Newspaper Page Text
PAGE 4C
THE JACKSON HERALD
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010
birth announcements
Brystol Harris Pope
Kristopher and Marybeth
Harris Pope, Winder,
announce the birth of their
daughter, Brystol Harris
Pope, on Oct. 12, at Northeast
Georgia Medical Center,
Gainesville.
The grandparents are
Richard and Ann Harris,
Winder; and Kevin and Karen
Pope, Jefferson.
The great-grandparents
are the late Mr. and Mrs.
E.W. Steed, Winder; Rebecca
McDonald, Winder, and the
late Chandler McDonald;
the late Mr. and Mrs. Sidney
Pope, Jefferson; Emily
Simmons, Baldwin, and the
late Branson Simmons; and
POPE
the late Mr. and Mrs. A.D.
Harris, Winder.
Makayla Ryleigh Rogers
Jody D. and Brandy M. Rogers, Commerce,
announce the birth of their daughter, Makayla
Ryleigh Rogers, on Sept. 8, at Northeast
Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville.
She weighed five pounds and seven ounces
and was 18 and a half inches long.
The grandparents are Damaso and Susan
Palencia, Marietta; Randy and Theresa,
Nicholson; Dennis Rogers, Commerce; and
Rhonda Pardue, Commerce.
She joins three older siblings: McKinzie,
nine; Thomas, nine; and Karlie, six.
Humane society offers safety tips for pets
THE HUMANE Society of
Jackson County (HSJC) would
like to offer a few precautionary
tips for keeping your pet safe
and healthy this holiday season.
•Beware of toxic holiday
plants such as poinsettias, mistle
toe, holly, ivy and paperwhites/
narcissus bulbs.
•Foods containing choco
late, raisins, onions and alcohol
should always be kept out of
reach. Also feeding scraps from
the table can cause pancreatitis.
•If you have a real Christmas
tree, keep the water covered as it
is dangerous if ingested.
•Provide your pet with a safe
out of the way, quiet room dur
ing holiday parties as all the
excitement can be overwhelm
ing. Keep this in mind, too, if
you are considering adopting a
pet for Christmas.
•Burning candles can pose a
threat to our pets. Be mindful of
their placement, especially if you
have cats.
•Keep holiday decorations
away from pets. Tinsel, bows,
ribbons, wrapping paper and
ornaments can look like chew
toys. Also make sure there are
no ornament hooks lying around.
If you pet is interested in your
ornaments decorate the tree one
third the way down with wooden
or plastic ornaments.
•Be careful of giving a pet as
a surprise gift. The recipient of
your gift is looking at a minimum
of a 10-15 year commitment that
includes financial, exercise, and
training responsibilities.
“We hope if you are consid
ering adding a furry friend to
your family you will consider
adoption from HSJC or any of
the local rescue groups,” lead
ers state. “There are many ben
efits from adopting from rescue
groups like knowing the tem
perament of the pet, the pet is
completely vetted and the group
can help you choose the right pet
that will fit in with your family
and the family's lifestyle.”
The HSJC has saved 140 ani
mals this year and continues to
assist with spay/neuter costs for
individuals that want to help stop
the pet overpopulation by “fix
ing” their pet.
For more information, visit
www.hsjc.com or call 706-367-
1111 and leave a message.
Seven miles of holiday lights featured
‘Magical Nights of
Lights’ on display
at Lake Lanier
BYANGELA GARY
MILLIONS OF sparkling
lights await visitors to the annual
Magical Night of Lights at Lake
Lanier Islands Resort.
Snowflakes bouncing through
the air, toy soldiers marching
along the road side and dis
plays depicting the 12 days of
Christmas are among the scenes
found at Lake Lanier this holiday
season.
Displays showing the outdoor
adventure found in the area,
including fishing and deer, are
also found, along side traditional
Christmas scenes and fairybook
characters. Millions of animated
twinkling holiday lights are on
display for seven miles through
Lake Lanier Islands Resort,
which organizers say is “bigger
and better” this year.
A visit to the Magical Night of
Lights includes a stop at Holiday
Village, where snacks, souvenirs,
fire pits for s’mores, amusement
park rides, face-painting and pho
tos with Santa can be found.
The procession leads guests
to the bustling and brightly
bedecked center of the resort -
Legacy Lodge & Conference
Center - where a bountiful buffet
of holiday favorites will be served
up nightly.
The Magical Nights of Lights
at Lake Lanier Islands Resort will
run nightly through Thursday,
Dec. 30, from 5-10 p.m.
Lake Lanier Islands Resort
offers all-inclusive packages that
include admission to the Magical
Nights of Lights, unlimited car
nival rides, and can be tailored
to incorporate one of the resort’s
new amenity additions for 2010
- an express tour zip line through
Lake Lanier Canopy Tours.
