Home Living in North Georgia February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

BEST OF HALL 2020 REVEALS NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER IS YOUR NUMBER ONE CHOICE IN HOSPITAL CARE!

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TOP BUSINESSES WHO GARNERED THE MOST VOTES IN BEST OF HALL 2020

GET TO KNOW SHANE CALLAHAN, BRU ON HULU’S REPRISAL

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Best Fine Dining Restaurant Best Special Events Venue Best Upscale Bar Best Happy Hour Best Wine List Best Martini Best Place to Celebrate Special Occasions

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Restaurant • Bar • Lounge • Event Space 770-536-1111 • scottsdowntown.com • 131 Bradford Street, NW • Gainesville, GA

A N D T H E B E AT G O E S O N .

We do a lot with our hearts, from running the neighborhood 5K to having them filled by those we love. The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) stands ready to make sure your heart beats on. Whether it’s routine care that keeps you in tip-top shape or a complex procedure that may save your life, you can count on The Heart Center of NGMC for the expert care you need, close to home.

To learn more about The Heart Center of NGMC, or to request an appointment with a cardiologist, call 770-343-4239 or visit heartngmc.org /beat

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GET TO KNOW Acting tips from Atlanta-based actor Shane Callahan.

BUSINESS PROFILE NGMC celebrates winning streak.

FANTASTIC FIVE: Ackerman keeps his eye on quality patient care.

BlueFin found its way to hearts in Hall.

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ON THE COVER: Teen volunteers Natalie Brunson (L) and Briley Johnakin (R) posing with Dooper, one of NGMC’s volunteer therapy dogs. Photo provided

by Northeast Georgia Health System.

No one does donuts like Danny’s.

Longstreet expanding care and services.

NGDC — serving Hall for 67 years and counting.

SHARING IS CARING SHARE educates seniors.

AROUND TOWN A look at past Hall County happenings.

CALENDAR A plethora of local events to plug into your weekend.

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DIRECTOR OF REVENUE Leah Nelson

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GENERAL MANAGER Norman Baggs

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ADVERTISING SALES Bernadette Mastracchio Jenna Wellborn Megan Lewis CREATIVE SERVICES Katerina Laskowski, Magazine Design Indigo Whatley, Ad Design Chelsea Sunshine, Ad Design April Seymour, Pre-press/Ad Design PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Rogers

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HOME MAGAZINE, A DIVISION OF The Times Gainesville, GA A Metro Market Media Inc. property Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. 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 Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. HOME: Living in North Georgia reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended

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THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elberta McKnight

Elberta McKnight is an award-winning journalist, who has written for television and radio news, newspapers and magazines. Her experience includes creating unique live and taped segments for CNN and working for FEMA as a reservist in the External Affairs cadre. She was a double major at Centenary College of Louisiana, earning a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Psychology; both degrees were achieved in four years.

Amber Tyner

Amber Tyner is a new graduate from the University of North Georgia. When she has free time, she enjoys baking as well as going new places with her family.

February 2020 | HOME | 5

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GET TO KNOW

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STORY BY ELBERTA MCKNIGHT

Shane Callahan. Photo by Alex Stone.

Occupation: Actor/Editor Hometown: Titusville, Pennsylvania High School: Titusville Area High School (Graduated in 1992) College: Art Institute of Pittsburgh (Graduated in 1995 earning degrees in video business and music) Spouse: Karen Labbe Current home: Atlanta Favorite movie?

“It all depends on what kind of mood I’m in. It could be “The Deerhunter,” which is dark. Or it could be “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Usually, if it’s raining, I watch “The Deerhunter.” You can probably tell what kind of mood I’m in depending on the film (laughs).”

Favorite music?

“I’m a metal head at heart. I grew up listening to Metallica, Iron Maiden and stuff like that. But nowadays, I download random piano music. It starts to get eclectic.

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I’ve started to realize that as I get older, I use music for certain moods. Bjork, Tori Amos.

Let me pull up my playlist real quick. I don’t know how to use it too well that’s another problem (laughs). Oh, I’m listening to a lot of David Bowie… anything I can find on Harry Dean Stanton, Pearl Jam, Tom Waits, that kind of stuff.”

Favorite food?

“I love the classic Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potato combo (pauses) and pizza (laughs). I have to add one more thing because my wife is from Quebec. I have discovered Poutine. (Poutine is a Québécois dish made of fresh-cut french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.) That has become one of my favorites for sure.”

Favorite place to visit in Atlanta?

High Museum Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

“My parents actually encouraged me to

get into acting when I was younger. I went to a school for the other side (of acting). I went to school for sound. But if you think of the entertainment arena as a whole… I started out with baseball, because that’s entertainment, too. It really is. I always loved when there was a crowd. Where we were from, we were always scrappy and didn’t have fancy uniforms or anything and people used to make fun of us. And I used to love hitting a home run and make them mad for making fun of us for not having fancy uniforms (laughs). So that theatric atmosphere got me into music and skateboarding and then I went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for sound. They had a couple film classes and I took them out of curiosity. And I absolutely fell in love with editing first… editing made me want to make movies.”

A lot of people from Atlanta and the outlying region work as background artists/extras on movies and shows being filmed here. What advice would you give them?

“First off, I would absolutely say just keep working and become an active listener. When there are breaks in-between takes… when you have that chance to just be invisible, just be quiet and listen and watch and hear how people overcome obstacles by listening in on those conversations because you can learn so much about the process that will help you out when you do start to audition. And if you get the chance, go see theater. Do plays. Do all of that.

“But also, you’ve got to do the basic thing of getting headshots. Don’t ever judge your resume. Just make one. If you’ve got like two or three credits, it doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t matter how big or large it is. Just get some good headshots and send them out to agents.

“If you really, really, really want to do it, it’s completely possible here. “Reprisal” is my first series regular role and I booked it from the Southeast. This show has a ton of actors from the Southeast and I would definitely have to say I’m thankful for the Fincannons. The Fincannons are casting directors who work in the Southeast. I’ve known them since the late 1990s, but they go back to the 1980s as casting directors.

