D E C E M B E R 2 02 0
The Holiday Issue
LIFESTYLE LETTER
DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Jennifer Conforti | jennifer.conforti@lifestylepubs.com PUBLISHER A SSISTANT
The Gift of gifts.
Byron Pugh | byron.pugh@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall
THINKING OF ALL THE WAYS TO MAKE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S EVE
L AYO UT DESIGNER
SPECIAL HAS ALWAYS BROUGHT ME JOY. I'm sure you've heard people say
Jayme Emery
they'd rather give a gift than receive it and you probably think, "Yeah, sure." But really, it has always been more fun for me to give a gift than to receive one. In fact, gift-giving is one of my "love languages". I come by it naturally as my mother was the Queen of Gift Giving. I learned how to be a thoughtful gift-giver from her. She always considered what the recipient would truly love to receive and to watch the look on her face when you were opening something really special made it even more exciting.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Pam Reid, Annie Singh-Quern, Susan Walworth, Jennifer Conforti, Byron Pugh CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Debbie McFarland, Byron Pugh, Adam Hagy, Kevin Mapfumo
(My photo above shows her living room at Christmastime in 1993. Isn't it so pretty?) We had so much fun putting together our Gift Guide this year. We wanted to show off some of our local shop's wares as well as some really neat and trendy items for travel or entertaining, or just for some much needed "me" time. We hope you find something really special! This year, maybe more than any other year than I can remember, I am praying for peace and hope for us all as we prepare to welcome 2021. I pray that you all know how special you are and how much the Gift of all gifts Who was born in Bethlehem loves you.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
Great Peace, Joy and Blessings to you all,
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Jennifer Conforti, Publisher
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Vintage Byers’ Choice Carolers
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER CONFORTI 4
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
Proverbs 3:5-6 Fayette County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fayette County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fayette County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020
FEATURES 12 Making a List and Checking it Twice Local thrift store gives shopping a purpose
20 Give These Gifts a Gander Our 2020 Gift Guide!
24 The Santa With the Yellow Sleigh Local bus driver spreads joy with his alter ego
24 12
28 What the Heck is Pickleball? Find out more about this fun and active sport
20
28
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Giving Back
16
Back Stage
20 Local’s Choice 24 Trend Setter 28 Healthy Lifestyle 30 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Financial Buzz
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
7
GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
British Car Show at The Avenue In October, Fayette County Lifestyle and The Avenue, PTC co-hosted the Southside British Car Show at The Avenue Peachtree City. We had over 40 classic British cars attend from throughout the Atlanta metro area. Hundreds of votes were cast for the People's Choice Award, which was won by a very rare, 1952 Singer 4AD. We hope to make this an annual event! PHOTOS: KEVIN MAPFUMO, INSTAGRAM (KEV_MAPFS)
5.
4.
6.
7.
8.
10.
11.
9.
1. The FCL Staff | 2. Jaguar E-Type | 3. 1952 Singer, winner of our People’s Choice Award | 4. Austin “Bugeye” Sprites | 5. 1964 Triumph Spitfire | 6. Lotus Elise | 7. Right Hand Drive MG | 8. The steering wheel is on the wrong side! | 9. Austin Healy 3000 | 10. Triumph Spitfire | 11. 1963 MGB
8
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
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9
AROUND TOWN Sometimes it’s hard to gain perspective when life presents challenges and becomes overwhelming. Finally, a devotional that will inspire and provide insight into how to FLOW throughout life. Pam Reid is an author, podcaster and founder of a brand ministry called FLOW - Feel Love Over Worry. As CEO of Flow Consulting, Pam helps individuals and businesses reach new heights via her services, books and public appearances. Get your copy at Amazon.com
BEAUTY & THE BAGS 2 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 Virtual format, same great youth cause! Indulge your designer bag cravings in this virtual event featuring new and gently loved designer bags & silent auction. Proceeds fund K-12+ tutoring, enrichment, & leadership for families in great need due to the pandemic. The event takes place from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. 4-person teams create designer bags from shopping bags to win designer wallets! For more information, go to Avpride.com or call 770-
GOCHA'S BREAKFAST BAR NOW OPEN!
