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HOME Living in North Georgia

The Lake Issue

May | 2018

Boating in luxury Ark on Lanier

$4.95

Top four places to eat on the water

Braselton Event Center Your Wedding Should be a Lasting Memory...

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4,479 new reasons

to celebrate mother’s day

Last year, we welcomed 4,479 babies into the world at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. That means we have 4,479 new reasons to celebrate this Mother’s Day. We are honored to be a part of such a special milestone and hope you’ll choose us for yours.

Learn more about our doctors, childbirth classes and locations at nghs.com/labor-delivery

May 2018 The Lake Issue Feels like paradise

Editor

Michelle Boaen Jameson

16 The Ark on Lanier can

host dozens at once for a lakeside get-together.

General Manager

Norman Baggs

An artist’s vision

Advertising Sales

Leah Nelson

28 John Kollock’s family

shares their father’s artistic take on North Georgia.

Dream come true 32 Gainesville resident

HOME Living in North Georgia

HOME Magazine, a division of:

12

Find a lakeside oasis

Tom Hughes turns a lake cabin into his dream house.

The Times Gainesville, GA

A Metro Market Media Inc. property

345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 | 770-532-1234

www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com July| August 2015

Getting wet

36 As summer gets going,

HOME 1

Living in North Georgia

there is no loss of things to do out on the lake.

October | 2017

Burning out

Little Big Town’s Kim Schlapman

38 Don’t forget to

protect your skin while you have fun in the sun.

Set sail with one of many clubs

24

On the Cover This year, there are several boats out on the water that will turn you green with envy. We take a look at three of them.

PAGE 6

4 | HOME | May 2018

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

Education issue: Learning for a lifetime

School leaders discuss classroom goals Museums, libraries, adult classes and more

Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ HomeMagazineNGA Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. 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 Metro Market Media Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. 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.

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Boating in style Look out for sporty yachts and classy fishing boats on Lake Lanier this summer

By Michelle Jameson Photos courtesy Sea Ray, Prestige and Grady-White

6 | HOME | May 2018

When you are cruising Lake Lanier this summer, don’t be surprised if you see a few luxury boats slip past you. The latest and greatest will be out on the water for 2018. Go ahead, throw a little shade — there’s enough sun for everyone.

Prestige 460 S The Prestige 460 S is a luxury yacht which features immense sliding glass doors, large power sunroof and an L-shaped cockpit. The 460 S boasts an enhanced living exterior space when fully opened and a protected living space when closed.

With sleek lines, this hunky boat is more than just handsome. Part of the May 2018 | HOME | 7

Clockwise: The Prestige 460 S has two cabins with full beds, a full kitchenette with stove and refrigerator and a bed that splits into two.

The Sea Ray 400 SLX has a technologically up-to-date helm, a patio swim deck and plenty of luxurious seating. The 460 S has sofas and a TV.

8 | HOME | May 2018

Flybridge line, the 460 S has a main deck, a lower deck and a flybridge deck. At nearly 47 feet long, the boat has plenty of luxury amenities. With a hull of 41 feet, the 328-gallon fuel tank will do a cruising speed of 25 knots. She sleeps six with two full beds and two twins. And after those exhausting parties, there is always a full sectional and a couch.

The yatch integrates the concept of the L-shaped cockpit, which allows for maximum use of space. Transformable into a very large aft sundeck, this cockpit can also house a fully equipped skipper cabin.

She’s lined on the outside deck with teak flooring and there is plenty of room to lounge. The main deck features a full kitchenette — with stovetop and refrigerator — and retractable television.

There’s a sunpad on the bow with three loungers and a pop-up umbrella while the flybridge holds the grill for those many kabobs, plus another sunpad and more seating. The lower level houses two heads.

The contemporary layout of the exterior galley located to the aft opens onto an immense swim platform. With optional air conditioning and a mega-watt sound system, the boat offers ultramodern décor and fixtures. Even the most inviting waters may not be able to drag you out of this luxurious surrounding.

Wet bar of the Grady-White Freedom 235

Sea Ray 400 SLX Winning the National Marine Manufacturers Association 2017 Innovation award, the Sea Ray 400 SLX combines a digital helm with creature comforts and classic features.

The helm station features an intuitive Digital Dash with standard twin Raymarine glass displays. Enjoy effortless docking and precise maneuvering courtesy of Axius joystick control, and relish the sweet

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The Grady-White Freedom 235 fishing boat holds refreshments, fish and plenty of fun for 10. There’s plenty of room in the head, an optional wet bar and a lots of space to store dry or wet gear.

sound of free-flowing conversation thanks noise-quashing Quiet Ride technology.

