Soccer Town USA: A Love for the Game

Building Community and Connection: A Conversation with David Aft

What  does it take to build a hometown people can't seem to leave? In this episode, we sit down with David Aft, President of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, to talk about what he calls the "Dalton differences": short commutes, civic engagement, and a town full of people who showed up planning to stay a few years and never left. From building Burr Park with a single donor's million-dollar check to reviving the historic Dalton Depot, David shares the stories behind Dalton's transformation — plus a few unexpected moments from his travels that prove Dalton's reputation truly does get around. HIGHLIGHTS * David shares how he moved to Dalton in 1996 for a job with the United Way and never left * The "Dalton differences": short commutes and how that time gave him decades with his family * David's philosophy on civic engagement — you don't start at the top, you just start showing up * The origin story of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia and David's nearly 24-year career there * How the foundation grew from $7 million to over $100 million in assets and has made 1,000+ grants in the past year alone * The story behind Burr Park: how a conversation with donor Jean Burr led to a $1 million gift and a decade of community events * The renovation of the historic Dalton Depot in partnership with Barrett Properties * A memorable run-in with a stranger in the Toronto airport who knew Dalton for its senior softball scene * David and his wife Paulie's story of opening Dave and Paulie's Art Emporium * David's reflections on watching the next generation — including his own son and Lauren — grow up and stay rooted in Dalton * David's favorite thing about Dalton: its growing trail system and vibrant downtown CHAPTERS 1:00 — Meet David Aft 2:03 — Moving to Dalton 3:28 — Dalton Differences 5:01 — Career in Community 7:26 — Civic Engagement Mindset 9:25 — Community Foundation Origins 12:28 — Grants and Growth 17:33 — Burr Park Story 24:58 — Depot Revival and Stories 26:40 — Unexpected Dalton Moments 34:13 — Favorite Dalton Things RESOURCES MENTIONED * Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia  https://www.communityfoundationnwga.org/ [https://www.communityfoundationnwga.org/] * Dalton Depot https://visitdaltonga.com/directory/name/dalton-freight-depot/ [https://visitdaltonga.com/directory/name/dalton-freight-depot/] * Dave and Paulie's Art Emporium [https://www.daveandpaulis.com/] * Dalton Brewing Company [https://www.daltonbrewing.com/] * Scoops Ice Cream [https://www.scoopsicecream.com/dalton] Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton [https://www.instagram.com/behere.dalton] Facebook: Here Magazine [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574962454429] LinkedIn: Here Local Media [https://www.linkedin.com/company/here-local-media-llc/] Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

Hurry to Murray: From Local Gems to National Highlights with Barry Gentry

Ever wondered what it takes to put a small county on the map — not to mention get the attention of Hollywood, HGTV, and out-of-state investors in the process?   On this episode of the Love of Here podcast, Lauren and Erika sit down with Barry Gentry, president of the Murray County Chamber of Commerce, to talk about how one "wrong turn" led to a mission of building up Murray County from the ground up. Barry shares the real story behind Murray's growth — from landing a Taylor Sheridan film production and HGTV star Chip Wade's tree house Airbnbs, to recruiting national retailers, building a new hospital, and creating a slogan ("Hurry to Murray!") that's stuck ever since. It's a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation about grassroots economic development, believing in your community before the world does, and building something for the next generation — not just for today. Highlights * Barry's journey from a chamber in Iowa to becoming president of the Murray County Chamber of Commerce * How Murray County landed a Taylor Sheridan production (Rescue) and became a hotspot for HGTV star Chip Wade's Airbnb developments * The behind-the-scenes story of investing in a retail recruiter to bring in brands like Dunkin', Waffle House, and Factory Connection * Major healthcare investment coming to Murray County from Hamilton and AdventHealth * The origin story of the "Hurry to Murray" slogan * A look at downtown Chatsworth's revival, driven by local investors like Holly Myers * New restaurant openings, including a wood-fired concept from Brooklyn transplant Dominic Napolitano * The growth of the Murray Arts Council and community-sponsored music events * Why Barry believes you have to "build for the youth" to sustain a community long-term * Upcoming events: the Teardrop Marathon, Black Bear Festival, and Dancing with the Murray Stars fundraiser * The economics of shopping local and why it matters for community wealth * Murray County's ambitious housing growth plans, including 1,000 new homes and affordable housing developments Chapters 1:12 – Meet Barry Gentry 2:51 – Why Murray County 5:31 – Hollywood and Chip Wade 11:02 – Getting Murray on the Map 12:07 – Retail Recruitment Wins 15:26 – Discovering Murray Outdoors 16:00 – Here Murray Magazine News 17:07 – Downtown Chatsworth Tour 18:50 – Investors and New Restaurant 21:28 – Downtown Restaurant Buzz 22:10 – Wood Fired Game Changer 22:35 – Arts Council Momentum 23:50 – Chamber Events Community 25:36 – Can't Miss Murray 26:57 – Grassroots Local Wins 28:01 – Hurry to Murray Origin 31:19 – Build for the Youth 33:28 – Teardrop Marathon Boost 35:55 – Fall Festivals & Fundraisers 38:22 – Regional Partnerships & Daycations 39:58 – Housing Growth & Affordability 41:34 – What's Next Resources Mentioned * Murray County Chamber of Commerce https://www.murraycountychamber.org/ [https://www.murraycountychamber.org/] * Red Eyed Rooster https://redeyedroosterco.com/ [https://redeyedroosterco.com/] * Murray Arts Council https://www.murray-arts.com/ [https://www.murray-arts.com/] * Crown Craft Market https://crowncraftmarket.com/ [https://crowncraftmarket.com/] * Teardrop Marathon http://www.teardrophalf.com/ [http://www.teardrophalf.com/] Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton [https://www.instagram.com/behere.dalton] Facebook: Here Magazine [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574962454429] LinkedIn: Here Local Media [https://www.linkedin.com/company/here-local-media-llc/] Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