719-2797. (Pictured: AVPRIDE CEO Tami Morris
Oh my goodness, Fayette County, we are in
(behind) and fabric artist Didi Nicely show a
for a real treat!! Gocha's Breakfast Bar 2 is now
donated Dooney & Bourke bucket bag that will
open and their delicious, made-from-scratch,
be featured in the silent auction.)
southern-flair dishes and full bar should not be missed! Located in the Summit Point shopping center near Publix on 85 South, Gocha's Breakfast Bar 2 offers a modern, friendly atmosphere, exceptional service, and carefully prepared meals that "taste great and feel good." (Pictured: The Shrimp & Grit Cake... pure deliciousness!) Check out their menu at gochasbreakfastbar.com or call at 770-629-7443.
AVPRIDE OFFERING NEW PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES AVPRIDE is launching a NEW, virtual program for high school graduates and young adults called “On the FYLP Side” that focuses on career and major exploration while preparing
FAYETTE COUNTY'S OWN, PAM REID, ANNOUNCES HER NEW BOOK We could all use a reminder from time to time about how to bring peace back into our lives. 10
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
participants to enter the workforce successfully. While previous Fayette Youth Leaders PRIDE (FYLP) participants will be drawn to this program because of their experience with FYLP, On the FYLP Side is open to all young adults.
“Our experience working with our youth during the pandemic has opened our eyes to the numerous needs our young people have right now to connect in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Tami Morris, CEO of AVPRIDE. “With so many young adults unable to participate in the first-time college experience and having changed plans for post-high school in so many ways, we wanted to provide a community experience that provides a supportive environment with resources young adults need." Participants will be able to create a professional network and learn skills that will aid them in their careers. This program is being developed by 2020 FYLP graduate and AVPRIDE Executive Intern, Aliana Stanley, as a part of her Clayton State University internship. For more information, please email info@avpride. com or call/text 770-716-2797.
Would you like to get in touch with
us?
We
hear
from
you!
would Contact
love
to
us
at
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
11
GIVING BACK
M A K I N G A L I ST
AND CHECKING IT TWICE
CLOTHES LESS TRAVELED OFFERS SHOPPERS GREAT VALUES WHILE SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY.
12
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
WHETHER YOU WANT TO DONATE, SHOP OR VOLUNTEER,
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PAM REID
THIS LOCAL NONPROFIT IS MORE THAN A THRIFT STORE. Stocked with quality used goods, clothing and other merchandise, Clothes Less Traveled - lovingly referred to as CLT - is the place where customers can furnish and decorate their home, replace their appliances, electronics and tools, find toys for children and special items for their pets, as well as add to the family wardrobe. Clothes Less Traveled has a footprint in the community as deep as the relationships and partnerships they have formed since its inception. The dilemma that resulted from an endless stream of donations - arriving regularly at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City - was addressed and solved when two community dynamos, Mary Ann Cox and Joan Velsmid, founded Clothes Less Traveled in 1997 - Peachtree City's first nonprofit thrift shop. From the onset, inventory continuously flooded the small storefront on Huddleston Road and sales flowed in equal measure. The organization has grown exponentially over the past twenty-three years and today, the thrift shop operates out of a 25,000 square foot space located at 459 Highway 74 South in Peachtree City. Clothes Less Traveled has historically been a tremendous and stable resource for many in the community. The organization's outstanding reputation has much to do with the number of funds and merchandise they have been able to funnel back into the community by way of grants, scholarships and vouchers. Through the generosity of donors, the committed service of incredible volunteers, and the dedication of an amazing staff, CLT has disbursed over 7.1 million dollars to local 501c(3) nonprofits in need. While the list of recipients is too many to name, the alphabetical list begins with Armed Forces Mission and Arts Clayton and extends to Southern Conservation Trust and The Breast Cancer Survivors Network, with many other well-deserving organizations in between. CLT grant dollars help feed hungry children, serve veterans, provide seniors with healthcare and transportation, rescue animals, CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
13
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
sustain nature preserves, build homes for working families, provide treatment for cancer patients, shelter women and much more. This incredibly impactful thrift store awards financial scholarships for college as well. High school seniors have an opportunity to earn and apply for scholarships through volunteer service at the store. CLT's mission "to provide a caring, well-run thrift shop where donors, volunteers, shoppers and employees feel welcome and appreciated and proceeds are reinvested back into the community" is evidenced daily. Their voucher program provides clothing, household goods, furniture and more to individuals and families that have fallen on hard times. Individuals may shop the thrift store for specified items with a voucher, just as they would with cash. Clothes Less Traveled staff members are always on hand to provide assistance. Clothes Less Traveled staff and volunteers are committed to living out the organization's Christian values. While CLT was closed during the early months of the pandemic, the organization extended itself - like many other businesses and organizations during COVID-19 to meet the needs of their local grantee partners. If an organization served clients who were in need of anything CLT had available for sale in the shop, the grantee partner was welcome to visit the shop and select items at no cost to the nonprofit. Shopping times were by appointment only to accommodate no more than two representatives from the nonprofit. There's something more special about Clothes Less Traveled. The volunteers and staff are amazed at how often what someone needs arrives exactly when someone is looking for it. This dynamic has existed in the store for years. It's the place to find the perfect gown or wedding dress. Perhaps you are looking for sports equipment...score! Need some holiday sparkle? CLT's jewelry department has plenty of shine. If that's not enough, CLT has an extensive book selection that can keep the most discerning book lover happily distracted for hours.
