NCM July/Aug 2024

Author,

Coweta

TOPS NAMED IN 73 CATEGORIES

Coweta’s Top Docs (as voted by our readers)

Publishers C. Clayton Neely

Elizabeth C. Neely

Editor Jackie Kennedy

Creative Directors Sandy Hiser, Sonya Studt

Graphic Designer Erin Scott

Contributing Writers Joan Doggrell

Frances Kidd

Jennifer London

Susan Mayer Davis

Gail McGlothin

Caroline Nicholson

Photography Ken Benson

Misha Benson

Sandy Hiser

Jackie Kennedy

April McGlothin-Eller

Beth Neely

Advertising Manager Misha Benson

Multimedia Sales Specialist Caroline Nelson

Newnan-Coweta Magazine is published bi-monthly by The Newnan Times-Herald, Inc., 16 Jefferson Street, Newnan, GA 30263.

Newnan-Coweta Magazine is distributed in home-delivery copies of The Newnan Times-Herald and at businesses and offices throughout Coweta County

Wessels & Gerber, P.C. is a full-service real estate law firm focusing on providing top-notch assistance to our clients. From contract to close we are here to assist you with all phases of the transaction. Our expertise, innovative strategies and client-focused approach set us apart in our industry.

Serving Metro Atlanta and Middle Georgia with seven locations, we continually strive to provide exceptional service to our most valued assets, our clients.

51 Je erson Pkwy, Newnan, GA 30263

678-782-7422 | newnan@wesselsandgerber.com

JULY-AUGUST 2024

32 | Best of Coweta Winners Announced

Our annual Readers' Choice Awards keeps growing with more than 6,600 ballots cast and 73 categories voted on in our sixth edition of this popular contest. By Sonya Studt and Jackie Kennedy

57 | Stay close to home for travel-worthy dining

There's no need to travel abroad for world-class dining with Best of Coweta's top restaurants featuring Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisine. By Joan Doggrell

62 | Coweta's Top Docs

Four years in a row, three local physicians have been voted tops in their field by Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers. By Caroline Nicholson

70 | Reading Pat McKee

Just after publishing his second book, Coweta's Best Attorney, Pat McKee, also was voted as the county's Best Author. By Frances Kidd

➤ Cover Photo by Jackie Kennedy. Best of Coweta winners are announced and include, from left, Casey Tarpley, Lori Duncan and Doug Channell. See cover story on page 32 and Behind the Shot on page 14.

It’s that time again!

It’s Best of Coweta time!

Every year since 2019, our July-August issue has been designated as our Best of Coweta Issue. In it, we announce winners of the Best of Coweta Readers’ Choice Awards.

This year, we’ve had more categories, more awards and more ballots cast than ever!

With 73 categories, including new categories like Best Appetizer, we have more than 230 first, second and third place winners (due to several ties). And more than 6,600 ballots were cast by readers of Newnan-Coweta Magazine and The Newnan Times-Herald, proving a lot of Coweta residents take this contest seriously. We do, too.

Each year after our vote tabulation is done, we spend several weeks reaching out to businesses that win first place to inform them of their win and ask for a photograph or set up a time to take one. As far as legwork and mileage, this is the issue that has us pounding the pavement and putting the most miles on our cars.

But it’s so much fun! We meet new people, visit new and established businesses and, best of all, we get to share their good news with the community.

This issue is packed with a lot of that good news. Along with announcing our winners, see page 32, we also present articles featuring three of Coweta’s best doctors, see page 62, and a story on three of the most popular restaurants offering ethnic foods here, see page 57. For an article on a man who won both Best Attorney and Best Author this year, see “Reading Pat McKee” on page 70.

In addition, we introduce you to a pair of organizations that work hard to bring joy to others. Read about the Coweta Lovin’ Facebook group on page 26 and Kate’s Club on page 22.

On a recent trip to Boston with a pair of her best friends‚ Jackie Kennedy visited the Omni Parker House‚ where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier at Table 40. Jackie‚ right‚ and high school friend Willie Charpentier reenact the engagement with Jackie in Bouvier’s chair and Willie in JFK’s seat. The photo was taken by their mutual bestie‚ Charlotte Webb.

We also celebrate awards that Newnan-Coweta Magazine won in June at the annual Georgia Press Association convention in Jekyll Island, see page 78.

While we recognize multiple award winners in this issue, we are fully aware that there are plenty of other superb individuals, businesses and services throughout Coweta County that make our area respected and inviting. There’s simply not a category for everything that makes Coweta the best. How do you categorize Business with Exceptional Service, or Restaurant that Feeds LEOs for Free, or Resident Whose Love Lifts the Whole Community?

We know these unheralded individuals and businesses are out there, too, doing their thing, day-in, day-out. We see you. And we thank you.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and thank you for reading Newnan-Coweta Magazine.

Jackie Kennedy, Editor magazine@newnan.com

Joan Doggrell is retired from two professions: college English instructor and technical writer. She lives in Newnan with her husband and two hairy dogs.

Caroline Nicholson loves disappearing behind a book and falling into fictional worlds. She’s working toward her Master of Arts in English at the University of West Georgia and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in creative writing to become a college English and creative writing professor.

Susan Mayer Davis lives with husband Larry and rescue dog, Ginger. Now retired, she spends her time playing with her grandkids, baking bread, reading and occasionally writing pieces for Newnan-Coweta Magazine.

Jennifer London lives in Newnan with her daughter. The two use their travels as inspiration for stories they create with Jennifer writing and her daughter illustrating. Jennifer believes that everyone has a story to tell, and she loves being a freelance writer and meeting new people.

The Rev. April McGlothinEller is the director of Church and Community Engagement at Wellroot Family Services, a ministry of the United Methodist Church. In her free time, she fancies herself a musician, artist and photographer.

Frances Kidd is a Newnan native who spent most of her adult years working as a nonprofit and marketing consultant. Although she’s an avid traveler, she never lost her Southern accent. If she’s not in Georgia, you can find her out in the country in Italy.

Gail McGlothin is a nonprofit consultant and grant writer. When she’s not searching for starfish on the Oregon coast, kayaking, reading or playing board games with her grandchildren, she helps voters get government-issued picture IDs.

Bake Your Best Christmas Cookies

Newnan-Coweta Magazine announces its seventh annual Bake Your Best Christmas Cookie Contest with judging set for Sept. 20

We’ll have two categories this year: Traditional Cookies and Decorated Cookies.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category with one first place winner named Grand Prize Champion. Winners and their recipes will be featured in our November/ December Holiday issue!

Entrants must submit six to 12

cookies with the recipe and the entrant’s name, phone number and email address, plus the category they are entering: Traditional or Decorated.

All entries must be brought to Newnan-Coweta Magazine offices at 16 Jefferson Street in Newnan on Thursday, Sept. 19, between 2 and 5 p.m. or on Friday, Sept. 20, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.

An independent panel of judges will make their decisions based on cookie taste and appearance. Winners will be contacted the week after Sept. 20 and awarded a holiday gift basket packed with prizes from our generous local business sponsors.

Our Readers

Write:

Kudos on the last issue

Just saw the new edition (May-June 2024)! GREAT job! I think you and yours outperform each time. Hats off!

– Karl McMichael

Let Us Hear From You...

Send thoughts, ideas and suggestions to magazine@newnan.com.

Bad news and good news!

Sadly, a recipe (in “Treat Mom and Dad to recipes from new cookbook” in the May-June Newnan-Coweta Magazine/NCM) is incorrect. Surely I’m not the only one who has tried this recipe. I made the One Hundred Dollar Cake this afternoon for a small get-together. It looked so luscious in the magazine. Unfortunately, it was a flop. Someone forgot to add the flour to the recipe. I googled the recipe, and all of them said to add two cups of flour. Thanks, – Marcia Dees

From the editor: You’re right, Marcia, and you weren’t the only one to find our mistake!

The bad news: You and at least two more readers had cake fails, for which we sincerely apologize. The good news: The recipe is correct in our cookbook, “Coweta Cooks.” Also good news: Within three days of the magazine hitting mailboxes, Jill Hoffman and Donna Young had already tried our recipe and let us know about the omission of flour. If you ever doubt it, don’t –NCM is well-read.

Three of Coweta’s Best

Written by JACKIE KENNEDY

Photographed by MISHA BENSON and SANDY HISER

In this, our sixth year of holding the Newnan-Coweta Magazine Best of Coweta Readers’ Choice Awards‚ we decided to showcase three first place winners from various parts of Coweta County.

On our cover are Casey Tarpley‚ left‚ who owns and operates LeeGoodrum Pharmacy with his wife‚ Alison‚ in Newnan; Lori Duncan‚ center‚ owner of Blue Fern Merchant and Design Studio‚ formerly based in Newnan but now in Grantville; and Doug Channell‚ who with wife Ellen runs Wally Bee‘s Honey in Moreland. Actually‚ you‘ll see Wally Bee‘s all over Coweta County when the Channells set up their booth featuring their homegrown honey at area farmers markets. Wally Bee‘s Honey took first place in a brand new Best of Coweta category this year: Best Agribusiness/Farmers Market Vendor.

The Tarpleys are recognized throughout Newnan as the friendly faces who operate Lee-Goodrum Pharmacy‚ first place winner of Best Pharmacy for the past few years. Pharmacists play a special role in the lives of community families, and the Tarpleys are known for exemplifying the best a pharmacy can offer.

Lori Duncan’s Blue Fern Merchant and Design Studio has won first place as Best Design Studio for the past five years. Lori’s eye for detail and zeal for life come through in not only her interior design but in her overall personality. Invite her to a

magazine cover photoshoot‚ and you'll see how that works!

Asked to stand in the 2 p.m. sun in downtown Newnan on a hot June day‚ Casey, Doug and Lori didn’t grumble. In fact, they showed up wearing Fourth of July blue and sporting First Place grins.

But try to keep Lori Duncan still for a photoshoot? You’ll have your work cut out for you! Always on the go, this dynamic designer did rein in her constant energy long enough for a few shots that weren’t goofy and/or blurry, and that’s the shot you see on our cover.

On this page are a few other photos we took while herding these cats‚ I mean, Best of Coweta winners! NCM

Photo by Sandy Hiser

Who will appear behind these Best of Coweta badges next year?

Photo by Sandy Hiser

Casey Tarpley, left, behaves well while Lori Duncan and Doug Channell play the class clowns.

Photos by Misha Benson

Creative director Sandy Hiser‚ left‚ checks lighting while Lori Duncan and her backup band prepare for their photoshoot.

Editor Jackie Kennedy‚ at right‚ does her best to rein in this unruly bunch of cover models.

Never Miss a Magazine!

Local legislators visited the county to meet with Newnan-Coweta Chamber members in April. Sen. Matt Brass and Representatives Lydia Glaize, Josh Bonner and Lynn Smith talked about what they did in the latest legislative session.

More balanced representation at the State House?

BY LAURA CAMPER laura@newnan.com

Local leaders say redistricting has resulted in a larger and more diverse legislative delegation in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Two years ago, the county was carved into five districts, up from the former four state House districts. Republican Reps. David Jenkins, Lynn Smith and Josh Bonner were joined by Democratic Reps. Lydia Glaize and Mandisha Thomas in serving the county. Former Rep. Philip Singleton, also a

BY JEFFREY CULLEN-DEAN je rey@newnan.com

The Coweta Board of Commissioners approved its annual request for a grant to supply functional family therapy services through the Coweta County Juvenile Court. The grant would supply $108,727.92 to reduce youths in shortterm programs and commitments to the Department of Juvenile Justice. CCJC first applied for the grant in 2014 and has applied for it annually. According to the grant proposal, Coweta County has more than 33,000 youths who are currently at-risk of involvement or are already part of the therapists contracted through Grace Harbor work with families to improve communication and behavior. The sessions are conducted in groups with the child and at least one parent or guardian present. "The therapist can see what environmental changes could be made and help the family communicate with each other," she said. A lot of times, when a parent is talking at a child about something, the child will typically shut down, and nothing gets resolved. It's through FFT that they're taught to say, 'I don't want to talk about

P‘The Last Night in London’

Reviewed by GLENDA HARRIS

enned by best-selling author Karen White, “The Last Night in London” is an epic tale of two women, two time periods and one secret kept for over half a century.

White has written more than 20 novels, including her popular Tradd Street series set in Charleston. She lives in the Atlanta metro area, and most of her books are set in the Lowcountry or in small-town Georgia.