Soccer Town USA: A Love for the Game

What happens when a sport becomes the soul of a city? That's exactly what you'll discover in this conversation with Juan and Todd, co-hosts of Monday Night Futbol — the show that has been hyping local soccer players and chronicling Dalton's rise as Soccer Town, USA for five seasons. From the Mexican League games of the early '80s to FIFA-size fields, Atlanta United scouting visits, and a World Cup viewing party at Burr Park, this episode traces the full arc of how soccer became Dalton's identity — and where it's headed next. Highlights * The Mexican League started in Dalton as early as 1982–83, making it one of the earliest organized adult soccer communities in the region * Young players — some as young as 15 — played against 30-year-old men in the Mexican League, and that competition is what forged Dalton High's championship pedigree * Dalton's first state soccer championship was in 2003, and from 2013 onward they've won nearly every year * In 2021, Dalton, Southeast, and Coahulla Creek all won state championships in the same year — with four local teams in the finals total * Monday Night Futbol started in 2022 after a 2021 post-championship celebration at Dalton Brewing Company sparked the idea * The show's mission is simple: hype local kids and give them a platform they deserve * Club soccer — particularly North Georgia Soccer Association (NGSA) and CFC Futbol Correcaminos — has been the pipeline for college and pro opportunities * Atlanta United's Academy scouts come to Dalton monthly; players like Omar Hernandez have made it to the pro level and continue to give back to the community * The Atlanta United Foundation partnered with Dalton for one of the first 10 Mini Pitches installed in Georgia, with a goal of 100 statewide by the World Cup * The girls' game is the next big wave — with NGSA launching their girls academy about four years ago and Kahula Creek making the first girls' state final from the area * High school rivalries have largely dissolved thanks to club soccer, where former rivals now play alongside each other on weekends * Juan and Todd's World Cup picks: Spain to win it all; they both want Mexico and the USA to exceed expectations * World Cup watch parties in Dalton: Dalton Brewing Company (all USA and Mexico group stage matches) and Burr Park on June 27th Chapters 0:28 — Soccer Vibes 1:00 — Meet the Guests & Jerseys 3:38 — Dalton Rival Schools and Early Soccer Days 5:33 — How They Got Into Soccer 6:10 — Mexican League Roots in Dalton 9:35 — Dalton Dynasty and the Soccer Culture Shift 12:12 — Soccer Facilities and Community Investment 13:03 — The Magical 2021 Sweep 16:18 — Origin of Monday Night Futbol 17:53 — Early Episodes and Growing Audience 19:47 — Mission to Hype Local Kids 21:49 — Co-Hosts and Show Evolution 24:36 — Dalton Talent Pipeline and Club Soccer 26:23 — National Titles Buzz 27:20 — Club Soccer Changes Everything 29:18 — Soccer Town USA Momentum 30:15 — Stadium Dreams and City Plans 31:01 — The Taco Bell Fields Origin Story 33:02 — Mini Pitches and Local Heroes 35:19 — Rivalries Fade, Club Unites 37:08 — The Girls' Game: The Next Wave 40:18 — College Pathway & Recruiting Tips 41:07 — World Cup Picks and Underdogs 43:04 — Where to Watch in Dalton 43:59 — Socials and Show Shoutouts 45:23 — Why Dalton: Closing Thoughts 49:49 — Final Thanks and Wrap Resources Mentioned * Monday Night Futbol — Follow on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WDNNMondayNightFootball@WDNNMondayNightFutbol [https://www.instagram.com/WDNNMondayNightFutbol] * Monday Night Futbol Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@elliottmediatv [https://www.youtube.com/@elliottmediatv] * Dalton Brewing Company (DBC) — World Cup watch parties for all USA and Mexico group stage matches; daltonbrewing.com [https://daltonbrewing.com/] * North Georgia Soccer Academy (NGSA) [https://northgeorgiasocceracademy.com/] — Local club soccer program for boys and girls * Heritage Point Soccer Complex [https://www.daltonga.gov/parksrec/page/heritage-point-soccer-complex] — Dalton's FIFA-size soccer facility * Kick’N Clips [https://www.instagram.com/kicknclips/?hl=en] — Local soccer shop that lent Todd a jersey for the episode Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton [https://www.instagram.com/behere.dalton] Facebook: Here Magazine [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574962454429] LinkedIn: Here Local Media [https://www.linkedin.com/company/here-local-media-llc/] Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

