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84 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2024 the students in the McDu e Center for Strings who made up the string orchestra for that production. It was lmed at a great historic theater, showing what Macon has to o er in terms of beautiful performance venues. It has helped put Macon on the map. And what would you consider your greatest achievement? Oh, that's for others to determine. And what do you most enjoy outside of work? My family. My wife, ve grandchildren, and two daughters. So, what has made you sing Macon's praises for 33 years? You know, I've been asked that question before. What is it about Macon that makes it such a great place to live? And my answer is always the people. Our people are our greatest asset. I'll never forget when the extremist group passed through Macon last January and hung yers and an anti-Semitic and anti- LGBTQ+ e gy. We gathered together to say, "That will not stand here." That's a moment that made me say, "That's what Macon is." As a transplant, I can't quite put my nger on what makes Macon such a welcoming community. It's easy to get involved, nd places where you can t in, help, and become part of it all. I've watched how people from Macon welcome new people and allow them the space to make their contributions. Not every city is like that. Some people say it's in the water— the ancestral water, with thousands of years of humanity here. Others wonder whether all its churches give Macon its soul. Some mention Southern hospitality, but there are lots of Southern cities. Macon has its challenges, like all cities do. But I moved from a similarly sized city in Texas. I spent 12 years of my life in that city, and it just doesn't have the Macon's feel. I've seen many other people have the same experience. I'm a native Texan, but I consider Macon my home now. When I retire, I will stay in Macon because I love this community. Serving up sweet melody and smooth delights 530 Poplar Street Downtown Macon Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 12 - 8 p.m. s w e e t e l e a n o r s . c o m