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Mahaffey Linkous Orthodontics offers braces and lnvisalign® in conjunction with modern techniques to conveniently uncover your best smile. Dr. Michael Mahaffey, Dr. Eric Linkous, and their caring team of tooth-moving experts make having orthodontic treatment an awesome experience! Schedule your complimentary consultation today to begin your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.
Publisher’s Note
For me, the holiday season always brings one word to mind: gratitude. Not just for the big things like family and friends, but for the little everyday moments too — the traditions that become core memories and stay with us long into adulthood.
Growing up, some of my fondest memories were Thanksgiving gatherings at my Grandma’s small two-bedroom house that she and my grandfather built. Our extended family would squeeze inside — uncles telling jokes our moms wished we hadn’t heard, football on TV, and cousins tossing the ball across the front yard. The house may have been small, but the laughter and love made it feel bigger than life.
Now, as a husband and father of four young daughters, it’s important to me that we’re forming holiday traditions our girls will carry with them as they grow — and ones that Kristel and I can enjoy together. Kristel grew up in the Philippines, where it’s common to celebrate Christmas with a midnight feast on Christmas Eve. We’ve carried that spirit into our home — after the girls are tucked in, we set out a charcuterie board, open a bottle of wine, and wrap last-minute presents before Santa comes. It gives us a chance to pause, take a deep breath, and bring a little of her childhood into our own family story. Simple as it is, it’s one of those traditions that makes the season ours — and one we look forward to sharing with our daughters as they grow.
We’re also feeling grateful at Life Around Senoia. Thankful for how you welcomed our very first issue, thankful for the stories we get to share, and thankful to live in a town that still feels like family.
And through it all, we’re reminded that the heart of this season is more than gatherings, gifts, or even traditions. Jesus is the reason for the season — the source of the joy and gratitude we carry into our homes and our community.
From my family to yours, may this holiday season be filled with gratitude, joy, and traditions worth keeping.
God Bless,
Kevin Thompson
Publisher, Life Around Senoia
Publisher
Kevin Thompson
Ad Sales
Blake Adams
Designer
Open Look Business Solutions
Contributors
Jeremy Watkins, Kevin Tuttle, Kristel Thompson
Special Thanks
Joe and Dawn McGee, Smith Family, Adams Family Lori Burnett, Nicole McNett, Karen Smith, Patrick Housman, Kevin King, Karen Noland, Steve Malloy, Stephanie Reeder, Melissa Quinn and volunteers of the Downtown Development Association and Welcome Center, Enjoy Senoia
Cover Photo
Grace Outlaw
For Advertising Questions, please email blake@kartpathmedia.com
For Editoral Requests, please email editorial@kartpathmedia.com
KartPath Media
Peachtree City, GA
Managing Partners
Chief Kart & Soul Officer, Kevin Thompson
Chief Knock & Talk Officer, Blake Adams
Featured Family
Photo Credit UFHPTI
For most people, Santa is a symbol of joy — of generosity, laughter, and the magic of the season. For Joe and Dawn McGee, that red suit represents something even deeper: faith, redemption, and the story of how God can use pain to bring light to others.
A Story Rooted in Love and Faith
Joe and Dawn’s love story began 40 years ago at a church softball game — two months later they were engaged, and seven months after that, married. Together they built a life anchored in family, faith, and service. They raised three children — Grace, Zach,
and Claire — and today, their joy comes from being “Ahdah and Nana” to four grandchildren.
When the McGees moved to Senoia, Joe said he wanted to live “somewhere I can get to my business quick — and my grandkids quicker.” Dawn smiles when she talks about the move, describing the downtown allure and the neighborly feel that made Senoia home.
A Brother’s Influence
Before Joe ever became Santa, he looked up to his brother David Fordham, the
original Santa in the family. Growing up in Griffin, David was the kind of older brother who led by quiet example. He worked from the time he was ten years old to help support their family, bought their first bedroom suite at age eleven, and even bought Joe his first bike.
