and more.
• Instructors: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers
• Minimum age: 12
• When: 9 am - 5 pm: May 17, June 21, July 19, August 23
• Information/registration: Joseph Edwards; jedwardsmaine0387@gmail.com; 404-775-2608 http://wow.uscgaux.info/peclass.php?unit=070-02-09
Other Boater Education Opportunities (Certification exam not included)
• Advanced Boating Classes in piloting, marine communications, and other boating skills offered periodically by the America’s Boating Club – Atlanta. americasboatingclubatlanta.org.
and pack up your personal items including family pictures, memorabilia, trophies, awards, etc. You are going to have to pack them anyway, so get a head start. You want your buyers to focus on your gorgeous lake views, not your gorgeous grandkids.
It’s all about starting early and doing these projects over several months. The goal is to make the home look bigger, lighter and loved. And don’t forget your dock. It is adding a lot of value to your sale, so make it look as neat and cared-for as possible. Roll up ropes, replace rotting boards, and pressure wash it if needed. You want buyers to imagine themselves having fun on that dock.
These steps will help your house sell quicker and for more money. It’s worth the effort.
Bev Knight is a Lake Lanier real estate specialist with Keller Williams Lanier Partners. You can find more Lake Lanier articles and videos on her web site, www.HousesOnLanier.net. Knight
Vessel Safety Checks
• America’s Boating Club – Atlanta offers vessel safety check-ups by appointment; americasboatingclubatlanta.org/vessel-safety-check.
• Vessel Safety Checks by appointment: Both U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club – Atlanta offer vessel safety check-ups at your boat by appointment. www.safetyseal.net.
Sailing Classes
• Windsong Sailing Academy: Basic and advanced sailing training and certifications including engine maintenance, marine electrical systems, coastal and celestial navigation, marine meteorology and emergency planning. Public and private week evening and weekend classes available. Fees vary. www.WindsongSail.com. (770) 967-1515.
• Location: 5059 Post Road, Cumming, 770-888-0010; 1152 Auburn Road, Dacula, 678-8892039; 4050 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 770-622-1735; other Atlanta locations
• Information/registration: www.swimatlanta.com
Boater Education Courses with Certification Exam
A few things I’ve learned over the years from pros
O’Neill Outside television has been airing for 44-plus years. The like-named radio show started in 1992, so it has 24 years under its belt also.
I stumbled around those beginning years to make extra money and it worked and got bigger and bigger. Making money and supporting my family was the early year’s purpose but after a few decades, I slowly added another intent in our effort that made itself evident as I was privileged to hunt and fish along with famous, experienced and knowledgeable sportsmen.
As an example, we produced fishing shows with Jimmy Houston, Woo Daves, Cliff Craft and many others. Hunting presented other experienced experts like Michael McMichael, Dudley McGarity, and a host of other personalities and product sponsors willing to put up with me. Anyway, that’s not the point of this information for today.
After so many positive experiences, my purpose on both TV and radio evolved into making
O’Neill Williams
O’Neill
your time spent watching or listening was to help expand your knowledge and make you a better and more productive fisherman and hunter and to appreciate the experience more.
I will not take the column space to give credit to the individuals from whom I learned all these things but will remind you that they came not from O’Neill but from true professionals.
So, with this lengthy introduction, here are a few for your memory and application.
1. When using a buzz or spinnerbait, if the brush limbs will
allow it, turn your trailer hook down.
2. If you get a strike on a buzz bait and miss the bass, don’t cast the buzz bait back in, have a rigged plastic worm ready and cast that back into the strike zone. You’ll get twice as many second bites.
3. If you’re fishing extra deep for bass and hook and lose the fish deep, don’t reel up, which will be your natural tendency, just leave it there for a minute or two and give it a little action. It’s likely that the fish you lost will bite again or there may be dozens of others there that are hungry, too.
4. Don’t over size your line weight. You’ll get and feel more strikes using light line and small baits especially in clear water.
