Lake Destination Lanier

Summer 2016

Spring 2016

Rowing, paddling and Rio on the Water: Summer’s in full swing!

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What’s Inside

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32 14 Poor Man’s Yacht Club 8

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The Lake Lanier chapter of PMYC kicked off the 2016 summer season with a fundraiser for My Sister’s Place. Who are the club members and how can you join? We find out.

Collegiate rowing brings the bucks 12

The American Collegiate Rowing Association held its annual Championship Regatta on Lake Lanier and brought thousands.

Hall County Dive Team 14

On the Cover Over four days, competitors from all over North, Central and South America gathered at Lake Lanier Olympic Park to compete for a spot in the upcoming Rio Olympics.

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Meet the members and find out what it takes to go under the murky waters in an effort to find drowning victims.

Frank Norton tells the tales 16

We hear about some of the legends lurking in the lake. True story? You decide.

A lake home come to fruition 18

Lifetime Hall County resident Deb Bailey made her dream of owning a lake home on Lanier a reality, but it wasn’t easy.

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26 12 14 Can Fido float? You bet.

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Lanier company Lazy Dog Loungers starts a line of floats specially made for our furry friends to enjoy the water with their humans.

Lake Lanier Association 30

Executive Director Joanna Cloud updates us on the progress and good works of the LLA and what the summer season holds for us.

Recalling the summer of ’96 32

Those most closely involved with bring the Olympics to Lake Lanier recall the nervous excitement as we look ahead to Rio.

From inspiration to perspiration 36

Haley Cobb found a need and way to meet it. She’s using her Scout knowledge to make handicap-accessible docks at Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club.

Famous last words 38

The Department of Natural Resources asks “What if you don’t?” and urges us to think twice before heading out on the water without all the facts.

Inside Every Issue 6 42 44 46

From the Editor Your Guide to Lanier Calendar Around Lanier

When getting paddled is a good thing 40

Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club offers easy ways to learn to kayak.

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From the Editor Babes in Lakeland

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

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Hard to believe we are in the midst of summer already! While we are all busy planning weekend getaways and afternoons on the water, let’s remember to be mindful of others and of Mother Nature.

Everyone is concerned with lake levels falling too much and when that happens, more hazards surface.

And who really knows what all is under this massive playground we call Lanier? Many rumors abound about catfish the size of Volkswagens. On page 16, Frank Norton recalls some of the best tall tales and leaves us to decide which is true. But either way, we can be sure of one thing, if we are not prepared we can find ourselves in big trouble on the water. The DNR poses some very thoughtful questions to that end on page 38.

The rest of this issue is overflowing with events related to Rio, rowing and even paddling.

Lake Lanier has a huge anniversary coming up Aug. 5 with a slammin’ party to celebrate the 1996 Olympics and the 2016 Rio Summer Games. See page 32 for full details.

We also talk to the brave members of the Hall County Dive Team, a local company with man’s best friend in mind and a Girl Scout with big ideas to help everyone enjoy the water with ease.

If you and yours get on the water this season, send us your pics and Tweet us @LakeLanierMag! Enjoy your summer!

M

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ichelle ameson

Michelle Boaen Jameson editor@destinationlanier.com

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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1 SMART MOVE

Brotherhood of boaters Lanier chapter of Poor Man’s Yacht Club shares a love of water — and pirates Story by Savannah King It all started on the north end of a harbor on Lake Michigan more than 25 years ago.

A small band of boaters looking for a social outlet started docking their boats together in Monroe Harbor,

8 Summer | 2016

Photos by Erin O. Smith

Chicago.

Their small club located near the prestigious Chicago Yacht Club started growing and before long the “Poor Man’s Yacht Club” was officially established.

Today the club has branches in Chicago and on Lake Lanier. The Lake Lanier branch is still growing but has big plans for the future.

One of the club’s biggest focuses is on charities.

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Ed Maxwell shows guests a boat during the Poor Man's Yacht Club Lake Lanier 2016 Boating Season Kick-Off Party and Charity Event at Twisted Oar Restaurant in Holiday Marina.

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This year the PMYC on Lake Lanier raised $3,700 for My Sister’s Place, a women’s shelter in Gainesville.

Not only do members get to hang out with other boating enthusiasts but they also get discounts from club sponsors.

There are different levels of membership— so members don’t necessarily have to own a boat.

While the benefits of membership are pretty great, there’s a fair amount of Tomfoolery that comes with it.

Lake Destination Lanier sat down to chat with the “beaded captains,” Ed Maxwell Bill Moffitt, of the Poor Man’s Yacht Club and got an inside point of view on this soon-to-be notoriously good club.

OK, so right off the bat. Let’s talk about the club’s pirate themes.

Members have to fly a jolly roger on their boat and you’ve got a few other pirate details surrounding the club.

What’s going on here?

Bill: Every club needs a theme,

we’re all big wanna-be pirates. We all just have an interest in the old school sailing ships and the take-what-youcan, give-nothing-back attitude — which we do amongst each other. I would help myself to whatever I need from one of those boats on the marina.

We’re always stealing from one another and harassing each other all we can. As much abuse as possible.

Ed: We bust their chops if they’re out of uniform or not flying their flag.

So the club has some fun by-laws for members. What are they and what are the consequences?

Bill: If you get caught on the lake without your flag you have to surrender something, a stack of burgers a case of beers, something.

If you are a beaded captain and you don’t wear them there’s a flogging involved. We have a number of traditions You guys get into some shenanigans, we can tell just from this conversation. What’s the relationship like between the club’s branches?

Bill: Ed wants everything bigger and better than the club in ChicagoMore members, more fundraising and more fun!

Top: The Stephen Lee Band performs during the Poor Man’s Yacht Club Lake Lanier 2016 Boating Season Kick-Off Party . Left: Butch and Christie Isaacs enjot the food during the kick-off event.

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Rachel Uhrinek sells raffle tickets to Margaret Mayer during the Poor Man’s Yacht Club Lake Lanier 2016 Boating Season Kick-Off Party and Charity Event at Twisted Oar Restaurant in Holiday Marina.

