Features

BY ANGELA GARY

Tyson County is not Jackson County and solicitor Monty Floyd is not Floyd Hoard. However, when reading Richard Hoard’s latest novel, “The Missing Boys,” locals will certainly get glimpses of Jefferson and Floyd Hoard as they read the fictional tale of murder in a small town in Georgia.

Hoard has a gift of describing characters that really do come to life. Like Mark Twain, whose Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer characters seem so real, Hoard also brings to life his characters, including Ryan, Benny and Curtis, three young men growing up in a small Southern town.

I could actually visualize these young men as I read about their camping trips and swimming in a lake. Readers will meet Benny, with his Beatles-inspired hair and habit of trying to speak with an English accent, and Ryan, the handsome young man with a kind, compassionate heart that impresses everyone. Then, there is Curtis, who is a faithful friend to Ryan. I feel as if I know the three young men.

“The Missing Boys” opens when Steve Delaney is the latest teenager to “go missing” in Tyson County. When Ryan’s brother, Phil, also disappears without a trace, the teenager goes on a quest to find out what happened to these boys. Ryan shows bravery in the face of danger and doesn’t back down.

The book is 206 pages and I read it in one evening, mainly because each chapter left me wanting to know more. The author said a lady once told him that what makes a great book is one that makes you laugh, makes you cry and makes you think. “The Missing Boys” does all three.

I first met Richard Hoard in 1994. A young reporter then, I drove to his home and sat with him in his office as he told me the story of the murder of his father, Floyd Hoard. His first novel, “Alone Among the Living” tells of his journey after the murder of his father.

The murder of Floyd Hoard is a tragic event that is a legend in Jackson County. To him, though it was the story of his life. The story of a 14-year-old boy whose father is murdered in his front yard in a car bomb that could have also taken his life.

This event, and this first book that he started while in college but didn’t finish until he was 40, defined the man he would become and kicked off a writing career that he might not have otherwise had.

“The Missing Boys” is Hoard’s fourth novel and it’s an intense look at life in a small Southern town. Be sure and get a copy and, if you haven’t read Hoard’s earlier works, they are also worth your time. His writing will make you think and inspire you.

Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.

BY ANGELA GARY

Banner Elk has long been known for its outdoor adventure and amazing scenic views but the North Carolina mountain town is now making a name in the culinary world. A brisket salad, fried deviled eggs, an Italian salad, lemon caper trout and a breakfast casserole of eggs, French toast and sausage are just a few of the amazing dishes I had on a recent visit.

BAYOU SMOKEHOUSE
My first meal in Banner Elk was at Bayou Smokehouse and it was a great start to my culinary adventure. I chose Bob’s King Ranch Salad and was not disappointed. Slices of Texas-style Smoked Beef Brisket BBQ is served over mixed field greens with red tomato, onion, cucumber, broccoli, mushrooms and grated cheese. The salad is garnished with house-made red salsa and tortilla chips. So many wonderful flavors that compliment each other.
Bayou Smokehouse, located in the center of the Village Shops in downtown Banner Elk, is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Free lawn games on the deck-side courtyard, dog friendly and free wifi are offered. Menu options include salads, quesadillas, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, trout, ribs and steak, as well as Cajun cooking, including jambalaya and etouffee.

CHEF’S TABLE
Dinner at Chef’s Table offers an amazing menu featuring local farms. I started with a beet salad and then had the wonderful North Carolina Rainbow trout served with lemon caper butter served with asparagus. Sushi is also on the menu which makes for a nice option. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”

I sat in a café in the North Carolina mountains on a recent morning around 7 a.m. waiting for my waffles.

I had visited friends for the weekend and was getting breakfast before heading out on the four-hour drive home. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

I spent my childhood playing with Barbie dolls, reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon mysteries and watching Leave it to Beaver and The Brady Bunch.

I wasn’t the outdoors type at all. I never learned to ride a bicycle. Never learned to swim. Don’t know anything about sports.

I don’t want to see bugs or lizards or snakes or any other creepy creatures. I stay away from them if at all possible. If I accidently come upon one, I scream. [Full Story »] 

Three times a year, the four of us get together for a birthday tea.

We’ve met at tea rooms in Braselton, Hoschton and Madison.

Mom and I usually have on a hat. Sometimes our friend, Robin, and my sister, Amanda, will also wear a festive hat for the birthday get-togethers.

In February, we get together for Amanda’s birthday, and in August, we celebrate Mom’s birthday. In June, we celebrate mine and Robin’s birthday. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

I celebrated a milestone birthday last week cruising the Caribbean. I decided if I had to turn this age, that sounded really old when I was young, I would do it on a relaxing cruise. We stopped in four port and they were all wonderful. It’s hard to pick a favorite.

The first stop on the birthday cruise of the Eastern Caribbean was to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. My favorite things about this port were the huge free pool area with deck chairs with the wonderful view of the ocean and the adjacent restaurant and shopping. Also $20 to zipline all day and a free water park for the kids!

The second stop on the birthday cruise of the Eastern Caribbean was to St. Thomas. My favorite things about this port included the scenic shuttle ride to the beach area (yes, it was a curvy road but great views) and spending the day on the beach soaking up the sun and natural beauty of the area. What an amazing view! [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

I remember standing in a long line on a riverboat in Tennessee with my parents as we waited to meet country star Toby Keith for a photo and autograph.

