Community Living Magazine - Spring 2024

Community Living

2024

Butts • Clayton • Henry Morgan • Newton Rockdale Counties A Publication of Jackson Progress-Argus • Morgan Citizen Clayton News • Henry Herald Rockdale/Newton Citizen

Reynolds Nature Preserve welcomes visitors to enjoy its trails and tranquility PAGE 10

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Community Living

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BUTTS COUNTY Things To Know About Butts County

6

Come for the mineral water, but stay for the camping, boating, fishing and more

7

The Village at Indian Springs is a place of serious history and family fun

STAFF CORRESPONDENTS Beth Slaughter Sexton Leigh-Anne Burgess Jon Waterhouse Ruby Evans Leak

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Windsor Armour

CLAYTON COUNTY Things To Know About Clayton County

ADVERTISING STAFF

10

Reynolds Nature Preserve welcomes visitors to enjoy its trails and tranquility

Vice President Sales Bob McCray bob.mccray@scompapers.com

12

Tips to remember as spring and summer storms approach

9

13

Director of Major Accounts & Digital Sales Mary Ann Holland maryann.holland@henryherald.com (816) 489-8742

HENRY COUNTY Things To Know About Henry County

Account Executive Janie Roling janie.roling@scompapers.com 770-378-1050

14

Cast your line in Henry County for happiness and health

15

Thrive Consulting offers HR help to clients across the U.S.

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MORGAN COUNTY Things To Know About Morgan County

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Morgan Medical Center: Heading into the Future

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Account Executive Barbara Aycox baycox@mccitizen.com 770-789-8912 Account Executive Sandra Thomas sthomas@myjpa.com (678) 758-0205 Account Executive Ricky Clark ricky.clark@news-daily.com (706) 474-6141

5 Reasons Why You Should Use A Document Preparation Services Company To Complete Your Nonprofit Paperwork NEWTON COUNTY Things To Know About Newton County

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Newton Federal’s new cookbook benefits Alcovy CASA

27

ROCKDALE COUNTY Things To Know About Rockdale County

28

HHS Performing Arts grads and friends chase their dreams in New York City

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COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 3

STROLL Whimsical GARDENS

TOUR historic SITES

BOUTIQUES • ANTIQUES • ART • HISTORY MUSEUM TOURS • PICNICS • FUDGE DELICIOUS CAFE • BBQ • AMPHITHEATER MUSIC • STATE PARK • FISHING • HIKING BIKING • SHOPPING • QUAINT COTTAGES

...AND THAT’S JUST THE FIRST DAY! Miss that fun inside of you? It’s down here!

1834 HWY 42 SOUTH | FLOVILLA, GA 30126 | 770.775.5350 Next to Dauset Trails and Indian Springs State Park

BUTTS COUNTY

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

BUTTS COUNTY

HISTORY Butts County was formed on December 24, 1825, as the 64th county in Georgia from portions of Henry and Monroe counties. It was named by the Georgia General Assembly in honor of Samuel Butts, an officer who was killed in the Creek War in 1814. Originally inhabited by mound builders and then Creek Indians, the county celebrates the region’s first inhabitants with annual festivals and maintains concrete reminders of them, including Indian Springs State Park.

Having operated as a state park since 1825, Indian Springs State Park is one of the oldest state parks in the nation. Used for centuries by Native Americans for healing purposes, the sulfur springs for which the park is named were first discovered by white men in 1792, when a U.S. Indian agent, Georgia Power Dam at Jackson Lake (Photo provided by Butts County Chamber of Commerce) Douglas Watson, came across them. Although he named the area Gunpowder Springs for the water’s taste, the springs’ reputed restorative powers attracted 19th-century travelers. A resort hotel was built at the springs in 1823 by Chief William McIntosh, whose Creek Indian mother had married one of the early Scots settlers, Captain William McIntosh, in Georgia. The younger William McIntosh was educated in Savannah, where his father lived, and joined Andrew Jackson’s forces during the War of 1812, gaining the rank of brigadier general. McIntosh, the Creeks’ spokesman during negotiations over land distribution, signed away all Creek lands in Georgia to the U.S. government in 1825. The agreement took place in a conference room (later called the Treaty Room) in his own hotel.

JUST THE FACTS h Butts County is home to an estimated 26,887 people (U.S. Census 2023 estimate) h Jackson is the county seat with other Butts County cities being Flovilla and Jenkinsburg h The median household income is $60,076 h 13.1 percent of Butts County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher level of education h Largest employers are Dollar General, Ready Pac Foods, American Woodmark and MasterBrand Cabinets (Butts Chamber information)

OF NOTE Butts County is called the “Outdoor Capital of Georgia” and is home to two state parks, Indian Springs State Park and High Falls State Park, part of the Civil War Heritage Trail where one can trace the path of Sherman’s “March to the Sea” which took the Federal Army through Butts County in 1864. Visit the dam at Jackson Lake, built in 1911, which was a cornerstone of what later became the Georgia Power Company. See the burial place of Robert Grier, the man who created Grier’s Almanac, used by generations of farmers. Genealogy buffs will enjoy combing through the many cemeteries in Butts County, featuring the burial sites of the people who settled this part of Georgia, all of which have been indexed.

In addition to the famous Indian Springs State Park, Butts County is home to many other points of interest, including Jackson Lake, Dauset Trails, High Falls State Park, the Village at Indian Springs and the Stranger Things Tour featuring sites used in filming the popular Netflix hit series, Stranger Things.

COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 5

BUTTS COUNTY

Come for the mineral water, but stay for the camping, boating, fishing and more

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON

Native Americans knew it was a treasure long before it was named as such. The natural artesian spring at what is now known as Indian Springs State Park, has been used by generations for its flowing mineral water that some say has homeopathic qualities. Since the days of the Creek Indians, people from far flung regions have made the trek in search of healing at this Butts County landmark.

Experts explain the pressure of the Earth forcing underground water to the surface causes the water at Indian Springs to pick up many minerals during that process, which leads to its unique sulfur smell. While people once only visited the site to collect its water, today—the water is still important— but families vacation at this Georgia State Park, enjoying the many activities and events taking place on its 765 acres of land “Indian Springs is special because it’s one of the oldest state parks in the nation and best known for the mineral-rich water that’s still collected today,” says Kim Hatcher, who enjoys visiting the park and works for Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources in its State Parks and Historic Sites Division. “It’s a great family vacation spot too because there’s so much to do right there. You’ll find hiking and biking trails, a fishing lake with kayak rental, playground, mini-golf and geocoaching. Best of all, you can choose from affordable cottages and campsites, meaning you don’t even have to leave the park to enjoy all the amenities.”

