Since 1987, Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties has represented buyers and sellers alike in the sale of thousands of properties, all of them only at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Our team is connected every day with club operations; plugged in daily with the social rhythms of clubs and events; and not distracted by, or obligated to buyers and sellers of any properties beyond the gates of Reynolds.
Reynolds Lake Oconee is what we do. It’s also all we do, and it shows.
volume xxvii , no . 3 , fall 2024 The magazine that reflects the lifestyle of residents of the Lake Oconee area and beyond.
PUBLISHER OTIS BRUMBY III
GENERAL MANAGER LEE GARRETT
EDITOR PATRICK YOST
ART DIRECTOR BETH POIRIER
SALES & MARKETING ALEXIS BROWN
CIRCULATION DAVE GOSSETT
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHIP BELL, JUDY GARRISON, TIA LYNN IVEY, CRYSTAL JACKSON, KRISTA WILLIAMS, DESTINIE BREEDEN
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS LEN GARRISON, KRISTA WILLIAMS, JARROD BROCK
WEBSITE
Please visit our website at www.loliving.com.
Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and writing not accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Response time varies and Lake Oconee Living cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials. To contact the editor by email, address correspondence to editor@loliving.com.
You can request a media kit with information about our distribution, deadlines, readership, and advertising rates and specifications by emailing marketing@loliving.com
Lake Oconee Living is published for the United States, its territories and possessions. Four issues per year: $17. Single issues in the U.S. $5. If you are moving, renewing, or have a question, please enclose subscription label with all correspondence; allow four weeks for change of address. Address all correspondence pertaining to subscriptions to:
Lake Oconee Living, 259 N. Second Street, Madison Ga. 30650, or call 706.342.7440 or fax 706.342.2140.
©2024 Times-Journal, Inc. Lake Oconee Living
Tee it up on a stunning, Coore-Crenshaw masterpiece located on Lake Oconee, just 70 miles east of Atlanta. Find yourself in an authentic, private golf community offering a laid-back take on true Southern Hospitality.
home to a lakefront legacy your family will cherish for generations to come.
Every wonder why a Master Sommelier mattered? Swing by The Dining Room in Madison and you’ll begin to understand the beauty of great wine paired with great food.
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center honors the artistic and Civll Rights contributions of an amazing share-cropper family with a permanent exhibit.
Story by Tia Lynn Ivey
When Fernando and Caryn Alvarado were searching for a forever home, Lake Oconee and its charms beckoned.
Story by Destinie Breeden
Photography by Jarrod Brock
After more than a decade of planning, problems and solutions, the Georgia Safari Park has opened to rave reviews. Located off Interstate 20, the attraction is sure to become a family favorite.
Story by Lyn Garrison
From being the catalyst to start an organization founded on saving green space to using her wedding for good, Katie Vason Devaney thinks way outside the box.
Story by Tia Lynn Ivey
Fazio’s Triumphant Return
Internationally-acclaimed golf course architect Tom Fazio comes back to Reynolds Lake Oconee to complete The Richland golf course.
Story by Patrick Yost
23 32 40 48 59 82
15 At The Table
Rutedge Chef Krista Williams sets the tailgate table for hungry guests during the upcoming football season.
20 In The Garden
Transforming your home and garden into a wildlife habitat takes less than you might think.
27 By The Book
Georgia is a haven for mystery writers. Check out these localized thrillers.
36 From The Heart
A group of men and women Madison have bonded over daily dog walks, and helped an ill friend.
68
Backyard Traveler
Asheville and all its charms beckons. It’s closer than you think!
$3,495,000
If you have not wandered into the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center lately, you should. The Center, housed in a wonderfully restored 1895 Romanesque Revival building in the middle of Madison’s envious historic district, currently has on display powerful art work by Morgan County’s Benny Andrews chronicling the life and times of Civil Rights icon John Lewis. Down the hall, is the recently opened Andrews Family Legacy Exhibit. This exhibit, the first since the Center opened in 1976, pays homage to the artistic brilliance and perseverance of a 1940s sharecropping family in Morgan County who through hard work and determination created internationally recognized art. It opened in October, 2023 to a diverse crowd of more than 300 folks.
The work is a reminder of both the value of perseverance and the promise of hope in the human spirit. It is inspiring in several ways.
I, too have been inspired for years.
Andrea Gable, one of the best editor’s and human beings I have ever met, has moved on to new challenges in her life and I, the founder of this magazine, have returned. Along with our new Multi-Media Sales Representative Alexis Brown, we are in the process of keeping the Lake Country’s premiere magazine operating with the same elegance and sophistication you expect.
It will take, as all things worth doing do, perseverance. There is also a geyser of hope.
Great publications, I have found, are living breathing things that when done correctly take and give a bit of soul.
With a enviable cast of writers, photographers and designers, we hope to, in the next few months, continue the legacy established by the capable Ms. Gable. We hope to live up to her inspiration.
Her legacy is not lost on us nor should it be lost on you.
We stand, as the saying goes, on the shoulders of a giant.
But we step forward on our own.
Enjoy. Watch this space.
Patrick Yost
Nothing says Fall like football. Chef Krista Williams from Rutledge’s Harvest and Honey understands what drives a great football gathering and it all starts with the dip. Chef Williams has go-to recipes that are both simple, quick to prepare and is always a crowd favorite.
The Buffalo Chicken Dip creates a mixture of cream cheese, Texas Pete (or the hot sauce of your choice), chicken and cheese blended to make a crowd favorite.
For the guests seeking something cooler, Chef’s Spinach Artichoke Dip adds a delightful second choice for your football gathering. After the game is over, settle back around the fire with a delightful Smores Martini or a Spiced Pear Mule.
Either way, no matter what happened on the field, these combinations will get your guests to the goal line.
Charity Gives - We contribute a portion of our proceeds to a local charity of your choice every time you buy or sell a home through our services. Charity Joiner CØMPASS | LA California + CØMPASS | LO Georgia
INGREDIENTS:
2
2
3cups
9 shredded chicken breast
Mix together cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce in a food processor. Transfer to a large bowl. Add in chicken and cheddar cheese. Mix all together by hand. Top with extra cheese & Bake for 15-20 mins on 350°.
INGREDIENTS:
16
1
& drained)*
16
1/4 cup
1
2 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tbsp salt
1/2 tbsp pepper
Mix together cream cheese, and sour cream in a KitchenAid mixer with a fishbone paddle. Add in well drained spinach and artichoke hearts mix. Finally add in Parmesan, mozzarella, the minced garlic salt, and pepper.
By Crystal Jackson
Hbeings have the unfortunate habit of equating “wildlife” with “pests” at least outside of safari parks and zoos. Even I, an avid lover of nature, have despaired of deer nibbling newly planted trees and vegetation. Yet, the local area wildlife need habitats that growth and development often limit.
Peacefully coexisting with area wildlife can improve our environment and support the growth of our gardens. The National Wildlife Federation offers an official designation of Certified Wildlife Habitat for residents who provide one water source, two food sources, two shelters, two places to mate and raise young, and two sustainable lawn and garden practices.
Qualifying water sources include ponds, decorative water fountains, or bird baths. I created a bee bath and frog pond using old planters. Adding stones to the bee bath gives the bees somewhere safe to land. These were easy, fun projects that added a conversation piece to areas of my garden.
Many properties already have food and shelter covered with bird feeders and birdhouses. On my property, I’m feeding wild birds, including hummingbirds. I added pollinator-friendly plants to provide food for bees.
In addition to birdhouses, I added a bat house, which provides some pest control and provides the bats a safe place to shelter. I ordered a bee house and cutter bees from Kind Bee Farms. Don’t worry: These tiny bees are unlikely to sting but are powerful pollinators! I also created a frog sanctuary and added small PVC pipes in the water feature to provide shelter for area frogs.
There are many sustainable gardening practices that I use and recommend like adding native plants and limiting invasive ones that aren’t indigenous to the area. Native plants can reduce flooding and also contribute to lower carbon emissions while attracting pollinators. The Georgia Native Plant Society provides a list of plants native to the Piedmont Region and can be a helpful resource when planning a sustainable garden.
Eliminating the use of chemicals and pesticides in favor of natural pest control and even companion planting with pest control in mind can create healthier environments for all of us. I have marigolds living harmoniously side-byside with my tomatoes. They act as deterrents for cabbage worms, nematodes, and hornworms that target tomato plants as a food source.
Water conservation and composting also promote sustainability. Utilizing rain barrels and creating water gardens in areas prone to flooding can help conserve water and reduce costs. Composting is another easy way to turn food waste into natural fertilizer, which also reduces greenhouse emissions that contribute to climate change. We can do what we’ve always done and enjoy thriving lawns and gardens. Still, there’s a certain satisfaction in walking through my nationally Certified Wildlife Habitat knowing that it’s a sanctuary to butterflies, bees, frogs, and other creatures. We might pay for our properties, but we’re not the only ones calling them home.
Onlya small number of applicants that attempt the Advanced Sommelier Examination ever pass the test.
It is a laborious, time-consuming process that also demands two years of industry experience before you are allowed to take and, statistically speaking, fail.
If you pass the three-part series, that includes discussions on wine theory (the academic study of wine grapes, regions, geography and history), wine tasting and wine service, you are ready for the fourth and final level, that of a Master Sommelier.
Out of every 100 people who try to become a Master Sommelier, the success rate is somewhere between five and 10 people. Most are in their mid-30s to mid-40s and have worked for years in the industry.
Since 1969, only 273 people have earned the designation in the world. There are 172 in North and South America combined.
And then there is Michael McNeil.
McNeil, currently Georgia’s only working Master Sommelier and the current director of wine education with the Georgia Crown Distributing Company, earned the designation at 29-years-old in 1993.
McNeil got his start in the restaurant business as a “spud guy” at 15-years-old at what he says was a Steak and Ale knockoff in East Cobb County called “Beef and Burgundy.” He says he didn’t initially fall in love with wine.
Washing dishes, roasting potatoes and hoping to be promoted to the salad bar consumed his teenage work efforts.
