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CLARE MOORE: A STEWARD OF THE LAND — ONE YOUNG WOMAN’S HOMESTEADING AND NUTRITION JOURNEY FREE! March 19, 2025 Your hometown newspaper devoted to the progress of Gilmer County A Special Supplement to Magazine home Mountain

2 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine

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4 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine Published by 47 River Street • Ellijay, GA 30540 706-635-4313 • Fax 706-635-7006 www.timescourier.com Andy Ashurst, Publisher; Whitney Sherrill, Contributing Writer, Lauren Sabia, Reporter; Robbie Bills, Sports Editor; Rhesa Chastain, Office Manager; Keli Fredrickson Parker, Graphic Designer; April Teague, Typesetter; René Wilder, Advertising Sales; Ted “Bear” Ensminger, Advertising Sales; Alice Adkins, Proofreader; Sheryl Jackson, Proofreader; Mark Millican, Contributing Writer Welcome from the publisher�� 5 Clare Moore: A steward of the land — one young woman’s homesteading and nutrition journey �� 6 Spring events ��11 Homemade lotion bars and lip balm �� 12 The best plant sale in north Georgia�� 17 How to make a yarn bouquet ��18 Try your hand at bubble painting �� 19 Wildflower seed paper — An easy to make gift that keeps on giving ��20 Looking to remodel your home? Here’s what you need to know about permits ��22 Crafting with dried flowers — Project ideas and tips for preserving them at home �� 24 Brighten up your yard for spring ��26 Protecting your family, the hidden dangers of lead in your home�� 28 As spring emerges, so do hungry bears �� 30 In this issue Index of advertisers Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, Tonya Abercrombie, Realtor® ��23 Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, Kendall & Jeanie Wiseley, Realtors® �� 11 Coosawattee River Resort�� 32 Ellijay’s Mountain Wine Country ��16-17 Freeman Gas / Gas Incorporated�� 29 Hot Tub Solutions �� 27 Mountain Oasis Decor & More �� 11 North Georgia Furniture & Home Décor�� 5 North Georgia Toyota ��3 Papa’s Pizza-To-Go ��13 Piedmont Mountainside��15 Power Solutions Unlimited�� 29 RE/MAX Town & Country, Crystal Chastain, Realtor® ��7 River Street Tavern ��27 Riverbank Rustic Lumber ��9 Satterwhite Log Homes ��21 State Farm Insurance, Candra Warren, Agent �� 19 United Community Bank �� 25 Watkins Home Builders �� 2 Cover photo contributed by the Moore family. Background photo by René Wilder.

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 5 As I write this welcome, the weather in Gilmer County has not yet decided to make the transition to Spring. We are vacillating between warm temperatures and forecasts of urries. Like the song from the early 90s, it is four seasons in one day sometimes. What we are sure of is the renewal which comes with Spring will arrive. It will be time once again to open our windows, feel the breezes making their way through our homes and begin the annual renewal projects around our homes which includes cleaning and other projects. All this leads us to our new edition of Mountain Home, our magazine designed to help you with your projects or just inspire you this Spring season. A feature story this year is about a young woman in Gilmer County who is being a steward of the land. Clare Moore is practicing homesteading and working with the land to produce her food and beauty projects on Fiddlehead Farm. As always, Whitney Sherrill captures the warmth and personality of her subject. I encourage you to take time to read her story. We have added a story about procuring your permits for additions and alterations to your home. We hope these help you as you move forward with your plans. Are you looking for plants? e Garden Club of Ellijay is gearing up for its sale to give you a start. ere are also do-it-yourself projects for lotion, making paper and crafting with dried owers. And, there is so much more. Please see the list of our sponsors and their ads. We encourage you to join us in thanking them for their support and help in providing these ideas to you. ank you for reading and thank you for being part of the Times-Courier and Gilmer County family.  Welcome to your Mountain Home North Georgia Furniture & Home Décor is Proud to introduce “The Field and Stream Collection” 2142 Tails Creek Rd. • 706-635-4202 Located in Orchard Junction, 2 miles west of Dairy Queen on Hwy. 282 My PawPaw will save you money! Tues.-Fri. 10am-5pm • Sat. 10am-4pm • Closed Sun. & Mon. YOUR HOME COMFORT HEADQUARTERS SINCE 2010 ngfh.net OUTDOOR LEGACY MEETS INDOOR COMFORT Field and Stream Home Established 1871 Since 1871, Field & Stream has inspired generations to explore and cherish the great outdoors. Now, through a partnership with Best Home Furnishings, this iconic brand brings its timeless legacy into the heart of your home. Together, we’ve crafted a collection of modern lodge-style furniture designed to honor stories of adventure, family and tradition.

