HOME Living in North Georgia magazine

July| August 2015

Little Big Town’s Kim Schlapman

Cornelia’s country star shares her new cookbook and fondest memories

Moore’s Wealth Management Advisors Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in 2014

Mark Peterson

Chris Moore

Brian Moore

These awards were presented by Gary Reed, President of 3-Mentors, a nationally recognized Field Marketing Organization for Independent Financial Advisors. The awards recognized the advisors for Excellence in Client Development and Satisfaction during 2014.

“We help our clients protect their financial future through a fiduciary standard of care that puts their interests first”

Recently seen in as one of the Financial Leaders of Georgia

“Protecting Your Future”

Scott Moore

210 Washington St. NW, Suite # 106 Gainesville, GA 30501 • 770-535-5000 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Suite # 100 Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 • 678-566-3590

www.MooresWealthManagement.com Investment advice is offered by Horter Investment Management, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser: Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through Moore’s Wealth Management.

Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through Pershing Advisor Solutions, Trust Company of America, Jefferson National Monument Advisor, Fidelity, Security Benefit Life, ED&F Man Capital Markets, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

What’s Inside

July | August 2015

32

28

24

Inside Every Issue 6 44 46

From the Editor

Health

Calendar

8 Find out how acupuncture can be

used to relieve common ailments such as colds and allergies to anxiety and depression.

Around Town

On the Cover Cornelia’s own Kimberly Schlapman returns home for a book signing of her new cookbook, “Oh, Gussie.” She talks with HOME Magazine about her childhood and being a country star with Little Big Town.

Page 14

Arts 20 The students of Childbloom’s

Crystal Clear Guitar Ensemble have been perfecting their sound and synchronicity.

Taste 24 Here we are in the Peach State and

there are plenty of good recipes for peach fans. Cobbler anyone?

4

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

8 26

36 24

40

20

Business

Recreation

28

36

Amanda Wilbanks used her love of cooking to build a booming pastry business, Buttermilk Pie Company.

Home & Garden

Charity

32 Check out the gorgeous gourds at The Gourd Place just 40 outside of Sautee Nachoochee.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Wrenched Bicycles in Gainesville tells us how to get our ut bikes ready for the road and how they can help.

Find out what role the Civil Air Patrol plays in the Gainesville community and with young cadets.

July | August 2015

5

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

All signs say summer!

I saw this giant sunflower patch at roadside veggie stand near Clarkesville and had to stop for a photo.

This issue, we get a good taste of summer with recipes for peaches, a look at some tasty pies and sit down with Little Big Town member, Kimberly Schlapman.

Schlapman tells us about her new cookbook and what it was like growing up in Cornelia.

We also talk to some experts, the guys at Wrenched Bicycles, about getting your bike out and road ready for summer rides.

And we salute the Civil Air Patrol and its efforts to train young cadets and the community in aerospace education and civil service.

Once you’ve had your fun outdoors, head inside for some relaxing acupuncture and holistic therapy.

M

J

ichelle ameson

Michelle Boaen Jameson editor@homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

6

July | August 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.

We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care.

Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.

Visit us online at www.northside.com

home health

Relieving the pressure Acupunture helps heal through ancient techniques Story by Savannah King Photos by Michelle Boaen Jameson Do you remember how you felt the last time you were stuck in traffic? Did your heart race, temper flare or your stress level increase?

Tamara Clarke, a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and founder of Flourish Acupuncture and Healing Arts on Green Street in Gainesville, said traffic jams are a good analogy for what she tries to heal in her line of work.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin, stainless steel needles into specific points on the body. There are 365 named points on the body called “me-

8

July | August 2015

ridians,” that are like “rivers of energy.”

“By placing the needles in these strategic places we’re releasing the flow of energy,” Clarke said.

“In Chinese medicine we say that ‘disease,’ or lack of comfort, happens in the body.

Kind of like getting stuck in a traffic jam on the way to Atlanta. You know, that’s when road rage kicks up. Or after a storm where the river gets clogged with debris. Same thing with us.

We have an emotional storm inside and we get stuck. That’s when we can get headaches and stomach problems if it goes on too long we

can get physical conditions like insomnia and even start growing things like cancer. So you put the needles in and it helps the energy flow more smoothly.”

Clarke said people often receive acupuncture as a way to relieve a variety of ailments, including lower back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, digestion issues and even to induce labor.

“Maybe if it’s a herniated disk, our little needles aren't going to put that disk back in place but they can help manage the pain,” Clarke said. “So maybe they’re able to get on

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home health

Tamara Clark, a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and founder of Flourish Acupuncture and Healing Arts on Green Street in Gainesville, demonstrated the technique of the ancient method of healing. She hopes to dispel some of the misconceptions people have about the needles and the entire process itself.

“The sensation of the needle isn't very strong.� homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

9

home health

Tamara Clarke of Flourish Acupuncture and Healing Arts on Green Street in Gainesville, uses a technique called “cupping” on a patient.

Using flames creates a vacuum in the glass cup which is then applied to the back to draw out toxins.

Clarke says cupping is good for those with signs of a coming cold.

with their life and put off that surgery for another five years.”

Does it really work? Clarke can’t promise the treatment will cure anyone, but said patients don’t have anything to lose by trying the ancient healing method. She expects the practice to become more mainstream as time goes on, and to see it practiced alongside 10

July | August 2015

Western medicine treatments.

Clarke said some people seek out acupuncture as a last resort while others have the treatment before going to a doctor. When people ask her if it works, she tells them to try it themselves and find out.

“The proof is kind of in the pudding,” Clarke said. “If it works for them, people are

going to come back. If their pain goes from an 8 out of 10 to a 2 out of 10, then who cares (if some don’t believe)?”

Do the needles hurt? They are extremely thin, between 36 to 42 gauge, usually. The needles are so small, in fact, it’s rare to see any blood once they’re removed.

Though the placement is quick and HOME Living

In North Georgia

home health

painless, there is a sensation. The practitioner will tap the needle into place and then adjust it. The needle may be pushed a few millimeters or even an inch into the body depending on the goal.

“The sensation of the needle isn't very strong,” Clarke said.

“But when you put it in, it’s called ‘daqi.’ It’s when the needles connect with your own internal energy and that feels like an ache, like a toothache, and that’s when it really works.”

Once the needles are in place, the patient rests while the needles tap into their energy for anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.

“Sometimes people end up taking a nap,” Clarke said, laughing.

It may take several sessions for a patient to start seeing benefits of the treatment. Typically, by the third session they’ll know if it’s working for them.

In addition to acupuncture, the practitioner will offer advice on nutrition, lifestyle and may recommend the use of Chinese herbal supplements.

“If someone is interested in trying it they should. I mean, what do they have to lose? And it might help them feel better,” Clarke said.

MEET OUR HIGHLY QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS...

Clinton E. Branch, Jr. MD, FAAN

Founder of Gainesville Neurology Group in 1979 Boarded in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology Boarded in Electroencephalography by the American Board of Electroencephalography & Neurophysiology

Michael S. Baugh, MD

Joined Gainesville Neurology Group in 2002 Boarded in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Boarded in Electrodiagnostic medicine by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine

GAINESVILLE NEUROLOGY GROUP, LLC

Daniel L. Cobb, MD

Joined Gainesville Neurology Group in 2008 Dual boarded by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Neurology and Sleep Medicine

If you need a neurologic evaluation, ask your physician for a referral to Gainesville Neurology Group or call our office at 770-534-7885 for information and appointments.