Nestled among its wooded acreage is Idlewilde, the park’s 20,000-square-foot event facility. Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park is available for reservations year round. The name comes from the majestic house on the property that serves as the park office and visitor center and is listed on the National Historic Register. With a “nod to the past,” the individual rooms in the center are named after historic hotels that once thrived in the village of Indian Springs. The event center features a ballroom and veranda—a massive lake side porch with beautiful views of the water. With a capacity of 500 people, Idlewilde can accommodate a range of events from birthday parties and family reunions, to weddings and corporate retreats. The center also has a catering kitchen and audio visual capabilities in each room. For more information, visit https://idlewildega.com/.

Families enjoy sampling the mineral water flowing inside the stone Spring House. (Photo courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Division)

is also a large group campsite that can sleep 130 people, again with a prior reservation. The property is also home to a museum.

“Idlewilde is a really nice option for people who want a stylish venue in a beautiful setting that’s also affordable,” Hatcher said.

“It has a commercial kitchen, which makes it easy to provide your own catering. Plus, Indian Springs State Park is centrally located in Georgia, making it a convenient location.”

Indian Springs has a rich past and its story is found written on the pages of history books about Georgia. Indian Springs State Park has its origins following a series of treaties between the Creek Nation, the United States and the state of Georgia in the 1820s. The Creeks suffered greatly during war with the U.S. in 1813-1814, at which time the Georgia government wanted to acquire the remaining Creek lands in the state. The signing of the First Treaty of Indian Springs in 1821, ceded thousands of acres, including what is now Indian Springs State Park. William McIntosh, a chief of the Lower Creeks, who were Creeks residing in what is now central and southwest Georgia, reportedly acquired several hundred acres of land through his involvement with the 1821 treaty and built the Indian Springs Hotel, which still stands across from the park entrance.

Indian Springs State Park features a 105-acre lake for those who enjoy fishing and boating. Visitors also enjoy wading in Sandy Creek. Accommodations include ten cottages and 62 tent, trailer and RV campsites. There are five picnic shelters and a large group shelter at the Stone Pavilion that can accommodate 130 people, with a prior reservation. There

Indian Springs State Park is located at 678 Lake Clark Road in Flovilla, near Interstate 75. Park guests today enjoy sampling the famous spring water flowing inside the stone Spring House, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. For more information, visit https:// gastateparks.org/IndianSprings.

6 • APRIL 2024

COMMUNITY LIVING

The Village at Indian Springs is a place of serious history and family fun

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON

A trip to the historic Indian Spring Hotel puts a visitor right there “in the room where it happened,” to borrow a line from the famous Broadway musical Hamilton. It was there in what became known as The Treaty Room, that Chief William McIntosh signed away all Creek Indian lands in Georgia. The chief, also known as Tustunnuggee Hutkee, or “White Warrior,” was born to Capt. William McIntosh, a Scotsman from Savannah and Senoia, a Creek woman of the Wind Clan. He was raised among the Creeks, but spent enough time in Savannah to become fluent in English and to move comfortably in both Indian and white societies. He built his inn, the Indian Spring Hotel in 1823, and in 1825, a two-story addition was completed to include a tavern with a large ballroom above it. It was there in the tavern that McIntosh signed the documents that would sell the Indian lands to the government—and ultimately signed his own death warrant as not all Creeks agreed with his decision. The hotel recently celebrated its 200th anniversary and during its many bicentennial events, visitors came from The Muscogee Nation; descendants of the McIntosh family, who built the hotel and descendants of the Varner family, who lived there for 103 years.

Known for its mineral waters, Indian Springs made its mark on the map in 1823 as a stagecoach stop before becoming a glamorous resort town in the 1840s, only to suffer the ravages of fires and time. The area’s buildings and legends were almost lost to history, but thanks to the efforts of volunteers, The Village at Indian Springs has now become one of Georgia’s popular tourist destinations. Key to the revitalization has been the work done by the Butts County Historical Society, the Friends of Indian Springs State Park, a large dedicated staff and residents of the community, many of whom have lived in the area for generations. Frankie Willis, owner of Indian Springs Historic Properties bought a home in the area about 30 years ago and joined the historical society during the final phase of the restoration of the Indian Spring Hotel, which is now a museum.

“For decades, Butts County Historical Society members, Friends of Indian Springs State Park, thousands of volunteers and a hardworking staff and support from the local community worked to put this back together,” Willis said of The Village at Indian Springs. As it did when it first began as a stagecoach stop, the Village surrounding the historic Indian Springs State Park is again drawing people who are looking for family fun and relaxation. It has become a popular weekend destination and offers numerous venues for weddings and parties. The renowned Indian Spring Hotel Museum is open on weekends or by appointment and highlights all eras of Indian Springs history. There are 37 miles of biking and hiking trails and another 10 miles in the planning stages. Also in the planning stages are six “GlampSites” where all one has to do is just drive there to have a private, exclusive campsite with each providing a unique experience in addition to a grill and a fire pit. Guests can even have their coolers packed with steaks, potatoes and favorite beverages. In addition to camping, the Village has luxurious historic homes and lake cabins, as well as RV facilities. Families enjoy picnics in the area as they enjoy the

outdoors and touring the area. More shops are planned to join the existing four home décor and clothing shops and the handdipped ice cream and home-made fudge shop. The restaurant, Yahola Creek marks its sixth anniversary as a favorite place to eat. In addition, the village expects to open two dog parks this summer. The Village at Indian Springs also has an amphitheater where everything from weddings to community concerts are held. Marvelous Maverick’s Adventure Playground offers a toddler play area with an Amish-built kids’ slide and swing sets. Charming Channing’s Princess Paradise is a two-story Wigwam Hotel playhouse, a unique replica of the original Wigwam Hotel (1890-1921). The Maude Alice Grier Education Center offers a screened-in sandbox, as well as a raised handicapped-accessible sandbox. The Free Little Library is located near the entrance of the Whimsical Botanical Gardens, which features unique antiques, fountains, garden décor and a waterfall, vegetable garden, flower garden, bird haven garden and many others. The Charlotte Weaver Rose Garden is a favorite romantic setting for weddings and parties. In addition, Willis has created gardens designed to educate visitors about the seven continents. Other activities as part of the Village at Indian Springs include Dauset Trails Nature Center and Animal Preserve and Indian Springs State Park. The treaty McIntosh signed included language to keep the Native People’s revered mineral spring open to the public forever.

History, arts, gardens, shopping, dining—Willis said The Village at Indian Springs has it all. “We want people to come here and have a good time,” she said. “There is something for everyone.” The Village at Indian Springs is located at 1834 Georgia Highway 42, in Flovilla. For more information, visit www.thevillageatindiansprings.com.

COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 7

CLAYTON COUNTY

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

CLAYTON COUNTY HISTORY Clayton County was formed out of Fayette to the west and Henry to the east in 1858, and was named after Judge Augustin S. Clayton, who served in the Georgia General Assembly. A Virginia native, Clayton moved with his family to Georgia as a child. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 1804. Clayton helped compile the law statutes of Georgia, served three terms as a judge of the Western Circuit, was a member of the Electoral College and served in the U.S. Congress from 1831-1835. Long before Georgia’s 125th county was created, Creek Indians made the area their home. Remnants of their farming culture can still be found today along the Flint River. In 1823, Leaksville, later named Jonesboro was founded and became an important stop on the railroad running from Macon to Terminus, which was later named Atlanta, connecting the Southeast to the port city of Savannah.

JUST THE FACTS h In addition to its county seat, Jonesboro, Clayton County is home to the cities of College Park, Lovejoy, Forest Park, Morrow, Riverdale and Lake City. h Clayton County’s 2023 population is estimated at 298,300 (U.S. Census) h Census numbers show 20.6 percent of the county’s residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher level h Median income in 2022 was $56,207

OF NOTE Clayton County is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger airport with a workforce of more than 63,000.

Clayton County is home to the International Park, which hosted the 1996 Olympics volleyball beach competition. Filming for The Hunger Games was done here.

Clayton State University in Morrow is a part of the University System of Georgia.

The Georgia State Archives and the National Archives are located in Morrow.

Places of interest in Clayton County include the Reynolds Nature Preserve, State Farmers’ Market, Road to Tara Museum, Newman Wetlands Center, Melvina Shields Monument and Spivey Hall, to name a few.

COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 9

CLAYTON COUNTY

Native azaleas at Reynolds Nature Preserve

Reynolds Nature Preserve welcomes visitors to its trails and tranquility

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON

Just a short drive away from honking horns, squealing tires and all the other everyday sights and sounds that set nerves on edge and make blood pressure go up, there is a special happy place. The 146 acres of wetlands and woodlands at Reynolds Nature Preserve in Clayton County offer a place of peace and tranquility. This protected forest and registered Wildlife Sanctuary through the Georgia Audubon Society, is a jewel in the crown for the Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department.

It was 1976, when Judge William “Bill” Huie Reynolds donated the acreage to the Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department with the stipulation that it would remain, in perpetuity, undeveloped and in its natural state. Since that time, residents have discovered the beauty of the natural park, walked its trails and met its many residents—deer, foxes, turtles, hawks, choirs of birds and other animal friends of the forest.

Born in 1890, to Amanda Huie and Amos Preston Reynolds, Bill Reynolds learned the family business of farming at an early age. A common livelihood among those with a rural southern upbringing, Reynolds sought to escape the labor of farming 10 • APRIL 2024

and began studying instead. He borrowed books from a friend, educated himself on the law and passed the Georgia Bar exam in 1919. His desire to preserve a spot of beauty and serenity for the enjoyment of both man and wildlife was realized in the founding of the nature preserve named in his honor.

Friends recall his gift was not only the land, but his example of stewardship and his brotherhood with nature.

The Robert T.S. Huie Family bought the land around the time of the Civil War, but because the courthouse in Jonesboro was destroyed by fire during the war, there are no records about the land prior to the war. In the late 1920s, the property was sold to Reynolds. At that time, it contained two barns, one of which is still standing, a corn crib, a spring house and two tenant farmhouses in addition to the main house. Reynolds created the ponds on the grounds during the late 1930s by damming creek flow from fresh water springs.

Today’s visitors to the park enjoy the one-mile Summit Loop which circles the area’s largest patch of unspoiled woodlands.

This trail is labeled moderately strenuous and walkers are challenged to walk clockwise up the steepest incline to the top of Back Mountain; benchmark elevation 1,116 feet. The Pond

COMMUNITY LIVING

CLAYTON COUNTY Loop is also one mile and said to be easy to moderate in its difficulty level. The trail circumnavigates four ponds where one can observe a variety of birds and aquatic wildlife. Big Pond offers a dock for a closer look and a scenic view from the dam along the trail. The Perimeter Loop is 1.5 miles and is moderate in its difficulty. This trail showcases the history and the beauty of the preserve. Visitors can visit the Boardwalk and Woodland Pond trails for a short side trip to see a spring, swamp and secluded pond.

Reynolds Nature Preserve is a member of EarthShare of Georgia, a nonprofit that raises funds through employee giving and benefits more than 60 environmental organizations dedicated to conserving and protecting Georgia’s air, land and water. A few years ago, the preserve established the department’s first Pollinator Garden. The garden is listed at No. 100 on the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail list of participating public sites. Through its relationship with the Georgia Audubon Society, Reynolds Nature Preserve is a registered Wildlife Sanctuary. Free bird-watching hikes are offered on the second Wednesday of each month on the trails by Master Birder Anne McCallum. Located at 5665 Reynolds Road in Morrow, Reynolds Nature Preserve is open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk. Clayton County Parks and Recreation Deputy Administrator of Greenspace Stephanie Berens has been on the staff at Reynolds Nature Preserve for 23 years. For more information, visit https://www. claytonparks.com/reynolds-nature-preserve.

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Canna lily frog (top photo) and this garden of bee balm red plants are part of the beauty of Reynolds Nature Preserve. (Photos on this page, previous page and the front cover photo of the Monarch caterpillar were taken by Stephanie Berens and provided by the Clayton County Parks & Recreation Department)

COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 11

Tips to remember as spring and summer storms approach

BY LEIGH-ANNE BURGESS, SNAPPING SHOALS EMC’S COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING COORDINATOR

For more than 85 years, Snapping Shoals EMC has been serving this region and has built a strong reputation for providing reliable power and excellent service during that time. The electric cooperative’s roots go back to the 1930s and the early days of America’s rural electrification, but today Snapping Shoals serves some of the fastest-growing areas in our nation, as most of its once-rural service territory is now part of metro Atlanta.

The cooperative currently provides electricity to approximately 110,000 homes, businesses and other facilities in an eight-county area that includes large portions of Newton, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as parts of DeKalb, Butts, Walton, Jasper and Morgan counties.

Snapping Shoals EMC’s headquarters is located at 14750 Brown Bridge Road in Newton County, near the center of the co-op’s service area, and a branch office is located on Fairview Road in Henry County’s Ellenwood area.

As a member-owned, non-profit cooperative, Snapping Shoals EMC (SSEMC) is known for giving back. The cooperative regularly issues excess revenue to its members as capital credit payments.

