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...
Be Prepared
Denise Sowell, CFPⓇ, CLUⓇ, ChFCⓇ, and Keli Hazel, CPA, BFA, the women behind Capitol Financial Solutions in downtown McDonough, decided to become business partners after realizing that they shared similar values and a passion for helping people navigate a complex, and constantly changing industry. They maintain separate offices on the same block but share knowledge and resources as they support each other and their clients. Customers who sit down with either of them know that they have a great team ready to answer any of their questions and create a financial plan uniquely tailored to them and their goals. Whether...
Acts of Love
Deborah Eskridge knows firsthand how illnesses can impact day-to-day life. Diagnosed with lupus in 2016 at the age of 19, she spent much of her time adjusting to her “new normal” rather than attending her second year of college as planned. Recognizing that many children and young adults impacted by illnesses may not be able to do the same things as others their age, especially during the holiday season, Eskridge began a toy drive called Deborah’s Toy Chest in late 2016. “With the support of my neighbors, friends, and family, I was able to donate 66 toys to Children’s Healthcare...
Children of the Mines
Traveling changes you. When placed out of your comfort zone in a part of the world in which there are more obstacles, you grow and never return to the same person you once were. Potosí, Bolivia, is one of the highest cities in the world. It sits on the lower part of the country and is known for its mining and colonial architecture. At one point, the city was the main supplier of silver to the Spanish empire. Today’s mining puts emphasis on the extraction of tin, zinc, lead, and silver. As we were looking for a spot to take...
GleamPro
When you see a service truck from GleamPro Cleaning pull up to your home or business, you might think it is just one franchisee for a large national company with offices scattered all over. It is not. There is only one GleamPro office, and it’s in Jackson. However, the cleaning company serves a wide geographic area that stretches across Henry and surrounding counties, utilizing a fleet of six trucks and 15-20 employees. Those professional-looking employees get the job done in a way that makes one think they have a gigantic company behind them. “We always wanted to look professional and...