But there was, he says, a sizzle from which he could not walk away. As he progressed through different levels of Cobb County restaurants, including learning tableside service at a 12-table restaurant called The Landeau Room, McNeil entered the big time when he met and began working for famed Atlanta Restaurateur Yves Durand.
At 19-years-old, McNeil, four years removed from being a “spud guy,” had moved into the realm of wine sommelier for Durand, at his Rue de Paris establishment.
Durand would become both a mentor and source of knowledge.
“He taught me how to taste,” McNeil says of the French immigrant who cast a wide net over both wine tasting and elegance in Atlanta.
In 1991, two years before he would earn his Master Sommelier distinction, McNeil met Preston Snyder, a Madison restaurateur and real estate developer, when both worked for renowned Chef Guenter Seeger at the Ritz-Carlton’s the Dining Room at a time when the Atlanta restaurant was getting the attention of the world.
Snyder was a waiter, the affable McNeil was an up-and-coming wine sommelier and both were working under the exacting eye of Seeger. “You could cut the pressure with a knife,” McNeil says.
He loved it and he learned.
“The magic is, you are so committed to the hospitality that you’re giving someone something memorable. It’s very personal.”
From the Dining Room, McNeil worked around the world, including major restaurants in New York like Manhattan’s Lespinasse.
He was named “Best Sommelier in America” twice and on two occasions represented the United States in two world finals, one in Paris in 1994 and again at the Concours Mondial du Sommelier in Tokyo in 1995.
His tongue was used for a cover shot on an Atlanta magazine featuring food and wine.
Along the way, he and Snyder created a bond built on pressure
and performance. Both, says Snyder, have an affinity for service, hospitality and food and both revel in the art of seeking gastronomic perfection.
McNeil worked with Snyder when the man, 30 years later, began to build an impressive stable of restaurants and attractions in downtown Madison including The Sinclair, Hart and Crown, The Patisserie, Buggy Works and Snyder’s nod to Seeger – Madison’s The Dining Room.
Snyder has housed each establishment in renovated and restored historic structures all in the same downtown block.
For The Dining Room, an upscale restaurant featuring several course meals, Snyder reached out to McNeil to, of course, curate the wine list.
The result has been both dramatic and fulfilling. For Snyder, who spends his day developing and managing a real estate empire, creating the hospitality side to his world feeds the hospitality addiction of getting something right.
McNeil, Snyder says, “has the same nostalgia I did.”
Their collaboration at The Dining Room, a dazzling gem off Hancock Street led by Chef Russell Hays, has been masterful. “He’s given us an incredible wine list,” says Snyder of his friend. “It’s worked out beautifully.”
Snyder says when he considered The Dining Room concept McNeil was an obvious choice. “To know that resource is here, of course I’m going to reach out to him.”
McNeil says he has enjoyed watching the restaurant grow and enjoyed being a consultant in a business filled with “tension” and “pressure.”
“That is the show,” he says.
Being a Master Sommelier has “served me well,” McNeil says. Wine is important, knowledge is important. “The tasting can be taught,” he says. “Memory is more important than sensitivity.”
The 62-year-old shares a boyish grin. “If you’re in this business long enough, you make every mistake you can,” he says. “I still find new ones, though.”
Choosing the right wine for the right occasion, however, is not one of them.
Want to know more or experience McNeil’s wine pairings. Contact The Dining Room at https://mad-hospitality.com/thedining-room
by Chip R. Bell
“If I had a bookstore, I would make all the mystery novels hard to find,” said comic Demetri Martin. His witty perspective underscores a truth. The appeal of a mystery novel is its invitation to a search. Readers are attracted by the challenge of being an amateur sleuth. That unique literary investigator role is made even more appealing when the setting for the mystery novel is a place the reader knows. We perpetually find ourselves looking for all the “I’ve-been-there” signposts.
Georgia has been the venue for many famous novels, from Gone with the Wind (Atlanta) to The Color Purple (Eatonton) to Tobacco Road (Augusta). And it is a source of state pride that mystery novel authors have chosen Georgia as the backdrop for their whodunnits. Kimberly Brock set The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare in Helen; John Berent’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is set in Savannah as is Patti Callahan’s Surviving Savannah. Here are three 2024 releases by Georgia mystery writers to add to the “hard to find” section of your personal library!
Karin Slaughter
When Jenna Dallas and Adam Cole find Colleen O’Dell’s body floating off the shore of their coastal Georgia town, the community of Gardiners Bay is shaken. But even more shocking is the fact that her drowning was no accident. Once Jenna’s best friend becomes a key suspect, Jenna starts to look for answers on her own. As she uncovers scandals inside Preston Prep School leading back to Rookwood reform school, she knows she needs Adam on her side.
As a student at Rookwood, Adam is used to getting judgmental looks, but now his friends are being investigated by the police. Adam will do whatever he can to keep them safe, even if that means trusting Jenna. As lies unravel, the truth starts to blur. Only one thing is certain: somebody must take the fall.
Karin Slaughter is a New York Times best-selling author of 25 books. She was the 2019 Georgia Author of the Year. Karin lives in Atlanta and Blue Ridge.
Summers at the Saint by Mary
Kay Andrews
Everyone refers to the St. Cecelia Hotel as “the Saint.” Traci Eddings was one of those outsiders whose family wasn’t wealthy enough to vacation there, but she could work there. One fateful summer she did and married the boss’s son. Now, she’s the widowed owner of the hotel, determined to see it return to its glory days, even as staff shortages and financial troubles threaten to ruin it. Plus, her greedy and unscrupulous brother-in-law wants to make sure she fails. Enlisting a motley crew of recently hired summer help—including the daughter of her estranged best friend— Traci has one summer season to turn it around. But new information about a long-ago drowning at the hotel threatens to come to light, and the tragic death of one of their own brings Traci to the brink of despair.
Mary Kay Andrews is a New York Times best-selling author who lives in Atlanta and Tybee Beach.
by
Wanda Morris
Deena Wood’s life has fallen apart after losing her mother, her marriage, and her job at an Atlanta law firm. She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her never to return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his pricey property is put up for sale. Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk.
What starts as a bit of curious snooping turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work. Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme threatening her community and family.
Wanda Morris is the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year for Best Mystery and lives in Atlanta.
The mystery novel of yesteryear has today morphed into many subgenres, including true crime, scientific mysteries, thriller, hardboiled, and even “cozy mysteries.” While the features of all mystery novels are similar (the crime, the clues, and the search for truth and justice), it is all about the journey. A compelling mystery novel puts you riding shotgun with the main character as you work to put the puzzle together yourself.
Chip R. Bell is an award-winning, best-selling author and serves on the board of Georgia Writers Museum. He is also managing editor of Page Turner, GWM’s quarterly magazine.
PPlanMadison-Morgan Cultural Center
as one of the first
a trip to Madison, Georgia before April 2025 to see the world-class, historic art exhibit currently on display at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (MMCC), featuring the John Lewis Series of works by renowned artist and Morgan County native Benny Andrews. The powerful gallery houses paintings depicting pivotal moments of the late Georgia Congressman’s early life and coming of age during the Civil Rights Movements of the 1950s and 1960s.
The John Lewis Series was inspired by the Center’s Andrews Family Legacy Exhibit, which is permanently on display at the MMCC. The Andrews Family Legacy Exhibit, featuring more artwork of Benny Andrews, his father, folk artist George Andrews, also known as “The Dot Man,” and the writings of his brother, Raymond Andrews and the writing of matriarch Viola Andrews. The exhibit is a representation of the lives of the share-cropping family of George and Viola Andrews and the 10 children they raised in the 1940s and 1950s. The exhibit, placed in a dedicated gallery upstairs, is the first permanent exhibit since the Center opened.
“It’s a really exciting time here at the cultural center,” said Wayne Vason, co-chair of the Andrews Family Legacy Exhibit. “We have a lot of folks coming to Madison to see not only the Andrews Family Legacy Exhibit, but also the companion John Lewis exhibit. This is a major project for Madison, Morgan County and the region.”
The John Lewis Series, which is on loan from the National Museum of Civil and Human Rights through April 2025, features 17 paintings by Andrews depicting Lewis’ struggles and triumphs as a civil rights leader. The exhibit opened to fanfare in February 2024, drawing family members of both the late John Lewis and the late Benny Andrews, as well as praise from one of Georgia’s U.S. Senators, Raphael Warnock.
“One cannot truly memorialize the life and legacy of my late mentor and parishioner, Congressman
John Lewis, without remembering his indomitable spirit and moral activism. And with the John Lewis Series, his good friend and an activist in his own right, Benny Andrews, did just that. With these paintings and their vivid colors, expressive brushstrokes, Mr. Andrews has created a powerful visual narrative exploring the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of John Lewis’ life and the Civil Rights Movement,” wrote Warnock. “And as an advocate for the people, culture, and history of Georgia in the United States Senate, I could not be prouder that this series will be available for Georgians to come and marvel, so we can all reflect on the moral arc of our collective history.”
According to Jillian Jones, the marketing coordinator for the MMCC, The John Lewis series conveys a fascinating account of Lewis’ remarkable life through the stunning artwork of Benny Andrews.
“The 17 paintings currently on display at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center showcases Benny’s natural storytelling ability, as he depicts the life and activism of late Congressman John Lewis. Benny weaves a moving and compelling narrative over a series of paintings, detailing Lewis’s early life on the farm, dreaming of being a preacher and using the chickens as his congregation, to his speech at the March on Washington in 1963 and his leading of the March from Selma to Montgomery in 1965,” explains Jones. “As I stand before each painting, I am carried away to a different moment in time. Each picture transports me to this historical time where a boy born to
sharecroppers in Alabama grew up to become an instrumental figure in the Civil Rights Movement.”
For Jones, the exhibit is a reminder of Lewis’ motto, getting oneself into “good trouble” can change the course of history.
“As a young Black woman, I am deeply impacted by Benny’s work. This exhibition reminds me of the many challenges and obstacles that black people have had to overcome across history,” says Jones. “In turn, this collection also makes me grateful for the many contributions of civil rights leaders like John Lewis who fought for the equality that I have been blessed to experience in my life. The collection as a whole is incredibly breathtaking and has endeared me to the work of Benny Andrews.”
