“Thank you for making us Best of Dawson for three years in a row. We are known for the quality of our service and the high standards we set for ourselves. Our primary goal is to help our clients make informed financial decisions.”
-Christine Hinton
Services include: • Tax Preparation and Planning • Part-Time CFO Services • Small Business Accounting • Personal Financial Planning • Payroll
Christine Hinton CPA Owner
C: 706-522-3025 F: 678-550-7765 Christine@ChristineHintonCPA.com ChristineHintonCPA.com
Have a Question about an Accounting or Tax Issue? Ask an Expert.
Thank you to our community for always supporting us and voting us the best heating and air company four years in a row. As a lifelong resident of Dawson County, this recognition is such an honor. We look forward to continuing to serve you. ~Tim & Lindsay White
706-974-1092
EliteHeatingandAirGA.com Tim@EliteHeatingandAirGA.com
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR You made this happen. That’s right, I mean you, the person reading this letter right now. Without you, none of this would have happened.
award will be given each year to Dawson County residents who, like Pirkle, embody the best that our community has to offer.
In a year unlike any other, with a global pandemic raging, you nominated and voted for your favorite businesses, community groups, volunteers and professionals, and made this Best of Dawson one of the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting.
But most importantly of all, this year is special for the simple fact that despite the massive economic and health crisis we faced, your community businesses survived and thrived.
It might be hard to believe, but in 2021 we received more votes than we have had in the history of Best of Dawson, and that is a huge testament to the love that Dawson County residents have for their community. But it wasn’t just the voting that made this year’s Best of Dawson special. For Best of Dawson 2021 we unveiled a new event made possible by presenting sponsor John Megel Chevrolet and hosted at Lilly Creek Farm, updated voting categories and a new honor titled the Gordon Pirkle Heart of Dawson Award. This
Inside this magazine, you’ll see solid proof of that thriving. From Paige Sweany of Sole Photography who went out on a limb and made her dream job a reality, to Jesse and Hope Chism, who took radically different career paths but managed to keep their missions aligned, and Dawsonville’s own Gordon Pirkle, who has dedicated his life to this community through decades of love and volunteerism. These exceptional people are perfect examples of what Best of Dawson is all about. Thanks for reading, Alexander Popp Editor
CONTENT From the Editor.........................................................4 Complete 2020 Best of Dawson WINNERS List............6 Winners’ Award Presentation Photos........................ 10 Gordon Pirkle, Best Volunteer.................................. 20 Presenting sponsor John Megel Chevrolet ................. 26
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media.
4
Best of Dawson is a publication of Dawson County News, 30 Shoal Creek Rd., Dawsonville GA. A Metro Market Media property. 706-265-3384 Stephanie Woody Publisher swoody@dawsonnews.com
Erica Schmidt Staff Writer eschmidt@dawsonnews.com
Leah Nelson Director of Revenue lnelson@gainesvilletimes.com
Tim Anderson Multimedia Account Executive marketing@dawsonnews.com
Alex Popp Editor apopp@dawsonnews.com
Chelsea Sunshine Graphic Design csunshine@gainesvilletimes.com
Jacob Smith Staff Writer jsmith@dawsonnews.com
Photographs Provided by Paige Sweany Sole Photography
2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
BURT’S PUMPKIN FARM
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2021 BEST OF DAWSON WINNERS 6
AUTO & TRANSPORTATION Auto Body Shop Disharoon Automotive
Assisted Living Community North Georgia Assisted Living and Memory Care
Auto Glass Repair/ Replacement Southern Auto Glass
Bail Bond Company Liberty Bail Bonds
Auto Parts Store AutoZone
Banquet/Event Facility Lilly Creek Farm
Auto Repair Shop Silver City Tire & Automotive New Vehicle Dealership John Megel Chevrolet Oil Change Grease Monkey Small Engine Repair/ Sales Silver City Tire & Automotive Tire Store Silver City Tire & Automotive
Barber Shop Dawsonville Barber Shop Beauty and Hair Salon Platinum Scissors Best Beer/Spirits Selection Premium Package Outlet Best Wine Selection Dawson Fine Wine & Spirits Boat Services Lund Marine Boutique Sweet Sassafras
Towing Service K&K Towing of Dawsonville Used Car Dealership John Megel Chevrolet BUSINESS Accessories Store Sweet Sassafras Boutique Accounting/Tax Prep Christine Hinton CPA Antique Store Soul Sisters Antiques
Bank/Credit Union United Community Bank
Car Wash North Georgia Premium Car Wash Carpet Cleaning KG Cleaning Service Inc. Carpet/Flooring Store Dalton Wholesale FloorsDawsonville Catering A Perfect Gathering Catering
2021 Best of Dawson
Cellular Dealer AT&T Child Care Center White Oak Learning Academy - Dawsonville Locations Children’s Clothing Store Dot Dot Smile Sandi Ethridge Cleaning Company KG Cleaning Service Inc. Commercial Real Estate Company Bohanan Gee Elite Realty Associates Computer Repair/ Services AML Computer Services, LLC Dance Studio Cumming Dance Academy - Dawsonville Dry Cleaners Top Cleaners Electrical Contractor Carl Pruitt Electrical Feed & Seed Store Brooksher Feed & Farm Supply Financial Planner Mike Harrington, United Community Bank Fitness Center/Gym Planet Fitness
dawsonnews.com
¡Gracias!
THANK YOU!