The 20-to-30-minute trip
through the treetops includes
four zip lines and one scenic
sky bridge - providing one of
the most beautiful views of the
islands. For a holiday-themed
staycation. Magical Nights of
Lights legacy lodge accommoda
tion packages can be scheduled
around the one-of-a-kind experi
ence of breakfast with Santa (on
select dates).
For more information, visit
www.lakelanierislands.com.
The Jackson Herald goes on vacation..
VISITS CUBA
Carol Cotton
recently vis
ited Cuba and
she took The La
Jackson Herald
along. Here, she
is in the Verdana
area of Havana
with one of the
old cars that are
so common on
the streets of the
capital city.
Christmas comes alive in Gaston County, N.C.
A TOWN that turns
into Christmas
Town USA each
Dec. 1 with 600,000 red, green
and white lights spark
ling from tree tops and
homes... Making hol
iday crafts, sipping hot
chocolate and snack
ing on a reindeer cup
cake after exploring
the holiday displays in
the gardens... Going
to an elf workshop and
Colonial Village in the
area museum...
These are just a few
of fun holiday events that make
Gaston County, N.C., the perfect
Christmas destination. Located
less than three hours from North
Georgia, it offers family friendly
activities that fit any budget.
For the past 55 years, the small
town of McAdenville has turned
into Christmas Town USA and
brought thousands of visitors to
the Gaston County. In 1956, Pharr
Yams started the tradition with
putting lights on a few trees in
town. Today, Pharr Yams works
with the city residents to place
more than 500,000 lights on more
than 375 fir trees in the town.
The residents also decorate their
homes and business owners deck
out their store fronts for the holi
days.
One of the most popular spots
is the lake near the center of town.
Trees covered with lights line the
lake and they reflect on the water,
adding to the beauty of the area. A
fountain in the lake shoots water
75 feet into the air and a 46-foot
wide image of Old Man Winter
blows snowflakes into the air.
The lights are officially turned
on the evening of Dec. 1 each year.
A large crowd of town residents
and visitors gather in the center of
town to hear Christmas carols and
await the lights coming up. Santa
also makes an appearance and
free hot chocolate and cookies
are given out. It’s a perfect look
at how small town America has
celebrated Christmas for genera
tions.
The lights will be on through
Dec. 26 this year. From 5:30 p.m.
to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through
Fridays and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
on weekends, visitors will be able
to drive or walk along a 1.3 mile
route in the town to enjoy the
lights and decorations. Holiday
carols and bells chiming can be
heard along the route and some
of the town’s people are found
on their porches waiting to the
visitors.
“It’s like a Norman Rockwell
painting come to life,” said Mel
Collins, spokesman for the event
and vice president of human
resources for Pharr Yams. “The
Christmas you remember, and
thought was gone, is still here in
McAdenville, North Carolina.”
There is no admission charge
or parking fees to enjoy the
McAdenville lights.
Coming up on Dec. 17 at 5:30
p.m. in McAdenville is the annual
Yule Log Parade, a unique tradi
tion to the area. Local children
pull a log on a sleigh through
the town where it is ignited in
the fireplace at the YMCA as
Christmas carols are heard in the
background.
Over the past few decades,
Christmas Town USA has
received national attention through
Charles Kuralt’s Morning Show,
a segment on “Good Morning
America” and a feature article in
Guideposts magazines.
For more information on
Christmas Town US A, go to www.
mcadenville-christmastown.com
or call the Gaston County Visitors
Center at 1-800-849-9994.
The Daniel Stowe Botanical
Gardens in Belmont fea
tures Holiday Lights at the
Gardens beginning the day after
Thanksgiving each year and
ending on Dec. 31. More than
600,000 lights on 12,000 strands
illuminate the grounds
of the gardens. Among
the highlights is the
orchid tree, located in the
visitor’s pavilion, which
has 300 live orchids on
a frame that makes a
16-foot tall tree. Huge
ornaments, includ
ing white snowflakes
and red ornaments are
found throughout the
gardens, adding to the
festive atmosphere. A tram ride
past some of the lights and deco
rations, a maze for the children,
carriage rides, baked goodies and
crafts are among the activities
offered.
Make sure to stop in the orchid
conservatory to get a look at tropi
cal plants and holiday favorites.
Don’t miss the bromeliad tree
which is a one-of-a-kind.
Entertainment is offered
throughout December and Santa
visits the gardens on the week
ends. Santa’s Workshop will be
held on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18
and a Holiday Tea is planned for
Dec. 12.
For more information, go to
www.DSBG.org.
The Schiele Museum in
Gastonia has many holiday activi
ties planned in the coming weeks,
including the Colonia Christmas
Celebration and Sounds of the
Season on Saturday, Dec. 11.