Her inspiration for writing “The Last Night in London” was drawn from her childhood memories of living there with her family. The home they lived in, known as the Harley House, survived the relentless eight-month-long bombing of London by the Nazis, known as the Blitz, during World War II.

As a child, White noticed that some of the windows of their home were different from the others. She was told they had been shattered during the Blitz.

“It was my first experience with living history, of being in tangible proximity to something so monumental,” said the author, noting that she knew one day she would “return to that flat and tell its story as I imagined it.”

Built in 1904, the Harley House through the years has accommodated servants, famous musicians and film stars and witnessed the unfolding of history and dramatic changes of the century. The home is a character in the story, helping to bring alive the historical aspects and to allow the reader a sense of the horror and destruction of the second World War.

Maddie Warner is a young journalist assigned to write a piece about Precious Dubose and her time in London as a fashion model during the war. The centenarian had a dear friend during the war years who was a model, but she lost touch with her and no one knows where she is or what happened to her. In the search for answers, Maddie, Precious and Colin, who is Precious’s nephew, become close and believe the mystery may be tied to memories and grief that Precious is reluctant to share.

This is a beautifully told story of family, historic events, mystery, friendship, betrayal and perseverance. Readers will love these characters and share in the determination to know what happens as the story gently comes to an unexpected conclusion. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, literary fiction and stories about family, friends and long-held secrets.

“Some gestures and heroic moments never make it into the history books,” Precious Dubose says in the story. “But that doesn't mean they didn't happen.”

“The Last Night in London,” by Karen White, was published in 2021; 462 pages; ★★★★★

Read a good book lately?

Share your favorite new read with Newnan-Coweta Magazine by writing a book review for possible publication in an upcoming issue. Keep your review at 200-300 words and please include the author’s name, page count and date of publication.

Send your review with your contact information to magazine@newnan.com or mail to Newnan-Coweta Magazine, 16 Jefferson St., Newnan, GA 30263.

To a Lucky Finder

The best thing I ever hid has yet to be found. It is hidden under a rock beneath a red pine at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where Lake Itasca flows north before elbowing south for its 2,000-plus mile journey to New Orleans.

My dad loved his mighty Mississippi as much as a man could love a thing of nature. Before he passed, we had the uncomfortable “last wishes” conversation. No one enjoys these talks and to be frank, I squirmed in my seat, silently pleading for any other outcome. My dad, renowned for his sharp storytelling, surprised me with his request: “Let’s put the fun back in funeral. For cripes sake, the word has fun built right into it!”

He wasn’t concerned about the venue as long as an Elvis impersonator kicked off the funeral with some Farrell fun. He wanted a place where there would be enough tables so we could all savor Harris pizzas (his favorite Iowa pizza) and drink malts from his beloved ice cream joint. A spot where we could swap stories and play Yahtzee, and a requested “no cry zone.”

His last wish? To spread his ashes at the headwaters of the Mississippi.

My dad was an avid collector of rocks and minerals. Growing up, I often fell asleep to the sound of the rock tumbler turning its muffled tunes. The bathroom boasted a stack of “Lapidary Journal” and “Rock and Quarry” magazines. Often, he would go hunting for geodes, which are deceivingly boring, gray, softball-sized orbs. But crack them open, and be bedazzled by a miniature city of crystals majestically soaring forth. The crystals can be clear, golden, rose or even purple; it's a rock not to be judged by its cover.

In a leap of luck, one of my best friends was venturing north near the headwaters. I eagerly accepted her offer to tag along, and with Dad’s ashes in tow, we began the road trip through towering pines, cattails and the haunting call of the loons.

After setting up camp, I rested my dad’s ashes on the picnic table while we played a round of Yahtzee – with each of us taking turns rolling in his honor and filling out his score. Of course, he won. He always won that game.

Afterwards, we cracked open his geodes, except for one, which I wrapped in the winning Yahtzee score sheet. I wrote a note of my own and sealed all of it in a Ziploc baggie and labeled it, “To a lucky finder.”

The headwaters is knee deep and about 18 feet wide with many large rocks to step on; I felt like a peg on a giant game board as I loped across the Mississippi River in under 20 steps. Wading a bit further, I released my dad’s ashes to the river he so loved. The water invited him to finally rest into the sandy unknown, and as his remains swirled in the ripples, an ashen tendril of dust rose up like a smoke signal, waving its goodbye to the earth – a propelled puff and a final farewell to all who loved him.

Thus, a scavenger hunt still awaits a lucky stranger as a happy hello to the legacy of my father. Fracturing open his last geode, I can only hope they will be blinded by its brilliance and surprised by its splendor.

Go forth and find. NCM

Minnesota made yet Newnan Strong, Faith Farrell is involved with Newnan Theatre Company and Backstreet Arts. Her artwork can be viewed at faithfarrellart.com.

West Georgia Wellness

Photography by Carlton Freeman

Our unique approach involves personalized supervision by our doctor and sta

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Ask your neighbors about us!

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2789 US-29, Moreland, GA 30259, just a 20 minute drive from Lake Redwine. www.morelandanimalhospital.com

Ask your neighbors about us!

Ask your neighbors about us!

2789 US-29, Moreland, GA 30259, just a 20 minute drive from Lake Redwine. www.morelandanimalhospital.com

2789 US-29, Moreland, GA 30259, just a 20 minute drive from Lake Redwine. www.morelandanimalhospital.com

2789 US-29, Moreland, GA 30259, just a 20 minute drive from Lake Redwine. www.morelandanimalhospital.com

LASER & MAGNA WAVE

LASER & MAGNA WAVE

Kate’s Club

MEETING GRIEF

WHERE IT’S GREATEST

Written by JENNIFER LONDON

Photographed by KATE'S CLUB

Kate’s Club is a nonprofit with a clear mission: To empower children and teens, their families, and young adults facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver or someone important to them.

Founded in metro Atlanta, Kate’s Club serves children ages 5 to 18 and is now in 16 counties throughout Georgia, including Coweta. The nonprofit offers services and programs at their four clubhouse locations with meetings held in-person and virtually. The services are also available in some school systems.

Kate’s Club came to Newnan in 2019 when Ruth Scott, mental health coordinator for Coweta County School System, brought the group in for training with school counselors. Currently, 14 schools around Coweta County have Kate’s Club programs.

“We’re incredibly happy to be in Newnan and in Coweta County,” says Lisa Aman, executive director for Kate's Club. “There's a great need.”

Aman explains the club follows the child bereavement estimation model, which combines information from the Centers for Disease Control and public health data.

Megan Crawford Tyburski, whose father died when she was 19, is the Newnan coordinator of Kate’s Club and eager to talk with people about grief.

“A lot of times those kids don’t have resources,” says Tyburski. “They’re kind of lost in the middle, so Kate’s Club is a way for them to connect.”

Parent Tia Eaddy and her son have been members of Kate’s Club for close to a year. Tia expresses appreciation for the welcoming and safe space that helps them share their thoughts and feelings.

“I appreciate the different activities that Kate’s Club incorporates regularly during Family Nights and

“The thing about grief is that it’s so isolating, which it shouldn't be. ”

Clubhouse days,” says Eaddy. “These activities allow families to think of ways to continue to remember our loved ones, express our feelings, and focus on trying to be in a healthy mental and physical space. My son looks forward to going to each session and has been able to bond with other children from Kate’s Club. I also appreciate how I've been able to connect and build support networks with Kate’s Club families.”

Eaddy encourages anyone with children who grieve the loss of a loved one to get connected with Kate’s Club.

Kate’s Club Newnan Clubhouse meets at SouthCrest Church, at 365 International Park, and parents and caregivers have the option to attend Park Bench, a group just for them.

“We want parents to have support just as we want the kids to have support,” says Tyburski. “It’s the education piece and also the community piece. This is one place parents can let it out and connect with other people who actually get what they’re going through.”

According to Aman, “The No. 1 indicator by far – there’s not even a close second – for a child’s ability to process their grief in a healthy way is the surviving caregiver’s ability to process their grief.”

- Lisa Aman

Kate’s Club works to make talking about grief easier for kids and their parents.

“The thing about grief is that it’s so isolating, which it shouldn’t be,” says Aman. “That’s a cultural issue, right? Kate’s Club tries to change the conversation, kind of from an advocacy and education perspective. That’s why we do so much training in school systems to get teachers and school counselors to get more comfortable with grief and to recognize it in kids.”

It’s important for families and children to know that it’s OK to grieve, to have fun, be angry, to feel guilty, and it’s OK to feel relief, according to Aman.

“There are a lot of big feelings that come with grief, and a lot of what we talk about is that they’re all OK,” says Aman. “They’re all part of you as an individual, and we try to help provide you with tools to work your way through all of those feelings and to understand why they exist and to know – Guess what? – the kid sitting next to me has the same set of feelings.”

Stephanie Ruff, mother of daughters Sydney and Simone, says her family has found comfort and support from gathering with other families going through the difficulty of losing a loved one.

are designed to give kids a chance to talk if they want to.

“It helps my girls understand that they are not alone and there are other kids that are just like them,” says Ruff. “For me as a parent, I am able to socialize with other caregivers and have a safe place to express our ups and downs on this journey of grief.”

Miranda Hults says Kate’s Club has helped her and her daughter Avery find a community of people who understand and know exactly how they feel.

“Avery has so many new friends thanks to Kate’s Club,” says Hults. “It’s given us a sense of belonging.”

Abby’s Angels founder Natalie Bacho played a pivotal role in getting Kate’s Club into Newnan, according to Tyburski, who says, “Natalie makes sure we have what we need to be in Newnan.”

While Kate’s Club does not offer therapy, it’s certainly therapeutic, according to Tyburski.

“This is group-based, it’s recreational, it’s therapeutic, and we build community and coping skills,” she says. “We make this fun and enjoyable. Sometimes we’re going to talk about some hard things, but you’re going to have fun doing it.”

It’s not the club anyone wants to be a member of, but it’s a good thing it’s available for those who need it, according to Aman, who says the group’s biggest challenge is raising awareness: “A lot of families don’t know about us, and grief is hard to talk about.”

To learn more, visit katesclub.org. NCM

Discussing grief begins to come natural to children after they realize they’re not the only kids who’ve lost a loved one.

RIGHT

Kate’s Club welcomes any and all who have lost a family member or close friend to death.

Coweta ’ Lovin

‘NOTHING SAYS LOVIN’ LIKE SOMETHING FROM THE OVEN!’

Written by SUSAN MAYER DAVIS | Photos courtesy of COWETA LOVIN’

There’s a specialness to Coweta County that many of us sense in our daily lives, even if we can’t quite put a finger on it.

To many, it’s a sense of caring, of being appreciated and welcomed. There are many organizations in our community that exemplify this loving attitude in thoughts, words and deeds. One of them even has “lovin’” in its name: Coweta Lovin’.

A grassroots effort, the local group is not a church organization, although many members are churchgoers from a variety of backgrounds. The group is not a registered nonprofit, although they certainly make no profit from their good deeds.

ABOVE

From left,

Smith and Joanie

celebrate Smitty’s new dental work, which Coweta Lovin’ raised funds for to make happen. The trio are shown at a fundraiser for Angel’s House, where Smith stopped by to take part in the fundraiser in order to “pay it forward” as his way of expressing appreciation for Coweta Lovin.’

RIGHT Beverley Ramirez and Vicky Palmer take charge of the Coweta Lovin’ tent for a bake sale in 2022 to help a local family purchase a needed medical device.

Beverley Ramirez, Steven “Smitty”

Clepper

All members volunteer their time, effort and contributions, although none of them are required to attend meetings or take part in any particular project.

However, when a project is announced on social media by Beverley Ramirez, the group’s organizer and unofficial leader, there’s typically plenty of response from volunteers.

With more than 400 members on the roster, Coweta Lovin’ gets things done with big help from its core group, which includes Joanie Clepper, Jill Springer, Rhonda Adams and Vicky Palmer, according to Ramirez.

So, the name “Coweta Lovin’” is cute, but how did it come to be?

The idea came alive for Ramirez, the wife of a firefighter, in 2002 during the one-year anniversary of 9-11. She was concerned for firefighters who would mourn

their fallen brothers and sisters who perished in the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks.

