Dan Marlow

LBCA is hiring two interns this summer: a social media and a videographer intern. College interns interested in learning more should review the job descriptions and submit their applications by February 15, 2024. 

Social Media Intern Job Description

Videographer Intern Job Description

The Lake Burton Civic Association (LBCA) is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of its 32nd Annual Golf Tournament, held at the prestigious Waterfall Country Club on October 20, 2023. With the scenic backdrop of the North Georgia mountains, 120 enthusiastic golfers came together for a Day of Play and Purpose, raising over $65,000 for the LBCA Foundation.

“We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support we received from TruVista, our sponsors, volunteers, and the entire community,” said Laura Seberg, LBCA Golf Co-Chair. “The funds raised will have a lasting impact on the vital services provided by Rabun County nonprofits and Volunteer Fire Departments.”

The event’s success was only possible with our many volunteers’ hard work and dedication. Their tireless efforts ensured the seamless execution of the tournament, creating an atmosphere of fun and philanthropy for all involved. Committee members included Peter Pomeroy, Golf Co-Chair,Cynthia Apperson, Cyndae Arrendale, Rob Burts, Becky Callahan, Tom Callahan, Cindy Hamilton, Lucy Harris, Katie Kelly, Dan Marlow, Jeanine Marlow, Jody Morris, Maggie Mullen, Lee Penland, Martha Ramsey, Vicky Veal, and Margaret Watts.

This year’s tournament was made possible through the generous support of many dedicated sponsors, including TruVista, our Lead Sponsor.

There were 10 Benefactor Sponsors:

The Annexstad Family–In Memory of Al
Meghann Brackett-Berkshire-Hathaway
Consolidated Planning
Chip and Donna Davidson
Evelyn Heald/Andrea Sorgeloos-Berkshire-Hathaway
John Dinos-Lake Homes
Milton Park Pizza 
Mountain Lakes Medical Center
Springer Mountain Farms
Lake Burton Grill

There were 22 Hole Sponsors:

Anchorage Marina
Anchorage Boat Dock
Antique Tobacco Barn
Anzo Realty, LLC
Julie Barnett – Harry Norman
Jon Barnwell Team – RE/MAX Town & Country
Blackhawk Fly Fishing
Clay Contracting
Lee and Mike Dunn 
Elevations Travel 
Fulcrum Equity Partners
Holley Realty Team
Home Depot
Marie and Ken Klaer
LaPrade’s Marina
Life Point Medical, LLC
L.P.  Service Inc.    
Peter Pomeroy–In Memory of Jenny    
Reeves Hardware
Nick Saban Family
Kirby Smart Family Foundation    
Stonewall Creek Vineyards    
United Community Bank     
Tom and Valerie Usilton

There were  nine Half-Hole Sponsors:
  
Becky and Tom Callahan    
Brooks Store    
Dogwoods
Duvall Car Wash        
Frazer and Joe Fiveash
Lynda Hester-Berkshire Hathaway Georgia Properties
Lucian and Ginger Kimball
The Peach Pit
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School GOAL Scholarships

There were eight Patron Sponsors:

Cynthia Gains        
Joseph Eure    
Napa South Wine Bar
Lei Redding    
Paul Raulet    
Tom and Pam Schiller    
Vinni Sims    
Joe and Sharon Wilson

Many thanks to all our Gift Donors:

Bleu Canoe
Brasstown Valley Golf Country Club
Butler Galleries
Chick-fil-A
Clayton Cafe
Duvall Ford
Farmhouse Market 
Fortify 
Kathy Fincher Collections
Kingwood Golf Country Club
Orchard Golf Country Club
Sky Valley Golf Country Club
Smile Doctors, Dr. Michael Phelan
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Timpson Creek
Universal Joint

Plus, there are many other dedicated major gift sponsors whose commitment to our community is commendable. Their contributions allowed us to surpass our fundraising goals, enabling the LBCA Foundation to continue supporting Rabun County nonprofits and Volunteer Fire Departments. 

“We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support we received from all our sponsors, volunteers, and the entire community,” said Dan Marlow, LBCA Vice-President. “The remarkable success of this year’s golf tournament is a testament to our Golf Committee’s dedication and our community’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.”

The Golf Tournament was the largest fundraising event supporting the LBCA Foundation’s goals this year. The LBCA looks forward to building on this success and continuing its mission to enhance the well-being of our community through future events and initiatives. 

