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ON THE COVER
Many Georgians cite the last three months of the year as their favorites, and it’s easy to see why. They bring us refreshingly cool weather and multiple ways to cozy up indoors. These are the months of football games, bonfires, mountain hikes and family gatherings. Our cover photo captures the essence of these days, each as cool as the brilliant blue sky and as warm as the golden leaves that fall like confetti. As 2025 draws to a close, may you thoroughly enjoy all the gifts this season has to offer.
NEW NAME, SAME COMMITMENT
Atlanta Motor Speedway marks 65 years of entertainment and a new name.
by LEIGH DELOZIER
The tract of dairy farmland didn’t seem like anything special in the late 1950s. But those 850 acres in Henry County became the site of a dream come true: bringing NASCAR to Georgia. Automobile racing was nothing new in the state or the Atlanta area. Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler helped fund Atlanta Speedway in 1909 in hopes of it becoming the Indy of the South. In reality, the track hosted events for only two years before closing (and later becoming the grounds for HartsfieldJackson International Airport).
The fascination with racing, however, didn’t fade.
Small oval tracks—and a few larger ones like the mile-long course at Lakewood Park fairgrounds—became plentiful. Once NASCAR incorporated in the late 1940s, racing enthusiasts and businessmen began asking how they could entice NASCAR to hold a race in Georgia.
The answer? Build something different that was sure to attract people, like the tracks at Daytona, Charlotte and Darlington already were.
The solution to “different” seemed obvious, considering most racetracks around Atlanta were dirt and about three-quarters of a mile long. Georgia needed a larger, paved track to have a chance at hosting NASCAR competitions.
Plans and funding came together. Workers broke ground on Hampton’s Atlanta International Raceway (AIR) in 1959.
The 1.5-mile oval track hosted its first race July 31, 1960. It was the seventh superspeedway—designated at that time as a paved track of one mile or more—to host a NASCAR Cup race.
A reported 25,000 people attended AIR’s inaugural race, cheering Fireball Roberts to victory lane in the Dixie 300.
SWINGING BETWEEN STRUGGLES AND SUCCESS
Finances were bumpy during the early years, but races and other events still drew people to AIR.
Thousands flocked to the Atlanta International Pop Festival in July 1969 to hear many of the same musicians who played at Woodstock the next month: Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival and more.
Ten years later, AIR hosted the first Great American Truck Race, featuring big-rig trucks running 100+ mph. The track’s races expanded to include USAC and Kart. The 1980s and ’90s brought Indy, ARCA and the NASCAR Busch Series (today’s Xfinity Series) to town.
The year 1990 also brought a new track owner, Bruton Smith, and a new name: Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS).
Smith’s ownership ushered in an era of growth.
“We work for the fans,” he would say, and continual updates at AMS supported his claim. The slate of events AMS hosted each year also grew, expanding far beyond races.
One record setter was the first CountryFest, held July 13, 1996, mere days before the Centennial Olympic Games began in Atlanta.
Nine country acts combined their talents to provide a 12-hour free concert. Artists including Alan Jackson, Pam Tillis,
Kenny Chesney, and Alabama played on a stage larger than a football field for a crowd of 275,000 fans.
Meanwhile, Smith’s most ambitious construction project to date was also underway: a reimagining of the track and complete modernization of the facilities. The Champions Grandstand was finished in 1997, seating thousands along the heart of the front stretch. New media facilities, garages and numerous buildings to improve the fan experience were introduced.
The track itself also saw massive changes. The front and back stretches were flipped, shifting the start/finish line to the east side in front of the new grandstand. Two doglegs were added to the front stretch, making the original oval a 1.54-mile quad-oval.
The project made AMS one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit.
FIRST ATLANTA WINNER FIREBALL ROBERTS ON JULY 31, 1960 IN VICTORY LANE.
1985 COCA-COLA 500
CALE YARBOROUGH IN VICTORY LANE IN MARCH OF 1983.
1977 ATLANTA 500
2000 DALE EARNHARDT IN VICTORY LANE.
BILL ELLIOTT IN VICTORY LANE 1985 COCA COLA 500 WITH DAUGHTER STARR ELLIOTT.
DICK HUTCHERSON PIT STOP AT ATLANTA 1965.
1976 DIXIE 500 AT ATLANTAFRONTSTRETCH
Mother Nature made way for more changes when a tornado swept through Henry County on July 6, 2005. It tore apart buildings, destroyed sections of the grandstands, and knocked down the 50-foot scoreboard tower. Heavy debris covered what remained of the track.
Once they assessed the damage, the AMS team didn’t simply repair and rebuild in time for its next NASCAR weekend in late October. They took the opportunity to make additional improvements. Spectator seating was consolidated and expanded so fans could all sit on the east side with the start/finish line instead of being spread around the track. An RV camping area replaced the decades-old Weaver Grandstand.
Everything—big and small—was done with a mindset of making AMS the best venue possible for race fans, drivers and anyone else who visited.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND COMPETITIVE EDGE
Covid-19 turned 2020 into a year no one could have predicted. As the pandemic continued, AMS stepped up as a partner for Henry County.
“I saw that Daytona was letting students drive through and pick up their diplomas,” says AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison, “and I thought, ‘We can do something like that.’”
Logistics came together, and AMS hosted socially-distanced graduation ceremonies for Henry County’s public high schools in June. The tradition has continued each spring since.
The following summer, the next massive project for AMS was announced: a repaving that included re-profiling the turn banking from 24 to 28 degrees—a steeper angle than any other intermediate track on the current NASCAR circuit. The racing surface also narrowed, setting the stage for intense competition.
When NASCAR returned to AMS in March 2022, vehicle configurations matched what’s used at superspeedways Daytona and Talladega—but on a much shorter track. That has led to some of the most exciting races—and finishes—in AMS history.
With a new naming-rights deal in 2025, the excitement will continue as EchoPark Speedway. Hutchison is quick to confirm that the name is all that has changed.
“We were the only professional sports venue in the state without a naming rights deal,” he says. “We have a new name and fresh paint. From a fan perspective, the difference stops there.”
