HOME Living in North Georgia magazine

September | October 2015

Ed Spivia: How one man brought Hollywood to Georgia

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What’s Inside

Inside Every Issue 6 40 44

From the Editor

September | October 2015

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10

Business 8 Left Nut Brewery is nearly ready to open for business

in the old Chicopee Mill administration building, which has gotten a face lift in the process..

Calendar

10 Packing Pink shows women the ins

Around Town

On the Cover He started out in radio and journalism, but his lasting legacy is how he brought film studios and economic success to the state of Georgia. Lake Lanier resident Ed Spivia recounts the starting of the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade.

Page 16

and outs of firearms, from pistols to shotguns. Owner Anna Van Nostrand wants every woman to learn “how to hold her own.”

Charity 24

Recreation 26

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September | October 2015

My Sister’s Place offers a safe haven for women and children fleeing from domestic violence. But the center is always in need of basics and volunteers.

Football season is here and fans got HOME Living

In North Georgia

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to show their appreciation of the Atlanta Falcons during training camp. They also got a peek at new head coach, Dan Quinn.

28 If you’re looking for a place to celebrate this fall, look no

farther than the town of Braselton. This quaint place is jam packed with activities and festivals from now until next year!

Places 32

Venture north to Sautee and settle back in time at one of the state’s newest historical sites, Hardman Farm.

Fashion 36 Classic City Cotton is making waves in Athens as the

latest in men’s accessories with its new smart, savvy bow ties collection.

Get to Know 30

Georgia Author of the Year Jameson Gregg talks about his latest comic novel, “Luck Be A Chicken.”.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

38 Find out what’s hot for fall fashion from suede shorts to plaids and fringe!

September | October 2015

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From the Editor Editor/Designer Michelle Boaen Jameson Advertising Director Charlotte Atkins Advertising Sales Melisa Sizemore HOME Magazine, a division of: The Times Gainesville, GA A Morris Multimedia Inc. property 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 | 770-718-3421

www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Can you feel it yet?

Probably not. But it will be here before we know it. That cool autumn breeze, the smell of the football field and all the festivals we can shake a corndog at. As I write this, I am watching the leaves fall one-by-one from the apple tree in my yard. There are a few stray yellow apples dangling, but soon those, too, will fall.

In the meantime, we can all enjoy the last little bit of summer twilight. And there are still plenty of ’skeeters out to remind us of summer’s sting. But for this issue, we’re going ahead and gearing up for autumn with a story on the Atlanta Falcons fandom, the newest in fall fashion trends, and some pretty cool places to go see, like the town of Braselton and Hardman Farm.

Opening up this fall are a bevy of movies and television shows shot right here in Georgia. Our cover story focuses on the local visionary we have to thank for all of that, Ed Spivia. He has a lot of tales about his work with showbiz and he’s met more celebrities than most. But he remains humble about it all and is excited to see more Hollywood money flowing into state coffers.

We also take a look at several entrepreneurs who are taking a chance and following their passions of beer, guns and bow ties. Enjoy y’all!

M

J

ichelle ameson

Michelle Boaen Jameson editor@homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com 6

September | October 2015

HOME: Living in North Georgia 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 HOME: Living in North Georgia. 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.

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

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home business

Brewing up a buzz Old Chicopee Mill nearly ready for beer production Story by Frank Reddy Photos by Scott Rogers The main entrance of Left Nut Brewing Company is a gateway into the historic building’s past: the speckled gray of Georgia granite, the reddish brown of polished copper, the sturdy brickwork foundation. Architectural details that made it a showstopper back in 1927 are equally impressive today.

Not too long ago, it didn’t look so pretty.

“Four months ago, if you’d walked into this building you would have turned around

and run the other way,” says Pap Datta, owner of Left Nut Brewing Company at Chicopee Mill. “This place was all chopped up, there were no floors, it was rotten and everything was falling apart.”

It took a lot of scraping, sandblasting and “a little love” to unveil its luster, Datta says. The former Chicopee Mill administration building is 19,000 square feet, and as early as October much of that space could be filled with visitors eager to try unique craft beer brewed right here in Gainesville.

He says he hopes to provide an atmosphere of casual conversation inside the brewery.

“The name of our brewery is a little scandalous, a little edgy,” Datta says. “It promotes dialogue, and beer is about having conversation. Having fun with friends, so I think we’ll invite visitors in with that environment of openness and communication.”

Adds Datta: “Beer is conducive to that.”

Beer production is a process that begins with grain silos.

The Left Nut Brewing Company team of Jason Ford, bottom, Pap Datta, and Rick Foote, top.

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Left: Ford scrubs down support posts; Pap Datta checks a . tank; below, Rick Foote hooks up a hose in the soon-to-be-brewery.

“We’ll transport our grain to a mill room in the back corner, where we’ll grind the grains to their right consistency,” he says. “Then, it will come into our brewing system. We have a four-vessel brewing system that allows us to make very complex beers and high-gravity beers.”

From there, he adds, it goes to fermentation tanks.

“Once fermented, it goes to brite tanks, which allow us to fine tune the carbonation,” he says.

From there, folks can enjoy the microbrewery’s finest selections. The bar will be stationed beneath skylights — which were discovered during the renovation process.

“The ceiling was blasted to take off 50 or 60 years of white paint, exposing beautiful homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

beams, and we found these skylights we didn’t even know were there,” says business partner Ashesh Banerjea.

The administration building’s roots, much like that of the surrounding mill and community, date back some 90 years. Johnson & Johnson built the mill and 250 homes in 1926 for the manufacture of medical gauze and cheesecloth. The residences featured indoor plumbing, electricity and hot water — unheard of amenities at the time.

The plant was sold to S.I. Corp in 1994 and has since housed several other types of businesses inside the mill.

Former mill employee Fleming Weaver, who worked inside the administration building from 1969-1994, says he gets a kick out of the fact that his former workplace will soon be

a brewery.

“I could go have a beer in my old office,” he says, laughing.

Datta says he hopes to preserve much of the mill and community’s history with displays throughout the brewery that feature “the stories of the people who worked and lived here.”

Part of that has been discovering the building’s history, he says.

“Buried beneath all the grunge and the dirt and the endless layers of paint,” Datta says, gesturing toward the building, “we’ve discovered this beautiful lady.”

For more information, visit www.leftnut brewing.com.

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Shooting for success

Clermont resident sets out to teach women about guns with new business, Packing Pink Story by HOME staff

Anna Van Nostrand of Clermont believes that every woman should be able to hold her own, no matter the situation. This deep-seated belief was something that was instilled in her as a child and something from which her passion for her business, Packing Pink, was inspired.

Packing Pink revolves around developing educated, responsible gun owners by providing a supportive environment for women to learn pistol basics and gain confidence using firearms. The company teaches NRA Pistol Basic material, offering gun safety and educational classes for both in-home and out-of-home protection to women of all ability levels, from beginner to advanced.

HOME talked with Anna about Packing Pink: HM: When did you first take an interest in hunting and guns?

