Catherine Califf Dean

Growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta has its advantages; but for Carlee Schulte, executive director of Milledgeville Main Street, it was the lure of a historical city that drew her to Milledgeville as a college freshman. She explains: “I really fell in love with the beauty of the Georgia

In our neighborhood, my dad was known for his tomatoes. Although he sometimes grew peas, broccoli, and the occasional bush variety cucumber, tomatoes were his gig. He loved them. He loved them sliced with mayo, and salt and pepper on white bread. He loved them in a BLT (bacon, lettuce, & tomat

Native to Milledgeville, Mayor Gary Thrower was born at the Baldwin County Hospital, in 1959, to parents Robert (Bob) and Betty. Their journey to Georgia came by way of the veterans’ hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, where Bob was in recovery from being seriously wounded in World War II. It is

Tom Glover, owner of Cogentes-a Georgia based IT support company-is a native of Sandersville and a graduate of Georgia Tech University. His personable nature creates an atmosphere of passion for his customers, employees, and the Milledgeville community in which he has contributed generously to throu

It is from humble beginnings that many of society’s great ideas have sprung. Such a modest start was how Georgia College’s GIVE Center-celebrating its 20th anniversary this year-cemented itself as the place where students, and the community in which they live, are linked through volunteer service.

A profile of a local off-road racer and his family.

Having spent her life in the fitness industry, Coni Moore-owner of Elite Gym-saw it as a natural move to open her business in 1992, teaching gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, and karate. Prior to founding Elite, Moore taught fitness seminars and served as a personal trainer for athletes and body buil

In the South, we have always had a strong connection to the land-either through farming, raising livestock, or simply tending a kitchen garden. Since 1994, Duckworth Farm Supply (DFS), a family owned business, has supported the bonds between soil and human hands.

For over 50 years, Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) has provided students with an affordable, quality education. The Milledgeville campus located on Highway 22, was constructed in 1997, with the first students attending classes during the fall term.

Southerners take great joy in tracing their ancestral connection to a particular town or historical event-linking their lives with those that have gone before. Matt Poyner, executive director of the Development Authority of Milledgeville and Baldwin County (DAMBC), beams with pride when he discusses

Beautiful columned buildings, students studying on front campus, countless contributions to the community and businesses-the landscape of Milledgeville would not be the same without Georgia College’s (GC) presence. This academic year (2014-2015), GC will be celebrating 125 years of excellence in edu

Homeownership is an American dream that might elude many if not for the efforts of Milledgeville-Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity (MBCHFH). The organization, a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), incorporated in 1994 and has assisted over eighteen families in securing sa

The landscape of downtown Milledgeville has undergone numerous changes in the past year including restoration of historic buildings, new business openings, improvements on storefront facades, and completion of the Streetscape Phase III project.

Decorated, Dedicated, Distinguished and Proud to Call Milledgeville Home

Traveling Through Time in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia

Delivering Threads of Hope to Sick and Traumatized Children

Every child needs a hero, but abused and neglected children are in need of superheroes. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is in the business of supplying such champions for children who find themselves in the court system of Georgia.

A popular crusade is underway across the country to decrease the miles which food travels-reducing the carbon footprint from farm to table. Because of this popular movement, a resurgence in supporting the local farmer has emerged which has resulted in the revival of the community market.

Highlights the physicians and staff at Kids First Pediatrics.

Trend-setting, influential, trusted experts in their fields-all accurate descriptions of the women who are molding Walton County’s business community toward a prosperous future. Although the featured are from diverse professions and backgrounds, all share one common trait: success.

Milledgeville has long been known as a small town with a big heart. Organizations abound within the community that strive to meet the special needs of the disabled, nurture newborn faith and provide nourishment for the body and soul. Houses of worship and nonprofits mobilize members to do good works

If you are looking for a unique gift or just adding a piece of one-of-a-kind art to your home, the 44 Marketplace located in Harmony Crossing Shopping Center, is the place to visit. Hosting over 22 artists, the store is known about town for their spectacular glass and metal art collection as well as

Long and leisurely summer days should be spent carefree in the sun and on the water. The Freedom Boat Club of Lake Oconee (FBC), located at Waterfront Marina in Eatonton, provides lake lovers with luxury boating opportunities without the hassle of ownership.

