This summer Hall County Fire Rescue received a new fire boat was delivered. It will be docked at Holiday Marina near Lanier Islands and put into service as soon as training is complete. Page 8
Shore Sweep swept up
Last month, the shores of Lake Lanier bustled with hundreds of volunteers with one purpose in mind: Clean up Lake Lanier. Page 2
Jacks River Falls
Viewing the Jacks River Falls for the first time takes one’s breath away. The tremendous cascade of water rushing over the ageless boulders of the three distinct levels is almost deafening. Page 29
Also inside: Calendar
Page 36 Classifieds
Fishing news
Lake levels
Page 39
Page 10
Page 18
Marinas information Page 34
Outdoor activity calendar Page 38
Recreation guide Page 34
Shore Lines Page 22
Columns:
The Careful Captain Page 17
Curb Appeal Page 35
Design & Remodel Page 37
Glenn Burns Page 18
One Man’s Opinion Page 32
On the Water
Vanderford’s travel
Page 12
Page 29
PHOTO BY
New LLSC Sailing Director Summer Song, right, works the junior sailors Isaac Rankin and John Garcia (in the yellow vest) to rig a boat in preparation for on-the-water training. Story, page 22.
is published by
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Publisher/Editor
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Contributing Writers
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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.
37th annual Shore Sweep brings out volunteers and tons of trash
By Pamela A. Keene
On Saturday, September 20, the shores of Lake Lanier bustled with hundreds of volunteers with one purpose in mind: Clean up Lake Lanier. The annual event –Shore Sweep – didn’t disappoint in the strong community support for this 37th annual lake cleanup hosted by the Lake Lanier Association.
“This year we added more mobile/advance sites for on-lake support, including partnerships with many of the dock builders around the lake,” said Victoria Clevenger, executive director of the not-forprofit organization based in Gainesville. “And we were very pleased with the large turnout of volunteers for the day-of event and the few days afterward that allowed us to get the remains of trash, garbage and debris collected.”
Boat Dock Works, Brown Bridge Dock Co., Lighthouse Marine Solutions, Marine Specialties, Inc., Martin Docks, and Southeastern Dock Supply provided barges and work boats
Shoresweep volunteers have their hands full with styrofoam and other trash.
placed around the lake to help people towing dock floats and larger items.
Shore Sweep is the signature project of the Lake Lanier Association. For more information, visit lakelanier.org.
PHOTOS BY LLA
Volunteers pick through driftwood and debris, above, and used kayaks to barges to get to the trash, below.
• teresasmith@kw.com
• michelekaplan@kw.com
• mackenziescott@kw.com
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Hall County Fire Rescue adds fire boat
By Pamela A. Keene
In July, Hall County Fire Rescue received a new fire boat was delivered. It will be docked at Holiday Marina near Lanier Islands and put into service as soon as training is complete.
“To have this state of the art vessel a part of our fleet is incredible. It will allow our crew members to provide better patient care, and most importantly, provide fire suppression on Lake Lanier,” said Fire Chief Jerry Smith.
“We have about 14 million visitors on Lake Lanier each year, and they deserve to have the best possible response and services from our department.”
The landing craft-style boat is powered by twin Yamaha 450 hp outboards. The boat is 38 feet long and has a 1,500 gallon-perminute pump and a 300-gallon fuel tank. On-board
equipment includes sonar, radar, forwardlooking infrared and dive gear that can assist on drowning calls.
Designed for patient care, there is a fulllength patient care bench inside a heated and cooled cabin.
Once operational, the fireboat will provide fire-suppression capabilities on the water to boat fires and dock fires, as well as provide water access to lakeside house fires.
The Marine Rescue Team is training daily to get the boat out on the water as soon as possible.
Lake Sidney Lanier & Gainesville prints, Postcards, Notecards Original Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor Paintings
Other Fine Artists at Gallery (www.gallerysq.com)
Ann Alexander, Pam Kohler-Camp, Patricia Fabian, Lydia Ferguson, Ann Goble, Jane Hemmer, Paula Hoffman, Shannon Hughs, Joyce Hornor, Leigh-Anne O’Brien, Connie Lynn Reilly and Shirley Seguin Prints, postcards, notecards also available at: Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street, Gainesville, GA Frame-Tastic, 565-B Shallowford Road, Gainesville, GA Butch's Market, 3613 White Sulphur Road, Gainesville, GA
Island Sunset" - by Anne Brodie Hill
PHOTO BY HALL COUNTY
A new fireboat will be in service soon on Lake Lanier.
Lanier Fishing Report
Lake level: Down 3.8 feet
Temperature: 70s
Clarity: Mainly clear
Bass fishing
Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is good. The water temperature has been rising but there is still good top water action across the lake. The main areas to concentrate on are long points, humps and off reef poles with deep water close by. Having structures on these areas in the 30-foot range is an added bonus. The Skimmer, Spro E Pop 80 and a Lip Thrasin Riser have been the most effective surface baits recently.
One key factor is to use the wind to your advantage as the bite seems slower with calm water. A fluke is a good choice particularly in calm areas but will also draw strikes in the wind.
It seems there are windows for catching them right now with early morning being a prime time for working top water baits. There may be a lull after the early bite that will cause you to have to search more areas to locate feeding bass. Check around the deep structure for suspending bass and work them with a three eights ounce Spot Choker and a three-inch paddle tail bait. The worm bite has picked up some on
the docks nearer the deeper water or mouth to middle of the coves. Any of the green pumpkin combinations on a three sixteenths Shakey head should get you bit. Once we’re through this end of summer hot spell the lake should really be turning on but they are still biting now so Go Catch ’Em!
This bass fishing report is by Phil Johnson; pjohnson15@hotmail.com, 770 366-8845.
Striper fishing
Lake Lanier stripers are schooling from Big Creek to River Forks. With water temperatures rising along combined with cooler water will lead to real top water action so have your favorite lure ready. The down lines are still working with blue backs at 35 to 50 feet deep in the morning over the channel. Flat lines will start to produce some bigger fish as the sun rises. Remember to wear your life jacket. This striper report is by Buck Cannon; 404 510-1778.
Crappie fishing
Lake Lanier crappie fishing is good. The fish are active early in the morning, right at sunrise. Standing timber in 25 to 40 feet of
water has been producing but not in big numbers get a few and move to the next spot.
The deep fish are biting better than the shallow fish. Docks are holding large groups of crappie at depths of 10 to 55 feet above a 25- to 40-foot bottom. The jig color combo that we most often use is 1.5 inch atx lure company d2d jig.
For your best fishing experience consider using the following equipment: a one
piece ACC Crappie Stix rod and reel paired with 4 or 6 pound test K9 line with a Atx lure company jigs. Further optimizing your efforts, a Garmin LiveScope, are highly recommended.
This crappie report is by Captain Josh Thornton 770 530-6493.
This fishing report was compiled by Ken Sturdivant’s Southern Fishing, www.southernfishing.com.
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A cruise down ‘The Mighty,’ aka the Mississippi River
It is with great sadness that this will be the final column from Vinnie Mendes. Vinnie passed away on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. More details will follow next month.
I’ve crossed over it many times in a car and finally took a cruise down the Mississippi River.
It’s longer, wider and deeper than any others I’ve either driven over or sailed across. It’s truly worthy of its title “The Mighty.” Flowing from Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico, it drains most of the eastern two thirds of the United States, and by following its many tributaries, you can travel all the way from the Gulf of Mexico up into Montana. Some intrepid explorers proved this about 200 years ago by poling a keelboat as far as the Yellow River until they were stopped by the Rocky Mountains. It also brings back childhood memories of Mark Twain’s stories of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer.
