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June | 2017

Savory Summer Salads

Helping pets by shopping

Artistic quilts warm hearts

Rock Goodbye Angel helps parents cope with loss

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June 2017 3

From the Editor A feel-good summer The summer months are upon us and while it may seem odd to talk quilts in June, it’s always nice to wrap up in a handstitched blanket.

The Mountain Laurel Quilting Guild gathers every month to show and tell their creations. And as an added bonus, some quilts are donated to local veterans and sick children.

Angela Ewers of Rock Goodbye Angel places handmade baby blankets into memory boxes to give to those who have suffered a miscarriage or loss of a baby.

If you are the proud parent of a fur baby, like me, you can “get your shop on” at the Dawson County Humane Society Resale Shop & Boutique. All the items in the shop are donated and the help is purely volunteer. Best of all, the proceeds go to the society to help animals in need.

Find ways to help and enjoy this issue!

M

J

Editor/Designer Michelle Boaen Jameson General Manager Norman Baggs Advertising Sales Leah Nelson HOME Magazine, a division of: The Times Gainesville, GA A Morris Multimedia Inc. property 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 | 770-718-3421

www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

ichelle ameson

Michelle Boaen Jameson editor@homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @HomeMagazineNGA

4 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

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 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. 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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June 2017 Arts & Culture

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Needles and thread cover the room as the Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild in Clarkesville sew quilts and blankets both for art and those in need.

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Ever wanted to dip your toe into the waters of folk art collecting? Slotin Folk Art in Buford makes it easy to get started with pieces of all types and sizes.

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A love of nature and photography come together naturally for Flowery Branch artist Bob Richardson. His art showcases his talent for realism with a few personal touches to make the pictures his own.

Health & Fitness 16

Aging doesn’t mean we have to get stiff and brittle. Learning to properly stretch the body in just the right intervals can keep you limber and healthy. And of course, it helps relieve the stresses of the day.

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homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

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Food & Drink 18

Salad doesn’t have to be a plateful of limp lettuce. Turn a boring salad into a full meal with recipes from Avocados on the downtown square.

Charitable Living 22

Not every woman has an easy birth.

And many live with the pain and grief of losing an infant. Rock Goodbye Angel helps couples cope with the loss of a child and move forward with their lives.

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On the Cover Avocados’ Aristan Salad with chicken is the perfect dish for summer that is both healthy and can be sourced locally.

Find the recipe on page 20.

Photo by Scott Rogers

If you love to shop and you’re a pet person, there’s place just for you. The Dawson County Humane Society’s resale shop offers a wide variety of items while offering help to animals in need.

Inside Every Issue 6 32 34

HOME Living

From the Editor In the Community Events Calendar

In North Georgia

June 2017 7

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Square one

Mountain Laurel Quilting Guild came together one piece at a time Story by Jennifer Linn | Photography by Erin O. Smith Binding is an important part of the quilting process. Ladies of the Mountain Laurel Quilting Guild in Clarkesville find their own bonds just as important.

Mary Ann Prue, Beverly Mannes and Pamela Prosser said friendships made since joining the group are their favorite part of the guild.

“The socialization, the being able to call someone up and say ‘how do we do this?’” said Prue, guild president. “And getting together and sewing together.”

Mannes said the willingness of people to share their expertise brings the group together.

“If you have a problem, you ask somebody,” she said.

Prosser is both new to the group and to quilting. She began quilting about a year ago, and finds being a part of the guild gives her a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw on.

“These women have such wisdom,” Prosser said. “The women who quilt, it’s not for the faint of heart. It is extremely difficult. ... The people who do this are a very strong breed. They have lots of wisdom and I have been thoroughly enjoying it.”

Prosser said she’s been happier than she’s been in years since she started quilting with the group.

“It’s the friendship, but also it’s the passion about a subject,” she said. “I’ve never felt this before where you’re so interested in the same

thing.”

Mountain Laurel was started by Fluorine Johnson 23 years ago. Quilters meet the third Tuesday each month in the Fellowship Hall at Clarkesville United Methodist Church,1087 Washington St. There are about 100 members, with no particular skill level required.

“Our mission, as a group, is to promote and enjoy the passion of quilting,” said Prue.