By Whitney Sherrill Contributing writer Whether she is processing turkeys she raised in her backyard, planting herbs or making elderberry gummies, chicken broth and apple butter from scratch, there is one driving force behind everything Clare Moore does. “My favorite verse that kind of relates to all of this is 1 Corinthians 10:31, ‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (NIV). at’s the kind of verse I live by. My goal is to steward the land that God has given me well and to glorify Him with it and with my actions and what I put in my body and how I take care of it. at’s my goal and what I hope I can accomplish,” the young woman shared in a voice that always seems to be interlaced with a warm-hearted smile. A desire to be an inspiration e 17-year-old daughter of Doug and Naomi Moore has a passion for agriculture and nutrition and is gearing up for a busy season. Spring weather is not the only new arrival at her house in recent days; she just welcomed more than a dozen chicks and hundreds of honeybees as the latest additions to her edgling farm business. Its name, Fiddlehead Farm, is a nod to the many ferns near her home and to the years she’s spent playing the ddle, but it also brings to mind the “promise of new vibrant life” that “unfurls into a glorious, intricate fern,” she shared. At this point, Moore’s focus in growing her entrepreneurial project is providing food for her family and selling some of what she produces to friends so she can pay for additional homesteading endeavors. “Last year, I raised 18 meat turkeys, and I sold them for anksgiving. at was a fun project and a big learning curve,” she said. is year, she hopes to expand her social media platform for her business and add content to her YouTube channel, One young woman’s homesteading and nutrition journey ➤ Page 8 Clare Moore, age 17, has a passion for farming and natural living. Her endeavors include baking sourdough bread, raising chickens, gardening and making her own beauty care products. She also seeks to inspire other young people on her YouTube channel, “Sustaining Food for Thought.” A steward of the land 6 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 7 706-273-8028 CrystalChastainRealty@gmail.com YOUR MOUNTAIN REALTOR FREE Desk Appraisal with New Residential Listings! Spring events March Veterans Appreciation Dinner — Saturday, March 29, at American Legion Post 82, 297 Legion Road. The public is invited and vets eat free. April American Legion Easter Egg Hunt — Saturday, April 12, at American Legion Post 82, 297 Legion Road. The public is invited to this Easter egg hunt for kids at the local American Legion post. Georgia Mountain Trail Fest — Saturday, April 12, at Reece’s Cider Co., 9110 Highway 52 East. An event dedicated to the many outdoor recreational activities that can be enjoyed in Gilmer County including hiking, mountain biking, trail running and kayaking. Sasquatch Strut 5K and Fun Run — Saturday, April 19, at Harrison Park, 257 McCutchen Street. Bigfootthemed race through downtown Ellijay starts and finishes at Harrison Park. Benefits Friends of Harrison Park projects. North Georgia Mountain RV Show — Friday, April 25- Sunday, April 27, at Talona Ridge RV Resort, 723 Highland Parkway. Event showcases what’s new in the RV world. Woofstock — Saturday, April 26, in downtown Ellijay at 10 Broad Street. Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) presents this petthemed event featuring a pet parade, a costume contest, vendors and other attractions. Cherry Log Spring Fling — Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Cherry Log Community Clubhouse, 341 Cherry Log Street. Event features a fried chicken lunch including locally famous biscuits and dessert; arts and crafts, home-canned jams and jellies, homemade sweet treats and entertainment. Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival — Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27, at Gilmer County Civic Center, 1561 South Main Street. Fiber arts fest for fans of knitting, crocheting and other needle arts features vendors, classes and more. May Run for the Son 5K — Saturday, May 3, at the Gilmer County Scout Hut (beside First United Methodist Church), 75 McCutchen Street. Gilmer Christian Learning Center hosts its annual 5K, which offers both in-person and virtual 5K options, as well as in-person fun run and tot trot. Race starts and ends near Scout Hut. Benefits Christian Learning Center. Garden Club Plant Sale — Saturday, May 17, Ellijay Lions Club Pavilion, 1729 South Main Street. Garden Club of Ellijay members grow a variety of plants in their own gardens, then pot, transport and offer them for sale to the public. Ellijay Songwriters Festival — Thursday, May 8-Sunday May 11, at multiple venues. A variety of singer/songwriters from Nashville, Tenn., and Georgia perform on stages around the county during this live music experience. Heroes Helping Heroes Event — Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 3-9 p.m., at American Legion Post 82, 297 Legion Road. Auction, dinner, dance, live music. The public is invited. 