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT & MARGARITAS
Hello,
We would like to start by expressing the great emotion and satisfaction we feel for receiving this award which has been achieved thanks to all of you. I want to start by thanking God for health, strength and leading us on the right path. I also want to thank all our customers who have supported us for these 2 years of service, without your support or vote, we would not be who we are now, “ your favorite Mexican Restaurant.” And finally I would like to thank our coworkers, thanks to the great team we have achieved starting with kitchen staff, chefs, food runners, chip takers, busboys , hostesses, bartenders and managers. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and dedication. ONCE AGAIN THANKS FOR CHOOSING US. Atte: SENOR FIESTA FAMILY
GAINESVILLE
770-534-1122
1943 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. SE Ste. 900, Gainesville, GA 30501
DAWSONVILLE
706-216-5000 12 Dawson Market Way Ste. 300, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Come see us in Gainesville or Dawsonville www.SenorFiesta.com
2021 BEST OF DAWSON WINNERS 8
Floral Arrangement Dawsonville Florist Furniture Store Soul Sisters Antiques Garbage/Waste Removal Evans Garbage Services Grading & Hauling Bolton Grading Grocery Store Kroger Marketplace Gun Store Appalachian Armory & Off Road, Inc. Gutter Service Sheffield Gutters Hardware Store Dawsonville Hardware Health & Beauty Retail Store A Touch of Hope
Insurance Company Roger Slaton - State Farm Insurance Agent
Painting Company Freedom Painting and Handyman Services
Jewelry Store Tripp and Company Jewelers
Pawn Shop Dawsonville Gun & Pawn
Junk Removal 400 Waste and Scrap LLC Kitchen/Bath Remodel Brandon Nahlik Construction Landscape and Design Company Hood Landscape Lawn Care/Weed Control Daniel J Pritchett Landscaping Liquor Store Premium Package Outlet Locksmith North Georgia Key Works
Heating/Air Service Elite Heating & Air
Men’s Clothing Store Brooks Brothers
Home Decor/Furniture Days Gone By Vintage Market
Nail Salon Moon Nails & Tan
Home Repair/ Handyman Freedom Painting and Handyman Services Hotel/Lodging Amicalola State Park Lodge
Nursery/Greenery Abbott Creek Nursery Outdoor Specialty Store Outside World Outfitters Paint Store C & W True Value
Pest Control Company Duncan Exterminating Pet Boarding Country Home Kennels Pet Care Whitmire Animal Hospital Place to Work United Community Bank, Downtown Dawsonville Printing & Graphics Company 400 Ink - Signs & Graphics Propane Company Amicalola Propane Real Estate Group Bohanan Gee Elite Realty Associates Roofer Edge Roofing LLC Self Storage Facility Byrd’s Mini Storage Septic Services Banks Septic Shoe Store Famous Footwear Spa Services A Touch of Hope Specialty Retailer Soul Sisters Antiques
2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
TO THIS YEAR'S BEST OF DAWSON WINNERS
nghs.com
Thank You to our Sponsors &
JOHN MEGEL CHEVROLET Best New Vehicle Dealership, Best Used Car Dealership
CHRISTINE HINTON Best Accounting/Tax Prep, Best Accountant/CPA/Tax Prep
10
2021 Best of Dawson
SENIOR FIESTA Best Margarita, Best Mexican Restaurant
dawsonnews.com
Congratulations to our Winners
ELITE HEATING AND AIR Best Heating/Air Service
AQUA POOL DESIGN Best Swimming Pool/Spa Design/Service
STEVEN LEIBEL Best Personal Injury Attorney
TRIPP AND COMPANY JEWELERS Best Jewelry Store
dawsonnews.com
2021 Best of Dawson
11
2021 BEST OF DAWSON WINNERS 12
Sporting Goods Retail Appalachian Armory, Inc. Swimming Pool/Spa Design/Service Aqua Design Pool and Spa Tanning Services Sun Tan Inc Tattoo Shop Gold City Tattoo Company Thrift Store Humane Society Resale Shop & Boutique
COMMUNITY Art Gallery/Studio Outside the Lines! Art Studio Church Soul Filling Station Civic Club Rotary Club of Dawson County Non-profit Organization KARE for Kids, Inc.
FOOD & BEVERAGE American Food Chick-fil-A Appetizer LongHorn Steakhouse Asian Restaurant Kani House Bagels Panera Bread Bar Friends Sports Grill
Place to Volunteer Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Barbeque Mutt and Jeff’s Smokehouse
Tourist Attraction Burt’s Pumpkin Farm
Breakfast Papa’s Place
Volunteer Gordon Pirkle
Business Lunch LongHorn Steakhouse
Vitamin Store Nature’s Health Store
EDUCATION Principal Brody Hughes, Dawson County High School
Butcher/Meat Processor The Steel Buffalo Butchery
Water/Fire Damage/ Mold Remediation Water Removal Services LLC
Private School Lighthouse Christian Academy
Wedding Venue Lilly Creek Farm Events
Public School Black’s Mill Elementary School
Travel Agency Radiant Travel Dream Vacations Tree Service Superior Arbor Management (SAM) Vape Shop My Vape Shack Dawson
Wild Bird Supplies Wild Birds Unlimited Window Tinting TopLine Tint, LLC Women’s Clothing Store Sweet Sassafras Boutique
Teacher Jenny Disharoon, Black’s Mill Elementary Tutoring Mathnasium Coal Mountain
2021 Best of Dawson
Coffee Because Coffee Delivery Restaurant Domino’s Pizza Dessert Da Vinci’s Donuts Dinner LongHorn Steakhouse Donut Shop Da Vinci Donuts Drive Through Chick-fil-A
dawsonnews.com
Thanks For Voting Us Best Private School!
Thank You For Voting Us
Best Bagels and Best Soup. Catering with Panera
2021-2022
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New building project underway, to be completed August 2021- Check out our building plans online
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PaneraBread.com
• Affordable tuition • Multi-student discounts • Qualified, caring teachers • Dual Enrollment
706-705-4459 329 Harmony Church Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534 office@lcadawsonville.com LCADawsonville.com
Accredited by the GAC, Inc. GICAA sports. K4-12th grade.
We also offer:
Puppy Shots • Yearly dog vaccines • Cat & Dog De-wormer Pine straw • Wheat straw • Mulches • Grass seed • Fertilizers Lime • Variety of Hay • Wire • Gates •Wild Bird Feed • Feeders 706-344-1431 • 647 Hwy 136 East, Dawsonville, GA dawsonnews.com
Hours: M-F 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-3pm • Closed Sunday
2021 Best of Dawson
13
2021 BEST OF DAWSON WINNERS 14
Family Restaurant Ruby’s Recipes Fast Food Chick-fil-A Fine Dining Olive Garden Italian Restaurant French Fries Chick-fil-A
Place to Celebrate Special Occasion The Blue Bicycle: A Bistro
Cardiology The Heart Center of NGMC-Dawsonville
Romantic Restaurant Blue Bicycle
Children’s Dentist Harris Family Dentistry
Salad Zaxby’s
Chiropractor Annis Family Chiropractic Center
Sandwiches Firehouse Subs Dawsonville
Fun Atmosphere Because Coffee Hamburger Dawsonville Pool Room Happy Hour Friends Sports Grill
Seafood Kajun Seafood Dawsonville Soup Panera Bread Southern Cooking Papas Place
Health Food City Produce Hot Dog The Varsity Jr Dawsonville Ice Cream Dairy Queen Italian Restaurant Olive Garden Lunch Chick-fil-A Margarita Senor Fiesta Martini LongHorn Steakhouse Mexican Restaurant Senor Fiesta Pizza Brooklyn Joes Pizza/Pasta
Sports Bar Friends Sports Grill
Cosmetic Dentistry Lanier Dental Partners Dermatology Cleaver Medical Group Drug and Alcohol Treatment Alpha Hope Counseling Inc Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists North Atlanta ENT and Allergy
Steak LongHorn Steakhouse
Family Practice Chestatee Emergent Medical Care
Sushi Kani House
General Dentistry Lanier Dental Partners
Sweet Tea Mutt & Jeff’s Smokehouse
Home Healthcare Visiting Angels
Takeout Ruby’s Recipes
Hospital Presence Northeast Georgia Health System
Wings Old Dad’s Wings MEDICAL Audiology/Hearing Aids North Atlanta ENT and Allergy
2021 Best of Dawson
Imaging Service Imaging Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Massage Therapy A Touch of Hope
dawsonnews.com
Thanks For Voting Us Best American Food, Best Drive Through, Best Fast Food, Best French Fries and Best Lunch.