It was a long road to secure The John Lewis exhibit on loan, with leaders of the MMCC describing the years-long effort as “a labor of love.”
It all began many years ago when Mark Karelson, director of Mason Fine Arts and Events, introduced newspaper owner and heiress Anne Cox Chambers to Morgan County artist Benny Andrews’ “The John Lewis Series.” The work, 17 collages of Andrews depicting the life and legacy of the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, were hanging in Karelson’s gallery and Chambers, he says, admired the work. Chambers was a fan of Benny Andrews’
work, Karleson says, and the John Lewis Series was and is important.
“I said to her, wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone came around and bought this exhibit and gave it to the Civil Rights Museum?”
A few days later, he says, he got a call from the billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist. “I’ve been thinking about what you said and I’d like to do exactly that,” he says she told him.
So she did.
The John Lewis Exhibit was proudly hung at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta until loaned to the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. It currently hangs, utilizing Karleson and co-curator Maya Ingraham’s deft touch, in an upstairs gallery down the hall from Andrews Family Legacy Exhibit.
“The John Lewis Series,” Karleson says, “really feels comfortable” hanging at the Center and provides a metaphorical exclamation point on the Andrews Family Legacy Exhibit.
John Lewis himself was impacted and inspired by the artwork of Benny Andrews. In fact, a peculiar painting created by Andrews hung prominently on the door of the Washington D.C. office of the late Georgia Congressman, who died in 2020. The painting portrays Lewis as a young boy feeding a flock of chickens while preaching to them. Lewis claimed to touch this painting every time he left that office, to remind him of his long, hard-fought journey in the fight for social justice, that all began with preaching practices to an audience of squawking chickens.
“Young John dreamed of being a preacher and practiced delivering sermons to the farm’s chickens. These were his first rehearsals for what would
become a career punctuated by stirring speeches and calls to action,” says The National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Lewis cherished that painting and the man who painted it. The pair formed an exceptional friendship with shared bonds over their respective upbringings.
“From the moment I met Benny Andrews we became fast friends,” wrote former U.S. Congressman John Lewis in a forward to an exhibition catalog for Andrews. “We connected instantly. He was the son of sharecroppers in Georgia, and I in Alabama. He was born in a large family… and so was I. We both grew up in the bitter hardship of a segregated South and we both were determined never to accept it.”
The work stands as an important component to the permanent exhibition, the second since the Cultural Center’s founding in 1976, dedicated to the lives and contributions of the Andrews Family from their small share-cropper home off Plainview Road in Morgan County. The exhibit, curated by noted historian Martina Dodd, opened to fanfare in October 2023.
The emphasis, said Dodd recently, was to honor the lives of a share-cropping family during a time in the segregated South that produced artists of amazing depth and complexity.
“Through drawings, paintings, and written stories, the Andrews of Morgan County chronicled the pains and pleasures of growing up Black in the rural, segregated American South,” says Dodd.
“Together they make up a lineage of AfricanAmerican artists, writers and civil servants whose contributions have significantly impacted the cultural landscape of their small rural community
Raymond Andrews revisits the family’s Plainview Road house. (Contributed)
of Plainview and beyond.”
According to the MMCC, the Andrews Family’s history with the cultural center dates back more than 40 years ago.
Vason said Benny Andrews’ work was included at the Center the day it opened in 1976. In 1982, Vason said, the Center hosted the first exhibit of Benny Andrews’ works. Vason, who was chairman of the Cultural Center Board that year was to introduce Andrews to speak in the Auditorium. “We didn’t know how he would react to having his art displayed in the former school he couldn’t go to,” said Vason. “Benny couldn’t have been more gracious as he described how the Arts can bring people together and eventually became a board member and loyal supporter and spokesperson. The 1982 exhibit? “Benny spoke to a packed house in our auditorium. It was the most diverse crowd the Center has ever had,” Vason said. “We hope to replicate that on the (opening of the exhibit) 29th.”
Leaders of the cultural center are planning future educational initiatives surrounding both exhibits, with a special Black History Month event planned for February 2025.
The MMCC Planning Committee announced earlier this year that Atlanta’s Human Rights Museum has also agreed to loan pen and ink drawings by Benny Andrews to accompany a February 2025 program the Center will hold in collaboration with the Pearl-Burney Museum Project focused on education.
The Pearl-Burney Museum Project is a grass-roots initiative to preserve the legacy of Morgan County’s segregated Pearl High School and its students. The February 2025 program, launched during Black History Month, will include musical performances
and the possible publication of a catalog for The Andrews Family Legacy exhibit.
The Planning Committee, composed of Cochairs Wayne Vason and Besty Morehouse; Ruth Bracewell, chairperson of the MMCC Board of Trustees; Brad Rice, Steve Briley, Chris Hodges, Ollie Rivers and Alfred Murray, also announced that future programs with an Andrews exhibition component will include a focus on religion, the realities of sharecropping, education, family and community. The themes all dovetail with the concepts of The Andrews Family Legacy exhibit. According to Bracewell, the planning around the Andrews Family Legacy exhibit is an extension of the four-year project to bring the exhibit to the Center. “We are looking forward to the continuation of learning opportunities and educational outreach through the inspiration of the Andrews Family exhibit,” she said. “The exhibit has, as it was intended, become a source of wonder and fascination for us all.”
“These are all great themes that showcase how the Andrews family managed to navigate such challenging circumstances and times. Every year during Black History Month we will choose one of the five themes covered in the gallery and focus on one to create special programming around that theme,” explains Vason. “There will be artwork, performing arts, jazz, coral, African-American Music, additional exhibits and artists…There is a lot of potential it opens up for us. We want these exhibits to continue to engage and draw the community in again and again.”
Learn more about the Andrews Family Legacy Gallery exhibition opening by visiting www.mmcc-arts.org.
Agroup of Madison residents reflect upon a gone but not forgotten friend as they walk their dogs and the beloved dog of their deceased friend almost daily through the streets of downtown Madison.
Rex, the canine companion of local resident Ed Broyles, went on these walks even as his owner battled stage four cancer in recent months.
Sadly, Broyles passed away on July 18 after spending a few days in hospice care.
Yet, his dog, a black and white English Spaniel can still be seen walking in Madison’s famed historic district with the retirement-age dog-owners light heartedly called the Dog Squad.
Walking their canine companions is just what they do. It is a way they spend time together and come together in all matters of life.
This dog-walking routine started years ago. Broyles walked with them for more than two years until about three months ago as his condition worsened.
But for Rex, the walks continued. No one could imagine not including him.
The regular walking schedule served as a way to support the Broyles family during a difficult time and to provide the sweetnatured dog the exercise and the time outdoors he enjoys.
Dog owner Lennie Pease picks up Rex for his morning walk and dog owner Perry Joiner often takes Rex on an afternoon walk.
Pease described it as the “Madison thing to do” and Rex is a popular dog.
“He gets more attention from people we meet on our walks than the rest of our little group combined,” he said. “We humans are invisible with Rex is with us, which is fine with us.”
It is hard to say who loves the walks more; the dogs or their owners. They stroll past beautiful buildings, and through the historic Madison cemetery, and visit the fountain at Town Park; a highlight of the walk for the dogs.
Mike Becker, fellow dog walker, says the group continued to include Rex on their walks because they are “just being good neighbors.”
“Lots of other people are helping Ed and his wife Rachel,” he said. “Plus, Rex is kind of a fun dog. Everybody loves him.”
With the walks, Rex gets to see his doggy friends: Moe, Charlotte, Ella, Scout, Turbo and Darla.
And dog owners, Becker, Pease, Joiner, Lynn Hull, Bonnie Hull, Spencer Hull and Bruce Gilbert get to see their friends too.
‘We neighbors look out for each other. He would do the same for me,” Joiner said about helping Broyles and walking his dog. “Charlotte and Rex are good friends and have a great time together.”
So with their dogs at their sides, the friends share small town life together.
“There’s a wealth of gossip discussed on these walks and it’s all true,” Becker said with a grin.
Conversations vary from trivial matters of retirement or what contractors to hire or more weighty topics like how Broyles was doing in his final days.
And as the miles go by at a slow, steady pace, their dogs always give them plenty to talk about, much like parents talk about their young children.
“It’s more about the dogs than us I like to think,” said Pease when asked why they continue walking. But it’s obvious this group has a friendship that goes deeper than their love for their canine companions.
“If one’s missing, we’re all trying to get hold of each other to find out what’s wrong,” Bonnie Hull said. And Becker keeps walking even though he no longer owns a dog. His dog died a few months ago so he walks Pease’s dog, Moe, while Pease walks Rex.
“We’ve all gotten to be good friends from walking our dogs but the dogs are what brought us all together that’s for sure.” he said.
IIn the heart of Lake Oconee, a stunning home has gained a new natural beauty with sophisticated design. This project, led by the dynamic duo Kristy Holcomb and Paula May, showcases a masterful balance of elegance and comfort, making it a true retreat for the new homeowners in Reynolds Lake Oconee.
The homeowners, Dr. Fernando Alvarado and Dr. Caryn Alvarado, a couple who have lived in Valdosta, Ga., for more than two decades, sought a new beginning with their move to Lake Oconee. Both professionals in the dental field—she a pediatric dentist and he an oral surgeon—their search for a new home was driven by their desire for a refreshing change. Their connection to Lake Oconee runs deep, as they have vacationed there since their sons, 16-year-old Nicholas and 19-year-old Bennet, were toddlers.
“We wanted something relatively new and entirely different from our home in Valdosta,” Caryn shared. “Our plan was to retire here part-time, with hopes to eventually make it our full-time residence.”
Their chosen property in Reynolds Lake Oconee captivated them with its high ceilings, expansive living space, and breathtaking views of the fifteenth hole at Creek Club Golf Course. The quiet neighborhood and the serene ambiance of the lake further solidified their decision. “The high ceilings and open living space drew us in, and the view of the golf course from the upper porch was a perfect touch,” Caryn noted.
