Fayette County, GA May 2023

It’s all about style. A sporty mid-size SUV that offers a fresh, young and energetic vibe and luxury at an affordable price. A young mother, who is a dedicated client of Cronic, came in with their 2020 Envision just for an oil change. She saw a 2023 Envision on the lot, was wowed by the styling, and she left with it. Her daughter, who was with her, was even more excited about the new vehicle than mom was. What attracted her first was the styling of the SUV, what sold her on the 2023 was its safety features and quiet ride.

Safety is one top features of the Envision. Buick calls its safety features the Envision Driver Confidence. This suite of six advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies comes standard. Included in this suite are Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam. Gary Coley, a senior salesperson with Cronic, describes the Intellibeam. “So if you’re on a dark road, your high beams will come on automatically. As another vehicle’s approaching you, then it will drop the high beam. It’s intelligent to know when the high beam is appropriate.”

The ride is extremely comfortable, with heated and cooled seats available in some of the higher end models. All the tech you need is available, from wireless smartphone charging, Android Auto and

Apple CarPlay, and heads-up display. Three years of OnStar Safety and Security plan come standard.

So who is buying Buicks nowadays? Gary says, “The new line of Buicks are really geared toward the young and energetic person. And the styling is sportier and more aggressive. Those are the people who are now discovering and buying Buicks.”

Cronic Chevy Buick GMC invites you to test drive the new Buick Envision. There is a nice selection to choose from on the lot right now, starting at $34,290 + tax & title. Call (770) 228-1326 to schedule your test drive or check out the current inventory at www.croniccars.com.

Sisters Make the Best Friends

I read in an article once that humans can "handle" five besties, ten close pals, thirty-five acquaintances, and one hundred other random people. I guess God has given me more than I can handle 'cause I have way more than that.

As the mommy of a profoundly Autistic child, having girlfriends who love and accept me -- no matter what -- is crucial to my happiness. So many of my friends have supported me during extremely difficult times with Abby and I don't think I could have survived without them. Girlfriends offer something different than my husband or other men in my life. They offer gentleness and empathy, kindness in truth-telling, fun, and laughter about things that only girls understand. Not that my husband isn't kind, he's just not, you know, a girl.

I am immensely blessed.

But there is one friend that is so special, so treasured, that she deserves a place all to herself. My sister, Beth.

My mother always wanted a daughter named after her favorite character in her favorite book, "Little Women". Beth is almost seven years older than I am, but to this day, if we ask people who don't know us who is older, they guess me. (I've given up having a stick in my craw about it... sort of) Beth is a middle kid and is one of the most generous, selfless, and kind people I know. She speaks her mind, many times without completely thinking out what she's speaking, which cracks me up! It's one of her most endearing qualities and we have many family stories about this that make our sides split. She always supports me, always believes in me, and is always my biggest cheerleader. Our mom and dad have both gone to be with the Lord and we weathered that together, just like sisters should in our book... lots of stories, a few tears, and a whole lot of laughter.

Here's the thing about sisters, you can't choose them. But God can. I'm so glad He chose Beth to be mine.

Wishing great love to all the women in your lives and hope you enjoy our Fabulous Women of Fayette 2023 issue!  Blessings,

JENNIFER CONFORTI, PUBLISHER @FAYETTECOUNTYLIFESTYLE

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Conforti | jennifer.conforti@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Byron Pugh | byron.pugh@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Susan Walworth, Pam Reid, Joyce Beverly

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephen Wilson, Tyler Willis

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Salmon with Quinoa, Oven-roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts & Nashville Chicken Sandwich!

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

High Tea & Shopping Experience

Come experience High Tea at ENZO in the Town at Trilith. Celebrate the women in your lives who inspire and encourage you year-round. Delight in a traditional High Tea with savory sandwiches and decadent desserts. Plus, champagne cocktails, professional photography, and a special gift per person. Also have a curated shopping experience including 180 Pure Home, Curator, and SoZo Yoga. Tickets are $125 pp. To register or for more information, go to 180purehome.com/events .

