Lake Destination Lanier

Spring 2016

Leukemia Cup takes to the water; Wilheit lake home designed with family in mind

Moore’s Wealth Management Investment Advisors

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Moore’s Wealth Management is a firm specializing in conservative investments with the goal of helping retirees protect their financial future through independent and conservative financial planning solutions.

Mark Moore’s Wealth Management is a member of the Greater Hall, Forsyth, and White County Chambers of Commerce. In addition, they are a member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Ethics Association.

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Office Phone 770-535-5000

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

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Investment advisory services are offered through Precision Capital Management, an SEC registered investment advisor. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration is not an endorsement of the firm by the commission and does not mean that the advisor has attained a specific level of skill or ability.

What’s Inside

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Give your boat a fresh look 8

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Norton: Water hog takes the stand 12

On the Cover Sailboats of all shapes and sizes were on the waters of Lake Lanier for the Inaugural Leukemia Cup Regatta.

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From interior to exterior, if you want to take your tired craft into the 2016 season looking great, you have unlimited options.

Frank Norton tells how the drought changed his outlook on water usage.

Olympic venue coming together 14

Construction won’t stop Lake Lanier Olympic Park from being ready for spring events.

Wilheit family home 16

Philip and Mary Hart designed their lake house around three generations.

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26 14 In-water boat show 26

Lanier Islands brings the boats to us for the 2016 In-water Boat Show in April.

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No obstacle too large 28

Thousands poured into Lanier for the first-ever BattleFrog 8K. Only the strong survived.

LLA: Annual meeting a huge success 34

Lake Lanier Association held its annual meeting to discuss important topics and enjoy Lanier’s bounty.

Raising their sails to raise money 36

Inaugural Leukemia Cup Regatta helps fund research and honors a local hero.

DNR: Help us to help you 42

Department of Natural Resources wants to make a deal for the upcoming 2016 season.

High tea on water’s edge 44

What started out as a class in etiquette became an obsession with tea sets and a lucrative hobby.

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Inside Every Issue 6 50 52 54

From the Editor Calendar Your Guide to Lake Lanier Around Lanier Spring | 2016

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From the Editor Drifting into Spring

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

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Spring is here and the water is a lovely shade of greenish yellow. If you aren’t horribly allergic to pollen, then now is the perfect time to get out on the lake. Before the mad rush of summer sports and boaters flood Lanier, there are things to take into consideration. The Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to be diligent on the water this year, for your safety and that of others.

The Pan-Am games and Olympic trials will be hitting the waters around Clarks Bridge in the next two months which are a boon to the local economy, so be on the lookout for rowers! And speaking of Olympics, the Lake Lanier Olympic Park has be undergoing major renovations in an effort to revamp the park and facilities and accommodate more events.

And Frank Norton explains the way a major drought can change old habits. We hope this summer sees the lake at full pool, but conservation should be a given no matter what the level of Lake Lanier.

If you find your old craft a bit tired and rundown in appearance, check out the story on page 8 for some ideas on reviving it. If you just want to buy a new one altogether (who doesn’t?) then hit Lanier Islands for the 2016 In-Water Boat Show.

Also in this issue are stories about Lake Lanier resident Carmelle Killick’s tea set obsession, Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit’s fabulous new lake home, the BattleFrog Obstacle Race at Lanier Islands and the inaugural Leukemia Cup Regatta. As always, enjoy!

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ichelle ameson

Michelle Boaen Jameson editor@destinationlanier.com 6 Spring | 2016

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

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

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A new face for your old boat Spiff up your craft with renovation ideas for spring Story by Pamela A. Keene Photos by Scott Rogers Up your boating game by giving your boat a little face-lift. Whether you have a bass boat, pontoon, cruiser or houseboat, doing a little spring refreshing can work wonders for your on-the-water image.

“You can revitalize a boat by redoing the upholstery, replacing the carpet or even getting it vinyl wrapped to give you a new outlook,” says Jeremy Ewers, marine sales specialist with Singleton Marine Group, with several locations on Lake Lanier. “We transformed a Sea Ray by removing all the decals and taking it down to the base, then wrapping it in vinyl. And we’ve replaced carpet with SeaDek flooring that looks like teak for a whole new look.”

Overboard Designs, based in Buford, specializes in rehabilitating older boats.

“We can do anything from changing interior color schemes on upholstery or countertops to replacing appliances and adding hard-tops in place of biminis,” says Cibele Ziobrowski, who founded the company 11 years ago. “This is an excellent way to bring your boat up to date and increase its value without the cost of purchasing another boat.”

Ziobrowski starts out asking potential customers some key questions: Is your boat mechanically sound? Does it run well and it is reliable?

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“If the boat doesn’t operate like you want it to, you may want to think about trading it in on a new boat,” she says.

“But if you’re happy with the way it runs and still satisfies your reason for having that type of boat, renovating it is the answer.”

Boats with interior living space, such as houseboats or yachts, lend themselves to easy updating by changing out window treatments and other decorating accessories. Replacing appliances with newer, more technologically advanced models can also bring a houseboat into the 21st century. Boat owners have been known to completely redo a kitchen with new countertops, fixtures, appliances and furniture, she says.

“But if you don’t want to go all out, simply replacing cabinet knobs and hinges — purchasing brushed nickel to replace brass-toned ones — can make a change. Plus, it’s something you can do as a family in a weekend.”

One of the most popular improvements on fishing boats, deck boats, pontoons and other craft is to add a layer of close-cell padding when carpet is replaced.

“It adds a layer of cushioning, Ziobrowski says, especially if you’re standing most of the time, plus is reduces wear on the carpet.”

Boat owners frequently ask for new

upholstery not only to change a color scheme but also to replace worn fabric that may have been damaged by exposure to sun and the elements. Ziobrowski also makes matching accessories, such as reclining sunpads and bimini tops.

