Chip Bell - Voices, Votes & You! A Smithsonian Exhibit Arrives in Putnam County!

Boat Church - Faith on the Water with Pastor Zack Martin

When most people think about going to church on Sunday morning, they picture pews, stained glass windows, and a traditional sanctuary. But what if church looked a little different? What if your Sunday morning began with a beautiful sunrise over Lake Oconee, the gentle sound of water lapping against the shore, and a worship service where some people arrive by car… and others arrive by boat? That’s exactly what’s happening at Camp Collinswood on Lake Oconee, where a unique ministry known as Boat Church is creating a new way for people to connect with their faith, their community, and God’s creation. My guest today is Pastor Zack Martin of Madison First United Methodist Church. We’ll talk about his journey into ministry, what brought him to our area, and how a pastor from Madison found himself helping launch one of the most uniquely Lake Oconee worship experiences you’ll find anywhere. We’ll also explore the story behind Boat Church, why it’s resonating with people from across the lake area, and how this casual, welcoming service is reaching people who may never have felt comfortable walking through the doors of a traditional church. Whether you’re a person of faith, someone searching for community, or just curious about what happens when church meets lake life, I think you’re going to enjoy this conversation. Guest: Rev. Zack Martin - Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Madison Website: https://madisonfumc.com/first-boat-church-service/ Email: office@madisonfumc.com Phone: 706-342-3325 Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

A-Bridge - Navigating the Journey of Aging with Abbie Vogt

Today’s episode is one that I believe will resonate with a great many people in our community, because whether we realize it or not, almost all of us are walking through some season of aging care… either for ourselves, our parents, a spouse, or someone we deeply love. My guest is Abbie Vogt from A-Bridge Aging Life Care Management, a practice dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate the often complicated, emotional, and overwhelming world of aging care. And let’s be honest, most families are not fully prepared for it. Questions about healthcare, independence, memory concerns, safety, living arrangements, and long-term planning can quickly become stressful and emotional. Add in adult children living in different cities, busy schedules, and a healthcare system that can feel incredibly complex… and it’s easy for families to feel lost. That’s where Abbie and her team come in. In this conversation, we’ll talk about what Aging Life Care Management actually is, the warning signs families shouldn’t ignore, how to preserve dignity and independence as we age, and why having an advocate and guide during these seasons can make all the difference. This episode isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation, compassion, and helping people age with dignity, support, and peace of mind. So whether you’re caring for aging parents, thinking about your own future, or simply trying to better understand the journey ahead, I think you’ll find this conversation incredibly valuable. Guest: Abbie Vogt Website: https://abridgecare.com/ Phone: 706-810-3203 Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Deano Cantrell of Freedom Boat Club - Still Making Waves, From Oconee to Sinclair

It’s funny how fast time moves. Four years ago, almost to the day, I sat down to record the very first episode of Lure of the Lake. At the time, I didn’t know if anyone would listen, whether I’d figure out what I was doing… or whether I was just a guy with a microphone and a high confidence level! Fittingly, my very first guest was Deano Cantrell from Freedom Boat Club of Lake Oconee. Well, four years later, both the podcast and Freedom Boat Club have grown significantly! Since that first episode, we’ve watched Lake Country continue to grow, boating explode in popularity, and Freedom Boat Club become a huge part of the lake lifestyle for so many people here at Oconee. And now, Deano is preparing for another big chapter — expanding operations into Lake Sinclair. So today’s episode is part reunion, part celebration, and part look ahead at what’s next. We’ll talk about how boating has changed over the last few years, crazy things that happen around docks when you hand people the keys to a boat, why the boat club concept keeps growing, and what the boat club’s expansion into Sinclair means for local boaters! And along the way, we may also reflect on how things have changed and evolved around here. One thing’s for sure, Deano and I have become and remain close friends and we both look forward to the next 4 years! So whether you’re a longtime listener, a boating enthusiast, or just someone who loves hearing how local businesses evolve and grow, this is going to be a fun one! Guest: Deano Cantrell Website: https://info.freedomboatclub.com/dp/LakeOconee Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Udderly Local: The Tradition of the Putnam County Dairy Festival with Glenda Ridley

These will be published with your show on Spotify, Apple, etc. exactly as written, please bear that in mind as you format them with emojis, bullets, etc. Today on Lure of the Lake, we’re talking about one of those wonderful community traditions that proves some events are so much more than a date on the calendar. Every year, the Putnam County Dairy Festival brings people together in the heart of Eatonton for a day filled with family fun, local pride, food, vendors, entertainment, a parade, the Terrapin Trot, and plenty of reasons to remember why this community is so special. But the Dairy Festival is more than funnel cakes, festival shirts, and finding the best spot along the parade route, although, let’s be honest, those are all noble pursuits. This festival is rooted in Putnam County’s history and heritage. For generations, dairy farming helped shape this area, and the festival continues to celebrate that heritage while bringing families, businesses, volunteers, and visitors together for one of the most anticipated events of the year. And behind it all is the Pilot Club of Eatonton, a group of dedicated community servants who work year-round to help make this event happen. Festivals like this do not magically appear overnight. They are built by people who care, who serve, and who believe that traditions matter. Today, we’ll talk with Glenda Ridley, the godmother of the Dairy Festival, about the history, what visitors can expect this year, what goes into planning an event of this size, and why this long-standing celebration continues to mean so much to the community and beyond. Guest: Glenda Ridley For more information on the 2026 Dairy Festival: Website: https://putnamcodairyfestival.com/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Beyond The Ballot - Thoughtful Conversations With Candidates Focused On The Future, Not The Fighting

Today’s episode is a little different, and important... As we approach upcoming local elections, we wanted to create something that feels increasingly rare… a space for thoughtful, respectful conversation about the future of Putnam County. This is not a debate. There are no rebuttals. And you won’t hear candidates speaking about one another. Instead, each candidate, in contested races for County Commissioner in District 3 & 4, and County Commission Chair, have been invited to share their own vision, their priorities, their plans, and what they believe the future of this community can look like. Our goal is simple: to give you, the listener, a clear and positive way to hear directly from those who are asking for your vote… so you can make an informed decision based on ideas, leadership, and vision. We’ll hear briefly from each candidate individually, with the same format and a consistent set of questions. So whether you are on the lake, in the car, or at home, we’re glad you’re with us. Let’s meet the candidates now! For more information on our Putnam County Candidates: District 3 Candidates: Erin Olson: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMLzQXrMW/?mibextid=wwXIfr George Hooker: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588004236702 Bill Vargo: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551224158412 District 4 Candidates: Jennifer Ray: https://www.votejenniferray.com/ Paul Gardner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572042872519 County Commission Chair Candidates Steve Hersey: https://www.votestevehersey.com/ Charles Gray: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551461069468 Podcast Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/