Lake Destination Lanier

February | March 2015

Taking a peek at the hidden art of Lake Lanier

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What’s Inside

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32 A way to boat without owning 8

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LLA:2015 off to a great start 12

On the Cover Lake Lanier is home to pretty fantastic scenery, but it is also home to another kind of fantastic beauty in the way of major collections of privately owned art by local — and famous — artists.

Carefree Boat Club offers the best things about being a boat owner to enthusiasts without the headaches.

Good turnout at the boat show and progress on island rip rap and sunken boats has Lake Lanier Association smiling.

A letter to Governor Deal 14

Frank Norton addresses concerns to the head of Georgia on behalf of all who love Lanier.

DNR: Get kids out in nature 28

Birding is big in Georgia and it’s time to get the kids involved with contests!

Photo illustration by LAKE staff

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8 36

The best of the Atlanta Boat Show 30

Staff writer Nancy Spraker takes us to the Atlanta Boat Show for a look at what’s hot on the water and the latest gadgets.

A bass fishing pro in the make 36

Noah Pescitelli is making a name for himself in the tournament circuit and bringing home big bucks.

Lanier Islands may build second hotel 40

Inside Every Issue 6 42 44 46

From the Editor Calendar Your Guide to Lake Lanier Around Lanier

The Lanier resort in talks to expand its horizon and offerings to guests.

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From the Editor A dedicated issue

This issue of LAKE Destination Lanier has special meaning to me. Not because I am a lake lover or boater, but because I am an artist. Our cover story for this issue looks at the vast collection of both local and internationally-famed artists whose work can be found in many homes around Lanier and Hall County. It also delves into the how-to of starting a collection.

It is important to me as an artist and someone who supports arts organizations in the area such as the Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

But this issue holds special meaning in another way as well. As I was writing the cover story, I got word that my college art instructor Pat Walker passed away after a long battle with breast cancer.

That makes three of my mentors who have gone on. My first being my grandfather from whom I inherited my talents. My second was my high school art teacher Jimmy Beasley who

continued to encourage me to think outside the norm.

I want to dedicate this issue to Prof. Walker. I will admit, we butted heads to begin with. I couldn’t see her point of view. But she stuck with me and eventually opened my eyes to a more sophisticated sense of color, value and perspective.

She was harsh at critiques because she knew I was thin skinned. I needed to hear where improvements were expected. And she gave praise only when praise was due. I had to earn it, not by spending long hours in the studio (and there were plenty), but by putting her teachings into practice. And one of her most hammered-home approaches in art that really stayed with me wasn’t a technique. It was caution.

She spent many years painting and knew many artists who died from years of exposure to chemicals found in paints, fixatives and thinners. She was adamant that we protect ourselves from heavy metals, acetones and the like by wearing gloves, masks and having proper ventilation. She wanted us to make great art and live long enough to enjoy it.

I took it to heart.

Prof. Walker, you will be missed.

M

J

ichelle ameson

Michelle Boaen Jameson editor@destinationlanier.com

Editor Michelle Boaen Jameson Advertising sales Melisa Sizemore LAKE Magazine, a division of: The Times Gainesville, GA A Morris Multimedia Inc. property 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 770-718-3421

www.destinationlanier.com

g with surfin er Windrett Walk Bar

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ly June| Ju

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LAKE: Destination Lanier reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by LAKE: Destination Lanier. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Morris Multimedia Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Morris Multimedia cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. LAKE does not currently offer subscriptions.

Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome.

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February | March 2015

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Boating,

care free Local club offers all the advantages of ownership, without the hassles Story by Savannah King Photos courtesy Carefree Boat Club 8

February | March 2015

LAKE Destination

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Carefree Boat Club at the recent Atlanta Boat Show. Opposite page: The club can accommodate families, large parties or lone fishermen.

Angie and Tom Mazanetz knew living near Lake Lanier would be more enjoyable with a boat. So, the couple went to the annual Atlanta Boat Show to see what might fit their needs.

After wandering the halls for a few hours, Tom told Angie he’d found the perfect solution. But it wasn’t a new boat; it was the Carefree Boat Club.

“He thought it sounded really cool so he came home and looked at other boat clubs,” Angie said. “What he liked about it was how thorough they were, the conditions of the boats and that they had other locations around the country.”

The Carefree Boat Club offers a happy medium between owning and renting. The club’s members have access to a fleet of new boats. All members need to do is log on to the Web and reserve the time they’d like to use a boat of their choice. An additional benefit is that memberships also allow for use of boats at some 40 other locations around the country. destinationlanier.com

“We started thinking if we buy another boat it’ll cost this much, but the membership was cheaper than a boat payment.”

The Lake Lanier club is located at Lazy Days Marina on Lanier Islands Parkway. Additional club locations will open soon on Lake Allatoona and Lake Hartwell.

“The concept is real simple: We provide premium, high-end boats and you pay monthly dues,” said Julie Horne, general manager of Carefree Boat Club on Lake Lanier. “And anytime you want to use our boats, you make a reservation and show up and get on the boat you reserved.”

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Carefree Boat Club members enjoy the benefits of boat ownership and the ability to choose from several kinds of vessels for their preferred outing.

Mary Daneman first heard about the club after meeting up with a friend on the lake.

“He pulled up in this fancy boat and our boat was going slow. We’d just put some money into the motor and he’s on a brand new pontoon,” Daneman recalled. “We hung out on his boat for two months straight instead of ours, and then we decided. We were not even using our boat and paying $90 a month to store it and there’s a hassle every time we pull it out. It just got to be a hassle, but we did it because we loved it.”

Daneman ultimately sold her boat and used the money to purchase a membership in the club.

“It’s cheaper. The maintenance that I was putting into our boat at the end was just a waste of money,” Daneman said. “We started thinking if we buy another boat it’ll cost this much, but the membership was cheaper than a boat payment.”

The club pays for maintenance, insurance, slip fees and cleaning. All members have to do when they use one of the boats from the fleet is to pay for gas on return.

Members have access to a variety of boats including the ever-popular pontoons, cabin cruisers, fishing boats, wakeboard boats and surf boats.

“We offer a little bit of everything for everybody,” Horne said. “There are lots of options; you can make it work any way you want.

Pontoons are the most popular boats. You’d think people would die to get into a formula, but nope, pontoons. The whole point is they can take whatever they want

and they mix it all up.”

While members have access to a variety of boats, they’re also expected to earn a boaters license and learn how to operate each vessel safely.

“They’re very concerned about your safety so they had me and Tom come out and they trained us on the different types of boats,” Angie Mazanetz said. “So that was very nice. They also require we get our boating license. You hear of so many accidents, and I thought that was very important. “ For more information on the boat club, contact Horne at 888-4398757 , or visit http://carefreeboats.com.

“We offer a little bit of everything for everybody... There are lots of options; you can make it work any way you want.”

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LAKE LANIER’S BEST ADDRESS

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ONE SITE

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1 SMART MOVE

Sailing into a great 2015 As we head into 2015, it is shaping up to be a terrific season on Lake Lanier. The Atlanta Boat Show was a tremendous success for the Lake Lanier Association!

Thanks to all the existing members and new members who signed up at the show to support the LLA. Your membership support is what allows us to continue all of our programs and

services to benefit Lake Lanier.

One of the interesting things we had at the show was a large foam board printed map of Lake Lanier. We asked people stopping by our booth at the show to put a push pin in the map for where they live, where they keep their boat or their favorite place to recreate on Lake Lanier. The photo shows the result of that informal survey at the end of the four-day show. We have lots of people who love Lake Lanier!

