Houston County Magazine Summer 2025 by With You In Mind Publications

FAITH, FAMILY & FILETS

Two Chick-fil-A restaurateurs are now happy to call Middle Georgia home once again.

SAVORING EVERY WORD

Volunteers at Centerville Library help local children find the joy and magic in the printed word.

Scenes of Houston

AROUND EVERY CORNER IN OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY, THERE ARE TREASURES THAT LAY AWAITING DISCOVERY.

SPILLERS ORTHODONTICS

Spillers Orthodontics is where great smiles begin! Known for our friendly, well-trained team, we offer Invisalign®, Smartclip™ self-ligating braces, and much more. Our office is filled with the latest orthodontic technology including 5D intraoral scanning, 3D digital X-ray, 3D imaging, 3D printing and remote treatment monitoring to ensure than every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile.

• Georgia’s Most Experienced Invisalign Provider

• Complimentary Evaluation

• No Referral Needed

J. Don Spillers Jr., DMD, MS | Adam Gordon, DMD | Trey Spillers DMD, MS

/ SUMMER

Beyond the Smile

Dr. Temiko Braswell’s Legacy of Compassion, Faith and Healing.

36 Faith, Family & Filets

Two Chick-fil-A restaurateurs are now happy to call Middle Georgia home once again.

50 Renaissance Man

Sergeant Terry Reynolds has proven himself to be a man of the people, both in and out of uniform.

64 Still Serving

Warner Robins Air Force veteran making her mark as beauty and spa business owner.

76 Where Passion Meets the Saddle

For over 15 years, Jennifer Mastronardi and her staff at POEC have helped to forge the special bond between equines and humans.

134

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Wishing you nothing but the best as you embark on this new journey.

90 Savoring Every Word

Volunteers at Centerville Library help local children find the joy and magic in the printed word.

106 A Light in Her Corner of the World

Velma Alexander does her best to bring happiness and peace to every life she touches.

120

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

“Awareness is like the sun. When it shines upon things, they are transformed.”

148

Latest Chapter is a Page Turner

Second annual Perry book festival popular with authors and attendees alike, promotes adult reading.

160

COVER STORY

Scenes of Houston

Around every corner in our amazing community, there are treasures that lay awaiting discovery. Beauty is indeed all around us and in endless supply. Take a look at a few more reasons why we love Houston.

Rrecently, our oldest daughter was over at the house visiting. We were all laughing as we were reminiscing about various memories.

At one point, she mentioned that her favorite childhood movie was asked her “why?” she responded. “in the storyline, Pollyanna’s father, who was a church missionary, received a long-awaited donation box for his family. Pollyanna, who had very few toys, had been wishing with all her might for a doll, but the only thing for her to play with was a broken pair of crutches. When Pollyanna started to cry, her father promised her that if she stopped crying, he would teach her to play a game that would bring her more happiness than any doll ever could. he taught her that in every situation, no matter how bad it might seem, you could always find something to be glad about if you looked hard enough. she called it “the happy game.””

Pollyanna reminded me that we all have a choice. it reminded me of a saying i heard years ago. i do not remember who said it or if i read it, but; “you will find whatever you choose to look for; so, look for the good!”

romans 8:28

Jay and Patti Martin

Explore our entire calendar of events, plus browse dining, shopping, lodging, and more in Perry at

Helping You Plan For The Best Season, Your New Season

Medicare can be very overwhelming! Our team’s job is to educate you on Medicare benefits and options, so you can select the best plan for yourself.

WE WILL LISTEN TO YOU.

Your answers to our questions will help us narrow down your Medicare options to the ones that would benefit you most.

WE WILL EDUCATE YOU.

We will take the time to explain how Medicare works, help you to understand your plan options and thoroughly answer all your questions.

WE WILL GUIDE YOU.

When it comes time for you to choose a Medicare plan, we will help you to make a decision you feel good about.

We also work hard building relationships with other local businesses who can help with Estate Planning, Homehealth care and Hospice and more.

Candice Harnage

Story by FELICIA DILBERT

BEYOND THE Smile

Dr.

Temiko Braswell’s Legacy of Compassion, Faith and Healing

IIn the heart of Warner Robins, Georgia, nestled within the quiet hum of Braswell Family Dentistry, resides a woman whose healing touch is felt far beyond the dental chair.

Dr. Temiko Braswell is a dentist by training; however, to those who know her story, she is also a mentor, servant leader, woman of faith, and a gentle force of resilience.

Born and raised in Titusville, Florida, Dr. Braswell grew up watching dreams take flight. “I’ve always loved science,” she shares, “and that love naturally led me toward healthcare.” Her commitment to excellence took root early. At Howard University, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude, earning a degree in microbiology with a minor in chemistry. Though she originally intended to pursue pharmacy, she unexpectedly received a prestigious National Institute of Health scholarship during her sophomore year which

redirected her path. The research she studied opened her eyes to more profound possibilities, and eventually, dentistry captured her heart. “Dentistry felt like the perfect balance of science, service, and personal connection.”

Dr. Braswell earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—a proud Tar Heel moment. Yet, just as graduation approached, another unexpected opportunity presented itself: the United States Air Force. “It was a true honor to begin my career serving my country,” she reflects. The Air Force brought her to Warner Robins, where her story and legacy continues. After four years at Robins Air Force Base, Dr. Braswell chose to stay in Warner Robins and open a private practice. Braswell Family Dentistry has served the Houston County region for over 20 years, offering comprehensive, compassionate care beyond routine visits for 27 years.

A New Frontier in Sleep Wellness

Dr. Braswell’s commitment to wholebody wellness has expanded her treatment options for sleep-related breathing disorders. Braswell Family Dentistry now offers Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), a non-invasive alternative or complementary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This decision is deeply personal: her husband suffers from severe sleep apnea and has struggled with CPAP compliance. Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, among other severe conditions. Left untreated, the combination of poor sleep and oxygen deprivation can create a health crisis. Keenly aware of the dangers of oxygen deprivation as well as motivation by both scientific understanding and firsthand experience, Dr. Braswell chose to pursue advanced training. She is currently in a residence program with the University of Michigan to become a qualified dental appliance provider, ensuring her patients have comfortable, effective alternatives to traditional CPAP therapy.

Grounded in Faith, Led by Compassion

Each day before seeing her first patient, Dr. Braswell pauses in quiet prayer, reciting Psalm 23, a choice that centers her in the faith that has guided her through every chapter of life. “The Lord is my Shepherd,” she says softly. “That prayer is my covering. It reminds me that this work is not just about teeth. It’s about trust, healing, and love. Patients aren’t just numbers; they are neighbors, friends, and souls deserving heartfelt care.” Whether preventive cleanings, advanced implant procedures, or full-mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Braswell and her team deliver personalized, compassionate treatment. For those who experience dental anxiety, sedation options provide comfort and peace of mind.

One morning, a man collapsed outside Dr. Braswell’s dental office. Upon learning of the situation, Dr. Braswell

and her team immediately took action. They retrieved the office’s automated external defibrillator (AED)—a medical device that analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers electric shocks to restore normal cardiac function in cases of ventricular fibrillation—and rushed to assist. Finding the jogger unresponsive, they began performing CPR. Eric carefully applied the AED pads to the man’s chest, and the device announced, “Shock Advised.” Dr. Braswell attributes the man’s survival to her CPR trainer, Vincent Green, the AED machine, and God’s divine guidance in that pivotal moment.

A Life of Purpose

“God has blessed me with this practice, and I honor Him by serving His people with integrity and care,” says Braswell. Her unwavering sense

of purpose stems from the example of her mother, Mary Adams, a devoted single mom who worked multiple jobs to support her family. “My mother always said, ‘Nothing worthwhile is going to be easy,’” Dr. Braswell recalls. “That stayed with me. I worked hard and prayed even harder.”

Today, Dr. Braswell balances her calling as a dentist with her most treasured roles: wife and mother. She met her husband during a Christmas visit home (in a club, she laughs), and the two have built a beautiful life together. Their daughters, Eriyana and Tamaya, are thriving. One has a master’s degree; the other is a rising senior at FAMU. “I am so proud of my girls,” she beams.

Through each chapter of her academic success, military service, motherhood, and private practice, Dr. Braswell remains grounded in faith and filled with gratitude. “Sometimes I look back at where I came from, and I’m just in awe of what God has done,” she says.

In a world that often rushes past moments of meaning, Dr. Temiko Braswell reminds us of the power of compassion, the beauty of service, and the quiet strength of a life guided by purpose.

In every smile she helps restore, her legacy continues to bloom.  HCL

• Repairs needed to get a home sold?

• Client need a new fence?

• Clients asking for remodels or home enhancements?

Craft Your Happy

Welcome to your retirement.

We hope it brings joy and friendship, meaning and inspiration in ways that enrich and touch those around you.

At Carlyle Place, we’re here to help you shape the retirement experience you’ve always hoped for. In other words, to Craft Your Happy.

One

Happy does not fit all.

We understand that everyone’s Happy is different—and we’ll make sure you have the programs, classes, and activities you need to Craft Your Happy your way.

Amenities await.