AN: It’s family tradition. My granny made the Toccoa paper for shooting the biggest buck at the ladies hunt in the early 1980s. She still believes her WIN 30-30 is the best gun made.

My dad always took me hunting. He kept turkey calls in the truck for us to practice with. I remember cleaning guns in the living room and eating boiled peanuts. He wanted to insure that gun safety became secondhand nature for me so I was involved in every aspect. Everyone in my family has a deer on their wall and photo book with tall tales to go with it. I wouldn’t want to raise my girls any other way.

Carrying on the traditions of deer camp and appreciating the little things in life has kept us all together. I thank the Lord that I have been able to create those same memories for my girls. We have four generations at times talking guns, arguing about who makes the best chili and reminiscing about the good ole days. For me, I’m living them now.

HM: How did you come up with the idea for turning your passion into a business?

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September | October 2015

AN: I was looking for a new career to replace my first love of residential construction during the down economy. One night I told my hubby I wished I loved my job as much as he loved his, and he simply said, “you can.” I knew how shooting made me feel like I could conquer the world, and how satisfying it is to provide food for your family.

My fondest memories are with my family eating deer chili and hearing how it was harvested. I knew that was the legacy I wanted for my girls, and I was just certain other women would agree — even if they didn’t know it right now. So I HOME Living

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prayed about it and before I knew it, Packing Pink was on paper. I remember exactly when God gave me this plan…I always will.

Since then, I have sold my horse and bought a gun dog.

Merci is a German Shorthaired Pointer from Wiley’s Ruff on Birds. She is in training now and will be ready this dove season. We are hoping to plan a ladies hunt to kick off Merci’s new career. Stay tuned. Hunting with a dog is a special experience. I definitely believe that women will take to combining shotgun fun with their favorite furry pet. The possibilities for women to enjoy the outdoors and firearms are endless. I hope to share many experiences with the ladies in our community. This December, Packing Pink has booked their first ladies deer hunt. I know it’s just the beginning of annual hunts for this crowd. Nothing like a girls weekend in the woods!

HM: Why women in particular?

AN: There is an empowering bond made between women as they conquer the world together. It is inspiring. I encourage my girls to achieve anything they could imagine. I suppose, in a way, God chose it for me. I just went along with it.

Never once have I second guessed it. I am honored that these women choose Packing Pink to overcome fears, create new

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Left: Anna Van Nostrand holds a shotgun.

The owner of Packing Pink, a gun and firearms instruction course for women, she also enjoys bow hunting, right.

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www.Dentistry4You.net September | October 2015

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skills for fun, and spend time together in a class or trip — it’s especially rewarding with mother/daughter teams. We focus on so much more than shooting a firearm. In some classes ladies meet new friends and get to experience achieving goals with the support of strangers. It’s something they never forget.

HM: How many women in the area participate in the classes?

AN: We tend to have an average of eight per class and I teach about three weekends a month.

HM: Do you think there is a gun phobia among women?

AN: I think there is a gun phobia among women. You just hit my soapbox. I see women over and over say they shoot all the time with their husbands or boyfriends, but they have no idea how to load, unload or handle firearms on their own.

When women are only taught how to pull a trigger, but not how to competently use a gun, it isn’t appropriately preparing them to “hold their own,” not to mention the fact that they still feel uncomfortable walking into a gun store or making a purchase. So women come to me, and we fix that.

I tell every single class that they can confidently walk into a gun store after our class and know what they are looking for.

Guns don’t have to be scary and they’re not just for men. Just ask Remington.

HM: What are the biggest misconceptions about guns that most women have?

AN: That they cannot do everything — from loading, shooting, cleaning, hunting — on their own. Packing Pink demonstrates every aspect of guns in a manner that can be duplicated. I had a class on a Saturday and they all got together the very next day and practiced together. That was a very rewarding moment for me. These women found a hobby that brought them together and they felt confident and that’s the business I want to be in — helping women hold their own.

Clockwise:Van Nostrand racks a small Glock. Even her jewelry reflects her passions.Van Nostrand stands in her office and classroom, designed with women in mind.Various guns used in class sit on a table.

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September | October 2015

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Clockwise: A Packing Pink hat hangs on the back of a chair in the classroom.Van Nostrand demonstrates a revolver. A book about Annie Oakley sits on her desk.Van Nostrand with her gun dog, Merci.

HM: What do you hope the future to be for Packing Pink?

AN: Wow. I hope more than I can imagine. I hope that ladies continue to find enjoyment in shooting and building self-confidence to Hold Their Own around firearms. I would love for our hunting division to keep growing. Hunting camp is the most fun anyone could ever experience and Packing Pink makes it so easy to pick up and go!

HM: Do you have a gunslinging heroine?

AN: Of course, Annie Oakley. She is a household name around here.

My oldest daughter named her first horse after her. I remember reading one of Annie Oakley’s quotes years ago, “I would like to see every woman know how to handle (firearms) as naturally as they know how to handle babies”.

I knew I had found the perfect quote. That sums it up for Packing Pink: Hold Your Own no matter what the circumstance. We love offering opportunities for ladies who have lost themselves in day-to-day living to be born all over again. Every student I have had leaves the range with a smile on her face and a newfound confidence — what a reward!

To learn more about Packing Pink or to sign up for a course, email anna@packing pink.com or call 770-532-8899.

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September | October 2015

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A man

of action Story by Savannah King Photos courtesy Spivia family

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How Hall’s Ed Spivia brought Hollywood to Georgia

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September | Ocober 2015

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home cover story

Ed Spivia laughed softly as he shared the stories behind the photos hanging on the walls of his Lake Lanier home.

Like most homes, Spivia’s has plenty of photos of children and grandchildren. But his also has entire walls dedicated to celebrities and Hollywood’s elite filmmakers, mementos from his days at the helm of the state’s tourism office.

Several photos show him sitting next to his good friend, actor Burt Reynolds.

“That one is of Ray Charles on the day they made ‘Georgia on My Mind’ the (state) song,” Spivia said, pointing to the black-and-white photo.

He motioned toward a photo higher up on the wall.

“That’s John Wayne up there. I was trying to convince him to make a movie here.”

Above: Ed Spivia in his Lake Lanier home.

Below: A young Spivia sits on a Firebird.

Opposite page: Books mentioning Spivia are stacked on a table next to a director’s chair.

“You have the airport which makes it easy for filmmakers to get on a plane in L.A. and step off in Georgia.”

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Spivia spent much of his career trying to convince filmmakers to come to Georgia. To him, it just made sense that they would want to come to the state.

“You have the airport which makes it easy for filmmakers to get on a plane in L.A. and step off in Georgia,” Spivia said with a cadence that suggested he’s practiced this line before. “We have a variety of topography; the big-city look of Atlanta, the old-world look of Savannah, the mountains up around Clayton. And we’ve developed a good crew base now. They can come to Georgia and get their crews and save money on flights.”