Leading Board Certified Neurologists in Northeast Georgia Since 1979

1240 Jesse Jewell Pkwy., Ste. 400, Gainesville, GA 30501 770-534-1117 • 770-503-7285 (fax) www.gainesvilleneurology.com

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

11

home health

A natural approach

Ph.D. and licensed professional counselor Kathy Howell talks about holistic medicine she practices at ACCARES.

Total wellness for the spirit, soul and body Story and photos by Pamela A. Keene After spending the majority of her early life feeling lousy, Kathy Howell knew she needed to make some changes, but she didn’t exactly know where to start.

Her family history of heart issues, diabetes and other illnesses had set her up to face lifelong health challenges. Labeled with learning disabilities as a child, Howell delayed postsecondary education. Then in the 1970s, she started having other health problems — feeling weak, passing out and having low energy.

“I knew that something wasn’t right,” says the Ph.D. and licensed professional counselor.

“I went to a naturopathic doctor who pinpointed that the learning issues were a result of mercury poisoning from tooth fillings I’d had as a child, and the weakness was a result of my having chronically low blood sugar and being hypoglycemic. I decided then to take the natural route. And frankly, if I hadn’t, I’d probably be dead by now.”

Howell’s journey led her to a new outlook, renewed spirit and a new career. The former landscaper was so affected by what she learned from that naturopath that she embraced learning, went back to school and earned her Ph.D. She also discovered a holistic approach to health, balance and well-being that is the foundation of her Dawsonville-based practice, ACCARES Wellness Center.

“Achieving a balance between spirit, soul and body can achieve ultimate health and I’ve seen it work time after time,” she says.

“We start by identifying both body and mind stressors of our clients then address them as 12

July | August 2015

we peel back the layers of their issues. It’s a holistic method that can include psychological counseling, nutrition testing, kinesiology, chiropractic and medical techniques. Clients may come to us for counseling, nutrition assessments, therapy or healing. Whatever the reason, we focus on the individual and help them receive what they need to heal. The brain can’t function well without the proper nutritional elements, minerals and fats.”

Nutrition Response Testing and the creation of a Personalized Health Improvement Program is one of the major tenets at ACCARES Wellness.

“The testing is non-invasive and uses the body’s own neurological reflexes to help us determine the body’s flow of energy in each organ and function,” Howell says. “It is truly amazing how accurate this testing can be to help us diagnose and address each patient’s issues.”

She compares the process to having an electrocardiograph that reads the electrical energy coming from the heart and creates a graph.

“In Nutritional Response Testing, instead of connecting electrodes, the practitioner contacts these areas with their hand, then tests the muscle of the patient’s extended arm,” she

says. “If the arm muscle weakens or drops, this signals an underlying stress or dysfunction that can be affecting your health.”

Howell then uses various liquid nutritional formulas against the weak areas to narrow the reflexes affected and identify nutritional supplements to help correct the body’s imbalance.

She then creates a Designed Clinical Nutrition Plan to help the body repair itself. She may recommend eliminating certain foods from the diet, increasing consumption of organic and whole non-processed foods, or taking certain vitamins or supplements.

“Many of our patients have eaten themselves into their current health situation because they are missing certain minerals and vitamins in their diets,” she says.

Often, one of the first things the testing indicates is that sugar, processed dairy, commercial eggs and grains should be eliminated from the diet.

“It’s our job to walk with you and educate you to make your food your medicine and make your medicine your food,” she says.

Howell uses a precise system of dosages to HOME Living

In North Georgia

Patient Tara Lovell of Cleveland visits Howell for a follow up. identify what the body needs at that particular time to address the most evident deficiencies. She may work to help the patient detoxify their bodies of chemicals or trace metals, then turn to improving the immune system by using the same testing methodology.

“This is not a one-time approach. Each subsequent time a patient comes to us for follow-up, we are usually able to put certain issues to rest and move onto other concerns,” she says. “For instance, once the body has been detoxified, other issues may become more evident. The progressive method can lead to helping the body, mind and soul become restored.”

She often provides patients with a good foods list that’s rich in freerange proteins, raw and steamed vegetables, nuts and legumes, fresh organically grown fruits and limited amounts of organic or whole grains.

And she reminds clients to remain wary of foods that have been genetically engineered, contain hormones and antibiotics or have been microwaved or flash-frozen.

Howell approaches her calling as lifelong learning. As an adult, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega and her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. She holds her Ph.D. in Psychology and Counseling from Logos Christian College and Graduate School in Jacksonville, Fla. She has been in private practice, served as an adjunct professor at NGCSU, facilitated parenting skills support groups, grief and divorce recovery groups, and conducted substance abuse and anger management groups.

Howell’s professional affiliations include American Association of Christian Counselors, Georgia Christian Counselors Association, Society for Christian Psychology, Coalition Christians Private Practice, NACBT-National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist, National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families and the Theophostic Prayer Ministry.

“I don’t want people to hurt, Howell says. “I want them to have the right information to grow through their problems. There’s no judgmental bone has been left unbroken in me and I’m using what I’ve learned from my own life and my training to help them restore their health.” homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

13

14

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

From country star to cookbook author Kimberly Schlapman talks about Little Big Town, recipes and life in her hometown of Cornelia Story by Savannah King Photos courtesy Kimberly Schlapman

knows everyone.

In a small town like Cornelia, everyone bands, Little Big ell singer in one of country music’s top And that’s including the blonde bombsh Town. ore she ever hville now, her roots are in Cornelia. Bef tist Though Kimberly Schlapman lives in Nas hymns from the pulpit at Demorest Bap out ing belt was she ry, Op Ole nd Gra sang on stage at the Church. rus at Habersham the radio, she was a member of the cho Before anyone ever heard her singing on sing at her band’s concerts, friends asked her to to ets tick ght bou one any ore Bef . ool Central High Sch . their weddings. making biscuits in her mother’s kitchen was she ws, sho TV on king coo was she And long before , n during a tour for her new cookbook “Oh etow hom her by ped stop an lapm Sch ly, Recent ot Gussie!” her tour at the historic Cornelia train dep ing dur an lapm Sch h wit t mee to nity The opportu g as fans filed in one by tched down the block from the buildin stre line The ds. dre hun of wd cro a w dre time. one to have a moment of the celebrity’s Several fans seemed as if she already know everyone. an lapm Sch , did ally actu she not or er Wheth entos from their shared h. Some people brought gifts and mem received a hug along with her autograp past.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

15

home cover story

Country band Little Big Town is ry in inducted into the Grand Ole Op ping 2014. At right, a newspaper clip ool of Kimberly singing in a high sch talent competition.

each one a family given a plate of homemade sweet treats, On the way out the door, everyone was night Barbara Bramlett, made the tea cakes the r, the mo an’s lapm Sch ok. kbo coo the recipe featured in before. ghter charmed the hometown fans with dau her le whi m roo the of side the from Bramlett watched her easy smile and warm laugh. ,” Bramlett counter and want to help with the cooking “She always would stand in a chair at the d me the biscuits I was mixing up. She watche into k mil the r pou her let ld wou I es said. “A lot of tim king show. ers. … She used to pretend she had a coo oth dm gran her h wit ked coo and uits make bisc that.” and tell what she was doing and stuff like She would stir and talk into the camera ing in daughter as the same shy, young girl sing her see to not her for d har was it said Bramlett se years ago. rth rch chu and baking in the kitchen all tho lapman and asked about how living in No Sch h wit up ght cau rgia Geo rth No in Home: Living Georgia made her the star she is today.