I actually read for a role (for “Reprisal”) which I wasn’t right for, but they were still trying to cast Bru. They were taking a while to find the right person for Bru and Lisa Mae Fincannon suggested to the producers ‘why don’t you read Shane for Bru?’ I did and when it came to the call back, one of the producers, Ann Johnson, said ‘There’s your Bru.’ And that’s how it all happened.

And it would have never happened if Lisa Mae didn’t suggest me for that. For a fellow like myself, it was pretty lifechanging for my career.”

What do you like most about your character in “Reprisal”?

“One thing I absolutely love about the character is how comfortable he is. I’m a member of the banished brawlers and we’re not, you know, the most classy citizens of society. We’re the bad guys and gals. But I really enjoy the fact of how comfortable he is. I feel like he’s empathetic. There’s a lot of people around us in the gang. Like he’s very loyal. And he’s very concerned about his brothers and sisters in the gang. I love the fact that he’s willing to try and feel people out and gauge their concerns. I feel like he’s an empath in that kind of way. For instance, Joel, who is Rodrigo Santoro’s character; Jo-

el’s obviously fighting through a lot of pain which he plays fantastically throughout the series. And I love that. Bru is like a really good brother who is there for people. He’s the kind of guy that you’d want him with you. And that’s what I love about him.”

Is it his acting ability playing off your acting ability… is there something unique happening there that you usually don’t experience as an actor?

“With me and Rodrigo? Yeah man.

We’ve become great friends. It’s one of the great things that comes out of all this. He’s so detail oriented. It’s intense. It’s fantastic.

It’s every scene. No matter what’s going on … for it to be the best it can be and it’s fantastic and very inspiring to feel that energy and feel that dedication. You want to jump on it like, ‘yeah man let’s do this.’

“Part of acting, I’m sure you know, is listening. And you work at home. You score your script and you figure out your intentions and objections and how you’re going to get them and what you’re going to do and all that jazz. But once you get to set, you don’t necessarily know what the other actor is going to do. You also don’t know if the other actor is going to be listening to you, as well. And I’d say everybody in this show is just fantastic across the board about being present and playing off you.

And that doesn’t happen all the time. I really do feel like this is just a great core of actors responding to each other.”

Any advice about auditions?

“You’re talking about specifically going into a room, correct? It’s ok to be nervous.

You can do things to work on it. One of my best acting teachers, she changed my life, is Tammy Arnold. She works in the Southeast and presides in Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s something she taught me and I still do this when I go into a room. She said just pinch yourself on the shoulder… and it reminds you you’re okay. You’re human, right? And you know what? So are they!

And actually every actor that goes in, they 1000 percent want you to be the person (they hire). And that’s a good feeling to know. Once you go in and they look at you and they’re thinking, ‘Oh, this one’s going to be it. This is going to be who we want.’

Then there’s no more anxiety for them that they have to find someone.

“I did “Gods and Generals” a real long time ago. It’s a civil war movie. And I remember talking to Stephen Lang. He played

General Stonewall Jackson. And I remember in the van, we were being driven to set. I was maybe 24, 25 at the time, and I remember asking him ‘what do you have going next?’ And he said, ‘I don’t know. You know it never ends. You’re always looking for that next job.’

“And for me, I thought at some point, you always have something right around the corner, you know? But you don’t. And then another time, I was working with David Morse on “Outsiders” and after the scene, we were talking and I said I wish I would have done this or done that. And David Morse looks at me and says, ‘It never stops. It never ends. I feel the same way.’

And it actually felt kind of good. You know what he did was fantastic. But you always think how you could have done it differently. He (David Morse) is just the same as the rest of us thinking I could have tried this or tried that. It’s just nice to know that with all that experience and being that phenomenal an actor that he still felt the same way as those of us who are finding our way.”

Is there anything about the film industry in the Southeast you’d like to add?

“I do think in terms of the show “Reprisal,” I really love how the producers… and this goes for Atlanta, New Orleans, Wilmington and all the regional film-making hubs… about how awesome they are about hiring local and regional crew people for really cool positions. Like a friend of mine Derek E. Tindall. He was a camera operator on “Reprisal” and he also got to do some second unit photography work, which is nice. He ended up shooting one of the episodes and he did a fantastic job and they loved it.

“You know a lot of times some people who aren’t that familiar with the film industry think they are bringing in everyone from Hollywood and New York or the Southwest. But there are a ton of people from the Southeast working on Southeast productions. And in great department head positions and camera operators and directors of photography and leading roles and supporting roles and series regulars and guest stars. And of course, everything from production assistants and on up to that. But it’s not just a few. It’s many. And “Reprisal” and Hulu have been great in keeping that going and giving opportunities to people who might not have opportunities otherwise.” H

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER VOTED

Best of Hall F

STORY BY AMBER TYNER

or close to 70 years, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been proudly serving citizens all around the local area, including those in its hometown of Hall County. And now, the community itself is recognizing those efforts. The center was recently voted best hospital in the Best of Hall 2020 awards presented by The Times in Gainesville.

“Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville has been a pillar in this community since 1951,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System. “We are proud to have been voted best hospital again this year by the readers of The

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Times and remain committed to improving the health of the community in all we do.”

The Hall County community has voted NGMC as the best hospital for four years in a row — from 2017 to 2020. The center is part of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), which is a nonprofit that cares for over 1 million people and serves more than 18 counties in the state. It has accomplished many other prestigious feats throughout the years, such as earning a spot on America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, America’s Top Quality Providers by Carechex and Atlanta’s Top 150 Workplaces by the Atlanta

OPPOSITE PAGE: Dr. Ron Lewis, surgeon with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, speaks with the 2019 Leadership Georgia class during its tour of the hospital.

LEFT: Teen volunteers Natalie Brunson (L) and Briley Johnakin (R) posing with Dooper, one of NGMC’s volunteer therapy dogs.

Photos provided by Northeast Georgia Health System.

Journal-Constitution. NGMC has also been recognized as Georgia’s #1 Hospital for overall hospital care, overall surgical care, heart care, orthopedic surgery and women’s care.