It Is Our Honor To Serve This Great Community.
Thank hank You Dawson County For Voting Us U Best Veterinarian & Veterinary Services! Sick Pet Visits - Well Animal Checks - Spaying and Neutering Routine Surgery - Vaccinations - Internal Medicine and Critical Care Oral and Dental Care - Grooming Boarding - Diet and Nutrition – Pharmacy - End of Life Care Will and Emily Baldwin are 2004 graduates of the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine. Will has been practicing both large and small animal medicine in North Georgia since graduation while Emily completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine in Charlotte, NC before relocating to North Georgia. They are excited to be part of the Dawsonville community with their three daughters and numerous pets (3 cats, 1 dog, 1 bird and 4 fish at last count).
2399 Highway 53 Dawsonville, GA 706-265-8381 • dawsonvillevet.com
Thank you Dawson County for Voting Us
Best Church!
Turning the hearts of youth and families to God and each other. Developing our God-given potential in order to win in every area of our lives. Advancing the Kingdom of God, first throughout our circles of influence, then the nations abroad
The Soul Filling Station 77 Hugh Stowers Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-7990 • Thestationdawsonvi.wixsite.com
dawsonnews.com
Dawson Community Foodbank is a ministry of the church serving 500+ families monthly. Our desire is that no one goes hungry. God has blessed us tremendously and this is one way we can give back to the community. Matthew 25:35 - For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
2021 Best of Dawson
15
2021 BEST OF DAWSON WINNERS 16
OB/GYN Practice NGPG OB/GYN Dawsonville
Auto Mechanic Chris McBrayer, Silver City Tire & Automotive
Optometry Practice Dawson Eye Group
Bank Teller Pamela Pilcher, United Community Bank
Orthodontics Smile Doctors of Dawsonville
Barber Kat Majeste
Orthopedics NGPG Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Dawsonville Outpatient/ Ambulatory Surgery North Atlanta Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Center Pain Management Cleaver Medical Group Pediatrics Practice Ivy Ridge Pediatrics Pharmacy Kroger Pharmacy Podiatistry Dr. Gruen, Gruen Podiatry Therapy-Physical BenchMark Physical Therapy
Civil Attorney Shelly Townley Martin Contractor/ Construction John Sullivan - North Ga Creations, LLC Counselor Kyle Ramsey, Black’s Mill Elementary School Criminal Attorney Fox Chandler Homans, Hichs & McKinnon LLP Estate Planning/ Attorney Shelly Townley Martin Hair Colorist Morgan Parker Hair Stylist Alicia Bolton
Urgent Care NGPG Urgent Care Dawsonville
Home Inspector Mike Phillips- 4 Seasons Home Inspection
PROFESSIONALS Accountant/CPA/Tax Prep Christine Hinton, CPA
Insurance Agent Roger Slaton - State Farm Insurance Agent
Nail Technician Natalie at Moon Nails Non-MD Medical Pro (RN LPN PA, etc.) Amberly Hedden, Chestatee Emergent Medical Pediatrician Renee Waters, Ivy Ridge Pediatrics Personal Injury Attorney Steven Leibel, Leibel Law Personal Trainer Abbey Redmon Pet Groomer Michelle Ingram, Mandy’s Pet Spa Photographer Sole Photography by Paige Sweany Plumber Josh Watson, All Purpose Plumbing Real Estate Agent Tara Bohanan- Bohanan Gee Elite Realty Associates Tattoo Artist JC Welch Veterinary Services/ Veterinarian Dawsonville Veterinary Hospital
Massage Therapist Hope Chism, A Touch of Hope
2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
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Thank You
Dawson County For Voting Us Best Jewelry Store Four Years In A Row! Fine jewelry Store • Custom Design Studio • Full Service Jeweler
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Thank you for voting us Best self storage of Dawson County!
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“A Heart of Gold:” Gordon Pirkle recognized by DCN for volunteerism and leadership
Gordon Pirkle stands at the entrance of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville.
By Jacob Smith jsmith@dawsonnews.com Throughout his life, Dawsonville legend Gordon Pirkle has spent time doing a lot of things. Running a gas station meant for bootlegging, running the famous Dawsonville Pool Room, raising a family, volunteering his time with the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and dozens of other causes, Pirkle did all that and more. Friends and family say that through it all, Pirkle’s heart for the people and the place he loves shines brightly for everyone to see. The people who know Pirkle best say that love is why Pirkle is voted Best Volunteer in the Dawson County News’ Best of Dawson contest year after year. “I’m very proud of it,” Pirkle said. “I’ve never voted on it. The people that vote for me are my people. That’s quite an honor to have my people vote for me.” Pirkle has volunteered at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame since it’s opening in 2002. Throughout the museum’s closure and the recession of 2008, Pirkle stayed faithful to his vision of what the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame could be. “The night the hall of fame opened, he had just put his mother in the grave,” Pirkle’s son, Gordon Jr., said after Pirkle won 20
the Founders Award from the GRHOF in Dec. 2013. “He said, ‘This is the worst day of my life. I just put my mother to rest. But this is the best day of my life, this is a 20-year dream of mine finally come true.’” Over the past year the Racing Hall of Fame made several renovations and opened up a new Chase Elliott exhibit that would not have been possible without Pirkle’s volunteer work at the museum, honoring and preserving the racing legends from Dawsonville, Georgia and throughout the nation. “I really love the history of it,” Pirkle said. “Even though it’s a strange, strange history. It’s kind of hard to make heroes out of people who were outlaws.” Pirkle made national headlines in 1983 when he set off an old siren at the pool room, celebrating Bill Elliott’s first NASCAR Winston Cup Series victory. Pirkle continues to set the sirens off for Chase Elliott’s win, most recently when Elliott won the 2020 Cup Series championship. Pirkle let the si-reen, as he would say, alarm for hours as the people of Dawsonville came together at his pool room late into the night to celebrate. Rhonda Goodwin still remembers meeting with Pirkle at the Pool Room in 1993 to start what Dawson County now knows
2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
Top left: Gordon Pirkle, center, stands with Georgia Racing Hall of Fame team members (from left) Robin Evans, Cindy Elliott, Scott Adams and daugher, Hayley Garrett. Right: Gordon Pirkle greets old friends at his downtown Dawsonville restaurant The Dawsonville Pool Room.