Whether visitors find their way to EchoPark Speedway to enjoy a race, hot air balloons, holiday lights, the Georgia State Fair or something else, “I hope it’s one of their favorite experiences,” Hutchison says.
“There’s a resurgence in NASCAR that’s great to see,” he adds. “But we’re a lot more than the crowds and excitement on race weekends. We want people to come here year-round and have so much fun that they want to come again—and tell their friends and family.”
2025 QUAKER STATE 400 AVAILABLE AT WALMART 2025 AMBETTER HEALTH
“ We want people to come here yearround and have so much fun that they want to come again.”
EchoPark Speedway EVP & GM Brandon Hutchison
RENOVATING INDEPENDENCE
How a charity enhanced a local teen’s life.
by MONROE ROARK
Cayden Prescott recently received a special gift that has completely transformed his life. The 17-year-old McDonough resident was born without a right thigh bone and lost his foot to amputation by age two, wearing a prosthesis for several years. In the fall of 2022, he went in for a spinal fusion procedure in hopes of seeing physical improvement, but he had a stroke during surgery and is now paralyzed from the waist down.
During his 11-week hospital stay, one of his nurses at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Dina Parks, wanted to find some help for the family and asked Cayden’s mother, Samara
Prescott, if it would be all right to make some inquiries. Parks and some coworkers pulled together a GoFundMe campaign that paid for a stairlift in the Prescotts’ two-story home. “I am a nurse also,” said Samara. “But I can’t lift him.”
The stairlift was only the first step. Parks contacted Sunshine on a Ranney Day, and the result was a much-needed bathroom renovation. The charity also donated a manual wheelchair for Cayden to use upstairs in the house. His motorized wheelchair, which weighs 385 pounds, is used everywhere else. According to its website, Sunshine on a Ranney Day is a metro Atlanta charity that “transforms the lives of children with special needs by creating dream spaces that bring comfort, joy, and independence … at no cost to the families we serve.”
Samara Prescott and her husband, who works with a local law enforcement agency, were overwhelmed by the finished room. This wheelchair-accessible bathroom allows Cayden to completely take care of himself without any assistance.
The family of four includes Cayden’s sister. The renovation was a four-week project done primarily during the summer when the kids were at home. “They were very accommodating,” said Samara Prescott of the work crew. During the final days of construction, when unique touches were added to the decor and infrastructure, the bathroom was closed off so that the family could be surprised at the reveal.
Now in his senior year at Luella High School, Cayden is living more like a typical teenager than he would have ever imagined since his paralysis. “He loves it,” said his mother. “It has given him a new sense of independence and normalcy that he had before. “Once he is up and dressed for school, he can go in and do what he needs to do, then get on the stairlift and he’s off to school.”
For more information about this and other similar projects, visit sunshineonaranneyday.com.
“Cayden has a new sense of independence and normalcy.”
Samara Prescott
local . affordable . FRESH
Eat Right Atlanta brings fruits and vegetables to your table.
by ERIN LOPEZ
After unexpectedly losing both of their jobs in the same month, husband and wife duo Nicole Folkes-Johnson and Donshay Johnson began a temporary food share out of their garage.
“There was no big purpose. We didn’t really have a plan,” said Folkes-Johnson. “We were trying to help our neighbors eat better.”
Nearly 15 years later, Folkes-Johnson shares that they never expected their small, temporary business to grow to such a large magnitude and positively impact the lives of so many across Georgia.
“Our mission is to help people eat better and to help people who don’t necessarily have access to fresh fruit and vegetables,” said Folkes-Johnson. “We are trying to help people change their lives and their lifestyle.”
With a dedicated, hardworking staff of just 44, the nonprofit Eat Right Atlanta hosts 50 farmers markets each week as far south as Macon, north as Ellijay, east as Augusta, west as Dallas and everywhere in between, at local hospitals, churches, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses.
“We look for areas where there is no farmers market, where they don’t have a lot of supermarkets, we look for areas where people are not able to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables regularly and we start going there so, that way, it allows us to take care of them,” said Folkes-Johnson.
Everyone is welcome to visit their market year round and shop by picking from differently priced bag options based on the type and quantity of produce preferred.
And, unlike common practice in supermarkets, their produce is charged not by the pound, but by the bag. Each farmers market
comes fully stocked with 12 to 14 types of fruit and 14 to 16 types of vegetables for visitors to choose from.
“Our mission is to sell out every day,” said Folkes-Johnson. “We want to take care of as many people as possible and leave with nothing.”
The fruits and vegetables are sourced from local farms, ensuring that what is available at their farmers markets both supports local farmers but also remains fresh.
“We have a lot of farmers who have fields of food and, especially lately, no way to get it to anyone,” said Folkes-Johnson. “So, it’s important to us that we’re able to help them get their produce to you.”
(L-R) JOSHUA WOLESLAGLE, SOPHIA BRAZELL AND
“It’s important to us that we’re able to help [local farmers] get their produce to you.”
Nicole Folkes-Johnson
STEVE BELLO
For those that may receive SNAP/EBT assistance, Eat Right Atlanta partners with nonprofit organization Wholesome Wave to offer their produce bundles at half price, further bringing access to fresh fruit and vegetables to the community.
“We are able to help people who don’t necessarily have the means to do so,” said Folkes-Johnson.
“Every day we help people. Every day we are making a difference in families,” said Folkes-Johnson. “People are able to eat better and take care of themselves and take care of their kids because we are helping them get the good things we need on their tables.”
Folkes-Johnson states that she has ‘won’ in life, as she is fulfilled by positively impacting the lives of others through providing affordable access to healthy food options.
“It’s not about making a lot of money. We will never be millionaires selling vegetables and we know it,” said FolkesJohnson. “We really do this because we want to. It’s not a job to us. The people we meet every day, they are friends, they are family, and they matter. That’s why we do what we do.”
For more information, visit eatrightatlanta.com or follow Eat Right Atlanta Food Co-Op on Facebook.