“One of the latest trends is changing canvas bimini tops with hard tops,” she says. “Hard tops look more upscale and frankly, they last longer.”

Upholsterers at Overboard Designs in Buford work on the pattern for a boat’s new upholstery.

Boat owners can give their craft a new look both inside and out.

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Reupholstering your boat is a good way to give a tired vessel a new look.

Enclosures for decks have added new features, such as screens that can be opened when the weather is pleasant and zipped closed when it’s not. She also strongly recommends that boat owners reliably use their boat covers to help extend the life and beauty of their boats.

“Using boat covers is a huge issue,” she says. “While it may be inconvenient to put the cover on between lake trips, it will go a long way toward protecting your investment.”

Ziobrowski recommends tips for increasing the life of your boat’s appearance: 10 Spring | 2016

Always use your boat cover and the cover supports that were designed for your boat.

Add a turbo boat dryer beneath the cover to reduce the accumulation of moisture, which can cause mildew and mold. A dryer will also keep the air circulating beneath the cover.

Wipe down your boat and its exterior when you put it away for the weekend or the season, using a damp cloth.

Then bathe the upholstery in a good vinyl protectant.

Consider purchasing a cover skirt if your boat is stored in the water. It pro-

tects the sides of the boat and the paint from wear.

Proper placement of boat fenders — some people call them “bumpers” — also can protect the boat’s freeboard (sides) from damage at the dock.

Other improvements can include replacing removable furniture or upgrading sound and lighting. Ewers suggests contacting AVC Sound and Lighting.

“They can add a good sound system, underwater lights that are synchronized with music or other custom packages,” he says. “They even installed a disco ball on a boat.”

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As the boating season gets underway, even if you aren’t prepared for major upgrades, have your boat professionally detailed to remove mold and mildew and to give added protection to carpet, trim, canvas and accessories.

You’ll be more inclined to use your boat if it’s in tip-top shape and looks good.

“Everyone has a different way of enjoying their time on the water, so it’s important to think about what you want from your boat,” Ziobrowski says.

“If you’re not planning to sell it within the next five or so years, you can get personal with your upgrades to express your personality.

“But if you want to add to the resale value, select more conservative colors and textures. That way, you’ll add to the curb appeal when it comes time to sell it so that you can buy something brand new.”

destinationlanier.com

Spring | 2016 11

Confessions of a water junkie OK, I admit it, I am a waterholic. A self-admitted, all American water guzzler without regard to saving, stewardship or conservation.

The fresh pure smell of water dazzles my senses. I love to take long drenching hot showers. I run water to just the right temperature simply to brush my teeth. Kitchen cleanup?

No problem, if the dishwasher is only a quarter full, let it run until they sparkle and dazzle. Let the sink water run, run, run!

And outside — well I confess, I’ve forgotten and left my water hose on overnight multiple times. Our sprinkler system runs regularly with or without rain and I love to see the lush, waterrich lawn out my window. Why not? Water is our most abundant resource — 97 percent of the world’s surface is agua. We are, of course, the blue planet, a squishy ball of liquid refreshment.

While it has been some time now since the drought, I saw my idyllic water world come crashing down. The omnipotent Corps of Engineers God pulled the plug for the lake that is out my back door, all for the betterment of the folks living in South Alabama (that in itself might make a good country and western song) and it was clear that it helped the sustainability of a few thousand mussels scattered in the Apalachicola Bay tributaries.

In the last drought, the Corps conveniently forgot about the 5 million people who live upstream in good old Georgia, USA, and of course ignored the fact that I just installed $20,000 of new landscaping in my backyard.

My water world evaporated and my precious Lake Lanier became a mud flat. As it dried out it became a windswept red dust bowl. What was a water junkie to do? Thirst.

Well, I’ve always seen myself as a man of action, crusader or a “loudmouth action figure” in some circles. This was a time for one man or family to step up and make a difference. While I would have loved to mount the North Georgia militia, storm the Buford dam and yell to Alabama, “Come and get it!” I realized as I drove across the channels it was too late, they had already gotten it. So I

12 Spring | 2016

decided to become another kind of fanatic.

I became a Water War Lord and hoarded my own resources, stockpiling as much water as I could, not for a rainy day, but for that all too frequently Dry One. I became fascinated with water conservation — about saving, recycling and outright hoarding.

The obsessive-compulsive nature emerged. I met with my landscaper to replace certain plants with drought-tolerant ones.

I mulched and I mulched and I mulched. I bought wooden wine barrels and converted them to rain barrels for water reuse. I researched rainwater and grey water cisterns used in the hill towns of Tuscany, pumps and ultraviolet sanitation devices.

I even designed a towering Rube Goldberg system of roof collection + shower water + deck runoff + toothpaste filtration contraption, the later unfortunately was a major violation of the neighborhood covenants. The subdivision Nazis would surely come and get me so that plan was scrapped.

I bought plastic collection buckets in my shower which I creep out in the early mornings and dump on my lawn, brush my teeth dry — ukkk — and then load my dishwasher to over-overcapacity. Light washer loads — no more. Washing my car — no way. HELP — I drowned in conservation: low-flow toilets, reuse of bathwater. I run to the mailbox each month to see my water savings on my water bill and scouring the paper on my personal increase to the level of Lake Sidney Lanier. Yes, it went up a hundredth of a millimeter.

So even though the lake is full and the drought a distant bitter memory, do a little rain dance, keep Lake Lanier to its brim, overflow the waters of the Chattahoochee. I now have my own water cache. But of course, my little part, my family’s liquid savings, are all for those helpless, defenseless, little million-year-old uneatable mussels wandering around Apalachicola Bay. Oh, one more thing: Just how did the mussels survive during a drought before the 50-year-old Lake Lanier was created?