CONTACT INFO
459 Hwy 74 South, Peachtree City 770-486-8517 clotheslesstraveled.org
14
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
Peggy Thomas is the organization's Board Chair and she believes Clothes Less Traveled is a place where people come to get their needs met and to be part of something bigger than themselves. "Today we benefit from everyone being home since March. People cleaned out their garages, closets, cabinets, you name it. The donations are amazing and we are working hard to sort through them all." Every item for sale in the shop has been sorted, priced and displayed in such a way that makes shopping easy and enjoyable. Donation drop off takes place at the back entrance of the store between 10:00 am 3:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. CLT sells and uses pretty much everything, but before loading your car, you would be wise to check their website to make sure they can accept your generous donations. Their website is also the place to schedule a pick up in the event you have large items to donate, or if you'd like to make a monetary donation. They are, after all, a nonprofit. Clothes Less Traveled had to make adjustments since closing its doors for several months during the pandemic. Being closed has impacted their ability to grant funds in 2020. This is the first time the organization put its granting program on hold. They are looking forward to reviewing the ability to open grants in September 2021. In the meantime, if you're shopping and looking for something different to give this holiday season, CLT gift cards make great stocking stuffers!
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BACK STAGE
the gift OF GRIT 16
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
ARTICLE ANNIE SINGH-QUERN
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? WHAT’S YOUR
PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM HAGY
JOURNEY WITH MUSIC? I grew up on a farm in a small town called Rootstown in Ohio. I’m the middle child of a family of seven kids. I got my first guitar when I
LOCAL SINGER-SONGWRITER, KARL REMY, SHARES HIS SECRET OF SUCCESS
was 14. I saved up to buy it with money from a summer job because I loved music. I first played in church when I was 22. At 24, I picked up the guitar again and started writing songs with a friend. I came to the Peachtree City area in 2013 to visit some musician friends. I’ve been here ever since. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MUSIC? WHICH MUSICIANS DO YOU ADMIRE? DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC. I love how music makes me feel. I love how a song can hit you in the heart. Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, George Strait. My music is Country... Southern Rock. I write songs that make sense to me and my fans. I play a little piano, fiddle, and the classic violin. HOW HAS YOUR FAMILY INSPIRED YOU? My dad is a force of nature and, in my opinion, the hardest worker in life. His work ethic has been a gift to me. My mom is the kindest person. My daughter’s pure love is my biggest inspiration to go faster, higher, and better every day. I am currently partnering with my bro, Drawde. We have a song together that’s soon to come out. WHAT’S YOUR PERSONALITY? High energy, enthusiastic, risk-taker, fearless, entrepreneurial, hard-working, business-oriented, sentimental, love relationships, philanthropic, ain’t scared! My motto is "Go after it! Attack it with everything I got!" HOW DO YOU VIEW SUCCESS AND WHAT'S YOUR SECRET? You can be successful but if you don’t balance it with humility, it’s pointless. It’s my duty to do more. I have learned to do servant leadership. I like to lead by example.I think overcoming fear is my secret. Exercise humility. You cannot be afraid of failure. You have to get over
THIS
HOLIDAY
SEASON,
WHEN
your ego. Music was the first step to being myself in front of people.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS CARRY A NOSTALGIC NOTE, KARL
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR GIFT IS, OTHER THAN SINGING
REMY’S COUNTRY ROCK LYRICS
AND WRITING MUSIC?
