Contents SEPTEMBER 2023 * VOL. 79, NO. 9 16 34 16 20 24 Meet the mascots! Lovable characters rally crowds, represent teams. By Lily Verren Getting in front of severe weather Researchers, storm chasers are improving prediction, response. By Katie Teems Norris Revolutionary dedication DAR members stress service, camaraderie. By Rosalyn Dunn On the cover Atlanta resident Jessi Queen has created her colorful chalk art at festivals and events throughout Georgia, in 17 other U.S. states and around the world. (Photo by Zachary Herndon.) 10 4 MAILBOX 6 PICTURE THIS? 8 GEORGIA NEWS 9 TRIVIA CONTEST 10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14 CURRENTS 26 COOPERATIVE CONCERNS Plant Vogtle to provide decades of clean, reliable nuclear energy 28 AROUND GEORGIA Georgia's chalk artists 34 GEORGIA GARDENS Lovely lilies steal the show 38 GEORGIA COOKS Recipes from VeryVera 42 HOMETOWN HEROES Mike O'Brien: providing relief to those who need it most www.georgiamagazine.org 3 AJ HENDERSON / GEORGIA SOUTHERN ATHLETICS COURTESY JAPANFEST ATLANTA ISTOCK.COM / OLGA SEIFUTDINOVAhttp://www.georgiamagazine.org