Truth? I have lived in JaxCo for more than a decade, and I'm ashamed to admit it took me a solid 11 years to visit to Sugar & Spice Cafe! Seriously- this is Jefferson's best-kept secret, but you NEED to try it!!

My first visit: When I heard it was Tomato Soup day, I couldn't resist, and I certainly wasn't disappointed! I can't wait to try some of their other soups and sandwiches. Oh, and their desserts?? The fresh brownie was irresistible and DELICIOUS!

Today: A dreary day called for soup & sandwich, and the cheesy potato soup with a chicken salad croissant hit the spot! (And of course, a slice of cake!)

Located inside of the Crawford Long Pharmacy in the Jefferson square, it's honestly easy to miss. But this hidden gem is certainly one to know about!

Address: 86 N Public Square, Jefferson (inside Crawford Long Pharmacy)
Phone: 706-387-1948
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarAndSpiceCafeandCatering

To see ALL of my Small Business Spotlights, click here!

What is Catvocate, Inc?

Here at Catvocate, Inc., we are driven by a single goal; to do our part in making the world a better place for the at-risk cats and kittens of Jackson County, GA. To achieve that mission we offer a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter/Rabies vaccine clinic to Jackson County cats and kittens (no cost to community cats/kittens but donations welcome). We also aid in providing assistance to community members who need help with food, kitten replacement milk, etc. in order to nurture found cats and kittens.

How can I get involved with Catvocate?

We will always accept donations! It's also helpful when businesses & public buildings allow us to place our flyers inside. We're currently on the hunt for a pro-bono or low-cost CPA willing to help with our tax return.

Where can I find more information?

Check out their WEBSITE or FACEBOOK for more information.

For breakfast & now LUNCH in Jefferson, you won't want to miss Sugar Mommas & Company at the roundabout at 124 & 11. Serving a selection of breakfast items & baked goods, this is a great stop for breakfast or a sweet treat on your way to Athens or Jefferson! Breakfast options include a variety of breakfast sandwiches, bowls, avocado toast, and a variety of baked goods. And now, slowly rolling out a LUNCH menu!! I tried the Cuban, and it was authentic and DELISH! Honestly, so good I forgot to take a video. Oops- guess that means I'll just have to go back! :)

Address: 3181 Winder Hwy, Jefferson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarmommasx3

What is Adventure Bags?

"Adventure Bags' mission is to provide children facing uncertainty with a sense of love and belonging. By supplying bookbags filled with essential and comforting items, you offer them stability and reassurance during challenging times.  Our bags are generally used by law enforcement, first responders, foster parents, and child trafficking agencies.

We are based in Barrow County, Georgia but right over the line of Jackson County. We partner with I-Serve Ministries and Fostering Hope Closets (among others). We also serve Jackson County Fire Departments and Law Enforcement Officers."

How can I get involved with Adventure Bags?

Volunteers are needed at the facility to sort donations & pack the Adventure Bags. The best way to learn about volunteer opportunities is to e-mail: volunteer@adventurebags.org . Donations are always welcome- both monetary & in-kind (like toiletry items, stuffed animals, blankets, etc. For the full list, CLICK HERE.)

Where can I find more information?

Check out their FACEBOOK PAGE, INSTAGRAM, or WEBSITE for more information! And e-mail for volunteer opportunities: volunteer@adventurebags.org

Easter is late this year (April 20th!), so that leaves plenty of time for more EGG HUNTS & other Easter activities! Check the list below for egg hunts, but make sure to visit the location's website/Facebook right before the event to make sure there haven't been any delays/changes (especially since springtime rain can easily thwart outside plans).

*Note: I will keep this updated to the best of my ability as new events are posted, so keep checking back! You can always check THE EVENTS CALENDAR for these and more community events, updated daily!

Saturday, March 29th

Easter Bunny Visit in Nicholson

Saturday, April 5th

StonePath Church Easter Eggstravaganza
Jay's Karate Egg Hunt
Easter Bunny Pictures

Saturday, April 12th

Magnolia Blossom Festival & Egg Hunt
Maysville Egg Hunt & Easter Bunny
Glow-In-The-Dark Egg Hunt
Turning Point Baptist Church Egg Hunt
Center Pointe Church (Hoschton) Special Needs Ministry The Mighty Easter Bash from 2-4PM
CFA Commerce Egg Hunt
Flashlight Egg Hunt at Transformation Church (Gainesville)

Sunday, April 13th

Jefferson First Baptist Egg Hunt
Church on the Hill Egg Hunt
Celebration Easter Egg-stravaganza
Funopolis Easter Event
Asbury Chapel Egg Hunt (Gainesville)
Nicholson Baptist Spring Fling

Friday, April 18th

TrueLife Church in Homer Egg Hunt
Brunch with a Bunny

Saturday, April 19th

City of Jefferson Egg Hunt
Winder Egg-Stravaganza
Commerce Easter Parade & Egg Hunt
Daydream Rescue Sanctuary Egg Hunt
Hoschton Church of God of Prophecy (2PM)
City of Statham Egg Hunt (11AM)
Gainesville Egg Hunt
Center Pointe Church (Hoschton) (3PM)
Mountain Creek Baptist
Pond Fork Kidz Easter Eggstravaganza
Helicopter Egg Drop
First Presbyterian Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 20th

Chateau Elan Egg Hunt
Helicopter Egg Drop

Homestead Exemption is one way to reduce the amount of property tax you pay on your residential property. If you occupy your home as your primary residence and have owned/occupied the property as of January 1st, you are eligible to file for the Homestead Exemption. You only have to file this once, and it will automatically renew each year. 