While thinking that these brave souls needed “a little lovin’ on,” as we say in the South, she came up with the homespun idea of baking a batch of brownies and buying a gallon of milk to take to County 4 fire station in Moreland where her husband Sonny worked. It was an instant success.

This continued for almost two decades. And then, in 2021, Ramirez asked others if they would like to bake brownies for all 16 county fire stations and the four city stations. The response was inspiring, and soon the project snowballed to include goodies for more than 1,000 police officers and other public service workers.

The brownie tradition continues annually each fall, and Coweta Lovin’ also takes packs of cookies to local Veterans clubs and other military groups. Leftovers are frozen and sent to active duty members of the Armed Forces, according to Ramirez.

Coweta Lovin’ members are mostly women with a few men who love to bake on the list, so it’s no wonder that the group’s favorite and most successful fundraisers are bake sales. Money from the sales helps within the community, like in 2021 when funds were used to help those devastated by the spring EF-4 tornado.

Upcoming projects include raising money to expand a graveyard for service dogs, a project aimed at benefiting all local police and sheriff’s officers, the annual 9-11 delivery of cookies and brownies to Coweta’s civil servants, and a Veterans Day event.

Not all of their projects are aimed at public organizations, however. When one of the members

“There are fundraisers that just about anyone can support either by baking or buying the delicious products. Everyone wins.”

– Beverley Ramirez

learned of a neighbor with cancer who needed help, the group gathered assistance of all kinds for her and her family.

“We take this ‘loving’ thing seriously,” says Ramirez. “We want this to be a county where we care for one another in any way we can. There are some women who love to bake for others but can’t afford the ingredients, so we make sure they have what they need to participate. We have all ages participating and always welcome more.”

Ramirez says she’d like to see the popularity of bake sales revived.

“There are fundraisers that just about anyone can support either by baking or buying the delicious products,” she says. “Everyone wins.”

To join Coweta Lovin’ or support their efforts, join their Facebook page. NCM

LEFT

Joy Lander, daughter of Coweta Lovin’ member Rebecca Trued Lander, gets in on the fun of giving by delivering goodies to Senoia Police.

What is the reason behind our company’s long-standing success? The people who are committed, every day, to enhancing our process are who make Hero great. Henry Ford once asked, “who is smarter, the man who started the business, or the man who finds the right people to help him grow it?” We are humbled and grateful for the team of people who are dedicated to this vision, and strive to grow it, with just as deep a passion and desire to change lives. That might sound overly glorified for a roofing company, but, that’s the difference in Hero Roofing. 21 TOWER PLACE, NEWNAN, GA 30263 • 833-321-4376 • YOURROOFHERO.COM

Kayla Brooke’s Bark ‘n Board

Thank you to our staff for their hard work & dedication!

What to Expect

• 38 acres

• Kennels with indoor & outdoor access

• Quiet country setting

• Owners live on-site

• Later hours for drop-offs & pick-ups 83 Bear Creek Road

• 8 acres

• Doggy pool for hot days

• Conveniently located to Senoia & Peachtree City

• Manager living on-site

• Earlier hours for drop-offs & pick-ups

Kayla Brooke’s Bark ‘n Board is a fun and safe canine haven offering overnight dog boarding and doggy daycare. We primarily serve Coweta and Fayette county areas and are located approximately 40 miles south of the airport. With two locations to serve you, Moreland and Senoia, every guest is part of our family!

Our primary goal is to make your pet’s time away from home stress-free and fun! We also have a lot of experience with rescue pets that may need more attention or special accommodations.

SENOIA

Best of Coweta Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers vote for their favorites

Newnan-Coweta

Magazine readers set yet another record this year, casting more than 6,600 ballots in our sixth annual Best of Coweta Readers’ Choice Awards.

Since the reader-voted contest started in 2019, participation has grown each year with more and more votes coming in from residents supporting their favorite businesses, services, products and providers.

Along with our advertisers, who make the Best of Coweta issue possible, we heartily thank our annual Best of Coweta sponsor, Coweta-Fayette EMC, who works with us each year to support community and economic development via this annual shoutout to local businesses.

First, second and third place winners are presented on the following pages.

Compiled and Written by SONYA STUDT and JACKIE KENNEDY

Photographed by MISHA BENSON and JACKIE KENNEDY

Best Appetizer Meat ’N’ Greet

11 Jefferson Street‚ Newnan 770.683.4664 • meatngreetnewnan.com

27 Jackson Street‚ Newnan • 770.683.7512 facebook.com/christy.baucom27

For a hearty breakfast and yummy lunch‚ Cowetans turn to Christy's Cafe where‚ from left‚ Lisa Devane‚ owner Christy Crosier and Savanna Arrington are ready to serve you.

Second Café 1485, Newnan Third Redneck Gourmet, Newnan

In this category’s first year‚ Meat ’N’ Greet takes home the top spot for their amazing appetizers‚ including their 3 Fried Amigos‚ presented here by Amy Murphy and Katya Lewis.

Second The Cellar Chophouse and Bays, Newnan Third Knife and Stone, Newnan

Best Pizza Karvelas Pizza Co.

7 LaGrange Street‚ Newnan 678.633.5620 • karvelaspizzaco.com

Best Southern Food Goldens on the Square

9 East Court Square‚ Newnan 770.251.4300 • goldensonthesquare.com

Serving up Southern food that inspires‚ Goldens on the Square is a hit with its customers. From left are Goldens’ Marilyn Brown‚ Maridee Wise and Marceil Ousley.

Second Shirley’s Country Kitchen, Newnan Third Fried Tomato Buffet, Newnan

Serving Coweta's premium pizza are, from left, front: Katie Norton, Christina Garcia and Abram Barnes. Back: Brennan de Graaff, Kevin Morales and Meghan Carrol.

Second Fabiano’s, Newnan Third Partners II Pizza, Newnan

Best Burger Meat ’N’ Greet

Best Wings Karvelas Pizza Co.

7 LaGrange Street‚ Newnan 678.633.5620 • karvelaspizzaco.com

Karvelas took the top spot in our first year of having a category for Best Wings.

Second HJ Wings & Things, Newnan Third Fabiano’s, Newnan

11 Jefferson Street‚ Newnan 770.683.4664 • meatngreetnewnan.com

Among the tasty burgers at Meat ’N’ Greet is its Textbook Burger‚ presented here by staff members‚ from left, Ronnie Henson‚ Katya Lewis‚ Heidi Vrabel and Joel Rolon.

Second Redneck Gourmet, Newnan Third Nic & Norman’s, Senoia

Best BBQ

The Oink Joint

Best Steak

Grayson’s Steak & Seafood

91 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard‚ Newnan 770.252.2237 • graysonsnewnan.com

Known for the best steak around is Grayson’s. Its staff‚ from left to right‚ includes Jacob Harrison‚ Juliet Turlington‚ Grayson’s owner Leonard Guillaume‚ Tavia Dillon‚ Madison Fisher and Scott Wetzstein.

Second Knife and Stone, Newnan Third The Cellar, Newnan

9 East Washington Street‚ Newnan 770.755.7999 • theoinkjointnewnan.com

Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers vote The Oink Joint as their favorite destination for barbecue in Coweta County.

Second Dunc’s BBQ, Newnan Third Sprayberry’s, Newnan

FOOD & DRINK

Best Italian Food Mama Lucia’s

80 Newnan Station Drive‚ Newnan

770.253.2501 • mama-lucias.net

Mama Lucia’s took this year’s top spot for Italian cooking. Celebrating their win are‚ from left‚ Joshua Wimmer‚ Camille Balboa‚ Sasha Brewer‚ Tavia Dillon‚ owner Leonard Guillaume and Harley Dover.

Second Il Porto di Venezia, Senoia

Third Borgo Italia, Senoia

Best Mexican Food Los Abuelos Mexican Grill

125 Newnan Crossing Bypass‚ Newnan

770.683.1334 • losabuelosmexgrill.com

Celebrating their win for Best Mexican Food are Los Abuelos owners/managing partners Miguel Bebolla‚ left‚ and Tito Gonzales.

Second Chylacas, Newnan

Third Señor Taco, Senoia

Best Sushi Garlic Thai

Best Asian Food Garlic Thai

16 North Court Square‚ Newnan • 770.683.7515 facebook.com/garlic-thai-and-sushi-bar

The staff at Garlic Thai serve Coweta’s top-rated Asian food‚ from left‚ front: Manoch Klong‚ Malatee Maethalong and Sakidna Insonjai. Back: Razz Andresen‚ Akapan Tamchan‚ Pattharaned Inthamart‚ Orawan Kamon‚ Rudy Hermansyah and Jose Arbey Gutierrez Jimenez.

Second Dynasty, Newnan

Third Tomo Japanese Restaurant, Newnan

16 North Court Square‚ Newnan • 770.683.7515 facebook.com/garlic-thai-and-sushi-bar

Along with gaining local fame as the area’s best Asian food restaurant‚ Garlic Thai is named by our readers as the go-to spot for sushi, too.

Second Tomo Japanese Restaurant, Newnan

Third Go Juu Sushi & Hibachi Asian Fusion Restaurant, Newnan

Best Cocktail Meat ’N’ Greet

11 Jefferson Street‚ Newnan

770.683.4664 • meatngreetnewnan.com

Best Sweets & Treats Rock Salt Milk Bar

8 East Washington Street‚ Newnan 770.683.3578 • rocksaltmilkbar.com

Rock Salt Milk Bar delights customers all-year round with its homemade ice cream treats and cookies. Representing the best spot for sweets are‚ from left‚ Cynthia Hendricks, Blake Phillips‚ Samantha Bond and Sydnie Kee.

Second Heirloom Donuts, Newnan

Third Cakes by Debbie, Newnan

Among the delectable cocktails at Meat ’N’ Greet are cocktails presented by Cam Fisher‚ left‚ with Newnan-Made and Amber Poole with Aviation.

Second The Cellar Chophouse and Bays, Newnan

Third The Pharmacy, Newnan Best Bar/Pub

19 West Court Square‚ Newnan 770.683.2526 • thealamonewnan.com

Voted Coweta's Best Bar or Pub is The Alamo. Ready to serve are, from left, Anya Seeton, Brett Murphy, Brittney McElwaney, Cody Kelly and Eli McElwaney.

Second RPM Full Service, Newnan

Third The Cellar Chophouse and Bays, Newnan Best Brewery/Distillery

18 Savannah Street‚ Newnan 770.755.6734 • linecreekbrewing.com

Line Creek Brewing/The Reserve offers top-notch suds and an awesome atmosphere‚ making it Coweta’s top pick for local breweries.

Second Abide Brewing, Newnan

Third Senoia Beer Company, Senoia

FOOD & DRINK / SHOPPING

Best Food Truck

The Mad Mexican

Best Catering Service Life of the South Catering

6 Lee Street‚ Newnan • 770.683.5623 lifeofthesouthcatering.com

Celebrating their win as Coweta’s favorite catering service are, from left‚ seated: Owner Nathan Metts‚ Jen Martin and Ashley Luke. Standing: Levi Jarrell and Sean Seyler.

Second Food for Thought Catering, Newnan

Third The Mad Mexican, Newnan

2 East Court Square‚ Newnan • 770.683.9545 themadmex.com/mad-menu

Mexican food served on wheels ranks at the top of Coweta’s favorite food truck list. Visit the food truck around and about, or at the restaurant on Court Square in downtown Newnan.

Second Jalapeño Express BBQ Food Truck, Newnan

Third Alley’s Barbecue, Newnan

Best Overall Restaurant Meat ’N’ Greet

11 Jefferson Street‚ Newnan 770.683.4664 • meatngreetnewnan.com

Voted Coweta’s top restaurant for the sixth year in a row‚ Meat ’N’ Greet takes nothing for granted as they continue to provide top quality food and drink‚ service and atmosphere in downtown Newnan. Enjoying the win are, from left‚ Jessica Connelly‚ Margaret Sanders‚ Tommy Greene‚ Amy Murphy and Elisa Sanders.

Second The Cellar Chophouse and Bays, Newnan Third Knife and Stone, Newnan

Best Antique/Vintage Store

Rockin’ B Antiques

2025 Sharpsburg McCollum Road‚ Newnan 770.253.8730 • rockinbantiques.com

Celebrating Rockin’ B Antiques’ first place win are‚ from left‚ front‚

Kathy Grant and owner Lorraine Beckman. Back: Nikki Griffin Olive‚ James Tucker and Valorie Stitt.