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

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History on the water Olympic Park readies for spring events Story by Kristen Oliver Photos by Scott Rogers Five interlocking, rusted rings are silhouetted against the sparkling waters of Lake Lanier, where paddlers flock from across the Western Hemisphere to train.

The Lake Lanier Olympic Park, previously known as the Olympic venue, has been a fixture in Gainesville for 20 years.

But the site of the sprint canoe-kayak and rowing events in the 1996 Olympic Games was loosely maintained for two decades.

Today, a $1.6 million renovation is underway at the park. Additions included a butterfly garden, wheelchair-accessible

walkways and updates to the judges’ tower and the concession area.

The park offers one of the best courses in the world for practice, and the facilities are now being improved for better overall quality.

“Everything happening out here is included in phase one,” said Morgan House, park manager. “That includes the concession/service building, expanding concessions and renovating the public restrooms.”

The service building, where House’s office is located, has new windows, a conference area for private events, a second office for meetings and a private bathroom.

The building will better accommodate the events housed at the park, from races to festivals and weddings.

“Before, if a bride wanted to get married out here, it was very tough for me to sell it to her,” House said. “She would say, ‘Where do I get dressed?’ And I would say, ‘Well, you can use my office and the public restrooms.’ That didn’t work too well.”

The concession area, which will have a stainless steel counter, cabinets and quality equipment, is more than doubled in size, enclosing a drive-through spot previously used to “park the Kubota.”

Adjacent to the service building is the new two-part butterfly garden, just

Lake Lanier Olympic Park manager Morgan House sits in a judge’s seat inside the tower.

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inside the gates of the park. House said the garden will have a walkway, fountain and benches. More than 250 butterflies will be released in the garden this spring, he said.

The original Olympic rings affixed to a post at the park will be restored and moved into the butterfly garden.

“We’re taking that down, going to sandblast it and get it nice again,” House said. “It’s just been there, rusting away.

We’ll dress it up and bring it back to its former glory.”

A walkway now stretches from the park plaza to the second story of the judges timing tower, giving wheelchairbound judges and guests easy access to the tower for the first time.

A massive LED screen is hung against one side of the tower, which will display a variety of messages.

“We can put results up there and we will,” House said. “A quarter of it will be used for Springer Mountain Farms advertising, and the three other quarters will be used for messaging, sponsor logos, video, pictures, whatever we’d like. It’s top of the line.”

Inside, the tower is getting its first destinationlanier.com

bathroom.

“For 20 years, we’ve never had water in here,” House said. “So all the judges, in any event we had, had to run up the stairs to the public restrooms.”

On the second story, a new platform for the judges’ camera will be built, protecting it from the elements. It was previously mounted on the top floor of the tower.

“When weather came in, there was nothing to protect it except through a bag over it,” House said. “And in throwing a bag over it, you might misalign it.

So we’re building a platform inside with a permanent mount for the camera.”

Finally, the top floor and bottom floor of the tower will have some small updates, from drywall and paint to new HVAC. Both rooms will be used for private events.

House gave an update on the renovations at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s March meeting. Brian Daniel, chairman of the board, commended House and all those investing in the Olympic park.

“We have such fantastic leadership, generation to generation, including Jim

Mathis and what he did to bring the Olympics here in 1996,” Daniel said.

“Morgan and what (his) board and staff do will take us well into the future.”

House said the catalyst for these updates is an influx of athletes this spring.

Late April will bring both the U.S. Olympic qualifier and the Canadian Olympic qualifier to the park for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Then come the Pan American Championships, the continental Olympic qualifier, held at Lake Lanier Olympic Park May 19-22.

“It’s the last Olympic qualifier for the Olympics,” House said. “So if you are a paddler on North, South or Central America and you want to go to Rio this year, you have to come here first. There’s no other way.”

House reiterated he believes the Lake Lanier Olympic Park offers athletes from across the country and the world one of the best venues to practice and compete.

“I’ve seen almost every course in the world myself,” House said. “I personally have competed on them. And we have the best. We really do.”

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New roots for the family tree Wilheit family home on Lake Lanier nurtures 3 branches, generations Story by Savannah King Photos by Scott Rogers

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Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit recently finished their new home on Lake Lanier. In securing the site for their new home they also made sure to leave enough space to have family nearby. destinationlanier.com

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Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit's new home on Lake Lanier.

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large, detailed drawing of a tree hangs on the living room wall inside the Wilheit family’s new home on Lake Lanier.

“This tree is on the property, it’s up on a hill,” Mary Hart Wilheit said, pointing to the art. “It’s three trees that grew into one. It symbolizes our family. We’re just all here together. Our children had that drawn for us. We love it.”

A day room in the Wilheit home features plenty of natural light.

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Like the threetrunked tree, the 170-acre lakefront property the Wilheits call home is shared by three families: Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit and their two children’s families.

While the other two families plan to start building on the property soon, Philip and Mary Hart’s impressive home was recently completed. The couple moved in last July.

“When we decided to build it, we didn’t need a big house,” Mary Hart Wilheit said. “But then if a grandchild (inherits) it one day, they’ll need a bigger house for their families.”

The fourbedroom home was built with family in mind.

Upon walking through the front door, visitors get a view of the lake from the windows Vaious shades of blue is carried throughout the house.

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A pavilion allows the Wilheits and guests to enjoy the view of lake Lanier. A fire pit, heating fixtures and a ceiling fan keeps things comfortable.

in the formal living room. An adjacent formal dining room is decorated with family crests and a handmade table built by Philip’s father. Much of the furnishings inside the home are antiques and family heirlooms.

The significance of the couple’s heirlooms was taken into consideration when the home was built. In fact, the study was designed around an antique desk.

