Mendes

Continued from Page 12

On returning home from a weekend away, you can imagine our surprise to find a newborn calf in our front yard! Big Mac had chosen to give birth on our side of the fence! Since the calf couldn’t get across the cattle guard or jump over the fence, Big Mac had to jump back into our yard two or three times a day to feed her. Finally, I discovered an unused gate on the corner of the property, all covered with vines and chained shut. I cleared away the vines and cut the chain and carefully shooed the calf back into the pasture with her mother. Since we considered ourselves “God parents,” we named the calf “Quarter Pounder.”

We lived happily in that house for a couple of years, and planned to buy it, even going so far as negotiating a contract with the landlord for the old house on an acre of land at a reasonable price. Then a real estate sign appeared on the

other side of the road advertising “Lots for Sale,” at about the same price as we had negotiated for our house, and that was on the “dry” side of the road!

Suddenly, our landlord began procrastinating. For us, the clock was ticking. We had both sold our houses up north and had to spend the money on our primary residence or get taxed on it. Finally, my mother was the catalyst that made us decide. She said, “Vincent, you are a sailor, not a farmer. You need a place on the lake.” And she was right. So, here we are on the lake in Flowery Branch and the rest is history. (One of the few times I was glad I listened to my mother).

Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for the past 25 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.”

Do you know what the 100foot rule is for boaters in Georgia? How about the mandatory boating education requirement for those born after January 1, 1998?

A lot of us focus so much on the fun aspects of boating that we really don’t think about the laws that govern our favorite activity. Let’s take a few minutes to talk about some of the laws related to safety, and how you can find out more about Georgia’s boating laws.

We will start with the 100-foot rule. If you are boating on Georgia’s waters and you are under way, you are required to stay at least 100 feet away from other boats, docks and property. This is to prevent wake created by your boat that might endanger others on the lake or damage property. As of July 1 2023, there is also a 200-foot rule for wake boats or boats that create a wake that can be surfed. Since these boats create a larger wake, they need to stay farther away to minimize any dangers. Of course, these distance laws are not applicable if you are approaching a dock for the pur- pose of tying it up.

Frank Taylor

If you want to operate a boat on Georgia’s waters and you were born after January 1, 1998, you must be able to show proof that you have taken an approved boating course. Failure to do so could result in a ticket being issued by local authorities. There are several places you can take an approved course including Atlanta’s Boating Club (www.americasboatingclubatlanta.org) and your local Coast Guard Auxiliary (wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=07002-09).

Let’s address life jackets. A life jacket is required for each person that you have aboard your vessel. You must also ensure that there is one to fit each individual. What you may not realize is that the life jacket is not valid unless it has a visible Coast Guard approved marking on it. Keep in mind if the Coast Guard approved markings have worn off, they are no longer considered valid.

Fire extinguishers are required on all motorized vessels. You probably know this. Did you know that if you have a disposable fire extinguisher that is over 12 years old, it must be replaced regardless of whether it has ever been used? Be sure to check the dates. If your fire extinguishers are 12 years or older, it’s time to buy new ones.

I imagine there was at least one law discussed here that was new to you. Georgia has an entire handbook of boating laws. There are many more that you may not know. If you would like to obtain a copy of the handbook, you can download a free version by going to the Boat-ed site at www.boated.com/georgia/handbook/.

Frank is past commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and is currently a content creator at the YouTube channel “The Ships Logg.”

♫ denotes musical event o Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Sept. 6 – The Art of Paper Quilling for Beginners, presented at North Hall Tech Center 3:30-5:30 p.m., 4175 Nopone Rd. Ste. B, Gainesville. Program for students aged 12-18. Info: 770-532-3311, X181. o Aug. 3, 17, Sept. 7, Sept. 21 – Music and Stories at Murrayville Library, 4796 Thompson Bridge Rd. Times: noon-1 p.m. Info: 770532-3311 X171.

♫ Aug. 3 – Ben Bostick performs at Tap It Gainesville Growlers, 1850 Thompson Bridge Rd., Gainesville, 7-9 p.m. Info: 678-421-3312.

♫ Aug. 3 – The Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos Show featured at 37 Main at 37 E. Main St. NE, Buford. Free. Time: 8:30 p.m. Info: 678288-2030.

♫ Aug. 4, Sept. 1 – First Friday Concert Series presented 6-10 p.m. in downtown Gainesville Square at 301 Main St. Info: lshubert@gainesvillega.gov.

♫ Aug. 4, Sept. 1 – First Friday Concert Series presented 6-10 p.m. in downtown Gainesville Square at 301 Main St. Info: lshubert@gainesvillega.gov.

♫ Aug. 4-6 – 19th Big E Fest & Elvis Tribute Artists Competition presented at Food Factory on Main, 150 N. Main St., Cornelia. 7 p.m., Friday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Reserved tickets: $35 (Eventbrite). General admission: $25. ETA Competition and Country Jamboree Dinner held Aug. 5, tickets, $40. Info: 706-778-2001; 706-7685749.