David’s heart was huge — and so was his faith. Despite facing years of health struggles, he lived every day with gratitude and joy. When his twin granddaughters were born prematurely in 2007 — after spending months in the hospital unsure if their little two-pound bodies would make it — David greeted them at home wearing a Santa hat. That moment lit a fire in him, one that would define the rest of his life. He attended the Charles W. Howard Santa School in Michigan and devoted himself to bringing joy to families everywhere.
Even as his health declined, David’s light never dimmed. When he passed away in December 2010, Joe was by his side — and the loss left a void no one could fill.
From Loss to Calling
In 2012, Joe received his own cancer diagnosis. During treatment at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute, he had what he calls a “God moment.”
“I saw a little bald girl in the lobby,” Joe says. “I knew right then why the Lord sent me there. It was my turn to pick up where David left off.”
That’s when Santa Joe was born — not as a character, but as a calling.
The Santa David Children’s Fund
To honor his brother’s memory, Joe and David’s daughters first began The Santa David Scholarship Fund, raising $4,000 and donating 100% of the proceeds. That effort inspired the creation of The Santa David Children’s Fund, which supports Child Life Specialists and pediatric cancer programs. These specialists help children find courage in the face of fear — through laughter, play, and faith.
Since the fund’s creation, it has donated almost $600,000 directly to children and families in need. “Every dollar goes where it
Photo Credit Jesica Rosa
should,” Joe says. “We’re just the hands — God does the work.”
Dawn: The Steady Heart Beside Him
Behind every great Santa is an even greater Mrs. Claus. For more than forty years, Dawn has been Joe’s partner, encourager, and rock. A retired Delta flight attendant, she spent decades caring for others — and that same kindness defines her at home.
Two years ago, Dawn faced her own life-threatening battle: a brain aneurysm that nearly took her life. “I knew something wasn’t right,” she says, “and I kept seeking answers until someone listened.” Her faith — and Joe’s unwavering support — carried her through recovery.
Together, they’ve faced heartbreak most couples never imagine: losing their daughter Claire to complications from diabetes, enduring cancer, and walking through profound grief. Yet through it all, their faith has only grown stronger. “When everything feels uncertain,” Dawn says, “you hold tighter to the only thing that’s certain — God’s goodness.”
Faith, Purpose, and the True Gift of Christmas
Today, Santa Joe continues to bring smiles to children across Georgia — from parades and hospitals to photo sessions and holiday events. But ask him what keeps him going, and he’ll tell you without hesitation: “It’s not about the suit. It’s about Jesus.”
He believes that every smile, every hug, and every story shared as Santa is a chance to point people back to the real reason for the season — the hope found in Christ.
“David showed me how to love people,” Joe says. “Dawn showed me how to stay faithful. Jesus showed me what to live for.”
Their story isn’t just about Santa — it’s about surrender. About choosing faith in the face of loss, and joy in the midst of pain. And in true Santa fashion, Joe and Dawn continue giving — not because they have to, but because love compels them to.
The
Santa David Children’s Fund
What began as a tribute to Joe’s brother David Fordham has grown into a mission that brings comfort and joy to children battling cancer. The fund supports Child Life Specialists and pediatric cancer programs — helping young patients find courage, hope, and a reason to smile during treatment.
Since its founding, the fund has donated almost $600,000 to CHOA and UFHPTI that support children battling cancer and families in need, ensuring every dollar goes where it matters most. Dawn and Joe are adamant that every dollar donated goes to where it is needed and no donor dollars are used for the expense of the fund.
To learn more or make a donation, visit www.therealdealsanta.com.
Photo Credit Picture This Studios Darrell Emory
Photo Credit Jesica Rosa
Non-Profit Spotlight
How Coweta County comes together to make sure no child goes hungry
If there’s one thing Senoia knows how to do, it’s show up for each other. And for more than a decade, Backpack Buddies of Georgia has been at the center of that mission—quietly making sure local children have the food they need when school isn’t in session.
The organization began in 2011 when April Anderson, then serving with her husband Brent at Senoia Vineyard Church, attended a conference where the speaker asked, “If the doors of your church closed tomorrow, would your community even notice?” That question sparked an idea that became a movement.
