Issuu

Spring-Summer 2022

Living LIFE

Walton’s aging population is making memories in senior living

Inside Monroe’s newest shopping destination New twist on outdoor sports Snakes of North Georgia Election 2022

The Premier Walton County Magazine

Walton Living Magazine 51

Table of

CONTENTS

8 - Shopping Center Monroe Pavilion open and offering numerous shopping options.

44 - Taking Flight Monroe Airport is making improvements, boosting economics.

14 - Walton Proud Walton Proud has been working hard to better education.

56 - Well Women Options are available for women facing serious choices.

22 - Farm Food Circumventing supply chain issues with locally grown food.

64 - Snakes! A look at the reptiles you can ﬁnd on a nature trail walk.

30 -Senior Life Walton County senior centers offering recreation and fellowship.

70 - Odd Sports Chances are you will be playing these sports in Walton parks soon.

38 - Kiwanis at 100 Take a look back at 100 years of public service for Kiwanis.

76 - Election 2022 Who’s on the ballot in the primary and general elections?

44 On the Cover: Photo by Darrell Everidge

Walton Living Magazine

Walton Living Magazine 5

From the

PUBLISHERS PUBLISHERS Melanie Ann Jackson Sharon Swanepoel EDITOR Sharon Swanepoel DESIGNERS Brian Arrington Robert McLaughlin

his is the season when everything comes alive again. The flowers are breaking ground, the grass is almost ready for a trim, the trees share their blossoms with the bees and the birds and Walton Living magazine brings you their Spring Summer 2022 issue. This issue has it all from a great look at the new Monroe Pavilion shopping center that has opened with a Publix grocery store. We’re treating you to a look at how to make healthy food choices keeping you in shape so you can get out there and play those unusual summer sports games. Pickleball anyone? The Kiwanis Club of Monroe is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year and has helped children become happy and constructive adults in Walton County. Their story is told here along with a look at the Senior Centers that offer so many benefits such as transportation, meals, sports and fellowship for our seniors. The Women’s Wellness and Pregnancy Resource Center wants to show off their new Mobile Ultrasound unit and if you like snakes, we’ve got that for you too. And as this is election year, we give you a good look at the candidates and their parties so you’ll make good choices as you vote. As always, we want to thank all of our advertisers, our writers and photographers for all of their contributions and input. This magazine couldn’t be created without you. Thank you, we love you and we’ll see you again soon.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Carrell Farms James Parker Cole Darrell Everidge Georgia Department of Natural Resources Melanie Ann Jackson Jensen Reserve Mid Georgia Soaring Association The Monroe Museum Sharon Swanepoel Skydive Monroe Walton County Chamber of Commerce CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christy Breedlove Steve Brown Darrell Everidge Christy Smith Sharon Swanepoel Carol Townsend ADVERTISING SALES Melanie Ann Jackson Walton Living Magazine published by Your Local News P O Box 128 Monroe, GA 30655

Melanie Ann and Sharon Melanie Ann and Sharon, Publishers

6 WALTON LIVING MAGAZINE

Member of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce

azine

Ace is the place for all the BEST BRANDS

Now Open! Monroe Ace Hardware is a new business located on W. Spring Street. We carry a full line of quality tools, lawn and garden accessories, Benjamin Moore Paints, Weber and Traeger grills, Big Green Egg smokers, and Stihl power equipment. We also have an expanding gift area to complement everyone’s home decor. We want Monroe Ace to be a part of the fabric of the Monroe area community by providing exceptional customer service, high quality products, and local niche services. Monroe Ace will be like visiting your neighbor. We will most certainly be the place with the HELPFUL HARDWARE PEOPLE. Stop in and see us; we would love to meet you. —John and Teresa Raines Chase, Emma, and Chelsea

Monroe

Hardware

703 W. Spring Street • 470-970-4ACE

Walton Living Magazine

SHOP DROP ‘til you

The new Monroe Pavilion offers top-notch retail options By Carole Townsend

eb. 2, 2022, brought more to Monroe than news from a weather-predicting groundhog. At 7:00 a.m. that same day, the impressive new Publix supermarket in Monroe Pavilion opened its doors to a public that has been patiently waiting. In fact, dozens of people were milling about outside that cold morning as the doors finally opened. The beautiful two-story supermarket is a welcome newcomer to Monroe, and patrons expressed their awe and appreciation as they strolled the aisles. Publix was the first retailer to commit to opening a store in the Monroe Pavilion. That area desperately needed a supermarket and retail shops close to home. “We’ve lived in Monroe for a long time, and we’ve always had to go to Athens or Loganville, or even Bethlehem to get groceries,” said Alma Middles. “We love the downtown area here, and there’s a small market there, but nothing like this. We’ve needed this for a long time.” Monroe Mayor John Howard expressed high praise for the new Publix and the rest of the retail destinations slated for opening in the new shopping center. “The Pavilion is located across US-78 from our downtown, in order to delineate the two very different areas in our city,” he explained. “Our historic Monroe downtown is organic, and very successful. Our downtown was not engineered or created like some other cities have tried to do. It’s been here for a very long time.”

On the other hand, the brand-new shopping center development in Monroe is situated on the other side of US-78, a destination that looks and feels very different from the downtown area. Shoppers can walk and shop downtown Monroe for quaint independent stores and chef-inspired restaurants. If they prefer bigger, nationally known chains, the Monroe Pavilion provides that experience. The mayor went on to explain that the success of Walton County is important to Monroe, and Monroe’s success is equally important to Walton County. While the long-awaited Publix is now open, other retailers will soon be swinging their doors wide to welcome eager shoppers. According to John Argo, the president of developer MAB American Management, “Ross (Dress for Less) and Marshall’s installed store fixtures mid-February and will be open this spring. Following suit, PetSense, Ulta, Rack Room (shoes), Five Below, Planet Fitness and Hibbett Sports will all be opening this spring,” Grayson Jewelers - Monroe has also announced a second store will be opening at the Pavilion in the spring and more tenants will be announced in late March. Argo expects that most of the major retailers will be open by the end of April. Cars in the parking lot of the new Publix is an exciting change for anyone who has been driving to other cities to do their shopping. According to Argo, the entire development process goes back four years, to 2018. The scope of the project, combined with COVID-19 slowdowns, made the process arduous. The strong working relationship and collaboration between the state, county and city made things happen in spite of the unusual obstacles. Shoppers will also be excited to know that a new access ramp to US-78 is coming, too. Joint efforts between the state of Georgia, Walton County and Monroe have made that happen, as together they served to make the necessary infrastructure happen. “I’ve been driving past this property since 1979, when I’d go back and forth from the University of Georgia as a student,” Argo remembers. “It took me a while, but forty years later I finally had the thought that it would be a great site for a shopping center.” Argo went on to explain that the Monroe Pavilion fills a big gap in the market. “Walton County is one hundred thousand people and growing, and we saw that there were no major retailers serving this area. Once Publix was on board, other retailers took a look and said, “Yes, we need to be here in Monroe!”

“Walton County is one hundred thousand people and growing, and we saw that there were no major retailers serving this area. Once Publix was on board, other retailers took a look and said, “Yes, we need to be here in Monroe!”

10 Walton Living Magazine

NEW ROOFS • REPAIRS • TEAR-OFFS • SIDING REROOFS • GUTTERS • ASPHALT SHINGLES

770-658-0342 WWW.BARRELLEROOFING.COM Walton Living Magazine

“Before the Monroe Pavilion was built, customers had to leave Walton County to do their shopping elsewhere, and that tax revenue was leaving with them and supporting other communities,” Argo said. “This was a perfect storm; the land was there, the need was there, and the market was ready.” While store openings are happening on almost a weekly basis, Argo looks forward to announcements of another fashion store, more retailers and several restaurants in coming months. Until leases are actually signed, the names of these business won’t be released, but Argo is sure area residents will be pleased. Medical offices will also be added to the development. “There are lots of ribbon cuttings coming,” Argo exclaimed, adding that he expects most of the major retail stores to be open by summer. Argo is proud of the friendships that have been built throughout this development process. “The Rowell family, the mayor and council members of Monroe, everyone kept pulling in the same direction despite the business impact of COVID. It’s unusual to make lasting friends in this business, but that’s what happened here,” Argo said. “And I’m thrilled.” When complete, the 350,000 sq. ft. project will exceed $80 million. The Rowell family, who owned the land that used to be home to the Breedlove Dairy Farm, had long been looking for ways to use that property that could benefit Monroe and the surrounding area. The Monroe Pavilion certainly does that, and it promises to continue to deliver a fresh, exciting shopping experience for patrons as more stores open for business. •WLM 12 Walton Living Magazine

Monroe Pavilion - 717 N. Broad St., Monroe, GA. 30656

d u o r P n o t l Wa

Walton Proud is spreading the word about the benefits of a county school education By Christy Breedlove

ow do you get the word out that Walton County, Georgia is the perfect place to live, work and play? Word of mouth is great, but to attract new residents and businesses you have to think bigger. And what better way is to engage our local schools, stable businesses, long time and new citizens and county and city governments? Enter Walton Proud. Walton Proud is a project of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and all public and private schools in Walton County. Simply put, it is a program to raise awareness on how our community values education and make our exemplary schools even better. Most schools, public and private, are members: •Walton County Public Schools •Social Circle City Schools •Loganville Christian Academy •Foothills Charter High School •Monroe Country Day School •George Walton Academy •Trinity Prep School of Loganville.