MAY BE JUST WHAT YOU NEED TO
Helping others find their potential is my gift. For them to recog-
SEE YOU THROUGH THESE BIT-
nize their value is my purpose as a human artist. I’m passionate about
TER-SWEET TIMES. With “A dollar
coaching younger musicians and speaking on how to grow a busi-
in his pocket and a big dream” in his
ness. I grow by trying to emulate others who are successful. What
heart, the 33-year-old cowboy is a true
works for them could work for me. I surround myself with people who
testimony of courage, faith and humility.
accomplish more than I do. I read, watch videos, and listen to audio-
Whether he’s atop a bucking horse at a
tapes. To aspiring musicians I would say, just take a step. Once you do
rodeo, splitting his fingers on his guitar
something once, it’s easier the second time.
strings, or baring his soul in front of fans, Remy has endured the good, the bad and the ugly. So, “Come on, stay strong, rock on …”
WHAT’S NEXT? Get back out there. Play in shows and write music! CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
17
BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)
s to r i e s o f G R I T grit /ɡrit/ noun 2. courage and resolve; strength of character. Singer-songwriter Karl Remy inspires his fans to stay on course regardless of what life throws at them. His Songs “Rock On”, “Cowboy Rage” and “Things I Have Found” were inspired by his family, friends and fans.
01 02 03
ROCK ON “AND WHEN YOU’RE FEELIN LIKE YOU CAN’T GO ON, COME ON, STAY STRONG, LIVE ON, AND ROCK ON.” COWBOY RAGE “PUT YOUR FACE IN THE WIND SON STICK OUT THAT CHEST. WHEN LIFE GETS HARD YOU DON’T EVER LET GO…” THINGS I HAVE FOUND “AND THAT’S WHY GOD MADE ME YOUR FATHER, TO HOLD YOUR HAND THROUGH DAYS OF DOUBT. THESE ARE THE THINGS I HAVE FOUND …”
18
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
19
LOCAL’S CHOICE
give these GIFTS A GANDER WE SHOPPED LOCAL AND THE INTERNET TO FIND YOU SOME CREATIVE GIFT IDEAS. TAKE A LOOK!
LIDAYS HAP HO PY
HO
Y DA
PY
APPY HOLI DA S H YS
Y HOLIDAYS PP HA HA P
ARTICLE JENNIFER CONFORTI | PHOTOGRAPHY
YS HAPPY H DA OL LI I
JENNIFER CONFORTI AND PROVIDED
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Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
g i f t s fo r
T H E E N T E R TA I N E R
01 NORA FLEMING NEW RECTANGULAR PLATTER $38.00 with Santa in Chimney, $13.50. A Southern Accent, PTC. | 02 LE CREUSET MINI ROUND COCETTE $19.95, cookswarehouse.com | 03 FANCY PANZ 2 IN 1 FOIL DISH CARRIER SET WITH SPOON AND RISER (NOT SHOWN) $22.00, A Southern Accent, PTC. | 04 ALL-CLAD C4 COPPER 2.5 QUART SAUCIER $199.95, cookswarehouse.com | 05 LE CREUSET 16” X 13” ROASTING PAN SET WITH NONSTICK RACK $149.95, cookswarehouse.com | 06 TWINE REUSABLE CHEESE MARKERS $15.00, atlantahomepatio.com | 07 SUPREME HOUSEWARES TUSCAN MELAMINE SERVING PLATTER $30.00, atlantahomepatio.com | 08 HANDMADE CHEESE/BREAD BOARD $26.00, Junk Mama’s General Store, Fayetteville. | 09 LARGE BIG GREEN EGG $999.00, atlantahomepatio.com CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)
g i f t s fo r
THE WELLNESS GURU
