
Kari Apted
Kari Apted has been writing for The Newton Community Magazine since its inception. She began writing professionally in 2005 when her work was chosen to appear in "Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families," an anthology sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Kari’s portfolio now includes blogs, feature stories, humorous newspaper columns and a plethora of home design articles. She’s currently working on her first book. Kari adores her husband, Donnie, their four mostly-grown children, and the family’s pack of rescued mutts. When she isn’t writing, Kari loves creating artwork, traveling, and hosting paint-and-sip parties.

‘As Human as Possible’
After Judge Horace J. Johnson tragically died from COVID-19 in July 2020, Oxford College decided to rename Language Hall in honor of one of the school’s most distinguished graduates. On

A Place ‘Where Friends Meet’
City Pharmacy brings the delight of fine dining to downtown Covington through the distinctive vision of owner Tedo Stone. by Kari Apted You may initially find City Pharmacy’s name perplexing,

Planting Seeds
Visitors to The Square on Mondays around lunchtime will notice a white and purple tent advertising ‘Free Prayer.’ Awaken His Church, the brainchild of Holly Hayes and Tarita Kuhns, started

Incidental Medicine
Dr. Lynette Jattan-Cunningham did not always plan to be a physician. However, a strong lifetime of faith put her on a path to becoming one of the most beloved pediatricians

Enduring Justice
Horace Johnson was the first black attorney to practice in Newton County and the first black judge appointed to the Superior Court in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. Two years after

Hot Seat
Former University of Georgia running back Kregg Lumpkin traded in his helmet for a hose in what some considered a surprising career switch. The married father of four now spends

Fast Lane
After recovering from a near-fatal injury that took part of his left lung, 22-year-old Elija Godwin competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and helped Team USA capture a bronze medal.

Music to Our Ears
The Covington-Conyers Choral Guild has touted itself as the east metro’s best-kept secret since 1984. Nearly devastated by a two-year pause during COVID-19, the internationally performing choral group now works

Living History
Avis Williams has a long family heritage in the Oxford community, where her ancestors established roots centuries ago. She now works to help establish The Twin Memorials, two permanent structures