METRO GUIDE 2015

Sunday, October 25, 2015 • The Albany Herald

albany area

metro GUide 2015

Essential information for natives and newcomers

metro guide 2015

Settling In: What newcomers need to know

By Mary Braswell

mary.braswell@albanyherald.com

Change of Address — Dougherty: U.S. Postal Service, main office, 1501 S. Slappey Blvd, Albany; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday; 345 W. Broad Ave, downtown, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, closed Saturday. Lee: U.S. Postal Service, Leesburg Post Office, 152 Robert B. Lee Drive; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 to 11:15 a.m., Saturday; Smithville, 103 Le Conte St., 8:45 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., MondayFriday, 9 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday.

Worth: U.S. Postal Service, Sylvester, 404 Hardy St.; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday. Terrell: U.S. Postal Service, Dawson, 124 Stonewall St., S.E., 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday. Baker: U.S. Postal Service, Newton, 343 Sunset Blvd.; a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 to call (229) 431-2102. Lee: Probate 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 to 11 Court, Lee County Courthouse, a.m. Saturday.

100 Leslie Highway, Leesburg; 8 Birth Certificate — Dougherty: a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call Probate Court, Judicial Building, (229) 759-6005. Worth: Probate 225 Pine Ave., Albany; 8:30 a.m. to Court, Worth County Courthouse, 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (229) 201 N. Main St., Sylvester; 9 a.m.

431-2102. Lee: Probate Court, Lee to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; call County Courthouse, 100 Leslie (229) 776-8207. Terrell: Probate Highway, Leesburg; 8 a.m. to 5 Court, 513 S. Main St., Dawson; 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (229) a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call 759-6005. Worth: Probate Court, (229) 995-5515. Baker: Probate Worth County Courthouse; 201 Court, 167 Baker Place, Newton; 9 N. Main St., Sylvester; 8 a.m. to a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; call 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (229) (229) 734-3007.

776-8207. Terrell: Probate Court, Fees vary by location and wheth513 S. Main St., Dawson; call er or not premarital counseling is (229) 995-5515. Baker: Probate available. Call first! All location Court, 167 Baker Place, Newton; 9 fees include one $10 certified copy a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday;call of the marriage license.

(229) 734-3007. All Georgia birth certificates are $25 for the first Business license — Dougherty: copy and $5 for each additional Treasurer’s Office, Suite 150, 240 copy.

Pine Ave., Albany; call (229) 4312118. Lee: Lee County AdminMarriage License — Doughistration offices, 110 Starksville erty: Probate Court, Judicial Build- Ave. North, Leesburg; call (229) ing, 225 Pine Ave., Albany; 8:30 759-6003. Worth: Sylvester City

2 • Sunday, October 25, 2015

Hall, 101 N. Main St., Sylvester; call (229) 776-8505. Warwick City Hall, 132 Washington St. S.W., Warwick; call (229) 535-6256.

Worth County Building and Zoning; 201 N. Main St., Sylvester; call (229) 776-8202. Terrell: Dawson City Hall, 101 S. Main St., Dawson; call (229) 995-4444.

Terrell County Zoning and Planning, 125 Jefferson St., Dawson; call (229) 995-5210. Baker: Newton City Hall, 146 Highway 91, Newton; call (229) 734-5421.

Baker County Courthouse, 167 Baker Place, Newton; call (229) 734-3000.

Property Taxes — Dougherty: Tax Department, 240 Pine Ave., Albany; call (229) 431-3208. Lee: Tax Commissioner’s Office, 100 Starksville Ave., Leesburg; call (229) 759-6015. Worth: Tax Commissioner’s Office, Worth County Courthouse, Room 15, 201 N. Main St., Sylvester; call (229) 7768204. Terrell: Tax Commissioner’s Office, 187 E. Lee St., Dawson;

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call (229) 995-5151. Baker: Tax Commissioner’s Office, 167 Baker Place, Newton; call (229) 7343010.

Driver’s license — Georgia Department of Driver Services, 2062 Newton Road, Albany; Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon, closed Monday. Fees: Learner’s permit — $10; Regular license — $20 (five years) and $32 (eight years); Veterans — no charge; Georgia ID card — $20 (five years) and $32 (eight years); Georgia ID card for voting purposes only — no fee when qualified. Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) — $6 (three-year report) and $8 (seven-year report).

Call (229) 430-4258 or 1-866-7543687.

tion, 102 Starksville Ave. N, Suite 205., Leesburg; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Friday; call (229) 7596002. Worth: Registrar’s Office, Worth County Courthouse, Room 11, 201 N. Main St., Sylvester; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (229) 776-8208. Terrell: Terrell County Board of Elections, 955, Forrester Drive., S.E. Dawson; 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m. MondayFriday; call (229) 995-5066.

Baker: Elections Office, 167 Baker Place, Newton; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (229) 734-3019.

Applications to register to vote are also available at the following locations: Albany State University, Darton College, Albany Technical College, Department of Family and Children Services, high schools, public libraries, Department of Motor Vehicle Safety, drivers license posts Forms may also be downloaded at http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/ how_to_register.htm and returned by mail.

Vehicle Tag — Dougherty: Tag Office, 240 Pine Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (229) 431-3255. Lee: Tag Office, 102 Starksville Ave., Leesburg; call (229) 759-6015. Worth: Tag Office, Worth County Courthouse, Room 15, 201 N. Main St., Sylvester; call (229) 776-8204. Terrell: Tag Office, 187 Lee St., Dawson; call (229) 995-5151. Baker: Tag Office, 167 Baker Place, Newton; call (229) 734-3010.

Cable television — Mediacom, 1104 N. Westover Blvd., Albany; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday; call 1-800-4761163. Newton: Blakely Cable, 65 Voter Registration— Dougherty: Government Center, 222 Pine Liberty St., Blakely; 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. MondayAve., Room 220, Albany; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call Friday; call (229) 723-3555.

(229) 431-3247. Lee: Lee County See settling, Page 3 Board of Elections and Registra-

metro guide 2015 •From Page 2D

660-5890 to establish service.

Lee, Dougherty, Terrell: Satellite television — DI- Sumter EMC, 133 W. Century RECTV — 1(877) 348-0158 Road, Leesburg; 8:30 a.m. to or 1(877) 841-8936; DISH 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; must Network — Call 1(855) 229- provide government-issued ID 3693 or 1(855) 471-8007. to establish service; drive-in window for bill payment at Telephone Service — same address; call (229) 759AT&T, establish service – 2291 or 1-800-342-6978. Lee: Residential 1(800)288-2020; Lee County Utilities AuthorBusiness — 1(866) 620-6000. ity, 111 Main St., Leesburg; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayUtilities — Dougherty: Friday; Call (229) 759-6056; Albany Utility Board, 207 Garbage service, 115 Main Pine Ave., Albany; 8 a.m. to Street, Leesburg — call (229) 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; Call 759-6048. Leesburg: City (229) 883-8330 to establish Hall, 107 Walnut St.; 8 a.m. service; drive-in window — to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call 218 N. Washington St., 8 a.m. (229) 759-6465. Smithville: to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

City Hall, 116 Main St., 8 a.m.

Georgia Power Company, 704 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; N. Westover Blvd., Albany; call (229) 846-2101. Worth, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayBaker: Mitchell EMC, 312 Friday; night box available.

W. Kelly St., Sylvester; 8 a.m.

Call (229) 436-0336 or (888) to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday;

Settling

drive-in window for payment at same address; call (229) 336-5221. Sylvester: Sylvester Water, Gas & Light, 105 East King Street; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Friday; call (229) 776-8505. Dawson: City Hall, 101 S. Main St.; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; call (229) 995-4444. All utilities require a deposit. Amounts vary by location and credit background. Call to get specifics.

(229) 438-3230; Lee: The Lee County Ledger, 126 4th Street, publishes weekly on Wednesdays, call (229) 7592413; Terrell: The Dawson News, publishes weekly on Thursdays, call (229-9952175); Worth: The Sylvester Local News, publishes weekly on Wednesdays, call (229) 776-3991.