It has a convertible swim terrace to maximize entertainment space while turning the cockpit into an on-the-water patio. A retractable sunshade deploys electronically from the hardtop to extend sun protection far aftward. An additional sunshade provides coverage for the bow. A plush sunpad extends the width of the transom and features a converting backrest that opens to face the swim terrace An enclosed storage compartment accommodates two full-sized stand-up paddleboards. (Never again settle for lashing your SUP awkwardly to the tower or hull.) Additional storage throughout the boat keeps your belongings safely out from underfoot. A wellappointed wet bar features a refrigerator, sink and available dual grills, ensuring top-notch refreshments and happier happy hours. There’s room enough for a party of 12 for a day out on the water.

The 400 SLX has a full sleeper and a roomy head with a table and seating for six on the bow. The social bow accommodates a crowd with ease. A row of forward touring seats features armrests and cupholders, while additional forward benches surround the bow table .

Grady-White Freedom 235 We didn’t forget you fisherman! The 23-foot long Grady-White Freedom 235 was the Boating 2017 Boat of the Year. The dual-console boat has luxurious seating and an oversized, enclosed head. It also

10 | HOME | May 2018

has plenty of stow space for picnic items and dive gear and, of course, for your freshly-caught fish. Fish boxes and insulted ice boxes drain directly overboard by gravity.

There’s room for plenty of rods with additional racks. And there are several safety features including nonskid surfaces, handholds everywhere you need them, a heavy-duty fiberglass transom door and safety windshield.

The Freedom 235 is self-bailing with a foam sprayed hull for extra flotation. It has a kicking sound system, flush mount electronics and comfortable seating with a patented foldaway aft seat for more room in the cockpit.

With room enough for 10, the Freedom 235 has bow seating with dry storage and an insulated box, optional wet bar with sink and removable cooler, and deluxe companion seating with electromechanical lounge seating. There’s also swim and dockside boarding platforms.

And there’s also an optional 15.5 gallon live well for a long day of doing what the boat does best.

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Fresh Water Feasts

Swim up, tuck in and indulge on Lake Lanier

By Jennifer Colosimo Lake life has its perks. Whether it’s the sunrise mist rolling over the water, watching the horizon warm up at sunset, afternoons spent lounging on the boat, or simply being able to call the sparkling bluegreen water your own backyard, there’s a magic to living on the lake that isn’t found anywhere else.

But as residents of Lake Lanier know, the sweetest part of lake life here extends beyond the scenery. In fact, it often ends up right under your nose — on your dinner plate. The dining options around the lake are plentiful, but the exclusive nosh spots that seat you right up at the water make this area a residence to envy.

Ranging from wooden picnic tables and paper towels to tiki-laden floating docks, resort-style menus and courtesy dock cocktails, there’s truly a place to appease any appetite, to complement a lake day done by an adventurous boat full of friends or a family full of enthusiastic little ones, a quiet, couple’s night out or sophisticated sunset cruise. Once you’ve picked a place, the options on each menu are endless, but we’ve rounded up our favorites and narrowed down their must-order menu items to get you started. We can’t wait to see what you order.

Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill

Located right in the middle of the lake, this is not the Pelican Pete’s you popped into for hot dogs a few years ago — let’s get that out of the way. General Manager Brian Grill and his team have reinvented 12 | HOME | May 2018

Enjoy fish tacos and tropical drinks at the only floating oasis on Lanier, Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill. Photos by Jennifer Colosimo

the floating dock concession stand to be a true tiki bar with a growing reputation for sit-down eats.

The best part about Pelican Pete’s is the experience it delivers as a part of Port Royale Marina. It’s the perfect way to spend the day on the lake, especially if you don’t have a boat. Your crew can park the car, rent a boat on site, stock it with all the day supplies you’ll need (floatables, coolers, snacks, life jackets and more) and grab either lunch or dinner, or both, when you come back to refuel.

Second only to the seemingly endless view of the horizon, Pelican Pete’s menu is one of the best on the lake. Choose an entree to amp up the island feel, like the baja fish tacos, succulent grilled fish smothered in creamy baja sauce atop of a bed of fresh pineapple salsa and shredded lettuce. Wash it down with The Lava Flow — a traditional Pina Colada swirled with luscious, strawberry puree. New this season, the Captain’s Burger adds a Southern twist on the staple burger selection, topping a fresh, handmade patty with sharp, rich pimento cheese and tangy green pepper jelly, served with zesty seasoned fries.

Get one thing straight — although your food may come served in a plastic basket (it’s a floating dock, after all), it’s culinary craftsmanship all the way. Enjoy it to the tunes of live music, watching your kids play in the water feature or just counting the boats that go by. They’re open every day once summer starts, so whether you come for the food, the buoyant ambiance or the famous frozen cocktails, your next trip to these docks will leave a tasty mark. bestinboating.com/lakerestaurants/lanier-pelican-petes

Fish Tales serves up a host of items from grilled or fried shrimp and fish to soups and salads. Photos courtesty Fish Tales.

Fish Tales

Far from your typical dining experience, lunch or dinner at Fish Tales is more like going on vacation. The courtesy docks let you jump from water fun right into whetting your whistle and a giant sandbox filled with beach toys keeps the kids happy before and after the meal.