“Taking fabric, cutting it up and putting it back together looking different. And to promote quilting throughout the community.”

Meetings start with a show-and-tell period where quilters display what they’ve finished and are awarded pins and ribbons for completing various projects. There’s usually a trunk show of someone’s work, which includes examples of their quilts.

In addition to sharing their projects with each other, many members make quilts to donate. FAITH’s The Power House is one such recipient. The child advocacy organization provides free and confidential services to child abuse victims. Its goal is to ensure children coming forward are not further victimized by the intervention systems designed to protect them.

FAITH’s Power House brings law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, forensic interviewers, mental health professionals and advocates into one location, reducing the need for children and families to navigate the system.

Mannes said when if children need a HOME Living

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June 2017 9

Page 8: Mountain Laurel Quilting Guild members sort fabrics to use in a quilt. Clockwise: Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild member Shirley Trepte displays her latest creation to members during their recent meeting at the Clarkesville First United Methodist Church.

Member Sherri Cramer, of Demorest, holds two hexagonal rug mugs she made. A large handmade quilt to be raffled off during an upcoming fundraiser hangs inside the church during a recent meeting. Members choose fabrics for their quilts.

physical examination for potential signs of abuse, they are allowed to choose a quilt, which is used instead of a paper drape during the exam. The child can keep the quilt afterward.

Children also have the opportunity to choose a pillow case made by the guild.

“A lot of time, kids leave home with just what they can grab,” Mannes said.

“They don’t have suitcases, they don’t come with much of anything. The pillowcase is something they can put their belongings in and it’s theirs.”

Guild members also make small blankets

10 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

for the First Steps Program at the hospital for families in need.

Quilts of Valor is another program in which guild members participate. Members make patriotic-themed quilts to provide to those affected by war. Quilts have been given to veterans in hospice and the father of a soldier who died, all nominated by someone who feels they need its healing touch.

“It’s so much more than just a quilt,” Prosser said. “It’s warmth and recognition for what they’ve done for the country.”

The guild has held many workshops to

offer quilting tips. Some involve making items for children with autism and seniors with dementia.

Creating quilts has opened many doors and friendships.

“It’s very mentally stimulating,” said Prue. “We’re constantly working with math, correcting problems.”

Prosser agreed, saying quilting allows her to get into a zone that’s relaxing and therapeutic.

“What I like the most about quilting is in the end, the satisfaction that you have from making a quilt.”

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Feeling folksy Slotin Folk Art helps collectors buy and sell the eccentric Story by Michelle Jameson | Photos courtesy Steve Slotin Steve Slotin knows a thing or two about self-taught art. From the odd and unusual to the historical and sacred, he’s seen just about everything. Home Magazine talked with Steve about how it all started:

How long have you been in operation? We’ve been in business for 25 years.

How did the love of collecting and auctioning this type of art begin?

I used to sell Cliff ’s Notes all around the Southeast and started noticing Southern face jugs and self-taught art in some of the small locations where I serviced. Everywhere I went I would ask the local folks if they knew of someone

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who made art, and I just went off the heated path and started visiting artists and interesting environments. In these small towns the local eccentric artists are usually pretty well known.

Eventually, I became more interested in the new discoveries (rather) than selling the books and I was fired.

At the time, the only place to buy and sell Southern selftaught art was at the Outsider Fair in New York.

I thought it would be fun to set up a show in Atlanta to let the local folks see what a treasure they had in their own backyard. In 1994, I started a show called Folk Fest and every year until last year, we hosted 100 galleries, dealers

and artists and between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors each year. We started the auctions a few years after that as people kept asking us if we would be able to sell things for them. And it turned out to be a big success.

What is considered outsider art?

I prefer the term self-taught to be honest, although “outsider” falls under this umbrella. Self-taught art is pretty self explanatory of course — someone who hasn’t had formal art education and often in the case of the earlier self-taught artists, very little schooling at all.

The art they create is not originally made for public consumption, but rather for their personal fulfillment. They want to make their environment more beautiful (R.A. Miller’s Whirligig environment in Rabbitown or St. EOM’s Pasaquan). Or like in the case of the Rev. Howard Finster in Summerville, his motivation was to spread the word of God through his art; or W.C. Rice’s Cross environment — a more fire and brimstone message.