Click here to view pictures of the event.
 

The Lake Burton Civic Association (LBCA) is thrilled to announce the resounding success of the recent Burton Bash and Art Auction, held on October 21, 2023, at LaPrades Marina. With more than 200 attendees, the event was a triumph for the community and raised more than $18,000 for LBCA’s Clean and Safe Water Initiatives.

The event, organized by The Burton Bash Committee, brought together LBCA members and friends of Lake Burton for a magical evening under the Starry Skies of Burton, all while championing the essential cause of clean and safe water.

The Burton Bash Committee Chair, Amy Hulett, emphasized the event’s significance: “The Burton Bash was a great time for neighbors and friends to get together for fun and fellowship while supporting LBCA’s Clean and Safe Water Initiatives.”

The event’s highlights included delectable food and beverages from The Burton Grill, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all attendees. The exquisite cuisine added to the overall enjoyment of the evening, contributing to the event’s resounding success.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the art auction featuring 33 stunning pieces from local and beyond artists. These generous donations from the artistic community enabled the LBCA to raise substantial funds for their Clean and Safe Water Initiatives, furthering their mission to protect and preserve Lake Burton’s water quality.

Expressing gratitude for the artists’ generous contributions, LBCA Vice President Dan Marlow said, “Many thanks to these artists for their generous donations to the LBCA. Their support and dedication to the cause were integral to the event’s success.”

Hulett and Marlow thanked The Burton Bash Committee, who worked tirelessly for over a year to ensure the event succeeded:

• Donna Davidson
• Lee Dunn
• Lisa Fletcher
• Cathy Groome
• Gary Kenney
• Jeanine Marlow
• Treacy Shaw

The Burton Bash and Art Auction at LaPrades was a testament to the LBCA’s community commitment to safeguarding their precious resource – clean and safe water. It demonstrated the power of unity and collaboration in achieving a common goal, ensuring that Lake Burton remains a pristine and thriving environment.

Many thanks to the following artists for donating their works to the Art Auction:

Tricia Bass
Marti Blincoe
Margo Boden
Mark Boomershine
Laurie Buchmiller
Susan Easton Burns
S. Carter Designs
Georgia Ericson
Christie Farmer
Elizabeth Gill
Dean Gioia
David Goldhagen
Cathy Groome
Ali Leja
Betsy Morehouse
Susie Pryor
Dawne Raulet
James Richards
Robin Rogers
Treacy Shaw
Brenda Walker
Jana Young Siegel
Courtney West Goodwin

View pictures of the event by clicking here

LBCA Members, this will be the last newsletter until next spring. Here are the hot topics around the lake:

VOTER REGISTRATION

We have one of the most critical elections Rabun County will see for the next four years: the local County Commissioner Elections. We have three County Commissioners up for reelection for a four-year term next year beginning in May 2024. The Commissioners are: 

• Tom Garrison, District 2
• Greg James, Chairman
• Will Nichols, District 1, At-Large

There will be several candidates running to challenge these Commissioners.  

If you are a full-time resident of the county or own a second home in the county–you are eligible to vote here or consider splitting your vote with your other residence.  

The process is straightforward for current Georgia residents. Go to “Georgia MVP” online and put the requested information in the system. You can change the county in which you are registered to Rabun County. 

For out-of-state residents who have moved here full-time or have second homes, you can reach out to Tammy Whitmire at the Rabun County Voter Registration Office for the paperwork for guidance.

Please remember, although the general election is in November 2024, the election will come down to the Primary in May when all Republican and Democrat candidates will narrow to one party for the general election. In the May Primary, if all the candidates running in the three commissioner race run as Republicans, you can choose the Republican ballot and vote in all three elections regardless of where you live in the county or your designated party, as we are an at-large voting state. In essence, your vote triples in value.  

It is a blessing to live in Rabun County. We all want the county to continue to be a beautiful paradise and grow responsibly.  

Please:

1. Register to vote in Rabun County.
2. Learn about all the candidates and identify the candidates who best align with your vision of our county for the next four years.
3. Vote on May 21.

BURTON BASH ART AUCTION

Even if you cannot attend The Burton Bash, you can support LBCA’s Clean/Safe Water initiatives. All the Art Auction items are available online. You can view them here. Bidding opens on October 18 and closes on October 21 at 8 pm.