Also as part of the boat show, we distributed foldable maps printed on waterproof paper to people that joined or renewed their membership at the boat show. The front of the map is a full lake representation. The back of the map has our boating safety sticker, the updated boating laws that took effect in 2013, a reminder of our Shore Sweep event, our property ownerrecommended guidelines for protecting water quality in Lake Lanier, as

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well as a call list of important phone numbers related to Lake Lanier. The maps were a big hit with our membership. We have already had a couple requests from local merchants for flat copies they can frame and hang up in their place of business to get further exposure in the community of these important messages.

You may have already seen that the LLA recently completed the installation of the first island riprap project. Special thanks to Tommy Bagwell of American Proteins for providing the funding for this first project. Also big thanks to Bluegrass Materials and Tom Child at Marine Specialties for providing the rock and the labor and installation equipment at a significant discount for this project.

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We will never be able to put riprap along every shoreline area that is eroding. But identifying the areas that experience high-volume boat traffic or wind patterns that make them more susceptible to erosion, and protecting the corresponding storage capacity of Lake Lanier as a reservoir are important to the lake’s stewardship. Having corporate partners that are willing to get involved and provide funding or in-kind donations for such community projects helps us keep Lake Lanier as a crown jewel for the North Georgia region!

Going forward, the Lake Lanier Association plans to continue the

destinationlanier.com

riprap project along with our other existing programs such as the AdoptA-Lake water quality testing program, Shore Sweep shoreline cleanup program and the solar lights on the hazard markers.

Of course, keeping abreast of the developments in the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Florida-Georgia Water Wars litigation, and keeping our membership informed of those developments, will continue to be priorities for us as well.

Finally, as reported in a previous issue of Lake Magazine, we are working with the Corps of Engineers and the DNR to get a more effective process in place for identifying and dealing with abandoned and derelict docks and vessels around Lake Lanier. There are several projects that have already moved forward in this initiative, whether through the property owner or one of the agencies. This is a complicated issue that involves many different parties and processes.

As part of our service to the community through this initiative, the LLA hopes to gain a better understanding of all the issues and to influence change where appropriate through legislation, agency funding or process improvement.

About the author Joanna Cloud is the executive director of Lake Lanier Association. For more information, or to join the Lake Lanier Association and support our programs and services, visit www.lakelanier.org.

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A letter to Governor Deal The Honorable Nathan Deal Governor State of Georgia 203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Gov. Deal: Re: Dig It Deeper In the advance planning stage of Lake Sidney Lanier, originally a WPA Project, government geologists predicted that the 692-mile shoreline, 38,000-acre lake (59 square miles of water) would, over time, catch and retain the Northern tributaries’ agricultural soil/silt runoff and, within 50 years, be a little more than a barren field of weeds upon which cattle might graze. Not at all a pleasant visual image.

Well, fortunately for us, their dire predictions were wrong. Today, for the most part, we can enjoy the clear, clean water and the large spans of glimmering blue water surface. This can be credited largely to modernizing farming methods for soil conservation, a reasonable balance of development erosion methods and local government participation.

But Lake Lanier does show signs of siltation stress, ever so obvious in past cycles of drought. Long expansions of red, hard-packed clay along the shore are dotted with sandy ribbons of shoreline siltation. The receding waters expose, of course, coves choked with silt, dirt, sand, debris and, during the summer droughts, lush fields of grass and weeds. The Corp of Engineers projection indicates the storage capacity of Lake Lanier has decreased, in its life, some 16 percent from maximum full pool. That’s 408,640 acre feet of soil that has infiltrated the basin over the past 50 years (total storage estimated at 2,554,000 acre feet).

I remember the years growing up around Lake Lanier. The lake turned a rich creamy mud color after each rain, soon to settle out and clear water returned. While permits to dredge isolated coves of Lake Lanier have been issued, there has been no firm long-range plan advanced to reclaim or restore the cumulative volume in Lake Lanier.

The corps has been very helpful in accelerating the permitting process, but it has suspended shoreline dredging permits from time to time because of manpower shortages. There typically is a backlog of permit construction in process. While the backlog of projects exists, the slowdown of permits is counterproductive to the current needs of the health of the lake and those that benefit from the liquid flowing South. More storage capacity means sustainability for some 8 million residents dependent on deep water.

It seems stupidly obvious to this layman that when the lake is down, and spring rains are months and months away, that NOW is the time to

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mount the grading forces and clear out the muck. The corps’ dredging permits allow the removal of up to 5,000 cubic yards of silt from any one cove or permit. Anything higher would require environmental protection approval (another bureaucratic headache).

Georgia’s planners and legislators are working diligently to secure more interstate water sources. One plan includes $125,000,000 in new dam projects along the Flint River. That process, we are told, involves 10 to 15 years of environmental impact studies, site acquisition, condemnation and then construction, with the end result being we might have some increased water resources by 2025 or 2040.

Now some basic math • 1 acre is 43,560 square feet • 1 cubic foot holds 7.4805 U.S. gallons • 43,560 square feet is 3,630 cubic feet • 3,630 cubic feet converts to 27,154 gallons • Lake Lanier’s surface area is 38,024 acres • 1 inch of rain deposits 1,032,518,851 gallons of water, not including potential watershed runoff.

It costs $15 to $30 per cubic yard (depending on truck or barge extraction) to remove and properly dispose of Lake Lanier’s silt, according to Brad Wiegand of B&R Marine Specialists, just one of a dozen or so dredging contractors operating on Lake Lanier. So why don’t we take that $125 million (that translates into 9 million cubic yards of silt potentially removed from the basin) and use it to dredge back Lake Lanier. It’s an existing EPA environmentally approved basin. Do it NOW rather than wait until 2025 for more water elsewhere. But hey, that would be too simple.

With the regional building industry still much in the doldrums and thousands of pieces of grading equipment sitting and rusting away, it seems that timing may be ripe for a new WPA Project. This time WPA might stand for Water Protection (from) Alabama.

Gov. Deal, please: Dig it deeper.

Frank K. Norton Jr. Lake Lanier citizen About the author Frank Norton is a seventh generation north Georgian, CEO of the regions largest and oldest real estate insurance firm and a Lake Lanier homeowner/ activist. He is a passionate market researcher demographer and prognosticator and noted national speaker on emerging real estate issues.

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The The artart ofof

collecting Why Lake Lanier is home to a vast array of fine art and how to start a collection Story and photos by Michelle Boaen Jameson

destinationlanier.com

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T

here are quite a few homes around Lake Lanier with absolutely breath-taking views. Floor-toceiling windows, wrap-around porches and rooftop balconies offer lake scenes seemingly plucked from a travel catalog. But the view inside a handful of lake homes is just as stunning and desirable.

“Riders” by artist Geoffrey Johnson is one of the first in a collection owned by lake resident Susan G. It is the one piece she said jokingly that she would save should her house catch fire.

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Though many people may not realize it, Lake Lanier is home to some serious works of art by highly collected artists. Think Picasso, Manet, Chagall. Dotted among the masters are also collections of art by local painters and sculptors who started out here in the hills of North Georgia, but have since moved on to the pricey galleries of New York City.

So why is there so much art centered around a body of water in the deep South known for bass fishing and pontoon parties? And how can just anyone get started in the world of collecting fine art?

