Fayette County, GA February 2026

Elevate Every Drive

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ushers in a new era of refined driving–pairing modern sophistication with thoughtful engineering to create an SUV that feels truly elevated. Designed for drivers who appreciate comfort, style, and quiet confidence, the new Equinox delivers a premium experience from the moment you step inside.

The cabin features sculpted seating, Evotex leather materials, and a contemporary layout centered around an 11-inch driver display and 11.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless charging, rain-sensing wipers, a heated wiper park, and an AutoSense power liftgate

Wanda Cronic Howell, President and Dealer at Cronic Automotive Group in Griffin

Where luxury meets value. Discover the 2026 Equinox at Cronic Chevrolet GMC.

add luxury that feels effortless. “You can walk to the back of the vehicle and it automatically opens,” notes Gary Coley, Sales and Leasing Consultant at Cronic.

Advanced safety innovations deepen the sense of refinement. Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Reverse Automatic Braking now respond even more intuitively, including enhanced intersection detection. Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts seamlessly to surrounding traffic, giving every drive a calm, composed feel.

On the road, the Equinox offers a poised, polished ride with a right-sized design that’s easy to maneuver yet spacious enough for

luggage, shopping, or weekend escapes. It blends practicality with upscale comfort— luxury without the luxury price tag Coley has seen this resonate with buyers. One longtime customer, a successful professional and loyal Equinox driver, recently called ahead to purchase the model displayed on the showroom floor. “This was her seventh vehicle from Cronic and her third Equinox. She knew exactly what she wanted,” Coley says.

Experience the sophistication of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox at Cronic Chevrolet GMC–where elevated design meets exceptional value.

With Love, Fayette County

February invites us to pause and reflect on what we love—and for me, that begins right here.

Fayette County may be made up of just five towns—Fayetteville, our historic county seat and home to the oldest courthouse in Georgia; Peachtree City, Tyrone, Brooks, and Woolsey—but the depth of history, heart, and connection found within these borders is remarkable. This is a place shaped by generations, rich with stories, and grounded in a sense of community that feels both rare and enduring.

Over the years, publishing Fayette County Lifestyle has given me the gift of truly knowing this community. I’ve discovered favorite gathering places—like sharing a memorable meal at ENZO Steakhouse & Bar, strolling through 240 Glynn St., where wine, coffee, shopping, and self-care meet, making pizza at home with one of Your Pie PTC's take home kits (fun!), or enjoying a great burger and hometown conversation at Olde Courthouse Tavern on the square in Fayetteville. These places matter because of the people behind them—the neighbors who pour their passion into creating spaces that bring us together.

But what I treasure most are the people I’ve met along the way. The friendships formed through this magazine have been rich, genuine, and deeply meaningful. Our advertisers are more than business owners—they are community builders, storytellers, and some of the most generous hearts I know. They truly are the lifeblood of Fayette County Lifestyle, and their commitment to serving this county is what makes our pages come alive each month.

This Love Local issue is a celebration of them—and an invitation to you. When you choose to shop with the local businesses featured in these pages, you’re investing directly in the people and places that make Fayette County feel like home. You’re supporting neighbors, strengthening our local economy, and helping preserve the character of the community we all love.

I also encourage you to take time to learn more about where you live—to explore our history, our towns, and the stories that came before us. The more we know about this place, the more deeply we can appreciate it.

This February, may we all fall in love with Fayette County again—through its history, its people, and the local businesses that continue to shape its future.

With my deepest gratitude,

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Conforti | jennifer.conforti@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Byron Pugh | byron.pugh@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Chelsie Nichole | chelsie.nichole@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Pam Reid, Jennifer Conforti, Sydney Kate Lewis, Pauli Reep

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

South Atlanta Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

JENNIFER CONFORTI, PUBLISHER

@FAYETTECOUNTYLIFESTYLE

3:5-6

Specialized Support

Every Step of the Way

Comprehensive Breast Care at Piedmont Fayette

Piedmont Oncology treats more breast cancer patients than any other healthcare system in Georgia. With a highly specialized, multidisciplinary team of breast care experts, we ensure our patients have easy access to personalized, compassionate care every step of the way.