But even with these recognitions and the title of Georgia’s most awarded hospital, the center has stayed true to its roots and continues to be committed to its patients.

“As physicians, our primary concern is to meet the needs of our patients,” said Dr. Clifton Hastings III, Chief of Medical Staff for NGMC Gainesville/Braselton. “Our dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate care coupled with the support we feel from our community drives our passion for excellence to continue this mission every day.”

And the center is certainly capable of meeting those needs. According to its website, NGHS offers services such as bariatric weight loss, cancer services, emergency care, endoscopy, heart and vascular services, hospice, imaging/radiology, mental health services, orthopedics, pulmonary rehabilitation, substance abuse treatment,

surgery and more. While the hospital first opened in Gainesville in 1951, NGMC has since expanded to offer a variety of services at campuses in Braselton, Barrow and Dahlonega and now has over 700 beds and more than 1,100 medical staff members.

Additionally, the center operates several outpatient facilities in the area: six outpatient rehabilitation facilities, five imaging centers, two sleep disorders centers, two long-term care locations, the Toccoa Cancer Center and Laurelwood, an inpatient mental health facility.

“Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) continues to offer more services in more locations each year,” Burrell said.

“From the ongoing expansion of our Graduate Medical Education Program and future opening of Medical Park 2 in Gainesville to planning for a new hospital on the Georgia 400 corridor as a replacement facility for NGMC Lumpkin, we are constantly evaluating the needs of our community so we can ensure they are able to receive the care they need close to home from an organization they know and trust.”

But in addition to serving patient needs, the hospital is also committed to serving the community as a whole.

“As a community-based hospital, our leaders and board members understand the important role NGMC plays in this community and across Northeast Georgia,” said RK Whitehead, NGHS Board Chair.

The center partners with a variety of organizations to better serve the needs of the local area.

“Northeast Georgia Medical Center values cooperative efforts with community organizations and other healthcare providers to improve the health status of area residents,” said Christy Moore, director of Community Health Improvement for NGHS. “This is demonstrated through many partnerships ranging from serving as lead agency of Safe Kids Northeast Georgia, to partnering with other organizations such as Good News Clinics and the Public Health Department to reach at‐risk populations in need of health care.”

She said the hospital offers health education at a variety of locations, too.

“Health education is provided through free community lectures, health screenings and various support groups,” she said.

“NGMC offers many community education seminars for health professionals in the community, region and state, as well as for students pursuing careers in health. In addition, NGMC provides support and works in tandem with other local nonprofit organizations that serve the community.”

Moving forward, the medical center plans to continue its mission by serving and improving the health of the community to the best of its ability.

“The hospital is an organization that everyone in our community will interact with at some point in their life, either personally or through a loved one,” Whitehead said.

“We are invested in its success because our patients and employees are also our neighbors, co-workers and friends.” H February 2020 | HOME | 9

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FANTASTIC FIVE In this Fantastic Five series, we salute the top five businesses who had the most votes in Best of Hall 2020.

HOW ADVANCED EYE CENTER BUILT AN UNWAVERING CLIENT BASE IN HALL COUNTY STORY BY ELBERTA MCKNIGHT

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n 1994, Dr. William C. Ackerman’s life was changing in ways that would mean better vision for thousands of people he had yet to meet. Ackerman was getting ready to graduate from the ophthalmology program at Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB). A so-called Navy brat, Ackerman had moved a lot. But this time, it was different. He was moving to Gainesville to join Steven Wisehart’s ophthalmology practice; Wisehart was also a graduate of Callahan Eye Institute.

Together, the two put Advanced Eye Center on the map in Gainesville. “As Dr. Ackerman neared graduation from UAB, he sought a practice in Georgia and looked for a location where he could become a community member, both personally and professionally,” said Practice Administrator for Advanced Eye Center, Brett Mercer.

“He wanted to be in a place where he could get to know his patients.” And that he did. Many can recite Ackerman’s fishing stories or proud tales of his prize-winning Brittany Spaniels. Mercer says it’s simply the philosophy of the practice that no one ever feels like “just a number.” And he can attest to that. Because long before he worked for the practice, his wife was a patient of Dr. Ackerman’s.

That was 18 years ago.

Mercer’s wife had worn contacts and glasses her entire life. She wanted to know if she was a candidate for LASIK; if it could help her to see better. After the examination, Dr. Ackerman told the couple, LASIK was a viable option. He told her what to expect during the procedure, as well as what it would be like afterward.

Mercer adds “I vividly remember immediately after the procedure she said, ‘I can see the leaves on the tree across the street.’ I asked her what she saw before and she said ‘green.’” Suddenly, she could play tennis, enjoy water sports, exercise and just live her life without the aid of glasses or contacts. And while LASIK changed her life and so many others, it also changed the field of ophthalmology.

“LASIK changed the philosophy in ophthalmology that we were not only trying to preserve eyes, but allowed us to improve vision and eliminate the need for contacts and glasses for the first time in a patient’s life,” said Mercer. “It is really a life changing and lifestyle changing procedure.”

At Ackerman’s original office location, he was able to provide patients with all the medical services of ophthalmology, but not the ancillary services, like LASIK. In 2003, that would change as Ackerman prepared to move again; this time, to a new facility, the one in which he operates out of today. Under one roof, Ackerman, Dr. L.W. Robinson, III and the Advanced Eye Center team are able to offer medical care, surgical services and optical services to all

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Dr. Ackerman performing laser treatment at Advanced Eye Center.

Photo provided by Advanced Eye Center.

their patients. But that move was 17 years ago. And the practice continues to grow and enjoy success. Is it time for another move?

“We have considered, and still consider, expanding into other locations, but are concerned we can’t duplicate the same experience we have here,” Mercer admitted. “We don’t want to expand at the cost of our philosophy or the quality of patient care.

“In order to satisfy the patient growth and surgical needs we are actively pursuing another surgeon to join our practice.” Enter Mandy Demetrios, O.D. She is the newest member of the Advanced Eye Center team and its award-winning tradition.