01 CHEERFUL HOUSE PLANTS $25.00 and up, theskinsociety.com | 02 SKINBETTER SCIENCE ALTO DEFENSE SERUM $140.00, theskinsociety.com | 03 MIXTURE CALMING MILK BATH $24.00, altantahomepatio.com | 04 HANDMADE LEATHER JOURNAL $85.00, tribalchick.com | 05 I LIKE BIG BOOKS COFFEE MUG $13.00, tribalchick.com | 06 CHANE CO. WINE TUMBLER $25.00, Junk Mama’s General Store, Fayetteville. | 07 ARCHIPELAGO BOTANICO DE HAVANA DIFFUSER $47.00, tribalchick.com | 08 KANTHA HANDMADE QUILTED BLANKET $35.00, tribalchick.com | 09 THE LITTLE BOOK OF ENCOURAGEMENT $21.00, houseandhide.com
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Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
g i f t s fo r
THE GLOBETROTTER
01 SIC (SERIOUSLY ICE COLD) 12 oz Paisley, ($22.00) and 20 oz Red ,($26.95) Insulated Tumblers. A Southern Accent, PTC. | 02 OVER THE SHOULDER, HANDMADE TRAVEL BAG $125.00, tribalchick.com | 03 MARY LAKE-THOMPSON LTD. GA TOTE BAG $24.00, Junk Mama’s General Store, Fayetteville. | 04 COACH SIGNATURE RETRO SUNGLASSES $129.50, Coach.com | 05 BABOON TO THE MOON SMALL GO-BAG $149.00, baboontothemoon.com | 06 MONOS CARRY ON PRO PLUS IN ROSE QUARTZ $295.00, monos.com | 07 PLAYFUL TRAVEL/MAKEUP BAG $20.00, tribalchick.com | 08 M&P CRAFT COCKTAIL KIT (TSA FRIENDLY!), THE BLOODY MARY $24.00, wandpdesign.com | 09 PORTER MUG IN CHARCOAL, 16 OZ. $30.00, wandpdesign.com CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
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TREND SETTER
t h e sa n ta w i t h t h e y e l l o w
SLEIGH ARTICLE SUSAN WALWORTH | PHOTOGRAPHY DEBBIE MCFARLAND
LOCAL BUS DRIVER SPREADS JOY WITH HIS ALTER EGO
24
Santa checks his list for a second time. He enjoys hearing the wishes of those who believe.
When your driver is Santa, following the bus rules is extra important.
Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
FOR SOME, SANTA IS A GOOD-NATURED
the attention of kids. First-time bus riders often
BRINGER OF GIFTS. For others, he embodies the
climb aboard and excitedly exclaim, “Oh boy! We
magic of Christmas. But for Peachtree City resident
get to ride with Santa!”
Bob Sharp, the jolly old elf is the alter ego he uses to spread holiday joy to many.
The novelty of a bus-driving Santa is also not lost on the dogs along Sharp’s route. At the
Unlike Santa’s reindeer-powered ride, Sharp’s
sound of the approaching bus, they wait eagerly
long yellow ‘sleigh’ has a wide rearview mirror
for the treats he tosses out the window. It seems
perfect for keeping an eye on who’s being naughty
they’re all on his nice list.
or nice. A bus driver with Fayette County Public
On the last day of school before Christmas break,
Schools for 12 years, Sharp first donned his red
when holiday anticipation is almost more than
velvet, fur-trimmed attire six years ago. It was a per-
his young riders can bear, Sharp rolls up dressed
fect fit for someone who enjoys helping others and
in his “official” Santa uniform, complete with wide
working with children.
leather belt engraved with reindeer and big brass
Whether he’s starring in parades or listening to wishes at parties or photo shoots, Sharp loves the reactions of those who believe. But double takes are not limited to Christmas. Even in his civies, which usually include a red shirt, Sharp’s long, wavy, white locks and beard never escape
buttons marked ‘SC’. The effect for his young riders is magical. “I knew you were the real Santa!” Sharp remembers a kindergarten rider saying after a big gasp. So, is he the real deal? With a prerequisite twinkle in his eye, Sharp answers, “What do you think?”