4 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine “Sustaining Food for ought,” which she started with a friend. “We are really hoping to inspire some young people as young people because I feel like a lot of times people think they’re too young to start something, but ... that’s never the case. To be an inspiration, that would be cool,” said Moore before describing how many of her peers are distracted by social media and other things the culture throws their way. Her hope is that she can remind others that they “can do big things and follow what God has put on their heart to do.” For as long as she can remember e Ellijay resident has been interested in raising animals and growing plants since early childhood. “I remember working in the garden with mom when I was really young. I would help her get rocks out, and that was always fun … I think at rst (the draw) was really getting to play in dirt with mom,” she recalled. As the years passed, however, it was not just Moore’s desire to be helpful that drew her to the garden plot time and time again. She also developed a genuine personal interest in raising the food that ended up on her family’s table. She started picking out things she wanted to try to grow and realized she wanted to learn “the science behind” gardening. As a result, she began delving into such topics as “the pH level of the dirt and guring out what plants grow well in certain soils.” is year, she ordered a grow light so she could get a jumpstart on growing seedlings earlier in the season. Mainstays of her family’s garden have always been tomatoes (“you can’t ever have too much of that!”) and beans (“they’re super simple and you get so much of them”), as well as squash, cucumbers, a variety of medicinal herbs and owers. is year, Moore plans to try her hand at potatoes. A sustainable approach Harvesting vegetables proved to be just the beginning of her explorations into farming and nutrition. As a seventh grader, Moore hatched the idea of getting chickens after some family friends started raising them. “It took me awhile, but I convinced (my parents) to let me get some,” she laughed, recalling how she got ve chickens and immediately fell in love with the process of raising animals. “I would spend hours in the chicken coop,” she said, noting the birds were “a really good entry level” experience for learning about animal care. While it proved to be love at rst sight, Moore was not sure what the next step should be. She kept asking herself, “What am I going to do with this? I love it, but how am I going to take it forward.” e more she looked at mainstream farming practices, the ➤ Steward, from page 6 Clare Moore discovered her passion for rearing livestock during middle school. Her goal is to raise her animals as naturally as possible and to farm with regenerative techniques.

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 9 Reclaimed Hand Hewn Beams Fireplace Mantels Rustic Flooring Rough Lumber Live Edge Slabs Reclaimed Barnwood Paneling Rough Timbers Riverbank Rustic Lumber, LLC Your source for authentic and unique rustic material for your design needs www.riverbankrusticlumber.com 143 Old Hwy 5 South • Ellijay, GA 30540 (706)889-8011 and (706)889-8010 more she realized that they did not capture what she wanted to do. en, she came across an article about sustainable agriculture, and everything clicked into place. Suddenly, the path forward was clear. “Sustainable, or regenerative farming — how I would describe it — is taking care of the land and using the land the way that God intended it to be. I’m a steward of His land. I want to raise animals that are being raised humanely without extra additives like antibiotics and things like that because that’s the way God intended it to be. I want to raise them in the best way possible,” she explained. She has particularly been impacted by the strategies of Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm in Swoope, Va., whom she calls “the grandfather of the homesteading movement.” Moore has visited his farm on three occasions to learn about such practices as rotational grazing and how it can enrich the soil and protect the grasses on which animals feed. Moore aims to have one big project a year, and this year, her plan is to raise two or three meat pigs. In keeping with her research into regenerative farming techniques, she plans to allow them to forage as naturally as possible so that they can “live out … the pigness of the pig.” Overcoming allergies Her journey has also included a strong focus on nutrition and healthy eating. Since early childhood, Moore has struggled with allergies, but after meeting with a functional nutrition and placing a greater focus on eating whole foods and meat she has raised, she has seen an improvement in this area of her life. “I used to be a lot more allergic to certain foods, and those have gone away or it’s a lot less severe,” she shared. Likewise, she has seen improvement in her allergies to animal fur, which is helpful because she farm-sits and works on a farm where she is regularly around animals. “It’s cool to see how God works — like Him using the allergies, ➤ Page 10

