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December 2015

3292 Thompson Bridge Road #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 Phone: (770) 287-1444 Fax: (770) 287-1445 E-mail lakesidenews@mindspring.com

Vol. 21 Issue 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Holiday calendar Many holiday events are planned around the lake this month. For an extensive list, see our calendar on page 38.

Glades Reservoir update The public has until Feb. 15 to comment on an environmental study that assesses the potential impact of the proposed Glades Reservoir in Hall County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers posted the Draft Environmental Impact Statement online and is accepting public input by email, mail or at a workshop and public hearing Dec. 8. Page 2

Alabama’s Lookout Mountain It would take a master artist with a huge canvas to even begin capturing Alabama’s portion of Lookout Mountain. Page 50 Also inside: Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Captain’s comments . . . . . . . .Page Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page COE column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Cruising Wilsons . . . . . . . . . . .Page Curb Appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Dining guide . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Fishing report . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Glenn Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lake Lanier Olympic Venue . . .Page Lake levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lanier map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Marinas information . . . . . . . .Page Outdoor activity calendar . . . .Page Safety guide . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Sailing calendar . . . . . . . . . . .Page Shore Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Steve Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . .Page US Coast Guard Auxiliary . . . . .Page Vanderford’s travel . . . . . . . . .Page

54 30 24 55 46 18 42 48 11 26 14 26 52 49 38 44 31 35 46 51 50

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

Staff members at Lanier Islands gather at the new Winter Adventure slide for safety training and general instruction. Winter Adventure and Magical Nights of Lights are now open and run through January 7. Story, page 33.

For more info, see our ad on pages 4 & 5.

2 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Population estimates, impact on Lake Lanier considered in Glades Reservoir study 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, Millie Adcox Columnists Glenn Burns, Roy Crittenden, Steve Johnson, Mike Rudderham, Ken Sturdivant, Bob & Carolyn Wilson 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.

By Jane Harrison The public has until Feb. 15 to comment on an environmental study that assesses the potential impact of the proposed Glades Reservoir in Hall County. The potential reservoir in northeastern Hall County would transform the rural countryside with an 850acre lake, about six times the size of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir in Dahlonega, and tentatively satisfy Hall County water demands forecasted for 2060.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers posted the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Oct. 30 online (www.gladesreservoir. com/eis-documents) and is accepting public input by email, mail or at a workshop and public hearing 5-9 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Hall County Commissioners’ Auditorium. Representatives from the Corps and AECOM, an engineering and consulting firm hired by the county, will be on hand to answer questions.

The Corps requires a draft environmental assessment and public input before composing a final EIS on Glades, scheduled for July or August 2016. After a 30 day comment period, a final permitting decision is expected between

October and December 2016. The proposed reservoir would dam Flat Creek and withdraw water from the Chattahoochee River upstream of Lake Lanier to store 11.7 billion gallons for potential water users in Gainesville and Hall County.

Questions about the actual need for a new reservoir, its cost and how it might ultimately affect Lake Lanier have been asked ever since the county first applied for a Corps permit to build it in 2011.

As of last month, the county had spent a total of $16 million in engineering and consulting fees toward constructing a water supply to meet its projected shortfall by 2060.

Citing uncertainty of getting Corps’ approval to withdraw additional water from Lanier to meet future water needs, the county proposed building the reservoir to provide another 42 million gallons per day. Hall County and Gainesville are currently permitted to take 18 mgd from Lanier.

The DEIS suggests that if the reservoir is not permitted and the county cannot meet its projected water demands, “Hall County would have no choice but to aggressively pursue the maximum

Glades Reservoir facts · The project: A proposed 140-foot high earthen dam on Flat Creek in northeastern Hall County to create an 850-acre reservoir with a normal surface elevation of 180 feet above sea level. Water from the Chattahoochee River upstream pumped into the reservoir and natural flow from Flat Creek would provide 11.7 billion gallons of storage and an annual average water supply of 50 mgd to meet Hall County’s projected water demand through 2060. View project description and environmental impact study at www.gladesreservoir.com. · DEIS: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Draft Environmental Impact Statement addresses Hall County’s stated need for the project and its potential impacts on Lake Lanier, recreation, wildlife, wetlands and streams, and culture. Additionally, it poses several alternatives to be considered in constructing and operating the reservoir, including a “No Action Alternative,” which looks at how Hall County might satisfy water demands without the reservoir. · How to comment: In person at workshop and public meeting on Dec. 8, 5-9 p.m., Hall County Board of Commissioners’ Auditorium, 2875 Browns Bridge Rd., Gainesville; online at www.gladesreservoir.com/submit-comments; or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Attn: Regulatory Division SAS-2007-00388, 100 West Oglethorpe Ave. Savannah, Ga. 31401-3604. Deadline for comment: Feb. 15 · Project cost: Estimated $166 million; No Action Alternative: $64 million; $16 million already invested by Hall County on engineering and consulting fees.

- compiled by Jane Harrison allocation from Lake Lanier, even though the uncertainty associated with maximum allocation is very high due to the long-term controversy between the three states”

that share water on the Apalachicola-ChattahoocheeFlint river system. The DEIS also states that the Corps will consider See Glades, page 40

December 2015

LAKESIDE 3

VISIT LIVINGONLAKELANIER.SMARTHOMEPRICE.COM TYPE IN YOUR ADDRESS AND RECEIVE A FREE HOME MARKET ANALYSIS REPORT 2225 Nix Bridge Road, Dawsonville

5595 Chestatee Landing, Gainesville

5530 Southwinds Way, Oakwood

R UNDE T! RAC T N O C

A TRUE LAKE HOME! Plenty of room for all the kids and your friends. 3 finished levels w/OPEN floor plan. GREAT kitchen & sunroom that flows to vaulted ceiling great room. BR on main. 4 BR, 4 BA. Simple walk to SS dock w/party deck. Nice lake view. GREAT water. Mowing permit to lake.

Detached garage! REDUCED $525K (Dawson)

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME! Over 3/4 acre lot with gorgeous new single slip dock with party deck. Partially cleared and ready to build in wonderful Chestatee Landing Neighborhood where you can enjoy lake living in a swim/tennis community. Pathway to dock, located on Taylor Creek and never run out of water. REDUCED $249K (Forsyth)

IMPECCABLE one of a kind home in Pointe West! Bright and open concept w/casual/elegant touches throughout. Huge corner lot w/Pebble Tec pool and covered outdoor entertaining area.

Kitchen has Wolf and Subzero appliances. Great room w/coffered ceilings; Master on main has a spa like Master bath. $599K (Hall)

2285 Boy Scout Camp Rd., Gainesville

2621 Bridgewater Cir., Gainesville

4407 T Mor Cove, Oakwood

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D L O S

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D L SO

TERESA SMITH Lake Lanier Specialist teresasmith@kw.com 770-654-4173

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We sell lifestyles, not just homes.

LivingOnLakeLanier.com

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FANTASTIC RANCH ON OVER 2 ACRES. Wonderful lake views and EASY walk to Single slip dock w/party deck. 3 BD/3.5 BA, great sunroom & deck, private lot, grass to the water, newly renovated kitchen and open floor plan, income producing property. REDUCED $499K (Hall)

FANTASTIC DEEP WATER LOT with over 240 ft of Army Corp frontage. Over 3/4 acre.

Includes single slip covered dock. One of the last lots available in Chattahoochee Landing. $350K (Hall)

MOTIVATED SELLER - SOUTH LAKE BEAUTY! Grass to the water. 5 br /3.5 ba. Fantastic 3 side brick w/2 car attached garage w/ wonderful lake views & SUPER easy walk to SS dock w/party deck.

Gourmet kitchen, hdwd flrs, screened porch w/FP & tons of decking to enjoy outdoor living at it's best.

Great location! REDUCED $579K (Hall)

6052 West River Rd., Flowery Branch

COMING SOON - Gainesville

3633 Lake Ridge Ct., Gainesville

3015 Lanier Beach South, Cumming

GREAT OPPORTUNITY on south Lake Lanier!

Unfinished A frame cabin just waiting for your completion! EASY walk to double slip dock in GREAT water! Close to everything. 1.873 acre lot approved by the county to subdivide. Sell off the other lot or have a huge lot to build your dream home. Call to walk the lot. $475K (Forsyth)

R UNDE T! RAC T N O C

For a free home market analysis, simply go to: Livingonlakelanier.Smarthomeprice.com and enter your address.

3 1/2 ACRES READY TO BUILD. Corp line is in the water! Great south lake location near Aqualand Marina. Single slip boathouse.

REDUCED $249K (Hall)

TRULY THE PERFECT LAKE HOME! Grass to the water, a point lot and fabulous views!! 3/2.5 w/master on main. Off Browns Bridge Rd. GREAT LOCATION! Please call for more info.(Hall)

STUNNING "STREET OF DREAMS" home.

Master on the main, 5 BD/4.5 BA, 3 finished levels including 5 fireplaces, custom wet bar, media room, and killer stone screened porch with spa, deck, upper screened porch, office, keeping room and so much more! REDUCED $995K (Hall)

6445 Grand Marina Cir., Gainesville

180 Longview Dr., Dawsonville

3184 Lake Ranch Dr., Gainesville

8540 McBride Lane, Gainesville

VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Long range views of Lanier! It's like living on top of the world and o’looking the lake. Marina Bay, resort style amenities include, S/T, clubhouse, parks and more, boat slip option at marina. REDUCED $320K (Hall)

PERFECT WEEKENDER w/GREAT lake view and SHORT walk to the water! 1st time on the market. 3/2 ranch has water views from most rooms.

FANTASTIC screened porch o’looking Lake Lanier.

NICE single slip dock w/swim platform. BRAND NEW carpet and tile! Stone fireplace in great room is AMAZING for chilly nights. $399K (Dawson)

BEST POINT LOT ON THE LAKE! Lodge style home ideal for multiple family get-aways. 5 BD, 4 BA with huge vaulted great room. 280 ft of Corp Line, double slip dock, wonderful lake views. Great wrap around deck, private lot, income producing property. $699K (Hall)

BEST DEAL ON THE LAKE! One acre lot in Chestatee Bay. Can build close to the water.

REDUCED $149K (Forsyth)

Two great lots on Lake Lanier!

5212 Laurel Terrace, Flowery Branch

Mark Trail, Gainesville

6830 South Bluff Ct., Gainesville

4 WATERFRONT LOTS with WONDERFUL Lake Lanier views and docks/permits. Corp line is very close to the water. Please call for plat and soil tests. Lots range from $70K-$199K. (Hall)

WALK IN THE FRONT DOOR AND ALL YOU SEE IS WATER! Wonderful tone on tone colors with a variety of woods, tiles & stones. 5 BR/4.5BA, 2 full unfinished basements. Grand lake views as far as the eye can see! $899K (Hall)

3908 Harbor View Ct., Gainesville. Single slip dock on cul-de-sac. $139K (Hall)

2275 Boy Scout Camp Rd., Gainesville. 3/4 acre lot w/platform dock. REDUCED $89K (Hall)

R UNDE T! RAC T N O C

OVER 3 ACRE RANCH MINUTES FROM LAKE LANIER! Minutes to I-985, lake & shopping? Private setting, shaded & wooded lot w/2 car attached garage & 1 car detached garage w/storage, master on main, covered outdoor patio and rocking chair front porch, full finished basement with family room, kitchen, bedroom, full & 1/2 bath, storage & 2nd laundry room. REDUCED $270K (Hall)

4 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Bev Knight #1 Agent on Lake Lanier

Lead Agent The Good Life Group 770-536-4416 www.housesonlanier.net

***Featured Community*** Summer Crest on Lake Lanier

State-of-the-art marina

• Six luxury lakefront lots in a beautiful north Hall neighborhood in the Mt Vernon school district • Every luxury lot is over two acres (four or five times the size of a normal lake lot) • Extraordinary sunset, big-water lake views • Each lot has a dock slip on state-of-the-art marina • Gated entry for security and privacy • RV and boat storage allowed (out of street view) • Lots starting at $395k • Use our builder or bring your own

Point lots still available

Sunset lake views

Eagle’s View Manor

Over 25,000 sq ft, panoramic big wtr views, gated, 2 docks w/1 in place, imported FPs. $1.425m

Sought-after Cumming

Award winning landmark

Mega views

Cumberland on Lanier

Pt lot, Lindal Cedar

Designer finishes, imported appls, sgl slip dock, stunning landscaping, beautiful pond & wtrfall. $1.29m

Easy walk to deep wtr, lake vws, open flr pln, Thermidor kit, automated home of the future. $1.249m

Easy walk to wtr, drought-proof cove, boat house w/ prty deck, open flr plan, views. $1.2m

Pool and lake

Forsyth County

Watch the fireworks

ED! REDUC

Lg dbl slip dock, deep water, screened porch, 2-story vaulted family rm, chef’s kitchen. $749k

Beach/picnic area

Spacious luxury home, resort quality pool, party dock on good water, finished bsmt w/ bar, billiards, more. $675k

Affordable in Cumming AYS! IN 5 D SOLD

ACT CONTR UNDER

Million $ views, easy walk to lake, dbl slip dock on deep wtr, renovated, open flr pln. $649k

Like new in Buford

NTAL LE RE POSSIB

Big wtr view, watch Laurel Pk fireworks from den.

Gorgeous alpine lodge, open plan, DS dock. $649k

Master on main

MIT K PER IP DOC L S L DB

Breathtaking views, paved path, deep water.

Huge party dock. Recent renovations. $499K

harming lake 3BR home on extreme s lake. Great view, finished bsmt. Deep water, easy walk. $499k

Dbl slip dock permit, spacious & open, mstr on main, good water, huge unf basement. $475k

Cov. ss dock, 4 BR, master on main, fin terrace lvl, 2 story great room, gentle walk to wtr $425k

Big views

Deep water, view

South lake

Close to GA 400 EEK 1ST W SOLD

3/2, nice SS party dock, over 30 ft wtr at dock, amazing views, screened porch, lg deck. $425k

Everything you could want in a lake home. 3BR, open flr plan, view, good water, nice party dock. $399k

Easy walk, lake views, SS dock, open flr pln, beamed beadboard ceiling, fin terrace lvl. $399k

Sgl slip party dock, deep wtr cove. Open flr pln, master on main, upstairs loft. $399k

w w w. H o u s e s O n L a n i e r. n e t

December 2015

LAKESIDE 5

Dani Brown

Jackie Powalowski

Heather Skoglind

Darlene Plavacan

Luxury Coordinator

Buyers & Sellers

Buyers & Sellers

Investment Property

706-455-3076

678-852-5397

678-612-8310

770-503-7070

678-300-1275

***Featured Properties*** Affordable Lake Homes in Forsyth County If you’re frustrated with the prices of lake homes in Cumming, consider looking at the more affordable homes in the Forsyth County side of Gainesville. Same great schools, lower prices!

k

$525k

Bayhill

Old Keiths Bridge

$399k

$425k

$448.9

Perry Road

Thunder Pt

Cherokee Forrest

Cresswind, better than new !

ISTING NEW L

Wraparound porch, lake access, spacious, master suite, fin terrace lvl, screened porch. $375k

2BR plus office, Daisy floor plan, great street, close to amenities, open flr pln. $350k

Affordable lake home

Move-in ready

and

Happy Holidays from your lake friends, Good water, SS covered dock, close to GA 400, stone FP, master on main, fin. terrace lvl. $360k

Convenient Cumming location, some recent renovations, 3BR, 3BA, sgl slip dock on good water. $249.9k

The Good Life Group

Lake Lots! Build exactly what you want in time for next spring!

Gville, 1.33 ac, deep wtr, $299k

!

ISTING NEW L

!

ISTING NEW L

ED! REDUC

Fl Br, .79 ac, gated & prt cleared, $239k

Gville, 1+ ac, driveway cut, views, $189k

Gville, soil test compl, $129k

Gville Harbour Pt, huge views, $125k

Gville, .81 ac, nice views, $99.9k

ACT CONTR R E D N U WEEK FIRST

Gville, tear down house, $99k

...when you’re ready for the good life!

6 LAKESIDE

December 2015

THE PATTI CHAMBERS TEAM Experience isn't expensive, it's priceless!

THE LAKE HOME YOU'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF MAY NOW BE AFFORDABLE ... CALL US!

The Chambers Team 631 Dawsonville Hwy • Gainesville, GA 30501

www.PattiChambers.com • Office 770-503-7070

$635,000

$775,000

$325,000

NEW G! LISTIN

UNDER T C A R T N CO

CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTRY CLUB lake front home. Main level offers large great rm w/FP, DR, spacious kitchen w/sub zero refrig, breakfast area, screened porch, master suite wi/generous bath, walk-in closet. Office, 2 or 3 BRs & family rm w/FPe all on terrace level. Great workshop and storage. Professionally landscaped yard. This charming home is nestled back from the street and offers full privacy on over an acre lot. Just steps to the lake and to the covered single slip boat dock. Great views!

NORTH HALL LAKE home in Cherokee Forrest. Gentle slope to dock.

Swim/Tennis amenities, house designed for multifamily living. Includes master & mini master BRs on the main floor, 2nd full kitchen downstairs, workout room, huge shop, hundreds of Sq ft of walk-in storage upstairs, 3 HVAC systems.

Upgrades include new roof, granite & quartz counter tops. Hdwd & tile flring in major high use areas. Home priced to sell as owners already have their lot in Florida. POSSIBLE LEASE/LEASE PURCHASE.

$579,900

$895,000

DEEP WATER AT THIS CITY TRADITIONAL LAKE HOME. Gentle grassed lot to waters edge. 32x32 double slip dock. Master on main plus 3 gracious bedrooms upstairs. Rec room in basement plus work shop. Nice water view. Situated in quiet cul-de-sac.

PERFECTLY SITED to maximize the spectacular Lake Lanier views Literally a few steps at waters edge and to the covered dock. 28 x 28 foot Martin aluminum dock with composite decking, boat lift and Jet Ski dock. Always deep water.

Corps line near water. Home features 2 bedrooms on main and one terrace level plus office. Open floor plan. Dramatic views from most rooms. Very nice landscaping. Convenient to I-985.

THIS NANTUCKET IN-SPIRED HOME is a true master piece and located only minutes from the Chattahoochee Country Club & golf course.

Unbelievably gorgeous property w/lake on 3 sides. Lovely porches overlook Lake Lanier & the private enclosed boat dock. $30,000 redecorating and boat dock allowance.

$1,195,000

$469,900

$349,500

SPECTACULAR LODGE STYLE HOME w/panoramic views of the N Ga Mountains, situated on the edge of Lake Laceola. Special details include cathedral ceilings, timber beams, expansive windows, hand distressed 14" wide flooring throughout, 3 stacked stone fireplaces, infinity pool, gourmet kitchen opens to breakfast and family room. Each bedroom has a private porch. Gated subdivision in Cleveland Georgia.

WONDERFUL LAKE RETREAT IN NORTH HALL. This home will become the perfect weekender for anyone wanting deep water (40 ft) and terrific views year round. This 4BR/3BA home has beautiful updates throughout including custom tile baths, plantation shutters, hardwood floors & new roof. The Inviting screened porch and gorgeous fenced backyard are perfect for that morning cup of coffee or weekend cookout. You will love it!

THIS LAKE HOME HAS IT ALL! 2 masters on the main, each with spa bathrooms.

Vaulted ceilings. Hardwood floors. Open views of the lake on both main and lower levels. Quiet cove with boat dock. Large great room on main. Finished basement with gameroom, entertainment area, office, bedroom laundry room.

Direct access to the backyard. Easy walk to the lake.

$595,000

D

E REDUC

3.178 ACRES ON LAKE LANIER! Small weekend home on property which could be refurbished. Lots of privacy. Boat dock. Located in North Hall off Highland Road.

WE LIVE AND PLAY ON LAKE LANIER Patti Chambers c 770.287.4879 • Bobby Chambers c 770.654.0533 • Office 770.538.4010 Sally Chambers Kirchner c 770.538.5626 • Patsy Mercer c 770.540.6507 • Renae Ackerman c 678.316.8596

WWW.PATTICHAMBERS.COM

December 2015

LAKESIDE 7

SHEILA DAVIS & COMPANY The Norton Agency 770.536.1250

PRESENTS LAKE LANIER’S FINEST HOMES

Sheila Davis 770-235-6907 sdavis@gonorton.com www.LakeLaniersFinest.com WE SELL MORE LAKE!

www.gonorton.com

SOLD $1,995,000 • THIS ONE WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY! Exquisite European elegance on the water. Make your home at one of Lake Lanier’s finest luxury destinations! Stunning 5BR home with a finished terrace level. This type of landmark property rarely hits the market. Elevator ready. FMLS #5560287 Chattahoochee Country Club, Gainesville. www.2933PointeDrive.info

$1,150,000 • LAKE LANIER RESORT LIVING BEHIND GATES! Enjoy great views from 3 sides, deep water boathouse, plus sparkling pool and full beach sand volleyball court! 6BR/6.5B, Gainesville.