The amenities at Carlyle Place are all about making it easy to live your best life. Here’s a sample:

• The Grande Ballroom for movies, lectures, parties, and luncheons

As Macon’s top not-for-profit retirement community, we offer the peace of mind of Life Care backed by the stability and resources of Atrium Health Navicent. Everything you need for a secure future of Crafting Your Happy is right here on our beautiful 58-acre campus.

• The Renaissance Center for wellness

• Resident-led 1,800-volume library

• Landscaped walking and jogging trails

• Fitness center

• Indoor heated saltwater pool

• Multi-purpose meeting rooms for lifelong learning, crafts, book clubs, Bible study, and much more

Home is where the Happy is.

Whether you choose a one-, two-, or threebedroom apartment home or a self-standing garden home, you’ll find an appealing and restful haven. Plus, all are maintenancefree—including weekly housekeeping.

A full continuum of care.

As Central Georgia’s only Life-Plan Community, you’ll have priority access to a full continuum of healthcare services on our beautiful campus—without financial surprises.

Independent Living. Just like living in your own home, but without the daily hassles of home ownership.

Personal Care. Live independently with the security of knowing a little extra help is there when you need it.

Memory Care. Cambridge Court provides memory care in a cheerful setting that’s uplifting, safe, and secure.

Rehabilitation Therapy. Effectively recover from an injury, serious illness, or surgery.

Carlyle Place at Home

Not ready to move out of your home yet, but would still like to have the Carlyle Place experience? If you live in the Macon area, Carlyle Place at Home could be ideal for you. Utilize our wellness center, fitness activities, cultural programs, social events, then return to your home at the end of the day!

We salute those who served.

Many retired veterans have found camaraderie in our community. Our Veterans Wall displays over 250 photos of former and present Carlyle Place residents who served our nation. In appreciation of your service, veterans are eligible for a 5% discount on entrance fees.

Food, Flowers and Memories

BY DAVID PENA | PHOTOS BY TINIKA BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY

Arena Acres provides enjoyment for anyone who loves all things bucolic.

couple of years.

As you pull up to the farm, you’ll notice a field full of color and wide, open space. A myriad of hues takes hold of your senses, as the farm is home to rows of zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, celosia, mums, and amaranth, just to name a few. “When you come out here, you get to

experience God’s beauty firsthand,” says owner Samantha Lineberger, the brains behind Arena Acres and part of the 4th generation of her family to farm it. “We believe that flowers are not just for special occasions; they’re part of everyday life!”

Arena Acres has been owned and operated by Samantha and her husband Luke since the summer of 2023, and the farm has been a huge hit thus far. “When we started, I was blown away by the outpouring of love and support from this community. Each year we continue to grow and learn,” says Samantha with a smile.

Samantha’s great grandfather, Lynn Pitzer, bought the

farm in the late 1940s. At the time, the property boasted close to 800 acres. After Lynn’s passing, however, the property was split between his children, with Samantha’s mother inheriting the land just a few years ago. “When my grandparents owned it, they had horses, pine trees, and row crops,” explains Samantha. “Up until 2023, the farm was still comprised mainly of row crops.”

Thus, it was in 2023 when Samantha and Luke decided to pursue their dream. They approached Samantha’s parents about operating a flower and vegetable farm. The couple would essentially rent a

portion of the family’s acreage, while the rest of the farm would be overseen by Samantha’s father, who maintains his cattle on it. Her parents thankfully agreed, and Arena Acres was born.

As natives to Perry, Luke and Samantha met in high school, where they became high school sweethearts. Now, as the Agriculture Education teacher at Perry High School, Luke knows a thing about farming. “My family purchased some property on highway 41 that we farmed. We grew the produce that we would then sell to the local Farmer’s Market, and we always enjoyed educating the community about how food is actually produced. That’s where my love of agriculture and education basically started. Now as a teacher, I love educating kids about where their food, fiber and shelter come from.”

“Both of my parents have also been in the agriculture industry,” adds Samantha. “I grew up on a farm that’s located literally two miles from here.” As a small girl, Samantha recalls gardening with her grandfather and taking delight in watching things grow. “I always had a row or two of flowers to farm myself,” she says with a grin. As a high schooler, Samantha even competed in several floral design competitions in her school’s FFA program and later took a job at a local floral shop.

After high school, Samantha attended UGA and majored in Agribusiness and Food Industry Marketing and Administration. “At the time I was still not 100% sure what I wanted to do, but knew I wanted to be on the farm. I really didn’t want to be stuck inside all the time, surrounded by four walls.”

The Linebergers now farm a total of 20 acres, using about 8 acres to plant flowers, vegetables, and pumpkins. “We sell premade bouquets, but we also offer an option for customers to pick their own flowers,” explains Samantha. For a small fee, visitors to Arena Acres can fill up a cup with the flowers that they pick. The farm provides everything you need: the cup, some water and clippers. “We also sell a variety of vegetables as well as pumpkins

when they’re in season. Our pumpkin patch is the place to be in the fall.”

There’s even a “Flower Bar,” a type of mobile florist shop which can be rented for weddings, parties and baby showers. “I deliver it with all the flowers fully stocked. Then, after the event is over, I just pick up the stand.”

The farm also produces a wide variety of pumpkins which can be a challenge to farm. “They require a lot of time and patience to grow, but not many people grow them in the south because (the process) is very difficult and time consuming,” explains Samantha. I grow your traditional orange carving pumpkins, as well as white, pink, blue, tan and yellow, and they come in all shapes and sizes.”

As far as the future of Arena Acres, Luke says that they have major plans for 2025. One of their upcoming projects involves the construction of a brick and mortar structure that will contain a pavilion, a kitchenette as well as retail space. “We should be breaking ground on it later this year,

“he explains. “We plan to use this building primarily as an educational tool to teach the public about agricultural production and nutrition.”

With the addition of the building, Samantha hopes to turn the couple’s flower and vegetable farm into an agribusiness venture that will help enlighten folks about how their produce is grown. “My real passion is farming, but I also love educating the public about agriculture.” Thus the new building will be used to host field trips, conduct classes and floral design workshops, as well as offer children’s arts and crafts sessions. “I am very excited to see where this journey takes our family, and I am so thankful to our community for the love and support that they continue to show us.”

Arena Acres is located at 2229 Kings Chapel Road is open to the public from about mid-March until the first frost of the year. Hours are from 5 until 8 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.  HCL

With over 30 years of experience, Ark Roofing is still dedicated to exceptional service.

IIf you ask any homeowner or an experienced realtor, they’ll tell you that a solid roof on a house is extremely important. Not only is it the primary barrier against the elements, but keeping a well-maintained roof also helps to add value to your home while helping to reduce energy costs.

As a family-owned business with over three decades in the roofing industry, the folks at Ark Roofing Company understand the importance of having a strong roof over your head. That’s why they are dedicated to being the roofing company that Macon homeowners and businesses can trust for exceptional service. From routine inspections to complete roof replacements, they back all their work with a comprehensive warranty.

The entire team at Ark Roofing takes immense pride in providing their customers with personalized attention and quality service. In addition to installations and repairs, they offer a wide variety of roofing services to meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers. This includes shingles, siding, gutter installation, and even algae removal. “We approach every project with a commitment to excellence, guided by our unwavering faith and dedication

to serving our community,” explains owner Noah Denney.

Noah and his team at Ark Roofing have the expertise to handle any roofing project, big or small, and they use only the highest quality materials from trusted manufacturers to ensure the durability and longevity of your roof. They also offer free estimates on all roofing services, so that you can make an informed decision about your roof.

Storms can leave in their wake a devastating trail of destruction, and that includes your roof. In the Macon area, where severe weather can strike without warning, it’s imperative to make timely storm damage repairs when needed. “We understand that roofing emergencies don’t happen during business hours, so we offer 24/7 emergency response services to address any urgent roofing needs,” says Noah.

Satisfied customer Will Brantley says, “These guys are genuine, honest and hardworking people. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed in their professional, quality service. Noah built the ark for animals, let ark build you a roof for your loved ones.”

Contact Ark Roofing today at (478) 444-5009 to discuss the benefits of roof maintenance for your Macon home.

Beautifully maintained, Magnolia Park has options for every type of memorialization and offers both affordability and enduring quality.

Our newly expanded Veteran’s Garden of Valor features a custom-made POW-MIA memorial. Spaces for Veterans will always be provided at no charge.

Burial Lots | Private Estates Mausoleums | Cremation Options Free spaces for Veterans

HEALING GRIEVING HEARTS ONE

Family AT A TIME

Every situation is different; we know this. From traditional to highly customized to purely simple, we can honor your loved one perfectly. We will meet any budget need. Period.

Offering exceptional value with compassionate service to our community has been the mission of McCullough Funeral Home for nearly 70 years.

Still family owned and operated, ours is a history of unmatched integrity and we strive to maintain our reputation through quality, sincerity, and trust.

We will never forget that our mission is one of service. No matter your situation, McCullough Funeral Home can and will help you.

Story by David Pena | Photos by Tinika Bennett Photography and Jordan Leigh Visuals

faith, familyand filets

Two Chick-fil-A restaurateurs are now happy to call Middle Georgia home once again.

AAs any person of faith will tell you, there are times in life when you just have to place your trust in God’s plan, even when it may not coincide with your own plans. This involves surrendering your will to His will and letting go of your fear of the unknown. The process isn’t always easy, but more often than not, the payoff could be very rewarding.