There are a few theories and plenty of advice for the novice. First and foremost is the lake’s proximity to Atlanta, an international hub in the business world.

“That’s the reason we moved here,” said Carlos D. “We’ve lived in small towns and big cities. There is a difference in civility and uncivility and the difference is art.”

Carlos’ collection is prominently filled with works by family friends Felipe Orlando and Frank Schafer, but it also includes pieces by local artists such as Dennis Campay and Suzy Schultz.

This area, said Carlos, is rich with art because of universities like Brenau and North Georgia.

“The only reason we are in Georgia is because of Gainesville. They have the Quinlan, a theater company and a ballet company. People here like art, collect art and go to shows. It improves the quality of life immensely.”

Gainesville resident Susan G. has another theory.

“I would attribute that to the visual beauty around the lake. It attracts those who appreciate visual beauty.”

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Carlos D. has a varied collection of works by numerous artists. Many of them reflect the travels of his youth.

And you wouldn’t put cheap tires on an expensive car.

“There are some pretty spectacular homes on the lake and one would think they would be equally spectacular on the inside,” said Susan.

(Carlos and Susan chose not to use their last names over privacy concerns).

Nichole Rawlings, gallery director at Brenau University in Gainesville, agrees on both ideas.

“The quality of artwork that can be found around Lake Lanier, in both institutional and private collections, is truly astounding. When I first arrived to Gainesville and to Brenau University, I was incredibly impressed by the vast wealth of culture I found focused in such a small area. I have had the privilege of speaking to and working with local collectors who have supported 20

February | March 2015

Brenau University through donations of art and patronage. There is a sense of pride connected to collecting, and the community around Lake Lanier provides collectors the opportunity to share and network.”

So what does it mean to be an art collector?

“Am I a collector? Well, I’ve got lots of art and I love it. If that makes me a collector then I guess I am,” said Susan. “I don’t really call myself a collector. I really don’t know what a collector is.

Are they someone who goes after one particular genre or artist? I’m just an art lover.”

Susan’s collection started with a piece bought at silent auction at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville and has grown over the years to include numerous pieces by David Wendel, Patrick McGannon and Suzy Shultz.

Carlos also owns a pencil study by Shultz and says he collects because he grew up around artists and can appreciate the craftsmanship.

“We grew up having exposure to craft, culture and art, and if we liked a piece, trying to buy it.

I use quality as the measure, it’s not just about whether or not it looks pretty. They’re not just for the decoration. They’re like a steak — yeah we want some sizzle to it, but mostly we want the steak,” said Carlos.

Carlos said he can appreciate the brushwork in his piece by Dennis Campay, who started out at the Quinlan and is now highly collected. There is a tremendous amount of craft with the strokes and the underlay, he said.

“If you collect art for money, that’s a fool’s LAKE Destination

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errand. I didn’t buy that Dennis Campay piece because I thought it would be worth money, I bought it because I really like the ‘red dress’ series and I knew exactly where I was going to put it before I bought it,” said Carlos.

Local artist and avid collector Frank Norton Jr. concurs.

“My wife and I have been collecting for as long as we’ve been married. Both her parents and mine had collected art and gave us a legacy in a background of collecting,” said Norton.

“We collect what we like. Some things have worked out well financially, and some things we still enjoy even if it isn’t worth very much.”

Norton, whose work is both highly collected and can be found in homes across the country, also has a vast collection of all original work for his corporate offices.

“I am a very big supporter of buying local, said Norton.

We try to collect regional art. Whether is it Ferdinand Rosa or Hewell Pottery, Geoffrey Johnson, we try to collect a wide spectrum of art and encourage others to do so.”

Rawlings said one of the most common misconceptions about collecting art is that it “requires specific knowledge or wealth; this is not the case.”

“Anyone with any budget can start an art collection if they have a mind to. Take, for instance, Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, a couple who spent most of their marriage living in a rent-controlled, onebedroom apartment in New York collecting art. They put one small salary toward living expenses and one toward art. They collected what they liked and built relationships with artists and other collectors.”

Brenau University recently received a large donation of works from the collection of the Vogels.

It is on view in the Manhattan Gallery in Gainesville and includes works by Andy Warhol.

“Art is an investment that can find a return in many ways, and the experience of acquiring art can be extremely rewarding for collectors. Do not let the false notion of art being for an affluent or elite crowd dissuade you from the enjoyment of collecting,” said Rawlings.

“We don’t look at it in terms of financial investment,” said Susan. “The value lies in eye of the beholder. I look at it every day and I love it.”

She recommends a little soul searching, too.

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A piece by local artist Patrick MaGannon (left) and a sculpture titled “Free fall” were both purchased by Susan G. through the Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

“Visiting galleries, exhibition openings, libraries, and conducting research online are all ways to educate oneself about the nature of the artwork being considered.”

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“The Dancers” by David Wendel overlooks the lake in the home of Susan G.

“Discover within yourself what type of art you enjoy looking at. It should make you feel good when you see it. Once you get that first piece, you become more comfortable with buying another, then another.”

Susan advises those looking to start their own collection to know your budget and buy what you love, a sentiment echoed by Norton.

“Buy what you like. Don’t worry about something that is going to increase or decrease in value, buy what you like,” he said.

Carlos also advises doing a little research.

“Study. You got to know what you’re looking at. You have to be able to appreciate the brushwork and look for the craft behind the painting.

It’s the heritage of it; who did it, where is it col-

lected?”

If you are unsure, he said, find someone to help.

“You need somebody to advise you about a piece when you are going outside of what you

Quinlan whenever they come home. Hopefully, they are gaining a healthy understanding of art.”

Personal preference and instinct, said Rawlings, are strong guides for collectors that can be supplemented by research and networking.

“Visiting galleries, exhibition openings, libraries, and conducting research online are all ways to educate oneself about the nature of the artwork being considered. Learning more about potential acquisitions will help a collector to develop an appreciation for art that will sustain the longevity and relevance of their collecting habits.”

Rawlings said one of the most important questions a private collector should ask themselves when looking at buying art is: “Do I like it? Why? Will it retain its value to me in that

“Buy what you like. Don’t worry about something that is going to increase or decrease in value, buy what you like.”

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know. There are some people in Gainesville who are really good at that, especially the Quinlan.”

“We only buy artwork that we love at a glance, not by the artist,” said Susan. “I have no formal art background and I always enjoyed taking the kids to art museums. I take them to the

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regard?”

And don’t be intimidated by gallery settings she stressed.

“Viewing a work of art in a gallery versus viewing it in a home can be a very different experience — professional lighting, installation and curation all play a factor into a work of art’s impact in the gallery setting.”

Rawlings suggested a viewer focus on the elements of the work itself and less about how it looks within the context of the space it is in.

“How do you react to the colors? The subject? The mood? How do you feel when you look at the work, not when you look at the room it is in?

Taking the work of art in as an object separate from its environment will help you to gauge how you may feel about it long term in your space. When a

A table designed to also be a puzzle, left, is one of the many pieces of furniture in the home of Carlos D. that doubles as art. Above: Carlos worked for Herman Miller at one time and purchased this Eames chair, his favorite place to sit.

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collector has a genuine interest and appreciation for a work of art, the setting becomes less likely to alter that attitude.”

And it is equally rewarding for artists, too.

Norton said painting is a therapy of sorts, equivalent to a round of golf for other people. But to be collected and sought-after is a humbling experience.

“I have some people who have multiple paintings and have become a fan of my work,” said Norton. “I am so deeply honored that my art has touched them in some way. I donate about half my work to various charities, and it makes you feel warm inside that someone is willing to invest in your art.”