Keeping Rhythm
Piedmont Henry upgrades
Electrophysiology Lab
by MICHAEL BOYLAN
Electrophysiology is the medical specialty which involves the treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Thousands of electrophysiology procedures, including the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators as well as certain types of ablations, have been performed at Piedmont Henry Hospital over the last 20 years.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is now the most common heart rhythm disorder. Piedmont Henry Hospital is upgrading the electrophysiology lab this fall, allowing electrophysiologists to perform left heart procedures, also known as catheter ablations, to restore normal heartbeats and treat atrial fibrillation.
“By targeting the source of the irregular heart rhythm in the left atrium of the heart, we can get a normal rhythm to return,” said Akshay Gupta, an electrophysiologist with Atlanta Heart.
“We target the precise locations causing the problem and create obstacles to interrupt the electrical signals causing the disordered rhythm.”
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), AFib is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), a condition where the heart beats in an irregular, often fast, way. When a heart is in AFib, it may not be pumping enough oxygen-rich blood out to the body, which can lead to other heart-related complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that 12.1 million people in the U.S. will have AFib within the next five years. While it is the most common type of arrhythmia, many people do not know they have AFib until they are at a routine doctor’s appointment or they are hospitalized for complications caused by AFib. Compared to people without, those with AFib, even without symptoms, have a five-times-greater risk of stroke, three-times-greater risk of heart failure and two-times-greater risk of dementia.
“Some symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, rapid heartbeat or pulse, skipped heartbeats, and
“We target the precise locations causing the problem and create obstacles to interrupt the electrical signals causing the disordered rhythm.”
Akshay Gupta, Electrophysiologist with Atlanta Heart
confusion,” said Dr. Gupta. “Chest pain is another symptom. You must seek medical attention at an emergency room if you are experiencing chest pain. Timing can be critical.”
It is also important for people to control factors that may increase their risk of having AFib; such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, among others.
Piedmont Henry’s upgraded electrophysiology lab is scheduled to open in November. The hospital’s $212 million tower expansion project is slated to open in June of 2026. Both projects showcase Piedmont Henry’s commitment to transform healthcare for area residents and make a positive difference in every life they touch.
ABOUT PIEDMONT
Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe, cost-effective, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 12,000 donors annually that for centuries has sought to make a
positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 2,171 physical locations we care for more than 4.5 million patients and serve communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia’s population. This includes 26 hospitals, 112 immediate care locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and more than 3,600 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 560,000 online appointments and over 120,000 virtual visits. With more than 47,000 care providers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. Piedmont provided more than $607 million in community impact in Fiscal Year 2024.
For more information, or booking your next appointment, visit piedmont.org.
The Return to the Inca Culture
by PETO FALLAS
My recent return to the land of the Inca culture was a special time. Our second trip to Peru, in May of this year, felt even more special than the first.
We began in Cusco, where we reunited with our friend Alvaro. He is an expert in Inca culture and a close family friend of my parents in Costa Rica.
Seeing Cusco through his eyes gave us a deeper connection to its history and traditions. But there was still time for some newer traditions, such as our visit to the famous McDonald’s in Cusco.
We traveled on to Arequipa, known as the beautiful “White City,” surrounded by volcanoes. From there we went to Colca Canyon.
Watching giant Andean condors soar effortlessly over one of the world’s deepest gorges was an unforgettable moment, especially in light of the fact that those condors barely survived extinction.
Returning to Cusco, we set off on the Salkantay trek, surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks and valleys. Not everything on the trip went according to plan. A bout of food poisoning from homemade ketchup forced us to cut the trek short. But despite that setback, we made it to Machu Picchu. Standing among its ancient ruins wrapped in mist, we felt the wonder and resilience of the Inca people come alive.
Beyond the landscapes and the ruins, what touched me the most was the simplicity of rural life. Even in poverty, people radiate warmth and authenticity. Their happiness, rooted in gratitude and community, reminded me that true wealth is not measured in possessions but in how deeply we live and connect with others.
I am coming to the conclusion that those who live a simple life are definitely wealthier.
“Seeing Cusco through his eyes gave us a deeper connection to its history and traditions.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PETO FALLAS
“We’re blessed so that we can bless others.”
Demetrius Knight, Jr.
BEYOND theEND ZONE
The faith journey of Demetrius Knight, Jr.
by JOSIE EVANS
A high-school football player’s odds of making it into the NFL are less than one percent – lower than the chances of being struck by lightning. Strong Rock Christian School alumnus Demetrius Knight, Jr. (Class of 2019) has beaten those odds. In April 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted the linebacker from Henry County in the second round. Knight, 25, gives God the glory. “Without Him, I or my family wouldn’t even be in this position,” said Knight. “That’s the foundation.”
Knight was a four-year starting quarterback and two-time team captain at Strong Rock in Locust Grove. Tobias Jacobi, Head Strength Conditioning Coach at SRCS, started working with Knight when he was in eighth grade. He said even at that young age he stood out. “The wheels were always spinning in his head. He was always analyzing things,” Jacobi recalled. “He’d ask, ‘Coach, can I come in on the weekends and train?’ He wanted something more.”
Knight played four seasons (2019–22) at Georgia Tech, then joined the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2023 before transferring to the University of South Carolina in 2024. While in Charlotte, he and his wife Jensy—also a Strong Rock graduate—worked as DoorDash drivers to help support their young family.
“It’s all part of His (God’s) plan,” Knight said. “The good and the bad, happens for a reason, and it’s all to build us up and shape us into who we’re meant to be.”
Jay Sanders, a Bible teacher at SRCS who led Knight in Bible study for several years, attended his draft party in April. Sanders said Knight’s faith has always been central. “It’s evident in the way he’s living his life. He’s showing Godly character even with high success.”
Knight credits his alma mater for keeping him spiritually grounded. “Strong Rock Christian School really helped me keep my faith in check, making sure I don’t let it get shaken when I’m out in the world…. It’s the model I’m passing down to my family: ‘Blessed to be a blessing’. That’s what we live by every day. We’re blessed so that we can bless others.”