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New England Clam Bake!

BEST SEAFOOD DIRECT MARKET reaches two milestones in May and is celebrating the anniversaries of being in business and opening its storefront location in Fayetteville. Come and celebrate with owner and clam baker, Bahli Mullins, and family, on Saturday, May 20th as they host their 2nd Annual New England Clam Bake! Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the music, and stay for fun and conversations. Order now at bestseafooddirect.com or call (770) 856-4284.

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Southern Crescent Chorale

Southern Crescent Chorale presents “TRAINS and BOATS and PLANES (and CARS!), Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The Ville (formerly Brightmoor) Amphitheater in Fayetteville. Sponsored by Fayette County News, we are featuring songs like “Take the A Train”, “Rock the Boat”, “Come Fly with Me”, and “Route 66”. Toni Byrd and Bobby Lacey are guest soloists. Individual tickets available at the Fayetteville Library or at www.southerncrescentchorale.org . To reserve a table for eight, email info@southerncrescentchorale.org.

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The Home Expo for Veterans & First Responders

Lisa Baxter, Loan Originator with First Community Mortgage is hosting Veterans & First Responders Appreciation & Home Expo in Fayetteville on Saturday, May 20th, from 10 am - 4 pm. All family members are welcome to enjoy some food, raffles, and entertainment! Closing costs and vendor discounts to all veterans, first responders, and their families. Event will take place at Fayetteville First Baptist, 205 Stonewall Ave East. For more info, email lisa.baxter@fcmhomeloans.com.

The Georgia Guide to Quirky Questions, By Jacqueline Leigh

If you could take an animal home from the Atlanta Zoo, what animal would you choose? Take a curious tour around the state of Georgia with Award-winning author and FCL Alum Jacqueline Leigh in her latest book. Join her on May 2nd at 7:00 pm at Book Love bookstore in Senoia for a panel discussion for local writers and authors. You can also purchase her book for your curious kids!

Coco's Cupboard Yard Sale

Join us Friday and Saturday, May 5th and 6th for our annual Yard Sale. Get great deals on household items, furniture and much more. The sale goes from 9am to 4pm at our headquarters, Coco's School, 22599 SR-85, Gay, GA 30218. We are a non-profit humane society here to stem the tide of abandoned dogs and cats in the southern crescent of Atlanta. Come out and support our mission.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty

FABULOUS WOMEN OF FAYETTE

Fayette County is home to so many amazing, powerful, and caring women, that narrowing the list is difficult. We had so much fun interviewing, photographing, and hearing from these ladies about how they contribute to our community. We think you'll agree these five embody the values that make Fayette County great.

KAVITA MCINROE

REALTOR® BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES

Kavita (Kay) McInroe exemplifies the Gandhi quote she includes in her email tagline, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” But growing up in India, she had no idea that “change” would be in the United States.

Unlike many Indian women, Kavita attended college, but she was still expected to enter an arranged marriage.  She feared it would be the end of the life she wanted. “I wanted to live my whole life before I turned 25.” After becoming a flight attendant with Pan Am, she broke her marriage arrangement and eventually met the man she married in 1991 for love, Bill McInroe, a pilot. “It all happened really fast, and I’ve been here since then. When I moved to the U.S. my whole family disowned me except for my parents and my sister.”

Inspired by meeting the Dali Lama and Mother Theresa, Kay knew she wanted to help people. She was amazed that women in the U.S. had a voice. Her first passion was helping victims of domestic violence through Promise Place. As a Realtor, and past president of the Fayette County Board of Realtors, she’s not only helped people find their dream homes but she’s also helped attract top-notch professionals to places such as Piedmont Hospital.

Currently, Kay is president of Southside Support, a nonprofit helping families with special needs children. She is also active in several local organizations including the American Business Women’s Association and Kiwanis.  Her latest undertaking is an Indian Festival tentatively planned for October.