Such was the case with Steven and Jordan Richardson, who, along with their three children, decided to move from Thousand Oaks, California back to Perry, Georgia in November of 2023. As Owners/Operators of the local Chick-fil-A, the couple says that the decision to

return to their native Georgia roots was not one that they took lightly.

“Our faith has been the foundation of every major decision we’ve made-especially when it came to moving back home to Georgia,” explains Jordan. “We felt a strong pull that it might be time to return, but we didn’t want to make that move out of convenience or fear. So we prayed over it and truly placed it in God’s hands, trusting that if it was the right step for our family, He would help us find a way.”

And find a way He did. Putting their faith in a higher power, the couple made the 2000 mile trek back home and returned to Perry to continue serving in the brand that has provided them with many memories.

For Steven, his affiliation with the fast food chain goes back to his junior high school days. “My first memories of Chick-fil-A are in middle school

The couple, who celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary this year, is very quick to cite their steadfast faith in God, without whom the move may have never come to fruition. “God opened every door that needed to be opened and gave us peace throughout the process,” says Jordan. “Our trust in God’s plan has always shaped our decision making, and it certainly helped us with the process of moving back home and helping to build our community once again.”

when our church would bus our youth group to Dublin on Wednesday mornings before school. On those mornings, I made memories with my friends, around food and faith.” A couple of years later, Steven’s family would move just an hour away to Warner Robins, where he would spend his high school and college years. It would also be where his journey with Chick-fil-A, as well as his wife, would begin.

It was 2007, and Steven was just a shy 16-year-old when a friend who worked at a local Chick-fil-A recommended that he meet with his Operator, Curt Flournoy. During the fortuitous meeting, Curt was so taken by the young man’s poise and maturity that he offered him a job in the kitchen of the Galleria Mall location. However, shortly after hiring Steven, Curt relocated to Milledgeville and was replaced with the new Owner, Pat Braski.

It was under the guidance and mentorship of Pat that Steven started to envision having a career at Chick-fil-A. In fact, he has a vivid memory of the turning point, one that he says he’ll never forget. “One Saturday evening, Pat and his wife Christine, along with their five

children were enjoying ice cream together in the dining room. They were all laughing, talking and enjoying just being with each other. Then it struck me that the company combined my love of business, culture and leadership. It became an image of life that I wanted to build. I learned from Pat that you can be profitable while helping to build your community and make it better.”

Thus a career was born; Steven was truly on his journey, working at the mall restaurant through high school and into his college years. However, when he began working for the newly opened Chick-fil-A in Bonaire, Georgia in 2010, another major part of his journey would manifest itself: he met the love of his life, Jordan. “Steven and I were both hired for the grand opening of the location on highway 96, so that’s where we met. We developed a friendship, which blossomed into something much deeper.”

“We just began to envision a life together, and three years later we were married,” adds Steven with a smile. “I then was selected to be a part of a 30-month Leadership Development Program, which required me to travel 50 weeks out of the year, in hopes to become an Operator.” Steven would serve at grand openings across the country, helping operators to launch their business, and then venture on to the next assignment.

“Anywhere and at any time, you could be called to travel across the country.”

It was during the couple’s extensive travels that they began a love affair with the West Coast. “The Southeast was very competitive since it was the home of Chick-fil-A, so we decided to go out west and see what life would hold for our young family.”

Thus, in 2017 Jordan and Steven left family and friends behind in Georgia to traverse the country and become Owner/ Operators of a Chick-fil-A in Westlake Village California. And for the next six years life was good for the young couple and their family. “Between the mountains and the beaches, we were always

outside,” recalls Steven. “We lived 30 minutes from Malibu, and our 3 kids became very involved in all things school and sports. We truly made a great life for ourselves in California.”

They had also cultivated deep relationships with their leaders. Emily and Enrique Guerrero, Rachel Kilpatrick, and Stephanie Cruz served as Directors for the Richardsons, but also became quite close to them. In fact, Steven took part in the Guerreros’ wedding ceremony.

It was an idyllic life for the young couple, no doubt, and moving back to Georgia was not an option, because the retention rate for the food chain is incredible. “Most of the Middle Georgia operators are relatively young,” explains Steven, “and it’s very

rare that they retire.” However, the Operator in Perry decided to do just that, so an opportunity presented itself to the couple, one that they would take advantage of.

“It was God’s timing, since Chick-fil-A was not expanding in Thousand Oaks,” says Steven. “It started to become difficult to maintain the business, so we prayed about it. We also started looking to other parts of the country, but God opened the door in Perry, and we had always wanted to be within driving distance of our families.”

Once the couple found their footing back in Georgia, they continued to see the fruits of their labor and following God’s plan for them. For the second year in a row, for example, they are blessed to be experiencing double digit sales growth. In addition, the Richardsons currently have a staff of 115 employees, which almost doubles the number they started with back in 2023. This includes the four Directors from California, who actually returned to Perry with the couple. “We strive to be a brand that is fun, fresh and people-focused. In fact, we host community events and giveaways every month,” explains Steven. And as a result of the move, the couple’s families are now part of their daily lives. “That was the most important part of our decision.”

Todd

Your Choice for

Ryan

Your Choice for Orthopaedic Excellence

Jonathan

TASTE The Difference

Our hand-cut, premium Certified Angus Beef, exquisitely prepared entrées, side dishes, fresh salads, dips, and desserts always meet the highest standards.

Grace Garden offers a home-like atmosphere designed to foster independence and enrich residents’ lives by promoting choice, providing an engaging environment and evoking pleasant memories through familiar schedules and surroundings. Our memory care neighborhood creates a safe and positive experience for each resident through individualized care plans and staff consisting of Certified Dementia Practitioners who have been trained to better understand dementia and assist residents as they strive to maintain the highest quality of life possible.

LONG TERM CARE

LifeSpring delivers in-patient

to gain strength and skills following a surgical procedure. LifeSpring rehabilitation empowers residents to “spring back to the life they love.”

For that time when nursing home care is required for safety and quality of life, Church Home delivers the highest quality skilled nursing care and therapy possible for residents requiring long term programs that address physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs.

Renaissance Man

Story by DAVID PENA |

Sergeant Terry Reynolds has proven himself to be a man of the people, both in and out of uniform.

IIf you’ve ever attended the Dogwood Festival, a Food Truck Friday, or just about any football game in Perry, no doubt you’ve seen Officer Terry Reynolds pulling detail. The 5’10’’ 235-pound Sergeant of the Perry Police force can definitely strike quite an imposing presence, but he’s always quick to wave and flash a smile. You may have even spoken to the amiable 52-year-old while he patrols the city’s many sporting events and cultural happenings.

“I want to let kids know that we’re a safe haven for them,” explains Terry. “When the fair is here, for example, I really love seeing the kids light up and smile. They need to learn to run to law enforcement if they need some help, not run from us.”

In terms of public relations, Terry says that the Perry Police Department has been doing for years what he is continuing to do now. “I feel that I’m just one piece of the puzzle that was being built long before I got here. You can see evidence of it on any given Food Truck Friday, where there are thousands of people in downtown Perry who feel extremely safe here.”

For Terry, being a police officer means much more than simply donning a uniform and responding to emergency calls. He says he’s determined to make an impact on everyone he meets. “I try to be a smiling, friendly face to everyone. I think that if we can be more proactive in law enforcement, rather than reactive, we’ll have a better outcome. We need to remember that the difference between the person in the front seat of a police car and the person in the back seat was a choice.”

Terry’s views on law enforcement, indeed his approach to life in general, can be traced back to his roots. Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Terry was brought into this world by a single mother. Brenda Mills was just 14 years old when she gave birth to him, while Terry’s father was not in the picture until he was 18. “We grew up in the inner city, and it was an area where you were more likely to be killed or jailed than succeed in anything,” he recalls. “However, my mother was a stubborn woman and a hard worker who never allowed me to take short cuts. Instead, she encouraged me to work hard in order

to rise above our situation, and to never blame anyone else for our situation. She was a woman of integrity who helped me truly become the man I am today.”

Sadly, Terry lost his mother in October of 2020 due to complications from the coronavirus. In November of that same year, he battled the virus himself for nearly a month in the hospital, barely clinging to life. “The doctors told me I wasn’t going to make it, but I believe my faith got me through it. I also refused being put on a ventilator since my mother succumbed after being on one.” In Terry’s eyes, his tenacity, ingrained in him by his mother, is what ultimately saved him.

After Terry joined the army in 1991, he was

stationed at Fort Benning, where he met and married his wife of 30 years, Melissa Reynolds. After he completed his military service in 1998, the couple came to Macon, and Terry worked for the local hockey team, the Macon Whoopee. It was in Macon that he and his wife chose to raise their two daughters.

When I first laid eyes on him, I was attracted to his nice calves,” laughs Melissa. “ He was very handsome and charming, and we just seemed to click from the very first date. We’ve never been separated since.”

Terry’s seemingly effortless ability to connect with the public, especially kids, can also be traced back to his time as a Youth Pastor for the United Methodist Church from 2007 until 2017.

“At the time, my friend Brian Mixon was Youth Pastor, and I became his assistant.” Terry says he felt the call to give more time to the church, so he left a lucrative job to sign on at the church full time when Brian left. “I actually took a substantial pay cut to do it, but I was blessed to serve. However, in all honesty, I do more ministry now than when I was a pastor.”