You see, Advanced Eye Center isn’t a newcomer to the “Best of Hall” campaign. For four consecutive years, county residents have chosen Advanced Eye Center as the practice they most entrust with their vision. But the recognition isn’t taken for granted or does it go unnoticed. In fact, it’s just the opposite. “We are blessed to be in a community and medical community like Gainesville and to have the ability to care for our patients,” said Mercer. “We are equally blessed to be recognized for four consecutive years as the Best of Hall County for Eye Surgery by our patients.

“It is an honor to be recognized, but more of an honor to be entrusted with their care.” H

ADVANCED EYE CENTER 625 South Enota Dr. NE, Gainesville, GA Dr. William C. Ackerman Dr. L.W. Robinson, III

FANTASTIC FIVE

WHAT BLUEFIN DOES RIGHT

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STORY BY ELBERTA MCKNIGHT

n an interview last year, Raymond Yap was asked where he saw himself in five years. His answer? He wanted his restaurants to be better known. That wish is coming true by way of the devoted patrons who dine at his Asian-fusion restaurant in Gainesville.

Yap owns BlueFin Hibachi & Sushi, which has been named as one of Hall County’s Best for the fourth consecutive year now. He calls the recognition “humbling’ but also admits, he and his team work hard to keep customers coming back.

Gainesville is known for its good cuisine. Yap knew what he was up against when he opened the restaurant in 2014 but wanted to establish his business with a personal touch, rather than simply relying on a marketing/media campaign. He decided he’d take a grassroots approach, wooing the community. Yap began showcasing his cuisine at town events and when a school team needed a sponsor, he and BlueFin were there. “We feel now like we’re part of the community and we want the people who come here to feel that way, too,”’ said Yap. But community involvement on its own didn’t win BlueFin over in the hearts and stomachs of Hall County patrons. BlueFin’s food, or more precisely put, the variety of food, has definitely tipped the scale. Yap takes great pride in using fresh ingredients each day to prepare everything to order. “Some restaurants put hot and sour soup in a pot and cook it all day,” said Yap. “But we don’t do that. We serve every order and prepare it when it’s ordered. Just like that.

“Everything is made to order. If people have allergies, we work around it. We try to cater to our customers. If they don’t want this or they want to add that, if we have it in house, we’ll do it.”

BlueFin isn’t Yap’s first or only restaurant. He owns BlueFin in Rome and has operated the Okinawa restaurants in Cartersville and Marietta. A native of Malaysia, restaurant life wasn’t necessarily his first ambition. It was serendipitous. His first foray into the

world of restaurants was working for his sister in summer months when he was home from college. That was around 1991. Five years later when he was engaged to be married, his mother-in-law insisted he find something in which he could be his own boss.

Owning a restaurant seemed like a natural fit. Remember, expert advice always urges an entrepreneur to do what he or she knows.

“I know what people like,” Yap begins. “You go to an American restaurant, you order what? Burger and fries. If I want to sell Chinese food in my restaurant, that’s fried rice, lo mein (noodles) and sesame chicken. Food like that.”

But Yap offers far more than just traditional Chinese. Between the dinner menu, the lunch menu and the to-go menu, BlueFin offers seven varieties of Elite Sushi Rolls, at least 31 options of regular sushi rolls, traditional favorites like General Tso’s chicken, Kona Mango Mahi-Mahi, Massaman Curry, Chicken Spicy Basil Leaf and Hibachi dinners featuring filet mignon, salmon, chicken, shrimp, scallops and steak. Out of nearly 500 Google reviews, the restaurant draws high praise for its service, prices, atmosphere, sushi/sashimi, kimchi, hibachi, sesame chicken, fried rice, ginger dressing on salads and Misso soup. Again, this is the fourth consecutive year BlueFin has been named in Best of Hall. It opened in March of 2014. H

ABOVE: Brady Galloway, Aaron Church, Jeremy Allison, Joshua Heeden, Anthony Coleman, Jonathan Stamey enjoyed lunch at BlueFin.

BLUEFIN HIBACHI & SUSHI 1642 Park Hill Dr, Gainesville, GA Raymond Yap, Owner Peggy Lim, Manager Dawn Lindsay, Lead Server

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To find a provider near you, visit longstreetclinic.com or call 770-343-3430.

*One Coupon Per Household and Not Valid on Planned Service Agreements Expiration Date:

06/30/2020

February 2020 | HOME | 15

FANTASTIC FIVE WHAT IS IT ABOUT DANNY’S DONUTS? STORY BY ELBERTA MCKNIGHT

T

iny bits of bacon. Maple glaze. All atop a fluffy, light donut.

It’s a thing. Anyone who’s ever been to one of the three Danny’s Donut locations in Hall County can tell you; the bacon maple donut has a fierce following. But no one donut stands alone at Danny’s in Gainesville and Flowery Branch. From sprinkles to sour cream bars to French crullers and eclairs like testimonials, the donuts are more than just a bread and sugar confection: they rule in the hearts and stomachs of Danny’s patrons. Between Yelp and Google alone, there are hundreds of reviews reading more like testimonials. The majority professing Danny’s has the best donuts they’ve ever tasted and vowing loyalty only to Danny’s from that moment forward. One patron even described a donut hole as being so light and airy, it “vaporized” in his mouth. Another giving high marks to a bear claw with apple filling. Good stuff.

But Danny’s doesn’t live on donut sells alone. No. There’s more. Breakfast sandwiches, like a ham and cheese croissant and a sausage, egg and cheese bagel. There’s coffee, ice coffee drinks, smoothies, Boba tea and milk from a local dairy, which patrons feel is a nice touch.

Danny’s staff also draws high praise. The donut eatery is owned and operated by a local family which includes Andy Nuon, Tony Long and Theresa Vin. The name Danny? It’s Nuon’s young son.

Nuon actually learned his craft in California, according to his website. He’s been a baker for 25 years. “We are dedicated to making each culinary experience from our kitchen a memorable one,” writes Nuon. “Our menu reflects a balance of comfort and innovation, as well as a high standard of quality and integrity.

“We believe in love above all things, and we hope you will taste that value in our food.”

Danny’s operates from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week.