Libraries — Dougherty: Central Library (downtown) — Monday-Wednesday 10 Job search — Dougherty, a.m to 8 p.m, ThursdayLee, Terrell, Baker, Worth: Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Georgia Department of Labor, Saturday 2 to 6 p.m.; call 1608 S. Slappey Blvd.; 7:30 (229) 420-3200 Northwest a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday(Dawson Road) — Monday Friday; call (229) 430-5010. and Thursday 10 a.m until 8 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday Newspapers — Doughand Friday 10 a.m to 6 p.m., erty: The Albany Herald, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; publishes seven days a week, call (229) 420-3270; Tal126 N. Washington St., call lulah Massey (East Albany)

— Monday-Friday 10 a.m to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m.; call (229) 420-3250; Westtown — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; call (229) 420-3280; Southside branch on Oakridge Drive is expected to re-open in January 2016; Baker: 100 Main Street , Newton; call (229) 734-3025, Monday-Friday 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to noon. Terrell: Kinchafoonee Regional Library (Dawson) Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call (229) 9956331; Lee: Leesburg (229) 759-2369; Monday, Wednesday Friday and Saturday 9 a.m to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 2 to 6 p.m.; Oakland (229-889-0300); same hours as Leesburg; Redbone (229)

903-8871 Monday-Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., Friday 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Smithville (229) 846-6625 Monday, Wednesday 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Worth: Margaret Jones Public Library Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

How to get a library card: Proof of residence is required; photo ID with current address, photo ID and one item from the list or two items from the list; The list: valid driver’s license, valid voter ID registration card, checks with printed address, a utility bill or other piece of mail showing current address; Children under 18 must be registered by parent or guardian.

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Imagine a classroom where you learn about the Northern Lights by Skyping with a class in Alaska. Or maybe an engineering class where you and your classmates create a unique new bridge using 3-D printing? By the end of the year, the Dougherty County School System will be the only system in Georgia with personalized technology in every student’s hands.

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229.431.1264 200 Pine Avenue, Albany, Ga. 31701 www.docoschools.org

288010-1

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Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 3

metro guide 2015

Dougherty County, Albany on verge of significant growth

By Carlton Fletcher

carlton.fletcher@albanyherald.com

ALBANY — To the uninitiated, the casual visitor to Albany and Dougherty County, the place they see today is the same place they’ve seen the last several years.

With a few new businesses dotting the landscape, replacing others that decided to move on, shopping opportunities are relatively the same; recreation is pretty much the same; retail outlets haven’t changed a great deal; an inordinate amount of decay and dilapidation is spread through neighborhoods north, south, east and west; and — perhaps most disturbing — the crippling poverty rate in the community remains relatively unchanged.

But a peek behind the curtain — a detailed look at the inner workings of Southwest Georgia’s retail and entertainment hub — offers hope that goings-on in the Good Life City are a bit more than they seem, that change is indeed on its way. And, officials assure those who will listen, it’s the kind of change that can be transformative.

“I decided I wanted to be a part of the city government for four more years because, first of all, I love this city, and I want to do anything I can to help it succeed,” incumbent Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard said during a recent interview. “And we’re right at the door of making it happen. The door is open and we’re about to step in.”

Hubbard has reason to be optimistic. With new City Manager Sharon Subadan — backed by a supportive Albany City Commission — pushing an aggressive agenda that calls for immediate action, the city is making strides that very well could reverse census figures that in recent years have shown a continuously shrinking population. Indeed, Dougherty County’s overall 94,565 popula-

Work is ongoing to complete repairs of the Southside Library branch so the facility can re-open around the first of the year. The branch was one of two closed by the Dougherty Library Board in 2012. (Herald file photo)

tion of 2010 is projected to be down another 2.3 percent halfway through the decade.

This from a community that was well above 100,000 residents 20 years ago.

“I was brought here to do things, not to sit back and observe,” Subadan said shortly after moving into the city manager’s office. “I see the potential that Albany has, and I’m going to do everything I can to help the city reach that potential.”

True to her word, Subadan — with commission approval — has spearheaded plans that: • Will use up to $5 million to spur renovation of Albany’s downtown district, particularly along the Flint River. Where so many development plans have faltered before, Subadan’s offers public funding to generate private interest, an element that has so far been missing.

• Structured a deal to bring a second hotel — Home2 Suites

4 • Sunday, October 25, 2015

— into the downtown district, adjacent to its sister structure, the successful Hilton Garden Inn. • Will generate actual requests for proposals to develop the cityowned Albany Heights building on Pine Avenue.

• Bought outright the former SB&T Bank property at 401 Pine Ave. as the new home of the city’s Utility Board. With a price tag of $2.7 million, including renovations, that property — which will most likely house a new office for the city manager as well — is still considerably less than the $3.5 million projected to update the city’s current Utility Board offices at 207 Pine Ave. That cost, city officials point out, was for three of the structure’s six floors only.

• Would create a college center in the former Utility Board building that would serve students at Albany State University, Darton State College, Albany Technical College and the Dougherty County School System.

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• Broadened the reach of the Utility Board to include revenuegenerating utilities projects outside the city and county limits.

Adding their own dash of enhancement to the community’s improving flavor, the Dougherty County Commission has shown that innovative projects are not limited to the confines of the city limits. The county government, after seeing two of its five library branches shut down three years ago for financial reasons, will see the second of the closed branches reopen at the first of the year.

On the verge of financial ruin, the county’s Library Board in 2012 ordered under performing Westtown and Southside branches closed. In the interim three years, the system has completed a $5 million-plus overhaul of its Central branch, put new roofs on Northwest and Westtown branches, and reopened — with additional and improved equipment — the two closed branches.

Dougherty officials have also funded improvements to the county’s jail, its police force and its industrial parks, which are being scouted regularly by potential business prospects.

In addition to utilizing a small portion of an $18 million-andcounting Job-Enhancement Fund to bring 100 new, high-paying jobs to Albany-based Thrush Aircraft, the area has seen the addition of new jobs at the Webstaurant restaurant supply center and an additional manufacturing line for production of Mars Chocolate’s goodnessknows snack.

The vastly improved image of the Dougherty School System gained another measure of esteem with the development of an Albany-Dougherty Educational Collaborative that will work to further improve the system. Developed by the heads of Albany’s three institutions of higher education — Art Dunning at Albany State, Paul Jones at Darton, Anthony Parker at Albany Tech — and schools

Superintendent Butch Mosely, the collaborative plans to appoint a 12-member board and hire a “cheerleader” to promote its accomplishments.

The County Commission named Chairman Chris Cohilas as its representative on the board. “(Improving education) is something I talked about on the campaign trail when I ran for office,” Cohilas said. “We need to find a way for the leadership of the county, the city and the School System to work together to set core objectives. This is the way to make that happen. People have to realize, we are separate entities working for the same purposes; we’re not a bunch of fiefdoms.

“So much of what we do in this community is affected by other agencies: The County Commission is directly impacted by property taxes, which directly affect real estate values, which are directly affected by the school system. Sales taxes have a direct correlation to the quality of workers produced by our education system.”

Cohilas said the collaborative approach allows all governmental bodies to join the community’s education leaders in trying to improve the product they produce.

“Quality education helps attract industry,” the commission chairman said. “Having all folks in the community working together is huge, it’s progressive. Perhaps the historical approach we’ve taken in the past is ‘Can one governmental body require another governmental body to do something?’ The answer, of course, is no. But we can set common goals and work together in a collaborative manner for the benefit of the community.”