Ed: We have a little rivalry between us. They sent us a rebel pirate flag as a joke, so we sent a pink PMYC T-shirt with a peach on the back instead of the skull and crossbones, we framed it and made them hang it on the wall inside their club house.

Who is an ideal member?

Ed: Ideal members have an interest in boating, great sense of humor, not easily offended. They’re the first person to take shirt off the back and help you if you need it.

Bill: If you’re thin skinned and easily offended we’re not the club for you.

(Both start laughing.)

You’re still a small group — maybe 25 members?

Ed: What we lack in numbers we excel in contributing

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to the community and efficiency in being able to help our members out.

Overall, what’s the biggest perk that comes from being in the club?

Ed: You pull into coves, you’re next to other boaters and I’ve been in situations where you’re next to absolute buffoons.

So we look for the flag, we have designated spots on the lake, we send texts and email blasts out. But our deal is we have monthly meetings, tie ups. We get to know each other really well.

You can get in trouble on the lake. But all you have to do is call one of your cohorts and they’ll be there for you.

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Into the Deep

Hall County dive team risks it all in depths of Lanier Story by Nick Watson

Photos by Erin O. Smith

As his officers resurface from the dark depths of Lake Lanier, Patrol Deputy Justin Bonds joined the team in September the hardest call Corey Gilleland has to make is the one to call it and has taken part in multiple operations. Starting in 2008 with quits. the Sheriff ’s Office, Bonds did not make the cut on the first When Gilleland, the Hall County Sheriff ’s Office dive team tryout for the team. commander, has exhausted all of the possible avenues, he calls “If you can do it, then you need to be out here,” Bonds said. his lieutenant to end the search.

“You need to give families closure. If “It’s hard for me to do, beit were my loved one, I would want cause I don’t have much give up in somebody that was able-bodied to me,” he said. go down and get my loved one for But Gilleland said he has to me.” weigh the risk of the well-being The tryout includes a 400-meof his officers in often freezing ter swim, an underwater swim, a temperatures. water-treading endurance exercise Lt. Bonner Burton said there and a brick retrieval tactic. have already been six confirmed Applicants also go through drownings on Lake Lanier this an interview before the dive team year ahead of the Independence makes a decision as a unit.

Day holiday.

Four of the 11 officers have The Marine Rescue Team more than three years of experiDive team members come up from the waters of Lake from Hall County Fire Services ence while the other officers have Lanier during a dive.

Photo courtesy hallcounty.org has “an hour to try and make a less than two years on the team. difference in the outcome” in a On his first mission, Bonds distress call, Fire Services Sgt. William Flesher said. said he left his diving hood in the truck on a winter dive operaAfter that, the rescue mission becomes a recovery mission. tion searching for evidence.

It’s an 11-officer dive team trying to give back, Gilleland “I got down under the water and got down to about 6 feet said. and realized no, I need my hood. It literally felt like somebody “We do a lot of taking away in law enforcement: take dads was stabbing ice picks through my earholes,” away, take moms away, take kids away,” he said. “This is truly one Even in springtime temperatures, Bonds is never without of the opportunities — and I think we all feel this way — we the hood. can give back, whether it’s a victim of a drowning or a piece of “Once you get cold, it changes everything. It changes your evidence that a prosecutor can use.” mindset. It changes your body. Learning to take care of the body Three tugs on a rope means they’ve found what they’re look- first and then worry about the operation, that’s the big thing,” he ing for. said.

“It’s not a job that most people want to do. We’re in zeroOfficers sometimes swim to depths of more than a 100 feet visibility cold water all the time, usually looking for people who to recover bodies, like in the case of Griffin Prince, 13, whose have drowned,” Gilleland said. body was recovered after a June 2012 boating incident on Lake With the limited visibility below, the dive team members Lanier. can communicate by radio through their masks in addition to Technology from the Department of Natural Resources has their system of rope tugs. allowed the team to send fewer divers on searches, Gilleland 14 Summer | 2016

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said. The side-scan sonar allows for better detection of their target, and a remote-operated vessel can verify the target with camera equipment.

Gilleland praised the partnership among the Sheriff ’s Office, Hall County Fire Services and the Department of Natural Resources.

“We could not do this without those two agencies,” he said.

With the arrival of boating season, Gilleland said he estimates that most of the incidents he’s responded to have had alcohol involved. The dive team commander suggested making sure personal flotation devices are worn and be attentive to alcohol consumption.

Flesher said he advises people to have a boating plan, where loved ones know where you plan to be and how long you plan to be there in case of emergency.

Dive team commander Corey Gilleland talks about the training that goes into being part of the dive team. Above: Deputy Justin Bonds points out the wet suits in the dive team truck. Below, Bonds shows off a mask used in dives.

Although there is very low to no visibility in Lake Lanier, divers are able to communicate to one another through the masks.

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The storyteller and lake legends Of late I have been spending more time on the lake; I have a new boat (at least new to me), I’m experiencing a new perspective on lake living (at least it’s full) and a personal vigor to enjoy everything that we hold dear and which is right in front of us (count Lake Lanier as one of those).

But as I gaze across the still waters of our little part of heaven, occasionally in the still late afternoon, I see a random ripple, a small break or slice across the mirrored glassy plane of Lake Lanier. Fish, most probable I tell myself, but … maybe not.

The old storytellers growing up around these parts tell of a cruel experiment gone wildly wrong back in the 1950s and in the early days of the lake filling up. A time that we were still much an Appalachia forest or wilderness.

A time well before genetic engineering, gene splicing and cloning, the 10,000-acre Lockheed Nuclear Engineering Research Laboratory over in Dawson County (a secret enclave of the Cold War armament) which perhaps experimented with GAMMA and ALFHA waves, radioactive engineering and experiments on a widely published nuclear aircraft engine.

While that’s widely known on the Wikipedia posting, it’s the little-known experiments that are whispered from person to person amongst the old-timers still living in the valleys and ridges around the Dawson Forest Laboratory Military installation that give me pause. Was it really military based, or something more sinister? Just what was their real mission? Were their experiments safeguarded and controlled or were their deviations across original purpose testing some deviant hypothesis on the merits of break through scientific discovery?