Second Treasures Lost & Found, Newnan

Third Red Letter Merchant, Newnan

14 North Court Square‚ Newnan 770.253.2720 • morganjewelersnewnan.com

The professional staff at Morgan Jewelers in downtown Newnan includes‚ from left‚ Taylor Throgmorton‚ Amy Harrelson‚ Jeff Morgan‚ Traci Neely and Bridget Kee.

Second Hubbell Proctor Design, Newnan Third Morgan’s at White Oak, Newnan

Celebrating their win for Best Apparel Shop are Ellie Mack representatives Cathy Duncan‚ Sophey Sowell‚ Owner Katie Capshaw‚ Christy Kelley and Kristie Chandler.

Second Blue Moon Boutique, Newnan

Third Gillyweeds, Newnan

5 Greenville Street‚ Newnan 678.326.3995 • ellieroobaby.com

Rachel Hornsby offers all-things-baby at Ellie+Roo Baby Boutique in downtown Newnan.

Second M+G Marketplace, Newnan

Third Pink Flamingo Kids, Newnan

Second

SHOPPING/ENTERTAINMENT

Best Furniture/Home Decor Store

Knox Home Furnishings

75 Greenville Street‚ Newnan • 770.253.4040 • knoxfurn.com

Owner Mark Knox and his daughter‚ Sara Knox Rund‚ celebrate their First Place win for supplying Coweta with furnishing needs at their family-owned and -operated business.

Second Newnan Mercantile, Newnan

Third Christopher Ryan Home Furnishings, Newnan

Best Agribusiness/Farmers Market Vendor Wally Bee’s Honey

Moreland • 678.641.4797 • FB: Wally Bees Honey

Beekeepers for 20 years‚ Ellen and Doug Channell of Wally Bee’s Honey take first place in this new category for Best Ag Business/Farmers Market in Coweta County.

Second Country Gardens Farm, Newnan

Third 180º Farm, Sharpsburg

Third Whitley Farms, Sharpsburg

Best Local Band/Musician

Doug Kees

48 Spring Street‚ Newnan • 770.252.7900 musicologynewnan.com • dougkees.com

Best Plant Nursery/Greenhouse Coweta Greenhouses/ Morgan’s Market

81 Oaklawn Circle‚ Newnan • 770.251.3040 cowetagreenhouses.com • morgansmarket.com

Helping serve the nursery/greenhouse needs for numerous Coweta residents are‚ from left‚ Rosemary Bryan‚ Chase Hanner‚ Lori Strange‚ Joel Harris‚ Piper Hines‚ Mark Taylor‚ Samantha Smith and Wendy Hawkins.

Second Southern Roots Nursery, Newnan

Third Breaking Ground Nursery, Newnan

A local performer and music teacher whose musical influence spreads far past county lines‚ Doug Kees remains Coweta's favorite local musician for the sixth year in a row.

Second Mary Martin Music, Newnan

Third Kris Youmans Band, Newnan

Best Live Music Venue

The Cellar

Chophouse and Bays

20 Jefferson Street, Newnan 770.683.6328 • thecellarnewnan.com

The Cellar and The Bays are known throughout Coweta as the go-to spot for live music‚ whether on weekends or weeknights.

Second The Alamo, Newnan Third Line Creek The Reserve, Newnan

Best Local Visual Artist

David Boyd Jr.

14 East Washington Street‚ Newnan 678.361.8909 • theboydgallery.com

David Boyd Jr. shares his own art – as well as that of others –at David Boyd Jr. Gallery-Studio in downtown Newnan.

Second Corner Arts Gallery, Newnan Third Fine Lines Art & Framing, Newnan

David Boyd Jr. Gallery-Studio, Newnan 678.361.8909 • theboydgallery.com

David Boyd Jr.’s art has grown strong through the years and is well respected by art enthusiasts and fellow artists throughout the state.

Second Martin Pate, Newnan

Third Sara Starnes Arnall, Newnan

Best Local Author

Pat McKee

19 Spring Street‚ Newnan 470.400.1562 • patmckeeauthor.com

Pat McKee’s follow-up‚ “Ariel’s Image‚” to his first novel‚ “Ariel’s Island‚” debuted in May with a third novel in the trilogy to follow.

Second Angela McCrae, Newnan Third Steve Quesinberry, Newnan

Best NCM Feature of 2023

Second ‘Celebrate: Cowetans Celebrate the Holidays with Family Traditions,’ by Jennifer London‚ Nov/Dec 2023

Best Community Actor Allison Yost

Newnan Theatre Company

‘65 Things You May or May Not Know About Alan Jackson’

September/October 2023

Written by Jackie Kennedy‚ ‘65 Things’ was the cover story of NCM’s Sept-Oct Music Issue. The article celebrated the Newnan native/country music superstar’s 65th birthday in October.

Third ‘Bake Your Best Christmas Cookie Contest,’ by Jackie Kennedy‚ Nov/Dec 2023

Newnan Theatre Company • 24 First Avenue‚ Newnan 770.683.6282 • newnantheatre.org

Allison Yost‚ of Palmetto‚ has appeared in numerous Newnan Theatre Company productions‚ including “Steel Magnolias‚” “Dracula‚” “Rocky Horror Picture Show‚” and “They Came from Mars and Landed Outside of the Farndale Avenue Church.”

Second Joe Arnotti, Newnan Theatre Company & Newnan Shakes‚ Newnan

Third Emily Kimbell, Newnan Theatre Company‚ Newnan

Third Maria Aparis, Newnan Theatre Company‚ Newnan

Best Outdoor Recreation

Carl Miller Park

74 Sewell Road‚ Newnan • 770.683.5516 newnanutilities.org/park-information.html

Best Family Entertainment Junction Lanes

141 Newnan Station Drive‚ Newnan 770.683.2695 • junctionlanes.com

Along with bowling, Junction Lanes offers bumper cars, arcade games, climbing walls and more.

Second Black Bear Axe Throwing, Newnan Third Allaroundkaraoke & Audio Services, Turin

Owned by Newnan Utilities and open to the public‚ the park features pavilions for groups of up to 150 people, a walking/ jogging trail‚ preschool and elementary playgrounds and a Kids Castle playground‚ a splash pad‚ picnic tables and charcoal grills.

Second LINC Trail, Newnan

Third Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Newnan

Best Massage Therapist

Best Spa

Emily’s Skin Care & Spa

35 Jackson Street‚ Newnan 770.262.6233 • emilysskincarespa.com

Owner and esthetician Emily Mitchell‚ center‚ celebrates her win for Best Spa with‚ from left, bottom row: Ava Taylor‚ Jessie Duncan; middle: Nicole Travers‚ Alec Harper; back: Neely Moore and Lauren Wertz.

Second Plumyumi Day Spa, Senoia Third Thérapie, Newnan

France Campbell Nature & Nurture

13 Augusta Drive‚ Newnan • 612.229.2719 facebook.com/FranceCampbellmassage/

Peace and relaxation are the benefits you’ll find when visiting France Campbell at Nature & Nurture‚ her business in downtown Newnan.

Second Jennifer Dziedzic at Sea Glass Therapy, Newnan

Third Ute Anonsen at True Balance Center, Newnan

BEAUTY & FITNESS / SERVICES

Best Nail Salon Glam Nails

Best Hair Salon Twinology Salon & Spa

41 D Newnan Station Drive‚ Newnan 678.850.0929 • facebook.com/Twinologysalon

Coweta’s Best Hair Salon‚ as voted by readers of Newnan-Coweta Magazine‚ is Twinology Salon & Spa‚ represented here by owners Stormy Owens‚ left‚ and Stasha Smith.

Second The Opal Room, Newnan Third Hair Society of Newnan, Newnan

127 Fischer Crossings Boulevard, Sharpsburg

770.755.9352 • glamnailssharpsburg.com

For Coweta’s best manicures‚ pedicures and more‚ Glam Nails was voted tops by our readers.

Second Cozy Nails & Spa, Newnan Third Waterscape Nails & Spa, Sharpsburg

Best Barber Shop The Barber’s House of Handsome (HOH)

285 Temple Avenue, Suite D, Newnan 678.552.9111 • facebook.com/teamhoh

Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers ranked Barber’s House of Handsome tops in its category. Representatives are‚ from left‚ front‚ Oliver West‚ co-owner John Mira and Lauren Wright. Back: Jamie Gray‚ co-owner Leo Paraense‚ Aubrei McLean and Kim Evans.

Second Barbers on the Boulevard, Newnan Third The Barber Shop of Newnan, Newnan

Best Home Repair/Remodeling

Lichty Building Group

770 Greison Trail‚ Suite B‚ Newnan 770.400.0057 • lichtybuildinggroup.com

For the area’s best in home repair and remodeling projects‚ Lichty Building Group is up for the task‚ no matter how big or small. Lichty representatives are‚ from left‚ Bill Owens‚ Becky Moore‚ Daniel Lichty‚ Megan Lichty and TJ Wilkerson.

Second Warrior Restoration, Newnan

Third PENCO Restoration, Sharpsburg

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Second Eagle Watch Roofing, Newnan

Third Fire Department Roofing, Newnan

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Best Attorney Pat McKee

Law Office of Patrick McKee

19 Spring Street‚ Newnan

470.400.1562 • mckeelaw.com

Pat McKee‚ attorney-at-law‚ provides a broad spectrum of services at his Newnan firm.

Second J. Ryan Brown - J. Ryan Brown Law, Newnan

Second John Cunningham - Thompson, Wallin & Cunningham, Newnan

Second Walter Arnall - Walter W. Arnall LLC, Newnan

Third Dalton Trammell - Trammell & White, Newnan

Best Auto Body Shop Bypass Body Shop

366 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard‚ Newnan 770.251.2022 • bypassbodyshop.net

Representing Bypass Body Shop are‚ from left‚ seated: Jennifer Barrera and Megan Miller. Standing: Donna Hart‚ owners Jeff and Laurel Duncan‚ Kelly Reese and Teri King.

Second Newnan Auto Body & Glass, Newnan

Third Joe Griffin Body & Paint Shop, Newnan Best Financial Advisor Brett L. Moore

44 Perry Street‚ Newnan • 770.400.5522 rbmwealthmanagement.com

For Coweta’s best in financial advice and management, Brett Moore is at the top of Coweta's list.

Second Ashley Stapleton - Edward Jones, Newnan

Third Nicholas Krajniak - RBM Wealth Management, Newnan

Third Tim Higgins - Higgins & Smith, Newnan

Best Local Photographer Kayla Duffey Photography

706.977.0904 • newnanphotographer.com

Kayla Duffey is known throughout Coweta County for her thoughtful photography.

Second Kimberly Minor Photography, Newnan Third Bob Shapiro, Newnan

Florist Arthur Murphey Florist

6 LaGrange Street‚ Newnan 770.253.5424 • arthurmurpheyflorist.com

A six-time winner in the Best Florist category‚ Arthur Murphey Florist is represented by Mac Murphey‚ left‚ and Hutch Murphey III.

Second Flowers by Freddie, Newnan Third Bedazzled Flower Shop, Sharpsburg

20 Perry Street‚ Newnan • 347.229.8680 • atelier20perry.com

Jessica Dixon Majka is at the helm of Atelier 20 Perry where yoga‚ pilates‚ dance and meditation are on tap at Coweta’s top-rated yoga studio.

Second Sea Glass Therapy, Newnan

Third The Yoga Kula Collective, Newnan Third True Balance Center, Newnan

38 Greenville Street, Newnan • 770.253.5018 • newnanps.org

Voted tops for child care are Newnan Presbyterian Preschool representatives‚ from left‚ Barbara Kookogey‚ director; Jill Green‚ attendance and records administrator; and Karen Geeter‚ assistant director.

Second First Baptist Church of Newnan, Newnan

Third All Stars Academy, Newnan

Best Pet Groomer

Best Children’s Dance Studio Steppin’ Out Performing Arts

Georgia

36 Madison Street, Newnan 770.683.1163 • steppinoutpaga.com

Steppin’ Out co-owners Linsdey Archer‚ left, and Cassie Jackson take first place for children’s dance studio in our Readers’ Choice Awards.