The president of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce is Teri Smiley who emphasizes the importance of partnership and community of the Walton Proud program. “Walton Proud is an initiative of the Walton Chamber and Walton Forward and it is a partnership with our public and private schools in Walton County to promote A+ educational options here.” In 2009, a group of builders and developers met with the Chamber and an idea was born. “This program began when we met with a group of builders and developers back in 2009 and realized that “perception is reality” – except for that the perception of some of our schools isn’t reality – that the schools had made tremendous improvements – there just wasn’t anyone telling the

story.” Smiley said. Since then, the view of this promotion has grown rapidly, achieving its objective to advocate cooperation between business and schools. The Chamber has recently completed a new video and are working on new brochures for the program. Public Relations Officer Callen Moore is the Walton County Public School representative on the Walton Proud Committee. “Walton Proud is a great way for schools and districts to collaborate and assist each other in supporting the educational needs of all Walton County families. It also provides additional avenues for individual promotion.” She added that all school and district leaders are involved in the partnership through a variety of different events and media features throughout the year. Moore continued, “Walton Proud supports all educational opportunities in Walton County. We recognize that there is not a one size fits all model for education and believe it is important to provide families with multiple options to choose from in order to best fit the needs of their students. By working together, our public and private schools are stronger and better aligned to serve the entire community.” Foothills Education Charter High Schools offer an alternate path to high school graduation in twenty locations across Northeast Georgia. Presently, the program has two locations in Walton County. One is in Monroe and the other in Social Circle. Foothills is a community and state resource for students who want to earn a high school diploma in order to be successful in post-secondary and career options. By offering instruction different ways and at different rates, students can tailor their education on how they learn and when they want to graduate. Bill Ruma, Co-Site Director for Walton County Foothills High School, is quick to agree to tout the partnership between Walton Proud and education. “Walton Proud is a supporter of all Walton County educational programs. Foothills Education Charter High School is an individualized, self-paced, accredited evening high school for students who have not completed high school. The support of the Walton Proud initiative is important to Foothills students because, for many reasons, they need a different option to finish school in order to become a productive member of Walton County.”

“Walton Proud is a supporter of all Walton County educational programs. Foothills Education Charter High School is an individualized, self-paced, accredited evening high school for students who have not completed high school. The support of the Walton Proud initiative is important to Foothills students because, for many reasons, they need a different option to finish school in order to become a productive member of Walton County.”

16 Walton Living Magazine

PROUD TO REPRESENT WALTON COUNTY

G EO R G I A S TAT E H O U S E www.williamsonforwalton.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bruce Williamson

Student Success Alliance unites the community in empowering students to succeed in school and in life. Our site coordinators provide school wide programs and one-to-one support to help students overcome barriers and reach their goals.

Join the Alliance! Volunteer or give at www.ssawalton.org

@ssawalton

Walton Living Magazine

Local Associate Broker and Realtor, Becki Bennett, has seen the results of Walton Proud in the market. “Walton County has award winning schools. In areas closer to schools, the houses are going faster, especially when a new school has recently been built nearby. The property values have gone up very quickly in those areas and continue to rise.” “The houses are going under contract even faster in the good school districts; most of the time in 1-2 days. Sellers are receiving multiple offers, and oftentimes, buyers are waiving inspection and appraisal contingencies in order to make a competitive offer. Walton County is bursting at the seams, with so many people flooding the area. Families want to move to the better school districts,” Bennett finished, adding that the housing market is flooded with cash investors who are purchasing houses in the county for rentals. The owner and operator of Reliable Commercial and Residential Services, Incorporated, Tremayne Henson, relocated his business and home to Walton County. He stated, “We moved from Gwinnett County to Walton with four kids and our business. We chose Walton because of the excellent school system and the beautiful area and have loved the small town feel and being able to help support local businesses.” He added that a good school system like Walton draws in families like his when moving. He explained, “Having a good school system is crucial for businesses in the area. A strong school system provides confident and intelligent young people into the local work force and helps businesses become more up to date and competitive” Local citizens can promote Walton Proud also. “Anytime you 18 Walton Living Magazine

see a social media post, share it, comment on it, tell us your great stories with our schools. If you hear of people talking negatively about any local schools – ask them to check it out for themselves – don’t rely on someone’s statement or opinion that could be very old and not right at all,” Smiley advised. But it all boils down to the schools and ultimately the children according to Smiley who summed it up. “The benefits to everyday citizens of Walton is that we have great educational opportunities in Walton County – whether someone wants public school or private school education for their child, it’s here and they are all great.” •WLM

TAPP plumbing is now on YouTube! For helpful do-it-yourself videos, visit TappPlumbing.com/How-to-videos There are so many things you can do by yourself that…

Social Circle City Schools Serving Community & Cultivating Success

147 Alcova Drive, Social Circle • 770-464-2731 • www.socialcircleschools.com

Walton Living Magazine

Piedmont Walton Hospital in need of volunteers By Sarah Teach, Piedmont

Hospital volunteers help in almost every area of a healthcare facility like Piedmont Walton Hospital, sharing their time with the hospital and giving back to their local community. “Our purpose at Piedmont is to make a positive difference in every life we touch,” said Heather Boyce, manager of Community Relations for Piedmont Walton. “The dedication of our volunteer auxiliary, and the work they do every day, helps make achieving that purpose possible.” Hospital volunteer auxiliary members play a significant role in caring for patients, visitors and guests, as well as assisting the staff members, nurses and physicians at the hospital. Not only are they active in helping with the day-to-day needs at the hospital, but they fundraise throughout the year to fund programs or purchases not covered in operational budgets. “During a recent COVID surge, our auxiliary purchased tables that could be placed on hospital beds or over someone’s lap if they were sitting in a recliner in our triage area,” shared Boyce. “The auxiliary saw a need to create a more comfortable patient experience and didn’t hesitate to ask how they could help.” Currently, volunteers, ages 18 and older, are needed, in particular the hospital’s gift shop. Shifts are available most days of the week, and those with an interest or a background in the health care industry make for ideal candidates, but it is not a requirement. Piedmont Walton has rigorous infection prevention and safety

Gift Shop Manager Rita Arnold & Gordenia Murdoch, volunteer auxiliary President.

measurements in place to protect our staff, patients and visitors. In addition, our staff, contractors and volunteers are fully vaccinated, or have an exemption, and everyone who enters our facility is required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose at all times. “During this pandemic, many people may find themselves having more time and a need to make personal connections and help those in need,” said Boyce. “Being a hospital volunteer auxiliary member is the perfect way to give back your time.” If you are interested in joining Volunteer Services at Piedmont Walton, email Heather Boyce at heather.boyce@piedmont.org, or visit piedmont.org/volunteers for more information.

Piedmont Walton Hospital 2151 W Spring St, Monroe, GA 30655 770-267-8461 Piedmont.org

20 Walton Living Magazine

piedmont.org 10223-0222

Filling the Void Local Farmers keep shelves stocked amid shortages with healthy, clean food By Christy Smith

s supply chain issues have led to empty store shelves, Americans who never thought beyond the frozen entree section now wonder where their food comes from and what ingredients that food contains. People nervously stock up on whatever canned goods and non-perishables they can find in the grocery, adding to shortages. While major retail struggle with supply-chain issues, fresh food sales at farms in Walton County skyrocketed. Customers find an abundant supply of locally-grown meats and produce raised cleanly and humanely. Most of those buyers are now regular customers. The movement to eat locally-raised, clean, non-processed food is gaining strength. Jensen Reserve’s business is up 1,000% in two years “When the stores ran out of food [in 2020], people came here and our business grew 800% in two weeks’ time,” said Laura Jensen, owner of Jensen Reserve in Loganville. “The pandemic was quite a ride for us, and it was not a negative like it was for some.” Business grew an additional 200% recently due to supply chain issues, Jensen said. Jensen and her daughter were diagnosed with an auto-immune disease in 2017, which led them to raise their own chickens and eggs. “We felt better right away, and I looked for other proteins to add,” Jensen said. “Pigs fit because they grow fast.” Jensen is one of the only American breeders of the Meishan pig, an animal originally from China and one of the oldest domesticated pig breeds in the world. Jensen switched to growing sweet-tempered Meishan pigs because their meat is superb and she needed a kinder, gentler pig. “The fast-growing hogs were dangerous,” she said. “They ate the chickens alive. They tried to eat us.”