as K.A.R.E. for Kids. “He put the hook in me then and he’s still got me hooked,” Goodwin said. “I respect his dedication and commitment.” Pirkle and Goodwin remained very involved in the Moonshine Festival, which Goodwin said all started because of Pirkle making one call. “I think people respected him and his heart so much that they wanted to spread it out as well,” Goodwin said. “He called someone and they called their friends who called their friends and it’s still going on. He still talks with at least 90 percent of the people that participate because they respect his heart so much.” Goodwin added she would not be surprised to find Pirkle has a second heart hiding somewhere in his chest for the countless amounts of “selfless” love he’s shown to Dawsonville. UNVEILING THE GORDON PIRKLE LEADERSHIP AWARD Pirkle’s lifelong accomplishments will be recognized this year with the brand new Heart of Dawson Leadership Award, henceforth to be known as the Gordon Pirkle Heart of Dawson Award. According to Dawson County News Editor Alexander Popp, the award will be given each year at the Dawson County News Best of Dawson Gala to a community member who “embodies the giving spirit and love for Dawson County that [Pirkle] shows.” “You’ve got to spend a good time following before you can learn how to be a good leader,” Pirkle said. “I started out real young learning what life was like. My granddaddy was my hero and he was a good storyteller. I learned a lot from him, but I never dreamed back when I was getting busted that I’d end up 84 years old and have such a beautiful museum in a town that nobody could love more than Gordon Pirkle.” Writer and columnist Ronda Rich told the DCN that she met Pirkle when she first got her start writing for The Gainesville Times in the mid-80’s and dawsonnews.com
2021 Best of Dawson
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quickly saw him as a mentor due to vast roots in the world of professional racing and in the north Georgia community. “He’s still a leader and mentor to me and I’m just one of a lot of people,” Rich said. “He makes me feel special, but I’m just one of the many people [Pirkle] has touched with his heart every day. It’s important to him that the history flows through Dawsonville like the Chestatee River.” In 2012, Pirkle’s daughter-in-law Karen Reece wrote the DCN, commenting on how Pirkle has been a family and community man throughout his entire life. She highlighted things like when Pirkle took on his wife Idilene’s first two children as his own and how he would close his restaurant for a week to feed the elementary school children in the county. “He understands that sometimes free food will make folks come out and then stay and hopefully hear the gospel preached,” Reece wrote. All four of Pirkle’s children still live on the same plot of land that Pirkle does, and the family has fought hard to stay close. Through the pandemic, Pirkle’s daughter, Hayley Garrett, said that Pirkle insisted on family outings because “their faith was bigger than their fear.” “Our family’s love is more important than anything,” Garrett said. “Anything we’ve gone through as a family, that’s all that matters. Money can’t buy that.”
been my honorary grandfather all these years. He’s just always been such an idol and hero to me. I’ve never met a single person more passionate about their hometown.” When people around him want to give up, Pirkle’s leadership and heart combine into one to give each individual the confidence and affection they need to pick up their baggage and keep on moving. Goodwin remembers Pirkle telling her “We can’t let this mission die.” “Those words have kept me still working,” Goodwin said. “And always will. Over the years, people might have wanted to replace me, but those words...he said WE. His heart has ignited and hurled numerous volunteers and kept us around. He’s like family to me too. It’s not just a close bond.” Pirkle said he has no plans of changing anything about the amount of time he donates to his town that his greatgrandchildren are now a tenth generation of as natives. His 85th birthday will be celebrated in December and Pirkle said that he hopes to be able to throw a big party for everyone he loves to celebrate. As far as his continued dominance in the volunteer category, Pirkle said he has no way of knowing why his name seems to pop up. “I guess I’ve got some people fooled,” Pirkle said. If that’s the case, consider an entire community duped.
But for Pirkle, the meaning of family has extended well beyond those who he’s related to. When asked about the Dawsonville legend, state Rep. Will Wade (R-Dawsonville) said that he has always looked up to Pirkle and thought that he embodies the spirit of Dawsonville and Dawson County. “He is a true gent and is always willing to give a helping hand to anyone, especially those in need,” Wade said. “He has always treated my family like his own and I can never thank him enough for how he has treated and taken care of my mom and dad over the years.” Cody Dinsmore first started volunteering at the Racing Hall of Fame when he was 8 years old, and very quickly saw Pirkle as someone to look up to. More than the knowledge of racing that Pirkle passed down, Dinsmore said that he appreciated Pirkle’s heart over everything. Dinsmore was always humbled by how Pirkle would send food to Bearden Funeral Home anytime that he saw a big group of cars in the parking lot. “He just has a heart of gold,” Dinsmore said. “Gordon has 22
2021 Best of Dawson
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Don’t forget to show off your 2021 Best of Dawson win with a custom made plaque. ORDER ONE TODAY! Email marketing@dawsonnews.com for more info.
Voted Best C ategory Title
YOUR BUSIN ESS NAME HERE
HONORED TO SERVE
DAWSON COUNTY
25 -
over
H O N O R
years!
F O R
U S
-
W I T H
25
years!
OUR EMPLOYEES WOULD LIKE TO
over
Thank You
FOR VOTING US BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP AND USED CAR DEALERSHIP H O N O R
U S
W I T H
YOUR VOTE FOR BEST CAR DEALERSHIP!
John Megel Is Blessed With The Best! Thanks To Our AmazingV Staff O TWho E Make F O REvery U SVisitAToTJohn Megel A Good One
DAWSONNEWS.COM
John Megel Chevrolet Executive Manager Johnathan Megel, left, and dealership General Manager Shawn Boyd, right, pose for a photo in front of the Dawson County dealership.
Trust is everything: John Megel Chevrolet honored for years of service, customer loyalty By Alexander Popp apopp@dawsonnews.com For quite a long time, John Megel Chevrolet was a bit out of place in growing, but still very rural Dawson County. According to John Megel Chevrolet Executive Manager Jonathan Megel, when they first began putting down roots for the dealership, which sits along Ga. 400 near the North Georgia Premium Outlets in the heart of Dawson County, the region had virtually none of the business and development that is so prevalent today. 26
“Then all of a sudden you start to see the development … and it’s great to see,” Megel said. “It took a little longer than we wanted, but it’s here now.” And as the Dawson County community grew, so too did the community’s trust and respect for the local Chevrolet dealership, which has won award after award, year after year, for its service and dedication to loyalty and trust. Today, that trust between customers and the dealership is at the heart of everything they do, and every interaction they have with the community. And taking care of customers,
2021 Best of Dawson
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making them feel at home — that’s their bread and butter according to Megel. “Nobody really loves to go buy vehicles, but you know, we try to make that a fun and easy process,” he said. “We don’t want to just sell someone a car today and never see them again, we want them to come back.” When asked why that trust is so important, dealership General Manager Shawn Boyd said that it all comes back to the fact that, as salesmen of, “the second-largest purchase” people make in their life, customers need to know that they are dealing with honest, dependable people, whether that’s in the showroom, the service department, or 200,000 miles down the road when it’s time for an upgrade. “There are some people that come in and deal with the same person on multiple transactions, not having to see somebody different every time they come in. It just builds comfort and trust,” Boyd said. “People are going to buy from people that they trust.” This year, John Megel Chevrolet won two categories in the Best of Dawson contest, Best New Vehicle Dealership and Best Used Car Dealership. According to Megel and Boyd, those awards are a testament to the connection that they have made with the Dawson County community and a testament to the quality of their staff. “It’s very rewarding, that means that we are doing the right thing and that we’re making that name in the community,” Megel said. “It’s a vision that we’ve had for a long time, and that is to give the customer the best experience we can, but we can’t do that without the people that we have.” dawsonnews.com
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Thanks Dawson County For Voting Us Best Nail Salon and Nail Technician 3 Years In A Row BEST NAIL SALON ANd BEST NAIL TEch OF dAWSON cOUNTY!