FMLS#5599136 www.3721ChattateePass.info

$1,450,000 • STUNNING CUSTOM SOUTH LAKE HOME ON PENINSULA WITH PANORAMIC WATER VIEWS AND DEEP WATER DOCK! 6BR’s/4.5B’s with elevator, two master suites, multiple living areas and covered porches, bar, office/study and more!

Cumming. FMLS# 5372142 www.4180Sinclairshoresroad. info

$1,595,000 • LAKE LANIER RESORT LIVING WITH THE VERY BEST VIEWS!! VACATION EVERY DAY from this picture perfect setting & home w/fantastic mid-lake location. Twin slip deep water dock and gorgeous salt water pool! This rustic elegant setting features an open plan, walls of glass, hardwood floors, study, covered porch w/stone FP, master on main plus 4 ensuites. Gainesville, FMLS # 5594778 www.3619CameronCircle.info

$995,000 • LAKE AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS WITHIN THE LUXURY GOLF COMMUNITY OF CHESTATEE! Boat slip available. Custom lake home features an open floor plan for entertaining and an in water Corps line, riprap shoreline and large fenced backyard with lush landscaping. Convienient to 400.

FMLS# 5614540 www.514RiverSoundLane.info

$849,000 • LAKEFRONT LUXURY LIVING IN HARBOUR POINT'S "PENINSULA" YEAR ROUND SUNRISE VIEWS! 5BR/4.5BA. Boat slip option. Enjoy carefree lake living with spacious, modern home, minimal lot size and HOA maintained! FMLS #5567054 3350 HARBOUR POINT PKWY, GAINESVILLE 30506

$1,165,000 • ENJOY LUXURY LAKE LIVING WITH GORGEOUS LONG RANGE LAKE AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS! 6 bedroom & 5 1/2 baths, elevator, located in gated Harbour Point neighborhood. Boat slip in Harbour Point Marina is included in purchase price.

FMLS# 5534976 www.3657lakeridgedrive.info

$519,000 • POINTE WEST ON LANIER. This charming all brick traditional home was recently renovated.

Home has master and one guest BR on main level, library, and screened porch. Finished terrace level w/fireplace, wet bar, game room, workshop. Handicap features. Room for a future pool. No dock but Swim/Tennis and close Marinas and boat ramps.

FMLS # 5521326 www.5605HarborPointe.info

$995,000 • GATED 12.7 ACRE EQUESTRIAN LAKE LANIER HOME WITH 8 STALL BARN, POOL, POND AND S-SLIP DOCK. GORGEOUS REMODELED HOME. Bring your boats, horses, RV or all terrain vehicles!

FMLS# 5510910 7115 BARKERS BEND, MURRAYVILLE

GREATLY REDUCED-BEST BUY! $899,000 • EXECUTIVE BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE WITH THIS ALL BRICK THREE STORY HOME WITH POOL OVERLOOKING SCENIC LAKE LANIER! Beautiful lake views and upgradable to twin slip dock. Gainesville.

FMLS#5288402 www.3155windinglakedr.info

$845,000 • FANTASTIC RANCH FLOOR PLAN ON GORGEOUS LOT WITH GRASS TO WATER VIEWS! Cherokee Forrest - North Hall Schools, Gentle walk to single slip dock! Fenced and ready for future pool. The home features four sides brick, an open flowing plan, finished terrace level is open with a second kitchen, office, family and recreation room. FMLS #5519773 www.4245TallHickoryTrail.info

$799,000 • LAKE LANIER RESORT WITH EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST! Buy furnished w/2 boats for $849,000.

Fabulous water views w/Corps line steps to the water!

Twin-slip deep water party dock! Vaulted GR, master on main, gourmet kitchen, 5 spacious BR's all w/private baths, two stone FP's, full fin terrace level. Two large decks & hot tub, sunroom & screened porch! Gated enclave of 4 homes.

FMLS# 5540275 www.105stonecliffcovedrive.info

$699,000 • AMAZING OPEN SUNSET VIEWS WITH CORPS LINE IN THE WATER! Deep water SS dock, ability to upgrade. Spacious 5BR/4B ranch on fin terrace level in North Hall School District.

Sunroom & 2nd kitchenette. 2-car garage, plus extra detached garage with room for office or apt. MLS# 5588803 www.3386SmallwoodsLane.info

$599,000 • CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON SOUTH LAKE LANIER 4BR/4.5B home is the perfect setting for both entertaining or peaceful relaxation. Can be sold turnkey with furnishings for immediate summer fun! Deep water single slip dock. FMLS # 5539985 www.6650coxdrive.info

www.SheilaDavisCo.com

8 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Sunken houseboat’s fate in limbo after owner’s dies with no will

By Pamela A. Keene A sunken houseboat on Lake Lanier has gotten the attention of the media in Atlanta. Two months ago, the boat was found just off the shoreline near Sunrise Cove Marina, apparently abandoned.

The Lake Lanier Association reported it to the Corps of Engineers about six weeks ago.

According to the association, the ownership of the houseboat is in question because the owner has reportedly died without a will and there has been no one to accept responsibility for it. “We have been trying for more than a month to work with various authorities to determine the ownership of the boat,” said Joanna Cloud, executive director of the Lake Lanier Association, which has successfully removed several abandoned boats from the lake over the past 18 months. “Right now, the situation is unclear because we understand the original owner died without a will so there is no designated heir. And we just found out that at this point, nothing has been filed in probate court regarding his estate.”

Typically, when the association identifies a vessel or dock as possibly abandoned, Cloud has worked with the Buford Dam

Abandoned houseboat.

Project Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to attempt to locate and/or identify the owner.

The process includes coordinating with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, who holds registration papers on vessels, or the Corps, who issues permits for docks. The process includes searches of records and publishing a legal notice with the local media. “In most cases, the Corps has worked with us on a case-bycase basis,” Cloud said. “Once the boat or dock has been determined to be abandoned, the Corps issues a letter authorizing removal. Then we work with our community partners, such as Marine Specialties and TowBoatUS, to remove the boat from the lake and haul it away.”

Last summer, volunteers spearheaded the removal of a 19-foot runabout from the shores of Lanier Park in Gwinnett. Tow-

BoatUS and Terry’s Auto Towing donated their services in that case, after the association received a letter of authorization from the Corps.

However, this case is not as clear cut. Cloud has spent the past two months contacting various agencies, including the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Natural Resources and the Corps. To date, she has been unsuccessful in getting assistance to move forward to remove the now-sunken houseboat.

WSB-TV/Channel 2, CBSAtlanta and WABE Radio all broadcast news stories about the situation during November, but Cloud continues to be frustrated.

“Still no one agency seems to be able to give us a clear picture of the process we need to follow in this case,” she said. “We are very concerned that the boat may begin leaking fuel, oil or battery acid into the lake, but when we’ve spoken with the DNR’s Environmental Protection Division, they say that until there is evidence of pollution, they cannot act.

They’ve referred us back to the Corps because the boat is on federal property.”

Last month, Lakeside contacted the Corps’ Lanier office

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and was referred to the District office in Mobile. According to Federal Code Title 36, Part 327.15, the Corps has the authority to impound abandoned property from federal project lands and waters. However, in many cases budget issues prevent the Corps from acting. “Could the Corps act to impound abandoned personal property?,” said Pat Robbins, public affairs with the Mobile district. “The answer is yes. That would include removing the vessel, finding a place to store it, going through the process of attempting to locate the owner, and if no owner is identified, holding the boat for 90 days before being able to sell it. Any proceeds from the sale would go into the miscellaneous fund of the U.S. Treasury; they would not come back to the Corps’ budget.

As long as it’s not a hazard to navigation or a safety issue, the costs for such a project would not be in the best interest of the Corps, especially when the Corps could not recoup the costs.”

In previous cases, the Corps has worked with the association to verify that a boat’s owner cannot be identified and then has written a letter to the LLA allowing them to remove the boat.

Each abandoned boat or dock has been evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with the Corps issuing separate letters each time.

“We are working on a blanket memorandum of agreement with the association, but every situation is unique and it may be hard to write an agreement that would cover 99 percent of the cases that come up,” Robbins said. “We have been assisting and working together with the association to find the owners of boats or docks, but as a non-profit, they can solicit donations to help with removal.” Robbins said that the attorneys in Mobile are looking into the situation and contacting Probate Court to determine if the estate has been filed. As of press time, a determination had not been made by the Corps legal staff. “Right now, the probate issue needs to be settled first,” Robbins said. “Once we know the outcome, then we can proceed.

This is a very different situation because there is a death involved.

Before we can determine our next steps, the probate issue needs to be resolved.”

Cloud said she is hopeful.

“Our main concern is protecting Lake Lanier, and we’ve commitSee Houseboat, page 18

December 2015

LAKESIDE 9

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The Southern Fishing Report by Ken Sturdivant

A sampling of fishing information and tips from area guides Lake level: Full Clarity: Creeks are lightly stained, main lake is clear Temperature: Low 60s

on secondary rock points and steeper banks. We are working these steeper rock areas with the jig and worm for some good bites.

Bass fishing is fair. The lake This bass fishing report is prohas stabilized over recent weeks vided exclusively by Jimbo Mathand has begun clearing up in most ley. www.jimboonlanier.com. areas with some stain left in the Striper fishing is hit or miss. creeks. The fish remain scattered. We have had a lot of rain in NoThe structure fish seem to have vember. The lake has risen over disbanded for the most part, and four feet so far and is above full the main lake brush bite remains pool at press time. The rain comweak right now. We have been bined with east winds has resulted starting most mornings this past in a hit or miss pattern. One day week in creek arms, at the mouths fishing will be off the charts good of creeks, and at times in the and the next day will be a chalbacks of creeks. The spinnerbait lenge. Schools of surfacing fish bite at daylight is still there, but continue to show up. Keep your most fish are still coming on the eyes on the water looking for surChattahoochee Jig and Crossball facing fish. You may only see one Jig head/Trick Worm combo. The or two fish busting bait on the fish often are very shallow in the surface. Do not ignore this action mornings on clay and rock banks, as we have seen a single fish give usually eight feet or less. We are up the location of a large school. beginning to find some ditch fish The seagulls have started to arrive as well in the mornings. A Super- and the majority will arrive this Spin along with the trusty Cross- week. The pattern has been to fish ball/worm combo have been shallow in the mornings and deep accounting for most of the bites. in the late morning and afternoon.

Often the fish are in the center of Start your day by setting up a the ditch in 10 to 20 feet, but “spread” of baits using free lines some are up shallower as well. and planer boards. Set your free Through the day we are focusing lines at 50 to 100 feet behind the

boat. Deploy planer boards on each side of the boat with 30 to 50 feet of line behind the boards.

Use both weighted and unweighted lines to cover the water column. You can also deploy multiple planer boards for a wider presentation.

In addition, hang a couple of down rods over the side and adjust the depth based on the bottom and the trees. Vary your trolling motor speed from .3 to .8 mph and target points and flats.

As the day progresses move to deeper water with down rods and focus on points with deep water dropoffs and creek channel ledges. The pattern on the south end of the lake seems to be fishing shallower than the north end.

Both Spotted Bass and Stripers can be found on points on the south end of the lake with the deeper water pattern the ticket on the north end. A lot of the northern creeks and the rivers are very muddy and “blown out” with the southern creeks heavily stained in the back of the creeks and lightly stained on the main lake.

This Lake Lanier Striper report is from Captain Ken West and Captain Mike Maddalena of

www.bigfishon.com.

Crappie fishing is good to excellent: As I’m writing this report, the skies are dumping on us, with the expectation of two inches of rain. So what impact will the weather have on fishing? Other than keeping us off the lake, the rain should not have a huge effect as fishing continues to improve and remains good to excellent.

The exception to this is if the creek you are fishing is heavily stained (muddy). This will vary from creek to creek. The majority of the fish continue to remain on standalone brush piles. Some of the fish that we are locating on brush piles with our Lowrance Downscan are suspended just above the brush. While the fish will stay tight to the brush, expect the depth of the bite to be deeper by a foot or two, offset by the rising lake levels. Within two or three days, the fish will adjust to the stain, and the bite will continue. Jigs with darker bodies and brighter tails, such as chartreuse, may work to your advantage in stained water. In general, colors will not matter this time of year, with the exception being just after heavy rains.

A helpful tip: you should position your boat approximately 30 feet away from the brush pile you are targeting. Make sure you fish the entire diameter of the brush pile to find the best section. If you have two or more brush piles located in close proximity to each other, put a marker on each, then return to fish the first brush pile, staying about 30 feet away from the marker. This will give the fish a few minutes to regroup after the noise of your motor passes. If you are interested in seeing screen shots of how the fish and the bait appear on our electronics, visit our website to check out the shots we’ve posted. If you prefer crappie minnows, substitute them for the jig, using a slip cork. The tight line bite also remains good.

If you like trolling, this type bite is picking up as well and will continue to improve during the cold months. With the lake levels rising, keep a close eye out for floating debris that can cause damage.

This Lake Lanier Crappie report is from Dan Saknini, member of the Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club, www. laniercrappieanglers.com.

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December 2015

LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE LLOV events may soon be up in lights

By Jane Harrison Events at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue may soon be up in lights. Negotiations are under way between the venue’s governing body and a contributor to erect a LED sign to announce upcoming attractions at the site currently undergoing the first phase of a $7 to $10 million master renovation plan.

Gainesville Hall ’96 chair Mimi Collins told board members at the November meeting that talks are underway with Fieldale Farms to install a lighted sign on one side of the tower and paint a Springer Mountain Farms logo on another side. The Northeast Georgia poultry giant committed $250,000 for naming rights to the iconic finish tower overlooking the Olympic plaza and lake course.

Collins described the tentative design “pretty impressive.” The sponsorship agreement allows Fieldale five-year naming rights to the tower with opportunity to renew. Collins said the donation is up front.

As of last month, Fieldale was the largest private donor in the fundraising drive to finance venue renovations and prepare for a prestigious international canoe/kayak championship in May. The Pan American Sprint Canoe/Kayak Championship, a continental qualifier for the 2016 Summer Olympics, will kick off a LLOV 20 year anniversary celebration planned for next summer. Collins anticipates the donation from the local company with international ties could bring in other large corporate sponsors. The LLOV website last month flashed a photo of CocaCola six-packs commemorating the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a hint that the fundraising committee might seek support from Georgia companies that invested in the Olympic effort 20 years ago.

As of last month, two other local private entities had pledged donations. An anonymous donor initiated giving with $35,000. The Lanier Islands Development Authority followed with $15,000.

Renovations at LLOV were slated to begin this month with work on the tower. However, the overall master plan hit a bump after the U.S. Corps of Engineers scrutinized the details for new construction.

Collins and LLOV manager Morgan House reported that an official from the Corps’ Mobile office determined some of the design needs additional permitting. Since LLOV is on property leased from the

Corps, the federal agency requires special permits for construction on public land.

The Corps has approved tower improvements in the footprint of existing permitted structures, but has not approved construction of a pavilion and new restrooms at Clarks Bridge Park or the service building expansion on the Olympic plaza.

Board member Scott Gibbs commented that obtaining Corps permits is a process GH ’96 can work through and try to expedite. Collins said GH ’96 would move forward with the project, submit the required permit applications, and wait for a Corps’ environmental assessment. Gibbs and Collins suggested that District U.S. Congressman Doug Collins, who spoke at the renovation groundbreaking last month, be kept informed.

In other news: • House reported the venue is “on the movie radar screen” after a company contacted him about a potential feature film. The film company plans a movie about the legendary 1964 Olympic champion U.S. Men’s 8 rowing crew. The movie maker was particularly interested in speaking with GH ’96 board member John Ferriss, who knew each of the rowers. Ferriss, a leader of the local rowing club for nearly two decades, formerly coached at Cornell University and has ties with the 1964 gold medalists.

• An independent auditor issued a clean audit after reviewing GH ’96 financial statements for fiscal year 2015. The organization ended the year June 30 with $437,079 total assets, including cash, property, equipment, and leased improvements.

The venue received $300,000 in government funding, with most of the remainder coming from venue rental, $43,881, and boathouse rental from the rowing and canoe/kayak clubs, $12,000.

• House requested Jackson EMC evaluate LLOV facilities to determine how to cut electricity costs. Utility payments totaling $29,715 were the highest non-payroll related expense last year, following grounds maintenance, $17,455, and maintenance and repairs, $14,911. House also suggested getting bids from landscape companies before signing another agreement with Pro Touch Landscapes, whose contract is expiring.

Polar Bear if you dare, chicken if you scare

By Jane Harrison 2016 Polar Bear Swim You don’t have to get your hair wet to take part in the 2016 Polar Bear Swim at the Lake Lanier When: Jumping begins at noon Jan. 1. RegisOlympic Venue. The 19th annual New Year’s Day tration for walk-ins and check-in for everyone plunge into Lake Lanier allows some recognition to opens at 10:45 a.m. Plan to arrive by 11:30 a.m. the gawking “chickens” who flock to the docks in Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue boattheir warm down wraps to watch scantily clad house, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville. “bears” leap into the cold lake.

Registration: Polar Bear participants - $30 “The theme (for 2016) is ‘Polar bear if you dare single, $90 family of four; $30 for “chickens” … chicken if you scare!’ ” said Mike Braff, president who come to watch but not jump. All paid polar of event organizer, Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club. bears and chickens get t-shirt, chili, and hot “This will give folks who want to support the club drinks. Register at www.lckc.org. (Note: You do but don’t want to get wet a chance to buy a special t- not have to pay to watch the event.) shirt, different from the ones the Polar Bear particiAwards: LCKC traditionally recognizes the pants will receive.” oldest and youngest jumpers, best costume, and “Spectating is always free, but you could be wear- best jump. ing a special t-shirt to show your support,” he added.

The club fund-raiser has brought between 35 to bers, friends and co-workers hold hands and leap 200 jumpers to the docks on New Year’s Days, with together. Lone jumpers hold their noses, swan dive, See Polar, page 46 numbers varying with the temperature. Family mem-

LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE INFO Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club Contact: Office Administrator, Brenda Miller; LCKC President, Terry Baker Phone: 770-287-7888 Fax: 770-287-3444 Email: info@lckc.org Website: www.lckc.org Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Club offerings: Recreational and competitive canoe and kayaking for ages 12 and up. Beginner to masters programs offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and summer camps. Also hosts local, regional, national and international competitions.

Calendar of events: Dec. 5 - Annual meeting/ Awards Banquet Jan. 1 - Polar Bear Swim

Lake Lanier Rowing Club Contact: LLRC President, Duane Schlereth Phone: 770-287-0077 Email: LLRC@mindspring.com Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Website: www.LakeLanierRowing.org Club offerings: Recreational and competitive rowing for ages 13 to 80+. Beginner to elite offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and camps hosting of local, regional, national and international rowing regattas.

Calendar of events: Jan. 1 - Polar Bear Row Venue seats +/-2,000; parking capacity +/- 400 cars. The boathouse and tower are available to rent for meetings and special occasions.

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December 2015

LAKESIDE 15

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December 2015

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December 2015

Our holiday wish list includes best wishes to you all Bob and Carolyn Wilson, aboard Sea Island Girl, continue Lakeside's long running series of cruising adventures which began in the mid-1990s. To date we've had the Johnston family, Jean and Bill Bayman, and Mechelle and Bill Cooksey all contribute to the series. Bob and Carolyn boated on Lake Lanier until leaving for their adventure in 2002.

In looking back over my life I can remember my letters to Santa when I would prepare my list of must haves – a red wagon, a BB gun or maybe a Hopalong Cassidy outfit. As I would scratch out my list all sorts of visions raced through my head. I dreamed of seeing myself Christmas morning in my cowboy outfit toting my new Daisy rifle galloping through the neighborhood. I could hardly sleep.