So those who may have written Albany and Dougherty County off as the “same-old same-old” may soon have to revamp their thinking. If city and county leaders have anything to say about it, a rebirth of the Good Life City is in the works.

metro guide 2015

Albany Museum of Art home to exhibits, entertainment

By Jennifer Parks

The museum also offers a fully renovated auditorium and full catering ALBANY — For 50 kitchen available for the years, the Albany Museum public to rent. The audiof Art has been featuring torium features a large artwork from local, region movie screen and projecand national artists and has tion equipment as well as stood as one of the city’s everything that might be crown cultural jewels. needed for a special event Located at 311 Meador function. The space is owlark Drive off Gillionalso used to host parties, ville Road next to Darton anniversaries, dinners, State College, the museum receptions and weddings. features six galleries — The museum itself relies the Haley, East, Evans, on the donations of patrons, Hodges, MillerCoors and members and other beneMcCormack galleries factors including the late — showcasing a growEloise Haley, Jane Willson ing permanent collection and the late Harry Willson, comprised of African, the Goodyear family, the European and American McCormack family and art. Among the galleries others. is the AMAzing Space, an The museum is open to interactive space designed guests Tuesday-Saturday with children in mind. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. AdThe museum’s collection mission is free, but donaincludes more than 2,100 tions are accepted. original works of art with Events are scheduled at more than 200 works on the museum throughout the display at any given time. year. They include (contact In addition to the permathe AMA for ticket prices): nent galleries, the museum • Symphony at the also features two rotatMuseum: 4 p.m. Sunday ing exhibits showcasing a chamber concerts in the variety of different works, main gallery of the muusually by a widely known seum are scheduled for artist.

Nov. 1, Feb. 28 and March Currently, the museum 22. Light refreshments will is hosting an exhibition be served following the titled “Ralph Harvey concerts, providing guests Retrospective: A History the opportunity to meet the of Studio Glass Educaperformers. tion in the Rural South.”

• Touch a Truck: Nov. This exhibition covers the 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. entire bottom floor and is Get up close and personal spread throughout three of with giant vehicles while the galleries, and is open participating in educational until Jan. 23. There are also and interactive transportaexhibitions being held in tion themed activities. the upstairs galleries titled • Patron Cocktail Party: “Full Spectrum Wildlife,” Nov. 12, for museum pa“Landscapes from the 19th tron level members and and 20th Century” and above celebrating the Ralph “From African Hands.”

Harvey Retrospective exhijennifer.parks@albanyherald.com

bition.

• Lecture series featuring “Howard Risatti: Rethinking Modernism” on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. as part of the Ralph Harvey Retrospective exhibition.

• Glass flameworking classes taught by Robin Humphreys with three options: “Introduction to Beadmaking” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 14, “Glass Turtle or Fish” from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, “Glass Pendant” from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 15.

• A Night at the Museum Holiday Cocktail Party is Dec. 19.

• The Fine Art of Love is Feb. 13 at the AMA. Blacktie event features a seated dinner, art auction and the sound of Ball & Chain.

• The Fine Art of Dining Culinary Series, which features chefs creating meals for attendees in private homes, began Oct. 24, with dinners scheduled for Jan. 23, March 19, April 15 and May 14.

Albany Museum of Art Essentials: • Located at 311 Meadowlark Drive • Executive Director: Paula Williams • Marketing and Public Relations Manager: Amanda Morris • Membership and Finance Manager: Veronica Parrish • Interim Curator of Collections and Exhibitions: Katie Dillard • Museum Services Coordinator: Yvonne Jones For more information about the museum and events call (229) 439-8400 or visit the www.albanymuseum.com.

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Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 5

metro guide 2015

Lee County continues to grow population, housing

By Danny Carter

danny.carter@albanyherald.com

LEESBURG — Lee County is known throughout the state as one of the fastest-growing counties over the past couple of decades — partially because it’s a bedroom community for Albany.

But to label it strictly a bedroom community is a disservice to the growth experienced both in retail and industrial areas in recent years.

The county has come a long way since being acquired from Creek Indians and mainly populated by farmers who farmed the county, which was much larger than it is today.

Named for Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794), a Virginia congressman, Lee County was acquired Dec. 11, 1826, from the Creek Indians and included land in what is now Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell and Webster counties and parts of Schley, Chattahoochee, Macon, Clay and Marion counties.

In 1826, the first county seat was located in what is now Webster County. On Dec. 20, 1832, Starkville became the county seat, half a mile west of the Muckalee Creek and seven miles east of the Kinchafoonee Creek.

In 1872, the county seat was moved to Wooten Station on the Southwestern Railroad and became known as Leesburg in 1874. In 1920, the population was 1,920. At this time Leesburg, with a population of 413, was abounding in the cotton trade and had a gin company that handled 2,000 to 3,000 bales of cotton annually. Smithville, at the junction of the Central and Georgia Railway, shipped thousands of barrels of pears each year.

In 1922, Leesburg High School was completed, and the

A strong school system is a major contributing factor in the growth of Lee County over the past two decades. (Staff Photo: Danny Carter)

county had a total enrollment of 2,988 in grades 1-11. Total school enrollment increased almost 100 students per year for approximately 15 years.

In the 1930s and ’40s, Spanish peanuts were cultivated, and in the 1940s farming started to become mechanized. During World War II, German prisoners of war were used to harvest

6 • Sunday, October 25, 2015

peanuts.

Currently, some of the oldest improved pecans were planted in Lee County around 1916.

According to 2014 census figures, the most recent available, Lee County now has 29,191 residents, a 3.2 percent growth rate from 2010 at a time when many counties in Southwest Georgia are reporting

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population decreases.

Lee County has 10,698 housing units with a home ownership rate of 76.2 percent.

The median value of owneroccupied housing units is $159,000.

Lee has a median household income of $60,104. Census figures also show Lee has 2.79 persons per household.

Persons living below the poverty level are 11.2 percent, compared with the statewide average of 18.2 percent.

The land area of Lee County is 355.78 square miles, with 79.5 people per square mile.

Leesburg is the county seat of Lee County. Smithville is the only other incorporated community in the county.

metro guide 2015 HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

By Jennifer Parks jennifer.parks @albanyherald.com

Metro Albany residents can have their health needs cared for at the following area hospitals: Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital: 417 W. Third Ave.; phone (229) 312-1000; Joel Wernick, president and CEO; 691bed capacity; owned by the Hospital Authority of Albany-Dougherty County; leased to Phoebe Putney Health System.

Phoebe North Campus: 2000 Palmyra Road; phone (229) 4342000.

Phoebe Worth Medical Center: 807 S. Isabella St., Sylvester; phone (229) 776-6961, emergency room open 24 hours a day/seven days a week; Kim Gilman, CEO; 25-bed capacity; owned by Phoebe Putney Health System.

Medical Clinics AAPHC Glover Dental Center: 2607 Gillionville Road; phone (229) 883-9001, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Albany Regional Plastic Surgery: 2101 Palmyra Road; phone (229) 889-1021; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Albany Vascular

Specialist Center: 2300 Dawson Road; phone (229) 436-8535; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Baker County Health Department: 327 Sunset Ave. S.W. No. 1, Newton; phone (229) 734-5226; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MondayThursday, 8 a.m-5 p.m.

Friday. Appointments and walk-ins accepted.

Baker County Primary Health Care: 327 Sunset Ave. S.W. No. 3, Newton; phone (229) 734-5250; 8 a.m. to 4:30

229-759-2422 www.leechamber.net

100B Starksville Ave., North Leesburg, GA 31763

287987-1

p.m. Monday-Friday.

Carlton Breast Health Center: phone (229) 3124012. Two locations: 427 W. Third Avenue, Tower II 4th floor, Offers 3D tomosynthesis screening and diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and ultrasounds guided biopsies, prone and upright stereotactic biopsies, needle localization, ductograms and cyst aspiration. 2709 Meredyth Drive, One Meredyth Place, Offers screening mammograms and bone

density scans. To schedule an appointment call (229) 312-4800.

Dawson Medical Center: 420 Johnson St. Southeast, Dawson; phone (229) 995-2990; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Dialysis Clinic Inc.: 1210 N. Jefferson St.; phone (229) 888-3996.

1314 Radium Springs Road; phone (229) 4341175. 1921 W. Oakridge Drive; phone (229) 4359295. 102 Pineview Drive, Sylvester; phone (229) 776-0250. 806 Forrester Drive, Dawson; phone (229) 995-2433.

Dougherty County Health Department: 1710 S. Slappey Blvd.; phone (229) 430-6200; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday. Walk-ins and appointments accepted.