With over 30 years experience in property management and real estate, Barbara J. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge to the company she founded in 2013-the Oconee Management Group (OMG). The OMG is a full-service property management company located on Lake Oconee serving Greene, Putnam, and Morgan co

A transplant to the deep south from California, the newly hired manager for Baldwin County, Carlos Francisco Tobar, along with his wife Rebekah and their children, have embraced small town living with ease.

Over the past year, the overall landscape of downtown Milledgeville has not changed. A few businesses have left, while new ones with a more service-based approach moved in to replace those lost. “Entrepreneurs are constantly evolving as our community and trends change,” said Carlee Schulte,

Since receiving recommendations from the Fall 2018 Young Gamechangers (YG) class last December, city and county officials have moved on the suggestion of improving the community’s signage.

The possibility of making history was not the motive that spurred Mary Parham-Copelan to join the 2017 Milledgeville mayoral race. According to her, she cared deeply about the community and wanted to make a difference through public service.

After five years of developing a roadmap to revitalize the campus of Central State Hospital (CSH), many proposed programs are now becoming reality. The Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority (CSHRA) was created in 2012, by state legislation, and tasked with redeveloping the history campus wi

The Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year by continuing its efforts to strengthen the local economy and champion area businesses. The Chamber’s theme for the year is “70 Strong in 17.” Chamber President and CEO Angie Martin was instrum

In the past twelve months Milledgeville and Baldwin County have benefited from the completion of several multi-million dollar projects coordinated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The GDOT’s Baldwin Safe Routes to School (BSRTS) program, partnered with local nonprofit Live

According to Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) officials, steady progress is being made on the Fall Line Freeway (FLF). The project, part of the Governor’s Road Improvement Program (GRIP), is meant to create an efficient east-west mobility across Central Georgia for residents and freight b

For many real estate companies in town, the recovery from the near economic collapse of 2008, has been slow but steadily improving. “The market is doing good but not yet great, in my opinion,” said Don Braxley, owner and licensed broker of Deep South Reality, Inc. “We have house closings near

The six-month renovation of the second floor of City Hall is nearing completion. The facelift, costing an estimated $500,000, brings the Milledgeville City Council’s conference room into the 21st century with up-to-date technology and safety upgrades.

The planning stage of the new sidewalk along Vinson Highway in front of the Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) is nearly complete with groundbreaking soon to follow.

Tasked with repurposing the grounds of Central State Hospital (CSH) to spur economic growth, the CSH Local Redevelopment Authority (CSHLRA) is achieving many of its set goals this year by privatizing state owned property and bringing jobs to the community.

The landscape of downtown Milledgeville has undergone numerous changes in the past year including restoration of historic buildings, new business openings, improvements on storefront facades, and completion of the Streetscape Phase III project.

Georgia Military College (GMC) is fostering the success of their students by securing articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities in and out of Georgia. The articulation agreements are formal, signed agreements between GMC and other higher-learning institutions that layou

For terminally ill patients and their families facing the final stage of life can be overwhelming and difficult to endure. Hospice care addresses the needs of the patients while supporting the families through holistic approaches including pain management, bereavement support, spiritual counseling,

Georgia Military College (GMC) is planning to add two additional campus locations in 2015, bringing the total number of educational sites under their guidance to eleven located across the state.

Noah’s Ark (NA)-a new community access group and adult day program-is holding its grand opening event Wednesday, October 31, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 3019 Heritage Road, Suite A, in Milledgeville

Tracy Harper started her career in retail 13 years ago in an extra tiny space downtown that provided no room for growth. Yet now, after enduring multiple moves over the years in attempts to find the perfect fit, she has landed in a prime location for her business-T’s Boutique & Thingsat 931 North C

For most downtown merchants, the week of the Deep Roots Festival brings with it a lot of preparation tinged with excitement for what many tout as their busiest day of the year.