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Siluom Nuon (left) and Erika Cruz (right) showing the assortment of donuts available at Danny’s Donuts Flowery Branch, their newest location. Danny’s Donuts Flowery Branch is at 4037 Winder Highway.

Photo provided by Danny’s Donuts.

Patrons advise getting there early for the best selection. Plus, the bakery will close if it runs out of donuts.

Danny’s three locations are: 417 Main St. SW, Gainesville, 975 Dawsonville Hwy., Suite 19, Gainesville, and 4037 Winder Hwy., Suite 501, Flowery Branch. A dozen donuts will set you back about $9. On occasion, you may find a free donut hole or two in your bag. H

DANNY’S DONUTS Three Hall County locations Andy Nuon, Owner

EXPANSION IN LONGSTREET CLINIC’S FUTURE

FANTASTIC FIVE

STORY BY ELBERTA MCKNIGHT

T

here are few like it in the entire state of Georgia. Longstreet Clinic is not part of a hospital system or a university. Instead, it is owned and operated by physicians after goals, and a lot of them. The clinic employs roughly 900 people. Between 100 to 120 are physicians. An additional 100 are advanced practitioner providers. The remainder are administrative and medical staff. “Our primary mission and goals, began Longstreet Clinic Chief Executive Officer Amelia “Mimi” Collins, “are around providing the best care and improving health outcomes for our patient population and meeting the needs of our patients and the communities we serve.”

To accomplish that, the clinic continues to expand. Within the next six months, Collins anticipates Longstreet will break ground on a new building for the existing Gainesville campus. “The new building will be connected and integrated with the existing facility,” she said. “So it will hopefully feel like just an expansion of the existing facility.” She anticipates the construction will take roughly 18 months. Once the new building is complete, look for some practices in the older section of the Gainesville campus to move into the newer area and expect some specialty practices “that make sense to be co-located” to also take root.

“We tend to think about our growth strategically and plan for our growth strategically, based on physicians and provider recruitment needs,” explained Collins. “And so as we add physicians and add specialties, then that’s what drives our facility development.”

Gainesville boasts the largest campus of the clinic’s 11 locations, with a facility that currently measures 100,000 square-feet, before the planned expansion. Longstreet also intends to add a building this year to its vascular surgery practice in Lawrenceville.

But the clinic’s care far surpasses brick and mortar.

For example, for the past five years, the clinic’s nurse practitioners have been making house calls to a percentage of the population possibly too sick to come into the office for follow-up care.

“When you’re sick and going through a lot of those kinds of conditions, it’s difficult to get to the doctors office during regular hours and make an appointment and do all those things,” said Collins.

“So we are trying to really reach out and innovate care in our marketplace and to really try to help that population have the best outcome that they can and the kind of care that they need as close to home as is appropriate.”

The approach seems to be making a difference. Collins says post discharge readmissions are down for that cross-section of patients. “One of the things from a health care perspective we all want to avoid is unnecessary readmissions,” she said. “And so we really leverage those nurse practitioners, because we only have a few, to visit those patients with very complex conditions.

“We try and think out of the box,” Collins paused, “and recognize that healthcare delivery is very different now than 25 years ago when we started. And we have to constantly evolve to meet those needs. The communities and patient demands are much dif-

Longstreet Clinic pediatrician Curtis Malcom, M.D., with a patient and family in the Gainesville office. Photo provided by the Longstreet Clinic.

ferent than they were 25 years ago.”

Longstreet Clinic was founded in 1995 when eight specialty practices decided to merge. Today, the clinic treats patients in the following specialties: internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, adult and pediatric inpatient medicine, general surgery, oncology, hematology, physiatry, orthopedics, sports medicine, neonatology, perinatology, neurology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, colorectal surgery, bariatric surgery and medical weight loss.

The mission, when it started, was to offer the community a fully-integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to health care at an affordable price. Residents must feel like the clinic is on the mark.

They continue to put Longstreet Clinic at the top of the list when it comes to the Best of Hall County vote.

“I’m very honored and proud that the community sees us in that light,” Collins said. “I’m humbled to even try to attempt to say why but I know our philosophy is very focused around being engaged in our communities and understanding what is happening in the communities we do serve.

“I’m very proud of the staff we have and their commitment to meet the needs of our patients in a compassionate and new, innovative way.” H

THE LONGSTREET CLINIC, PC 725 Jesse Jewell Parkway SE, Gainesville, GA 100-120 Physicians 18 Specialty Areas of Medicine 11 Locations

February 2020 | HOME | 17

FANTASTIC FIVE

NORTHEAST GEORGIA DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC: A HISTORY OF FIRSTS STORY BY ELBERTA MCKNIGHT

O

nly those living in Gainesville 67 years ago will remember when Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic first opened its doors. The beginning was humble. Far from what today’s facilities looks like, the original location for Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic was a tiny, renovated house on East Broad Street. But while the facility may have been small, Dr. Henry S. Jennings’ vision was big.

Around 1953, Jennings was in practice at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. For whatever reason, he had his sights set on Gainesville and thought the area needed an Internal Medicine practice offering exceptional specialized care. It was forward thinking. This was an era in which one general practitioner did it all; specialists, especially four specialists, didn’t work out of the same small office. But Jennings, Dr. Sam Poole, cardiologist Warren Stribling and oncologist James A. Butt pioneered the foundation of what Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic is today.

The practice now has 35 specialists and covers these areas of adult medicine: endocrinology, pulmonary care, internal medicine, oncology/hematology, nephrology and rheumatology. The clinic also offers a sleep medicine program, an on-site retail pharmacy, radiology and other ancillary services.

“We’ve been here since 1953 and I expect they’ll be talking

about diagnostic clinic in 2053. Easily,” said the clinic’s former Chief Executive Officer Bill Beyer. “This has a very strong future and we will live up to everyone’s expectations of us.” Beyer retired in January. Under his watch, the clinic became part of Northside Hospital Atlanta, a transition he remains very proud of.

“There’s plenty more to do and as I turn the reins over now to our new CEO, she will have lots to do and she is certainly capable of it.”