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
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Angela Palmer 770.487.4455 • palmerkaydesign.com
@palmerkaydesign @angie.palmerkaydesign
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Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
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200 Westpark Dr., Suite 100, Peachtree City (404) 669-9214 www.ginngroup.com
SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS ISO 9001:2015
Pictured Leftto Right:
Jerry Ginn, Vice Chairman James P. Ginn, Chairman Darion Morgan, Chief Financial Officer
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
27
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
WHAT THE HECK IS PICKLEBALL?
THE PTC-FAYETTE PICKLEBALL CLUB WILL BE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU!
SO YOU’VE HEARD OF IT, BUT IT’S GOT A SILLY NAME,
including Kedron Fieldhouse, Glenloch Recreation Complex,
SO IT MUST BE A SILLY GAME. And definitely not for a seri-
Pebblepocket tennis courts and Kiwanis Park tennis courts in
ous person like you, right? Well, here are some questions to
Fayetteville. There are also many private courts and churches
ask yourself; Do you need to be more active? Do you need to
that host games and rounds of play throughout the community.
get your heart rate up? Do you enjoy a friendly competition?
Nancy’s first introduction to Pickleball was in 2010 or so
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pickleball
when she worked with the Peachtree City CVB. The city had
may be just what the doctor ordered!
hired a consultant who had worked with the Villages in Florida
Created in the mid-’60s in Washington State, Pickleball has
and suggested that Pickleball might be a great draw for PTC
become one of America’s fastest growing sports. That can
in recruiting retirees to the area. Sharon got involved with
be attributed to the ease of learning to play and the fact that
Pickleball a couple of years later and in 2014 was instrumental
you don’t need to spend a small fortune on equipment to get
in starting the local club. Until recently, Sharon served as a
started. Played on a court similar in size to badminton and
Regional Ambassador for USA Pickleball, promoting the sport
using a typical tennis-style net, it can be played both indoors
throughout middle Georgia.
or out. The balls are plastic with holes… what we called wif-
One misconception about Pickleball that both Sharon and
fle balls when I was a kid. The only thing you usually have to
Nancy would like to see dispelled is that the game is only for
provide yourself is a paddle, which typically can be purchased
retirees. “It’s a great sport for people of all ages,” says Sharon.
for less than $100.
“The club is actively involved in providing training for local
Gameplay varies from fast and furious to slow and mea-
Physical Education Teachers and there are also grants available
sured, sometimes within the same point. These variations
to provide equipment like balls, paddles and nets, to Elementary
mean that the sexes can play separately or together and still
and High Schools.” She noted that the club also has start-up
have fun and competitive games. The "Dink", a short drop
kits available for Churches and other community organizations
shot, is one of the keys to the game.
that have an interest in starting a Pickleball program.
We recently sat down with Sharon Conrad and Nancy
The club is also working with local governments to create
Price, the President and Vice President of the PTC-Fayette
more dedicated courts for Pickleball here in Fayette County.
Pickleball Club to learn more about all things Pickleball here
Spalding and Coweta counties have recently opened ded-
in Fayette County. In just 6 short years the club has nearly 200
icated courts and facilities for Pickleball. Both have seen
local members. Their home courts are at Flat Creek County
success hosting tournaments, like the recent Doc Holliday
Club, but members of the club frequent several other venues
Shootout in Griffin, that attract hundreds of out of town visitors to their areas. If you would like to see if Pickleball is for you, the club offers free beginner classes. They even offer free use of equipment
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BYRON PUGH
so you can “try it before you buy it” so to speak. You can contact Sharon Conrad directly at 678-478-3390 or visit the club’s website at www.ptcpickleballclub.com
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Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
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29
TUES-SAT
DECEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
PTC-FAYETTE PICKLEBALL CLUB Flat Creek Country Club, 100 Flat
Creek Rd, Peachtree City 8am- Noon
Learn how to play the fastest growing
sport
in
America
-
PICKLEBALL! We offer free use of
equipment and beginner classes. For more information call Sharon
Conrad at 678-478-3390 or go to www.ptcpickleballclub.com.
DEC 5-6, SAT-SUN
MOTORCYCLE NEW RIDER TWODAY LICENSING CLASS Kiwanis Park Activity House,
108 Old Senoia Road, Fayetteville 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
New
Rider
Course;
license
waiver class for new riders or riders returning to the sport after several years. Students must supply bandana;
over-the-ankle
leather
boots; full-fingered gloves; long, durable pants such as jeans; and long-sleeve shirts. Motorcycles and helmets will be furnished for your use during class. Call Eric Allen at 678-364-1442 or visit georgiamotorcycleriders.com.