Whether you are seeking to lower your risk of developing breast cancer, detect breast cancer early, or need treatment of either cancerous or non-cancerous breast disease, Piedmont Fayette is committed to providing high-quality, patient centered care, close to home.

Our Comprehensive Breast Care Team

Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostics Services

Multidisciplinary Team of Breast Cancer Experts

• Fellowship-trained Breast Surgeons

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

• Sub-specialized Medical and Radiation Oncologists

Patient-centric Support Services

• Breast Cancer Patient Navigation

• Genetic Counseling and Testing

• Lymphedema Therapy

• Oncology Social Work

• Oncology Nutrition Services

• Rehabilitation

For appointments or to learn more about comprehensive breast care at Piedmont Fayette, call 770.719.1545 or visit piedmont.org/breasthealth.

Agha, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist Rebecca Paffenroth, NP

MD

FEBRUARY 2026

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Harts of Teal founder, Kim Airhart, and family at Shining Light fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer awareness. 2: Everyone dressed to the nines and helped raise funds for Harts of Teal. 3: Santa delivered gifts to Joseph Sams students at Trilith thanks to the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation! 4: JSS staff and volunteers from Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, with Santa, by his Huey "sleigh"! 5: Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile "Walk for Peace" from Texas to Washington, D.C., in Fayetteville! 6: Locals joined and braved the chilly temps to get a glimpse of The Peace Monks. 7: Fayetteville resident Nini Watkins gave bags of fruit and snacks to support The Peace Monks.

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business monthly

The Cottages at East Lanier by Peachtree Building Group

There's a fresh new place to call home in Fayette County that blends small-town charm with modern comfort. The Cottages at East Lanier is a thoughtfully designed master-planned community created for those who want simplicity, style, and a lifestyle that feels both connected and peaceful. We're offering detached single-story and two-story cottages, as well as select townhome floor plans.  Email our on-site agent, Valerie Thompson, vthompson@pbgbuilt.com or anytime on her mobile, 404-246-8335.

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Dynasty Films Wraps First Feature Film,  When Hearts Brew

Courtney Chen, a Peachtree City-based filmmaker and founder of Dynasty Films. announced that they recently completed their first feature film,  When Hearts Brew. A Georgia-made faith-based romance with a fully local cast and crew, it will soon be available on streaming. "As a Fayette County company, it’s especially meaningful to us to showcase the talent, creativity, and community support that helped bring this project to life," says Chen.

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Healing Bridge Clinic / Reece Center 5th Annual Charity Shoot

Registration is underway for the premier fundraising event benefiting both the Healing Bridge Clinic and the Reece Center. This exciting day of competition and community support is scheduled for Friday, February 28, at the scenic Big Red Oak Plantation in Gay, Georgia. The event brings together sporting enthusiasts from five states for a full day of action, featuring competitive sporting clay teams, thrilling tower shoot teams, and options for individual participants. Visit healingbridgeclinic.org to register.

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Trilith LIVE: Fayette County’s new cultural powerhouse is here and built to inspire.

ALL THE WAY LIVE!

ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

For twenty-five years, Al Mead has been one of Fayette County’s most recognizable community champions - a connector, a convener, a ministry leader, and a constant presence in civic life. So it comes as no surprise that in June of this past year, Al stepped into a role that elevates his gifts and leadership in a way no previous position has: President of the Fayetteville Performing Arts Center at Trilith (FPACT), the not-for-profit organization that controls and operates the region’s most anticipated cultural development, Trilith LIVE

A WORLD-CLASS CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM

Trilith LIVE represents a major milestone in Georgia’s entertainment infrastructure. Its mission is directed at advancing cultural enhancement, arts appreciation, civic engagement, and economic development in Fayetteville. Make no mistake - this is no abstract vision. The venue’s breadth and sophistication reflect a facility designed to support every stage of creative production. From touring concerts and television broadcasts to corporate conferences and intimate local arts performances, Trilith LIVE is more than a venue. It is a powerhouse for creativity and innovation.