Now at the clinic’s CEO helm is Heather Abraham; a health care administrator with 20 years of experience in medical practice management. She leaves Columbus, Georgia as the Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of Piedmont/Columbus Regional Medical Group to take the role at diagnostic clinic.

Under Beyer’s leadership, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic has been a strong performer in the Hall County Best Of vote. It’s something that truly means a lot to Beyer. “We have great physicians and staff,” he said. “I think we have wonderful patients. We have patients who are extremely loyal to diagnostic clinic and we are loyal to them.

“But all in all, it’s nice to know our patients care as much about us as we care about them.” H

TOP LEFT: A patient prepares for a sleep study at Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic. TOP RIGHT: A patient receives a cardiology test at Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic. Photos provided by Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic.

NORTHEAST GEORGIA DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC

Gainesville Office (Main Campus): 1240 Jesse Jewell Parkway SE, Gainesville Oncology/Hemotology: 1485 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Suite 330, Gainesville Braselton Satellite Office: Highpoint Medical Center, 1270 Friendship Road, Suite 100, Braselton Braselton Oncology: Riverstone Medical Plaza, 1255 Friendship Road, Suite 230, Braselton Heather Abraham, Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Matthey Harris, Managing Partner

18 | HOME | February 2020

NASH V I L LE MUSIC CITY ADVENTURE

April 20, 21, 22, 2020 3 day/ 2 night

Join us as we explore music, culture, arts, food and shopping in Music City!

3 Day/2 night - all inclusive triP Repeat customers receive a gift!

What is included: • General Jackson Show Boat & Dinner • Private City Tour • Grand Ole Opry Show • Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Tour • Welcome Reception

• Shopping & Music on Music Row • Shopping at Opry Mills Outlet Mall • 2 Night Accommodations • Luxury Motor Coach • 2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts • Lunch in Chattanooga • All Gratuities

Trace the deep and revealing history of country music, beginning with the music’s earliest folk roots, moving through minstrel and medicine shows, examining the advent of recording and radio and the early days of the Grand Ole Opry, through country’s continuous rise in popularity, and the emergence of today’s major stars.

As you tour the two floors of the museum’s gallery spaces, you’ll follow the evolution of the music within the context of American history.

Visitors experience the country music story through a rich and diverse mix of displayed artifacts, rare video footage, and carefully selected sound recordings.

Informative biographical panels and supplemental audio tours tell the stories of those who have shaped the music, from Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, through Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, on up to Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire, and beyond.

limiteD sPace, reserve toDay! ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE ONLY: *

More than a hundred artifacts from contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban are on display in the interactive gallery space. Visitors of all ages will discover connections between country music’s past and artists of today. They will have the chance to engage with interactive stations, recording and songwriting areas, interactive music trivia stations, a forty-foot guitar that kids can enter, and more.

$835 pp Double Occupancy $1,161*pp Single Occupancy Proceeds to Fund Community Journalism

Payment DeaDline: $100 DePosit Due: march 6, 2020 Final Payment Due: march 18, 2020 Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum

For AdditionAl detAils And to reserve your spot: Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum

3

Call Lori Maxim at 770-535-6323 or email lmaxim@worldsbestadventures.com TOUR INCLUDES MANY WALKING EVENTS *Must be 21 years of age to participate in the tour. Alcoholic drinks extra except as noted.

Powered by: The Times | Forsyth County News Dawson County News | South Forsyth News

SHARING IS CARING

SHARE TEAM HOSTS SEMINARS FOR

S

Seniors

STORY BY AMBER TYNER

enior citizens hold a significant place in the lives of many people, but they’re especially important to individuals involved with the SHARE Team.

“We just have a passion for older people,” said Judy Paul, Realtor and seniors real estate specialist with Keller Williams. “We all have a heart for serving

seniors.”

Paul, along with 10 other individuals from local businesses, formed the SHARE Team in spring of 2019 in hopes to educate senior citizens and their families within the South Hall, Flowery Branch and Gainesville communities. The acronym stands for Senior Healthcare Area Resource & Education.

“Our goal is to get knowledge to seniors and their loved ones so they can make informed decisions about their future,” she said.

“We also want to be a reliable, trusted source if they have ques-

tions.”

She said members of the group either own a business or work for one that provides services to seniors.

“We have all met at different times because we’re all members of a senior-provider network,” Paul said. “In our networking group, we have speakers who come in and educate us on different things that we may not know about. What we realized is that this information needs to get into the hearts and minds of the seniors and their adult children who are going to be making decisions for them.”

Michelle Withrow, master’s level social worker and owner of Golden Years Services, echoed the need for education provided by the SHARE Team.

“As a social worker having worked over 20 years in medical and senior-related settings like assisted living, the reality is you see how very challenging it is for seniors and their families to understand

TOP LEFT: Dr. Alan Wang from Salude spoke on flu and the importance of getting a flu shot, some tips on traveling during flu season as well as the people at greatest risk from the flu. TOP RIGHT: W.H. “Kim” Kimbrough, Jr., J.D., LL.M. with Kimbrough Law shared his knowledge and experience in obtaining VA aid/benefits at a recent SHARE meeting. Photos provided by Judy Paul.

20 | HOME | February 2020

LEFT: SHARE Team members and meeting attendees learned about working with the VA to get benefits. Photo provided by Judy Paul.

happen to be our businesses,” she said about the team. “We want people to know we’re nonprofit. We want to have something where people get to know who we are, they know that we care and if they do have questions that they can reach out to us.”

She said the group will have a table at the Healthy Aging Expo hosted by The Times in February in hopes to get opinions for the future, such as the best time for seminars.

“It’s probably going to be somewhat of a survey day just to talk to people,” she said about the expo. “Right now, we’re trying to figure out whether we do it [the seminars] later in the day maybe to capture some of the adult children who work.”

Emily McCord, community relations director at Manor Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care, said the team hopes to draw more interest this year.

“Within a year if we had a following of 50 adult children or seniors themselves, we would be incredibly happy,” she said. “We know that where these people live and go to church and go to the doctor that they’re going to be helping us spread the word to give others hope that there are these amazing resources available to help them.” H The SHARE Team’s next seminar is titled “Dementia. What it is. What it is Not. Dispelling the Myths.” and will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon March 5 at Spout Springs Library. For more information, email theshareteamrsvp@gmail.com.

the differences between home health and hospice and palliative care and all those types of words we toss around in the profession,” she said. “I know through us providing education, we can help seniors and their families understand their options, and I firmly believe that with understanding options there is more power in that for the senior.”