Since 1974, the Pink Bow Gift Shop (PBGS) at Navicent Health Baldwin (NHB) has donated more than $1.2 million worth of medical equipment to the hospital. All profit generated from sales is used to purchase the items that otherwise could not be obtained due to budget restrictions.

An exhibit of typewriters, previously owned by famed writers, actors, journalists, and activists, is currently being hosted at Andalusia: The Home of Flannery O’Connor. The farm was recently acquisitioned by Georgia College and is managed by university staff.

For Ted and Joni Smith, purchasing the Milledgeville Country Club was a decision made based on saving a long-standing community asset. Since 1957, the Club has hosted numerous weddings, golf tournaments, and charitable events-it has been a familiar anchor for Milledgeville society for generations.

Accented with pink walls and Victorian wallpaper, the Pink Poodle Grooming Salon & Boutique (PP) conjures a sense of French style that any pooch would find luxurious. A new transplant to downtown, the pet boutique is located at 118 North Wayne Street.

A new pilot program-the Sensory Club (SC)- was launched this week at the Mary Vinson Memorial Library (MVML) to enrich the lives of children on the Autism Spectrum and those with Asperger Syndrome.

After 35 years of serving women in her chosen field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr SuzAnne Palmer is retiring in late September of this year. When she arrived in 1983, Palmer was the first female physician to have a private practice in Milledgeville. She joined Drs. Goodrich, Veal, and Card

Since receiving recommendations from the Fall 2018 Young Gamechangers (YG) class last December, city and county officials have moved on the suggestion of improving the community’s signage.

Charlie Eisele has known for a while that the love of great pizza brings people together and makes for good business, as well. Along with his son Jacob-currently a full-time college student- created a unique business which was originally based on a popular outdoor activity at his home-oven fired pizza making.

A renewed interest in locally produced food is sweeping the countryside, linking farmers to patrons through community centered farmers markets. The desire to decrease the miles which food travels-reducing the carbon footprint from farm to table-is creating a resurgence in supporting small, family ow

Trend-setting, influential, trusted experts in their fields-all accurate descriptions of the women who are molding Walton County’s business community toward a prosperous future. Although the featured are from diverse professions and backgrounds, all share one common trait: success. Flourishin

Announcement of GMC alumni award recipients.

Executive Profiles

Georgia Military College (GMC) will celebrate its 135th Anniversary TODAY, Wednesday, October 15, 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. on Grant Parade

Fall is the season to declutter and prepare your home for the festive, yet chaotic holiday season.

A guide to local events, venues, shopping and dinning, and living.

A nonprofit can benefit from creating an annual report that will showcase its accomplishments while promoting transparency.

Wanting to use your creative talents for good? Project Linus is a wonderful children's charity that fosters individual creativity.

Camp Cocoon provides children with a safe and comforting place to express their grief and pain from losing a loved one. The camp provides professional staff to help each child find hope and joy in life again.

Rich, organic matter is essential to the health of any garden. Using natural sources for mulching that will break down and improve the soil will help to ensure healthy plants that can fight off disease and pests

The popularity of urban gardening has risen in recent years due to individual concerns over the food supply. Many people want control over how their food is grown and processed; this concern is causing a gardening revolution.

Organic and naturally grown farms are plentiful in Central and North Georgia. These farms give consumers many healthy choices for grass-fed beef, chicken, pork, and free range eggs.

Serving up some South in your mouth via the Georgia peach. Franciscan monks, farms, and recipes make up the rich history of the state's official fruit.

The Black Prince Tomato thrives in cooler climates but does not make a good choice for the southern garden. It has a high gel content which results in a rich, delicious tomato sauce.

Currently, the summer is proving to be a difficult one to garden in due to extreme heat and humidity, especially in Georgia. Challenging as it may be, we keep pressing forward and collecting what produce we can gather from our efforts.