Within its impressive campus is:

• A 2,800-seat theater (or up to 3,000 general admission)

• Banquet capacity for 800 guests.

• Meeting space for 50 - 300 attendees

• Two 25,000-square-foot sound stages

• An outdoor plaza holding up to 2,500 guests

• More than 120,000 square feet of dressing rooms, production offices, and support environments

• A luxury nine-screen cinema that creates a next-generation moviegoing experience to the region

CREATIVITY, CONNECTION, AND GROWTH

From its earliest announcements, Trilith LIVE captured attention not just for its architectural beauty but for its purpose. The venue was conceived to meet a real need: a flexible, mid-sized, world-class space that could host everything from major entertainment productions to signature community gatherings.

Already, local and regional organizations have lined up to use the new facility for corporate meetings, business conferences, award galas, and largescale celebrations. Groups such as the Fayette County Development Authority, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, local realtors, hospitals, and nonprofits have planned events that signal Trilith LIVE’s central role in the civic life of Fayette County.

Its ability to move seamlessly between a formal gala one evening and a corporate leadership summit the next is a testament to the versatility built into every square foot of the complex.

Adding to the excitement, Trilith LIVE celebrates the arrival of Passion City Church to the campus. Not only can attendees gather every Sunday in the state-of-theart 2,200-seat auditorium for amazing worship and teaching, but they can also enjoy the additional spaces at Trilith LIVE that are used for the church’s other midweek programs and gatherings. Passion City Church has two services each Sunday and emphasizes that there is a place for everyone on a Sunday morning.

“At Trilith, every space is built to inspire, and Trilith LIVE is the stage where that inspiration comes to life.”

“[Trilith

LIVE] strengthens a regional ecosystem that already includes Trilith Studios, educational partnerships, and a growing concentration of entertainment professionals.”

With world-class events, dynamic programming, and fresh opportunities now offered at Trilith LIVE right in our county’s backyard, the need to travel long distances for quality entertainment and cultural experiences is quickly disappearing. Fayette County residents no longer have to travel to Atlanta - or beyond - to enjoy exceptional performances, meaningful community gatherings, and state-ofthe-art creative spaces. Trilith LIVE brings the caliber of experiences once reserved for major metropolitan hubs directly to the heart of our community.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND AVAILABLE TO RENT

One of the most frequent questions surrounding the project has been whether Trilith LIVE is reserved only for residents of the Trilith community. The answer is a resounding no.

Trilith LIVE is fully open to the public and welcomes event inquiries of all kinds - from weddings and nonprofit galas to film productions, graduations, and product launches. Its broad spectrum of spaces offers planners unprecedented flexibility. Nonprofit rates are available to ensure accessibility for mission-driven organizations. The Trilith LIVE Sales Team stands ready and would love to help bring your vision to life. For bookings and inquiries, reach out to them at connect@trilithlive.com.

WHY TRILITH AND WHY FAYETTE COUNTY?

Placing this extraordinary venue in the heart of the Town at Trilith was intentional. Trilith itself is a community master-planned by Atlanta-based town planner and designer Lew Oliver, using classical principles blended with modern livability. The town was built to cultivate creativity - an environment where storytellers, artists, and innovators live, work, and find inspiration.

By anchoring a major arts and production facility within that setting, Trilith LIVE becomes both a complement and an extension of the community’s creative identity. It strengthens a regional ecosystem that already includes Trilith Studios, educational partnerships, and a growing concentration of entertainment professionals. This synergy - between community, production, and performance - is unlike anything else in the state.