April soon learned there were more than 200 homeless children in Coweta County
at the time. With no nonprofit experience but a clear vision, she launched Backpack Buddies—initially serving just 20 children at Jefferson Park and Atkinson Elementary Schools. From those first bags of food packed around a church table, the program has grown into a lifeline for thousands.
Today, Backpack Buddies provides weekend and break-time bags for nearly 2,000 students across Coweta County. Every week, volunteers pack and deliver bags of nutritious food to schools, ensuring that children who rely on school meals don’t go hungry over the weekend. The organization also assembles “Break Bags” for Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring, and summer breaks—four critical times when the need is greatest.
Lori Burnett and Nicole McNutt joined April in 2017 and 2018 respectively, bringing years of women’s ministry experience and logistical know-how to help expand the mission. Together, the three built a volunteer network that runs like a family. Each Wednesday morning, the warehouse fills with homeschool families, retirees, and special-needs volunteers who pack hundreds of bags while laughing, praying, and sharing life together.
The ripple effects of Backpack Buddies reach far beyond what anyone could’ve imagined when it began. Recently, a former student who once received weekend food bags returned to visit the team. Now a college student and newly engaged, she came back simply to say thank you. She
shared how receiving those bags during difficult years reminded her that she wasn’t forgotten—and that people cared. That moment served as a great reminder of the impact and need that the efforts meet.
That same spirit of impact extends to the volunteers who serve. Longtime team members Karen Smith, Patrick Housman, and Kevin King joined Lori and Nicole years ago, and together they became known as the “Fab Five.” Their bond was forged through the challenges of the pandemic and the devastation of the 2021 Newnan tornado — seasons that tested the community but also revealed its strength. Through countless hours of packing food, coordinating deliveries, and encouraging one another, the Fab Five discovered that the work they were
doing didn’t just change lives — it changed their own.
Backpack Buddies also partners with Bridging the Gap to serve children during summer break and collaborates with Elevate Coweta Students, an organization offering mentorship and guidance to local youth. Together, they’ve found that hunger and hope often intersect—and both can be addressed through compassion and consistency.
And while April, Lori, and Nicole are proud of how far Backpack Buddies has come, they share one ultimate goal: to one day not be needed at all because hunger has been eliminated.
Local businesses have stepped up to help keep that goal within reach. Hometown Hardware, for example, is once again supporting Backpack Buddies with its Ravioli Can Food Drive and Pictures with Santa event on December 6. Santa will arrive by fire truck at 1:00 p.m., with a bounce house, hot chocolate, and complimentary photos with Santa for families to enjoy. The Backpack Buddies van will be onsite collecting donations — and best of all, Hometown Hardware will match contributions up to 700 cans. For many families, $25 a month can feed one child all year through weekends, breaks, and summer
vacation. Every donation, volunteer hour, and can of food helps ensure no child faces hunger alone.
JOIN THE PACK
You can make a difference right here in Coweta County:
• Sponsor a child: $25/month provides weekend and break meals for one student.
• Volunteer: Pack bags, organize food drives, or join the Wednesday morning crew.
• Donate: Every dollar stretches further through partnerships like the Atlanta Food Bank.
Learn more or get involved at www.backpackbuddiesga.org — and help keep Coweta County’s children fed, one backpack at a time.
Young Achiever Feature
A Straight-A Student with a Heart for Helping Others
Twelve-year-old Jack Henry Smith is proving that doing good doesn’t require a big platform — sometimes, it just takes a good idea, a giving heart, and an awesome grandmother.
A straight-A student at East Cowetta Middle School, Jack Henry manages to balance academic excellence, a love for baseball, and a growing desire to make a difference in his community. When asked what motivates him to keep up his grades, he simply says, “I’ve gotten straight A’s all throughout elementary — I don’t see the point of not trying to keep it going.”
His story caught our attention at the Senoia Car Show, when for the second year in a row, he turned parking at his grandmother’s home — on the corner of Broad and Morgan Street — into something far more meaningful. Rather than keeping the proceeds for himself, Jack Henry chose to donate half of them to the i58 Mission, a local nonprofit that provides food, clothing, and support for families in need.