East Albany Medical Center: 1712-A E. Broad Ave.; phone (229) 6393100; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Women’s Health Center: 401 S. Madison St.; phone (229) 888-3636; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Phoebe Convenient Care: Two locations: Phoebe East, 2410 Sylvester Road; phone (229) 312-9200, and Phoebe Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Northwest, 2336 Dawson is located at 417 W. Road; phone (229) 312Third Ave. Combined 8750. Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 with its sister camp.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 pus, Phoebe North, p.m. weekends and holion Palmyra Road, it days. Walk-ins accepted. has a bed capacity of 691. (Staff Photo: Phoebe Corporate Jennifer Parks) Health Services: Phoebe East, 2410 Sylvester Road; phone (229) 312-9220; 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Walk-ins accepted for drug screens.

Phoebe Diabetes Care Center: 425 W. Third Ave., Suite 350 in Medical Tower One of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital; phone Monday-Friday.

(229) 312-1392. Referrals East Albany Pediatric only. and Adolescent Center: Phoebe Diagnostics and 1712-C E. Broad Ave.; Imaging Services: 2709 phone (229) 639-3103; Meredyth Drive, Suite 100 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— One Meredyth Place; Monday-Friday. phone (229) 312-0200.

Healthy Kids and Families: 707 N. Jefferson Services include CT Scans, St.; phone (229) 431-2030; digital X-ray, fluoroscopy, MRI Scans and PET/CT 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondayscans.

Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Phoebe Digestive Friday.

Health Center: 2740 Ray Hughston Clinic: 117 Knight Way — Two MereOakland Parkway, Leesdyth Place; phone (229) burg; phone (229) 483312-0698. Home to Phoebe 0055; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Gastroenterology AssociMonday-Thursday, 8 a.m. ates and Phoebe Endoscopy to 5 p.m. on Friday.

Center. Appointments only.

Lee County Health Phoebe Family Care Department: 112 Park St., Leesburg; phone (229) Center: 2336 Dawson 759-3014; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Road; phone (229) 312weekdays. Walk-ins accept- 8800. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. By ed until 4 p.m. except for Wednesday, when walk-ins appointment only.

Phoebe Family Mediare accepted until 3 p.m. cine — Lee County: 1390 Appointments accepted.

U.S. Highway 19 South, Lee Medical Arts Leesburg; phone (229) 312Center: 235 Walnut St., Leesburg; phone (229) 759- 7490; Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. By 6508; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Friday.

See hospitals, Page 8 Mirian Worthy

Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 7

metro guide 2015

Worth County: ‘Peanut Capital of the World’

By Jim West

AT A GLANCE

jim.west@albanyherald.com

Worth County, Georgia’s 18th-largest county in land area, was created in 1853 from parts of Dooly and Irwin counties. It was named for Maj. Gen. William Worth, a hero of the Mexican War. Called the “Peanut Capital of the World,” Worth County is a consistent Georgia leader in peanut production, typically planting some 35,000 acres yearly.

Sylvester is the county seat and hosts the Georgia Peanut Festival on the third weekend in October, sponsored in part by ConAgra Foods, whose Sylvester plant makes every jar of Peter Pan Peanut Butter.

Besides peanuts, in 2013 Worth County farmers planted more than 52,000 acres of cotton and around 8,000 acres of corn.

Around 50 percent of Worth County is forested, and pulpwood manufacturer Weyerhauser is the county’s largest taxpayer.

• Population: 21,291 • Persons Under 18: 23.2 percent • Persons 65 and over: 16.2 percent • Female: 52.1 percent • White: 69.1 percent • Black: 29.1 percent • Hispanic/Latino: 2 percent • High school graduate: 72.9 percent • College graduate: 8.9 percent • Homeownership rate: 73.9 percent • Median home value: $80,600 • Median household income: $39,205 • Mean travel time to work: 26.8 minutes

Seventy-four percent of Worth’s work force commutes to other counties to work, but its largest local employers are ConAgra Foods, Birdsong Peanuts, Phoebe Worth Medical Center, Walmart, the Worth

County Board of Education and National Pecan Company.

“Ole Engine 100” is a steam locomotive that ran the rails of the GeorgiaAshburn Sylvester-Camilla Railways from 1930 to

1948, when it was replaced with the next generation of train, the diesel. In 1957, “The Little Engine That Could” was donated to the Worth County/Sylvester Chamber of Commerce and the city of Sylvester by GASC railways for a well deserved rest. It now sits under a protective awning

in J.C. Jeffords Park at U.S. more than 130 years, hosts Highway 82 and Georgia an annual egg festival in State Route 33.

September.

Worth County had an estimated population of WARWICK 20,940 in 2014.

The city of Warwick is located 20 miles north of SYLVESTER Sylvester near the shores Incorporated in 1898, of Lake Blackshear. Its the city of Sylvester sprung population has hovered at up along a railroad built slightly less than 500 for to connect Albany with more than 20 years. WarBrunswick. Originally wick has been named the known as Isabella Station, Grits Capital of Georgia the name was changed to and in March 2003, Gov. honor a prominent local Sonny Perdue recognized family.

Warwick as the Grits CapiThe early town was a rail tal of the World. The town stop and center for process- hosts the National Grits Festival the second week of ing wood products such April each year. as turpentine. In 1904 an election was held, and SylPOULAN vester wrenched the title of Hardly a mile east along county seat from Isabella, U.S. 82 from Sylvester, three miles to the north.

Halfway between Albany the city of Poulan is the county’s second-largest and Tifton on U.S. Highmunicipality. Michigan way 82, Sylvester today Gov. Chase S. Osbourne, is home to about 6,000 who made his winter home residents. in Poulan in the early 1900s, built the famous Big SUMNER Worth County’s eastern- Poke and Little Poke mansions on Possum Lane. The most municipality is also its fastest growing. Sumner, mansions are now tourist which has been around for attractions in the area.

Hospitals •From Page 7

EEG, NCV, EMG and VEP testing. By appointment appointment only. only.

Phoebe Inpatient PhysiPhoebe Orthopaedic cal Rehabilitation Center: Specialty Group: 2709 2000 Palmyra Road; phone Meredyth Drive, Suite (229) 434-2580; Visiting 450 – One Meredyth Place; hours are Monday-Thursphone (229) 312-5000. Ofday 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., fers a full range of orthoSaturday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. paedic services, including and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to arthritis, sports injuries, 9 p.m. fractures, concussions and Phoebe Neurodiagtendinitis. nostics Center: 2709 Phoebe Sleep DisMeredyth Drive, Suite 310 orders Center: 2709 — One Meredyth Place; Meredyth Drive, Suite phone (229) 312-1215.

310 — One Meredyth Outpatient diagnostic Place; phone (229) 312center equipped to perform 1220. Outpatient diag-

nostic center equipped to perform polysomnography to diagnosis and treat all disorders of sleep. By appointment only.

Tower Medical Group: 2709 Meredyth Drive, Suite 310 — One Meredyth Place; phone (229) 312-9651. Offers family medicine.

Phoebe Worth Family Medicine — Sylvester: 1014 W. Franklin St., Sylvester; phone (229) 7762965; Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. to noon. Appointments only.

Rural Model Clinic: 2202 E. Oglethorpe Blvd; phone (229) 4311423; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Friday. Primary care and specific care services available to HIV/ AIDS patients.

South Albany Medical Center: 1300 Newton Road; phone (229) 431-3120; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Terrell County Health Department: 969 Forrester Drive Southeast, Dawson; phone (229)

albanyherald.com

995-2218; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Walk-ins until 4 p.m. and appointments accepted.

Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic: Naval Branch Health Clinic, Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Care provided on appointment basis only, same-day appointments available for urgent care. Eligible veterans call 800-5955229, ext. 2711 to make appointments. Those without military identification

cards contact the MCLBAlbany Pass and ID Office at (229) 639-5100 for base access.

West Albany Dental and Medical Center: 1412 W. Oakridge Drive; phone (229) 435-2424; 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday. Dentistry and podiatry services offered.

Worth County Health Department: 1012 W. Franklin St., Sylvester; phone (229) 777-2150; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Walk-ins and appointments accepted.

Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 8

Baker County Profile

metro guide 2015

By Jim West

AT A GLANCE

jim.west@albanyherald.com

Baker County, Georgia’s 61st county, which was formed in 1825 from part of Early County and named for Col. John Baker, encompasses 343 square miles of land area and another six square miles of water area.

The county has one incorporated city — the county seat, Newton — and five unincorporated communities: Milford, Elmodel, Crestview, Bethany and Hoggard Mill.

Until the 1850s, Baker County encompassed all of Dougherty and Mitchell counties, a third of Miller County and two-thirds of Calhoun County, each of the areas splitting from Baker one at a time over a three-year period beginning in 1854.

The primary industry in Baker County is agriculture, with county farmers producing peanuts, cotton, corn, canola, poultry and beef. The three largest employers, in terms of number of employees, are the Baker County School System, the Joseph Jones Research Center and Pineland Plantation.

A historic marker on State Highway 37 south

Baker County south of Albany is home to several hunting plantations.

(Herald File Photo)

of Leary marks the site of the final battle of the Creek Indian War in 1836, where several Southwest Georgia militias chased a band of Creeks that had destroyed a settlement in the area into a nearby swamp. Only a few militiamen were injured, but many of the Indians were killed.

The county has only one school, housed in two buildings, which comprises

grades pre-K through 12th grade. Eleventh- and 12thgrade students formerly attended Mitchell-Baker High School, but at the beginning of the 2007/2008 school year they were brought back into the Baker County School System.

In 2013, Baker County’s population was estimated at 3,255, up from 3,085 recorded in the 2010 census.

The county houses

several plantations, which range in size from 5,000 to 28,000 acres. The largest is Ichauway Plantation, once owned by Coca-Cola magnate Robert Woodruff and now home to the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center.

The research center is one of the largest outdoor research centers in the world, where scientists study local vegetation, wa-

ter systems and wildlife.

NEWTON The town of Newton is the county seat and the only incorporated city in Baker County. Founded in 1831, the city was named for Sgt. John Newton, who, like Baker County’s founder, served in the Revolutionary War. The city was created to be the county seat and was located in the center

• Population: 3,341 • Persons Under 18: 21.6 percent • Persons 65 and over: 21.6 percent • Female: 51.9 percent • White: 52 percent • Black: 45.6 percent • Hispanic/Latino: 4.4 percent • High school graduate: 82 percent • College graduate: 7 percent • Homeownership rate: 65.1 percent • Median home value: $74,200 • Median household income: $24,219 • Mean travel time to work: 25.3 minutes

of the county before large portions of the county split in the 1850s to form other counties. During its early years, several area residents attempted to get a railroad through the city, but city leaders opposed the location of a railroad and the railroad was eventually located in Albany.

The Baker County Courthouse in Newton is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but because of the city’s location on the Flint River, it has been flooded three times over the last century.

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Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 9

metro guide 2015

Terrell Co. home to more than 9,000 residents

By Jim West

jim.west@albanyherald.com

Named for William Terrell, a state senator, congressman and founder of the agriculture chair position at the University of Georgia, Terrell County is largely rural.

Comprising county seat Dawson and smaller communities including Sasser, Parrot and Bronwood, Terrell County takes up 338 square miles, which includes 2.26 square miles of water area. It is bordered by Dougherty, Lee, Randolph, Sumter, Webster and Calhoun counties. It was carved from portions of Randolph and Lee counties through an act of the Georgia General Assembly in 1856.

According to a 2014 estimate, Terrell County is home to 9,045 residents — 210 fewer than reflected in the census of 2010. Population density is roughly 28 people per square mile.

Nearly 66 percent of Terrell’s residents age 25 or over are reported to have obtained a high school diploma, with 8.7 percent holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average household size is 2.66 people.

Median household income in the county was $32,628 in 2014. During the same period, median residence value was $78,800.

What is now Terrell County was the scene of a famous Creek Indian uprising, the Battle of Echouanotchaway Swamp, coming after the burning of Richmond in 1836.

Mark’s Melon Patch is a popular Terrell County attraction located just outside Sasser. Mark’s is a roadside farm market that offers hay rides and other activities around Halloween. (File Photo)

Additional information about the county and its services can be found at www.terrellcounty-ga. com.

Dawson A famous Spanish peanut market, Dawson was incorporated in December 1875. Its namesake, William C. Dawson, was a lawyer and soldier from Georgia who served in the U.S. Senate in 1849.

After Atlanta was cap-

10 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015

AT A GLANCE Population: 9,022 People Under 18: 23.6 percent People 65 and over: 17.3 percent Female: 52.2 percent White: 37.5 percent Black: 60.2 percent Hispanic/Latino: 2.4 percent High school graduates:

tured and burned in the Civil War, Georgia Gov. Joseph E. Brown estab-

65.6 percent College graduate: 8.3 percent Homeownership rate: 62.1 percent Median home value: $76,900 Median household income: $32,855 Mean travel time to work: 19.6 minutes

lished a refugee camp in Dawson for 300 women and children who had fled

albanyherald.com

the city. Dawson is the county seat of Terrell.

Bronwood Resting near Terrell County’s border with Sumter County, the Bronwood community is located off State Highway 118. The town, which was originally called Brown’s Station, was incorporated in 1883.

Parrot Parrott is Terrell Coun-

ty’s northern-most municipality and is just a few miles from the Webster County border. According to census data, in 2010 the town’s population was 156.

Sasser Incorporated in 1890, Sasser is Terrell County’s southeastern-most community. The town was named for one of its pioneering residents, Abraham Sasser.

metro guide 2015

Chehaw provides fun for the whole family

By Brad McEwen brad.mcewen @albanyherald.com

ALBANY — Since opening in 1937 as Chehaw State Park, Chehaw has grown and evolved into a “natural attraction,” not only one of Albany and Dougherty County, but for Southwest Georgia.

Boasting almost 800 acres of pristine conservation land and a 200-acre zoo, Chehaw is a unique destination that attracts visitors and locals yearround.

In the 1970s, the state of Georgia donated the park to the city of Albany, and in 1977 the city moved its zoo from Tift Park to Chehaw, where it has since thrived and become an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo — one of two in the state — that showcases a variety of both indigenous and exotic wildlife.

Chehaw prides itself on having diverse exhibits that showcase many animals that call the United States home. Creatures such as gopher tortoises, American alligators, red wolves, bobcats, bald eagles, black bears, and a host of reptiles and amphibians all call Chehaw home.

In addition, the zoo also features exotic animals such as cheetahs, two southern black rhinoceroses, various types of lemurs, meerkats, a bactrain camel and others.

While the zoo is likely Chehaw’s most widely known draw, the park also features 44 RV sites with 30 and 40 amp hookups, 14 pull through sites, 18 tent sites with 15 amp hookups, a comfort station with laundry, bathhouse, dump station and a group shelter. All

the campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring with flip top grills for gatherings.

Public Wi-Fi access is also provided.

Additionally there are 11 pavilions available for rent at $35 a day and a screened-in pavilion with bathrooms and a kitchen for $140 a day. Visitors to the park can also enjoy hundreds of acres of open public space for picnics and other gatherings, river and creek frontage for fishing (free with park admission, limit 5 per person per day), over 12 miles of biking and walking and equestrian trails, a large playground for kids of all ages and an 18-hole Frisbee golf course.

The park continues to change and evolve, adding new features all the time.

In recent years, the park built the Creekside Center, which is used to host meetings, dinners, weddings, receptions and other events.

It also added a stage area where it hosts concerts and other events each month.

Additionally the park hosts various activities organized by area groups, such as bike rides, horse rides, Frisbee golf tournaments, walks and runs, that bring folks into the park every weekend.

“It seems like there’s always something going on week after week after week,” said Chehaw Executive Director Doug Porter.

“The park is moving in a really positive direction now with a lot of different activities that all pull it together into an dynamic place.”

Porter added that in the coming year the park will continue to expand, adding new ecological-focused wildlife areas in the zoo

as well as further developing the waterfront area on Lake Chehaw to include restrooms, improve dock areas and additional campgrounds.

