Gainesville! Who Knew?

50 years, and most of Gainesville has no idea it's there. Meet the woman keeping ballet's legacy alive on Riverside Drive.

On this episode of Gainesville! Who Knew?, we sit down with Jocelyn Buchanan, Artistic Director of Gainesville Ballet Company, to talk about a studio that's shaped generations of dancers since the 1970s. But as Jocelyn explains, what happens inside isn't just about pliés and pointe work — it's about building confidence, empathy, and character. "Ballet is much more than just steps," she says. "We teach life lessons." From a sensory-friendly Nutcracker to a Brenau University partnership to three-year-olds learning to use their imaginations, this is a look at how one Gainesville institution turns dancers into artists — and better people.

🩰 gbcdance.com
 📍 971 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA
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#GainesvilleWhoKnew #GainesvilleBallet #GainesvilleGA

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In Part 2 of our Cresswind Community Fund episode, Gainesville Who Knew goes deeper into the real human impact of one of Hall County Georgia's most remarkable neighborhood charities. Mark Nestle, president of the Cresswind Community Fund at Cresswind Lake Lanier, shares stories that will stay with you — a grandmother and her grandchildren living in a tent, helped back into an apartment and stability. Seniors aging in place in their own Gainesville area homes thanks to a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Hall County. Food banks stretching every donated dollar ten times further than you'd expect.

We also hear from Dr. Michael Lipsitt, a retired cardiologist who now volunteers at the Good News Clinic in Gainesville, Georgia — one of the Fund's key partners providing free healthcare to uninsured seniors across Hall County.

Since its founding, the Cresswind Community Fund has  granted over $1 million to local nonprofits and senior services organizations in Gainesville and Hall County. But as Mark says, the million dollars is not a ceiling — it's a starting point.

And here's the part that might surprise you: this model of community giving isn’t necessarily  exclusive to Cresswind. Mark's message to every HOA, neighborhood, and individual in Gainesville and Hall County is simple — you can do this too.

Listen to the podcast on gainesvillewhoknew.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music/

OR: Watch on YouTube: Gainesville Who Knew

Gainesville Who Knew is a podcast and YouTube channel produced by Umbrella Media LLC spotlighting the hidden history, remarkable people, and organizations of Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia

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The Cresswind Community Fund just reached $1 million.  In this episode you’ll hear the story of how a community of neighbors built something that’s now changing lives for seniors across Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia

We sat down with Mark Nestle, President of The Cresswind Community Fund and Bud Baker, who leads Help Me Please - the volunteer program that provides hands-on assistance to Cresswind residents every day.

Mark shares how the Fund was founded, what drives the mission and what crossing this milestone means for the future.  Bud walks us through everything Help Me Please actually does - and how you can be a part of it - whether you need a hand or want to lend one.

The Fund goes far beyond the gates of Cresswind.  In Part 2, we get the full story of the seniors and programs it supports across the greater Gainesville community. Stay tuned.

Gainesville! Who Knew? is produced by Umbrella Media and hosted by Lauren Price and produced by Andy Waterman - your neighbors at Cresswind Lake Lanier, Gainesville, GA

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She's been haunting the halls of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia for over a century — but who was Agnes, really? In this episode, Andy and Lauren dig into one of Hall County's most beloved ghost stories, weaving together local history, mystery, and more than a little drama. With guest voices bringing Agnes and her world to life through dramatic reenactments, this Georgia ghost story feels less like a podcast and more like settling in around a fire on a dark Southern night. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, you won't look at Brenau's beautiful historic campus quite the same way again.

Gainesville Who Knew — because the best stories are hiding in plain sight.

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Ever wondered how our Gainesville! Who Knew?  podcast actually comes together? In this special Behind the Scenes episode, we take you through our entire creative process—from that first spark of an idea to the final polished episode you hear.

We'll show you how we decide which stories deserve to be told, track down the perfect people to interview, dive deep into research to ask questions that really matter, and then bring it all together in the recording and editing process. It's messy, it's fascinating, and it's a labor of love for our hometown.

While you can still enjoy this audio version, we’re excited to bring you into our world visually and show you what really goes into uncovering Hall County's forgotten history.

This is our first episode as Gainesville! Who Knew? transitions to YouTube!   You can watch the episode on our website: gainesvillewhoknew.com or on YouTube .  We hope you enjoy it.  Let us know.

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We've wrapped up Season One of Gainesville Who Knew! Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey exploring the hidden stories and fascinating history of Gainesville

We're taking a short hiatus while we work on an exciting next step— Stay tuned for updates and the launch and Season Two. We'll be back soon with more untold stories from our community!

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Ever wonder what one of the Civil War's most controversial generals would say if you could sit down and talk with him today? In this episode of Gainesville Who Knew, we fire up the time machine to interview General James Longstreet—Confederate commander, friend of Ulysses S. Grant, and the man who spent his final years right here in Gainesville, Georgia.

After the war, Longstreet’s life took unexpected turns. But perhaps none more surprising than his transformation from Lee's "Old War Horse" into a Republican who worked alongside his former enemy Grant, a decision that made him one of the most hated men in the South.

Join the conversation as we explore why Longstreet ended up in Gainesville, what he really thought about that fateful third day at Gettysburg, and how a Confederate general became an unlikely advocate for reconciliation. It's a story of friendship, controversy, and second chances that connects directly to our local history.

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Step back in time to Gainesville's golden age of hospitality with Jeff Pierce, curator of the Historic Piedmont Hotel and James Longstreet Museum. After an extensive renovation, this architectural gem has reopened its doors, revealing the stories of when it served as the social and commercial heart of Northeast Georgia in the late 1800s.

In this episode, Jeff shares what made the Piedmont Hotel the place to be during its heyday from the 1870s through 1900 – from the luxuries that set it apart to the notable guests who passed through its doors. Discover the fascinating connection between the hotel and Confederate General James Longstreet, who made Gainesville his home after the Civil War.

Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind Gainesville's historic buildings, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a beautifully preserved piece of our community's past. The museum is now open for tours – come hear why this landmark deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

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In this thrilling conclusion to our Tommy Aaron series, Gainesville's own golf legend takes us inside his crowning achievement—winning the 1973 Masters Tournament as the first native Georgian to capture the green jacket

But the story isn't just about the victory itself. Tommy reveals how his wife’s recent surgery and complications meant he hadn't had much time to prepare or play before the tournament making his come-from-behind win even more remarkable.

Don't miss this intimate look at one of golf's most memorable underdog stories, told by the champion himself. Tommy Aaron's 1973 Masters victory remains a defining moment in Georgia golf history and a source of pride for Gainesville.

Don't forget—you can catch up on Parts 1 and 2 if you missed them!

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Join us as we celebrate Gainesville's recognition as Georgia's Downtown of the Year! We sit down with Nicole Parham, Main Street Manager, and Rusty Ligon, Community & Economic Development Director, to explore the remarkable transformation of downtown Gainesville and what's next for our city.

Discover the strategies and community dedication that earned Gainesville this prestigious honor, from historic preservation to creating vibrant public spaces. Then dive into the exciting plans for the Midland area revitalization—learn how downtown's success is being applied to transform this corridor into Gainesville's next thriving neighborhood.

Whether you're a longtime resident, business owner, or simply curious about smart urban development, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our community is building a brighter future.

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