Paul said the group operates on a volunteer-basis and each member has put money toward the cause.

“We all are running businesses, and so we’re doing this on the side,” she said. “We pulled our own money, our own resources to get this started.”

So far, the SHARE Team has held four seminars with topics such as Medicare, Veterans benefits, influenza and advanced care planning. The first meeting was in September of last year.

“We focus on getting and vetting very good speakers who are experts in their field because there are way too many people out there just marketing to seniors,” said Withrow, mentioning they pick topics that will be the most useful for seniors. “What we also like to look at is elder care law topics, meaning financial planning related to elder care needs. Also, I know that we will want to talk about the differences at some point between hospice and palliative care. And then one of the other things that people don’t always understand is the average cost of care and who pays for what.”

Paul said one struggle the group has faced is “overcoming public perception” that the members are trying to sell something.

“That’s the objection that we have to overcome — people are thinking we’re trying to sell them something just because these

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1240 Jesse Jewell Parkway SE Suite 500 Gainesville, Georgia 30501

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February 2020 | HOME | 21

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THE 2020 WINNERS DIRECTORY The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2020. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com.

AUDIOLOGIST/HEARING CARE

CHURCH

COLLEGE PREP

678.971.4648

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CONDITIONING COMPANY

COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL BEAUTIFICATION

DENTAL GROUP

770.536.7509

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770.532.4555

FENCING COMPANY

GYMNASTICS PROGRAM

770.963.9961

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THE 2020 WINNERS DIRECTORY The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2020. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com.

HAMBURGER

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REAL ESTATE GROUP

UTILITY COMPANY

678.780.0038

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26 | HOME | February 2020

AROUND TOWN NEW YEAR NEW YOU EXPO

Visitors to the New Year New You expo, for those interested in setting and maintaining lifestyle goals, gather inside the Gainesville Civic Center.

Chrissy Caldwell performs a ultrasound bone density scan at the Center for Advanced Research & Education booth. The expo featured health care professsionals available for anyone interested in help setting and maintaining lifestyle goals.

Brenda Sue Whitmire leads a Tai-Chi demonstration at the New Year New You expo at the Gainesville Civic Center.

Registered Dietician Giselle Cram takes questions at the Bariatrics Weight Loss Center at NGMC booth.

Steve Collins, of the Spa on Green Street, demonstrates acupuncture.

Rhonda Moore, RN, left, performs a blood suger test on Marilyn Weaver.

February 2020 | HOME | 27

AROUND TOWN NEW YEAR NEW YOU EXPO

FEBRUARY Stars Over Elachee 2/1 6:00pm, 2/29 6:15pm Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Drive Gainesville Pregnancy and infant loss support 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23: 6pm Rock Goodbye Angel 615 Oak St., Suite G Gainesville Sunday School 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23: 9am Mt. Zion Baptist Church 4000 Thurmon Tanner Road Flowery Branch Worship 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23: 10am Mt. Zion Baptist Church 4000 Thurmon Tanner Road Flowery Branch Exhibition: House and Universe: Margaret Evangeline 2/3 - 2/7, 2/10 - 2/14, 2/17 - 2/21, 2/24 - 2/28: 10pm Simmons Visual Arts Center, Sellars Gallery 200 Boulevard, Gainesville

Visitors to the New Year New You expo gather inside the Gainesville Civic Center for those interested in help setting and maintaining lifestyle goals.

JUNIOR LEAGUE CHARITY

Rise and Shine! Family Storytime 2/3, 2/10, 2/17: 10:30am North Hall Tech Center 4175 Nopone Rd. Suite B Gainesville Covered Bridge 2/4, 2/11, 2/18: 9am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green Street NE Gainesville Drawing Basics 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25: 1pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Dynamic Landscape Painting 10-Week Session 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25: 10:30am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville

Junior League Charity Ball Belle candidates raised more than $122,000 for the community which helps to provide support and financial assistance to programs impacting the lives of women and children.

28 | HOME | February 2020

Exploration of Color 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25: 3pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville

More Mixed Media 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25: 10am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Toddler Time 2/4, 2/11, 2/18: 10:30am Gainesville Branch Library 127 Main Street NW Gainesville Bible Study 2/5, 2/12, 2/19: 7pm Mt. Zion Baptist Church 4000 Thurmon Tanner Road Flowery Branch Nar Anon Family Support Group 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26: 6pm Family Life Center, First Baptist Church 751 Green St. NW Gainesville Portrait Painting in Oils Workshop with Abner Cope 2/5 - 2/7 9:30am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Exhibit: Idiosyncratic Perspectives: Works by Brenau Faculty 2/6-2/7, 2/10 - 2/14, 2/17 2/21, 2/24 - 2/28: 10:30am Simmons Visual Arts Center, Presidents Gallery 200 Boulevard, Gainesville Three Day Woodburning Workshop: Session 1 2/7 - 2/9: 10am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Beginning Drawing: Wildlife, Animals, Nature’s Elements 2/8, 2/15: 10:15am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE, Gainesville Men2Men Prayer Breakfast 2/8 9am 4000 Thurmon Tanner Road Flowery Branch Ga. Mtn. Handspinners Guild Monthly Meeting 2/8 12pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 886 Dixon Drive, Gainesville