Wilheit said she and her husband often spend their time in the study, but it’s the large kitchen and sitting area on the other side of the house where they do their “living.”

The room is spacious and open. The windows reveal an outdoor patio and kitchen area. A waterfall leading to a koi pond is decorated with four bronze

20 Spring | 2016

statues of children playing, each representing one of the couple’s grandchildren. Another bronze statue dips a leg into the small backyard swimming pool. In the distance, a picturesque white gazebo with heated ceilings and fire pits can be seen nearer the water’s edge.

“When we’re all here, we’re 10 people between grandchildren and children,” Mary Hart said. “We try to do something together maybe once a week.”

The large kitchen is perfect for entertaining a crowd. The sizable island allows for plenty of extra counter space when preparing a big meal. Food storage isn’t an issue in the kitchen, either. The pantry is tucked away down the hall across from an office,

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A round window mimics a porthole, echoed by the mirror.

making the kitchen seem even more spacious.

Mary Hart Wilheit’s welded copper wire artwork hangs over the stove.

Just down the hall from the kitchen is an office that doubles as the artist’s home studio and a place to help grandchildren with homework.

Wilheit said she hesitated to build her husband, the president of Wilheit Packaging LLC, his own home office.

“I didn’t want Philip to have an office — he’d work all the time,” Mary Hart said. “But the architect (Steven Hill) insisted he need one. So they tucked it away in a corner of the house.”

The room has a rustic feel. The flooring is made

22 Spring | 2016

from reclaimed wood from a mill in Thomaston. With a deep inhale, Wilheit says she likes the room because it smells like the woods.

The home is large but maintains a cozy and inviting feel. Through the windows a view of the landscaped woods make the home feel more secluded than it actually is.

Fockele Landscaping keeps the woods breathtakingly clear. An orchard of miniature fruit trees is nestled on one of the hilltops.

Philip said one of his favorite things about the house isn’t necessarily inside.

“It was nice last night when I got home I had seven turkeys eating at a feeder,” he said. “And this morning

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Some vintage items once owned

by Mary Hart's father decorate a small table on the first floor.

A supporter of the arts, the Wilheits filled their home with paintings.

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Mary Hart Wilheit uses her creative eye to add decorative touches on her and husband Philip's new Lake Lanier home. Top: The Wilheit kitchen features vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. There is also a hole in an upper wall the architect added to help air flow.

destinationlanier.com

when I left for work, I had seven turkeys eating breakfast. We’ve got plenty of deer. I’ve seen a bobcat and a fox. We’ve got all the wildlife in the world out here.

“We love being out here. Obviously, I think it’s going to be a great place for the grandkids to grow up.

We’re excited. This is home.”

“We’re very happy here. We’re very comfortable and have everything we want,” Mary Hart added with a smile.

Spring | 2016 25

Photos of 2015 In-Water Boat Show courtesy Lanier Islands

Boat buying made easy

In-Water Boat Show returns to Lanier Islands Missed the Atlanta Boat Show back in January? Well, you have a secxond chance to browse and buy. Lake Lanier Islands kicks off the summer season a little earlier than the calendar might dictate with the return of the In-Water Boat Show.

Hosted from Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, April 17 at Lanier Islands, the event is expected to draw thousands to LanierWorld — the resort’s beach and boardwalk entertainment district.

As in years past, the 2016 In-Water Boat Show will showcase new top-of-the-line boats, live entertainment, featured

26 Spring | 2016

exhibitors and a little fun in the sun.

“As a lakeside resort, a large portion of our fan base enjoys the boating lifestyle,” explained Cindy Wahl, director of marketing for Lanier Islands.

“The In-Water Boat Show presents our visitors with a great way to really ‘rev their engines’ over the return of boating season, as some guests consider a serious upgrade, some ponder the opportunity to purchase their very first boat, and others simply come to have fun and dream about owning a boat of their own one day. “ The docks at Sunset Cove and the new courtesy docks at

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Big Beach will be overflowing with new boats from some of the largest boat dealers in the Southeast. Plus, there will be terrific boating-related vendors stationed everywhere you turn — on the docks, throughout Sunset Cove and just outside Grand Hall.

As usual, Sunset Cove will be rocking all weekend long with live music and excellent food and drinks served beachside.

“The last two In-Water Boat Shows saw an estimated 4,000 attendees both years. We’re expecting similar numbers, and possibly more this year,” says Wahl.

Prospective attendees of the 2016 In-Water Boat Show are encouraged to mark their calendars for the following dates and times: Thursday, April 14 noon-8 p.m.

Friday, April 15 noon-8 p.m.

Saturday, April 16 noon-8 p.m.

Sunday, April 17 noon-5 p.m.

Throughout the In-Water Boat Show, a number of new boats will be available for demo to qualified buyers.

To request more information about the 2016 In-Water Boat Show at Lanier Islands, please contact Kelley Wilson or Barkley Geib at 678-318-2038 or 404-583-7025 or email kwilson@lanierislands.com or Bgeib@bellsouth.net.

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Photos by Erin O. Smith

Leaping into battle BattleFrog Obstacle Race brings thousands to Lanier Islands Thousands came to Lanier Islands March 19 to participate and spectate in the 8kilometer obstacle course known as BattleFrog. Adventurers raised their heart rates and a glass during the event. Playing host to the Atlanta leg of the BattleFrog Obstacle 28 Spring | 2016

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Race Series for the very first time, the lakeside destination catered to large crowds of enthusiastic spectators.

ESPN was on hand to capture the race for posterity. The BattleFrog course is a total test for people of all fitness levels from ages 13 and older.

One of the nation’s fastest growing race series, BattleFrog is expertly designed by Navy SEALs and SeaBees.

The approximate 8K course took participants through 22 plus military-inspired obstacles designed to test body, mind and spirit.