“If you just step up and do it, you can make a difference. It may not change the whole world, it may not change your whole country, but it could change one person's life. Isn't that worth it?”  CONTINUED >

PATTI KADKHODAIAN

CO-OWNER, GOLF RIDER

Patti Kadkhodaian lives to lead when it comes to fulfilling individual purposes and creating a positive impact for a greater community. Patti and her family have lived in Fayette County since 1997. Married 34 years and mother of 4 sons, Patti’s love for God, family, business, and community remains strong. Patti feels blessed and believes, “God wants us to be light and salt, and to make a difference.”

Patti’s entrepreneurial spirit and bachelor’s degree in marketing have served her well. From Bibs Unlimited, which grew exponentially and made way for AJAKO, a promotional advertising company honored as Small Business of the Year in 2010, to co-ownership of Golf Rider in PTC, a prominent golf cart dealer recognized as Small Business of the Year in 2019, Patti embodies the significance of small businesses to the local community.

A certified John Maxwell speaker, coach, and trainer, Patti has a passion for personal growth. “We should be learning, growing, and improving every day.”

Patti is proud to support and hire those in the special needs community. “There are so many that can work and have skills.” She appreciates the value that special needs employee, Josh, adds to her business. “He’s contributing. He makes money, and he’s part of the community.”

A Rotarian since 2008, Patti serves as vice president for the Rotary Club of PTC and will be president-elect in July. “The timing is right for me. With Rotary International we can have an enormous impact throughout the world.”

The Kadkhodaian’s also support their church and nonprofit organizations like Christian City and Southwest Christian Care. The words from Patti’s mother, just two weeks before her passing in 2013, convey a sentiment we can all benefit from. “Keep up your kindness and you will find great peace.”

DR. TAMARA LEWIS, MD

EMORY HEALTHCARE

Dr. Tamara Hudson Lewis, who has been a primary care doctor with a specialty in family medicine for 16 years, moved from Albany, Georgia to Peachtree City eight years ago, and has been a successful family medicine physician in Fayette County ever since.

“The most rewarding part of being a family medicine doctor is getting to know and serve generations of families,” she said. It’s not uncommon for her to treat grandmothers, mothers, and daughters. “I can contribute to a legacy of women in this way.” The feedback from her patients is consistent. “Dr. Lewis is exceptional! She never makes me feel rushed and she takes the time to explain things clearly. I am highly impressed with her knowledge and her demeanor.”

Dr. Lewis loves yoga and is an instructor at Sweet Tea Yoga, where the students know her as Tami. Her classes are filled with her love of soul music and attention to alignment and compassion. In addition to teaching, she is a member of the Yoga Alliance and Black Yoga Teacher’s Alliance. Married for 18 years and a mother of two teenagers, she does some form of yoga every day and exemplifies the health benefits.

“I love being in the community; especially this community…nothing better. In this community, we have a lot more in common than we think we do.” She serves with local nonprofits such as Midwest Food Bank. Tami conducts free community yoga classes and is proud to have led yoga classes for Black History Month in Clayton County.

An avid reader and runner, Tami stresses the importance of walking every day.  “Don’t get caught up in the mileage, just move for 30 minutes every day. Sit still for 5 minutes every day and do nothing; absolutely nothing. Give yourself that moment where you are focused on nothing but your breath.”

VENIS SIMS

OWNER, EDGEWOOD REALTY GROUP

Venis Sims’ penchant for sales and a love of the real estate process began in childhood.  “I’ve been selling stuff since I was 4 years old,” she said with a laugh while recalling selling sparkly rocks. “You couldn't tell me those weren't diamonds and that I couldn’t sell them.” She also vividly remembers the details of the sale of her childhood home.

Originally from Saint Louis, Venis was introduced to metro Atlanta when her sister came here to attend Spelman College. “That was a big deal,” she said.  Another sister followed two years later to attend Georgia State University.

When it was Venis’ turn to attend college, she chose Georgia State as well. She became a mortgage lender, which segued into real estate, brokerage, and ownership of Edgewood Realty Group in Fayetteville. Through her business, she gained opportunities to serve others. Grateful for the acceptance and success of her business, she wanted to return the favor to her community.