Q: Where is home to you? ege at 17. That Cornelia my whole life until I went to coll A: I was born in Toccoa and grew up in as I le family is still there. I go back as often who My be. will ays alw and e hom r side is still what I con we stay real k as often as I can. We talk all the time and bac go I but y, bus y craz tty pre is life can. My involved in each other’s lives.

16

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home cover story

Q: What was it like for you growing up in such a small town?

A: I just have really, really strong roots and I think that’s from growing up in a small town where the values were just formed who you are. The strong family roots and growing up in church and that taught me what’s really important. Because of that upbringing in my life today, as much of the glamorous living as I get to do (and it is glamorous at times but it’s unglamorous at times as well), there’s a lot of hard work. There’s a lot of big exciting things but I keep very grounded becaus e of my upbringing.

My daddy always said “Don’t ever forget where you came from.” And I didn’t really understand that as a kid. I was like, “Well, of course I won’t.” But now that I’m an adult and I have a career that takes me out into the public, I understand. I live that and it’s really important to me. I know our success will fade one day and we won’t always be a popular vocal band but I also know that I have a great love to come home to.

Q: What’s it like for you as a celebrity to come home?

A: It just shows me perspective on life. I love to sit around with my family and play games and we cook all the time and we go to flea markets. We’re always cookin’ and eatin’ . We go to ballgames. I love being there because it — I don’t know how to say this, but it feels very norma l to me and I love normal. I yearn for a normal life sometimes. So I love being there because I get to do just normal family things.

Celebrating Over

Years of Service 1983-2014

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

17

home cover story

n help you in your career? Or did it?

Q: How did growing up in a small tow me I could do it, many people believing in me and telling A: I think it helped me because I had so starting with my parents most especially. t and I think eving in me and giving me encouragemen beli me, und aro ple peo lot a had I , kid As a am. But in my little in a sea of people who had the same dre in a bigger town I might have gotten lost g and I Everyone was just always so encouragin am. dre this had who us of y man en’t town there wer been think that was really, really helpful to me.

— was rejection. Since I’ve grown up and n’t did I OK I’m and — nce erie exp What I did not not have comhad to grow some tough skin, which I did I’ve So n. ctio reje of lot a re’s the er, in this care obliviousness to the . I would have rather grown up with that ing from that small town. And that’s OK ng age. than had I experienced rejection at a you me und aro t por sup and love the had real world and . I’m OK I didn’t everybody and I made it through just fine to s pen hap it and life real It’s life. t’s Tha opposite with so much support. have to go through that as a kid. I had the Q: What were you like as a child? ing.) Back I dropped out of kindergarten! (Laugh that lic pub in be to ed scar and shy so A: I was ry day I went to en in the state of Georgia and I cried eve gart der kin to go to e hav n’t did you n e mythe took me over the edge. I couldn’t compos just that and l dril fire a had we day school. Then one

self. My daddy had to come and pick me up. But I’ll never forget what he said, he said “Now baby, I’m gonna take you home but next year you can’t just drop out.”

So I was so very, very, very shy. But I think the reason I was able to come through that and have the confidence that I have and the ability to walk out on stage (is from) the faith people had in me.

Q: Do you still get nervous?

A: I’ve always had at least a little bit of nerves before walking out on stage. Sometimes it’s more significant than others. Like, I always, always get nervous when we walk out on the Grand Ole Opry stage. I get nervous on TV shows, not so much for (music) shows. We do 3-4 a week and I don’t get nervous unless I’m playing for a hometown crowd. Then that’s because I want them to enjoy it.

I wouldn’t ever want to walk out 100 percent confident, like “Oh yeah. I can play this.” I like having a little bit of nerves.

Q: Between cooking and singing which do you enjoy more?

A: When I’m not singing, I’m probably cooking. I grew up standing on a little stool in the kitchen at both my grandmother’s houses just watching and helping and learning. Also my mama taught me that’s how we took care of people. If someone was having a bad day or had a loss in the family or the loss of a job or someone had a baby. No matter if it was grief or celebration, mama was at their door with a casserole or a cake or pie, as long as it was something yummy. So she taught me that and I have

18

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home cover story

Left: Kim performs at a community event. Right: Kimberly takes a picture with her mother and daughter, Daisy, at the Depot in Cornelia. Below, she signs her new cookbook for friends and fans.

ily on birthdays and I really think it is a fam and nds frie my for k coo to try ays always done that. I alw love language for me. gs I’ve always king and singing and both of them are thin I don’t think I could choose between coo done. g?

Q: What is it that you like about cookin , we were ing this desire to cook. Every meal we had hav ays alw and kid a g bein er emb rem A: I just sion for cooking. I I think that probably developed my pas e sitting around the table growing up and laughing and I like the sounds people mak and ing talk and und aro ered gath ne ryo enjoy having eve when they eat something delicious. ll town folks with big dreams?

Q: What would you say to other sma e me hours everywhere you can. My daddy would driv A: If your dream is be a singer, then sing me. Because song. I’m so grateful for what he did for one sing to me for , way one rs, hou and hours and to hear what for so many different people, I was able ing sing was I e aus bec and nce erie exp of that for singing but for advice. And always be just not ers sing er oth to en List … ng. other people were doi teachable. Always, always be teachable. le Big ://www.ohgussie.com. For more on Litt http t visi ok, kbo coo her on tion rma For more info Town, visit http://littlebigtown.com.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

19

home arts

Members of the Crystal Clear Guitar Ensemble pose for a photo. Right: Instructor Derwyn Browne has been working with the group for the past two years.

Strings that sing Crystal Clear Guitar ensemble shows off their youthful skills Story by Kelsey Williamson Photos courtesy Childbloom When most people think of the Beatles, they remember influential rock songs like “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” Listeners usually don’t gravitate toward classical versions of these infamous tunes, but for kids in the Crystal Clear guitar group, the classical guitar version of the Beatles’ “Birthday” is a favorite and one of the reasons the five Gwinnett County students enjoy classical guitar.

“You can see patterns throughout music,” said Amilyn Gurta, a rising freshman at Mill Creek High. “It’s interesting because not many people play it, but it’s fun being able to play rock or blues on your classical guitar.”

Gurta and four other students make up the group under the Childbloom guitar 20

July | August 2015

curriculum. Maggi Mitchell and Phoenix Pennington are also rising freshmen at Mill Creek. Abihnov Vishwanath is a rising freshman at Northview High, and Elise Page attends Osborne Middle. Victoria Lewis is a sixth member of the group, but is currently unable to participate due to Wegener’s disease.

“We are dedicating our concerts to Victoria,” said Derwyn Browne, the group’s instructor.

The group, including Lewis, began learning and performing together in 2011after Browne got his Childbloom certification.

Most of the students have been playing for fewer than four years but earned their spot in the group due to dedication, ability and

desire.

“They all have to audition and commit to being a part of the group,” Browne said. “They are judged on their ability to read music and their playing skills. They have to practice at least 45 minutes each day in addition to our rigorous practice schedule.”

All of the students have a passion for their work and are progressing through the Childbloom curriculum. They must participate in group work along with completing specific solo and private work. During the school year, they have a requirement to maintain a B average, and some members have additional extracurricular activities.

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home arts

“All of them are on the A/B Honor Roll,” Browne said. “It’s important to me that they strike a balance.”

Gurta is also in chorus and on the cheerleading squad; Mitchell plays the piano; Pennington is a baseball player; Vishwanath plays the violin. All of the students in Crystal Clear, however, enjoy being able to focus more in guitar during the summer without the added burden of homework or school activities.

“It’s a good way to take up time instead of just sitting at home and doing nothing,” Pennington said.