which have been hard, especially when I was younger — to give me a passion for nutrition,” she said. Her quest for better health has also helped her to develop a passion for exploring new things in the kitchen. From making her own ricotta cheese and butter to mixing homemade salves and everything in between, she is always on the lookout for new things to try. “I love fermenting food,” she shared, noting how things like homemade sauerkraut, pickles and kombucha are a boost to her gut microbiome and have helped her allergies. “I had a milk goat last year … and I got into making milk ke r. We drank that every morning for a smoothie. at has thousands of the good bacteria.” Additionally, she enjoys baking sourdough bread, which her family makes once a week. She uses an ancient grain called einkorn, which is easier on the stomach for people, like herself, who have gluten intolerance. Moore also makes her own soap, deodorant and sunscreen and soon plans to try making toothpaste. Advice for natural living e young woman described how her personal journey toward better eating and living has given her a mindset shift when she goes to the store. It has given her eyes to see the bene ts of eating whole foods over ones that are processed. She also has developed a greater appreciation for the work that goes into raising food and has a better appreciation for the sweat equity involved in bringing a meal to the table. “I think the disconnect from our food is very prevalent nowadays … You don’t have to raise it. You don’t have to grow it … but just to be connected with where your food is coming from is important so you can appreciate it,” she urged. When asked what advice she has for people looking to move in a more natural direction, Moore continued, “I would rst start with looking at just becoming aware, paying attention to what are the things you’re buying and what’s in your products … And then I would move to trying to grow something simple like a tomato or a bean. Putting your toes in the water. You don’t have to jump into it … A lot of people jump head rst, and I think it can be very discouraging.” She explained that failure is a part of the process of learning. As an example, she pointed to her experiences with trying to master sourdough bread. “I have tons of failures. It’s about trying over and over again … I have spent forever learning how to make it right. ere You don’t have to raise it. You don’t have to grow it … but just to be connected with where your food is coming from is important so you can appreciate it.’ Clare Moore ➤ Steward, from page 9 Last year, Clare Moore harvested 70 pounds of honey, canned 160 pounds of tomatoes and raised and processed 18 turkeys, which she sold at Thanksgiving. 10 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 11 Shop Local Ellijay WHEN IT COMES TO REAL ESTATE CHOOSE WISELEY! 29 Highland Drive Suite 115 East Ellijay, GA 30540 706-276-2500 Serving the North Georgia Mountains 706-889-8121 ChooseWiseley.com KENDALL & JEANIE WISELEY are plenty of times when it comes out, and we have to throw it away because it’s disgusting. It’s all just about learning,” she said. Continuing with the idea of starting small and building from there, Moore recommends taking stock of the types of food and beauty care products you use on a regular basis. She pointed to switching to organic foods and trying to avoid endocrine disruptors in the products you put on your skin as good starting points that can help begin your journey toward natural living. Next steps Moore is currently earning an associate’s degree in Business. Once that is complete, she plans to pursue a certi cate in Functional Nutrition. Her goal is to grow her farm business and counsel others as they move toward better health. “I want to help people, but I want to do it naturally, because I’ve seen how much it can change,” she said of the holistic approach to healthy living promoted by the curriculum in which she is interested. When not tending animals and experimenting in the kitchen, Moore enjoys racing mountain bikes, hiking, camping and learning English country dancing. 

Instructions Mix equal parts beeswax pellets, jojoba oil and shea butter. A good place to start is 1/4 cup of each. If using a block of beeswax rather than pellets, use a food scale to measure the ingredients. Di erent carrier oils can be substituted for the jojoba. Some options include coconut oil, sweet almond oil and olive oil. Likewise, cocoa butter can be used in lieu of shea butter. Set up a double boiler on your stove, and put the ingredients in the interior pot. As the wax, oil and butter melt, stir frequently with a wooden popsicle stick. Once the ingredients are fully melted and the liquid is translucent, remove from heat. If desired, stir in 10-12 drops of essential oil. Once mixed, immediately pour melted ingredients into a silicone mold. (Note: It is helpful to place the mold on a baking sheet prior to pouring in the hot ingredients so it can be picked up and moved easily.) After several hours, remove bars from mold and allow your bars to nish setting. If your bars feel too soft once fully set, reheat them over the double boiler and add more beeswax pellets — up to one-half the amount originally used. Store in a cool place. To use your new lotion bar, simply rub it between your hands. e heat of your body will soften the exterior of the bar, allowing a small amount to moisturize your skin.  Homemade lotion bars Here are the supplies you need to get started: ◆ Unrefined shea butter ◆ Beeswax pellets ◆ Jojoba oil ◆ Lavendar essential oil ◆ Silicone mold ◆ Wooden popsicle stick ◆ Baking tray ◆ Double boiler o you ever worry about what’s inside the products you put on your skin? With this lotion bar recipe, you can set your mind at ease. Your skin will love the natural, nourishing ingredients, and you will love the simplicity of this DIY project. D 12 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 13 THE ONLY All You Can Eat, All Day, Every Day PIZZA BUFFET IN ELLIJAY! Buffet Features PIZZA • PASTA • SALAD • SOUP & DESSERT TO-GO & DINE IN SERVICE Serving up the best PIZZA • PASTA • HOT & COLD SUBS • SALADS • SOUP • CALZONES • WINGS • BREAD STIX • DESSERT AND MORE! Family-friendly large video game room with redemption center for the kids Private room for birthday parties and family events ~ No alcoholic beverages served ~ 706-635-7020 • PAPASPIZZATOGO.COM PAPASPIZZATOGO.COM 9 RUSSELL DRIVE • ELLIJAY, GA CALL AHEAD FOR DRIVE THRU PICK-UP MON-THURS 11AM-8PM FRI-SAT 11AM-8PM SUN 12PM-8PM ◆ 2 Tbsp beeswax pellets ◆ 1 Tbsp coconut oil ◆ 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil ◆ 10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional) ◆ Container Combine beeswax, coconut oil and olive oil and melt together in a double boiler. Remove from heat. Add essential oil. Be sure to choose a variety that can be ingested safely. Pour mixture into container. Suggestions include empty lip balm tubes, small metal tins or tiny glass jars, such as the one pictured. Allow to set fully before using. Tip: For a colorful lip balm, add beet root powder to the mix.  Easy lip balm his simple recipe provides soothing, hydrating protection. Beeswax’s anti-in ammatory and anti-microbial properties can also help heal chapped lips. T