Chehaw Park Essentials • Located at 105 Chehaw Park Road, Albany, GA 31701 • Park hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday • Zoo hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday • Admission: Park admission, $3 adults and $2 children; zoo admission $7.50 adults and $5.10 for children. Senior, military and educator discounts are also available.

• Membership packages: Packages begin at $35 and family memberships for two adults and four children are $75. Packages allow members to enjoy the park and the zoo all year.

Military discounts are also available.

• Executive Director: Doug Porter • Park Operations Manager: Don Meeks • Public Relations and Media Coordinator: Morgan Burnette • Education Coordinator: Jackie Entz • Animal Programs Manager: Ben Roberts • Guest Services Supervisor: Salinda Owens • Natural Resources Manager: Ben Kirkland Upcoming events • The Festival of Lights, Dec. 4-24 • The Frontier Festival, Jan. 8-10 • The Native American Festival, April 8-10 • Check Chehaw’s website www.chehaw.org for additional information on other park events

Leslie Bonner shows her friend Millie Rose how to feed the rhino as the pair gives Chehaw’s black rhinoceros Sam a snack. (Staff Photo: Brad McEwen)

Above left, members of the Aztec Dancers perform at Chehaw’s annual Native American Cultural Festival. (Herald File Photo) Above right, Chehaw Park features extensive water frontage for fishing and canoeing. (Special photo)

albanyherald.com

Zahara Thomas leans in to pet Bogart while her little sister Montana looks on. (Staff Photo: Brad McEwen)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015 • 11

metro guide 2015 Civil Rights Institute an important connection to past

By Brad McEwen brad.mcewen @albanyherald.com

ALBANY — Albany played an important role in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. What has become known as the Albany Movement also has given rise to a unique attraction: the Albany Civil Rights Institute.

Located at 326 Whitney Ave. in downtown Albany, the Civil Rights Institute uses artifacts, as well as audio, video and digital technology, to take visitors on a tour of important events during a crucial time in the nation’s and Albany’s past.

Designed as a museum and research center, the Civil Rights Institute consists of Old Mount Zion Church and a 12,315-square-foot museum space adjacent to the church used to bring together community members, historians, visitors and those who were a part of the Albany Movement to commemorate the civil rights struggle in Southwest Georgia.

Albany was recently recognized by the state of Georgia as an important location during the civil rights movement by receiving a State Historical Marker located across Whitney Avenue from the institute in front of Shiloh Baptist Church, which, along with Old Mount Zion, played an important role in the Albany Movement and served as a meeting place for Albanians participating in the movement.

When talking about the Albany Civil Rights Institute, Director W. Frank Wilson is keen to point out that the historical attraction is important because it

serves as reminder to current citizens and future generations of the struggles this area and the entire country endured to provide equal rights to all.

“We cannot let that history be forgotten because it is not a history we want to repeat,” said Wilson.

“Revisiting it helps us to talk to our children and our children’s children so they understand this important history. Sometimes we get too comfortable and forget that the comforts we enjoy were made possible by the struggles and deaths of those whose shoulders we stand upon.”

In addition to serving a museum that curates the history of Albany’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, the institute also hosts a

12 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015

Above, visitors tour the Albany Civil Rights Institute. (Herald File Photo) At left, a display representing the freedom rides of the summer of 1961, which some mark as the opening of the nation’s struggle for civil rights equality, can be seen at the Albany Civil Rights Institute.

(Staff Photo: Brad McEwen)

variety of other activities that celebrate the community’s legacy, such as performances by the Freedom Singers and lectures.

Freedom Singers The renowned Freedom

Singers, who first put their talent on display during the Albany Movement perform at the museum from 1 to 3 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. The performance is part of that day’s

albanyherald.com

admission cost.

Monthly community night On the fourth Thursday of each month, the institute hosts its Community Night at 6:30 p.m., where

speakers who have had an impact on civil rights share their experiences with visitors. Past speakers include Judge Herbert E. Phipps, Elder William Harris, Evelyn Moore-Cookley, the Rev. Gloria Wright and Lucious Holloway.

Albany Civil Rights Institute Essentials • Located at 236 Whitney Ave., Albany, GA 31701 • The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. for Community Night.

Check the institute’s website www.albanycivilrightsinstitute.org for special events and announcements.

• Admission to the museum is $2 for preschoolers; $3 for first through fourth graders; $5 for students, military and seniors; $6 for adults; free for members and children under four.

• Memberships are available and include: Individual for $45; Family for $65; Senior/Student for $25 with valid identification; Corporate/Business for $625; and Non-profit for $325. For more detailed information about memberships, visit www.albanycivilrightsinstitute.org.

• Executive Director: Frank Wilson • Museum Administrator: Irene L. Turner • Receptionist/Tour Guide: Emma Richardson • Receptionist/Tour Guide: Doris Carr • Tour Guide: Ron Butts • For more information about the Albany Civil Rights Institute, contact the office at (229) 432-1698 or visit www.albanycivilrightsinstitute.org.

metro guide 2015 RiverQuarium tells story of Flint River ecosystems

By Jennifer Parks jennifer.parks @albanyherald.com

ALBANY — The Flint RiverQuarium, 117 Pine Ave., tells the story of the Flint River and the blue hole springs that helped create it. Visitors can experience the unique ecosystems of the Flint River watershed through a variety of interactive exhibits featuring more than 100 species of native aquatic life.

The facility’s aviary gives visitors a close-up look at a wide variety of birds found in the surrounding wetland habitat. The RiverQuarium’s Imagination Theater, located

next door, presents films on a screen three stories tall.

Other ongoing programming includes dive shows, alligator feedings and animal presentations.

The aquarium also presents a number of educational programs such as Tadpole Time and Discovery Days along with camps throughout the year aimed at children, and has several programs that tie in with holidays such as Christmas and Halloween. The RiverQuarium also sponsors regular canoe trips down the Flint River.

RiverQuarium essentials • Chief Operating Officer, Tommy Gregors

• Location, 117 Pine Ave. • Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.

• Admission is $6.50 youth, $9 adult for aquarium; $4.50 youth, $6 adult for theater; $10, youth, $14 adult, combined aquarium and theater. Children 3 and younger are free. Group, senior and student rates available.

• Annual memberships range from $49, individual, and $89, family, to $349, contributor.

• Contact (229) 639-2650 or 1 (877) GO-FLINT. • Website: www.flintriverquarium.com

In Exodus 20:8, God gives us counsels,

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

May God always light your path, lead your way and shower you with blessings each day.

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Come and join us Saturday mornings, as we heed the counsel of our Heavenly Father’s words and honor His Commandments thru Sabbath Morning Worship Service.

Bible Study begins at 10am.

We fellowship one with another over Sabbath Morning Brunch from 11am - 11:30am and finish the morning with Sabbath Morning Praise and Worship which begins at 11:30am.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015 • 13

metro guide 2015

Musicians, actors on stage for 2015-16

By Jim Hendricks

active military.

“Ghost” will be followed in December with the Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” ALBANY — Live enterwhich is set to run Dec. 11-13 tainment is in full swing in and 17-20. The theater also Albany, with three commuplans for performances in nity performing arts organiza- early February, mid April and tions that are already fully one more unscheduled run in involved in their 2015-16 May or June, but the lineup season. had not been finalized in time Whether you like theater for this Metro Guide edition. or concerts, there are plenty Symphony of opportunities this season.

The Albany Symphony Here are capsules of the Orchestra launched its subseasons ahead for the Albany scription season on Sept. 26 Symphony Orchestra, Theatre with guest violinist Tim Fain Albany and the Albany joining the orchestra as guest Chorale. performer. There are two Theater more performances scheduled Theatre Albany, which for the symphony’s home earned six nominations last stage at the Albany Municipal season when its performance Auditorium, 200 N. Jackson of “The Lady of Lockspur St. Lotion” was selected as one The concerts are on Satof a dozen nationally to com- urdays and start at 7:30 p.m., pete at the American Associa- preceded at 6:30 p.m. with tion of Community Theatre pre-concert notes by Music National Festival, opened its Director Claire Fox Hillard. subscription season Sept. 11 The conductor will be joined with the musical a “Grand for the informal session with Night for Singing.” the audience by the evening’s The curtain will rise guest performer or performFriday evening for its second ers. seven-night, two-week show, Ticket prices for indithe chilling “The Ghost in vidual concerts range from the Meadow.” That perfor$10 for students to $40. A mance will be followed with Conductor’s Circle pass for evening shows on Halloween post-concert receptions at night and Nov. 5-7 and with the next-door Albany Area Sunday afternoon matinees Arts Council also is available. on Nov. 1 and 8.