Gurta agreed that she spends more time on the guitar during the summer months.

“I really enjoy music, so I can spend two to three hours a day practicing if I want to during the summer,” she said.

Vishwanath noted that he has time to take a long look at the sheet music from guitar and see if he can apply it to violin.

“Because I can read the notes, a lot of the time I can play the songs on violin that we are learning on guitar,” he said.

Each member of Crystal Clear has a different musical background and a different reason for wanting to play the guitar. Some began learning from family, such as Mitchell and Gurta, while others saw signs for lessons and decided to give the instrument a try.

“My grandma had taken my brother and I to Toys-R-Us,” Pennington said. “I wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and we saw a flyer for Childbloom and I signed up. A lot of my friends played the electric guitar and they were surprised when I was learning how to read notes.”

Mitchell’s father played the guitar in her youth. Gurta’s grandmother had tried teaching her guitar, and when her brother got a guitar for Christmas and began lessons, she decided to take part as well.

“Noah was supposed to be the one taking lessons,” Browne said. “But Amilyn signed up

Members of the Crystal Clear Guitar Ensemble perform at Lakeside Chapel with special guest Lackawana Sky.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

21

home arts

and stayed with us.”

Vishwanath was taking guitar in school but wanted to further his education so he signed up for lessons to become better. Now all of the students are better at guitar and have made gains in other aspects of their lives, including the classroom.

“Throughout elementary school, math was always my worst subject,” Gurta said. “Now that I’m into music, it has become one of my best subjects.”

All of the participants admit that music has helped them tremendously in school because it forces them to manage their time wisely and prioritize their activities. Pennington, in particular, saw a major improvement.

“Phoenix’s grades improved a lot over the years, and he was taking two high school classes in eighth grade,” Browne said.

Pennington noted that before, he was making B’s and C’s in his classes, but now that he is involved with Crystal Clear, his grades are A’s and B’s.

As the students improved individually in school and on guitar, the group began to improve in terms of chemistry and playing

22

July | August 2015

ability. The students who previously had only known of each other became close friends, which has enabled them to play cohesively.

“I like each person in a different way,” Pennington said.

Gurta agreed that the dynamics of the group have changed during their time together.

“We used to be really quiet around each other, but now we goof off a lot and have fun,” she said.

Crystal Clear has progressed to more advanced music over time, including popular songs like “Birthday” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” They also learn songs written specifically for Childbloom and some that are just for the group, like “Wind Rush.”

“Childbloom has a wide variety in the curriculum, but it has music that is interesting to the children,” Browne said. “We expose them to different types of music and the theory behind it. It’s not just a straight-classical curriculum.”

The Crystal Clear group has performed at Sterling on the Lake, Lanier Islands Community Church, Rock Springs United Methodist

Church and Hamilton Mill Public Library throughout 2014 and 2015. They also play a variety of holiday shows in the winter for private homes, senior living centers and more.

Soon, however, the group will reach a turning point in the Childbloom curriculum.

As the students get older, Browne must decide how the Crystal Clear group will proceed to finish the program and continue performing as the members proceed through high school.

“I’ve watched them grow up before my eyes,” Browne said. “At some point, each program will form a Bella Corda group, and we will have to talk about that next year.”

That group is an advanced teen ensemble that every Childbloom program has. However, Browne can decide to make Crystal Clear the Bella Corda group or fashion a separate Bella Corda group and keep Crystal Clear as it is.

“We are looking at forming a junior ensemble that will feed Crystal Clear,” Browne said. “When these kids are 15 or 16, they will leave this group and join the young performing artists group under Childbloom.”

After high school, the students will age out of the Childbloom curriculum, as it encourages them to learn as they wish in college. At the moment, all five members are committed to staying in Crystal Clear through high school, Browne said.

Crystal Clear will maintain five to six members, and since Childbloom in the area is growing, Browne will have a variety of children to choose from when the members begin to leave the group. He mentioned that Childbloom Georgia Northeast currently has 45 to 50 active students, some of which came in as friends of Crystal Clear’s performers.

“I played guitar at a talent show once, and some of the kids that live on my street saw me play and signed up for lessons,” Page said.

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home taste

Pretty in peach They’re sweet, juicy and available at farmers markets and roadside stands across the state of Georgia. Buy ’em by the bushel or the basket; eat ’em raw, in milkshakes or cooked in these two tasty recipes on the following pages.

A basket of peaches at Jaemor Farms in Alto. Opposite: Peach blossoms in HOME editor Michelle Boaen Jameson’s backyard.

24

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home taste

home taste

One tasty tarte

Peaches make a fancy dessert Nothing says “summertime” in Georgia like juicy ripe peaches! Let’s support our local farmers by purchasing baskets of Georgia peaches, now abundant in farmers markets and grocery stores.

Ripe peaches are best for eating right out of hand, juices dripping down your chin, or for turning into an ice cold smoothie. If you’re baking with peaches choose firm, slightly under ripe peaches.

A Tarte Tatin is a fancy, French upside down tart but it couldn’t be easier to make. Using store bought puff pastry makes this a painless process. Add a little butter and brown sugar and you have a sweet, fruity, caramelized treat with a crispy crust. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a perfect summer dessert.

Demetra Overton is a Personal Chef and Food Blogger in Roswell, Georgia. Would you like to take a peek at what’s cooking in her kitchen?

Please visit her website SweetSavant.com for original recipes and cooking tips and follow her on Twitter @sweetsavant.

Peach Tarte Tatin Serves 6 You will need a light-weight, nonstick 10-inch skillet.You may want to put this on top of a baking sheet when it goes into the 26

July | August 2015

oven to prevent any spills.

Ingredients 6 peaches (they should be firm, slightly under ripe) 1 sheet of store bought puff pastry, thawed 4 tablespoons softened butter ½ cup brown sugar Instructions Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees Roll out the puff pastry until it's as wide as your skillet. Trim the pastry into a circle to fit the skillet. Place back into the refrigerator until ready to use.

Peel the peaches with a vegetable peeler. (Or use this alternate method: Cut an “X” through the skin on the bottom of each peach. Place the peaches in boiling water for 10 seconds, HOME Living

In North Georgia

home taste

remove from boiling water and place in ice water. The skin will come right off).

Rub the butter around the bottom and sides of the pan.

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the bottom of the skillet.

Cut each peach into halves, remove the pit (a melon baller works well for this). Slice each half into 3 pieces. Place the peaches in the skillet on top of the sugar.

Cook the peaches over medium heat for 10 minutes.

Turn off the stove top.

Place the puff pastry circle over the peaches and put the pan

into the oven. (You may want to put the pan on top of a baking tray).

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed and brown.

Remove from the oven, let cool for 5-10 minutes.

Use a knife to make sure the sides of the tart are not stuck to the pan Put a platter on top of the skillet and using oven mitts to hold skillet and plate tightly together, carefully invert tart onto platter.

Sensational Summer Dessert Enjoy a slight twist on peach cobbler Sweet, tart and oh so tasty is the perfect way to describe Kim Novosel’s Fresh Peach and Cherry Cobbler. Once you try this cobbler, each year you will anxiously await peach and cherry season. And it will be worth the wait ... because this recipe is that good! homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

See step-by-step photos of Kim’s recipe plus thousands more from home cooks nationwide at www.justapinch.com/cobbler.

Enjoy and remember, use “just a pinch”...

Janet Tharpe is a food columnist for Just A Pinch and American Hometown Media.