14 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine By Joanne Waddey e Garden Club of Ellijay is preparing for its annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17. e sale is held at the Lions Club Pavilion at 1729 S. Main St. in Ellijay and starts at 8:30 a.m. What follows is exactly four hours of furious plant shopping by both local and regional plant lovers before the sale closes at 12:30 p.m. e selection of locally-grown plants varies from year to year, but shoppers know that they are buying plants that grow in this climate and environment because all the plants o ered have come out of members’ yards or neighbors’ yards here in Gilmer County. Members of the club will be on hand to assist in selections and share some of their knowledge to help customers buy plants that will thrive in their yards and gardens. Sun or shade, deer friendly or not, there should be plants for everyone. e sale has always been a popular event on the spring calendar, but it was not until the 2020 cancellation of the sale and the restart in 2021 that the garden club fully appreciated the impact the sale has on the community. Over a hundred people were waiting in line before the admission gate opened that year. at crowd was greeted with smiles and cheers and that tradition continues. Every year, come rain or shine, the crowds waiting have only grown larger along with the club’s appreciative enthusiasm. Michelle Culberson, chair of this year’s sale, says, “the club has been preparing for this sale almost from the moment last year’s sale ended, and we are excited to o er another great selection of plants to Gilmer County gardeners.” Most gardeners enjoy sharing a prize plant with others and that love of sharing drives the club members. at alone would be reason enough to put on the sale each year, but the sale is the club’s only fundraiser. Downtown Ellijay is a little brighter because of the 12 large planters there that are planted and maintained by the club, along with pots at the Gilmer County Library, plantings at the Ft. Hetzel The best plant sale in north Georgia

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 15 Improving outcomes and patient experiences Download the Piedmont MyChart app and use it to find a doctor, book appointments, check in online and message with your provider. Piedmont Mountainside Brand Ad HR 7.5W’ x 4.875”H.indd 1 10/16/23 12:26 PM Monument and Manor Lake Memory Garden. e club is proud to support the Gilmer Community Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Perhaps the favorite use of plant sale proceeds goes to help the next generation. Each year, the Garden Club gives two $1,000 scholarships to graduating Gilmer County High seniors. In addition, another $2,000 in scholarships is awarded by the club through the Garden Club of Georgia. e Garden Club of Georgia invites you to nd out more about their scholarships at gardenclubofgeorgia. org. 

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 3 We invite you to come experience our local wines and taste for yourself a delightful mountain experience. 1493 Old Flat Branch Road | Ellijay 706.502.3935 | roomountainvineyards.com 119 Inland Drive | Talking Rock 706-253-WINE | www.canoevineyard.com 201 Vineyard Way | Jasper | 706.692.9463 faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com WINERY SHUTTLES AVAILABLE Ellijay Excursions, LLC 706-972-7401 8 4 12 ELLIJAY JASPER BLUE RIDGE HWY. 5 HWY. 60 HWY. 52 HWY. 382 HWY. 136 HWY. 53 HWY. 515 8 10 11 12 7 9 2 3 5 6 4 1 1. Bear Claw Vineyards 2. Buckley Vineyards 3. Cairn View Winery 4. Canoe Vineyard 5. Cartecay Vineyards 6. Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery 7. Engelheim Vineyards 8. Fainঞng Goat Vineyards and Winery 9. Grapes & Ladders Vineyards and Winery 10. O Farms & Vineyard 11. Reece’s Cider Co. 12. Roo Mountain Vineyards A Grape View Tours 706-972-1187 Water To Wine Tours 706-633-6520

◆ Step one: Gather yarn, oral stem wire, a fork, scissors and oral tape. ◆ Step two: Place one piece of oral stem wire beside fork. Wire should extend at least half an inch beyond the end of the fork tines. ◆ Step three: Wrap yarn around both the tines and the wire 45 times. ◆ Step four: Bend the shorter end of the wire so that it comes to the middle of the fork tines. Pull the other side of the wire over too, and twist the wire together so that it rmly holds the looped yarn in place. ◆ Step five: Remove yarn from fork, and use the scissors to cut through all the loops of yarn. ◆ Step six: Flu the ends of the yarn with the fork.Trim o the uneven bits of yarn and shape the ower as desired. ◆ Step seven: Bend up the end of the wire farthest from the ower so that it is folded in half. Twist it together to make a stronger stem. Wrap wire in oral tape. ◆ Step eight: Repeat to make a cheerful, bouquet to brighten any room.  How to make a yarn bouquet 18 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 19 Looking for a fun, hands-on craft to do with your kids? Bubble painting is a great choice. To begin, put squirts of both dish soap and tempera paint in a shallow pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with about a quarter inch of water and gently stir. Using a straw, gently blow bubbles in the mixture. Be sure to use nontoxic paint and remind little helpers not to drink the liquid through the straw! Once the bubbles have piled up over the top of the dish, touch a piece of paper onto them. Do not press so rmly that it reaches the liquid in the bottom of the pan. Act quickly to maneuver the paper into place as the paint will start to slide o the bubbles back into the pan once the suds are formed. Continue blowing bubbles and re-dipping paper until you achieve your desired design Bubble prints can easily be transformed into pictures of hydrangea blossoms by adding leaves. Alternatively, come up with your own whimsical design.  Try your hand at bubble painting Candra Warren, Agent 127 S Main St. Ellijay, GA 30540 706-276-4010 candra.warren.cg7l@statefarm.com www.candrawarren.com 1101019.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL Some things we all have in common. There’s nobody like me to protect the things we all value. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY. Love, hope, success, family, security.