We value our friendships that we have made through the last 24 years with so many.
THE STEEL BUFFALO BUTCHERY Thank You Dawson County For Voting Us Best Butcher Shop! FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED LOCAL FEDERAL INSPECTED MEAT MARKET
PRESERVING THE ART OF BUTCHERY
Now Offering S&S Nails USDA Beef - Pork - Lamb - Goat - Venison Plus Other Seasonal Wild Game We Sell Half & Whole Beef and Pork
Full Nail Salon
Acrylic, Pink and White Manicure & Pedicures | Massages
Wedding or Birthday Parties are welcome!
WE ARE A FULL SERVICE PROCESSING SERVICE - VENISON, BEAR, WILD HOG, BEEF, EEF, LAMB & GOAT Follow us on Facebook for our weekly specials.
1500 HARMONY CHURCH RD. D DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534
MOON NAILS & SPA 706-216-6100
706-216-2170 thesteelbuffalobutchery.com
Located on Hwy 53 East in center just before Sonic.
Thank You Dawson County Thank You For Voting Silver City Tire & Auto! • BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP • BEST TIRE STORE • BEST SMALL ENGINE REPAIR • AND CHRIS McBRAYER BEST AUTO MECHANIC!
We are experts at:
• Major Mechanical • Engine Tune Up • Pre-Purchase Inspection • Engine Diagnostic • We carry all major tire brands 28
Silver City tire
...more than a tire store! Locally Owned & Operated 2021 Best of Dawson
Sunday Mon.-Fri. Saturday
Hours
Closed 8AM–5PM Appointment Only
6546 GA-9, Dawsonville, GA 30534 770-887-7625 dawsonnews.com
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Gutter Siding Doors Windows
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A a senior female I am leery off As strangers taking advantage off people this day and time. But I can’t praise my sale rep enoughh for his honesty and professionalism m for Edge Roofing. Everything wentt perfrfectly. f The crew was prompt andd worked really hard. If you need a new roof, I highly recommend thiss company! -Teresa H.
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My experience with Edge Roofifinng was excellent from the beginning to the completion. My sales rep explainedd thhe entire process, brought over severaal samples and checked on the progress thhroughout the entire project. The site manager worked with his crew too complete the job, we had a NEW ROOF inn ONE DAY! If you need a new roof, you will not find a better team or get a betteer price. I highly recommend Edge Roofingg!
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Or Stop By And Say Hello At Our New Dawsonville Location At: 35 Lumpkin Campground Rd. N., Dawsonville, GA 30534
833-GOT-EDGE JESUS IS LORD!
“A window into people’s lives” Paige Sweany of Sole Photography receives most votes in Best of Dawson
By Erica Schmidt eschmidt@dawsonnews.com Paige Sweany had been working for Sawnee EMC for 12 years when she realized she needed a change. Photography was a hobby for Sweany, so she decided to take a leap of faith, quit her job and follow her passion instead. A decade later and Sweany’s business, Sole Photography, is thriving, receiving the most votes of any business in a single category for the 2021 Best of Dawson contest. Sweany said that her love for photography began when she started taking her own photos of her kids. “It started as a hobby for my kids; I wanted to save money and be able to take pictures so it just kind of went from there,” Sweany said. “My dad bought me my first camera and I actually still use it every once in a while just cause it’s nostalgic, but he believed in me and that was kind of the beginning of the story — he gave me the tools to be successful.” Sweany said that as a hardworking mother, one of her biggest goals for her business was to offer photography services that anyone can afford. “It’s kind of like a ministry,” Sweany said. “I’ve always kept my prices so that anybody can have pictures. I don’t want anybody not to have pictures cause they can’t afford them.”
Over the past 12 years, Paige Sweany of Sole Photography has developed a part time hobby into a full time business.
Sweany said that her career move, which was a huge leap of faith starting out, proved to be successful. Since
day one, Sweany has made a name for herself in the community, so much so that she operates solely through word-of-mouth. “I began advertising when I first left Sawnee and it wasn’t my cup of tea, so now I advertise completely by word of mouth,” Sweany said. “And business is just thriving — looking back it was the perfect timing and everything was lined up for success.” Sweany does a little bit of everything, from sports photography and engagement photos to newborn and family photos. According to Sweany, this is one of the things she loves most about her job. “I get very bored, so in an average week it would be very normal for me to be working with a newborn in the morning, doing a sporting event and then a family maternity session in the afternoon,” Sweany said. “I like it all; I don’t think I could just pick one.” Another of Sweany’s favorite parts of her job is that it allows her to be there for some of the most special moments in her clients lives. “I feel very fortunate that I have a window into people’s lives,” Sweany said. “Especially during COVID, I’ve sometimes seen newborns before some of the family has, so it’s just an honor.” Sweany has lived in Dawson County for 20 years, and her children have all gone through the schools in the Dawson County School System. Sweany said that taking photos at school events is one of her favorite types of assignments. “I like working in the schools and doing the sports pictures because I love seeing the kids achieve,” Sweany said. “That’s where my heart really is is the schools.” According to Sweany, winning the Best of Dawson 2021 award is a huge honor and hearing how many votes she received was a good reminder of the impact she has on her customer base. “I forget how many people know me and appreciate me, but I feel just as much about them as they do about me,” Sweany said. “I feel very blessed when people pick me because they don’t have to and I love my clients — seriously they are my people and I love them and appreciate them.” dawsonnews.com
Sweany says that her favorite part about running a photography business is the insight it gives her into peoples lives.
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Thank you Dawson County!
We are so appreciative of everyone who made this another great year. Thank you for your votes & support! We take excellent care of your pets when you need us. We provide dog boarding and cat boarding services for your beloved furry family members when you’re away from home. We also have dog grooming at our dog salon. Plus, we offer pet daycare for those who need someone to keep their pet company during the day.