Fresh Peach and Cherry Cobbler What You Need 4 cup fresh peaches (peeled and sliced thickly) 2 cup fresh bing cherries (pitted and halved) ½ c water 1 stick unsalted butter 2 c all purpose flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 ½ cup milk 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup sugar Pinch salt Cinnamon (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 350.

Combine peaches, cherries, brown sugar and water in a saucepan; mix well.

Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 min. Remove from heat. Reserve a half cup of fruit liquid.

Put the butter in a 9x13 baking dish and place in oven to melt.

In a bowl sift sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Slowly whisk in milk and the half cup of reserved liquid to dry ingredients.

Pour mixture over melted butter in baking dish. Do not stir.

With a slotted spoon, put fruit on top evenly.

Gently pour remaining liquid over top of fruit.

Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.

Place a pan under your dish.

Bake for 30 to 45 min or until crust has risen to the top and is golden.

Enjoy warm with a nice scoop of ice cream, or let it cool in fridge.

— Kim Novosel, Temple, GA July | August 2015

27

home business

Not just pie in the sky

Pastry biz is booming for Gainesville entrepreneur Story by Brandee A. Thomas Photos courtesy Buttermilk Pie Co. If Julia Childs and Paula Deen had decided to go into business together, the result may have been similar to the desserts being served fresh from the ovens at Buttermilk Pie Co. in Gainesville.

The European-style pie crusts filled with traditional Southern fillings have caught on like wildfire since owner Amanda Wilbanks started baking the sweet treats nearly three years ago.

“I started Buttermilk inside my house in October 2012. My mother-in-law came into town one time and taught me how to make French pastry dough. She said, ‘I want to teach you how to make this. It’s wonderful, you’ll love it. I want to make a buttermilk pie with you,’” Wilbanks recalled.

“I wasn’t sure about buttermilk pie, but I said, ‘OK.’ And she was right, I loved it.

Buttermilk pie is like a custard and it kind of tastes like a crème brule to me.

“I started out just making them for neighbors, but then I started selling them at festivals.”

Two months and nearly 500 pies later, Wilbanks and husband Alex Wilbanks realized they had a legitimate business opportunity on their hands and decided to look for a storefront.

“By that time, we had added two more

28

July | August 2015

Amanda Wilbanks started baking the sweet treats nearly three years ago and now owns Buttermilk Pie Company.

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home business

ovens to our kitchen at home,” Wilbanks said.

“It was a little crazy.”

Some family members thought the same thing about the University of Georgia graduate — who completed her degree in three years with honors — when she told them she’d be leaving her job in the insurance industry to become a full-time pie maker. But not her husband.

“He always believed in me from the beginning. He has been my biggest supporter,” Wilbanks said.

“He would come home from work in the evenings and roll out pie crusts for me. After seeing how people responded to my pies, the rest of the family got on board, but (Alex) believed in my vision from the start.”

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Although the Terry School of Business graduate and Habersham County native is no stranger to the kitchen, making pies wasn’t old hat for her. But after one bite of her pies, you’ll appreciate that she’s a fast learner.

“I’ve always had a love for cooking,” Wilbanks said. “My mom taught me how to cook and I grew up making biscuits on Sundays with my grandmother after church. I’d made cobblers with (my grandmother), but we’d never really made pies, so that was new.”

In some bakeries, if you comment that the goods look homemade, that may be a slap in the face to the proprietors, but not in the pie shop on Broad Street in Gainesville.

“You’ll notice with our pies, that nothing looks identical. Everything is made by hand

— from the crust to the filling — so you will see variations in the pies, but the taste stays consistent,” Wilbanks said.

“I started out with all family recipes that I hold near and dear to my heart. The pies remind me a lot of the cobblers that I used to make with my grandmother — my favorite was peach. She always put so much sugar on top of the dough and so much butter. I remember thinking, ‘This is heaven.’

“That’s what I want people to think when they eat our pies.”

Based on the success of the shop, Buttermilk is right on the money.

“We have people who will come in, buy a slice, get out to their car and eat it, and come right back in for a whole pie. It’s really fun,”

May | June 2015

29

home business

Wilbanks said. “I think it caught on because we use good, quality ingredients. We don’t use any preservatives. No lard, margarine or shortening — it’s an all-butter dough.”

Their daily menu includes caramel pecan, French coconut, chocolate chess and, of course, buttermilk pies. Additionally, the shop features a seasonal pie of the month. Buttermilk’s pies are available by the slice as well as a 5-inch and a nearly 10-inch version.

“Pie of the month is all about the fruit pies,” Wilbanks said. “In June, we featured key lime pie. July’s pie could be peach or blackberry or blueberry. It just depends on the quality of the fruit that’s available.

We support local businesses as much as we can to buy our ingredients, so the pie flavor depends on what’s readily available.

“We also do some savory pies, which a lot of people don’t know 30

July | August 2015

about. We do homemade chicken pot pie, Southwestern taco pie and a tomato pie. You can always come by for lunch and get a savory pie — they’re available in petite and full-size — or you can pick one up for dinner for the whole family. We always encourage people to pre-order the savory pies if they can, that way we can have them hot and ready for you.”

You can get your pie from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday. The shop will also ship pies nationwide, and you can even get a bite or two from Lucy’s Market in Buckhead.

Although every day in business hasn’t been a cakewalk for her, Wilbanks says that being a pie-maker is a labor of love.

“I’m not professionally trained, I just love to bake more than anything,” Wilbanks said. “I think when you do what you love, you’ll do well at it.”

If Wilbanks has her way, Buttermilk’s offerings may steal some of cake’s thunder when it comes to festive occasions and commemorating accomplishments.

“We say, ‘Celebrate life with pie.’”

HOME Living

In North Georgia

This hearing aid can make all the difference in your world!

The QLeaf Lite™, a virtually invisible personal sound amplifier that fits comfortably in the ear canal.

499

$

ONLY

For mild amplification in special situations.

EA

FREE

Video Otoscopy & Hearing Screening

expires: 7/31/15

©2013 AccuQuest Hearing Centers

CALL TOLL-FREE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

(888) 756-2507 GAINESVILLE

601 BROAD ST. SE, SUITE A

The QLeaf Lite is not a custom-molded hearing aid. Not all ears will accommodate the QLeaf Lite. Invisibility is based on ear anatomy.

A free hearing screening will show if you are a candidate for the QLeaf Lite™.

Over 190 convenient locations nationwide • Visit us at www.accuquest.com

PROMO CODE

N-PJS-205-ST-C

home home & garden

Glorious

Gourds

Mountain shop shows off the quirky beauty nature grows

Story by Sandra Warwick Photos by Michelle Boaen Jameson “Gourds don’t talk back,” muses Priscilla Wilson when comparing high school students with her beloved gourds.

Wilson, one of the talented North Georgia “Gourd Girls” and a former Lumpkin County High School English teacher, knows her gourds. She and partner Janice Lymburner, a former White County elementary school teacher, merged their skills and talents, mustered up their gumption to say goodbye to teaching, and said an enthusiastic “hello” to the delightful and unique art of gourd crafting.

32

July | August 2015

In 1976, Wilson and Lymburner begin their journey to their gourd destiny. Their first stop on their gourd journey, as young women, included selling their creations at craft fairs.

Back in the groovy 1970s, Priscilla and Janice didn’t know of any other artists practicing the cool art of gourd crafting.

Along came the 1980s and 1990s, and “The Gourd Girls” carved their names into stone, much like the designs Wilson carves into the gourd masterpieces, and their destiny was set.