Their choice of interior designers complemented their journey to finding the right home. Holcomb and May, who are the Alverado’s lifelong friends, were the project’s natural choice. Holcomb’s path into interior design began with a deep-seated passion nurtured from childhood. “As a young girl, I was always rearranging my room and helping friends and family with their homes. My mom’s influence played a huge role in my love for design,” she says.
May’s creative journey, on the other hand, began with painting and evolved into a flourishing career in interior design. “My inspiration comes from the unique designs I’ve seen around the world during my travels. I wanted to bring those diverse elements into our work,” she says, “We came up with the name H&M Designs from using our last names, Holcomb and May. Although our name might seem plain to some, it means the world to us. Kristy and I are motherin-law and daughter-in-law. We have a unique bond due to our relationship and want to show the world that family is everything.”
When the designers accepted the project, they were keenly aware of their clients’ vision for the home.
“The homeowners wanted their new space to be different from their previous home, reflecting the tranquility of Lake Oconee,” Holcomb says. They used soft greens and blues to complement the lake’s natural beauty and create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
Their design process was comprehensive and thoughtful.
“We began by meeting with the homeowners to understand their vision. They wanted the house to feel fresh and light, so we avoided darker colors and opted for a color scheme that mirrored the serene landscape of Lake Oconee,” Holcomb says.
The designers tackled various challenges with creative
solutions. They aimed to create a standout feature for the basement bar while maintaining the home’s serene aesthetic. “The biggest challenge was making the bar pop without disrupting the tranquility. We incorporated iron sconces and metallic wall tiles to add character,” Holcomb says. May says, “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our creativity and prove that our dream of transforming spaces could become a reality.”
The results are spectacular. The homeowners are thrilled with their new home. “We absolutely love the calm serenity we feel immediately upon entering our home,” Caryn says. “The main bedroom is a perfect retreat with an excellent view of the golf course. When we want some fun, we head downstairs to the game room.”
One of the standout features was the basement bar area. “Kristy and Paula outdid themselves with their imagination and attention to detail,” Caryn says. “The transformation was beyond our expectations.”
The designers worked with a variety of local businesses, including Lights of Oconee, Dalton Carpet One, Stanton Home Furnishings, Bend The Trend, Tim Green Designs, Scott’s Antique Markets, Madison Markets, Macon Marketplace, Athens Interiors, and AmericasMart. “We chose materials and furnishings from a range of sources to maintain the uniqueness of our design and support local businesses. Each piece was selected to harmonize with the overall serene and elegant feel of the home,” May says.
The builders, led by Cesar Nieto of Ni2 Construction, played a crucial role in this successful project. “Cesar was instrumental in bringing our vision to life,” Caryn says. “His expertise ensured that every detail was executed flawlessly.”
Throughout the design process, Holcomb and May shared memorable experiences. “One of the most rewarding moments was revealing the completed project to our clients and seeing their reactions. It confirmed why we are passionate about what we do,” May says.
To learn more about H&M Design’s work, follow them on Instagram at @kristyaholcomb and @paula.may.art. Kristy can be reached at kristyholcomb.93@gmail.com for inquiries.
EXCELLENCE WITH HONOR
"Athens Academy has been a wonderful school for my children. The academic program is exceptional. Faculty focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think. My children found friends quickly and we became connected to a great community of families. I highly recommend Athens Academy!”
--Athens Academy Family Since 2023
$1.6M IN NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE TO GREENSBORO/MADISON
ONE OF THE 10 BEST PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN GEORGIA
By Judy Garrison
UUponturning off Monticello Highway, anticipation builds. For more than a decade, a small placard resided on this 530-acre tract of land proclaiming a park’s arrival which kept passersby on the lookout for what was possible. Years passed, the sign faded, and so did expectations. That is, until now.
We drive the long, graveled road which weaves through a forest, taking twists and turns, traversing a one-lane bridge, circling green hilly pastures. Suddenly, behind an eight-foot double containment fence, a long, slender neck rises up above the terrain. We don’t pretend to speak ostrich but our gut tells us he’s wondering what we’re doing in his world. It’s our fascination with his world that brings us to Georgia Safari Conservation Park in Madison.
Its immersive experience draws visitors to this destination that ushers a faraway land within reach. Not only is the experience an education in sustainability and conservation but also the opportunity for luxury lodgings and overnight adventures underneath a forest canopy.
From the grasslands of Africa to the piedmont of Georgia, the park’s reality focuses on animal welfare and introducing creatures to an audience intrigued by their existence. Eclipse the experience by waking up within view of Babbs the ostrich or Phoenix the giraffe, and you’ll be longing for the unbelievable in the fields of Georgia.
Jim and Jinny Conrads called this land home, and it was their son, Mike Conrads, who watched his parents’ relationship with the land blossom through the years. With their health in decline, Jim “would head to this property and bump around on this beautiful land in a little Ford Ranger to escape from his worries for a time,” shares Mike Conrads. “The memory of my father enjoying the land in its natural state helped to bolster my resolve during this decade of moving from vision to plan to reality. This project allows future generations to ‘bump around on this beautiful land,’ enjoying and appreciating the area’s rolling hills and rural landscape while creating an economic engine for the region.” Legacy and conservation run deep for the Conrads’ family as well as all the stakeholders. “If there could be a way to bring a safari park to Madison using the family land, with a dedicated focus on conservation, it would leave a lasting mark on the community,” explains Mike Conrads. “It will also promote the value of conservation for threatened and endangered wildlife while visitors, particularly children, could gain a greater appreciation, understanding, and connection to the natural world.”
Serving as president of the park team, Mike Conrads guided the decade-long project which brought a “myriad of logistical and developmental challenges. Madison and Morgan County have been helpful partners in bringing the park to life,” he says. “The project included securing countless permits and licenses, sourcing exotic animals, constructing state-of-the-art facilities and luxury safari tent lodging imported from South Africa, miles of fencing and much more. Putting a team in place, particularly a world-class animal care team, took time because, first and foremost, animal safety and care are of tantamount importance.”
As the master plan evolved, multiple phases of the park’s vision happened simultaneously, which-in-and-of itself, was extraordinary. From the clearing of the land to the draining infrastructure, to building a giraffe and rhino barn as well as luxury lodging units took years of planning and development. As the animal care team was assembled, they worked tirelessly to acclimate the animals to their surroundings and prepare licensing and permits with local and state organizations.
With the park open only a few months, Mike Conrads and his team exhale but are by no means finished.
Today, “Georgia Safari Conservation Park has 63 animal species which are found worldwide,” he says. “Everyone has been waiting to see the so-called megafauna [large animals] like Phoenix, our reticulated giraffe; and Mo-Joe and Akagera, our southern white rhinoceros. We have some exotic hoofstock, like Grant’s zebras that are guest favorites. We also offer an ambassador animal experience where guests can get up close and personal with everything from our twin spurred African tortoises to a two-toed sloth, Mochi.”
Walking into our accommodations for the night, a safari tent named Ostrich and dubbed the Honeymoon Hideaway, we realized the park, and all it had to offer, was absolutely worth the wait.
From floor to ceiling, imprints of a safari experience unfold. Canvas-fabric walls (with the capability to roll up) envelope the one-bedroom luxury suite furnished with a fourposter king bed, lavish linens, full living and dining areas, a soaking tub and ceramic tile shower, and the icing on the cake—an outdoor shower, soaking tub and seating area. The richness of cherry wood, local hand-crafted cabinetry by Saw Creek Cabinetry Company, and a multitude of textures and textiles embrace the space, and it feels welcoming. The savanna-facing exterior deck provides the field vantage point; immediately, a herd of ostriches, upon hearing our voices, swish toward the double containment fence that runs for miles. We exchange salutations and make plans to meet later. Babbs, the one who tends to command all the attention, sashays away for the food that the keepers in the distance are dispersing for dinner.
The Ostrich is a one-bedroom tent; five others are twobedroom, spacious for families and friend getaways, including one that is ADA accessible. All have private outdoor spaces with great vantage points of the animals or the sunsets. When booking one of the tents, guests receive a guided drive-through tour as well as an ambassador animal encounter, with introductions to the sloth, fennec fox, African spurred tortoises, a giraffe and rhino. What we see from our deck excites us for what is to come the next day.
The Giraffe Suite, located in the giraffe and rhino barn near the lodge, allows guests to wake up in the same luxurious surroundings only with the addition of a twoyear-old, Phoenix, the reticulated giraffe. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living and sleeping areas bring you face-toface with the 11-foot bundle of curiosity. Booking this suite celebrates the VIP experience with a private guided drive-through tour, an ambassador encounter, a Keeper Chat, and a behind-the-scenes feeding opportunity with Phoenix.
Upon check-in, “You get introduced to Phoenix,” explains Jessica Malloy, marketing manager. “It’s quite disconcerting to wake up, and there’s a giraffe.”
As lovely as the accommodations are, it proves difficult to take our eyes off this brown and white beauty. Phoenix, who came from the North Texas Safari Park in Bonham, Texas, goes from his indoor barn to his outside fenced area “whenever he wants,” shares Katie Phillips, animal care specialist, and apparently, Phoenix’s favorite human. “His father towered to 18-feet-tall, and currently, Phoenix stands a little over 11 feet.”
Ashley Webb, Ambassador Animal Specialist, loves her “kiddos” at the park almost as much as her alma mater, the University of Georgia. She introduces Sanford, the short-tail opossum who’s named for Sanford Stadium. “You’ll hear a common thing that they [animal keepers] all say, and it’s very heartwarming,” explains Malloy. “You’ll always hear them refer not to their animals but their kiddos. This isn’t just a job to them.”
Currently, two buildings house the ambassadors for the park. “Right now,” explains Webb, “We’re in some temporary spaces, so that we can begin building the educational outreach program. We’ll continue to build our collection and ambassadors in phase two. What I’ve cultivated, as far as the collection for phase one, is what we call tier one animals, animals that are easily handled. All have a conservation message, and they can come out with just one keeper.
“We’ll keep adding different species and bigger species. We’re definitely trying to make the most of the buildings that we have right now, adding in animals that can suit the spaces and the staff that we have.”