A NEW TIER OF ENTERTAINMENT INFRASTRUCTURE

Trilith LIVE offers a mid-sized, technologically advanced facility capable of hosting productions that once had no place to land locally. By bridging the gap between intimate local theaters and massive stadiums, it can accommodate everything from major concert tours and television broadcasts to family shows and corporate conventions.

JOB CREATION & ECONOMIC GROWTH

The impact on the local economy is already significant. Trilith LIVE is expected to create hundreds of jobs beyond its initial construction - supporting careers in event management, technical production, hospitality, food service, and administrative operations. Visitors attending conferences, concerts, and events further boost opportunities for local restaurants, shops, hotels, and related services.

CREATIVE & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Governed by a not-for-profit organization, Trilith LIVE is mission-driven. Its focus on cultural enhancement and community impact ensures that programming is curated not just for entertainment value but for civic benefit - strengthening connections among residents and elevating the region’s cultural profile.

Trilith LIVE stands as the pinnacle of what’s possible in the world of entertainment, education, and community engagement. Al Mead shares, “Trilith LIVE is more than a venue, it is a place where schools, families, and entire communities can gather for enrichment that begins with our students and extends to our youth, innovators, storytellers, and creators of every kind.” Guided by its powerful motto, “We set the stage to enrich the lives of the storymakers who inspire the world,”  Trilith LIVE embodies a commitment to nurturing imagination and unlocking potential. It offers a platform where the next generation of dreamers can see what’s possible, where artists can elevate their craft, and where the community can experience the transformative impact of creativity brought to life.

OPENING DAY & PUBLIC ACCESS

The luxury cinema officially opened to the public on December 19, 2025, establishing Trilith LIVE’s first operational footprint. The full venue launched

its grand opening season on January 15, 2026, accompanied by guided tours of the space that began later that month.

Emerging as one of the region’s most remarkable destinations, Trilith LIVE is an architectural gem paired with state-of-the-art production capabilities that rival the best venues in the Southeast. It is poised to draw visitors from across metro Atlanta and well beyond. Whether for concerts, conferences, film productions, or community celebrations, Trilith LIVE offers an experience so elevated and distinctive that it naturally becomes a magnet for anyone seeking exceptional entertainment and cultural engagement.

Visitors have the opportunity to experience firsthand the theatrical, technical, and architectural excellence that has generated such excitement across the county.

PRESIDENT’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Al Mead envisions Trilith LIVE as a dynamic center for inspiration and a cornerstone of the creative ecosystem at Trilith. “This role will allow me to help lead the effort in connecting the community to the arts.” To Al, Trilith LIVE is a place where creativity is nurtured, where emerging talent is elevated, and where compelling stories find a stage.

“The goal,” Al continues, “is to establish a world-renowned destination that inspires everyone

who walks through its doors - from the performers on stage to the crew behind the scenes and every guest in the audience - solidifying Trilith LIVE’s reputation as a global hub for storytellers and innovators.”

A FUTURE OF UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

The launch of Trilith LIVE is just the beginning. The leadership team is already exploring expanded partnerships, enhanced programming, and innovative uses of the facility to serve the creative community. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a mission-driven purpose, the venue will continue to evolve as a dynamic hub of arts, culture, and economic vitality.

This month’s lineup includes:

• Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre - February 17

• Dwight Yoakam - February 20

• Hairball - February 27

• Rick Braun - February 28

Visit trilithlive.com for a complete list of upcoming events and ticket purchase.

Al concludes, “At Trilith, every space is built to inspire, and Trilith LIVE is the stage where that inspiration comes to life.”

TO LEARN MORE

• Website: Trilithlive.com

• Social: Trilith LIVE on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok

• Email: connect@trilithlive.com

GROUNDED IN COMPASSION

April Mowell stewards sacred spaces while guiding families through grief, healing, remembrance, and hope.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER CONFORTI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

April Mowell admits that much of the cemetery business surprised her. Having watched her husband grow up around the funeral industry, she once viewed it as an unusual — even uncomfortable — line of work. But that perspective shifted quickly once she stepped into it herself.