Margins, which is the revenue left after all expenses have been paid, are assigned to members’ accounts as capital credits each year. Capital credits are allocated in proportion to the total amount of electricity the member purchased during that year.

Since sufficient funds must be kept on hand to make system improvements and build new lines, capital credits are normally retained by the cooperative for a while for these purposes. Capital credits are then paid to the current and past members when it is financially sound to do so and when approved by SSEMC’s Board of Directors.

Despite all efforts to locate past SSEMC members, there are always those who cannot be located to receive their capital credit payment. Legislation passed in 2005 allows EMCs to retain these unclaimed capital credits that historically would be turned over to the state. The unclaimed funds are used to support Snapping Shoals EMC’s various educational programs, such as scholarships and Bright Ideas grants, as well as other community and economic development projects.

Snapping Shoals EMC’s members also play a part in supporting the community through the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program. Operation Round Up offers a way for members to help neighbors in need by rounding up their electric bill to the next dollar. The money raised is used to directly support social, charitable and civic programs in our community, as well as individuals in need of assistance.

In addition to supporting the community, Snapping Shoals EMC is committed to giving its members the best possible electric service. We hope that our members don’t experience outages as spring and summer storms approach, but here are some tips if you do: • Avoid downed power lines. If a line falls on your car, stay inside your vehicle.

• If the outage occurs during hot weather, stay cool and drink 12 • APRIL 2024

Snapping Shoals EMC awarded $15,000 in Bright Ideas grants to Newton County Schools. The co-op awards approximately $60,000 each year in these grants to Newton, Henry, Rockdale and DeKalb schools. Pictured are (l-r) SSEMC Vice President of Economic Development & External Affairs Chris Wood, Newton County Schools (NCS) Board of Education Chair Shakila HendersonBaker, NCS Director of Grants Tiffany Merriweather and NCS Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III. (Below) SSEMC crews at work

plenty of fluids to prevent heat- related illness.

• If the outage is during cold weather, wear layers of clothing and use blankets to help trap body heat.

• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, use generators, grills and similar items outdoors only.

• Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches to minimize the risk of fire.

• When the power goes out, water purification systems may not be functioning fully. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Your local health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for up to 12 hours. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Leave a light switch on so you’ll know when power is restored.

Unplug other appliances, so they aren’t damaged when the power comes back on.

• Make an emergency supply kit. The kit should include water, dried and canned food and other emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, prescription medicines, etc.) to last for at least 3 days.

COMMUNITY LIVING

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HENRY COUNTY

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

HENRY COUNTY

HISTORY

Henry County is Georgia’s 52nd county and comprises 323 square miles in the Atlanta metropolitan area south of the city. Named for Revolutionary War patriot and orator Patrick Henry, it was created in May 1821 by the Georgia Land Lottery. Enacted four months after the Creek Indians ceded a large portion of their land in the Treaty of Indian Springs, the act named five new counties and Henry was among them.

McDonough was laid out by the state legislature on the site of a prominent Indian trading post and incorporated on December 17, 1823, as the Atlanta Motor Speedway (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Motor Speedway) county seat of Henry. It was named in honor of Commodore Thomas McDonough, a naval captain who defeated the British fleet on Lake Champlain during the War of 1812. The historic courthouse was built in 1897 and restored in 1981. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Henry County is sometimes called the “Mother of Counties” because within a year of its creation after the Treaty of Indian Springs, its land was divided and through the years parts of that land helped form or became part of what are now Butts, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Newton, Rockdale, Fayette and Spalding counties..

JUST THE FACTS h Henry County’s 2020 population: 240,712; an increase from 2010’s population of 203,922. Updated numbers estimate Henry County’s 2023 population at 254,613 (U.S. Census) h In addition to McDonough, Henry County’s largest communities are Stockbridge, Hampton and Locust Grove. h Median Household Income 2022: $79,663

OF NOTE Among Henry County’s many points of interest include the famous Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton; the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum in Hampton; Panola Mountain State Conservation Park, a 537-acre park surrounding Panola Mountain, east of Stockbridge; the 1826 Brown House, home of the Henry County Historical Society in McDonough; Cubihatcha Outdoor Center in Locust Grove; Pates Creek Nature Preserve in Stockbridge and Shingleroof Methodist Campground in McDonough, a camp meeting since 1830.

A few notable people who once lived in Henry County include James S. Boynton, Georgia’s 36th governor; Martin Luther King Sr., the father of Martin Luther King Jr., who was born in Stockbridge and James Weldon Johnson, a poet, teacher, diplomat, and early leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 13

HENRY COUNTY

Cast your line in Henry County for happiness and health

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON

There might be a good reason Sheriff Andy Taylor seemed to always be whistling, relaxed and in an upbeat mood. The main character on The Andy Griffith Show loved to fish and in fact, remember how the show opened with Andy and his son Opie on their way to the fishing hole? Well, apparently there is science behind that whistle of happiness.

Health experts say fishing can reel in more than just the catch of the day. In medical studies, such as the one done at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, Ulster University and Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland, researchers found that fishing on a regular basis contributed to a lower risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and other mental conditions. Researchers polled 1,752 men about their fishing activities, as well as other factors such as previous mental illness, exercise and overall well-being. Those who said they fished on a regular basis were almost 17 percent less likely to have experienced mental health conditions compared to men who did not fish frequently. In fact, the more often the men fished, the better their mental health, according to the study.

So the prescription is to take one rod and one reel daily and go find where the fish are biting.

That shouldn’t be a problem for Henry County fishing enthusiasts as the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) has once again opened select reservoirs for public fishing from now through the last weekend in November. During these months, the HCWA Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs will be open for fishing, boating (with electric/trolling motors), canoeing or kayaking on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., during Daylight Saving Time.

In addition, during April and May, the HCWA will open the Gardner, or Indian Creek Reservoir for anglers, as well, but only on Saturdays and Sundays during these hours.

To enjoy access to HCWA reservoirs, citizens must be a Henry County resident, property owner, or HCWA customer and they must purchase a reservoir use permit from Customer Service at the Authority’s headquarters, located at 1695 Highway 20 West in McDonough, during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A one-year HCWA reservoir use permit can be purchased for $50, or a two-year reservoir use permit can be purchased for the reduced price of $85. Permits also are offered to seniors and citizens with disabilities for just $25. All HCWA reservoir use permits are valid for the entire calendar year(s) from the date of purchase, and permit holders can bring a guest with them for free.

Reservoir customers and guests must sign a waiver/release form and adhere to all rules and regulations of the HCWA and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for fishing or boating on Georgia waters. Anglers also must possess an active Georgia Fishing License.