Andrew Klug, who attended high school when he first met Terry, assisted the young pastor with his ministry around 12 years ago. “I grew up going to several churches, but Terry was incredibly effective at communicating with youth about the wholesome message of God. He was caring, engaging and was a great fit for that youth group. He brought awareness of God to the students, impacting their lives for the better. He makes a positive impact on everyone he meets.”

Brian Mixon, a friend and patrol lieutenant who has known for Terry for nearly two decades, is not surprised at his friend’s successful transition into law enforcement. In fact, it was Brian who suggested the career to Terry.

“Because of his military background, I knew he would do well. He loves to engage with the public, and he can converse on so many subjects due to his life experiences. He has the ability to put people at ease, and he finds common ground with just about everyone.”

“Too often we see that television and the media depicts law enforcement officers in a bad light,” explains Terry. Indeed, the media can portray a skewed version of life, and that unfortunately can morph into the public’s perceptions. “However, for me, it’s about truly getting to know people. Through interaction (with the public), we can hopefully learn that we’re not that different from one another.”

evidence of it on any given Food Truck Friday, where there are thousands of people in downtown Perry who feel extremely safe here.”

When he’s not on patrol or spending time with family, Terry says he enjoys extoling about all things bourbon, particularly as president of his own bourbon club, The Whiskey Thieves. The group meets once a month, and soon Terry will hit the airwaves with his expertise on the subject. “Every bottle has a story behind it. During meetings, the Whisky Thieves don’t talk about jobs or spouses; instead, we forget about the stresses of daily life and just focus on the different nuances of whatever bourbons we are sampling. Thankfully, my wife has been encouraging me to start our own podcast, Bourbon Talks, so that’s in the works.”

“Terry has always been passionate about whatever he does,” explains Melissa, who is Director of Operations for Georgia Hospice Care. “Wherever life has led him, it has always been in a role of mentorship, whether it be as a pastor, police officer or father. He tries to see the best in everyone, and has a positive take on everything in his life. Everywhere that he goes, God leads him into some sort of leadership or mentorship role. To be honest, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about him joining the police force, but he is definitely where he was called to be.”

Indeed, Terry sees his role in law enforcement as a calling, not merely a job. “It’s not every day that you can go into your job and make a difference in someone’s world, but I get to do that every time I put on my uniform. People who are in crisis look to us to help them at their most vulnerable times, and I’m honored to be there for them.” HCL

Tax Time, Tailored: The Dorsey & Associates Difference

B

Brace yourself; The 2025 Tax filing season will be here before you know it, and the Internal Revenue Service is getting ready, are you? As is often the case every year, there will be a considerable amount of confusion among taxpayers. Fear not, though, because the folks at Dorsey & Associates Accounting Inc. pride themselves on their deep commitment to every one of their clients. No matter what type of bookeeping or tax services you need, they can assist you every step of the way.

Locally-owned and based in Warner Robins, small businesses are at the heart of everything they do, and owner Carolynn Dorsey brings with her several decades of experience helping to guide clients through the convolution that is tax season. “My business experience spans over 30 years, with the last 12 years specializing in accounting and tax,” she says. “It has been a path that has been shaped by the incredible guidance of my mentors. In October 2021, I was blessed with the opportunity to take a leap and start Dorsey & Associates, turning my passion for numbers and business into something truly my own.”

What makes Dorsey & Associates so special is that every client that they serve has come through word-

of-mouth, which is a true reflection of the trust and relationships that the practice has built over the years. “What drives us every day is not just helping businesses with their finances, but truly becoming a partner in their success,” explains Carolynn. “We don’t believe in a onesize-fits-all approach; every client is unique, and we tailor our services to fit each client’s specific needs.”

Whether it’s picking up documents for convenience, or ensuring full compliance with the growing list of deadlines and constant changes in tax laws, Carolynn and her team are here to make accounting stress-free and empowering. From bookkeeping and payroll to tax returns, their services are always personalized to your business.

At Dorsey & Associates Accounting, they know how stressful bookkeeping and taxes can be, so they’re here to help ease your stress and make the process much easier for you. “When you’re working with our team, you will never feel lost because at Dorsey & Associates, you don’t have to know accounting— just know us.”

For more information about their services, give them a call at 478-758-2228.

Creating a brighter, safer future.

PPremier South Electrical offers superior service to propel your home or commercial space into the optimal expanse it was created to be. Owners Matthew Guillory and Justin Peacock started Premier South Electrical in 2022 with great aspirations for the impact their work could have on the community.

The pair met working alongside one another in 2014 at a company where they spent five years building a foundation of what would later become their own great business partnership. Over time, Matthew and Justin sharpened their craft and pursued other electrical opportunities before teaming up to go into business.

“We wanted a company where we would treat our employees in the field the way we always wish we had been treated,” Matthew says. “In committing to this, we provide our employees with insurance, pensions, and above-average wages.”

For our customers, we work tirelessly to provide a seamless experience that far surpasses their expectations. We pride ourselves on speedy response times and efficient work, all conducted in a timely manner. We offer electrical service work, home additions, new construction, remodeling, and repair.

We run a team with four additional electricians who are highly trained and skilled in the field. “Whether it be a home, commercial building, or industrial, there’s really nothing out there that we can’t do between the two of us,” Justin says. “If it has a wire going to it, we can do it.”

We hold ourselves to a higher standard than other companies to ensure our customers’ satisfaction. “You’re going to get quality work,” Matthew says. “And if there’s an issue with it or something went wrong, we’re back to fix it without charge. If it was on us, we’ll always make it right.”

We offer the community honest service, reliability, and outstanding professionalism they can count on.

Story By Stephen Prudhomme

StillServing

ENicole Houser dedicated 20 years of service to the United States Air Force, beginning her career as an information manager before transitioning into the role of logistics planner. Throughout her military tenure, she navigated the structured hierarchy, answering to superiors while honing skills in organization, strategic planning, and leadership.

Nowadays, as a business owner, the Warner Robins resident is heading up the command of her own mission. Although such a position brings new and additional responsibilities and doesn’t always afford the luxury of a set schedule and contingency plans prevalent in the military, Nicole is flying high and building something in which she truly believes.

Nicole is the owner of Renewed Beauty & Spa, a thriving sanctuary occupying two suites in the Oasis Plaza in Warner Robins. The spa offers a full range of beauty and wellness services including hair care, nail treatments, pedicures, makeup, facials, body treatments, massages and waxing. Other services include spa packages, spa parties and group wellness activities such as sound meditation. There are 11 full time and part time employees. Renewed Beauty & Spa will celebrate its five-year anniversary in November.

“Everything’s doing well,” said Nicole, who

Warner Robins Air Force veteran making her mark as beauty and spa business owner

is also a licensed esthetician. “A number of businesses that started when I did are no longer open. I created this space to be a resource to serve our community, and that’s what keeps me going.”

Nicole knows all about serving, going back to when she joined the Air Force. Growing up in Hopkinsville, Ky., she welcomed the opportunity to explore the world beyond her hometown. Long before she became an entrepreneur, she lived it as a career airman. Over the next two decades, Nicole was stationed in Arkansas, California, Hawaii and Georgia. She spent 12 years as an information manager before transitioning into logistics planning, where she served in various leadership roles for the next eight years. Her career path sharpened her ability to lead, adapt, and strategize—skills she now brings into her business.

“I embraced each role and leadership position I was given,” said Nicole, who retired as an E-7 master sergeant. “I enjoyed my time in the Air Force. I learned a lot, and it definitely made me better.”

Natca Moye was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base when she met Nicole in November 2000. She said her first impression of Nicole was

“I embraced each role and leadership position I was given,” said Nicole, who retired as an E-7 master sergeant. “I enjoyed my time in the Air Force. I learned a lot, and it definitely made me better.”

that she was a professional, leader, mother, wife and friend, adding she was her inspiration and who she hoped to be as an airman.

“Nicole spreads love and joy everywhere she goes,” Natca said. “Barely knowing me, she gave me my first baby shower in our unit. She taught me how to make sure no one felt alone and to really embrace my Air Force family. Her self control is unmatched, which is needed as a leader in the military. The only fear I’ve witnessed her have is the fear of God. She lives out her faith in God unapologetically and it shows in her lifestyle.”

Natca added Nicole’s a rock to so many and leaves her mark everywhere she goes. To consider her as retired is an understatement, she said, remarking she’s a trailblazer who takes the qualities she displayed in the military and infuses them within her community nowadays while continuing to inspire those around her.

“Nicole didn’t just talk the talk,” Natca said. “She taught me how to forgive by living it. No matter what the situation was, I’ve learned how to forgive, endure, and have self control as sometimes we faced hardships together. I thought to myself at times if big sis could do it, I can push through it too. Today, it is an honor not only that I get to call her my friend but she’s my sister. Over the years I have watched her embody the fruit of the spirit as it gleams throughout every aspect of her life.”

Nicole had always planned to transition from military service into a second career, but the timing proved challenging. Her retirement ceremony took place just a week before the pandemic shut the country down. Starting a new business in such uncertainty was risky—especially in an industry that thrives on close contact. Yet, when she saw a Facebook Marketplace listing for a nail salon for sale, she took a leap of faith. After negotiations with the owner and support from her sister, Angela Moffett, Nicole finalized the purchase in September 2020.

