Meet Abby Brewer! Abby is married to Don Brewer and she has two children, Casey and McKenzie. Casey is a youth minister in South Georgia and McKenzie is a special education teacher in Hall County. Abby is originally from Lula and is a Licensed Professional Counsellor in the state of Georgia. She said, “I am in private practice in Gainesville. I love being a counsellor and helping others. I feel it is an honor to get to walk with others in their journeys through life!”

Question: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

Answer: “One of my favorite restaurants is Yellow Fin. I love the people there as well as the food. Another favorite is Luna’s. I love the food, atmosphere and people there also.”

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

A: “I am a native of Hall County. I grew up in Lula, Georgia, but moved away after graduation at North Georgia College. I became a Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent and worked in Atlanta with the Organized Crime Squad, and then moved to Statesboro, Georgia with the GBI and lived there for 29 years. I moved back to Hall County in 2013 and am thrilled to be back in North Georgia.”

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

A: “I think that Bill Chapman, my father, is one of the most interesting people. He died a few years ago, but he was so intriguing to me. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in WW2 and after the war, he became a carpenter. He instilled the belief in me that a girl can do anything a guy can- and maybe even better at times! He was supportive of me pursuing a career in law enforcement in a time when few women were doing that.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

A: “I would go to the Canadian Rockies. I believe Canada is so beautiful!”

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

A: “One of my favorite movies is ‘Tombstone.’ I love stories about the Western frontier. Favorite TV shows include ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ ‘Cheers’ and ‘Seinfeld.’”

Q: What advice would you give to people?

A: “Life can be tough at times, and we often are faced with tough choices. Always remember that we can choose to be better, and not bitter. Life is much better when we smile!”

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

A: “My first job was at the First National Bank building that has just been torn down. I have a lot of great memories of that place and the people.”

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?

A: “I would choose former First Lady Laura Bush. I have always admired her. I believe we would stop by Green’s Grocery and pick up something wonderful to eat and go to Don Carter State Park and have a picnic after kayaking.”

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

A: “I love having access to the lake and the mountains. We are so blessed in this community to have this.”

Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

A: “I hope to still be counselling and helping others!”

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: “One thing on my bucket list is to explore the rivers and lakes in Georgia in my kayak!”

Q: What is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?

A: “I wanted to serve the state of Georgia as a law enforcement officer. I am proud of that fact.”

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?

A: “The Eagles!”

Q: In hard times we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us. Hard working. Positive attitudes. Helping on the front lines. Who is one of our local shining lights today?

A: “I believe one of these shining lights in our community is Dr. Andrea Cook. She is a Pastoral Counsellor that I am honored to work with. She is always positive and encouraging.”

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

A: “The Florida Keys!”

Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? And best single day on the calendar?

A: “My favorite month is December because it is the birth of Jesus. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. My favorite date on the calendar is February 5. That is my birthday and I get to celebrate it with my twin brother!! It is great being a twin.”

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

A: “I love waking up and living in the best place in the world! Hall County is a 10 to me!”

Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

A: “Meryl Streep.”

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?

A: “I love the smell of roses and tulips.”

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: “I believe my children and family do- I want to be the best I can for them.”