As drinking water reservoirs, the Tussahaw and Upper 14 • APRIL 2024

Fishing now open at Henry County reservoirs. (Photo courtesy of JWA Communications on behalf of Henry County Water Authority)

Towaliga Reservoirs adhere to stricter regulations than recreational lakes because they provide raw water for drinking water production at the Authority’s Tussahaw and Towaliga Water Treatment Plants.

Those with HCWA reservoir use permits can access the Tussahaw Reservoir at the public use area referred to as “Tussahaw Island,” which is located at the end of Collins Way, from Peeksville Road. There is no public access to the reservoir at the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant. In addition to a boat ramp, Tussahaw Island features a dock with accommodations for citizens with disabilities, as well as a walking trail and outdoor pavilion.

A new feature at the Tussahaw Island/Reservoir public use area is a life jacket station recently constructed by the Authority and several outdoor education partners, including the Henry County Police and students in their Explorers Program, as well as personnel from Henry County 911, the Henry County Fire Department and Game Wardens from Georgia DNR. The public can access the Upper Towaliga Reservoir boat ramp at 350 Hunter Road, off Weems Road, from HamptonLocust Grove Road.

The HCWA Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center staff oversees public fishing on HCWA reservoirs. A highlight of this year’s HCWA Fishing Season is the Authority’s annual Cubihatcha Kids Fishing Day, which provides kids from the ages of 3 to 17 an opportunity to enjoy free fishing with their families, as well as a chance to win prizes for the biggest catches of the day. This year’s Cubihatcha Kids Fishing Day is scheduled for Saturday June 8, at the Cubihatcha Center and adjacent Long Branch Reservoir.

More information on opportunities for outdoor recreation is available on the Authority’s website at https://www.hcwa.com/ community-education/fishing-and-reservoir-use.cms.

COMMUNITY LIVING

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Thrive Consulting offers HR help to clients across the U.S.

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON

With an increasing workload and 14-hour days, Haley McNeal said the question in her mind was why was she working so hard for another company and not pouring the same energy and work ethic into her own business. She had established a firm in 2020 to provide human resource services to small and midsize businesses, but realizing she would not be able to grow her firm while working so hard at her corporate job, McNeal resigned her position in 2021 to focus on her business. The country was in the middle of COVID shutdowns and at the time, McNeal did not have a single client.

McNeal established her firm to provide HR services for small to midsize businesses that often do not have the resources or budget to hire a Certified HR Professional, or team, with the necessary knowledge, education and skills. Thrive Consulting Firm is a shared service for multiple clients, similar to a CPA or law firm, without the need to hire an employee internal to their organization.

McNeal’s career in HR came from her roles in administrative functions, including HR, where she was encouraged to explore all aspects of business by her corporate leader and mentor; however, unlike some successful young professionals, she did not attend college immediately after high “Looking back, starting school. “In fact, I began this journey was the that journey years later best decision I could once I established a love have made for myself and for business, mergers, and my family,” McNeal said. acquisitions and understood Today, her company, Thrive the inner workings of what Consulting works with clients in it takes to be successful,” Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, McNeal said. “I graduated with HALEY MCNEAL Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, my bachelor’s degree in business Oregon and Washington, D.C. She has administration and project management a team of six employees and says she is in the fall of 2013 as a 28-year-old single looking forward to continued growth. mother of one. By 2016, I earned my Society for Human Resource Management Certification as a Certified Thrive Consulting Firm, which is a member of the Henry HR Professional, SHRM-CP – which, by the way, is a beast of an County Chamber of Commerce is a boutique Human Resources exam.

(HR) shared services organization that provides an array of HR services tailored to the unique needs of each organization.

McNeal said her passion and unique skill set is HR compliance and risk mitigation – guiding employers away from areas that could land them in a courtroom. “Our clients trust and choose our firm for our honesty, knowledge and authenticity as HR professionals,” McNeal said. “Unlike many HR professionals and firms, I’m relatable and unapologetic about my assertiveness and showcasing our value. For example, one client recently said I missed my calling as an attorney and I quote the law like it’s scripture, which is a huge compliment. Knowing as much as possible about employment law and translating that for my clients in a meaningful way is where I truly set myself and my firm apart from the popular and commercialized HR gimmicks. Providing raw information and making it palatable is my superpower, even when it’s not ideal, my clients trust me to help them make the best informed decision for their organization.”

“While I considered law school at that time, by this time as a single mother of two, to dive deeper into employment law – my passion, I ultimately decided to further my HR studies with a focus on HR compliance and risk mitigation. In 2019, I graduated with my master’s in human resource management shortly before founding Thrive Consulting Firm, the best decision of my professional career and personal life thus far.”

If a company has an HR department, Thrive also works with those departments in helping with compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, as well as special tasks. Thrive Consulting manages HR projects, handles necessary implementations, creates employee documents and handbooks, does compliance reporting to state and federal agencies, workplace investigations, payroll processing and provides direct support to leadership teams and employees.

For more information on Thrive Consulting and the services it offers, visit www.mythriveconsulting.com.

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MORGAN COUNTY

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

MORGAN COUNTY

HISTORY

Georgia’s 30th county was named for Revolutionary War Gen. Daniel Morgan, who is best remembered for his victory over the British at Cowpens in 1781. Morgan later became a congressman from Virginia. The new county was created from Baldwin County on December 10, 1807, by an act of the General Assembly. Madison was named the county seat in 1808 and incorporated a year later. Until 1818, when Walton County was created, Morgan County was a part of the western frontier of Georgia, with all lands to the west of it being Creek Indian territory. By 1841, the Georgia Railroad had reached Madison and soon after, Rutledge, which brought business and early tourists to the county with hotels and boarding houses springing up to accommodate them.

JUST THE FACTS

Morgan County Courthouse is a landmark

h Morgan County’s 2023 population is estimated at 21,460 (U.S. Census) h Almost 30 percent of Morgan’s population has a bachelor’s degree or higher level h Median income for Morgan County (2022) is $81,524 h In addition to Madison, other cities in Morgan County include Bostwick, Buckhead and Rutledge

OF NOTE

The Greek Revival Honeymoon Home is a tourist favorite

With Interstate Highway 20 coming through Morgan County in the early 1970s, the region’s industry and tourism began to grow.

Lake Oconee has also been an important catalyst for the county’s growth. The 19,000-acre reservoir is known to visitors for its fishing, water sports, camping, picnicking, golf and beautiful lakefront homes.

With more than 100 preserved and restored antebellum and Victorian homes and the second largest historic district in Georgia, Madison draws many visitors to the area each year.

A few other points of interest in Morgan County include the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center; Morgan County African Museum; Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and Hard Labor Creek State Park, to name a few.

