Brasstown - Overlooking the location of a former New Year’s Eve celebration, The Crown welcomed the new year with a century-old theme.
After walking past Ryan Gazaway spitting fire, guests entered through a side door and provided the password – wingtip – to doorman Tilden Repp to gain entrance. Inside, the restaurant was transformed into a speakeasy, complete with music of the era provided by Woolybooger & the Ragtime Drifters and Prohibition-style cocktails.
The theme was something owners Donna and Robert Forsyth have done before. They created the Cat’s Meow Speakeasy for the Cherokee County Arts Council years ago, plus hosted a similarly themed party for Robert’s birthday one year.
“It’s fun to get dressed up and be in a different time,” Donna said.
“It’s in Donna and Robert’s blood,” said Megan Reyes, one of the restaurant’s mangers.
The restaurant’s mixologist, Mariel Olcoz, enjoyed researching Prohibition-style drinks for the party, sticking to ones that were safe to serve, like New York Sour and Bee’s Knees. She even created two of her own – Bootlegger and The Stork Club – saying many of the cocktails were the basics of bartending.
She was also able to get a case of the first beer brewed after Prohibition, thanks to a distributor mentioning the history of Utica Club to her. The event had 35 people on the guest list, with some traveling far to be there.
“We were trying to find a 1920s-style party,” said Sarah McIlvenna of Athens, Ga. “So far, it’s a really good vibe. I love they have a band doing all the old songs, and the attention to detail in the staff costume and drinks available.”
The Crown Brasstown opened in September. The owners weren’t sure if speakeasy would become a new tradition, but said it’s possible there will be another one to welcome 2021.
In Murphy, The Daily Grind & Wine continued its tradition of celebrating the arrival of the new year with Dublin, Ireland. As the crowd counted down to midnight outside The Temple Bar in Dublin,
the small crowd at The
Daily Grind watched and counted along as it reached 7 p.m. locally.
Owner Lane Lowe continued the tradition for the fourth year after several years of the previous owners – Amy and Dave Johnson – hosting the party. She said the event opens up celebrating for more people – families can have fun, while others can go to more than one party. Plus, her employees have an opportunity to enjoy their night at another party or at home.
Dr. Anne Merkel of Mineral Bluff, Ga., was enjoying her first New Year’s Eve at The Daily Grind. She typically spends the night celebrating at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.
“I thought this was perfect because I can go there afterward,” she said.
Community supports
the Helton family
Murphy – Kimmi Wilkins, Kareen Abling Morrow and Lexi Helton were the best of friends. On Dec. 26, Wilkins and Morrow’s hearts were broken as they learned Helton suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away.
Helton was only 28 years old. She left behind three children – Jordden, Jayse and AnnLeigh Crowder – as well as her boyfriend Tre Crowder, brother Austin and sister Heyli.
“(She was) such a bright light in everyone’s life, very driven, hard working, the best mother there is out there and a wonderful friend,” Wilkins said. “I know she is watching over us, and her family and babies. I just don’t understand why things happen sometimes, but all we have to do is trust in the Lord.”
Wilkins soon started Facebook and GoFundMe fundraisers to help Helton’s family with the financial burden of
losing Helton just three weeks after her mother, Cheryl Helton, passed away. Within a day, the fundraisers passed the initial goals she set.
In just a week, more than $8,500 was raised. People were also donating funds, diapers, wipes and clothing at Wilkins’ mother’s business, Haney’s restaurant in Peachtree.
“We are truly overwhelmed by all the donations received for Lexi’s family,” Wilkins said. “I’m so thankful for everyone that has donated, and am truly thankful to know so many of the people who have donated. …
“It means a lot. I was born and raised here, and this is exactly why Murphy will always be home to
me.”
Helton went to Ranger Elementary/Middle School and graduated from Murphy High School. The visitation and funeral were held Saturday at Cochran Funeral Home, followed by a gathering in the Texana Community Center.
Samantha Sinclair is the Scouting Around columnist for the Cherokee Scout. You can reach her by phone, 837-5122, Ext. 24; or email, scoutingaround@cherokeescout.com.