When I went away to college things were quite different. I wasn’t in the top of my class and as I labored over reading an assigned novel that professors religiously had us complete during the holiday break my wish list, if I actually wrote it down, had far more to do with getting an A or B in English class. Better still it would

Bob & Carolyn Wilson Cruising Wilsons

be to find some money in my Christmas stocking more than wishing for the practical material things.

In 1966 while serving in the Air Force I can recall walking along the downtown streets of Montgomery, AL with my bunkmate seeing the holiday decorations and hearing the seasonal music being played as shoppers scurried from store to store and wishing I was home. It was not the happiest of times for me knowing that I would be missing the first Christmas with my family.

In no time Christmas Eve had arrived and most of the senior staff had arranged their schedules to be off base to enjoy time with their families. The days for me were pretty dismal but in no more time than it would take for

Rudolph to twitch his nose everything suddenly changed. “Airman Wilson you have guests in the lobby” came the announcement over the intercom. “Guests?” I questioned my roommate. “I don’t know anyone from here.”

As I opened the door to the lobby, I was overwhelmingly greeted with hugs and kisses from my parents, my two brothers and my sister. They had driven from their home in Macon to Montgomery to surprise me with what is to this day was the best holiday present ever. My father had arranged for me to have a few hours off the base to enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner with the entire family. Great food, with my family, what a great way to spend the holidays!

Following my marriage and the birth of our daughter the holiday focus changed dramatically.

The emphasis was no longer on me – it became a focus on family.

It was always a festive time. As the years passed ever so quickly, the enjoyment of gift giving and sharing became a lifelong reality, adding a new dimension to each holiday season.

The lyrics of one of my fa-

vorite Zac Brown Band songs brings to mind that at some point “life makes you realize, (time) we’re running out of it.” Time is a maturing factor that over a lifetime can bring wisdom and a renewed purpose in life. When it occurs the focus in a holiday wish list is forever changed.

I no longer need that BB gun or the little red wagon I so desperately wanted as a child. Today my list focuses on the family and wishing that everyone has recognized their own purpose in life and that each family members has been able to achieve their personal goals.

As I approach my seventieth

year on this earth I now feel that I am somewhat entitled to expand my list to include some of the more traditional holiday wishes like Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men and God Bless America. They may seem trite, traditional wishes but they have stood the test of time. We trust that you agree and will want to add them to your list as well.

Carolyn and I are adding to our list a wish for you, your family and your extended family of friends a safe, festive and enjoyable holiday season.

- Until next time, Bob & Carolyn Wilson

MORE INFO: cruiswils@gmail.com or www.cruisingwilson.blogspot.com

• Houseboat Continued from Page 9 ted to removing abandoned vessels and docks,” she said. “Yes, this is a difficult situation, but if it had been addressed when we first reported the houseboat six weeks ago, maybe it wouldn’t have sunk and created an even

more costly process of removing it. I hope that we can work out a process for more timely responses to abandoned personal property on the lake. It’s in the lake’s best interest to do so.”

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December 2015

Officials praise LLOV at ground breaking ceremony

By Jane Harrison The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue emerged from years of languish to shine in the autumn sunlight last month as local and district officials gathered to celebrate its re-birth. Speakers at the ceremonial ground breaking for a planned $1.6 million Phase 1 renovation of the 1996 Olympic site praised those who revived the Olympic ideal at the aging facility and touted its tourism boost to the local economy.

“I see the Olympic spirit coming up again,” said Ninth District U.S. Congress Representative Doug Collins. Speaking before about 100 attendees on the plaza near the tower base, Collins recalled how the community rallied around the venue before Olympic canoeists, kayakers and rowers stroked on Lake Lanier nearly 20 years ago.

“Then, the stands went away, the trees grew up (across the lake where temporary grandstands originally were located), but the tower is still here.” It rises above the stone grandstands and plaza built for another international canoe/kayak event in 2003.

The red and white tower reigns over the finish line of the Olympic course and shelters officials who document race times from above. In the past two years it broadened its reach to welcome numerous local clubs and businesses meeting inside its glassed conference room with a nearpanoramic view of Lake Lanier.

It is also one of the places where Gainesville Hall ’96 reconvened in 2013 to summon the community to rescue an Olympic legacy. New GH ’96 members rekindled the energy of their forebears who labored to bring the Olympics to Lake Lanier. They brainstormed, networked, and plotted about how to resurrect what many deemed a neglected community treasure, a diamond in the rough, in need of burnishing on the cusp of its 20th anniversary.

As of mid-November, GH ’96 had secured about $1 million in public and private funds for LLOV renovations. The first phase of the ambitious $7-10 million project centers on the venue’s tower side. Gainesville contractor Carroll Daniel Construction expected to begin work by this month on a bridge from the plaza

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Recent ground breaking ceremony at the LLOV.

to the tower second floor and an accessibility ramp for the disabled. Local architect Robin Millard’s Phase 1 design also shows restrooms inside the tower and renovations to the service building on the plaza.

Construction crews aim to finish a few weeks before canoe/kayak 2016 Olympic hopefuls hit the water May 19-22 in the Pan American Sprint Canoe/Kayak Championships.

About 200 of the best paddlers from North, South and Central America plus Cuba and island countries in the Caribbean and Bahamas will compete in the Pan Am Games, the final continental qualifier before the Summer Olympics in Brazil. Six Lanier Canoe & Kayak athletes on the U.S. National Team are among contenders for Olympic berths.

LLOV manager Morgan House, once an Olympic hopeful himself, told those at the groundbreaking ceremony that his “dream of seeing the venue becoming one of the best in the world is now coming a reality.”

He credited hundreds of volunteers and “the true powerhouse behind the scenes,” GH ’96, for their efforts to realize its potential.

GH ’96 chairperson Mimi Collins said the Phase 1 renovations will “make the tower more functional for the community.”

Phase 2 includes construction of new bathrooms at Clarks Bridge Park and a pavilion that “will be a great value to family members enjoying the park and beach,” she said. Additionally, enhancements at the boathouse, including a wide

www.lakesidenews.com •

balcony and windows overlooking the lake and a new entryway, will give the community a lakeside gathering place unlike any local public facility.

Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan invoked former mayor and current council member Ruth Bruner’s goal several years ago to support LLOV. The city has followed through, he said, en route to making it “the best.” He indicated the venue’s economic impact, estimated at $6.2 million this year, is worth the city’s investment. Gainesville and Hall County governments have contributed a total of $800,000 to GH ’96 from their general funds and Special Local Option Sales Tax budgets.

Hall County Commission chair Dick Mecum said he pondered several years ago about what happened to the venue. He said the county is excited about the revival of a “vital community asset” and “unique feature of our community.”

State Senator Butch Miller described the ground breaking as “a great moment for Hall County and Northeast Georgia and the quality of life in our community.”

Doug Collins said improvements at the tower will make it accessible not only to his daughter, who uses a wheelchair, but also to the community. He likened the venue to a shining light where athletes pushing for their personal best go through life-changing moments. He added he is excited about his district containing a great economic engine that is known and talked about world wide.

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December 2015

LAKESIDE 21

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22 LAKESIDE

December 2015

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24 LAKESIDE

December 2015

A couple of strange stories from the sea and more There are a lot of unusual happenings in this world, but I’ve always thought sea stories were the most unusual. Here are a couple I found strange: Two teenagers growing up in Ocean City, Maryland became interested in fishing, so they hung around the docks trying to learn what they could. One day they signed on to one of the uncle’s fishing boats to learn everything they could about what would be their future profession. Their next step would be to get their Captain’s license and find a fishing boat owner to hire them, which they did. They fished out of Ocean City in white marlin tournaments with some success. One Captain had a 53’ Monterey in which he traveled the world – as far south as Venezuela and west in the Pacific. Both Captains stayed in contact and the world traveler decided to go home to Ocean City to be closer to relatives and his fishing buddy.

A white marlin tournament was being held, and the well-traveled fishing Captain entered it. By the last day of the tournament they had caught five white marlins. A sixth white marlin was caught and the Captain noticed that it was a tagged fish, something he was very familiar with, having tagged over 600 fish down in Venezuela. They clipped off the tag, re-tagged and released the fish. Back at port he filled out the tag and mailed it to the Billfish Foundation which recorded the card’s information.

It is always interesting to read the cards when they comeback.

Sometimes they were tagged half way around the world. When the Captain read the card his jaw dropped. The fish was caught by his teenage fishing buddy. Out of a boat in which he had been captain! And it was caught within a mile of where he was fishing, exactly one year to the day, almost to the hour. That’s like lightning striking twice in the same place.

Needless to say that evening they had to toast the occasion, and they came to the conclusion that “Great minds think alike.”

A friend of mine gave me his copy of The Texas Fish and Game Magazine and a letter about a 7’ diameter sea turtle and it reminded me of my encounter.

Manual Lopez who was a bartender at the Pelican Restaurant on Clearwater Beach would send me prospective customers to my yacht sales business. One day he called and said he had a close

Mike Rudderham Captain’s Comments

friend who had passed away and his sister and nephew would like to present his ashes to the sea. I said I would take them out in the Gulf. So one beautiful morning we left the dock at about 6:30 a.m. We cruised to about five miles off shore. The boat was one of my trade-ins: a 24’ Fibra with an I/O. I slowed to an idle and told them I would make slow circles at idle while they presented the ashes and said quotes from the Bible. I made about four 300’ circles and “bam” I hit something. I shut the boat off and went astern where the largest sea turtle I’ve ever seen was giving me the evil eye. I started the engine and continued to make circles. I made about two more circles and “bam”, there was that turtle again. I raised the outdrive to check it, and sure enough the second strike bent the prop. I figured it wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t continue, so I started making circles so we could finish. Again “bam”. I checked again and found out the drive shaft was broken, and there was that sea turtle again. He had a satisfied look this time. After flagging down three or four boats for a tow we finally got one. It cost $150 for the tow and the boat repair was $350.00.

I told a Conservation Officer who had been in the U.S. Coast Guard with me and he said, “You had one of those new shinny props on didn’t you?” I said yes and he said running the way I was, the sun reflected off the prop blades. It was like a kingfish chasing a Reflecto spoon. That is one of the strangest events to happen to me on the water.

Anniversary stamp The U.S. Postal Service will have stamps to honor the U.S. Coast Guard’s 225th anniversary.

The Coast Guard was signed into law by President George Washington in August 1790. It provided for 10 vessels nicknamed “revenue cutters.” The stamp has the 295’ cutter Eagle “Americas tall ship” and an MH-65 Dolphin “helicopter” rescue craft. The Coast Guard has more than 49,000 active-duty members, 7,300 reservists, 8,300 civilian

employees and 30,000 volunteer auxiliary personnel.

Santa is near It’s time to think about your boat, Captain and crew. If you have an older boat maybe replacing some standard equipment that’s getting old like PFDs, lines and fenders, spotlights, anchor and rode, fire extinguisher, update electronics, VHF, depth finder, radar or PLBs would make great Christmas gifts.

New recreation toys that have just hit the market would make a great gift. Maybe a 28 pound kayak would provide fun for you crew. It folds up into its own back pack for easy storage on board or in your car. The high pressure drop stitch inflatable kayak is super rigid and easy to paddle.

Contact: www.seaeagle.com or call for color catalog 1-800-7488066. There is also a stand up paddle board that conveniently folds up into its own back pack for convenient stowing or traveling. Hobie also has an inflatable kayak with pedal driven mirage drive. It’s also easily storable and is made from rugged PVC. Contact: www.hobiecat.com.

If you have a crew member or passenger who gets seasick, a good stocking stuffer would be the Anchor Nutrition Bar. This tasty treat starts working within 15 minutes after eating, it’s good for you, and it lasts up to three hours. The cost is $11.99 for a three pack. Contact: www.anshornutri.com.

T-shirts or hats with your boats name on it for Captain and crew is another suggestion. If you plan an off shore trip make sure you have the proper safety equipment like a “EPIRB” or other safety equipment you might need for an emergency. Don’t be in next year’s statistics, make it home safely. Contact the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron if you need a list of proper off shore safety equipment you might want to give Captain and crew for Christmas. A membership in Boat/U.S. would be a very worthwhile gift. Cost is very reasonable so get ready for next season and join. Contact: www.boatus.com.

Cuba invitation The Commodore Eschrich and the board of directors of the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Havana has extended an invitation to U.S. boaters to come to Cuba and enjoy what they will also have to offer American cruisers. They would like to organize

conferences, seminars, courses, sailing and motor racing, fishing tournaments and other boating events. It sounds like they will be ready to go as soon as diplomatic relations are completed. Visit: www.hemingwaycuba.com.

Boat show time The Atlanta Boat Show will be from January 14th to the 17th.

Since boating has come back from the bad times of the reces-

sion you might be thinking of a boat for the family. Start selecting what you want now and what you can afford and it will avoid confusion at the show.

Practice safe boating, be courteous, and wear a P.D.F and I’ll see you on the water.

Mike Rudderham is a veteran marine surveyor with more than 40 years experience in the marine industry.

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December 2015

LAKESIDE 25

26 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Conditions likely for ‘wedge’ to form this month It is hard to believe that November has come and gone and we are heading into the homestretch of the holidays.

November was quite a fascinating month. Temps were spring-like on most days with brief shots of cold air. As I have been speculating, the rain would pick up and get heavier with each passing weather system. We had several tornadoes in the middle of the month as we enter our cool severe storm season.

Yes, we have two severe storm seasons in Georgia. First and foremost is the main one in the spring. Wind shear (changing wind direction or speed with height) becomes a real issue in the fall. You don’t need much heat energy from the sun, just a little spin in the winds to crank up a tornado. I have seen tornadoes during the month of December but many more during the month of January.

El Nino has certainly made its presence known with the heavy rain events. I would expect Pacific storms to become more frequent this month. Above average rainfall can be expected. Temperatures on the other hand, are a little more tricky to predict. As expected with El Nino, we have a split flow in the jet streams. The cold northern branch has been riding high up along the Canadian border. It has really been bottling up all the cold polar air up in Canada. The southern branch, moving from the Pacific Ocean across the southern United States,

continues to bring in clouds and moisture.

The clouds will of Glenn course, keep us cooler Burns during the day. However, at night, they trap the heat of the earth and Lanier keep us warmer. Every Outlook so often the cold air up in Canada becomes so thick and heavy that gravity takes over and drives it and the jet stream south. It’s very difficult to actually predict when that will happen. This has happened twice in the last two months.

Both instances eventually turned into a wedge of cold air across north Georgia.

Lake Lanier is always in the core of the coldest air. What I am leading up to is something I fear most of all in the winter: ice.

When a “wedge” (officially called Cold Air Damming) develops we get an extremely shallow layer of cold air that moves down the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains. The mountains act like a dam and funnel the cold air, just like water on the ground, into north Georgia.

As I mentioned, the southern branch of our jet stream is coming in loaded with moisture. It will tend to go up over the cold shallow air. Rain will fall into a subfreezing ground and we end up with freezing rain. The Lake Lanier area is always one of the hardest hit areas in a major ice storm.

I am not actually predicting an ice storm this month, however the parameters

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

LAKE LANIER WATER LEVELS APR 1 1070.13 2 1070.14 3 1072.10 4 1070.14 5 1070.18 6 1070.24 7 1070.25 8 1070.21 9 1070.19 10 1070.22 11 1070.27 12 1070.31 13 1070.39 14 1070.48 15 1070.67 16 1070.68 17 1070.70 18 1070.80 19 1071.07 20 1071.29 21 1071.39 22 1071.36 23 1071.27 24 1071.22 25 1071.35 26 1071.43 27 1071.40 28 1071.38 29 1071.33 30 1071.29 31 AV 1070.73 MAX 1071.43 MI 1070.10

MAY 1071.25 1071.28 1071.31 1071.28 1071.21 1071.15 1071.06 1071.01 1071.04 1071.07 1071.00 1070.93 1070.86 1070.79 1070.71 1070.72 1070.78 1070.72 1070.67 1070.62 1070.52 1070.45 1070.46 1070.45 1070.42 1070.51 1070.48 1070.49 1070.44 1070.46 1070.53 1070.80 1071.31 1070.42

JUN 1070.50 1070.54 1070.48 1070.42 1070.33 1070.36 1070.37 1070.30 1070.28 1070.24 1070.20 1070.15 1070.17 1070.18 1070.10 1070.02 1069.93 1069.86 1069.79 1069.74 1069.75 1069.66 1069.55 1069.46 1069.38 1069.31 1069.31 1069.30 1069.21 1069.12

JUL 1069.08 1069.08 1069.42 1069.41 1069.43 1069.38 1069.33 1069.26 1069.20 1069.12 1069.13 1069.06 1068.97 1068.98 1068.91 1068.83 1068.74 1068.74 1068.71 1068.64 1068.57 1068.48 1068.39 1068.40 1068.38 1068.33 1068.27 1068.20 1068.16 1068.13 1068.06 1069.93 1068.80 1070.54 1069.43 1069.12 1068.06

AUG 1068.03 1067.97 1067.90 1067.83 1067.77 1067.79 1067.73 1067.65 1067.65 1067.63 1067.60 1067.55 1067.49 1067.42 1067.37 1067.34 1067.47 1067.59 1067.67 1067.65 1067.62 1067.65 1067.86 1067.84 1067.80 1067.75 1067.69 1067.62 1067.59 1067.59 1067.52 1067.67 1068.03 1067.34

SEPT 1067.45 1067.39 1067.34 1067.32 1067.25 1067.23 1067.17 1067.18 1067.16 1067.12 1067.12 1066.99 1066.96 1066.91 1066.85 1066.78 1066.70 1066.64 1066.57 1066.55 1066.47 1066.41 1066.32 1066.41 1066.41 1066.44 1066.64 1066.36 1066.48 1066.43

OCT 1066.45 1066.48 1067.13 1067.89 1067.92 1067.91 1067.87 1067.84 1067.80 1067.97 1068.00 1067.98 1067.96 1067.85 1067.72 1067.59 1067.54 1067.54 1067.44 1067.41 1067.37 1067.31 1067.26 1067.27 1067.27 1067.35 1067.27 1067.25 1067.24 1067.22 1067.24 1066.84 1067.49 1067.45 1068.00 1066.32 1066.45

NOV 1067.51 1068.60 1068.86 1068.97 1069.04 1069.13 1069.54 1069.78 1070.17 1070.33 1070.42 1070.41 1070.34 1070.40 1070.44 1070.39 1070.27 1070.83 1071.38 1071.48 1071.43 1071.39 1071.21 1071.01

will certainly be in place.

New Year.

I hope you all have a very Merry Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous for WSB-TV in Atlanta.

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

December 2015

LAKESIDE 27

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December 2015

December 2015

LAKESIDE 29

30 LAKESIDE

December 2015 With the help of an ensemble that brings a dozen characters to stage, the story of George Bailey unfolds. Admission: $20-25.

Dahlonega. Tickets: $20, adults, $12, children/ Info: 770 945-6762, www.bufordcommunitystudents. Info: 706-864-3759; hollytheater.com. center.com.

Dec. 6 – Christmas on Green Street held Cumming Playhouse 4:45-7:15 p.m. Green St houses are decorated, Thru Dec. 13 – “Cats,” presented by RISPA w/ people in Victorian costumes narrating his Dec. 15 – Christmas Classics Holiday Vatories of homes, musical groups performing and riety, 8 p.m. more. Annual Christmas Tree lighting at 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 17 – North Georgia Barbershop Info: hallcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Singers, 8 p.m.

Dec. 6 – Christmas is One Language con Dec. 18 – Cumming Playhouse Singers cert, 7 p.m. at the Gainesville First United Holiday Concert, 8 p.m.

Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Rd., Dec. 20 – Bob Russell Singers Family Gainesville. Info: gfumc.com; 770-536-2341.

Christmas, 3 p.m.

Dec. 10-13 – Living Christmas Tree in Dec. 31 – Sentimental Journey Orchestra, Gainesville held at the First Baptist Church of 3 p.m., 8 p.m.

Gainesville, 751 Green St. NW. Times: 7:30 Info/times: 770-781-9178; www.playhousep.m., Dec. 10-11; 4:30 p.m., Dec. 12; 4:30 p.m. cumming.com. and 7 p.m., Dec. 13. Info: 770-534-7354.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Thru Jan. 1 – Christmas in the Park Light Dec. 12 – Three Dog Night Display held in Cornelia at City Park on Wyly Info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

St. Free. Info: 706-778-4654.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort Thru Jan. 1 – “All Is Calm, All Is Bright” Thru Jan. 3, 2016 – Magical Nights of exhibition held at Helen Arts & Heritage CenLights, a Christmas classic, continues this holiter, 25 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen. day season. Journey to Santa’s Holiday Village, Thru Jan. 4 – “Portraits in Gray: A Civil where kids can visit with Santa, and shop for War Photography Exhibition,” featuring The that special Christmas gift In December, a live Collection of David Wynn Vaughan at the Envinativity, presented by area churches, adds a ronment and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water special touch to your Christmas celebration.