Crazy sounds, Frankenstein-like, were rumored to echo in the forest, occasional experiments perhaps escaping from their

16 Summer | 2016

10-foot barbed wire fencing and occasional manhunts. Legends of one mutation are still spoken about, a weird radiation mutation best described as half mammal, half amphibian; furry brown scales with sharp, multiple-layered teeth, a mixed-up creature, almost Jurassic or primeval in nature. A creature that could survive both in and out of the water.

Those who witnessed the creation best described it as a fresh water “beaver shark.” To add legs to this tale was that some of those “aqua-terra” creatures escaped into the tributaries flowing from storm sewers of the Dawson Forest installation and eventually traveled into Lake Lanier. Better yet they may still inhabit the deep crevices to this day.

Storytellers around the campfire tell of huge cows disappearing while wading into the water’s edge; giant nests of twigs and whole tree trunks built in some upstream coves; giant waves created in some parts of the lake, with odd creatures spawning and whole species of fish wiped out or scared to swim in parts of the lake; loch ness; and reports of boats attacked in the dead of the night by “beavers” gnawing through rubber engine baffles or hulls. Part low mud-dwelling catfish, part sharp-toothed, paddle-tailed, land-wheeling gopher, but could simply be called a beaver-shark.

So next time you sit on Lake Lanier’s shoreline and you see that random ripple, and perhaps a hint of a fin cracking the water, study it carefully. Is it the largest widemouth bass you have ever seen? Could it be a school of giant catfish spawning in the beaten sun or is it … couldn’t it really be ... something else?

Norton’s Believe it or NOT! The lake may NEVER look the same.

Frank Norton is a seventh generation north Georgian, CEO of the region’s 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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Remodeling

Life

Deb Bailey finally gets her dream home on Lanier

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Story by Savannah King Photos by Erin O. Smith

W

Deb Bailey sits in her remodeled lake home in Gainesville. Bailey has wanted a home on the lake since she was a child.

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hen Deb Bailey walked through her current home on Lake Lanier for the first time nearly three years ago, she had

one question.

“What am I doing?”

Having just wrapped up renovations on a house only one mile down the road, the idea of starting again on another house made her a bit hesitant. “(The house) had been for sale for a while, on and off for several years,” Bailey explained.

“And it had been empty for a while. And it was on the lake so it required a tremendous amount of hard work.”

The home was built in the early ’80s and three decades of waterfront wear and tear had taken its toll on the windows, doors, floors and decks of the three-bedroom, four-bath house.

But Bailey was determined to live on the water again and knew she couldn’t pass up on the opportunity. Indeed, it had been a goal of hers since childhood.

“I grew up on Browns Bridge Road as a child. Our family was very rich in a whole lot of things, just not money,” Bailey said, smiling. “I grew up on a dirt road that went to the lake. As a child I would walk on the old road to the lake.

We went every day. It was just what we did. It was free.”

During her childhood and teenage years, Bailey earned money by working in the yards and cleaning lake houses on the weekend.

One of the women she worked for, Falma Fonville, inspired her her desire.

“This would have been in the ’60s. She was the first female vice president in Atlanta and she became my mentor,” Bailey said. “So every weekend I spent with her, learning that this is what beautiful things look like and to work hard and apply yourself. I thought one day — as children do to dream — I thought ‘I’m gonna do this.’ She was the one to say ‘Yes, you can.’”

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Bailey, who works as a lobbyist for the North Georgia Medical Center, was confident she could handle anything the renovations of that house threw at her. Though she admits, she may not have had the confidence if she hadn’t renovated once before.

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“Remodeling is all about attitude,” Bailey said.

A few problems inevitably arose during the process, but Bailey said she’s learned it’s a process made easier by going with the flow.

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Deb Bailey’s living room is beautifully furnished with a style she admired as a child cleaning other lake homes.

Bailey had a few goals in mind for her new forever home: she wanted to be able to see the water from every room, to fill it with beautiful things and for it to feel inviting. destinationlanier.com

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“

“

“I work very hard and when I come home, I value beauty, so I wanted to create an environment that I thought was beautiful so it fed me.”

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Deb Bailey shows off the garden tub in her newly remodeled home on Lake Lanier. The tub sits under a specially made stained glass skylight. Opposite page: The house has plenty of outdoor living space with two large decks. Detailed iron railing was used to replace thick wooden railings and preserve the view of the water. The master bedroom is furnished with antiques and decorated with artwork done by Bailey herself.

The main floor opens into the living room where large windows immediately provide a stunning view of the lake.

Antique furniture with ornate detailing tie the foyer, living room and the dining room together.

Colorful artwork hang on the walls around the formal table in the dining room.

About 75 percent of the artwork hanging inside the house are pieces created by Bailey herself. The other pieces are created by local artists.

One piece she recently created, is of a bicycle she noticed while on vacation. The large painting is hung in the master

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bathroom. The bathroom also has a hand-painted mural of a cherry tree and stained-glass covered skylights.

Several pieces of artwork decorate the kitchen and breakfast nook- Bailey’s favorite room.

The kitchen features a wood panel ceiling, fireplaces and a beautiful view of the lake.

The cabinets were repainted and stained during the remodel. The bottom cabinets were stained a deep brown while the tops were painted off-white and given a crackling effect.

A small hallway leads away from the kitchen and to a

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quaint, private courtyard.

“This was closed in before,” Bailey said. “It was all walls, they had a washer and dryer here. So I literally took the top off, took the walls off and made myself a little courtyard.”

The house has plenty of outdoor living space with two large decks.

Detailed iron railing was used to replace thick wooden railings and preserve the view of the water. A large swing made for Bailey by her brother hangs from the bottom deck.

Bailey describes her house and style as “eclectic.”

“I work very hard and when I come home, I value beauty, so I wanted to create an environment that I thought was beautiful so it fed me,” Bailey said.

Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light around the dining table and offers a stunning view of the lake..