While making the NFL is a dream come true, Knight said this is just the beginning. “For me, it’s about staying consistent, continuing to grow, and getting just 1% better at something every single day.” His message to young athletes is simple: dream big, but keep God first. “Without Him, life can be rough. But with Him, all things are possible, and there’s nothing you can’t do.”
NURSING UNDER FIRE
An Army field nurse shares about her year on the front lines of Vietnam.
by KARI APTED
The humidity hung heavy, like a damp curtain, as 22-year-old Millie Muscatello (now Evans) climbed aboard a helicopter in July 1970. Her destination was the 17th Field Hospital in An Khe, Vietnam, and she was the pilot’s only cargo. The landing pad was empty when she arrived, and the pilot left her alone there in the dark. She sat atop her luggage, waiting for her contact to show up, terrified as flashes of light began whizzing by. “They were incoming and outgoing tracers, but I didn’t know at the time which was which,” she said. “I sat there crying silently; I didn’t want to make any noise because I didn’t want anyone to find me. Finally, a jeep arrived and took me to meet the chief nurse. I wondered, what did I get myself into?”
Evans may have felt regret on that terrifying first night, but she never doubted her call to nursing. When a group of students in her class at Mercy Hospital in Pennsylvania decided to enlist in the military, she joined them. Four of the 15 young nurses were sent to Vietnam, the reality of which turned out to be far less glamorous than it initially sounded.
“People ask me if it was anything like M*A*S*H. No! But there were a lot of good people,” she said. Evans found herself immersed in a variety of stressful situations. She worked in a unit for badly burned Vietnamese children, inwardly cringing as the babies screamed through excruciating wound care. The daily drone of Medevac helicopters always meant another round of triaging injured soldiers. “After the injured, they brought in the casualties. The body bags would start piling up,” Evans recalled, noting how the growing stack triggered tears that she refused to let anyone see. Like any good nurse, her compassion was balanced by grit. “I had a reputation for being mean,” she said, admitting that she had no problem yelling to get things done.
But Vietnam also left Evans with some good memories. She delivered a baby, went on humanitarian trips into local villages and brought toys to children at a Catholic orphanage. The nurses worked to bring a taste of home to each holiday, and Evans recalls donning Halloween masks and singing silly songs to the injured GIs.
After four months, Evans transferred to the 8th Field Hospital in Tuy Hua, and returned home in 1971. She went on to have a fulfilling career in nursing and met her husband, Bill Evans, while both worked at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Bill was a Navy Hospital Corpsman training to become a transplant technician. He would later exit the Navy and join the Army, but not before the couple married
in 1976. The Evans had two daughters, Heather and Melissa, and the family moved between seven duty stations, including Texas, New Jersey, Arizona and Germany. When Bill retired in August 2000, it was at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, with 28 years of service. The couple now lives in Hampton, has six grandchildren and will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2026. When they wear their veteran hats in public, people often thank Bill for his service, but fail to recognize Millie. “I always say, ‘Hey, what about her?’” Bill is proud of his wife’s service in Vietnam and hopes that one day, all female veterans get the recognition they deserve.
RUNNING TOWARDS HEALTH
Kobi Henegan has an invisible support squad driving him to the finish line.
by KARI APTED
Kobi Henegan’s sister, Jade, has always looked out for her little brother. Their parents, Ron and Kiona, credit Jade for noticing the changes that led to Kobi’s diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) when he was just eight years old. “She noticed that he was using the bathroom a lot and thought something might be wrong,” Kiona recalled.
When Kiona took Kobi to the doctor, his fasting blood glucose was over 300. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta verified he had T1D. “Kids are often in diabetic ketoacidosis when they’re diagnosed, which is an emergency,” she said. “Thanks to Jade, we found out before it got that far.”
Kiona said all she could think about was needles. “I was devastated,” she said. But Kobi’s words abruptly stopped her tears. “This is something I’m going to have forever, until there’s a cure. So are you going to cry forever?” His wise question made Kiona pause. It wasn’t about her, but him.
The Henegans threw themselves into a season of intense T1D education. Even extended family members, from his grandparents in South Carolina to his Aunt Glander in Maryland, downloaded the app for his glucose monitor to stay current on Kobi’s health. However, despite close-knit family support, Kobi longed to connect with another local kid who had diabetes. They started a support group called Kobi’s Konnection. When they couldn’t find children’s books about T1D, they wrote one called “Kobi Takes Type 1 Diabetes to the Zoo.” Kobi’s advocacy led Breakthrough T1D to select him as a delegate representing Georgia at the 2023 Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. The young man has created a new book that will be released soon called “Let the Odds Be in Your Favor: Five Steps to Never Giving Up.” He says this book isn’t just for those with diabetes, but an encouragement for anyone who needs it.
Kobi’s determination extends throughout his life as a student at Hampton High School, where he says the teachers have been
incredibly understanding of how T1D impacts his daily life. He was elected 10th-grade treasurer and is active in track and cross-country.
Running adds complexity to managing his blood sugar. “I want my glucose to be at least 200 before I run cross-country, because if I’m out in the woods, it’s better to have it too high than too low,” he explained. He carries glucose tablets with him in case his sugar plummets, as it sometimes does. “His mind is not just on contending with the race, but on keeping his numbers balanced,” Kiona said. In running and in life, “Kobi’s never competing against anyone but himself.”
“In certain ways, diabetes has benefited my life. It’s birthed closer connections with people.”
Kobi Henegan
BREAKTHROUGH PROCEDURE FOR CHRONIC KNEE PAIN
One patients encouraging journey with Preferred Vascular Group
by MONROE ROARK
Imagine undergoing multiple surgeries to correct chronic knee pain but finding no relief. This was the reality of Arlene Randle’s life earlier this year. “I had four different surgeries to try to fix my knee problems, everything but a knee replacement,” she said. “I was in physical therapy because I had developed a limp in my right leg. After three weeks of PT, I was still limping, and my physical therapist suggested that I see Dr. Shrenik Shah at Preferred Vascular Group.” Dr. Shah is the Medical Director at the Southwest Atlanta Vascular Care office and has been with Preferred Vascular Group for eight years.
