Lake Country Visitor & Newcomer Guide 2009 - (Page 34) 34 Above: “It’s very, very nice. The people are very friendly,” says Mary Ann Gasko. Right: Lee Nicholson lived all over the country and could have picked any place to settle, but chose Lake Country. the shops, the southern culture.” People come to Lake Country, and they like what they see, Williams says. “I came through here by accident in 1997. And I fell in love with the area.” Leaving New Jersey, Williams bought a farm along Grassy Creek. Then he picked up this second career – selling farms and properties. Here, taxes are lower than in big cities, Williams says, and property is less expensive. “So that enables you to have a lot more liquid capital.” Which means, after buying a house or farm or lakefront home, you will have more money to go out and play. And play is exactly what you should do after relocating to the Lake Country, says Winnie Blanks, a longtime Clarksville resident. This whole community breathes with a relaxed pace, Blanks says, smiling. “We don’t see too many people rushing around.” W H AT ’ S N O T T O L I K E ? F red Gasko held a compass in his hand. And, standing on the banks of Lake Gaston, he knew exactly what he wanted. The former math instructor and IBM technology manager wanted a house that faced south where he and his wife Mary Ann could view sunsets year-round. Ultimately, the Gaskos completed their calculations and built their dream home overlooking the widest point of the 34-mile-long Lake Gaston. These former New York State residents took early retirement and wanted to get involved in their new community. They then became business owners. For the next nine years they owned and operated the largest day care and a number of apartment buildings in Roanoke Rapids. At this time they became involved with the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce and have continued to support the organization. In fact, this past year Mary Ann worked part time for the Chamber assisting with special events and coordinating the Leadership Roanoke Valley program. Today, the couple continues helping make the Lake Country a better place to be, either civically through involvement in numerous organizations or socially by hosting dinner parties such as the annual July 4th gathering with friends to watch fireworks from the comfort of their deck. “The people are friendly and happy,” Mary Ann says. “Small town America is small town America. If you’re nice to people, they will be nice to you.” Fred has been active in photography and is a member of the board of directors of the Halifax County Arts Council. He has had photographs published in NC Signature magazine and also on the cover of the 2008 Embarq phone book. “What’s not to like?” Fred asks. “It’s the quietness, the nature and the beauty that so many others don’t have the opportunity to experience.” Southern Virginia ⁄ Northern North Carolina’s Lake Country
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.