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The outside of Bailey’s house was remodeled and landscaped to give it a more updated look. The home was built in the early ’80s and three decades of waterfront wear and tear had taken its toll on the windows, doors, floors and decks of the three-bedroom, four-bath house.

While the process to build her dream house wasn’t without a few hiccups and surprises, Bailey said she’s proud of where she lives now and can’t imagine moving.

She said she would encourage other women who want to

take on a similar challenge to go for it.

“Don’t be afraid to remodel,” Bailey said. “Don’t be afraid to try to build what you want. Surround yourself with beauty. It just helps you get through life.”

Dog Days of summer: Solved

Local company keeps pets afloat on the lake — or pool — with loungers Story by Pamela A. Keene In the dog days of summer, it’s great to have a float, especially if you’re a dog. And you can thank four Lake Lanier residents for coming up with a way for pooches to spend a safe day on the water, just like humans.

Friends Josette Fleszar, Ginger Ackerman and Bill and Julie Graves put their heads together to develop Lazy Dog Loungers.

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Photos courtesy Lazy Dog Loungers

“We all love to take our dogs on the lake and human floats were unstable, easily punctured and otherwise just not quite right, so it was clear that we needed to come up with something beyond life jackets,” says Ackerman. “Lazy Dog Loungers are semi-submersible, puncture resistant and made from UV-rated materials that are very durable.”

The secret, Fleszar says, is the use of

floating rod technology to help it maintain its shape and a buoyancy. Made from mesh and canvas, the raft-like float has a corner loop for attaching it to a stationary boat, a dock, a kayak or a human’s raft.

“Our dogs have been on the lake since they were puppies, and they go everywhere with us. They just love being on the lake.”

It started in 2015 with Fleszar and

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Ackerman’s golden retriever whose natural tendency is to get in the water. They partnered with their lake neighbors Julie and Bill, who came up with a dog-friendly design in three sizes -- for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, those weighing between 25 and 50 pounds and those heavier than 50 and up to 120 pounds. They’re rectangular with a large center area so the dog can sit or lie down inside the float-rod sides.

The four of them tested the product with all of their five dogs: Sebastian, Stetson the cocker spaniel, Savannah the yorkie and the Graves’ two Australian shepherds, Sugar and Shelby.

Then the introduced the concept to neighbors, friends and family before creating their manufacturing and distribution plan in 2015. They also took them to the Atlanta Boat Show earlier this year. Each of them is responsible for particular parts of the company: Fleszar and Ackerman handle sales, marketing, communications and legal issues; the Graves, with Julie as product designer, handle all aspects of manufacturing.

The products are made in the United States.

“If your dog likes the water, this is a perfect float for him,” Ackerman says. “It only takes a couple of minutes to teach him how to get on and off the float, then he’s all set to be able to float on the lake and stay cool at the same time. “And even if your dog is on a Lazy Dog Lounger, we strongly recom-

mend that he wear a life jacket, too, to be safe anytime he’s around the water.”

Some people purchase Lazy Dog Loungers to use as pet beds, because they’re easy to hose off and keep clean.

Lazy Dog Loungers are sold in pet and marine-related stores across Georgia and Alabama, as well as through their website at lazydogloungers.com.

“Our goal is to expand the business,” Fleszar says. “And, if we can get on Shark Tank, that would be a grand-slam home run.”

“Our dogs have been on the lake since they were puppies, and they go everywhere with us. They just love being on the lake.” destinationlanier.com

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Two Mile Creek Park reopens with renovations A popular Lake Lanier park operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reopened in northeastern Forsyth County.

Two Mile Creek Park, which totals some 30 acres, closed for improvements in mid-December.

Located off Bethel Road, it now features a 30-space boat trailer parking area, restroom and 32 picnic sites.

Also included are a 0.4 mile nature trail, about 0.75 miles of paved trails and a manned entry station. A designated beach will 28 Summer | 2016

be developed when the buoy lines are installed.

According to the corps, the major function of the park has not changed, but has been enhanced to provide universal access from all the parking areas to the paved trails, picnic sites, boat ramp area and courtesy dock.

The park allows users to walk their pets, and has reportedly been designed with sustainability in mind.

A day use fee of $5 per vehicle is required to enter, however users are encouraged to buy an annual pass for $40.

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Closed since December 2015, Two Mile Creek Park in Forsyth County has recently opened again after several renovations.

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LLA working hard to make the lake a safer place to play We are geared up for the summer season 2016 and the lake looks great.

Lots of activity from the Lake Lanier Association and our army of volunteers.

Solar lights on the hazard markers continue to be a big focus for us.

Over 200 markers are lit right now, with more planning to be installed in the next several months. Most of our installation work south of Browns Bridge is complete.

We are now focusing our efforts on expanding the program north of Browns Bridge.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently issued a proclamation during Water Safety Month of May 2016 recognizing the efforts of the Lake Lanier Association in working with the boating community on lighting the hazard markers and our other boating safety initiatives. It was a tremendous honor to be recognition by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners in this manner!

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Also going strong is the Abandoned and Derelict Dock and Vessel program.

We pulled a sunken, abandoned pontoon boat recently after it had been in the water for several years.

Now that it has been pulled, we are working with DNR and local law enforcement to try and identify the owner and hold them accountable for their property being left in the lake.

We have been in discussions with the DNR and the county governments around the lake and are planning a collaborative effort in removing at least two of the larger vessels around the lake that are problematic.

Look for more details from us soon on our progress with those larger vessels.

More long-term strategic in nature, we are in discussions with the marinas and our state legislators about finding ways for us, as a community, to prevent these problems from becoming so advanced.

Ideally, the property owner needs to

be addressing these issues long before the vessel becomes an abandonment or sinking threat.

On docks, we are working with the Corps of Engineers to continue to identify problem docks and work with the property owners to resolve those issues.

While the docks may not have the same level of threat to water quality as the vessels with their gas, chemicals and oil, the docks are still unsightly and present a navigation hazard if part of the dock break off and float out.

A big thank you goes out to all the Lake Lanier Association members that have called, emailed, and done so much research helping to identify these issues.