Randle bumped into Dr. Shah as she walked through the door for her appointment. “He actually stopped and talked to me,” she said. “He listened to my whole story. I was so impressed with the time he took with me. My orthopedist had left me feeling that I had no options. But Dr. Shah explained something that might work.”
That “something” was a procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This minimally invasive outpatient procedure works by reducing blood flow to inflamed areas of the knee. Within a few weeks, many patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility.
Randle had GAE about two weeks after her initial visit. “On June 30, Dr. Shah did the procedure. Just two days later, I wasn’t limping anymore,” said Randle, still amazed at how well it worked.
Dr. Shah finds GAE a good choice for people who have tried other pathways for alleviating knee pain caused by chronic osteoarthritis. “There is no downtime, and in the right scenario, it can eliminate or significantly reduce knee pain that the patient may have been experiencing for years,” he said. “The procedure is effective because it specifically targets the inflammatory pathways that give rise to knee pain.”
Randle said Dr. Shah and his team made her feel comfortable through every step of the process. “They explained everything. He has a great bedside manner.”
Dr. Shah says it’s rewarding to help patients like Randle. “The fact that I can profoundly change the trajectory of lives in a single procedure never fails to amaze me, even after years of doing this.”
Preferred Vascular Group has five convenient locations in Georgia and can offer sameday or Saturday appointments. For more information, visit preferredvasculargroup.com.
“He actually stopped and talked to me. He listened to my whole story. I was so impressed with the time he took with me.”
(L-R) ARLENE RANDLE AND DR. SHRENIK SHAH
“The opportunities are unlike any other field.”
SCTC Nursing Instructor Brittani Reheiser
Meeting the Need
Southern Crescent Technical College expands nursing program across six campuses.
by MONROE ROARK
Nurses are in great demand all over the United States. To meet that need in Henry County and surrounding areas, Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) has expanded its nursing program across all six campuses. This means about 160 new nurses can be launched into the workforce every year, with the vast majority of them remaining in the area where they already live.
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is the traditional plan for students who want to become registered nurses. It operates four days a week at various campuses, including Henry County. It includes 16 months of class time and can be started immediately after high school. The newest “bridge” program is designed for professionals already working in the medical field, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or paramedics. This one-day-a-week schedule takes one year to complete and allows professionals to further their education without disrupting their work schedules. It also eliminates some
courses normally included in the ASN program because bridge students have already demonstrated their ability in certain areas.
“If you are already a paramedic or a licensed practical nurse, you have already learned the basics and developed the necessary time management and priority skills,” said Amy Adams, SCTC’s dean of nursing. “A student who is working three 12-hour days a week as a nurse or 24-hour shifts as a paramedic knows how to juggle work life and family life.”
Georgia has 22 technical colleges, and SCTC is the only one with a nursing program on all of its six campuses. Two campuses have LPN programs and two, including Henry County, have ASN programs. The bridge program is currently offered at four locations. In total, SCTC serves eight Georgia counties with nearly 300 nursing students enrolled at SCTC at any given time. About 120 students started in August, according to Adams, attending classes alongside those who began in January.
A key component of the nursing program’s success is its partnership with local medical facilities, providing students with real-world experience that fulfills their degree requirements and prepares them for success going forward. Participating facilities include Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Wellstar Spalding Hospital in Griffin, Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital in Jackson, and Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston.
Nursing is one field where job placement is nearly guaranteed because of the widespread need. Most students have been offered opportunities by the time they are in their third semester, Adams said, and can move on as soon as they graduate and pass their state board exams. “I would say that about 90 percent of our students already have a job lined up before they
ANGEL RAMOS AND BRITTANI REHEISER
graduate, and the other 10 percent are usually planning to continue with their education, perhaps to get a BSN [bachelor of science in nursing] or something else,” said Adams. “We have a big nursing shortage, which means we have to educate more of them and get them ready,” said instructor Brittani Reheiser. “The opportunities are unlike any other field. There are so many types of nursing you can do. We focus on the hospital, but we need public health nurses, school nurses, home health care nurses, and others. There are so many options available.”
SCTC nursing graduates often stay in the area they already call home. “We like to keep our students in the community where they’re working and going to school,” said Adams. “For example, many of the students at the Henry County campus live in Henry. Oftentimes, they will go to Piedmont Henry for their clinicals, and the hospital leadership can see that they are a good fit there. A job offer there is good for the student because his or her home life is there. This keeps our nurses in the local community.”
On the other hand, some students in the bridge program who already have careers will drive two hours or more to an SCTC campus to take advantage of the work-friendly schedule, she added. “I have had students who live near the Alabama state line and will drive over, spend the night here and go to class the next day,” she said. These programs allow local students to achieve lifelong goals.
“I am very excited to enter this career field,” said Raven Williams, a current student on track to graduate next May. “I wanted to help people my whole life. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl.”
“I am looking forward to graduation,” said Angel Ramos, also set to finish next May. “I’m very excited to be in this program. Nursing is a self-rewarding and self-fulfilling profession. You get to help people on a daily basis.”
Recent federal and state grants have helped SCTC acquire brand-new equipment for its labs to meet the growing demand, as well as salaries for bridge instructors. “I love teaching. I absolutely adore it,” said Reheiser. “I think it is where I am meant to be — getting to share my experiences with them and foster growth is really exciting and rewarding to see.”
Visit sctech.edu for more information about Southern Crescent Technical College’s academic offerings.
BLESSING ADIBUAH AND RAVEN WILLIAMS
Flying High with the “Sky Soldiers”
Hampton’s unique museum is a must-see for aviation fans.
by LEIGH DELOZIER
They’re housed in a nondescript metal building near Atlanta Speedway Airport and within sight of EchoPark Speedway: three Huey and three Cobra helicopters. Their years in military service during Vietnam and the Cold War are behind them, but their stories are far from over.
The aircraft are part of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum, begun in 1997. Hampton’s Legacy Chapter was the first, with founder Mike Brady aiming to acquire Huey aircraft and make them flyable for local events. Since then, chapters have opened in Mesa, Arizona, and St. Louis, Missouri.