Dr., Buford. Info: gwinnettehc.org; 770-904-3500. Info: www.lakelanierislands.com Brenau University Northeast Georgia History Center Thru Dec. 31 – Dian Fossey exhibit cele Dec. 8 – Forum: Christmas Past, at 7 p.m., brates the life and work of primatologist Dian features McKinley Brooks, discussing the VicFossey. The artifacts show Fossey as a deditorian Era roots of our modern Christmas seacated pioneer in her field. Exhibit held in Breson. Admission: $3; members, free. nau Trustee Library, 625 Academy St., Dec. 13 – Family Day: Victorian ChristGainesville. Info: www.brenau.edu mas, 1-4 p.m., celebrates the Holiday Season Buford Community Center and the Victorian era origins of our modern Dec. 3-20 – “It’s A Wonderful Life Radio Christmas traditions with music, stories, handsPlay,” presented in Sylvia Beard Theatre, on activities, refreshments, history presentacomes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. tions and Santa. Info: www.neghc.com

Lakeside Calendar December 2015 Dec. 1 – Inaugural Love Light Tree Lighting Celebration, Braselton held at 7 p.m. in the Auxiliary Love Light Gradent, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, 1400 River Place, Braselton. Info: 770-219-1830.

Dec. 1-5 – The Nature Connects: Art with Lego brick exhibit is on display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville. The garden is hosting a contest for the more creative Lego design. Finalists will be chosen from Facebook submissions and winders will be selected on Dec. 5. Info: atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville.

Dec. 1-31 – Tour of Trees, Blairsville, held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Union County Community Center, 129 Union County Recreation Road Dec. 3-6, 10-13 – “Stocking Stuffers” presented by Habersham Community Theater, features an evening of family fun filled with local talented youth. Located at 1370 Washington St., Clarkesville. Info: 706-839-1315.

Dec. 3 – Parade of Lights, Athens, held at 7 p.m. Parade begins on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski streets. Info: 706-613-3625.

Dec. 4 – African Children’s Choir performs at 7 p.m. at Redwine United Methodist Church, 3285 Poplar Springs Rd., Gainesville.

Free. Donations welcome.

Dec. 4 – Downtown in December, Jefferson, Crawford W. Long Museum and Downtown Jefferson. Photos with Santa and free horse drawn carriage rides. Info: 706-367-5714.

Dec. 4-6 – “The Nutcracker,” performed by the Gainesville Ballet Co. at Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, 500 Washington St., Gainesville. Times: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4; 2 p.m. &7:30 p.m., Dec. 5; 2 p.m., Dec. 6. Tickets: $18, adults; $12, children. Info: 770-532-4241.

Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 – “Miracle on 34th Street,” at the Holly Theatre, 69 W. Main St.,

North Atlanta Trade Center Dec. 5-6 – Atlanta’s Exotic Bird Fair Dec. 11-13 – Mammoth Rock Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show Dec. 12 – Eastman’s Gun Show Piedmont College Dec. 4, 5 – 27th Annual Service of Lessons & Carols presented in the Chapel on the Demorest Campus. Time: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4/5. Free.

Thru Dec. 14 – John Douglas Powers: “Locus,” presented at Piedmont College Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, 567 Georgia St., Demorest.

Info: 706-894-4201; piedmont.edu.

Quinlan Arts Center Thru Dec. 5 – 68th Member’s Exhibition, Dec. 6, 7 – “Handcrafted for the Holidays” craft market held 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 6 and 57 p.m., Dec. 7. Free.

Info: www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Tannery Row Artist Colony Thru Dec. 3 – Homegrown, Fall juried show. Opening reception Oct. 24, 5-8 p.m.

Dec. 5, 6 – Art Ramble/ Open House, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Gallery will feature art for the holidays all of December.

Info: 770-904-0572; www.tanneryrowartistcolony.com.

University of North Georgia Dec. 1 – UNG singers and Le Belle Voci performs 6:30 p.m. at Achasta Golf Club, 639, Birch River Dr., Dahlonega.

Dec. 1 – UNG Chorale and Men’s Ensemble holiday concert performed at 7 p.m. in UNG, Ed Cabell Theatre, 3820 Mundy Mill Rd., Oakwood.

Thru Jan. 4 – “Long, Bright World,” exhibit of work by Amanda Small displayed in Roy C. Moore Art Gallery, UNG Gainesville campus, Oakwood. Free.

Info: www.ung.edu.

See Calendar, page 38

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December 2015

LAKESIDE 31

Sailing Club Events Club

Event

Day

Date

DECEMBER 2015 LLSC SSC LARC UYC

Pig & Rum Thistles Bill Sears #5 Fall #5 - LLSC Hosts UYC Fall 5

Sat Sat Sun Sat

12/05 12/05 12/06 12/12

Club

Event

Day

LLSC SSC AISC SSC LLSC

Flying Tiger #4 Masters (Skippers over 50) AISC Summer 1- #2 Lormand Cup Multihull

Date

Club

Event

Sat/Sun Sun Wed Sat Sat/Sun

04/23-24 04/24 04/27 04/30 04/30-05/01

AISC BFSC UYC LLSC SSC LLSC BFSC

Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sun Wed Tue-F

05/04 05/07 05/11 05/14 05/18 05/22 05/25 05/31-06/03

OCTOBER 2016

Wed Sat Su-F Wed Su-F Su-F Wed Sat/Sun Wed Wed Sat

06/01 06/04 06/05-10 06/08 06/12-17 06/19-24 06/15 06/18-19 06/22 06/29 06/27

LLSC SSC UYC LLSC BFSC LLSC LLSC LLSC LLSC

MAY 2016

AISC Awards Party Fall 4 UYC Fall 1 Flying Scot Regatta Bill Sears #1 Encore Race #1 Barefoot Open

Day Wed Sat Sat Sat/Sun Sun Wed Fri-Sun

Date 09/21 09/24 09/24 09/24-25 09/25 09/28 19/30-10/02

JANUARY 2016 BFSC/SSC Poker Run/Mad Hatter LLSC Laser Frostbite#1 SSC Ice Breaker #1 LARC Winter #1 - UYC Hosts SSC Ice Breaker #2 LLSC Laser Frostbite#2 LARC Winter #2 - LLSC Hosts LLSC Laser Frostbite#3 LARC Winter #3 - AISC Hosts SSC Ice Breaker #3 LLSC Laser Frostbite #4 LLSC 1064 UYC UYC Winter #2 LLSC Laser Frostbite #5 SSC Ice Breaker #4

Fri Sun Sun Sun Sun Sun Sat Sun Sat Sun Sun Sat Sun Sun Sun

01/01 01/03 01/03 01/09 01/10 01/10 01/16 01/17 01/23 01/24 01/24 01/30 01/31 01/31 01/31

Sat Sun Sat Sat Sun Sun Sat/Sun Sat Sun Sun Sat Sat/Sun Sun

02/06 02/07 02/13 02/13 02/14 02/14 02/20-21 02/20 02/21 02/21 02/27 02/27-28 02/28

FEBRUARY 2016 UYC LLSC LARC SSC LLSC UYC LLSC LARC LLSC SSC SSC LLSC UYC

Hot Ruddered Bum Laser Frostbite #6 Winter #4 - SSC Hosts Ice Breaker #5 Laser Frostbite #7 UYC Winter 3 Flying Tiger #2 Winter #5 - BFSC Hosts Laser Frostbite #8 Nippert #1 Nippert #2 Laser Southerns Regatta UYC Winter 4

AISC BFSC AISC BFSC AISC BFSC AISC LLSC

AISC Summer 1- #3 Spring 4 AISC Summer 1- #4 Women Skippers - Open AISC Summer 1- #5 Spring 5 AISC Summer 1- #6 Junior Week #1

JUNE 2016 AISC BFSC LLSC AISC UYC UYC AISC LLSC AISC AISC SSC

AISC Summer 1- #7 Spring 6 Junior Week #2 AISC Summer 1- #8 Junior Sailing Prog #1 Junior Sailing Prog #2 AISC Summer 1- #9 Reggae Regatta AISC Summer 1- #10 AISC Awards Party Couples Race

LLSC LLSC LLSC LARC BFSC UYC LLSC LARC

Lightning Regatta Sat/Sun 10/01-02 Encore Race #2 Wed 10/05 Laser Regatta Sat/Sun 10/08-09 Fall #1 - SSC hosts Sat 10/08 Fall 5 Sun 10/09 UYC Fall 2 Sun 10/09 Encore Race #3 Wed 10/12 Fall #2 - BFSC Hosts (BF Fall #5) Sat 10/15 Sailboard Regatta Sat/Sun 10/15-16 Bill Sears #2 Sun 10/16 UYC Fall 3 Sun 10/16 Encore Race #4 Wed 10/19 Fall 6 Sat 10/22 Georgia Tech Regatta Sat 10/22 Encore Race #5 Wed 10/26 Halloween Regatta Sat/Sun 10/29-30 Miss Piggy - one-design (J-22, J-24) Sat/Sun 10/29-31

NOVEMBER 2016 JULY 2016 LLSC Firecracker Cup Sat/Sun AISC AISC Summer 2-#1 Wed BFSC/SSC Moonlight Scramble/Firefly Sat AISC AISC Summer 2 - #2 Wed SSC Newcomers Race Sun AISC AISC Summer 2 - #3 Wed

07/09-10 07/13 07/16 07/20 07/24 07/27

UYC LARC SSC BFSC LLSC UYC SSC LARC LLSC

Lanier Cup Fall #3 - AISC Hosts Bill Sears #3 Dorton Cup Annual Meeting UYC Fall Makeup 1 Bill Sears #4 Fall #4 - LLSC Hosts No More Leftovers

Sat Sun Sun Sat Sat Sat Sun Sun Sat

11/05 11/06 11/06 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/13 11/19 11/26

Sat Sun Sat Sat Sat Sat

12/03 12/03 12/04 12/04 12/10 12/10

AUGUST 2016

MARCH 2016

DECEMBER 2016 LLSC LLSC SSC LARC UYC BFSC LLSC LLSC SSC

PHRF Championship GA Tech Collegiate Regatta Nippert #3 Leukemia Cup Comm Cup/UYC Winter 5 Spring 1 Atlanta Cup J24/J22 Flying Tiger #3 Nipper #4

Sat Sat Sun Fri-Sun Sat Sat Sat/Sun Sat/Sun Sun

03/05 03/05 03/06 03/11-13 03/19 03/19 03/19-20 03/19-20 03/20

APRIL 2016 AISC LLSC BFSC BFSC UYC SSC AISC BFSC UYC LLSC

Dogwood Regatta Commissioning Spring 2 Around Alone UYC Makeup 1 Nippert #5 AISC Summer 1- #1 Spring 3 UYC Makeup 2 MC Rebel Rouser Regatta

Fri-Sun Sat/Sun Sat Sat Sun Sun Wed Sat Sat Sat/Sun

04/01-03 04/09-10 04/09 04/16 04/17 04/17 04/20 04/23 04/23 04/23-24

AISC AISC Summer 2 - #4 Wed AISC AISC Summer 2 - #5 Wed BFSC Fall 1 Sat AISC AISC Summer 2 - #6 Wed BFSC/SSC Moonlight Scramble/Firefly 2 Sat AISC AISC Summer 2 - #7 Wed BFSC Fall 2 Sat LLSC Vern Pickering Commodores Cup Sat/Sun AISC AISC Summer 2 - #8 Wed

08/03 08/10 08/13 08/17 08/20 08/24 08/27 08/27-28 08/31

LLSC LARC UYC SSC LLSC UYC

Pig & Rum Thistles Fall #5 - UYC Hosts UYC Fall Make-up 2 Bill Sears #5 Whitecapper UYC Fall 5

These races are open to non-club members interested in connecting with the racing scene on Lake Lanier. For more information, visit www.SailLanier.com and click on the club that's hosting the race.

SEPTEMBER 2016 LLSC AISC SSC LLSC UYC AISC BFSC LLSC

Jr. Commodores Cup AISC Summer 2 - #9 SSC Open Regatta Old Goat - Thistle Regatta A Day at the Lake Event AISC Summer 2 - #10 Fall 3 C22 Gone with the Wind

Mon Wed Fri-Sun Sat/Sun Sun Wed Sat Sat/Sun

09/05 09/07 09/09-11 09/10-11 09/18 09/14 09/17 09/17-18

LARC - Lanier Auxiliary Racing Committee AISC - Atlanta Inland Sailing Club BFSC - Barefoot Sailing Club LLSC - Lake Lanier Sailing Club UYC - University Yacht Club

For the complete 2016 sailing calender, visit our website at www.lakesidenews.com/sailing-calendar.

32 LAKESIDE

December 2015

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LAKESIDE 33

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By Pamela A. Keene Magical Nights of Lights, Lanier Islands’ signature holiday celebration is back this year in all its glory. But it’s only part of the fun planned for winter 2015-16.

In addition to the 6-mile light show that will run from November 27 through January 3, the resort is transforming LanierWorld into a Winter Adventure, complete with three snow play areas, snow slides, ziplining and carnival rides.

“We’ve planned holiday fun for the whole family with Winter Adventure and some new displays in magical nights of Lights,” said Cindy Wahl, director of marketing for Lanier Islands. “Many of our lights have been converted to LED, to be more energy-efficient, and we’ve even created a special app that will make the drive much more interactive this year. Storytelling and music will bring Magical Nights of Lights to life.”

LanierWorld has been converted to a winter wonderland with several dedicated one-person sled lanes. With three snow machines, the resort has also turned popular summer rides including the Double Down, Intimidator and Fun Dunker Drop into winter adventures. A new attraction, a six-lane snow slide will dump guests into the snow-filled wave pool. Another area is specially designed fun zone for young children. The Cat 4 slide will be open to snow lovers. “The Thunderbolt Triple Zipline will give riders a reindeer’s perspec-

THE PRESLEY TEAM WWW.THEPRESLEYTEAM.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF LANIER ISLANDS

tive as they sail high above the rides,” she said. “The snow machines will make fresh powder for making snowmen and just having fun this winter.”

The Islands’ skating rink has been augmented with a bubble experience. The resort’s new 46- by 84-foot big screen at Big Beach will offer snippets of holiday movies, sing-a-longs and other broadcasts.

The volleyball courts will be outfitted for a new interactive experience called Knockerballs, giant inflatable balls that guests get inside to become the ball in an unusual interactive game of soccer. Many of the island’s dining options will be open during Winter Adventure.

Magical Nights of Lights and Winter Adventure open November 27. The holiday light display will continue through January 3. Winter Adventure will be open through February 15.

MORE INFO: www.lanierislands.com

KIM YARRINGTON 770-561-4338 KimYarrington@kw.com

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34 LAKESIDE

December 2015

December 2015

LAKESIDE 35

Protecting the Chattahoochee River for generations to come 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 hen Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Sally Bethea retired at the end of 2014 after founding the environmental organization 20 years ago, it took two people to fill her shoes.

“Sally started the Riverkeeper with a small office and a canoe in 1994, and over that time we’ve grown and become a model for other Riverkeeper organizations around the country,” said Jason Ulseth, who has taken over lead advocacy and spokesperson duties of the Riverkeeper. He’s been on staff for the past eight years in various capacities. “Our mission remains the same – to protect the Chattahoochee River – but we’re continuing to expand our membership, our programming and our community involvement.”

Attorney Juliet Cohen serves as executive director, managing day-to-day operations, programming and oversight for regulatory and legal issues. As general counsel handling litigation for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper since 2008, she is imminently familiar with the over-arching legal, environmental and social matters that stay on the radar of the 7,000member group. She also interfaces with local, state and federal officials to support and monitor legislative, policy and regulatory issues.

As a youngster, Georgia native Ulseth fished the trout sections of the Chattahoochee with his father.

“I learned to love the river and the environment,” he said. “Our family always took vacations to the

W

beach or somewhere on the water and I still spend any free time I have on the water fishing.” He and his wife Dawn live in Johns Creek and have two children. He said he’s teaching his children to appreciate the environment. The family hikes, fishes and likes to participate in outdoor activities together.

A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in environmental health, Ulseth worked for nearly five years for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission before joining the Riverkeeper in 2007 as technical programs director. The bulk of his days were spent boating in the river and its tributaries as captain of the Riverkeeper’s patrol boat, quality testing the waters. “From going up and down the entire system, I’ve gotten to know the river like the back of my hand,” he said.

Juliet grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she explored the rainforests, mangroves, beaches and waters and realized that she wanted to have a career as an environmentalist of some type. Earning a degree in environmental science and political science from the University of Miami, Florida, she worked for Earth Force, an environmental education organization in Washington, D.C. Later moving to Charleston, she became program manager for the South Carolina “More than a Port” project and volunteered with the local Sierra Club as conservation chair.

From 2001 to 2004, she at-

PHOTO: CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

Juliet Cohen and Jason Ulseth working on the river.

tended American University’s Washington College of Law, graduating magna cum laude. For the next two years, she was a staff attorney for the Eleventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. She and her husband Jeffrey live in Brookhaven; they have three children. Together they hike, paddle and enjoy the outdoors.

Managing change When it was founded, the group was called the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. It advocated for the river chiefly from the headwaters in north Georgia to the dam at West Point Lake.

Several years ago, a similarly focused group in the middle section of the river disbanded, and the Riverkeeper embraced the whole system, dropping “upper” from its name. The expansion has allowed for extended programming and activities along the 436-mile river that flows from North Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. As Bethea looked toward retirement, the organization recognized talent from within.

The transition from Sally’s leadership to naming Jason and Juliet to their current positions did not happen overnight. “We knew in advance about Sally’s retirement and had the opportunity to plan for it,” Ulseth said. “It was a thoughtful 18-month process that involved talking with other riverkeeper organizations to find out what did and didn’t work in their own transitions, meeting with our board, staff and funders and developing a solid plan.

We’ve all seen what can happen when a good leader walks away and a new person is suddenly thrown into the mix, and we are very fortunate to have had the time and ability for a smooth transition.” Programming has expanded within the mission of education, environmental protection, conservation and water planning.

Using the model of the successful floating-classroom partnership with Gainesville’s Elachee Nature Center, the Riverkeeper has begun its own on-the-water education project on West Point Lake.

Students on board “The Lake Lanier Aquatic Learning Center has been tremendously successful with more than 40,000 students coming on board in the program’s 15-year history,” Cohen said. With this model in mind we created the West Point Lake Floating Classroom. Since the boat launched in July, more than 600 students and adults have participated.”

The Riverkeeper offers educa-

PHOTO: CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

Juliet Cohen taking samples along the riverbank.

tion programs for youth and adults that address conservation and storm-water runoff and other sources of pollution. It partners with other environmental groups throughout the year for waterway clean-ups. The Riverkeeper also advocates for the enforcement of environmental laws and for regional water planning.

Additionally, the group collaborates with the Georgia Water Coalition to promote water conservation. It is also a member of the ACF Stakeholders and the TriState Conservation Coalition.

This May, the Riverkeeper hosted its inaugural Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Gainesville. The event at Brenau University’s Downtown Center sold out. Plans are on the boards

PHOTO: CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

Jason Ulseth collecting samples along the riverbank.

for another film festival in April 2016. Additionally, Lake Lanier’s Southern Sailing Club has adopted the Riverkeeper as the benefactor of its September twoday sailing regatta. The 2015 event raised $2,000.

With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it operates from headquarters in Atlanta, a Headwaters Regional Office in Gainesville and a Middle Chattahoochee Regional office in LaGrange. Eleven full-time staffers and five parttime people accomplish much of the group’s work, but the Riverkeeper relies heavily on volunteer support.

The Riverkeeper recently embarked on a $2 million fund-raising campaign that will take place over the next three years. One of the goals is to fund a full-time director of the headwaters position in North Georgia. The money will also allow for further expansion of the group’s work.

“We ask a lot of this 436-mile river, especially considering that it provides water for the large metropolitan area of Atlanta and everything downtown from a relatively small watershed of 8,700 square miles,” Ulseth said. “Our charge and mission is and will continue to be to advocate for the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed. After all, we must protect this irreplaceable natural resource for generations to come.”