“There are lots of people around here with very large collections they’ve had over 30 years. For instance, one woman told me ‘my children have no interest in it.’ The Quinlan is considering inviting collectors to bring the artwork in, and whether through resale or acting as an agent, getting that artwork back out there for other people to enjoy.”

With so many outlets for art in the area, investing in the local economy and culture is relatively easy.

“We’ve had some pretty fantastic artists come through the Quinlan over the years,” said Susan, including this year’s featured artist for the annual Quinlan gala, Steve Penley. Susan remarked that at a past gala, someone donated one of Penley’s earlier works, which really left her awestruck.

“You had to know the evolution of Penley’s work to know it was his because his style has drastically changed from when he started out. I knew it was his because I’m familiar with his work. Someone who had it in their home for years decided it was time to let it go and share it with the community.”

In its 37th year, the Quinlan gala serves a dual purpose, both a fundraising effort for the gallery connecting established and up-and-coming artists with the discerning collector.

Above, a piece in the red dress series by local artist Dennis Campay. His works are now exhibited internationally and are highly sought after. Carlos D., who bought the piece, said there is something about the series that he really appreciates.

Right: A work by Patrick MaGannon hangs in the bedroom of Susan G. next to panoramic view of Lanier.

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“I donate about half my work to various charities, and it makes you feel warm inside that someone is willing to invest in your art.”

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This year’s gala will be held March 7. Tickets to the black-tie dinner and auction are $125 and are on sale. There will be a preview night March 5, with an opportunity to meet the artists.

But if galas aren’t your thing, that’s OK, too, said Norton.

“If you’re not ready to purchase art, you can still invest in art in the community. You can make a donation to the children’s art classes at the Quinlan and nurture their creativity. It gives them better appreciation of the art around us. It helps hone their skills as a well-rounded human being.”

But if even that isn’t your “cup,” you can still walk into the Quinlan, said Norton, and buy a $7 hand-thrown mug and have coffee in it every day.

Owning art is as much about expressing yourself as it is enjoying the idea of owning a great work. But owning art, notes Susan, is really something special for another reason entirely.

“I think it is a privilege to own art. And it’s not a picture; it’s something someone put their heart and soul into.”

So what do you do once you have established your collection or even just have that once piece that lights up your room and stirs you affection for beautiful things?

Said Carlos, “Sit down, listen to some great music, have a drink and look at it. That’s what I do.”

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Opposite page: Two works by artist Felipe Orlando hang in the home of Carlos D. Orlando exhibited widely in the U.S. and Europe. In his semi-abstract figures, and landscapes, texture was an important element. His work is in the permanent collections of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havana, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museum of Modern Art of Latin America in Washington, D.C., among others. Above: A piece by Solomante titled “Christian Crusader” hangs in the home of Susan G. Left, artist Steve Penley will be the guest of honor for the 2015 Quinlan Gala.

Quinlan Visual Arts Center Gala 2015

• Fine Art Auction • Quinlan’s primary fundraiser, supports exhibitions, programs, educational opportunities and community outreach.

• Black-tie dinner, live and silent auction, Saturday, March 7 • $125/ticket, 2 events (auction and preview night) • Preview Night opportunity to meet artists and view auction selection (Thursday, March 5) • 2015 Artist Guest of Honor Steve Penley • Presenting Sponsor Willis Investment Counsel

destinationlanier.com

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Contests focus youth on wildlife

The increasing role of technology in the lives of young people is also raising concerns about the potential negative effects. In particular, some worry that today’s youth are becoming disinterested in the natural world, foregoing activities that foster an appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors.

Fortunately, the success of youth events organized by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division suggests a different trend. 2015 marks the milestone anniversaries of two popular competitions that have been motivating young Georgians to learn about nature and wildlife and express themselves creatively for many years.

Returning for its 10th year this spring, the Youth Birding Competition challenges young birders from around the state to grab their binoculars and put their identification skills to the test.

In this fast-paced event, teams of competitors ranging from kindergarten to high school students scour the state for 24 hours, identifying as many bird species as possible. When time is up, the teams convene at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center for an awards banquet featuring a live animal show and door prizes. The competition also includes a T-shirt Art Contest, which invites participants to submit original artwork of their favorite native bird for a chance to be featured on the 2015 Youth Birding Competition T-shirt and receive a $100 gift card to Michael’s.

Created and coordinated by DNR wildlife biologist Tim Keyes, the competition aims to promote birding while encouraging an interest in wildlife and conservation. Indeed, the desire to perform well has motivated many competitors to learn more about Georgia’s diverse natural heritage.

Last year’s overall winners, Flutter Brothers Malcolm and Evan Barnard of Johns Creek, credited their success to having researched the Georgia habitats and the bird species found in each. They developed a plan to visit as many habitats as possible, a strategy that ultimately led to a record count of 162 species.

In the pursuit of bird hotspots, the competition helps encourage young people to experience the state’s wealth of wild places and outdoor resources. One such location is Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve in Gainesville, 1,400 acres of stream-crossed forest that is ideal natural habitat for a variety of nesting and migrating bird species. Chicopee Woods was even recognized as an Important Bird Area by The National Audubon Society in 2001.

The Youth Birding Competition’s success has drawn attention far and wide. The event was chosen last year to serve as a model for Race4Birds Foundation, a nonprofit effort to promote youth birding nationwide. Keyes and other Georgia birding leaders have worked with public relations expert Connie Campanella and prominent birding author Richard Crossley to develop the national program.

The Youth Birding Competition is made possible by the support of key sponsors such as The Environmental Resources Network, Georgia Ornithological Society and Atlanta Audubon Society.

This year’s event is April 25-26. The deadline to register is March 31. Registration is free and includes a T-shirt, admission to the banquet and meals at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. Entries for the T-shirt Art Contest must be received by March 9. Visit www.georgiawildlife.com/ youthbirdingcompetition for more information.

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This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest, a popular event in which the DNR Wildlife Resources Division and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia call upon Georgia’s young artists to explore conservation.

As part of DNR and TERN’s “Kids For Conservation” initiative, the Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest seeks to increase awareness and appreciation of Georgia’s nongame wildlife and its habitats by inspiring students to create art with an environmental focus.

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the theme of this year’s contest is “Georgia’s WILD Animals & Plants – A Natural Investment.”

The focus highlights the value of Georgia’s diverse wildlife and native plants, as well as the critical funding needed to protect that diversity.

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students in public, private and home schools can submit wildlife license plate designs featuring nongame wildlife and native plants to recognize the importance of Georgia wildlife tags. The sale and renewal of the eagle and hummingbird tags provide the majority of funding for nongame conservation statewide.

Top school-level entries proceed to a contest at the State Botanical Garden, where 12 state-level winners will be chosen. Those winners will be displayed at the State Botanical Garden in Athens, the Go Fish Education Center in Perry and on Wildlife Resources Division’s Flickr and Instagram pages. As a special reward, each state-level winner’s teacher and one parent will also receive a free bald eagle license plate, courtesy of TERN. Participation has grown over the last 25 years, with almost 2,500 students from 21 schools or groups taking part last year. Mount Vernon Elementary in Gainesville has had a consistent presence in the competition, with four students being chosen as state-level winners in the last three years.

The deadline for state-level entries is April 10. For rules, forms and other information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/PosterContest.