Second Kyle Khan Studios, Newnan Third Star Dance Studio, Newnan

Doggy Style Grooming

184 Greenville Street S‚ Newnan • 678.629.2534 facebook.com/doggystylegroomingsalon/

Maybelle‚ the shop dog‚ joins in the celebration of winning first place for pet grooming with Doggy Style staff members‚ from left‚ Taryn Adcock‚ Amber Cooper‚ owner Danielle Sivell‚ Kaylee Sivell and Tiffany Sivell.

Second The Grooming Cottage, Newnan

Third U Dirty Dog, Newnan

Best Pet Boarding

Kayla Brooke’s Bark ’n Board

83 Bear Creek Road, Moreland • 706.397.7328 1186 Rockaway Road, Senoia • 678.671.1006 kbrookeboarding.com

For overnight dog boarding and doggy daycare‚ visit either of Kayla Brooke’s Bark ’N Board’s two locations‚ served by‚ from left‚ Patrick Mehan‚ Angela Mehan‚ Kayla Nordlund and Cory Nordlund.

Second Georgia Canine, Grantville Third U Dirty Dog, Newnan

Best Veterinary Hospital/Clinic

Moreland Animal Hospital

2789 Highway 29 South‚ Moreland 770.755.6633 • morelandanimalhospital.com

Dr. Nicole Andrews welcomes pets – and their people – to Moreland Animal Hospital.

Second Sweetwater Animal Hospital, Palmetto

Third Crossroads Animal Hospital, Newnan

Third Dogwood Veterinary Hospital, Newnan

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Best Pediatrician

Best Internal Medicine/General Practitioner

Dr. Stan Smith

Piedmont Healthcare

2401 Newnan Crossing Boulevard E‚ Suite 200‚ Newnan 770.400.7700 • doctors.piedmont.org

According to Piedmont Healthcare’s Dr. Stan Smith‚ center‚ his “two right hands” are Lashunda McCullough‚ left‚ and Cynthia Ross-Finney.

Second Dr. Mary Lane - Piedmont Healthcare, Sharpsburg

Third Dr. Sean Miles - Miles Family Medicine, Newnan

Dr. J. Edwyn Carter

Piedmont Healthcare

189 Jefferson Parkway‚ Newnan • 770.304.2220 • doctors.piedmont.org

For the fourth year in a row‚ Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers voted Dr. J. Edwyn Carter‚ of Piedmont Healthcare‚ as Coweta’s best pediatrician.

Second Dr. Regina Justice - Just Us Kids Pediatrics, Newnan

Third Dr. Jill Dickerson - Vibrant Kids, Newnan

Best Women’s Health

Dr.

Kristie Dyson

Southern Crescent Women's HealthCare

775 Poplar Road, Suite 210‚ Newnan • 770.991.2200 • scwhobgyn.com

Dr. Kristie Dyson has earned a reputation for exceptional service while providing care at Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare.

Second Dr. Heide Moeling - Piedmont, Newnan

Third Dr. Heather Turner - Southern Crescent, Newnan

Best General Dentistry Coweta Dentistry

56 Jefferson Street‚ 15 Ruth Drive and 203 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard‚ Newnan 770.253.2802 • cowetadentistry.com

Ensuring the needs of dental patients are met in a professional and peaceful manner are Coweta Dentsitry professionals‚ from left‚ Courtney Minix‚ Mia Allen and Amanda Costello.

Second Yancey Dental, Newnan

Third Stiehl Dental, Newnan

Best Eye Care

Carr Eye Care

1065 Sullivan Road‚ Suite C‚ Newnan 770.254.9997 • carreyecare.com

The staff at Carr Eye Care invites clients to a warm‚ comfortable atmosphere when entrusting your vision needs to them.

Second Coweta Eye Care, Newnan

Third Jeffries Eye Care, Newnan

Best Dermatology Services

Dr. Mark Ling

Avail/Epiphany Dermatology

710 Newnan Crossing Bypass‚ Newnan

770.251.5111 • availdermatology.com

For an array of dermatology services‚ visit Dr. Mark Ling and the staff at Avail Dermatology.

Second Dr. David Harvey - Dermatology Institute, Newnan

Third Mallory Barnett - Thérapie, Newnan

Best Pharmacy

Best Chiropractic Services Gathering Wellness Collaborative

29 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard‚ #A3 ‚ Newnan 678.552.9140 • gatheringwellnesscollab.com

Providing natural health for the whole family are, from left, seated, Dr. Jillian Ferdinand and Dr. Kelly Barnette. Standing: Anne Marie Baker, Jennifer Rawlings and Sydnie Rawlings.

Second Atlas Chiropractic, Sharpsburg Third Liberty Upper Cervical Chiropractic, Newnan

Lee-Goodrum Pharmacy

40 Hospital Road‚ Newnan

770.253.1121 • leegoodrum.com

Owners Casey and Alison Tarpley look forward to filling all your prescription needs at their hometown pharmacy.

Second Lee-King Pharmacy, Newnan

Third Thompson’s Pharmacy, Newnan

Best Med Spa Emily’s Skin Care & Spa

35 Jackson Street‚ Newnan 770.262.6233 • emilysskincarespa.com

Emily's Skin Care & Spa takes the most reader votes for Best Med Spa in Coweta County.

Second Thérapie, Newnan Third Simply Sweet Skin Aesthetic Wellness, Sharpsburg

Best Personal Trainer Joshua Ortiz Stabil FIT Life

651 Old Carrollton Road‚ Newnan 404.988.5812 • stabilfitlife.com

Helping his clients meet their personal weight and strength goals is certified personal trainer Joshua Ortiz‚ shown here with his wife‚ Ki‚ and children‚ Cataleya‚ 4‚ and Mariana‚ 6.

Second Kaitlyn Dowdy - Burn Boot Camp, Newnan Third Jennifer Dreyer - Piedmont Fitness, Newnan Best Assisted Living Facility Wesley Woods of

2280 Highway 29 North‚ Newnan 770.683.6833 • wesleywoods.org

Newnan resident Elva Whitlock enjoys life at Wesley Woods of Newnan‚ which offers a full array of services for Coweta’s senior set.

Second Monarch House, Newnan Third Corinth Road Personal Care, Newnan

Best Mental Health Services Pathways Center

59 Hospital Road‚ Newnan 678.423.4610 • pathwaysscsb.org

Pathways Center representatives taking part in a Coweta Mental Health Day program are‚ from left‚ Camille Horne‚ Demetria Blakes‚ Rachel Jacobs and Molly Stretch.

Second Sea Glass Therapy, Newnan Third Lighthouse Counseling, Newnan

• Beautiful Barn complete with 16’ foot barn doors and grand chandelier

• 8- . Wooden Farm Tables and 60” round tables with wooden cross-back chairs

• Covered and Enclosed Patio area with wrought-iron chandeliers, bistro lighting and lounge patio furniture

• Large Catering Kitchen

• Pristine Bridal Lounge with hair/makeup counter

• Groom’s Room and comfortable bathrooms

• Customized All-Inclusive wedding packages available

• PROPERTY UPDATE... We have added a vineyard to the rolling hills on our beautiful property!

No Need to Travel Abroad to Enjoy Exotic Cuisine

Written by JOAN DOGGRELL | Photographed by JACKIE KENNEDY

Culinary ambassadors to Coweta County represent nations from the Far East to the Caribbean. Along with numerous upsides, this exotic wealth of flavors on our own home turf has a downside: Making a selection can be stressful.

Our taste buds have the power to transport us to foreign shores. So, how can diners looking for a gastronomic journey know where to find a magic carpet?

Or maybe just a good dinner?

We can help. Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers have selected their favorite in multiple food categories, including Italian, Mexican and Asian. The winners have these three qualities in common: authentic taste, fresh food made from scratch, and a welcoming atmosphere.

ABOVE Lunchtime at Garlic Thai in downtown Newnan is consistently brisk and pleasant.

Best Italian Restaurant: Mama Lucia’s

In 2001, when Leonard Guillaume decided to open a restaurant in Newnan’s crowded market, he knew he would have to offer not just superior food, but a setting that made patrons feel comfortable and welcome. He would prepare delicious dishes the way his Italian mother and aunts had cooked for their large families. And he would create an atmosphere that invited diners to relax and enjoy themselves.

So that is why he makes his stock with fresh meat and bones, vegetables and herbs. No ready-made broths go into his delicious soups and pasta sauces. Each order is prepared individually, meaning patrons wait longer for their entrees, but they soon receive a meal well worth the wait.

Along with a wide selection of pasta dishes, the menu includes seafood, chicken and beef selections, plus homemade appetizers, unique salads, soups and desserts. Word to the wise: the lobster bisque, made with Guillaume’s own lobster stock and heavy cream, is a magic carpet ride straight to heaven.

The decor and background music from the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s suggests a bygone era with a more gracious lifestyle. Chances are good that the chef will visit your table before the evening is over.

Word to the wise: the lobster bisque, made with Guillaume’s own lobster stock and heavy cream, is a magic carpet ride straight to heaven.

RIGHT

Ready to ensure a quality dining experience at Coweta’s top-ranked Italian restaurant are, from left, Joshua Wimmer, Camille Balboa, Sasha Brewer, Tavia Dillon, Leonard Guillaume and Harley Dover.

Owner Leonard Guillaume and Manager Tavia Dillon work to bring authentic tastes of Italy to Coweta County.

Best Mexican Restaurant: Los Abuelos

Andreas Bulla, a manager at Los Abuelos, succinctly sums up reasons for the restaurant’s popularity: consistency and good service.

“We never change our recipes,” says Bulla. “We always serve the same generous portions. Everything is made from scratch, and orders are cooked individually. Our recipes come from Oaxaca, the capital of the State of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico.”

From a melting pot of traditions comes a rich cuisine that Los Abuelos chefs draw on to create their authentic taste. The homemade appetizers tempt diners to try them all. If patrons have any room for dessert after putting away a generously portioned entrée, the churros are fresh and crispy and served with a creamy sauce.

The Los Abuelos menu offers a few dishes you won’t find on any other menu in town. One is listed as Authentic Huarache Azteca and described as: an original freshly made long corn tortilla with shredded cheese, steak, chorizo and grilled chicken with queso fresco, cilantro, onions and charro beans with homemade sauce.

“We take care of our staff so they can take care of our guests,” says Bulla, noting that many staff members have been with Los Abuelos for most of the five years they’ve been open. “I feel committed to this community. We support Newnan’s police, firemen and first responders in any way we can.”

“Los Abuelos” means “the grandparents.” The restaurant’s name is meant to invoke childhood memories of being spoiled and eating delicious, comforting meals with Abuela and Abuelo.

Los Abuelos aims to spoil their customers, too.

“Our recipes come from Oaxaca, the capital of the State of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico”

– Andreas Bulla

Members of the Los Abuelos management team include, from left, front, Abraham Escudero, manager, and Jose Gonzalez, kitchen manager. Back: Owner/managing partners Miguel Bedolla and Tito Gonzalez.

RIGHT

The staff at Los Abuelos includes, from left, front, Esvin Ramires, Luzvin Ramires, Jose Gonzalez and William Gonzalez. Back: Abraham Escudero, Giovani Arriola, Miguel Bedolla, Manuel Soto, Karen Soto, Danielle Colvin, Ulises Ruiz, Tito Gonzalez, Horacio B. Cuellar, Lizeth Zurita and Henry Cruz.

“Everything in our dishes is from Asia. The coconut milk, the paste, the sauce, even herbs such as lemon grass. We buy everything from a supplier who imports these foods from the source.”

Best Asian Restaurant and Best Sushi: Garlic Thai

Malatee Maethalong shares ownership of Garlic Thai with husband Ching Chai Choomuang. She attributes the success of their popular meals to authentic ingredients.

“Everything in our dishes is from Asia,” says Maethalong. “The coconut milk, the paste, the sauce, even herbs such as lemon grass. We buy everything from a supplier who imports these foods from the source. Our recipes come from Gramma.”

Maethalong says the dishes they serve are those she and Ching Chai enjoyed as children.

“You don’t have to fly to Thailand to get that real Thai taste,” she adds. “We make each order individually. You may wait a little longer, but there is no way this food can be prepared beforehand.”

After trying their homemade appetizers such as chicken pot stickers, coconut soup or an exotic entree like kra-proud (white onion, green bean and bell pepper in a spicy basil sauce topped with a fried egg), many ustomers say they’ve found the taste they were looking for. Sushi lovers adore Garlic Thai, as evidenced by Best of Coweta voters ranking them tops for sushi as well as Asian food overall.