The bluish seed paper was made from various bills run through a shredder. The light pink one was a combination of tissue paper, recycled white card stock, a pink Valentine’s Day napkin and a pink envelope. Wildflower seed paper An easy to make gift that keeps on giving Tear nonglossy paper into small pieces. Cover paper with water and allow to soak for at least three hours to let the bers soften. Soaking overnight is preferred. Transfer soggy paper to a blender. Mix in food coloring if desired. Fill the blender most of the way with water and make sure the lid is secure. Blend until the paper becomes a ne pulp. Run in pulses initially so as not to damage the motor. Pour pulp onto a ne mesh strainer atop a pot or the sink. Allow water to drain through. Sprinkle wild ower seeds on top of the pulp and gently stir so they are incorporated throughout. Squeeze handfuls of pulp so as to remove as much water as possible. Flatten the pulp by hand or with a rolling pin so it is about 1/8-inch thick. If desired, you can form the pulp in a cookie cutter mold to achieve a fun shape. Alternatively, cut the dried paper into desired designs. Allow the paper to dry on the mesh screen in a well-ventilated area. It will likely take a couple days for it to dry completely. To plant, simply bury, water and enjoy the wild owers when they sprout.  pread a little love this spring by making plantable seed paper to share with family and friends. is ecofriendly craft is made of recycled paper and will transform into a bed of wild owers when added to the garden. S 20 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 3 A peek at paradise. So many people fall in love with North Georgia while visiting, returning later to buy their own piece of paradise. Satterwhite Log Homes has provided beautiful log homes for many of those new landowners. We invite you to come by our o ce, between Ellijay and Blue Ridge and see the Satterwhite di erence. ere’s always fresh-baked cookies and frosty drinks for you in the kitchen. Tour the Mountain Laurel, with 5,103 square feet of beautifully decorated and furnished log home luxury, and visit with our sta . Let them guide you through the process of becoming a log home owner. Customized for you. At Satterwhite Log Homes, we encourage you to “customize” any of our standard oor plans ... or design your own. Visit our website to view our recently released family of oor plans. ere are over 75 plans to help you get the ball rolling. Company Experience: Family owned and operated for over 50 years. Superior House logs: Milled from dead-standing timber for stability. House Log Options: Four different profiles with 17 different sizes. Totally Custom: Your plans or ours, over 70 standard plans. Design staff ready. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From the Walmart in East Ellijay, travel approximately 6.3 miles on Hwy. 515 North to Satterwhite Log Homes on the right. CONTACT: Chris Crump or Kerri Henderson for more information; email: georgia@slh.net Monday–Friday 8–5 • Saturday 9–2 • Closed Sunday G E O R G I A EASTERN SALES OFFICE • MODEL HOME 14378 Hwy 515 N, Ellijay, GA 30536 706-636-6881 51 QUALITY, CUSTOM BUILT LOG HOMES 50 FOR OVER YEARS