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s environmental stewards. Whether in or out of the classroom, educating young people about the importance of conservation is critical. These DNR competitions are helping to do that, instilling in youth who take part a lasting interest in Georgia’s wild places, animals and plants, and a desire to protect them for generations to come.

About the author Elliot Ambrose is a University of Georgia graduate interning with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.

LAKE Destination

Lanier

LakeLanierLogCabin.com

LakeLanier.Estate

This custom, lakeside craftsman-styled home is loaded with WOW.

Inside, you’ll find dramatic vaults with tongue/groove wood and exposed beams. The open floor plan makes entertaining a delight.

The island kitchen is open to the keeping room and the dining room which opens to a covered veranda where you can warm by the outdoor fireplace overlooking the backyard and lake. Downstairs is just as beautiful as the main floor with another stone fireplace and a second kitchen area that’s open to a recreation area. The driveway would be easy to gate; board fencing surrounds the property and the driveway extends to a terrace level garage door that opens to a workshop. It’s an easy walk to the double slip dock with lift and party deck. And you’re just around the cove from the US Olympic Rowing Venue. Close to 985, Northeast Georgia Hospital and Gainesville.

Offered at $750,000

Features:

• 5 Bedrooms/3 ½ Baths • Double-Slip Dock with lift and party deck • Luxurious main level master • Whole house music system, speakers and camera monitoring system • FMLS #5359728

Year-Round Views and Drought-Proof Water

Authentic log home with post and beam construction has long range lake views and a double-slip dock in drought-proof water. Drive to water’s edge. Dramatic vaults in great room that’s open to bar area. Loft is perfect spot for an office or sitting area.

Enjoy the lake view from the luxurious master suite with whirlpool tub and private deck. Great for a getaway or a primary home. Unfinished basement for additional expansion; .97 acre lot.

Offered at $450,000

Features:

• 3 Bedrooms/3 Baths • Easy Access to Water via Concrete Path • FMLS #5382327

Kim Waters

Partner/Associate Broker

Selling North Georgia Since 1988 kim@kimwaters.com 770.540.3788 kimwaters.com

Boats, Boats, BOATS! Atlanta show highlights what’s new in 2015 Story by Nancy Spraker Photos by Michelle Boaen Jameson

The size and scope of this year’s Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show reflects our economy’s current resurgence.

Show manager Larry Berryman said the show had 15 percent more to see. With more than 550 boats ranging in size from 9 feet to 50 feet, and more than 200 exhibitors (most of 30

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them from Georgia), the Georgia World Congress Center was a full house.

Visitors came to see the latest in boats and nautical equipment and learn about boat maintenance, sailing and fishing at free seminars. Kids enjoyed casting at their own trout pond, bouncing on inflatable whales and surfing on a not-to-be missed Robo Surfer, a mechanical surfboard adjustable for all abilities, with wipeouts buffered by inflatable waves.

Power boats and personal watercraft dominated the floor. Of all registered boats in the state, 95 percent are power boats, with only 1 percent of them sailboats. The sail of a 26-foot Tattoo and the 3-footer on a sailing kayak were the only sails seen.

Windsong Sailing Academy, however, offered free sailing seminars from introductory sailing to celestial navigation for the 16th year in a row.

Although most sailing seminars were offered on the weekend, there was no lack of fishing, fresh and saltwater, or boat

maintenance seminars on all four days of the show. At the Let’s Go Fishing Center, a guide was overheard saying, “When you set the hook, don’t set the hook,” and then stated that every fisherman should have a minimum of 45 rods, much to the chagrin of attending wives.

At Fred’s Shed “The Boating Guy” and “Fred, The Outboard Doctor,” both certified mechanics, tutored mariners in hands-on clinics and warned of the dangers of ethanol gas.

The array of pontoon boats, motor cruisers, personal watercraft, ski boats and boating paraphernalia was mindboggling, and one afternoon was not enough to take it all in.

Certain boats definitely

stood out. Such was an enormous flaming yellow replica of Miss Geico stretched 50 feet on her side. It shouted from in from the rear of the exhibit hall. The original Victory catamaran weighs 6 tons and can fly 200 mph with her 3,000 horsepower Mercury engine. She tore through the water in on-site videos.

There was a little something for everyone at the 2015 Atlanta Boat Show, from the Robo Wave surf adventure for kids to booths featuring the latest in aquatic sound and light extras for the bigger kids.

Showgoers were treated to a full line of products made especially for life on the water, like floating docks made out of alternative materials instead of wood (opposite page bottom).

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Clinics for the novie, or professional, fly fisherman were given for audiences throughout the weekend.

Products like the Air Chair offered a reprieve from a full day of walking from boats to booths (below).

Opposite page: An amphibious vessel may soon be hitting Lake Lanier. It runs on land like a Four-Wheeler and on water like a Jet Ski.

Across from Miss Geico was Trifecta Houseboats, seller of Somerset, Stardust and Thoroughbred highend houseboats. One photo showed a houseboat with a fireplace. Who knew?

The aisles of “Entrepreneur Alley” beckoned.

Here small businesses touted better ideas for boating with their gadgets and their smaller vessels. Boating organizations promoted safer boating and conservation, while water destinations lured mariners to their shores.

The Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Department of Natural Resources all had booths to promote safety on and preservation of Georgia lakes, including Lake Lanier.

Over the years, the state’s lakes have drawn more boat traffic, changing water levels and laws. Among the changes are the .08 alcohol level law, increasing mandatory life jackets for children up to 13 years old and requiring boating safety courses for boat drivers.

The Lake Lanier Association proudly mentioned its new riprap program to prevent shoreline erosion and 125 lighted hazard buoys. At the Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron booth, a boy and his father steered

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a boat through a slalom course with the joystick of its threescreen simulator.

Several marinas had booths.

At the Lanier Islands booth, the harbor master mentioned that the marina at Lanier Islands is expanding. A floating concrete dock with 19 slips (40 feet by 16 feet) is underway and the dry stack is growing.

The Coastal Marina Management group showed off its five marinas in Panama City Beach, Orange Beach and Carabelle in Florida and Hilton Head in South Carolina.

Although fewer destinations had booths this year than in the past, there were some Southeastern and international exhibits. Natural North Florida mentioned a great tubing experience for only $4.

Full Service • Boarding • Training • Grooming

Check out our suites for geriatric dogs and our VIP water park!

Where your dogs suffer from “TOO MUCH COMFORT!” Call Us Today!

770.983.1987 Holly Crumley, Owner destinationlanier.com

February | March 2015

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Gulf County, Fla., presented its beaches near Port St. Joe’s. Roker Point Estates on Great Exuma, Bahamas, tempted passers-by with its Emerald Bay Marina and beachcombing lifestyle. TouchDown of South Africa promoted its cultural trips to Cape Town and African safaris.

After passing a “The Muck Stops Here” mat at a customized mat booth, a chat with Robert and Carolyn Wilson revealed their cruising experiences along the Intracoastal Waterway, and Robert’s stint as commodore at the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club in the Bahamas. Now they keep their boat in Brunswick, Ga., and write about lake events.

Overboard and The Proper Knot represented nautical decor. Overboard said the latest in boat flooring is Seagrass, a synthetic bamboo-like fiber. The Proper Knot staged

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boats at the United States Powerboat Show this year with its innovative products for life on the water, including its stylish, skid-free dishware.