Ticket information can be Directed by Mark Costello, obtained by contacting (229) the curtain goes up at 8 p.m.

430-8933 or vising www. for all Thursday, Friday and albanysymphony.org.

Saturday performances and Concerts are scheduled for: at 2:30 p.m. for Sunday • Dec. 12: “Spontaneous matinees. Each play usually Christmas,” with guest perincludes seven dates over two former Doug Cameron; weekends. Performances are • April 9: “The Gift of the at Theatre Albany, 514 Pine Elk,” with guest performer Ave. Tickets and information Joseph FireCrow. can be obtained by contactMuseum series ing the box office at (229) The fourth Symphony @ 439-7141 or by visiting www. the Museum series is a set theatrealbany.org. Ticket of performances on Sunday prices are $20, adult; $15, afternoons at the Albany Museniors; $10, students and seum of Art, 311 Meadowlark jim.hendricks @albanyherald.com

14 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015

From left, Mark Eades, Chet Dreschel, Halley Tiefert and Tiffani Miller in a rehearsal scene of Theatre Albany’s “A Grand Night for Dancing,” which opened the 2015-16 season in September. (Staff Photos: Jim Hendricks)

Drive. Each performance begins at 4 p.m. The season opened Aug. 23 with the South Georgia Tuba Quartet performing.

These are not symphony performances, but are smaller ensemble groups. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 students, with tickets and information available by calling (229) 430-8933 or visiting www. albanysymphony.org.

Concerts are scheduled for: • Nov. 1: Maestro & Friends; • Feb. 28: The Emerald Coast Trio; • May 22: The Anon Ensemble.

Chorale The Albany Chorale began its season Oct. 8 with

“Masterworks Thru the Ages” at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Albany.

Under new Director Marc F. Boensel, chorale officials said they hope to create a more regional chorus that will be the premier group of its kind in south Georgia. This season, the chorale has a concert scheduled at a venue outside of Dougherty County.

The chorale has three performances remaining this season. Tickets to the December and February concerts are $15 for adults, $10 for students. Ticket prices for the season finale fundraiser in April have not been set yet. Contact the Chorale by emailing info@albanychorale.org or visit www.

albanyherald.com

Members of the Albany Chorale rehearse at Darton State College.

albanychorale.org.

Concerts are scheduled for: • Dec. 10: 7 p.m., “Holiday with the Chorale,” holiday concert, Walden Chapel, First United Methodist Church, 306 Flint Ave.; • Feb. 18: 7 p.m., “The

Gift of Love,” Leesburg United Methodist Church, 117 Starksville Ave. North, Leesburg; • April 30: 8 p.m., “An Evening in Vienna,” Nelson Tift Building, 226 W. Broad Ave., Albany.

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287778-1

911 E. Oglethorpe Blvd • Albany, Ga 31705 • 229-883-1650 albanyherald.com

Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 15

metro guide 2015 THRONATEESKA HERITAGE CENTER AND WETHERBEE PLANETARIUM

By Jennifer Parks

jennifer.parks@albanyherald.com

ALBANY — Located in downtown Albany at the site of the historic city train depot, Thronateeska Heritage Center has become one of the city’s most important treasures with a mission of preserving the history of south Georgia.

Housing a state-of-theart planetarium, science and history museums, and a climate-controlled archive center containing a variety of important documents, Thronateeska has evolved as a must-see destination for residents and tourists.

Thronateeska was founded in 1974 for the

purpose of historic preservation and science education in Albany and the surrounding area. Since that time, it has continued to inspire wonder and stimulate exploration of science and of south Georgia’s long and rich history.

One of Thronateeska’s most widely known features is the Wetherbee Planetarium, which offers seating for roughly 80 guests and a 40-foot full-dome planetarium system that was the first of its kind when it was installed. The adjacent science museum provides hands-on and visually engaging exhibits in hydrology, archaeology, paleon- and more. tology, physical science The newest addition

16 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015

Thronateeska Heritage Center is located at 100 W. Roosevelt Ave. Wetherbee Planetarium and museums are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (Albany Herald File Photo)

to Thronateeska is the Georgia Museum of Surveying and Mapping that opened Sept. 26.

The Georgia Museum of Surveying and Mapping first opened in Warrenton in 2009. It is an independent nonprofit that arose from land surveyor Dan Crumpton’s passion for the history of surveying.

He was able to collect items from surveyors around Georgia and even Europe. With his decision to retire, Crumpton and his museum board chose Albany as the permanent home for the collection.

The center is also home to the newly opened South Georgia Archive Center. At 7,000 square feet, the archive storage facility has become an ideal location to store historical documents, manuscripts, photographs, videotapes and letters, as well as important governmental documents such as ordinances, meeting minutes and resolutions from the city of Albany and Dougherty

albanyherald.com

County.

the Planetarium can be rented for private shows.

Thronateeska • Thronateeska ofessentials fers various membership • Located at 100 W. packages, including: Roosevelt Ave., Albany, Senior/Student (IndividGA 31701 ual) $25; Individual $35; • The Wetherbee Plan- Family $60; Patron $100; Contributor $250; Conetarium and museums servator $500; Benefacare open to the public tor $1000. All memberThursday-Saturday from ships include year-round 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and the admission to the planArchive Center is open for public research Thurs- etarium, members-only communications with days and Fridays from 1 advance notice of exhibip.m.-5 p.m. or by aptions, programs, events pointment. and bonus offers, as well • Admission to the museum and archive cen- as discount pricing for special programs and 10 ter is free of charge and percent off in the gift planetarium shows are shop. $3.50 plus tax for ages • Executive Director: four and up. There is no charge for children three Tommy Gregors • Curator: Shay Merand under. edith • Planetarium shows • Programs Manager/ run Thursday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 Planetarium Director/Education/Outreach/Rentals: p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Alex La Pierre • Thronateeska also • Records Manager: offers rental space for Bobbie Yandell events and gatherings.

• Contact: (229) 432The Science Museum in 6955 particular is a popular • Website: www.heridestination for children’s tagecenter.org. birthday parties, where

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

metro guide 2015

By Terry Lewis

terry.lewis@albanyherald.com

Dougherty County schools Enrollment: 15,038 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schools: Dougherty has 23 schools and four additional learning centers, including 14 elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools. The district also has an early college, a charter school, an alternative school and a pre-K center.

Personnel: The district has 2,458 employees with 1,294 active certified and 1,164 classified.

Officials: Seven Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms.

The chairperson is Velvet Riggins. The Dougherty County School superintendent is Butch Mosely.

Contact number: (229) 431-1264 Lincoln Elementary Magnet School teacher Jennifer Vennable is among the more than 2,400 employees of the DoughLee County schools Enrollment: More than 6,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schools: Lee has seven schools and three additional learning centers, including a high school, two middle schools, two elementary schools and two primary schools. Also included is an alternative school and a pre-K program.

erty County School System. (Special Photo)

Personnel: The school system has more than 825 employees.

Officials: Five Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms.

The chairperson is Sylvia Vann. The Lee County School superintendent is Jason Miller.

Contact number: (229) 903-2260

Terrell County schools Enrollment: Nearly 1,500 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schools: Terrell has four schools, including a high school/middle school, two elementary schools and a primary school.

Personnel: The school system has more than 220 employees.

Officials: Five Board

of Education members are elected to four-year terms.

The Terrell County school superintendent is Robert Aaron.

Contact number: (229) 995-4425

sociation of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Georgia Accrediting Commission.

Memberships: College Board, the National Association of College Admissions Counselors and

the Georgia Independent School Association.

Fall enrollment: 730 students.