As the director of the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade from 1972 until 1983, and then as the chairman of Georgia Film, Video and Music Advisory Board from 2006 until 2012, Spivia is a

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

major reason the state has such a robust film industry.

Today, the state is leading the pack in terms of increased productions. Feature films and TV productions brought in more than $6 billion during fiscal year 2015.

That’s largely due to a tax incentive Spivia helped create.

Georgia offers filmmakers a 20 percent tax incentive, then an additional 10 percent in exchange for displaying the state’s logo, a peach, prominently in the film’s credits.

Spivia pointed to the corner of the room toward a director’s chair with the logo emblazoned on the black-cloth backing. He smiled and said other states just can’t compete with Georgia.

While financial incentives are a large piece of the state’s success, Southern hospitality also plays a role. The late Hal Needham,

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Above: Some of numerous articles about Spivia’s film involvement sit on a table. Right: Spivia with good friend Burt Reynolds. Opposite: Spivia with John Wayne and a clipping of him in his radio job. famed director and stuntman, wrote about the “kindness and support” he received from Spivia while filming in Georgia in the forward of the 1973-2013 ‘‘The Industry Yearbook.”

Needham recounted the experiences he had with Spivia and then Gov. George Busbee; Spivia waiting to personally pick him up at the airport and bending over backward for requests, and Busbee inviting crew members to dinner.

In a 2011 interview with the The Times, Needham recalled:“‘Smokey and the Bandit’ was my first film and we shot it all right here in Georgia. I picked it on the advice of Burt.

He’d shot ‘Deliverance’ down here and met Ed and they got along famously. He said Ed knew the country better than anybody.

Burt said, ‘Go down to Georgia and ask for Spivia.’”

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Among the Georgia scenes included in the 1977 hit was one filmed in White County near Helen.

“At that time in our history, Georgia had a pretty bad image nationally. It was a little red schoolhouse, Tobacco Road kind of image,” said Spivia in the 2011 interview.

“I think (Spivia) set the stage for what our office would become,” said Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office. “We

are much more service-oriented than some film offices, and I think that it stems from our former directors’ willingness to do anything to try to help a film project get what it needs.”

Spivia always had an interest in the entertainment industry. As a teen, he left his hometown of Murphy, N.C., and headed south to Atlanta to become a disc jockey.

“That was just something that felt natural,” Spivia said.”There was a disc jockey in Chicago and the only rock ‘n’ roll we could

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get in Murphy was at night, and it was on WLS Chicago and I wanted to be like him.”

After working at WGST in Atlanta as a disc jockey, Spivia wanted more so he moved into the station’s newsroom and began working as a reporter.

“After that I went to the industry and trade office to be the head of advertising. That worked out pretty good and that’s how I got to be in contact with the movie industry. They were doing the movie ‘Deliverance,’” Spivia said.

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In his career, Ed Spivia has met and befriended numerous actors — like Walter Matthau, Cecily Tyson and Chuck Norris — who have shot movies in Georgia.

All it took was seeing how much money the film production was bringing into the small North Georgia community for Spivia to take the reins and bring in more.

But even he was surprised to see how much it’s grown that afternoon in 1970.

“We didn't expect it to grow this way,” Spivia said. “We thought we’d get some films and people would spend some money in the state but we were also trying to get some exposure for Georgia as a tourism locale. Moviemakers are the ones who put the images out there. So we figured if we could get them in the state, that would be another place to promote it.”

When asked if there was a moment in his career that stands out among the others, he shook his head, shrugged and said it was all fun.

These days, Spivia watches the industry from the couch in his living room.

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“Just the other night, I was watching a movie and the first thing that popped up was a big Georgia peach,” Spivia said. “I look at it and I say ‘Wow, this is great.’ I’ve had a great time doing it. I got to see a lot of Georgia. I traveled around a lot meeting with the local people in the communities and the filmmakers if they shot there.”

Spivia said he likes to keep in contact with his connections both in the film industry and in the state office.

“But it’s somebody else's job to do now,” Spivia said.

Above: Ed Spivia with his wife, Barbara, in their Lake Lanier home.

Left: Photos and movie memorabilia fill the Spivia home.

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My Sister’s Place

Providing refuge to the community’s most vulnerable Story by HOME staff Photos courtesy My Sister’s Place Homelessness can happen to anyone.

You can report to work faithfully every day and take pride in paying your bills on time, but without a support system or savings, homelessness could be one emergency away.

Thankfully for women and children in need in northeast Georgia, there’s My Sister’s Place of Gainesville to help in times of crisis.

“People in all walks of life find themselves living from paycheck to paycheck. All it takes to upset the precarious balance of things is missing too many days of work because of an illness or having to decide between critical car repairs or paying rent,” says Brandee Thomas, managing director of My Sister’s Place, a homeless shelter for single women and mothers with children.

“There’s a common misconception that people are homeless because they’re lazy, strung out on drugs or because they are looking for hand-outs to carry them through life.

That may be true for some, but that is definitely the exception and not the rule for the women who come to us for help.

“They’ve fallen on hard times and coming to a homeless shelter is a last resort. No one wants to say they’re homeless. Making that sort of declaration carries a certain level of shame and embarrassment for many of our ladies.”

Those feelings are fueled largely by the stereotypes associated with homelessness, Thomas says. Knowing how homelessness is viewed and judged by the public at large, founder Marty Owens chose the name of the shelter strategically.

“If anyone is asked where they are staying, when they say the name My Sister’s Place, most people assume that they are living with a relative,” Thomas says.

“That helps eliminate some of the stigma associated with being homeless. It’s the little things like that that help our residents maintain their dignity while they are working to regain their independence.”

That’s a large part of the My Sis-

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy signs an autograph at a fundraiser for My Sister’s Place. Right: A cooking class takes place to help the nonprofit.

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September | October 2015

ter’s Place model: show residents God’s love, treat them with respect, offer resources to help them overcome the obstacles that lead to their homelessness and hopefully inspire them to pay it forward.

“No one can do everything, but we all can do something to help someone else. We have to remember that when we’re taking calls too.

We can’t help every single person, but we can do every single thing we can to make a difference in the lives of the women and children who make it into our program,” Thomas says.

“But the calls we receive on a daily basis will break your heart. These women are in distress but because of space limitations we have to tell them that we’re full and can’t help them immediately. You’d be hard-pressed to find a person whose heart-strings aren’t tugged on by having to deliver that news.

“In those instances, we take down their information so we can contact them when we do have a bed available, give referrals to potential resources and offer up a silent prayer for their well-being and for them to find the help they need sooner than later.”

If there is a bright spot in their daily struggle, it’s knowing that for every desperate call they take, there’s a woman who was once in that position, but who ultimately was able to find refuge at My Sister’s Place.

“So far this year, we’ve had to turn away about 150 potential residents because of a lack of beds. However, on the flip side of that, we’ve been able to be a haven for a fresh start for 50 women and children in need in 2015. We’ll probably serve at least 80 or 90 residents total this year,” HOME Living

In North Georgia

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Thomas says.