Volunteers and race officials were stationed throughout the course to motivate participants through the obstacles, urging them to give it their all.

Opposite page: Jeremy Farris runs through Lake Lanier to start the BattleFrog Obstacle Race Series at Lanier Islands in Buford. Top: Racers take to the water. Here: Michael Caudell takes a break while climbing over an obstacle.

destinationlanier.com

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Of the 1,100 participants, the following were awarded: Elite Males: 1. Robert Killian 2. Marco Bedard (BattleFrog Pro Team Athlete) 3. Jesse Bruce Elite Females: 1. Lindsey Webster (BattleFrog Pro Team Athlete) 2. KK Stewart-Paul 3. Alexandra Walker Elite Male Masters: 1. Paul Kitko 2. Glenn Nakamura 3. Jeffrey Bent Elite Female Masters: 1. Heidi Williams BattleFrog Xtreme Podium: 1. Benjamin Wessels 2. Allan Ajoy 3. Ken “Hulk’ Terrell

Left: Nick Cox uses ropes to climb across the final obstacle. Right: Tres Carpenter navigates his way through a rope obstacle. Top: Tasha Hale climbs down a net.

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Right: Madison Levy hauls weighted containers during an obstacle. Left: MiChette Moon and Jessica Richardson run through sections of Lake Lanier. Below: Racers haul heavy containers.

destinationlanier.com

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Clockwise: Donald Carter and Daniel Johnston climb across an obstacle.

Jordan Antone carries a sand bag. Miguel Pabon completes an obstacle.

The BattleFrog elite were also joined by an adaptive athlete named Gabe, a boy from Vietnam without the use of his legs who was adopted by an Atlanta family. Gabe took part in the BullFrog Mile with his family and brothers. He serves as a shining example 32 Spring | 2016

of BattleFrog’s goal to represent how people can “… overcome obstacles, live an exciting life and achieve great things.”

For more information about BattleFrog, visit their website at www.battlefrog series.com.

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Connecting North Georgia to news and information ... and connecting area businesses to customers and solutions.

Spring | 2016 33

LLA annual meeting serves up key issues, plenty of fish The 2016 Lake Lanier Association Annual Member meeting was a tremendous success thanks to a lot of volunteer hours dedicated to planning, organization, fishing, frying, and sheer brute force in setting everything up.

We hosted approximately 500 people at the lovely Port Royale/Pelican Pete’s lakefront setting. While the rain forecast threatened for several days ahead of time, it held off the day of the event. Not that rain would deter lake lovers from attending!

Several LLA board members and staff persons gave updates on current LLA programs and services. We also announced that the state legislature has allocated $25,000 in the 2017 state budget earmarked for abandoned vessel removal

34 Spring | 2016

on Lake Lanier. Special thanks go out to state Rep. Kevin Tanner for working that issue on behalf of Lake Lanier constituents. We are anxious to being working with the Department of Natural Resources, the Corps of Engineers and the county agencies on distributing those monies to help tackle at least a couple of the existing abandoned vessel problems.

In addition to the money, there is a renewed focus at all levels — county, state and federal — for enforcement of current ordinances and laws, as well as discussions about potential changes to current ones, to give our law enforcement agencies a more streamlined process for finding property owners and holding them accountable for resolving these situations.

The LLA is continuing the push on these efforts.

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins attended the meeting, along with a number of other local and state elected officials, to interact with the constituent base. Congressman

Collins gave updates on his work, specifically with the Corps of Engineers, on lake related issues.

The Lanier Crappie Anglers club outdid themselves, again, and caught, fileted and fried up close to 1,500 pieces of delicious fish and hush puppies for the event. The event was free of charge for members of the LLA and it was a great way to meet other lake stakeholders and neighbors, get caught up on current status of lake issues, and have a terrific meal! Thanks to all that attended. We have already started planning for the 2017 event and hope to see you there!

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

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Sailing toward remission Leukemia Cup Regatta raises needed funds, honors a hero Story by Frank Reddy Photos by Erin O. Smith An inaugural local event raising money in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and other types of blood cancer brought together supporters and the sailboat crews of 20 different vessels on a recent weekend on Lake Lanier.

The Leukemia Cup Regatta, a sailing event that combines the joy of boating with raising money for a worthy cause, has raised millions of dollars nationally.

During these events held all over the country, skippers register their boats and recruit friends and colleagues to help. Crew members seek donations from friends, family, co-workers and employers to sponsor their boats.

Katie Baden, an Atlanta native who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 24, was the honored hero of the event, which was sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

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Spring | 2016 37

“... it’s very humbling to know people want to hear my story and people want to support me ... it’s overwhelming, and in a good way.”

“The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been an enormous supporter,” Baden said. “From letting me volunteer to asking me to be an honored hero, it’s very humbling to know people want to hear my story and people want to support me ... it’s overwhelming, and in a good way.”

Baden’s treatment started with 40 days of inpatient intensive therapy. The next five intensive treatments were done in and out of the hospital.

After going into remission in April 2014, she is now in the maintenance phase of her protocol and is taking oral chemotherapy to keep the disease from returning. She visits the clinic on a regular basis.

Kacey Danley, senior director of special events with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, said Baden told her story at the event “and let everybody know how the society has helped her personally in her cancer journey.”

Danley said the organization had been planning the regatta on Lake Lanier for about a year and decided to do it in March.

38 Spring | 2016

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“Luckily, the weather held up,” Danley said, “and it ended up being a good time of celebration and fun.”

Said LLS Georgia Chapter Executive Director Piper Medcalf: “With more than 1 million people in North America diagnosed with a type of blood cancer, The Leukemia Cup Regatta is an important fundraising event that gives participants

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an opportunity to do something enjoyable while making a difference in the lives of patients and their families.