5. If a deer walks into your food plot and you take him, don’t be in such a hurry to visit the poor dead guy. He’s not going anywhere. Wait a few minutes. It could be that a bigger buck was just back in the woods out of sight traveling with the one you shot
and will walk into the plot to check on his buddy and you can take him too, if legal. I’ve witnessed this many times. If you shoot a deer in the plot and he runs out into the trees and you need to track him, take a photo from the stand where he entered the woods. It’ll help you start the track in the right place. It could look very different when
‘Slow
you change locations. Enough? More to come later if you can stand it.
Catch O’Neill on Saturday mornings on WSB from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. 750 on AM or 95.5 on FM.
O’Neill Williams has been a television, radio and print personality for more than 40 years and more recently has added podcasts and video on demand to his repertoire.
no wake zone’ adjusted at Clarks Bridge Park on Lanier
A new “slow no wake zone” is now in effect near Clark’s Bridge on Lake Lanier in Hall County. The changes to the old zone are to improve safety for boaters and shoreline visitors. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently installed new signage and buoys and the zone is effective immediately.
Boaters are reminded that all applicable state and federal laws and regulations regarding vessel operation, shoreline safety, and dock usage will continue to be enforced. Boaters are encouraged to stay alert and follow all posted signage. Stay safe this summer and help protect everyone’s time on the water.
My cancer journey (which I intend to
Like millions of other Americans, since my late 30s, I have dealt with a chronic medical condition, in my case Ulcerative Colitis. Treatable, and manageable, though without a cure and that preexisting medical condition made securing medical insurance a real joy, until the advent and passage of the Affordable Care Act.
Each year, since the late ’90s, as part of that ongoing treatment, I had an annual colonoscopy. And during the days of no insurance, I participated in many a clinical trial, two of which resulted in being part of a duo of blockbuster drugs now on the market to treat
• Burns
Continued from Page 18
drea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy. The names are part of a rotating system, and this list was finalized in anticipation of the 2025 season.
Bill Crane
One Man’s Opinion
n SHARE WITH BILL: bill.csicrane@gmail.com
the illness quite effectively.
As also often happens, everyday life can get in the way of getting medical appointments
scheduled, and I missed the colonoscopy in 2024, and had difficulty securing an appointment until January 10, 2025. The snow day that blanketed north Georgia canceled that, so we reset for January 24th, results were good, some polyps were biopsied and life rolled on.
the body. My surgeon also wanted to take a look herself, so a second colonoscopy, on 2/24, followed a month after the first. That little white dot was now dark grey and black with tentacles, encircling the interior walls of my colon. It looked a bit like the creature in the first Alien movie.
fusion port, and the week after I begin 24-weeks of chemo pills and infusion therapy with a primary drug called FolFox6. Two weeks of pills, infusion and a week off, repeat.
The pollen is gone, temperatures are warming, and we are now removed from the heart of severe storms season.
Hope you enjoy the month of May.
Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist emeritus for WSB-TV in Atlanta.
The day after my birthday, my longtime and very solid Gastroenterologist called with news ... good and bad. The good was that my UC is in almost complete remission, the bad was that a small white oval, perhaps a pre-cancerous cyst in my sigmoid colon came back as a very rare, very malignant and rapidly spreading cancer, Adenocarcinoma with Signet Ring Cell Features. That latter sentence fragment is the part which screams: “Danger Will Robinson ... Danger.”
That pathology was confirmed and a surgical appointment set. This cancer moves quickly, and I was told to expect that I likely already had this cancer in multiple organs. Thankfully, a CAT Scan dispelled that, with no metastatic tissue showing anywhere else in
I woke to my surgeon saying, “We can’t wait another month. You give that cancer another month and we may be facing a battle you can’t win.”
Surgery was moved up from April 7 to March 7, and I said goodbye to my colon and 46 lymph nodes. Thankfully again, only one lymph node was compromised by the cancer. Laparoscopic surgery meant quicker healing. Thanks to an INCREDIBLE surgeon and medical team, nurses, technicians and staff at Northside Hospital and the Northside Cancer Center, I was up and walking the day after surgery. By the end of a week, I was doing laps around our floor and clocking 4-5000 steps on my FitBit (and sneaking in some stairs).