Many thanks to all the artists who donated their art to this great cause! Make sure to check out the beautiful and wide array of art. You can view the art here.

FALL AND WINTER

Lake activities may wind down for many of you, but an increasing number of lake residents live here full-time. Your LBCA Board will keep working all through the fall and winter months. It will continue communicating with you about important topics as they arise, albeit with less regularity.

Be on the lookout for a new communication piece from the LBCA in your mailbox. This piece will have within it several key asks for the Lake Burton Civic Foundation:

• Scholarships (including endowments)
• Grants for our community
• New pavilion for the LBCA 
• Save Billy Goat Island

Membership renewal is moving to November and December!

• Update your contact information for the directory
• Pay your annual membership fees
• NEW! Auto-renewal will now be available for membership

We are doing this early so we won’t have to tax our volunteers to scramble to get this information together for our directory.

I hope you have an incredible fall and winter, and we will begin sending these monthly newsletters again in the spring.

See you on the lake!

Elizabeth Gill
President
LBCA Board of Directors

You can support LBCA's Clean/Safe Water Initiatives and beautify your home by checking out all the art available for sale at the online Burton Bash Art Auction. Share with your friends!

Read more

As we wrap up another summer season at Lake Burton, we must take a moment to review the state of our water safety and water quality initiatives for 2023. At the Lake Burton Civic Association, we prioritize our community members’ safety and preserving our beautiful lake environment.

Here’s a summary of our findings and efforts from the past year.

Water Patrol

This year, we allocated $15,000 for Water Patrol, covering each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, costing $50 per hour. We aimed to have two boats patrolling the lake, one staffed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the other by the Sheriff’s Department. However, we faced a few challenges.

The Sheriff’s boat, unfortunately, proved too small for pulling over boats, and its department still requires additional training to operate a patrol independently. As a result, the Sheriff deputies primarily rode along with DNR staff on DNR’s boat almost every weekend, totaling 227.5 hours and costing $11,375.

Both the Sheriff and DNR reported recurring issues similar to previous years:

• An increase in Boating Under the Influence (BUI) compared to last year.
• Multiple cases of children aged 12 and under not wearing life jackets on boats.
• Incidents involving children being pulled behind boats on various devices without life jackets.
• 28 violations for violating the 100-foot rule.
• No violations were cited for violating the 200-foot rule for wake boats, although some boats were pulled over and advised about HB121.
• Several cases of boats not having proper lights or registration.

Sgt. Cody Jones of the DNR provided detailed statistics for arrests, citations, and warnings over 96 patrol days:

• 87 Citations
• 166 Warnings
• 22 Instances of kids without flotation devices
• 38 No Wake violations
• 28 Violations of the 100-foot rule
• 32 Light violations
• 11 Flotation device violations
• 31 Rules of the Road violations
• 11 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) cases
• 2 BUI Child Endangerment cases

Sgt. Jones also noted that there isn’t a significant correlation between BUI and concert nights. Only one of eleven BUIs was issued on a concert night. Nighttime patrols have increased, and intoxicated boat operators are usually pulled over during these patrols. Complaints were particularly high in the no-wake zones near Hwy 76 bridge and LaPrades and for 100-foot violations near docks. To address these concerns, DNR focused patrols in these high-complaint areas.

Both the Sheriff and DNR recommend distributing rules to boaters next year, emphasizing rules of the waterway and the use of life jackets on all types of watercraft, including paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Sgt. Cody Jones reported more violations and unsafe boat operations this year. Fortunately, there were no drownings or deaths on the lake. Still, there was one accident involving two adult males crashing into Burton Island due to boating under the influence.

Boating Education through Videos and Social Media

This summer, we launched an outstanding series of campaigns through social media channels, focusing on new wake boat rules and rules of the waterways. We extend a huge shout-out to the Communications Committee for their excellent and effective communications. We allocated $2,680 for the HB121 video, which was covered by our $15,000 budget for Water Safety this year.

Water Quality

In collaboration with the Riverkeepers, LBCA organized training sessions for volunteers to become certified testers for specific criteria on the lake. These tests will complement those conducted by the EPA, with results uploaded through an app. We now have seven teams of testers who will begin testing for Dissolved Oxygen, water temperatures, and pH levels this fall. The Water Safety budget will cover training costs and test materials this year.