A member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, and the Fayetteville Rotary Club, Venis also became involved in Promise Place, a non-profit for victims of domestic violence. She served on the executive board for six years. “I was very passionate about Promise Place,” she said.

Now, she has another important role. After the deaths of her sisters six months apart, she became the full-time caregiver for her mother. She has a special appreciation for all caregivers and wants to encourage them. “I take this role very seriously,” she said.

Venis feels it’s important for women to be involved in their community. “We can be an example to our children,” she said, “to be a person who has empathy for the plight of others.”

CHERYL BURNSIDE

CEO/FOUNDER, PHENOMENAL WOMEN’S HEALTH, INC.

Cheryl Burnside is a phenomenal woman at her core. An entrepreneur for more than 30 years and a physical therapist for more than 40 years, Cheryl shares her heart for what she does. “My ministry is helping women and young girls to love themselves.” Phenomenal Women’s Health, Inc. (PWH), a nonprofit with a focus on empowering women and improving their overall standard of living, was founded in 2007.

Cheryl is going on 44 years of marriage and has two children and two grandchildren. She sets the bar high for taking ownership of one’s health. Program participants benefit from an empowered and faith-filled person who underscores the importance of health education. "I want women to be advocates for their own health; be it physical, mental, spiritual, or fiscal.”

Phenomenal Women’s Health received a proclamation from the state of Georgia for servicing over 8,000 women and children. How Cheryl managed the demands of both private practice and nonprofit work is a testament to her passion and drive. Now full-time with PWH, she focuses her energy on improving the lives of as many women and girls as possible.

PWH has grown to serve a diverse group of women and girls throughout Metro Atlanta. Community partnerships and volunteers are integral to the organization’s success. “Phenomenal Women’s Health would not be what it is today without the amazing people who volunteer. So many people have worked with us for years. These women come back and mentor our high school girls, and the high school girls would mentor the young girls.” Cheryl envisions this effort coming full circle. “If we can help to strengthen the bond with the women and girls, we can have a better hope for the future.” Visit iamphenomenal.org to learn more.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH

Pain drove Dr. Samantha Brooks to a chiropractor. Relief from pain gave her a passion to help others through chiropractic care.

Like many women, Samantha was experiencing low back pain while pregnant with her son, Davey.  Years earlier, she had been diagnosed with a congenital knee malformation that her orthopedic surgeon had said she would just have to live with.  Her knee pain was so severe she required a handicap sticker, and she couldn’t use stairs. The extra weight of pregnancy made her knee pain worse, but it was for sciatic pain that she sought the help of a chiropractor. When the chiropractor worked on her pelvis and sacrum to help alleviate the source of her sciatic pain, she got more relief than she expected.

“I remember the day I recognized that I was no longer having knee pain,” Samantha said. “I had been sitting on the floor watching TV and I stood up and didn’t have knee pain.”  As someone who had always braced herself to stand, she couldn’t believe what she was experiencing.

At her next appointment, she told the chiropractor her knee pain was gone. “She’s like, ‘Oh, you have knee pain?’” Samantha said. “She explained to me how the alignment of the pelvis and sacrum affects how the patella tracks over the femur and the tibia. It just made so much sense. By the time Davey was 3, I was enrolled in chiropractic school.”

After becoming a chiropractor, she earned a special certification to work with those often underserved by chiropractic care—pediatric and special needs patients. Serving as the executive director of Atlanta Birth Center, a non-profit that offers an alternative to hospital births, Samantha opened her practice, The Brainery, in the same building. It was only natural that she started seeing infant patients. “We work a lot with their neurological reflexes, their primitive reflexes, that help them with developmental milestones through the first couple of years,” she said.

BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE:

Samantha said it’s important that reflexes, such as the one that helps babies roll over, develop bilaterally. When they don’t, it can set the child up for brain issues.  Reflexes that haven’t been integrated can even cause problems such as the inability to sit still in school and bed wetting. The Brainery, through referrals from pediatricians, also helps special needs kids, including those with autism and ADHD, function better through a neurological approach. Samantha said many of the autistic kids she sees still have some of their primitive reflexes. “We have to do exercises to help them drop those reflexes and integrate the neurology,” she said.