Innovative boats in the vicinity were GoFloat electric boats from Leisure Lifestyle Products and an amphibian from Gibbs Sports called Quadski sold by Hide-a-Way Harbor. The Vortex and Fusion electric boats are like paddle boats without the paddling, and the Quadski is an ATV on the road that turns into a jet ski when it hits the water. Both sellers deliver boats to your dock for tryouts.

Before exiting “Entrepreneur Alley,” two other booths caught my eye. One sold Bum Floats, foam floats that strap around your bottom for hands-free floating in the water.

And how could you miss the two large fish

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Magnolia Estates OF WINDER

ASSISTED LIVING PERSONAL CARE INDEPENDENT LIVING

Opposite page: Geico showed off a yellow replica of Miss Geico, which stretched 50 feet on her side. The original Victory catamaran weighs 6 tons and can fly 200 mph with her 3,000 horsepower Mercury engine. There were also gadgets like a floating “dock” for your cooler, dog or whatever you wish. There were also plenty of items for the sportsman like kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

heads popping out of a cooler at the Lake Martin booth? Little did I know that each year the lake is stocked with 140,000 saltwater stripers!

Massive Yamaha outboards loomed in their booth on the way to the exit door. Had to have my photo taken with our host, Flo, at the Progressive Insurance Interactive Learning Booth on the way out. Wearing a PFD and holding a life ring, I stood on a dock in front of a lake mural. She’s not there in person, but she is in the photo for all to see.

The next day I had to take a sail on Lake Lanier. It was sunny, there was wind and it was 60 degrees … in January! That’s what it’s all about.

Being here for almost 26 years it still seems as though it’s a new beginning each day.

Start your New Beginning

by Visiting our HOME. Schedule your TOUR today!

Family Owned & Operated Since 1989

624 Gainesville Highway Winder, Georgia 30680

Danny & Denise Rampey

770-867-4256 www.magnoliaestates.com

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He’s telling no lies Bass angler Noah Pescitelli is reeling in some big fish and major wins Story by Brandee A.Thomas Photos courtesy Noah Pescitelli

Based on his laundry list of sponsors who believe in his talents, and his top-ranking placements in national tournaments, Noah Pescitelli has taken to fishing like … well, like a fish to water.

“It’s just something that I found I have a passion for,” said Noah, 17.

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“I used to fish off the dock a little, just catching brim and stuff when I was younger. But when I was in eighth grade, I asked my grandpa to take me fishing out on the lake and it really caught a hold of me.”

The Mill Creek High School junior has graduated from fishing excursions with his grandpa on Lake Lanier to competing in tournaments all over the country.

“He’s fished with some of the best and they all say he’s a natural born at it,” said Steve Pescitelli, Noah’s dad.

“He just has a phenomenal talent. I guess I’m a little surprised by it, but I’m more surprised that I missed it all these years.

“He’s been fishing off the docks since he was 3. When he got to be about 8 or 9 years old, whenever he’d bring home a good report card, he’d want to go to Bass Pro Shop to get worms as his reward. I thought he just liked playing with creepy-crawly things.

“When he was a little older, a friend of mine drove by the dock on a bass boat and took Noah for a ride. When he got back, he had this look in 38

February | March 2015

his eye and said, ‘Dad, I gotta have a boat.’”

Thinking it was a passing fancy, but still wanting to be supportive of his son’s interests, Pescitelli agreed to purchase a small boat for bass fishing.

“I still hadn’t put all of the pieces together in my mind,” Pescitelli said. “I’d drive him all over the lake and when I’d get tired, he’d go get his grandpa.”

It took Noah entering — and placing — in tournaments for the light bulb to go off. He’s won third place overall in the Bassmaster High School Open and fifth place in the Georgia State High School Fishing Championship.

“In his first year of (fishing competitively), he moved through the ranks very fast,” Pescitelli said. “He ended up at the state championship where he placed second.”

Since then, Noah has gone on to place in a host of tournaments while catching the attention of such sponsors like St. Croix Rods, Stanford Lures and Under Armour.

On Feb. 20, Noah will compete in the Bassmaster High School Classic, the “Super Bowl

of bass fishing,” Steve Pescitelli said.

“I don’t think he realizes how big a deal this is,” his father said. “This is just what he likes to do. Even when he wins tournaments, he’s got his poker face on. I’m the one in the crowd jumping up and down like a mad man.”

When you’re as prepared as Noah for a competition, playing it cool comes naturally.

“When I’m prepping for a tournament, I do as much research beforehand as I can,” he said.

In addition to structures underneath the water’s surface, he’s also looking to scope out potential spots and gathering information to determine how deep he needs to fish for a good catch.

“For the most part, I’m always able to catch something. Fishing has a lot to do with luck, but it also has a lot to do with knowledge,” Noah said.

And he has that knowledge in spades.

“Fishing at this level is more in-depth than I ever thought,” Steve Pescitelli said. “Noah has to have an understanding of a whole lot of variables like weather patterns, how barometric pressure affects fish and water conditions.”

LAKE Destination

Lanier

“Even when he wins tournaments, he’s got his poker face on. I’m the one in the crowd jumping up and down like a mad man.”

A very enthusiastic — albeit nervous — Steve Pescitelli is there every step of the way on tournament days as the boat’s driver. He isn’t allowed to offer any advice to his son; his job is to steer the boat and try not to wear out the vessel in the meantime.

“Noah uses the run-and-gun theory. There are many tournaments where we get to 40 or 50 spots a day,” Pescitelli said.

“He develops his final strategy the night before and picks out the first 10 spots. Once we’re on the water, he can tell by the shoreline where he wants the boat to be.

“He’s very relaxed, but I’m a hyper guy. At one of his tournaments, a camera crew from ESPN was following us. At one point, the camera guy said to me, ‘You’re gonna wear that boat out if you don’t relax.’ I didn’t realize it, but while Noah was fishing off the front of the boat, I was pacing back and forth in the back.

“Like any sport, you want your child to do well, but there’s nothing that I can do to help.”

Noah isn’t just a successful angler; he has also become a YouTube guru with his “Kickin Their Bass TV” channel, which has more than 2,000 subscribers and more than 80,000 views.

"My love of fishing lead me to want to do something more. I started making videos of my fish adventures,” Noah said.

“I found out that other fisherman enjoyed watching and wanted to see more. I started ‘Kickin’ Their Bass TV’ to share my love for fishing, my experience learning to fish at a professional level, the gear I use and of course, the fish I catch.”

Not surprisingly, the super-talented Noah films and edits his own videos, perhaps a telltale sign of things to come in the future.

“I know I want to continue fishing through college, but I haven’t decided if I want to go further than that,” Noah said. “But I definitely want to have a career in the fishing industry in the future.” destinationlanier.com

Noah Pescitelli, 17, is making waves in the bass fishing arena even appearing on ESPN.You can find out more about Noah on his website at http:// kickintheirbasstv.com.

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Lanier Islands hopes to expand soon Story by Jeff Gill There soon may be another option for those visiting Lanier Islands Resort.

Lanier Islands is hoping to draw a second hotel to the South Hall County resort within 18 months, sales director Mike DiLeone said at a recent meeting.

“Talks are underway right at this moment,” he said, speaking after a presentation at the resort to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s South Hall Business Coalition.

“If we can have that (second hotel) up and running, that allows us the ability to go out and bring in more regional and national groups, meetings and conferences that we can accommodate on an overflow basis,” DiLeone said.

The resort at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, formerly known as Lake Lanier Islands, has one hotel, Legacy Lodge & Conference Center.

