Tifton's Caitlin Carmichael co-stars in a Hallmark Channel original movie, "Portrait of Love," whose world premiere is at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 14.

The film on the Hallmark Channel also stars Bree Williamson, Jason Dohring, Frances Fisher and Corbin Bernsen. It is "an inspiring story that takes viewers on a journey of renewal and captures the essence of love, happiness and life," says Michelle Vicary, executive vice president of programming for Crown Media Family Networks.

PHOTOS:

A heart attack makes one think about mortality.  Chief Judge Bill Reinhardt of the Superior Courts, Tifton Judicial Circuit, knows this all too well after recently being rushed by ambulance to the emergency room at Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC). 

Experiencing the symptoms of a myocardial infarction, Reinhardt was transported to the hospital's cardiovascular

Judge Reinhardt was recently treated for a heart attack by    Tift Regional Medical Center and learned that vital     equipment used in the ambulance was donated by      the hospital's foundation.

"The whole episode gave me a sense of renewal," said Reinhardt. "It made me realize that I have to take better care of myself, not just for me, but for the family, friends and co-workers who count on me. I had to eat better, exercise more, reduce stress and find more balance in my life. It also made me eternally grateful for the services we have available in our community for heart care."

In December, Reinhardt was burning some brush at his mother's farm in Sycamore when he started having shortness of breath, followed by dizziness and chest pain. "I am friends with cardiologist Dr. Paul Murray and was once the president of the local chapter of the American Heart Association," he said. "So, I knew I was exhibiting the classic signs of a heart attack."

Reinhardt said he drove himself to the Turner County EMS in Ashburn.  "By time I reached the EMS, I had increased chest pain, I was sweating profusely and my biceps and jaw started to really hurt," he recalled.  The EMS staff evaluated Reinhardt and transported him to TRMC by ambulance.

"I didn't know this until later, but the emergency medical technicians communicated with the hospital during the ambulance ride using a 12-lead EKG donated by the Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation," said Reinhardt. "I can't imagine the outcome if the EMS did not have this technology."

Placing several pads on the chest, arms and legs, a 12-lead EKG is an electrocardiogram device which measures electrical activity of the heart. 

"A reading of my heart rate and rhythm was transmitted to the physicians in the emergency room so they could prepare for my arrival," he said. "After a brief evaluation in the E.R., they transferred me to the heart and vascular center for cardiac catheterization. The procedure was performed by cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Tronolone, and he determined I needed a stent inserted in my artery to alleviate the blockage."

After the procedure, Reinhardt remained a guest at TRMC for three nights as he recovered. "Dr. Murray was out of town, but my wife talked to him on the phone," he said. "We were amazed to learn that Dr. Murray was able to read my EKG study on his smart phone and he reaffirmed my course of treatment. We told him that Dr. Tronolone, the nurses, technicians and other staff took great care of me."

When he first awoke after the procedure, Reinhardt didn't realize he would have such a euphoric feeling. "I was actually filled with such positive energy," he stated. "Since being discharged from the hospital, I think more clearly and have been eating smarter, exercising more frequently and losing weight. I feel like I have a new lease on life."

Reinhardt is a Tifton native. After earning his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Georgia, he considered joining a law firm in Chicago. But after some reflection, he decided to return to Tifton and practice with his father's law firm, which is now Reinhardt, Whitley, Summerlin & Pittman, P.C. He and wife Lisa have three children: Will, Charlie and Georgia. After years serving as an attorney, he decided to run for superior court judge and won election for the Tifton Judicial Circuit in 2006. His current term expires in 2018. 

"Though the cases can be hard and the decisions tough, I am honored to be able to work in this capacity," he said. "However, my experience with this heart issue has taught me that I need to better offset the stress. That's why I am focusing on my health physically, mentally and spiritually. I owe it to myself, my loved ones and the community I serve."

Since 2004, the Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation's Heart Safe Community program has donated eight 12-lead EKGs to county EMT departments throughout South Central Georgia. The program has also provided 77 automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to area organizations such as schools, fire stations, senior centers, recreation departments, shopping centers and more. In addition, the Heart Safe Community program financially aids the families of TRMC cardiac rehabilitation patients with special needs. Cardiologist Dr. William Hancock serves as the medical director.

"With a recently completed expansion and renovation, TRMC has a topnotch heart and vascular center served by some outstanding physicians, including Dr. Paul Murray, Dr. Bill Hancock, Dr. Jonathan Tronolone, Dr. Bill Kaiser and Dr. Joe Turner," said Dr. John Dorminy, chairman of the TRMC Foundation. "The goal of the foundation's Heart Safe Community program is to complement these services and raise the overall level of heart health within the region. Incidences of cardiovascular disease in our area are higher than the state and national averages, so our mission is critical."

The main fundraising source for the Heart Safe Community program is the TRMC Foundation's annual Hearts & Diamonds Gala. This year's black-tie optional event will be held on Saturday, March 21 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Tickets are $125 per person and include fine dining, cocktails, musical entertainment, dancing and a chance to win a diamond. A casino and silent auction will also be featured. This year's theme is a "Mardi Gras Masquerade" with masks being optional. To obtain tickets, visit www.trmcf.com or call 229-391-3310.

"There is an old saying: the Lord is at the jail," said Reinhardt. "What I learned was: the Lord is in the ambulance.  This experience has been life-changing, and I thank God for the services available in our community. I am a testament that it has made a difference."

Mark Beach has been named offensive coordinator, succeeding Chris Boden, who is heading to Rome High with former Tift Head Coach John Reid. Beach is coming from Sea Breeze High School.