Amanda Wilson, Loganville, rarely shops anywhere besides Jansen Reserve. “She never runs out of stock and the Meishan pork is amazing. It’s a totally different taste – like a filet,” Wilson said. “I save shopping time because I don’t have to stand around reading labels - I know all her food is clean.” Wilson swears Jensen Reserve’s clean food cured her mother’s stomach problems. “My mom started having stomach pains out of the blue and [Jensen] talked to me about getting processed food out of her diet,” Wilson said. “I took [Jensen’s] food to mom and her stomach pain is gone in less than a month.” Jensen Reserve is a novelty for being an all-woman butcher shop, although she recently hired a male. She sells Walton County-raised Meishan pork, chicken raised in North Georgia, heritage pork from Tennesse, beef raised in Georgia, as well as homemade charcuterie, prosciutto, sauerkraut, spices, dips, salads, elderberry syrup, local honey and locally-made sour dough crackers. “I am part of a new food movement in America,” Jensen said. “We saw something we don’t like out there and we are doing something about it.” Carrell Farms offers grass-fed water buffalo, alpaca and sheep In 2016, Jennifer Allison, of Woodstock, developed allergies to almost all foods. She lost 100 lbs. in six months. “When I met Dave Carrell, I could no longer walk, I could not sit up for long, and I was always in the hospital with an IV to keep me alive and hydrated,” Allison said. “I tried [Carrell Farms’] Asian water buffalo and it was a miracle.” Grass-fed meat gives a noticeable difference in health, Carrell said. Allison added Carrell’s lamb, then chicken to her diet with spectacular results. “I appreciate that the meat I buy all comes from the same animal,” she said. Ground meat found in mainstream grocery stores might come from a combination of about four animals, Mark Pastore, president of Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors in New York, told a Washington Post reporter. Other sources raise the number to ten animals or more found in one pound of hamburger. Allison buys vegetables from a farm in Milton and said her diet of fresh, clean food saved her. “I can work part-time, now,” Allison said. “If I hadn’t found (Carrell Farms]) I don’t know what would have happened.” 24 Walton Living Magazine

Walton Living Magazine 25

David Carrell began farming through 4H when he was a student. “I found out I could get out of class by raising a few chickens,” he said. Carrell earned a degree in agricultural economics and discovered the dark side of modern farming. “I’ve spent 25 years uneducating myself from what all I learned in the university system,” Carrell said. “Commodity agriculture is responsible for Americans being the most overfed and undernourished people on Earth.” Commodity farms raise forager animals on corn and grain to make them grow quickly, Carrell said. “When we change animals’ diet, we change the animal chemically,” he said. “When we consume the changed animal, it changes our chemistry.” Instead, Carrell Farms raises animals in a lifestyle appropriate to each species to honor the animals as they are, without drugs, antibiotics or GMOs, finally ending with a humane harvest, Carrell said. The result is nutrient-packed, powerful food. “We respect the animals’ natural diet,” he said. “Corn is unnatural to a bovine. Grazing animals are fed grain for convenience, and to save money, because corn is cheap. The U. S. is largest holder of grain preserves in the world.” 26 Walton Living Magazine

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Walton Living Magazine

Animals raised without antibiotics, steroids and a corn-based diet can be much healthier, said DeDe Harris, Executive Director of Walton Wellness. “We are consuming whatever was put into that animal’s body over its lifetime, so it is best for our health to consume meat that was raised as naturally as possible,” Harris said. Passersby see Carrell Farms dotted with grazing Water Buffalo, sheep with long hair (which are more resistant to parasites), and alpaca. “Americans are surprised to discover alpaca is a nice meat, but it is popular all over the world,” he said. “It is our most in-demand meat.” To process and sell exotic animals is complicated. Carrell found a processing plant in South Carolina able to process his flock and to absorb the additional cost of staying in compliance with USDA regulations. “Llama and water buffalo are not species the USDA considers amenable to the meat inspection act,” said Adam Buuk, animal industry division director, Georgia Department of Agriculture. “To have the animal inspected is voluntary. The person can request an inspector and the establishment pays a per hour fee for staff.” Each member of Carrell’s herd is USDA inspected. “I had to convince the packing house I was worth the extra [money to process exotic meats],” Carrell said. Carrell farms offers all cuts of meat, organs and sausages. Buffalo tallow is used to make nutrient-rich skin care products – Buffalo Gal Grassfed Beauty. “We respectfully use all of the animal we can,” Carrell said.

Carrell Farms 710 Riverbend Road, Monroe 770-846-4432 Carrellfarms.com Carrell Farms products are found in metro-Atlanta stores and Suwanee Farmers’ Market. 20% discount for on-line orders with farm pick up.

Jensen Reserve

4091 Bullock Bridge Road, Loganville 770-363-4487 www.jensenreserve.com Store hours Monday -Saturday 10-6 Marketwagon.com delivers for $6.95 fee, Jensen said.

On-line farmers’ market monroe.locallygrown.net

28 Walton Living Magazine

2021–2022 SCHOOL

EMPOWERMENT

GRANTS

Total Distribution

$368,212

Average Grant

$5,336

Number of Grants

Schools Receiving Grants

Total Since Beginning of the Program

$2,060,087

Source of Funds: Unclaimed Refunds Walton Living Magazine

T H R I V E

Senior LIVING Walton seniors enjoy education, entertainment, exercise and more through senior centers By Carole Townsend

he current life expectancy for people living in the United States is about 79 years. While that number is up nearly 10 years from life expectancy in the late 1960s, there are serious considerations for seniors and their loved ones during these newfound years of life. Of paramount concern are social isolation and loneliness. They can creep into a person’s life as years advance. People retire. Spouses pass away. Friends and family are lost for various reasons. While longer life expectancies are certainly good news, we must prepare to fill those years with purpose, enjoyment and connection. About 28 percent, or roughly 13.8 million, older adults in the Unites States live alone ((National Institute on Aging, April 2019). Scientists have attributed several pervasive health problems directly to isolation, including dementia, depression, heart disease and premature death. Loneliness can actually cause a person’s mental and physical health to decline, leaving us to ask the question, “What good does it do to add years to a life, if those years are not healthy and happy?” Fortunately, people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose (National Institute on Aging, April 2019). Maintaining friendships and being socially active are crucial to aging healthfully and happily. Engaging our brains and our senses helps keep minds sharp. Physical exercise helps keep bodies in the best working order. And of course, proper nutrition fuels all of these functions.

“We just love it here. I come here at ten o’clock every day. I always say you need to be a friend to find a friend.” In addition to common barriers to engagement that aging can impose, certainly COVID-19 has hampered the efforts of many to remain connected to the community. For this reason and more, providing services for our treasured senior population is more important than ever. But where can Walton County senior citizens go for opportunities to engage in exercise, meals, and friendships? According to Vickie Gasaway, Executive Director at Walton County Senior Citizens Council, “The Walton County Senior Center was established in 1969, largely to meet the social and nutritional needs of residents age 60 and older.” At the time, of course, those two needs were the most basic and most pressing for senior citizens living in Walton County. In fact just last year, the centers served 33,554 home-delivered lunches to clients throughout Walton County from its three sites in Monroe, Loganville, and Social Circle.* The need for home-delivered meals is currently so great that the Center employs five full-time meal delivery drivers, plus an additional two volunteer drivers, to get those all-important meals to seniors bound to their homes. Over the years, as the senior population has grown and life expectancy is longer, aging citizens’ needs have expanded well beyond nutrition. Seniors are remaining healthier and are not quite ready to slow down just because of a number. Walton County residents age 60 or better can continue to enjoy full 32 Walton Living Magazine

*In order to qualify for home-delivered meals, an individual must be screened by the Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), a division of the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission. An individual, family member, or service provider (such as a doctor or social worker) can contact the ADRC at 1-800-474-7540 to request services. In order to determine eligibility, these agencies use a variety of screening tools, including evaluation of cognitive issues, nutritional need, ability to perform daily living activities, food security, and more.