Each time Webb enters an animal’s space, she introduces herself, like now with the prehensile-tailed porcupine named Peter Quill. “Before I even attempt to touch him, I let him know I’m here,” explains Webb. “If I go to touch him, and he does overreact, I could potentially get hit.”
As part of a massive outreach program, these animals will travel for school programs, conservation chats, and educational shows. “Most of these animals will come out of their enclosures for programs,” explains Webb. “We do a lot of training with them to be comfortable with socialization, a lot of training with my keepers to make sure that they’re comfortable, and they know how to handle every animal. The biggest thing for these guys [animals] is feeling comfortable being handled.
“They have the freedom and flexibility to do so if they decide to come out and participate. They get rewarded for it. We use positive reinforcement-based training. If they give us a desired behavior during the training session, or they choose to participate for a chat or a program, for these boys [sulcata tortoises, M’Kondo and M’Zee], I would give them
some nice shell scratches. That’s really what they love.”
Giving animals the opportunity to display natural behaviors is perceived as the highest standard of care. “When we brought them all together for this collection, we had to be prepared on our end for each individual animal for each individual species, and make sure that we have the proper setup to let them display those natural behaviors,” continues Webb.
In the ambassador program, the animals always come first, but a good guest experience is critical to the program, for adults and children. “Education is so incredibly important not only for kids but also for adults. It’s really, really important to us,” says Webb. For example, “This is Curtis. He’s a speckled kingsnake, and they are native to North America. He thrives in the ambient temperature here. A great thing about speckled kingsnakes is that they can actually eat other snakes, including venomous snakes. They’ve got a pretty cool message.”
Each of the animals receive “daily enrichment, something new and novel” which provides mental or physical stimulation. “The armadillo, he loves his cat wheel that we built for him. It’s positive,” says Webb.
We board the safari truck for our tour with Kayleigh Hoynes, our guide, and move towards the grasslands.
The park has a double containment fence stretching continuous miles around the pastures, along with a no-dig barrier. Cameras monitor 24/7 and are watched closely by the Animal Care and Safety teams. “There’s a six-foot buffer zone in-between, another layer of security, both for the animals inside and outside,” explains Hoynes as a keeper opens the gate, and the driver heads inside the containment area.
Animals, all tagged and microchipped, live in specific pastures based on species, temperament, and needs. The team “looked at the landscape. Is there a spring for the water buffalo? Are there lots of trees for the woodland species? Are there more grazing grasslands for the others?”
Every morning “our animal team drives the entire perimeter to make sure everyone is safe,” continues Hoynes. “We’re using about 260-acres for actual pastures, so every day is a little bit of a scavenger hunt.”
We watch as the antelope move toward the animal care team truck, following closely. They are “kind of a little bit more sensitive today because of the new baby” born yesterday. As the second largest antelope species, they “roam the landscape mainly to search for food.”
Cornelius, the common ostrich and one of the first acquisitions, looks like he’s wearing blue eyeshadow as he comes extremely close to the safari truck, and we can’t help but lean away from him. Neither intimidated or scared of the vehicle, his curiosity brings him closer. Ostriches have top speeds of 40 mph in short bursts and can sustain 33 mph in longer intervals; in other words, he will win the race.
Next, we see one of the North American Bison who soon ditches the intense sunlight for the coolness of the shade. The four Grant’s zebras quickly steal our attention. Their white stripes are a form of defense, somewhat of an optical illusion to a predator.
The Eastern Bongo, the largest and most colorful African antelope, lives in what is affectionately called Bongo Island, a wooded area of its very own. “Eastern bongos are critically endangered,” explains Hoynes. “There’s only about 100-to-200 left in the wild. Many zoos have come together to put most of their conservation efforts on Eastern Bongo (rather than Western).”
There’s Emu and Sitatunga, too. On the way back, we watch Mo-Joe and Akagera, the southern white rhinoceros, wallowing in the mud. It’s clear they are enjoying the red clay of Georgia, for they will never be white again.
“Good things come to those who wait” and for those who visit, work, and thrive at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, the wait is over. The Conrads’ family dream, as well as all who brought this vision to fruition, will be a lasting legacy of conservation and stewardship for decades to come. For more information on tours and lodging, visit www.georgiasafari.com.
it is more than selling real estate.
That matters, for sure, they say. With almost 40 years of combined experience in the real estate business, both Bone and Hawkins have learned along the way that representing both buyers and sellers comes with unique opportunities.
“Every day is different,” says Hawkins. “But that is what we love about our business,” says Bone.
Together, their team provides a wealth of experience and knowledge that has led to successful transactions all across the State of Georgia. Together they provide clients with an intimate knowledge of both existing properties and off-market properties. They are well-versed in selling residential homes, land, farms and commercial properties. In addition, they are members of three Board of Realtors and have access to Athens MLS, East Metro MLS and the Lake Oconee MLS . “Our clients,” says Bone, “love that they get triple exposure.”
Both are well-tested and multiple million dollar producers and both utilize the unique advantages of working through their partnership
the sale of personal property as well as the real estate. Sometimes, Hawkins says, the prospect of removing personal items “can be overwhelming.” The auctions include an on-line component, preview days and eventual sales and property pickup days, all handled through them.
It all works, they say, because of the inherent trust they have in their clients and the trust that their clients have in the team.
“You have to be able to trust each other,” says Hawkins. “This is what we do, this is who we are, really,” says Bone.
But it’s more than a sale.
“To help someone find a perfect property, or to sell a property to a buyer is incredibly fulfilling,” says Hawkins.
What sets this team apart from the rest? It is their unique ability to not only handle your real estate transaction but the liquidation of your personal property as well. This service can provide a great relief in several life situations. Call Robin Bone (706-474-8223) or Lisa Hawkins (706-474-7289) to discuss what they can do for YOU!
Everything Katie Vason Devaney has done worked toward change for the better. Her wedding would be no different.
Anenvironmentally-conscious bride held an earth-friendly wedding in Madison and donated more than $8,000 from her wedding registry to the Madison-Morgan Conservancy, the non-profit organization she herself created almost 25 years ago when she was just 16-years-old.
is and all of the beauty that is here,” says Katie.
“Everybody just loved Madison.”
Katie and Greg held their wedding ceremony at the Episocpal Church of the Advent in Madison followed by a reception at Empire Mills.
“It’s definitely come full circle,” said Katie Vason Devaney, who married Greg Devaney in Madison in June, working with local wedding planners to create a low-waste, plastic-free, locally-sourced ceremony and reception. “It was an incredible experience to return to Madison with all of our friends for our wedding and be able to give back to this community that has given so much to our family.”
Katie grew up in Atlanta but spent a lot of time at her family’s farm in Godfrey, falling in love with Morgan County, cultivating a strong desire to protect the decidedly rural countryside. Katie has lived in Brooklyn, NY for the last 15 years but she always knew she would have her wedding in Madison.
“I couldn’t wait to show our New York community what Madison is like, how special it
“Throughout our ceremony we had a lot of our references to love for our community and the literal earth that we are standing on,” says Katie. “Organizing an eco-friendly wedding isn’t overly complicated; it mainly involves resisting the pressure from an industry that promotes excess as necessary for a fantastic event and guest experience.”
Katie and Greg emphasized “experience over stuff” to ensure their wedding created oncein-a-lifetime memories without falling prey to materialistic elements.
Katie, whose wedding dress was made from an antique tablecloth, implemented four principles when planning her eco-friendly wedding: reducing, reusing, composting, and recycling.
“There are many ways to plan your big day while also considering the environmental impact. Celebrating and being kind to the earth can go hand in hand,” says Katie.
“This couple has set a high bar when it comes to beautiful and sustainable weddings,” said Christine McCauley Watts, the executive director of the Madison-Morgan Conservancy. “Not only were all the flowers cut locally, parts of the delicious meal were from Empire Mills garden, and there was not even one single-use plastic bottle in sight.”
Katie and Greg also set up an online wedding registry, with one of the options to donate to the conservancy. As of July, the wedding registry garnered $8,943 for the conservancy.
“The donations are still rolling in,” says Katie.
“Katie’s, and now Greg’s, continued support of this organization is inspiring,” said Watts. “Her commitment to conservation in many ways is making a difference in the world. Philanthropy at a young age is uncommon, and Katie and Greg are setting a meaningful example for the generations coming up in the world. We so appreciate Katie and Greg’s support through their wedding registry. It’s an extremely meaningful gift in many ways - financially and in the moral support that keeps us going.”
Katie’s activism for environmentally-sustainable living and agricultural land protection began back in the late 1990s. Katie was an idealistic teenager with a kernel of a dream who began relentlessly bugging her parents about disappearing agricultural lands as the encroachment of urban development crept further and further into rural communities in Georgia. She wanted to find a way to permanently protect natural resources and historic sites in Morgan County, where her family
owns an abundance of farmland.
“Who would have thought me complaining to my parents as a teenager would lead to actual concrete action in Morgan County that still continues on all these years later?” marveled Katie, who is now 40-years-old.
Katie’s parents, Wayne and Lee Vason,challenged Katie to step off her soapbox and step into activism to truly make a difference on the issues for which she was so passionate.
“We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. But we were tired of hearing about it,” jokes Wayne Vason.“She was right though, she was absolutely right. The threat of development in all directions was spreading and still is, with industrial developers pushing to move in on Madison and Morgan County. We wanted to help, but had no idea the conservancy would become what it is today. It’s taken on a life of its own.”
Today, the Madison-Morgan Conservancy has facilitated the permanent protection of more than 5,500 acres of land since its launch in the year 2000. The conservancy also has the state’s second largest revolving fund for protecting endangered properties, created a Junior Conservancy for local students to learn about the culture of conservatism, and is achieving significant gains in natural resource conservation, farmland protection, and historic preservation. In July of
2024, the conservancy landed a lucrative partnership with Morgan County, in which the county will provide up to $250,000 a year to help Morgan County property owners purchase easements on their land, preventing any future development. Morgan County is only the third county in Georgia to create this kind of funding program to permanently protect agricultural lands.
“The Madison-Morgan Conservancy has grown into an effective and influential organization, serving both locally and statewide as a resource for protecting natural, agricultural, and historic resources, promoting the region’s local agricultural industry, and preserving the quality of life and sense of place found in Morgan County,” explains Watts.