INFO: 404-352-9828 www.chattahoochee.org

36 LAKESIDE

December 2015

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December 2015

2015 Holiday Happenings Around Lanier Slide down a snowy slope, snuggle on a hayride, sing a carol or eat breakfast with Santa this holiday season. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the season and begin a new year around Lake Lanier and in the mountains just north. Here are a few of the holiday events: Winter Adventure, Buford. Snow slides, speed slides, snow tubing, sledding, ice skating, fire pits, carnival rides, plus snow play area, Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. $25-$35 full day passes; $15-$20 half day. www.snowworldga.com, 770-945-8787.

Magical Nights of Lights, Buford. Holiday light drive-through tour to Holiday Village with skating, bon fire, amusement rides, Santa visits, live nativity, choir singing, through Jan. 3, Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. $17-$28; extra for buses. www.snowworldga.com, 770-945-8787.

Old Fashioned Christmas, Dahlonega. Tree lighting, Santa visits, outdoor movie, music, sleigh bell tour, trolley rides, parade, live nativity and more through Dec. 31. See www.dalonegachristmas.com for schedule.

706-864-3711.

Festival of Trees, Helen. View beautifully decorated trees and wreaths in lodge at Unicoi State Park, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. through Dec. 12; trees/wreaths go to highest bidders 2 p.m. Dec. 13, 1788 Hwy. 356. $5 parking. 706 878-2201.

Christmas at the Gorge, Tallulah Falls. See Santa, make crafts, enjoy Christmas music, have a snack, 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Holiday in the Park, Gainesville. Outdoor screening of movie, The Polar Express, bounce houses, face painting, refreshments, Santa visit, gate opens 5 p.m., movie begins 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Rd. $5 per car. 770-535-8280.

Holiday Festival/Christmas Tree Lighting, Flowery Branch. Holiday market, parade, hayrides, refreshments, live entertainment, Santa visits, tree lighting, noon-6:15 p.m. Dec. 5, 5517 Main St. www.flowerybranchga.org.

Buford Holiday Parade & Festival. Santa arrives in parade on Main Street Downtown 11 a.m., festival and performances 12:30- 5 p.m.

Dec. 5. www.visitbuford.com.

Christmas in the Mountains, Cleveland.

Old fashioned Christmas with carols, hot cocoa and cookies, kids’ activities, crafts, Santa visits, food booths and more, 5-8 p.m., parade with lighted floats 7 p.m., Dec. 5, Downtown Cleveland. www.whitecountychamber.org.

Mingle with Kringle, Gainesville. Santa visits Downtown Gainesville with caroling, carriage rides, music, treats and lighting of the chicken, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5, 12, 19, Main Street Market, corner Spring & Main. www.gainesville.org.

Christmas on Green Street, Gainesville.

Annual parade and festivities, caroling, carriage rides, narrative histories of Green Street homes, strolling magician, face painter, miniature train ride and more, 4:45-7:15 p.m. Dec. 6; Green Street closed 4-7:30 p.m. www.hallcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Oakwood Christmas Celebration. Choir performances, free hot chocolate, marshmallow toasting, ornament making, pictures with Santa, 5:30 -8 p.m. Dec. 11; Santa arrives by fire engine 6 p.m. Bring canned or non-perishable food item for pantry. www.cityofoakwood.net.

Christmas in Cumming. Arts & Craft Festival 4-9 p.m. Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 12; hayrides 7-10 p.m. Dec. 11; photos with Santa, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 11, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Dec. 12, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. Arts & crafts admission $1 adults, free to children 12 and younger. www.cummingfair.net.

Pancakes with Santa, Gainesville/Flowery Branch. Pancake breakfast with Santa, craftmaking, photos, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 12, North Hall Community Center, 4175 Nopone Rd. and Mulberry Creek Community Center, 4401 JM Turk Rd. $3 per person. Register by Dec. 7.

770-535-8280.

Christmas Parade, Helen. Festivities in Alpine-themed village include parade, Santa visits, holiday market, and more; parade 2-3 p.m. Dec. 12, Downtown Helen. www.helenga.org.

12th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Blairsville. Lighting of live 35-foot Blue Spruce, hayrides, caroling, Santa visit, bon fire and refreshments. Bring unwrapped gift for child 0-12 years old. Bundle up and bring lawn chair. 4:30-8 p.m. Dec. 12, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-745-2628.

Let’s Go Caroling, Braselton. Stroll downtown luminary trail to hear caroling groups at various stops with shopping and refreshments, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12, Downtown Braselton. www.downtownbraselton.com.

Appalachian Heritage Holiday Camp, Sautee Nacoochee. 3-day camp for children 616 to discover origins of holiday traditions, includes crafts, story-telling, refreshments and music. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 21-23, Hardman Farm, 143 Hwy. 17. Pre-register by Dec. 6. $14 per child per day; $40 all 3. 706-878-1077, www.gastateparks.org.

Dropping of the Edelweiss/New Year’s Party, Helen. Music, food, party hats & favors, dancing, champagne toast, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. $15 person, $25 couple, $7.50 kids 6-12, free to kids 5 and younger. www.helenga.org.

First Day Hike, Blairsville. 4 mile hike on Bear Hair Trail led by Georgia Appalachian

Trail Club, 9-11 a.m. Jan. 1, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-745-2628.

First Day Hike, Tallulah Falls. Moderate 3.5 mile guided hike along gorge rim and through the woods for ages 8 and older, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jan. 1, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yard Dr. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

First Day Hike, Winder. 1-mile hike from nature center, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 1, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $3, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 770-867-3489.

Polar Bear Swim, Gainesville. Participants jump into Lake Lanier solo or in groups; costume, splash, youngest/oldest jumper contests, noon Jan. 1, Lake Lanier Olympic Venue boathouse, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $30 individuals, $90 family of 4. www.lckc.org.

First Day Hike on Lanier, Gainesville.

Guided hike will explore backcountry where new trail is planned with 2-mile cross country adventure on old road beds, hills, ridges and valleys, 2 p.m. Jan. 1, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge. Rd. Limited to 15 participants. Call to register. $5, plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726, www.gastateparks.org.

- compiled by Jane Harrison

• Calendar Continued from Page 30 Voices of North Georgia Dec. 4, 5 – “Caroling, Caroling” performed at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 404 Washington St., Gainesville.

Info: 678-591-1545; VoicesofNorthGeorgia.com.

Outdoor Activity Calendar Sunday N.H. Tech Rides, Gainesville. Base pace road bike rides averaging 40-60 miles roll out at 1:15 p.m. Sundays from North Hall Technology Center, 4175 Nopone Rd. or from other locations. Contact: velocraig@hotmail.com.

Wrenched Bicycle Shop Rides, Gainesville.

25, 40 and 60 mile rides, 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, 328 N. Bradford St. www.wrenchedbicycles. com.

ISI Cycling, Gainesville. Group road cycling for all speeds and levels in North Hall area, mountain biking at Chicopee Woods, www.isicycling.com.

Saturday Discovery Stations, Gainesville.

Activities for children accompanied by adult in woodland garden, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Free with garden admission. www.atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville, 404-8884760.

Art with Lego Bricks, Gainesville. View 25 larger than life Lego sculptures, have fun with Lego activities, thru Jan. 3, Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission $8 adults, $5 children 312, free to children younger than 3 and garden members. www.atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville , 404-888-4760.

Garden Trains, Story Times, Crafts, Gainesville. Children and family activities, various times, Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $3 or free with garden admission or membership. www.atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville, 404-8884760.

Historic Dahlonega Ghost Walk. Two-hour

guided tour of historic haunts includes local tales and countywide legends, 8-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, upstairs on porch, 19 E. Main St. $15 adults, $5 children. www.dahlonegawalkingtours.com.

Saturday Hike, Gainesville. Join Elachee naturalist for a Seasonal Scavenger Hunt in Chicopee Woods, 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 5, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $5 adults, $3 children 2-12, free to Elachee members and children younger than 2. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

Trail Crew Work, Gainesville. Work to improve nature center trails; tools and training provided; bring water, lunch and gloves, 10-3 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Call to register. www.elachee.org, 770-5351976.

Jingle Bear Jog, Buford. 8 a.m. Dec. 5, Twin Rivers Middle School, 2300 Braselton Hwy. $30 www.active.com.

Jingle Bear Jog 5K/Fun Run, Buford. 8/9 a.m. Dec. 5, Twin Rivers Elementary School, 2300 Braselton Hwy. $30/$15. www.fundracers.org.

Cumming Christmas Jungle Jog. 8:30 a.m.

Dec. 5, Cumming Town Center, 2085 Market Place. $25 by Dec. 2, $30 after. www.active.com.

Jingle Jog, Flowery Branch. 9 a.m. Dec. 5, Downtown Flowery Branch, 5517 Main St. $35 early, $40 race day. www.active.com.

Santa’s Dahlonega Dash 5K. 9 a.m. Dec. 5, University of North Georgia Drill Field, 82 College Circle. $30 early, $35 race day; free to

age 10 and younger. www.fivestarntp.com.

Ron’s Run 6K, Dahlonega. 2:44 p.m. Dec. 5, Wahsega 4-H Center, Dahlonega (see www.wahsega4h.org, for directions). $25. www.georgiarunner.com, boryles@gmail.com.

Santa Sprint 5K, Gainesville. 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Frances Meadows Aquatic Center, 1545 Community Way, $25. www.gainesville.org.

Brown Bag Lunch Series, Gainesville.

Bring a sack lunch for talk about the geology and natural communities of Georgia’s Coastal Plan by Bill Witherspoon and Leslie Edwards, 12:30-2 p.m. Dec. 10, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Call for information or to reserve. $5. www.elachee.org, 770-536-1976 Eskibeau Run 5K, Buford. 7:30 a.m. Dec. 12, Buford Community Center Amphitheatre, 395 East Main St. $30. www.runnersfit.com.

Reindeer Run 5K/10K, Dawsonville. 8:30 a.m. Dec. 12, Dawsonville City Hall, 413 Ga. Hwy. 53. $25 early, $30 race day. www.fivestarntp.com.

Volunteer Work Day, Gainesville. Help with variety of park projects, 9 a.m. Dec. 12, Visitor’s Center, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. 678-450-7726. www.gastateparks.org.

Holiday Hustle 5K, Gainesville. 9 a.m. Dec. 12, Allen Creek Soccer Complex, 2400 Allen Creek Rd. $25 early, $30 race day. www.hallcountyfire.org.

Second Saturday Guided Hike, Helen.

Hike at Smithgall Woods State Park, reservations required, 9-11 a.m. Dec. 12, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. www.gastateparks.org.

Jingle Jog 5K/ Jr. Elf Run, Suwanee. 88:15 a.m. Dec. 19, Lambert High School Stadium, 805 Nichols Rd. $18-$25. www.active.com.

Five Star Championships, Cumming. Top finishers/age group award winners from Five Star races or other certified race courses compete, 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19, North Forsyth Middle School, 3845 Coal Mountain Dr. No race day registration. $30. www.fivestarntp.com.

Emory Jones Book Signing, Sautee-Nacoochee. Author reading, book-signing of Distant Voice: The Story of the Sautee Valley Indian Mound, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 19, Hardman Farm, 143 Hwy. 17. 706-878-1077, www.gastateparks.org.

Stars Over Elachee at Chicopee Lake, Gainesville. View constellations, the moon, planets and stars, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Suggested for adults and children age 8 and older. Bring flashlight and pencil. Register in advance, reserve a telescope. $10 adults, $5 children 2-12, free to Elachee members. www.elachee.org, 770- 535-1976.

Brasstown Bald Buster 5K, Blairsville.

Race up Georgia’s highest peak, 11 a.m. Dec. 20, Brasstown Bald entrance, corner Ga. 180/Ga. 17/75. Do not park on Ga. 180 at foot of Brasstown Bald. $25 by Dec. 7, $30 Dec. 818, $40 race day. www.georgiarunner.com.

- Compiled by Jane Harrison MORE INFO: Additions/corrections lakesidenews@mindspring.com

December 2015

LAKESIDE 39

Local angler fishes his way to college scholarships

By Pamela A. Keene When he was 11 or 12 years old, his grandfather Billy Kerlin would take Noah Pescitelli to catfish ponds near Lawrenceville.

Young Noah’s knack for always snagging a fish didn’t seem like too much more than a boy and his grandfather enjoying time together, at least not in those days.

Today the 18-year-old Noah is one of the top anglers on the national high school fishing circuit and he’s just landed one of the biggest catches of all – athletic and academic scholarships to Savannah College of Art and Design. As the first male scholarship angler to sign for the 2016-17 school year, Noah, his family and about four dozen friends, relatives and representatives of the competitive fishing world gathered at the Buford Community Center Town Park and Theatre to witness the big day in mid-November.

“I love the excitement of competitive fishing,” said Noah, who has been fishing competitively for the past two years and has been a member of the Mill Creek High School fishing team, an outgrowth of the school’s fishing club, which he started. “Bass fishing is much more fast-moving

team.” Payne said that SCAD is adding two other collegiate sports with the 2016-17 academic year: cycling and bowling. “The love of fishing is very profound and it’s a way to allow more access to college education by offering scholarships to these athletes,” he said.

“And having a team will also give our design, gaming and video majors a chance to create projects and work with our teams, so it’s a PHOTO BY RONNIE MOORE win for everyone.”

Once he started fishing comNoah Pescitelli with his coach petitively, Noah quickly made a Isaac Payne. name for himself. The first year, than people think.” he placed second in the state, and SCAD’s head fishing coach continued to net good finishes Isaac Payne had his eye on Noah that drew the attention of major for a while. Payne, a Marine and sponsors like Ranger Boats, St. recent graduate of SCAD’s indus- Croix Rods, Stanford Lures and trial design program, started the Under Armour. Today, he’s got school’s club in 2013 with an eye his own Ranger complete with a toward creating a collegiate team. 250-horse Yamaha. He’s fished He teaches design at the college’s and placed in numerous regional Savannah campus and uses 3-D and national events and he’s been technology to create fishing lures. featured on ESPNU. He’s also “We’re building the first collebeen a top finisher in Bass Master giate fishing team in Georgia, events across the country. with a 6-member women’s team To share his love of fishing and a 6-member men’s team,” he and to raise awareness for the said. “Noah is our first men’s sport, Noah got creative, developteam member to sign; earlier this ing Kickin’ Their Bass TV, a Youyear we signed Laura Ann Foshee Tube channel with more than of Alabama to our women’s 16,000 subscribers and more than

50,000 views daily. He’s got nearly 150,000 Instagram followers and his Facebook likes are growing.

Noah has been around the lake his whole life. His father Steve developed Xtreme Heaters and his parents have always had boats on Lanier. The family also developed the AirSoft location in Sugar Hill five years ago. To say that his mom Patti is proud is an understatement. “Because Steve is a businessman, he’s always guided Noah and we’ve both been very supportive of him,” she said. “If

the truth be told, Noah has really done all this himself, marketing himself and his brand, creating Kickin’ Their Bass TV, selling hats and T-shirts,” she said. “We had no idea how far his passion for fishing would go, but we are so proud of what he’s doing. He’s just got a tournament heart and a real feel for fishing.”

Noah, who starts college at the SCAD Savannah campus in the fall, will major in advertising and marketing. His fishing videos, store and more can be found at www.kickintheirbass.com.

Atlanta Boat Show set for Jan. 14-17

By Pamela A. Keene Things are changing for the Atlanta Boat Show, slated for Jan. 14-17 at the Georgia World Congress Center. With a new manager who has a strong background in producing Strictly Sail events in major cities, this year’s boat show is poised to broaden its reach to the sailing communities across the state.

“One of our goals is to get more sailboats and seminars for sailors into the show over the next several years,” said Kevin Murphy with the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the

group that organizes the show on behalf of the Metro Atlanta Marine Trade Association. “Over the long term as we invite more sailing dealers into the show, more attendees will come as well.”

Murphy said that the show will expand in other ways, including bringing more houseboats onto the show floor.

The show offers more than just a showroom for powerboats in 2016. Its educational offerings include dozens of seminars about sailing, fishing boating. Wellknown fishing guides from across See ABS, page 51

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40 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Public comment period extended on Water Control Manual

By Jane Harrison The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers extended its public comment period on the proposed Water Control Manual for Lake Lanier and the river system it inhabits.

Individuals may submit comments until Jan. 15 online at acfwcm@usace.army.mil or by mail to Commander USACE, Mobile

District, attn: PD-EI (ACF-DEIS), P.O. Box 2288, Mobile, AL 36628.

The Corps added 45 days to the comment period originally set to end Dec. 1 after receiving “several requests from various stakeholders throughout the basin to extend the public comment period to allow them opportunity to completely review the docu-

Gainesville council expected to consider storm water run-off management funding

By Jane Harrison Storm water run-off and the pollution and silt it carries have long had been a concern for municipalities trying to manage it and abide by environmental standards to curb the flow.

Gainesville officials expect to discuss how to fund costs associated with storm water run-off this month. Water Resources Department Manager Kelly Randall planned to talk with council members at a late November work session about a dedicated funding source for storm water management.

Randall said that although most cities have addressed funding issues by imposing a fee on impervious surfaces, he is not necessarily proposing one. Some cities charge property owners a fee based on the square footage of impenetrable surfaces on their property. These surfaces include paved parking areas and driveways, any surface that does not allow water to be absorbed into the ground.

“We do not have a fee approved yet,” Randall said. “Storm

water is an issue everywhere,” he said, especially as environmental regulations for water quality get tighter. He added that the city has historically dealt with getting water off the roadways for safety; but environmental regulations seek to halt non-source pollution that settles onto hard surfaces and ultimately flows into waterways.

High volumes of fast moving water spilling off impermeable surfaces rush onto land, occasionally stripping away vegetation and causing erosion into creeks, streams and ultimately into lakes.

“Siltation is a major problem with any body of water,” Randall said.

A 2010 US Geological Survey report stated that siltation on Lake Lanier the last 20 years is “more detrimental and hazardous than anything else.”

Randall expected the council to consider his presentation at the workshop and possibly vote on a dedicated funding source for storm water run-off management this month. If approved at the Dec. 1 council meeting, it would come up for a second vote at the Dec. 15 meeting.

Mediator may settle water dispute

By Jane Harrison A mediator may be summoned to settle one bout in the near three-decade water dispute between Georgia and Florida. Georgia, which funneled more than $9 million from the Governor’s Emergency Fund into water litigation this year, suggested that the states choose a mediator to wade into battle over water in the Apalachicola-ChattahoocheeFlint river system. Florida did not object to seeking a settlement.

The possibility of settlement through mediation came about a year after the Supreme Court appointed Special Master Ralph Lancaster to oversee pre-trial proceedings in a lawsuit Florida filed in Oct. 2013. Lancaster, an 85year-old water wars veteran, urged settlement from the start,

warning that if the suit ran its course, neither state would be happy with the result.

Florida alleges that Georgia hoards water on the river system that flows into the panhandle where oyster fisheries need fresh water to nourish mollusk beds.

Florida seeks a cap on Georgia’s water consumption and reparation for alleged economic and environmental harm to the Apalachicola Bay region. Lake Lanier is the largest reservoir on that river system.

Georgia attorney Craig Primis first entered the term “mediator” at the end of a contentious status report to Lancaster Nov. 6. He wrote that after the two states’ governors met in June, Georgia had reached out toward settleSee Lawsuit, page 51

ments,” said E. Patrick Robbins, Chief, Public Affairs.

The 1,000-plus Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Water Control Manual for the Apalachicola-ChattahoocheeFlint river system can be viewed at: www.sam.usace.army.mil.

The highly technical documents describe various scenarios for operating the Corps’ five dams on the river system and address how they might affect the environment and human activities.

Lanier is the largest reservoir on the ACF system.

About 250 people attended open house information sessions with the Corps last month, including 72 who dropped by the Gainesville Civic Center to comment or learn more. Robbins, on

hand to answer questions, said most attendees who spoke with him questioned why the Corps did not look at raising Lake Lanier’s full pool by two feet.

The draft WCM/DEIS states that a study of raising lake level was not within the project’s scope and that a higher Lanier would reduce available flood storage.

About 135 people attended the open house in Eastpoint, Florida, near Apalachicola, Robbins said.

They were most concerned about how river system operations might affect salinity levels in the Apalachicola River. Oyster fisheries at the mouth of the river rely on nutrients from fresh water flowing downstream into the bay.

