Good morning!
Good health doesn't always make the headline until you need it. This week we're changing that, because some of the most important things happening around the lake right now have everything to do with taking care of yourself and the people you love..
This week’s issue of The LO Down, we're welcoming St. Mary's Health Care System to Lake Oconee Life and sharing a few things about our own backyard hospital that might just surprise you. We're spotlighting the Lake Country Community Health Fair, a free event coming Saturday, March 28th that's bringing healthcare resources directly to our community. And we're featuring Norman Zapien and the talented team at Zapien's Salon, a Lake Oconee institution where expert hands and a genuine passion for beauty have been helping this community look and feel their best for years.
Whether you're brand new to the lake or have been here for years, this one's for you.
❤️ Holly
Welcome to Lake Oconee Life - St. Mary's Health Care System 🎉
St. Mary's isn't new to Lake Oconee, but we're thrilled to officially welcome them to Lake Oconee Life. And if you're newer to the area, there's a good chance you don't know the full story of what's right in your own backyard.
Did you know that St. Mary’s is home to the first 640-slice CT scanner ever installed in a critical access hospital in Georgia? Or that over 100 medical residents from the Augusta University/UGA Internal Medicine Residency Program have trained here, meaning the care you receive benefits from some of tomorrow's brightest medical minds? This 25-bed hospital on Lake Oconee Parkway quietly delivers specialist-level care, surgical services, advanced imaging, stroke response, rehabilitation, outpatient infusion, and a 24/7 emergency department, so most residents never have to make the drive to Athens, Augusta, or Atlanta.
The hospital opened its current facility in November 2013, built in part thanks to a fundraising committee that included 15 Reynolds Lake Oconee members who helped make it a reality. Community built it. Community runs it. And it's here for all of us, every day.
📍 5401 Lake Oconee Parkway, Greensboro | Emergency Department Open 24/7 | (706) 453-7331
Nestled Between Historic Madison and Lake Oconee
If you have been dreaming of a newer home with room to breathe, this one is worth a detour. Kathy Daniel of Keller Williams Lake Oconee is proud to present 1021 Windsor Creek Drive in Madison, a beautifully finished 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch built in 2023 and listed at $459,900.
Set on 1.52 acres, this 2,119-square-foot home delivers the kind of thoughtful layout that is hard to find. The open floor plan flows naturally from a living room anchored by a wood-burning brick fireplace to a kitchen built for real life, large island, walk-in pantry, coffee bar, and subway tile that never goes out of style. The primary suite earns its keep with a soaking tub, tiled shower, double vanities, and a walk-in closet that connects directly to the laundry room. The fenced backyard is generous, the covered back deck is ready for evenings outside, and the home comes fully furnished including TVs.
Perfectly positioned between the charm of downtown Madison and Lake Oconee, just minutes from popular Lake Oconee boat ramps like Sugar Creek, this home puts the best of both worlds within easy reach.
A Rare Talent, Right at Home: Norman Zapien at Lake Oconee
There is something special about realizing that the level of talent people usually travel to New York or Beverly Hills for exists right here at Lake Oconee. Norman Zapien is not just a stylist. He is a true industry veteran whose career spans decades of work at the highest levels, from training during the Vidal Sassoon era to educating stylists across the globe. And yet, after building an international reputation, he chose to bring that expertise to this community and create something exceptional.
What makes Norman’s presence here even more meaningful is how he pairs that world class skill with a deeply personal approach. Zapien’s Salon reflects his philosophy of listening first and delivering thoughtful, elevated results without ever feeling intimidating, creating an experience that is polished, welcoming, and grounded in genuine care. Clients return not just for the outcome, but for the way they are treated.
That same sense of care extends beyond the salon, as Norman has long been committed to giving back, supporting charitable organizations throughout his career and investing in the Lake Oconee community through local nonprofits, animal welfare efforts, and support for first responders. It is this combination of mastery and generosity that sets him apart, and reminds us just how fortunate we are to have someone of his caliber calling Lake Oconee home.
Cafe du Papa
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Eatonton City Center Stage
Cafe du Papa will be serving up sweet their fluffy donuts, classic beignets and fresh coffee at the Downtown Eatonton Farmers Market. Guests visiting the market can follow the delicious aroma of their favorite local food truck for an evening pic-me-up.
Art in Action
Downtown Greensboro
Art in Action is a brand-new, free community celebration of creativity in Downtown Greensboro, inviting residents and visitors to experience the local arts scene through live performances, featured artists, and interactive experiences. The weekend kicks off with Gallery Night at Festival Hall, followed by a Creative Walk showcasing student art installations, live music, and demonstration artists creating in real time. A true reflection of the creativity and culture that make Downtown Greensboro such a special gathering place.
Groth Vineyards Wine Dinner
Table at the Lake
Table at the Lake's From Vine to Table Wine Dinner Series continues with an elegant evening featuring Groth Vineyards & Winery, one of Napa Valley's most respected names known for its beautifully balanced Sauvignon Blanc and exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons. Chef Casey and the culinary team will craft a thoughtful multi-course dinner paired with five Groth wines, guided by SE Regional Sales Director Sarah Wagner who will share insight into the winery's history and winemaking philosophy. Seating is limited and tickets are $195 per guest, all-inclusive.