BOHANAN GEE ELITE REALITY ASSOCIATES
Thank You for Voting Us
Best of Dawson Best Real Estate Group & Best Commerical Real Estate Company
Boarding | Daycare | Grooming
Located at 336 Elliott Family Parkway, Dawsonville 706-265-3142 | countryhomekennels.com
THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST PROPANE COMPANY FOR 6 YEARS IN A ROW!
Military & Senior Discounts
MilitarPROPANE AMICALOLA y & D|iSamicalolapropane@windstream.net amicalolapropane.com coun Spropane enior company your hometown tS
383 Highway 53 West, Dawsonville, GA
706-344-1GAS
AMICALOLA PROPANE
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2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
Thank You For Voting Us Best Insurance Agent And Best Insurance Company Again This Year. We Look Forward To Serving Our Growing Community! Our success is built on a foundation of shared values- quality service and relationships, mutual trust, integrity, and financial strength. State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Auto • Home • Life • Health
Roger Slaton 40 Hightower Parkway • Dawsonville, GA • 706-216-8700 • www.rogerslaton.com
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Thank You Dawson County For Voting Papa’s Place Best Breakfast And Best Southern Cooking! DAILY SPECIALS available for Lunch and Dinner We love and appreciate each one of you who have continued supporting our business during the past year. It’s been a pleasure to serve you and we look forward to making your visits during 2021 both satisfying and enjoyable. Dawn, Therese & Larry
two Locations
3651 Dawson Forest Road • 706-265-6194 Located behind outLet MaLL at round about
1203 S. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA • 706-864-5890
www.papasplacega.com
dawsonnews.com
2021 Best of Dawson
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HEARTS FOR SERVICE: Jesse and Hope Chism win Best of Dawson awards By Erica Schmidt eschmidt@dawsonnews.com This year’s Best of Dawson winners include longtime Dawson County residents and husband-and-wife duo Jesse and Hope Chism. Jesse Chism is the head pastor of local church, the Soul Filling Station, and Hope Chism is the owner of day spa, A Touch of Hope. Between the two of them, the couple received five awards this year. Even though their careers may be different, both say that their mission is the same. Jesse Chism began ministering about 20 years ago and this year his church won Best Church. Chism said that one of his ministry’s biggest goals is to make sure that a title like Best of Dawson is never the main focus and that service is always at the forefront. “Our heart is to serve the community and one of my mottos is ‘task over titles’ and the fact that we don’t get caught up in titles, but we’re about the Lord’s purpose and serving the community,” Chism said. “I’m excited to win Best Church simply because our people deserve it. They’re amazing individuals.” Hope Chism also began her business about 20 years ago, and won awards this year for Best Health and Beauty Retail Store, Best Spa Services and Best Massage Therapy. Chism herself also won Best Massage Therapist. “The biggest thing here is we’re really big on serving over selling, so that’s kind of like a mission statement to 34
Top: Local pastor Jesse Chism won this year’s “Best Church” award for his church, Soul Filling Station. Bottom: Hope Chism, Jesse’s wife, also won her own set of awards for her day spa, A Touch of Hope.
2021 Best of Dawson
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Hope Chism has owned and operated her day spa, A Touch of Hope, for about 20 years.
me, to just grow the business but keep having a servant’s heart,” Hope Chism said. The couple has been married for almost 26 years and have lived in Dawson County for over 20 years. The pair have raised three sons, who are now in college, and both say they absolutely love Dawson County. “We’ve been in the Dawson County community for about 22 years,” Jesse Chism said. “There’s no place better than Dawsonville.” This year isn’t the first time the couple have won Best of Dawson awards, and both say they are proud of each other for their hard work. “We’re celebrating together,” Hope Chism said. “It’s just a huge honor honestly, and we’re both very humbled and blessed.” Jesse Chism said that seeing his wife’s business grow and dawsonnews.com
her hard work pay off has been a blessing to him. “I’m proud to be connected with her and her heart; what she does at A Touch of Hope is similar to what we do at our church, which is to serve people,” Chism said. “I’m excited to celebrate with her — she is my angel.” Moving forward, the couple hopes to advance their mission of serving the community through both lines of work. “I would love to get more involved in the schools, possibly with their scholarships, and get more involved in teaching,” Hope Chism said. Jesse Chism said that he would love to continue to grow his church and to broaden the reach it can have in the community. “My goal for the church is to make the greatest impact and to get bigger,” Chism said. “But not just get bigger, to get better. It’s all about serving others.”
2021 Best of Dawson
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Thank you Dawson County for voting us Best Auto Body shoP
1680 Highway 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 706.265.2118 Fax 706.344.3825 disharoonautomotive.com dishauto@windstream.net
Trained
Thank You Dawson County For Voting Us
# 1 In Two Categories!
Best Family Restaurant & Best Takeout The Story of Ruby’s Recipes Thanks to my mother, Ruby, good food was a part of my everyday life. She had a reputation of being a great cook, and the best cook in our famiily. Our house was known as the gattheriing place. Although the end of the evening meant we had to say goodbye, my relatives would always have a smile on their face when leaving with Ruby’s care-packages. It had become a family tradition to take food for the road. Even at a young age, I understood how important cooking was to my mom. I’ll never forget the day that I came home from school and my mom was in the kitchen
crying. I asked her what was wrong. She told me that her rheumatoid arthritis had gotten so painful that she was having such a hard time bles. I tolld her thatt I had d allways cuttting vegettab wanted to learn how to cook (mostly because I loved to eat). I began to help my mom in the kitchen on a daily basis. She taught me all of her recipes and techniques. By the time I was 14, I was the chef in the house. Cooking truly has been a passion of mine from those first days in the kitchen with my mom. Throughout the years, I got more creative and have explored many different cuisines. I am thrilled that the Dawson community has become our new family and we can share our love of food with each one of you.
Allen Cerinetti – Owner
Rubys-recipes.com • 706-216-7166 462 Memory Lane, Suite 170, Dawsonville, GA 30534 Mon–Sat: 11:00 am –9:00 pm • Sun: CLOSED
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2021 Best of Dawson
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Thank You Dawson County For Voting Us Best Criminal Attorney!
Thank you Dawson County for Voting Us Best Business Lunch, Best Dinner, Best Steak, Best Appetizer & Best Martini in Dawson County!