Sometimes it is to create a fantasy existence like creating Calvin and Ruby Black’s Doll Land in the California Desert. Or the desire to document their own existence — the social historians of their town — as is the case with Sam Doyle in South Carolina who painted all the town’s people from the first black midwife (pictured at top right) to the town prostitute. And Clementine Hunter of Louisiana who created memory paintings

Amy and Steve Slotin at their Buford Gallery.

Steve in front of a Howard Finster mural.

of her life on the plantation.

What are the qualities you look for when considering a piece?

I look for something that speaks to me.

I have to actually like the work and want to live with it. That doesn’t mean it has to be pretty. Much of what I have in my personal collection isn’t pretty. It’s weird and strange and funny and unusual. I also like the story behind the art. I think about the motivations of the artists and what they were trying to say in their work. The backstory is part of what I enjoy about the art.

How often do you hold auctions?

I have two auctions a year — April and November. We spend the rest of the time gathering the objects to sell and putting together the catalog. After a sale, we ship out about 600 boxes, so it takes a little time to wrap up.

Where do you acquire much of the art?

We’ve been in the business a while, so people will often contact us and send photos of the items they come across.

What’s really fun is getting photos from people who have been collecting for years and have things that we haven’t come across before. For instance, this (past) auction, we (sold) an entire collection of Afro Erotic drawings that are just outstanding.

How many pieces were in the April auction?

This (was) a big one. There were 1246 lots — some lots had several pieces in them so there is a lot to look at.

Between calls and online bids, roughly how many people participate in the auctions?

We generally have about 300 people who come to the auction hall and participate in person. It’s a really fun crowd. We cater the auction, and we have a full bar so it’s a festive event. In addition, we have 10 phone operators who assist bidders who can’t make it in person. The calls are going out to folks all over the U.S., England, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, etc. There are usually about 200 phone bidders. Some are only on for a single lot, some like to bid on things all during the sale. Most of the bigger sales take place on the phone.

We also execute left bids for people.

They leave a budget and we bid on their behalf. Again, about 200 people bid this way. Some leave a single bid, others leave a long list.

The online portion is really interesting.

We generally sell about 30 percent of the pieces online. Over the course of a sale, there will be about 100,000 visitors looking at the auction. Several thousand will leave bids in advance of a sale, and about 15,000 will be watching a bidding live during an auction.

Describe the average collector of folk art?

This is all over the board. We have HOME Living

In North Georgia

June 2017 13

Art lovers tour a Slotin Folk Art festival.

For more information, visit slotinfolkart. com or call 770-532-1115.

our older collectors who have been doing this for years and love coming to the auction to add to their collections and visit with old friends. It’s a very nice group of people, many of whom have been friends for years. We also have young hip folks who are just starting out.

There is something for everyone — from the museum quality masterpiece to the very affordable starter piece. Auctions are a fun experience. People that are willing to stick and stay (and there are people that sit the entire 10 hours a day) will definitely find some amazing things at great prices.

Do you keep any for a personal collection?

We haven’t been buying much for our personal collection lately. Really, it’s because we have three daughters in college and we had to prioritize. But also it’s difficult to do both things, put together an auction that has amazing new things each time and try to find things for ourselves. I really just love putting everything out there to showcase the breadth of what selftaught art is.

What is the most a piece has ever sold for?

The highest price we ever sold a piece of self taught art for was

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Sam Doyle’s first Black Midwife from the Chuck and Jan Rosenak Collection. They authored the Encyclopedia of American Folk Art for the Folk Art Museum in New York and this was their marque piece.

Do you have a piece that holds a special place in your heart?

The first things I ever collected were Lanier Meaders face jugs. He was from Cleveland, Ga., just a few miles from a summer camp where I spent the best summers of my childhood. I hadn’t heard of Lanier when I was a kid, but years later when I was traveling around, I came across a face jug and it was so ugly is was beautiful.