“Healing does take place. People come through devastating loss, and we see them on the other side of it.”

“It didn’t take me long to realize that this business serves a very real need,” she explains. What stood out most was the deeply human side of the work — the care, compassion, and connection that exists behind the scenes. Over time, the fear and sadness people often associate with funeral homes and cemeteries faded for her, replaced by something far more meaningful. Today, she finds it foreign when people say they can’t bring themselves to step inside a funeral home. “I don’t see it as scary anymore,” she says. “It’s a stepping stone into the next phase.”

April has witnessed firsthand how funerals and celebrations of life, while born from loss, can also be deeply heartwarming and even fulfilling. Of course, some situations are incredibly difficult. In those moments, she’s seen how faith, along with the support of friends and family, can make a profound difference. Families grounded in faith, she notes, often find strength and resilience even in their darkest hours.

That long view of grief and healing is something April cherishes most about the cemetery side of the business. Through WCS Properties, she manages Westminster Memorial Gardens in Peachtree City, Camp Memorial Park in Peachtree City, and Sharon Memorial Gardens in Tyrone — the only perpetual care cemeteries in Fayette County, meaning they are regulated and funded to be maintained forever.

Her relationship with the families they serve doesn’t end after a service. In many cases, it spans years, decades, and even generations. “I’ll see cars coming through the cemetery, and I recognize them,” she says. For April, the cemetery becomes a sacred place where healing unfolds slowly and naturally. “We get to witness that process,” she shares. “Healing does take place. People come through devastating loss, and we see them on the other side of it.”

What many people don’t see, April says, is just how deeply her team cares. “I sleep well at night because I

am completely confident in our team — their hearts and how they care for our families. I’m incredibly proud of that.” Balancing compassion with the logistics of running a business rooted in grief requires grace, patience, and perspective — especially when families arrive in the midst of raw emotion. “Often, people are in the anger stage of grief when they come to us. They may be angry at the circumstances, angry at God, angry at the person they’ve lost. We have to remember it’s not about us. It’s about having grace and meeting families where they are.”

As a woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated industry, April sees meaningful change taking place. While most funeral directors have historically been men, she notes a growing influx of women stepping into leadership roles. “I think women can run any business,” she says. “But this one is really special, and women can truly make a difference.” She speaks with pride about her team and grounds crew, adding simply, “I would do anything in the world for them.”

April believes in supporting community and is involved with Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to honoring fallen U.S. service members by placing wreaths on veterans’ graves each December and teaching future generations the value of freedom. With a father who served as a career military member — and whom she lost at a young age — the organization holds special meaning for her. “It’s a way I can honor his service, and the service of all veterans who sacrificed everything for us,” she says. Proudly patriotic, April believes strongly in remembering those who fought to protect freedom. “It’s important that we don’t take that sacrifice for granted.”

Looking toward the future, April is deeply mindful of the legacy she’s carrying forward. She sees the foundation laid decades ago by her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and her husband’s grandfather. “They built the bridge for us to walk on. I hope the same will be true for generations to come.”

THE Trail TO Friendship

Inspiration turned into action is helping women find community in Fayette County.

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY KATE LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

What started as a simple question in the “Life in the Bubble” Facebook group has grown into a thriving community of more than 2,000 members as of December 2025. Heidi Becker has always loved being outdoors, whether walking trails, hiking the Georgia mountains, or exploring new places while traveling, but she was hesitant to do so alone for safety reasons. In October 2024, she asked if there were any hiking clubs in Peachtree City or if she should start one herself. Encouraged by responses from the group, she created the Peachtree City Ladies Hiking Club Facebook page.

“In the first two weeks, I had about 800 ladies join, and it’s just grown like crazy ever since,” Heidi says.