Two hotels used to sit on the 1,100-acre resort, the current one and PineIsle Resort, 40

February | March 2015

which was torn down in 2008. At that time, plans called for a new 350-room hotel to take its place as part of an overall effort by the Virgil Williams family to remake the resort.

Much has been done since 2008, including massive renovations to Legacy Lodge, which used to be known as Emerald Pointe, and improvements to roads and walkways.

But a second hotel never materialized.

DiLeone said the former hotel site is no longer being considered for the new hotel.

“There are a couple other spots we’re looking at,” he said. “When you’ve got (1,100) acres to work with, you’ve got some great spots to look at.”

DiLeone did say the site is being considered for a training and development conference center.

“There’s always a vision for everything here and how to enact that is slowly coming back

as the economy (recovers),” he said.

In addition, the resort is looking at improving Legacy Lodge, particularly enhancing meeting space, DiLeone said.

The project “may encompass rooms, but the primary task is to improve and increase meeting space,” he said.

DiLeone, who has been at the resort four months after moving from Hilton Head Island, S.C., gave an upbeat report to the coalition about Lanier Islands’ recent performance.

“We are going into 2015 with historic numbers,” he said. “We are bringing groups in from far and wide.”

The tourism industry “has rebounded dramatically since 2008, 2009,” DiLeone said.

The resort has seen “a very steady increase in occupancy rate over the last three years,” he said, adding it had a 57 percent occupancy rate in 2014 and is projecting 60.8 percent this year.

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Judy Paul Lake Lanier Specialist Cell: 770-778-7070 • Office: 678-267-7085 judypaul@kw.com

judypaulsellslakeandluxury.com

What would bring YOU love?

• A smaller house to maintain?

• A bigger house to entertain family and friends?

• A second home on the lake?

Have a real estate need? Call today for your FREE market analysis and/or my personal directory of qualified professionals I rely on to get the job done right.

Cell: 770-778-7070 • Office: 678-267-7085

judypaul@kw.com • judypaulsellslakeandluxury.com

770-503-7070

Calendar

Ongoing

Northeast Georgia History Center Family Days 1-4 p.m. Second Sunday of each month through December. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Free. 770-297-5900, www. negahc.org.

Northeast Georgia History Center Forums 7 p.m. Second Tuesday of each month through December. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St NE, Gainesville.Theme differs each month.

Admission free for members, $3 for nonmembers. 770-297-5900, www. negahc.org.

Lake Lanier Rowing Club rowing classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Clarks Bridge Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. $100. www.lakelanierrowing.org, llrc@mindspring.com, 770-287-0077, 770-540-7144.

“Girl Power” All day, every second Tuesday. Girls 11 to 13 only. Lay Park, 297 Hoyt St., Athens.

Free. 706-613-3596.

Toastmasters program, improve communication and leadership skills 6 p.m. Mondays. 611 Spring St., Gainesville. Free. 706-265-6710, 2520.toastmastersclubs.org.

Feb. 6 Images of New Orleans reception 7-9 p.m. . Inman Perk, 102 Washington St. NW, Gainesville. Free. 678-971-8091.

Square dance plus classes 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays. Mulberry Creek Community Center, 4491 J.M.Turk Road, Flowery Branch. Free. 12 years old and older. 770-965-7140.

Feb. 6 Father daughter dance 6-8 p.m. Feb. 6; 6-8 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. Feb. 7.

Buford Community Center and Theater, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford. $40 Feb. 6; $60 Feb. 7.

404-386-4782, www.northgwinnettkiwanis.com.

Library chess club 1-5 p.m. Fridays. Gainesville Library, 127 Main St. NW, Gainesville. All ages and levels welcome. 770-532-3311, ext. 114.

American Business Women’s Association 6 p.m. fourth Tuesday each month. Recess Southern Gastro-pub, 118 Bradford St. NE, Gainesville. Dinner, speakers, meeting. 770-654-9277, abwallcc.org.

The Pilot Club 5:45 p.m. every fourth Thursday. Elk’s Club, 1547 Riverside Drive, Gainesville.

770-532-2528, jlc814@yahoo.com.

Phoenix Rising Veterans’ Drum Circle 6-8 p.m. every other Wednesday. American Legion Post No. 7, 2343 Riverside Drive, Gainesville. Drums available to borrow. Bring a lawn chair. Free. 770561-7070.

February Feb. 5 Chocolate walk, shop and eat chocolate 4-7 p.m. Downtown Braselton. Free. 706-6840369.

Feb. 6 Baskets of Love for hospice patients Collection sites: Affinis Hospice, 2565 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville; Crane Transport, 1820 Candler Road, Gainesville; Riverside Pharmacy, 935 Green St. NE, Gainesville. 678989-0981.

Through Feb. 6 University of North Georgia’s Faculty Biennial Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; Noon to 7 p.m. Thursday; Noon to 3 p.m. Friday. Roy C. Moore Art Gallery, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood. Free. Gallery@ung.edu, www.ung. edu/art-galleries.

Feb. 7 Life in an African Village 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. . First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota Drive NE, Gainesville. Free. 678936-1053, www.fpcga.org.

Feb. 7 Banks and Shane 8 p.m. . Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $20-$27. 706-864-3759, www.hollytheater.com.

Feb. 7 “A Night in Old New Orleans” 8 p.m. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall, 230 River Road, Athens. $25-$35. 706-542-4400, pac.uga. edu.

Feb. 7 Orchid Daze: Pop Art! The annual exhibition through April 12, highlights thousands of blooms in the Garden’s nationally renowned collection of species orchids.

This year’s theme celebrates fun iconic images from the Pop Art movement by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring, complementing them with bold, playful Cattleya orchids. atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Feb. 7 Clarkesville Main Street 3rd annual Mardi Gras An fete designed to raise funds for the Clarkesville Façade Grant Program. 6 p.m. at the

Feb. 7 Orchid Daze: Pop Art! The annual exhibition through April 12, highlights thousands of blooms in the Garden’s nationally renowned collection of species orchids. This year’s theme celebrates fun iconic images from the Pop Art movement by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring, complementing them with bold, playful Cattleya orchids. atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

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Lanier

Clarkesville Event Center (Old Clarkesville Mill).

Admission to the event is $30/pp and includes a New Orleans-style dinner, a live DJ, dancing, a cash bar, silent auction, crowning of the King and Queen, a photo booth and party favors. mbhorton@clarkesvillega.com

Feb. 14 Suwanee Sweetheart Sprint 9 a.m. Suwanee Creek Greenway, 1170 Buford Highway, Suwanee. $25 per individual; $40 per couple. 678-995-6860, suwaneesweetheartsprint.com.

Feb. 7 Fasching party 2-11 p.m. . Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen. $5. 678-617-7250.

Feb. 14 Michelle Martin and Chad Watkins 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville. $20. 770-532-0136, www.fpcga.org.

Feb. 8 Steve Litman Presents Jamie Cullum live 8 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall. Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster.

Feb. 10 “In the Heights” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10-21; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and 21.

Brenau University’s Hosch Theater, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. Adults $22-$24; Seniors $20-$22; Students $12-$14. 678-717-3624, www.gainesvilletheateralliance.org.

Feb. 11 “Who Owns Water” film screening Chattahoochee River Keeper in partnership with the University of North 7 p.m. with Q/A to follow the screening. University of North Georgia, Gainesville/Oakwood Campus, Continuing Education Bldg. 10 Theater, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood. WhoOwnsWater.org Feb. 12 Jeff Whetstone’s New Wilderness Reception 5 p.m., Bob Owens Art Gallery, Hoag Student Center, UNG Dahlonega Campus. Free.