Walton Living Magazine

lives, thanks in part to the remarkable services offered by these centers. The “golden years” of life can be ones of opportunity and enrichment, and senior citizens fortunate enough to live in Walton County have a lot to explore close to home. For a small $25.00 annual membership fee, Walton seniors can take part in day trips and a once-per-year overnight excursion (COVID-19 disrupted the overnight trip in 2021, but hopes are to get back on track as soon as conditions allow). The $25.00 fee also ensures priority placement on waiting lists for planned monthly trips. On-site group meals (a $2.00 donation requested) give seniors a chance to eat well and socialize with others. While bingo, birthday parties, puzzles, movies, holiday celebrations, crafts, games and get-togethers are just part of the fun happening at these centers, times have also necessitated the addition of continuing educational opportunities. Instruction about senior scam alerts and solutions is available, and legal classes such as living will and other legal document preparation are also available. Senior Center member Verna Scales can speak directly to the benefits of being involved with others. “As an active part of the aging senior circle, I believe that we should all be able to thrive. The Walton County Senior Center is my daily motivation to being active. It gives me an open door to build relationships and friendships with like-minded people. Not only that, but the senior center also provides me with a network of resources where I can continue to thrive and improve my health and wellness.” Low-impact exercise classes are popular at the centers, and there is even a 34 Walton Living Magazine

Resources for seniors: Home delivered meals, additional transportation and other resource availability: Aging and Disability Resource Connection, Athens, Ga. 1-800-474-7540 Energy assistance: www.pcaction.org, 404-5374300 Prescription, Medicare and supplemental insurances: www.accaging.org/georgiacares, 706-5494850 Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) for senior job availability: www.accaging. org/scsep, 706-549-4850 State representatives: Bruce Williamson, bruce.williamson@house.ga.gov, 770-267-2566 Tom Kirby, tom.kirby@house.ga.gov, 404-656-0177 State senator: Bill Cowsert, bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov, 404-463-1366

community garden, with raised beds designed and planted with the help of local Master Gardeners, and tended by Senior Center members. The Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging, Walton County Master Gardeners and East West Bank made this beautiful garden possible. While socializing, exercise and proper nutrition are key to the well-being of our senior citizens, there is another area of involvement that has proven to add purpose and value to life, and that’s the act of volunteering. The acts of giving back to the community and helping others have been proven to have great impact on a person’s sense of purpose and happiness. Volunteers are carefully screened to protect seniors, and opportunities are always available for those who wish to extend a helping hand. Walton senior and member Connie Glenn has been driving a bus for the Senior Center for six years. “I usually do the in-town route. I pick up each day for lunch and then take them home afterwards. But last summer we took both buses; mine takes twelve people and the other bus takes fourteen, so we took about 20 people to Myrtle Beach for an out-of-town trip.” Two women who also make the most of the Senior Center’s opportunities are Hallie W. Cruce (who will celebrate her 92nd birthday this fall!) and Marie Watson, age 79. The two work in the Center’s clothes closet. Happy, positive people, these two women are wonderful examples of involvement, volunteering,

and just enjoying life. “We just love it here. I come here at ten o’clock every day. I always say you need to be a friend to find a friend,” said Hallie. “We work in the clothes closet, where we take in donations and then sell them to make some extra money for the center. We use that money to buy gifts and things for the center, like for our game “The Price is Right.” If we have extra clothes, we bundle them up and take them to FISH (Faith in Serving Humanity). We pack them up and haul them over there ourselves.” Both women took charge of organizing the clothes closet, sorting and displaying items by size. Hallie does the delivery driving to FISH. The two make a great team. Marie shares Hallie’s enthusiasm for life and for staying involved. “This is my life. I’ve been coming here for twelve years, three or four hours every day, except Friday.” Because of COVID-19, the Center closes on Fridays now for cleaning. Marie hopes that soon the Center will be open five days a week again. “I play the piano for the choir, and anybody who wants to sing can come here and sing. It’s just a loving atmosphere.” Marie added, “We have a ministry with the extra clothes. My son works at Grady (Hospital). Sometimes people come in after a car accident, and they have to cut the clothes off of them. Sometimes they are sent home in paper gowns. We box up the extra clothes and give them to my son for Grady. He told me that he Walton Living Magazine 35

recently was able to send two people home with clothes that we had provided for them. I am so thankful that we were able to do that.” In addition to fun and engaging activities, the Walton Senior Center provides health screenings and nutrition education. Information about flu shot availability is also provided. Limited transportation to doctor appointments, supermarkets and social appointments (based on availability within Monroe) is also available. Transportation to the Monroe Senior Center is also available, based on route availability. A small donation is requested for these trips to help offset the costs. Verna summed up the importance of the Senior Center well, by saying, “The Senior Center has been a focal point for me, because I feel like I flourish emotionally, spiritually, socially, and physically.” That is a win for seniors, their families and for the Center. •WLM 36 Walton Living Magazine

Walton County Senior Center Locations and hours: Monroe - Home Office (8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday) 1400 South Madison Ave. Monroe, GA 30655 Phone: 770-267-6589 Loganville Satellite Center (10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Friday) 603 Tom Brewer Road Loganville, GA 30052 Phone: 770-466-3620 Social Circle Satellite Center (8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.) 138 E. Hightower Trail Social Circle, GA 30025 Phone: 770-464-1700

Wellness your way at LaVida Massage LaVida Massage of Grayson, offers many services related to health and wellness. We promote personal well-being in an elegant, yet casual atmosphere where certified massage therapists are experienced in customizing treatments to your specific needs. LaVida Massage specializes in providing personalized massage sessions which offer benefits such as pain relief, increased joint mobility and flexibility, increased energy, and deep relaxation. Different types of massage may include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone, Prenatal and Couples. LaVida Massage of Grayson opened in October and is located at 2715 Loganville Hwy, SW, Ste. 310, Loganville, in the Grayson Village Publix Plaza at the intersection of Cooper Road and Highway 20. TiAnn Walker is the owner and operator of LaVida Massage of Grayson, as well as a resident of Loganville. TiAnn loves her community and is a proud member of the Loganville Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. As a small business owner, TiAnn is happy to have the loving support of her husband Michael and twins Arianna & Gabrielle--when they’re not too busy with teenage life. When asked why she decided to open a massage wellness center now, especially during a pandemic, TiAnn states, “It probably seems like a crazy idea and possibly bad timing for some people, but I felt like this is the perfect time to open our center. Humans need touch and touch is healing. It’s no coincidence that skin is the largest organ of the body.” According to The Mayo Clinic, massage is generally a part of integrative medicine. Benefits of massage include reducing stress and increasing relaxation, reducing aches and pains, improving circulation and energy, lowering heart rate and improving immune function. Additionally, massage therapy is used to treat anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, upper/low back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, nerve pain, soft issue strains, etc. LaVida Massage of Grayson offers 60-minute custom massage sessions for an introductory rate of $59.95 and 90-minute sessions for $79.95. Once you come to LaVida Massage you will understand the benefits of integrating customized massage with your regular healthcare routine. You can also sign up for their Benefits Program to secure your introductory rate. A Monthly Membership certainly comes with abundant benefits and privileges!

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Walton Living Magazine 37

Years of Service

Monroe Kiwanis ready for another century in the community By Steve Brown, Monroe Museum Historian

hroughout her 200-year history, many service clubs and civic organizations have provided help and assistance to our town and its citizens. One of the oldest and most active is the Monroe Kiwanis Club. Founded one hundred years ago in 1922, the local Club continuously lived up to Kiwanis’s original motto, “We Build,” through the years. However, in 2005, Kiwanis International voted to change the motto to “Serving the children of the world.” Even before the change, the focus of the Monroe club had been on helping children.

When Monroe’s Kiwanis club started 100 years ago, the first president was A. B. Mobley, with C. P. Carmichael, Edward Ellis, and Harry Arnold Sr. completing the executive board. Among the fifty charter members were many of Monroe’s leading businessmen. Ernest Camp, owner of the Walton Tribune; John and Earl Aycock of Aycock’s Department Store; Dr. C. P. Carmichael of Carmichael Drugs; J. L. McGarity of McGarity Ford; C. W. Reid, Monroe High Principal; Emmett Williams, state legislator; J. Henry Walker, President of the A&M School; B. S. Walker, president of the Bank of Monroe; and Mr. Walker’s son, Clifford Walker, at that time, Governor-Elect. Many more of Monroe’s finest filled out the roster of the first Club.

The Kiwanis Club has always been a club devoted to serving the youth of our community and beyond. The list of projects accomplished by the Kiwanians is an extensive one. Unfortunately, available space will permit us the mention only a few. In public health, Kiwanis paid for tonsil operations for children who could not afford them. They also provided the whooping cough vaccine through the Health Department to every child in the county who wanted it. The Club also sponsored many blood drives. During World War II, Kiwanis sponsored not only blood drives but also War Bond sales.

For years the Kiwanis Club sponsored a One-Acre Corn contest allowing young people to compete to see who could raise the most corn on one acre of land with cash prizes awarded. They also sponsored a Pig Chain. Kiwanis gave agriculture students a pig to raise. The student returned one piglet to the chain after the first litter keeping the chain going. For most of its 200 years, Walton County has been a center of agriculture. The Corn Contest and Pig Chain were just two of many projects in agriculture for student groups and individual students seeking to further their education in this field.

The Kiwanis Club sponsored Boy Scout Troops 81 and 30 for many years, providing financial support and donating land for the use of the Scouts. In recreation, Kiwanis created and supported summer camps for boys and girls. They provided facilities, equipment, and hired directors. In 1938, the Club sponsored a marble tournament won by 13-year-old James Lewis Jones. In the 1940s and 50s, Kiwanis joined with the Junior Service League to provide chaperons for the Summer Teen-Can to offer activities to teenagers during the summer.

The Club has always worked closely with the schools to help students. For example, Kiwanis sponsored exchange students. Sometimes the support was indirect, as in 1948 when barbecue was served to all of Monroe’s teachers.