Since 1991, The Gourd Place, located 5 miles from Helen, showcases all things and almost everything about gourds. When spinning gourd tales, Wilson speaks matter-of-factly, as if everyone possesses the unique gift of gourd crafting. She says Lymburner takes care of the business end of their successful enterprise and also glazes gourds at times.

While exploring the retail shop and the museum, Wilson points out many of her creative endeavors. The airy buildings house everything from gourd animals to beautiful HOME Living

In North Georgia

home home & garden

gourd-crafted lamps. Gourd masks line the walls. Gourd drums beckon those lovers who long to dance to a different beat. Stoneware pottery and natural material jewelry showcase her unique talents.

When Wilson and Lymburner began their adventure in 1976, they grew their own gourds the first year on 7 acres of land. Today, they use all their creative energy crafting the gourds and visit farms to purchase their gourds.

“I carve the gourds with a high-speed drill,” Wilson says, likening her drills to the type dentists use. She says tourists and local residents alike flock yearly to The Gourd Place in search of her creations. Field trips rank as a favorite with school-age kids.

As we walk through the shop taking in all the lovely creations, Wilson says, “I’m always trying new things.”

On a display in the retail shop, greeting cards designed

by Wilson sit nestled amongst gourd goodies. One card mimics a famous fairy tale with the caption “‘Gourdilocks’ and the Three Bears.” Gourds sit tucked in bins homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

The Gourd Place just outside of Sautee Nachoochee offers an array of hand-crafted gourds and even some imported from other parts of the world. The “gourd girls,” Janice Lymburner and Priscilla Wilson, have nearly perfected the art of drying, dying and turning regular gourds into decorative works of art and utilitarian pieces such as colanders and ladles.

July | August 2015

33

home home & garden

The Gourd Place has recently started molding and casting pottery and porcelain from hand-picked gourds. The process gives a unique, organic feel to the pottery, which comes in four colors. The porcelain pieces are used as luminaries. The delicate lamps give a glow that highlights the gourd veins.

34

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home home & garden

A small museum inside The Gourd Place highlights pieces from around the world in various uses from decorative to musical instruments and utilitarian vessels, showing the many shapes and forms in which gourds grow.

and baskets ready to be carved and crafted. Little red and blue wagons hold more gourds waiting to be transformed into magical creations.

Decorative containers carved with wildflower designs might well be one of Wilson’s signature pieces.

She admits to “always figuring out new things to do with gourds.”’

And not long ago, the two channeled their inner writer and crafted their memoir, “Gourd Girls.” Wilson says she likes to say, “The book wrote itself.”

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

She confides, “I have a good memory. And I also used things from magazine articles.”

The Gourd Girls donated a copy to all the local libraries.

They are available on Amazon and their website, www.gourdplace.com.

To learn more about the Gourd Girls, a copy of their memoir makes for a perfect summertime read. On their website, they write, “We call it ‘the gourd life.’ To us this phrase has come to mean more than just working with gourds, it means being open to the unpredictable move-

ment of the creative force in our lives.”

To experience the creative force of the Gourd Girls at its finest, pay a visit to The Gourd Place at 2319 Duncan Bridge Road, Sautee-Nacoochee.

The shop is open from April 1 through Dec. 23. An almost mystical realm of gourds and creative delightful fares await.

Or visit the website to learn more about the women and the process of gourd crafting. Included is ordering information for all kind of creations, such as pottery and jewelry.

July | August 2015

35

home recreation

Get on your bikes and ride!

Wrenched Bicycles in Gainesville helps cyclists get it in gear Story by Brent Holloway Photos by HOME staff Fifteen years ago, the space separating Todd Berry and Nathan O’Neill spanned literal — and metaphorical — hemispheres.

Berry was a drag racer burning up blacktops in Northeast Georgia. O’Neill was a professional cyclist spending his hours winding through the scenic Tuscan countryside.

“Who would’ve thought a redneck-speaking Georgian and an Italian-speaking Australian would work so well together,” O’Neill said.

But it’s precisely their differences that have made Berry and O’Neill such a well-matched team since opening Wrenched Bicycles, a cycling sales and service shop on North Bradford Street, just off the square in downtown Gainesville.

“We’re from different areas and we bring different elements to the table,” O’Neill said. “Honestly, if you had two people who had the same skillset, you’d be missing out on other areas. And you’d probably have more conflict because one side would always be thinking he was the one who knew better.”

The type of head-butting that is common to partnerships of all manner is minimized by the divergent yet complementary skills of Berry and O’Neill. Informed by his years as a professional cyclist, O’Neill helms the day-to-day operations of the shop, which include product sales, custom bike fitting and coaching riders.

Berry, benefitting from his background as the manager of family-owned Berry Plumbing & Equipment in Clermont, helps out on the business side and chips in racing-honed welding expertise to customize parts for especially tricky repair jobs.

That ability to tackle difficult repairs with custom-built parts is a point of pride for O’Neill and Berry, as is their specialization in building and restoring bikes to suit the tastes and preferences of customers.

36

July | August 2015

Above: Nathan O’Neill, Wrenched Bicycles co-owner and coach, works on a bike in the Gainesville shop. Opposite page left: Some helmets in the higher and lower price range that his store carries.

Picking a helmet that fits properly and that can easily be seen by motorists is key to staying safe while biking on the roads.

“We can give the customer precisely what they want,” O’Neill said. “Instead of buying a bike off a rack somewhere and getting about 20 percent things you don’t like, we can give you exactly what you want. There are infinite details that can be customized.”

The seeds that led to the current business were planted in 2011.

Admittedly out of shape, Berry was coaxed into taking up cycling by friends who were enthusiasts of the sport.

“That first ride was a reality check,” Berry said.

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home recreation

But he kept pedaling and was soon hooked.

“I would ride as far as I could go away from my house,” he said. “And then I would turn around and head back. I wouldn’t give myself the option to quit.”

Within a year he was more than 100 pounds lighter, riding more than 200 miles

per week and looking for a way to improve his performance.

Enter O’Neill. The eight-time Australian national time trial champion had been living in Gainesville after first visiting the area during the 2003 Tour de Georgia and began coaching Berry. Soon, Berry’s newfound passion and entrepreneurial spirit comingled.

“I told Nate, ‘I really think Gainesville could use a bike shop that specializes in rebuilds and custom fits,’” Berry said.

Turns out he was right. In the two years since opening its doors, Wrenched Bicycles has blossomed into a hub of cycling activity.

The store stocks desirable brands, including Colnago, which in tandem with the service Top: Nathan O’Neill, Wrenched Bicycles co-owner and coach, demonstrates how a bicycle light that his store carries works to protect cyclists from being hit by cars on the road.

Another addon that O’Neill suggested is a camera that allows cyclists to provide proof of fault in the case an accident does occur.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

37

home recreation

Paula Rivera, 13, begins her race at the Georgia State Championship Road Race in Lula, June 20.

The race was a 12-mile loop that started and ended on Belton Bridge Road.

work offered, attracts far-flung customers. And for those closer to home, the shop hosts community rides four times per week.

Though each ride is adaptable to all skill levels, Monday evening’s ride on the more lightly trafficked roads of Clermont is best suited for the casual riders, while Tuesday and Thursday group rides cater to those with more skill and experience. Saturday morning rides will usually include several groups of various skill levels and with each spanning varying distances.

“It’s been great for us as far as building relationships between the riders and between our shop and the riders,” O’Neill said. “We’re growing the community, and we’re teaching people how to ride the right way.”

38

July | August 2015

SAFE CYLING TIPS • Bicycles are vehicles and should abide by all applicable bicycle-specific laws and traffic ordinances. Stop at all stop signs and traffic lights!