Not all menu offerings at Garlic (as locals call the restaurant) are Thai. Some are from Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, China and India. And, of course, their award-winning sushi is Japanese. The chefs use the same authentic ingredients from those countries as well. Chefs are expected to cook like they were feeding their own families.

“We treat our staff like family, and we teach them to treat everyone who walks through our door with courtesy and kindness – even if they just want to use the washroom,” says Maethalong. “Though we feel like a tiny island in the middle of so many other restaurants, we know we have been given a chance. We love it here.”

And Coweta County loves Garlic Thai. NCM

LEFT

The staff at Garlic Thai serve Coweta's top-rated Asian food, from left, front: Manoch Klong, Malatee Maethalong and Sakidna Insonjai. Back: Razz Andresen, Akapan Tamchan, Pattharaned Inthamart, Orawan Kamon, Rudy Hermansyah and Jose Arbey Gutierrez Jimenez.

While more exotic items are featured on their menu, Garlic Thai’s Sweet and Sour Chicken makes for a quick and tasty lunch, with enough almost always left over for supper.

– Malatee Maethalong

Photograph by Misha Benson

Coweta’s Top Docs

THREE PHYSICIANS WIN THEIR CATEGORY FOR 4TH YEAR IN A ROW

Written by CAROLINE NICHOLSON | Photographed by JACKIE KENNEDY and BETH NEELY

While everyday life in Coweta County is typically a pleasure, there comes a time when the need to visit a doctor falls upon us. Fortunately for our community, even that can be a pleasant experience as well.

Whether for a routine checkup, a seasonal illness, or seeking health care for a sick child, people searching out knowledgeable and friendly doctors in Coweta won’t be disappointed.

In honor of all the doctors who work tirelessly to keep Cowetans healthy, the NCM Best of Coweta Readers’ Choice Awards contest has a category dedicated to health and medicine.

Here’s a look at three winners in 2024 who have won their category for each of the past four years since health and medicine categories were added to the contest.

For the fourth year in a row Dr. Stan Smith has been voted Coweta’s Best General Practitioner/Internal Medicine doctor.

Dr. Edwyn Carter was named Best Pediatrician in the 2024 Best of Coweta contest.

Dr. Kristie Dyson ranks at the top for women’s health in this year’s Best of Coweta Readers’ Choice Awards.

Dr. Stan Smith

Best General Practitioner/Internal Medicine

After graduating from Emory University School of Medicine in 1991 and finishing his residency in 1994, Dr. Stan Smith spent a few years as a faculty member at his alma mater. In 1997, Smith left Emory, moved to Newnan, and began serving the Coweta County community.

He started his practice at the PAPP Clinic, which was purchased by Piedmont in 2011, and Smith has worked with Piedmont since then.

Trained to treat a broad spectrum of illnesses that affect adults, Smith specializes in internal medicine and has a special interest in treating diabetes and hypertension. He is an active member of the American Medical Association.

Throughout his career spanning more than three decades, Smith has developed strong relationships with many of his patients and considers the privilege of caring for them as the best part of his job.

“It is great to be part of my patients’ lives and help take care of them,” he says.

This passion for his patients translates to his work and has earned him more than 900 five-star reviews on the Piedmont website.

His excellence as a doctor has also won him the title of Coweta’s Best General Practitioner/Internal Medicine.

“It is very humbling and very appreciated,” he says of the honor.

LEFT

Dr. Stan Smith checks the blood pressure of patient Nicole Ransby‚ one of thousands of Cowetans he’s seen over his 30-plus career in medicine.

BELOW

Helping Dr. Stan Smith, center, provide top-notch care to Coweta patients are, from left, LPNs Lashunda McCullough and Cynthia Ross-Finney. “They are my two right hands‚” says Smith.

Smith has developed strong relationships with many of his patients and considers caring for them as the best part of his job.

Dr. Edwyn Carter

Best Pediatrician

Georgia native Dr. Edwyn Carter grew up in neighboring Carroll County before attending Emory University for his medical degree. In 1994, after graduating with his degree and finishing his residency, Carter moved to Newnan where he has worked for the past 30 years, practicing first at the PAPP Clinic and then transitioning to Piedmont in 2011.

A pediatrician, Carter specializes in the care of children from birth through childhood and adolescence. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an active member of the Medical Association of Georgia. He also has an affiliate status with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta which, he says, allows him to better serve the needs of his patients.

Over the last three decades, Carter has shaped

Over the last three decades, Carter has shaped thousands of lives through his practice.

TOP

Dr. Carter and advanced medical assistant Jennifer Knight work together to bring quality pediatrics care to the children of Coweta County.

LEFT

Young patient Katie Brooke Cochran‚ daughter of Nicholas and Linzi Cochran‚ shows absolutely no fear when visiting her pediatrician, Dr. Edwyn Carter.

thousands of lives through his practice and has become a favorite of many families. He says the bond he develops with each family he works with is strong.

“When you see patients from the time they are born until the time they graduate high school, you become like a family member,” he says.

Because he’s been caring for the next generation of Cowetans for so long, Carter now has the privilege of treating the children of past patients.

Carter expresses gratitude to readers of NewnanCoweta Magazine who voted him Coweta’s Best Pediatrician for the fourth year in a row.

“I’m thankful to the community for this win and grateful to be a part of Coweta County for 30 years and counting,” he says.

Dr. Kristie Dyson

Best Women’s Health

Dr. Kristie Dyson spent the majority of her college years in Ohio, first earning her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2007, and then completing her residency at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center in 2011. She moved to Georgia following her residency and began working at Southern Crescent Women’s Healthcare, where she has practiced for the past 13 years.

As an obstetrician and gynecologist, Dyson cares for patients from Coweta and Fayette counties and says the best thing about being a doctor is forming individual relationships with her patients.

“I love being a consistent person for my patients – to help them through their health issues, relationships, and all the other things women have to go through,” she says.

Her work as an OB/GYN puts her front and center at the most important moment of a woman’s life: during the birth of her child.

This work also puts her on the front lines to help patients battle serious illnesses that sometimes affect women.

Dyson finds that taking the top spot in Best of Coweta’s Women's Health category puts her in the same league with other exceptional physicians who provide quality care for Coweta women.

“This is a humbling win, and I appreciate that people appreciate me because there are a lot of very fantastic doctors in Coweta County to choose from,“ says Dyson. “Coweta County is abundant with kind, talented doctors who dedicate their lives to keeping our community healthy.” NCM

Her work as an OB/GYN puts her front and center at the most important moment of a woman’s life: during the birth of her child.

Dr. Kristie Dyson holds a consultation with patient Zyasia Jarrell.

Nurses Jessica Lewis‚ left‚ and Aurelia Colton‚ right‚ confer with Dr. Kristie Dyson on a recent diagnosis.

Exceptional Veterinary Care

A Team Who Roots for You!

770-400-0146

815 Weldon Road

Palmetto, Georgia 30268

sweetwatervet.com

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SweetWater Veterinary Hospital sees a variety of animals, including multiple species of reptiles and amphibians. We have seen large scaly patients such as Burmese pythons to as small as young leopard geckos. One of the most common reptile sick appointments we see are when leopard geckos stop eating and are unable to open their eyes. When these patients come in, a full physical exam is performed. One of the most important parts of our exam is discussing at-home care and husbandry. If any part of the reptile’s husbandry is incorrect, it can result in issues like upper respiratory infections, mouth rot, ocular infections, and many other diseases that can cause them to stop eating.

Temperature gradient in the tank is one of the most important aspects of reptile husbandry. For leopard geckos, we never want the tank temperature to dip below 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit and they need a hot basking area that stays in the 90’s or higher. Even at night we do not want the temperature to drop so they must always have a heat source on. Another important aspect of gecko husbandry is humidity. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air which can fluctuate drastically based on the water source size, if an owner is spritzing the tank throughout the day, and/or the type of substrate in the tank. A hygrometer is needed to accurately measure the humidity level and we want the level to be between 40-60% for leopard geckos. As long as the leopard gecko has correct husbandry, it will help limit future illnesses.

However, sometimes medications are needed to treat the ongoing disease. Medications such as eye drops, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics may be needed depending on the issue. These systemic medications are most often given orally or as an injectable in leopard geckos. Since leopard geckos are very visual eaters, they may become anorexic when dealing with ocular infection. Therefore, we may prescribe a liquid diet to administer in addition to their normal diet of dubia roaches, crickets, and worms. Supplementing with the liquid diet will be critical for the pet to maintain their nutrition and strength to fight off infection and heal quickly. We recommend wellness exams every 6 months in all reptiles to detect any diseases early and to make sure adequate husbandry is being provided.

testing and immunotherapy • Chronic ear infections and hearing loss • Pediatric otolaryngology • Hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation • Sinus disorders and in-office procedures including balloon sinus dilation and stereotactic surgery • Thyroid and parathyroid surgery

Jena Turi, LPN Connor Cox, MA Mark E. McClinton, MD

Reading Pat McKee

LOCAL LAWYER VOTED TOPS AS ATTORNEY AND AUTHOR

Written

KIDD

by FRANCES

| Photographed by JACKIE KENNEDY

ABOVE

Newnan attorney Pat McKee was voted both Best Attorney and Best Author in Newnan-Coweta Magazine’s 2024 Best of Coweta contest.

To write, or not to write?

After seeing a production of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” that was the question Pat McKee asked himself when the play sparked in him an idea for a book.

That idea led him to write the legal thriller, “Ariel’s Island,” published in 2020. The popularity of the book landed the Newnan attorney and author at the top of the Best Author list in Newnan-Coweta Magazine’s 2024 Best of Coweta County Readers’ Choice Awards contest.

A double winner, McKee also was selected by readers as Best Attorney for 2024.

Born in Florida, McKee grew up in Thornwell, a Presbyterian orphanage in Clinton, S.C., after he and his younger brother lost both parents at a young age. The attorneyauthor credits his time at Thornwell for developing his understanding of hard work and the importance of education.

2.

McKee put himself through college at Georgia State University, then law school at Emory University, where he graduated with honors. After earning his law degree, he held a number of positions, including assistant counsel to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and senior assistant attorney general of Georgia, representing the University System of Georgia and the State Board of Education. In his work today, he continues to represent educators and educational institutions.

McKee says he’s built strong relationships with many of his clients, some of whom have been with him more than 30 years. His practice includes probate and estate planning.

In 1991, McKee and his wife Donna moved from Atlanta to Newnan to raise their family. In 1996, McKee purchased a small office building and began transitioning his practice from Atlanta to Newnan. He now practices exclusively out of his office in downtown Newnan so he can spend as much time as possible with his family and continue to be active in community groups.

In college, law school and as an attorney, McKee enjoyed writing and, as a successful attorney, he entertained dreams of becoming an author. His legal and writing careers started to combine around 2010. His first complete work was a memoir and, while he was at a writers’ conference, he was able to get it in front of an agent, who advised it was “too dark” and suggested the author write a legal thriller using background from his memoir.

So, he did. Since the local attorney had a wide involvement in the education and academic world, he was able to get advice about his writing along the way. One friend who read his manuscript encouraged him to enroll in the Masters of Fine Arts program at Kennesaw University. While McKee

“I write early in the morning; it makes my day. When I started writing, I was looking to slow down my legal career and do things I’d always wanted to do.”

– Pat McKee

BELOW

Pat

McKee introduced his second book, “Ariel’s Image,” at a book launch at The Nixon Centre in May. The new book follows his debut novel, “Ariel’s Island.”

didn’t sign up for the entire program, he did take creative writing classes at Kennesaw.

“In one class, I got the inspiration to base a legal thriller on Shakespeare,” says McKee. “It would have superficial similarities, but deep within it is a more significant Shakespearean theme: things are not what they seem.”

McKee was further inspired by the character of Ariel in “The Tempest.”

“That was Shakespeare’s last play, and word is that he was getting ready to retire,’ says McKee, noting that at the end of the play, Prospero, a magician and the protagonist of the play, releases the sprite Ariel from any control.

“Many scholars think he [Shakespeare] is releasing his creativity in his retirement.” says McKee. “That’s always bugged me. A powerful sprite without a moral bone in its body is released. I always questioned what happens when an all-powerful being without any moral compass is released into the world.”

The attorney began to answer his question by creating the character of Ariel, an enigmatic Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant to a client of his books’ main character, attorney Paul McDaniel.