“I was hesitant at first,” she admitted. “I had never worked in the beauty industry before. In the past, I was just

Over the years, she has entertained the idea of expanding to multiple locations but now her focus is on securing a stand-alone building with a café and courtyard—a space that reflects the essence of Renewed Beauty & Spa’s mission of relaxation, renewal, and empowerment. Looking to the future, Nicole remains dedicated to growth, not just for herself but for those around her.

a consumer of beauty services, but this time was different. I believed in myself enough to try something new. I figured if I could work hard serving my country, I could work just as hard for myself.

Her optimism was quickly met with reality. The interior walls of the salon were painted bright orange and green, and the space needed a complete overhaul. “I had to start from scratch,” she said.

The renovation took six weeks, followed by hiring a team to bring her vision to life. Reflecting the renovation, Nicole named her business Renewed Beauty & Spa and opened its doors on November 2, 2020.

Nicole’s learned there’s a lot to running a business and looking beyond the bottom line. It’s about community, empowerment, and support.

“It’s not just about the money,” she said. “I’m doing this for the people attached to me, I’m doing it for my team, our clients and our supporters. We have a family vibe at the spa. We support one another and celebrate each other’s milestones.”

Bianca Williams has worked as a master cosmetologist specializing in locs, crochet styles and natural hair at Renewed Beauty &

Spa since July 2021. She said she’s passionate about the health of hair and serving her clients.

“Our clientele at Renewed Beauty & Spa mean so much to us,” Bianca said. “We offer our beauty and wellness services to our clients, but they bring us great energy and loyalty. I spend most of my time at the spa, so my coworkers/ partners in this industry are more like family. We all support each other and create a relaxed atmosphere at the spa.”

Adding to her enjoyment is having a good boss.

“Nicole was a godsend,” Bianca said. “From day one she has been everything to me. She’s very inspirational and always has my best interest.”

Gerzoria Carr is an aesthetician who has worked at the spa for some 10 months. Focusing on skincare, she offers skin consultations, facials to include advanced skincare treatments such as hydro facials, dermaplaning, LED light therapy,

and microdermabrasion treatments. She also offers body treatments and body waxing. Gerzoria revels in her job and customers. “I enjoy how the variety of services I offer allows me to interact with so many different people,” said Gerzoria, who grew up in southeast Georgia and moved to Warner Robins from Florida a little over a year ago. “I’m able to not only help and treat them but also teach them how to maintain great skin care routines and solutions at home with the skin types they have. Working at Renewed has allowed me to grow so much this past year.”

Also fueling that growth is the bond she’s formed with the staff. “My work peers are an amazing, smart and empowering team of individuals who carry so much pride and respect for their crafts and clients,” Gerzoria said. “We all carry things that we can teach or learn from each other. Renewed

is a spa where not only our clients walk into a relaxing safe space but the team of professionals and service providers do too. I am forever grateful for our journey together.”

Gerzoria’s journey with Nicole has been especially rewarding. The spa owner, she noted, is so many things in one that truly describes the meaning of boss.

“She has a family at home and still always makes sure her salon family is taken care of the same,” Gerzoria said. “She’s not just an owner who pops in. She works alongside us as well as handling the front desk when she has the time. She never makes us feel as if we are under her. She shows us that she is with us. If there’s ever an issue we can’t handle while she’s away, she always takes the precautions necessary that allow us to get in immediate contact with her if needed.”

Although she is the boss and owner, Gerzoria continued, Nicole’s never too big headed to learn or gather ideas from her staff and will come in

early to help set up treatment rooms, towels and necessities if they are ever behind or in a jam. “This is why we love and adore her,” Gerzoria said.

Customers are equally effusive in their praise of the spa and its staff. Hollye Dinkins served at Robins Air Force base with Nicole and has gone to Renewed Beauty & Spa since it opened and has received pedicures, massages and haircare.

“The staff and environment are both clean and professional,” she said. “I felt each service provider listened to my requests and provided the desired service. The salon and spa have such an amazing energy and calmness and is an experience you truly want to have.”

Another fellow Air Force veteran, Dominique Murray, has been a customer since April 2021. She found out about the spa on Google while living in England and liked the idea there was someone on staff who specialized in natural hair. Dominique hasn’t limited herself to haircare at Renewed Beauty & Spa. She’s also had manicures, pedicures,

Nicole Houser dedicated 20 years of service to the United States Air Force, beginning her career as an information manager before transitioning into the role of logistics planner. Throughout her military tenure, she navigated the structured hierarchy, answering to superiors while honing skills in organization, strategic planning, and leadership.

facials, massages, and brow waxing and tinting. Once a month, Dominique added, she gets her loc retwist from Bianca and describes the experience as amazing.

“I love the feeling of warmth I get when I go to Renewed,” Dominique said. “Many of the staff have become friends and I love how Nicole also puts on meaningful events for the community. So glad I found this gem. Nicole and her team are a rare find.”

Nicole’s military background continues to shape her leadership style. While the Air Force provided structure, discipline, and a built-in support system, entrepreneurship has been a journey of self-reliance.

“Owning a business requires an even greater level of responsibility and discipline,” she said. “Sometimes, life happens, and you have to push through. Because when God gives you a vision bigger than yourself, you have to honor it.”

There will come the day, however, when she’ll be ready for her second retirement. “I’ll reach the point where I want to step back and enjoy life,” Nicole said. “But before that happens, I want to make sure my team is taken care of and that Renewed Beauty & Spa continues to be a place of healing, self-care, and empowerment for the community. My goal is to build something that lasts and is a space where people can renew their spirit, find peace, and embrace the best version of themselves.”  HCL

LET us HELP YOU LOOK FORWARD

Carmel W. Sanders Attorney at Law

Story by David Pena

Where Passion Meets the Saddle

For over 15 years, Jennifer Mastronardi and her staff at POEC have helped to forge the special bond between equines and humans.

aAny equestrian can attest to the fact that there is an extraordinary bond between a horse and its rider. This relationship is one that is based on communication, experience, and a mutual trust between equine and human. Along with forging a connection with a beautiful animal, horseback riding can be one of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable. For folks who may be new to the activity, however, it’s imperative to start with a well-trained horse, as well as an expert instructor to help guide you through the process.

One such instructor is Jennifer Mastronardi, founder and owner of Pleasant Oaks Equestrian

Center. After over three decades of training and showing horses, Jennifer says, “I feel like I was born with a passion for horses. When I was just 5 years old, my parents started training thoroughbreds on the South Florida racing circuit, so I was always around them. It made perfect sense that I would one day operate my own equestrian center.”

Located at 308 Newell Road in Byron, Pleasant Oaks Equestrian Center (POEC) provides a variety of equestrian services, from rehabilitation care to leasing and sales. Jen and her daughter Taylor are the farm’s full time riding instructors, each possessing a vast amount

of experience producing top sport horses from the ground up. “We believe in safety above all else and treat our horses and riders like a fine wine,” says Jennifer. “More than anything, however, we want our riders to have a safe riding experience.”

Training and schooling rides are available 6 days a week for horses and ponies. The center also boasts a full competitive show schedule of GHJA and USEF rated shows. And along with yearly summer camps, POEC has an active consignment program at the farm; thus, there is something on the farm for everyone, no matter their skill level or experience.

Originally from Miami Beach, Jennifer started riding at the age of 2 and began her show career just three years later. By the tender age of 9, Jennifer was already retraining retired racehorses for show and resale. She says that she fell in love working with young, difficult and often misunderstood horses while watching them reach their full potential. By the age of 14, Jen was juggling school and racehorses, along with showing hunters/jumpers in the equestrian world. At age 16, she worked at Oakridge Farm in South Florida, training Swedish Warmbloods for the show ring on the Wellington circuit.

When she was 18, however, Jen’s equestrian skills were such that her parents convinced her of the merits of being a female jockey. “I started riding races at various south Florida tracks before moving along the east coast up to New Jersey and New York, including Delaware Park and Belmont Park.”

Through the years, Jen always took time to learn several different riding disciplines in an effort to give each horse the best start possible. In 2000 she continued training and showing full time in Texas, but later moved back to South Florida with her three children, Luca, Taylor and Chase Beasley. At the time, she ran a facility in Southwest Ranches.

In April of 2007, Jen finally “took the plunge” and founded Pleasant Oaks while still living in Florida. She ultimately moved the operation to Georgia in 2008 and purchased her own farm two years later in Byron for training and horse shows. Now POEC

For Jennifer, it’s a very personal experience to help riders bond with their horses, going the extra distance to achieve that goal. “I become very attached to my horses and clients. We put a lot of effort into getting to know our riders as individuals, and seeing what their needs are. We really try to make it a very personal and pleasurable experience for everyone who comes to Pleasant Oaks.”

is a fully functioning equine facility, and Taylor works alongside her mother as a riding instructor.

After spending years as a junior rider and competing in the pony hunter divisions, as well as top breeding and show barns, Taylor now specializes in young horse development at her mother’s farm. “I really enjoy working with our young horses and riders, while seeing the girls blossom into great equestrians. I think it’s a great outlet for kids to be outside, get active and learn to take on new responsibilities.”