When you file, you may be required to submit one or more of the following: copy of your Warranty Deed, proof of residence, social security numbers, driver’s license and car tag info. If the property is located within city limits, you may be required to file with the city as well.

Below is contact information by county:

Gwinnett- deadline is April 1
May File Online or In-Person
770-822-8800
https://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.publicaccessnow.com/HomesteadExemptionApplication.aspx

Jackson- deadline is April 1
(706) 367-6325
May Only File In-Person
https://jacksoncountygatax.com/general-information/

Walton- deadline is April 1
770-266-1736
May Only File In-Person
https://tax.waltoncountypay.com/property.html

Barrow- deadline is April 1
770-307-3108
May File Online, In-Person, or by Mail
https://barrowassessor.org/exemptions

Forsyth- deadline is April 1
(770) 781-2106
May File Online
https://www.forsythco.com/departments-offices/board-of-assessors/homestead-exemption 

Hall- deadline is April 1
770-531-6720
May File Online or In-Person
https://www.hallcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/264/Exemption-Information-2024v2?bidId=

Madison- deadline is April 1
706-795-6355
May Only File In-Person: 91 Albany Ave, Danielsville
https://tax.waltoncountypay.com/property.html

What is Legacy Youth Mentoring?

Legacy Youth Mentoring is a friendship-based in school your mentoring program that partners with 21 local Jackson County Schools to provide access and opportunity for youth to become connected with a caring adult mentor.

Our mission is to guide students toward personal and academic success through mentoring and friendship. We serve Jackson County, Jefferson City and Commerce City Schools.

How can I get involved with Legacy Youth Mentoring?

The non profit arm of Legacy Youth Mentoring (also known as Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc.) funds the critical components of the youth mentoring partnership with local schools. We are a 501c3 and accept monetary donations and grants which provide things like games, sporting equipment, mentor/mentee activities at the schools, training materials for mentors, screening fees, publications, marketing for new mentor recruitment, scholarships for graduating seniors and more. We also fund and host events at schools for mentors and mentees to have fun, memorable moments together and an annual Gala luncheon.

VOLUNTEERS are needed and the best gift to our community!! Volunteers need to attend one training session, undergo background check screening, and commit to visiting their mentee during the school day for 30 minutes, two to four times a month. Details on our website: legacyyouthmentoring.org/volunteer

Where can I find more information?

Check out THEIR WEBSITE or INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK

Located in Jefferson in the shopping center with the Jefferson Library and Jefferson Police Department, Momma Bell's Kitchen is serving up homemade southern cuisine! I stopped by for breakfast and enjoyed a sausage biscuit and hash browns, fresh from the grill. They also serve lunch and dinner with different specials rotating daily. Only a few tables inside for dine-in eating, and while I was there, most were filled with "regulars"- a great sign for a small business! Super kind and food fresh from the grill- gotta love it!

For more information:

Address: 1030 Washington Street, Jefferson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mommabells
*Closed on Tuesdays!

Hoschton Coffee Company, located in the Hoschton Square, is one of my favorite spots for a cup of hot (or iced) coffee, and a bagel or sweet treat! Sitting on their back patio is one of my favorite places to work in peace OR catch up with a friend!

Coffee is DELICIOUS, bagels are super fresh (my fave is the asiago bagel with jalapeno cheddar cream cheese!) and yummy, owners & employees are friendly, and I love to grab a cup of coffee and sit and work at one of their tables. And there are some delicious FRESH pastries (muffins, cookies, etc). Plus it's woman & Veteran-owned, and there's a great story behind the coffee.

I also rack up points using their app, and I'm pretty sure I'm halfway to a free cup of coffee- yipee!

For more information:
Address: 73 City Square, Hoschton (Hosch Hall next to City Hall!)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoschtonCoffeeCompany/

What is the Commerce Beekeepers Club?

Local beekeepers club created to help new beekeepers in their journey through monthly meetings and mentorship, educating the public about honey bees and their importance in our food supply, community outreach with educational events showcasing the bees, honey, pollinator plants, etc.

The focus of our club is mentorship and community outreach. We installed an observation hive at the library last May where you can go inside the library and watch the bees. Now is a GREAT time to visit, as the bees are building up for spring!

How can I get involved with the Commerce Beekeepers Club?

Our meetings are held at the Commerce Public Library the first Thursday of every month from 6-7:30, and you don't have to be a member to attend.

Where can I find more information?

Check out THEIR WEBSITE or THEIR FACEBOOK GROUP for more information!