40 Walton Living Magazine

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Other times the effort to help the young people of our community wound up being a boon to the whole town, as in 1939 when the Kiwanis Club underwrote the construction of Monroe’s first major athletic facility, Kiwanis Field. Kiwanis Field was located where Childers’ Park is today on West Spring Street. The A&M school initially used it for football and softball. When Monroe High School restarted its football program in 1946, it became their home field until the dedication of Legion Field on Bryant Road in 1960. Monroe’s youth leagues also used the field. The Kiwanis Club’s longest-running activity is their annual pancake supper. Starting in 1956, the tradition is entering its 67th year. Under the leadership of their present officers, Jocelyn Wykoff, President; Russell Ashley, Vice-President; Wes Peters, Secretary; Ed Grayson, Treasurer, the Kiwanis Club continues to work tirelessly for the benefit of young people. In addition to the pancake supper, the Club has sponsored a golf tournament for the last decade and recently started hosting a fun run. The funds raised through these activities buy car seats for parents not able to provide them and add books to the shelves of school libraries. The Club also works through local non-profits that benefit the young people of our community.

After 100 years of service, our Kiwanis Club looks forward to another century of putting children first. 42 Walton Living Magazine

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To New Heights

Sky’s the limit for Monroe’s airport after terminal building and upgrades By Sharon Swanepoel

n a clear day you are likely to find more than just birds in the skies over Walton County. You could see gliders and the tow planes that turn them loose. And if you’re close enough to the airport in Monroe, you’re also likely to find the brightly colored canopies of parachutes floating down carrying skydivers that call the airport their home base. And once a year, Skydive Monroe hosts Extra Special People at the drop zone for an event called the Big Jump. ESP uses the unique experience of skydiving in Monroe as an opportunity for the community to show support for all extra special people. The Big Jump is a day-long fundraising event that helps raise funds for individuals to attend the ESP summer camp. This event makes it possible for children and adults of all abilities to have access to rewarding experiences and programs. Once a dump site, the Airport in Monroe is now one of Walton County’s key attractions. And it’s about to get even better. In 2019, the airport was renamed the Cy Nunnally Memorial Airport in honor of the late Jason Cy Nunnally, owner and operator of Fair Weather Flights. He served as the FBO of the airport prior to his tragic death in a plane crash at the airport on July 9, 2019. The name was given in honor of Nunnally’s “aviation accomplishments, achievements and steadfast advancement of ” what had been the Monroe-Walton County Airport. Over the past few years, the city of Monroe has placed an emphasis on upgrading the airport and improving the services it provides as a Business Level II airport.

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“Since about 2015, the upgrades and additions to the airport are significant and have predominantly followed the guidance of the state on additions, then studies by consultants on upgrades/ repairs. In 2019, we were given an all-inclusive summary report from the state that listed the checklist of items for a Business Level II airport,” said Monroe Assistant City Administrator Chris Bailey, adding that by the end of 2023 all but one of the listed items will be completed. The items, many already completed, include: Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), fencing the entire perimeter of the airport for security purposes, Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) building repair and insulation, Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) repair, numerous Airport Layout Plan (ALP) updates, East Apron rehabilitation and expansion, West Apron and Taxi Lane reroute, Hangar repair and maintenance, West Apron drainage repair, Runway rehabilitation, repaving and striping, Hangar site design plans, hangar site ready projects, numerous Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) updates,Terminal Building design and construction and Maintenance Hangar site plan design. A fuel farm was added in 2015 which has, along with additional T-hangers, significantly increased the traffic at the airport and added to the revenue it has been able to bring in. Bailey said 46 Walton Living Magazine

just after the fuel farm was installed and open for use, there were an average of 70 fueling transactions per month for that year. By 2021, it had climbed to 132 fueling transactions per month. “In a few short years the activity at the airport has essentially doubled from our standpoint in visits,” Bailey said, adding that for years it had a base inventory of aircrafts on the field of about 30 - 32. “Currently that number as of last year jumped to 45.” Bailey said this increase assists in getting grant funds to help with improvements, such as the terminal building, which is the next big project. It is set to break ground this spring and construction is expected to take about 12 months. The terminal building will be the new welcoming face to the airport. “In the past, there was a trailer that served as a pilot’s lounge for visitors, then it was moved within the office side of the existing FBO hangar as a larger space. The terminal building will include a new pilot’s lounge, flight planning office, restrooms, breakroom, manager’s office, lobby, welcome desk and reception, and multipurpose conference room. The estimated size is just over 1,900 square feet,” Bailey said. The initial projected cost did go up by the time the bids came in but Bailey said state funding amounts increased to cover the majority of the additional costs.

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Walton Living Magazine

In March, the Monroe City Council approved the bid which came in at $207,536 matching funds from Monroe with AIP funds covering $166,500 and state grant funding covering balance of $622,610. The local portion is funded by Special Local Option Sales Tax. There also are vehicles available for use by pilots and their passengers who land at the airport and may want to make a short trip into town. “The City maintains two airport use cars on site for visitors to use to travel into town and surrounding areas, both accompanied by insurance and liability forms to be filled out upon the requested use of vehicles,” Bailey said. “Plans for an upgrade to those airport use cars are planned for 2022 as well.” Bailey said at this time there are no plans in the ALP (Airport Layout Plan) for a restaurant at the airport, such as The Flying Machine Restaurant at the Gwinnett County Airport in Lawrenceville or the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant at the PDK Dekalb Peachtree Airport in Dekalb County. “A venture along these lines would come solely from a private party and would have to suit the needs of the airport and City for the purpose of use on airport grounds. It would also require full time staffing of the airport to manage the grounds and usage of facilities for the airport,” Bailey said. “The upcoming terminal building will provide for a lobby, break-room, and more options in the way of snacks and food options as it becomes reality, and will also require full time staffing either by the City or a contracted agency for operations.” Maybe at some time in the future, residents will be able to dine close by as they watch planes and small jets take off and land at the nearby Cy Nunnally Memorial Airport - just not anytime soon. •WLM

48 Walton Living Magazine

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770-464-1866 • socialcirclega.gov 54

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Walton Living Magazine 55

Women’s Health and Wellness Clinic of Walton does not provide extended OB/GYN or prenatal care, birth control prescriptions or devices, fertility testing,abortion services or referrals for abortion. WHWC is a faith-based, non-profit medical ministry staffed by licensed medical professionals performing medical services.

MOVE FOR MOMS On the

Mobile Women’s Health Clinic reaches women in Walton’s outlying areas

By Christy Smith

edical care is a complex process to navigate. On top of that, some women live in poverty, have transportation challenges or lack insurance. Women’s Health and Wellness Clinic of Walton recently acquired a 31-foot mobile unit with an ultrasound machine and examination table in which personnel open free clinics each week in Walton County’s outlying towns. Abortion/parenting/adoption education and services are not income-based and are free to all or with a minimal lab fee. “Walton County is very rural and it’s hard for women to even get to us,” said Carol Fairman, executive director. The $180,800 price of the mobile unit with state-of-the-art equipment was raised through donations, Fairman said. A new ultrasound machine was acquired through a grant and much of WHWC’s work is supported by donations. “It is such a privilege to meet a woman in this situation,” Fairman said. “We are such a lonely culture. Many women have nowhere else to turn.” On a cold January evening, a confused and frightened teenage girl slipped into WHWC a few minutes before closing. Staff was grateful to see her. The girl brought with her a 14-week pregnancy. When the teenager’s father found out his daughter was unmarried and pregnant, he kicked her out of the house, promising to let her come home following an abortion. The girl could go to her mother, but mom lived in another nation, a place foreign to the young mother-to-be. The teenager wanted to stay in United States because she had hardly known anything else.

The panic-stricken and homeless teenager saw abortion as a quick solution and a way to go home. A free ultrasound let her see her baby – it was sucking its thumb. The young mother stayed with clinic staff to learn about other options of which she hadn’t thought. “We give her a safe and private place to talk with no judgement,” Fairman said. “All the young mother knows is she is hurt, she wants it out, and we let her take a breath and see what her options are. We listen and give information. God loves her and has a plan for her baby.” WHWC does not refer women for abortion but will stand by her with counseling if she chooses abortion. Free abortion recovery support is available for parents coping with post-abortion trauma. “We do not show scary videos, we do not shove Jesus down her throat,” Fairman said. “We have medical doctors, and we tell her the medical truth. We help the mother regardless [of her choice].” WHWC personnel have saved roughly 1,800 babies since 2007, said Yvonne Genest, former executive director. They served 220 women in 2021. Thirty-four of those women were initially abortion minded. However, 29 of the 34 women made a life plan, according to Fairman. Patients range in age from 40s to age 12, the youngest served. “The 12-year-old kept the baby,” said Fairman. “She birthed a healthy child, and the mother is getting help to parent. She is safe 58 Walton Living Magazine

“All the young mother knows is she is hurt, she wants it out, and we let her take a breath and see what her options are. We listen and give information. God loves her and has a plan for her baby.”