COMMUNITY LIVING

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center occupies a restored 1895 building.

(All photos courtesy of the Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce)

APRIL 2024 • 19

MORGAN COUNTY

Morgan Medical Center: Heading into the Future

BY JON WATERHOUSE MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER FOR LENZ INC. PRODUCER & HOST OF LENZ ON BUSINESS ON 95.5 WSB

Morgan Medical Center--Morgan County’s acclaimed community hospital--is celebrating its fifth anniversary in its current location as it heads into the future. This 25-bed, critical access hospital offers a fully-staffed 24-hour emergency room, comprehensive outpatient and inpatient services, acute care, swing bed programs and more at the center, which is located at 1740 Lions Club Road in Madison.

“It is the honor of my life to lead such a dynamic team of professionals,” Ralph A. Castillo, CPA, Chief Executive Officer explains. “The essence of love, hope and courage are what we bring at Morgan Medical Center and we will always be here when you need us the most.”

The hospital’s primary goal remains the same: To provide area residents a state-of-the-art facility in their own backyard and be a patient-focused center of excellence. Since day one, Morgan Medical Center has been revolutionizing healthcare in Morgan County and will continue to do so for future generations. In its first five years, Morgan Medical Center has transformed from a hospital that primarily specialized in inpatient rehab (TCU) and emergency services into a hospital system that offers a wide array of services and specialties.

From diagnostic services for cardiac conditions to a therapy 20 • APRIL 2024

department with its own state-of-the-art facility, Morgan Medical Center’s running theme is localizing the breadth of quality healthcare. As the hospital continues to offer new specialties, it attracts specialists from larger surrounding communities who want to be a part of the team and have access to its amazing resources.

“This hospital has the interest of our community at hand and is constantly looking for ways to meet the medical needs of our neighbors,” says Dr. Dan Zant, Chief of Staff. “It is good to be a part of such an amazing organization that cares about its people.”

Morgan Medical Center continues to grow its surgical services department by investing in state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained staff of providers, including multiple locally-based specialists. The department handles a variety of general surgical procedures, diagnostic services and outpatient treatments. This includes orthopedics, gynecology, podiatry, plastics, gastroenterology and interventional pain management.

“Our goal for this hospital is to allow people to not have to travel for the utmost healthcare,” says Elizabeth Holmes, BSN, RN, Surgical Services Manager. “We want them to be able to stay in Madison for a procedure, whether it’s a colonoscopy or a total joint replacement. They will receive quality healthcare right down the road from their home.”

COMMUNITY LIVING

MORGAN COUNTY The facility’s continued evolution is in large part due to robust financial support from Morgan County citizens through a trio of primary fundraising efforts. The largest fundraising initiative is the Rural Hospital Tax Credit program, also known as Georgia HEART. Businesses and individuals can designate their state income tax dollars to Morgan Medical Center in exchange for a 100 percent state tax credit. To date, Morgan Medical Center has received more than $7 million for the hospital through the program, enabling the expansion of services, most recently general surgery and orthopedics. Additionally, the annual Festival of Friends event, featuring cocktail and dinner parties and a silent auction, raises approximately $40,000 each year.

The Love Light Tree, which takes place each December, allows citizens the opportunity to purchase ornaments in honor or memory of loved ones. It raises more than $20,000 annually to help fund the hospital’s current needs.

“Our fundraising efforts foster community support by giving people an opportunity to be involved, give back and become a part of something bigger than themselves,” says Megan Morris, Director of Development and Community Relations. “Of course, the funds that are raised allow us to make improvements in the healthcare services we are able to offer, but the camaraderie and positive energy towards the hospital that comes out of our efforts is just as important.”

RALPH CASTILLO, CEO OF MORGAN MEDICAL CENTER

Thanks to hearty finances and strategic planning, Morgan Medical Center is able to make technological advancements a priority. For example, by upgrading its medical imaging capabilities with a 64-slice CT scanner, it allows the hospital to offer cardiac calcium scoring, a swift, convenient, and noninvasive method for assessing plaque accumulation in heart vessels. In 2023, Morgan Medical Center invested in the Mako SmartRobotics system for joint replacements. This cutting-edge technology uses CT-scanned joint images to plan and execute precise and personalized joint replacement procedures, contributing to expedited recovery times and minimizing postoperative discomfort. Morgan Medical Center is one of two hospitals in the region using this technology and the only hospital utilizing the most current software package.

These and other investments reflect the hospital’s commitment to advanced and patient-centered care in an effort to build a healthier community.

“Our technology offerings not only promote accessibility, but also ensure swifter and safer healthcare delivery to the community,” says Adam Bedgood, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer.

As the hospital reflects on the last five years and heads into the future, it is excited to sustain a positive impact and uphold its commitment to being a patient-focused center of excellence for the community, who trusts it with their lives.

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NEWTON COUNTY

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

NEWTON COUNTY

HISTORY

Named for Sgt. John Newton, a Revolutionary war hero who rescued 10 American prisoners about to be hanged by the British, Newton County was formed December 24, 1821, by the state legislature from parts of Henry, Jasper and Walton Counties. Sgt. Newton was a close friend of Sgt. William Jasper, for whom Jasper County is named. Newton’s county seat was first named Newtonsboro in 1822, but a short time later it was changed to Covington to honor Gen. Leonard Covington, who fought in the War of 1812. County School Commissioner G.C. Adams in 1893 inaugurated the first free transportation for public school pupils in the nation. He later founded the first 4-H Club.

JUST THE FACTS h Newton County has an estimated population of 120,125 (2023/U.S. Census) h Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher degree number 22.6 percent of the population

The Newton County Historic Courthouse (Photo courtesy of The Newton Citizen)

h Median household income in 2022 was $70,732 h In addition to Covington, Newton County is home to four municipalities including Porterdale, Mansfield, Newborn and Oxford.

The city of Social Circle is located partially in Newton and neighboring Walton County.

OF NOTE Newton is home to the famous Methodist College, Emory at Oxford, chartered in 1836, and named for Bishop John Emory and now a part of Emory University.

The county is home to 13 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Brick Store, Covington Mills and Mill Village, Floyd Street Historic District, Newborn Historic District and Oxford Historic District, just to name a few.

Other points of interest include the Alcovy, Yellow and South Rivers, which come together at Lake Jackson and are the headwaters for the Ocmulgee River; Lake Varner Reservoir and Factory Shoals Park with camping near one of the original mill villages.

Visitors enjoy biking or walking the county’s trail system, including the Cricket Frog Trail, which runs along the old railroad line.

Newton continues to be a hub for Georgia in the film industry with dozens of movies and series filmed there, including The Dukes of Hazzard, In the Heat of the Night, The Vampire Diaries, Remember the Titans, My Cousin Vinny, Selma and Sweet Magnolias, to name a few.

COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 23

ROCKDALE COUNTY NEWTON COUNTY

Newton Federal employees and cookbook contributors (l-r) Amberly Rutherford, Nancy Mask and Tonya Burnett

Newton Federal’s new cookbook benefits Alcovy CASA

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON

When Jimmy Tanner and his wife Saba took in three little sisters who were being removed from their mother because of her problems, he could not have known then that years later he would be in a position to help many more children in similar situations. As vice president of Newton Federal, Tanner is coordinating the bank’s annual cookbook release this spring to benefit Alcovy CASA, a nonprofit organization that advocates for children in foster care in Newton and Walton counties.

“Newton Federal is an amazing sponsor for sharing awareness about the children in our community who are the most vulnerable and need the most support,” Alcovy CASA Executive Director Lindsay Dycus said. “Newton Federal truly understands the impact of foster care in our community and 24 • APRIL 2024

how it affects us all. Every school child plays with a child in foster care on the playground, or perhaps sits next to them in class. The child having a meltdown in the grocery store aisle might be a child who recently entered foster care and is struggling to understand the world around them. We all have a duty as a society to support each other. CASA is the way we can support our most vulnerable children who need a kind and safe adult to advocate for their best interests.”

A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate is a committed and caring adult volunteer assigned to a child or sibling group who “remains on the case” for the duration of their time in foster care. Dycus said the CASA helps make sure the child doesn’t “get lost” or “fall through the cracks” of an overwhelmed system. The CASA volunteer brings urgency to the needs and best interests of the child and serves as a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child

COMMUNITY LIVING

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ROCKDALE NEWTONCOUNTY COUNTY who is going through a tumultuous time. CASAs are everyday community members interested in advocating for children.

Dycus said more CASA volunteers are needed. Newton County needs 25 more CASA volunteers and Walton County needs 40 more volunteers to serve the children in the foster care system. The application is on the Alcovy CASA website and training is free. The website is https://www.alcovycasa. org. Those unable to volunteer, but who still want to help can make donations to CASA through its website, as well.

People can also help by making a donation to receive the second annual Newton Federal Cook Book. A minimum donation of $5 or more is requested, but any amount will be accepted. The Newton Federal team has filled this second cookbook with everything from appetizers to main dishes to desserts with the donations received going to support CASA and the children it serves in the Newton and Walton communities. The cookbooks are available at Newton Federal.

“What we do is an annual cookbook we have created and the whole purpose is to generate some funds and share it with a worthy local nonprofit and have a little fun while doing it,” Tanner said, adding that the recipes come from Newton Federal employees and families, as well as the bank’s customers. “Last year our beneficiary for this was the local food pantry. We were able to write them a check for about $3,000 just from this little cookbook.” Tanner said serving the community is something the bank has always done.

“We’ve been around since 1928, so we’ve been in the community a long, long time,” he said. “When we say we’re a community bank, we certainly want to walk that out and back that up.” Tanner said the bank reached out to Alcovy CASA to be the beneficiary of its cookbook proceeds this year, adding that Newton Federal also helps 60-70 other organizations with sponsorships and support.

“I am especially proud of this because it is our creation,” Tanner said of the new cookbook, adding that the bank is not “selling” the books. “We created them and are asking for donations. We’re just asking people to do what they can for a good cause.”

It is a cause dear to Tanner’s heart. He remembers the day his wife called him and said, “We have a problem.” In fifth grade, their daughter had befriended a little girl on the schoolbus and told her parents the girl was very sad.

Her parents told their daughter to be a friend to the child, who soon opened up and told the Tanners’ daughter she and her two sisters were about to be taken away from their mother, who had problems. Their daughter was upset and worried for her new friend and soon Jimmy and Saba Tanner

Lindsay Dycus, CASA Executive Director (l-r); Mike Ulrich, Walton County volunteer and Gary Stevenson, Newton County volunteer and the longest serving CASA volunteer of 17 years are excited about the new cookbook.

were meeting with a social worker and asking how they could help. The social worker asked if they would serve as a temporary foster home for the three girls ranging in age 5-12, who would be split up otherwise. The Tanners agreed right away and for five months, they took care of the three sisters. One of them would go downstairs at night and fill her backpack with food, having been deprived all her life.

Another sister had back problems from sleeping outside on the ground when her home’s electricity was cut off during the hot summer months. Tanner learned that such had been their lives since the day they were born. “In and out of foster care and in and out of the homes of strangers or at home with mom and her issues,” he added. “And this is right in our backyard, not far from where we live.” The good news is these girls were sent to live with their grandmother, who offered love, care and stability. They’re all grown now and Tanner laughs and says whenever he sees one of them in town, “they will knock me down to hug me.” The experience had a profound effect on his life.

“How can you turn away a child or turn your head?” he asks. “You shouldn’t. You just do your best to do what you can...As a businessman, I want to raise awareness of what this worthy organization does. If there’s something we can do, we need to do it.”

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APRIL 2024 • 25

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ROCKDALE COUNTY

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

ROCKDALE COUNTY

HISTORY

The first settlers came to the Rockdale County area in the early 1700s, populating the region along Hightower Trail.

In 1816, the area officially opened to settlers and a railroad was built to connect Augusta to Marthasville, now known as Atlanta. Dr. W.D. Conyers, a Covington banker bought land from a blacksmith in the community and then donated the land to the railroad. Construction of the railroad remains an important part to the beginning of Conyers, which was first known as Conyers Station. The railroad authority named the city after Dr. Conyers. By 1854, Conyers’ population reached 400 and the legislature passed a bill on February 16, 1854, making Conyers a town. The quick growth of Conyers continued during Reconstruction with the town’s population soaring from around 300 to 2,000 citizens. This growth and rising independence created a desire for separation from Newton County. Citizens elected John F. Hardin and John Harris to the legislature. In favor of forming a new county, the two men drew up a bill to create a new county from Newton and Henry counties. The bill was approved on October 18, 1870, with Rockdale becoming Georgia’s 133rd county.

It borders Gwinnett, Walton, Newton, Henry and DeKalb counties.

