In Episode 42 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Gail Rothman, Executive Director of the Newton Education Foundation (NEF), for an enlightening conversation about the foundation’s impressive progress in supporting local schools. They discuss NEF’s achievements, including raising nearly half a million dollars through donations and the Georgia Peach Tax Credit, funding teacher grants, and launching the REAP literacy pilot program in Newton County schools. Gail also shares her journey as the author of Roadmap for Education Foundations, a practical guide aimed at helping communities build and grow their own education foundations.

This episode highlights the critical role that community-driven funding plays in public education, especially as state and federal contributions continue to fall short. Gail offers valuable insights on the power of nonprofits and the necessity of professional leadership to drive success. Whether you’re interested in supporting education in Newton County or learning about the intricacies of nonprofit work, this episode is a must-listen.

In Episode 13 of The Town Square Podcast, although Gabriel Stovall is absent due to car trouble, Trey Bailey takes the reins and delivers an informative conversation with Lindsey Perrin, the new CEO of Piedmont Newton Hospital. Lindsey is new to Newton County, and her fresh perspective on both the healthcare system and the community offers unique insights into the pros and cons of local life.

Since joining Piedmont Newton, Lindsey has overseen tremendous growth. In her first year, the hospital has experienced a 26.6% increase in outpatient procedures, an 18% rise in newborn deliveries, and a 20% boost in admissions—all signs that the community places immense trust in the hospital’s quality care. But Lindsey’s impact doesn’t stop there. She’s played a key role in recruiting much-needed physicians to the area, including cardiologists, a neurologist, an endocrinologist, and more. These additions are helping to fill critical gaps in healthcare accessibility for Newton County and beyond.