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and so is the baby. After a baby is born, we stay with the mother and baby as long as they need us. Sometimes that is 18 months, sometimes it is immediately after birth.” A willing mother can be partnered with adoption agencies, but adoption is unusual. “We have only referred two adoptions in five years,” Fairman said. “I’ve known so many adopted friends. I thought adoption was more common.” Some couples are opposed to adoption. A pair of 18- and 19-year-old friends waited for the results of her pregnancy test. The two had been friends for years, but one night at a party resulted in pregnancy. The young dad was determined to abort, and his feelings were colored by his own father’s abandonment many years earlier. “Have you thought of adoption?” Fairman asked. “No,” the young man said. “I won’t have a kid out there hating me, like I’ve hated my father.” The couple sat with advocates and when they left, they were considering choosing life, Fairman said. Many times, fathers are left out of any decision-making. Some dads are scared, hurt or don’t know how to be a father. The clinic offers classes for fathers to teach them parenting and relationship skills. Seven men went through classes in 2021 with a total of about 12 in the past five years, Fairman said. “We don’t see enough fathers, although sometimes there is a husband,” Fairman said. “We pair the father with a male advocate to teach him how to be present in the home, be a father, respect 60 Walton Living Magazine

Women’s Health and Wellness Clinic of Walton 226 Alcovy St., Ste. E17, Monroe 678-635-8564 24/7 Hotline 800-712-HELP (4357) Services: Pregnancy testing Limited obstetrical ultrasound performed by nurses and sonographers STI testing and treatment (minimal lab fee) Abortion, parenting and adoption education Abortion recovery support for women and men Classes for fathers Help with baby and mother items Monday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday -10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 3060 Hwy. 81 white house next to Summit Church in Loganville 770-466-3900 Tuesday - 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday - 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. whwclinic.com info@whwclinic.com

“We give women options and show her abortion is not the only choice. God designed women to nurture and give life, and when we go against that design things get out of balance spiritually, emotionally, mental and physically.”

Walton Living Magazine 61

the mom.” Both mothers and fathers earn coupons upon completion of parenting classes that can be redeemed for diapers, car seat, formula, portable playpen and other items. Some women who visit the clinic are destitute and advocates work to connect her with resources and shelter. Sometimes they sit with the mother and her parents to make arrangements for her to return home. Other times, a mother is financially solid but needs counseling to cope with other problems. “When I first took this job, I asked God to show me how I could help these women, because I have never had an abortion,” Fairman said. “The Lord laid a friend on my heart, and we met for lunch.” The friend confided she learned she was pregnant in the hospital emergency room after a fight with her abusive boyfriend who was addicted to narcotics. She could not work because the placenta had detached, nor could she remain with her boyfriend. “I was startled she was in that situation,” Fairman said. “I told 62 Walton Living Magazine

her, ‘I just took a job at a pregnancy center. I’m sure they can help you.’” Personnel found the mother a safe place to live and connected her with a counselor who walked her through the abusive situation. A few years later she is a business owner and happily married to a husband who loves and respects her and who adopted the healthy baby. “We give women options and show her abortion is not the only choice,” Genest said. “God designed women to nurture and give life, and when we go against that design things get out of balance spiritually, emotionally, mental and physically.” The new mobile unit will bring these services to women in rural Walton County and Fairman hopes to expand into surrounding counties. The clinic’s biggest challenge is staffing, Fairman said. “Nurses and sonographers are hard to find,” she said. “This is an emotionally hard job.” •WLM

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On the

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LIGHTLY Spring and summer brings slithering snakes to Georgia trails

By Darrell Everidge

ummer is almost here and with it comes.... snake season! For most of us just the mention of the word snake makes us cringe. But if you can get past the fear you’ll realize there are many snakes in Georgia that play an important role in our natural ecosystem. Georgia does have its venomous snakes, but it also has many more snakes that pose no harm at all to humans. According to the National Wildlife Federation, at least 20 percent of the US population suffers some degree of snake fear, but extreme fear is not necessary. Snakes are not under every rock or hiding behind every tree, so encounters are really not that frequent and the more people learn about snakes, the less likely they are to fear them. With knowledge comes power so the more you learn about species identification as well as the natural history of snakes, the less likely you are to be afraid of them. According to The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, snakes are common all across Georgia - even in urban and suburban areas — and encounters with humans are likely to increase with the rise in development and population growth.

Timber rattlesnake John B. Jensen Georgia Department of Natural Resources

“From the mountains of northern Georgia to the barrier islands along the Atlantic coast the rich diversity of snake species makes Georgia ideal for observing and learning about snakes.” - Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Believe it or not, snakes actually have an economic benefit. They eat rats, mice, and other animals considered pests — and some snakes have even been used to assess pollutants in our ground and water ecosystems. Georgia has among the highest biodiversity of snakes in the United States with 46 species — only six of them poisonous, according to the Georgia DNR. Two snakes are considered legally threatened — the eastern indigo snake and the southern hognose snake. Snakes can be found in all regions of the state, “From the mountains of northern Georgia to the barrier islands along the Atlantic coast,” according to the Georgia DNR, and “the rich diversity of snake species makes Georgia ideal for observing and learning about snakes.” For some, however, the only good snake is a dead snake but be careful because in Georgia it is illegal to kill any non-venomous snake. It may only be a misdemeanor charge, but it can earn you a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a year in jail. You also cannot legally keep native non-venomous snakes as pets unless you have obtained a proper permit. Linda May, Outreach Coordinator, Wildlife Conservation, with the Georgia DNR, said the black racer and the brown snake are often seen in the local area. She said they are not venomous and just want to be left alone. While it is good to know as much as you can about snakes, wildlife and medical experts alike advise giving them their space if you do come across them. Georgia does have its share of snake bites each year, with most occurring in north and middle Georgia. While hardly any bites prove fatal, about 1/4 of those who seek assistance from a local hospital or poison center do need an antidote. Steven Durocher, MD, from Piedmont Walton Hospital, gives the following advice if you do happen to get bitten. Immediately seek medical care from the closest emergency room. Arrange immediate transportation or call 9-1-1. A medical professional will clinically assess the degree of seriousness of a snake bite and envenomation by watching you and the wound over a period of time. - If you don’t have immediate transportation, while waiting for an ambulance you should stay calm, keep the affected limb at the same elevation as the rest of your body and don’t eat or drink anything (food, medications, etc.). Some medications, like aspirin, can cause worse effects of venom. - If you are absolutely sure the snake is a non-venomous snake, wash the bite with warm, soapy water and still seek medical care to assess the need for treatment. You are still at risk for tetanus and infection. “The quicker the patient can get help, the better the outcome, so it is important to seek medical care right away,” Durocher said. “Only a trained medical professional can assess your need for treatment and determine if you need an antidote. With serious envenomation, the rapidity of which you receive the antidote can save your limb and your life.” Durocher says that you should never try and catch the snake as this only increases your heart rate, puts you and others at risk of a second bite and delays much needed medical care. You should also never make assumptions about which snake bit you if you didn’t see it. When hiking or camping, it is recommended that you wear proper boots for protection and avoid being barefoot or wearing flip flops at night. •WLM 66 Walton Living Magazine

Copperhead • John B. Jensen • Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Cottonmouth • Aubrey Pawlikowski • Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Eastern Coral Snake • Berkley Boone • Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake • Rick Lavender • Georgia Department of Natural

Eastern Indigo Snake - non venomous - Legally protected - Nature.org

Walton Living Magazine

Further information about Georgia’s snake population from the Georgia DNR can be found at georgiawildlife.com/ georgiasnakes Venomous snakes in Georgia Copperhead Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) Eastern Coral Snake Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Timber Rattlesnake Pigmy Rattlesnake Non-venomous snakes in Georgia Eastern Green Watersnake Brown Watersnake Plain-bellied Watersnake Banded Watersnake Northern Watersnake Queen Snake Striped Crayfish Snake Glossy Crayfish Snake Black Swamp Snake Brown Snake Florida Brown Snake Red-bellied Snake Eastern Ribbon Snake Common Garter Snake Smooth Earth Snake Rough Earth Snake Eastern Hognose Snake Southern Hognose Snake Ringneck Snake Eastern Worm Snake Pine Woods Snake Mud Snake Rainbow Snake Black Racer Coachwhip Rough Green Snake Corn Snake Eastern Rat Snake Gray Rat Snake Pine Snake Common Kingsnake Black Kingsnake Mole Kingsnake Scarlet Kingsnake Eastern Milk Snake Scarlet Snake Southeastern Crowned Snake Florida Crowned Snake Eastern Indigo Snake Brahminy Blind Snake (non-native)

Eastern Rattlesnake • Linda May • Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Juvenile Brown Snake • Linda May • Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Pigmy Rattlesnake • Daniel Soltenberger • Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Southern Hognose • Baker Jensen • Georgia Department of Natural Resources

68 Walton Living Magazine

Walton Living Magazine

GAME ON

Non-traditional sport options bringing Waltonians to the Great Outdoors

By Sharon Swanepoel

ith the warmer weather comes the traditional recreational summer sports - golf and tennis being popular choices for many in Walton County. But there are other choices offered in the area now, some that are a little more unique. If you would like to play something a little less strenuous than tennis, but like the general concept, pickleball may be more your game. Pickleball is a racket sport that combines some of the elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players use paddles to hit a wiffle-like ball over a net. And there are now a few locations in the County that offer facilities for playing the game. A relatively new game on the recreational circuit, pickleball first began in the U.S. in 1965 when, according to Pickleball Rush, a website dedicated to all things pickleball, it was invented by Joel Pritchard, William Bell and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. It has grown exponentially, and internationally, since then and is now pretty well entrenched in Walton County. Jane Scott, of Monroe, plays regularly at one of the courts at the Monroe Golf and County Club. But she first found out about it while on vacation in Jamaica.