“I always say if there were 5 My Sister’s Places in Gainesville, we’d still need more.

Women come to us from neighboring counties and Metro Atlanta. There just aren’t enough resources out there for homeless women and children. Regardless, we are very thankful for the support of this community, which has allowed us to keep our doors open all these years.”

In its 15 year history, My Sister’s Place has never received any government funding or assistance. Board members and staff credit the greater Hall County community with being able to keep its doors open and allowing the shelter to remain debt-free. The group is counting on its annual dinner-dance on October 22 at the Chattahoochee Country Club in Gainesville to make a significant dent in its $110,000 budget for this year — currently donations are lagging behind operational expenses by about $20,000. The event costs $70 per person and will feature a live auction, music by Fowl Play and other entertainment provided

by Jean Hawkins and the Lanier Dance Club.

“Our entire budget relies solely on private donations,” says Judi Garofalo, My Sister’s Place Board of Directors chairman.

“We have truly been blessed over the years by the generosity of our community — churches, individuals and businesses alike.

Since our founder began this ministry in 2000, no building improvements nor additions or purchases have been made without the funds being provided first.

“Every time we enter the doors of My Sister’s Place, we give thanks to everyone who helped to make our dream home a reality — especially The Medical Center Foundation. In 2012, they raised more than $217,000 for us through their annual golf tournament, which allowed us to renovate our current facility.

Those funds were crucial in allowing us to move from our previous 850-square foot location, to our new 3,200-square-foot home.”

My Sister’s Place relocated to its current location at 2480 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Gainesville in the fall of 2013. Before the move, the program could only serve 7 residents at a time, today, the shelter can provide refuge for up to 18 women and children at a homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Georgia first lady Sandra Deal at a fundraiser for My Sister’s Place. Below: A check presentation in Gainesville to the nonprofit. once. In its first full year in the larger shelter, My Sister’s Place served 70 women and children — more than triple the guests they reached the previous year.

“The need for our services isn’t diminishing — and hasn’t diminished over the last 15 years,” Thomas says.

“With every year that passes, our goal is to be more effective in providing a fresh start to women and children in need.

“That’s one reason why we are currently raising funds to open a thrift store by summer 2016. The store would not only provide much needed funding for our shelter, but also work experience for our residents. Our goal is to build at least a $24,000 nest egg before we open the doors to the store because we don’t want the shelter operations to be compromised in any way — especially not because we had to tap into reserve funds to keep the store afloat until it begins to turn a profit.

“So far we’ve raised about $5,000. We have a long way to go, but we have the faith that we’ll get there.”

“I always say if there were 5 My Sister’s Places in Gainesville, we’d still need more.”

For more information about My Sister’s Place, please visit their website www.my-sis ters-place.org or call 770-532-5111. To stay up to date with their weekly happenings or current needs, like them on Facebook: www. facebook.com/MSPgainesville.

September | October 2015

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home recreation

No fan too big, or too small

Atlanta Falcons start the new season with fanfare Story by David Thackam Photos by Erin O. Smith To Flowery Branch resident Blake Wharton, heading to the Atlanta Falcons’ training camp was an educational process: How else was he going to help fiancee and football newbie Lauren Dugan learn the lingo?

The couple, who are due to be married in early October, joined more than a thousand eager Falcons fans at the opening day of training camp in Flowery Branch.

“She’s kind of new to it,” said Wharton, laughing. “But we’re coming out, and I’m getting her used to it for this fall.”

Wharton has attended camps for the past five or six years, and said he’s hoping to attend more games during the season.

Several fathers and sons also took the time off to learn how Atlanta should look in the 2015 season. Daniel Brownell, a Dalton native, took his son and two nephews along for a trip to training camp for the first time.

Brownell, a lifelong Falcons fan, said he was looking forward to his boys seeing the “true athleticism” of NFL players in their prime.

His 11-year-old nephew, Jacob Cowart, said he just wants the Falcons to win.

“I think it’s better, because they have a good head coach,” said Cowart of first-year head coach Dan Quinn, who joined Atlanta in February. “He’s from Seattle, and our defense is going to be a lot better.”

Dave Cox took his son Aaron to Flowery Branch from Mableton, and even bought Aaron a souvenir football from the on-site shop so that they could get autographs from Falcons players.

Sept. 15, 7:10 p.m.

Philadelphia vs. Atlanta at GA Dome Sept. 20, 1 p.m.

Atlanta vs. NY Giants at MetLife Stadium Sept. 27, 1 p.m.

Atlanta vs. Dallas at AT&T Stadium Oct. 4, 1 p.m.

Houston vs. Atlanta at GA Dome Oct. 11, 1 p.m.

Washington vs. Atlanta at GA Dome HOME Living

In North Georgia

home recreation

Cox, a Miami Dolphins fan, said he was hoping to get his son excited for football, so they could talk about it once the season kicks off.

“He’s here to learn some of the players’ names, so we can watch college and pro ball,” said Cox. “I’m a Miami fan, but he was born and raised here, so I’m happy to let him pick his favorite team.”

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home recreation

Get your fest on in Braselton

The 2014 Art in Park drew hundreds looking for fun and crafts.

South Hall city offers something for everyone Story by LeAnne Akin Photos by HOME staff Ready to get festive?

Then head to places like Braselton, Hoschton and other nearby communities which share an interest in antiques, arts and history.

Braselton is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the nation, and still growing according to Justin Crighton of the Northeast Georgia Regional Center. The city has no shortage of festivals to unite residents and attract visitors.

With tourism as its No. 1 industry and economic driver, Braselton established a visitors bureau authority to capitalize on its positioning as a prime destination.

Hollywood actress Kim Basinger’s past acquisition of much of the town fathers’ property holdings put Braselton on the international map and that moment in time as well as the historic path and visionary future will be celebrated during the town’s centennial festivities in 2016.

Chateau Elan is the major tourism attraction in the community but Mayfield Dairy Farms’ visitors center, YearOne car shows, Thompson Mill Arborteum and Road Atlanta, just outside the town limits, also bring in thousands of visitors to Braselton.

Another attraction for Braselton, located on Interstate 85, is festivals. When you think festivals in the Northeast Georgia area, Braselton must come to mind because of the popular Antique and Holiday Festival in the

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fall and the Antique and Gardening Festival in the spring. Those festivals began a dozen years ago when Nathan Cagle, a local antique auctioneer, suggested the local community do something like the Crabapple Festival, according to Robbie Bettis, a retired educator, artist, historic preservationist and local businesswomen. She is owner and operator of Braselton Antique Mall and Auction Ventures, located in adjacent city, Hoschton.

“The main goal was to get people to come to our small towns and learn about our antique shops,” says Bettis. “The success is proven by the number of times (24 total) and the number of people estimated to attend (20,000-plus) each time. We have also grown in the number of antique shops in both Hoschton and Braselton since beginning this event.” There are now eight shops in the area and more in the region.