Three to five days a week, women from the group gather to hike trails throughout Peachtree City, including Line Creek Nature Trails, as well as locations across Fayette County and surrounding areas. “We call it hiking, but it’s really just walking with a purpose,” Heidi admits.

One of the club’s defining features is its accessibility. “The reason this club is so successful is that any lady can join, and anyone can plan a hike,” she explains. Once members join the Facebook group, they can create an event with the date, time, and relevant details for the entire group to see. Each hike functions as an open invitation. Sometimes only a few women attend; other times, more than a dozen show up. “It’s a community effort,” Heidi says.

As interest has grown, so has the reach of the club. While it began with local walks, hikes now span across Georgia and beyond, with one even taking place in Scotland. “It started out just local, then it kind of grew across Georgia, and now we’re going international,” Heidi says.

Although the group was created for companionship during outdoor walks, its foundation is rooted in the friendships that form along the trail and extend well beyond it. In addition to scheduled hikes, Heidi has hosted educational gatherings featuring guest speakers, accompanied by wine. Speakers have included members of the Peachtree City Police Department discussing hiking safety, doctors explaining the health benefits of walking, and a hiking association president who later led a group hike.

There are many success stories related to improved fitness and weight loss, but Heidi believes the emotional connections matter most. “It’s just been such a phenomenal club,” she says. “It’s meaningful to me not only because of the mental and physical health benefits, but also because of all the friendships that have formed through this group.”

“When you’re hiking together for two or three hours, you naturally start talking and really get to know people,” Heidi explains. At the club’s one-year celebration, several members shared how deeply the group had impacted their lives. “They told me how grateful they were that I started it, because it has meant so much to them,” she says.

Looking ahead, Heidi hopes to strengthen those bonds through monthly social gatherings at locations such as her Keller Williams office or Line Creek Brewery. “It just warms my heart and feeds my love tank,” she says. “I’ve met so many wonderful, interesting people through this club.”

With members representing a wide range of nationalities, ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds, including even the mayor, the Peachtree City Ladies Hiking Club has grown into something far greater than a walking group.

The club also extends its impact beyond the trails. Members have created merchandise including T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Southern Conservation Trust. The group regularly participates in community cleanup efforts, with some members joining organized cleanups and others simply bringing bags along to pick up litter during their walks.

With no dues required, becoming a member is as simple as joining the Peachtree City Ladies Hiking Club on Facebook. For anyone hesitant to take that first step, Heidi offers reassurance: “Join the club and join the fun. We don’t leave anybody behind. It’s a very friendly group, and I encourage anyone who has an interest in being outdoors to give it a try.”

You Can Join Too!

Joining the Peachtree City Ladies Hiking Club is simple. With no dues or required commitments, all interested participants need to do is join the club’s Facebook group. Once inside, members can browse upcoming hikes, create their own events, and connect with women of all ages and fitness levels.

Hikes are held three to five days a week at various locations throughout Peachtree City, Fayette County, and surrounding areas. New members are encouraged to start at their own pace, and no one is ever left behind.

As founder Heidi Becker puts it, “You don’t have to go take lessons or join a club or pay a membership. You just put your tennis shoes on and get out.”

Because Love Is Worth Protecting

Let’s

Know Your Numbers

February is National Heart Health Month, and Piedmont Heart encourages our community to know their numbers, prioritize prevention, and be proactive about lifelong heart health.

ARTICLE BY PIEDMONT HOSPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Hypertension is a risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is caused primarily by lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, lack of exercise, and a poor diet. It can also be linked to genetics, kidney disease, and sleep apnea. With high blood pressure, the arteries may have an increased resistance against the flow of blood, causing the heart to pump harder to circulate the blood. People are encouraged to maintain regular physicals with primary care physicians and consider screenings for hypertension to detect issues early.