Tee It Up For the Kids Golf Tournament
Harbor Club
The Tee It Up for Kids Golf Tournament is a scramble format charity event benefiting the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, bringing together golfers for a full day of competition, games, contests, and raffle opportunities. Registration includes lunch courtesy of Chick-fil-A, complimentary beverages throughout the day, and a shot at the $10,000 Hole-in-One challenge. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those looking to make an even greater impact for local youth.
Southland Jubilee
Downtown Greensboro
Southland Jubilee is Downtown Greensboro's beloved annual heritage arts festival, transforming historic downtown into a lively celebration of Southern culture, creativity, and small-town charm — completely free and family friendly. Spend the day exploring arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, live music, a classic car show, agricultural exhibits, and a dedicated kids' area. A cherished community tradition that truly has something for everyone.
OPAS Unplugged: Franck Piano Quintet
First Methodist Church
OPAS Unplugged returns with an afternoon of exquisite chamber music featuring the Franck Piano Quintet, performed by acclaimed violinist Amy Schwartz-Moretti and celebrated pianist Benjamin Hochman alongside a distinguished ensemble. A sweeping Romantic masterwork performed up close — this is world-class artistry in an intimate setting.
This Week’s Hotspot
Yes, it's worth the drive.
Tucked inside a beautifully restored 19th-century building in historic Madison, The Dining Room is the kind of fine dining experience that makes you slow down and savor every course. Under the guidance of consulting chef Shaun Doty, the menu evolves weekly around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, so no two visits are quite the same.
Guests can go à la carte or settle in for a three or four course prix fixe journey, with optional wine pairings curated from a list of over 100 varietals. The hospitality is as polished as the presentation.
Open Thursday through Saturday evenings, with last seating at 8:30 PM. Reservations are recommended.
📍 146 East Washington Street, Madison, GA
Summer Camps at Lake Oconee
Summer is closer than it feels, and we have started building out our 2026 Summer Camp calendar so local families have one easy place to find everything happening right here at the lake, from wakeboarding to soccer, theater, cheer, and beyond. We are just getting started, and we want to make sure no camp gets left off the list. If you or someone you know is hosting a summer camp or VBS this year, simply reply to this newsletter with your camp link and we will get it added.
→ See what's on the calendar so far at lakeoconeelife.com/lake-oconee-kid
Local Resources: Support What Strengthens Lake Oconee
Nobody wants to need a body shop. But when you do, you want Classic Collision Center.
I've taken my car there twice, once after a deer made a very bad decision, and once after another driver made an even worse one. Both times, the team at Classic Collision Center handled everything: the estimate, the insurance, and the repairs. Both times, my car came back looking better than before the accident, detailed inside and out.
Family-owned, which means the same people who answer the phone are the ones who care about the work going out the door. They welcome walk-ins, work with all insurance, and can arrange towing and a rental car if you need it.
If a new boat or RV is on your spring shopping list, here's the resource to bookmark right now, because storage spaces fill up fast once the season kicks in. Oconee Boat & RV Storage in Buckhead is locally owned and operated by Chris Bolen, a neighbor who runs this facility around what boaters and RV owners actually need: fair pricing, 24/7 gated access, and covered parking to protect your investment. Chris is actively expanding covered units and adding concierge services available upon request, making it an even easier choice for anyone who wants their boat or RV in good hands close to the water. Situated minutes from Sugar Creek Marina and Swords boat ramps, it doesn't get more convenient than this.
Southern Laser Medical Spa has been a trusted name in the Lake Oconee area since 1998, and they just made an already impressive menu even better. Two new additions are worth knowing about. The Trifecta Red Light Therapy Bed delivers a full-body session in just 12 minutes — a medical-grade treatment backed by decades of research that supports skin rejuvenation, reduced inflammation, improved circulation, and better sleep, with zero downtime. And their new Body Scrubs & Wraps menu featuring Farmhouse Fresh Organics is pure indulgence, from the CBD Watermelonaid Wrap to the Southern Sweetness Scrub — each one a legitimate escape without the resort price tag.
Editor’s Pick
Lake Country Community Health Fair
On Saturday, March 28th, Dr. Nic Chronos and Tom Hanscom of Stroll Magazine are bringing the Lake Country Community Health Fair to Lake Oconee Academy, and they've built something genuinely special for this community.
Completely free to attend, the event runs from 10 AM to 4 PM and brings together local healthcare providers, expert speakers, and wellness resources covering everything from mental health to heart care, diabetes, orthopedics, and beyond. This year's beneficiaries are The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health and The Rural Health Initiative, two causes that speak directly to the needs of our rural community.
If you've ever wished our area had better access to healthcare knowledge and resources, this is exactly that. Show up, bring a neighbor, and thank Dr. Chronos and Tom for making it happen.
View Entire Calendar Here: https://lakeoconeelife.com/calendar
This week was a reminder that wellness isn't just about doctor visits and lab work, though those matter too. It's about knowing your community has your back. It's the hospital on Lake Oconee Parkway that's there at 2 AM when you need it. It's a free health fair organized by neighbors who simply decided to do something about it. And it's walking out of Zapien's Salon feeling polished, refreshed, and ready for whatever spring has in store.
See you out there,
❤️ Holly & Your Lake Oconee Life Family