The Meaders were making pottery in the 1980s like it was 1880s — hand dug Georgia red clay, mule-driven pug mill, wood fired kiln, handmade tobacco spit glazes. The proximity between Lanier’s place and my summer camp made it even more special to me. Lanier was kind enough to allow me to visit even when he was going through chemo. I will be forever grateful for that experience. I have a whole collection of his face jugs that I cherish, and there is one in particular that I covet above all others, a face with a snake coming through the nose. It’s one of a kind, and I love it.

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June 2017 15

S t r e t c h it out How to improve flexibility Improving flexibility is a goal for many athletes, whether they’re daily exercise devotees or weekend warriors. Taking steps to improve and maintain flexibility has numerous benefits that can pay dividends for athletes of all ages.

According to the Harvard Medical School, well-stretched muscles more easily reach their full range of motion. That benefits athletes by improving their performance, and it can also improve daily life for non-athletes by making it easier to reach, bend or stoop to perform everyday tasks.

As beneficial as being physically flexible can be, many people, no matter how hard they try, struggle to improve or maintain their flexibility. Fortunately, there are some ways that devoted men and women can improve their flexibility and enjoy all of the benefits that increased flexibility provides.

16 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

n Choose the right activities. Harvard Medical School notes that activities that lengthen and stretch muscles can help active men and women reduce their risks for injury while potentially preventing back pain and issues that may affect their balance.

When done correctly, yoga can improve balance and flexibility. In addition, numerous studies have linked yoga to additional health benefits, such as stress reduction, that can make people less tense, thereby improving their flexibility. n Drink more water. Drinking water helps to prevent tightness and muscle cramps. In fact, tightness or muscle cramps in the large muscles of the leg may be indicative of the early stages of dehydration. Drinking plain water is the most effective way to stay and remain hydrated. Don’t count coffee, tea or sports drinks as water, as such beverages many contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and while diuretics cause the increased passing of urine, they also decrease the amount of water that is absorbed by the kidneys, potentially contributing to dehydration. Drink plenty of

water before, during and after workouts. n Start over after an extended break. If it’s been awhile since you last worked out, resist the temptation to push yourself when returning to the gym. Depending on how long it’s been since you last exercised, you may need to start back at square one, which means reducing the amount of weight you lift and decreasing the resistance during cardiovascular exercises. Putting too much strain on muscles that have been sedentary for an extended period of time can cause aches, pains and even injury.

Muscle tightness also may develop if you go too hard too quickly, greatly reducing flexibility. n Get up and go. Poor flexibility may be a byproduct of your lifestyle. Men and women who live sedentary lifestyles are less likely to enjoy the full range of motion from their muscles than those people who are more active. Get off the couch when spending time at home, and if you work in an office, take routine breaks to stand up and walk around.

Poor flexibility can be painful and inconvenient, but there are many ways for men and women to improve their flexibility and, as a result, their quality of life.

Avocados’ Quinoa Salad

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The salads

of summer Story by Pamela A. Keene | Photography by Scott Rogers

Fresh, fresh, fresh: The colorful and plentiful flavors of summer from your own garden or the many local farmers’ markets create a wide palate of ingredients for tasty salads to serve as main courses or to complement a meal.

It’s time to go beyond a bowlful of spring greens tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers and onions to expand your culinary horizons and take advantage of all the fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins summer offers.

“Our goal is to use the freshest ingredients and take advantage of the season,” said Albert Lunalover, owner and executive chef at Avocado’s in downtown Gainesville. “By using locally grown and available items, you can make healthy and tasty salads that can be very filling.”

Avocados is known for its Quinoa Salad, added to the menu last fall.

“It’s very popular with our customers and it’s very easy to make,” Lunalover said. “Quinoa is considered a superfood that adds crunch and texture to salads.

And when you combine it on a bed of mixed greens with other ingredients, it’s excellent. Part of the secret to keeping any fresh salad crispy is to add the dressing right before you serve it.”

Another of Avocados’ popular salads, the Artisan, is a light dish that can be served with or without a portion of protein.

“You can add grilled or fried shrimp, grilled chicken, salmon or steak to make it an entrée salad, or you can serve it as a side dish,” Lunalover said. “It’s also fun to experiment by adding a bit of fresh fruit or some toasted nuts. And chickpeas are another good source of protein.”

Strawberries, citrus, blueberries and other seasonal fruits can add a punch to salads, both in taste and visual appeal.