Feb. 13 “Antigone” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-21; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14. University of North Georgia Ed Cabell Theater, 3820 Mundy Mill Road. Oakwood. Adults $18-$20; Seniors $16-$18; Students $12-$14. 678-7173624, www.gainesvilletheateralliance.org.

Feb. 14 Neil Berg’s 102 Years of Broadway 8 p.m. Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University.

Tickets: $35 Adult; $32 Senior; $28 Student; $80 Series. theartscouncil.net.

Feb. 14 Valentines in the Garden 7-11 p.m. will feature decadent chocolates and other scrumptious sweets while visitors sip cocktails from cash bars, dance to live entertainment, and explore Orchid Daze: Pop Art! by night. atlantabotanicalgarden.org

destinationlanier.com

Feb. 14 Ludwig Symphony Orchestra presents “A Romantic Valentine’s Day” 7:30 p.m. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Adults $22; Seniors $19; Students younger than 22 $22. 770-623-8623, www.ludwigsymphony.org.

Price Memorial Hall, UNG Dahlonega Campus.

Reception 5p.m. March 12. Free.

Feb. 23 Oil Painting Workshop Register by Feb. 23. Classes 1-5 p.m. Saturdays or March 14-28. For location, email jthomas@ snca.org. $165.

Feb. 25 Mnozil Brass 7:30 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. $19.50-$39.50. 404733-4900, atlantasymphony.org.

Feb. 26 “The essentials of paper,” presentation

by Nancy Spielman 4-7:30 p.m. Quinlan Visual Arts center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. 770-536-2575, www. quinlanartscenter.org.

Feb. 19 Seed propagation workshop 10 a.m. to noon. Coal Mountain Community Building, 3650 Settingdown Road, Cumming. $10. 770-887-2418, uge1117@uga.edu.

Feb. 28 Ultra X gravel grinder, cycling race 10 a.m. . Chattahoochee National Forest, Lake Russell Road, Mount Airy. $70. Www.chainbusterracing.com.

Feb. 19 John Cleaveland’s Constructing the Past Reception 2 p.m. Roy C. Moore Art Gallery, Continuing Education/Performing Arts Building, UNG Gainesville Campus. Free.

March

Feb. 20 Great Outdoors Art show Through Feb. 20. The Bowen Center for Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. Free. 706-216-2787, info@dawsonarts.org.

Feb. 20-22, 27; Mar. 1, 6-8 “The Nerd” Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. Children and students $12; Adults $18. 706-8643759, www.hollytheater.com.

Feb. 21 Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road 8 p.m. . Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30. 770-534-2787, info@theartscouncil.net, www.theartscouncil.net.

Through Feb. 21 “Contrapunto,” “Marc Chatov Mentoring Group,” and “I.Q. – Quinlan’s Finest, Art Instructor Exhibit.”

Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Free. 770-536-2575, quinlanartscenter.org.

Feb. 22 Georgia Art Educators & Their Students

Through March 1 Sparkle and Shine Exhibit Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee Nacoochee. Free. 706-878-3300, jthomas@ snca.org, www.snca.org.

March 1 Challenged Child and Friends 5K 1 p.m. Riverside Military Academy, 2001 Riverside Drive, Gainesville. $20-$25. 770-535-8372, ext. 112, www.runnersfit.com/challengedchild.

March 5 Michael Kaeshammer Trio 8 p.m. Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University, 1 Centennial Circle, Gainesville. Adults $30; Seniors $28; Students $25. 770-534-2787.info@ theartscouncil.net, www.theartscouncil.net.

March 14 Tish Oney 8 p.m. Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30. 770-534-2787, info@theartscouncil.net, www.theartscouncil.net.

March 29 Ledisi Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. $29.50-$59.50. 404-733-4900, atlantasymphony.org February | March 2015

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Day-use Parks 1 Buford Dam 2 Lower Overlook 3 Powerhouse 4 Lower Pool 5 West Bank 6 Shoal Creek 7 Big Creek 8 Burton Mill 9 Van Pugh South 10 West Bank Overlook

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Boat Ramp

Playground

Picnic Areas

Swimming Areas

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Old Federal Balus Creek Mountain View Robinson Simpson Sardis Creek Wahoo Creek Thompson Bridge Little River Lula

State, County, City Parks 1 Lake Lanier Islands 2 Flowery Branch 3 River Forks

Campgrounds 1 2 3 4 5

31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Belton Bridge Toto Creek Nix Bridge Thompson Creek War Hill Bolding Mill Little Hall Duckett Mill Keith Bridge Long Hollow

6 Shady Grove Shoal Creek 7 Bald Ridge Creek Old Federal 8 Sawnee Duckett Mill 9 River Forks (Hall) War Hill Toto Creek 10 Bolding Mill 11Van Pugh South

Vann’s Tavern Bethel Two Mile Six Mile Charleston Young Deer Tidwell Little Ridge Mary Alice East Bank Lanier Park Van Pugh North 7 Laurel Park 8 Clarks Bridge 9 Lumpkin

4 Lanier Point 5 Longwood Park 6 Holly Park

Marinas 1 Lanier Harbor 2 Lazy Days 3 Holiday 4 Hideaway Bay 5 Aqualand

6 Sunrise Cove 7 Gainesville 8 Port Royale 9 Bald Ridge 10 Habersham

UNIFORM STATE WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEM Keep an eye out for these signs when you are boating on Lake Lanier. They provide crucial information about what lies ahead in the water

DIVER BELOW Boaters should exercise caution when passing through area

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February | March 2015

OBSTRUCTION MARKER

Indicates not easily seen blockage Do not pass between shore and buoy

BOATS KEEP OUT Danger such as waterfalls, swim areas or rapids ahead may lie outside diamond shape.

DANGER!

Danger may be indicated inside diamond shape, such as rocks, reefs, dams or construction

CAUTION!

Controlled area as indicated in circle, such as speed limit, no fishing, slow-no wake orDestination no prop boats LAKE Lanier

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destinationlanier.com

Two short blast: Maintain Course

Privileged boat on right.

Pass astern

One blast right.

Two blasts left.

February | March 2015

45

Around Lanier Reception for “Japanese Pottery: The Rising Generations from Traditional Japanese Kilns�

Jan. 23, 2015

The Piedmont College Mason-Scharfenstein Museum was host to a reception for Ohi Toshio, one of the Japanese ceramics artists whose work was featured in a show at the Demorest museum. The event was also attended by Consul General Sunaga from the Japanese embassy in Atlanta.

46

February | March 2015

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Hall County Relay for Life Purple Passion Party Jan. 28., 2015

The 80s-themed party held at the Gainesville Civic Center was held in preperation for the next relay. This year’s Relay For Life walk will be on the track at The University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus in Oakwood rather than at Road Atlanta as it has for the past six years. The annual event, which raises funds and awareness for cancer, will be 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. May 15-16.

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February | March 2015

LAKE Destination

Lanier

destinationlanier.com

February | March 2015

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Greater Hall Chamber Business After Hours Jan. 23, 2015

January’s Business After Hours gathered business people from Hall County at the new Legacy Link location in Oakwood.

Drawings were held for prizes as local business owners mingled and enjoyed food and beverages. The next After Hours is 5-7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Aeon Clinical Laboratories in Gainesville.

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February | March 2015

LAKE Destination

Lanier

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