“High blood pressure is theoretically easy to treat, but in reality, it can be quite difficult,” said Barb Conlon, NP, Piedmont Heart.”  “A combination of lifestyle changes and medications can keep hypertension under control and help to prevent future adverse outcomes.”

Screenings are recommended once a year for adults ages 40 and older, as well as adults at increased risk for hypertension, such as Black persons, persons with high-normal blood pressure, or persons who are overweight or obese. For adults aged 18 to 39 who are not at increased risk for hypertension, screenings are recommended every three to five years.

Conlon stated that it is essential for people to know their blood pressure numbers. According to the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure is estimated to be about 120/80 mmHg, and a blood pressure of 130/80 and above is considered hypertension. Symptoms of hypertension include severe headaches, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds. Unfortunately, the majority of those afflicted by high blood pressure don’t display symptoms until things start getting serious. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to an enlarged heart, kidney disease, and/ or a stroke.

In addition to regular screenings, cardiologists suggest reducing your risk for hypertension by limiting alcohol consumption, reducing salt intake, exercising more frequently, and maintaining a healthy weight. The Dottie Fuqua Women’s Heart Support Network, established in the Fayette community through the generosity of Fayetteville resident and former Piedmont Foundation and Piedmont Fayette Hospital board member Vicki Turner in 2018, has offered classes and programs focused on proper nutrition, mind-body wellness, and movement.

“A large number of women have at least one risk factor for heart disease,” said Conlon. “An estimated 80-90% of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes. I believe that the Women’s Heart Support Network has made a tremendous impact on the lives of women throughout Fayette County and metro Atlanta.”

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it is also important to follow your provider’s recommendations, which may include lifestyle adjustments and prescribed medications. To avoid hypertension, it is recommended to follow a low-sodium, low-caffeine diet with 150 minutes of exercise a week.

Visit piedmont.org/heart to learn more about hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and the Women’s Heart Support Network.

ABOUT PIEDMONT

Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe, cost-effective, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 12,000 donors annually that for centuries has sought to make a positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve.

EMPOWER YOUR WELLNESS

While it ’s often referred to as “hydration therapy,” it ’s a lot more than just an infusion of hydration. We offer various vitamin and medication therapies as well as straight hydration, minerals, and electrolytes. IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream for efficient absorption. This approach is intended to support hydration, energy, and overall wellness, and may be used for concerns such as dehydration, migraines, nausea , cold & flu symptoms, heartburn, hangovers, fatigue, menstrual cycle symptoms, stress, and more

GET A LITTLE CHEESY!

An Italian Fontina fondue made for two, where sparks fly and double dipping is encouraged.

Fondue may be a classic, but passé? Not a chance. It’s one of the most interactive and joyful dishes you can put on the table—communal, comforting, and built around everyone’s favorite buffet star –cheese. This Italian Fontina Fondue is silky, savory, and undeniably elegant, pairing beautifully with crisp fennel and cured salami for dipping. Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan melt into a luxuriously smooth blend, lifted with dry white wine, lemon,

and a splash of Marsala wine. Subtle garlic, a hint of white pepper, and a pinch of red chile flakes add gentle warmth without overwhelming the palate. Served warm and velvety with focaccia, tender artichokes, sweet bell peppers, or whatever else your heart desires, this fondue invites slow dipping, lingering bites, and easy conversation— perfect for a cozy night for two. Pair with a crisp Viognier or Pinot Grigio.

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

ITALIAN FONTINA FONDUE

Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons Cornstarch

• 3 Tablespoons Marsala wine

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1 ¼ cups dry white wine, or dry vermouth

• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 ½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated

• 1 ½ cups fontina cheese, grated

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 pinch red chili pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 pinch white pepper.

To Serve: Cut up cubes of focaccia or chewy sourdough bread, artichoke hearts, red and yellow bell pepper wedges, slices of fennel, and slices of hard salami – whatever you like!

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the Marsala to dissolve. Set aside.