It was a simple act with a powerful ripple effect. The idea grew out of the close bond he shares with his grandmother, who has encouraged and supported him every step of the way. Together,
they turned what could have been an ordinary parking day into an opportunity to bless others.
That partnership has inspired Jack Henry to keep the tradition going. He plans to do it again for Light Up Senoia on December 6, giving residents and visitors a chance to park for a cause. Again, look for his setup across from Crook’s and support a great kid.
In addition to his generous spirit, Jack Henry is also earning recognition on the baseball field. Now in his third season with the Newnan Naturals, he recently earned MVP honors for his pitching performance in a local tournament. He plays third base, outfield, and pitcher — with third being his favorite — and looks up to players like Ronald Acuña Jr.and Christian Yelich for their talent and work ethic.
When he’s not studying or playing baseball, Jack Henry enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors. His advice for other kids?
“Get out and explore. Senoia’s a great town with lots to do.”
Great work, Jack Henry! We look forward to seeing where life takes you — and the impact you continue to make.
Staying Healthy and Strong Through the Holiday Season
Winter Wellness at Image Fitness
As Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's approach in Senoia and Brooks, join local events like tree lightings, holiday markets, and community runs. At Image Fitness, focus on health, giving, and love to match your workout intensity. Holidayproof your mind and body: build strength so stress fades and joy stands out.
Try these seasonal workout tips
Combine cardio with resistance bands for indoor HIIT to burn calories like a market walk; switch to interval sprints with Adam's endurance training to maintain stamina despite treats; use
Elizabeth's lower body circuits for quick 20-minute sessions to recover from feasts and energize for gatherings.
Nutrition tips
Prioritize protein-rich meals like turkey or nuts to support muscle repair; stay hydrated with water or herbal teas to combat dry winter air; balance indulgences with veggie sides for fiber and vitamins, aiding digestion and energy. Skip the same old failed New Year's resolutions—start now with our 24/7 access, InBody scans, Personal Training, and equipment to end the year stronger and on a healthier path.
Holiday Deals Teaser
Watch for unbeatable specials on Black Friday/Cyber Monday and our Annual Winter Sale—finish the year stronger and healthier. Visit 60 Hwy 85 Connector, Brooks, call us at 770-2999511, or visit www.image-fitness.com to schedule your consultation with our experts.
A Grateful Heart Changes Everything
If there’s one ingredient that can transform the way we see life — it’s gratitude. It’s the quiet strength that helps us find joy in the simple, the steady reminder that even in life’s ordinary moments, there’s something extraordinary happening. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s already right in front of us — and that’s where the real beauty begins.
At ONE Church, you’ll often hear the reminder to find the message in the mess. Life can get messy — and especially around the holidays. Whether it’s missing loved ones, feeling stretched thin, or trying to keep up with packed calendars and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But even in the chaos, gratitude brings clarity. It reminds us that God is working, even when life feels overwhelming, and that His goodness is present in both the stillness and the storm.
In Senoia, we have a lot to be thankful for. From neighbors who wave when you drive by to community events that bring us together, this town has a way of reminding us that connection is a gift. Gratitude grows when we slow down long enough to see it —
in the laughter at Alive After Five, in the volunteers serving meals and collecting cans, in the lights that bring joy downtown each December. These moments — big and small — are the heartbeats of our community.
But a grateful heart isn’t just seasonal. It’s something we carry into every part of the year — and every season of life. It’s what steadies us when things get hard and reminds us that God’s goodness isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Gratitude doesn’t always change what’s in front of us — it changes how we see it.
So whether this season finds you surrounded by friends, missing someone you love, or just trying to catch your breath before the next busy day, take a moment to pause and give thanks. Gratitude turns routine into remembrance and community into family.
Here in Senoia, we don’t have to look far to find reasons to be grateful — they’re all around us. In the smiles, the service, the shared hope that connects us. That’s the real secret sauce to this life: a grateful heart that finds joy in it all.
Photo Credit Victoria Haner Photography
The Downtown Development Association
The Team Behind Senoia’s Charm
Meet the volunteer heroes keeping Main Street magical, one event at a time.
