Newspaper Page Text
2C Weekend Edition-December 23-24, 2022
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | gainesvilletimes.com
LIFE
Ackie dazzles as Whitney Houston in Keep holiday color going
‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ biopic w j t h a new Christmas cactus
BY MICHAEL PHILUPS
Chicago Tribune
The unmatchable voice of
the late pop phenomenon, not
just any voice but The Voice,
comes through, rangy, super
charged and ever-amazing,
on the big hits newly remixed
from Houston’s original vocals.
Nobody’s trying to sing like
Whitney Houston while playing
the role of Whitney Houston.
And no, Ackie doesn’t physi
cally resemble Houston, whose
story here begins in 1983, sing
ing in the Baptist church choir
led by her mother, Cissy, and
ends with Houston’s 2012 death
in the bathtub of a Beverly Hil
ton suite.
This one is directed with a
straightforward, humane touch
by Kasi Lemmons (whose pre
vious pictures include ’’Eve’s
Bayou,” the criminally under-
seen Don Cheadle-starring
“Talk to Me” and “Harriet”).
It has its standard-issue com
ponents and the air of a highly
official presentation of events.
The Houston estate representa
tives, along with Arista Records
legend Clive Davis, Houston’s
mentor and sounding board,
are all over this thing.
Gratifyingly, screenwriter
Anthony McCarten deals with
Houston’s crucial lifelong
friendship, eventual working
relationship and (years before
her marriage to Bobby Brown)
romantic life with Robyn Craw
ford. Ackie’s loose, funny early
scenes with Nafessa Williams’
Crawford give the movie what
it needs to go somewhere.
The air of sensual freedom
doesn’t last. “Be seen with
young men,” warns Hous
ton’s father, played by Clarke
Peters, who wrests control of
the empire once his daughter’s
first album explodes in 1985.
This was no time for coming
out and staying on top, in the
eyes of the media and certainly
in the eyes of Houston’s imme
diate family.
The actors and director
Lemmons accomplish what
the screenplay does only par
tially: make us believe the cir
cumstances and the behavior.
Ashton Sanders’ Bobby Brown
gives us the weasel but also the
man. In a role slightly larger
than required, I think, Arista
legend Davis has the bonus of
being played by ever-wry, ever-
winning Stanley Tucci.
VARDEMAN
■ Continued from 1C
Now she understood why
she was forced to live such
a cloistered life growing up.
She took notes as Crowley
spent the whole time talk
ing with her about the past.
The next day she
researched the Crawleys’
cases through archived
newspapers and decided
she had to write another
book, “The Great Blue
Ridge Manhunt.” This
chronicled the sensational
story that captivated Geor
gians and others throughout
the country during World
War I and the early 1920s.
Though she returned to
Griffin for her book signing,
Eve says memories of grow
ing up under such difficult
circumstances keep her at
a distance. “We don’t even
like to drive through there
anymore,” she said.
All the Crawleys have
long been deceased. She sat
by the deathbed of almost
all of them while she was
still living in Griffin.
Looking back now, it all
makes sense to Eve. The
Crawleys were keeping a
secret that few, if anybody,
outside the family knew.
She never heard it men
tioned, and Billy Crowley
told her it was taboo to dis
cuss except within the fam
ily and then only rarely.
Both of Evelyn (Eve)
Thomas’ books, “Alone
in the Iris City” and “The
Great Blue Ridge Manhunt”
are available on eBay.
Johnny Vardeman is retired
editor of The Times. He can
be reached at 2183 Pine
Tree Circle NE, Gainesville,
GA 30501; 770-532-2326; or
johnnyvardeman@gmail.com.
His column publishes weekly.
One thing I really love about the
Christmas season is all the beautiful
decorations that fill the home. Even
when Christmas Day has come and
gone, plants can be a great way to
liven things up throughout the holiday
season and into the winter months.
While a vibrant poinsettia is a tradi
tional selection for indoor color, a holi
day cactus is another great option for
contributing a festive atmosphere and
adding color to your home. Similar to
other house plants, holiday cacti can
be finicky at times, but if you are like
me and love the color they bring to a
home this time of year, you may want
to try your hand at growing one.
Here are a few tips on how to suc
cessfully grow a Christmas cactus that
will hopefully be full of flowers.
When it comes to having a success
fully blooming Christmas cactus, so
much is dependent on getting the tem
perature conditions just right.