Lunalover, who opened Avocados six years ago on the downtown square, says he likes to focus on ingredients that are healthy, locally sourced and seasonal. Avocado’s now serves Springer Mountain Chicken.

“It’s all about eating fresh and healthy,” he said. “Be choosy about what you use in your salads and other dishes. It’s always better to buy fresh, and it’s much better for you.”

For the freshest greens, make sure the packaging maintains its vacuum seal when you purchase it from the store. If the greens are purchased loose or fresh-picked from the garden, wash them, pat them dry, then put them in the

HOME Living

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June 2017 19

Avocados’ Artisan Salad

refrigerator in a large plastic bag with a paper towel.

“The paper towel will help absorb the excess moisture and keep them crisp,” he said. “It will also help them last longer.”

Georgia’s largest economic driver is agriculture and summer is the peak growing season. That being said, there is plentiful supply of fresh vegetables and fruits right in our own backyards in North Georgia. Plan a trip to a farmers’ market to pick out the ingredients for your next salad.

Avocados’ House-made Cilantro Dressing Olive oil White wine vinegar Shallots chopped cilantro Combine dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender until blended. Place in refrigerator until well chilled.

Pour over salad just before serving.

Quinoa Salad Cooked quinoa Mixed greens, including romaine Diced cucumbers Pecans Crumbled or sliced feta cheese Cook enough quinoa according to package instructions to accommodate the number of people being served.

Once cool, toss the quinoa with the mixed greens, diced cucumbers, pecans and feta. Add your choice of protein and/ or seasonal fruit, if desired. Serve with Cilantro Dressing.

Avocados’ Artisan Salad Artisan mixed greens, washed and spun or patted dry Crumbled feta cheese Alfalfa bean sprouts Sliced avocado Chopped cilantro to sprinkle on top

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Use the greens as the foundation of the salad, mixing in a large bowl, adding the feta and bean sprouts. Serve onto plates then top with slices of avocado and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Add your choice of protein for an entrée.

Lightly drizzle with Cilantro Dressing.

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Finding comfort in loss Rock Goodbye Angel offers hope, healing Story by Pamela A. Keene | Photography by Scott Rogers It’s one of the world’s greatest losses for the mom, the dad and the family. Still, what do you say to a woman who has suffered a miscarriage, a stillborn birth or the death of an infant?

When Angela Ewers had her first miscarriage, she didn’t know where to turn.

“Where were my people that I could connect with?” she said looking back 18 years to her first miscarriage.

“I just knew that something was missing in my life, even though I now have two living children. But I also have three who are in heaven, and it’s important that I embrace them as well.”

Angela turned her loss into a positive for women across North Georgia by founding Rock Goodbye Angel Inc., a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that provides a support network for parents who have experienced pregnancy loss and early infant loss.

“People just don’t know what to say and the families

22 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

that are affected are at a loss,” she said. “I started Rock Goodbye Angel because there just weren’t any groups that addressed this kind of loss. We’re about helping people turn pain into positives.”

Angela created Rock Goodbye Angel in 2010 to fill a void in the community. Since that time, the singer/songwriter composed and released a song, “Rock Goodbye Angel,” and earned her master’s degree in pastoral counseling. She’s diligently created a comprehensive program to help families work through their grief.

“What we’ve come up with is easy to duplicate and it has helped so many moms, dads, marriages and families,” she said. “From teaching coping skills to getting people to look at their loss through a healthy set of lenses, that’s what we’re about.

“God doesn’t waste any tears; he uses them to water the garden of good.”

Opposite page: Volunteers fill memory boxes for parents at the Rock Goodbye Angel’s office on Oak Street in Gainesville. Angela Ewers, founder of Rock Goodbye Angel.

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June 2017 23

Tiny handmade baby blankets are made especially for Rock Goodbye Angel memory boxes.

In May, she says she recently received 10 calls in a two-week period from families who have experienced such a loss.

“People hear about us through word of mouth, but area obstetricians and hospitals know about us as well,” Angela said.

“Sometimes it’s hard for families to find the courage to reach out to us, but we’re here for them.”

Last year, when Tiffany Pethel of Commerce gave birth to premature twin boys who passed away shortly, she and her husband T.J. found comfort in the support and caring of Rock Goodbye Angel.