2. Rub the garlic cloves around the inside of a heavy saucepan that is heated to medium heat, and then drop them in, or if you prefer the subtle taste of garlic, leave it out. Add the dry white wine, or dry vermouth, and lemon juice. and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Gruyere and the Fontina cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.

3. When smooth and creamy, add 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and blend well until it melts. When the cheese is completely melted into the liquid, add the marsala mixture and whisk to blend. Let simmer for several minutes to thicken. If the mixture is too thick, stir in some additional wine. Finish with a pinch of red chili pepper flakes (if desired) and white pepper.

4. Transfer immediately to a warmed fondue serving pot or small chafer and serve with focaccia or breadsticks, artichoke hearts, red and yellow bell pepper wedges, slices of fennel, and slices of hard salami, or whatever you would like to add.

PEACE OF MIND IS WORTH EVERY PENNY

My mission is simple: to help my members feel confident and at peace about their financial future. I believe everyone deserves honest guidance, clear communication, and a plan that fits their life — not just their portfolio. Whether you’re saving for retirement, your kids’ future, or simply a good night’s sleep knowing you’re covered, I’m here to make the process easy to understand and built on trust.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Team Trivia Night - Your Pie PTC

Your Pie PTC, 2015 Ga-Hwy 54 W, Peachtree City | 6:00 PM

Join quizmaster Brian Green of Greenie's Pit as he hosts Team Trivia. Win nightly prizes! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and stay connected to upcoming Trivia Tournaments. It's FREE to play and fun for everyone. Enjoy our fabulous brick oven-fired pizza, wings, or baked pasta while having a great time with family and friends.

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

Peachtree City Farmers Market

Aberdeen Village Shopping Center, 215 Northlake Drive PTC | 9:00 AM

Food, Fun, Gifts, Music! Saturday’s market brings approximately 60 vendors offering a variety of fresh produce, poultry, beef and pork, bread, sweet treats, honey, eggs, prepared foods, and so much more. Whether you’re looking to create a feast or simply don’t want to cook at all, we have you covered. Every Wed & Sat, 9 AM - 1 PM.

FEBRUARY 28TH

Dinkin’ For Dollars. The Big Dill: Pickleball, Pints & Poker!

Let's Go Pickleball, 1001 Moba Drive, PTC | 7:30 AM

Get ready for a full day of fun with two exciting events in one supporting the Joseph Sams School. Kick off the day with our open-format doubles pickleball tournament. Grab your favorite dinking partner —or register solo, and we’ll pair you with another player at your level. It’s all about great games, great people, and great competition. Visit josephsamsschool.org to register.

FEBRUARY 28TH

Big Dill Bash! The Big Dill: Pickleball, Pints & Poker!

Let's Go Pickleball, 1001 Moba Drive, PTC | 6:00 PM

When the sun goes down, the party starts! Enjoy a relaxed evening filled with delicious food, complimentary pints and wine, a rockin’ DJ, and Vegas-style casino games. Test your skills (or luck!) at the tables and show off your best moves on the dance floor. Come for the pickleball, stay for the party! Visit josephsamsschool.org to register.

FEBRUARY 28TH

Charity Shoot Benefiting Healing Bridge Clinic & Reece Center

Big Red Oak Plantation, 8428 Greenville St, Gay, Georgia | 8:00 AM

This exciting event will feature sporting clay teams, tower shoot teams, and individual participants. The day will begin with a delicious breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A, followed by lunch from The Beirut and dinner from The Curious Pig. To cap off the day, a cocktail celebration and prize ceremony will be held.  Please visit www.healingbridgeclinic.org/events to register or for more information.

FEBRUARY 28TH

Father-Daughter Dance

Kedron Fieldhouse, 202 Kedron Dr, PTC | 5:00 PM

Dine, dance, and enjoy an evening of fun. Girls ages 6 through 13 are invited with their dads or a special male role model in their lives. Visit www.peachtree-city.org/recreation for more info and to register.

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