Holiday cacti prefer conditions sim
ilar to their native lands in the coastal
mountains of southeastern Brazil.
Keeping the temperature between 70
and 80 degrees is ideal for good flower
bud production to occur. It’s also help
ful to prevent situations where your
Christmas cactus can be exposed to
temperatures below 50 or above 90.
Even more important to flower
bud production is having the proper
light conditions. Holiday cacti grow
their best in light shade. Bright sun
exposure, especially in the summer
months, can result in stem segments
taking on an undesirable pale or yel
low color.
Another factor that is critical to
flower production is having enough
dark hours to initiate proper budding.
Starting in mid-September, make sure
your cactus receives at least 14 hours
of darkness every night. Disruptions to
GARRETT HIBBS
ghibbs@uga.edu
this dark period is a common reason
for the cactus to not flower the way
you would like. Disruption to the dark
period can occur from any light such
as street lamps, car lights or lights
within your house.
A common reason for a Christmas
cactus to drop buds is if it experiences
a sudden change in its environment.
This could be the result of moving
your cactus to another area with very
different light or different tempera
ture conditions than it was currently
adjusted to.
As with most house plants, you want
to water your cactus on an as-needed
basis. When the soil on the surface
and roughly an inch down in the
soil becomes dry, it’s time to water.
Overwatering is a common way that
people kill their house plants. Succu
lent plants, like a holiday cactus, can
handle dryer conditions and may only
need to be watered once a week or so.
With proper care you can have a
beautiful holiday cactus in your home
all year long. And whether you’re a
novice gardener or a plant enthusiast,
if you need help troubleshooting, you
can always give us a call at the Hall
County Extension office.
Garrett Hibbs is Hall County’s UGA
cooperative extension agent. He can be
reached at ghibbs@uga.edu.
OBITS
Dan Callahan
December 2, 2022
Dan Callahan 65 of
Cleveland GA was
welcomed into the loving
arms of His Savior Jesus
Christ on December 2nd,
2022. Dan was an amazing
man who loved Jesus with
his whole heart.
Dan served his community
as a past vice president
of the Foster Parent
Association in Hall County
for years and was a foster
parent to many children.
He loved playing Santa
to children’s hearts. He
was employed at Shasta
Beverages for 28 years.
He and his wife Rebecca
owned Shiloh Recovery
Ministries. They served
together for 15 years. Dan
was a father to all men who
came to the Shiloh House
seeking a life free from
the ravages of addiction,
many who had never
known a father’s love. He
would wrap them in a big
hug and tell them about
the Heavenly Father’s
grace and forgiveness.
Numerous Families’ lives
were changed by Dan’s
generous love and faithful
witness. Dan was an
ordained minister.
Dan had been married to
the love of his life Rebecca
for 20 years. He is survived
by his beautiful daughters
Jennifer Callahan Martin,
stepdaughter Kasey Price
and his grand girls Skylar
and Raeleigh Price whom
he enjoyed, loved and
he was proud of their
accomplishments. Dan
is also survived by his
brothers Roger Callahan,
James Callahan Wren,
William Callahan Wren
and sister Betty Callahan
Harris. His paternal
Aunt Bertha Lewis along
with numerous nieces
and nephews. He was
proceeded in death by his
mother Margaret Callahan
and his father Edward
Callahan and brothers
Edward Jr. Michael, John
and his sister Anne Lucas
Dan and Rebecca were
blessed by God to have a
special opportunity to have
another family in their lives.
Dustin and Sarah McClary
and their children. Their
son Jakoby (Jako) had
a special bond with Dan
whom he called Pop-pop.
Jako considered Dan to
be his playmate and best
friend. They loved just
playing with cars, hanging
out and riding on the golf
cart.
Dan had a huge heart and
loved deeply, to know him
was to love him. He will be
missed by all.
A Celebration of Life will be
held January 14 at 4:00 pm
at Soul’s Harvest Church
at 28 Industrial Blvd. Suite
110, Cleveland, Ga 30528
Please come and share
your memories of Dan.
In lieu of flowers donations
may be made to Soul’s
Harvest Church designated
for Shiloh House. Cash
app is available at
$SoulsHarvestChurch.
Kathryn “Kathy”
Farmer Bellotte
December 18, 2022
Kathryn “Kathy” Farmer
Bellotte, age 59, of Lula,
passed away on Sunday,
December 18, 2022.