The antique festivals have an enormous impact on downtown,” said Braselton town manager Jennifer Dees, “They expose people to downtown and we see a boost in hotel occupancy.” The hotel-motel tax generates funds for the visitors bureau authority. “The visitors bureau sees that the festivals’ impact on tourism is positive. That is why it is one of the sponsors.”

Festivals, whether the authority’s or private ones, require services, she acknowledges, but the returns of festivals are more

than financial. There are intangibles such as a sense of community which engages all citizens — longtime residents and newcomers — who seek to involve their families in the place they call home.

According to Dees, festival and the other events Braselton hosts enhance the quality of life. It’s about the happiness factor and the relationship factor, she says. “It’s what helps us give that hometown vibe.”

A town with geographic area in four counties — Barrow, Hall, Gwinnett and Jackson — Braselton has a unique challenge of creating its sense of community. Consider that the children of the community go to four different school systems in addition to those who are home-schooled or attend private facilities.

“We can bring the community together in Braselton Park for our festivals,” said Dees, who acknowledges the existing park is small but it is serving the town well.

More larger venues are in the plans with a town green and a 71-acre park, which will be passive in large part.

Festivals such as the popular, familyfriendly Beach Bash held in May as school is winding down, can provide a safe environment where kids can run around the park without parents worrying.

“There aren’t many places anymore where that is possible,” said Dees, a mother of a 9-year-old. Twenty tons of sand is hauled in to

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give a beach in front of a stage where entertainers perform. Kids with buckets and shovels play in the sand and the event is low cost for families.

The small park is intimate with a playground, tennis courts and festival area located adjacent to the Braselton Community Center, where the West Jackson Lions Club has concessions for Movies Under the Stars during the visitors bureau offerings — now up to five times during the year.

In 2002, a committee was formed to address why downtown Braselton was declining while other areas of the town were growing, and July 4 was the first focus with a 2003 parade and festival, which is now “huge,” said Dees.

The Braselton Brothers Store holiday tradition brings Christmas and Santa in November for a month of holiday events.

With an eye on its centennial celebration kicking off in January — 100 events are being planned to celebrate — Braselton will continue to pay tribute to its founders, the three Bs, brothers who established a retail mecca which has, in part, been preserved during the revitalization of the Braselton Brothers Store complex, and their descendants.

Tracing its beginning to a small wooden structure where a young entrepreneur began

selling cookies, the town is focusing efforts on infusing downtown with energy and vitality.

Art in the Park A 25-year tradition will be celebrated at a Northeast Georgia venue tucked away in Jackson County, which is a real gem. Art in the Park, Sept. 25-27, celebrates art, community and history.

“There is a real gem located in Jackson County,” says Sandra Fite, a member of the board of directors of the Tumbling Waters Society. “It is the Hurricane Shoals Park and there are so many people in Jackson County that don’t even know it exists. To have grown up in Jackson County and known what Hurricane Shoals was like back in the 1950s and to see it today, I can only say that it is miraculous what so many people did to transform this wonderful area into the park that it is today.

If you are interested in food, you can find a wonderful assortment available. Cornmeal ground at the grist mill is for sale by the Tumbling Waters Society. A wide variety of crafts made by local artisans will be on display for folks to purchase. Great gospel groups perform at one of the pavilions on both days, and you can’t ask for better entertainment than the wonderful Bluegrass Festival at the amphitheater.

You can wander back in time by visiting

the Heritage Village and see what life was like in the 1700s. The village will be full of activities for visitors to enjoy. This year there will be Civil War battle reenactments taking place on both Saturday and Sunday. If you like car shows, you need to come to Art In The Park on Saturday.

“Festivals draw people into a community and they are a great way to highlight what your county has to offer. Not many places have a wonderful park and festival like Jackson County does. And to think that you can attend it all for free is amazing,” said Fite.

Hoschton Fall Festival Sharing a municipal geographic line and infrastructure and community events such as the Braselton-Hoschton Relay For Life, Hoschton is also a festive place. The Hoschton Fall Festival is set for Sept. 25-27.

The Hoschton Fall Festival began 42 years ago when the Hoschton Women’s Civic Club under the direction of Linda Holder, saw a way local organizations, churches and schools could come together to celebrate Fall Harvest Days.

It takes a large number of people to pull together the Hoschton Fall Festival. Dividing the work makes it easier but the tiny details fall under the leadership of someone who will do the real dirty or last-minute things.

Anyone who volunteers to work on the plans for a festival gets more excited about the event. They know the inside details of how the entire thing comes together from selecting a theme, to choosing a grand marshal of the parade, to approving musical entertainment.

Hoschton Mayor Theresa Kenerly does a really great job of getting sponsors, organizing the budget, staging each area, satisfying people and problems, staying late each night guaranteeing safety of tents, people and items and so much more.

When it is all said and done, the one really big reason for working on any festival is the pride when it is over. The reason Hoschton is the Scarecrow Capital of the World started as a mascot for this big even. We had more than 5,541 scarecrows built by individuals, families, business, churches and organizations. The community truly came together in 2008.

The Hoschton Fall Festival is entering its 42nd year of family friendly festivities. homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

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home get to know

North Georgia author hatches prize-winning novel ‘Luck Be a Chicken’ Jameson Gregg recounts his foray into becoming a writer Story by Pamela A. Keene Photos courtesy Jameson Gregg As a kid, Jameson Gregg admits that he was intrigued by the accents of his Mississippi cousins when his family went to visit. “We were from the South, too — we lived in St. Simons Island since I was in eighth grade — but they had a whole different way of talking,” he says with a smile. “They were from the ‘Deep South’ and their accents really fascinated me.”

Little did those Mississippi kin know that their manner of speech would be part of the inspiration for Gregg’s first novel, “Luck Be a Chicken,” winner of this year’s Georgia Author of the Year award in the humor category from the Georgia Writers Association. Set in South Georgia, the book tells the tale of Butterbean and Ruby Sweat as they seek to raise money to pay for their daughter’s life-changing operation.

“Bean and Ruby grew right out of my memories of how my Deep South cousins talked,” Gregg says. “They gave me an understanding of how to write redneck dialogue and laid the foundation for the book. All along, I wanted to write about rednecks — they’re everywhere, you know — like in the South, 30

September | October 2015

the North, Poland, Russia, just everywhere. Once I met Butterbean and Ruby, we needed a conflict, so I put him in a chicken plant, created antagonist Calvin Butler and the story began.”

The rambunctious tale is a self-proclaimed comic novel, but Gregg says there’s much more to the story. “It’s not all about humor, comedy and satire. Add in corporate greed and corruption, plus a glimpse into the hearts and souls of the characters, and you’ve got ‘Luck Be a Chicken.’”

Gregg says he writes because it’s his passion. A business, corporate, banking and real estate attorney in St. Simons Island with Georgia’s second-oldest law firm for nearly 20 years, he made the decision when he turned 50 to retire from law and follow his dream. He and his wife Maureen sold their home on the coast and moved to Dahlonega.