Soon comes a chemotherapy in-
My cancer has been staged as high risk, early Stage 3a. The risk factor is high versus low due to those sneaky Signet Ring Cells. My attitude is good, and though I can’t forecast what lies ahead or how the chemo will affect me ... I know I will beat this.
We don’t get to choose the cards that life or God deals us, we can only choose how we respond to our hand. I truly believe that I have been given this hand for a reason, and if nothing else, I can try to help others when they later trod this same path. I intend to win this battle. Signet Ring Cells ... I’m comin’ for ya. More to come as I travel this road.
Bill Crane is a writer and true son of the South. A longtime columnist and political analyst, he is now spending a good part of his time living the lake life and loving North Georgia. He will share his thoughts and travels here.
Have yourself a colorful spring and summer with annuals, container gardens
April showers bring May flowers, and now’s the time to put in your blooming annuals and perennials. Every nursery, box retailer and even grocery store offers huge selections of annuals and perennials at this time of year. The hardest decision is choosing what plants to purchase.
Ask yourself a few questions:
1. Am I interested in one-anddone color or plants that keep on giving year after year?
2. Where will I plant them: sun, shade, open flower beds, borders or containers?
3. Do I want low-maintenance plants that require little deadheading or am I willing to pinch off dead blossoms regularly?
4. Do I want to plant all one color or mix it up?
5. How tall do I want the plants to grow?
6. Is there a readily available water source nearby?
The answers to each of these questions will help save you money on the front end. You’ll determine how much area you have with full sun, and how much is full shade. Experienced gar-
Pamela A. Keene
Curb Appeal
n MORE INFO: Email: pam@pamelakeene.com
deners know the saying “Right place, right plant,” and they take it seriously.
Annuals
By their name, they provide color and interest for only one season. They’re perfect for accent areas to create splashes of brightness for focal points in a garden, to line a walkway or to use in containers.
Use begonias, impatiens –choose the sun-tolerant New Guinea cultivars – petunias, pentas, tall-spiked Angelonia and annual salvia.
Red salvia is my favorite for my front sidewalk, giving an impressive statement as you drive
into Rose Lane. Full sun, a sprinkle of slow-release fertilizer, regular watering and occasional deadheading will keep them blooming into the first frost of fall.
When planting annuals, remember to use foliage plants, such as coleus, Dusty Miller and polka dot plants. They’ll provide contrast to vibrant blooms and don’t require deadheading.
Thanks to hybridizers, many shade-loving annuals are perfect for less sunny places. New cultivars of impatiens are bred to be resistant to the fungus that spread several years ago. Look for “improved” on the tag. Blue ageratum, offers a nice contrast to reds, purples and yellows so common in annual selections.
Containers
To borrow from Hemingway, containers offer a “movable feast” of color. Located on front porches, positioned on plant stands, against a backdrop of evergreens in hard-to-dig places in the landscape, or a patio or deck, container plants are hard-workers in the summer garden.
The guideline for planting beautiful containers is to use a thriller, a filler and a spiller. The thriller is the tall plant in the middle, the one that draws attention to the container. The filler is a mediumsized plant with a rounded growth habit that’s less tall than the thriller. The spiller can be anything from Wave petunias and lime-colored creeping Jennie to variegated sweet potato vines and trailing plants like verbena.
Container gardening follows very few roles, so let your imagination go wild with color combinations and unusual textures creating interest.
Next month: all about perennials, bargains in the garden.
Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener.
She writes for more than a dozen publications across the country, covering features, travel and gardening.
PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE
Red annual salvia lines the front sidewalk at Rose Lane.
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It’s official: boating season has arrived for University Yacht Club
By Pamela A. Keene
The tradition continued at University Yacht Club as it celebrated 75th Annual Opening Day in early April. A gathering of more than 200 people, plus club officials and 12 past commodores joined in the day’s events.