The live music and beautiful views of Hideaway Bay Marina plus a menu to satisfy everyone on board keeps the adults happy, too, delivering a bottom line that Fish Tales has everything to make you want to kick back and stay awhile — like going to the beach, without ever leaving your neighborhood.

Start your vacation by ordering the signature item — a platter of Fish Tales for the table. These fresh, hand-cut grouper fingers are served with a creamy, homemade dill tartar sauce. Bigger appetites can tackle the giant Grouper Sandwich, a heaping serving of fried grouper filet served on a banh mi roll (made from H&F Bread Co. out of Atlanta) and topped with lettuce, juicy red tomato and classic crunchy onion. Fish Tales’ fish tacos are stuffed with blackened tilapia, lettuce, cheese and homemade pico de gallo before getting doused in the restaurant’s own spicy boom boom sauce. You can order them with

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grouper, red snapper, salmon or shrimp, if you can resist the temptation to order all four. The menu’s hidden gem is the ahi tuna. A fresh switch from the fried food sampling, this dish is a feast for your belly and your eyes with a gorgeous plate of vibrant yellow fin tuna seared with sesame seeds and black pepper and served over fresh greens, drizzled with a spicy sriracha honey soy sauce that the chefs make from scratch.

The culinary goals at Fish Tales make this one hard to pass up when making your lakeside snack selection. They’re aiming for something a little different, which as a result, makes them stand out. Just make sure you get there early because it’s no longer a secret, and tonight’s line has probably already started. fishtaleslakelanier. com

Bullfrogs Bar & Grille

It’s hard to talk about living on the lake without mentioning the biggest resort on the local radar. Lanier Islands offers a full-service way to soak up all that lake life offers — golfing, spa days, boating, water sports, outdoor adventures and more — Fried in one place. That includes good meals at Bullfrogs Bar & Grille, a casual indoorokra, hush outdoor restaurant located on the ground floor of Legacy Lodge. Bullfrogs is easy puppies access for guests already on the property, and just a short walk from the water for and fish or drive-by boaters. So whether you crave draft beers or frozen cocktails ordered a signature onsite from the pool window, or you’ve settled on a table outside packed with burger plates of the restaurant’s award-winning racks of ribs and finger-licking barbecue and fries shrimp, from the second you pull up to that courtesy dock — or leave your room at Skogie’s, — you’re in for elevated and creative culinary concoctions. right, on The menu includes classics like a crispy fried seafood sandwich and burgers Lanier. served with sweet potato waffle fries, nachos or veggie quesadillas. They’re known Photos courtesy Skogie’s more for being fresh and inventive, and options like the grilled cheese sandwich stacked high with creamy mac and cheese, juicy red tomatoes and crispy fried bacon on buttered Texas toast prove it. Added to an array of lighter options like an Antioxidant salad or black-eyed pea hummus, anything you order makes it hard to even think about packing your own picnic.

That includes dessert. The cakes, pies and more are all homemade, with a menu that changes so often, the servers deliver it audibly. The real treat is that you can enjoy whatever you order with a fire pit crackling amidst friends and family conversation, the lake twinkling in the moonlight in front of you and the pool sparkling at your back — truly, a glimpse of the good life that’s pretty hard to beat. lanierislands.com/dining/bullfrogs

Bullfrogs Bar and Grille serves up everything from ribs to antioxidant salads and seafood. Photos courtesty Bullfrogs Bar and Grille.

14 | HOME | May 2018

Vickie Gassman Call or Text

678-749-4928

VickieSellsHouses@Gmail.com

Let me help you when you’re ready to Buy or Sell!

770-503-7070

–Referrals are appreciated.

Your Cresswind at Lake Lanier Expert - Resident and Realtor!

I live here too!

Skogie’s on Lake Lanier

Good news for lake dwellers on the north end of Lake Lanier: You haven’t been forgotten. As the only waterfront restaurant above Browns Bridge Road located near the Gainesville Marina, Skogie's holds its own, offering regulars and first-timers, seniors and young families a little bit of everything — stellar food, great live music and the perfect place to have an ice-cold pint when you get off the water. If you’re one of the regulars, then you know it’s the kind of place where they know your order before you even sit down. If you’re just passing through, then it’s the kind of place that won’t take long to make you want to be a regular.

Husband and wife owners Tony and Heather Jonovitch also own the coffee shop inside The Lawrence Pharmacy nearby, so plenty of people already start their day with them in mind. But Skogie’s combination of a family-run feel and a relaxed, laid-back vibe make it a can’t miss for any lake dweller. Anyone can enjoy the most important meal of the day with them on Saturdays, or during brunch on Sundays.

Tony himself may even be the one cooking your omelet.