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Greeting Card Workshop 2/8 10am Hall County Library System, Blackshear Place Branch 2927 Atlanta Highway Gainesville Greater Hall Chapter of Georgia Council of the Blind monthly meeting 2/8 10:30am Smoky Springs Retirement Residences 940 S. Enota Drive Gainesville World Race Open House 2/8 10am Adventures in Missions 6000 Wellspring Trail Gainesville Hispanic Worship Service 2/9 1pm Unity of Gainesville Church 3415 Stancil Road Gainesville Elachee Science Nights 2/11 5:30pm The Loft at Scott’s Downtown 131 Bradford Street NW Gainesville Introduction to Microsoft Word 2016 2/11 10:30am North Hall Tech Center 4175 Nopone Rd. Suite B Gainesville Pippin 2/11 - 2/15: 7:30pm 2/16 2:30pm 2/18 - 2/21: 7:30pm 2/22 2:30pm & 7:30pm Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre 429 Academy St NE Gainesville Creative Coloring for Adults 2/12, 2/26: 10:30am North Hall Tech Center 4175 Nopone Rd. Suite B Gainesville Valentine Craft 2/12 1pm Gainesville Branch Library 127 Main Street NW Gainesville

Drop in Craft - Valentine’s Day 2/13 10:30am Blackshear Place Branch Library 2927 Atlanta Hwy. Gainesville Environmental Film Series 2/13, 2/20, 2/27: 6:30pm University of North Georgia 3820 Mundy Mill Rd. Oakwood Exhibit: L.A. Stories 2/13 - 2/14, 2/17 - 2/21, 2/24 - 2/28: 10am John S. Burd Center, Leo Castelli Gallery 429 Academy ST Gainesville Family Night: Sweetheart Night 2/13 5:30am Gainesville Branch Library 127 Main Street NW Gainesville Military Book Club 2/13 4pm Murrayville Branch Library 4796 Thompson Bridge Rd. Gainesville Orchid Collage Acrylic Painting Class 2/13 - 2/14: 10am Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville 1911 Sweetbay Drive Gainesville Reception: Idiosyncratic Perspectives: Works by Brenau Faculty 2/13 5:30pm Simmons Visual Arts Center, Presidents Gallery 200 Boulevard Gainesville Sons of Confederate Veterans 2/13 7pm Historic Piedmont Hotel 827 Maple St. Gainesville Valentine’s Day Craft 2/13 10am Murrayville Library 4796 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville

Valentine’s Day craft @ NHTC 2/13 - 2/14: 10:30am North Hall Tech Center 4175 Nopone Rd. Suite B Gainesville

Painting for Intermediate and Advanced: Session 2 2/19 10am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green Street NE Gainesville

The Bra & Panty Club 2/14 7:30pm, 2/15 2:30pm 2/16 - 2/21: 7:30pm 2/22 2:30pm & 7:30pm UNG-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre 3820 Mundy Mill Rd Oakwood

Yoga in the Gallery 2/19 5:30pm Brenau University 500 Washington St SE Gainesville

Garden “Basic Pruning” Class 2/15 10am Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville 1911 Sweetbay Drive Gainesville Georgia Cross Stitchers 2/15 10am Hall County Library System, Blackshear Place Branch 2927 Atlanta Hwy Oakwood That 90’s Show (rock/ alternative) 2/15 9pm Mule Camp Tavern 322 Spring St SW, Gainesville Tiny Stitches 2/15 10am Lakewood Baptist Church 2235 Thompson Bridge Rd. Gainesville Catapult 2/16 3pm Brenau University 500 Washington St SE Gainesville Marriage Enrichment 2/16 9am Mount Zion Baptist Church 4000 Thurmond Tanner Rd Flowery Branch Youth Church 2/16 10am Mt. Zion Baptist Church 4000 Thurmon Tanner Road Flowery Branch Intro to iPhone 2/18 10:30am North Hall Tech Center 4175 Nopone Rd. Suite B Gainesville

Corner of My Garden 2/20 - 2/21: 9:00am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Murrayville Library Crafty Stitchers Quilting Guild 2/20 5:30pm Murrayville Library 4796 Thompson Bridge RD Gainesville Play in the Clay Third Thursday 2/20 4:30pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville SCORE Workshop: Starting a Business after 50 2/20 3pm Hall County Library System, Murrayville Branch 4796 Thompson Bridge Rd Gainesville 23rd Annual Conference on the Americas 2/21 - 2/22: 12pm Gainesville Campus Oakwood Kelly Minter’s “Cultivate” Concert Event 2/21 7pm 2/22 8:30am First Baptist Church of Gainesville 751 Green St NW Gainesville Gainesville Ballet Company WIZARD OF OZ Ballet Mini-Camp 2/22 10:30am Brenau Fitness Center / GSB Studios 800 Brenau Lane NE Gainesville

Singles Enrichment 2/23 9am Mt. Zion Baptist Church 4000 Thurmon Tanner Rd. Flowery Branch Ashley at the Beach 2/25 9am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Healthy Aging Expo 2/26 9am - Noon The Venue at Friendship Springs 7340 Friendship Springs Blvd Flower Branch Baby Play Day 2/26 10:30am Gainesville Branch Library 127 Main Street NW Gainesville Beginner’s Acrylic Painting: Session 2 2/26 6pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Beginner’s Drawing: Session 2 2/27 6pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Evenings of Intimate Jazz Series 2/28, 2/29 The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St SW Gainesville Pickup Line Country Hits!

2/29 9:30pm Branch House Tavern 5466 McEver Rd Flowery Branch Winter Pottery Classes 2/29 Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville Quinlan Visual Arts Center Gala Week 3/2 - 3/7 Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE Gainesville

February 2020 | HOME | 29

JOIN US!

Wednesday, February 26th • 9AM-NOON

HEALTHY AGING EXPO

The Venue at Friendship Springs 7340 Friendship Springs Blvd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

The event will feature: • Demonstrations FREE • Entertainment TO & Health Screenings ATTEND Megan Lewis 770-535-6371

We thank our patients and our community for entrusting their care to us for over 65 years.

Our physicians and staff are honored to be the recipients of the following Best of Hall Awards again in 2020. It is a privilege to serve you.

Voted Best of Hall 2020 • • • •

Medical Clinic Primary Care Endocrinology Group Nephrology Group

• • • •

Pulmonology Group Rheumatology Group Sleep Medicine Group Oncology/Hematology Group

770-536-9864 | ngdc.com 1240 Jesse Jewell Parkway, SE • Suite 500 • Gainesville, GA 30501

42nd

Community Preview Night

CanapĂŠs with Campay

42nd Gala