“It was an unimaginably difficult process that we continue to deal with daily,” said Tiffany, who regularly volunteers with the group. “Through the guidance and support of Rock Goodbye Angel, we learned to find purpose in our pain so that Logan’s and Landon’s light can shine brightly and the impression they have on others can be far, far reaching.”

Tiffany and T.J. are just one of the couples who has been helped by RGA. The organization offers encouragement, material resources, weekly support meetings, plus events and activities throughout the year. Those include a Mother’s Day Tea in May, a Father’s Day Shootout on June 11, a candlelight tribute on Oct. 15 and the Pink & Blue 5K Dash on Nov. 4.

RGA’s Memory Box program work in partnership program with Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The boxes are filled by volunteers and include a journal and pen, a place to store mementos and photos, a plush lamb, a blanket and other items.

The lambs are donated by the Joshua Nix Foundation and the

Rock Goodbye Angel

As a nonprofit, RGA relies on donations and volunteer services.

Office: 615 Oak St., Gainesville Website: rockgoodbyeangel.us Phone: 770-331-1281

24 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

Teresa Waldrop, right, joins Tiffany Pethel and Natasha Summitt, left, to fill memory boxes with items at Rock Goodbye Angel.

blankets are hand-made by the Wonderful Works program at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville.

Volunteers at RGA monogram each blanket with the baby’s name and birth statistics. For them, it’s part of the grieving and remembrance process that can help with the realities of loss.

“We provide a safe place for families to grieve and to be educated about their grief,” Angela said. “It’s my hope that our program will someday be available to grieving families across the country, because this is such a huge loss and so many people still don’t know where to turn. There’s never going to be a cure for miscarriages and stillborn and infant loss, but at least we can provide grieving families the hope and help they need.”

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Shopping humanely Resale store helps Dawson Humane Society Story by Jennifer Linn | Photography by Scott Rogers

Amid rooms of clothing, furniture, household goods and other items, volunteers are doing their part to support the homeless animals of Dawson County.

The Dawson County Humane Society Resale Shop and Boutique is staffed entirely by volunteers and funds about a third of the shelter’s budget through sales of donated items at the Dawsonville store.

Dawson County Humane Society Boutique’s Debbie McCormick, right, and general manager Terri Tragesser.

26 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

“We are meeting payroll, we are meeting our expenses,” said Terri Tragesser a volunteer manager at the shop. “We have been able to do some long-needed projects at the campus.”

The shop opened three years ago when the Humane Society was struggling to stay open. It’s been in its current location two years.

THE T

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At the time, a group of seven women were putting on events to bring in donations.

“We were working very hard but weren’t making a sufficient amount to get us out of our negative cash flow,” Tragesser said. “So we toyed with the idea ... we all come from different places where they have really nice, nonprofit resale shops.”

The group then shifted gears and went from focusing on fundraisers to opening the shop.

Tragesser and the other women knew they couldn’t take time away from shelter operations. Startup money for the shop came from their personal funds and those of humane society board members.

Top: An assortment of ties hang in the Dawson County Humane Society Resale Shop & Boutique. Middle: Volunteer name tags hang on the wall at the shop. Below: The store is operated by volunteers and all items for sale have been donated.

28 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

“Who’s going to speak for the animals if we don’t?”

How to help

The Dawson County Humane Society Resale Shop and Boutique sells donated items to help fund the Dawson County Humane Society.

Volunteer: Stop by the shop located at 54 Lumpkin Campground Road South, in Dawsonville or call 706-525-5030 for more information.

Donate: Donations are tax deductible and can be made during the shop’s business hours, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.Volunteers can help unload donations and bigger items can be picked up.

Tragesser said the group decided to front the money for a year to help the shop take off.

“Within three months, it was starting to pay for itself operationally and we haven’t’ looked back,” she said.

The shop sells most anything imaginable: lamps, furniture, china, dishware, books, clothing for men, women and children, seasonal decorations and linens. All items for sale were donated.

“We go through everything very carefully,” said Debbie McCormick, a volunteer manager. “We are selective because we want things to look nice. We are an upscale boutique and resale shop.”

