To the Editor:

I fell in love with the North georgia Mountains six years ago. Our family came down from Michigan to meet some of my husband's relatives, The week we spent here was so wonderful that I found myself shedding a tear at the thought of leaving. I enjoyed my stay so much from that point, all I could think about was moving down here. I even told my husband on the way back to Michigan, " You watch! We'll be living there within a year!" We moved here almost five years ago now, and it was the best decision we have ever made.

This place is like another world compared to the cities in Michigan I am accustomed to. The differences between the communities are so drastic that I need to point them out. Here are just a few examples of the things I experience here that rarely, if ever, occur where I used to live:

+ This community acts like one big family rather than a group of strangers.

+ Local newspapers keep their citizens well-informed about everything that occurs in the area, from high school sports scores to elementary school reading achievements, and even pre-school presentations. No one is too young or unimportant to be noteworthy.

+ The residents are friendly, helpful, patient and kind.

+ People are open and willing to talk. They want to know about you and show genuine interest. It is worth noting here, that I'm particularly amazed at how friendly and polite the teens are.

+ Everyone smiles and waves at you- even if they don't know you.

+ I haven't met a rude or mean person in the five years I've lived here.

The natural beauty of this area combined with the people make the North georgia Mountains a wonderful place to live. I would like to thank every person in this community for being the way you are. I honestly believe you give this area the charm that makes this place so irresistible. You don't know how refreshing it is to see such a close knit community. All the residents make living here an absolute delight!

Shannon Woody