From PorchFest to the Car Show, the Tour of Homes, and everything in between — or even just the historic storefronts and welcoming vibe the moment you set foot on Main Street — chances are, if it’s happening downtown, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) played a part. While you may not always see them, the DDA is busy preserving Senoia’s charm, supporting local businesses, and creating the kind of events that bring neighbors together and keep visitors coming back. They’re the ones making sure downtown isn’t just a place to shop or stroll, but a place to belong.
Now, when you hear “DDA,” you might imagine some highsecurity government agency — suit-wearing, earpiece-listening, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones types fighting aliens from outerspace.
In reality, they’re our neighbors — volunteers who live, work, and raise their families right here. They may not be chasing aliens, but they are defending something just as important: the magic and history that make Senoia special. Think of them as the Downtown Development Avengers — a team of everyday heroes protecting the heart of our town.
Who They Are
Operating out of the Senoia Welcome Center, the DDA is a public body created by the City of Senoia to support economic development, revitalization, and preservation of downtown and the historic district. Governed by a seven-member volunteer board appointed by the city, their mission is simple — to keep downtown thriving while honoring its heritage.
What Makes Senoia’s DDA Unique
In most towns, DDAs spend their time recruiting new businesses to fill storefronts. But in Senoia, that’s rarely the issue — there’s often a waitlist to get onto Main Street. Instead, this DDA focuses its energy on drawing people to town. Through events, beautification projects, and marketing efforts, they keep downtown bustling year-round.
They’re behind the seasonal décor, lighting, trees, benches, and façade grants that make Main Street picture-perfect. They also provide free marketing for local businesses through the city’s high-traffic website and social media, and they help fund cosmetic improvements that keep the town’s charm intact.
But what they’re proudest of? The community impact. From family-friendly, free events like Light Up Senoia, PorchFest, and the Tour of Homes, to ongoing projects that make downtown accessible, vibrant, and welcoming, the DDA’s work is felt by everyone who visits or calls Senoia home.
Chair April Anderson puts it best:
“When I walked through the children’s area at last year’s Light Up Senoia, I literally cried. It was so beautiful — and I just
kept thinking, this is exactly the kind of experience I would’ve loved to give my kids when they were little.”
The Welcome Center: Senoia’s Front Door
If downtown is the heart of Senoia, the Welcome Center is its front porch. Managed by Melissa Quinn and her incredible team, the center serves residents, visitors, and business owners alike. From maps and historic guides to local recommendations and business connections, it’s the first stop for anyone wanting to experience the best of what Senoia has to offer.
The DDA’s partnership with the Welcome Center ensures the story of Senoia continues to be told — beautifully, accurately, and with pride.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
The DDA doesn’t just plan events — they nurture the culture of community. They work closely with the city to ensure that what makes Senoia special stays that way: the small-town feel, the friendliness, the connection between people.
So, the next time you’re walking downtown — sipping coffee, enjoying a parade, or admiring the twinkle lights — know that behind the scenes is a team
Downtown Development Association
April Anderson – Chair
Stephanie Reeder – Vice Chair
Doug Lane – Treasurer
Poppy Lee – Secretary
Chris Tigchelaar – At Large
Karen Nolan – At Large
Ashley Wood – At Large
The Welcome Center Crew
Melissa Quinn – Manager
Kari Bartels, Toni Johnson &
Stacey VanPelt – Associates
Janice Hayden– Volunteer
Clarissa Uhl – Volunteer
of volunteers who do it all for love of community. They may not wear capes, but they’re certainly superheroes in our book.
To learn more about the DDA, upcoming events, or how to get involved, stop by the Senoia Welcome Center at 68 Main Street or visit www.enjoysenoia.com.
Pet of the Month
The Adams family- Blake, Melissa, and their three kids share their home with two beloved pups that complete their family perfectly.
Roxy, a wise and loyal mix of Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Pitbull, and Lab, has been a part of their family for twelve years. She joined the family in 2013 when Blake and Melissa adopted her from the Fayette Humane Society. “Blake and I had our eye on her and checked in often once the application was submitted for adoption. He planned to surprise me with her while I was working but I was sick the day he had the visit with her foster parent so I was able to see her and meet her. She was extremely loving and warmed up to us
quickly. I knew she was supposed to be part of our family!”