IN PREGNANCY: Adjustment of the pelvis and sacrum during pregnancy and even labor can provide a more comfortable and shorter labor.

INFANTS:

Gentle adjustments, even within minutes after birth, can address problems like having difficulty nursing, colic, and torticollis, commonly called wryneck.

Samantha sees patients in Peachtree City on certain days but has plans to open a full-time office in Fayette County. Her goal is to also provide space for mental health and craniosacral therapists, a lactation consultant, and a Learning Social Club for children. The club would offer community-centered, drop-in classes that would include parents and provide interactive toys and games.

Although she specializes in young patients, Samantha sees patients of all ages. She does a comprehensive health history and full chiropractic assessment before any adjustments occur.  “We like to get into whatever their primary complaint is. Whether that’s a particular challenge that they’re having or a particular goal that they have. We spend a lot of time with patients – up to 60 minutes for the initial exam. Almost all my patients go home with stretches and strengthening activities to do. We try to look at the whole health picture. Can you imagine if you’re in pain every day and you get out of pain? That does so much for your mental health. It affects so much beyond just pain.”

For more information about The Brainery, visit www.thebraineryatl.com

CHILDREN:

Adjustments can help with common childhood problems including ear infections and bed wetting.

ADULTS: Adjustments can provide relief from chronic pain, promote improved posture, and increase range of motion.

Dr. Samantha Brooks, owner of The Brainery, is a chiropractor who takes a holistic approach to healthcare. She earned her doctorate of chiropractic from Life University and has an additional 14 years of experience in medical administration and clinical work in pediatrics and orthopedics. She also earned her certification for Holistic Health Coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.  Samantha has offices in Atlanta and Peachtree City and is an Atlanta native.

"WE TRY TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE HEALTH PICTURE. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF YOU’RE IN PAIN EVERY DAY AND YOU GET OUT OF PAIN? THAT DOES SO MUCH FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. IT AFFECTS SO MUCH BEYOND JUST PAIN."

s t o d a y t o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t h o w T h e G i n n G r o u p c a n p r o v i d e t h e b e s t - v a l u e s o l u t i o n s .

The Ginn Group, Inc

200 Westpark Drive, Suite 100 Peachtree City, GA 30269

UEI: HNNXJHAJFT42

CAGE Code: 1B6T5

Good Food, Fast!

MAKE

Growing up under Romania’s communist regime, Nora Pullen was accustomed to empty shelves and long lines when food shopping.  Fortunately, her grandparents lived in the country and provided her family with meat and vegetables and her mother taught her to cook healthy food with limited resources.

After she immigrated to the U.S. at 15, Nora was astounded by the variety of healthy and unhealthy options in grocery stores. She also was introduced to the wide variety of ethnic cuisines available here.

In her 20s, Nora worked as a chef crafting Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Later, during her corporate career in California, long work hours required her to be efficient with her food prep, while still enjoying a variety of meals.

After she and her husband, Quentin Pullen, aka Coach Q, a physical therapist and fitness expert, moved to Fayetteville to be

closer to family, they decided to use their skills to help others get healthy.  The couple runs several wellness businesses that focus on a holistic approach to health—The Fitness Ranch, Inc., a nonprofit fitness program for kids, and Body by Q Fitness, LLC.   Nora’s business, In the Kitchen with Nora, focuses on quick and nutritionally dense meals. Through cooking classes and meal prep, Nora teaches clients to prioritize healthy eating with streamlined dishes prepared at home. Utilizing herbs and spices, locally sourced produce, and quality pantry staples, she said these dishes can be prepared in the time it would take to go through a fast-food drive-thru.

“If we take care of our health, we’re able to perform at a higher level in every aspect of our lives,” Nora said.

For more information about In the Kitchen with Nora, visit www.inthekitchenwithnora.com, or for the Pullen’s other programs visit www.thefitnessranch.org and www.qthecoach.com .