Our cruise was ill timed because the river was at its lowest level in years and instead of welcoming ports and piers, we saw the sides of levees, and an occa-
sional tugboat pushing a “tow” of barges.
Among the notable exceptions were Graceland, in Memphis, Home of the “King” and the Vicksburg National Military Park displaying the USS Cairo, one of the last remaining ironclads from the Civil War. (See Lakeside News. March 2024)
Another attraction on the cruise was the Houmas House plantation, an antebellum mansion (circa 1840) which has been restored to its former glory. It’s surrounded by luxurious gardens and promenades. The tour guides are dressed in period costumes including enormous, hooped skirts. The Greek Revival manor house is three stories tall topped by a belvedere or “widows walk” as
we say on the East Coast. In the center is an atrium, surrounded by an elegant spiral staircase, the banister of which was made from a single piece of wood! It reportedly took three years to bend the wood into shape!
Once comprising 1,200 acres, the plantation had a workforce of 550 slaves and grew cotton, sugarcane, and sorghum. It was purchased in the 1850s by John Burnside, an Irish immigrant and self-made millionaire. He was an interesting character. He had been in residence about 10 years when the Civil War broke out. That was when he encountered General Ben Butler.
Butler had come to take over the plantation as his headquarters, so Burnside flew the Union Jack from the flagpole and claimed that as an Irish citizen, the property was subject to the British Royal Crown and unless Butler wanted to start an international incident, he would leave it alone! Being wise enough to pick the battles he knew he was going to lose, Butler took his army and marched back to New Orleans! Butler was also a character.
Among other things, he is noted for his disregard for Southern tradition during his occupation of the City of New Orleans. For instance, when a Southern lady would dump the contents of a chamber pot out of an upper floor window onto Yankee soldiers walking below, he would have them thrown into prison along with the thieves, pickpockets, and other miscreants. His comment was “If they wanted to behave like trollops, they would be treated like trollops.” Well, this was no way to treat genteel Southern ladies who were simply expressing their disdain for the “Damn Yankee” occupation force!
(I feel a connection with General Butler. The house I grew up in, located high on a hill in New Jersey, was built by a fellow named Ames in the 1840s. He was the governor of Massachusetts, and he presented it as a wedding gift to his daughter and her new husband, General Benjamin Butler! (But more on that in a future article.)
The plantation has been used as a set for many movies with well-known stars such as Bette
Davis, Cicily Tyson, Susan Lucci and Chevy Chase to name a few. The one I remember the best was “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte” from 1964 starring Bette Davis. It has a harrowing scene where a severed head comes tumbling down the spiral staircase in the atrium! You must see it to really appreciate it.
As far as cruises go, this one was disappointing. I know we
Vinnie Mendes
On the Water
See Mendes, page 17
Circular staircase at the Houmus Estate.
PHOTO BY VINNIE MENDES
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Priced below appraisal, this extraordinary 7-bedroom, 7.5-bath lakefront estate in the coveted Marina Bay neighborhood boasts 120 feet of pristine Lake Lanier frontage and breathtaking year-round views. From two gourmet chef’s kitchens to dual owner’s suites, a theater room, resort-style infinity-edge pool, and a private boat slip, every detail was crafted for both grand entertaining and serene retreat. Recent upgrades, including two new hot water heaters, a new HVAC with a 10-year warranty, and stunning light wood flooring, enhance the elegance of this meticulously designed lakeside masterpiece. $2,375,000
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Thanks to the support and partnership of our business sponsors, the Lake Lanier Association is able to make a greater impact. Consider supporting these businesses which work with LLA towards a Clean, Full and Safe Lake Lanier. Shore Sweep 2025 was made possible by the following:
Be safe while boating in unfamiliar waters
There’s nothing quite like trailering your boat to a place far from home, dropping it in the water, and exploring new territory.
It’s one of the things I missed when I first bought a boat that I could no longer tow – and one of the reasons I later added a jet ski to my list of toys.
The ability to take your vessel beyond its home port and explore distant waterways opens up a whole new world for those of us who love being on the water. But
• Mendes
Continued from Page 12
missed many other interesting sites along the way that were not convenient to get to by tour boat. I’d definitely recommend taking an automobile trip down the Mississippi at your leisure and stopping at all the historic attractions.
Frank Taylor
The Careful Captain
it also brings new challenges and potential risks if you aren’t prepared.
I’ve been boating on Lake La-
nier for more than 20 years. I’ve seen the lake at its best and at its worst. When the water was low, I saw danger zones that weren’t marked. I know areas that were once marked but for some reason no longer are. I avoid piloting my boat there. I also know which spots I can safely navigate when the water level is high, but must avoid when it drops. Anyone who’s been boating on Lanier for years knows what I’m talking about. It’s called local knowledge. So, what do you do when you’re heading out on unfamiliar waters, where you don’t have that local knowledge? Here are some tips that can help.
Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for over 30 years. His family owns a marina/ bar/restaurant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”
Get a chart
Charts are the best way to know where it’s safe to take your boat. They show channels, depths, hazards, and markers. Of course, that only helps if you know how to read a chart. If you don’t, there are plenty of ways to learn. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club both offer courses, and if classes aren’t your
thing, you can easily find instructional videos online.
Chart plotters are great. I have one on my boat and another on my WaveRunner. They make navigation much easier. Still, they don’t replace a paper chart when it comes to planning your day. A chart spread out on a table lets you see a much larger area at once. The challenge is that they’re getting harder to find. You may need to order one online or check a local marine store or bait shop in the area. Whatever you do, make sure your charts are current.
Talk to an expert
Even if you don’t have local knowledge, someone else does. Stop by marinas or bait shops and ask around. Chances are, you’ll meet someone who knows the waters and can give you tips on where to go – and where to avoid.
Charts and plotters are great, but they can’t always account for shifting conditions. In some areas, currents reshape the bottom, and locals usually know about these changes.
Pay attention
While you’re cruising, pay close attention to your surroundings. Your depth finder is your best friend. Knowing how much water your vessel needs and keeping an eye on depth is essential. But don’t just rely on electronics. Watch the water itself. Changes in color can signal depth changes. A strange ripple nearby could indicate a hidden object. And of course, markers will guide you into channels and help you steer clear of hazards. Taking the time to educate yourself and stay alert can make all the difference in how your trip turns out.
Remember: we head out on these adventures to enjoy the water, not to deal with the stress of damaging our vessel or risking our safety. Do your homework, prepare well, and then relax and enjoy the journey.
Frank is past commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and is currently a content creator at the YouTube channel “The Ships Logg.”
WINTER’S COMING!
My favorite month has arrived again
Without a doubt, October is my favorite month of the year. The beautiful blue October skies. That hint of cool air amidst the lingering warmth of summer, and the changing of the leaves.
While most Octobers are generally pretty tame weather-wise, in my 42 years as chief meteorologist for WSB, I have seen some significant weather events, especially in the past 20 years.
an approaching cold front. In 2018, hurricane Michael weakened from a CAT 5 hurricane to a tropical storm. However, it still brought widespread severe storms, damaging winds, and flooding rains. Agricultural losses were staggering. It will be getting colder this month. See graphic for the days of the average freeze dates county by county.
Glenn Burns
Lanier Outlook
In 1995 I was tracking a ferocious hurricane named Opal. Northern Georgia, especially northeast Georgia, really took it on the chin with torrential rainfall, fierce winds, and tornadoes.
In 2014 we had a major severe storm outbreak with tornadoes and severe storms from
Estimated dates for freezing temps in Georgia.