“We thank Katie and her family for their participation in our inaugural event and for allowing us to recognize Katie as the hero she is to all of us.”

According to its website, the

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer.

The LLS mission is to “cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”

LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and

Spring | 2016 39

40 Spring | 2016

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“We thank Katie and her family for their participation in our inaugural event and for allowing us to recognize Katie as the hero she is to all of us.� provides free information and support services.

The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, The Trish Greene Back to School Program for Children with Cancer and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which last year provided $1.37 million to patients statewide.

For more information, or to find out how to donate or help, visit www.leukemiacup.org/ga/ localchapter/lakelanier/. destinationlanier.com

Spring | 2016 41

Our best for your best this summer There are a lot of great things about boating on Lake Lanier: Great weather, plenty of outstanding boat ramps to put in, several top-notch marinas, quiet little coves to drop anchor and relax, and some of the best boating law enforcement officers in the nation.

Most of those things you were already aware of if you are a regular boater on the lake. But did you know that Lake Lanier DNR Rangers have been named the state’s Boating Officers of the Year for the last two consecutive years? Did you know that one of them was named the Boating Officer of the Year for all of the United States and U.S. territories?

Earlier this year, Cpl. Eddie Tompkins was named the 2015 Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Boating Officer of the Year. Cpl. Tompkins logged more boating safety miles (7,285) than some people put on their cars in a year. He spent 708 hours patrolling Lake Lanier in his DNR boat last year. If you do the math, that is equivalent to nearly a month working 24 hours a day!

The 2014 Georgia Boating Officer of the Year was Cpl. Jason Roberson. After winning that award, he went on to win the U.S. southern regional award and then the Boating Officer of the Year award by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the highest boating enforcement honor in the nation. Cpl. Roberson’s ability to detect impaired boaters is outstanding; however, when asked, he will clearly state that his goal is not to make arrests but rather to ensure that everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.

In addition to Cpls. Roberson and Tompkins, all the Rangers on Lake Lanier are outstanding, well-trained officers and want nothing more than for everyone to enjoy a fun and safe day on the water.

We have our best on Lake Lanier.

Now, let’s make a deal. We want anyone who enjoys the lake in any way this year to give us your best. Our best for your best.

First and foremost, we want your best by not operating your vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drunk boaters quite often become drunk drivers. Even when boaters get off the lake safely after a day of drinking, they often park or trailer the boat and hit the roadways, just as drunk as they were in the boat. Please don’t risk ruining your life or someone else’s.

Even prescription drugs can impair your ability to operate safely.

You don’t get a warning for operating while impaired. Our 42 Spring | 2016

Rangers cannot take the chance that you will get home without hurting yourself or someone else, so just don’t do it.

We want your best when it comes to having the proper safety equipment in your vessel.

Be sure that you have a properly sized, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person in the vessel. We recommend that everyone wear them; all of our Rangers do. Children under 13 must be wearing it if the boat is under power or drifting.

You also must have a properly charged fire extinguisher. It is a good idea to have it in an easily accessible location. I don’t think you want to be crawling around under the dash looking for it if your motor catches fire and begins to melt into the lake.

The law says you must have navigation lights for operating after official sunset. This does not mean when it is completely dark. Dusk is one of the most difficult times of day to see other vessels so turn on those lights if you want to avoid a collision.

Finally, we want your best at practicing courtesy to other users of the lake and following all laws and regulations.

Remember the 100-foot law that says that you must operate your vessel at idle speed when you are within 100 feet of anything — the shore, swimmers, other vessels (unless legally passing) and docks.

Jet skiers, don’t buzz docks or swimmers and don’t jump the wakes within 100 feet of a boat, or we will be pulling you over for a powwow and an opportunity for you to help provide additional funds to your local government, and possibly lose your boating privileges.

Boaters are also subject to this law. As mentioned above, you must turn on navigation lights after sunset.

Before turning the boat keys over to the teenagers, be sure they are in compliance with the mandatory boater education law which says all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1998, must complete a boat education course approved by DNR prior to operating any motorized vessel on state waters. More knowledge, at any age, is a good thing so we recommend that everyone take a course.

Please be courteous to others as they are there to enjoy the day just as you are. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Our commitment to you is that we will do our best to keep you safe this summer but you must do your best if we are to be successful.

If we all do our part, it will be the best summer ever!

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

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

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Sipping, lakeside Gainesville resident offers tea for two, or two hundred, with vast collection

44 Spring | 2016

Story by Pamela A. Keene Photos by Michelle Boaen Jameson Although the Public Broadcasting series “Downton Abbey” tied up all the loose ends and each character lives happily ever after, the popularity of the program revived the public’s interest in the British tradition of formal tea. But don’t tell Lake Lanier resident Carmelle Killick that it’s just a passing fad.

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“My daughter and I started doing tea parties when she was 5 and she’s now an adult,” says Killick, who was born in Haiti and enjoyed tea with her mother and grandmother when she was a child.

“When we moved to Doral, Fla., and my daughter was 10, we’d have her friends over for tea with their dolls. But I’d even serve tea at neighborhood barbecues, with tea cups and cakes for my friends.”

Today, Killick regularly hosts teas for friends and neighbors. She also founded Victorian Rental (www. myteapartyclub.com) that offers tea party packages, wine tastings and spa parties. She has dozens of matching tea sets with cups and saucers, tea pots

Carmelle Killick displays her numerous tea sets at her Lake Lanier home. She enjoys tea lakeside almost daily.

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Spring | 2016 45

Top: Killick loves to bring out her Asian inspired parasol when having tea outdoors.

Right: Tea cups cover the counter tops at Killick’s house.

and cream-and-sugar servers. Once or twice a year, she hosts large tea parties, attended by as many 200 women who come for the conversation, the chance to enjoy a respite from the everyday demands of life and the opportunity to meet new friends.