• Ride on the road, not the sidewalk. Operating a bicycle on the sidewalk is dangerous, both for you and for pedestrians. It’s also illegal in GA if you’re older than 12.

• Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing and use front and rear lights if riding in low-light or at night.

• Ride predictably. Flow with traffic (as if you were a car), signal your intentions and maintain a consistent line of travel (don’t weave in and out of lanes).

• Ride defensively. Watch and be prepared for motorists not seeing you. Even a cyclist in bright clothing can be difficult to see in certain conditions. Distracted driving is a serious issue; never assume a motorist sees you.

• Learn & use safe cycling practices. See if your local advocacy organization offers safe cycling classes, and check out the Bicyclist Pocket Guide for helpful tips and illustrations.

• Wear a helmet. While not required for bicyclists over age 16, helmets are a common sense precaution.

Unexpected situations will happen, and a properly worn helmet will substantially increase your odds of walking away from a crash.

Source: GeorgiaBikes.org

HOME Living

In North Georgia

Exceptional Medical Care with a Human Touch Gastroenterology Associates of Gainesville is the largest gastroenterology practice in Northeast Georgia.

Our highly qualified physicians utilize cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat a wide variety of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Many people find discussing concerns related to the digestive tract embarrassing.

Our physicians and staff understand the sensitive nature of digestive problems and are specially trained to handle any questions and concerns.

We ARE the experts.

Main Office 2324 Limestone Overlook Gainesville, GA

Braselton Office 1515 River Place Suite 310, Braselton, GA

Lavonia Office 355 Clear Creek Pkwy., Suite 1007, Lavonia, GA

Habersham Office 638 Historic Hwy 441 N Suite B, Demorest, GA

Dawsonville Office 108 Prominence Court Dawsonville, GA

770-536-8109 • Toll Free 1-877-683-9410 • www.GastroGainesville.com

home charity

Keeping the skies safe

The Civil Air Patrol trains cadets to do more than salute Story by Brandee A. Thomas Photos by HOME staff

Civil Air Patrol members from Dahlonega Squadron 447, from left Kevin Tanner, senior member, Lt. Col. Richard Ivy and 1st Lt. Chip Pearson, public information officer, discuss the results of a search and rescue exercise at the Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville. The exercise simulated a missing persons search in the Dawson Forest.

The Civil Air Patrol may be one of the best kept secrets in Hall County.

The Gainesville Squadron of the Georgia Wing of the air patrol is a Congressionally-chartered nonprofit group made up of civilians, youth and — surprisingly — non-pilots.

Statewide, CAP helps government and private agencies in the aftermath of natural disasters, and provides manpower and skills for medical material transports, search-and-rescue missions and aerial photography.

CAP photographers are often called on to document the aftermath of natural disasters, as well as provide a bird’s-eye view of infrastructure features like bridges, roadways and developments.

On May 30, 2014, President Barack Obama signed a bill to honor members of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II, awarding the group for their volunteerism.

“Many of them went on to careers in aviation,” said Maj. Ross Statham, director of public affairs for Georgia’s Civil Air Patrol wing.

The Gainesville Squadron has working relationships with fire departments, emergency management agencies and the U.S. Forest Service. The group lists its mission as, “A friendly team of dedicated volunteers who are well-trained, mission ready and possess an attitude of humble service to each other, our community and our nation while meeting or exceeding the high standards of the Civil Air Patrol and the Georgia Wing.”

The CAP is known as the “official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.” Volunteers serve as pilots, as well as in ground crews, to help the group accomplish its goals of providing education to the public, emergency assistance in times of crisis and leadership and enrichment opportunities for the youth.

There are three types of squadrons. The senior squadrons are focused primarily on emergency services, while the cadet squad-

Cadet Jimmy Garcia, left, and cadet Spencer Dooley, right, help 12-year old Stephen Lloyd navigate through a makeshift minefield at a Civil Air Patrol Open House. This station was used to help in communication and leadership skills.

40

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home charity

Many of the volunteers are former members from all branches of the military.

Members live in Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Cumming, Dawsonville, Jefferson and the surrounding areas. rons devote their time to developing youth programs. Composite squadrons — which describes the Gainesville group — has an emphasis on youth programs and emergency services.

The Cadet Program is open to youths ages 12 to 18. The goal of the program is to provide as much firsthand practice and knowledge to young people with an interest in aviation,

space or a career in the military. As a cadet, participants are granted special privileges and access to activities like search-and-rescue simulations and weeklong excursions on military installments.

The Gainesville squadron also has a cadet aviation program, which provides classroom and hands-on training. Cadets in the flying program not only have the opportunity to

ride shotgun to see how manning an aircraft works, they also get the chance to fly themselves.

The “senior” branch is for civic-minded adults ages 18 and older. There are a number of community service areas for volunteers, many of which do not require your feet to leave the ground.

Ground team members are critical to CAP search-and-rescue missions, and offer volunteer opportunities for senior and cadet participants. Ground crew members are often called on by area agencies to assist with crashes and other emergencies. Team members are required to complete Operational Risk Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency-sanctioned first responder training.

Because of the rigor of the ground team duties, volunteers must be in good physical condition.

For those volunteers who are looking to perform their civic duties at a higher altitude, E.J. and Kayla Radich, 5 and 7, work the controls of the local Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 at the annual Cracker Fly-in at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville last July. The annual event gives the CAP a chance to interact with the community.

CAP Major Ross Statham said, “Education is part of our mission — educating our community on the role aerospace plays in our community.”

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

41

home charity

A retired Army Cobra attack helicopter lands behind a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter at the 45th annual Cracker Fly-in at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville. Both aircraft flew in Vietnam.

“She’s a three-tour, two-war veteran,” said pilot Bruce Whitley of the Cobra, who flew this craft in the 1980s.

Pilot Garry Pope of Oakwood rotates the prop on his 1968 Nanchang CJ-6 to attach the info label.

His friend Darrell McDaniel of Buford, who flew in with Pope, looks on.

42

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home charity

the Gainesville Squadron is always looking for pilots and air crew members. Pilots are required to be at least age 17 and possess a current Federal Aviation Administration private, commercial or airline transport pilot certificate. Pilots must also have a Class III or higher medical certificate and a current flight review.

Other airborne volunteers are needed to serve as photographers, observers and scanners. The squadron provides training to bring all volunteers up to speed on their duties and responsibilities.

Senior participants can serve in other specialty tracks outside of the CAP’s big three: cadet programs, emergency services and aerospace education. There are also service opportunities in operations, logistics, administration, public affairs and chaplain.

Like most nonprofits, the Gainesville Squadron is always looking for donors to help support its youth and community service missions. The squadron uses donations, which are tax deductible, to help purchase search-and-rescue gear, cadet uniforms, air crew proficiency training and communication equipment, among other things.

Although the CAP is a civilian organization, senior members are required to purchase the auxiliary’s version of the U.S. Air Force uniform if they wish to participate in Air Force-sponsored activities.

Cadets are provided necessary uniforms at no cost to the participant.

To learn more about the Gainesville Squadron, visit its website, www.ga160.org, or make plans to attend one of its bimonthly meetings. The seniors meet at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesday each month at the U.S. Army National Guard Armory, 153 Alta Vista Road in Gainesville.

Potential cadets are also welcomed to attend one of the youth meetings, which are also held at the armory at 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Cadet Technical Sergeant Gabriel Robertson of the Civil Air Patrol in Gainesville was recently awarded the Silver Cadet Medal by the Daughters of the American Revolution for his work with the Wreaths Across America service in April at the Alta Vista Cemetery. homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

43

home 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 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.