Dishes to Try:

Vegetarian Power Salad

Fill up healthfully with lots of good-for-you fiber and veges. Should you desire non-veg options, grilled boneless/skinless chicken thighs or breasts, salmon, or shrimp would be a lovely addition!

Ingredients :

• 1 can Great Northern white beans (you can use other beans too such as chickpeas, black beans, pinto, etc.) – drained & rinsed

• ¼ medium red cabbage

• 2-3 carrots

• 3-4 red, yellow & orange mini peppers

• 1 avocado

• 3 small Persian cucumbers

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes

• ½ zucchini

• 1 tbsp capers

• 2 shallots

• roasted pepitas/pumpkin seeds (to taste)

• Italian parsley (to taste)

• sharp white cheddar cheese (to taste) – cubed

Dressing:

• 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• kosher/sea salt (to taste)

• herbs & spices: herbs de Provence + This Little Goat Went to Belize spice mix (you can use other herbs or spices to your taste)

Savory Chicken Chili

Directions:

Clean & cut all veggies. Stage in a bowl. Put all of the dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake it up! Then pour over your veggies and enjoy this healthy salad. You'll love how satisfying it is and your tastebuds will thank you.

A Good Neighbor

Not all insurance companies have a stellar customer service reputation, and the same is true for their agents, unless you are insurance agent Ky Dickerson. When you think about getting ahead or climbing the proverbial corporate ladder, you can’t anticipate all the twists and turns the journey could take. Ky Dickerson has weathered a number of storms, and yet

still made her way from claims adjuster to running her own agency . . . all with the corporate giant, State Farm - the largest property and casualty insurance provider, and the largest auto insurance provider in the United States.

Ky has a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in mass communication. As destiny would have it,

STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT KY DICKERSON EMBODIES THE COMPANY’S ICONIC BRAND WITH EXCELLENCE.

ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER WILLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Ky applied for a job with State Farm just to help tackle student loans. She was hired within a few weeks as a fire claims adjuster in Bradenton, Florida, and to date, State Farm is the only company Ky has worked for long-term. From fire claims adjuster to insurance agent, and several supervisory and managerial positions in between, Ky Dickerson currently enjoys a tenure of 30 years; the same number of years she’s been married to her husband Ronald, whom she met in college at the University of Florida.

Before the birth of her two children, Maurya, now age 26, and Ronald Jr., now age 22, Ky did a little bit of everything while working in different insurance roles. Ky did storm duty in California, worked the 1994 Northridge earthquake as a catastrophe adjuster, and … wait for it … was a contestant on The Price is Right, with the only and only Bob Barker. Come on Down!

Ky loves what she does with State Farm. When life threw one of its curve balls at Ky, she was faced with challenges and complications with her pregnancies. State Farm was there through it all, understanding the last thing Ky needed was to worry about work. State Farm recognized the work ethic, drive, and expertise of one of their best employees, and walked alongside her every step of the way. Ky represents State Farm proudly. “We really work hard to do the right thing by the customer and the employees too. We go above and beyond. We rose to number one because we care about people and what happens to them.”

During a company reorganization, it was hard to get a transfer approved, but when Ky expressed a need to move closer to family, her request was honored and a place was found for her in the Atlanta area. Ky’s passion to help more people with varying insurance needs, and her desire for freedom and flexibility, was inspiration enough to pursue an agency. Several licenses, including a Series 6 and Series 65, prepared Ky to take over an agency currently located in Peachtree City.

As a supportive member of the community, Ky Dickerson Insurance Agency supports local schools and nonprofits by way of sponsorships. They volunteer and work hard at meeting customers where they are. “We do our best to serve clients with whatever they need.”

Ky knows that what propelled State Farm to its current status in the marketplace is, “They really do care about people. In my line of work, I get to serve people.” She tells her team in the Peachtree City agency, “What we do, it matters. It changes lives. It’s not about making a sale. It’s about changing a life or touching a life.” Ky has created an agency culture that represents the company’s brand exceedingly well. “When something bad happens to someone, we get to help them put their life back together. We get to help them through that process.”