We had an unseasonably dry September. It may not have been welcomed by your lawns and gardens, but there is a silver lining. When we have dry weather like that, it tends to make for more vibrant fall color. It won’t be like New England fall color however. Northern states have the perfect recipe for incredible fall color. First, is the trees. Up north we have a higher concentration of maples, birches, and aspens, which produce the most vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. Southern forests are more dominated by oaks, hickories, and evergreens, leading to less dramatic color. In addition, northern states experience cooler nights and more sunny days in autumn. This temperature contrast slows the chlorophyll breakdown and enhances the pigments that give leaves their brilliant reds and purples. Here in the south, nights stay warmer longer, so colors tend to be less intense. It is always a fun drive up into
See Burns, page 32
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
*Restrictions apply
Lazy Days is the legendary, full-service marina located just a short drive north of Atlanta on I-985, off the Lake Lanier Islands Parkway exit. Lazy Days can dry stack boats up to 36 feet and offers wet slips up to 125 feet. Lazy Days has an on-site service department by Singleton Marine. With more than 690 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and unique recreational activities.
Lake Lanier Sailing Club hires former Olympian sailor as head coach
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
With the arrival of former Olympian Summer Song, Lake Lanier Sailing Club has invested in a significant upgrade of its sailing programs for youth and adults. Song, a successful international competitor in several classes of sailing, arrived in June to become the club’s sailing director and head coach. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she finished 8th in the Women’s Yngling keelboat class.
“Our search for a permanent head coach and sailing director began about two years ago when we learned that our current sailing director was leaving,” said Warren Collier, past commodore of the club off Old Federal Road.
“We developed specific qualifications and goals as LLSC made the decision to bring on a full-time coach for youth and adults.
“Our primary goal was to increase participation in sailing by initially expanding our junior sailing program to start sailing programs at the nearby Hall County middle and high schools.”
An advertisement this spring in Sail1Design.com caught the attention of Song, who was freelance coaching the Chinese National Team in Los Angeles. She applied and after a preliminary interview
via Zoom and an on-site visit to Lake Lanier, she was hired.
“Summer’s personality, experience and accomplishments just clicked with us,” said Collier.
“And since she’s been here, she’s already starting to build our youth programs, plus private lessons with youth as well as adults. Next summer, we anticipate expanding our junior summer sailing camps to the entire summer.”
Summer grew up in China and began sailing when she was 15 years old and just completing 9th grade. “I had never been on a sailboat before, plus it was my first time on the ocean,” she said. “It was such an opportunity for me to join our province’s sailing team and learn to sail 420s. When I first started I had no idea what sailing was, but in a short time, I knew I was born to sail.”
That was in 1994. By 1997 she was sailing 470s (2-person boats) and competing in the National 470 Championships in Shanghai, where in 1997 her boat placed 7th; the next year her boat placed 2nd, and in 1999, she earned her first Gold. She repeated her success in 2001 and 2004, also taking first place overall in 2002 at the Asian Games in a 420 and in 2005 in the 470. Over the next 19 years she would earn another eight first place medals in various
national and international contests.
“I found that my favorite part of being on the water is taking the helm,” she said with a smile. In 2013, I became a sailing coach, starting at the American International School of Qingdao for three years also traveling to Holland and later Clearwater, Florida, as Head Coach of the RS-FEVA World Championships, an annual international sailing regatta for youth and/or parent/youth teams.
Over her career, she has also served as head coach at the Royal Yacht Academy in the UK and several teams in China.
Song has two sons who grew up in China and now attend high school in Boston. “Because of my sons, I was looking for a sailing job in the United States, and I feel very fortunate to now be at LLSC,” she said. “A big part of my job at LLSC is building the Learn-to-Sail programs for youth and adults, plus we’re having some Saturday and Sunday sessions for sailing teams and youth.”
“I’m encouraging both LLSC members and those non-members who are interested in learning to sail to check out our sailing programs, both adults and young people.” Options – available online at llsc.com/sailing-classes –include Sailing 101 for beginners and as a refresher, Sailing 102 focusing on spinnaker, and Learn to Race 103 Introduction.
In addition to working with those who want to learn how to sail, Song has been participating as crew on the Wednesday night races.
“I’ve been hopping on and off different boats, mostly to get to know the sailors, but also to experience what it’s like to sail on Lake Lanier,” she said. “If people need crew, I can sail with them in club races.”
So how is sailing on Lake Lanier different than her previous sailing experience?
“I really like it here, and I’m looking forward to building a strong sailing program at LLSC,” she said. “How is Lake Lanier sailing different? Well, I can say that it certainly is a lot more relaxed that the competition I’ve experienced in my career. I enjoy
that there are many boats that come out for racing, and I’m looking forward to the fall. They tell me the winds will really be much better in the fall and winter.”
For more information about sailing classes and camps at Lake Lanier Sailing Club, visit llsc.com.
Southcreek Luxury Properties focuses on high-end luxury living
By Pamela A. Keene
National real estate developer/broker Susan Verlander, a 25-year veteran in the real estate industry has opened Southcreek Luxury Properties, specializing in the development and sales of luxury properties in Atlanta, Lake Lanier and North Georgia.
Using the latest technology tools, Southcreek Properties creates high-end planned communities, partnering with awardwinning home builders such as Harcrest Homes, a 30-year national firm based in Gainesville,
to provide a focused-on-thebuyer luxury home-building experience.
“Harcrest can design complete home plans, site plans, 3D renderings and home specifications with firm-contract pricing on the homesites in the communities Southcreek is developing,” said Verlander.
Using the new technology and design-build process, Southcreek Properties just completed a $122 million sellout of Marina Bay on Lanier.
Their newest project, The Enclave on Lanier, is a eight- acre lakefront parcel featuring four gated lakefront luxury estates with thousands of square feet of Verlander See Verlander, page 34
New Lake Lanier Sailing Club Sailing Director Summer Song, left, goes through onshore drill assignments before junior sailors take to the water at a recent coaching session.
PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE
Summer, third from right, during the Beijing Olympic games in 2008.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUMMER SONG
Sunrise Cove Marina is named for the stunning views and surroundings, especially against the morning sunrise. A quiet cove tucked away on Lake Lanier, the Marina rests on 62 sprawling acres of beautiful timberland countryside, with an abundance of wildlife presence.
Dragon Boats race Lanier
The Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival was cut short for the first time in its 28-year history by storms that rolled in on Saturday, Sept. 6. The weather didn’t strike until later in the day, allowing thousands to watch the races.
Local teams that finished in the top three of their divisions included LCKC’s Super Dragons (second); University of North Georgia (first); Jackson EMC Juggernauts (second); and Jackson EMC Wiley Wiredhands (second).
Next year’s festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Club.
Spectators take in the opening ceremonies, right. Paddles up as competitors head for the starting line, below.
PHOTOS BY VICKI HOPE
New Vogel Visitor Center blends historic elements in modern facility
By Jane Harrison
A feeling of peace and tranquility emanates from a new edifice at the edge of a highland lake steeped in history, family memories, discovery and adventure. The recently opened visitor center at Vogel State Park offers a welcoming spirit that harkens back to the park’s beginning and accommodates today’s Georgia mountain tourist.
Two years of construction hewed a 6,500 square foot facility that captures elements from Vogel’s origin during the Great Depression and caters to both the aesthetic sense and practical expectations of visitors to one of Georgia’s most beloved retreats.
“Folks are loving it,” said Park Manager Jack Becker on a late summer weekday afternoon.
Weeks before fall leaf lookers flocked in, a man leaned back in a rocking chair on the wide tile and stone veranda facing lovely Lake Trahlyta. Couples strolled the walkway beside newly planted native shrubs. Travelers ambled inside the visitor center that resonates the essence and architecture of the original structure the “CCC boys” built in the 1930s.