“As with Opening Day celebrations in years past, University Yacht Club honors our strong maritime traditions, such as the Blessing of the Fleet, and our Past Commodores, those who have served to lead our club over the decades,” said Butch Miller, com-
modore of the oldest boating club on Lake Lanier. “It’s also a time to express my deepest gratitude to our members for your time, your talent and your treasure. You make the University Yacht Club a special place: A refuge. A sanctuary. A respite from the hectic pace of the world.”
On a blustery Saturday afternoon, club members gathered on the Great Lawn, overlooking the lake and the clubhouse for an official ceremony that featured the University of North Georgia’s Corps of Cadets and bagpiper David Gregory. Miller welcomed 14 new members into the club and introduced this year’s Board of Governors. UYC Chaplain Caleb Clarke performed the Blessing of the Fleet.
Bagpiper David Gregory provided music and this year, and the UNG’s Corps of Cadets served as color guard.
• LLA
Continued from Page 2
“Those of you who know me, you know that I am no literary scholar,” Miller said in his remarks. “But, I find great inspiration in the words of history’s profound thinkers and leaders. Thomas Carlyle and Teddy Roosevelt being among my favorites. Carlyle’s 1840 lectures on heroism argued that history is but a biography of great men – men and women whose actions shaped the world and the future.
“That same concept of
Another Shot band, a silent auction and giveaways. The Sheila Davis Group was the Signature Sponsor for the eighth consecutive year.
“The LLA certainly appreciated everyone at University Yacht Club from the early planning stages through the execution of the event,” Clevenger said. “Everyone seemed so proud to showcase University Yacht Club’s property to LLA’s membership and friends.”
heroism and leadership is true of University Yacht Club. Our history is a biography of great men and women – men and women who selflessly have given their time, their talent and their treasure to build this club. Carlyle advocated for ‘hero worship,’ not worship in the religious sense, but as an acknowledgment of the impact individuals have on society. Today, we do just that.
“At our ceremony and celebration today, we recognize individuals who shaped the legacy of University Yacht Club – those who have led, sacrificed and stood unwavering in their commitment to this club’s success,” Miller continued. “The Past Commodores we honor have rolled up their sleeves, given their time; they’ve risked criticism in pursuit of something greater than themselves. They have led with courage, vision and unwavering commitment to the good of this club and this community.
“Through their passion, their determination and their resilience, this club has endured. This club has prospered. These men and women have weathered storms, fought fires, recovered from floods, endured personal hardships, suffered losses, and conquered internal challenges … all in the name of the success of Uni-
Past Commodores attended Opening Day and were joined by Commodore Butch Miller, center back row, Vice Commodore Mike Lee, second from left back row and Rear Commodore Joe
versity Yacht Club. And yet, because of these men and women, the University Yacht Club has not only survived, but thrived.”
Following the ceremony, Miller and the Board of Gov-
ernors hosted a Commodore’s Reception dinner and dancing in the clubhouse dining room.
To learn more about University Yacht Club, visit universityyachtclub.org.
LLSC offers youth sailing instruction
By Pamela A. Keene
Four weeks; four choices. Lake Lanier Sailing Club’s youth sailing program offers four sessions from late May until mid-June in its 2025 Junior Sailing Camp. The sessions are open to the public.
“We’ve created opportunities for youth who are interested in various aspects of learning to sail,” said Ted McGee, director of the Junior Program at Lake Lanier Sailing Club. “From introducing kids ages 6-8 to the sport to offering basic sailing, our programs have attracted people from across the Southeast.”
The annual report is available at the group’s website, lakelanier.org, and includes details of each of LLA’s accomplishments.
Students will be grouped by age to sail on appropriate boats. Pricing varies.
Here’s the schedule:
• Learn to Sail, May 27-30, ages 8-17, sailing on Optis, 420s and Lasers to understand the basics and mechanics of sailing
• Learn to Sail/Advanced, June 2-6, classes for those with basic sailing knowledge that includes racing and fine-tuning
• Adventure
Week, June 9-13, classes for all levels of sailing built around the fun of sailing, including destination outings and the lighter side of boat handling
• Guppy Week, June 16-19, children ages 6-7 sailing Optis to be introduced the sailing these smaller boats.