Enrollment requirements: Grades, character and entrance exam Headmaster: Dave Davies. The school opened

Worth County schools Enrollment: Nearly 3,400 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schools: Worth has six

schools including a high school, middle school, two elementary schools, a primary school and an alternative school.

Personnel: The school system has more than 400 employees.

Officials: Five Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms.

The Worth County school superintendent is Kay Mat-

thews.

Contact number: (229) 776-8600 Mitchell County schools Enrollment: More than 2,800 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schools: Mitchell County has five schools, including a high school, a charter school, a middle school and two elementary schools.

Officials: Seven Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms.

Contact number: (229) 336-4543 Calhoun County schools Enrollment: Nearly 700 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schools: Calhoun County has three schools, including a high school, a middle school and an elementary school.

Officials: Seven Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms.

Contact number: (229) 213-0189

Baker County schools Enrollment: Just more than 350 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schools: Baker County has one school.

Officials: Five Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms.

Contact number: (229) 734-5346

PRIVATE SCHOOL OFFERINGS

By Terry Lewis

grade), 1733 Beattie Road, Albany. Phone: (229) 4351301.

Deerfield-Windsor School Website: www.deerfieldGrades: Pre-K-12. Mid- windsor.com. dle/Upper campus (grades Accreditation and 6-12), 2500 Nottingham memberships: National Way, Albany; Lower camAssociation of Independent pus (prekindergarten-fifth Schools, Southern As-

terry.lewis@albanyherald.com

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in 1964.

Sherwood Christian Academy Elementary and high school is located at 1418 Old Pretoria Road, Albany.

Phone: (229) 883-5677.

Website: www.scaea-

gles.com.

Accreditation: Association of Christian Schools International, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Georgia Independent Christian See PRIVATE, Page 18

Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 17

metro guide 2015 •From Page 17 Athletic Association.

Affiliations: Sherwood Baptist Church and Georgia Independent School Association.

Fall enrollment: More than 450 students.

Enrollment requirements: Payment of registration fee after being accepted based on entry exams, prior grades and entrance interview.

Headmaster: Brian Dougherty. The school opened in 1985.

St. Teresa’s School Grades: Pre-K-8.

417 Edgewood Lane, Albany. Phone: (229) 4360134.

Website: www.stteresas. org.

Private

Affiliations: Florida Catholic Conference and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. St. Teresa Catholic Church.

Fall enrollment: Nearly 200 students.

Enrollment requirements: Registration and family information forms, two recommendation forms, interview with principal, latest report card with complete school address and phone number.

Principal: Susie Hatcher. The school opened in 1945.

Affiliation: Accredited by the Georgia Association of Christian Schools.

Headmaster: Jim Wagenschutz. The school opened in 1982.

Terrell Academy Grades: Pre-K-12 602 Academy Drive, Dawson. Phone: (229) 9954242.

Website: www.terrellacademyeagles.com.

Affiliations: Georgia Accreditation Commission, Georgia Independent School Association.

Fall Enrollment: 380 Byne Christian School students.

Grades: 1-12.

Enrollment require2832 Ledo Road, Albany. ments: Transcript and good Phone: (229) 436-5712. disciplinary record.

Website: bcssaints.org.

B.J. and Amber Manriquez are shown with their children Elijah, left, Gabryel, Christian Headmaster: William and Mercy Grace prior to entering the new elementary wing of Sherwood Christian Fall Enrollment: 164 T. Murdock. The school Academy’s newly unified campus on Old Pretoria Road. (Staff Photo: Terry Lewis) students. opened in 1970.

SOUTH GEORGIA’S LEASING HEADQUARTERS

www.SunbeltAlbany.com S lappey B lvd @ ledo R d • alBany 287978-1

18 • Sunday, October 25, 2015

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metro guide 2015

Three post-secondary education institutions serve Metro Albany

By Terry Lewis

titles, including about 27,400 e-books. Community patrons are welcome Albany State University to use resources with the Albany State University understanding that Darton was established in East students have priority.

Albany in 1903.

Albany Technical The university offers College undergraduate majors in Albany Tech was supply chain and logistics founded in 1961. management, computer Programs offered at ATC information systems, include more than 25 assotechnology management, ciate degrees, 40 diplomas art, English, history, mass and 92 technical certificate communication, mathprograms. ematics, music, political Number of student science, psychology, soorganizations: Six (Alumciology, Spanish, speech ni Association, Student and theater, accounting, Ambassadors, American biology, business inforCriminal Justice Assomation systems, chemciation Club, Collegiate istry, computer science, DECA, Engineering “E” forensic science, health Club, Foundation Setters and physical education, for Future Minds, Georhealth, physical education gia Occupational Award and recreation, manageof Leadership (GOAL), ment, marketing, social National Technical Honor work, business adminisSociety, Phi Beta Lambda, Albany State University Student Center, above left, and Albany Technical College Logistration, early childhood SkillsUSA, Student Feltics Center, above left, are two of the post-secondary institutions for higher education education, mathematics lowship for Christians, that serve the Metro Albany Region. (File Photos) education, middle grades and Student Government ganizations and 11 athletic edu education, music educaPresident: Paul Jones Association). tion, school counseling, programs (six women’s and Darton State College Contact Info: AdmisNumber of athletic science education, special five men’s).

Darton State College was sions, (229) 317-6740 or programs: Men’s and education, public adminAffiliation: State founded in 1963. toll-free (866) 775-1214. women’s basketball. istration, criminal justice historically black college Darton offers four bachDegrees offered: BachStudent-to-faculty and nursing. affiliated with the Univerelor degrees, two transfer elor’s in nursing, associate ratio: 28:1 ASU’s graduate offersity System of Georgia associate degrees (associate of science, associate of Affiliation: ATC is a ings are education special- and Southern Association of arts in core curriculum applied science, associate unit of The Technical Colist (Ed.S.) with a major in of Colleges and Schools and associate of science in of arts, certificates. lege System of Georgia education administration (SACS). It’s also affiliated curriculum), 13 career asLibrary: Overall catalog (TCSG). and supervision, educawith the National Council sociate degrees (two associ- contains about 100,000 Accreditation Agency: tion (M.Ed.) with a choice for the Accreditation of ate of applied science and of major (early childhood Teacher Education, Council 11 associate of science) and education, educational on Social Work Accredita- 14 certificate programs. administration and supervi- tion, American Academy Darton has more than 30 sion, middle grades educa- of Forensic Sciences, the student organizations and tion, school counseling, National League for Nurs- six athletic programs. special education), educaing Accrediting CommisStudent-to-faculty tion (M.Ed.) in teaching sion, National Association ratio: 19:1 field (English, health and of Schools of Public Affairs Updates: The college physical education, mathand Administration, Assofeatures a new student ematics, music, science), ciation of College Business center and a campus book public administration Schools and Programs. store.

(M.P.A.), criminal justice President: Art Dunning Affiliation: University (M.S.), business adminisPhone: (229) 430-4600, System of Georgia tration (M.B.A.) and nurs- located at 504 College Accreditation Agency: ing (M.S.N.).

Drive, Albany, GA 31705 Southern Association of ASU has 85 student orWebsite: www.asurams. Colleges and Schools.

With nearly 6,000 students, Darton State College offers a wide variety of degrees, diplomas and certifications toserve the needs of southwest Georgia.

(Special Photo)

terry.lewis@albanyherald.com

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The Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

President: Dr. Anthony O. Parker Contact Info: Dougherty County/main campus located at 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany; (229) 4303500; Albany Technical College offers Adult Education services on its main campus in Albany, as well as in Calhoun, Baker, Clay, Lee, Randolph and Terrell counties. Toll free number: (877) 261-3113; website: www.albanytech.edu.

Frequency of classes: Semester system Degree programs: Accounting, culinary arts, marketing management, computer information systems and others. Diploma programs include dental assisting, drafting technology, fire science technology and others.

Library: More than 12,000 full-text periodicals through the Serial Holdings List (EBSCO A-to-Z); More than 2,000 journal titles provided in full-text through the WWW virtual library, GALILEO, as well as access to more than 100 databases indexing thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals.

Sunday, October 25, 2015 • 19

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