At heart of that historic structure, built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers and flanked by additions through the years, still stands across the parking lot. Becker described it as rundown and inadequate to manage throngs of guests at one of the state’s most popular parks. “People would line up out the doors” waiting to check in for campsite or cabin stays, he said. The new construction, made
A large porch between the visitor center restrooms and main building steers eyes toward the gorgeous focal point, an expansive view of the 22acre lake, named for a legendary Cherokee woman, and the mountains beyond. Visitors loll away the hours sipping coffee, tipping back-andforth in ladder back rockers, relaxing in a scene seemingly from a bygone era. Flames warm the porch from a massive outdoor fireplace on cool evenings.
possible in part by a $4.67 million grant from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, presents a worthy welcome to the park’s estimated 350,000 visitors per year.
The gray stone and paneled exterior with raw-appearing timber supports and gray metal roof blends with the natural environment in the rustic design the CCC brought to numerous state and national parks. Inspired by the motto, “We Can Take It,” millions of unemployed men built parks and toiled in U.S. conservation projects during the New Deal program from 1933 to 1942. Vogel, near Blairsville in Union County, was the state’s second such park after Indian Springs in Butts County. A museum reflecting CCC history is open daily at Vogel, except during the winter.
The feeling of walking into another time and place flows inside. An assortment of lanternthemed light fixtures hangs from exposed gray metal beams and planks of a vaulted ceiling. Rock panels and another rock fireplace offer a cozy nook for conversation or relaxation. Large photos of a 1930s Lake Trahlyta outing, a vintage truck at the historic Walasi-Yi Inn, and an early park worker standing at attention highlight the park’s history.
The retail area supplies camp necessities, souvenirs, clothing, snacks, and trail maps in a spacious gift shop. Around the corner, visitors can get a cup of coffee and pick up quintessential camp grub like hot dogs, bacon and eggs. A separate check-in counter awaits guests renting park accommodations.
Down the hall, another facet shines: a multi-purpose room with a wall of windows facing the lake. Two sets of double glass doors slide open to the porch and fire-
place offering event guests a seamless transition between the outdoors and indoors. Park manager Becker imagines “a million weddings” there. A full kitchen invites caterers to prepare meals and refreshments on site.
The visitor center also houses staff offices, formerly in a separate building behind the old facility. “It’s so much bigger, I’m tickled to have it,” said Stephanie Gray, whose love for Vogel dates back more than 30 years. “There’s room for all the volunteers and it’s great,” said the president of the Friends of Vogel State Park, a volunteer support organization dubbed “Vogel Volunteers.”
Gray, a south Georgia native, grew up camping at the mountain park, got a job there after college, and has volunteered for 13 years. She expressed a bit of nostalgia for the nearly 100-year-old building where her family checked in for reunions and bought camping supplies for decades. When she assisted park staff move into the new facility, those memories flooded back. “I went in there and the old visitor
center was empty. I cried,” she said.
The original structure still stands across the parking lot. Various churches were hosting services there in September. State park officials are discussing its future use, according to Kim Hatcher, spokesperson for Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Division. Becker said he would like it to hang onto its roots by becoming an Appalachian history museum.
At the visitor center opening ceremony in August, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon noted the park’s special past and future. “This new visitor center reflects the importance of Vogel’s legacy and our preserving it,” said Rabon, who also chairs the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees. “The updated facilities will enhance the experience for every visitor, support our staff in delivering the highest level of service, and prepare Vogel for another century of unforgettable memories.”
PHOTOS BY JANE HARRISON
The new Visitor Center at Vogel State Park offers snacks, attire, camp supplies, and souvenirs in a setting reminiscent of the park's origin in the 1930s. Photos of the park's early days and the CCC men who built it are posted below exposed metal beams and ductwork.
The wide porch at the new Visitor Center at Vogel State Park offers a tranquil view of Lake Trahlyta.
The new Visitor Center at Vogel State Park opened in August. The wood, stone and metal exterior are among the elements that harken back to the park's original construction by the CCC.
The fireplace on the porch at the Vogel State Park Visitor Center had already warmed cool evenings. Native plants and shrubs line a sidewalk around the new Visitor Center at Vogel State Park.
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Picturesque Jacks River Falls can be a real ‘fall’ treasure
Thirty years ago, I thought that despite the physical exertion required to visit Jacks River Falls, the trip was worth every minute of the pain. The Cohutta Wilderness area and especially, the Jacks River provides, to those willing to pay the price, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy unspoiled nature at its best. However, let me give you a warning … this excursion should not be attempted by people with young children, handicapped or over 80-year-olds like me!
Nevertheless, viewing the Jacks River Falls for the first time takes one’s breath away. The tremendous cascade of water rushing over the ageless boulders of the three distinct levels is almost deafening. Also, the rising mixture of water and air forms a mist that shrouds everything in a dreamlike fog. It is so captivating that visitors often stand as if in a trance while trying to mentally devour this magnificent work of nature.
Though there are several ways to reach the Jacks River Falls, one particular path has proven to be fairly easy to follow and can be accomplished in a day’s hard hike … if one is in pretty good physical condition. However, some food and a good supply of water should be carried to make the trip safer and more enjoyable.
From our area, take Highway 20 North to I-575, which becomes Highway 515 at Nelson, Ga. and is called the Appalachian Parkway. Just beyond Blue Ridge, Ga., travel north on Highway 5 toward Copper Hill, Tenn., then shortly turn west onto old Highway 2, which soon becomes a gravel road as it climbs ever upward. At Watson Gap, turn right on Forest Service Road 22, which continues several miles to the parking area
Bill Vanderford Travel Editor
n MORE INFO: JFish51@aol.com www.georgiafishing.com
at Dally Gap.
Depart Dally Gap on the Hemptop Trail, which winds down out of Tennessee and intersects with Penitentiary Branch Trail about 2.5 miles from Dally Gap. Penitentiary Branch Trail then descends some 3.3 miles into the Jacks River canyon.
During the first two miles of the jaunt, the trail follows an old logging road. Though it ascends steadily, the path is wide and the rise gradual. The downhill section follows Penitentiary Branch down to the juncture with the Jacks River. From there, it is roughly 1.5 miles downriver to the Jacks River Falls.
The Georgia path to the Jacks River Falls is loaded with history. Portions of the Jacks River Trail along the river are on the roadbed of the old Conasauga Railroad, which was a narrow-gauge railway built to bring out felled logs from the timber camps up in the mountains during the logging days around the turn of the century.
The loggers would cut the chestnut trees all week while staying at the camps, then ride the train back down to a small village at the juncture of the Conasauga
and Jacks rivers on the weekends. The town was called Shamble’s Mill and was located in the Alaculsy Valley.
During a hike along Jacks River Trail, one can actually walk on some visible sections of the old cross-ties made from American Chestnut trees, which have resided there for at least 75 years. The American Chestnut trees disappeared from the Georgia mountains during the 1920s and ’30s because of a blight.
Most hikers come in from Tennessee on the popular Beech Bottom Trail, which is approximately 3.5 miles from its Tennessee state line beginning. Instead of taking the shorter but more rugged Hemptop Trail, they chose the Jacks River Trail, which follows Bear Branch down to the intersection with the Sugar Cove Trail at Lost Cove Branch. Despite being a much easier trail to traverse, the Jacks River Trail is almost 11 miles long and has 44 river crossings up to waist-deep before one reaches Jacks River Falls.
Nevertheless, many pure backpackers prefer that trail because of the easier walking on fairly level old logging roads.