Bring your appetite to LongHorn Steakhouse®. We believe in doing things the right way, the LongHorn® way, serving steaks, chicken and fish that are always fresh, never frozen. And our steaks are legendary, perfectly seasoned and expertly grilled to your liking. We’re fired up about bringing you a better steakhouse experience. 795 Hwy 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-2007 Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
Fox Chandler homans hiCks & mCkinnon, llp ATTORNEYS AT LAW
www.LongHornSteakhouse.com
LongHorn Steakhouse®, LongHorn® and You Can’t Fake Steaktm are owned by RARE Hospitality Management, Inc. 2013
Joseph a. homans 706-265-3090 - 272 Highway 9 South, Dawsonville
Voted Best of Dawson 2021
Best Wild Bird
Food Supply Store!
Now that is something to sing about!
Thank you for your vote.
$5 OFF a $25
purchase or more
Excludes optics, DSC Memberships, gift cards, previous purchases, online orders, and sale items. Can not be combined with any other offers. Dawsonville location only.
Expires: 5/9/21 (BOD)
Wild Birds Unlimited
425 Quill Drive, Suite 100 Dawsonville GA, 30534 (706) 429-0077 www.WBU.com/Dawsonville dawsonnews.com
2021 Best of Dawson
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Thank You Dawson County for voting us
BEST PEST CONTROL AGAIN THIS YEAR! We are very blessed to have such wonderful customers! Family owned and operated since 1981
At Duncan Exterminating, we are grateful that God has blessed us so richly with a wonderful staff and customers. We hope to be of better service to our fellow man in the years to come. WE OFFER WILDLIFE AND MOSQUITO CONTROL
256 Beartooth Pkwy. Dawsonville, GA 30534
3510 Thompson Bridge Rd. Gainesville, GA 30506
706-216-1906
770-536-6734
THANK YOU DAWSON COUNTY FOR VOTING US #1! Grease Monkey’s Certified Pit Crew provides oil changes and more for all your vehicle’s maintenance needs. Our Pit Crew Guarantee promises to get you back on the road or we will give you a $1 back for every minute we go over our promised time.
Get In. Get Out. Get Going
To Show Our Appreciation For Voting For Us We Are Offering These Specials
5
$
Off $
Synthetic Blend Oil Change
10 10 Off
Full Synthetic Oil Change
%Off
All Other Services
Excludes Batteries & Tires. Not valid with any other coupons or discounts. Must present coupon. Expires April 30, 2021.
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2021 Best of Dawson
Check Out Our Full List Of Automotive Services Online At
greasemonkeyauto.com
Center #1181 • 514 Highway 53 E Dawsonville, GA 30534
706.265.1219
dawsonnews.com
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1
Love and Fam
ily
January/Febr
uary 2021
THANK YOU DAWSON COUNTY FOR VOTING
GEORGIA RACING HALL OF FAME THE BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER AND
CONGRATULATIONS TO GORDON PIRKLE FOR BEING VOTED BEST VOLUNTEER AGAIN THIS YEAR!
LOVE
Fred and Laura
Sutherland
GETAWAY Date ideas for this Valentine’s Day
JOY
Cold Creek Farm owners on finding love
Call 706-265-3384 or email marketing@dawsonnews.com dawsonnews.com
Georgia’s official state racing museum located in the“Birthplace of Stock Car Racing”, Dawsonville Ga. Come experience the history from the beginning of stock car racing and it’s moonshining roots, right up to the 2020 Nascar Cup Champion, Chase Elliott!
MONDAY - SATURDAY 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM SUNDAY 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
415 HWY 53 EAST • DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534
2021 Best of Dawson
706-216-7223 39
THANK YOU
Dawson County For Voting Visiting Angels Lake Lanier,G Georgia Best Home Healthcare!
Thank you Dawson County for voting us Best Florist of 2021!
We truly appreciate each one of our valued customers & love being a part of this community since 1969.
Interested in learning how a Visitin ng Angelss caregiver could help p you or your looveed on ne?
Dawsonville Florist Celebrating 50 Years Gail and Wayne Wright
VISITING G ANGELS LAKE LANIER LANIER, GA
770-886-7900 www.visitingangels.com Follow us @
1131 Hwy 9 South, Dawsonville 706-265-3162
Cleaning Service, Inc. Expert Carpet Cleaning
Thank you for voting us Best Cleaning Company for 6 straight year’s And Best Carpet Cleaning Company for 5 straight year’s! Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 You might say that Providing SERVICE and HAPPINESS to our Customers and Community is our mission statement. We started that idea and foundation of Service nearly 6 years ago, as we took a leap of faith to follow our all American Dream, starting out of our garage, and working very very hard the past 6 years to be the very Best we can be, raising the bar in our industry, and providing ol’ fashioned Customer Service! Anyone can do a job cheap but we strive to earn Customers for life with a name you can always count on and trust. We have grown over the past 6 years and have stayed true to our commitment to Serve our Community and give back since day 1 when we gave our word to do so and because of YOU, we have been voted Best of Dawson for 6 years in a row, we are truly honored to represent “Best of Dawson” everywhere we go and want to Thank YOU for supporting our small family business! 2020 has been a difficult year for not only us but many people and other small businesses with COVID, however, through it all, we still stayed true to our commitment of “Helping Keep Dawsonville Clean” by still volunteering with various projects, helping keep roads Clean, and Fogging for COVID for many many Local Small Businesses and Local Churches throughout the year at no charge to help out. We made it through 2020 by the grace of God and hard work ethic! We pray and feel that 2021 will be a brighter year for everyone and are here to Serve you to the Highest Level just as we always have because the KG Team is a name you can always count on and trust! Thank you again for blessing us with the business and support. May God bless you and your Home always! -Ken And Bethany Goines (KG Cleaning Service)
“serVice BeYond YoUr eXpectations!”
10% OFF Any Service
for Veterans, firefighters , first responders and Law enforcement 40
www.kgcleaningservice.com |
/kgcleaningserviceinc
706.525.9102
2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
THANKS DAWSON COUNTY FOR VOTING US
Thank you For Voting us
BEST GUN STORE AND BEST SPORTING GOODS RETAIL STORE! Best Wrecker Service Four years In a Row!
BUY – SELL – TRADE
Class III/NFA Firearms & Accessories Family Owned & Operated
Open 5 days a week: Tues-Thurs 9-6 • Fri 9-5:30 • Sat 9-5:30
706-216-2113
Located in Downtown Dawsonville, on the square
40 Hwy 9 North, Dawsonville, GA 30534
dawsonnews.com
locally owned and operated for over 10 years.
We’re 24/7 Reasonable Rates
706-429-0277
2021 Best of Dawson
• • • • • •
Accidents/Wrecks We are on our local Dawson Co. Rotation towing companies Dawson County’s ONLY Non-consensual Towing Off road recovery Impound
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4 Seasons Home Inspections, LLC Thanks Dawson County For Voting Us Best Home Inspections!
Thank You for voting us Best Carpet/Flooring
Before you move in… let us make sure your home has been inspected by the best. We will provide you with our skilled, professional attention to details so you can buy with confidence.