Building Dalton’s Inclusive Community with Marisa Kelley

What makes the city you hated become the place you call home — and then spend years working to make it that way for everyone else? That's the quiet, powerful question at the heart of this conversation with Marisa Kelley, president of the Dalton-Whitfield NAACP. Marisa arrived in Dalton in 2014, hated it (her words — two thumbs down), and couldn't find her community. Fast forward 12 years, and she's one of the most visible, invested leaders in the city, organizing what may be the largest two-weekend Juneteenth celebration in the country. We talk about what changed, how the NAACP's work is for everyone, and why Juneteenth is one of the most American celebrations there is. Oh, and we also celebrate a little milestone of our own: one year of Hear Local Media. Highlights * Marisa arrived in Dalton in 2014 and hated it — no community, no places that felt like hers. Downtown's revitalization was the turning point that made her want to stay. * She became NAACP president after a friend told her she was "a little too passive" — and she took that as a challenge she never told anyone about. * The Dalton-Whitfield NAACP is open to everyone regardless of race — $30/year membership, meetings the 4th Monday of every month at 6:30 PM at the community center. * The NAACP's vision is an inclusive community rooted in liberation, where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. * Dalton's Juneteenth celebration is in its 8th year and may be the largest two-weekend Juneteenth event put on by a single organization in the country. * Nana's Family Fun Day is named in honor of Ms. Debbie Madden, a vendor from the very first celebration who passed away from breast cancer — a beautiful tribute to the person who planted that seed. * Marisa explains the real history of Juneteenth: why the Emancipation Proclamation didn't actually free anyone, what Union General Granger's arrival in Galveston meant, and why formerly enslaved people started celebrating just one year later — in 1866. * The Pan-African flag colors explained: red for the blood shed for freedom, green for the richness of the earth and looking forward, black for Black people and unity worldwide. * Marisa's favorite thing about Dalton? The people — specifically those who are intentional about doing the work to make it better, not just talking about it. Chapters 0:37 – One Year Milestone 1:17 – Meet Marisa Kelley 3:30 – Dalton Love Overflowing 4:00 – Her Path to Dalton 5:25 – Finding Community 6:42 – Downtown Turning Point 9:17 – Burr Park Connections 10:12 – NAACP Leadership Journey 12:21 – Mission and Vision 14:22 – Get Involved and Juneteenth 16:09 – Events and Service 16:28 – MLK Service Projects 17:16 – Hot Dogs, Hoodies & Haircuts 18:05 – Juneteenth Gets Bigger 18:46 – Origins in Kansas 19:59 – Spades and Fish Fry 21:56 – Nana's Family Fun Day 22:53 – Parade, Concert & Gala 23:44 – Juneteenth History Explained 26:48 – Symbols, Food & Flags 29:32 – Dalton Favorites & Farewell Resources Mentioned * Believe Greater Dalton — YouTube channel featuring Marisa and community members: youtube.com/@BelieveGreaterDalton [https://www.youtube.com/@BelieveGreaterDalton] * Dalton-Whitfield NAACP — Follow on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Dalton-Whitfield-NAACP-100093602887583/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daltonwhitfieldnaacp/] for event updates and meeting info Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton [https://www.instagram.com/behere.dalton] Facebook: Here Magazine [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574962454429] LinkedIn: Here Local Media [https://www.linkedin.com/company/here-local-media-llc/] Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