That level of personal service is what makes Skogie’s such a hit — they’ve infused a little of their own personalities into the everyday experience. You’ll see classic Key West-inspired decor and nuanced menu items from Tony’s 37 years in the business — like the Cuban sandwich, the Caribbean plate with fried plantains or the classic jerk plate of chicken, pork or grouper. People will preach about the burgers, but the Blackjack chicken sandwich and the salmon B.L.T.A. have held their own as customer favorites since they first popped up on the menu. Just like their neighbors to the south, expect everything to be hand-breaded, battered and made to order.

Nothing fancy, this tucked away, pick-your-own-table kind of place offers indoor, air conditioned seating or picnic tables on the patio, a brand-new bar with 14 craft beers on tap, plus live music on the weekends. Whatever meal you join them for, this restaurant’s beachy, comfortable vibe lets you continue your lake day, seemingly uninterrupted, as you dock, dine and get back out there. Land captains are welcome, too. skogieslakefrontrestaurant.us

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May 2018 | HOME | 15

Heaven on

the lake

16 | HOME | May 2018

The ‘Ark’ is ready to entertain

By J.K. Devine Photos courtesy Ark on Lanier

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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Call 770- 203-0927 to schedule an appointment at either location! Ask about our extended hours and same-day appointments!

1205 Friendship Road | Braselton, GA 30517 1215 Vine Street | Gainesville, GA 30501

bgwdentalgroup.com 18 | HOME | May 2018

hen Jeff Hylton stepped onto a lakefront property just west of the Sardis area in Hall County, he knew he had found a new home for his family.

“I fell in love with it,” the Gainesville father of three said. “I could envision ATVs and ziplines.”

His daydream was just that, a daydream.

The owners of the 5-acre property were not willing to sell.

“I made a deal with God,” Hylton said. “I said to God ‘If I am meant to have it, then you will find a way to bring it back to me.’”

Six months later, God agreed. The owners were ready to sell.

“It was like God saying ‘OK. Here you go,’” Hylton said with his wife, Alycea, nodding in agreement.

Ark on Lake Lanier was born as a home for a family. Fast-forward 10 years, it is now self-proclaimed as a premier luxury vacation rental with a higher purpose by providing a refuge for nonprofit organizations.

“It is a ministry house that is self-sustaining,” Jeff said. “We now rent it out as much as we can to cover the costs of providing a haven in the off-season to those who need it most.”

A place to relax and recharge

The Ark on Lake Lanier offers plenty of space for groups large and small. The lake house with 14 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms sleeps up to 45 people in the 12,000-square-foot space.

Amenities of all types can tend to the needs of the young and old.

Judy Paul Lake Lanier Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist

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

The theater room of the Ark on Lanier

Outside is a hot tub and pool for visitors looking for a dip. Or they can enjoy Lake Lanier with boats, jet skis or canoes.

To play on land, visitors can jump on the trampoline or smack around a volleyball on the sand-filled full-size volleyball court. Tether ball, cornhole boards, croquet, a small basketball court and some frisbee golf targets are available, too.

For those looking to relax, they can sit in a hammock-style swing in a couple of spots on the property or under the covered and screened deck.

“My favorite place is the fire pit,” Jeff said.

If the weather is chilly, visitors can play a game of a billiards and or watch a movie in the 16-seat theater.

“The theater is my other favorite place,” Jeff said. “It’s a glorified man cave.”

Alycea’s favorite place is the upstairs master bedroom with its private bathroom.

“You can watch both the TV and the fire while sitting in the jacuzzi tub,” she said. “I could stay there all day.”

This place of relaxation and refuge, however, did not start out as one.

A place to renovate and rebuild

After the Hyltons bought the home, they started renovations.

“We gutted the interior,” Alycea said. “We added the kitchen. And we added a theater room (on the second floor.)”

Five months later, disaster struck. A fire destroyed a half of the home. At the same time in September 2008, Lake Lanier had reached a low point, dropping 25 feet.

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770-503-7070 May 2018 | HOME | 19

“The stock market crashed that year, too,” said Jeff, who is an financial adviser with Merrill Lynch.

“That was when our personal dreams died,” Alycea said.

Jeff, Alycea and their children — ages 8, 7 and 4 at the time — moved out of the house for nine months while it was cleaned. Once they returned, the Hyltons contemplated their next move.

God answered, but the Hyltons were unsure.

Jeff said he felt pulled to build more rooms despite having plenty of space. He delayed acting on it until 2010.

“I couldn’t shake the idea that we needed to add to the house,” Jeff said.

So, the Hyltons answered God’s nudge. They turned the barn and stable into guest cabins, renovated the house for a second time and increased the number of rooms.

Once they finished, Alycea learned a mission group’s housing accommodations had fallen through. She suggested letting four boys from the group stay in the cabin. Jeff countered with letting the 18 girls stay in the house while they rented another home.

“I said ‘Ok, let’s try it,” Alycea said, adding her family lived with the mission group for a couple of months before finding a rental home in Gainesville. “And that was the beginning (of Ark on Lake Lanier.)”

A permanent place for visitors

After the mission group stayed for 11 months, the Hyltons started renting out the home. First, it was to mission groups and families. Then it expanded.