Donations are tax deductible and can be made during the shop’s business hours, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through

Saturday. Volunteers can help unload donations; bigger items can be picked up.

Large appliances, such as washers and dryers and electronics, are not accepted.

If donated items don’t meet shop standards, they’re shared with nearby organizations that can use them.

Dawson County provides the Humane Society about a quarter of its budget, $126,000. The shop raises about a third of the budget; grants, private donations and money from adoptions cover the rest.

Many of the animals brought to the shelter are picked up by Animal Control.

If an animal isn’t claimed by its owner, it’s examined for health issues, spayed or neutered, socialized and put up for adoption — all of which cost money.

Tragesser said it’s important for the Humane Society to provide these services for lost or abandoned animals because it is the only facility in Dawson County to do so.

“Who’s going to speak for the animals if we don’t?” said Tragesser, who has four cats. “We’re their voice.”

The shop also takes donations of items to be used at the Humane Society, such as dog food or blankets. After an orientation session, volunteers can sign up for fourhour shifts at the shop.

“Our animals are our children,” McCormick said. “A lot of our customers are animal lovers. A lot like the ambiance of the shop.”

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Capturing the moment Flowery Branch man turns nature photography into art

Story by Jennifer Linn | Photography by Erin O. Smith When Bob and Donna Richardson were driving through Yellowstone National Park, they came across a buffalo wandering down the middle of the road. Suddenly, it stopped and looked directly into their car window.

The Flowery Branch couple laughed as they recalled what they called the scariest moment in Bob’s photography career. Each year, the Richardsons take a two-week trip so Bob, a nature photographer, can get new material. The trip to Yellowstone two years ago was one such trip.

30 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

Bob said he’s had a camera in his hand taking photos of family and on trips since he was 18 or 19 years old. It wasn’t until he retired four years ago that he started taking photography more seriously.

“I always liked taking pictures, so when we traveled throughout the years, we were always taking pictures,” he said.

Now Bob’s art is shown at various venues, such as the Commerce library and Mocha Moe’s in Flowery Branch. His business, My Favorite Photos, sells his work from several locations, including Jarfly Antique Market in Jefferson.

Why has Bob stuck with photography? It’s his passion for art and the satisfaction of seeing the completed project.

He likes to photograph unique scenes. His favorite subjects are birds and wildlife, but he also enjoys photographing old cars.

“I’ve been told I have a good sense of composition,” Bob said. “So I’ll see something and say ‘Oh, that will make a good photograph.’”

Donna said some of her favorite photos taken by her husband are of flowers and birds.

“I think he’s very artistic,” she said. “I think he’s a great photographer. It’s fun that we get a chance to travel.”

Bob started his photography career off as a purist, keeping images the same as he shot them. Now, he does post-production work to make the digital image more attractive.

Post-processing allows Bob to manipulate the image, sometimes changing the color, swapping out a background or adding in a duck or seagull from another of his photos to complete the scene.

Some of the photos Bob has digitally altered look almost like paintings.

“I guess some people would look at that and say that’s cheating,” Bob said. “There’s so much you’re doing with post-processing today when you shoot in raw and what you can do to pictures, that it’s an artistic format.”

Bob Richardson sells his photos through his business, My Favorite Photos, out of several locations, including Jarfly Antique Market in Jefferson. Richardson’s favorite subjects are birds and wildlife, but he also enjoys photographing old cars.

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IN THE COMMUNITY

in the community Annual Arts Council Black and White Ball Hundreds of patrons turned out for the annual Arts Council Black and White Ball at Smithgall Arts Center in Gainesville April 22. The black tie affair featured live music, cocktails, dinner and a live auction with all proceeds going to The Arts Council.

19th annual Rubber Duck Derby Organizers jammed a total of 20,000 ducks into Lake Lanier May 5 for the 19th annual Rubber Duck Derby. The rubber ducks float one-tenth of a mile to the finish line. Rich Godbee of Lawrenceville was the $10,000 grand prize winner.

The Rubber Duck Derby is one of two big fundraising events put on by the Boys & Girls Clubs.