“We developed this format last year and it was very popular with our families and students,” McGee said. “One family came up for the first week from South Georgia, and their three children enjoyed the Learn to Sail so much that they stayed for the next two sessions. They’re coming back again this year.”
The programs are open to the public. Details and registration are available at llsc.com; click on the Junior Racing tab.
A scene from LLSC's Summer Camp.
PHOTO BY TED MCGEE
Parris, second from the right back row.
PHOTOS BY LAURA MCMAHON
Marine Specialties received the annual Val Perry Award.
PHOTOS: AMANDA BETH PHOTOGRAPHY
Left: The Sheila Davis Group was the Signature Sponsor for the eighth consecutive year.
Safe Boating Week, May 17-23: Three keys to a safe summer
By Pamela A. Keene Boaters,
marinas and boat educators across the country are focusing on ways to take the stress out of summer. On Lake Lanier, members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club Atlanta are gearing up for the summer season, providing boating safety classes, vessel safety checks and reinforcing the importance of life jackets as part of National Safe Boating Week May 17-23.
“Our goal is to encourage boaters to think about safety first,” said Joe Edwards with Flotilla 29/ USCGA at Lake Lanier. “Sometimes safety seems to be the last thing people think about when they go boating. They’re excited to get out on the water for the season but putting boat safety first can make the summer more fun.”
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating
fatalities in 2023, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
“In case you didn’t know it, in Georgia children under the age of 13 are required to wear a Coast Guard approved and appropriately sized life jacket on a moving vessel, unless in a fully enclosed cabin,” said Dave Fuller, past commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and former national education director for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. “And it’s a good idea for adults to do the same. You never know when you might fall and be injured and a life jacket may just save your life.”
Three-minute refresher: Top safe-boating reminders
Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. And it’s so true in recreational boating. Here are six quick reminders to keep your boating season safe.
1. Do you use your engine cut-off switch link? If your boat is 26 feet or longer and your boat was manufactured on or after April 1, 2021, you’re required to use this switch when boating. Attach it to yourself as captain/driver before you leave the dock and if you fall overboard for instance, the switch disconnects and immediately stops your boat. Have a spare on board so that the boat can be restarted.
2. Life jackets. Georgia law requires all children under 13 years of age to wear a Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted life jacket while on board a moving vessel unless they’re inside an enclosed cabin. To be extra safe, everyone of any age should wear a properly fitted life jacket when on or around the water. Today's life jackets are more comfortable, cool and stylish, and in the event of an accident, they might save your life.
3. Always keep a specified lookout while boating. Driver distraction and failure to have a lookout are two of the top five contributing factors in boating accidents. Assign a passenger to assist the captain/driver as a lookout to spot shallow water, other boats and hazards. Boating is fun and everyone is having a great time, and assigning a lookout for the
ride – that person can switch off; just let the captain know – can avert a disaster.
4. Don’t mix alcohol, drugs and boating. It can be a deadly combination and is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. There can be serious repercussions when driving under the influence AND when boating under the influence, including heavy fines and potential jail time. If you plan to party on the water, have a designated skipper responsible for navigating the boat safely. It is not illegal to possess alcohol on the water if you are 21 or older, but you can’t drive the boat if you are drinking.
5. Get educated. Every boat operator born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete a boating education course approved by DNR. America’s Boating Club Atlanta course meets this requirement. Even if you’ve been boating for decades, it’s a great
Vessel safety check exmainer TJ Convery applies a VSC decal indicating the boat has passed.
refresher of safe boating operations before the boating season starts. It can lead to advanced education and seminars for cruising, navigation, weather and small-boat engine repair.
6. Give your boat a Vessel Safety Check. Take 30 minutes with a vessel examiner with America’s Boating Club Atlanta or the local flotilla of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to ensure that you have all the legally required equipment on board. Sometimes light bulbs burn out, fire extinguishers expire, or new rules are put in place, and our examiners will keep you up to date. The exam is free, with no penalties if you don’t pass. Correct the deficient items, call the examiner back, and they will verify and issue the current year decal.