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

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

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

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

Phoenix Rising Veterans’ Drum Circle 44

July | August 2015

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.

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.

Cultivators’ Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Saturday through October. Shields-Etheridge Heritage Farm. 2355 Etheridge Road, Jefferson. Free. 706-367-8877, www. shieldsethridgefarminc.com.

Saturday discovery stations 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday. Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville. Adults $8; children younger than 12 $5; garden members and children younger than 3 free. 404-888-4760, www.atlantabg.org/ visit/gainesville.

Children’s performances 11 a.m. last Saturdays of each month June through August. Children younger than 5. Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville. Adults $8; children younger than 12 $5; garden members and children younger than 3 free. 404-888-4760, www.atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville.

Braselton Farmers Market 4-7 p.m. each Friday through Oct. 16.

Harrison St., Braselton. www.downtownbraselton.com.

July July 3 Northwinds Symphonic Band 8 p.m. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center Lawn, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. Adults $18; seniors and students $15. 770-534-2787, www.

theartscouncil.net.

July 4 Fourth of July Festival and parade 4-9 p.m. Downtown Braselton. www.braselton. net/local-festivals.html.

July 4 Star Spangled Fourth of July 5K Fun Run 8 a.m. Braselton Park, 50 Harrison St., Braselton.

Register before June 19, $25; after $30. Aimee@ operationonevoice.org, www.operationonevoice.org..

July 6-10; July 13-17 Sterling on the Lake summer camp 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sterling on the Lake, 7004 Lake Sterling Blvd., Flowery Branch. Sterling residents $110/week, nonresidents $120/ week. 770-967-9777, www.fifthrowcenter.com.

July 8-10 Watercolor with Oscar Rayneri 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bowen Center for Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. $170. 706-216-2787, info@dawsonarts.org.

July 9 Kelly Hood voice recital 7:30 p.m. . Piedmont College chapel, 1021 Central Ave., Demorest. Free. www.piedmont.edu.

July 10-26 “Footloose” The Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Gainesville. $12-$19.99. 706-864-3759, www. hollytheater.com.

July 10 R5 Sometime Last Night 7 p.m. . Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $29.50-$45. 800-745-3000, www.vzwamp.com.

July 11; 6:15-8:45 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6 Sunset tours at the zoo 7-9 p.m. North Georgia Zoo and Farm, 2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland. Adults $50; children $47. 706-348-7279, www.myfavoritezoo. com.

July 13-17; July 27-31 Art camp 9-11 a.m.. First-grade and higher. House of Clay, 5117 Ga. 53, Braselton. $85 each week. 770519-8900.

July 12 Barenaked Ladies HOME Living

In North Georgia

home calendar

7:30 p.m. . Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $19.50-$89.50. 800-745-3000, www.vzwamp. com.

7 p.m. . Luna’s Restaurant, 200 Main St. SW, Gainesville. Adult donation $10; children $5. www.creepertrailridetoendcancer.com, www. amyhenderson.com.

July 14-15 Leather pouches with Tom Slavicek art class 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bowen Center for Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. $120. 706-216-2787, info@dawsonarts.org.

July 22 Creations Encounter Teen Overnight Camp Boys July 22-25; girls July 29 through Aug. 1.

North Georgia Zoo and Farm, 2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland. $325. 706-348-7279, www.northgeorgiazoo.com.

July 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18 Art therapy for Veterans 1-3:30 p.m. Helen Arts & Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen. Free for qualified veterans. Helenarts.org, helenartshc@gmail.com.

July 25 ADA Memorial 5K 8 a.m. . Downtown Square, Gainesville. $25. www.adamemorial.org/index.cfm.

July 15 Rod Stewart 8 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $30.50$200. 800-745-3000, www.vzwamp.com.

Through July 26 “Gone to Pot” exhibition Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee Nacoochee. Free. 706-878-3300, www. snca.org.

July 15-18; July 28-31 Junior summer tennis camp 9 a.m. to noon. Chattahoochee Country Club, 3000 Club Drive, Gainesville. Members $85; nonmembers $100. 770-536-4652, tennis@ ccclub.cc.

July 30 Toby Keith 7 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $20$54.75. 800-745-3000, www.vzwamp.com.

Foreign Affairs, 423 Vfw Road, Cornelia. $10.

706-499-1370.

July 17-19 Lanier Pirate Poker Run Lanier Partners of North Georgia, lanierpartners.org

August

Aug. 4-16 “Half Mile Down” Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. Adults $10; children $5. 770287-0077.

Through Aug. 1 Summer art show Lyndon House Arts Center, 293 Hoyt St., Athens. 706-613-3623, www.athensclarkecounty. com/lyndonhouse.

Aug. 8 The Back In Time Band 8 p.m. . The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center Lawn, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. Adults $20; seniors and students $18. 770-534-2787, www. theartscouncil.net.

July 17 Tedeschi Trucks Band 7 p.m. . Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $19.50-$89.50. 800-745-3000, www.vzwamp. com.

July 18 Trial Gardens open house 9 a.m. to noon. Trial Gardens, 220 W. Green St., Athens. $5. trial-gardens@uga.edu, www.facebook.com/trialgardens.uga.

July 20-22 and 25-27 Zookeeper Day Camp Full day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; half day 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ages 8 and up. North Georgia Zoo and Farm, 2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland. Full day $85/day; half day $50/day. 706-348-7279, www. northgeorgiazoo.com.

July 22 Amy Henderson benefit concert homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Aug. 1 Hall County Sheriff ’s Office car, truck and motorcycle show 10 a.m. Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Highway, Gainesville. Register a car, truck or motorcycle $25. 770-531-6900.

Through Aug. 1 Summer art show Lyndon House Arts Center, 293 Hoyt St., Athens. 706-613-3623, www.athensclarkecounty. com/lyndonhouse.

Aug. 1 Elvis Tribute Artists Competition Doors open at noon. Grant Reeves Veteran of

Through Aug. 15 Homefolk Art Show Quinlan Visual Arts, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. 770-536-2575, www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Through Aug. 15 Homefolk Art Show Quinlan Visual Arts, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. 770-536-2575, www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Through Aug. 18 Art of caricaturist Lenn Redman Piedmont College, 567 Georgia St., Demorest.

Free. 706-894-4201.

Aug. 22 Yes and Toto 7 p.m. . Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $24.50-$49.50. 800-745-3000, www.vzwamp. com.

July | August 2015

45

home around town Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours June 18, 2015

Local business leaders and members of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce met at Port Royale Marina in Gainesville. People mingled and made business connections while enjoying food and beverages from Pelican Pete’s.

46

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home around town

Danny & Denise

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

47

home around town

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Smithgall Arts Center June 19, 2015

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra came to Gainesville for its annual concert at the Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center lawn. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s new assistant and youth conductor, Andrew Young, conducted. The Arts Council brought the ASO to Gainesville for the 40th year in a row.

48

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home around town

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

July | August 2015

49

home around town

Braselton Farmers Market June 2015

The weekly market opens on Fridays at 4-7 p.m. on Harrison Street in the town’s historic downtown. Homegrown and homemade products are available each week. For additional information, call 706-684-0369 or visit www.downtownbraselton.com

50

July | August 2015

HOME Living

In North Georgia

Special events each week! Follow the Buzzz on Facebook www.Facebook.com/DowntownBraselton

Produce

Baked Goods

Plants

Fridays • 4-7 p.m. • June - October On Harrison Street • Downtown www.DowntownBraselton.com