“I am just blown away by all the conservancy has accomplished so far and the future work still ahead,” says Katie, who handed the reins over to Watts when she went off to college in the early 2000s. “She has done an amazing job with the conservancy.”
But before Watts came aboard, the Vason family recruited the other conservationally-minded people in Morgan County to launch the conservancy as a primarily educational non-profit organization.
“Katie founded the Madison-Morgan Conservancy back in 2000 when she was in high school. Her father Wayne helped her set it up by writing articles of incorporation, bylaws, and securing the 501c3 status. Conservation in Morgan County was off to the races!” explains Watts.
“When the conservancy was first born, we were not equipped to be a land trust ourselves because we did not have resources or staffing at the time,” remembers Wayne Vason. “So we decided to start off with an educational focus, teaching folks about the opportunity to protect
land and how they could do it. Then, we would partner with land trusts to actually hold the property landowners put easements on.”
Wayne and Lee Vason themselves have four easements on their properties in Morgan County, totaling more than 250 acres of permanently protected lands.
“They set an excellent example for Katie and for all of us,” praises Watts. “They have donated four conservation easements to permanently protect 257 acres of farm, forest, wildlife habitat, and water quality in this productive, wild, and beautiful county.”
Katie believes Morgan County has arrived at a crucial fork in the road, with the pressure to allow large-scale industrial developments to set up shop being greater than ever.
“When he we decided to have our wedding in Madison, I knew I wanted to figure out a way to involve the conservancy in this pivotal moment with Rivian coming potentially to Morgan County,” laments
Katie, who has been following the local No2Rivian movement out of Rutledge, Ga., attempts to derail a planned $5 billion Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant poised to be built upon nearly 2,000-acres of historic farmland.
“Now is a critical time for Morgan County,” says Katie. “It is such a trippy thing. It feels like a spaceship is about to land. I worry about the pace of development that could come if Rivian ends up coming to Morgan County. I am concerned how fast that is going to accelerate everything and the infrastructure around it.”
Katie encourages people to take action while they still can to keep Morgan County as a primarily agricultural county.
“For the people who care about sustainability, who care about the planet and care about your local community, you have to get involved,” says Katie.”It is so much more fulfilling to take action and do what you can than to sit on the sidelines and watch what happens…Protect what you have now before it’s too late.”
WRITTEN BY LISA MOWRY
calls itself “the ultimate playground” for good reason. Its setting in the western North Carolina mountains appeals to hikers and outdoor fans, yet it’s also a mecca for food-lovers. The bohemian vibe in Asheville makes it a great destination for arts and culture, local music and shopping, but this unpretentious city is also home to America’s largest home, the grand and gorgeous Biltmore Estate. With its location three-plus hours’ drive from metro Atlanta, Asheville wins the prize as a top weekend getaway. What’s new (and always a good idea) for 2024:
This 19th-century French chateau-style estate welcomes thousands of people every day to get a taste of life for the Vanderbilt family, circa 1895. The 250-room main house is fully decorated and easily explored with a self-guided audio tour, but that’s just the beginning. The estate’s gardens — bursting with tulips and other bulbs in the spring — and winery, shops and restaurants make it a place to stay for more than one day.
Opening in late March, “Chiluly at Biltmore” will celebrate the glass artist’s colorful vision with sculptures around the property, along with displays about his process. The gardens have something in bloom year-round, but in particular they shine in the spring and summer months, with rhododendrons, roses and wisteria providing a colorful backdrop to the grounds designed by Frederic Law Olmsted. It’s also never too early to start planning a holiday trip to Biltmore Estate, since the thousands of trees, garlands, lights and musicians throughout the property open for the season on November 2 and continue through early January.
Biltmore.com
A little bit glamorous (all those Art Deco buildings, for instance) and a lot funky, the downtown area is worth exploring by foot. It has around 30 art galleries—and 30 breweries--plus dozens of locally owned shops and cafes
to discover. New for 2024 includes this eclectic mix of businesses: The Low Down is a new speakeasy on Haywood Street, joined by Instagram-worthy pastries at Sweets & Seats (they also sell outdoor furniture), and The Pot Stirred, which pairs foraged mushrooms with botanical teas in the River Arts District.
Exploreasheville.com
Where to stay:
Ideally, Asheville is best explored in two parts, beginning with the expansive Biltmore area—the estate, gardens, winery, ancillary areas such as Antler Walk, plus nearby Biltmore Village. Staying on property at The Inn on Biltmore Estate provides a Forbes’ Four-Star hotel with the convenience of everything nearby. New to 2024 is an interior design refresh for the rooms and hallways, with some décor nods to the Vanderbilt look.
Part two should involve a downtown hotel. The Foundry Asheville has a winning combination of location and history. Once a factory for steel production—including buildings on Biltmore Estate—this brick-lined compound has an industrial feeling mixed in with chic furnishings and lights, with guest rooms that feel like a downtown lift. The hotel is conveniently located to some of the top Asheville restaurants such as Chestnut and Curate, plus the city’s art museum and Blue Spiral art gallery. The Foundry is in the heart of the historically black neighborhood The Block, which is referenced in the hotel’s eatery Benne on Eagle through cuisine and artwork.
Biltmore.com/stay Foundryasheville.com
A
Furnished safari-style tents are arranged in a little village, making this a popular option for groups or family reunions. Hammocks, coffeemakers and a grill provide some creature comforts. The same company also has glamping facilities at other popular sites: Amicalola Falls, Kingston Downs and Unicoi State Park in Georgia; and Lake Martin and Lake Guntersville in Alabama. Timberlineglamping.com
If you like spending time outdoors but want a step up from a sleeping bag on the ground, good news: glamping is bigger than ever in Georgia. The name comes from an abbreviation of “glamorous camping,” and while some of these destinations are more rustic than swanky, they offer a chance to immerse yourself in a setting with trees and wildlife all around.
Note that you may need to bring in your own food, with bathrooms available off-site, and some require more than one night’s stay, but the rewards are great for city-dwellers. A few close-by ones to check out:
These wood and canvas structures (essentially, big tents) come with a deck, picnic table, electricity inside, and nearby bathrooms, but best of all…views and up-close nature experiences. You’ll find them at parks such as Red Top Mountain in Cartersville, Skidaway Island on the Georgia coast, Cloudland Canyon, and others in Georgia.
Gastateparks.org/uniqueaccommodations
The reward for traversing a rope bridge 100-feet high in the north Georgia forest is a luxury treehouse to spend the night in, complete with fixings for pizza to make, and a “mailbox delivery” of fresh pastries in the morning. This high-rated Airbnb promises a unique experience.
“Archer in the Trees” on Airbnb.com
Written by Lisa Mowry
IIlove Atlanta, but not always the traffic. A solution is to drive somewhere and stay put — and better yet, explore a part of metro Atlanta that might not normally be on your radar. These four destinations are stylish and unique, with plenty to do close by and delicious restaurants to explore. These Atlanta-area hotels are worth checking
TThis high-rise luxury hotel in the heart of Buckhead has always been a signature destination in Atlanta, and now it’s gotten a major interior design refresh. Named the top Atlanta hotel in 2023 by readers of “Travel & Leisure” magazine, the Intercontinental is a splurge, and worth it.
My college friend and I checked into the hotel midafternoon and were immediately impressed with the lobby and surrounding Great Hall, with its marble floors, large-scale contemporary crystal chandelier and cozy sitting areas. Every seating area is surrounded by potted plants that make you feel like you’re in a conservatory.
We stayed on the 21st floor, which is the club level. Aside from the views of Buckhead and Atlanta at every turn, this private space with complimentary cocktails and light bites is always a special occasion. Rooms are as plush as you’d think, with thick robes, slippers and spacious bathrooms. First off, for the afternoon, take a trip to the hotel’s spa, a quiet place tucked-in away from the bustle of hotel life, all the better with a welcome glass of champagne. Afterward, hit the hotel’s saltwater pool or shower up and head to happy hour on the club level.
Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, The Americano, is a special experience, partly because of the stunning interior design, but also thanks to the food from James Beard-winning chef Scott Conant, who mans the menu. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean seafood and steaks with an Italian twist. Even if you’re not spending the night at the hotel, The Americano is worth a visit.
(Top) The Great Hall in the Intercontinental Buckhead is that just-right mix of both traditional and contemporary styles with its warm colors, fascinating art and an elegant background of plants and flowers. Photo by Lisa Mowry.
(Bottom Left to Right) Sultry and intriguing in design, The Americano restaurant in the Intercontinental Buckhead is a destination. Our favorites were the wedge salad and Dutch Harbor Halibut — with a couple of selections from their extensive wine and cocktail list. Photo by Lisa Mowry.
Room with a view…the upper floors of The Intercontinental offer a birds-eye view of the busy streets of Buckhead. Photo by Lisa Mowry.
The saltwater pool at The Intercontinental is open year-round. Photo by The Intercontinental Buckhead.
IloveIexploring all the different neighborhoods in metro Atlanta, so staying at The Hamilton offers a chance to walk around downtown Alpharetta and not have to rush back home. The hotel itself is a welcome addition to the vibrant city, with plenty of areas to gather for a cocktail or visit with your friends, but beyond the doors is the sprawling success story of Alpharetta. The Hamilton and a grassy courtyard area in the town square are two anchors to this Hallmarkesque little town, with dozens of shops, restaurants and breweries filling the side streets. Other nearby attractions — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre and Avalon, for instance — are a quick drive. The Hamilton hotel opened recently, but its classic architecture and room with a vintage touch make it seem like an older resident in the area. Art by local artists fill the walls, while industrial touches and high ceilings add a loft-like feeling to the common areas. We had a drink and light bites at Carrie’s Conservatory in the hotel, then headed to its sister destination, The Roaring Social. This charming speakeasy lives up to its 1920s vibe, complete with a secret password to get in (get the scoop from the hotel), live music, craft cocktails and even a vintage-style bowling alley. It’s a lot of fun, and an ideal reason to have a nearby hotel room, since the place gets hopping late in the evening. The next morning, check out the hotel’s restaurant, Fulton’s Public House, for breakfast or venture out to one of the nearby spots such as Maple Street Biscuit Company.