Now, it can be used for family reunions, corporate retreats and other getaways, according to its website, arkonlakelanier.com.

In the meantime, the Hyltons continued improving the property. They added a fire pit and other outside amenities.

“I designed the inside by collaborating with an

The master bath is a special oasis for Ark on Lanier owners Alycea and Jeff Hylton. The master bedroom is also a favorite of Alycea’s and there is a bunkroom off of the master that sleeps four. The home sleeps up to 45 people from top to bottom and including cabins on the property. The Ark on Lanier is often rented out for corporate retreats and is used for emergency situations for nonprofits in need.

20 | HOME | May 2018

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Atlanta space planner,” Alycea said.

“And Jeff did the backyard.”

Their hard work is paying off. Several companies and even organizations such as LoveNotLost. org and the Boys and Girls Clubs regularly reserved the space.

“We have one family from Alpharetta who books it every Labor Day,” Jeff said.

Of course, the Hyltons block out a few dates during the year for their own use.

“In April, we will have my son’s birthday party here,” Jeff said. “And in May, we will have our daughter’s graduation party from high school here.”

Having the place constantly filled with people is the Ark on Lake Lanier’s purpose.

“It was hard to be here with five people,” Alycea said. “It feels right with 20.”

22 | HOME | May 2018

The living rooms in the Ark accomodate lots of people at one time and there are even pool table and ping pong tables. The outside porches and fire pit has plenty of room for getting together and hanging out.

Learning is ever in the freshness of its youth, even for the old. —Aeschylus

27th Annual Great Grown-Up

Spelling Bee Coming Tuesday, May 15, 2018 • 7:00pm Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre Join us for

FUN, ENTERTAINMENT, PRIZES & MORE Community-sponsored teams compete and raise money for area literacy programs. Watch for more details!

Call the Alliance for Literacy at

770-531-3358 www.allianceforliteracy.org

Don’t miss the...

Tuesday, May 15th 5:30-7pm Cash Bar & More!

In the Hosch Theatre lobby before the Bee

Sponsored by The Times and the Gainesville-Hall County Alliance for Literacy

May 2018 | HOME | 23

Bewitched by the Wind

24 | HOME | May 2018

Far left: Lake Lanier Sailing Club; above: University Yacht Club; left: Southern Sailing Club.

Sailing Clubs abound on Lanier

By Pamela A. Keene You can take part in the romance of sailing on Lake Lanier through nearly a half-dozen clubs on the lake. All you have to do is contact the clubs and they can help you connect with sailors who are willing to use you as crew on races or perhaps offer you a cruise to introduce you to the sport.

Some of the clubs support education and casual events on the water; others focus on racing specifically. With five clubs

to choose from, there’s a chance for people of any interest level to get their feet wet sailing on Lake Lanier.

Here’s information about the lake’s membership sailing clubs: Atlanta Inland Sailing Club AISC hosts the Dogwood Regatta each spring and 20 Wednesday night races in the main channel of the lake off Aqualand marina in the summer. The group’s chief purpose

May 2018 | HOME | 25

is racing. It is active from late March through September. aiscracing. com.

Barefoot Sailing Club BFSC is known for its annual Barefoot Open Regatta each fall, but it’s also a great social and educational outlet for people interested in sailing, new sailors and old salts. The club hosts cruising and events and members are encouraged to take new sailors out on their boats. The club’s monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of the month take place at Nemoe’s Tavern and Grill, 6025 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, and visitors are welcome. Speakers’ topics include how to cruise, boating safety, racing pointers and special guests who share their stories of the sea or the latest information about sailing and technology.

Social events include monthly cruising and an annual lobster boil. www. barefootsailingclub.org.

Lake Lanier Sailing Club, Flowery Branch LLSC is one of two land-based sailing clubs on Lake Lanier. It hosts an annual open house for the community — this year’s event will be held on May 12. In addition to regular sailboat races for one-design boats and larger auxiliary boats, the club holds three

multi-day sailing camps for youngsters each summer; these camps are typically open to children of members only. The club offers a full year of social events, including wine tastings and sunset concerts. Both wet-slip and dry storage are available for members. www.llsc.com.

Courtesy Barefoot Sailing Club

Courtesy Atlanta Inland Sailing Club

Courtesy Local Flavor Photography and Film, AISC 26 | HOME | May 2018

Southern Sailing Club SSC hosts the Love the Lake Regatta each September to benefit the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Known for its laid-back approach to sailing and racing, the club hosts several competitive racing series each year. The club’s website is rich with content about sailing techniques, social events and information for both racers and cruisers. www. southernsailingclub.org.

University Yacht Club, Flowery Branch As a private membersonly club, UYC offers its members full club services, including both wet and dry storage for all kinds of boats, social events and boating outings for members and their families, plus a clubhouse with dining room and restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner on select days.