Did my parents want an autograph and photo? Not really. They were waiting because I wanted to meet Toby.

I remember many summers where the three of us traveled to Nashville for “Fan Fair” for a week of concerts, meet and greets with the stars and other music-related events.

Are they huge country fans? Not really but I am and they went along for me. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

Looking out from the balcony, you can see the indoor waterfall and greenery, as well as the boat that takes visitors on a tour of the inside of the huge hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

On the next stop, you could see the huge Arch that makes St. Louis famous from the window of our hotel.

Thanks to technology, I traveled along with my sister and her family on a road trip without ever leaving Jackson County.
With Facetime and other modern technology and social media, I felt like I was on the road with Amanda, Jacob, Jake and Grayson.

My nephews gave me daily (sometimes several times a day) updates on their week-long road trip to Illinois to visit Jacob’s grandfather and other family members.

On one Facetime chat, Grayson excitedly scanned the view from their balcony at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. He was amazed at what all you find inside this huge hotel and he wanted to share it all with me.

At their brief overnight stop in St. Louis, the phone buzzed and it was Jake on Facetime to show me the view of the Arch from their window. He scanned the city view and the room and I felt like I was right there with him in St. Louis.

As I write this column, the Mylers have made it to their destination. I’m sure I will soon be seeing what their surroundings look like there as well as Gramps and the other family members they visit.

The trip home includes stops in Kentucky and Pigeon Forge. I can’t wait to see what the boys want to share with me from those fun destinations.

The boys find it hard to believe we didn’t have cell phones when we were their age. If we wanted to share vacation photos, we had to wait until we got home to get the photos developed and then share them with everyone. They also have a hard time imaging film and getting it developed. With digital cameras and phones that are also a camera, you can immedatiately see the shots you capture.
Each summer when the Mylers take their week-long vacation, I’m in charge of their Maltese, Georgia. I always look forward to spending time with her. I’ve never had a small dog and it’s quite an experience to be in charge of one.

It must be what it is like to have a baby. I’m planning my schedule around Georgia. It’s not like having a cat, which I have always had. With a cat, you can leave the food and litter box out with no worries. It’s not quite the same with a dog.
Georgia usually wakes me up before my alarm clock does. She jumps up on the bed and dances around my head. I know it’s time to get up and take her outside to go to the bathroom.

Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.

BY ANGELA GARY

In the April 7, 1999, issue of this newspaper, the headline of my column was: “Welcome to the world, baby Judd.”
Eighteen years later, Judd is graduating high school and headed to Young Harris College, where he will play baseball and seek a degree in pre-med with plans to be a peditrician.
I am so proud of the young man Judd has become. He has many academic and athletic accomplishments. I am most proud of his faith and the path he takes by always putting God first.
My sister and I were Banks County High School last week where Judd, surrounded by family and friends, made a commitment to attend Young Harris as part of the baseball team. Then, Friday night, my family joined the hundreds of people at Leopard Stadium watching the seniors turn the tassel to this chapter in their life and begin another journey.
In honor of this special time, I looked up that column from 1999 when Judd was born. Here it is:
Dear Judd,
You look so precious and innocent curled up in the fetal position in your crib. You have a full head of dark hair just like your parents. I’m not sure about your eyes because they are closed every time I see you. Your mother assures me they open up plenty of times during the night.
Despite a love of children, I never wanted to have a baby of my own. But looking at your sweet face and feeling your tiny fingers as they curl around one of my fingers, I understand. I understand what makes a couple want to change their lifestyle and welcome a new arrival into the home.
Your mother has been a friend of mine for as long as I can remember. It was actually my sister who first brought Robin Fields into our family. Robin was her friend at first but now the whole family calls her our friend.
We have had lots of fun over the years from when we were teenagers and went to the beach to soak up the sun to more recent years when a trip to the mountains to shop is our idea of a vacation.
Robin and Amanda have both married now. Robin was the first to have a baby and we will all share these new experiences with her.
We have all been filled with excitement since we first heard that Robin had gone to the hospital. I had to work late the night you were born but I called the hospital. Robin’s voice was filled with excitement and pride as she talked about the delivery.
It wasn’t long before my mother, sister and I crowded around you to welcome you to the world. As Amanda and I cooed and made baby noises over you, we asked you to look up at “Aunt Angie” and “Aunt Amanda.” Robin may not have any sisters but you will have plenty of “aunts” around to spoil you.
When you get older, you will realize what a special mother you have. Robin will provide you with the guidance all children need in times that are often troubled and hard to understand. She is a special, sincere person who puts God first in her life. This is hard to find and you are lucky that your mother has these values.
I don’t know your father, Keith Roberts, as well as I do Robin, but I feel sure that he will also provide the guidance you will need as you get older (and teach you to hunt and fish). He picked Robin for his bride so he must know what he is doing. I will always remember the special look he had on his face as Robin walked down the aisle for the wedding.
You are luckier than many children because you entered the world with two very special parents who have the ability to take care of you. You also have two special sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to take care of you.
Welcome to the world, Judd, I look forward to watching you grow up.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com