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TThe Kimpton Sylvan Hotel does something that seems impossible in bustling Buckhead: it carves out a little oasis of gardens in the courtyard of the hotel. My visit to this Kimpton felt in many ways like going back in time, from its laid-back outdoor areas to the mid-century vibe. The building itself dates from 1952 and was once a residential apartment structure (Kimpton Hotels are known for repurposing existing buildings). Wood and green accents fit with its earthy, vintage style.
Head to the ninth floor for a view, cocktails and light bites. The cheeky rooftop bar, St. Julep, starts off quietly at 5 p.m., but then becomes a happening spot with a DJ on the weekends as a hot place to be seen. Its colorful mural and mid-century touches are definitely Instagram-worthy.
Downstairs, The Betty serves as the hotel’s main restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Its sultry decor and old-school touches, like a jazz band on Thursdays, and menu items, such as Oysters Rockefeller and prime rib, are intentionally a walk back in time.
ImagineIending the day with a view of downtown Atlanta’s twinkling skyline, then waking up as the buildings come alive and traffic begins to wind its way into town. An overnight at The Signia Hotel is all that and more, and a reason the first large hotel in 40 years to grace the downtown skyline is big news.
This new Hilton hotel is part of the sports and business campus in the city that includes Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena and nearby Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame and the Georgia Aquarium, making it an ideal epicenter for a trip downtown. I loved staying there as a local but also seeing all the out-of-towners —girls volleyball teams from all over the U.S. and tech-conference attendees, for instance — as good people-watching.
The hotel’s 976 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows for impressive views, one side looking right into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and a host of in-room perks, but you’ll want to explore outside the room, as well. The fitness center, multiple porches and outdoor swimming pool all come with the downtown view and have that new-hotel freshness.
When it’s time to eat, you can go in several directions. The casual and sports-bar-vibed Nest on Four has a whopping 45 TVs and gastropub treats such as short rib poutine tater tots, making it a good option for larger groups or a pre-game lunch. The buzzworthy Capolinea — bright and airy with a special menu that celebrates Mediterranean food with all sorts of twists — is a special treat. Make sure to start with the Pane e Burro bread with its chili butter and herb olive-oil garnish, check out the roving martini bar for a custom cocktail, go for a seafood dish such as Halibut Crudo and by all means, make room for one of their gorgeous desserts.
The Richland course is set to open by the end of 2024 and already is receiving rave reviews
By Patrick Yost
Later this year, Reynolds Lake Oconee will unveil the new, Tom Fazio designed Richland golf course.
The famed golf architect, who currently leads all designers with 14 of the top 100 Golf Digest America’s Greatest Golf Courses list, has returned to carve out an additional nine holes which will be added to the current Bluff nine at Reynold’s The National Course. The Bluff, is part of the 27-hole, The National course.
The Richland course will utilize the first five holes of the existing Bluff routing followed by nine new holes including a ninth green on Lake Oconee and the final four holes connecting back to the Bluff nine.
According to a media release from Reynolds Lake Oconee, Fazio said his work on The Richland course will result in an instant classic. “My goal is always to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind golf courses. There’s a lot of terrain variation - lots of ups and downs, ins and outs, twists and turns - which is great for golf. That’s what makes this such a fine natural setting.”
According to Reynolds Lake Oconee COO Tim Hong, the concept of adding the holes and creating a new 18-hole course began after COVID protocols drove a marked increase in golf rounds played.
“The demand for golf really accelerated,” Hong said. Working with Fazio to complete an 18-hole course “made all the sense in the world.”
Once completed, the new private course will be available to Reynolds Lake Oconee Platinum members. The Richland will be the seventh course at Reynolds Lake Oconee including The National; Great Waters, designed by Jack Nicklaus; The Landing and The Preserve, both designed by Bob Cupp; the Creek Club, designed by Jim Engh and The Oconee, designed by Rees Jones.
Hong said the partnership with Fazio and Reynolds Lake Oconee made choosing Fazio to create the new course a natural fit. “He has a long history with Reynolds and that’s important,” Hong said. Fazio brings a “continuity of design” to the project. “He’s been a good partner over the years,” Hong said.
The course will be the only course at Reynolds Lake Oconee to traverse both sides of the peninsula and touch the lake from both Richland Creek and the Oconee River.
Construction by Medalist Golf Inc. began on the course in March 2023. Since then, Hong said, work has progressed from clearing land to recently laying TifTuf Bermuda sod for fairways and roughs and TifEagle Bermuda for the greens.
Work on the course has now been dictated by weather. “We couldn’t buy rain for several months and now we can’t sell it,” Hong said.
Once opened, the private course will provide dramatic elevation drops and routing through large boulders and a pond. “Members will enjoy this golf course because it will have character and never play the same,” Fazio said in a media release. “This new course will provide a challenge and have endless possibilities of capturing your emotions and feelings.”
The course will play approximately 7,200 from the championship tees to a par of 72.
“We are fortunate that Tom Fazio again applied his vision to Reynolds Lake Oconee to create nine new holes and integrate them with the world-class golf course he originally designed,” said Robert Merck, global head of real estate at MetLife Investment Management in a media release. “It’s an honor for our community. Our members and guests are certain to be challenged and energized by his latest design.”
Play at The Richland will be organized out of The National campus but planning for a “culinary experience” at a half-way house after nine holes on The Richland is in the works.
Hong said Reynolds Lake Oconee had a “significant’ investment in construction of The Richland and are excited to cut the ribbon on the new course.
“Our members are going to love it,” he said.
Here for all of your pets needs!
Lifelong local and animal lover Stephanie White created Harmony Pet Resort in 2006. Harmony Pet Resort has provided the awardwinning care our pets deserve. Our state-ofthe-art facility and attentive staff ensure your pet feels right at home while having lots of fun. Visit us for deluxe overnight pet boarding, dog daycare, full service grooming & spa, professional dog training and supplies!
Love the staff and the service that my babies receive every time they go. Don't have to wait or worry about t heir treatment. Thank you and keep up the good work!!!
A place for you and your pets to call a home away from home!
Now offering professional dog training to the Lake Oconee area. Since partnering with Sit Means Sit, we are now able to offer fully customized programs to help your pet achieve the highest level of obedience.
September
Sept. 1
The Madison Artists Guild, at 125 W. Jefferson St., will exhibit artwork of Morgan County High School students. This is a curated show chosen from pieces that were included in the AFlat exhibit. The exhibit will run through Oct. 5th. themadisonartistsguild.org
Sept. 1
The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is hosting a Queer Perspectives Exhibit until Jan. 4, at 4200 Bethany Road, Buckhead. steffenthomas.org
Sept. 3
A tour of Rock House Creamery will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 2471 Broughton Road, Newborn. Learn about cows and the creamline milk process and learn about gardening. For more information or to purchase tickets visit rockhousefamilyfarm.com
Sept. 6
The Milly Market Farmers’ Market takes place the first and third Friday of each month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Milledgeville at the Pavilion at 222 E. Hancock St. lakesinclairlife.com
Sept. 6
The Madison Artists Guild will host an opening reception at 6 p.m., at 125 W. Jefferson St. for Phantasmagoria - a special exhibition featuring the works of Elisabeth Guibert, Timothy Holbrook, and Kim Holt. This exhibit runs through October 12th. themadisonartistsguild.org
Sept. 7
Kel-Mac Saddle Club will host a horse show at the Morgan County Agricultural Center at 2380 Athens Hwy. in Madison. kel-mac.com
Sept. 7
Visit Milledgeville Presents the Step in Time: Historical Dance Workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion at 120 S. Clark St. This workshop will transport participants back to the 1800s. Guests will be taught dances like the waltz step, Virginia reel and more. This class will provide two hours of historic fun in the beautiful Mansion. Space is limited. Register today at $15 per person.
visitmilledgeville.org
Sept. 7
The Rock the Dock Music Festival from 2:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Parkside Main 8 Theater, at 1050 Parkside Main, Greensboro, benefiting the United Craftsmen Children’s Show Drive. Early bird tickets are $45 and $55 at the door.
Sept. 8
Buffington’s presents the Mimosa Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 120 W. Hancock St. Entry is free. Enjoy a delightful array of mimosas, live music, delicious food, wine glass painting, unique custom artwork, handmade jewelry, and fun face painting. Entry is free. visitmilledgeville.org
Sept. 13
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center invites ABBA fans to attend Dancing Dream: The Tribute to ABBA, at the Hall on Foster, at 434 S. Main St. Enjoy seasoned musicians and talented lead singers take listeners on a nostalgic trip back to the glitz and glamour of the 70s with their beautiful harmonies, elaborate costumes and exciting choreography. Dance, jive and have a great time at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Wine/Beer will be available for purchase before the show and during intermission. VIP Tables (seats 6) for $300 and General Admission tickets for $35. mmcc-arts.org
Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge will host a Hike and Paddle – Girl Scouts Love State Parks from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Open to visitors eight years of age and older. Enjoy a ranger led hike (1 hour) along our new beach trail as we walk by swamps, hardwood/pine forests and a controlled burn area. After the hike, kayak (1 hour) on the lake looking for wildlife such as raptors, herons and migrating birds. Program open to general public including Girl Scouts. Call the park office to register 706-557-3001.
Saturday in the Park, a high-energy dance party featuring the Funk Disciples, will take place in Madison Town Park from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the gate. A limited number of tent spaces are available for rent for $25 each. Please call Main Street to reserve your spot. Lawn tent spaces will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Tables can be reserved for four people for $85. Tables can be reserved through Madison Main Street at (706) 752-7945 More information is available online. madisonga.com
The Downtown GetDown Concert Series will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Eatonton City Center Stage, at 124A N. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton. This free concert featuring Cash’s Juke Joint is sponsored by Visit Eatonton. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, and dancing shoes for a night of fun. Vendors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. downtowneatonton.com
The Humane Society of Morgan County will hold the Piston for Paws Charity Car and Aircraft Show, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the city of Madison Airport, at 1245 Airport Industrial Blvd., Madison. Contact the humane society for more information at 706-343-9977. Entry fee and donation required.