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.

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Rio on the Water: Time for a party — and a look back Story by Pamela A. Keene The eyes of the world will be turned to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the opening ceremonies for the XXXI Olympiad on Aug. 5.

And again, local attention will be focused on Gainesville and Hall County’s Olympic legacy: Lake Lanier Olympic Park. That’s when a special group of 32 Summer | 2016

Photos from The Times archive

visionaries turn Lake Lanier Olympic Park into a festive carnival and transport guests to Rio on the Water: Renewal of the Olympic Spirit in celebration of the 20-year legacy of Lake Lanier’s role in the 1996 Summer Games. The event takes place from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5.

“Our goal is to replicate what it would

be like to be in Brazil for the opening ceremonies,” says Mimi Collins, chair of the Gainesville Hall 96 board of directors, which manages the park. “We are planning to celebrate the volunteers from 20 years ago and to continue to renew and support the future of the park and venue.”

The honorary chairs for the event – LAKE Destination

Lanier

Jim Mathis, Steve Gilliam and Mary Hart Wilheit – were instrumental in bringing the Olympics to Gainesville and Hall county 20 years ago.

“They have provided the leadership and support over the past 20 years to keep the Olympic vision alive,” Collins says. “They’ve also been invaluable in the transition of management of the park from the city of Gainesville and Hall County to Gainesville Hall ’96.”

Event tri-chairs Hart Payne, Dixie Truelove and Addie Wilheit have created a Brazilian Carnival of Entertainment, filled with drummers, music by the Atlanta Show Stoppers 12-piece band, Samba by Dance Brazil and live streaming of the Rio opening ceremonies. The parade of honor will salute the many volunteers who helped bring the Olympics to Lake Lanier and those who also worked during the historic games.

destinationlanier.com

Summer | 2016 33

Food with a Brazilian flair will be prepared by Chef Kern Chiasson, Louisiana-born and Southern-raised executive chef who is sought-after throughout the state. Wine bars and craft beers offered by Gainesville’s Tap It provide festive beverages.

Rio on the Water caps off a strong spring and summer of activity at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. The U.S. and Canadian Team canoe/kayak sprint trials brought hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators to Lanier in April and May. During May, the 2016 Pan American Championships

34 Summer | 2016

hosted athletes from 13 countries; more than 300 community volunteers assisted. Just afterward, more than 1,600 competitors, coaches and staff, plus more than 3,000 spectators showed up for the American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championship.

“This is a good time for Lake Lanier Olympic Park with all of the activities that are going on,” Collins says. “With so many events going on we’re really building momentum in the community to further ensure its success. We want to reinvest in the park for everyone because it is an invaluable asset.”

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Going to Rio on the Water When: 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 5 Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Park Events: Parade of Honor, Brazilian Carnival of Entertainment with special guests Atlanta Show Stoppers, food prepared

by Chef Kern, Wine Bars, Craft Beer by Tap It. More info: www.LakeLanier OlympicVenue.org

destinationlanier.com

Summer | 2016 35

Scouting out a better dock Inspired by a wounded veteran, Girl Scout plans more access at Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club Story by Kristen Oliver Sixteen-year-old Haley Cobb watched as a wounded veteran struggled to sit in a kayak.

The small boat rocked precariously back and forth, while Haley and her parents Chad and Lori Cobb tried to help.

The teenager did the only thing she could think of — she jumped in the waters at the Lake Lanier Canoe Kayak Club to hold the kayak steady.

“After we got him in there, I looked at my parents and said, ‘There has got to be a better way to do this,’” she said.

Haley, a rising senior at Johnson High School and a Girl Scout since kindergarten, decided to take on the problem as her Girl Scout Gold Award project.

36 Summer | 2016

Photos by Scott Rogers

THE PROJECT “That night, my dad and I sat down and started thinking and talking about it,” Haley said. “We got out a piece of paper and started drawing some stuff up. That’s when I realized I wanted to do it for my Gold Award.

Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. Scouts have to complete 90 hours of work on their own, show leadership skills and exhibit the ability to complete a project that benefits the community. It is equivalent to the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Scout honor.

Once Haley and her father had a rough design in mind, they began working with the Lake Lanier Olympic Park

and a marine contractor in Gainesville on the project.

“We’ve worked with (venue manager) Morgan House and Boat Dock Works on the design and prices,” said Chad Cobb, Haley’s father. “That was about a year ago, and she’s been raising money since.”

Haley and her family have been involved with the club since the fall of 2010, when Haley started paddling. Soon after, her father started coaching, and the Cobb family has been a part of the club since.

“I’ve been here a long time,” she said.

“And I’ve helped my dad coach the past two seasons.”

Because the canoe and kayak club is a nonprofit, donations to Haley’s project are tax-deductible, her father said. Boat Dock Works gave Haley a $5,000 estimate to build three of these docks, designed by her, which would be ADA-accessible for canoes and kayaks.

“They absolutely loved it,” she said.

“They thought it was a great idea.”

Haley said construction of the docks would begin as soon as funds become available. Donations can be made at https://www.paypal.me/HaleyCobb.

Her hope is to have it done by Christmas, so they would be completely useable come spring.

“We will help anybody that needs help to get down here,” Chad Cobb said.

“These docks will connect outward, and a canoe or kayak will be able to fit between the docks. A stainless steel bar will extend LAKE Destination

Lanier

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for people to lower themselves into it, and we’ll have some step-down stools.”

THE PURPOSE Haley said it was through coaching that her family connected with Chris Jones, a veteran from her father’s hometown.

“We had this veteran from Hartwell, my hometown, who wanted to get on the water,” Chad Cobb said. “He had very little use of his legs, but we told him to come out and we’d do our best to get him on the water. All three of us — my wife, Haley and myself — were holding the kayak, but it would still tip every time he would go to sit down in the boat.

“Once we got him in there, he was out for two hours.”

Chad Cobb said the club recently received a Veterans Affairs grant for boats and a program specifically for wounded veterans.

“So these will absolutely be utilized greatly,” he said.

“We’ve just got to get the money to get them built.”