Born on April 28, 1963,
in Demorest, she was a
daughter of the late William
and Opal Farmer. Kathy
was a 1981 graduate of
White County High School.
She worked for Dr. A.C.
Johnson Family Medicine
as the Office Manager
for 15 years and most
recently for First Choice
Chiropractic. Kathy was
a proud Mama and Nana
who loved her family dearly
and enjoyed spending time
with them. She also was a
caregiver for those around
her. In her spare time, she
enjoyed music, gardening,
and especially flowers.
In addition to her parents,
she was preceded in death
by her grandparents,
Grover and Katie Miles,
William Farmer, and Lillie
Farmer Standridge; and
brother, Jimmy Farmer.
Survivors include her
husband, James Bellotte of
Lula; sons and daughter-
in-law, Allen Dover of
Cleveland, Adrian Bellotte
of Sebring, Florida, and
Dustin Bellotte (Cindy) of
Homer; daughters and
son-in-law; Amanda Dover
(fiance, Ryan Latty) of
Cleveland, Layla Padgett
(Chris) of Toccoa, and
Latasha Bellotte of Lula;
grandchildren, Elizabeth
Bellotte, Alexis Gee, Jessie
Gee, Austin Bellotte, Ayden
Bellotte, David Worley,
Chase Gee, CJ Padgett,
and Evelyn Padgett; sisters
and brother-in-law, Barbara
Huckeba of Cleveland and
Teresa Adams (Michael) of
Cleveland; and numerous
extended family members.
The family will receive
friends from 2-4 and
6 - 8 pm on Wednesday,
December 21,2022 at
McGahee - Griffin &
Stewart.
Funeral services are 2 pm
on Thursday, December
22, 2022, at Blue Creek
Baptist Church with The
Honorable Garrison Baker
officiating.
Flowers are accepted or
donations may be made to
Alzheimer’s Association at
https://www.alz.org/ or 255
N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17,
Chicago, Illinois 60601.
An online guest register
is available and may
be viewed at www.
mcgaheegriffinandstewart.
com.
MCGAHEE-GRIFFIN &
STEWART FUNERAL
HOME OF CORNELIA,
GEORGIA (706/778-
8668) IS IN CHARGE OF
ARRANGEMENTS.
Death Notices
Charlotte Elaine
Martin Beaty
December 19, 2022
Evans Funeral Home of
Jefferson announces the
death of Mrs. Charlotte
Elaine Martin Beaty, age 71
of Flowery Branch, Georgia
who entered rest Monday,
December 19th.. Funeral
services will be held 1:00
P.M. Thursday, December
22nd, from the Chapel of
Evans Funeral. Home.
Connie Victoria
Allds
December 19, 2022
Connie Victoria Allds, 76,
passed away, Monday,
December 19th. Services
will be held at Flanigan
Funeral Home in Buford,
GAon Wednesday,
December 21, at 11:00
a.m. The family will
receive friends prior to the
service beginning at 9:30
a.m. at Flanigan Funeral
Home.
David “Bryan”
Lewallen
December 19, 2022
David “Bryan” Lewallen,
58, of Gainesville, passed
away suddenly Monday,
December 19th. Funeral
services will be held at 2:00
p.m. Friday, December
23rd. in the Chapel of
Memorial Park Funeral
Home
Edwin Darrell Croy
December 20, 2022
Edwin Darrell Croy 86 of
Commerce went to be with
the Lord Tuesday Dec. 20.
Funeral Services will be
Thursday at 2 PM from the
Ivie Funeral Home Chapel
The family will receive
friends in the funeral home
Thursday from Noon until
the funeral hour of 2PM.
No Graveside Services will
be held.
Frankie Ferguson
Loudermilk
Henslee
December 22, 2022
Frankie Ferguson
Loudermilk Henslee, age
84, of Demorest, Georgia
crossed over to be with
The Lord on Wednesday,
December 22, Funeral
Services will be held
Thursday, December 29,
at the Whitfield Funeral
Home, North Chapel.
The family will receive
friends from 6:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m., Wednesday,
December 28, at the
funeral home.
George Clinton
McGlockling
December 15, 2022
George Clinton
McGlockling, 70, of
Royston, GA, died
December 15th. Funeral
service will be held
Thursday December
22, at 2pm at Royston
Grove Baptist Church.