Brady’s wider goal was to promote the story of Army Aviation and its “Sky Soldiers.” These servicemen and women include his father: Major General Morris Brady, a WWII veteran, former Army Aviator and Commanding General of the 2d Infantry Division, Korea. Hampton’s first Huey arrived in 1999.
John Woodward—who retired in 1990 after 21 years as an Army pilot—has been part of the Legacy Chapter’s work since its early days. His stories connected with the chapter include traveling to other states to acquire parts from decommissioned helicopters and seeing what their work means to veterans and others.
“It’s always a good feeling to walk in a hangar,” he says, “and to be part of something helpful, something that’s continuing legacy.”
The Foundation exists to honor those who have served in Army Aviation and educate civilians about their role in U.S. military history. Legacy Chapter volunteers do this by hosting school group tours, flying in air shows, displaying the helicopters and offering flights during aviation events, and more.
“It’s always a good feeling to walk in a hangar.”
John Woodward, retired Army pilot
“Between all our engagements, we’re probably in front of about a million people a year,” says Fred Edwards, who served 22 years as an Army pilot and is now the Foundation’s Director of Operations.
Some activities are small and personal, such as funeral flyovers. Others are nationally recognized: they participated in the Grand Military Parade and Festival as part of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration in Washington, D.C., in June 2025.
They brought Vietnam to life during Serenbe Playhouse’s production of “Miss Saigon” by landing a Huey during a climactic moment in the play—and their pilots timed it perfectly for 19 consecutive nights.
But their most satisfying work is keeping the helicopters in perfect flying condition so others can experience them firsthand. A core group of volunteers helps make it happen, inspecting, maintaining, and rebuilding as needed. They do it for the love of the aircraft, the camaraderie with fellow veterans, and the impact on their passengers.
Every hour of flight for a Huey translates to four to six hours of follow-up maintenance. For the Cobra, every flight hour equals at least six hours of maintenance.
The volunteers have countless stories of the people they encounter: Vietnam veterans who bring their families to air shows so they can fly in a Huey together. Civilians who climb aboard to conquer their fear of heights. Former POWs who find closure in one last flight. A former Army Aviator who learned the Legacy Chapter had acquired the Cobra he flew—so he traveled to Hampton simply to see it and sit in the cockpit again. As Edwards says, “Every member who goes to an event brings back stories.”
“It’s the power of connection, both from the veteran’s side and the civilian’s side,” Woodward adds. “Maybe by doing this we can help enthrall the younger generation in aviation.”
Are you ready to fly? Visit armyav.org to learn more about the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum. To reserve your seat for a Ride Day with the Legacy Chapter, held on select Saturdays throughout the year, call (770) 897-0444.
ELCA Football Charges Ahead
New Coach Shares Vision for 2025 Season
by DELANEY T. KIRBY
The new head coach for Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy has only been in Henry County since the spring, but is already making an impact on the players of the ELCA Chargers’ football team. Coach Justin Roberts moved from Debary, Florida, with his lovely wife, Jessica, their two sons, JJ and Jackson, and their dog, Alli, to start this new chapter in their lives.
Throughout Coach Robert’s life, athletics have always played a significant role. In high school and college at Valdosta State University, he played football. After college, he took a teaching job that included a coaching position. Soon after he started that job, he knew it was what he was called to do. In his previous
head coaching position at a 7A school, he boasted an impressive 19–5 record, having led his team to the playoffs and secured a first-place district finish. His philosophy from a sports perspective is to be process oriented.
“Sometimes in life, we stress the result so much that we lose sight of the process. And while you may get the result you want, if your process isn’t right, it is not sustainable or repeatable.”
Coach Roberts also brings a Christian focus and mentality to the gridiron. “I try to emphasize work and Colossians 3:23. We have all been given gifts and talents from our Creator. Our work and effort that we exert isn’t to please man, but rather our Savior. We want to make sure whatever our role or gift is, we are maximizing that to bring Christ His glory.”
Coach Roberts makes a point of having players know their teammates and respect them on and off the field. He hopes that when the players leave the program, they are better sons, brothers, and eventually, husbands and fathers. “If they are just better football players, then we have failed them. We always stress it is never about just 4 years; it’s about 40.” He still messages and talks to several of his former players on a regular basis. You can see Coach Roberts on the ELCA field and maybe run into him in the school halls, walking his sons to class or checking on his players. He is always on the move and focused on the Chargers’ season ahead!
“I try to emphasize [hard] work and Colossians 3:23.”
Coach Justin Roberts
“It’s not just about tennis. It’s about helping every child realize their potential and be heard.”
Above the Net Founder Caniece Haywood
FROM “LOVE” TO SCORING
All because of a tennis racquet.
by AROLUE FLEMMEN PRATER
“Love” may mean “zero” in tennis, but for Caroline Lemieux, it marked the beginning of everything. At 3 ½ years old, she faced communication delays, which hindered her social interactions. Her athletic mother, Katie, introduced Caroline to multiple sports, including soccer, T-ball and basketball. But Katie’s efforts were of no avail until they discovered a forgotten tennis racket, an aunt’s gift tucked away in a closet. And that simple object led to dramatic changes for young Caroline.
In March 2021, Katie took Caroline to a “Tennispalooza” event hosted by Above the Net, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) sportsbased youth development organization. Caroline joined 40 to 50 children of all ages and skill levels to learn the game. Under the guidance of directors and founders Brenda Gant, Caniece Haywood and Monica Johnson, the children participated in games that applied basic tennis rudiments, including ball balancing,
eye-hand coordination, racquet holding and ball hitting. When the shy, seven-year-old Caroline asked her mother when she could play tennis again, Katie knew she’d found her daughter’s igniting spark.
By age eight, Caroline was playing tennis competitively. Her confidence and communication skills improved, and she excelled, finishing in the top eight of Community Christian School’s state tennis tournament last year. She also earned a USTA scholarship to attend a training camp at Clemson University in 2024 and 2025. The higher level of training has enabled Caroline to compete against older girls ranked in the top 100 in their particular states. She has completed a personal goal of winning her first Level 7 U-14 tournament. Caroline attended the US Open in New York City in August 2025, where she hoped to meet her model idol, professional tennis player “Coco” Gauff.