Local students will sing holiday
songs, Christmas traditions of
the past will be presented at the
18th century back country farm.
Other plans include 18th century
dancing, a yule log presentation,
holiday market place and more.
Guests will be treated to classic
holiday movie presentations and
hot cocoa..
On Monday, Dec. 13, from 5
to 8 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus
will be at the museum. Cookies
and milk will be offered and plans
include pirate ornament decorat
ing, story time with Gypsy Jack,
holiday movies, games and
activities and even, perhaps, some
snow.
Other holiday plans include a
Wintergreens Elf camp from 9
a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec.
18. Children are invited for fun,
food and gift making. The young
visitors will also be able to explore
the world of evergreens hidden in
the winter woodlands. The par
ticipants will learn about plant
folklore and locate and gather
materials to craft gifts for fami
lies and friends. The event is for
ages 9 to 12 and reservations are
required.
Special programs in the plan
etarium will also be featured dur
ing the month.
For more information, go to
www.schielemuseum.org.
While Christmas is the per
fect time to visit Gaston County,
there is so much offered that is
a great destination year-round.
Located less than 30 minutes
from Charlotte, Gaston County is
a great place for outdoor adven
ture and enjoying nature. Hiking
and exploring the outdoors at
Crowder Mountain State Park,
boating and fishing are among
the options. Crowders Mountain
State Park has two mountains,
Crowders Mountain and Kings
Pinnacle and covers 5,600 acres.
Hiking, boating, camping and
rock climbing are among the
activities offered.
The permanent exhibits and
displays and special programs
at the Daniel Stowe Botanical
Garden and Schiele Museum of
Natural History are also popu
lar tourist stops year-round. The
Stowe Garden, which includes
110 acres, was donated to the
area by the late textile execu
tive Daniel Stowe. It includes an
orchid conservatory and beauti
ful gardens and facilities. The
Schiele Museum of Natural
History features the largest col
lection of land mammal speci
mens in the Southeast, as well as
a planetarium, a recreation of a
Catawba Indian Village, animals
and 18-century country farm. A
special exhibit on pirates will be
at the museum through February.
The special exhibits are usually
changed one to two times each
year, with the new one for the
spring to be on caves. Special pro
grams are also offered throughout
the year, including a presentation
on The Life and Times of Gypsy
Jack on Dec. 31 and a Fossil Fair
Feb. 5-6.
Two wonderful dining options
in Gaston County are Old Stone
Steakhouse in Belmont and Center
Street Tavern in Cramerton.
At Old Stone Steakhouse, a
great choice is the shrimp and
grits. Sausage and mushrooms
are added to the grits which give
it a unique and wonderful flavor.
Other menu items include several
steak selections, as well as pasta,
seafood, chicken, ribs and sand
wiches. Be sure to start your meal
with the delightful wedge salad
with blue cheese dressing.
Center Street Tavern also
offers a shrimp and grits that is
a bit more spicy but still wonder
ful. The mahi mahi is also a great
choice as it is flaky and flavor
ful, served alongside homemade
mashed potatoes and asparagus.
For appetizers, the house chips
and fried pickles are both a great
way to start your meal.
During your stay, Holiday Inn
Express and Suites in Belmont
is a great place to stay as it is
centrally located to the attrac
tions, offers a full free breakfast
and other amenities and is budget
friendly. Among the amenities
offered are a free airport shuttle,
free high speed internet, outdoor
pool, refrigerator and microwave
in every room, a fitness and busi
ness center.
For more information, go to
www.hiexpress.com or call 704-
812-2000.
For those who enjoy staying
at a bed and breakfast, Robin’s
Nest is a wonderful choice. The
1914 Classical Revival home is
located on 1.5 acres atop a hill
in the heart of Mt. Holly and it
is tastefully decorated and wel
coming. It is conveniently located
2.5 miles off Interstate 85 and is
within walking distance of the
downtown area.
The downstairs sitting room is
very inviting and guests can relax
in front of the fireplace with hot
apple cider, coffee, or hot choco
late. Snacks, including homemade
brownies and lemon cookies, are
among the treats offered in the
afternoons.
After a restful night’s sleep,
guests can step outside their bed
room door to the aroma of fresh-
brewed coffee awaiting them on
an early 1900s sideboard in the
hall. Guests can then enjoy their
coffee while getting ready, then
go downstairs for a delectable full
breakfast.
When the weather warms up,
guests can relax on the porch in
one of the big red rocking chairs.
Visitors can also stroll along the
grounds and enjoy the birds in a
serene and relaxing atmosphere.
For more information on the
bed and breakfast, go to www.
robinsnestbb.com.
For more information on plan
ning a trip to Gaston County, go
to www.VisitGaston.org.
Angela Gary is an editor with
MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She
can be reached at AngieEditor@
aol.com.
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