Interview by Abernathy Cochran intern and Gainesville High School senior Emily Stewart
Meet Heather Ramsey! Heather is married to Andy, they have four children and one foster child, she serves on the Gainesville City School Board and is a dentist.
We want to thank Heather for spending time with us recently and telling us more about her life and love of Hall County.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
A: “I’ve been married to Andy Ramsey for 20 years. We have four children: Anna Kate, who is 18 and a freshman at Georgia; Gracie, who is 17 and a senior at Gainesville High School; Jack and Jim, who are twins, 15, and freshmen at Gainesville High School; and we have a foster child named Cartel, who is 12, in sixth grade, and has been with us for four years.”
Q: Please tell us a little bit about what you do and what you love about it.
A: “I’m a dentist, and I work two days a week at Lanier Valley Dentistry in Hamilton Mill. What I love most about my job is helping people get out of pain and giving them a beautiful smile. It’s such a huge self-esteem booster, and they always feel great when they’ve had broken or decayed teeth and walk away with a smile they’re proud of.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Hall County? What do you like to get there?
A: “I love going downtown to the square area. There are so many great new restaurants, and I’m excited to see how much they’ve revitalized that part of town. I would say my favorites are Cotto and Consuelo.”
Q: How long have you lived in Hall County?
A: “I’ve lived in Gainesville since 2000. I was here for a year between graduating college and starting dental school, which is when I met my husband. After that, I moved to Augusta for four years for dental school. We got married between my third and fourth years, and I moved back to Gainesville in 2005.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you have met here in Hall County?
A: “The most interesting person I’ve met in our community would probably be Abit Massey. He was such a nice man who knew everyone in the community and everyone’s name. He was always helping others and was so involved. He also attended our church.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
A: “I would love to visit Italy and Greece. I’ve always been fascinated by history, so I would want to see all the ancient ruins in Athens and Rome. And of course, I would want to try all the amazing food in Italy!”
Q: What is your favorite movie and TV show?
A: “My favorite movie? I like funny, silly movies, so ‘Step Brothers’ with Will Ferrell is probably one of my favorites. As for TV shows, I love ‘Seinfeld.’”
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: “Always do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest, because you’ll never regret doing what’s right and helping others.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Probably Longstreet Café. When my kids were little, they loved going there because they could pick their own meal, and everyone was happy. They especially loved the red Jello! Andy also takes them there every Friday morning for breakfast before school. Another favorite is City Park Pizza, formerly known as Sliced. We eat there every Friday before the home football games.”
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: “You’re going to think I’m a dork, but I don’t know their names—there’s a company called The Home Edit. They’re organizers who organize everything in rainbow colors. An organized closet is my happy place! Everything is labeled, and everything has its own place. They’re incredible businesswomen, and it’s actually two women who’ve built this huge empire. They even sell their products at Walmart now, and I think they had a show on Netflix. Anyway, I just love that kind of stuff. If I were to take them anywhere, I would take them to Taqueria Tsunami on the square on a nice, sunny afternoon to eat outside.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “My favorite thing about our community is the lake.”
Q: Is there something you wish we had in our community?
A: “I wish we had more restaurants on the lake. I think it’s a huge missed opportunity for our community.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: “Well, I’ll be working and will also be an empty nester, so I’m hoping to travel more.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I’ve always wanted to dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.”
Q: What is something you’ve checked off your bucket list?
A: “Andy and I went on a safari in Africa for two weeks to celebrate our 20th anniversary this past August. Africa has always been a bucket list item for me, so it was amazing to check that off.”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “Probably Dave Matthews Band.”
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 would say Jeremy Williams, the superintendent of the city schools. He works tirelessly to help improve the school system in every aspect. Our school population is quite unique, with many students requiring extra support to meet basic needs. I think he has done an excellent job not only providing a solid education but also offering the wraparound services that help students succeed and be able to learn.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
A: “I have two. I would say O‘ahu, Hawaii, because I absolutely love the beach, and it’s just stunning there. The lakes in Switzerland are also incredibly beautiful, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The air is so crisp and clean, and the houses are so cute with white picket fences and flowers.”
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? And best single day on the calendar?
A: “My favorite month is probably July because we’re out on the lake all the time, the kids are home from school, and we celebrate the 4th of July, which is also my middle daughter’s birthday. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love what it represents—celebrating the birth of Jesus, exchanging presents, and enjoying good food and quality family time. The single best day on the calendar? I would say my birthday, August 16th.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “A really good meal, like a perfectly cooked steak dinner with wine and dessert.”
Q: If there was a movie about your life who would play you?
A: “Reese Witherspoon, because I think she’s petite, blonde, and a bit spunky and giggly, just like me.”
Q: What are your two favorite smells?
A: “Popcorn is one of my favorite smells—I love salty treats.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “I would say my dad. He is a very chivalrous, loyal, and honorable man, and I absolutely hate the thought of disappointing him. So, I always try to live my life in a way that would impress him and make him proud.”