To learn more, visit the America’s Boating Club Atlanta website at www.americasboatingclubatlanta.org. You can also sign up on the website for a basic safe boating class for only $25.
Thanks to Dave Fuller, past commander and member of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and past national director of education with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for these tips.
so that everyone is aware of their surroundings and responsibilities.
“Pointing out where the life jackets are kept, making sure that youngsters are wearing them, where the fire extinguisher is and other topics help set the tone for a safe boating experience,” he said. “It’s good to get in the habit of this safety review every time you go boating.”
Both organizations offer free vessel safety checks to ensure that boaters have the required safety equipment and documentation on board. The checks are free and can be conducted in or out of the water.
Additionally 75 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. Only 15 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate.
“These numbers bear out the critical importance of taking a safe boating class,” Fuller said. “The take-away is wear your life jacket, get a free vessel safety check and take a basic boating safety course.”
Edwards suggests that when boaters and their guests first board their vessel, they do a 3- to 5-minute safety briefing to orient passengers to key safety features,
What’s on your boat?
Not only are the examiners confirming the presence of required equipment, they are also sharing information to help refresh boat operators about basic safety and talk anecdotally about their own experiences.
“This is an awesome conversation starter with your coworkers and friends,” said T.J. Convery, boating instructor with America’s Boating Club Atlanta. “You can tell them how much you enjoy boating and even relay some fun stories.”
Basic boating classes are offered by America’s Boating Club Atlanta and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. For more information, visit americasboatingclubatlanta. org or contact jedwardsmaine0387@gmail.com, 404 7752608.
Do you have these items easily accessible on your boat? Depending on the length of your boat, you may need additional safety equipment or must meet additional requirements.
• Fire extinguishers. No more than 12 years old, green gauge
• Life preservers for each person aboard
• Your current boat registration and registration decals
• A Type IV throwable flotation
• A horn, whistle or bell
• Navigation lights
• Boats under 26 feet have an engine cutoff switch and the lanyard must be worn by the operator when underway the same as a PWC. The Vessel Safety Check program is free and is designed to educate boaters about the minimum legal requirements plus additional information and suggested safety equipment to make you a safer boater.
Contact America’s Boating Club Atlanta, americasboatingclubatlanta.org, or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 29, http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-02-09 to learn more and schedule a free Vessel Safety Check.
An engine cut-off kill switch is an important safety feature.
Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to 106' totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'.
Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 4/16/25) $5.39 regular (Dock/Ship Store open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., daily.) (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.)
On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill
SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND
Hours: Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Info: 770-967-6811 • shmarinas.com
Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch
Types of slips available: Houseboats, covered cruisers, & all types of open slips plus covered & open dry slips, totaling 1,725 wet docks and 460 dry docks
Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane
Price of fuel: (as of 4/16/25) $5.39, non-members; $3.39, members (Dock open 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun.-Thur; 9 a.m.-8 p.m.. Fri.-Sat.)
On-site eatery: Pig Tales
SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY BAY
Hours: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily.
Info: 770-967-5500 • shmarinas.com
Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch
Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150)
Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 4/16/25) $4.91, non-members; $3.78, members
On-site eatery: Fish Tales
SUNRISE COVE MARINA
Hours: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon.; Closed Tuesday
Info: 770-536-8599 • sunrisecovermarina.com
Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville
Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered-24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer).
Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 4/16/25) $5.59 unleaded Ethanol Free
The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Bolding Mill, Duckett Mill and Old Federal Campgrounds are managed by Hall County Parks and Leisure Services. Toto Creek Multipurpose Park, plus Thompson Creek and Nix Bridge Day-Use parks are managed by Dawson County.
Camping enthusiasts may enjoy the luxuries of fully developed areas with water and electrical hookups or “rough it” at designated primitive areas. Camping in undesignated areas such as on the lake’s shoreline and islands is prohibited.