At the open house in Eufaula, Ala, near West Point Lake, Rob-

bins heard comments from individuals concerned about flood levels and increasing the lake level in winter. About 40 individuals attended.

Only three individuals went to the open house in Bainbridge, Ga., on the Flint River in Southwest Georgia. The Corps has no dams on the Flint, which is tapped by farmers in South Georgia’s agricultural heartland.

The ACF documents’ references to the proposed Glades Reservoir are of particular interest to Gainesville and Hall County.

Although the Corps admits the assumption about Glades being built is premature, it said it included the project for analytical purposes.

See related story, page 2.

is looking beyond population estimates for Hall County as it considers its position on Glades Reservoir. “While the topic of the moment is Glades, we believe that the most serious issue confronting Lake Lanier (which Glades is also focused on) is the increased water demands resulting from population growth,” LLA Executive Vice President Wilton Rooks said in an emailed statement.

“Whether Glades is in the picture or not, Lake Lanier will come under increasing pressure from the growth in Metro Atlanta.

Our challenge as an advocate for a full, clean and safe lake for visitors, home owners and businesses is to put forward constructive recommendations to deal with those pressures. It is obvious that if more water is withdrawn from Lake Lanier either above Buford Dam or below it, there will be less water stored in the lake, thereby jeopardizing the lake’s ability to be a reliable water source for metro Atlanta as well as downstream users and the millions of recreational users of the lake,” he added.

The organization believes that increased water storage for metro Atlanta is “valuable regardless of its location,” he added. “It is clear that Lake Lanier will suffer less with an upstream reservoir than without it, given the same projected water withdrawals for both scenarios.” He added that an upstream reservoir is a viable alternative to increasing Hall County’s withdrawals from Lanier and that

the county could also implement more water conservation practices.

Rooks said LLA’s stance will reflect a broad understanding of the pressures on the lake and that the organization will make specific recommendations to address their concerns.

One of their concerns is that water withdrawn from Glades Reservoir and later discharged will not be returned to Lanier, but instead would be diverted into the Oconee River basin and eventually flow into the Atlantic Ocean. He explained that a ridgeline near I-985/Ga. 365 sends water on one side to the Lanier basin and on the other side to the Oconee basin.

Water withdrawn from Glades for homes and businesses would eventually wind up being discharged as groundwater in septic tanks or as treated affluent from the Mulberry Creek Wastewater Treatment facility. Gravity then dictates the flow, transporting the discharge into a different basin rather than back into the system where it originated.

Pumping the water back into the Lanier basin would require a major investment, Rooks said, but it would pipe the water back toward Georgia’s largest reservoir. “The county’s infrastructure needs to be engineered to return to Lake Lanier all surface water that originates upstream of or in Lanier rather to the Atlantic Ocean via the existing interbasin transfer,” he said.

• Glades Continued from Page 2 recent lower population projections for Hall County in its Final EIS and may require the county to document reservoir construction is necessary to meet county demands. The Corps cited lower estimates reported by the Georgia Office of Planning & Budget and Municipal North Georgia Water Planning District that contrast with the county’s higher estimates.

County officials have contested the estimates that are significantly lower than their own for 2060. Hall County Commission Chair Dick Mecum called the projection of 450,000 residents questionable and said the county has already submitted to the Corps a study by University of Georgia researchers that documents its higher estimate.

“We’ve got growth now. To say we’re not going to be more than 450,000 is insane,” Mecum said. “We’ve already shown 650,000 is a credible estimate.”

The Corps recently denied Newton County a permit to build the Bear Creek Reservoir after population estimates failed to show it was needed. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Newton spent $20 million on consulting and engineering fees before shelving the project last month. The completion cost would have been about $125 million, more than double the original estimate.

Construction of Glades Reservoir will cost about $166 million, according to the DEIS. The Lake Lanier Association

December 2015

LAKESIDE 41

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42 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Bursting with blooms: Choose paperwhite narcissus for winter cheer When it’s gloomy and gray outdoors, you can have some fragrant blossoms this winter by growing paperwhite narcissus.

The blooms top elegant greenery and last for a couple of weeks.

Forcing them into bloom indoors during the winter is really quite natural for these tropical bulbs.

The key is to purchase firm bulbs that are the diameter of a golf ball or larger. Mine this year came from Longfield Gardens, an internet company that offers bulbs for all seasons.

Paperwhite bulbs can be planted in potting soil or placed in containers atop 2 to 3 inches of washed pebbles or river rock.

Flea markets, garage sales and charity stores offer affordable resources for containers that can range from wide 3- or 4-inch deep open bowls to tall cylindrical glass flower vases.

Fill the container with 2 to 3 inches of potting soil or pebbles.

Place the bulbs flat side down on the soil or pebbles, then carefully add a bit more planting medium to keep the bulb stable. Fill to cover only the bottom third of the bulb. Moisten the soil or add water to the pebbles just to reach

Pamela A. Keene Curb Appeal

MORE INFO: Email: pam@pamelakeene.com the roots.

Place the pots away from drafts in a sunny window. Within a couple of days, green shoots will start to peek out from the bulbs and the white roots will begin to fill the container between the pebbles.

Keep the soil-planted ones evenly moist. Make sure the water level stays right at the rootbase of the ones in pebbles. From time to time, turn the containers to prevent the foliage from growing toward the light.

If you’ve chosen good quality bulbs, they may produce three to four separate bunches of leaves with multiple bloom stalks each, which will appear after three to

PHOTO BY PAMELA A KEENE

Paperwhite bulbs, left, and in full bloom, right.

four weeks. If the plants become top-heavy, add a decorative element, such as some twiggy branches or even a tall plastic candy cane, tie a ribbon around the leaves and secure with a pretty bow. If you’ve used a cylindrical vase, the problem of floppy leaves is solved.

Your paperwhites may bloom for several weeks, carrying your winter cheer from Christmas into

January. Cut early blossoms for bud vases or bouquets; as flowers fade remove the entire stalk from the plant. Let the bulbs complete their bloom cycle.

After all the bulbs have blossomed, discard them. Keep the container and the pebbles to use next year. However, paperwhite bulbs generally cannot be re-used.

The stress of forcing them outweighs the chance that they will

PHOTO: LONGFIELD GARDENS

produce again. Not to worry; once you’ve mastered growing these fragrant winter white flowers, branch out to amaryllis, hyacinths, crocus and even daffodils. The internet is filled with tips to bring the colors of these beautiful bulbs into your home next winter.

Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener.

December 2015

LAKESIDE 43

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Reserve Your Copy of Lake Lanier’s Early History Today!

Lake Lanier’s early history book is coming back! The history of the Buford Dam Project and Lake Sidney Lanier is now available as a pre-publication offer.* The current $59 pre-publication price is a 25% savings over the retail price of $79.

n o i t ica

Pre

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e! l a S

This 9x12 hardback edition is beautifully packaged in its own multi-colored dust jacket. Inside you will find over 700 historical and contemporary photographs, many of which are new and were not part of the original prints. The history is also told through the use of diagrams, documents, interviews, letters, maps, newspaper articles and programs.

To order A Storybook Site: The Early History and Construction of Buford Dam and Lake Sidney Lanier, complete and mail the order form to the address listed below.

You can also purchase your advanced copy of Lake Lanier’s early history online at www.lakelanierhistory.com. Don’t miss out on this opportunity and order your copy today. *This advanced ordering offer could last up to 16 months; however ,the publisher expects to meet the goal much sooner than that. Should the pre-publication offer not raise the required money to print, then a full refund will be provided.

Name: __________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: _______ Zip Code: ________ Number of Books Ordered: _________ Complete the pre-publication order form and mail it to the address below with a check or money order for $59 made payable to RDC Productions.

Mailing Address: RDC Productions 400 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 5 Box 113 Suwanee, GA 30024

44 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Lakeside’s Safety Page A GUIDE TO BOATING AND SWIMMING SAFETY RESOURCES PRESENTED BY LAKESIDE ON LANIER BOATING

SWIMMING

On-Line Courses • www.boat-ed.com and http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/georgia include study guide and Georgia Certification Exam with unlimited exam attempts; cost is $29.50 payable upon exam passage. Temporary certificate printed upon passage; permanent card mailed.

• http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/Georgia.asp offers free course, exam and print your own certificate; mailed certificate $5.

• Other certification courses offered at www.boatcourse.com, www.boatingbasicsonline.com, and www.pwcsafetyschool.com.

Frances Meadows Aquatics and Community Center

Other Boater Education Opportunities (Certification exam not included) • Professional Tutoring: Captain’s Training, on-line or in person tutoring designed to prepare individuals for exams required for certification and licensure for maritime jobs by instructor Steve Johnson, retired US Coast Guard, experienced ship navigator, deck officer, and USCG license instructor for Sea School. www.navteach.com, stevejohnson@navteach.com, 770-3120989.

• Advanced Boating Classes in piloting, marine communications, and other boating skills offered periodically by the Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron. www.atlantasboatingclub.com.

Sailing Classes • Windsong Sailing Academy: Basic and advanced sailing training and certifications including engine maintenance, marine electrical systems, coastal and celestial navigation as well as marine meteorology offered by Windsong Sailing Academy through the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Service. Public and private week evening and weekend classes available. Fees vary. www.WindsongSail.com. (770) 967-1515.

Vessel Safety Checks • Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron offers vessel safety check-ups by appointment. http://atlantasboatingclub.com/vessel-safety-check/vessel-safety-check-signup.

• Vessel Safety Checks by appointment: Both U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons offer vessel safety check-ups at your boat by appointment. www.safetyseal.net.

• Location: 1545 Community Way, Gainesville.

• Information/registration: (770) 533-5850, www.gainesville.org/swim-lessons • Lessons: Swimming and water safety program for all ages and levels, age 6 months to masters, basic aquatics safety to skill proficiency for competitive swimmers, lifeguard training.

• Splash Aquatic Club: Competitive swimming groups for Rookie (age 4) through Masters (age 18 and older to improve fitness, develop better technique, or train for competition.

Cumming Aquatic Center • Location: 201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming • Information/registration: (770) 781-1781 www.cummingaquaticcenter.com (register online) • Lessons: Swimming and water safety program ranges from toddler-age in Parent Child Aquatics Program to teens and adults in Learn to Swim and Adult Aquatics Program. Private or semiprivate lessons available. Fees and schedules vary. Competitive swimming and diving programs, Masters Swim Team also available. Lifeguard certification offered.

Brenau University • Location: Brenau Fitness Center, 500 Washington St., SE, Gainesville • Information/registration: www.brenautigers.com, Blaire Bachman, (770) 534-6279, bbachman@brenau.edu.

• Lessons: Custom private swim lessons for all ages and abilities. Brenau Masters Swim Team offers practice and competitive program for swimmers of all levels, high school age and older.

University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus • Location: 3820 Mundy Mill Rd., Oakwood • Information/registration: https://ce.ung.edu/wconnect/ace/, (678) 717-2377 • Swim lessons: For ages 3 (must be potty trained) and older range from introduction to water skills to swimming and skill proficiency. Check website for dates.

Georgia Mountain YMCA • Location: 2455 Howard Rd., Gainesville • Information/registration: http://www.hallcountyymca.org/jawalters/programs/youth-swimming-lessons/, 770-297-9622 • Swim lessons: For all ages and levels, parent-child swim, Masters Swim Program, water fitness, water safety, life guard certification. Fees and times vary.

SUPPORT SOLAR LIGHT INITIATIVE To aid in nighttime navigation, the Lake Lanier Association (LLA) has initiated a program for installing solar powered lights on existing hazard markers on Lake Lanier. Working with the Corps of Engineers, LLA has over 120 lights currently installed on hazard markers south of Browns Bridge. Corps of Engineers approval has been obtained to expand the program north of Browns Bridge.

Individuals can sponsor new lights on Lake Lanier. The sponsorship fee of $250 covers the purchase of the light, installation and ongoing maintenance of the light.

To sponsor a light, visit lakelanier.org/safe-lake-initiatives or call 770-503-7757.

The Lake Lanier Association encourages everyone to take a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) safe boating course.

This Public Service Announcement is in Memory of Soyang "Kristina" Kim

December 2015

LAKESIDE 45

WWII hero’s remarkable story of escape memorialized by documentary ‘Rocky’ Gause of Jefferson traveled 3,200 miles covering 159 days, dodging Japanese captors Kyle Chandler, best known for “Friday Night Lights,” and Tom Kane, known as the voice of the Emmys.

Singer/songwriter Corey Smith of Jefferson penned a song in memory of Gause. “My Time” plays over the film’s closing credits. He performed it live at the premier. “As a child I read the book, not as an assignment for school but because I wanted to,” Smith said. “I realized then that Damon was someone special; he’s our hero, from this ordinary neck of the woods right here in Jackson County.”

Gause came home in November 1942 to a hero’s welcome.

But after a little more than a year back in the states, he volunteered to fly planes in the European theater. Son Damon Lance Gause was born on December 7, 1943, about two weeks before Rocky headed back to war, spending the only few hours they would ever have together in the hospital.

Rocky died a scant three months later, on March 9, 1944, the first pilot to test the P-47 Thunderbolt modified to fly low altitudes and execute dive-bomb maneuvers.

Gause’s granddaughter folding the flag that flew on the boat he skippered on his journey (top) and Gause’s medals (inset).

He is buried in the American Cambridge Military Cemetery in England.

For more information about the World War II Foundation and its work to capture and preserve the stories of the men and women of World War II, visit www.wwIIfoundation.org.

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Gause, left, by his plane.

to take on enemy nations in Europe and the Pacific. It also brings to bear the relationships from a small town in Georgia, where Gause graduated from high school in Jefferson, and how connections on the other side of the world with a former classmate from Jackson County helped save his life.

The film was a long time in coming. Based on the war journal Gause kept on the journey that was published as “The War Journal of Major Damon ‘Rocky’ Gause” through the work of his late wife Ruth Gause Carter and their only son Damon Lance Gause Sr. in 1995. At one point, Hollywood held the film rights but when those were released, the Gause family and others connected with Gray. To make the documentary, locals including architect Garland Reeves and businessman Abit Massey raised $100,000 from donors like Jackson EMC, Georgia Power and several individuals. Reeves served as Executive Producer of the film.

Massey’s grandson, Emmy-winner Chandler Massey, donated his time to narrate the film; actor

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before reaching safety.

“It’s a story that needed to be told,” said Gray at the premier.

His company, Tim Gray Media has produced 14 documentaries telling the personal stories of the people of World War II. “While more than 16 million Americans helped fight World War II, just fewer than one million survive today. And their numbers are decreasing by 800 a day, men and women who valiantly served our country and helped guarantee the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Gause’s story not only tells a story of courage and determination; it captures the essence of the American spirit as men and women left their homes and jobs

Th

By Pamela A. Keene The auditorium at Jefferson High School grew eerily quiet as the house lights dimmed and the opening credits began to roll. The people of Jefferson and Jackson County sat poised Gause to see the world premier of “War Journal: The Incredible World War II Escape of Major Damon ‘Rocky’ Gause,” a 90-minute documentary created by the World War II Foundation.

Produced by World War II Foundation Executive Director Tim Gray, the documentary has been donated to American Public Television and will air next spring across the nation. Then the whole country will know the story of the 159-day, 3,200-mile journey made by Gause and Captain William Lloyd Osborne from the Japanese-occupied Corregidor in the Philippines to Australia in 1942. Island hopping in a 20-foot fishing boat, the two survived the elements, hunger, thirst and attacks by Japanese fighter pilots

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46 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Extreme rains affect fall duties for Corps, dock owners Between 10 and 12 inches of rain fell over the south end of Lake Lanier from Oct. 20 and Nov. 15, according to the National Weather Service. As a result, lake levels increased from 1067.4 mean sea level to 1070.4, increasing lake levels by more than three feet to eventually full pool in mid-November.

The Buford Dam Project Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has carefully monitored these heavy rains to avoid lake levels over full pool at this time of year on Lanier. Because the rainfall has been concentrated on Northeast Georgia and Lake Lanier’s watershed, the Corps has been able to manage Lanier’s water levels and consistently release water downstream.

However, the prolonged rains have affected various fall/winter duties for our rangers and staff. In some cases, projects have been delayed. In others, our communication with the public has public interaction has increased.

The number of requests for permits for hazardous tree re-

Nicholas Baggett US Army Corps of Engineers

MORE INFO: 770-945-9531 www.sam.usace.army.mil/ Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/ LakeSidneyLanier.aspx

moval has grown. With rainsoaked soil across the region, weak tree root systems are giving way, toppling large trees on public lands and the boundaries with private property. Granting of these permits requires a site visit by a ranger and a proposed plan of removal by the adjacent property owner. Rangers are working these requests as quickly a possible.

The Corps has also received an increased number of telephone calls about erosion and sedimentation caused by saturated ground and concentrated rainfall. In these

• Polar Continued from Page 14 or cannon ball in. Costumed superheroes summon their bravado and swoop into the lake. Regardless of how folks take to the water, which usually averages around 50 degrees, they surface similarly with groans and grimaces. Still, many come back year after year.

Why do they do it? “Primarily to raise money for a great cause,” Braff remarked. The funds go toward LCKC programs and equipment. But, there are other reasons, too. Said Braff, “(It’s) a great wake-up after a night of partying New Year’s Eve. A renewal, a rejuvenation. (A way to) start off the new year by letting your troubles dissolve in the cold icy water. A great way to start or continue a personal or family tradition.”

Both polar bears and chickens can warm up with complimentary chili and hot drinks in the heated boathouse. Braff said last month that he wasn’t sure if hot tubs will be on site for jumpers to bubble away the chill. The club was working on getting the hot soaks hooked up or firing up electric heaters.

The event may also pay tribute to the venue’s 20th anniversary.

“We did an Olympic theme at the

10th anniversary. We will probably do something honoring the 20th anniversary of the Atlanta Olympic Games,” Braff said.

Olympic paddlers and rowers competed at the venue in the 1996 Olympics.

Braff, who jumped in the 10th anniversary celebration, said he learned his lesson and has been among the chickens since. But he has some recommendations for polar bears: Start kicking upon entry so you don’t sink too far down, where it’s really cold! As you surface, blow bubbles to let your lungs return to normal size.

Wear as little as possible, as long as it’s decent, so your clothes don’t keep you cold when you exit the water. Bring lots of family and friends to jump alongside you or watch you. Bring a big towel to wrap up in once you are out of the water. “Laugh and enjoy the experience, it’s an eye opener!” he advised.

Oh, and there is another way to participate without soaking your hair-do. If you follow that first tip, the one about spinning your legs like a vertical propeller, you might can keep your head above water. Braff recalled one lady last year who didn’t even get her hair wet.

cases, the Corps is asking citizens to check the security of dock anchors and connections to the shoreline to assure that lines have not broken free, either because of the quick change in lake levels or additional shoreline erosion.

Some docks have completely broken free and have been reported to be floating in the lake.

In these cases, rangers directly contact the owner listed on the permit, provided the permit is visible on the dock. If a dock has broken free, it is the responsibility of the permit holder to retrieve the dock and handle the process of re-securing it as prescribed in the permit.

Many of the Corps’ fall activities have been curtailed or delayed. Typically rangers plant wildlife food plots on public lands around Lanier to improve habitats for deer and turkeys. The

extreme rainfall has affected the growth of these areas and reduced the food supplies of this wildlife.

The Corps is also reevaluating the two scheduled prescribed burns to help improve wildlife habitats. The fall burn may be eliminated and the prescribed burned planned for early 2016 may be delayed.

Rangers involved in park operations and water safety during the spring and summer are redeployed in the fall and winter to assist with various shoreline management issues. These include verifying and marking the boundaries of public lands. Rangers’ duties include marking boundaries with red paint on trees and checking to ensure that the orange fiberglass posts at boundary line markers are still in place. The rain has delayed this work, but it will continue as weather permits

through the winter.

On-the-water inspections include lake buoys, markers and navigational lights; again, because of the unusual amount of rainfall, some of these tasks have been delayed. The Corps encourages the public to call the project management office to report these issues.

Many of Lanier’s campgrounds are now closed for the season, providing the ideal time for on-site inspections by Corps staff. Staff will also be working in the day-use parks. These inspections include beaches, picnic sites, campsites, signage and fence-line boundaries. Park operations rangers will be working diligently as weather permits to complete these inspections.

Although Northeast Georgia has experienced an unusual See COE, page 51

Make sure to take a second look ...

