The story of what is now known as the Bennett Family of Companies is the prototypical American success story. It is about how a half-century of hard work combined with an exceptional emphasis on faith and family led to the existence of one of the most successful private companies in Henry County. The full Bennett story could not fit in this space or even this entire publication. Here is a snapshot. Marcia Taylor moved to Georgia as a 19-year-old mother of three with the promise of a job in the transportation industry. The man who hired her soon became her...
Ready. Set. Tennis.
When one thinks about sports their family and friends could participate in, a litany of ideas come to mind. However, individuals overlook many sports due to the lack of exposure to them, either in the media or in real life. One of these underrated sports is tennis. Above the Net is a program that aims to expand youth participation in the sport and further popularize it among local communities. Brenda Gant, one of the founders of Above the Net, explains that although many other sports are promoted to children, there has been a lack of attention towards tennis. Gant states...
Learning Leadership Skills in Youth
Gavin Bradley is taking advantage of numerous local leadership opportunities while still in high school. The Community Christian School junior excels in the classroom and participates in the school’s sports program, in addition to being active at his church. A year ago, he added another activity to his resume with his selection to the Stockbridge Youth Council. An initiative spearheaded by Stockbridge officials at City Hall, the Youth Council is described on the city’s website this way: “The Youth Council is a dynamic team that amplifies the voices and experiences of young people and leverages their expertise, energy, and ideas...
A Time-Honored Craftsman
Remember the vintage Timex commercial adage “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking”? The same can be said of 90-year-old clock repairman/maker Richard Storer, who lives in Hampton with his daughter. Like the 1960s commercial, this experienced repairman/maker “keeps on ticking” by servicing hundreds of clocks and watches with meticulous care. Once owning and operating a small shop in Jonesboro, Storer now does his handiwork in his home’s upstairs attic. Storer grew up in Kansas and served in the Navy from 1952 until 1974. While stationed at the Naval Air Station in New Orleans, he became interested in clocks...
Supporting Young Athletes in Non-Traditional Sports
The demands of sports like football or basketball are well-known regarding athletic training. However, there are other, often less traditional sports where young athletes push their bodies to the limit, requiring certified athletic trainers (ATs) to adopt specialized approaches. Dance and gymnastics are prime examples of such unique sports. These activities demand extensive training hours and physical capabilities that far exceed those required by traditional sports, placing distinctive stress on young athletes’ developing bodies. Pediatric athletic trainers at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta design programs tailored to the specific activities children and teen athletes are engaged in. Parents must play an...
The Summer of the Smash Burger
‘Tis the summer of the smash burger. All I have to say is I hope you enjoy this smash burger recipe as much as my family and friends. I have been cooking this recipe for a few years now and would suggest adding it to your summer cookout recipes. It is as simple as following the 13 steps I have listed below, yet it is a complex combination of incredible flavors like you’ve never had before in a burger. Smash Burger Ingredients:● Pack of sesame seed brioche buns● 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef (or meat of choice)● sweet onions● American...
Gabino’s Mexican Grill
As the diversity of the United States has grown, so has the growth of cultural and ethnic cuisine. Likewise, as Henry County’s population has exploded, the number of restaurants has grown with us. Look in any shopping district around the county and find a restaurant catering to just about any taste: Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Cuban. I am sure there are some I have missed. Far and above the Mexican food scene exceeds all others. A person can find authentic Mexican to Tex-Mex. Gabino’s Mexican Grill in Locust Grove is a local restaurant that bridges the gap between...
My visit to Berry College with the Atlanta School of Photography
During the week, I’m an eye doctor, dedicating my days to helping patients with ocular health. It’s a rewarding profession that allows me to make a significant impact on people’s lives by improving their sight and, consequently, their quality of life. However, come the weekend, I switch roles and immerse myself in photography. This passion for capturing moments and scenes provides a creative outlet contrasting my structured weekday responsibilities. With a camera in hand, I explore diverse subjects, from stunning landscapes to intricate details in everyday objects. Photography allows me to express myself artistically and see the world from different...
“Irresistible Love”
Cathy Ray grew up in the small town of Fulton, Kentucky. She was the baby of 11 children in a blended family. Her Dad was a mechanic who never finished school, and her mom was a faithful woman. Cathy loved her parents greatly! Cathy grew up very poor and was determined to get an education and leave their small town, not realizing in those moments that God could help her. While she was in college, she started dating her now husband, Monty. It was also at this time that her mother died in a car crash. This event would help...
The Future Looks Bright
Former Henry County Schools student Bryce Mullins graduated from Locust Grove High School in May. Mullins shared that it was a day he did not believe he would ever get to experience due to multiple roadblocks along his educational journey. Mullins was a freshman attending Locust Grove High School when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and students transitioned to remote learning. Due to the drastic change in his learning environment, he experienced a significant setback and was not able to keep up with his classes from home. “I wasn’t motivated to learn,” said Mullins. “I needed to be in a classroom....