Though the fall scenery is breathtaking, I want to reiterate that a jaunt into the Cohutta Wilderness and the Jacks River Falls should not be attempted by those with small children or any physical problems. Despite the other friendly hikers you might encounter, you’ll be a long way from any help should a problem arise. Nevertheless, if you’re up to it, the Jacks River Falls is one of Georgia’s most picturesque places during the fall season!
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide.
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
Looking down the Jacks River Falls.
A snake in the path.
The beautiful Jacks River.
The upper Jacks River Falls.
Running fawn near the river.
Fishing the Jacks River Falls, left.
An old log with mushrooms along the river, above.
A young Redtail Hawk in the wilderness.
So long, old friend ... the ending of an another icon
It will be 40 years next spring that I returned home to Atlanta, from days away in college and beginning my career in Macon, Ga. I moved into a modest apartment in Midtown, within stumbling distance of Manuel’s Tavern, and as I set up my utilities, I began my subscription to the Atlanta Journal. That relationship will be 40 years old next spring.
Growing up in a newspaper and printing family, I can easily admit to a bias in favor of tangible, printed products. Though I have become a fan of a few Podcasts, and occasionally will read an E-book with my Amazon Fire, this comic book nerd VASTLY prefers the inhand hard copy for newspapers, books, comic books, magazines and particularly for the bane of my existence ... E-tickets.
I am not suggesting that I have always loved the copy, the editorial viewpoints or even the selection of stories in the AJC ... but the talent combined inside was phenomenal, the reporting occasionally award winning, and as to the daily chronicling of major happenings about the state and across the Southeast, there was no clearer voice.
Bill Crane
One Man’s Opinion
n SHARE WITH BILL: bill.csicrane@gmail.com
At a point in the late ’80s, while working for Georgia’s Secretary of State, the state and I were paying for three copies of the paper a day.
The morning Constitution, the afternoon Journal and the late street edition Blue Streak Journal at 4 p.m., intended as a commuter ride home aide as well as still breaking stories ahead of their broadcast competition in drive-time as well as the evening news.
Our family competed with as well as admired the much more successful Cox Enterprises, through a series of weekly newspapers based in DeKalb County. We even printed the AJC one day, when construction
operations at the Five Points MARTA station knocked out power and the presses at 72 Marietta Street.
At the peak of their operations, roughly coinciding with the Centennial Olympic Games, the paper’s editorial/reporting staff was roughly 525, and the revenue generated by the AJC alone in those years reportedly reached $4 billion. Though as a private company, they did not publicly report earnings.
The biggest shock to my system with news of the demise of the print edition was learning that across a 20-county metro region of more than 6-million, there are just over 40,000 remaining print subscribers. Doing the math on those household percentages makes voter turnout on a Special Election Primary Day look robust.
But ready or not, we will all be soon turning this big page. No daily newspaper marketwide will change the way we share and broadly communicate the news of the day. Many tell me this window already passed, I just missed the shift change.
I plan to remain a subscriber and already opted in during an earlier Online Sale rate, as readers are not
likely to pay several hundred for the electronic version alone, without some of that “added” new content I referenced above.
The AJC voluntarily retired some of its best talent last year, which was also to be expected, as payroll expenses began to exceed revenue.
I wish Cox Enterprises and the AJC E-paper every success, perhaps going forward consider listen-
• Burns
Continued from Page 18
the mountains this month. The fall color, the fall festivals, and the great food make it worth the effort.
• Early to mid October: North Georgia mountains & ridges: towns like Blue Ridge, Clayton, Blairsville, Dahlonega, Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls.
• Mid to late October: Foothills & Piedmont (Atlanta metro, Athens, Carrollton, Macon north).
• Late Oct. to Early Nov.:
ing a bit more to your readers and longtime subscribers. It is always easier to keep a longtime customer than it is to develop and convert new ones.
Bill Crane is a writer and true son of the South. A longtime columnist and political analyst, he is now spending a good part of his time living the lake life and loving North Georgia. He will share his thoughts and travels here.
• Early November: South Georgia & Coastal Plain - Savannah, Valdosta, Okefenokee area; colors tend to be less vivid (more yellows/ browns).
Hope you get out and enjoy. Pick a day with that beautiful blue October sky.
Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist emeritus for WSB-TV in Atlanta.
Safety and simplicity. That’s what you’ll get with outdoor fireplaces powered by propane. Forget chopping and hauling wood, stoking a fire, and waiting for flames to die down before you can roast those marshmallows. With propane, it’s as simple as flipping a switch. And, when you’re done, you can instantly shut it off - no throwing water on coals or cleaning up ashes.
Benefits of making s’mores with propane
• Outdoor fireplaces offer you flexibility. They can be portable or installed in a permanent location.
• A propane fire pit provides the ambiance of a real flame without the smoke and mess of wood fires, making them more enjoyable and virtually maintenance-free.
• Propane fireplaces are much cheaper to own and operate compared to their wood-burning and electric counterparts.
Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to 106' totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'.
Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 9/18/25) $5.39 regular (Dock/Ship Store open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Thur.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun.) (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.)
On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill
SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND
Hours: Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Info: 770-967-6811 • shmarinas.com
Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch
Types of slips available: Houseboats, covered cruisers, & all types of open slips plus covered & open dry slips, totaling 1,725 wet docks and 460 dry docks
Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane
Price of fuel: (as of 9/18/25) $5.20, non-members; $3.84, members (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.-Thur.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. )
On-site eatery: Pig Tales
SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY BAY
Hours: Office/Store/Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily.
Info: 770-967-5500 • shmarinas.com
Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch
Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150)
Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 9/18/25) $4.89, non-members; $3.93, members
Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered-24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer).
Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 9/18/25) $5.39 unleaded Ethanol Free
The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Bolding Mill, Duckett Mill and Old Federal Campgrounds are managed by Hall County Parks and Leisure Services. Toto Creek Multipurpose Park, plus Thompson Creek and Nix Bridge Day-Use parks are managed by Dawson County.
Camping enthusiasts may enjoy the luxuries of fully developed areas with water and electrical hookups or “rough it” at designated primitive areas. Camping in undesignated areas such as on the lake’s shoreline and islands is prohibited.
All campgrounds have beach areas, boat ramps and restrooms. Most of our campgrounds also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations. To make reservations, download maps, check out campsite photos and see site availability visit Recreation.Gov.
All Army Corps campgrounds on Lake Sid-
ney Lanier recognize the America The Beautiful (ATB) and Golden Passport cards. The ATB Annual and Lifetime Senior Pass, Access Pass, Golden Age and Golden Access passes will grant 50% off all campsite reservation fees.
Day Use Parks
The Corps operates 37 day use parks at Lake Lanier. Facilities range from parks with boat ramps to those with designated swimming areas, picnic tables, shelters and playgrounds. All day use parks close daily at 10 p.m. Boat launching is allowed at all hours unless otherwise posted. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks.
Picnic Shelters
Picnic shelters are available at several Corps’ parks around the lake. They can be reserved for a fee. Call the Lake Lanier Management Office at 770-945-9531.
Day Use Fees
Day use fees are charged at some park areas which have boat ramps or beach areas. Fees (per day): Boat launching
pass
State and County Parks
Lake Lanier has 18 state and county parks that are available for use.
Rules, Regulations and More Guidelines are not intended as restraints to the enjoyment of park visitors, but as aids for orderly operation, visitor safety and for the protection of the environment and public property. Complete rules and regulations are posted at the entrances to all campgrounds and copies are available at entry stations. To view annual opening and closing dates and rates for campgrounds and picnic shelters, visit www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lake-SidneyLanier/Schedules.