Music, Food, and Fire | Josh Taylor’s Culinary Journey

What does it take to go from washing dishes at your mom's café in Dalton, Georgia to landing on The New York Times list of the 50 best restaurants in the country? Chef Josh Taylor knows. Raised in Dalton, Josh discovered his love of food early — scrubbing pots at his mother's Sweet Basil Café and later pulling shifts at West Walnut Café before chasing a music career took him from Athens to Park City, Utah, and eventually to Charleston, South Carolina. It was in Charleston that he opened Lost Isle, a fully outdoor, live-fire restaurant fusing Southern comfort with Southeast Asian flavors — and the culinary world took notice fast. In just over two years, Lost Isle earned a spot on The New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list and was named Southern Living's Restaurant of the Year. Josh sits down with us to talk about his Dalton roots, the road that led him to a career in food, and what it's really like to build a restaurant from the ground up. Highlights * Josh's first kitchen job was washing dishes at his mom's restaurant, the Sweet Basil Café, in downtown Dalton — he was about eight years old * He originally left Dalton to pursue music, not culinary arts, and worked in restaurants to fund his life as a musician * A girlfriend convinced him to enroll in culinary school in Athens, Georgia — that's when food started to get serious * Josh put together a band in Park City, Utah, released two records (still available on Spotify), and landed his first executive chef job there at age 28 * His move to Charleston was partly about being closer to family — a quick flight to Chattanooga puts him near Dalton and Savannah * The Thai and Asian influence in his cooking traces back to Dalton: working at a friend's dad's Chinese restaurant in high school, training in Muay Thai, and eventually traveling to Thailand for two weeks of eating * The fan-favorite dish at Lost Isle? Collard greens with Thai-inspired flavors — they've been on the menu since day one and aren't going anywhere * Lost Isle is entirely outdoor with all cooking done over open live fire — weather determines whether they're open, which is part of why they operate seven days a week * The New York Times called Josh for a "fact check" — he didn't realize a critic had already dined at the restaurant months earlier * Southern Living named Lost Isle Restaurant of the Year without Josh knowing what the call was about — he found out when a family member spotted it online * His wife Maggie runs all of Lost Isle's social media and marketing * Josh is opening a new bar called Sunset Cay Ship Store at a marina on Folly Beach — beach food, drinks, water views * Dalton's food scene has grown enormously: Josh called out Cyrus as a standout he's visited on recent trips home, and the brewing and live music scene downtown * His Dalton nostalgia includes picking vegetables on his grandparents' land, playing coffee houses, and performing at the Depot at Christmas Chapters * 0:00 – Sausage Balls Banter * 0:58 – Meet Josh Taylor of Lost Isle * 2:46 – Dalton Kitchen Roots * 3:58 – Music First, Then Culinary * 5:13 – Leaving Dalton for Athens * 6:28 – Park City Band Era * 7:42 – Back South to Charleston * 8:20 – Thai Flavors Meet Southern * 10:47 – Dalton Dining Boom * 13:03 – Pop-Up Dreams and Music * 14:13 – Building Lost Isle * 15:47 – Weather or Not * 16:40 – Bugs and Fire * 17:25 – Live Fire Learning * 18:56 – Awards Shockwave * 21:43 – Maggie and Marketing * 22:17 – Beach Versus Mountains * 23:07 – Small Town Longing * 24:44 – Folly Beach Bar Plans * 26:32 – Dalton Memories * 29:36 – Wrap Up and Thanks Resources * Lost Isle — Josh's restaurant in Charleston, SC: lostislechs.com [https://www.lostislechs.com/] * Lost Isle on social media — Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lostislejohnsisland/?hl=en] * The New York Times 50 Best Restaurants: nytimes.com [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/dining/best-restaurants-america.html] * Southern Living Restaurant of the Year: southernliving.com [https://www.southernliving.com/restaurant-of-the-year-2025-11686061] * The Sideshow Ramblers — Josh's Park City band: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2waGgoAIg3fsckVQktyRj0] * Table 43 [https://www.instagram.com/table43dalton/]  * Dalton Brewing Company: daltonbrewing.com [https://www.daltonbrewing.com/] Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton [https://www.instagram.com/behere.dalton] Facebook: Here Magazine [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574962454429] LinkedIn: Here Local Media [https://www.linkedin.com/company/here-local-media-llc/] Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!