♫ Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7 – Cocktails in the Garden presented by Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Dr., Gainesville.

Time: 5-8 p.m. Admission: Free with garden admission. Info: 404-888-4760.

♫ Aug. 5 – 25th Annual St. Jude Benefit Sing for the Kids held 6 p.m. at Ramsey Conference Center, 2535 Lanier Tech Dr., Gainesville. Karen Peck & New River perform. Info: 770-533-7060.

♫ Aug. 5 – A1A Official Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band performs at Twisted Oar, 6900 Lanier Island Pkwy., Buford, 8-10 p.m. Info: 678-7147572.

o Aug. 12 – Summer Seltzer Festival held at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd., Cumming. Held at Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Admission: $80, VIP; $50, general admission. Time: 1-4 p.m. Info: 770-781-2010.

o Aug. 18 – Food Truck Fridays feature live music, food trucks beer & wine tents and retail vendors. 5-9 p.m. at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. Info: www.exploregainesville.org.

o Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27 – Tea with Jane Austen. Books discussed: Aug. 25, The Watsons and Sanditon; Sept. 29, Juvenilia, Volume the First; Oct. 27, Juvenilia, Vol. the Second and Third. Time: 3-4 p.m. Info: 770-532-3311, X4011.

Brenau University o Aug. 17-Oct. 12 – Leggett Collection and other Highlights from Brenau University Permanent Collection. Sellars Gallery at Simmons Visual Arts Center. Times: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 770-534-6263; galleries@brenau.edu o Aug. 31-Oct. 25 – Maggie Evans Solo Exhibition features her works at the Leo Castelli Gallery located in the John S. Burd Performing Arts Center at 429 Academy St. Info: 770-534-6299, brenau.edu.

♫ Aug. 18, 19 – Boys in The Band: Alabama Tribute. Sylvia Beard Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-$45.

♫ Aug. 26 – The Mad Hatters, a musical tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreaker. Sylvia Beard Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$40. Info: bufordcommunitycenter.com.

Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater o Aug. 3-6 – Matilda tells the story of child genius, Matilda Wormwood. Times: 8 p.m., Thurs./Fri./Sat.; 2 p.m., Sun. Tickets: $35, adults; $15, students/children. o Sept. 2 – Heart of Atlanta, the Definitive Heart tribute band, reproduces the timeless and influential music of Rock & Roll Hall of Famers – Heart. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $33-$41. Info: 706-530-5162; hollytheater.com

♫ Aug. 12 – The ’80s Walkmen ... the best of New Wave & College Rock. Tickets $33-$41.

♫ Aug. 26 – Frankly Scarlet, the Grateful Dead Tribute Band from Atlanta, performs at 8 p.m. Tickets: $33-$41.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds o Aug. 18-26 – 72nd Annual Georgia Mountain Fair features music performances, arts & crafts, fun carnival rides, attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history. Info: georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Interactive Neighborhood Kids o Aug. 1-6 – Back to School Craft Week o Aug. 7-13 – Georgia Craft Week o Aug. 14-20 – Elephant Craft Week o Aug. 21-27 – Lizard Craft Week o Aug. 28-Sept. 3 – Dog Craft Week

Info: $1 with paid admission to museum; members, free. 770-536-1900; inkfun.org. Lake Lanier Islands Resort o Thru Sept. 24 – Water Park opens 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

♫ Aug. 5 – Trey Odum performs at Landshark Bar & Grill Lake Lanier, 6 p.m.

♫ Aug. 26 – Full Moon Party, 6-10 p.m., at LandShark Beach. Fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Info: 770-945-8787; lanierislands.com.

Quinlan Arts Center o Thru Aug. 12 – Summer Exhibition, featuring artists Steven Walker and Amanda Lovett; Suches Brushes and Win Crannell. o Aug. 12 – Artist Talk & Demo with Steven Walker OPA, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. o Aug. 19 – Roaring ’20s Soiree & Silent Auction for The Children’s Center for Hope & Healing, 6-10 p.m.

Info: 770-536-2575; quinlanartscenter.org

School Street Playhouse o Thru Aug. 13 – The Producers the Musical Times: 7:30 p.m., Thurs./Fri./Sat.; 2:30 p.m., Sun.

♫ Aug. 26 – Rock the House III. Time: 8-9 p.m.

Info: 770 781-9178; schoolstreetplayhouse.com

The Arts Council

♫ Aug. 12 – Mary Kate Farmer performs, 8 p.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion Stage. Tickets: $29.75-$40.45.

Info: julie@theartscouncil.net; 770-534-2787. University of North Georgia o Aug. 11 – Transitions Alum Exhibition Gainesville campus’ Performing Arts Lobby. Times: 6-8 p.m.

Info: 678-717-3438, www.ung.edu. For more calendar details, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.