Chad Cobb added paddling can be “a very therapeutic thing,” and Haley said seeing Jones paddling on his own was her motivation.

“If it was your son or daughter that was injured in some way, wouldn’t you want them to have some way to express their freedom and have the ability to do stuff on their own?” she said. “When you are injured, much of your independence is taken away and you can’t do stuff on your own anymore.

With these docks, they will be able to get in a kayak on their own with little to no assistance.

“Being out here on the lake, by yourself paddling, it gives you such a sense of freedom.”

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Summer | 2016 37

What if…and what if I don’t…?

Recently, I was thinking about the start of boating season in Georgia and my mind wandered into the “what ifs.” What ifs can be positive or negative and they can be applied to almost any situation like, “What if I had waited an extra hour after eating that triple cheeseburger, fries and a shake before water skiing?”

Or “What if I had put my sunscreen on a little earlier?”

I believe I can safely say that the answer to both questions is that life would have been more enjoyable had I used more common sense.

The problem with “what ifs” is that most of us only apply them to situations in the past and most of those applications are regarding a less than stellar decision we made. And, the problem with the past is that you can’t change it.

The consequences of being on the wrong side of what ifs in the questions above are, for the most part, a matter of discomfort.

However, the consequences of some decisions can be dangerous and even deadly, especially on the boat or around the water.

Georgia DNR Rangers on Lake Lanier, and on numerous bodies of water across the state, often hear the what ifs of a devastated parent, “What if I had just made him wear his life jacket?” and of the young college student on the way to jail, “What if I had gotten a designated operator instead of driving my boat drunk?”

These are tragic situations and unfortunately these what ifs are asked every day in Georgia and across the nation.

There is good news, though. If we will get in the habit of asking the what ifs before heading to the lake, then the what ifs become a part of good safety planning.

In order to think ahead of the possible dangers that could ruin our Saturday at the lake, we may need to add the words “I don’t” after the what ifs.

“What if I don’t” make sure we have enough easily-accessible life jackets in the boat for all of my passengers?” Or “What if I don’t” follow the 100-foot rule and pass too close to people, land, docks or anything else at full throttle?” And “What if I don’t” keep a properly charged fire extinguisher in my boat?”

These questions show forethought and result in good planning.

38 Summer | 2016

They help us to identify potential hazards and allow us the opportunity to positively affect the safety of ourselves, our friends and our families before something tragic happens.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of thinking before you act. Most of the incidents our Rangers respond to are because someone didn’t ask the what ifs before getting to the lake, so they are left asking them with regret and sadness at the end of the day.

You may now be thinking that it would be nice to have a list of what if and what if I don’t questions. Well, you’re in luck. Here are several what if questions to help you get your own list started. And yes, you do need to add some what if questions to this list, questions that fit your circumstances at the lake. n What if I operate my boat or PWC while impaired? n What if I don’t make sure that kids under 13 are wearing their life jackets while on my vessel? n What if my boat catches fire and I don’t have a properly charged fire extinguisher aboard? n What if I don’t have my navigation lights on after official sunset? n What if my child, who was born after Jan. 1, 1998, hasn’t taken the mandatory boater education course? n What if I jump the wake right behind a boat or buzz a dock (within 100 feet) on my jet ski? n What if I don’t know or understand the boating laws and regulations in Georgia?

Those questions should get you started and if you don’t know the correct answers, I would advise that you visit the website below and do a little research.

The Rangers want nothing more than for everyone to enjoy a fun and safe day on the water, and asking the right what if questions at the right time can greatly increase your chances of making that happen.

I don’t have enough space in this column to discuss the phrases “Hey, I dare ya to try this!” or “Betcha can’t do that!” But I can give you the proper answer: “What if I don’t!”

For more on these topics and more, visit the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement web site: http://www.gadnrle.org/ and visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gadnrle?ref=hl.

About the author Mark McKinnon is the public affairs officer for the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division.

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Paddle on!

LCKC makes learning to kayak easy Story by Jennifer Linn

The recent Pan American Championships brought the excitement of canoe and kayak racing to Gainesville. Several athletes who train with the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club competed, but the club — and other groups in the area — offer more recreational activities throughout the year.

One of those opportunities is an adult Learn to Kayak course through Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club.

“A lot of what we do at the club is focused on racing, and certainly that’s our core, but we want to expand,” said David Haack, who will teach the Learn to Kayak course next week.

The six-hour course covers basic paddling skills, water safety and exposure to different kinds of boats. Students will 40 Summer | 2016

learn about recreational kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards.

“For those who are a little more adventurous, we have some trainer boats,” he said.

Trainer boats are entry-level sprint boats. They have a rudder the paddlers control with their feet, Haack said.

Haack did not get involved in paddling himself until his children started the sport.

After bringing them to practice so often, he decided to give it a try. He then joined the Masters program at the club.

Since then, he served as president of the LCKC in 2013 and a beginner racing league youth coach.

Lee Cole took the Learn to Kayak class about five years ago and is an avid

paddler now. He said he wanted to get into leisure kayaking and came across the program at LCKC. “It was more fun and kind of an escape from work and day-to-day life because you cannot think about anything else while you’re kayaking,” he said.

Cole encourages anyone on the fence about taking the class to give it shot.

“I’ve loved it enough that for five years I drive an hour each way,” the Cumming resident said.

The LCKC is not the only group willing to teach North Georgia residents about kayaking. The Lake Lanier Association offered a free Kayaking 101 class to members who have kayaks and would like some help learning to stay safe on the water.

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Learn to kayak Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club Learn to Kayak course When: 6-7:30 p.m. July 19 and 21; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 13 and 20 Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville Cost: $90 per session More info: 770-287-7888 or www.lckc.org The class was taught by an ACA certified instructor June 7, at Mary Alice Park, 1820 Mary Alice Park Road, in Cumming.

Haack said the Learn to Kayak course is a good way to learn some basics before

destinationlanier.com

people get on the water on their own and it’s a good introduction to LCKC. If participants of the LCKC Learn to Kayak course want to continue paddling afterward, the Masters program is an option. The Masters program is focused on sprint racing. It’s open to paddlers age 25 and older.