ABOVE

“Just when you thought you could understand the character, you were surprised. There are lots of twists and turns.”

– Misha Benson

In the prologue to the first book, McKee explains how AI became part of his writing, noting that while searching for a contemporary analog to the Elizabethan magic in “The Tempest,” he recognized “that the parallels between Artificial Intelligence and magic appeared obvious. For the technologically savvy consumer, this is not a great leap. There are AI assistants everywhere, such as the ubiquitous Siri and Alexa, so capable that their powers border on magical.”

According to McKee, “Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence spurred the expansion of Ariel’s Island from a single novel into a trilogy, ultimately to consider whether Artificial Intelligence is the end of civilization, the savior of humanity, all of that — or something else entirely.”

Patrick W. McKee, attorney-at-law, says he enjoys the legal work he practices in Coweta, especially estate planning “because it’s a more intimate kind of practice and I like helping people.”

Pat McKee, author, writes because he loves it. Talk with him and it becomes evident what a good storyteller he is.

He describes his process: “I write early in the morning; it makes my day. When I started writing, I was looking to slow down my legal career and do things I’d always wanted to do.”

The author-attorney says his two careers have built onto each other. That comes across to those who know him since his main fictional character is a member of an Atlanta law firm that handles wills and estate planning.

McKee’s first book, “Ariel’s Island,” was published in 2020 and was named Best Legal Thriller by the 14th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards. The second book in his planned trilogy, “Ariel’s Image,” was published in May.

Super fan Misha Benson, advertising manager for The Newnan Times-Herald, is enthusiastic about McKee’s writing.

“I’m an avid reader, I like to read local authors, and Pat’s writing is very compelling,” says Benson. “Just

Pat McKee has lived in and worked in Coweta County for 33 years since moving to Newnan with his family in 1991.

Among his favorite parts of running a law firm is helping families with estate planning, according to Pat McKee.

when you thought you could understand the character, you were surprised. There are lots of twists and turns.”

It’s easy to understand how a reader can immediately get caught up in McKee’s writing. This sentence from “Ariel’s Island” appears on the author’s website: “Anyone who passed by or through the doors of Strange & Fowler, Atlanta’s most prestigious law firm, that morning beheld a sight they would never forget – the body of one of the lawyers impaled on the fountain in front.”

Laura Meredith, owner of Newnan Book Company, met McKee when he came by her store in its first location, around the corner from its current spot.

“He’s not a stuffy attorney,” says Meredith. “He loves Newnan and wants to help people.”

While her introduction to McKee was as Pat McKee, the author, Meredith became well-acquainted with Patrick W. McKee, attorney, too.

The day before she was scheduled to open her shop, originally named Candlewick Books, she received notice from Candlewick Press that she couldn’t use that name. Pat McKee heard about the notice and offered to represent Meredith, pro bono, “push back a little,” as he put it.

After exchanging several lawyerly letters with the Massachusetts-based publishing company, Meredith and McKee let the matter go after realizing winning was a long shot.

“But we did push back,” Meredith says with satisfaction.

For aspiring writers who’d like to try their hand at retelling a work by Shakespeare, McKee shares some of his secrets in “Writing Tips for Retelling Shakespeare: From Atwood’s Hag-Seed to Updike’s Gertrude and Claudius.” The article appeared in the 2020 edition of “Writer’s Digest.” NCM

RIGHT

Pat McKee and his son Patrick McKee Jr. work together as attorneys at their downtown Newnan firm.

RIGHT

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Dr. Pahl is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons. He obtained his certification in orthopaedic surgery from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) in 2005, was re-certified in 2012, and currently maintains his certification through the ABOS. He has authored articles and completed research on orthopaedic surgery and spinal disorders. Dr. Pahl has been selected as the Chairman of the North American Spine Society Public Affairs Committee.

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Newnan-Coweta Magazine among the best in Georgia

Written by GPA AND NCM/NTH STAFF | Photographed by KEN BENSON

Newnan-Coweta Magazine (NCM) won seven awards in five categories at the Georgia Press Association’s 2024 Better Newspaper Contest held June 6-7 in Jekyll Island during the Association's 137th annual convention.

The awards helped NCM’s parent company, The Newnan Times-Herald (NTH), take first place in the coveted

General Excellence category in its division, which includes Georgia’s largest weekly newspapers.

Newnan-Coweta Magazine’s July-August 2023 Best of Coweta cover, which featured nine five-time Best of Coweta winners as the Best of Coweta Bunch, took first place in Magazine Cover Design. The award went to Misha Benson, who came up with the idea, and Sandy Hiser, who designed the catchy cover.

Celebrating the magazine’s awards are‚ from left‚ Misha Benson‚ Beth Neely‚ Sonya Studt‚ Jackie Kennedy‚ Blue Cole‚ Faith Farrell‚ Sandy Hiser, Clay Neely, and Erin Scott.

“The Brady Bunch tribute is just perfect! What a clever idea,” the judges commented.

In the Magazine Commentary category, NCM snagged the top two awards. Faith Farrell won first place for her column, “Hiding Things from Myself,” which appeared in the March-April 2023 issue. Judges said, “Faith is great at allowing the reader to visually see exactly what she is writing about. She is masterful in connecting the old with the new.”

Alan! Ha y65th,

Blue Cole took second place in Magazine Commentary with his column that appeared in the September-October Music Issue. Titled “Simply the Best: A tribute to Alan Jackson,” the column impressed judges who said, “Mr. Cole is most definitely a storyteller writing about another storyteller. He bundles the entire career of Alan Jackson into a few paragraphs yet you walk away feeling you know a lot more about the subject.”

The September-October Music Issue took first place for Magazine Themed Issue with judges noting, “Layout, graphics and photos – this magazine has it all. Well organized and professional.”

Two articles in the Music Issue claimed prizes in the Magazine Human Interest Story category, including Jackie Kennedy’s “65 Things You May or May Not Know About Alan Jackson,” which took first place, and “Listen to the Music,” which won second place.

In honor of Jackson’s 65th birthday, Kennedy’s piece chronicled his career as well as his childhood and teen

Tribute to Newnan’s Own Country Music Legend

ABOVE

Staff and freelance writers with The Newnan Times-Herald and Newnan-Coweta Magazine celebrating their First Place in General Excellence award are‚ from left, front: Will Thomas, Stacey Williams‚ Jeffrey Cullen-Dean‚ Misha Benson‚ Jackie Kennedy‚ Clay Neely‚ Beth Neely‚ Payton Henry‚ Jordan Lynch‚ Laura Camper‚ Blue Cole and Billy Thomasson. Back: Sonya Studt‚ Sandy Hiser‚ Erin Scott‚ Caroline Nelson‚ Anna Neely‚ Faith Farrell and Charlie Neely.

years growing up in Newnan. Judges commented: “What a great feature –well researched with great old photos. Complete package!”

“Listen to the Music” featured the Top 3 Musicians/Bands as voted in the 2023 Best of Coweta contest. The staff piece was written by Jennifer London, Caroline Nicholson, Jenny Enderlin and Jackie Kennedy. “Well written, organized – a great read,” judges noted.

Kennedy won second place for Magazine Story for her March-April 2023 piece on “Touring ‘Murder in Coweta’ Country,” which revisited the famous conviction of John Wallace 75 years after the murder. Judges called the article “very interesting and well-written.”

The NTH newspaper won numerous awards, including several first place honors: Best Web Photo for Clay Neely’s vivid shot of a house fire; Business Writing for Kandice Bell’s story of a father and his sons publishing a children’s

book; Best Feature Photo for former NTH reporter Becky Leftwich’s shot of a local store owner revealing a 100th anniversary Gibson Firebird to a local woman whose family played a part in the guitar’s design; and Best Lifestyle Coverage, a staff award.

First place awards also went to the NTH advertising and design team, which includes Sonya Studt, Sandy Hiser, Erin Scott, Misha Benson and Caroline Nelson. Winning ads featured DTX Expeditors, Gift Wrapping on the Square, Lisa’s Creperies Mother’s Day, and H.E.L.P. Spay-Neuter Clinic.

“We’re grateful for every reader, subscriber and advertiser for believing in the power of community journalism,” says NCM/NTH Co-Publisher Beth Neely. “Our team remains committed to providing first-class content that best reflects our growing and changing community while reminding people what makes Coweta County great.” NCM

The Women's Specialists of Fayette comprise a healthcare team that understands that women have special healthcare needs throughout their lives.

Our specialists are trained in the field of women's medicine which includes obstetrical and gynecological services such as pregnancy care, family planning needs and counseling, annual examinations, and minor office surgical procedures.

In addition, specialized care is available in areas such as high risk pregnancy and gynecological/ urogynecological surgery.

William T. Cook, M.D. Marlo Carter, M.D. Matthew Ralsten, M.D.

Nicole E. Quinn, M.D. Yvonne Conaway, N.P. Nykia Burke-Bray, M.D.

Dinnertime, Bowl-Style

Written by GAIL MCGLOTHIN | Photographed by APRIL MCGLOTHIN-ELLER

Join in one of the latest dining crazes, and serve your next meal bowl-style.

Bowls start with the basics: protein, carbs and toppings; in fact, they’re really all about the topping. Once the protein and carbs are in the bowl, the diner is only limited by his or her imagination, pantry and condiment shelf.

Bowl meals are ideal for make-ahead meal prep. Some topping combinations can be mixed together in advance and held for dinnertime.

Just about any meal can be made into a bowl. Try a barbeque bowl: start with a chopped-up baked potato filled with pulled pork, and top it off with cheese, baked beans, cole slaw, sweet onions and/or dill pickles. Ingredients for a poke bowl are all found in your grocery store. Begin the adventure with raw salmon cut up in cubes and placed over white short grain rice. Edamame, pickled ginger, avocado, cubed cucumber and sesame seeds are a few of the toppings to enhance the bowl.

Breakfast can get in the bowl-meal picture by starting with a bowl of oatmeal with chopped sausage links on one side and toasted pecans and raisins on the other.

For summer lunches, brainstorm with your children to come up with bowls starting with chicken nuggets, hot dogs and/or hamburgers.

Greek food is big in our house. The rice is cooked earlier in the day and the meatballs are prepared. Just pop them in the oven when you’re almost ready for mealtime, and set out all the toppings while waiting for the meatballs to cook. A stream of hummus vinaigrette over the completed bowl adds moisture and a little sparkle to the finished bowl.

Smoothies are a quick-and-easy breakfast for children of all ages. Whether light or dark, crunchy or soft, always fresh and nutritious, smoothies fit the bill.

Putting together a smoothie works best if a particular order is followed. Start with the liquid, loading the milk of your choice or juice into a blender. Toss fresh and frozen fruit in next. Keep overripe bananas cut up in chunks in a freezer bag, and you’ll have enough for a smoothie with some left over. Add vanilla extract, then protein powder. Add crushed ice for a more icy drink. Give it a blend and your quick-and-easy meal is ready to be poured into a glass.

Greek Lamb Meatballs with Hummus Vinaigrette

Bowls start with the basics: protein, carbs and toppings; in fact, they’re really all about the topping.

Greek Lamb Meatballs

1 pound ground lamb

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons Cavender’s Greek Seasoning

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put lamb in a medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and Cavender’s. With wet hands, roll about 2 tablespoons of ground lamb into a meatball and place on the parchment. Roll all lamb mixture into balls. Move them to the oven, and bake for about 20 minutes until the center is slightly pink. With tongs, move the meatballs to a serving bowl and keep warm.

Place a few cooked meatballs over cooked rice in a bowl. Top with as many of the following as you like: prepackaged hummus, feta cheese, kalamata olives, sliced beets from a can, cucumber, prepackaged tzatziki sauce and Hummus

Vinaigrette, recipe below.

Hummus Vinaigrette

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup white wine vinegar

¼ cup hummus

1 garlic clove, minced

Juice of one lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ teaspoon oregano

Mix together all ingredients and serve over the top of your Greek Bowl.

Mexicali Bowl

Grilled chicken

Taco seasoning mix

Salt and pepper

Garlic

Lime cilantro rice, packaged

Seasoned black beans, undrained

Sautéed onions and green peppers

Jalapenos

Guacamole

Shredded cheese

Black olives

Sour cream

Salsa

Tortilla chips

Season chicken with taco seasoning mix, salt, pepper, and garlic. Bake on parchment paper at 400 degrees until done, or cook on the grill.

