State Rep. Karen Mathiak Brings Community Together at Ninth Annual Clay Shoot

For nine years, State Rep. Dr. Karen Mathiak has brought friends, constituents, business leaders, and fellow shooting enthusiasts together for an annual sporting clays fundraiser at Cherokee Rose in Griffin.

This year’s event included a range of participants, from young competitive shooters learning firearm safety to longtime supporters who came primarily to reconnect with friends and colleagues.

For Mathiak, a Republican who represents Georgia House District 82, the fundraiser combines her support for Second Amendment rights with an opportunity to bring people from different backgrounds together.

“I’ve always been a Second Amendment girl,” Mathiak said. “I grew up in a house that my dad hunted my whole life, so I have I’ve always had a respect for firearms.”

Mathiak said the participation of young shooters was particularly meaningful. She estimated that approximately 17 young people attended, many participating through organized shooting teams.

“They’re learning how to handle a firearm. They’re learning a skill, and above all that, they’re learning how to communicate with people in a setting like this,” she said.

Safety is another important part of the experience, she explained. At Cherokee Rose, shooters are expected to follow established firearm-handling procedures, including keeping shotguns broken open when moving around the grounds.

Mathiak said she hopes the event introduces participants to the sport while reinforcing the importance of responsible gun ownership.

An event that connects different generations

The annual gathering has also become a social occasion for people who may not otherwise cross paths.

“Some of these folks, the only time they see each other is once a year at my shoot,” Mathiak said.

This year’s attendees included representatives of QTS, the data center company with operations in Fayette County. Mathiak said the company’s participation provided opportunities for residents to speak directly with people involved in the data center industry.

Healthcare professionals, retired educators, business leaders, and community volunteers were also among the participants.

One attendee was Peachtree City chiropractor Dr. Gary Davis of Davis Chiropractic Center, who said he has known Mathiak for approximately 15 years.

Davis described his experience contacting Mathiak about professional and community issues, including legislation affecting chiropractic care.

“She’s always been responsive every time I’ve called her about issues politically or within the community or bills that are passing, and I know that she’s on the up and up,” Davis said.

He also described the annual fundraiser as an opportunity to spend time with people from a variety of professions.

“It’s good to get out and meet other people in the community, other chiropractors, other attorneys, editors, just community leaders to engage with them a day off from work,” Davis said.

Longstanding friendships and local connections

Among those supporting Mathiak was Wanda Cronic Howell, owner and dealer of Cronic Automotive Group, who shares a longstanding connection with the representative through the American Business Women’s Association.

The two have worked together on community projects over the years, Howell said.

“Karen’s always there. Anybody needs her, she comes. You know, she’s just very, very hardworking and very reliable. I really appreciate her,” Howell said.

Their friendship also has a personal history. Mathiak described a recent occasion when Howell presented her with a Jeep-themed tie tack that had belonged to Howell’s late father, who had operated a Jeep dealership. Mathiak had purchased a Jeep Cherokee from Howell years earlier.

The gift carried particular meaning because Mathiak had known Howell’s father.

Niki Vanderslice, president and CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority and a Brooks resident, also spoke about her experiences with Mathiak’s representation.

“She’s willing to listen to her constituents, hear their concerns, and see where she can help advocate for them on the state level, whether it’s with an agency or on on the local level, she’s always willing to be an advocate for her constituency and has a heart for people,” Vanderslice said.

A tradition of food and fellowship

The event also included a fish fry, which returned after receiving a positive response from attendees the previous year.

The meal provided another opportunity for participants to gather after spending time on the sporting clays course.

For Mathiak, the event serves multiple purposes: a campaign fundraiser, an opportunity to introduce people to responsible shooting sports, and a chance for constituents and local professionals to spend time together outside their usual settings.

As the ninth annual event concluded, attendees had shared a day of sporting clays, food, conversation, and community connections. For more about Rep. Karen Mathiak, visit WeNeedKaren.com .