470-398-5036
770-595-5795
fourseasonsinspection@yahoo.com
78 Dawson Village Way N., Suite 210, Dawsonville
Mike Phillips
Dr. Leslie McGuinn Davis | Dr. Lauren Palmer Freitag Thanks for Voting us BEST Cosmetic Dentistry and BEST General Dentistry 6 Years In A Row!
Our Services
• Preventive Care • Whitening • Porcelain Veneers
Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Leslie McGuinn Davis and Dr. Lauren Palmer Freitag
• Crowns & Bridges • Root Canals • Dental Implants
Smile with Confidence
Call us today to schedule your appointment 706.265.1399 Dawsonville | 770.889.6370 Cumming 2390 Thompson Road, Suite 200, Dawsonville, GA 30534 smiles@lanierdentalpartners.com | info@lanierdentalpartners.com
www.lanierdentalpartners.com
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2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
Thank You Dawson County For Voting Us Best Plumber!
Thank you for voting us
Best Hamburger! It’s been FIFTY PLUS years for our well-known Bully Burger!
Breakfast Served Daily As one of the leading local businesses in the Dawson County we cover all plumbing including Residential and Commercial. MASTER PLUMBER WATER HEATER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION AFFORDABLE PRICES OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
SUN-THURS 11AM-9PM FRI-SAT 11AM-10PM
9 9 $7.
Josh Watson – Owner Jwatson.allpurposeplumbing@gmail.com
ON THE SQUARE IN DAWSONVILLE
706-265-2792
Thank you Dawsonville for voting us Best Spa Services Best Massage Therapy Best Health and Beauty Store and Hope Chism as Best Massage Therapist!
We take great pride in caring for our clients. We love and appreciate our community. A Touch of Hope Day Spa is an organic day spa. Our therapists are highly trained in their scope of practice and customize each session to their clients needs.
706-216-6031 • atouchofhopespa.org 3651 Dawson Forest Rd, Ste 100, Dawsonville, GA dawsonnews.com
2021 Best of Dawson
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Private Rooms Available
Thank you Dawson County for voting me Best Bail Bond Company “We understand ... bad things happen to good people”
liberty bail bonds serving dahlonega & daWsonville For Over 20 Years “Giving You Immediate, Professional, Dependable & Confedential Service”
OPeN 24 HOurS
Immediate Friendly Service
FINaNCING avaILaBLe
No Bond Too Small No Bond Too Large
706-216-3733 www.libertybonding.org Dahlonega • 706-864-0122
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST SUSHI AND BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT! 205 Dawson Village Way S. Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-344-1494 www.kanihouse.com
Lunch Mon-Thur 11:30am - 2pm Fri 11:30am - 2pm Sat 12pm - 2pm Sun 12pm - 2pm
Dinner 5pm - 10pm 5pm - 11pm 2pm - 11pm 2pm - 10pm
Law Office of Shelly Townley Martin, LLC Proudly serving you with all of your business, real estate and probate needs since 1999.
Best Civil Attorney Best estAte PlAnning / Attorney LAW OFFICE OF SHELLY TOWNLEY MARTIN, LLC 133 PROMINENCE COURT, STE 110, DAWSONVILLE, GA, 30534
(706) 265-1430 | smartin@stmlawpro.com 44
2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
Thank You Dawson County For Voting Us Best Tanning Salon!
TREE SERVICE Veteran owned • ISA certified arborist Serving North Georgia since 1999
Best of Dawson winners for 2020 and 2021
Mention This Ad To Try This State Of The Art Bed Absolutely Free! New Location
Dawsonville • 706-216-3400 78 Dawson Village Way, Suite 115
• Arborist Consultation • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning
Dahlonega • 706-867-1070 Cleveland • 706-865-1551
• Diagnosis + Treatment • Stump Grinding • Storm Cleanup
office phone: (770) 294-1012 office email: office@samtreeservices.com website: www.samtreeservices.com
Annis Family Chiropractic Proudly Serving Dawson County For 30 Years!
Thank you so much for voting us Best Chiropractor! ( 7 0 6 ) 216 - 4 8 7 5 66 S 400 Center Lane Suite 105 Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 dawsonnews.com
2021 Best of Dawson
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING
DAWSON EYE GROUP
BEST OPTOMETRY PRACTICE!
BUILDING A BETTER GEORGIA
Thank You Dawson County For Voting Us
Best Contractor/Construction
We are the leading provider of eye and vision care in North Georgia. Doctors Kelley and Michael Dasinger specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of ocular diseases and conditions for all ages.
Locally Owned & Operated – Licensed & Insured In Georgia – 15+ Years Of Experience Free Estimates – Customized Construction – Military Discounts NO JOB IS TO SMALL OR TO BIG FOR US!
706-216-6595 • www.dawsoneyegroup.com
Thank you for voting us 2021 Best Ice Cream of Dawson County!
Thank You For Voting Us Best Pawn Shop! Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff
We appreciate our customers!
Daily luncH SpEcial
only
$5.00 Daily luncH SpEcial
only
Visit our Pawn shoP located in rear of store!
$6.00
Great section of Jewelry, Power Tools, Guitars, & Much More!!!
BUY / SELL / TRADE
Rifles/Optics • Handguns • Shotguns • Ammunition
706-265-8075
107 Hwy 53 East • Dawsonville 46
Hours M-F 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm 706.216.1468 • dawsonvillegunandpawn.com 5711 Hwy 53 East, Dawsonville
2021 Best of Dawson
dawsonnews.com
Thank you to our loyal customers for naming us Best Bank/Financial Institution and our very own, Pam Pilcher, as Best Teller, and Mike Harrington as Best Financial Planner. We value your continued business and trust, and look forward to serving you and our community for many years to come.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING ME BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY! INTEGRITY EXPERIENCE RESULTS STEVEN LEIBEL - A REAL TRIAL LAWYER WHO IS COMFORTABLE IN THE COURTROOM. MULTIPLE MILLION DOLLAR VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS.
STEVEN LEIBEL
has been practicing law since graduating in 1980 from Emory University Law School. Mr. Leibel continually wields his expertise in the courtroom and has consistently been named a Super Lawyer by his peers. “I would highly recommend Mr. Leibel and his team! I was seriously injured in a car accident, and Mr. Leibel worked diligently until we got an acceptable settlement offer. He was a strong advocate and advisor throughout the entire process.” - Sarah S. | Cumming, GA
“Our situation was a very sensitive case because my minor son was injured. Mr. Leibel was so sensitive to my son’s feelings. He really listened to his wants and needs. GREAT, CARING attorney! One in a million!” - Rhonda D. | Dahlonega, GA
TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: 6150 GA-400 Ste C, Cumming, GA 30028 3619 South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533 (404) 892-0700 • www.Leibel.com