“These people are the ones that like to go faster, try tippier boats so it’s definitely a different boat than the rec boat,” Haack said. “It’s for people who like the speed and the feel of going fast.”

The Masters program practices several times a week year-round and has opportunities to compete.

After taking the Learn to Kayak class, Cole fell in love with sprint kayaking and

signed up for the Masters program.

“The Masters program ... you can just have fun with it or you can be competitive,” he said. “Dave (Haack) and I tended to be a little more competitive, especially with each other.”

Rec memberships are also available at the LCKC, which allow members use of recreational boats, paddles and life jackets during open hours, moonlight paddles led by professional coaches at no additional cost and discounts on summer day camps.

“It’s never too late to get started,” Haack said of paddling. “(The Learn to Kayak course) is a good opportunity to get out there, to come enjoy the lake in a healthy environment and to get a little exercise.”

Summer | 2016 41

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

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

Swimming Areas

Campgrounds 1 2 3 4

Old Federal Duckett Mill Toto Creek Bald Ridge

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

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

5 Sawnee 6 Bolding Mill 7 Van Pugh South

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

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 or no prop boats

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Two blasts left.

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.

Bowen Center for the Arts 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. New shows monthly. Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. Free. 706-216-2787, info@dawsonarts.org.

Lake Lanier Rowing Club classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Clarks Bridge Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. $100. www.lakelanierrowing.org, llrc@ mindspring.com, 770-287-0077, 770-5407144.

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

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.

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.

44 Summer | 2016

The Pilot Club 5:45 p.m. every fourth Thursday. Elk’s Club, 1547 Riverside Drive, Gainesville. 770532-2528, jlc814@yahoo.com.

The Georgia Art League Noon, third Thursday each month. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Georgiaartleague.org.

Friday sketch Club 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. first Friday of the month. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $20.

770-536-2575, info@qvac.org, www. quinlanartscenter.org.

Joints in Motion class, Braselton.

9:30, 11:30 and 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, 1400 River Place, Braselton. Free. www.nghs.com/braseltonevents.

“Savoring the Square” culinary walking tour, Dahlonega. 19 E. Main St., Dahlonega. $45 per person. 706-482-8795.

Dahlonegawalkingtours@gmail.com or www.savoringthesquare.com.

Healing Strong meetings, Gainesville.

6 p.m. First Tuesdays of the month.

Natural Juice Cafe, 2480 Limestone Parkway, Gainesville. Free. 404-918-9551. holcomb4@bellsouth.net.

July Through July 29 “The Art of Illustration” summer art camp, Gainesville. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St., Gainesville. $125-$100 for weekly camps. www.quinlanartscenter.org/summer-artcamp. 770-536-2575.

July 14-16 Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, Lanier Partners of North Georgia, lanierpartners. org July 15-23 Georgia Mountain Fair, , Hiawassee. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

July 16-17 Butternut Creek Festival, , Blairsville. www. butternutcreekfestival.com July 16.

Indigo Girls, Gainesville. 7 p.m. gates open, 8 p.m. show. Atlanta Botanical Garden, A Smithgall Woodland Legacy, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville. $8-$5. www.atlantabg. org/visit/Gainesville. 404-888-4760.

July 21 Skin Health class, Braselton. 6:30 p.m.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, 1400 River Place, Braselton. Free. www.nghs.com/braselton-events.

July 22 The Highwaymen: “A Musical Tribute,” Gainesville. 8 p.m. The Arts Council, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $28-$275. 770534-2787. www.theartscouncil.net.

July 30 John Jarrard Foundation Summer Songwriters Show, Brenau University, Gainesville. www.johnjarrardfoundation. com July 11-25 Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga, Gainesville.

9-11 a.m. Mondays. Holly Park, 2603 Old Thompson Bridge Road NW, Gainesville. $60-$45. www.gainesville.org. 770-5312680.

July 12-23 Learn-to-Row program, Gainesville.

Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m., Aug. 9-20. Lake Lanier Rowing club, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. Ages 14 and older. $100. 770-287-0077. www. lakelanierrowing.org.

July 16, 19, 30 Tomato sandwiches day, Gainesville. 8 a.m. July 16 and 30 and 2:30-6:30 p.m. July 19. Hall County Farmers Market, 734 E. Crescent Drive, Gainesville. Free tomato sandwiches and grilled corn. 770-8687455. www.hallcountyfarmersmarket.org.

July 22 and 29 Paddle the ‘Hooch series, Gainesville.

Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville. $15 per person, $25 with rental, plus $5 parking. 678-4507726. www.gastateparks.org/doncarter.

LAKE Destination

Lanier

July 22-Aug. 7 “Shrek the Musical,” Dahlonega. July 22-24, 29-31 and Aug. 5-7. The Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $12-$19.99. 706864-3759. www.hollytheater.com.

July 22-23 “Auntie Q and Her Wayward Girls,” Sautee Nacoochee. 8:30 p.m. Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee Nacoochee. $15. 706-878-3300. www. snca.org.

July 23 Amish apple pie day, Gainesville. 8 a.m.

Hall County Farmers Market, 734 E. Crescent Drive, Gainesville. 770-868-7455. www.hallcountyfarmersmarket.org.

July 29 Swing for the Hills golf tournament, Cleveland. 8 a.m. check-in, 9 a.m. shotgun start. Mossy Creek Golf Course, 7883 Ga. 254, Cleveland. $85 per player. 706-8655356. www.whitecountychamber.org.

July 23 ADA Memorial 5K and 10K, Gainesville.

7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Spring St., downtown Gainesville. $25-$30. 770-534-9050. www. adamemorial.org/details.html July 23 Discounted yoga classes, Clarkesville.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 23 and Aug. 27. Antahsara Yoga, 140 La Prade St., Clarkesville. $8 per class. 706-754-8899. www.antahsara.org.

July 25-29 Eco-Kids camp: “Caring for the Winged Ones,” Helen. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Smithgall Woods State Park Visitors Center, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. For ages 6-14. $95$100, includes all materials, snacks and parking fee. Limit 12. www.gastateparks. org/smithgallwoods or 706-878-3087.