Fuel, pump-out and a ship’s store are located on site. UYC’s Bulloch Chapel is the site of

Clockwise: Barfeoot Sailing Club; Lake Lanier Sailing Club; Southern Sailing Club.

Sunday morning church services in the summer. www.universityyachtclub.org.

Additionally, there are several sailing schools on Lake Lanier that provide various levels of instruction and sailing certifications, and social events: n Lanier Sailing Academy, headquartered at Holiday Marina. laniersail.com. n Lord Nelson Charters, located at Lanier Islands. www.lordnelsonsharters. com. n SunRise Sailing Academy, based at Sunrise Cove Marina. sunrisesailingclub. com. n Windsong Sailing Academy, with on-shore classes and in-water instruction based at Holiday marina. www.windsongsail.com.

With this many options, there’s no excuse to simply watch those pretty sailboats from the shore or the cockpit of your power boat. Give sailing a try and you may just be hooked.

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Behind the Artist’s Vision: Memoirs Explore the Life and Times of John Kollock

By Pamela A. Keene Photos courtesy Kollock family So, who actually was behind the concept of Helen, Georgia, as a Bavarian Village? According to the town’s history, a handful of businessmen, including Pete Hodkinson, were looking for ways to spruce up the former logging town’s main street in early 1969 and the name of area artist John Kollock came up. As they say, the rest is history.

John visited Helen, made some sketches of building façades and by the early 1970s, the town was transformed into the 28 | HOME | May 2018

Bavarian Village that it is today. “John had been in the Army and said the rolling hills and mountain foothills reminded him of Bavaria. That was his inspiration,” says his wife Nancy, who along with their three daughters, has published a coffee-table book of the artist’s memoirs, “Meandering Paths of an Artist.”

John’s ideas were accepted by the community and that’s how Helen became a Bavarian Village. John also painted many murals there that can still be seen by people from around the world who visit Helen.

John, who died in 2014 at the age of 85, was much more

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than the man behind Helen’s Bavarian Village. He was an accomplished actor, illustrator, story teller, set designer, artist, father, husband, and treasured resident of Northeast Georgia.

Written in the first person, the book takes readers on an engaging journey back to the 20th century, through the arrival of electricity in Northeast Georgia, service in the Army, his time at the University of Georgia and its Red and Black newspaper, work for the Atlanta Constitution and as a set designer and commercial artist, and then to his settling in Clarkesville with wife Nancy and his family to do what he loved best — as a fine artist painting scenes of his beloved Northeast Georgia.

“John’s greatest accomplishments were painting Northeast Georgia, writing about its history and honoring the people here,” says Nancy. “But we are so pleased that we were able to persuade John to write his memoirs after years of encouragement. The book is truly a glimpse into his life, but even beyond that, it captures that sense of time and place during this time in American history.”

John lived his life fully, Nancy says. “He looked at his talents as gifts from God. And he always encouraged others to look inside themselves and find their own gifts. He’d say, ‘Everyone’s gifted in some way, not just artists. Find that gift and work toward it.”

Getting the book into print was a labor of love and the work of a village — carefully compiling John’s notes and hundreds of family and historic photos, graphic design by

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Opposite page: Late artist John Kollock in his studio.

Kollock’s wife Nancy and daughter Kathleen with Kollock’s memoir,“Meandering Paths of an Artist.”

Reesa Berkstresser, Kay S. Stanton and Dan Roth, with assistance from Bilbo Books Publishing in Athens. Hours of editing by Priscilla Wilson, who with Janice Lymburner founded The Gourd Place in Sautee, led to the printing of the book by Wendy Colson at Colson Printing in Valdosta.

“None of us wanted John to lose his voice,” Nancy says. “The way the book is written, it’s like he’s talking directly to you. It just means so much to us.”

In addition to John’s words, numerous sketches from his early life to a few of his watercolor paintings are included. Reproduced newspaper clippings also tell portions of his life’s story. Family photos and significant moments in his life are spread throughout the book.

The back section includes dozens of photos designed in the format of a photo album.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed to John’s memoirs, but also we sincerely appreciate all the friends we’ve had throughout our lives,” Nancy says. “John would be so pleased.”

The Helen Arts and Cultural Center has a room dedicated to John Kollock and his work. “Meandering Paths of an Artist” is also available at The Gourd Place, the Sautee Nacoochee Center, Soque Arts in Clarkesville, the White County Courthouse, Books with Appeal in Cornelia, and by emailing Nancy at saturdayshop@yahoo.com or calling 706-754-9200.

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Having a little

By Pamela A. Keene Photos by Scott Rogers Tom Hughes is a fixer. It’s what he does.

So he’s especially proud of the fixing he’s done over the past 40 years to what started out as a small 150-year-old cabin on Lake Lanier.

Today the place is his dream home and he’s still fixing it up.

The original house near what’s now Bolding Mill Park was built in the 1830s.

Tom’s father owned the place when Tom was young, and he purchased it from his dad four decades ago.