“When you quit your job and announce you’re going to become a writer, that creates a lot of pressure,” Gregg says. “I knew that I had to be organized and have a process to finish the book.”

Over the years in his law practice and in the couple’s

travels, Gregg collected thousands of notes about incidents he experienced or heard about and anecdotes that stuck with him.

He drew on his own life experiences to write the book, including being a deckhand on a tugboat, an iceman in a poultry plant and a circus promoter.

He even drove a taxi for a while.

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home get to know

When he began formulating “Luck Be a Chicken” he went back to those notes as a starting point. “I had been keeping notes for decades – funny things I’ve seen, known and thought over the years,” he says. “What I didn’t expect was how long it would take to actually write the book and get it published.”

It took Gregg about four years to complete the novel and another year of letter-writing and contacting publishers before it was printed.

He admits that he was very deliberate in his writing by going back and polishing every sentence. “I’m very aware of active and passive voice, so I chose my words carefully to keep the reader engaged,” he says. “Then he asked his wife to edit what he’d written. “Maureen is a fantastic editor and very smart.

The book wouldn’t be here without her.”

Gregg connected with Deeds Publishing based in Athens. The company produces novels, nonfiction, photography books and books about the military written by authors across the country. It was a good match.

The award for Georgia Author of the Year was quite a surprise.

“It was quite an honor and very humbling, because there are a lot of writers in Georgia,” he says.

With 17 fiction and non-fiction categories, the competition this year drew 116 writers. “It’s nice to know that there’s sometimes a reward for all the hard work, because it takes a great deal of patience and time, so much time.”

Gregg’s drafted another book, a work of non-fiction about a notorious physician in South Georgia who murdered his wife, but he says it’s not ready for publication. He also hints at a sequel to “Luck be A Chicken.” “I have plenty of notes for a sequel …” and his conversation trails off for a minute.

“I’m self-taught as a writer and it was a hard learning curve to climb, much harder than the learning curve to be a lawyer,” he says.

“My main regret is that I didn’t start my writing career sooner. There’s so much to write and so little time.”

Jameson Gregg’s “Luck Be A Chicken” is available at select area retail stores, at Frames You-nique and Next chapter Bookstore on the Gainesville Square, as well as through Deeds Publishing at www. deedspublishing.com and through Amazon. His website is jamesongregg.com.

“When you quit your job and announce you’re going to become a writer, that creates a lot of pressure.

I knew that I had to be organized and have a process to finish the book.”

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September | October 2015

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home places

The Hardman Farm main house is an example of Italianate architecture, a style popular in the U.S. from around 1840 to the early 1870s.

Hardman farm

Historic site offers a peek into North Georgia’s past Story and photos by HOME staff The stately mansion with Italianate architecture may seem a bit out of place amid the surrounding area’s cow-filled pastures, country homes and stores.

But the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is hoping it, along with 162 acres making up the Hardman Farm State Historic 32

September | October 2015

Site, will help draw more visitors to the already tourist-laden area, as the property opened to the public.

Many tourists likely have seen it from the road heading into Helen, a busy Alpine village just north of the site. The site is off Ga. 17 and Ga. 75, and includes the gazebo-topped Indian mound that is considered one of the most photographed sites in Georgia.

The Hardman family “loved this place dearly, so it’s a real gift that they ended up giving it to the state,” interpretive ranger Johnna Tuttle said.

“They give the real estate and the land, and, at the last minute, said that all the furniture ... from the 1870s would be part of the story,” said John Erbele, general manager of Smithgall Woods State Park, which operates HOME Living

In North Georgia

home places

Interpretive ranger Johnna Tuttle of the Georgia State Parks & Historical Sites opens the front door inside the historic Hardman Farm house near Helen. The stained decorative glass surrounding the door is red only on the inside of the home.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Hardman Farm as a satellite site.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the main house and dairy barn. The home is a throwback to a bygone era, with its parlor and original features, such as an early telephone and original light fixtures and paintings.

The main house, built in 1870 by Capt. James Nichols, was originally known as “West End” because it was at the west end of the Nacoochee valley.

The last owner was the family of Dr. Lamartine Hardman, who was Georgia’s governor from 1927-1931.

The Hardman family preserved the home for many years, before donating it to the state in 1999.

“We have been in various stages of renovation since then, including during the plunging economy,” Tuttle said. “So, it’s taken a while to get it all set up, and there’s still work to be done.”

A building that once served as a general store/post office will serve as a temporary visitors center until the DNR restores the former caretaker’s home on a hill overlooking the property.

The property features many other outbuildings, including a kitchen that connects to the main house by a covered walkway, a smokehouse/servant’s quarters, horse barn and spring house.

Visitors will be able to see and learn September | October 2015

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about a house Nichols built across from the main house and on the banks of a stream that cuts through the property. It served as sort of a “man cave,” complete with pool table and other recreational features, Tuttle said.

However, that house still needs work, so it’s not part of the tour.

A large barn behind the house was the focal point of Nacoochee Dairy that operated from 1910 until the mid-1920s. During tours, guests will learn how milk was processed and transported.

“We’ll have field trips here and special events, so there’s a lot to keep coming to see,” Tuttle said.

A ghost tour is in the works for the fall, Tuttle said.

Fall Celebration at the Hardman Farm is set for Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hands-on pioneer skills exhibits, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, local authors and historians, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press will be offered. $10 per vehicle.

Times and Places of the Cherokee People will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, from 2-3 p.m. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with members of the Sautee-Nacoochee Community Association and musical performers, Women of Heart, as they interpret the history of the native people in our area. $5 for program plus $7 for tour of house.

Hardman Farm What: 162-acre state historic site, featuring a main house, barn and other buildings Where: Ga. 17 at Ga. 75, Sautee-Nacoochee Hours: Guided tours at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.Thursdays through Sundays, March through December Admission: $12, adults; $10, seniors 62 and older; and $7, children ages 6-17 More info: Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 706-878-1077

“It will be a great attraction and, I think, a great attractor to the area,” said Cindy Bailey, president of the White County Chamber of Commerce. “I think people will come specifically to see the Hardman Farm.”

The Hardman Farm main house sits behind a row of black walnut trees, which line a path that leads to it. The house at the Georgia historical site was built in 1870 by Capt. James Nichols. Gov. Lamartine Hardman, who served from 1927-1931, also lived at the farm, which was preserved by the Hardman family until it was donated to the state in 1999.

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September | October 2015

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In North Georgia

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home fashion Let the boys from Classic City Cotton help you

Tie

one

on

A selection of bow ties by Classic City Cotton.

Below: Ancel Briley and Andrew Goodman sit on a couch at the company office.

Opposite. Ancel demonstrates the innovative bow tie on Andrew.

Story and photos by HOME staff

Two entrepreneurs in Athens, Ga., have made it their mission to help men with a sometimes complicated accessory, the bow tie.