EVERY WED & SAT PEACHTREE CITY FARMERS MARKET
Aberdeen Village Shopping Center, 215 Northlake Drive PTC 9am - 1pm.
Food, Fun, Gifts, Music...Saturday’s market
brings
approximately
60
vendors offering a variety of fresh produce, poultry, beef and pork, bread, sweet treats, honey, eggs, prepared foods, and so much more. CONTINUED >
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Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
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31
DECEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR Whether you’re looking to create a
feast or simply don’t want to cook at all, we have you covered.
5 HOMETOWN HOLIDAY
Drake Field, 155 Willow Bend Rd, PTC
Join the City of Peachtree City for its
annual event Hometown Holiday at
Drake Field. Participate in the tree lighting ceremony, enjoy live enter-
tainment at the pavilion, shop at the holiday village, and meet Santa on
his sleigh. There will also be cookie decorating, s'mores and more family-friendly activities to enjoy!
5
CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET
Lane Brown Gazebo, West Stonewall Avenue, Fayetteville
This annual event includes visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the highly anticipated lighting of the Christmas Tree. Contact Joyce Waits at 770-7194173 or jwaits@fayetteville-ga.gov.
12 BEAUTY & THE BAGS 2 VIRTUAL EVENT
Virtual on www.avpride.com
Virtual format, same great youth cause! Indulge your designer bag cravings in this virtual event featuring new and gently loved designer bags & silent auction. Proceeds fund K-12+ tutoring, enrichment, & leadership for families in great need due to the pandemic. For more information, go to avpride.com or call 770-719-2797.
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Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020
16 KETOGENIC LIFESTYLE SUPPORT MEETUP ON ZOOM Virtual on Zoom
This meetup on Zoom.us happens the third Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Health coach, Jessica Shotwell Walker provides support and community for people living or wanting to learn about easily using their own body fat to fuel their amazing lives. For more info go to www.momentumtransformations. com or email jessica@momentumtransformations.com.
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ FayetteCounty using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
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FINANCIAL BUZZ ARTICLE KY DICKERSON, STATE FARM AGENT
hey fayet te count y! did you k now? OUR GOLF CART LIFESTYLE IS FUN, BUT ARE YOU THOROUGHLY PROTECTED?
YES, THE GOLF CART LIFESTYLE CERTAINLY IS FUN
Golf carts used on your own property or the golf course
AND CONVENIENT. We love that we have our own park-
are generally covered under the homeowner's insurance
ing spaces at stores and restaurants. How amazing that
policy, but golf carts used OFF of the property, like on the
the original planners of PTC actually wanted to be able to
paths we use in Peachtree City, are generally NOT covered
link every home, every street and every golf course to a golf
by said policy. That means if you or a family member are on
cart path. They make our lives easier and even a little more
one of our paths and something happens... anything that
special, don't they? However, if you think your golf cart is
causes damage to you or another driver/rider, that cost
covered from liability, theft, accidental collision or unforeseen
may not be covered.
damages on your homeowner's policy, think again. Recently,
Thankfully, many insurance companies offer coverage
we had a customer call us who experienced an accident with
for your protection and the protection of others. Contact
injuries involved. Fortunately, they had coverage on the golf
your local agent for information. Or, you can call me, Ky
cart and the claim was handled! We've had many of these
Dickerson, State Farm Agent in PTC at 770-632-8882, and
calls and with people, young and old, using their carts more
I can answer all of your questions. Be safe on the paths and
than ever, insurance has never been more important.
keep on living our fabulous lifestyle!
About Ky Dickerson: Ky has been working in the insurance industry for over 26 years. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, she began her career with State Farm Insurance in 1993 as a claims adjuster in Bradenton, Florida. After twelve years and three relocations in Florida, she moved to Georgia where she became a Claim Team Manager for the organization. Since 2008, she has owned and operated a successful agency, the Ky Dickerson Insurance Agency in Peachtree City. Ky and her team specialize in helping customers navigate risks and assist them with solutions in reaching their financial goals.
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Fayette County Lifestyle | December 2020