Good morning!
A Derby Hat, a Mint Julep, and a Real Reason to Show Up
I'll be honest with you. I don't just cover Neighbors Helping Neighbors because they make good newsletter content. I serve on their board, I've seen their work up close, and I believe in it completely.
So when I tell you this Derby Day party matters, I mean it.
On Saturday, May 2, NHN is hosting Hats, Horses & Helping Hands at the Lake Oconee Equestrian Center, 155 acres of rolling pastures, elegant stables, and honestly one of the most beautiful private settings in our area. From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., we're watching the Kentucky Derby on big screens, sipping Mint Juleps, competing for Best Dressed, and raising money for neighbors who genuinely have nowhere else to turn.
Last year, NHN grew by 29%, delivering 251 beds, replacing 20 cars, and completing 54 home repairs across Greene and Putnam Counties. That is not a small thing. That is 251 children with a bed to sleep in. That is families with a roof that holds and a car that runs.
And still, the waitlist grows.
Already in 2026, the Beds for Kidz team has delivered 62 beds and we're only in March. Families are waiting on home repairs. Cars sit broken in driveways. The need didn't slow down. It never does.
NHN is the only organization in this area addressing these specific, life-changing gaps. This event fuels that work. Your sponsorship translates directly into a repaired roof, a running car, a child's first bed.
And to everyone who already purchased a ticket, thank you! Derby Day is officially sold out, and that says everything about this community. We cannot wait to celebrate with you on May 2.
There is still a small window to join us. Three sponsorship levels remain - Derby Style Awards ($5,000), Winner's Circle ($2,500), and Run for the Roses ($1,500) - and each one comes with tickets to the event.
Come for the hats. Stay for the horses. Leave knowing you did something that mattered.
→ Visit nhnga.org or contact Allyn Rippin at [email protected] | 762-815-3606
❤️ Holly
You Spoke, We Listened. One Newsletter Wins! 🎉
We asked, and 87 of you showed up to vote, thank you! With 64% of the vote, you chose to keep the single weekly edition of The LO Down, and we are honoring that.
One newsletter. Every week. Packed with everything Lake Oconee.
A quick heads up: Google clips long emails at the bottom. If you ever feel like something is missing, just click "View entire message" at the bottom of your email to read the full edition. We have so much good stuff to share, we refuse to leave anything out. 😊
A place that truly feels like the heart of the community, Cafe 44.
Cafe 44 is more than a go to spot for great coffee, breakfast, lunch, and their always popular to go dinners. It is where conversations start, friendships are made, and neighbors become regulars. There is even a community table, because around here, no one has to sit alone for long.
What makes Cafe 44 special goes beyond the menu. Their team consistently shows up for Lake Oconee, supporting local nonprofits and giving back in ways that make a real difference. It is the kind of place you feel good about supporting because they are always supporting others.
If you have not stopped in lately, now is the time. The new menu still has all your favorites, with even more to love added in.
Cafe 44 is where friends meet, and if you have not been yet, consider this your invitation.
Downtown Greensboro Is Having a Moment 🎨
Our friends at Downtown Greensboro have a packed spring lineup, and honestly it is the perfect staycation for families who are not heading out of town for spring break.
First up, Art in Action is a two-day celebration of creativity you won't want to miss. On Friday, March 27, head to Festival Hall from 6–8 PM for Gallery Night featuring watercolor artist Charles Finley, photographer Matt Brewster, and whiskey maker Lorenze Tremonti - free entry, with bar and tastings available. Then on Saturday, March 28, the Creative Walk takes over Downtown Greensboro from 10 AM–2 PM with FFA student outdoor art releases, live music, and demonstration artists creating in real time.
Then mark your calendar for Southland Jubilee on Saturday, April 18, Greensboro's beloved annual heritage arts festival - arts and crafts vendors, food, live music, a classic car show, a kids' area, and agricultural exhibits, all free and family friendly from 10 AM–4 PM.
And if you are looking for something to do any weekend this spring break, don't overlook the Downtown Greensboro Walking Tour. It is a beautiful, self-guided way to explore a town founded in 1786 - rich with history, charm, and great stops along the way.
→ Plan your visit at downtowngreensboroga.com
Lake Country Community Health Fair
Lake Oconee Academy
The Lake Country Community Health Fair is completely free. Local providers, expert speakers, and wellness resources will all be under one roof, covering everything from mental health to heart care, diabetes, orthopedics, and more. This year's event benefits The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health and The Rural Health Initiative.
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
Burch x Boathouse is giving us all the reasons to be lakeside right now, and honestly, we are not complaining. Brunch just docked on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM–2 PM with a Double Donut Smash Burger, Shrimp & Grits, Honey BBQ Chicken Sliders, and Three Stack Pancakes with Burch Buttermilk Syrup. Sip a Float Your Boat mimosa flight, a Boathouse Bloody Mary, or a Spicy Paloma and call it a weekend.
March Madness is heating up on the porch with sports, frozen drinks, and beer buckets. Then just when you think it cannot get better… Easter and Masters Week are right around the corner, bringing Azalea cocktails and pimento cheese sandwiches to the lineup. 🏀⛳🌸
Your new reason to never leave the lake? Found it.
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
Choice One Dental
Whether you are due for a cleaning, curious about clear aligners, need a same-day crown, or have been told you snore, Dr. Russell Marson and the team at Choice One Dental Care of Lake Oconee have you covered under one roof.
They offer everything from cosmetic and restorative dentistry to sleep apnea appliances and whole-family care, with flexible payment options for patients with or without insurance.
A great local practice worth having in your contacts.
LO Cheer
If you have a child who loves to move, perform, and be part of something bigger than themselves, LO Cheer Co. at Lake Oconee is worth a closer look. From preschool through high school, girls and boys can find their place in a program built around confidence, teamwork, and good old-fashioned hard work, with year-round classes and summer camps for every age and skill level.
It is so much more than cheerleading.
ATC Lock & Key
Whether you are locked out of your home, need a car key programmed, want to upgrade to electronic locks, or cannot get into your safe, Jamey at ATC Lock & Key has been solving problems like yours since 1994.
What makes Jamey stand out is the sheer range of what he handles: residential, commercial, automotive, and safe services, all with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
And if your service is not on the list, just ask — chances are he does that too.
Editor’s Pick
Groth Vineyards Wine Dinner at Table at the Lake
Wine lovers are invited to an elegant evening at Table at the Lake’s From Vine to Table Wine Dinner Series, featuring Groth Vineyards & Winery on Sunday, March 29 at 5:30 PM. This exclusive dining experience celebrates the renowned Napa Valley winery known for its beautifully balanced Sauvignon Blanc and exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons.
Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted multi-course dinner by Chef Casey and the culinary team, with each course designed to complement Groth’s celebrated wines. The evening will also feature special guest Sarah Wagner, SE Regional Sales Director for Groth Vineyards, who will guide guests through each wine selection while sharing insight into the winery’s history, vineyards, and winemaking philosophy.
Featured wines for the evening include Groth Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Oakcross Proprietary Red, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a memorable tasting journey through one of Napa Valley’s most respected wineries.
View Entire Calendar Here: https://lakeoconeelife.com/calendar
From Derby hats to art walks, golf tournaments to health fairs, mint juleps to summer camp calendars — this community never runs out of ways to show up for one another. And honestly, that never gets old.
A special thank you to Cafe 44 for sponsoring this week's newsletter. If you have not stopped in lately, the new menu is calling your name — and that community table always has room for one more. ☕
Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of what makes Lake Oconee more than just a beautiful place to live.
See you out there, ❤️ Holly & Your Lake Oconee Life Family