Classic City Cotton, started by Ancel Briley and Andrew Goodman, has made an innovative improvement to the muchworn accessory. These ties come pre-tied, much like a clip-on; however, these ties clasp in the back and are adjustable to give the wearer the look of a real bow tie minus the obviousness of a clip-on and the headache of getting the perfect bow.

HOME sat down with Classic City Cotton for a few questions.

HM: When did you first take interest in the bow tie? What prompted that interest? What age were you when you wore your first bow tie?

CC: I (Ancel) arrived at the University of Georgia a wide-eyed freshman in fall of 2013. I was surprised to see how many guys were wearing bow ties to events and Greek life functions. I quickly invested in a bow tie of my own and really grew to love the look!

HM:How did you get the idea to make this type of tie?

CC: We had many customers who loved our ties, but didn’t know how to tie them. So we redesigned our ties to be “classic-tied” bow ties. Unlike other premium bow ties on the market, we tie our classic-tied bow ties for you, so you don’t have to. Don’t be fooled into thinking our ties are some ugly clip-ons though, our ties are real self-tie bow ties made from the best fabrics and hand-sewn to 36

September | October 2015

the highest standards of quality. They must be tied at least once, and can be untied and retied if desired. This makes wearing our bow ties significantly easier and much more fun than wearing other bow ties that you must repeatedly tie every time you put on.

HM: How did you guys partner up?

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home fashion

CC: Andrew and I are in the same Fraternity at UGA. We began discussing the idea for Classic City Cotton the summer after our freshman year ( June, July, and August of 2014). I started the company that fall and Andrew came on board as Vice President in late Spring of 2015.

HM: How do you guys decide on patterns and colors?

CC: Choosing colors and designs that our customers wanted was definitely a learning process. Often there’s something about a fabric’s design that is hard to put into words, but clearly sets it apart as a well-designed pattern.

The best way to sum up our design philosophy however, would be conservative designs (such as simple plaids and stripes) in eye-catching, bright, or rich colors.

HM: How long does it take to make one?

CC: From start to finish, one bow tie takes 25 to 30 minutes to make.

HM: What was your first experience like on the sewing machine?

CC: I (Ancel) was having trouble communicating to my seamstress exactly how homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

I wanted her to sew the ties. So I bought a sewing machine and began experimenting and practicing until I had not only learned how to properly use it, but I had also found proper solutions and methods for making the bow ties at the level of quality I was looking for.

HM: How many retailers carry the ties?

CC: Twelve retailers currently carry our ties. These retailers can be found on our website on the Retail Partners page.

HM: What are the future plans for Classic City Cotton?

CC: We’ve met success with our bow ties, but what we really want to do is turn Classic City Cotton into a full line of quality clothing for people who love Athens and the Athens

lifestyle.

HM: Do you ever see a foray into other materials such as silk?

CC: We don’t see a reason to, especially when the word “cotton” is in our name.

HM: How about other forms of men's wear?

CC: We’d like to add dress shirts, khaki pants, khaki shorts, T-shirts and hats by next fall.

HM: What has been the most rewarding aspect of this journey?

CC: Hands on experience in the business world. Win or lose, I’ve learned more about business in the past year then I’ll ever learn in a classroom.

HM: The most difficult?

CC: Balancing school and business is definitely a challenge.

HM: the ties be ordered online?

CC: Yes, they can be bought online at classiccitycotton.com.

September | October 2015

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home fashion

FALL 2015 DressUp Boutique tells us what’s on trend for autumn

Fringe is one of the hottest trends for Fall.You will see the trend featured on the hemlines of kimonos and sweaters, booties, skirts and every other Fall wardrobe staple!

Named the color of the year for 2015, Marsala is the perfect Fall hue. This deep, burgundy-wine looks great mixed with other rich autumnal colors!

DressUp Boutique is located on the downtown Gainesville square. Find them on Facebook, Twitter or at www.shopdressup.com or by calling 770-287-3864.

Photos courtesy DressUp Boutique

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September | October 2015

HOME Living

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home fashion

Straight out of the ’70s, suede is making a major comeback for Fall! The super-soft fabric will be incorporated into various silhouettes this season. Suede shorts are the perfect transition piece to cooler weather.

Say hello to the new, updated plaid! This Fall, you will see plaid in new silhouettes — oversize button-downs and blanket scarves.

Oversize is the new black.

Pairing an ultra-cozy, oversize sweater with distressed denim and a pair of booties is our go-to look for Autumn. homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

September | October 2015

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home calendar

Ongoing

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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September | October 2015

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. 770536-2575, info@qvac.org, www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Kid’s Night Out Fridays, Gainesville. 5-8 p.m. Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13. Frances Meadows Aquatic Center, 1545 Community Way, Gainesville. $13-$16. gainesville. org/recreation. 770-533-5850.

Volunteer Trail Crew Work Days Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. Children ages 8-18 must be accompanied by an adult. 770535-1976, elachee.org.

Hiking to See Georgia Trails Series 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 19, Oct. 10, 31 and Nov. 21. Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $15-25 series and $5-$7.50 individual. gainesville.org/ online-registration. 770-531-2680.

September Sept. 4 Walk through History Tour 4:30 pm Meet on the porch of the Downtown Development Office for a walking tour of historic Downtown Braselton. 65 Frances St., Braselton Free.

Sept. 4-6 Fifth Row Center’s “All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten”

The Crossing Church, 4682 Spout Springs Road, Buford. $7-$10. 770-965-0534. fifthrowcenter. com.

Sept. 5 Last Days of Summer celebration 5:30–9:30 p.m. Sky Valley Pavilion, 568 Sky Valley Way, Sky Valley. $16 adults and $12 children. skyvalleyga.com. 706-746-2204.

Sept. 5 Pottery Show and Sale Sautee Nacoochee. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, 283 Ga. 255, Sautee Nacoochee. 706-878-3300. cbrooks@snca.org.

Sept. 5 South Hall Rotary 5K 9 a.m. Downtown Flowery Branch, 5117 Main St., Flowery Branch. Early registration $25; day of race $30. www.runnersfit.com/southhall rotary5k.

Sep­t. 6 2015 Summer Concert with Pieces of Eight 8:30 p.m. . Chateau Elan Win­ery Pavil­ion, 100 Rue Charlemagne Drive, Braselton. $30. 678425-0900 ext. 41.

Sept. 10 “Calendar Girls” Through Oct. 4. Georgia Ensemble Theatre, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. $28-$39. 770-641-1260, get. org.

Sept. 11 Dwight Yoakam 8 p.m. . Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. $39.50-$89.50. 800-745-3000, atlantasymphony.org.

Sept. 11-12 New Moon Kayaking 8:30-10 p.m. Don Carter State Park, 5000 N Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville. Space and rentals are limited, register in advance. Meet at boat ramp. $15 with personal canoe/kayak, $25 with rental kayak, $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Sept. 11-13 and 18-20 “Southern Sirens” Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $12$19.99. 706-864-3759. hollytheater.com Sept. 11-13 WERA National Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton.

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home calendar Ticket info, 770-967-6143, info@roadatlanta. com, or www.roadatlanta.com.