For more camping info you can also visit: lakesidenews.com/explore-lake-lanier/camping.
indoor and defined outdoor living space and private docks.
The homes will be priced between $2 million and $4 million.
“I’ve been blessed to have worked with some of the highest level development teams in the country,” she said “My experience as the national land development chairman of the National Home Builders Association has guided me to always push to learn new ways to build beautiful homes in the communities we create.
“Our goal is to build legacy communities that stand the test of time and bring luxury to the towns and cities where they exist.”
Verlander’s office is located at 419 Bradford St., Gainesville. Contact info: 770 855-5204 or southcreekluxuryproperties.com.
Provided by the U.S. Army COE
When should you test your soil? Now is the time!
There’s a Jimmy Buffett song that really hits home for those of us in a hurry. “Breathe In, Breathe Out” puts life in perspective. It’s about a guy who bought a watch from a crazy man and the watch only says, “Now.”
Great advice, particularly when it comes to gardening. All spring and summer I put off one of the most important gardening tasks – soil testing.
It’s one test you won’t need to study for, but it will take a little work. For the $8 per test you’ll pay for each tested area, you can begin to amend your gardening beds now for greater production of tomatoes, squash, beans, peppers and other food crops in the spring.
I’m testing our blueberry orchard, compost piles, three different raised-bed areas that are always planted with vegetables and, most importantly, my rose gardens.
Your plantings will thank you for putting them into the best soil for them to thrive by amending the soil and giving it time to ad-
Pamela A. Keene
Curb Appeal
just to the ideal conditions. Without getting too much in the weeds, matching plants with the right pH range will set them up for better absorption of nutrients. In addition to the pH levels, you’ll earn about the presence of what I call “the big three:” nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Each plays a major role in your plants’ health and growth.
You’ll also receive a report about the presence – or lack thereof – of vital micro-nutrients, such as magnesium/manganese, iron and copper, with instructions for adjusting these levels.
Experts suggest adjusting soil pH, micronutrients and other components is best done when the garden is dormant. Over the next four or so months, you can set yourself up for better growth, crop yields and success in 2026.
Here’s how a soil test works:
Pick areas that you’d like to test, say for vegetable plantings, annuals or shrubs.
Take three or four samples from the area by scraping off any mulch, grass or weeds, then digging your shovel about four inches into the ground.
Take a vertical sample from the side of the hole, getting soil from top to bottom.
Put the sample into a bucket and repeat in the same area, eventually collecting four to six separate samples.
Mix them well in the bucket, then remove approximately one cup of soil, placing it in a clean plastic bag. Label each bag with the type of plants you plan to grow and where the sample was taken – back rose bed, old vegetable raised beds, current tomato
grow bags. This is very important.
Repeat in other planting areas, such as lawns, flower beds or vegetable gardens, keeping the samples separate. Different plants require different nutrients and soil acidity to flourish, so it’s important to know how to prepare your soil before you plant.
Take your bagged samples to your local County Extension Office. The office has official brownpaper sample bags you can transfer your samples into to be sent to the university for testing. There’s a place for your name, address and the type of planting for the area.
the free publications available online.
Fall is time for tool care
Pay your $8 per sample and you’re set. In two to three weeks, you’ll get back a detailed report that tells you the current condition of your soil and exactly what you need to do to amend it for your plants.
For more information, visit extension.uga.edu. And check out all
If you didn’t clean, oil and sharpen your garden tools last winter, now is the perfect time to do so. From washing off last season’s dirt and clay to sharpening everything from shovels and pruners to your lawn-mower blades, a rainy afternoon with a hand-sharpener and some WD40 or linseed oil will save you some frustration later on.
I’ve yet to find a retailer who
See Curb page 37
PHOTO BY PAMELA A. KEENE Soil test bags.
BUFORD
o Oct 17-27 - Mega RV Show, Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Dr, Buford. www.bluecompassrv.com.
GAINESVILLE/HALL COUNTY
Boot Barn Hall – 213 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville – 678-434-0475
o Oct 2
– Comedy Night: Jeff Allen
o Oct 3 – Larry Fleet
o Oct 4 – The Sinatra Experience
o Oct 8 – Micky & the Motorcars
o Oct 10
o Oct 11
o Oct 16
o Oct 17
– The Classic Rock Experience
– Tracy Lawrence
– Charles Esten
– Iam Tongi
o Oct 18 – Nashville Nights Band: Ultimate 90s Country Experience
o Oct 23 – GlowBand | Flyte of the Freebyrd: Tribute to Heroes of Southern Rock
o Oct 24 – TOAST: The Bread Experience
o Oct 30 – Deana Carter
o Oct 31 – Drake Milligan: Halloween Bash Don Carter State Park - 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd., Gainesville - 678-450-7726
o Oct 3 – Become a Campfire Chef: Elote! –5:30-6:30 pm, $5, plus $5 parking, preregister.
o Oct 3, 18 – Haunts of Hall County, ages 17+, Picnic Shelter #3. Learn about ghosts, local legends & history. $3/$5 parking. 7-8 pm, preregister.
o Oct 4, 18 – Fun Fall Storytime – Fall-themed story, 11 am-noon, pre-K, young elementary school age, $2, plus $5 parking.
o Oct 4 – Stick Horse Rodeo – Bring your own stick horse, 5-7 pm, $5 parking.
o Oct 5 – Paint the Park – A watercolor program for adults, 3-4:30 pm, $3/$5 parking, preregister.
o Oct 17 – Become a Campfire Chef: Hot Dogs!
5:30-6:30 pm, $5, plus $5 parking, pre-register.
Lakeside Calendar October 2025
o Oct 18 – Paint the Park – A watercolor program for 16+, 5-6:30 pm, picnic shelter #3, $3 plus $5 parking. Preregister.
o Oct 24 – Movie Night at the Park: Double Feature, animated G-rated at 6:30 pm; live action, PGrated at 7:30 pm, bring your own chairs. $5 parking.
o Oct 25 – Colors of the Canopy Hike – noon-1 pm, Overlook Trail, a short hike, $3/$5 parking.
o Oct 25 – Trunk or Treat – all ages, Halloween themed event. $5 parking.
o Oct 25 – Halloween Campsite Decoration Contest – 7:30-7:45 pm, register at Visitor’s center at check-in., $5 parking
o Oct 28 – Colors of the Canopy Hike – 2-3 pm, Overlook Trail, a short hike, all ages $3/$5 parking.
o Oct 31 – Trick or Treat in the Campground –for overnight guests only, 6-7 pm
Elachee Nature Science Center - 2125 Elachee Dr. Gainesville - 770-535-1976
o Oct 7 – (First Tues each month) – Pages & Pines
Silent Book Club – Bring a book to enjoy reading on nature center patio, 12:30-2:30 pm.
o Oct 4, 11, 18 – Discovery Saturdays – Wild animal showcase, exhibits, crafts and hike, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $10 ages 3 and older, $5 parking.
o Oct 11 – Nocturnal Night Hike – Experience the forest after dark, 3-mile loop trail, 2-hr guided hike, 7-9 pm, $10 non-members, members free.
o Oct 25 – Special Discovery Saturday – Grand opening of Discovery Dome Planetarium, 1-5 pm
o Oct 31 – Forest Fright Night – Halloween Adventure for adults – guided by lantern light, stories, legends, creatures – 7-9 p. Costumes encouraged.
Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden -1911 Sweetbay Dr, Gainesville - 404-888-4760
o Thru Oct 5 – Forest Forms: Woodland wonders
o Oct 1-Nov 2 – Scarecrows in the Garden
o Oct 4 – FallFest – 10 am-3 pm
o Oct 13 – Member Morning – 10 am-1 pm
o Oct 18 – Halloween Horticulture – 10 am-noon
o Oct 23 – Pumpkin Carving Contest – 5-9 pm
o Oct 25 – Clay Dragon Workshop – 9:30 am-noon
Georgia Art League - (at Quinlan Visual
Arts Center- Gainesville) - 470-272-3010
Contact: melanievaughan133@gmail.com.
o Oct 3, 4, 5 – Junie B. Jones is not a Crook – various times, see website for tickets
Hall County Farmers Market - 734 E Crescent Drive, Gainesville
o Oct 4-Nov 29 – Saturdays 10 am-2 pm, locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers Hall County Library - 770-532-3311, X4011, hallcountylibrary.org
Blackshear Place – 770-532-3311, ext. 151
o Oct 1 – Garden Club – 11-12 pm, adults
o Oct 14 – Spooky Escape Room – noon-1 pm –
Middle/High School
o Oct 30 – Family Night: Monster Mash - 6-7 pm Gainesville Branch – 770-532-3311, ext. 3000
o Oct 1 – NE GA Writers Group – 1-3:30 pm
o Oct 15 – Curiosity Club: Meteorite Madness – Illustrator Nichole Ferguson will read her book Milo and the Midnight Meteorite, then STEM activities, 1:30-2:30 pm, elementary age
o Oct 30 – A Not-so-spooky Storytime – 11 amnoon, baby/preschool
Murrayville Branch – 770-532-3311, ext. 171
o Oct 7 – Music Concert – David and Diane Peoples – 5-6 pm, adults
o Oct 16 – Master Gardener Series – 6-7 pm
o Oct 27 – Huff and Puff STEM: learn about hot/cold air – 4-5 pm, elementary age
North Hall Tech Center - 770-532-3311, ext. o Oct
2 – Fiber Friends – all needlecrafts, bring your own project – 1-4 pm, adults
o Oct 15 – Paper Quilling for Beginners – 3:30-
4:30 pm, Family/all ages
o Oct 30 – LEGO Club – 4-7 pm, elementary age Spout Springs Branch – 770-532-3311, ext 191
o Oct 1 – Special Needs Social Hour – Halloween Craft – 10:30-11:30 am, adults
o Oct 23 – Elementary Fall Book Tasting – 6-7 pm, elementary age
o Oct 30 – Teen Ghost Stories – 6:30-7:30 pm, Middle/High School
Historic Downtown Gainesville - 112 Main St.
o Oct 10-12 – Mule Camp Market – on the Midland Greenway
o Oct 17-31 – SQUAREcrows on the square
o Oct 14 – Movies at Midland Greenway – Grated at 5 pm, PG-13, 7 pm
o Oct 25 – Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport: Fall Fly-in – Breakfast, food trucks live music, and airplanes, 9 am-3 pm, 770-538-2470
o Oct 31 – Trick or Treat on the Square, 3-6 pm Lake Lanier Olympic Park – 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville - 855-536-1996
o First Wednesdays Thru Nov – Turning Leaf Book Club – 11 a.m.
Quinlan Arts Center - 514 Green St NE, Gainesville - 770-536-2575
o Thru Oct 4 – Fall Exhibition
o Oct 14 – Ekphrasis for the Masses – poetry, noon-1 pm
o Oct 25 – Q Ball 2025 – Lanier Tech/Ramsey Conference Center, 7 pm.
– compiled by Vicki Hope For more calendar items, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.
Home renovation mistakes and tips for a successful experience
Home renovations can be exciting, but they also come with potential pitfalls if you’re not properly prepared. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is inadequate planning. Before beginning any project, clearly define your goals and expectations.
Another key mistake is failing to develop a realistic and flexible budget. Many homeowners underestimate costs and forget to include unexpected expenses such as structural repairs, material upgrades, or code compliance. Skipping permits or overlooking local regulations can also result in costly legal issues or safety concerns.
Additionally, it is easy to underestimate the time required. Delays due to backordered materials, weather, or unforeseen construction issues are common. Assuming everything will go according to plan sets unrealistic expectations and leads to frustration.
To avoid these issues, create a comprehensive renovation plan. Set a clear budget, build in a con-
tingency fund, research necessary permits, establish a realistic timeline, and consult with experienced professionals. Preplanning and understanding local building codes will help your project stay on schedule and within budget. The more detailed your plan, the more confident and prepared you will feel throughout the renovation.
Communication is just as important as planning. Discuss all details, expectations, and concerns with your remodeling team before work begins. Once under way, stay actively involved with
regular check-ins and site visits to monitor progress and catch issues early. Be flexible. Changes often arise, and quick, thoughtful decisions will keep the process moving forward without added stress. Ask questions, request updates, and maintain a collaborative mindset.
When the renovation is complete, ensure all work meets expectations upon the final walkthrough. Use a checklist to confirm everything from finishes and hardware to appliances and plumbing fixtures. Schedule any remaining corrections and request a final inspection if required by local authorities. Be sure to collect all warranties, manuals, permits, and documentation for future reference and resale value.
Protect your investment through regular maintenance. Follow care guidelines for all materials and finishes, and stay on top of seasonal tasks like checking HVAC filters, seals, caulking, and exterior surfaces. Perform routine inspections and address any questions or concerns.
Home renovation can be a rewarding experience when approached with proper planning, clear communication, and professional guidance. Partnering with a trusted team like Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling ensures your project is completed smoothly, on time, and to the highest standards.
• Curb
Continued from Page 35
can sharpen my tools to my satisfaction, so I took matters into my own hands. I purchased a 10-inch Diamond Sharpener from Lawrenceville’s Ironwood tools and I do it myself. The $25 I spent on the red-handled sharpener was well worth the investment. It’s got a 400-grit side for damaged edges and a 600-grit side for polishing. In 15-20 stokes, my pruners, loppers and other tools are ready for the season.
Wipe the tools with a soft dry
With the right approach and support, your renovation can deliver lasting comfort, beauty, and value to your home. Give us a call at 678-450-1700 or visit tracytesmerremodeling.com.
Tammy Doyle is the Executive Vice President for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.
cloth, then spray a light coat of oil to help prevent rust.
Georgia-based Ironwood Tools is a family-owned business that offers a wide range of gardening tools. For information, visit ironwoodtools.com.
Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener. She writes for more than a dozen publications across the country, covering features, travel and gardening.
o Become a Campfire Chef: Elote!, Gainesville. Learn how to roast Mexican street corn on a campfire, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 3, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Haunts of Hall County, Gainesville. Learn about ghosts, local legends and history from Hall County native, recommended for ages 17+, 7-8 p.m. Oct. 3 & 18, Picnic Shelter 3, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. Registration required. $3, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Fun Fall Storytime, Gainesville. Pre-K and young elementary school kids listen to story, sing a silly song, create a craft outside, 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 4 & 18, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $2, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o All for One 100, Cumming. 41-,62-, 100-mile bicycle rides, Oct. 4, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. $110-$280. vanpurserfoundation.org.
o Helen Back Recovery Ride, Cleveland. 20-, 45-, 67-mile bicycle rides, 9 a.m. Oct. 4, 2694 Tesnatee Gap Valley Rd. $60. www.bikereg.com.
o Garden Fall Fest, Gainesville. Live music, food, Garden Beer, face-painting, crafts, plant education, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 4, Gainesville Garden of the ABG, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $14.95 adults, $5 members; $12.95 ages 3-12, $3 members. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.
o Stick Horse Rodeo, Gainesville. “Cowboys and cowgirls” bring stick horses for old-timey fun, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 4, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o 5K to End Domestic Violence, Dawsonville. 8:30 a.m. Oct. 4, Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. $30-$35. www.fivestarntp.com.
o Foxfire Mountaineer Festival, Clayton. Traditional music and crafts, greased pole climbing, sack racing, longest beard contest, crosscut saw contest, children’s activities, food, and demonstrations of rail splitting, team plowing, and quilting, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 4, Rabun County Civic Center, 201 W. Savannah St. See website for admission cost. explorerabun.com.
o Braselton Medieval Faire. Living history demonstrations, marketplace, strolling minstrals, acrobats, jugglers, turkey legs, beer garden, meeting with the Queen and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4 & 5, Town Green, 9924 Davis St. www.explorebraselton.com.