Burial will be in Pineview
Memorial Garden. Dexter
T. Sims Mortuary, LLC,
Royston, has charge of
arrangements
James Michael
“Train” Clark
December 21, 2022
Evans Funeral Home of
Jefferson announces the
death of James Michael
“Train” Clark, age 54 of
Carlton, Georgia who
entered rest Wednesday,
December 21. Funeral
services will be held 10:00
A.M. Friday, December 23,
from the Chapel of Evans
Funeral Home.
Jeffery Scott
McDaniel
December 17, 2022
Jeffery Scott McDaniel,
age 51, of Dawsonville, GA
passed away on Saturday,
December 17. A funeral
service will be held at
3:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
December 21st in the
Chapel of Flanigan Funeral
Home. The family will
receive friends prior to the
service from 12:00 p.m.
until 3:00 p.m. at Flanigan
Funeral Home.
John B. Propes
December 19, 2022
John B. Propes, 86, of
Flowery Branch, passed
away Monday, December
19. Funeral services will be
held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday,
December 22, in the
Chapel of Memorial Park
Funeral Home.
Kelley Marie Taylor
December 15, 2022
Kelley Marie Taylor, age 36
of Lula GA, passed away
on Thursday December
15th.
Per Kelley’s request there
will be no services. Ward’s
Funeral Home is honored
to serve the family of Kelley
Marie Taylor.
Margaret Ann Gee
December 21, 2022
Margaret Ann Gee, 88,
of Dawsonville died
Wednesday, December 21,
. Funeral service, Friday,
December 23rd, 2 o’clock,
Bearden Funeral Home
Chapel. Bearden Funeral
Home, Dawsonville,GA.
Mary A Gipson
December 21, 2022
Mary A Gipson, age 83
of Braselton GA, passed
away on Wednesday
December 21st. Per Mary’s
request there will be no
services.
Ward’s Funeral Home is
honored to serve the family
of Mary A Gipson.
Melanie Hope
Martin
December 12, 2022
Evans Funeral Home of
Jefferson announces the
death of Mrs. Melanie
Hope Martin who passed
away in Jefferson, Georgia,
early Monday morning on
December 12, at the age
of 46. We will be holding
a Celebration of Life for
Melanie on Saturday
January 7, 2023 at
2:00p.m. The location will
be at Chapman Hill, 1960
Jett Roberts Rd, Jefferson,
GA 30579.
Norman Richard
Worthington
December 17, 2022
Norman Richard
Worthington, age 76 of
Pendergrass, passed away
on Saturday, December
17th. Graveside service will
be held at 10 A.M. January
7, 2023 at Memorial Park
South Cemetery with
military honors and a
memorial service to follow
at the American Legion,
Post 127 in Sugar Hill, GA.
Pamela Lynn Dertz
December 17, 2022
Pamela Lynn Dertz, 64,
of Snellville, Ga, left this
world to be with the lord
on December 17th. The
family will receive friends
and family on Tuesday,
December 27th, from
4-6pm at Flanigan Funeral
Home. The funeral service
will be immediately
following visitation at 6pm.
Pam will then be cremated
per her wishes.
Rebecca Sharron
Hyder
December 17, 2022
Rebecca Sharron Hyder,
age 79 of Jefferson GA,
passed away on Saturday
December 17. Visitation
1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday
December 27th with
Memorial Service to
follow at 2:00 p.m. at The
Lighthouse World Outreach
Center
Valerie “Val”
Neuman
December 18, 2022
Valerie “Val” Neuman,
age 46, of Buford, GA
passed away on Sunday,
December 18, A Memorial
Service will be held at
11:00 a.m. on Wednesday,
December 28, in the
Chapel of Flanigan Funeral
Home, Buford, GA. A
Visitation will be held from
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,
prior to the Service at the
Funeral Home.
Wayne Blair
Deaton
December 20, 2022
Wayne Deaton, age 87, of
Maysville, GA passed away
on Tuesday, December 20.
A direct cremation will be
taking place according to
his wishes. Arrangements
are in the care of Ivie
Funeral Home, Commerce,
GA.
Willie Jim Gregory
Free
December 20, 2022
Willie Jim Gregory Free,
age 89, of Buford, GA
passed away on Tuesday,
December 20th. A Funeral
Service will be held at 2:00
p.m. on Friday, December
23, in the Chapel of
Flanigan Funeral Home,
Buford, GA. Visitation will
be held from 4:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m. on Thursday,
December 22, at Flanigan
Funeral Home, Buford, GA
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