Mexican petunias can make a stunning addition to any garden. They do have invasive qualities so make sure you want them to spread in the place you plant them.

The American Beautyberry shrub is a great choice for most gardens and habitats. It provides food, shelter, and nectar to wildlife.

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly is native to North America and lays its eggs on the passion flower vine. Thousands of caterpillars can cover one vine during the feasting season.

Nurture nature in your own backyard. It is easy and brings great rewards.

My new obsession is canning fresh food for my family and friends. I am learning through an online network of expert canners who give encouragement, support, and knowledge freely...and free is a good thing these days.

Ridding your house of BPA filled products is challenging but totally worthwhile to protect the health of everyone living there.

Whether new to canning or experienced in food preserving, an online community exists to give support, encouragement, and a bounty of recipes.

Not having to blanch squash before freezing saves time and is a stress-free way to preserve the summer harvest.

Use freshly preserved fruit, jams, and jellies to add extra flavor to pork dishes. A jam, such as orange-rhubarb marmalade, will create a delicious glaze on pork chops that your family will devour.

Gratitude never goes out of style. Even in our modern society, a note written by hand brightens anyone's day.

As a beginning quilter, I find it helpful to stick to the modern, simple patterns. A quilt made of strips of different widths of beautiful fabric can easily become a family heirloom passed down for generations.

The online community for quilting is vast and can offer endless inspiration. Many sites are one stop shops offering tutorials, videos, fabric, and blogs to help any skill level create a beautiful heirloom quilt that will be treasured for generations.

Photographing a handmade quilt can be easy and fun to do. Finding simple supporting subjects to place the quilt with, can make for a fabulous picture.

Hives can be caused by sustained periods of stress and tension. It is a warning sign from your body that something is not right and attention needs to be paid to the cause.

Living with PCOS can be difficult but making changes in your daily living can help manage the overwhelming symptoms.

Many skin disorders are worsened by stress brought on by challenging mental and physical issues. Stress, as we know it, is a relatively modern problem. As with most modern day health issues, medical specialists have emerged to treat such newborn illnesses. Psychodermatology-the field of study that l

Over 50 years ago Arthur Calhoun, founder of what is now known as Battery Warehouse, took the first step toward living the American dream of managing his own business. Calhoun left the security of a steady job at a local grocery store to purchase a battery truck to service the Milledgeville area.

A small town farm boy from Watkinsville, Georgia, James Hayes joined the Navy after graduating from high school and found himself stationed in the large city of San Diego, California. Training James in the heating and air trade, the Navy would give him the foundation for a lifetime of successful bus

Born and raised in Sandersville, Georgia, Dale Epps began working on cars and machinery when he was very young. He later moved to Atlanta-where the jobs were at the time-to sharpen his skills repairing large industrial equipment. After living in the big city for a few years, he found himself back ho

For Floyd Couch, learning how to make mechanical repairs at an early age was a necessity as he grew up on a farm. He honed his skills on a daily basis maintaining, overhauling, and mending the equipment that kept food on his family’s table.

Cansino Petty & Stribling, LLP (CPS) was founded in 2004 by Carl S. Cansino-a former state prosecutor for the Ocmulgee District Attorney’s office. The firm’s lawyers and staff are driven by the success of clients and believe quality legal representation includes personal working relationships. Commu

In 1973, Armando “Poncho” Castillo opened an automotive repair shop specializing in transmissions on South Jefferson Street that became well-known to residents simply as Poncho’s. When he passed away in 1981, his son Armando Jr. inherited the business at the young age of 21.

During the years following World War II, a wave of hopeful prosperity took over communities needing to rebuild the financial security weakened by the conflict. This movement caught hold in Milledgeville by sparking interest in connecting businesses with resources and customers. On June19, 194

The Childre name has been synonymous with successful car dealerships in Middle Georgia for many years. Known for their outstanding customer care, Childre Nissan is now in its third decade of offering the very best selection of new and used cars in Milledgeville, Macon, and Dublin areas.

