Michelle Floyd, freelance

09/13/2026

Sometimes changing a community starts with something as simple as sharing a meal.

For Paulette Robinson Morrison, serving others is simply part of who she is. Inspired by the grandmother who helped raise her in Jamaica—a woman who would share whatever food she had with anyone who needed it—Paulette carried that same spirit of generosity into her own life.

After retiring from a career in nursing, she found a new way to care for people: preparing and delivering food to those struggling in the Covington community. Rain or shine, she has shown up with meals, prayer, encouragement and, perhaps most importantly, the reminder that someone sees them and cares.

"Lifting Spirits" is a beautiful reminder that making an impact doesn’t always require a grand plan. Sometimes it starts by noticing a need, using what you already have and simply choosing to show up.

❤️ Revisit this inspiring story from earlier this year and meet a woman whose heart for serving others is making Newton County a little brighter.

Read Lifting Spirits:
https://thenewtoncommunity.com/health-wellness/lifting-spirits/

09/11/2026

08/27/2026

When feeding others becomes about so much more than food.

For Brenda Sears and her family, cooking has always been an expression of love—but that love grew into something that reached far beyond their own kitchen. From preparing meals for families going through difficult seasons to serving and sharing a meal with residents at the Garden of Gethsemane Shelter, the Sears family found meaningful ways to care for the people around them.

And then there was the PB&J Project, which helped make sure students at Mansfield Elementary had food to take home for the weekend—quietly meeting a need that many people may never have realized existed.

It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes making an impact doesn’t require a huge organization or complicated plan. Sometimes it begins with simply seeing a need and asking, “What can we do?”

This is one of those Newton Community stories worth revisiting. ❤️

👉 Click here to read “A Hunger to Feed Others”
https://thenewtoncommunity.com/health-wellness/a-hunger-to-feed-others/

08/04/2026

You might see McDonough Police Department Officer Destiny Ruiz chatting with a kid on the downtown Square or visiting with business owners at The Square Knot Crafts or KirbyG's Diner. But she’s not wasting her time — she’s patrolling the downtown district as part of her normal duties.

Learn more about the McDonough Police Department's downtown officer position.
https://wearehenry.com/downtown-presence/

07/31/2026

Some stories deserve a second look.

As we revisit this throwback feature, "Body Language" reminds us that our bodies often tell stories long before we learn how to listen.

Health concerns, warning signs, stress, and physical changes can sometimes speak louder than words, and this article encouraged readers to pay attention to the messages our bodies may be trying to communicate.

Years later, the conversation remains just as important. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to dismiss symptoms, postpone appointments, or ignore the signals that something may not be quite right. But our health is one of the greatest investments we can make.

This throwback article serves as a timely reminder that awareness, prevention, and listening to our bodies can make all the difference.

Take a moment to revisit this important health and wellness feature and discover why some messages never go out of style.

❤️ Read the full story here:
https://thenewtoncommunity.com/business-highlight/body-language/

07/25/2026

What if the secret to the perfect summer cookout starts long before the grill is fired up?

As summer arrives, backyards come alive with the sounds of sizzling steaks, burgers on the grill, family gatherings, and evenings spent around the patio table. But behind every memorable meal is quality, craftsmanship, and a passion for great food.

In The Meat House, readers meet the local business owners who turned a lifelong friendship into one of Newton County’s favorite destinations for premium meats and specialty products. Their commitment to quality, customer service, and supporting the community has made The Meat House much more than a butcher shop—it has become a gathering place for food lovers and backyard grill masters alike.

As families fire up their grills this summer, this story serves as a reminder that some of the best memories are made around the dinner table, on the back porch, and beside the grill with the people we love most.

Whether you're preparing steaks for a family celebration, burgers for a neighborhood cookout, or simply enjoying a quiet summer evening, The Meat House continues to help make those moments possible.

🔥 Read the full story here:
https://thenewtoncommunity.com/business-highlight/the-meat-house/

07/20/2026

What if one tiny bite could change your life forever?

Long before Lyme disease became a national conversation, many families were facing a difficult reality: unexplained symptoms, delayed diagnoses, and a battle against an illness that often went unseen.

In this throwback feature, Infection in the Crosshairs, readers revisit an important conversation about Lyme disease, the impact it can have on individuals and families, and the ongoing fight for awareness, treatment, and understanding.
The story highlights the challenges that come with invisible illnesses and the determination of those who refuse to give up in their search for answers. It also serves as a reminder that education, advocacy, and early detection can make a significant difference.

Years later, the message remains just as relevant: listen to your body, advocate for your health, and never underestimate the power of awareness.
As we look back on this important story, its lessons continue to resonate with readers today.

🦠 Read the full story here:
https://thenewtoncommunity.com/health-wellness/infection-in-the-crosshairs/