“It was very old and needed a lot of work,” says Tom, who is also the owner of

32 | HOME | May 2018

ecabin fever Labor of love keeps getting better

Gainesville’s Bike Town. “The walls were slatted wood and there was a wood-burning stove in the living room. It was a simple little two-bedroom house that belonged to a preacher, but it was just what I wanted to do because I see my gift in life is fixing things.”

Since those days in the late 1980s, he has created a first-class kitchen, added a master suite with a basement below, designed and built an upscale master bath, crafted a one-ofa-kind wrap-around deck, added an inground swimming pool, built a gazebo and put in a dock.

The kitchen’s orange laminate countertops are now solid-surface, and every inch of the home has been modernized. He’s really been in no big rush, and he’s been known to go back and redo remodeling from time to time.

“Once I built the master bedroom, I lived in it for about eight months while I worked on other parts of the house,” he says. “I like large rooms, so I took out the ceilings in the living room and put in vaulted ceilings. I made it energy efficient. Every piece of tile in the house has a cut. Not a single piece went in right out of the box.”

That tilework is showcased in the master bath and the kitchen, both worthy of photo spreads in national design magazines.

A long-time resident of Hall County, Tom opened Bike Town about the same time he purchased the house. “I’d owned a salvage store and found that I was taking in a lot of bikes from yard sales that needed repairs,” he says. “One thing led to another and I opened Bike Town as one of the first businesses on Dawsonville Highway.”

Tom has been racing bikes for those 40 years as well. He’s also an avid tennis player.

Opposite page: Granite countertops are just one of the many improvements Gainesville resident Tom Hughes made to a small lake house on Lanier. He also put in a master suite and expanded porches and deck.

May 2018 | HOME | 33

“I’ve retired from both USTA and ALTA after 20 years, but I still have my regular games.” He’s the father of three adult children, two who live in Gainesville, along with three grandchildren and another expected in late May. His youngest son, Trent, works in the business with him.

“He’s the reason I can play a lot more,” he says with a smile.

He also fishes on Lanier and has a secret spot on the Broad River where he and Trent catch an abundance of hybrids, a cross between stripers and white bass.

Most of those end up as fresh-fish suppers.

He spends much of his time at home outside. “The deck has plenty of places to relax, eat and enjoy the outdoors. It’s out of the sun and we have lots of fans.”

The property is easymaintenance, with sidewalks and concrete. Most of the landscape is natural and mulched. He’s added outdoor lighting in recent years to showcase the house and trees.

“Lighting’s my thing now, and it’s amazing how much it’s changed.

Everything now is LED, and

extremely energy efficient.”

Part of Tom’s pride is that he did all the work himself. “It’s one thing to watch someone else install tile, do plumbing and other projects, but it’s quite different teaching yourself to do it,” he says.

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Opposite page: A master bedroom was added to the nearly 150-yearold two-bedroom cabin. Owner Tom Hughes built a bench with a small shelter which also serves as a well cover. Hughes is still adding on and renovating parts of home including the basement and living room. It has slowly become his dream home.

“It’s been project after project,” Tom says. “I’m taking a little break now, then I’ll tackle gutting the basement again and remodeling it at some point. All this wood requires a lot of loving and care. It didn’t really start out as my dream house, but that’s what it’s become.”

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A Beautiful Georgia Jewel: Lake Lanier

By Nijja Vargas Spanning multiple counties and observed through several cities is nestled the beautiful Lake Lanier. Through drought and change the lake has endured. For generations and generations, families have gathered on or near this magnificent spectacle to enjoy a plethora of different activities. Home of the 1996 Centennial Olympic rowing, canoeing and kayaking events, the lake offers fun in the sun for everyone. You may choose to jump right in and take a swim. The choice is yours. Go out there and enjoy adventure on beautiful Lake Lanier!

Survey the Water: Boating, Tubing and Skiing Enjoy the wind on your face by choosing to go boating. There is a boat to fit all of your needs. Whether you are in search of a fishing boat, pontoon boat or speed boat, you can find one docked at one of the many marinas. They vary in size to fit parties of any size. Rent a house boat for a weekend and sleep in your own floating oasis. Maybe you live on the wild side and are looking for some adventure. Tubing or waterskiing behind the boat may be a better fit for you! Hang on tight, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. You can also choose to skim across the water on a jet ski. The power is in your hands as you navigate the waterways.

Enjoyment at a Slower Pace: Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Kayaking can provide a fantastic way to enjoy the water, sun and surrounding nature, as well as getting a nice workout. There are single and double kayaks to choose from so you can either paddle solo or paddle alongside a friend. There’s miles of lake waiting for you to explore. Paddle boarding may also provide you with similar enjoyment! Build your core and view the sights as you glide across the glassy surface of the lake on your board. Choose to paddle from a standing or sitting position or perhaps on you knees. The more you practice the more comfortable you will become. It’s all about balance for this water activity.