How many times have you taken that second look and seen something different from the first glance? Collision avoidance is sometimes like that too. Never take just a quick scan, but look multiple times to ensure what you are seeing is the correct information and developing situation. Advanced marine electronics such as GPS, Chart Plotters, radar, and other technologies do that for us on boats, very quickly and precisely. The question is ... do you totally, without a shadow of doubt, trust the information to be accurate so you can with confidence make your final decision on action?

Over reliance on technology grows with time and is becoming more ingrained in the boating lifestyle, with past conventional methods sometimes all but forgotten. There is little doubt that if you are a boater long enough that you will encounter some kind of distress, maybe something as minor as a loss of power, or other mechanical failure as examples.

Here’s a personal experience while serving onboard a giant, 800 ft plus oil tanker laden with black crude, proceeding up the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico to a refinery in Baton Rouge: Dense fog rapidly setting in, visibility dropping to less than a quarter mile or below. River is crowded with merchant ships and smaller oil platform service vessels lined up the sides, safely anchored waiting for the fog to subside.

Steve Johnson Boating Safety

MORE INFO:

stevejohnson@navteach.com Blog: www.navteach.com

Our orders, regardless of the weather conditions, are to continue to the oil dock if it can be safely navigated, the final decision resting with the Captain.

Winding past New Orleans, we make the tight turn at Algiers Point near the center of the city.

It’s probably the most difficult change of course on the entire trip with all the river traffic. And it is extremely difficult to perform in limited visibility, contrasting with the lumen of the bright city lights.

The best way to safely navigate in times like these is to proceed very slow, but most importantly, with positive control. Slowing your vessel to less than bare steerageway gives up rudder influence unless you can steer with your engines, and in this case that was only one big one with little effect.

The velocity of the out flowing current to the south was a great benefit assisting control of the vessel as the increased water pressure surged over the rudder surface.The very same reason the Navigation Rules assigns this

type of situation is the obligation to maneuver if directed or necessary to avoid collision.

The second basic method to safely navigate in fog is to get up front and down low as possible.

On this size vessel the bulwark, a massive structure located at the very end of the large tanker to break up the heavy seas as they strike the bow, is the place to be.

Pitch blackness of night, the swirl of white wispy fog races by, driven by the wind and movement up the river. Sound takes on a very different path in conditions like this. It will bounce, reflecting off objects, creating reverb on occasion, making it nearly impossible to discern how far away an object is and its direction of movement. Your sense of hearing enhances and absolutely everything, natural and man-made becomes more vivid. Faint bells marking anchored ships and aids to navigation, the deep sound of a gong identifying the stern of a vessel greater than 100 meters nearby, the noise and static of a radio from a vessel close aboard.

For countless hours you focus and concentrate.

Bad things can happen to anyone who travels on the water.

Learn from other’s experience to help increase your confidence and assessment of safety risks.

Knowledge is the answer, and by the way, don’t forget ... Take a Second Look.

Steve Johnson, US Coast Guard (ret). is with CPO Johnson, Inc.

December 2015

LAKESIDE 47

48 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Lakeside’s Dining Guide Lakeview Dining Big Creek Tavern – lunch, dinner seven days a week; breakfast at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Open year around. Featuring the “Best” Angus Beef, a step up from old-fashioned American food.

Billiards, video games, beer, wine, liquor. Mon. - Thurs, 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Fri. and Sat. from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sun. from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 8050 Big Creek Rd., Buford. B3, 678-482-1662.

Bullfrogs Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

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. B-3, 770-945-8787.

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 Wed.-Sun. for lunch & dinner. Hideaway Bay Marina. C-3, 770-967-3775.

Lenny’s sub shop at Bald Ridge Marina subs and salads. Party packs perfect for lake outings. Seasonal. A-3, Cumming, 770-8886473. www.lennys.com Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining right on the water at Port Royale in an open-air thatchedroof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. Call for hours. B-2, 770-887-5715 ext 5.

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. Seasonal. Reopens Mar. 1. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. C-3,678-828-7676, www.PigTales LakeLanier. com.

Sidney’s Restaurant (formerly Windows) – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Appetizers, entrees, and deserts using the finest ingredients from local and family owned farms from around the South Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. B-3, 770945-8787, www.lanierislands.com.

Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. We serve the best breakfast on Lake Lanier! Menu items include eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Hours: Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Mon - Thurs, closed. Gainesville Marina. C-1 678 450-1310; www.skogies.net.

Sunset Cove Beach Club – An open-air eatery on a quiet stretch of beach near LanierWorld at Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily Apr.-Oct., Nightly 5-10 p.m. Dec.-Feb. View the lake during the day or dine under the stars in the glow of firelight from the fireplace.

Come by car or by boat. Also at Sunset Cove, Dog and Draft features 12 beers on draft, plus hot dogs, brats and sausage in pretzel buns. Fire and Ice kiosk offers smoked barbecue and burgers. Boardwalk eateries: Dockside Bar & Sunset Cantina (Tex-Mex), Sweet Water Shrimp Shack, Paradise Fruit & Smoothies. By water, Sunset Cove is between buoys 7SC and 5SC. www.lanierislands.com. Buford. B-3, 770-9458787.

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/out-

door flat screen TVs. www.facebook.com/ twistedoar, C-3, 678 714-7572 American Antebellum – Southern contemporary cuisine including fried catfish with pimento dumplings, grilled wild salmon, thyme roasted pork chop, ribeye with buttermilk mashed potatoes and more. Weekend brunch features biscuits and gravy, ham steak and eggs, buttermilk pancakes, shrimp and grits, and more. 5510 Church Street, Flowery Branch, C-3, 770-965-8100. www.antebellumrestaurant.com.

Braise – Open for lunch and dinner, Tues.-Sun. Also features fried green tomatoes, BBQ shrimp, oyster po’boys, braised short ribs and pot roast. Dessert for two features apple cobbler and brownie a la mode. Comfort food redefined.

Live weekly entertainment downstairs at CooCoo’s Nest with an extended bar menu and drink specials. 1920 Freedom Pkwy., just off Ga. Hwy. 400, Cumming. A-3, 678-456-8932.

Branch House Tavern - The ultimate sports restaurant in Hall County offers a selection of hamburgers, wings, hearty salads, southwestern grill fare, and a huge selection of appetizers and desserts. Big screen sports action on 50 HD TVs, and live entertainment. Also featuring a full bar and dancing all night long. Take out available. 5466 McEver Rd., Flowery Branch, C-3, 678-828-8345 Coastal Breeze Seafood Grill – Offering seafood, steaks, ribs, oysters on the half shell, salads, burgers and more. Lunch and dinner, full bar. Sun.-Thur 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight. 5390 Lanier Island Parkway. C3, www.coastalbreezega.com, 770-945-9181.

Collegiate – Old-fashioned hamburgers, hot dogs and milk shakes served in 1940s setting.

220 Main Street SW, Gainesville. C-2, 678-9892280.

Foster House – Restaurant and special events facility. Breakfast Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m.; Lunch Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2, Sun. lunch buffet 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dinner - Country buffet and music, Fri. 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 305 West Main St., Cumming. A-3, 770-887-9905.

Norman’s Landing – Specializing in fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, Canadian baby-back ribs with Kansas City barbecue sauce. Casual.

365 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming. A-3, 770-8860100.

Two Dog Café – Classic small town diner with an emphasis on fresh food and fast service for lunch and dinner. 317 Spring St. Gainesville. C2, 770-287-8384.

Wild Wing Café – Offers casual dining, live music, special Monday Trivia Night and 2 Fer Tuesday nights (buy a dozen, get a dozen wings free). 311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy., Gainesville. C-2, 770-536-9177.

Yahoola Creek Grill – Features Southern-inspired, made-from-scratch cooking from our outdoor deck, cozy dining room and loft. Full beer and wine list. Open for lunch and dinner, Wed.-Sat. Open for brunch and supper on Sunday. Closed Mon./Tues. 1810 S. Chestatee St., Dahlonega. 706-482-2200; www.yahoolacreekgrill.com.

Continental/Fine Dining Adam’s – American Mediterranean cuisine including Rack of Lamb, Calf’s Liver Anglaise, Mediterranean Chicken Penne, Oysters Rockefeller and Seafood Pastilla Rolls. Full bar. Dinner Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 5 p.m. 10:30 p.m. Live piano music Thurs.-Sat. 15 East Main St., Buford. B-3, 678 754-0379.

Aqua Terra Bistro – European fusion cuisine

served daily. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; noon-2:30 p.m., Sat.; Dinner 5-10 p.m., Mon.-Sun. 55 East Main St., Buford. No reservations. B-3, 770-271-3000.

Blue Bicycle – Chef owned and operated bistro.

Open Tue.-Sat.; Lunch 11 a.m-4 p.m.; Dinner 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Located on 30 Industrial Park Rd, Dawsonville, B1, 706-265-2153.

Corkscrew Café – Fine dining featuring varied menu choices, open lunch and dinner. Hours: Tues.-Fri.; 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat./Sun. Brunch11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4-11 p.m. 51 West Main St., Dahlonega. 706-867-8551.

Luna’s – Continental cuisine, romantic atmosphere. 200 Main St., Gainesville. C-2, 770-5310848.

Oar House in Dahlonega – Specialties: handcut steaks, seafood dishes and homemade desserts, “everything homemade from the bread to the pickles.” 3072 Hwy 52, 4 miles east of Dahlonega. D-1. Closed for renovations. 706864-9983.

Poor Richard’s – Specializing in Prime Rib, steaks, ribs and fresh seafood. Casual dining, dinner only. Full-service bar. 1702 Park Hill Dr., Gainesville. C-1, 770-532-0499.

Scott’s Downtown – Upscale casual ambience with specialty sandwiches for lunch and gourmet entrees for dinner. 131 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville. C-2. 770-536-1111.

Sperata - Continental fine dining in its 11th year. Private dining available. Lunch Mon.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner 4:30 p.m. Mon.Sat., Sun. 2:30-9 p.m. Buford. B-4. 678 7657911, www.speratarestaurant.com.

Barbecue/Country/Home Cooking Johnny’s BBQ – Real Pit BBQ pork, chicken & ribs. Brunswick stew. Minutes from Clark’s Bridge rowing venue. 1710 Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville. Casual. D-1, 770-536-2100.

Old McDonald’s BBQ – Real Pit BBQ, Brunswick stew, ribs. Minutes from Lake Lanier. Casual. Tues. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 5774 Holiday Rd., Buford.

B-3, 770-945-8608.

Deli Common Grounds Coffee Shoppe – Light breakfast, lunch and dinner and desserts fol-

lowed by fresh roasted coffee. 5510 Main St., Flowery Branch. C-3, 770-967-4080.

Italian Dominick’s Italian Restaurant – Features cuisine from the north of Italy, with veal, chicken and seafood dishes. Favorites include chicken saltimbocca and garlic bread appetizer. Halfprice bottles of wine on Mon. nights, half-price appetizers from 5-7 p.m. on Tues. and endless pasta on Weds. Dominick’s is open Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch; Dinner : Sun.-Thur. 59 p.m., Fri./Sat. 5-10 p.m. Located at the corner of Buford Hwy. and Hamilton Mill Rd in the Buford Village Shopping Center., Buford. B-3, 770-614-0019.

Gianni’s Italian Bistro – serves pizza, subs and pasta. Located at LanierWorld at Lanier Islands Resort. Open daily May-October; Nightly 5-10 p.m. Dec-Feb. www.lanierislands. com. Buford.

B-3, 770-945-8787.

Piazza – Features traditional Italian dishes, homemade raviolis, pizza, chicken, veal and seafood specialities. Open 7 days a week: 11;30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun.-Thurs.; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri./Sat. Located on 24 East Main St., Dahlonega. B-1. 706-867-9881.

Vinny’s New York Pizza & Grill – New Yorkstyle pizzeria known for generous portions and reasonable pricing. Specialties include Philly Chicken and Cheese sub, New York Pizza, Chicken Caesar Salad, Sausage & Pepper plate, baked pasta and Lasagna. Desserts include Cannoli, Tiramisu, Italian Funnel Cakes or cheesecake. Wine and beer available. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-10 p.m.; Sun, 5-10 p.m. Located at 4977 Lanier Island Pkwy, Buford. C-4, 678-482-9966.

Mexican La Cazuela – An Atlanta area landmark with two locations around Lanier. Features fajitas, selection of combination platters and more. 914 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, 678-947-0718; 4965 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford, 770-6146871.

Oriental Little Tokyo – Japanese dining - hibachi grill, sushi. Dine in, take out. Open Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-10 p.m.; Closed Mon. 2096 Buford Dam Rd., Buford. B4, 770-945-3350.

December 2015

LAKESIDE 49

Lake Lanier Marinas Info AQUALAND MARINA Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-967-6811 Website: www.aqualandmarina.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 Store: Yes Store/Dock hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.69 On-site eatery: Pig Tales (Seasonal) Security: 24/7, gated Additional amenities: Self service work yard with deep draft well & marine travel lift, houseboat launching ramp, pump-out station, bathhouses with showers, laundry facilities, wet slips with private gated parking. Sales of new boats by Coast to Coast Yacht Sales, brokerage services

by Marine Max, rental boats & cabins by Lanier Aqua Rentals.

AQUAMARINA LAZY DAYS Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week (Closed Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday) Phone: 770-945-1991 Website: www.ILoveMyMarina.com Location: 6700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford Types of slips available: Concrete Wet Slips from 50 125 foot covered & 100 foot open slips; 554 covered dry stack spaces up to 36 feet Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol marine fuel treated with ValvTect; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.89 premium; $3.69 diesel Security: 24/7 surveillance monitoring Full Service Department: Barefoot Boating, 770-8205949 Boat Club: Carefree Boat Club, 770-361-5501 Additional Amenities: Free pump out for customers, trailer storage, dock carts, ice available, boat detailing service; Dry Stack - smartphone app to control launch/retrieval of boat, Pre-Fueling service, wash racks; Wet Slips - gated/private parking, golf cart valet service, inslip pump out, weekend newspaper delivery BALD RIDGE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., marina has 24/7 access.

Phone: 770-887-5309 Website: www.baldridgemarina.com Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Cumming Types of slips available: Covered & uncovered.

Store: Sandwich shop; some boating supplies Store hours: Seasonal Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.64; $2.69 diesel (Dock open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues., Thurs., Fri.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., Sun. Closed Mon./Wed.) On-site eatery: Lenny’s Sub Shop Eatery hours: Seasonal Menu: Sub sandwiches, salads and more; Party Packs (deli sandwich, chips and deluxe cookie) Restaurant description: Casual Phone: 770-888-6473 Security: 24/7 security, gated Additional amenities: Full-service department, parts department, boat body work, yacht repair & Marine Max Stovall sales dock. Boating supplies/commissary/dry goods/retail clothing items.

GAINESVILLE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days week Phone: 770-536-2171 Website: www.gainesvillemarina.com Location: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy., Gainesville Types of slips available: 600 slips, dry stack covered up to 25', wet covered & uncovered up to 80'.

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.89 ((Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; pay at pump until dark) On-site eatery: Skogies Menu: Barbecue, seafood and American fare.

Phone: 678-450-1310 Security: 7 days a week Additional amenities: Parts department, land service shop, recreational room, bath house, pumpout stations.

Sales of new, used and brokerage boats, South Bay and Berkshire Pontoon Boats, Four Winns Deck/Sport Boats/Cruisers and Yamaha Outboard.

HABERSHAM MARINA Hours of operation: , 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Closed Sun. (Winter Hours) Phone: 770-887-5432 Website: www.habershammarina.com Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., Cumming Types of slips available: 600 slips for dry storage up to 28’ Store: Yes Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.35 Security: Yes Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available.

HIDEAWAY BAY MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Marina: 24/7 Phone: 770-967-5500 Website: www.hideawaybaymarina.com Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150) Showroom: Atlanta Marine Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.44 On-site eatery: Fish Tales Lakeside Grille Security: 24/7 manned security Additional amenities: Full Maintenance, Repair and Service on site: Harbor Marine & Associates. Bathhouse w/ locked showers and AC, laundry, pump out, trailer storage.

HOLIDAY MARINA Hours of operation:Office/Store/Dock, 8:30-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-945-7201 Website: www.holidaylakelanier.com Location: 6900 Holiday Rd., Buford Types of slips available: 22-100' Uncovered including 80, 90, and 100' Breakwater Slips; 26-85' Covered Slips totalling 1238 Slips Store: Yes; Convenience items and basic boating supplies.

Types of fuel: Premium, unleaded & diesel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15): $4.69 premium; $3.69 unleaded; $3.39 diesel (5 percent discount with Westrec advantage membership)

On-site eatery: The Twisted Oar Menu: Fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak Phone: 678 714-7572 Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Boat rentals, repair service, pumpout station, boat sales, TowBoat US LANIER HARBOR MARINA Lanier Harbor Marina has permanently closed effective 2/4/14.

PORT ROYALE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-887-5715 Website: www.bestinboating.com/port_royale Location: 8800 Port Royale Dr., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to 106' totaling 514 slips & dry stack storage (470) for up to 39'.

Store/Dock hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.

Store: Service Store & Ship Store Types of fuel: 90-octane Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.65 On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill Security: Gated, 24/7 Additional amenities: Climate controlled bath house with showers, 24/7 self-service pump out, rental boats, Courtesy dock for dry stack, two ship stores, full-service center, largest floating gas dock in Ga., 16 gas pumps.

SUNRISE COVE MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/ Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon.; closed Tuesday Phone: 770-536-8599 Website: www.sunrisecovermarina.com Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered-2450'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer).

Store: Yes Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/19/15) $3.89 with 5 percent off with Westrec Advantage Membership On-site eatery: Rico’s (Trolly cart style dining) Eatery hours: Seasonal Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundry facility and pump-out open 24/7.

SUNSET COVE MARINA Hours of operation: Closed Oct. 1-April 1 Phone: 678 304-3157 Website: www.lanierislands.com Location: 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy.

Types of slips available: 40’x16’ covered, floating concrete dock Store: Yes Types of fuel: 89 & 93 octane, w/Valvetech Price of fuel: Closed Oct. 1-April 1 On-site eatery: Various restaurants at Lanier Islands Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Lanier Islands

50 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Alabama’s Lookout Mountain is diverse wonderland It would take a master artist with a huge canvas to even begin capturing Alabama’s portion of Lookout Mountain. This palette of land, water, history and people is an eclectic tapestry woven through sheer rock walls of gorges, majestic rivers with picturesque waterfalls, massive lakes and dotted throughout with quaint, historic villages that tell stories of both American and Indian history. Therefore, I will simply try to list and picture places and activities that I experienced during my few days traveling this extraordinary triangle bordered by both Georgia and Tennessee.

Little River Canyon National Preserve (www.nps.gov/liri/ index.htm) is one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River and boasts DeSoto State Park (www.stateparks.com/ de_soto_state_park_in_alabama.h tml) and the stunning DeSoto Falls, as well as the nearby, picturesque Little River Falls. This area also includes Cherokee Rock Village (www.ccparkboard.com/parks/cherokee-rockvillage), which has unforgettable vistas of “The Crappie Fishing Capital of the World,” Lake Weiss (https://apcshorelines.com /our-lakes/weiss), and the surrounding valley ... plus great op-

Bill Vanderford Travel Editor

MORE INFO: 770-289-1543 JFish51@aol.com www.georgiafishing.com ALL PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

portunities for rock climbing and rappelling.

One of the most rewarding places I visited was Tigers for Tomorrow, (www.tigersfortomorrow.org), which is slightly off the beaten path ... but very near I59. It was founded to provide a last home for predatory animals that were discarded when they were no longer wanted or could no longer work or earn money for their proprietors. More than 160 animals, including several species of tigers, mountain lions, African lions, bears, wolves and black leopards will spend the rest of their lives here and be treated with loving care. It is a fabulous place for children and families to see these great animals in a posi-

The view from the Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge.

tive way!

I was mesmerized watching renowned glass artist, Cal Breed, create beautiful art treasures out of molten glass at Orbix Hot Glass (http://orbixhotglass.com) near Ft. Payne, Alabama. Cal and his team of glassblowers handcraft each piece with great attention to form, balance and color, and the results are beautifully unique!

My favorite village in the area is Mentone, Alabama with its mountain top scenery, friendly people and laid back surroundings. With the exception of modern cars, it’s almost like traveling in time back to the 19th century. I especially enjoyed my stay at the famous Mentone Inn B&B (www.mentoneinn.com) that is in easy walking distance of everything in town ... and the breakfasts at the inn are more than worth the stay!