Ky is currently working on obtaining her investment license, yet another way she will distinguish herself and how she can offer expertise to her clients. “We really try to go above and beyond with service and also with my background and experience I bring to the table. I’m able to guide my customers in terms of the choices they make about insurance.”

Ky insists that, “Who you are insured with really matters. People tend to focus on price. Of course, people have budgets and that’s understandable. However, it comes down to so much more than price when in your time of need, your insurance company is there for you. I have seen, time and time again, regardless of the cost, people understand the value of being with State Farm.”

“Every year we call our customers and set up time to do policy reviews and make changes to keep things updated. It is my job to review your policies and let you know if you have gaps in coverage. Some people think life insurance is for the dead. It’s for the living. It allows you to go on after something terrible has happened. That said, life insurance for your child helps to

"We rose to number one because we care about people and what happens to them.”

guarantee their future insurability. You should insure them when they are born, before they are diagnosed with any conditions.”

“I work really hard. I’ve had others help me. I pay it forward. In all my walks of life, I’ve had someone take

an interest in me, and made me feel that I could do it.” Ky loves doing the same for others, helping them to develop and grow. “I truly enjoy helping people and that includes my staff. I genuinely care about people and what happens to them.” www.kydickerson.com

“When something bad happens to someone, we get to help them put their life back together. We get to help them through that process.”

Family - Friends - Forever in Fayetteville!

You’ll think you’re in the mountains at your private retreat as soon as you drive onto the property, and everyone will want to gather here!

Perfect set up for In-law suite or possible rental. Back yard has a pool with a gazebo and dressing room. Fenced pasture with tack barn and separate, walk-in horse barn. Zoned for 2-4 horses!

Call today to schedule your tour of this one-of-a-kind estate!

The stories of our lives are rooted in change.

In my writing class, I teach people to mine the highs and lows of those stories.

First, we make a timeline of events that generate important documents: births, marriages, legal dispositions, and deaths. Next, we layer life-changing moments like graduations, job or address changes, diagnoses, “joinings” (think clubs, churches, or even friend or exercise groups), and gains and losses, financial or otherwise. Entrepreneurs add a few peak and valley moments from their market-condition-dependent endeavors to the list.

From these data-rich points emerges a hearty list of tales worth excavating.

Four years ago, I stood at a crossroads where several of these points in my story collided. I could dress this juncture up with lofty words that make it seem like I was pondering dreamily, “What shall I do with the rest of my life?” But really, it was a street fight with a mean little gang of circumstances trying to clobber me all at once. It wasn’t the easiest moment, but I had fought this fight before, with fewer resources and against bigger, meaner thugs. While I wasn’t as afraid as I might have been, it was still a challenging time.

A couple of years before, I spent hours with a coach talking about my changing whys and a nearly suffocating sense that the clock was ticking. I admitted to having a lifelong dream I’d like to unpack before they call my name on a roll up yonder. I want to write my way to that heavenly home.

For more than forty years, I herded stories into weekly and monthly community publications. I worked with talented professionals and collaborated with readers, customers, and vendors who made these endangered journals possible. Innumerable inspiring life stories, including hundreds featured in Fayette Woman, were released into the world under my watch. But in the closing scene of my own story, I want to be writing.

Bless her beautiful, patient heart. Whenever I met with my coach, she found new and unique ways to say, more or less, “What are you waiting for? What has to change to make this possible?” The answer, of course, was me.

I didn’t abandon my day job, but I did put a plan in motion. I came up with a name for a new company that would help people tell their stories. I prepared to repurpose editing and publishing skills, add some writing,

and then see what happened. I set that company up and found a first project. My coach had a book she needed help with, which was a great place to start. Soon, other opportunities began to flow my way.

I hoped to do “all the things.” When it became painfully clear that I could not, I faced a choice most of us encounter a few times in our lives: Stay and try to make something work that wasn’t working for me anymore? Or go all in on the new thing? I sought counsel from family and friends, people I knew wanted the best for me. Unanimously, they said, “Go for it.”