As we look forward to the coming year, let’s all continue to prioritize the safety of our lake and its users. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to keeping Lake Burton a safe and beautiful place for all!

Sincerely,

Yolanda Adrean
Chair, Water Safety & Quality Committee
Lake Burton Civic Association

School may be back, and fall may be around the corner, but much is still happening around the lake.  

In a remarkable display of community commitment, 30 Lake Burton and Lake Rabun homeowners recently came together for a four-hour water quality training session. We are thrilled to announce that we have all become certified to conduct water testing on our lake. Starting this month, we plan to perform these vital tests each month to ensure the well-being of our precious water resources.

Foxfire Museum

Foxfire Museum and Heritage Village has graciously invited Lake Burton Civic Association members and their families to a free event on Saturday, September 30, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. They will give our members a tour and provide lunch.

We can enjoy the village of log cabins, children’s playground, and wonderful Appalachian music; plus, they will serve us Appalachian food cooked on a wood stove! What a fantastic opportunity to see this Rabun County gem! Please make reservations by calling 706-746-5828 or emailing foxfire@foxfire.org.

This is for the first 50 families who register; reservations are needed by September 15.

Take advantage of these two October LBCA Events!

LBCA Golf Tournament: A Day of Play and Purpose

Date: October 20, 2023  

Location: The Waterfall Club

Prepare to tee off for a remarkable cause as the LBCA Golf Tournament emerges as this year’s paramount fundraising endeavor. We invite you to be a beacon of support by becoming a sponsor. Connect with Laura Seberg, Golf Chair, at golf@lbca.net to seize this remarkable opportunity to showcase your business.

• This event is almost sold out. Don’t delay!

Register here.

LBCA Burton Bash: Starry Evening on Burton

Date: October 21, 2023  
Location: LaPrades Marina

Step into a starlit wonderland on Burton’s shores, where an exquisite evening awaits with delectable dining, enchanting dancing, and an artistic auction. Secure your tickets now to ensure your place in this captivating soirée that promises memories to last a lifetime. Proceeds benefit Clean Water/Safe Water efforts for Lake Burton.

• Register for this event here.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our beautiful community. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events and working together to impact our beloved Lake Burton.

See you on the lake,

Elizabeth Gill
President, Lake Burton Civic Association

Registration is now open for the 32nd LBCA Golf Tournament at Waterfall Country Club on Friday, October 20. This Members Only Event sells out each year, so don't delay! Proceeds benefit local Rabun County nonprofits and Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs); sponsors are still needed.

Submitted on behalf of Our Friends at Foxfire 

What do you know about Rabun County’s hidden gem? Do you want to step back in history to see what the real Appalachia was like? Would your children like to play in an authentic children’s village of log cabins or try walking on old-fashioned stilts? 

We invite you to Foxfire’s Village on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 11 am to 2 pm for a unique three-hour luncheon, tour, and fantastic experience for LBCA Members only. During your visit, we will share our mountain, where your family will enjoy our village of log cabins, children’s playground, Appalachian music, storytelling, and heritage-skilled demonstrators. 

You’ll also have an extra treat as you’re served delicious Appalachian food cooked on a wood stove and fresh pressed fruit juice. 

This is an RSVP event for the first 50 families to register. For more information about Foxfire, please visit our website.

Foxfire began in the late 1960s when a high school teacher sought to engage his students in learning. Students interviewed the older members of Rabun County and surrounding communities. They created a magazine to share the stories they gathered. The magazines were so popular that in the early 1970s, Random House Book Company reached out to Foxfire and published the first Foxfire Book in 1972. That book has sold over 9 million copies! 

Today, there are 12 books in the series, plus many companion books. Students used the royalties from the books to buy the land in Mountain City, just below Black Rock State Park. Today, this Rabun County treasure is home to over 20 captivating log structures, countless artifacts, and talented artisans who demonstrate skills used in an earlier era of Appalachia. 

Take advantage of this special event planned for LBCA members on September 30 from 11 am to 2 pm.

We look forward to seeing you on the mountain! 

 

Todd Faircloth 

Executive Director of Foxfire

 

Dr. Laura West 

President, Board of Directors

 

For reservations, please call 706-746-5828 or email foxfire@foxfire.org by Friday, September 15