Hard Labor State Park in Rutledge, will host Intro to Archery: Girl Scouts Love State Parks, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for participants age 10 or older. Call the park office to register and pay in advance at 706-557-3001.
Sept. 17
the Guild will move the show to the Gallery where it will be on display through Oct. 31. theartisansvillage.org
Sept. 21
The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton presents Elements: The Definitive Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP. plazacenter.org
Sept. 21
A Pet Portrait Painting Class-Beginner Friendly will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Barrel 118, at 118 N. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton. This extremely beginner friendly event will allow participants to encapsulate the love for their pet into a beautiful painting. Price is $65 with all supplies included. Register online. lakesinclairelife.com
Sept. 21
Downtown Greensboro will host Rock N’ Roll Cruise In from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come see more than 100 hot rod, rad rod and unique cars. Dance the night away with John Dunn and the Jazzmen and enjoy food from local vendors. downtowngreensboroga.com
Sept. 26
Georgia Writers Museum and Mystery Writers of America present Southern Fried Crime Con from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m., Sept. 29, at The Lodge on Lake Oconee, 930 Greensboro Road, in Eatonton. Discover the art of crafting the perfect crime novel. This event offers workshops, networking opportunities, and a captivating keynote speaker. Dive into the world of mystery and suspense with fellow writers and enthusiasts alike. Find out more information and register online.
georgiawritersmuseum.org
Oct. 1
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens presents The Randall Bramblett Band from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the Sunflower Concert Series. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. botgarden.uga.edu
Sept. 19
The Artisans Village Art Gallery in downtown Eatonton in collaboration with the Associated Photographers of Lake Oconee will host its eighth annual art exhibit, Dual Vision: Art Through Different Eyes, opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barrel 118, at 118 N. Jefferson Ave. in Eatonton. The reception is free and open to the public. See the show at Barrel 118 on Friday and Saturday. After opening weekend,
The annual Scarecrow and Showcase Contest will take place in downtown Eatonton from 7 a.m. Oct. 1 to 11:50 p.m., Oct. 31. Vote for scarecrows in the business and nonbusiness categories. Winners will be announced via Facebook on Nov. 1. Vote outside of the Main Street office at City Hall with a paper ballot. There is no limit on the number of times that a person can vote via paper ballot or vote by using the QR code that is on the orange sign located on each scarecrow. When using the QR code, there is a limit of one vote per hour per IP address.
downtowneatonton.com
Oct. 1
The Georgia Writers Museum hosts a “Meet the Author” event with Tracey Wood on her new book, “Katherine the Wright Sister,” at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. Tickets are $40. georgiawritersmuseum.org
Oct. 5
Kel-Mac Saddle Club will host a horse show at the Morgan County Agricultural Center at 2380 Athens Hwy. in Madison. kel-mac.com
Oct. 7
Taste of Eatonton will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center at 305 N. Madison Ave. sponsored by the Eatonton-Putman Chamber of Commerce. Choose from a menu of mouthwatering small bites, downsizing your regular servings to a bite or two of pure yumminess, we call these “tastes.” Tickets can be purchased online. lakesinclairlife.com
Oct. 12
The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton presents The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP. plazacenter.org
Oct. 17
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center will host Athens band, A.D. Blanco, with front man Madison native Bennett Evans, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 434 S. Main St. Join us for a night of music, lights, and dancing as they deliver a performance full of classic hits and electric melodies. Tickets cost $35. mmcc-arts.org
Oct. 17
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens presents an October Full Moon Hike from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Register online. Tickets cost $5. botgarden.uga.edu
Oct. 18
The Plaza Classic: A Golf Tournament to Benefit the Arts will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Waters Golf Course. To sign up, be a sponsor, or learn more, contact The Plaza at 706-923-1655 or sign up online. lakesinclairlife.com
Oct. 18
Oct. 19
The Oconee Chamber of Commerce will host its 50th annual fall festival from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Watkinsville. oconeechamber.org
Oct. 19
Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, will host a Spooky Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Walk through Camp Daniel Morgan on a trail filled with scenes from Halloween scary favorites, including an appearance by that hockey mask wearing man from the movies. Event suitable for ages 6 and above. Tickets available after September 17. PG tours (6+) are from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. PG-13 tours will continue from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Tours will last around 15 min and start every 5 minutes. The Haunted Village tour is set up on a loop and has approximately 8 scenes/stops. These scenes are designed for groups up to 12 people. For more information call the park office at 706-557-3001.
Oct. 19
The annual Deep Roots Festival will take place in downtown Milledgeville at 10 a.m. Most activities end at 6 p.m. The concert stage and food truck row end around 11:30 p.m. The festival is free to enter. Kidzone Unlimited will require ticket purchase. deeprootsfestival.com
Oct. 19
Rutledge will hold its Spooky Fall Festival. More information to be provided soon. rutledgega.us
Oct. 25
The Eatonton City Council presents the Lunch Break Day Party from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Eatonton City Center Stage. The event will include food trucks and live music. Bring your lawn chairs, and come surround yourself with good food, great music, and the best people. downtowneatonton.com
Oct. 25
The Madison Artists Guild will open the 6th Annual MAG Holiday Market along with an opening reception at 6:00 p.m., at 125 W. Jefferson St., for a special exhibition featuring floorcloths by artist Molly Lesnikowski. themadisonartistsguild.org
Oct. 19
The city of Madison will host its 18th annual Chili Cook-Off and Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine in Town Park. Chili Team Entry Deadline is Sept. 29. Sampling wristbands go on sale at noon with sampling from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. or until the chili runs out. madisonga.com
The Women’s Wellness Conference 2024 will take place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Oconee Church, at 1101 Village Park Drive, in Greensboro. The conference, presented by IV Wellness Solutions, is dedicated to promoting health and wellness for women in Georgia. This annual conference gathers leaders in mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing to share stories of perseverance and success. Purchase tickets online. lakesinclairlife.com
Oct. 26
Bostwick hosts its annual Cotton Gin Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tractor parade begins at 11 a.m. Bostwick’s Cotton Gin is one of the few operational gins in Georgia and during the festival, is the only time of year it is open for public tours. Parking fee is $15 cash only due to limited internet service. bostwickga.com
Oct. 31
The city of Madison hosts the Spooktacular Halloween Parade from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Halloween, costumed Madison and Morgan County trick-or-treaters up to the age of 13, and costumed pets on leashes—along with their families—are invited to a free costume parade in Town Park. Marchers should line up at the pavilion at 4:15 p.m. The parade will begin at about 4:30 p.m. Wagons are welcome for tiny tots. Participants will circle the park to show off their costumes to judges and to collect treats from Main Street and local businesses and organizations while they last. madisonga.com
November
Nov. 1
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center presents Take 3, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 434 S. Main St. With a flair for the wild and unexpected, the genre-defying trio, TAKE3 brings the refinement of a rigorous classical music background and infuses it with rock-star charisma in this exciting concert. Tickets can be purchased online. mmcc-arts.org
Nov. 2
Monticello will hold its 58 th annual Deer Festival and its 27 th Annual Deer Dash from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Monticello Square. monticellojasper.com
Nov. 5
The Georgia Writers Museum will host a “Meet the Author” event with Colleen Oakley on her new book, “The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise,” at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. Tickets are $40 georgiawritersmuseum.org
Nov. 14
The city of Madison will host the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Town Park. Bring family and friends to this free celebration featuring local singers and dancers, light refreshments, and a special appearance by jolly ol’ Santa Claus. madisonga.com
Nov. 16
The city of Madison will host Shop, Sip and Stroll Downtown. Enjoy complimentary beverages and special retail and restaurant promotions. In addition, the streets of Madison will be alive with holiday music and finery.
madisonga.com
Nov. 23
The city of Madison will host Shop, Sip and Stroll Downtown. Enjoy complimentary beverages and special retail and restaurant promotions. In addition, the streets of Madison will be alive with holiday music and finery. madisonga.com
Nov. 23
Rutledge will host Christmas in the Country and a Chili Cook-Off. More information to be provided soon. rutledgega.us
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Eatonton. This is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. downtowneatonton.com
Nov. 30
Nov. 8
Downtown Greensboro presents the Greensboro Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. The two-day shopping event includes live demonstrations, special shopping experiences and fun holiday-themed treats. downtowngreensboroga.com
Nov. 9
The city of Madison will host Shop Small Saturday in Madison, Show support for the small independent businesses that make up downtown. Spend $30 with one of the merchants - stores, salons, spas, restaurants are all included – and your name will be entered into a drawing for one of two $100 Downtown Dollar gift certificates. madisonga.com
The Eatonton Mistletoe Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Courthouse Lawn. More than 100 Arts & Crafts vendors will be selling their best items for Christmas. downtowneatonton.com
Shoe Company
BB&G 67 Bend The Trend 94 Berkshire Hathaway Realty 55 Black Sheep Interiors
Breco Realty
Bug House Pest Control
City of Madison
Crowe Marine
Cuscowilla
Dermatology Consultants 96 DOCK 103.9 88 Downtown Greensboro 74 Farmers & Merchants Bank 74 Fat Boys Golf Carts
Falanga & Chalker
Gatewood School
Georgia Writers Museum
Front Harbor Club
Harmony Pet Resort
In High Cotton
Oconee
Outfitters
Previews Interiors
Oconee
Southern Laser Medical
Stanton Home Furnishings
Welcome Alexis Brown
Whidby Jewelers
The Plaza Arts Center
Tim Green Designs
TJ Bishop’s
Turner’s Keyboards
Zeb Grant Design
Alexis joins the Morgan County Citizen & Lake Oconee Living Magazine as our Multimedia Consultant. She is headquartered in our Madison office but you will see her out and about throughout the Lake Country.
Alexis Joins the team after spending many years in the food & beverage industry honing her customer service skills…that’s probably why you’ll recognize her!
Alexis is a Morgan County, GA native and a Morgan County Bulldog Lifer. LET’S GIVE HER A