All campgrounds have beach areas, boat ramps and restrooms. Most of our campgrounds also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations. To make reservations, download maps, check out campsite photos and see site availability visit Recreation.Gov.
All Army Corps campgrounds on Lake Sidney Lanier recognize the America The Beautiful (ATB) and Golden Passport cards. The ATB Annual and Lifetime Senior Pass, Access Pass, Golden Age and Golden Access passes will grant 50% off all campsite reservation fees.
Day Use Parks
The Corps operates 37 day use parks at Lake Lanier. Facilities range from parks with boat ramps to those with designated swimming areas, picnic tables, shelters and playgrounds. All day use parks close daily at 10 p.m. Boat launching is allowed at all hours unless otherwise posted. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks.
Picnic Shelters
Picnic shelters are available at several Corps’ parks around the lake. They can be reserved for a fee. Call the Lake Lanier Management Office at 770-945-9531.
Day Use Fees
Day use fees are charged at some park areas which have boat ramps or beach areas.
Fees (per day):
Boat launching $8
State and County Parks
Lake Lanier has 18 state and county parks that are available for use.
Rules, Regulations and More
Guidelines are not intended as restraints to the enjoyment of park visitors, but as aids for orderly operation, visitor safety and for the protection of the environment and public property. Complete rules and regulations are posted at the entrances to all campgrounds and copies are available at entry stations. To view annual opening and closing dates and rates for campgrounds and picnic shelters, visit www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lake-SidneyLanier/Schedules.
For more camping info you can also visit: lakesidenews.com/explore-lake-lanier/camping.
Practice Safe Boating
Use life jackets, stay sober and monitor the weather to try and prevent boating accidents!
How to determine if you need a permit for remodeling
When planning a home remodel, most homeowners focus on big-picture decisions – like layout changes, flooring choices, and finishes. But before the first hammer swings, there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked: permits.
A remodeling permit is a formal approval granted by a local government authority, permitting homeowners or contractors to proceed with construction or renovation. They help ensure that the project complies with local building codes, zoning laws and safety regulations. Depending on the project’s size and location, obtaining a remodeling permit may be required to ensure the work is both legal and secure.
There are several types of remodeling permits that could be required before a project begins, depending on the nature of the remodeling project. Common types of permits include building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, HVAC permits and demolition permits.
Permits are required for any
work that involves constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing or changing the occupancy of a building or structure. Permits are also required for installing or altering electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems.
Believe it or not many common projects require permits including changes to windows, doors, skylights, decks, fences, fireplaces, pools, roofs and more. It is important to be ahead of the game and aware of all permits needed for a project.
Some projects, like painting,
installing new countertops, or replacing faucets, typically don’t require a permit. However, even seemingly small upgrades can fall into the permit-required category depending on your city’s rules.
Local building codes are crucial for public safety and welfare, ensuring structures are safe, structurally sound and meet specific requirements for fire safety, accessibility and energy efficiency. They also provide a level playing field for builders and contractors and can help reduce construction costs and improve the quality of the building. To find local permit requirements for home projects in any city, start by visiting the city’s official website and searching for their building department or community development office.
Permits are important for many reasons. There are consequences if permits are not submitted while remodeling.
Building without a permit can lead to fines, legal issues, potential demolition of the work and complications with insurance
claims and property sales as it violates local codes and regulations. It can also impact property value and cause safety risks.
Steps to obtain a permit
After research for local requirements has been finished and project plans have been prepared, an application must be submitted along with the permit fees. The next thing to do is wait for approval and schedule inspections.
Required documents for obtaining a permit usually include project plans, dimensions, proof of ownership and contractor information. Permit fees can vary based on project size, location and the type of work being done. The time it takes to process permit applications can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and local workload.
Working with an experienced team like Tracy Tesmer Design/ Remodeling can help take the stress out of this step. We secure all required permits before work begins. We also handle the coordination with local inspectors and
ensure that every phase of your project meets the necessary codes and regulations – keeping you informed along the way. Whether you’re planning a small update or a major renovation, understanding and following the permitting process is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring a safe, high-quality outcome.