“We will usually have a theme for our tea parties, such as ‘tea with our ancestors’ where everyone brings photos of their grandparents or others and we’ll spend the time telling stories about them,” she says. “It’s just a nice way to have a meaningful conversation and share memories.”

Victorian Rentals also hosts tea fundraisers on behalf of area charities. Killick can plan the menu, decorations, conversation topics and music for the event. She uses her fine-china tea services and even provides an array of hats for attendees Top: Killick arranges different themes for each table set when she hosts tea parties. Above: Killick’s absolute favorite tea pot.

46 Spring | 2016

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Carmelle Killick’s vast collection of tea sets from around the world fills cabinets, counters and boxes. Right: Killick shows the unique scalloped design of one of her favorited tea pots.

to borrow to make the event more festive. Fresh flowers for centerpieces are the order of the day.

Killick also uses her tea parties as a way to remind people of the fine art of etiquette, hosting tea parties for younger people or speaking to local elementary schools about manners.

“We talk about dining etiquette, table manners, the art of conversation and courtesy,” she says. “Young people seem to have forgotten, for the most part, how important it is to eat politely and carry on a conversation. However, we emphasize that these skills will serve them well as they grow up and enter the professional work world.”

The custom of serving tea in the late afternoon began in Great Britain in the late 1800s, when people typically ate only two main meals each day — breakfast and a later supper, usually around 8 p.m. Members of the upper class began serving tea and light snacks in the mid- to late afternoon, typically in the drawing rooms of their homes. It was a time for people

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Spring | 2016 47

Right: A polka dot place setting adds a pop of color to Killick’s deck. Below: A Blue Willow place setting is known as the “Tea with Our Ancestors” table.

of all economic backgrounds to take a break from the day, have a bite to eat and enjoy meaningful conversation.

Killick blends her own loose teas, adding hints of lemon, cloves, seasonal fruits and other flavors. When making tea for a crowd, she puts the loose tea in a teapot and covers it with a small amount boiling water to allow it to steep and draw the flavors out of the leaves. Then she adds more boiling water just before serving.

48 Spring | 2016

“The idea of tea is lovely on so many levels,” she says.

“It’s a time for family and friends to come together and talk. It can be so refreshing just to make time to enjoy each other, put away or turn off all your technology and have a real conversation. There’s just no place for a cellphone or tablet at tea. Having tea is a wonderful throwback to a simpler time.”

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Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

770-654-9277, abwallcc.org.

50 Spring | 2016

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

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

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

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

April

April 16 “Diamonds & Pearls” fashion show and luncheon, Sugar Hill. 11 a.m. Buford Presbyterian Church, 1242 Buford Highway, Sugar Hill. $25. Benefits Lanier Woman’s Club. 404-217-9737.

April 16 Black and White Ball, Gainesville. 6:30 p.m.

Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. Live auction. $125 individual, $250 for couple. www.theartscouncil.net.

770-534-2787.

April 16 Brenau student fashion show, Gainesville.

4:30 p.m. Brenau University, Pearce Auditorium, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville.

770-534-6240.

April 16-17 Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Dahlonega. www.bearonthesquare.org.

April 8-9 Master Gardener plant sale and garden event, Cumming. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. Free. 770887-2418.

April 18-20 “Plein Air Made Simple” class, Gainesville.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $325. Instructor Celeste McCollough. www.qvac.org. 770-536-2575.

April 10 Children’s theater camp, Sautee Nacoochee. 2-4 p.m. Sundays April 10 through May 22. Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee Nacoochee.

Register by April 1. dfrom@snca.org.

April 23 “Gone with the Wind,” Clarkesville. 7 p.m.

Habersham Community Theater, 1370 Washington St., Clarkesville. $8. Presented

by Movies on Main. Prizes for best costume. 706-839-1315.

April 11 Andrea Hollander poetry reading, Gainesville. 12:30 p.m. Brenau University, Trustee Library, QuietZone, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. 770-534-6195. sbrim@brenau. edu.

April 23 American Legion Post 127 fundraiser, Gainesville. 6 p.m. 1705 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville. $25 per person fundraiser, $26 online. Ages 21 and older. Featuring Swingin’ Medallions & Alligator Hat Band. www.post127concert.com or tickets4vets@gmail.com.

April 12 Spectrum singers: “Wanderlust … Songs of Travel,” Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Brenau University, Pearce Auditorium, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. Free. 770-5384764. www.brenau.edu/fineartshumanities/ music April 14-17 “Apathesiacs,” Gainesville. 7:30 p.m.

Brenau Downtown Center, 310 Main St., Gainesville. Rated R. www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org

April 23 Carter Calvert & The Roger Cohen Trio, Gainesville. 8 p.m. Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30 for individual, $125 for the series. www.theartscouncil.net. 770-534-2787.

April 24 Van Morrison, Alpharetta. 8 p.m.Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. $69.50-$250.50. amphitheatre-ga.com.

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April 24 “Mrs. Beulah Rucker Oliver: My Life, My Time, My School,” Gainesville. 7 p.m.

Brenau Downtown Center, 301 Main St. SW, Gainesville. $20. www.brmuseum.org.

404-401-6589.

April 26 University of North Georgia Symphonic Band, Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Riverside Military Academy, 2001 Riverside Drive, Gainesville. 770-538-2194. ung.edu/music/ wind-ensemble.php.

April 29-30 Blue Ridge Trout Festival, Blue Ridge. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge. $5. 706-838-5259. www.blueridge troutfest.com.

April 30 Fundamentals in Architecture Photography workshop, Dawsonville. 1-6 p.m. The Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. $100. Instructor Travis Rhoades. www.dawsonarts.org or 706216-2787 April 30 Dale Chihuly exhibition, Atlanta. Through Oct. 30. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. www.atlantabg. org.