For over 35 years, Craig Massee Real Estate (CMRE) has been selling the American dream of homeownership to the residents of Milledgeville and Georgia’s Lake Country. Started in 1979 by Bill Craig and Bill Massee, the company has reliably performed as the top selling real estate agency in the area.

Coni Moore, owner and director of Elite Gym since 1992, has spent her life instilling a passion for fitness in both adults and children. Before opening Elite, Moore taught fitness seminars around the state-training other instructors-and was a personal trainer for athletes and body builders. Addition

In 1986, Dr. Vickie Brown-a Georgia native-opened her practice in Milledgeville after receiving her medical degree with specialty training in Dermatology from the Medical College of Georgia. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatol

As a child, Miller Norris would spend hours working diligently on 500 piece jigsaw puzzles. He was captivated with finding the right piece that would fit perfectly in its designated space. This early love of puzzles would later turn into a curiosity for the interworking of machinery.

One of Milledgeville’s most iconic businesses, J.C. Grant Company, was created when an enterprising young man became tired of being a simple farmhand. Using his life savings, John Clark Grant purchased watchmaker’s tools, taught himself the trade, and set up a repair bench in a friend’s shop in Mont

Southern Pipe & Supply (SPS) is a family owned business headquartered in Meridian, Mississippi that serves both trade professionals with brand name plumbing, heating, air-conditioning (HVAC), industrial, mechanical, and waterworks supplies.

Since 1982, Southside Equipment, family-owned and operated, has provided customers with the best quality products and the highest level of service in the region. What started as a side business to Billy Brack’s automotive repair service, Southside quickly grew into a successful company selling lawn

Each person travels their own respective path in search of a fulfilling career. Dr. Justice Lance and Dr. Nicole Juntz were led to the field of chiropractic medicine from different experiences when they were young and planning their futures. Together, they offer patients relief from pain and many ot

Chad Hudgins discovered a zeal for riding jet skis as a young boy visiting his grandparents’ home on Lake Sinclair. Seeing the thrill riding brought to other lake goers, he could not wait to drive a watercraft himself.

Located in a beautifully designed and crafted warehouse, the Beverage Depot has been serving up a vast assortment of wine, beer, and liquors since the first day it opened in 2011. For owner Tom Myers, the Depot is the culmination from over four decades of owning and managing multiple convenience sto

Dependable and compassionate care-that is what everyone wants for their loved ones. In 1990, Cheryl McNair Perlowin-a Milledgeville native-recognized a need for affordable, quality home care in the community. With a deep passion for providing support to those in need, Perlowin founded Peach State Nu

By opening Quality Pawn & Sales in 1984, Patricia Purvis traveled a path that was quite unusual for a female. Although her merchandise takes center stage, it is Purvis herself that adds an uncommon presence to the shop.

Tidal Wave Auto Spa was established in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2004, and within a few months of opening, became one of the busiest car washes in the Southeast. The Milledgeville location-the first to be franchised-opened in 2010 on North Columbia Street to astonishing success.

In the late 1980s, Shane Foster was a busy college student in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who was not looking for a job to add to his workload. But, when a friend, who was moving away, approached him about taking his place at a shop installing tint on cars, he stepped in and took the position. This

For some people like Porsche Adams, their calling in life is revealed through a traumatic experience. After she assisted in caring for her grandmother, Lillie Richardson, in a life or death situation, she knew she had to become a nurse.

At the time of her high school graduation, Janice Snead Hill had no idea what career path she wanted to follow, but she knew one thing for certain-she did not want to become a nurse. Her mother passed away when Hill was eight-years-old, and she was raised by her father, John Snead Jr.

Bringing a new life into the world can be both exciting and terrifying, but for Halley Becker, being a labor and delivery nurse is her intense passion.

Although challenging and rigorous, nursing offered Andrew NeSmith precisely what he needed to find in a career. He wanted to be in a profession where he could work with people and help those in need.

The first year, 2017-2018, of the Montessori Academy (MA) at the Early Learning Center(ELC) proved to be such a success that expansion is needed to keep up with demand.