In hindsight, things are easier to analyze. “Of course, this is how it should be,” we say. “It makes so much sense.” But in the stay-or-go moment, it’s anything but obvious. Steve Jobs said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” (Did I mention this plan, launched

in the fall of 2019, including working from home or wherever I like? How’s that timing look in the rearview mirror?)

Today I help people tell their stories and make sense of their journeys, to capture the essence of their lives for family and friends. We all stand on someone’s shoulders, and people we will never know will stand on ours. Sharing our stories is a way to pay our experience forward to future generations, to tell people that we survived so they will believe that they can too.

Today, I’m deliriously happy with my work. Does this mean everything’s perfect? Do I have it all figured out? No. I’m learning and evolving. But I’m in a place I never imagined, having experiences and opportunities I could never have foreseen. Every situation is different, but if you’re considering a change, I hope you hear me say: Your story’s not over. You’re still writing it. Don’t be afraid to live your dream.

LEARN MORE: Joyce Beverly believes that every one of us has a story. The lifelong community journalist and former publisher of Fayette Woman has been sharing peoples’ stories for more than forty years. In 2019, she rebooted. Today, she writes and edits memoirs, coaches people to write their stories, and provides publishing services for indie authors.

"I faced a choice most of us encounter a few times in our lives: Stay and try to make something work that wasn’t working for me anymore? Or go all in on the new thing?"

CHICK TRIBAL

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 7TH

A Taste of Alō!

ALŌ FARMS, 629 HWY 74 SOUTH, PTC | 1:00 PM

This is going to be our big block party for the year! Come meet the vendors of our local market products, listen to live music, have lunch, go on a tour, and a whole lot more! For more info and to register, go to alofarms.com or call (678) 489-4423.

MAY 7TH

Bourbon & Bites Fundraiser!

CURIOUS PIG, 115 HUDDLESTON RD, PTC | 1:00 PM

CALLING ALL BOURBON FANS! The Curious Pig will offer 5 handcrafted bourbons alongside 5 perfectly paired bites. Enjoy fantastic food, music, raffles, and lots of fun. Benefitting Two Sparrows Village, a nonprofit building communities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Titos Handmade Vodka, beer, and wine as well) Visit  twosparrowsvillage.org for more info and to purchase tickets.

MAY 13TH

Miles for Midwest 5K Run MIDWEST FOOD BANK, 220 PARKADE COURT, PTC | 8:00 AM

Come run the second annual Miles for Midwest 5K benefitting Midwest Food Bank!  The course will begin at our facility in Peachtree City and take you on a scenic run along the cart paths.  Our unique race offers family-friendly post-race activities such as an inflatable and delicious frozen yogurt! Take a tour while there. Details at runsignup.com/Race/ GA/PeachtreeCity/MilesforMidwest5k

EVENTS CONTINUED

MAY 16TH

Porsche Owners Gathering

BIG SHOTS KITCHEN & BAR, 102 GUTHRIE WAY, PTC | 6:00 PM

Drive your Porsche to Big Shots

Kitchen & Bar for some good food, fun Porsche talk, and meet some new friends! Contact Bill Edwards at 404-702-2180 so he may plan for seating.

MAY 18TH

Third Thursdays, Live Music Series

THE AVENUE PEACHTREE CITY, 239 CITY CIRCLE | 7:00 PM

Our live music series is returning in May! Join us every 3rd Thursday from 7-9P for an adult night out after work. Get some fresh air outside while enjoying live music, yard games, food + drink specials! Visit our Facebook page for more info @TheAvePC

JUNE 3RD

Celebrate 200 Years of the City of Fayetteville

CITY CENTER PARK, 210

STONEWALL AVE W, FAYETTEVILLE | 4:00 PM

The Bicentennial Celebration will be anchored at City Center Park and will feature a market, live bands, food trucks, walking tours, and more. Satellite celebration locations will include the Old Fayette County Courthouse grounds and Fayetteville City Cemetery. The evening will culminate with Fayetteville’s sky full of fireworks! Visit  fayetteville-ga.gov/200th

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