Roxy’s name came from the couple’s shared love for the beach. She also has nicknames that have been given over the years- the most notable one is “Boo Boo Kitty.” She is most known for her humanlike personality and incredible obedience. There is no place she would rather be than with her people enjoying belly rubs.
Remi is the newest addition to the Adams’ family. She is a one-year-old Beagle with a heart of pure gold. Melissa grew up with Beagles and knew she wanted one of her own one day. When Melissa’s parents were looking at puppies from a local
breeder, there was only one little girl left. “I knew that it was meant to be! That was OUR Remi!” Melissa recalls. She quickly became Melissa’s sidekick and has brought the Adams so much joy.
Remi is playful, affectionate, and full of energy! She is always up for a cuddle or her favorite game of fetch with her tennis ball.
The Adams family said what they love most about their dogs is the unconditional love they show every day. “They love us BIG and they make sure that we know it every waking moment of the day!” says Melissa. She still jokes that if she gets sick again, Blake should surprise her with another puppy.
Christmas on Main Street
Christmas in Downtown Senoia
Where Lights, Laughter, and Community Shine Brightest
There’s something about Christmas in downtown Senoia that just feels different. The lights glow a little warmer, the air carries the sound of carols and laughter, and the smell of cocoa drifts down Main Street. It’s that small-town kind of magic — the kind that can’t be manufactured, only felt.
When December rolls around, the heart of Senoia comes alive. Neighbors gather shoulder to shoulder, shop owners decorate their windows, and families fill the sidewalks bundled in scarves and smiles. It’s cold, yes — but in the best way — the kind of chill that pairs perfectly with mittens, hot chocolate, and the warmth of shared community.
This season, three beloved events bring that spirit to life: Light Up Senoia, the Candlelight Tour of Homes, and Alive After Five. Each one offers something special — whether it’s the glow of the Christmas tree, the flicker of candlelight through historic windows, or the sound of laughter echoing down Main Street.
Light Up Senoia
Saturday, December 6
One of Senoia’s most cherished traditions, Light Up Senoia fills downtown with joy,
lights, and holiday spirit. The event kicks off at 4:00 p.m. with Santa’s Workshop at the Senoia Farmers Market (40 Travis Street), followed by the Light Up Senoia Parade at 6:30 p.m. — a dazzling procession of floats, dance groups, schools, and local businesses, all dressed in twinkling lights. The evening wraps up with the tree lighting ceremony and photos with Santa until 8:30 p.m. Theme: “A Storybook Christmas.”
Candlelight Tour of Homes
Sunday, December 14
Step back in time as Senoia’s historic homes open their doors, beautifully decorated in all the charm and warmth of the season. The Candlelight Tour of Homes invites guests to stroll through the town’s most beloved streets and experience Christmas as it was meant to be — cozy, personal, and full of tradition. Tour booklets are available the week of the event at the Senoia Welcome Center (68 Main Street). Head to www.enjoysenoia.com to purchase your tickets.
Alive After Five: Holiday Edition
Friday, November 21 & December 19
Downtown Senoia comes alive with holiday cheer this season as Alive After Five transforms Main Street into a
festive celebration of community and Christmas spirit. On November 21, shop local at the Mistletoe Market, featuring holiday vendors, extended store hours, and twinkling lights setting the perfect backdrop for finding those one-of-a-kind gifts. Then, on December 19, bundle up for A Cozy Little Christmas, complete with warm drinks, holiday treats, and the kind of small-town magic that makes Senoia so special. Whether you’re shopping, strolling, or simply soaking it all in, these nights are what Christmas in Senoia is all about — neighbors, laughter, and a little extra sparkle in the air.
Come Experience the Magic
Downtown Senoia isn’t just where the holidays happen — it’s where they come alive. It’s where you’ll find neighbors helping neighbors, laughter spilling out of shops, and kids dancing in the glow of Christmas lights.