April 30 Hiroya Tsukamoto, Sautee Nacoochee.

7:30 p.m. Center Theatre, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee Nacoochee. $12-$18. snca.org/snc/ performance/billboard.php#Tsukamoto or 706-878-3300.

April 30 12th annual Spring Chicken Festival/ Chicken Cook-Off, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 for 10 chicken samples. www. downtowngainesville.com. 770-297-1141.

May May 7 24th annual WineFest, Helen. Noon to 5 p.m. Habersham Winery, 7025 S. Main St., Helen. $30, includes 15 tasting tickets and souvenir wine glass. Ages 21 and older. destinationlanier.com

www.habershamwinery.com. 706-8789463.

May 7-8 Garden for Connoisseurs Tour, Atlanta. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. $28 in advance, $22 for garden members and $35 day of tour. www.atlantabg.org. 404876-5859.

May 10 Great Grownup Spelling Bee, Gainesville. 7 p.m. Hosch Auditorium, Brenau University, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. $5-$10.

770-531-4337. www.allianceforliteracy.org May 14 Jon Regen, Gainesville. 8 p.m. Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30 for individual, $125 for the series. www.theartscouncil.net.

May 14 “Stars Over Elachee” program, Gainesville.8-10 p.m. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. $10-45, free for members. www.elachee. org. 770-535-1976.

May 19 President’s Summer Art Series 2016, Gainesville. Opening reception 5:30-7 p.m.

Exhibition May 19 through July 14. Brenau University, Simmons Visual Arts Center, Sellars Gallery, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. 770-534-6263.

June June 3-4 Bach youth competition, Gainesville.

Brenau University, Pearce Auditorium, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. $10. 770538-4764. www.bachatl.org.

June 6 Georgia Master Naturalist classes, Helen.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, June 6 through July 25. Smithgall Woods State Park Visitors Center, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen.

Register by May 23. $200 for series and certification. Annual pass or daily park passes for each class are required. Limit 12. www.gastateparks.org/smithgallwoods or 706-878-3087.

June 7 Taste of North Hall festival, Gainesville.

5-7:30 p.m. 4885 Mount Vernon Road, Gainesville. $10. 240-271-9615.

June 16 Master of Interior Design/Master of Fine Arts portfolio exhibition, Atlanta. 3-5 p.m.

The High Museum of Atlanta, Stent Family Wing, Robinson Atrium, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. Featuring Brenau graduate students. RSVP required. 770-534-6240. sconn@brenau.edu.

May 24 An Evening with Jeanne Robertson, Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Pearce Auditorium, 1 Centennial Circle, Gainesville. $28-$35. www.theartscouncil.net or 770-534-2787.

June 18 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Gainesville.

8 p.m. Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center Lawn, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. www. theartscouncil.net or 770-534-2787.

May 20-21 Mountain Laurel Festival, Clarkesville.

Downtown Clarkesville. www.clarkesville ga.com. 706-754-4216.

June 24 Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration featuring Warren Haynes, Atlanta. 8 p.m.

Delta Classic Chastain Park Amphitheater, 135 W. Wieuca Road NW, Atlanta. $79.50$39.50.

May 20 Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival, Dahlonega. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 22. Dahlonega Downtown square. www.chestateeartists.org.

May 27-29 Atlanta Jazz Festival, Atlanta. Piedmont Park, Atlanta. www.atlantafestivals.com.

June 23-24 “Painted Vacations” watercolor workshop, Dawsonville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. $200. Instructor Kathy Rennell Forbes. www.dawsonarts.org or 706-2162787.

Spring | 2016 51

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

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Boat Ramp

Playground

Picnic Areas

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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

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

Swimming Areas

Campgrounds 1 2 3 4

Old Federal Duckett Mill Toto Creek Bald Ridge

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

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

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

4 Lanier Point 5 Longwood Park 6 Holly Park

Marinas

5 Sawnee 6 Bolding Mill 7 Van Pugh South

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

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

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

DIVER BELOW Boaters should exercise caution when passing through area

OBSTRUCTION MARKER

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

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

DANGER!

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

CAUTION!

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

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One short blast: Pass to the right

Two short blast: Maintain Course

Privileged boat on right.

Pass astern

One blast right.

Two blasts left.

Around Lanier Lake Lanier Association annual meeting March 19, 2016

Lake Lanier Association members turned out in droves at Port Royale Marina for the annual meeting. Fresh fish from Lanier was served up by the Lanier Crappie Anglers club and key issues were addressed.

54 Spring | 2016

LAKE Destination

Lanier

2016 Quinlan Visual Arts Center Gala March 5, 2016

A hundred pieces of fine art found new homes after a night of community members bidding and outbidding each other. The silent and live auction, also known as the 38th annual Gala Art Auction, acts as the Quinlan Visual Arts Center’s one and only fundraiser for the year.

Fall | 2015 | 2016 56 Spring

LAKE Destination

Lanier

Rotary Man, Woman of the Year Feb. 9, 2016

The Gainesville Rotary Club named Deborah Mack its Woman of the Year and Garland Reynolds its Man of the Year in festivities at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Also, at the banquet, Gene Anderson received the Sidney O. Smith Fellowship Award, Mike Giles received the Guardian of Ethics Award and Darrell Snyder received the W. Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence.

destinationlanier.com

Spring Fall | 2015 2016 57

Little Black Dress Initiative Feb. 20, 2016 The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County’s inaugural Little Black Dress Initiative took place in February, raising funds and awareness of poverty in the area. Nearly 40 people in Gainesville donned the same black outfit every single day. The effort raised more than $8,000 for families in need. The league set out to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Hall County.

58 Spring | 2016

LAKE Destination

Lanier

5:00-9:00pm 6:00pm After Dark www.DowntownBraselton.com