Sept. 12 Classic Car Show 1-4 p.m. , North Hall Community Center, 4175 Nopone Road, Gainesville. $5 car entry fee.

770-535-8280.

Sept. 12 John Jarrard Foundation Concert Brenau University, Gainesville, 6 p.m., $20 Sept. 12 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. 404-942-1686, www.dragonboatatlanta.com.

Sept. 13 Soggy Doggy Pool Party 1 p.m. Frances Meadows Aquatic Center, 1545 Community Way, Gainesville. Dogs $10; people free. 770-533-5850, www.exploregainesville.org.

Sept. 17 Lunch & Learn, Essential Oils Crawford W. Long Museum. 11:30 a.m. 28 College St., Jefferson. 706-367-5714.

org/visit/gainesville. 404-888-4760.

Sept. 19 25th annual 5K Mill Race 8 a.m. . Hurricane Shoals Park, 416 Hurricane Shoals Road, Maysville. runnersfit.com/millrace. events@runnersfit.com.

Sept. 19-20 Art in the Square 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gainesville Square. Free. 770533-5850, www.exploregainesville.org.

Sept. 22 through Oct. 10 “The Adventures of Pecos Bill.”

Brenau University’s Historic Pearce Auditorium, 500 Centennial Circle, Gainesville. $6-$12. 678717-3624, www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org.

Sept. 26 Pups in the park 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Road, Dawsonville. Free. dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org.

Sept. 26 Lake Lanier Shore Sweep 8 a.m. Volunteer locations assigned, 678-4507726.

Sept. 18-19 “A Southern Fried Murder” Dinner Theatre Jefferson Civic Center. 7 p.m. 706-367-5714.

Sept. 26 A Taste of Gainesville 6-9 p.m. The Plaza at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. $25-$30. lakelanierrowing.org/a-taste-of-gainesville.

Sept. 18-20 Atlanta Historic Races Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton.

Ticket info, 770-967-6143, info@roadatlanta. com, or www.roadatlanta.com.

Sept. 26 Second annual Lula Fall Festival 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Train Depot, 5959 Athens St., Lula. Free. facebook.com/lulafallfestival. 706-6772016.

Sept. 18-20 Campfest, Mountain City Camp Blue Ridge, 355 Playhouse Drive, Mountain City. $89 advanced, $250 VIP, $75 camping pass, $150 cabins. info@thecampfest.com, thecampfest.com.

Sept. 26 Gwinnett Beer Fest Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive NE, Lawrenceville. $40-$95. gwinnettbeerfest.com.

Sept. 18 Seth MacFarlane 8 p.m. . Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. $29.50-$99.50. 800-745-3000, atlantasymphony.org.

Sept. 19 Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks Through Jan. 3. Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville. $8 adults, $5 children 3-12, free to children younger than 3 and Garden members. atlantabg.

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Sept. 26 Garden of Eden Ball 6:30 p.m. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta. $500 per person.

404-591-1730. lfutterman@atlantabg.org.

Sept. 27 Lunar Eclipse Paddling Tour 8-10:30 p.m. Don Carter State Park, 5000 N Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville. Space and rentals are limited, register in advance. Meet at boat ramp. $15 with personal canoe/kayak, $25 with rental kayak, $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Petit Le Mans Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton.

Ticket info, 770-967-6143, info@roadatlanta. com, or www.roadatlanta.com.

October

Oct. 8-11 Giant Book Sale The Next Chapter Bookstore, 111 Green St., Gainesville. $5 on Oct. 8. 770-538-7323.

Oct. 8-31 Scarecrows in the Garden 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. $18.95-$12.95.

404-876-5859. atlantabg.org.

Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29 Fest-of-Ale 5-9 p.m. . Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. $18.95-$12.95. 404-8765859. atlantabg.org.

Oct. 17 Cruise-In car show and Fallfest 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Sky Valley Way, Sky Valley, GA. Free. skyvalleyga.com. 706-746-2204.

Oct. 20 “Mary Poppins” Through Nov. 14. Hosch Theatre, 429 Academy St., Gainesville. $14-$26. 678-717-3624, gaines villetheatrealliance.org.

Oct. 22 12th annual Mother-Son Dance 6-8:30 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center Ballroom, 830 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $50-$60 per couple. gainesville.org/recreation. 770-531-2680.

Oct. 23 Chris Young 7:30 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $19.50-$49.50. ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

Oct. 25 Goblins in the Garden 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. $18.95-$12.95.

404-876-5859. atlantabg.org.

Oct. 29 Pumpkin-Carving contest 7 p.m. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. $18.95-$12.95. 404-8765859. atlantabg.org.

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home around town 8th annual Gala for Hope and Healing August 15, 2015

Dressed to the nines and sporting a glittery disguise, many residents walked a red carpet of sorts for an annual fundraising gala at Robson Event Center in Gainesville. The event featured a midsummer masquerade theme and Back in Time provided the entertainment. Attendees feasted on food from Avocados and bid on several silent auctions items. All proceeds to benefit the Children’s Center for Hope and Healing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

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September | October 2015

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home around town

Quinlan Visual Arts Center Fall Exhibition 2015 August 20, 2015

The show features the work of three area artists in the external galleries. Rounding out the fall exhibitions will be the fourth biennial Virginia Avery juried exhibition, “Reflections.” It features some of Georgia’s most talented artists, chosen from a pool of 450 entries, and narrowed down to 150 pieces. Dianne Mize, former department head and associate professor of art at Piedmont College, juried the exhibition.

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September | October 2015

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home around town

International Ballet Summer Intensive Program 2015 July 24, 2015

Original ballet work set to the harmonious music of Franz Shubert followed by the grand pas of Tchaikovsky’s heart wrenching Swan Lake graced the Brenau Downtown Center stage. The performance will showcase the talent of dancers who have completed four weeks of vigorous study with world-renowned faculty from American Ballet Theatre, National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, among others.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

September | October 2015

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home around town

Lenn Redman exhibition Aug. 18, 2015

The Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art at Piedmont College showcased the work of the late Lenn Redman of Chicago, a prolific caricaturist and animator who was also a poet, author, teacher and civil rights activist. His son, Mark Redman, spoke at the reception about his father’s work and life.

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September | October 2015

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September | October 2015

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home around town

Up With People August 21, 2015

The international cast of Up With People presented upbeat musical performances twice at Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University in Gainesville, with proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Hall County. The group spent a week working with Habitat for Humanity of Hall County at sites around the county and at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, building a miniature model Habitat for Humanity House.

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SMILE BIG. DREAM BIG.

Carols Of Christmas

November 14th

November 21st

LIGHTING OF THE TREE

FESTIVAL

5PM-7PM

10AM -5PM

BRASELTON BROTHERS STORE

BRASELTON PARK

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS 7:30 PM BRASELTON PARK

PARADE 10:30 AM

THRU DOWNTOWN BRASELTON

Caroling Event, Downtown Braselton on December 12th.

www.DowntownBraselton.com