After over 30 years of training and showing horses, Jen says that seeing the bond between horse and rider culminate and grow is what gets her up in the morning. “The most gratifying part of my job is watching how my riders and horses really start to understand each other and become a team. It’s truly amazing to see how riders build an emotional connection with them over time. Whether you’re a child or an adult, just being around horses and feeling their energy is an amazing and unforgettable experience.”

Maya Hosein was looking for an outdoor activity for her then 5-year-old daughter Miral back in 2015 when she heard about Pleasant Oaks. “The farm was not far from our house, so we started riding for about an hour each time.” After taking a break during the Covid outbreak, Miral resumed her rides. “Jennifer is very positive and has a very gentle approach to getting each child accustomed to their horse. Through Jennifer, we actually ended up buying a pony for Miral, and they have created an amazing bond. It’s been a fantastic experience and one that my daughter has thoroughly enjoyed.”

At any given time, there are between 20 and 24 horses on site, with half of them being boarded animals. It’s enough to keep Jen, her daughter and their staff more than busy. “Horses are a 24-hour a day, year round job,” explains Jen. “Since they rely on us, we don’t really take any vacations. Thus, our horses stay trained all year long; in fact, most of them go out at night, so they get plenty of pasture time.”

It’s a family affair at POEC, as Jen’s daughter Taylor brings with her a competitive edge to the program. After years of fine tuning and developing her own riding and training ability, Taylor has coordinated a great many successful horse and rider combinations. “At 17, I went to Wellington, Florida and rode with some of the top equitation barns in the country and worked at Castlewood Barns as a working student,” says the 24-year-old equestrian. “I took that knowledge with me and now apply it here at POEC.”

Back in 2022, Sue Dryden was looking for some additional stall space for her two horses, as her granddaughter Ava Kirchner participates in several horse shows a year. After moving the horses and meeting the staff, Sue was impressed with what she saw. “What really makes POEC special is that

Jennifer truly makes learning how to ride a fun and safe activity. It’s a very healthy environment on the farm; it’s like a close knit family. It’s a great place for beginning riders, but Jennifer has the expertise to help advanced riders get even better.

For more information about Pleasant Oaks Equestrian Center and their services, call (478) 320-0954 or visit www. pleasantoaksequestriancenter.com.  HCL

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Located in the heart of Georgia in Perry, Split Thistle Quail Farm raises premium, flight-pen conditioned Bobwhite Quail for hunting preserves, dog trainers, and upland hunters who demand quality and consistency. As licensed Bobwhite quail breeders, we’re built on integrity, honest work, and a deep respect for the outdoors. Whether you’re stocking your field, training your bird dog, or preserving a way of life — trust the farm that shares your passion.

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Story By David Pena | Photos by Tinika Bennett

Savoring Every Word

Volunteers at Centerville Library help local children find the joy and magic in the printed word.

OOver the last decade or two, there has been a serious decline in the amount of reading that children do for pleasure. As a result, students’ reading proficiency and comprehension skills have predictably diminished, with over one third of eighth graders scoring below the basic level. Several culprits could be to blame: too much screen/ phone time, choices of reading materials, and little to no motivation, just to name a few.

No matter the root cause(s), however, parents and teachers have to find unique and effective ways of generating interest in reading so that kids can find as much pleasure when opening a book as they do scrolling through their phone.

Photography

reading a chapter in a textbook is tantamount to climbing Mount Everest. These days they would rather take out the trash than open a book.

To that end, the Centerville Branch of Houston County public libraries is aiming to change kids’ attitudes about reading. Through their Vacation Reading Program (VRP), reading becomes incentivized and can actually turn out to be a fun activity!

“During our VRP, we offer a variety of incentives, like toys and local business coupons, to help kids become more interested in reading,” says Michaila Landa, Youth Specialist for the library.

“We also have engaging programs and activities to encourage reading and library use. For example, we have everything from STEM programs to magicians and even LEGO nights, all with the purpose of getting kids into the library. We then have various members from differing organizations within the community come in to read to them.”

At each of the three Houston County library branches, registration for the Vacation Reading Program begins on Friday, May 23rd. The incentives start on the following Monday, June 2nd, and the program officially ends on Saturday, July 12th. In addition to the reading program, the library also hosts many enjoyable and educational events and programs like “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” for infants and toddlers, and Weekly Storytime sessions are regularly posted on the calendar.

As the Youth Specialist who works with the volunteers on a regular basis, Michaila Landa is quick to give credit where credit is certainly due. “I am so grateful to know and support all of my volunteers like Rayna and Sidney who continue to show up for this community. Our volunteers are the reason why our reading program (VRP) is so successful, especially our tween and teen volunteers. We want thank them for continuing to show up for our community; we wouldn’t be where we are without them!”

Once a week during the summer, kids aged 4 to 17 come in to receive an incentive from their selected branch. Then they only have to read one book a week to receive an incentive, which are limited and differ between branches. They can read any book anywhere, so if they get a book from the store, from an e-book app, from home, or from the library, it all counts!

“The success of the VRP is mostly because of our volunteers’ dedication,” explains Michaila. “They help with a variety of tasks, from helping with programs and helping patrons find items to creating crafts, putting all the items back on the shelf, and giving out incentives. We value our volunteers because they bring so much creativity

and passion to everything they do. They’re a major part of our community and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.”

Every Saturday since October of 2023, Sidney Dempsey has dutifully volunteered at the Centerville branch, eagerly assisting in the youth and adult sections. Whether it’s shelving books, helping with arts and crafts, or assisting patrons in locating an author, she says it’s all about the joy of reading. “I have been an avid reader and lover of literature since my father taught me how to read. Reading and literature are my life, and I love the public library and all it does for our community.”

19-year-old Rayna Cook, who became a volunteer shortly after graduating high school, says, “Volunteering feels like giving back in a way that’s unique to me. I’ve always enjoyed reading, and I was encouraged by the adults around me. The reading program aims to encourage the youth of Houston County to develop a love of reading.”

“Volunteers (like me and Sidney) help out by assisting our patrons in locating books as well as helping to administer

incentives for the children,” says Rayna. “I help provide incentives to read such as stickers and books. I encourage them to seek new genres and continue their bibliophilic interests. This may be through our story times or just simply helping them find books in the library. I love being the adult that encourages kids to read and experience new stories.”

Sidney, who is also a full-time student at Middle Georgia State University, where she is an English major, adds, “Whether it is merely a space for teens to get together, or toddlers learning how to read, or even college students studying, the public library is always a place for people to learn and thrive. One of my potential career paths after I graduate is to be a teen librarian; I want to make a space for teens to feel seen and safe. I enjoyed this environment as a teen in my public library, and I hope one day to give this feeling and opportunity to other teens as well.”

Reading is basically like any other skill. If you don’t regularly put it into practice, you won’t develop your vocabulary, your comprehension skills or even the simple joy that comes from finishing a great book. Unfortunately, for many kids nowadays, reading a chapter in a textbook is tantamount to climbing Mount Everest. These days they would rather take out the trash than open a book.

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Family Dental Associates has been proudly serving the community since 1954, establishing a legacy of quality dental care that spans three generations of skilled dentists. As a locally owned practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, offering all services inhouse for your convenience and continuity of treatment.

We believe in developing lasting relationships with our patients. By truly understanding your needs, we are able to provide personalized care that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. We also embrace the power of art and technology to bring you a level of excellence that exceeds expectations. We understand th at happiness starts from withinthat's why we approach every interaction with warmth, positivity, and the desire to share that joy with you. 328 Margie Drive

Ultimately, we are dedicated to leaving a legacy-creating a positive impact on our community and paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for everyone. Our commitment to you is not just about the care we provide today but about building a foundation of exceptional dental health for generations.

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We are a team of health care professionals dedicated to improving the lives of our patients by establishing relationships based on trust, compassion, and commitment.

Our goal is to become a partner with our patients to help them achieve and maintain optimum health, beauty, and comfort for a lifetime.

Story by DAVID PENA

by Tinika Bennett Photography

A Light in Her Corner of the World

Velma Alexander does her best to bring happiness and peace to every life she touches.

IIf you’ve ever heard the idiom “some people seem to just light up a room,” you might instantly think of a person from your life who justifiably meets that description. If so, they’re probably a very special individual who possesses some unique quality that makes them seem endlessly upbeat, energetic, and magnetic. These people effortlessly generate an uplifting atmosphere wherever they go, and others are simply drawn to them like moths to a light.

One such person, Velma Alexander, has been lighting up rooms with her positivity and generosity of spirit for her entire life. Indeed, anyone who encounters the 67-year-old can attest to the fact that Velma’s personality and glowing

positivity make everyone around her feel happier and inspired. Dr. Otha Everett, Velma’s pastor at the Greater Union Baptist Church says, “She can always be seen with a smile, and she does her best to put people at ease. Velma genuinely cares about all people.”

Velma has also been bringing her generosity of spirit to her role as Breakfast Attendant for the Hampton Inn in Perry, where she has faithfully worked for the past 32 years. In February, Velma was the recipient of a “Hospitality Highlight” award from the city of Perry for her uplifting presence and

inexhaustible work ethic.