The best place to eat in Mentone is the Kamama Gallery and Café (www.kamamamentone. com), where you can find original fine art, enjoy a casual lunch or savory gourmet dinner, and listen to live music. On the different side, the Wildflower Café (www.mentonewildflower.com) is known for its menu of hearty homestyle meals with organic and vegan options.

Probably the best view from Lookout Mountain and the most romantic place to stay is The Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge (www.secretbedandbreakfastlodge.com). It has a 180 degree panoramic view of the foothills, valleys and beautiful Weiss Lake, and is spectacular both day and night!

This is but a small portion of what ignited all of my senses during the whirlwind trip in and around the magic of Alabama’s Lookout Mountain. Like those before me, I know that a yearn to see and experience more of this

Desoto State Park Falls.

artistry will bring me back again and again!

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.

Hand-blown glassware by artist Cal Breed. above. Making a horse from molten glass, below.

One of many beautiful tigers at Tigers for Tomorrow.

The Wildflower Cafe.

For more photos, visit www.lakesidenews.com/vanderfords-travel-column.

December 2015

LAKESIDE 51

Visit the USCGA at the 54th Atlanta Boat Show Cold weather is here and boats are being winterized. Next on your agenda should be the huge 54th Annual Atlanta Boat Show, again being held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. It’s a great place to speak with manufacturer’s representatives concerning boats, marine equipment, fishing accessories and other miscellaneous fun things.

One of the many things I really like about this boat show is the timing. It’s too cold to boat, unless you are a diehard fisherman, and football season is over, with the exception of the Super Bowl.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is not performing safety patrols on area lakes unless special circumstances call for our presence.

There are also booths where all kinds of boating paraphernalia will be offered, from electronics to life jackets. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will also have a booth which will be located at the rear of the building along with other 10’x10’ booths. By the way, it is important to choose the right type of boat for your needs.

Another thing you should know is that over 90 percent of the registered boats in the United States are trailerable boats, meaning that their length usually does not exceed 26 feet and their weight is maximized at around 5,000-6,000 pounds. Vessels larger than that usually call for special towing rigs not available

Houseboats are “floating condos” and you can entertain the whole neighborhood! A fairly new addiRoy tion to the boating line is the Crittenden “deck boat,” which combines the space and openness of a pontoon USCG boat with the speed through the Auxiliary water of a planning hull boats like runabouts or cruisers. Generally, there is no cabin space, also comto the average family. Boats come mon to the pontoon boat. These in many models, sizes, and types. boats have gained in popularity Each serves a specific need. A over the past few years. boat developed for one purpose One last thought; it’s a good may serve poorly for another. idea to have a way to keep one or Likewise, a boat that is safe in all of your passengers out of the one set of conditions may not be sun or rain. This calls for a safe for others. When you select a “hardtop” cover or a canvas top, boat, be sure that it will suit your sometimes referred to as a “Bineeds. Let’s now look at the mini” top. The latter type can be overall types of boats available. folded down when not wanted.

Of course, we have sailing ves- You can also add clear vinyl ensels, some even have engines! closure to further protect you Then we have other groups of from the elements. boats known as utility boats, runAnd please visit the booths abouts, cruisers, pontoon boats, that feature equipment for your houseboats, personal watercraft, boat. This will be a great time to yes, they are also called boats, consider a VHF marine radio or and others. These are the types GPS if you don’t currently have most seen on area lakes and either. The Coast Guard does not rivers. If a family intends to host recommend a cell phone as your guests who are a little apprehenonly means of communication. sive about boating, a pontoon See you at the show, and boat makes a great platform, ofplease drop by our booth for free fering room to walk around and Georgia Boating Regulations, are generally slower in speed, of- safe boating literature covering a fering a smoother ride. If you multitude of marine subjects and plan to spend some nights under information on safe boating the stars, you should look at cabin courses being offered by the U.S. cruisers, beginning around 24 Coast Guard Auxiliary . feet. They usually accommodate Roy Crittenden is the Public Affairs Officer for Flotilla 29. two adults and two children.

• Lawsuit Continued from Page 40 ment, but could not find footing to move forward. “At this point, Georgia believes that the best way to advance the process is to engage a mediator acceptable to both sides who can create a framework for formal in-person discussions and periodic exchanges of information specifically directed to settlement.

Georgia is willing to discuss mediator selection with Florida and is also open to suggestions from the Special Master on how best to proceed,” the status report states.

Lancaster responded in a teleconference four days later: “I’m delighted, and I can’t overemphasize the fact that I’m delighted to see both the word ‘settlement’ and the word ‘mediator’ in the reports and to know that you’re moving towards that process because, frankly, your persistent refusal

to narrow the scope of this litigation is going to result in astonishing expenses to the two states’ taxpayers.”

He told attorneys he could make suggestions for mediators, but preferred not to. He advised litigants to “decide whether you want someone who is an expert in water law or someone who knows nothing about water law. I think that the – at first the two states should get together, as you’re planning to do, and see if you can agree on the form of mediation, number one; number two, on a specific mediator. If you want me involved in that process, I’m happy to get involved. But I think it’s better if the two states can agree between themselves.”

He added that the selection is critical toward resolving a case that has spewed a torrent of documents onto lawyers’ desks during the discovery period.

Both states have sought documents from every municipal water department on the river system, as well as reports from almost every entity that involves water, including hydrologists, university water researchers, farmers, oyster fisheries, climatologists, environmental groups, state and federal agencies. At one point, Georgia had hired more than 40 full-time lawyers to sift through documents going out to and coming from Florida.

Court records indicate that even after the states seemed to be heading toward mediation, the document pool deepened.

Florida sought depositions from Georgia environmental officials and Georgia subpoenaed the Florida commissioner of agriculture. Both states were still arguing over subpoenas of professors’ emails.

• ABS

Continued from page 39 the state talk about bass fishing, fly fishing, trout and striper tips and technology.

“Fred’s Shed DIY seminars are our most popular because they help people learn how to troubleshoot and do their own repairs and maintenance,” Murphy said. “These include oneon-one sessions with technicians, how to deal with ethanol in fuel, keeping carburetors clean and running, diagnosing electrical problems and repairing and maintaining gas outboards.”

The United States Sail and Power Squadron will again offer sessions on it Boating Skills Virtual Trainer that recreates docking, stopping, navigation and safety situations. At last

year’s show, people of all ages challenged the trainer to assess their boating skills.

The “Let’s Go Fishing” center hosts seminars, and the catch-and-release pond offers kids the chance to angle for trout. The 12-foot-tall, 40-footlong glass bass tub is stocked with native fish that attendees can watch as professional anglers demonstrate casting techniques. A kids’ zone provides entertainment on inflatables for youngsters.

The website (www.atlantaboatshow.com) includes details about pricing, seminars and exhibitors and features the Boat Buyers Toolkit to assist with questions about different kinds of boats and financing.

Singleton Marine celebrates fall with leaf cruise, low-country boil

By Pamela A. Keene A little fall chill in the air set the tone for the Annual Fall Leaf Cruise on Lake Lanier, hosted by Singleton Marine in the middle of November. More than 70 boaters and close to 250 people turned out the morning after near-freezing temperatures to check out the fall colors by boat.

Singleton customers and folks just interested in boating, gathered at the Singleton dock at Holiday Marina around 9 a.m. for a couple of hours on the water.

Many were bundled in layers of winter clothes and foul-weather gear to stay toasty for the morning cruise. For some, it was their last hurray on the lake until next spring, but not for some of the die-hards with cruisers and houseboats.

“The turn-out was great this year, almost double last year’s cruise,” said Jeremy Ewers with Singleton. “There were boats of all sizes from a 60-foot Viking to 22-foot pontoons. The average

length was around 40 feet and everyone had a great time on the water.”

Arriving back at the marina around mid-day, guests were treated to a combo barbecue and low-country boil at the Twisted Oar Restaurant. Boiled shrimp, sausage, red potatoes and cornon-the-cob, pulled pork, mac-andcheese, slaw, salad and all the trimmings kept people coming in from about noon until almost 4. A band under the tent adjacent to the Twisted Oar deck set the scene for a festive afternoon as the weather warmed into the low 70s. “Singleton plans this event each year as an end-of-the-season thank-you to our customers and everyone who enjoys boating,” Ewers said. “While many people have already winterized their boats for the season, anyone with an outboard or a large boat with access to shore power can boat through the winter. With the large boats, that’s what a bilge heater is for.”

• COE Continued from Page 46 amount of rain this fall, the dayuse parks and campgrounds are not affected until the lake level reaches 1073. At this depth, certain roads, walkways and campsites may be blocked off for public use.

For more information about water levels at Lake Lanier, visit http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/g age/bufelev.htm.

A word about Christmas trees After the holidays cut Christmas trees can become useful fish attractors for Lake Lanier. Consider getting a permit early that will allow you to submerge your tree after the holidays, by calling the Corps at 770-945-9531 for further information. Once you’ve enjoyed your holidays, share your tree as a fish attractor for the lake.

52 LAKESIDE

December 2015

EXIT 17 EXIT 16

11

General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........770 945-9531 Water Release Schedules................770 945-1466 Recreation/Water level Info .............770 945-1467 DNR, Law Enforcement Division .....800 241-4113 Lake Lanier Association Inc. ...........770 503-7757 Boating Safety Courses US Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 29 ......770 891-6362 Atlanta Sail & Power Squadron .......770 734-6412 Marinas 1. Aqualand...................................770 967-6811 2. Bald Ridge ................................770 887-5309 3. Gainesville ................................770 536-2171 4. Habersham ...............................770 887-5432 5. Holiday .....................................770 945-7201 6. Port Royale...............................770 887-5715 7. Lanier Harbor...............CLOSED AS OF 2/4/14 8. Aquamarina Lazy Days .............770-628-1019 9. Hideaway Bay ...........................770 967-5500 10. Sunrise Cove ............................770 536-8599 11. Sunset Cove..............................678 304-3157

December 2015

LAKESIDE 53

Robin Gravitt

Susan Moss

www.reladies.com

®

®

REALTOR robin@reladies.com 770-361-0815

REALTOR susan@reladies.com 770-654-6661 770 536-1250

Representing Buyers and Sellers Throughout Scenic Northeast Georgia LAKE LANIER • RESIDENTIAL • LAND

00

00

00

$650,0

$350,0

$475,0

North Hall home located in prestigious North Gate Manor.

Custom built w/attention to detail throughout. Great home for growing family. Outdoor fireplace & patio & veranda. Paved dog pad w/side walk, 4 sides brick. Finished terrace level w/bar & ice maker. Many, many great features. Security.

City of Gainesville Classic Brick Ranch - crafted to preserve the original character and design w/modern day flair. 1.39 acres.

Stately entrance hall; gracious size rms; gourmet kitchen w/antique island & stone c’tops; sun room w/ brick flrs; 3 FPs; keeping rm; Formal LR/DR; fin terrace lvl w/kitch; private front & back brick porch venues for entertaining.

00

Always dreamed of living on Lake Lanier? This lake home, with single slip dock, is spacious enough for a primary residence or glorious weekend retreats. Features include 4 BR/4.5 bathrooms, master on main, open kitchen, front porch & exterior decks, finished terrace level, bonus room and double garage. Conveniently located to I-985, new Botanical Gardens, shopping, restaurants and Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Very easy walking path to dock. North side of lake close to Laurel Park with paved walking trails, picnic area, dog park and more.

t $125K

FEATURED PROPERTY

$580,0

Starting a

00

$474,9

Gorgeous Lake Home on Point Lot with spectacular "take your breath away" views surrounding the property. This 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom home offers expansive, updated kitchen, vaulted grand great room, 2 fireplaces, 2 oversized screened porches, finished terrace level, professional landscaping, fenced back yard, hot tub and double slip dock with party deck located only a “stones throw away” from Gainesville Marina.

New upscale 11 lot lake neighborhood on Lanier’s south lake sailing waters.12-slip covered dock in place w/party deck, water & electricity. Estate sized lots 1-2+ acres.

Paved golf cart path to dock.

00

00

$275,0

$319,9

North Hall brick beauty on 2+/- acres. Great family home with 4BR/3.5BA, large bonus room. Wood floors on main level, open floor plan w/nice kitchen. Updated appliances, newer HVAC & roof. Finished terrace level & pre-wired for 2nd kitchen.

Perfect in-law/teen suite. Walking trail to lake. $3200 towards closing costs with preferred lender.

,000

$1,250

Ideal lake retreat located on big open water with double slip dock! Enjoy a stunning "A" frame, lodge style home sitting on Peninsula Point lot with short, easy footpath to private double dock, beachfront and water oasis! Home features detached garage; rock fireplace; hardwood floors; modern kitchen; back wall of windows; expansive wood deck for entertaining. Great location by land and water and at an unbeatable price.

!

D L SO

Unique Lake Lanier Estate on 8 acres with 3500 sq ft detached garage/shop and double slip dock. Custom built home showcases expansive main floor living space with hardwood floors, library, furniture grade built-ins, grand master suite & bath featuring steam shower & dual shower heads. Beautifully detailed great room opens to covered veranda overlooking big open unobstructed views of water. Additional features include finished terrace level, “state of the art” 32x32 party deck dock and multi car garage/shop equipped with full kitchen and bath. A car collector and lake enthusiast’s dream home!

This spacious home in Cresswinds offers upgrades galore...den/office (can be bedroom); large kitchen w/island & gas cooktop; great room; sunroom; wood floors & granite counters thru-out; dining room; unfinished bonus room & oversized concrete patio. Amenities: 3 story clubhouse; walking trails; marina; swim/tennis; pools; activities & more!

00

$575,0

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D L SO

Tastefully appointed North Hall lake home. 5BR. 4/5BA. Easy access to deep water, single slip dock. 5BR/4.5BA, in-ground pool, finished terrace level, covered back porch. Lots of home for a large family. Call Robin 770-361-0815.

54 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Antiques & Gift Market Antiques, Collectibles, Home Decor & More!

Join Us For Our Holiday Show

DECEMBER 4, 5, 6 Santa on Saturday • 12 til 3

NOTE: Show is held the 1st weekend of December, not the 3rd.

Friday: 9-5, Saturday: 9-6, Sunday 10-5

ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, HOME, NAUTICAL, LAKE & MOUNTAIN GIFTS & DECOR Admission: $3.00 (Good all weekend, Children free) Directions: GA 400 N to Exit 13, go west, next right on GA 9 (Atlanta Highway)

1321 Atlanta Hwy. • Cumming, GA 30040

770-889-3400

www.lakewoodantiques.com

SHIPWRIGHT’S A COMPLETE YACHT RESTORATION FACILITY

Onsite sales, installation, maintenance and repair for all of your marine electronic equipment needs.

FACILITIES FEATURE: •ENCLOSED SPRAY PAINTING FOR BOATS UP TO 38’

~ Serving all of North Georgia ~

(LARGER BOATS PAINTED OUTSIDE)

•FULLY EQUIPPED WOODWORKING SHOP SERVICES INCLUDE: PROFESSIONAL SPRAY PAINTING AWLGRIP & IMRON MARINE COATING SYSTEMS REWIRING, REPOWERING, INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADING, PLANKING & FRAMING OF WOODEN BOATS All work “hands-on” supervised by Leonard T. Kirkham, M.B.A., D.M.S., M.B.I.M. a time-served registered master yacht builder from Britain with 35 years of international yacht building& restoration experience — both sail & power.

~ Licensed and Insured ~ • Accessories • Communication • Power Supply • Entertainment • Fishing • Navigation • Safety Equipment ~ We Strive to Exceed our Clients Expectations ~

2999 Beards Rd. off Holiday Road

Omega2009@bellsouth.net

(770) 932-6474

MEMBER

December 2015

LAKESIDE 55

CLASSIFIEDS BOAT LIFT

DOCKS

ShoreMaster 6000 pound boat lift, hoses, and blower box with control valves. Works great. $4,200. 770 862-0298

CATERING

Captains Hat - $18

Lake Life - $16

Authentic Captains Hats - $18

Merry Christmas from Lake Lanier Gear!

Wishing You All the Christmas Blessings Christ was Born to Bring...

Authentic Lake Lanier Map T-Shirts Available Long & Short Sleeve Anchor Management - $16

Southern Belle’s Hostess, Don’t miss your own party! Let us host your next party. We do the work for you from start to finish. No clean up for you. Dinner parties, Boat parties, Birthdays, Wedding events. No party too big or small. Party Hostess and coordinator. 770 722-1165, ladymarsha1165@ aol.com.

CLEANING NEW DESIGN!

Cleaning Maid Possible, great value, call today! Plus free gift, just for you. Why? Because you are worth it! 770-912-8076, www.cleaningmaidpossible.com

24’x18’ steel/wood floating dock with sundeck above. 45’ ramp. Single 10’x20’ slip.

Electrical and fresh water. Five step swim ladder. Good condition. $6,500. 770 8620298 Used boat docks. Check out our news page on our web site at www.amaysingdocks. com or call 678 450-4212.

Thanks for using Lakeside classifieds LIST YOUR CLASSIFIED: Lakeside on Lanier Classifieds Only $15 per Month!

Up to 20 words, then only 25 cents per word after that!

Call 770-287-1444 or online at www.lakesidenews.com.

Visit our website at: We offer Screen Printing, Embroidery and Custom apparel.

All merchandise is available at www.LakeLanierGear.com or shop Aqualand, Port Royale, Habersham Marina Ship Stores & Hammonds Fishing Center Check us out on Etsy. Search: LAKE LANIER GEAR

L.E. Landscaping & Tree Removal, LLC BEFORE

www.LakesideNews.com View the entire print edition online!

Vesper’s Marine Service “Quality and Service You Can Depend On”

Marine Repair at Your Location!

AFTER

• Expert Marine Repair • Over 25 Years Experience • Factory Trained Service on: Mercruiser, Mercury, OMC and Volvo Penta • Service on Most Makes and Models

• Complete tree service & removal • Landscape installation • Grading • Hauling • Lot clearing • Concrete removal • Lake view enhancement (tree trimming) • Timber or allan block retaining walls • Pathway clearing & maintenance • Timber or block pathway steps • Mulching (red, brown, cypress) • Fill dirt, topsoil, screened topsoil available Licensed & Insured • References Available

Call for your free estimate today • 678-414-9187

Vesper’s Marine Service 548 Station Trail Dawsonville, GA 30534 Phone: 678-557-4468 Fax: 770-887-4468

56 LAKESIDE

December 2015

Patsy Bailey 770.540.7752

Merry Christmas

pbailey@gonorton.com PatsyBailey.com LakeLanierProperty.com

May the Joy of Christmas fill your Heart with Love

770.532.0022 GoNorton.com

MOST EXPERIENCED AGENT ON LANIER - $325 MILLION IN CAREER SALES

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$1,399,900 • 6375LakeviewDrive.com

Pointe South Magnificent Premier Estate

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Martha’s Vineyard Nantucket Inspired Design on Lake Lanier! On a point lot w/600’ of shoreline, amazing panoramic sunset VIEWS & very deep water. Custom design by noted Atlanta architectural firm Spitzmiller & Morris. 5 BR, 5 BA, 4-half BA’s, DR, LR, Family Rm, Media Rm, Library, Rec Rm, Screened Porch, Veranda, Porte Cochere, separate Guest Quarters, 3 car large garage and wide parking area, dbl slip dock. Beautiful Views of Miles of the Lake and Mountains!

$269,000 • 6028WarpathRoad.com

$524,900 • 6005BateauDrive.com

Acreage for Sale

Lorimar On The Lake

$1,350,000

$799,900

11.69+/- acres on Suwanee Dam Road.

Potential commercial.

8 acre tract on highly traveled Lanier Islands Parkway

$185,000 - $239,000 Exceptionally well-maintained duplexes, lake views, good monthly rental amount and long-term tenants.

$99,900 6280 Bell Drive, Flowery Branch • Cute cottage with 3 storage buildings sitting on .82 ac across from Lake Lanier.

$775,000 • 2164ElysianCircle.com

$429,000

$165,000

$115,000

28.759 acres in Flowery Br, OWNER FINANCING, 2 creeks, beautiful land.

2.15 acres – Excellent potential commercial lot close to I-985 Flowery Branch exit.

.60 acre Commercial Lot fronting on Phil Neikro Blvd, Flowery Branch close to I-985.

Fox Tail Cove

Tall Hicklory Trail

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!

D L O S Yacht Club Rd.

South Lanier

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Call Patsy Today... 770.540.7752 • LakeLanierProperty.com