Outdoor Calendar October 2025
o Indian Summer Festival, Suches. Crafts, food, and music, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4 & 5, Woody Gap School (smallest public school in Georgia), 2331 Ga. 60. $5 age 13 and older, $3 ages 7-12, free to children 6 and younger. www.indiansummerfestival.org. 706-747-2401.
o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile-and- a-half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 5, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, plus $5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
o Motul Petit La Mans, Braselton. High performance car racing with feature race and four other challenges, plus camping, food trucks, displays, Oct. 8-11, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Hwy. michelinracewayroadatlanta.com.
o Home School Day, Gainesville. Homeschool students ages K-6th grade learn about the solar system, 1-3 p.m. Oct. 9, with guided activities at 1:15 & 2:15, Elachee Nature Science Center, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 per child, $50 per family, free to members. Registration encouraged. www.elachee.org, 770535-1976.
o Rooftop Concert, Gainesville. Brother Jason & Red Dirt Saints perform on tap room roof lounge, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Tap It Growlers, 110 Maple St. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Nocturnal Night Hike, Gainesville. Guided hike after dark featuring world of nocturnal animals, for ages 8+, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 11, Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center, 2100 Calvary Church Rd. Registration required. $10, Elachee members free. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
Leaf lookers flocking to Vogel, other state parks
Thousands of leaf-lookers driving through the Georgia mountains this season will wind up and down Blood Mountain, where Vogel State Park presents a lovely stop for a picnic or hike. However, it’s likely too late to reserve a longer stay at a cabin or campsite. “It’s booked out,” said Park Manager Jack Becker. But there’s still time to make that reservation for next year. The new visitor center itself is worth a stop.
Park features include:
Hiking Trails
• Easy loop lake loop that leads to Trahlyta Falls
• 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Loop (a rocky, rooty, and occasionally steep traverse)
• 22-acre Lake Trahlyta with sand beach and pavilion seating 100
• CCC Museum open seasonally
Georgia State Parks posts annual Leaf Watch suggestions that include the top 10 parks for fall color, hidden Autumn gems that shine, and lakeside parks, like Don Carter State Park, where colors reflect off the water.
Source: www.gastateparks.org
o The Pastry Race 5K, Buford. 8 a.m. Oct. 11, 301 E. Main St. $30. www.active.com.
o Mule Camp Market, Gainesville. Food, arts & craft vendors, carnival rides, Friday festival kick-off concert at Boot Barn Hall, Saturday concert at Midland Greenway Amphitheater, 10 a.m.8 p.m. Oct. 10 & 11, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 12, Midland Greenway, 682 Grove St. www.gainesvillejaycees.org, 770-532-7714.
o No School Nature Days, Gainesville. Themed activities & crafts featuring live animals, hikes, exhibits, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13-15, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10, members free. www.elachee.org, 770535-1976.
o Kids Old Fashioned Cooking Experience, Sautee Nacoochee. Children ages 7-12 learn how people cooked on wood stoves 100 years ago, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 13, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. Reservations required. One adult must stay with child. $15 plus tax/fees. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.
o Movies at Midland, Gainesville. Outdoor viewing of family-friendly favorites, Hotel Transylvania, 5 p.m., & Blended, 7 p.m., Oct. 13, plus food and beverage vendors, Midland Greenway, 782 Grove St. Bring blankets and chairs. www.exploregainesville.com.
o Become a Campfire Chef: Hotdogs, Gainesville. Learn how to roast weenies on a campfire, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Community Touch-a-Truck, Cumming. Children explore rigs from construction trucks to emergency vehicles, 3-5 p.m. Oct. 17, Cumming Cit Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Red, White & Boo 5K, Cumming. Road and trail 5K, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 18, Liberty Middle School, 7465 Wallace Tatum Rd. $30. www.runnersfit.com.
o Georgia State of Gravel, Clarkesville. 10-, 31, 42-, 73-mile bicycle rides, 9 a.m. Oct. 18, 1500 Ga. 197. $80, 10-miles $30. https://sites.google.com/view/georgiagravelgrinduro/home.
o 20th Annual Gainesville Chicken Festival Fifteen-plus teams compete in chicken cook-off, plus kids’ zone, venders’ market, live music and more, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 18, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $6 wristband for 10 chicken samples, $25 for 5 wristbands. Cook teams apply on-line. Off-site parking with shuttle: New Horizons Lanier Park, 675 White Sulphur Rd. Limited dock space and on-site parking. www.exploregainesville.org, 770-531-2664.
o Halloween Horticulture, Gainesville. Craft a
Halloween planter, fill with cool-weather annuals, 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 18, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $75, $70 members. Register in advance. www.atlantabg.com, 404-888-4760.
o Becca Sue Klein All Kids Fish, Helen. Children ages 10-18 learn about fly fishing with experienced mentors, Oct. 18, Unicoi Outfitters, 7280 S. Main St. www.chattahoochee.org.
o Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega. Parade, crafts, food, plus panning for gold, hog calling, buck dancing, gospel singing, and blue grass music, Oct. 18 & 19, public square/Downtown Historic District. See website for hours. www.goldrushdaysfestival.com.
o Camp Elachee for Adults, Gainesville. Archery, yard games, falconry demonstrations, night hike, food trucks, live music, drinks, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 23. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $25, $20 members. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o Tin Cup Cruise In Halloween Edition, Cumming. Spooky evening of classic cars and trickor-treating at decorated cars with costumed participants, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 23, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.
o Pumpkin Carving Contest, Gainesville. Carvers compete for most creative pumpkin, plus food and other activities, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 23, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantabg.com, 404-888-4760.
o Wild Wisdom Discovery Morning, Gainesville. Adults-only experience in Starlab planetarium, two 1-hour sessions 10 a.m. & 1 p.m., Oct. 24, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Free. www.elachee.org, 770-5351976.
o Movie Night at the Park: Double Feature, Gainesville. Animated and action family movies, plus snacks, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24, outside Visitor Center, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.
o Waterfalls & Watercolors, Tallulah Falls. Art contest for high school students to paint a scene from park, compete for showing at State Capital, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 24, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
o 57th Annual Mountain Moonshine Car Show/Festival, Dawsonville. Huge car show, race car parade (9 a.m. Oct. 25), moonshine still, free moonshine samples, crafts, games, kids’ rides, music, and more, Oct. 24-26, Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 E. www.kareforkids.org. 706-216-5273.
o Bat Week, Dawsonville. Join naturalists and bat enthusiasts to learn about bats, bat monitoring technology, plus create a bat craft, 4-7:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o Discovery Dome Planetarium Grand Opening, Gainesville. Space-themed fun, science & adventure plus immersive planetarium experience in new dome, music, hikes & more, 1-5 p.m. Oct. 25, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. General admission, free to members. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
– compiled by Jane Harrison For more calendar items, visit lakesidenews.com/calendars.
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Classifieds CONCRETE/MASONRY
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