“God has blessed me with my job because I’m a people person,” she says. “I believe God put all of us here for a purpose, and I truly feel that my purpose is to serve others. I like to say that I’m the hostess with the mostest! I’ve never met a stranger, and I love welcoming our guests with the ‘3 P’s’: peaches, pecans and peanuts!”

Born in Perry, Velma was the youngest of 18 children. “My mother moved us to Binghamton, New York when I was six. There’s no telling how I would have turned out, had I stayed up there,” she

“You can see how God has changed Velma’s life; she really tries to do His work in everything that she does,” continues Pastor Everett. “I’m proud to see someone who lives they kind of life that we preach about. It’s great to see that what you’re preaching is faithfully being translated into daily life, and Velma is walking the walk for Christ. She brings a joy to every life that she touches, and she truly epitomizes what Christianity should be.”

says with a laugh. However, when Velma was a teenager, her family returned to Perry in 1972. “Basically, my mother just wanted to buy her own home here.”

After graduating from Perry High School, Velma married Clyde Alexander, Jr. Tragically, her husband was killed in 1984 while working at his job for a cement company. “I was married at 17 and widowed at 25,” she says somberly. Forced to raise her two children as a single mother, Velma took a hiatus from her job at Killwood Manufacturing

but went back to work after about a year to help make ends meet. After 20 years of employment, however, she found herself out of a job, as the company went out of business.

As luck would have it, Velma strolled into the newly constructed Hampton Inn one day back in 1992, where she encountered the owner’s daughter, Susan. “She told me that I looked like I was coming in for a job interview,” laughs Velma. “I told her that I would take anything they had, and she hired me on the spot!”

Velma worked in housekeeping for a year until the woman in charge of serving breakfast quit. She says she jumped at the chance to cook for her new employer. “Food always brings people together and makes them happy. That’s why I love cooking on my job and for my church. I love seeing people smile and enjoy what I’ve prepared for them because I season everything I make with the same ingredient - love.” According to many, Velma’s culinary skills are second to none. Whether the menu calls for spaghetti, chicken salad or simply cabbage, Velma creates mouth-watering masterpieces for guests at the Hampton Inn.

Erica Taylor, assistant manager of the hotel, says that Velma is always quick to flash a smile at strangers while offering words of encouragement. “Over the years, she has made such an impact on our guests that many of them

Through her various roles at the church, Velma has made a lasting and profound impact on many members of the congregation, and she is always ready with a hug or a word of encouragement. “My purpose in this world is to serve people and bring happiness to their lives. What I do for my church allows me to also serve the Lord,” she says. “He guides me every day to where I need to be. If you truly listen to the Lord, He will guide you to where you need to be.”

have returned to our hotel just to see her. She will always take extra shifts, if asked to, and she is always willing to pray with you, if need be. She’s truly a joy to work with.”

Jai Amrit, general manager of the hotel since 2009, concurs, saying, “I’ve never met anyone like Velma. She retired two years ago but came back to work for us on a part-time basis. Our entire staff loves her, as she has earned their trust and respect over the years through her dedicated service. Her positive attitude and work ethic have made her such a huge asset to the Hampton Inn.”

As for Pastor Everett, he says he recognized something special about Velma almost immediately after meeting her. “She was part of our congregation when I started pastoring the church 17 years ago, and I was impressed with her bubbly, welcoming spirit,” he says. As a result, the pastor sought to utilize Velma’s warm, pleasant personality in a more official role. “She’s now part of our hospitality ministry, and her job is to facilitate and welcome new visitors to our church. She’s great at it!” In addition to her role in the ministry, Velma also sings in the choir and

serves as treasurer for the church’s Jerome Smith Foundation.

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Story by DAVID PENA

by Tinika Bennett Photography

“Awareness is like the sun. When it shines upon things, they are transformed.”

AAdam and Leigh were the epitome of a couple in crisis. After Adam returned home in August of 2014 following his deployment and a remote assignment, the couple found themselves becoming more distant, and they ultimately began to drift apart. “Adam was gone more than he was home,” explains Leigh, “and it was a difficult transition for us when he came back. We realized that there was a huge disconnect; we were just coexisting at that point.”

“I was getting ready to retire from the Air Force, and Leigh and I both felt that we needed to reconnect,” adds Adam. “We had to somehow learn how to communicate with each other again. Neither of us was happy with how our marriage was going, and we knew something had to change.”

In 2019, things had gotten so dire that the couple realized that they desperately needed some sort of counseling. Adam and Leigh needed help, or else they were headed toward the sad but inevitable result - a divorce.

The help came in the form of Danielle Fox and her team at Southern Bridge Counseling and Family Therapy. Danielle and her staff facilitate a client-focused, multifaceted, and systemic approach based on the unique needs of each client.

“Instead of simply treating the individual, we look at their family history and the dynamics that helped to create who they have become,” explains Danielle.

Danielle specializes in working with couples who, like Adam and Leigh, struggle with intimacy, connection, and relationship difficulties. “Developing emotional connection and proper communication techniques form the basis for identifying and alleviating relationship problems. We use solution-focused therapy, which is based around attachment styles, as well as the Gottman method, a research-based technique.”

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Raised in Warner Robins by her grandparents, Danielle knew from an early age that she wanted to work in the mental health field. Her family actually has a history of mental health issues, so she witnessed first-hand how traumatizing the effects can be.

“Because of my family history, I felt a calling to do God’s work. This led me to the belief that each of us has the potential to heal from the pain of emotional wounds. When I was in high school, I made the determination to work in the mental health profession and to ultimately have my own practice.” Thus, the changes that Danielle wanted to see in her community stemmed from what she needed as a child.

After graduating from Mercer University in 2014

with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Danielle worked for the Department of Developmental Disabilities for many years before finally deciding to set out on her own. She founded Southern Bridge Counseling and Family Therapy in July of 2016 with a singular purpose in mind – namely to create a bridge between hopelessness and healing. “There was a definite need in this community for the services we provide,” she says. “As a community, we are all in this together; there is no negative emotion or experience that is too difficult to heal. Therefore, we need to remember to live by grace, not by perfection.”

Southern Bridge’s first location was in Bonaire in a small office in town. With just two therapists

initially, Danielle, who is now an AAMFT supervisor mentor, literally had to build the practice from the ground up. “In the beginning, I remember that we set a goal to see 50 clients a week; now we see around 300 patients, ranging from 4 years old to 90, and we treat a number of mental health disorders.” In March of this year, Southern Bridge opened its Perry location at 201 B Club Villa Court in Kathleen, Georgia, now boasting four additional therapists.

Vice President Jean Hatt, along with team leads Alexis Preslynn and Laijun English, helps to manage both practices alongside Danielle. As a licensed professional counselor herself, Jean has been a major part of Southern Bridge since 2019, working full time as a therapist. “Along with my sessions with clients of all ages, I supervise other therapists and work closely with Danielle in managing the practice,” she

For Danielle, she says her practice has been a result of hard work, tenacity and a little divine intervention. Her faith, along with the support of her family, has made her childhood dream become a reality. “I attribute my success to God, my team, my husband Michael, as well as my children Breanna, Mia, McKenzie, and Bankston. Being able to do God’s work for nearly a decade now has really helped me through my own difficult times. .”

says. “During therapy, I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which helps people to work through their traumatic experiences and handle whatever they are facing. I really love working with people who come to us with seemingly no hope to lead hopeful, productive lives again.”

Relationship counseling can be extremely beneficial to couples like Adam and Leigh, who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection through all stages of the relationship. Therapy sessions provide a supportive and safe outlet to help explore any issues and to find solutions in order to strengthen the relationship. For Adam and Leigh, these sessions were instrumental in helping them to reconnect and explore avenues that they could not have found on their own. “Danielle was simply amazing,” says Leigh. “She challenged us and helped to bridge the gap between us. She truly cared and wanted to see our relationship thrive.” And thrive it did; Leigh and Adam will be happily celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year.

In addition to couples and family counseling, Southern Bridge has expanded their services to help veterans, treating issues ranging from anxiety and depression to insomnia and PTSD. “We are proud to now have a contract with the Department of Veteran Affairs,” says Danielle proudly. “We’re now able to help our veterans and their families obtain the resources and skills they need to manage their disorders and symptoms. Jean and I feel that we treat a special clientele of veterans here at Southern Bridge.”

Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and painful emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, however, the therapists at Southern Bridge are able to help their clients to recover the motivation, perspective, and joy that they once had in life. “Everyone here really loves people,” explains Jean. “Danielle is truly dedicated to helping others and making a difference in their lives; that filters out to all our therapists. She serves as a great example to her clients of someone who pushes through the challenges they may be facing and to not give up. When you work with someone like Danielle, it doesn’t feel like work at all.”

To find out more information about Southern Bridge, call (478) 449-1475 or visit www.southernbridgecounseling.com

 HCL

Adam and Leigh were the epitome of a couple in crisis. After Adam returned home in August of 2014 following his deployment and a remote assignment, the couple found themselves becoming more distant, and they ultimately began to drift apart. “Adam was gone more than he was home,” explains Leigh, “and it was a difficult transition for us when he came back. We realized that there was a huge disconnect; we were just coexisting at that point.”