Caroline, now a sixth grader, enjoys science, robotics, cross country and painting. She has won several math awards and was voted “Best Female Band Player” for playing saxophone in her school’s band.
Indeed, a tennis racquet proved to be the catalyst for overcoming verbal challenges and for gaining confidence and courage to grow. The guidance, support, care, encouragement, and acceptance of directors and players of the Above the Net program helped to transform the once shy and limited vocabulary child into a focused, determined and resilient young lady. Caroline Lemieux has proven she has a bright and promising future in the world of tennis.
To learn more or get involved, visit abovethenettennis.org, email at info@abovethenettennis.org, or follow on TikTok@ATN, Instagram @abovethenet_official, and Facebook @AboveTheNet.
The Benefits of True REST
New ownership brings fresh therapies to Float Spa.
Exciting changes are happening at True REST Float Spa in McDonough. New owners Michael and Kelly Li bring decades of holistic living knowledge and a shared passion to elevate the healing value of the local float spa experience.
Clients have long visited True REST to enjoy the peaceful weightlessness of floating solo in magnesium-rich warm water, followed by a visit to the oxygen bar. Private flotation suites contain a zero-gravity pod filled with 200 gallons of warm water infused with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts. “With salinity that high, floating is effortless. Some people even fall asleep,” said Michael. Each pod meets the strictest hygiene standards as all 200 gallons of water are refreshed every six minutes through UV ozone hybrid filters.
Clients can customize their experience with music and LED lights, or choose to relax in total silence and darkness. “Some, like Michael, focus on the therapeutic value, while others, like me, do it for meditative reasons,” said Kelly.
Kelly has a medical assistant background, while Michael has worked as a stuntman in the film industry since 1996. “I’ve taken
MICHAEL AND KELLY LI
a few bumps and bruises through the years, and at some point, you don’t want to be dependent on any medication,” he said. After trying cryotherapy, compression therapy, and chiropractic care, he gave floatation therapy a chance to alleviate his severe back discomfort. “It helped him tremendously,” said Kelly. “Soaking up all that magnesium left his joints and muscles finally relaxed.”
“Whatever I do, it has to be something I believe in,” added Michael, stressing that he only recommends to others what he finds beneficial. The Lis positive experiences with float therapy recently encouraged a close family friend to try it. “She has Lyme disease and chronic autoimmune pain,” said Kelly. Her reaction exiting the float pod was quite emotional. “She said it was the first time in seven years that she had been pain-free.”
Later this year, the Lis are expanding the spa’s healing menu by adding a new Vitality Suite. It will offer additional therapies, including an infrared sauna, a cold plunge, and a 75" red light panel. All of these therapies have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, assist cell recovery, enhance sleep and more.
The Lis are committed to giving back to the community and invite veterans and active military to inquire about their free float for veterans program (limited availability). Gift cards, memberships and float packages are available and can be used at any True REST Spa nationwide.
To learn more, visit truerest.com/locations/ McDonough. To schedule an appointment, call 678-782-5520.
True REST Float Spa
80 Vinings Drive, Suite 90 McDonough, GA 30253
“ Whatever I do, it has to be something I believe in.”
Michael Li
Happy Holidays?
How to Care for Your Mental Health This Season
by MICHAEL BOYLAN
As the holidays draw closer, the calendar pages tend to fill with events, gatherings and visits. It can be a joyous time of year, but it can also be stressful.
“Before the season even starts, you should think about what holiday events or traditions matter to you the most,” said Ashley Woodbridge, a licensed master social worker with Sixty Plus Services at Piedmont Henry Hospital. “You don’t have to do it all. In fact, when you try, you often get exhausted, both physically and mentally. It is perfectly reasonable to set and honor your own boundaries.”
This can be important if you must deal with challenging relationships at these holiday events. Similar to the approach to a potentially crowded calendar, plan ahead. If you know there is a likelihood of an unpleasant conversation or interaction with a family member or friend, practice how you might change the subject.
“If you need support managing stress or relationship issues, ask your primary care provider about a referral to a counselor or therapist who can help you develop strategies to cope,” said Woodbridge. “Therapy can be an excellent form of sustainable self-care.”
As part of her job with Sixty Plus Services, Woodbridge also works with patients with medical conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, and their caregivers. This time of year can be particularly challenging for both parties to navigate.
One way to make the holidays special is to be sure to involve the person with dementia in planning or preparing for the event. Helping to set the table or sorting through tree decorations can spark happy memories from years past. It’s also enjoyable to look through old photographs of holiday celebrations or listen to seasonal music.
Caregivers should feel that it is acceptable to let go of traditions or expectations. If they have been the host of the annual family meal, it’s all right to ask someone else to host or
to ask others for help with the cooking and cleaning. Many times, the caregiver wants to try and keep up appearances of normalcy, but during the holidays, they should feel free to ask for relief and support.
Remember though, the holidays can be a joyous season that can provide healthy benefits as well. This is often thought of as a season of gratitude and being thankful can release neurochemicals, like oxytocin and serotonin, and produce a feeling of releasing tension.
“The holiday season can be whatever you choose to make it,” said Woodbridge. “My advice is don’t overschedule yourself, ask for help when needed, and do what you need to do to enjoy your time.”
“Therapy can be an excellent form of sustainable self-care.”
Ashley Woodbridge
Digital edition
WHAT’S COOKING
Hummus & Baba Ghanoush
Healthy, savory mediterranean fare.
by SHERIF RIAD
The holidays present ample opportunities to dine with beloved family and friends, and few appetizers satisfy as thoroughly as these healthy Mediterranean dips. Sherif Riad from Fusion Restaurant & Bar on Hwy. 155 in McDonough welcomes you to try his family’s signature recipes at your next gathering. “For extra smooth hummus, peel the chickpeas after boiling; rub them between your hands to loosen the skins,” Riad said. “And don’t rush charring the eggplants when making baba ghanoush. It’s the key to its signature smoky flavor.” Riad suggests serving both dips with warm pita bread, crispy falafel, fresh raw vegetables or grilled meat skewers. They also make great sandwich spreads or sauces for rice pilaf or couscous.