22 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine By Lauren Sabia Reporter With the feeling of spring in the air, many homeowners may be looking for a fresh start. If someone’s “hammer happy” for a new remodeling project, the Gilmer County Planning and Zoning O ce may need to get involved. Director Jim Smith and Assistant Director Karen Henson helped clarify what permits the county requires before any additions or alterations can be made to a home, noting they get an average of 80 permit requests every year. Cosmetic renovations, like replacing or repairing oors, counters or even roof material, do not require a homeowner to obtain a permit. Projects that involve gutting or structural changes, like adding on a room or deck, are when they said permits, followed by inspections, are needed. e rst permit residents are required to have, when wanting to expand the footprint of their home, is a site location permit that costs $50, to determine the distance from property lines. Next, they can obtain their building permit that costs 40 cents per square foot added to the home’s layout. e $50 site location permit fee would be credited to the total cost. Another permit issued by the Department of Environmental Health is necessary to secure, when adding a room or bathroom, to get septic approval. “Most of the Gilmer County unincorporated area is on private septic systems, public sewer is not available, so that may require Environmental Health to review the existing system and make a determination as to whether an upgrade in the septic system is required for the remodel,” Smith explained. Once all of the necessary permits are in, a series of inspections by their resident inspectors, or by slightly more certi ed Bureau Veritas inspectors, would be required. “ ere would be either a footing or monolithic slab [inspection], or both depending on what kind of foundation you want,” Henson said. “If it’s a ‘gut’ and the power is o , then we’d have the power inspection, then rough-in of all the mechanicals, then insulation and then the nal [inspection].” Togetapermitfortheirresidence,homeowners would need to bring the recorded deed in their name, plat of the property’s layout, project plans and septic approval. A full checklist of what all is needed to apply for a permit can be found on the county’s website. If a property owner doesn’t live there and instead rents it out, she said they would need to hire a certi ed, licensed contractor to get the needed permits through the o ce. “ at goes for mobile homes too,” Henson added. “If you’re making it your business to put up mobile homes on your property and x them up for short-term rentals, you have to have a licensed contractor to get the permit.” If they live in a community where there is a property owners association (POA), the o ce can’t issue permits until the POA approves the plans. She noted this can cause some delays. Additional setbacks in the building process can occur when remodeling requests can’t be approved by the o ce, requiring the homeowner to make adjustments. “One of the things that gives people the most problems is we’re a county of streams … they’re all classi ed as trout streams, and there is a 50foot bu er o those streams,” Smith stated. “If an addition intruded into the 50-foot bu er, then we would have to say no.” If a remodeling project would encroach on a property line setback, they said the homeowner Looking to remodel your home? Here’s what you need to know about permits

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 23 29 Highland Drive, Suite 115 • Ellijay, GA 30540 Tonya Abercrombie REALTOR® CELL 706-669-9642 OFFICE 706-276-2500 Moving Mountains to get you Home It is my privilege to be your trusted Metro Brokers real estate professional. Rely on me to help you with every step of the buying or selling process. Please contact me at any time for additional information, or to discuss the current market. Luxury Cabins Mountain Views Lake & River Front Properties could apply for a variance, which would allow the property to deviate from its zoning regulations. Site location permits and inspections can typically be completed within one to two days, according to Smith, before homeowners can apply for the building permit. Once all the permits are nalized, it’s up to the homeowner to decide the timeline and pace of their build. As of the start of this year, permits issued through the o ce are good for three years to complete a project. Before January, homeowners had just six months from their last inspection to nish building. If a resident were to remodel their home without getting permits through the Planning and Zoning O ce, Smith reported they would be subject to a ne of up to $500 and a penalty that’s double the fee of what the building permit would have cost. “ e primary driving force is that we want the buildings that you and I are living in to be safe,” Smith proclaimed. 

Crafting with dried flowers Project ideas and tips for preserving them at home By Whitney Sherrill Contributing writer Dried owers are a versatile supply to add to your crafting arsenal. While they are available for purchase, it is also easy to make your own at home. When selecting owers to dry for craft projects, avoid ones with blemishes. Remove dew or rainwater from chosen owers. Keep in mind that if you plan to work on a curved object, thinner selections work better because they will more easily contour to the surface. Traditional press and wait method One tried-and-true route for drying your own owers involves pressing them between the pages of books. To begin, spread owers in a single layer between two sheets of parchment paper and then press this sandwich inside a heavy book. Keep owers of the same thickness together so the book will be able to close evenly over them and press the owers uniformly. Allow two weeks for them to dry completely. icker owers may require additional time. Microwave method Short on time? You can also dry owers rapidly using a microwave. Fold a paper towel in half and then open it like a book. Place owers in a single layer on one of the interior sides of the paper towel. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even, rapid drying. Close the paper towel “book” so the owers are covered top and bottom. Place in the microwave, and put a heavy dish on top of the paper towel so the owers inside are pressed. Microwave on medium for 90 seconds. Check owers for dryness. If they are not dried, continue microwaving for 30 second increments. Be sure to put the heavy dish on top for each round in the microwave. Once they start to feel dry, allow to cool and fully air dry on the countertop. Decoupage projects Once the owers are dry, it’s time to start crafting. ese little marvels are very delicate, so you may nd it easier to handle them using tweezers rather than your ngers. Decoupage is an easy way to preserve and protect the owers. Simply use a paintbrush to apply a small amount of decoupage glue to your desired surface. Adhere the dried ower. Press down gently with your nger to make sure it is stuck down well. Once all of the owers have been placed in this way, apply at least two coats of decoupage glue to the entire surface. One easy project using this 24 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 25 method is to decorate glass jars that can be used as tea light candleholders. Alternatively, make dried ower bookmarks from recycled plastic packaging, such as strawberry containers. Simply cut out your desired size bookmark and use a hole punch to make a place for a ribbon to be tied on at one end. It is recommended to trim the corners so they are curved as plastic can be sharp. Finish it o by decoupaging dried owers to the surface.  When you’re ready to buy, look to United Community. Betsy Kelly Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS #1451484 558 Industrial Boulevard | 706-697-7323 betsy_kelly@ucbi.com © 2024 United Community Bank | NMLS #421841 | ucbi.com/mortgage | United Community Mortgage Services is the mortgage lending division of United Community Bank. We are an approved seller/servicer for the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). This is not a commitment to lend. Normal credit criteria apply. 24-3026-F