Kim Evon is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.
Planning a renovation project should include getting the proper permits. PHOTO:
• CatRangers
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kittens in dire need of a home, whether from the death of an owner, an eviction or just having been abandoned; we rescue and care for abandoned felines who may be injured and connect them with veterinary services; we provide shelter for urgent need cats and kittens until they are connected with their furr-ever homes; and we support felines with special needs, matching them with owners who can provide extra support and care.”
Since it accepted its first cats back in 2010, CatRangers has found homes for nearly 10,000 cats and kittens.
“We work with people’s families when a cat owner passes away or has a serious issue that won’t allow the cat to continue living with a relative, so there’s no one to accept the continuing responsibility,” she said “I can’t tell you how many evicted families that have been living in their cars with their cats have needed our help to place their cats in a new safe home.”
Here’s the tricky part: caring for felines at this level requires funding and donations. “Some of our supporters bring by bags of cat food or kitty litter after every time they go to the grocery store. Others offer periodic tax-deductible donations. Others ‘sponsor a cat or kitten’ for $25 a
month. Still others give of their time as volunteers to help care for the cats, to assist with community communications or just to be ambassadors when people come to visit.”
Volunteers also help screen and vet potential adopters, interface with visitors and fill in background information for each animal at the shelter. “A number of business and community sponsors regularly support us as well, either in-kind or with regular donations. And through our annual golf tournaments, we’ve been able to raise additional funds,” she said. “We are so appreciative to everyone who helps us in any way they can.”
Cat Rangers depends on donations and fund-raising events like the golf tournament to cover our costs for rescue, veterinary services, spay or neuter, vaccinations and sometimes life-saving surgeries.
This year’s tournament will raise funds to expand its space. The last major fundraiser allowed them to build what is now called Meow Manor. Originally purchased as a stripped-down repossessed shed, it was converted it to a new home for adoptable kitties.
For more info about CatRangers, visit www.catrangers.org or call 770 831-5513.
Classifieds
Driveways, walkways replaced or repaired, concrete, masonry, grading, foundations repaired, waterproofing, and retaining walls. Joe Sullivan, 770 616-0576.
To submit a classified, visit www.lakesidenews.com/classifieds or call 770287-1444.
Lakeside Dining Guide
Bullfrogs Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily year round. This Southern Gastro Pub features re-imagined traditional Southern fare and variety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770945-8787.
Fish Tales Lakeside Grille – Casual lakeside dining featuring grouper fingers, signature salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Open year round. Hideaway Bay Marina. 770-967-3775, www.fishtaleslakelanier.com.
La Cazuela – An Atlanta area landmark with two locations around Lanier. Open daily year round. Features fajitas, selection of combination platters and more. 4965 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford, 770-614-6871.
Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining on the water at Port Royale in open-air thatched-roof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. Open Thur. - Sun. Oct - spring. 70887-5715 ext 5., www.pelicanpetes.com
Pig Tales - Casual lakeside dining featuring BBQ, burgers, wings and more. Great customer service, full service bar with draft beer, wine & mixed drinks, live music on weekends. Open thru December 31. Reopen in spring. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. 678-828-7676,
www.PigTalesLakeLanier.com.
Sidney’s Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Serving breakfast daily and dinner Friday & Saturday year round. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-945-8787, www.lanierislands.com.
Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. A full Sunday breakfast menu includes eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Seasonal: open through Oct. - reopen in spring. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Gainesville Marina. 678 450-1310; www.skogieslakefrontrestaurant. us.
Smokey Q BBQ - Pulled Pork and Chicken Sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteaks, Pork and Chicken Tacos and more! Seasonal: open through Oct. - reopen in spring. Bald Ridge Marina, 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming. 470 515-3683.
The Twisted Oar - Holiday Marina. Offering fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak; casual dining. Full bar service, tropical and frozen drinks. Live entertainment, trivia, indoor/outdoor flat screen TVs. Open year round. www.thetwistedoar.com, 678 714-7572.