This Christmas, make time to come downtown. Bring your family, your friends, and your holiday spirit — because this is what community looks like when it’s wrapped in lights.
For event details, visit EnjoySenoia.com.
Atlanta Rat Pack at Borgo Italia
Date: Thursday, November 20, 6-8pm
Location: Borgo Italia, 18 Main St, Senoia, GA 30276
Come enjoy this amazing trio perform for the first time in our beautiful Senoia! Enjoy the music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, amazing food and themed cocktails. Dress up like the ‘50s is encouraged !! Don’t miss this memorable event ! Call or text 770-629-2300 for reservations
Bingo Bliss for Kids
Date: Monday, November 24, 3:30pm
Location: Senoia Library 148 Pylant St Senoia GA 30276
Let’s play Bingo for fun and lots of prizes. Come and test your luck for an exciting hour! (Kids ages 5-12) registration is required go to www.cowetapublicalibrary.org for more details.
Live @ Senoia Beer Co. Benefiting Coco’s Cupboard
Date: Friday, December 5, 7-10pm
Location: Senoia Beer Co, 1 Main St, Senoia, GA 30276
If you’re in the mood for great beer and live music while raising money for the Coco’s Cupboard animal rescue, come on out to Senoia Beer Co on Friday December 5! Expect to hear a wide range of rock and roll, singer/songwriter, grunge, and country by artists like Springsteen, Petty, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Oasis, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Zac Brown, STP, Journey, Dave Matthews, White Stripes, Def Leppard, REM, Foo Fighters, Lumineers, U2, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Tyler Childers, INXS, Skynyrd, Ryan Adams, Killers, Bon Jovi, Rolling Stones, and much more.
ALL tips/contributions that find their way into my guitar case are going directly to Coco’s Cupboard to support the amazing work they do to stem the tide of abandoned dogs and cats in the southern crescent of Atlanta.
Hometown Hardware – Ravioli Can Food Drive and Pictures with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 6, 1-3pm
Location: Hometown Hardware, 40 Vlg W Dr, Senoia, GA 30276
Santa is coming to Hometown Hardware to kick off the Ravioli Can Food Drive supporting Backpack Buddies! He’ll arrive by fire truck at 1:00 p.m., with hot chocolate, a bounce house, and complimentary photos with Santa for the whole family. Please consider donating cans of ravioli to help feed local children in need. The can collection runs from December 6–13, and Hometown Hardware will match donations up to 700 cans.
Light Up Senoia 2025
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: Downtown Senoia
Step into a Hallmark movie scene as downtown Senoia transforms into a winter wonderland! Join the community for Light Up Senoia, a beloved annual tradition featuring a festive parade, live entertainment, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, and the magical lighting of Main Street. It's the perfect kickoff to the Christmas season—small-town charm, twinkle lights, and all the feels.
Candlelight Tour of Homes 2025
Date: December 14, 2025
Location: Historic Downtown Senoia
Step inside some of Senoia’s most charming and beautifully decorated homes during this magical evening tour. The Candlelight Tour of Homes offers a rare glimpse behind the doors of historic residences—each glowing with holiday warmth, twinkle lights, and timeless charm. Whether you're an architecture buff or just love Christmas decor, it’s a cozy night full of inspiration, tradition, and smalltown wonder.
Senoia Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday Morning 8:30am-1pm thru December
Location: 40 Travis Street, Senoia GA 30276
Since it began back in 2019, the Senoia Farmers’ Market has served as a hub for its surrounding communities. Whether you are local or simply passing through, we encourage you to stop in and stay a while at the local “Saturday Morning Social” of Senoia. The market is a weekend highlight that encourages a strong community of new and old friends to come and connect together while supporting local vendors. Grab a drink at the Nic & Norman’s bar, shop locally grown and crafted products from our handpicked vendors, and dive into the lifestyle we’ve come to know and love here. We hope to see you there!