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 2 cloves garlic (roasted or fresh, depending on flavor preference)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 2–4 tbsp cold water or a couple of ice cubes (to adjust texture)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor, add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt.
2. Blend for 1–2 minutes, scraping the sides, until smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a silky texture.
4. Taste and adjust lemon, tahini, and salt to preference.
5. Garnish with one or more of the following: a swirl of olive oil, paprika, sumac, za’atar, roasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, cilantro or fresh mint.
INGREDIENTS
BABA GHANOUSH
• 2 large eggplants (about 2 lbs total)
• ¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (divided: 2 tbsp mixed in, 1 tbsp for garnish)
• ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
DIRECTIONS
1. Char the eggplant over an open flame. If you have a gas stove or grill, place the whole eggplants directly over the flame. Use tongs to turn occasionally until skin is fully blackened and blistered, and flesh is soft (10–15 minutes). You can also set your broiler to high and roast close to the heat source until charred.
2. Place roasted eggplants in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a lid for 10 minutes. This cools them and loosens the skin. Peel off charred skin, leaving some bits for extra smokiness.
3. Scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Discard overly bitter seeds if necessary. Mash with a fork, keeping some texture for authenticity.
4. Mix mashed eggplant with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, and salt. Stir until combined and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley, paprika or sumac, and optional pomegranate seeds.
“These Mediterranean classics are creamy, flavorful and versatile.”
Sherif Riad
TIPS FOR
Halloween Fun
How to offer Halloween fun for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Halloween can be spooky and fun for all children but may be a little trickier for those on the autism spectrum. So how can you as a neighbor, friend or community organizer help make this and other fall festivities less spooky and more fun for these more sensitive children?
“Large events can be unpredictable and overwhelming for some children on the autism spectrum,” says Bianca Brooks, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and part of the assessment and diagnosis team at Marcus Autism Center, a subsidiary of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “The key is for event organizers to offer inclusive, autism-friendly spaces.” Dr. Brooks suggests:
• Be mindful of safety in larger open outdoor events to prevent wandering dangers.
• Be creative and lean into your child’s interests. Halloween/fall can mean a fashion show of your child’s favorite costumes at home, decorating their favorite type of toys, or adding a festive twist to their favorite sensory activity.
• Making pictures available of where children are headed and what type of activities to expect. Visuals can be very empowering and informative to children of all abilities.
• Offering a quiet area or calm-down space for children if the crowd is overwhelming for them. Ideally this will be some where outside the main event area and will be easily identifiable for parents to access.
• When planning free-play spaces, offering games and activities that can be completed independently as well as with other peers. According to Chris Booth, a licensed master social worker and lead clinical care coordinator at Marcus Autism Center, “Trick or treating can be especially tough for some children on the spectrum because a night like Halloween can mean unpredictable social interactions, decorations, and directives from adults.” Booth points out there are several things neighbors can do make the evening’s festivities more comfortable them:
• During trick or treat activities, remember not all children will be able to say trick or treat. Help them enjoy the Halloween experience by placing candy or other treats in their buckets.
• Offer your house as a practice location for them before Halloween to help ease some anxiety.
• Too many choices can be overwhelming for children. It may be helpful to offer only two candy treats at a time when kids are having a hard time selecting.
Additionally, Booth recommends parents do a little preplanning to help make these events and activities more successful:
• Call ahead before a festival or activity to find out if there are any accommodations for children with disabilities (quiet area, sensory rooms).
• If your child may be unable to ask for help, think of ways to have your contact information labeled onto their clothes, costumes, etc.
• Read kid-friendly stories about your outing with your child leading up to the event. You can also watch short YouTube clips with them and highlight what to expect at the outing (e.g., loud noises, fun animals, treats).
• Pre-plan what to do if the outing does not go as expected (e.g., how to transition your child to your car, packing small things that can help temporarily distract your child like bubbles or stickers).
• If you need inspiration to find local events for children with autism, check out local parent support groups to find disability inclusive events near you.
Disclaimer: This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911.
GRACE & TRUTH
The Beauty and Power of a Meal
Mark 2:13–17
Bart Stone
I’ve always been a “four seasons” guy, but there’s something about fall that stands out to me. The crisp air, the glow of a campfire, the joy of gathering with friends around a football game, and, of course, the tradition of Thanksgiving—all of it reminds me of how powerful meals can be. There’s something uniquely meaningful about sitting around a table with others, sharing food, laughter, and stories.
In Mark 2:13–17, we see Jesus do the same. After calling Levi (Matthew) to follow Him, Jesus doesn’t take him to a synagogue or a lecture. Instead, He goes to Levi’s house and shares a meal. Around that table sat people with all kinds of backgrounds— some considered religious outsiders, others labeled as “sinners.”
The religious leaders couldn’t understand why Jesus would spend His time with them. Yet Jesus knew exactly what He was doing.
Robert Karris once said, “In Luke’s gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” Meals were central to His ministry. They were where teaching happened, where lives were changed, and where the love of God was experienced firsthand. Around the table, Jesus showed that no one was excluded. Everyone was welcome.
The table itself is just furniture, but the meal is where real relationship takes root. That’s where the gospel moves from words to life. Jesus demonstrated that friendship and fellowship often begin with something as simple as eating together.
So what if this fall you were intentional about your table? What if you invited a neighbor over, welcomed a coworker, or shared a meal with someone different from you? It doesn’t require a perfect home, a huge dining room, or a gourmet meal. God multiplies whatever we bring when we open our lives in generosity. Begin with what you have.
When we invite others in, we give them a glimpse of Jesus—the One who welcomed everyone. A physical meal can lead to a spiritual meal. By meeting a physical need, we may open the door for someone to encounter the deeper truth of God’s love.
Jesus was radically inclusive. Imagine how our communities would look if more strangers became friends around our tables. A simple meal could be the start of something eternal. The table is a tool, but the meal is where the relationship really happens.
“Around the table, Jesus showed that no one was excluded.”