32 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

IN THE COMMUNITY

Annual Relay for Life Survivors’ Walk Cancer survivors lined up for the annual Survivors’ Walk that kicks off the Relay for Life of Hall County event May 12 at the University of North Georgia Gainesville campus in Oakwood. The event was moved into the parking deck due to rain. About 300 survivors walked out of around 520 participants.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

June Storytime programs Times vary Wednesdays and Fridays, Braselton Library, 15 Brassie Lane, Braselton. Free. 706-654-1992 or www.braselton.prlib.org June 7 Rabun County Recreation Department’s third annual Golf Tournament, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Waterfall Club, 1105 Waterfall Farms Road, Clayton. $100 per player with lunch included and two-man captain’s choice. 706-782-4600 or amy. martin@rabuncounty.ga.gov June 8 Gainesville Sons of Confederate Veterans, 7 p.m. Historic Piedmont Hotel, 827 Maple St., Gainesville. Free 770 536-8438 or rmfarm@bellsouth. net June 9 Southern Appalachian Artists Guild Member Exhibition, Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville.

Free. 706-216-2787 or www. bowenarts.org June 10 Southern Gospel Concert, Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville. $10 June 10 Run 4 Hunger 5K, 6 p.m. race packet pickup and family and health festival, 8 p.m. kids fun race and 8:30 p.m. 5K Atlanta Motorsports Park, 20 Duck Thurmond Road, Dawsonville. $25 for 5K run and $5 or five non-perishable food items for kids fun run. 706-2163080, office@warhill.com or www. run4hunger5k.com June 10 Second Saturday Guided Hikes, Smithgall Woods State Park Visitors Center, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. $5 parking. 706-878-3087 or www. gastateparks.org 34 June 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia

June 10 Hall Dragon Boat Challenge, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. $650 to enter race. www.lckc.org/events/ gainesville-hall-county-dragon-boatchallenge June 13 Northeast Georgia History Center Forums, 7 p.m. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Free members and $3 nonmembers. www.brenau.edu June 15 Edwin McCain, 8 p.m. City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Suite 201, Atlanta.$32-$42, 615-610-1970 June 15 “The Valley Where They Danced” 7:30 p.m. Swanson Center for Performing Arts and Communications, 365 College Drive, Demorest. $10. 706778-8500 ext. 1355 or piedmont.edu June 17 Lavender in the Mountains Fest. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lavender Lamb Farm, 176 Bugle Drive, Cleveland. Free but a charge for some activities. www. lavenderlambfarm.com, susan@ lavenderlambfarm.com, www. facebook.com/thelavenderlambfarm or 706-865-0510 June 19 Summer Art Camp, 9 a.m. to noon Georgia Mountains YMCA, 2455 Howard Road, Gainesville. $150 www.gamountainsymca.org June 20 Learn to Row classes, 6:30 p.m. Clarks Bridge Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. $150 More info: www.lakelanierrowing.org June 23-25 Antiques Festival, Braselton. downtownbraselton.com June 24 2017 Georgia CALLS Cornhole Throwdown Tournament, 2 p.m. Little Mulberry Park, 3855 Hog Mountain

Road, Hoschton. $50 per team through June 23 and $60 per team day of the event. www.gacalls.org June 24 Fretting the Foothills music festival, Braselton town green. Free. downtownbraselton.com June 26 HCT Summer Camp, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Habersham Community Theater, 1370 Washington Street,, Clarkesville $75. www.habershamtheater.org June 26 Bounce Out the Stigma basketball camp, North Hall Park & Community Center, 4175 Nopone Road, Gainesville. $50. 855-997-3900 or www.bounceoutthestigma.org

July July 3 Patriotic Pops Concert, 6 p.m.

The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $18 adults, $15 students and seniors 65 and older, $194 table for eight. www.theartscouncil.net July 4 Independence Day celebration, 5-10 p.m. Braselton. Free. downtownbraselton.com July 9 Metallica, 6 p.m. SunTrust Park, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway SE, Atlanta. $60$160. www.metallica.com July 15 Butternut Creek Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meeks Park, 490 Meeks Park Road, Blairsville. Free. 706-781-1221, or www.butternutcreekfestival.com July 15 Cooking for a Lifetime, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Gwinnett County Public Library Collins Hill Branch, 455 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville. Free. 770978-5154, events@gwinnettpl.org or www.gwinnettpl.org