Every Tuesday - Trivia
Every Wednesday - Bingo
1st & 3rd Thursday - Open Mic Night
Last Thursday of the monthOpen Mic Comedy
Senoia Beer Company
IThe Roast That’ll Steal the Show
By Chef Kristel Thompson
f you’re looking to impress this holiday season without spending all day in the kitchen, Chef Kristel’s Air Fryer Boneless Prime Rib is the perfect centerpiece. It delivers that classic prime rib flavor — tender inside, beautifully crusted outside — with half the effort and all the taste. An overnight dry brine and a quick air fryer sear lock in the juices, while garlic, thyme, and paprika add deep, savory warmth to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or sharing a cozy family dinner, this recipe turns an ordinary roast into a showstopping meal — the kind that brings everyone back to the table, and maybe back for seconds.
Ingredients
• 4 lb boneless prime rib roast (trimmed, fat cap on)
• Yellow mustard: 2 tbsp (binder)
• Kosher salt:
• dry-brining overnight: 2–3 tsp
• Ground black pepper: 2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1½ tsp
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp
• Ground paprika: 1 tsp
Preparation
1. Pat the roast dry. dry-brine:
- Sprinkle salt evenly all over
- Place on a rack, uncovered in the fridge, 12–24 hours.
2. 60–90 minutes before cooking, take the roast out to take the chill off.
3. Mix pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika. Rub roast lightly with mustard, then coat evenly with the spice mix. Place fat cap up.
Cook
(Sear-Then-Roast Method)
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5–10 minutes.
2. Sear: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes to set the crust.
3. Roast: Reduce to 300–325°F (149–163°C) and continue cooking until your target internal temperature is reached (use a probe thermometer if possible).
- Time guide after the sear: about 10–14 minutes per pound at 300–325°F.
- For a 4 lb roast, start checking at 40–45 minutes. Air fryers vary, so trust the thermometer.
4. Rest: Transfer to a board, tent loosely with foil, and rest 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Doneness Guide
(pull from air fryer at…)
• Rare: 118–120°F (48–49°C) rises to ~125°F (52°C)
• Medium-rare: 122–125°F (50–52°C) rises to ~130°F (54°C)
• Medium: 132–135°F (56–57°C) rises to ~140°F (60°C)
Carryover cooking will add about 5–10°F (3–6°C) while resting.
Slice and Serve
• Remove twine (if used). Slice across the grain into ½-inch slices.
• Spoon over any resting juices. Fantastic with simple jus or horseradish.
Note: If your roast isn’t uniformly shaped, tie with kitchen twine every 1.5–2 inches to help it cook evenly.
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A Fizz of History
Senoia’s Coca-Cola Connection
Ifyou’ve ever sipped a cold Coke on a hot Georgia day, you might be surprised to learn that Senoia once played a small but fascinating role in Coca-Cola’s early history. Long before Hollywood came calling, Main Street was home to a bustling mix of businesses — and tucked beneath one of them, the familiar fizz of Coca-Cola was bottled right here in town.
In the early 1900s, J.T. Williams and C.M. Blount operated a Coca-Cola bottling plant in the basement of the Baggarly Buggies & Wagons building on Senoia’s historic Main Street. Believed to have run from around 1910 into the 1920s or 1930s, the small-scale operation helped bring one of America’s most iconic beverages to local families and neighboring towns. Back then,
Coca-Cola was expanding its reach through locally run bottlers — and in Senoia, that meant bottles were likely filled and capped by hand just a few steps from the bustling storefronts above.
While the exact dates and details of the bottling process have faded over time, the story lives on through local history. The Senoia Area Historical Society Museum, located at 6 Couch Street, preserves CocaCola memorabilia and artifacts from that era — a nostalgic reminder of how innovation and small-town entrepreneurship shaped Senoia’s early Main Street.
It’s one of those charming details that makes Senoia’s past so rich: a town once known for wagons, woodworking, and
railroads also had a hand in bottling one of the world’s most recognizable drinks.
So next time you enjoy a Coke downtown, take a moment to imagine the hum of glass bottles being filled in a small brick basement more than a century ago — a little fizz of history right beneath our feet.
The Senoia Area Historical Society (SAHS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the social and cultural history of Senoia, Georgia and its surrounding community. We operate a free museum (open Saturday and Sunday 1-4p) and welcome new membership. Please visit www.senoiahistpry.com for more information.