Exploring the Trails: Hiking and Horseback Riding Enjoy the wooded area around the lake by going on a hike. Lace up your boots and set your own pace. Mile after mile of trails lie before you to discover. You may discover a waterfall or your new favorite place far off the beaten path. If you don’t feel like walking, explore the trails while riding atop your new furry friend. Horseback riding around the lake allows you to immerse yourself in wildlife. Whether you are an experienced rider or this is your first time, the lake views will not disappoint. With experienced trail guides to lead the way you are sure to get the most out of your adventure.

Sleeping Under the Stars Take your immersion a step further by spending a night in the woods. Whether you choose to sleep in a cabin, RV, tent or just your sleeping bag under the stars, you will be completely surrounded by 36 | HOME | May 2018

nature. If midday leaves you feeling tired catch a nap in a hammock lakeside and then get right back to the fun. While camping build a campfire and enjoy cooking your own meal over an open fire. Don’t forget the s’mores!

Throw Me a Line Bring your poles, bait, bobbers and lures.

The lake has ample marine life so that you may fish to your heart’s content. Lake Lanier is home to fish of several different varieties such as bass, crappie, catfish and trout. Whether you are fishing from the shores or from a boat, you are sure to take joy in reeling in catch after catch.

The Great Outdoors: Golf and Zip lining The lake makes for an excellent water hazard. Grab your clubs and head out onto the course. Beat your own personal record as you fit in a round of golf before lunch. With multiple courses to choose from you are sure to find the perfect challenge. Perhaps you’d like to take a birds

eye view and soar through the sky on a zip line!

Explore the vast canopies while strapped into your harness and zipping through the skies. The view is hard to beat from up so high!

The Perfect Stay-cation: LanierWorld Lake Lanier Islands LanierWorld has an amazing water park to help you cool off on a hot summers day. Slide into fun on one of the many water slides that careen through the park. If you’re in the mood for some friendly competition you can serve up a game of volleyball on the nearby beach.

Careful not to hit any sunbathers who are laid back and relaxed while soaking up some much needed vitamin D. They also host full moon parties so you can dance in the moons radiant light.

Holidays on the Lake Make holidays special with a trip to the lake.

Boats provide an excellent seat to view Fourth of July fireworks. However, summer isn’t the only time you can enjoy the lake. The water park also offers a winter wonder land in the colder months.

Drive through miles of expansive Christmas lights.

Warm up by the fire while making s’mores and don’t forget to visit Santa!

For more information on Lake Lanier, visit www.discoverlakelanier.com.

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Protect your

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By Pamela A. Keene Sunscreen. It’s the word at the top of the list when talking about summer skin care. But what sunscreen is best? How much SPF (sun protection factor) should it have? How long will it last on the shelf?

“Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 35 provides the best protection without unnecessary chemicals, especially if it is a broad-spectrum product that is rated for UVA and UVA and protects from infrared rays as well,” says Carli Wakefield, aesthetic nurse with North Georgia Plastic Surgery’s Aesthetic Center of Gainesville. “Most sunscreens last in the container about 18 months to two years from the date on the product packaging.”

For the best protection, apply sunscreen every day first thing in the morning to any part of your skin that will be exposed to the sun. You can also wear Ultraviolet Protection Factor clothing to reduce your risk of exposure. It’s widely available in selections from swim suits and shirts to pants and hats, at many sporting goods retailers and online.

“Wearing a hat with a brim and sunglasses are both good ways to provide some 38 | HOME | May 2018

protection from the sun,” she says. “And be aware that your cheeks can get a bit more sun reflected off the lenses of your sunglasses, so protect delicate skin.”

Carli recommends that you re-apply sunscreen at least every four hours or after swimming or exercise. “Use a liquid or cream, then retouch with a spray product is a good approach,” she says. “Using foundation with sunscreen in it may not provide strong enough protection, so be sure to apply sunscreen as well.”

Skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is the most prevalent type of cancer. The organization’s website offers tips about how to stay healthy and reduce the risk of getting skin cancer. Those tips include eating right, staying active and not smoking.

“To keep your skin healthy and hydrated, use moisturizer morning and evening,” she says. “For daytime, find a moisturizer that has Vitamin C, which can help reduce the darkening of your skin’s pigmentation.

Overnight it’s OK to use a moisturizer that contains retinols, but because it’s photosensitive, do not use a retinol product. It can damage skin.”

To help with hydration, drink plenty of water. The guideline is usually eight 8-ounce glasses a day. “It’s a way to hydrate from the inside out, and it will help you replace fluids that you lose through perspiration.”

What can you do if you already have sun-damaged skin? “Basic treatments, such as chemical peels or microderm abrasion can help alleviate the damage,” Carli says.

“For more severe damage, consider laser resurfacing or micro-needling.”

She also suggests eating a healthy diet, avoiding refined sugars and processed foods, and staying active.

“No matter what your age, the sun is harsh on our skin,” Carli says. “Take precautions and be consistent. It will help you avoid further skin damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

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