Rockdale is home to the Georgia International Horse Park

JUST THE FACTS h The population in Rockdale County is estimated to be 95,987 (2023/U.S. Census) h Conyers is the county seat and the only city in Rockdale County h Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in the county make up 28.1 percent of the population h Median household income (2022) is $68,999

OF NOTE

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is in Conyers (Photos courtesy of The Rockdale Citizen)

Rockdale County hosted the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events and continues to host numerous equestrian activities at its Georgia International Horse Park Rockdale is called a “Camera Ready Community” because it continues to offer resources and other support to promote film production in the county A partial listing of movies and TV shows filmed in Rockdale include Vampire Diaries, Selma, Prisoners, Endless Love, Joyful Noise, Fast Five, Gods and Generals, The Originals and Sweet Home, Alabama to name a few Other points of interest in Rockdale County include the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Panola Mountain State Park, Costley Mill Park, Arabia Mountain, the Georgia Veterans War Memorial/Walk of Heroes, Big Haynes Creek Nature Center and Georgia International Horse Park, to name a few.

COMMUNITY LIVING

APRIL 2024 • 27

ROCKDALE COUNTY

Lake Sims-Winfrey

Ramone Nelson

Arianna Hardaway

HHS Performing Arts grads and friends chase their dreams in New York City

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON

Somewhere in The Big Apple, a special group of young people get together each week with hugs all around, laughing and sharing their latest news while celebrating a little slice of home. It’s known as family night for these 20-something-year-olds, who make it a point to stay close and keep up with each other. They are Rockdale County’s young stars. And while stars are always coming from other places to do film work here, the county’s talent export business is also quite brisk—especially when it comes to these young performers. It’s simply called a “friend group” and it is comprised of Heritage High School performing arts graduates, most of whom are living or working and chasing their dreams in New York City.

Some of them, such as Cecily Dionne Davis, who is starring in Shrek The Musical and traveling across the country right now, don’t always make it to family night, but they stay connected. Those in the friend group who are “at home” in New York get together for the weekly family night dinners 28 • APRIL 2024

where they support and encourage one another and remind themselves where they came from--Conyers, Georgia--and to be exact--the stage at Heritage High School.

Davis, who recently appeared at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, is starring in the national tour of Shrek The Musical where she plays the role of Princess Fiona. With a love of acting, singing and dancing since she was a child, Davis auditioned and was accepted into the Academy for Performing and Visual Arts at Heritage High School—as is the case for most of her friends. After starring in many of Heritage High School’s (HHS) drama productions, Davis graduated in 2019, then headed off to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she received her bachelor of fine arts degree in 2023. She had a busy senior year as this Conyers native was crowned Miss Howard University and then signed with the Pantera Murphy Agency in New York City where she began going to auditions. She did an audition for New York’s John W. Engeman Theater’s production of the musical Beautiful and was cast in the role of Janelle Woods,

COMMUNITY LIVING

ROCKDALE COUNTY

Cecily Dionne Davis

D’Kaylah Unique Whitley

which led to a national tour and her current role as Princess Fiona. Davis says the friend group is so important to her and the others and in fact it was one of those friends who actually inspired her to go into theater—Ramone Nelson.

Nelson, a 2017 graduate of the Academy of Performing and Visual Arts at HHS is a multi-faceted artist who went on to receive his bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre from Florida State University in 2021. After graduation, Nelson moved to New York City where he joined the original Broadway cast of MJ; The Musical, which is based on the life of Michael Jackson. Nelson continues to work regionally and in New York, where he was in the New York City Center Encores! production of Jelly’s Last Jam, starring Billy Porter and Leslie Uggams.

Their friend, Malaikia “Lake” Sims-Winfrey graduated HHS in 2017, and received a bachelor of arts degree in drama and theatre studies and music in the liberal arts from Elon University in 2021. Since graduating, Sims-Winfrey has worked heavily in theatre education and arts administration in both Atlanta and New York City at such places as The Fox Theatre, Broadway Licensing, The Drama League, New York City Center, Roundabout Theatre and Manhattan Theatre Club. Sims-Winfrey has also served as a producer and director for a variety of projects in New York City, including shows at 54 Below, The Green Room 42 and Rooftop Musical Society.

Friend Amanda Lee graduated from the Academy of Performing and Visual Arts at HHS in 2018 and received a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre from Florida State University in 2022. Post grad, Lee went on to work regionally and eventually set sail to perform in SIX The Musical on board the Norwegian Bliss. She is now working at the Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C., and is based in New York City.

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CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND A TOUR OF OUR WONDERFUL FACILITY! 1105 N Main Street NW, Conyers, GA 30012 Monday - Friday / 6:30AM - 6:00PM 770-761-8889 | www.dailyhavenadultdayhealthcare.org 30 • APRIL 2024

Another friend, Arianna Hardaway graduated from the Academy of Performing and Visual Arts at HHS in 2017, and became a freelance performing artist in 2019. She made her professional debut in Atlanta that same year and has been based there ever since. She played alongside Paolo Montalban in the Tony award-winning Dallas Theater Center’s The Sound of Music; as Desi in Passing Strange at Theatrical Outfit and Sandra in the Play that Goes Wrong at Aurora Theater, in addition to other regional work. Hardaway is currently looking forward to expanding her career beyond the South to New York City and overseas.

Friend group member D’Kaylah Unique Whitley graduated from the Academy of Performing and Visual Arts at HHS in 2018. Upon graduating, she attended Wright State University to receive a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre in 2022, making her professional debut as Aida in Aida in 2019. She went on to make her Broadway debut in Dear Evan Hansen in the role of Zoe/Alana, in 2022; her Off-Broadway debut in Little Shop of Horrors as Ronnette, 2023, and is currently in the Original Broadway Cast of Suffs: The Musical, which opens this spring at the Music Box Theatre in New York City.

Another friend, Lathan A. Roberts graduated from HHS in 2017, then went on to Brenau University where he studied dance education. He has had the honor of performing in two Broadway National Tours—Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Anastasia: A New Musical.

“We all did plays together at Heritage,” Davis said. “...Our theater director, Dr. Michelle Thorne had a great batch of students...The talent that just kept coming through Heritage was phenomenal. We won all kinds of awards and had hit after hit.” That phenomenal talent continues as these young Rockdale County performers and friends make their mark in New York City and beyond.

COMMUNITY LIVING

OUR PRIMARY FOCUS IS YOU

This isn’t your father’s Morgan Medical Center, it’s your entire family’s!

Our board-certified doctors and registered nurses are here to help, no matter your healthcare needs.

We offer Family Medicine, Women’s Health, General Surgery, Wound Care, and Infusion Therapy, all in the outpatient setting, so you can get the best care available, and get back to what really matters—your life and your loved ones.

Conveniently located at our hospital in Morgan County, our providers are accepting new patients and are ready to see you. Call us today; we hope to see you soon!

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Physicals/wellness exams

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Appendectomy

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Blood transfusions

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Women’s health annual exams, contraception, and cancer screening

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IV fluids

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And more!

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Hormone imbalance and hormone therapy

1740 Lions Club Road, Madison, Georgia 30650 • (706) 438-1275

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