The day came when Molly Corso found out she’d made it. This Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy student got the news she had been waiting for. “My heart was beating out of my chest,” says Corso. She was selected for the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony. But how did music become such a big part of her life? “I started with piano lessons,” says Corso. Then she joined her school band and transferred into percussion. Music runs deep in this percussionist’s family. Corso’s parents were clarinet players when they were in school. And Corso’s brother Jesse, a euphonium player for The...
Tiny, but Mighty
Christy Deen had been in the food and beverage industry for 20 years, including stints with Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, when inspiration struck. She had traveled out to the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Martin, and saw drive thru coffee stands throughout the area. “These were small, had a tiny footprint, and I could manage starting one on my own,” said Deen. “It took some time to get it started because it wasn’t a prevalent concept in the Southeast, but after explaining it to the county and state, it got approved.” Located at 50 Hwy 138 West, Drip-Thru prides itself...
Serving a Greater Purpose
“Never underestimate the power of a woman!” This quote by Archie Andrews actually applies to not one, but two local women who founded a nonprofit philanthropic company from a desire to fulfill community needs through their logistics company. Victoria Sparks and Michele Wilson envisioned a charity which focused on children and women issues in Henry County as well as surrounding counties and eventually some worldwide organizations. With Sparks’ and Wilson’s determination to overcome the male dominated logistics industry, the company, PEI (Premier Expediters Inc.), was born in 1992 out of faith and determination. This parent company has expanded into four...
Revs Soccer Aims to Produce Successful Players
Soccer coach Tim Gilbert wants his players to move on to become college — and maybe even professional — athletes one day, but more importantly, he wants them to go on to be great human beings. Since he was young, he’s helped coach his brother, then later his son and hosts of other kids over the years. He admits that he was not the best role model to his younger brother while he was in high school and college, and eventually lost his brother. “Why I am working this hard for these kids is that I don’t want them doing...
Far East Meets South
Sweet Auburn BBQ started with a trailer in Atlanta and continued growing in popularity to now two restaurants, one on North Highland Avenue in Atlanta and one at 1828 Jonesboro Road in McDonough. The McDonough location, co-owned by David Maiolo, celebrated its one-year anniversary in December and is building a solid reputation among area foodies and BBQ aficionados. “We take traditional pit BBQ cooking and combine it with a little Asian fire,” said Maiolo. “It’s the perfect pairing.” When Maiolo talks about “fire,” he doesn’t mean overpowering heat but rather flavor. The Nam Jim Jaew sauce, featured on items like...
It’s Never too Late to Try Something New
For decades, Amy Iketani toyed with the idea of being a writer. In her early fifties, she decided to go for it. Her mother’s passing and a trip back to her hometown in Pennsylvania gave her the final motivation she needed, and in September of 2023, she officially became a published author. “I started dabbling in writing probably 20 years ago but didn’t have any training and didn’t really know what I was doing,” she said. “At least it felt that way.” She found an eight-hour writing course sold on Etsy by an established author, and it opened her eyes...
Better Location, Great Results
The Henry County location of Hands of Hope for Physical Therapy & Wellness has relocated to an upgraded location. The new facility in Stockbridge is beautiful, more modern, and in a much better location in the center of the county’s medical hub near Piedmont Henry Hospital. Patients can utilize the state-of-the-art rehab equipment at the new site just off Country Club Drive while gazing out the window at the golf course. “It’s definitely more convenient,” said operations manager Chris Bohannon. “A lot of the physicians seem to like the idea that we’re right here in a medical part of town....
Continuing to Make a Difference
Over 107 years have passed since the McDonough Woman’s Club was founded, and it remains as active, involved, and vibrant today as in 1916 when 38 women began meeting in homes – socializing, supporting one another, and performing acts of charity and kindness within their Henry County community. One of this group’s earlier projects was to begin a local library. Those pioneering ladies donated the first books from their own collections and subsequently enlisted friends and others to donate books, bringing the number of books in their “library” to 1,065 by its third year in existence and continuing to grow...
Personal Investments
In the process of building financial portfolios, where and how we invest our resources is of great importance. If one is to gain dividends, wise investments are crucial. One thing is sure: if there is no investment, then any potential gains never exist. The risk-reward determination has to be made for a confident commitment to a positive return. Likewise, if you are to make a difference in the lives of your community, dedicated action must be taken to be a positive influence and add value to the lives of others. This saying in the Christian faith rings true: “Do not...
Covenant Care Services
Covenant Care Services, a state-licensed non-profit Christian adoption and counseling agency, was founded in 1989 with a mission to provide compassionate support to birth mothers, children, and families. Over the past 33 years, this remarkable agency has been a beacon of hope, facilitating over 550 adoptions and averaging 150-200 women cared for each year. Covenant Care’s unwavering commitment to both birth mothers and adoptive families is a testament to the power of love and support in the adoption journey. From the outset, Covenant Care works closely with expectant mothers, providing them with the care and assistance they need during their...