Prepare lime cilantro rice according to package directions.

Heat up seasoned black beans (or add garlic powder, chili powder and cumin to a can of plain black beans.)

Line up remaining ingredients in the order listed.

Enjoy!

Think “deconstructed burrito.” This bowl is easy because all the ingredients come prepared, if desired. The Mexicali Bowl is fast and simple to get on the table after a day at the ball field or in the pool. Serve warm tortillas or tortilla chips on the side. Leftover ground beef or steak works just as well.

Mexicali Bowl

Blueberry Banana Smoothie Bowl for Two

1½ cups plain Greek yogurt

1 frozen banana, cut up

1½ cups frozen blueberries

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup milk (more or less, depending upon consistency)

1 scoop protein powder, optional

In a blender, layer yogurt, banana slices, blueberries, vanilla, ¼ cup milk and protein powder. Blend until fruit is well incorporated, adding more milk if needed. Serve in a bowl with some or all of these toppings: cereal, toasted chopped pecans and coconut mix, chia seeds, banana slices, fresh blueberries and sweetener, if desired.

NCM

He Called Me Jim

Written by BOB COMEANS

B ob Comeans is a local artist, writer and airplane mechanic married to an Irish-German redhead. He has two sons who think he's old and a terrier mix who gets separation anxiety when he leaves the room. Family and shared experiences bring his art and writing to life.

There were 13 of us, all named Jim, even the girls. It just made it easier for Grandpa.

Thirteen cousins: Jim, Joe, Jerry, Jeff, Judy, Jimmy, Joey, Jeff, Jerry, Bob, Mike, Bill, Kathleen. Lots of J names there. It just ran that way in a couple of the families.

Who could really keep track of all those names anyway?

Grandpa was a working man – the kind of man who could wear out an anvil with a rubber hammer, and those beat up hands of his proved it.

Every Friday night, after busting his tail for 50 years making ax handles, Grandpa made his stops. Candy, peanuts, and Southern Comfort.

Grandma and the family got the good stuff. Grandpa got the whiskey.

Weekends were visiting times. We'd all meet at Grandma and Grandpa's house. By the time we got there Grandpa was drinking straight from the bottle. Got you there quicker, I guess.

There'd be all of us kids running around playing, acting crazy inside and out, just waiting for dinner to show up. All that and Grandpa walking around unshaven, shirt half unbuttoned, pretty well snockered, wondering who was who.

Well, he finally figured it out.

All of them dang kids, I'll just call 'em Jim.

That became our names, from the time we were little to the day Grandpa passed. I was Jim, and so were my brothers, sister and cousins, all Jim.

Grandpa was a good man in spite of the hold whiskey had on him. He'd be back to work every Monday morning and he quit drinking, cold turkey, when Grandma had her stroke and really needed him.

I miss our long talks about current events, watching him hand roll a cigarette, and eating a baked potato together.

I can never forget, and my wife always wondered… I've got a younger brother, and he calls me Jim.

The Jar

Written by K ARL MCMICHAEL

Caught a butterfly the other day

Put it in a jar

It fluttered and fought fiercely

Wanting to fly away far

I pondered for a moment

This lovely little thing

Its wings so bold and beautiful

How fragile and frail they seem Its life is flowers in full daylight

And resting underneath the leaves

In the darkness of the night

I felt remorse as I gazed at my prey

If it stays in the jar

It won’t fly another day

It made me ponder of my own life it seemed

The jars that we create

To hold back our dreams

The oceans and rivers and mountains so high

Were made for us to see

Not to casually pass on by

How wonderful life would be

If we opened up our own jar

And did what we were meant to do

Experiencing all, both near and far

I let the butterfly go

Watched it gleefully fly away

And promised to myself

I’ll do all that someday

And someday passes like waves on the shore

And I realize I just tightened

My own jar some more

Someday I’ll do it

Someday

Someday...I’ll break open the jar

And the lid tightens just a little bit more

arl McMichael is a lifelong resident of Newnan and a writer who has published four books. For more of his writing, visit www.pineydraw.com.

What Matters Most

Written by CHUCK CLEVELAND

Chuck Cleveland and his wife, Barbara have been married 48 years and enjoy traveling overseas, especially to Venice. Chuck has written for The Newnan TimesHerald and Newnan-Coweta Magazine.

Share Your Prose

Are you a closet poet? Or a creator of short fiction?

Share your best work with us and we may publish it in an upcoming issue of Newnan-Coweta Magazine. Submit your work along with your name, address, email address and daytime phone number to magazine@newnan. com or mail to or drop by our office at Newnan-Coweta Magazine, 16 Jefferson St., Newnan, GA 30263.

Let me begin with a brief story told by my friend Steve Brown, the teacher on the Key Life radio program. I have his permission to share it, and it goes like this.

Did you hear about the little girl who was late getting home? Her mother asked her why, and she said, “I stopped to help Susie.” Her mother replied, “What happened?”

“Well. Susie hurt her doll – the head was broken off.”

“You helped Susie fix the doll?”

The little girl answered, “Oh no, we couldn’t fix the doll. I stopped to help Susie cry.”

Intrigued by Steve’s story, I began to ask people: When someone (preferably not your spouse or a parent) was a special friend to you, what exactly did that person do on your behalf? How would you answer that question?

I’ve spoken to around 30 people over the last few years, and the overwhelming majority answered in a similar manner. They cited instances when someone came alongside them when they were confronted with a sick child, the loss of a job, a dying parent, a broken relationship or some other calamity.

When asked if that friend provided advice on how to resolve the crisis, most said no. That was surprising to me. After all, I reasoned, what are friends for, but to help resolve problems? And they’re saying what meant the most to them was just being there?

The good news, of course, is that all of us can be there for others. We don’t need to have an advanced degree to listen to those struggling. We don’t even need to be particularly smart to help the hurting. As we can infer from Steve Brown’s story about the little girl who befriended Susie, when we cry with others, they feel genuinely loved – and we are greatly enriched.

Perhaps the best biblical account of such sharing is that of Job’s much-maligned friends. As captured in the last three verses of chapter two, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar traveled to Job’s home where they wept over his distress. Remarkably, they stayed an entire week without speaking to Job, for they saw how much he was suffering.

Unfortunately, they eventually opened their mouths, and chapters four through 37 ensued. Despite all that conversation, there was little or no communication – at least on a personal level. Instead, the foursome (and later Elihu) took turns making lengthy theological and philosophical speeches that had little or no effect on each other.

Contrasted to our frequent insensitivity to others, let’s look at the compassion exhibited by Jesus when he encountered a leper in Matthew 8, Mark 1 and Luke 3: A man with leprosy came to Christ with the expectation that the Lord would heal him, if he were willing to do so. Jesus reached out, touched the man and declared, “I am willing.” Immediately, the leprosy left him.

In our day, there may not be many lepers, but there is no shortage of loners, and they want someone to be there for them. Given the Lord’s example, should we, as believers, not go and do likewise? NCM

BENITA BONSER, MD,

Thank you for voting

CARL MILLER PARK

Blacktop

Photo by Wayne Davis

An afternoon on West Point Lake delivered the perfect opportunity to catch a photo of osprey in their nest.

Photo by Holli Angelia

With a backyard view like this, why would you ever leave Coweta County?

Photo by Nancy Stone

Berti the Australian Shepherd takes a sunrise break from his walk at the White Oak Golf Club tunnel under Forrest Road.

Photo by Beverly Ferguson

Taz the Dachshund prepares to greet his fans at the annual Fourth of July parade in Newnan.

Photo by Sharon Gardner

A bouquet of gardenia and hydrangea blooms was created from flowers grown in the Coweta garden of Sharon Gardner.

Lee

First Christian Church, at 8 Elm Street in Newnan, highlights the beauty of its surrounding community, according to the photographer.

Local photographer Danielle Caldwell has a studio at Elder’s Mill where she routinely takes photos, including this shot of the waterfall there.

submit your photos

Email us your photos of life in and around Coweta County and we may choose yours for a future edition of Blacktop!

Photos must be original, high-resolution (300 DPI) digital photos in .jpg format, at least 3x5 inches in size.

Please include your name so that we can give you credit for your photo in the magazine!

Email your photos with the subject “Blacktop” to the address below.

2 024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SPRING

March 02 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

March 22 - Spring Art Walk, 5-9pm

April 06 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

April 14-20 - Downtown Newnan Restaurant Week

April 20 - Bike Coweta’s Rock & Road Festival

May 04 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

SUMMER

June 01 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

June 13 - Summer NewnaNights, 6-9pm

June 21 - Summer Wined-Up, 5-9pm

July 04 - July 4th Parade, 9am

July 06 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

July 11 - Summer NewnaNights, 6-9pm

Aug 03 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

Aug 08 - Summer NewnaNights, 6-9pm

Aug 30-Sept 2 - Labor Day Sidewalk Sale

Aug 31 - Sunrise on the Square 5K

AUTUMN

Sept 07 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

Sept 20 - Fall Art Walk, 5-9pm

Oct 04 - Oktoberfest, 5-10pm

Oct 05 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

Oct 19 - Spirits & Spice Festival, 2-7pm

Oct 31 - Munchkin Masquerade, 10am-12pm

WINTER

Nov 02 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

Nov 22 - Holiday Sip & See, 5-9pm

Nov 29 - Plaid Friday

Nov 29 - Santa on the Square, 6-8pm

Nov 30 - Small Business Saturday

Dec 07 - Market Day, 10am-2pm

Photo by Danielle Caldwell

Photo by Jimmy

Richest man on the beach

I’m not a man of many means, by any means.

Thankfully, I’m confident next month’s house note will be paid with no issues. And I’m confident we will have food stocked up and electricity running in the house.

But I make payments on my daughter’s car, and as soon as that’s paid off, I’ll have to make payments on a new (to us) family truckster. I’m currently looking for a way to make additional income. Anyone who knows me knows that the struggle is real, most of the time.

But there is one region of the country where money is no concern of mine: the Florida Panhandle.

Every year, I spend a little bit more money on a place for us to stay than I should. I stay a day or two longer than what might be fiscally responsible.

When we go out to eat, I order whatever I want and expect the family to do exactly the same. Daughter wants to try crab legs? Get the crab legs, by Godfrey.

I don’t care what any of it costs. We are at the beach. There are no rules at the beach.

We don’t do a lot of anything during the year. I bring my lunch to work Monday through Thursday so I can enjoy a meal on Friday with friends.

We don’t go out to eat much other than that. There are few places to eat that come close to the quality of a home cooked meal, anyway. And a lot of eating places would have me travel east of I-85, and we all know my preference on staying west of that line if at all possible.

We lead a pretty simple, and fairly cheap, life at home. I don’t care much about money, which is a good thing since I don’t have much money. You can always make more of it.

What you can’t make more of is time. We only have so much time on this planet. And what you can’t make enough of is good memories.

I may be a pirate looking at 50. But I am far from an over 40 “victim of fate.” I’m lucky enough to be looking at that five-zero with my family every year, for a few days, down on the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico.

Each trip down, we spend time talking about all the places we’ve stayed over the years. Someone mentions the time we drove down during a hurricane. I still have the picture of the three of them, hair flapping in the hurricane wind.

Not even a hurricane could stop us from our annual beach trip.

Someone will mention the year we got free tickets to the water park. We will talk about which condos were our favorite, which ones were not so nice. We talk about the last trip we made with my parents.

My parents never had much money either. But they made sure we got to see the beach every year. And back then, we ate McDonald's for every meal because that was the cheapest way to feed a family of hungry boys. This was back before McDonald's had a luxury restaurant price point and might have even consisted of actual food.

Those trips made memories that I still cherish. And my hope is that we make memories each year that the kids will cherish long after me and their mother meet our Maker.

And there's no price I’m not willing to pay for that. NCM

Southern-born and Southern-bred, Toby Nix is a local writer who works in law enforcement.

Even Hurricane Isaac couldn't keep the Nix family away from the Gulf Coast in 2012. From left: Ryan, 11; Aubrey, 5; and Phov Nix.

Joy.Barnes@BHHSGeorgia com www.joybarnes.bhhsgeorgia com

Joy.Barnes@BHHSGeorgia com www.joybarnes.bhhsgeorgia com

Wyvonnia.SmithGorden@BHHSGeorgia

Wyvonnia.SmithGorden@BHHSGeorgia