Contents SEPTEMBER 2024 * VOL. 80, NO. 9 20 38 16 'The Keeper' 20 24 Independent film chronicles Georgia veteran's journey, message of hope. By Amber Lanier Nagle Signs of the times Historical markers capture key people, places, events in Georgia. By Jim Kelly Navigating the elements National Preparedness Month helps Georgians stay ready for the weather. By H.M. Cauley On the cover U.S. Army veteran George Eshleman pauses at McAfee Knob in Virginia on the Appalachian Trail. In 2016, he hiked the trail while carrying 363 uniform name tapes of U.S. military veterans who had died by suicide, to raise awareness of the problem. His story is told in the 2024 movie " The Keeper. " (Photo courtesy of George Eshleman.) 28 4 MAILBOX 6 PICTURE THIS? 8 GEORGIA NEWS 10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14 CURRENTS 26 COOPERATIVE CONCERNS How to save money on your electric bill 28 AROUND GEORGIA Foxfire Village Museum and Mercantile 34 GEORGIA GARDENS Carnivorous plants 36 GEORGIANS AT WORK Meet House Speaker Jon Burns 38 GEORGIA COOKS Georgia Grown Executive Chef Lauren Bolden 41 TRIVIA CONTEST 42 HOMETOWN HEROES Beth Clymer nurtures horses, youths www.georgiamagazine.org 3 COURTESY PIE BAR COURTESY FOXFIRE JENNIFER J. HEWETThttp://www.georgiamagazine.org