SENIOR Spotlight

Photos by Tinika Bennett Photography

Alayna Livingston Perry High School

Gabriel Joseph Kloberdanz

Georgia Southern

Mom + Tricia Kloberdanz

Nicholas Riley Snyder Perry High School

Nevie Marleigh Amaral Mercer Law

Alayna Livingston Perry High School

Nicholas Riley Snyder Perry High School

Lauren Mackenzie Williams Perry High school

Allie Kate Shugart Perry High School

Nevie Marleigh Amaral Mercer Law

Bryson Tompkins Houston County High School

Brayden Ryan Beers

Warner Robins High School

Nevie Marleigh Amaral Mercer Law

Lana Katherine Aromatorio Mercer

Nicholas Riley Snyder Perry High School

Lana Katherine Aromatorio Mercer

Nestled in quaint Downtown Perry, Georgia, James Farmer’s The Courtyard on Carroll features an outdoor event space perfect for intimate gatherings. From private dinners to bridal showers, Courtyard on Carroll will surely be the backdrop of the most lovely memories.

DANIELLE FOX, LMFT - PRACTICE OWNER

Rediscover the Sounds of Summer

If you’re missing out on the sounds of summer, now’s the perfect time to focus on your hearing health. Since the best hearing health outcomes occur when audiologists partner with ENT providers, we work closely with our affiliate, The ENT of Central Georgia, to ensure your hearing issues are fully addressed. Partnering with a professional is your best choice when it comes to your hearing health—and your peace of mind. If you have questions about hearing loss and hearing device options, our caring, compassionate team has the answers!

written By Stephen Prudhomme | Photos by Tinika Bennett Photography

Latest ChapterIS A Page Turner

Second annual Perry book festival popular with authors and attendees alike, promotes adult reading

AAlthough the written word still plays an important role in communication, the way it’s disseminated has changed. Books are often relegated to the back shelf and replaced by cellphones and computers.

A Perry woman wants to go back a few pages in communication evolution and help others discover or get reacquainted with books. Her efforts to achieve this goal, fittingly enough, read like a an inspiring nonfiction story.

Beckie Burnham is one of six board members for Perry Page Turners, a nonprofit group established in 2023 to promote education and literacy in Middle Georgia. The other board members are Pat Witt, Jessica Adams, Ruth Tarpley, Deona Spencer and Chrissie Smith. The inspiration to start the group came after Beckie and three friends from Perry attended the Dahlonega Book Festival in 2023. “We concluded we can do this,” said Beckie, who’s a book reviewer and blogger. “We went back home and established our board consisting of the four people who went to Dahlonega. My son’s an attorney and

set us up as a nonprofit. With a large percentage of people not reading another book after the first one, our goal was to foster a love of reading among adults.”

A book festival would be the primary vehicle for promoting the group and its mission of reintroducing reading to adults. The first one was held in January 2024 and attracted 200 people. Through her connections in the literary world, Beckie helped bring in 40 authors representing various writing genres. Along with books for sale, there was a panel discussion featuring an editor, independent author and writers.

“It was a challenge to get the word out the first year,” Beckie said. “It was more of a panel discussion. People were interested in the writing process and how the authors got their inspiration.”

This year’s Turning a New Page Book Festival, held once again in January, had to battle the elements; a snowstorm hit the area prior to the event and reduced the number of attendees to 150. Given the opportunity to promote the event

and relying on word-of-mouth advertising in the writing community, however, the number of authors stayed the same at 40. There also were a number of featured speakers.

“I contacted writers I know,” Beckie said. “Others contacted us in some cases. We had a historical fiction panel in which the members discussed research and the writing process.” Other discussion panels included mystery/suspense fiction, inspirational nonfiction, romantic comedy fiction, snd science fiction, fantasy and dystopian. There’s no charge to attend the book festival. A paid lunch is available. Beckie said the authors pay their own way and the featured speakers receive

There are some questions as to how the festival will go in the future. “We might scale down the number of authors,” Beckie said. “Forty is a lot. We’ll decide in April if it will remain an annual event or every other year. The 250th anniversary of this country is next year. We’re looking at how the book festival could tie into that.”

an honorarium. She noted that most of the writers come from the Southeast, adding that one author from Colorado attended this year’s festival on a virtual basis.

Chris Negron has written a number of children’s novels and is a Sakura Medal nominee for “Dan Unmasked.” He’s also a Georgia Author of the Year finalist. Chris attended the festival for the second year in a row as a guest author. This year, he also was invited to visit with middle school students who read two of his books, “Dan Unmasked” and “The Last Super Chef.”

“It was extra special meeting with the students,” Chris said. “Copies of my two books were graciously supplied to them by local charities and philanthropists, which Perry seems to have no shortage of. I was so grateful for this support of me as an author and the students as young readers.”

Remarking the kids had great questions, Chris said he loved getting the chance to sit down and talk books and stories with them, then sign their copies. He also met several of the “fantastic educators” and gained a deeper insight into the Perry community he said he’s grown to admire so much. As an added bonus, he met with a number of local residents, including an area historian, at an author reception held in a one-room schoolhouse.

On to the Saturday festival, where Chris served on several panels and especially enjoyed the middle grade one. He said he developed an immediate rapport with the other authors, adding that came through well to the attendees and had the latter laughing and smiling. “That always makes those sessions great fun,” Chris said.

Book Chris for future festivals in Perry. “Overall, the Perry Page Turners festival has become a highlight of my year and a great

way to kick off my events at the beginning of the calendar each January,” said Chris, who graduated from Yale University with a degree in computer science but was inspired by years of playing Dungeons & Dragons in friends’ basements to pursue a career as an author and write about his passions of comic books, baseball, competitive cooking shows, and dogs. “I hope to be invited back again and again.”

Lindi Peterson, an award winning author of 10 Christian romance novels who lives in Alpharetta, also returned to the festival. She said there are many great things about the festival, starting with the ladies who do an amazing job of recruiting so many genre diverse authors to ensure there’s something for everyone who attends. Lindi also enjoys the panel discussions, remarking they’re informative from both the author and reader side. Even as an author, Lindi added, she loves to see how other authors work behind the scenes per se and the question portion where anyone can participate and find out their favorite authors’ deep writing secrets.

“The whole conference is geared toward an amazing experience for reader and writer alike,” Lindi said. “The fact that the conference is free, put on by volunteers is awesome as well. There is a small fee for lunch if you are an attendee, but well worth the money. The luncheon speakers themselves are insightful and funny and bring an inspiring, wise word to the conference. I honestly could go on and on about how amazing this conference is. I’ve been two years and will come back.”

country is next year. We’re looking at how the book festival could tie into that.”

Jessica Adams liked the 2024 book festival so much she returned to this year’s event. “I enjoyed the whole experience immensely,” said the Warner Robins resident. “Last year’s festival was my first experience of this kind and it instantly turned me on to a love of book festivals and author events. As a bibliophile I feel joy just being around books, but having the opportunity to be surrounded by so many authors and other bibliophiles in the audience filled my heart. “I had some great book discussions with people at my table awaiting the keynote speakers and other attendees during downtimes between panels. This year I felt like the

The inspiration to start the group came after Beckie and three friends from Perry attended the Dahlonega Book Festival in 2023. “We concluded we can do this,” said Beckie, who’s a book reviewer and blogger. “We went back home and established our board consisting of the four people who went to Dahlonega. My son’s an attorney and set us up as a nonprofit. With a large percentage of people not reading another book after the first one, our goal was to foster a love of reading among adults.”

Each of the panels I attended were a bit different, but all enjoyable. I liked listening to the authors talk about their writing process and how they came up with their books.

Continued Jessica: “Each panel I attended also allowed the audience to ask questions, which was an opportunity that isn’t very common. I think the moderators did a good job at ensuring that all the authors had an opportunity to speak, not allowing one person on the panel to dominate the discussion.”

Jessica said she believes the festival was beneficial for both readers and those interested in being published authors. In each of the panels she attended, Jessica noted, the authors took some time to give advice for unpublished authors. Getting to hear from so many different authors was a lot of fun and helped her find some new authors and books to enjoy, she added. “The event was very well organized and although there are always issues with such big events like this, as an attendee I was not aware of any,” Jessica said. “It is a pleasure to be able to attend such a well run event, with

Another returning attendee was Tricia Parker. The Perry resident was accompanied by her daughter and 16-year-old granddaughter. She said her mother instilled in her a love of books and reading at a young age that she’s maintained while inspiring others in her family.

“They both love to read also and enjoyed the breakout sessions,” Tricia said. “It was wonderful having three generations of readers present.”

Both years, Tricia noted, she’s enjoyed the discussions by the authors on how they come up with their storylines and the different genres they represent, adding it’s introduced her to new authors from Georgia and around the South.

Tricia also recognized event organizers. “The ladies who plan and host the event do a wonderful job,” she said. “It takes an awful amount of work and dedication to pull it off.

Perry Page Turners funds its efforts to promote literacy and education in Middle Georgia through donations and a $30 annual membership fee. For further information, go to perrypageturners.com. HCL

“Nearly

Steven Richardson (Owner/Operator)

MUSEUM HOURS

Darryl Hodson, MD

Mark Bonner, MD

Tamika Chester, FNP-BC

Jim Lekas, PA-C Kelly Murray, FNP-BC Huntley Sanders, PA-C

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Around every corner in our amazing community, there are treasures that lay awaiting discovery. Beauty is indeed all around us and in endless supply. Take a look at a few more reasons

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