26 | Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine With spring comes warmer weather, brighter colors and new life! Your landscape and garden can easily re ect that with proper planning and care. Where is your garden? Know your growing zone. Gilmer County is in USDA Growing Zones 8a and 7b, so when deciding what plants to grow, keep those zones in mind. To know which zone is speci c to your area, the USDA has a growing zone map on its website. Recognizing how much light your area of interest gets is important when deciding if you should plant more sun-tolerant or shade-tolerant plants. Shasta daisies are going to prefer full sun whereas impatiens are going to do better in shaded areas. Another aspect to consider when planning your garden is soil moisture. Do you notice standing water in certain areas of your yard after a rain event? Most plants prefer well-drained soils, so if your heart is set on that area, you may need to look into preparing raised garden beds. You have a location, now what? One of the rst steps before planting is site preparation. A great place to start is to do a soil test to discern what will grow best in the soil you have, and what you may need to add to your soil so it will best accommodate what you want to grow. We tend to have acidic clay soils in our area. Azaleas are going to prefer more acidic soils compared to roses which prefer a more neutral soil. You will always receive a fertilizer recommendation from your soil test through UGA Extension. You do not want to fertilize without knowing the properties of your soil because you could raise the pH to a level that is not ideal for plants, or you could increase nutrients to such a high level that you end up promoting weed and disease development. Site modi cations may also be necessary depending on what you want to grow and the plan for your garden. Based on water requirements of your plants of interest, you may want to consider installing a watering system. If you are planning to grow vines, now would be good time to work on installing trellises. When should you plant? It is important to wait until the last spring frost to plant so that the frost Anna Bass, M.S. Gilmer-Fannin ANR Agent 706-635-4426 | annabass@uga.edu Brighten up your yard for spring

Times-Courier 2025 Mountain Home Magazine | 27 does not damage the delicate seedlings and new growth. We can have late frosts in our area, so a safe bet is to wait until Mother’s Day weekend to plant seeds or tender plants. If you want to get a head start on growth, then indoor seed starting is a good option for you. When in doubt, follow the seed or plant label! What should you plant? is depends on the goal of your garden or landscape. Native plants are increasingly popular, and recommendations for native plants are a common inquiry I receive. Native plants are adapted to our climate so they’re going to grow well, they are bene cial to our native wildlife by providing habitat and food sources, they promote biodiversity, and they’re going to promote healthier soils and prevent erosion. Non-native plants can also provide food and habitat for important pollinators and can add vibrant color to your landscape! Below are a handful of ower recommendations to help brighten up your yard for spring and summer! Yarrow is a hardy, drought-tolerant native perennial that does well in poor soils and full shade. is is a great option for vibrant mass plantings that will attract pollinators and provide beautiful owers for bouquets! Cone ower is a native perennial with eye-catching purple blooms. is plant is going to grow best in full sun to partial shade. Baptisia, or wild indigo, is a hardy native perennial. e best blooms are going to be from plants in full sun with well-drained soil. Flowers range in color from purples to yellows depending on variety. Herbs are a great option if you want a mix of textures, colors and aromatics! Lemon verbena, sage, rosemary and lavender are all herbs that grow well in our growing zones. Impatiens is an annual plant (meaning it will only survive one growing season) with beautiful bright blooms. Although they are not native to our area, they are common bedding plants known for their color and their shade tolerance. Begonias are another popular bedding plant that is shade tolerant with bright blooms. ere are many cultivars out there, so you are sure to nd what you need. ese are a great option if you are considering hanging baskets or containers. Marigolds are a beautiful beginner friendly ower to plant in the spring. ey attract butter ies with their gold owers reminiscent of the sunset! Marigolds are frequently grown as an annual plant and are going to thrive in full sun environments. For more detailed information and if you have any questions, stop by the County Extension O ce.  Catering available • Call ahead seating available 40 River Street • Ellijay, GA • 706-635-6166 Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm • Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm www.RiverStreetTavern.com 21 Taps on Draft! • Wings • Sandwiches • Fresh Salads • Burgers • Seafood • Appetizers Follow us on Instagram @RSTEllijay Like us on Facebook @riverstreettavern Thurs. 4-7 p.m. 1/2 Price Margaritas Martini Monday ALL DAY Wed. Wing Night 4-8 p.m. Tues. 4-7 p.m. 1/2 Price House Wines HTSGA.COM • 706-889-5579 64 Sailors Drive, #110 • Ellijay, GA 30540 Hot Tubs & Swim Spas, Saunas, Cold Plunges, Supplies & Accessories, Hot Tub Covers, Diagnostics & Repairs, Water Care Valet Service, Hot Tub moves & more! Your Solution to all your Hot Tub needs CUSTOM-BUILT HOT TUBS

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