“We met a couple that was organizing a pickleball tournament there and they invited us to come over for the tournament the next year. We didn’t play in the tournament that year, but there was a professional player who was organizing clinics,” Scott said. On her return to Monroe, Scott said they began playing here, first on the courts at the Boys and Girls Club and then at the Monroe Golf and Country Club when courts also were built there. “When we came home from Jamaica we didn’t have any paddles so we went and bought some at Dicks and have been playing since then.” This year, another pickleball complex was constructed in Walton County. Ayers Park in Between has four courts adjacent to the Splash Park across from the fire department. The courts are available to the public and no reservation is needed. Last year, Scott and her husband traveled back to Jamaica but this time they did play in the tournament, their first ever. Her husband earned a gold in his flight and she earned a gold and a bronze as well as a bronze in mixed doubles. Not bad for a couple of players who didn’t know anything about the game just three years before. Pickleball Courts in Walton County Boys and Girls Club in Monroe, 405 Community Ct, Monroe, GA 30655, For more information contact John Hopkins at 770-262-2887 Monroe golf and Country Club, 1212 Alcovy St., Monroe, GA 30655, 72 Walton Living Magazine

For more information contact Dave Mcgowan at (770) 267-8424, http:// www.monroegcc.com/. Players need to be a member or the guest of a member of the County Club. Ayers Park in Between, 1011 Heritage Pkwy, Between, GA 30655. No reservation or membership required. Another new summer game offered at the Monroe Golf and Country Club is croquet. The history of the game goes back much further than that of pickleball and its roots are from a little further afield. The game was first born in the British isles in the mid 19th century before migrating to most other English-speaking countries, of which the U.S. was one. According to the U.S, Croquet Association, the game did suffer a little setback in the 1890’s when the Boston clergy had a problem with “the drinking, gambling, and licentious behavior associated with it on the Common.” Despite that, the game of Backyard Croquet had managed to keep its popularity in American for more than 100 years and is often played at garden parties, family gatherings and other social events as well as fund-raisers - and now it is played on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings at Monroe Golf and Country Club. The social croquet games played at the Monroe County Club came about last year when croquet enthusiast Mickey Lankford convinced the club to let him arrange for the funding to build a croquet court at the club. It is now one of the 600 plus croquet courts, or greens, that grace society in the U.S.

Walton Living Magazine

“I worked with the club president and said if he would approve it I would get the funding and get it done. My good friends came through and last year we got it done,” Lankford said. “We are just starting the new season on Tuesdays and Thursday nights for what we call Wine and Wickets. We all wear the traditional white attire and everyone is welcome from beginners to novices.” As with the pickleball courts, the use of the green is open to members or guests of members in attendance. On Tuesdays, the games get underway at 7:30 p.m. and on a Thursday, the players meet at the club at 6 p.m. for dinner and then head to the green for a 7:15 p.m. start time. Croquet Green in Walton County Monroe golf and Country Club, 1212 Alcovy St., Monroe, GA 30655. For more information contact Mickey Lankford at 404-403-6838 Another more offbeat game now offered in Walton County is Frisbee or Disc Golf. The game has similar rules to regular golf, but it is played with a disc that looks and flies much like a frisbee aimed at a series of elevated metal buckets usually called pole holes. There is a course at Matthews Park that was built by Walton County Parks and Recreation and which is currently being 74 Walton Living Magazine

renovated by the City of Monroe. According to the Facebook page for Walton County Disc Golf, the plan is to have more tournaments this year as well as two sanctioned leagues. The Matthews Park Disc Golf Course is named the John Reid Memorial Disc Golf Course in honor of the late John Reid, of Monroe, who was instrumental in getting the course built. There will be a memorial tournament for John Reid, who passed away in 2020, along with a dedication of the park in his name. •WLM Disc Golf Course in Walton County Matthews Park, 1016 E Marable St., Monroe, GA 30655. For more information on the Disc Golf League, go to the Walton County Disc Golf Facebook page. And if you’re looking for a laid back game of cornhole, with a little more of a competitive edge, Southern Brewing in Monroe has just the league for you. The 7-week Winter League is now over and the Summer League has not yet started. But keep an eye out for the announcements on the Southern Brewing Company Monroe Facebook page for the announcements. The game is played in the Lumpkin Street alley, just outside the brewery and promises a whole lot of competitive fun.

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www.tbraswell.com Walton Living Magazine

WALTON VOTES

2022

Walton County voters will head to the polls twice in 2022 - May 24, for the Primary Election and Nov. 8 for the General Election. We at Walton Living Magazine encourage Waltonians to practice their right to vote.

Your Vote Counts

This year there is a mid-term election and with all the attention it is getting, it may as well be a presidential election year. But we’re more than two and a half years off of that one so, at least for the time being, it is worth concentrating on the Primary Election on May 24, 2022 and the mid-term General Election on Nov. 8, 2022.

Republican Party

The Walton County Republican Party meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at 1025 Church located at 1025 E. Spring Street in Monroe. To find out more about the Party and local representatives, you can go to the website at waltoncountygop.com or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WaltonCountyGOP/

Democratic Party

The Walton County Democratic Party meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Masonic Lodge 623 Maple Street in Monroe. To find out more about the Democratic Party in Walton County, you can go to the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ CitiesDifferenceMakers/

Libertarian Party

There is no official Libertarian Party for Walton County, but it is incorporated into the Greater Athens Libertarian Parth that covers several surrounding counties, including Walton. To find out more about the Libertarian Party in Walton County, you can go to the website at https:// lpgeorgia.com/about/affiliates/greater-athens/ or Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/ greaterathenslibertarianparty

78 Walton Living Magazine

Walton County voters will find the following candidates on the ballot in Walton County this year, on May 24, 2022 for the Primary Election. Winners of each party in the Primary will face off in the General Election on Nov. 8, 2022. UNITED STATES SENATE Democrats: Raphael Warnock (I), Tamara Johnson-Shealey. Republicans: Gary Black, Josh Clark, Kelvin King, Jonathan “Jon” McColumn, Latham Saddler, Herschel Walker. Libertarians: Chase Oliver. GOVERNOR Democrats: Stacey Abrams. Republicans: Brian Kemp (I), Catherine Davis, David Perdue, Kandiss Taylor, Tom Williams. Libertarians: Shane Hazel. Independents: Al Bartell. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Democrats: Erick Allen, Charlie Bailey, Tyrone Brooks Jr., Tony Brown, Kwanza Hall, Jason Hayes, Derrick Jackson, R. Malik, Renitta Shannon. Republicans: Burt Jones, Mack McGregor, Butch Miller, Jeanne Seaver. Libertarians: Ryan Graham.

ATTORNEY GENERAL Democrats: Jennifer “Jen” Jordan, Christian Wise Smith. Republicans: Chris Carr (I), John Gordon. Libertarians: Martin Cowen. COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE Democrats: Winfred Dukes, Nakita Hemingway, Fred Swann. Republicans: Tyler Harper. Libertarians: David Raudabaugh. Independents: Mollie “Mali” Beavers. COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE Democrats: Raphael Baker, Janice Laws Robinson, Matthew Wilson. Republicans: John King (I), Patrick Witt, Ben Cowart. STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT Democrats: Currey Hitchens, Jaha V. Howard, James Morrow Jr., Alisha Thomas Searcy. Republicans: Richard Woods (I), John D. Barge.

