It’s all About Family

Though she is relentlessly determined to stay out of the spotlight, Angela Williams has had a profound effect on Highlands and its people, now and far into the future.

Those of us who are fortunate to call Highlands home and visitors alike, all appreciate the unique qualities that make our little slice of heaven what it is – natural beauty, friendly people, and a family-friendly atmosphere that’s hard to find and impossible to duplicate.

It takes a village and a deep love to appreciate what was, preserve what is, and look to the future to be certain that we change only for the better, keeping us always a community in which families thrive and connect.

Few love our town like Angela Williams, and few have given so freely of their time, vision, and resources to ensure that Highlands grows and thrives, while always remaining a place where families and multi-generations can gather and connect. Her enthusiasm and love for Highlands are infectious, and she becomes especially animated when speaking of families, children and the arts.

Her love of Highlands began in the 1940s when her family often made Highlands their vacation destination, usually staying at Lee’s Inn. Memories of those vacations are close to her heart as perfect moments of family togetherness and fun – family dinners in the Lee’s Inn dining room, strolling Main Street and shopping in a dress or antique store, stopping by Bill’s Soda Shop, or enjoying a simple drive around the countryside.

Her husband, Art, had similar childhood memories of Highlands, so from the beginning of their married life they visited here as often as their burgeoning business in Atlanta allowed.

Giving back to the community she holds near and dear is second nature to Angela and the fruits of her generosity are enjoyed by all. Preserving, enriching, and beautifying this special place for generations to come is first and foremost in her heart, particularly if it benefits families and children. Generations of her family have enjoyed Highlands and she wants future generations to have the same opportunities.

Highlands business owner and County Commissioner James Tate, says, “Because I am a landscaper, my first thought of Angela Williams would immediately go to her affinity for flowers, but in reality, her appreciation for floriculture pales in comparison to her absolute love for the Highlands community. And, because of this love and her passion for philanthropic endeavors, every single resident of our town has, in one way or another, been blessed by the graciousness of her heart.”

Through the years she has generously contributed to numerous projects throughout town, the most visible being Main Street’s Old Edwards Inn, the world-class hotel and spa that has breathed new life into downtown and made us a year-round destination. Still, the projects she holds dearest and speaks most warmly about are all about families.

The retractable pool cover at the Rec Park swimming pool ensures that families have year-round access to a pool. The enclosure, coupled with an ultramodern timing system, has allowed our children a chance to swim competitively.

Ice skating is an activity that is practically synonymous with winter in Highlands and thanks to Mrs. Williams families can once again enjoy ice skating during winter at the skating rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The park itself is a beehive of family activities and her generosity to park renovations has helped make that possible.

The Peggy Crosby Center, the Literacy and Learning Center, Hudson Library, the Highlands Performing Arts Center, Highlands School, and Summit Charter School are among others that have all been recipients of her generosity.

And James Tate’s observation about her passion for floriculture?

It found its logical flowering in her absolute support for the Highlands Botanical Garden and its pavilion and walk. That beautiful emerald treasure, just two blocks from Main Street, is a priceless landmark for both residents and visitors.

Mrs. Williams is incredibly modest about the things she’s done throughout the community, so we’re going to have to turn to her friend Judy Michaud to give us a clearer picture, “There is something so special about Angela with her insight and determination for excellence in everything that she touches. This insight along with her selfless spirit recognizes a need and goes headfirst into finding a solution. It takes a particular grace, strength, intelligence, and courage to never take ‘no’ for an answer as she helps our community and the families of Highlands.”

Highlanders enjoy these generous gifts today, but future generations will benefit as well and that’s the vision Angela embraces. Her generous spirit and love of Highlands has enriched us all. by Mary Jane McCall