July 25-27 Junior zookeeper day camp, Cleveland. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Georgia Zoo, 2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland. Half-day camp, $50. Full-day camp, $85. www.northgeorgiazoo.com.

706-348-7279.

July 26 Salad day, Gainesville. 3 p.m. Hall County Farmers Market, 734 E. Crescent Drive, destinationlanier.com

Gainesville. Free salad with flatbread. 770868-7455. www.hallcountyfarmersmarket. org.

July 30 John Jarrard Foundation Summer Songwriters Show, Brenau University, Gainesville. www.johnjarrardfoundation. com July 30 The Shine Pedalers Metric bike ride, Dawsonville. 7:30 a.m. Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, 415 Ga. 53 E, Dawsonville. $35-$45. 706-265-6278. shinepedalers@ dawson.org.

August Through Aug. 13 Summer exhibitions, Gainesville. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Free. Featuring The Southern Appalachian Artist Guild, Artists Tonya Haswell, Alex Sridej, Mary Frances Hull, Clay Sayre and Denise Schnaubelt. Free.

770-536-2575. www.qvac.org.

Aug.1-22 Senior line dance, Gainesville. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays. Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $20-$15, or $7 for drop-ins. www.gainesville.org. 770531-2680.

Aug. 5 Rio on the Water Olympics celebration, Gainesville. 7 p.m. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. $100 per person. 770-535-0397. www. lakelanierolympicvenue.org.

Aug. 5 First Friday with Fly Betty Band, Gainesville. 8-10 p.m. Downtown Gainesville square. www.facebook.com/ Historic.Downtown.Gainesville.

Aug. 6 American Street Rodders car show, Hoschton City Square, www. americanstreetrodders.net Aug. 6 Touch-A-Truck, Gainesville.10 a.m. to 1 p.m. City Park Stadium parking lot, 525

Prior St, Gainesville. Free. 770-531-2680.

Aug. 6 Grains of Sand, Gainesville. 8 p.m. The Arts Council, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $20-$250. 770-534-2787. www. theartscouncil.net.

Aug. 9 Wellness in the Kitchen: Lighter Summer Sweets, Braselton. 6:30 p.m. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, 1400 River Place, Braselton. Free. www.nghs. com/braselton-events.

Aug. 13 Loretta Lynn, Gainesville. 7 p.m. gates open, 8 p.m. show. Atlanta Botanical Garden, A Smithgall Woodland Legacy, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville. $8-$5. www.atlantabg.org/visit/Gainesville. 404888-4760.

Aug. 18 Spine Care class, Braselton. 6:30 p.m.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, 1400 River Place, Braselton.

Free. www.nghs.com/braselton-events.

Aug. 20 “Gold Fever” program, Helen. 9 a.m. to noon. Smithgall Woods State Park Visitors Center, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. $5. www. gastateparks.org/smithgallwoods or 706878-3087.

Aug. 20 Back in Time, Gainesville. 8 p.m. The Arts Council, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $18-$210. 770-534-2787. www. theartscouncil.net.

Aug. 25 Mac Stewart exhibit, Demorest. Exhibit through Aug. 26. Artist reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 25. Piedmont College MasonScharfenstein Museum of Art, 567 Georgia St., Demorest. Free. 706-894-4201.

Aug. 18-21 Destination Helen Motorcycle Rally, Helen Riverside Park. www.facebook.com/ gotohelenga/timeline Aug. 20 Braselton Centennial Celebration, Town Green, www.downtownbraselton.com and www.facebook.com/BuyLocalBraselton Summer | 2016 45

Around Lanier

2016 Pan American Games May 18-21, 2016

Over four days, competitors from all over North, Central and South America gathered at Lake Lanier Olympic Park to compete for a spot in the upcoming Rio Olympics. Volunteers helped Lake Lanier Olympic Park staff uphold ‘Hospitality Capital of the World’ moniker. The ceremonies included a parade of nations, performances by Brazilian dancers and music by Grammy winner Mike Farris.

46 Summer | 2016

LAKE Destination

Lanier

destinationlanier.com

Summer | 2016 47

Second annual John Jarrard Lake Show June 4, 2016

To kick off the best “summer party,� the John Jarrard Foundation entertained landlubbers, boaters and everyone in between with its second annual Lake Show, put together by the John Jarrard Foundation, an organization honoring the life of the popular songwriter who died in 2000 after a battle with Type 1 diabetes. Fans were treated to music from the Atlanta rock outfit Yacht Rock Revue; beer from the local Left Nut Brewery and food from a variety of regular Hall County food trucks.

48 Summer | 2016

LAKE Destination

Lanier

18th annual Rubber Duck Derby May 14, 2016

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County hosted its18th annual Rubber Duck Derby at Clarks Bridge Park in Gainesville.

This year up to 21,000 adopted rubber ducks were dumped from a barge into Lake Lanier. They then bobbed their way through the tenth-of-a-mile-long course as kayakers paddled around the outside of the course to add waves to the water. The winning duck brought home $10,000 for its adoptive parent, Janice Carder. Other prizes included a 1-karat diamond solitaire (valued at $5,000), Lanier Islands resort getaway, KipperToool Prize Pack, three one-day park hopper passes to Walt Disney World, a Yeti cooler, Chick-fil-A for a year for two, and four Adventure Tour passes and a one-night Teepee Stay.

destinationlanier.com

Summer | 2016 49

Inaugural North Georgia Battle of the Bands June 11, 2016 Four groups of Georgia musicians took the stage at Lake Lanier Island’s Sunset Cove on Saturday under the burning June sun and traded tuneful blows at the inaugural North Georgia Battle of the Bands. The champion was South of Heaven, which stole the day by winning $1,000 and a paid gig at Lanier Islands Sunset Cove in the 2017 season. The two-member acoustic group Local Honey was awarded the People’s Choice Award, picked through audience donations to Habitat for Humanity.

50 Summer | 2016

LAKE Destination

Lanier