SECRETARY OF STATE Democrats: Dee Dawkins-Haigler, John Eaves, Floyd Griffin, Bee Nguyen, Michael Owens. Republicans: Brad Raffensperger (I), David Belle Isle, Jody Hice, T.J. Hudson. Libertarians: Ted Metz. Walton Living Magazine 79

COMMISSIONER OF LABOR Democrats: William “Will” Boddie Jr., Thomas Dean, Nicole Horn, Lester G. Jackson III., Nadia Surrency. Republicans: Kartik Bhatt, Mike Coan, Bruce Thompson. Libertarians: Emily Anderson. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, DISTRICT 3 Democrats: Shelia Edwards, Chandra Farley, Missy Moore. Republicans: Fitz Johnson (I). PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, DISTRICT 2 Democrats: Patty Durand, Russell Edwards. Republicans: Tim Echols (I). Libertarians: Colin McKinney. U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 10 Democrats: Jessica Allison Fore, Tabitha Johnson-Green, Phyllis Hatcher, Femi Oduwole, Paul Walton. Republicans: Timothy Barr, Paul Broun, Mike Collins, David Curry, Vernon J. Jones, Marc McMain, Alan Sims, Mitchell Swan. GEORGIA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 17 Democrats: Kacy D. Morgan Republicans: Bill Cowsert (I) STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 111 Democrats: Ryan Cox Republicans: Reynaldo “Rey” Martinez STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 112 Democrats: Debbie Reed Republicans: Bruce Williamson (I) Judge of Superior Court, Alcovy Circuit (McCamy) (Non-Partisan) 80 Walton Living Magazine

Cheveda D. McCamy (I) - No opposition Judge of Superior Court, Alcovy Circuit (Zon) (Non-Partisan) Layla Zon (I) - No opposition WALTON COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 1 Republicans: Bo Warren (I) COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 4 Republicans: Lee Bradford (I), Kevin Kelley, Jamie McCord COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 5 Democrats: Adrienne N. Dowdy Odum Republicans: Jeremy Adams (I), Laurie Hawks WALTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Districts 1, 2 and 5 were on the ballot but in each case the incumbents qualified and received no opposition. Simoan Capers Baker (D) - District 1 Karen Brown (R) - District 2 Tom Gibson (R) - District 5

Walton County Government meeting and contact information WALTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS The Walton County Board of Commissioners meets at 6 p.m. every first Tuesday of every month at the Historic Walton County Courthouse, 111 S. Broad St., Monroe. Chairman: David Thompson (R) Commissioners Bo Warren (R) - District 1 (bo.warren@co.walton.ga.us) Mark Banks (R) - District 2 (markbanks5689@yahoo.com) Timmy Shelnutt (R) - District 3 (timmy@andersongrading.com) Lee Bradford (R) - District 4 (bradford4walton@gmail.com) Jeremy Adams (R) - District 5 (dradams@co.walton.ga.us) Kirklyn Dixon (R) - District 6 (kirklyn.dixon@co.walton.ga.us) WALTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION The Walton County Board of Education holds its regular monthly meetings at 5.30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The BOE work session is held at 5.30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Chairman: Coleman Landers (R) - District 4 (clanders@walton.k12.ga.us) Simoan Capers Baker (D) - District 1 (simoan.capersbaker@walton.k12.ga.us) Karen Brown (R) District 2 (Karen.brown@walton.k12.ga.us) Diane Turner (R) - District 3 (diane.turner@walton.k12.ga.us) Tom Gibson (R) - District 5 (tom.gibson@walton.k12.ga.us) John Jessup (R) - District 6 (john.s.jessup@walton.k12.ga.us) David Breedlove (R) - District 7 (david.breedlove@walton.k12.ga.us) WALTON COUNTY CITIES - ELECTIONS ARE NON-PARTISAN The City of Monroe is the County Seat. The Monroe City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings start at 6 p.m. and are held in the Municipal Auditorium located inside City Hall at 215 North Broad St.. They are also televised on local cable channel 16. Mayor John Howard (jhoward@monroega.gov) City Council Lee Malcom - District 1 (lmalcom@monroega.gov) Myoshia Crawford - District 2 (mcrawford@monroega.gov) Charles Boyce - District 3 (cboyce@monroega.gov) Larry Bradley - District 4 (lbradley@monroega.gov) Norman Garrett - District 5 (ngarrett@monroega.gov) Tyler Gregory - District 6 (tgregory@monroega.gov) Nathan Little - District 7 (nlittle@monroega.gov) David Dickinson - District 8 (ddickinson@monroega.gov) The City of Loganville The City Council Work session is the Monday preceding the Second Thursday of the Month. City Council Meetings take place every second Thursday of the month. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. All Meetings are held in the Council Chambers located at 4303 Lawrenceville Road unless otherwise specified. ‍Mayor Skip Baliles (sbaliles@loganville-ga.gov) City Council Anne Huntsinger (ahuntsinger@loganville-ga.gov) Bill DuVall (bduvall@loganville-ga.gov) Jay Boland (jboland@loganville-ga.g‍ov) Linda Dodd (ldodd@loganville-ga.gov) Melanie Long (mlong@loganville-ga.gov) Branden Whitfield (bwhitfield@loganville-ga.gov)

The City of Social Circle The City Council meets regularly on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Occasionally the Mayor and City Council may hold a work session prior to the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Meetings take place in the City Community Room located at 138 East Hightower Trail, Social Circle. Mayor David Keener - (dkeener@socialcirclega.gov) City Council Traysa Price - District 1 - (tprice@socialcirclega.gov) Tyson Jackson - District 2 - (tjackson@socialcirclega.gov) Nathan Boyd - District 3 - (naboyd@socialcirclega.gov) Steve Shelton - District 4 - (jsshelton@socialcirclega.gov) Social Circle City Schools Board of Education Chairman: John Callahan john.callahan@socialcircleschools.org Michael O’Conor - District 1 (michael.oconor@socialcircleschools.org ) Rico Jackson - District 2 (rico.jackson@socialcircleschools.org) Steve Trantham - District 3 (steve.trantham@socialcircleschools.org) Sabrina Sanford- District 4 (sabrina.sanford-flint@socialcircleschools.org) Randy Carithers - District 5 (randy.carithers@socialcircleschools.org) Lowana Bell - District 6 (lowana.bell@socialcircleschools.org) The City of Walnut Grove The City Council meets every second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Meetings take place at the Park Street Municipal building. Mayor Mark Moore City Council Jon Dial - (jdial@cityofwalnutgrove.com) Stephanie Moncrief (smoncrief@cityofwalnutgrove.com) Linda Pilgrim (lpilgrim@cityofwalnutgrove.com) The City of Good Hope The City of Good Hope meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at 169 GA-83, Good Hope Mayor Randy Garrett (townofgoodhope@windstream.net) City Council Keith Prather - Post 1 - (goodhopepost1@windstream.net) Kelsey Malcom - Post 2 - (goodhopepost2@windstream.net) William Malcom - Post 3 - (goodhopepost3@windstream.net) Post 4 – Vacant - (goodhopepost4@windstream.net) David Mullis, Jr. - Post 5 (goodhopepost5@windstream.net) The City of Jersey The Town Council meets the first Monday of every moth at the Jersey Community Building, 125 Main St., Jersey. Mayor - Randy W. Carithers City Council Drayton Kines DeWayne S. Powers Jared S. Carithers Lewis D. Head The Town of Between The Between Town Council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at 1926 New Hope Church Road, Monroe, Ga. Mayor Robert J. Post (betweengamayor@gmail.com) Town Council Wanda Satterwhite – (wandasatterwhitebetweencouncil@gmail.com) Mary Ann Rivers – (maryannriversbetweencouncil@gmail.com) Brian Rubin – (brianrubinbetweencouncil@gmail.com) William (Bill) Boswell – (billboswellbetweencouncil@gmail.com) Walton Living Magazine 81

INDEX of Advertisers

Abbey Hospice 83 A.C.T. Autobrokers 63 Ace Hardware - Monroe 7 Adams Chiropractic Clinic 33 Alfa Insurance 49 American Legion Post 64 63 Barrelle Roofing 11 Bruce Williamson 17 Bistro South 51 City of Loganville 27/52 City of Social Circle 54 Darrell Productions 67 Faith in Serving Humanity (F.I.S.H.) 59 Freshway Market 27 Frog’s Pawn and Gun 54 Grill’n Station 50 John’s Supermarket 84 Jones Design Company (JDC) 53 Kellie’s Home Cooking 51 LaVida Massage 37 Lee’s Collision Center 49 Lori Duff 41 Mal’s Krazy Krab 50 Mamie’s Kitchen Biscuits 50 Monroe Country Day School 17 More Than Blinds 43 Monroe Downtown Development 47 Piedmont-Walton 20/21 Print Logic 73 Quality Foods 27 Rinse Bath and Body 2/3 Remax Preferred (Terri Braswell) 75 Snellville Heating • Air • Plumbing 43 Social Circle City Schools 19 Stripling’s General Store 51 Student Success Alliance 17 Tapp Plumbing 19 The Retreat in Loganville 5 Walton County Chamber of Commerce 41 Walton County Development Authority 13 Walton County Health Department 59 Walton County School District 27 Walton County Sheriff Office 47 Walton EMC 29 Walton Proud 19 Woman’s Health and Wellness (Pregnancy Resource) 55/59 Wood Vision Center 33 YMCA 69 Your Local News 52

Fall-Winter Issue Preview

What’s

Holiday Gift Guide

We will again be publishing our annual holiday gift guide. This gives local businesses an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer and gives local shoppers an opportunity to see where they can get those special gifts for loved ones without having to travel too far.

Details Fall Winter 2022 Magazine Advertising Deadline August 1, 2022 Publication Date October 2022 For more information on advertising opportunities in Walton Living Magazine, please contact Melanie Ann Jackson at 404-375-7881 or melanieann@waltonliving.com

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