Effingham Magazine August/September 2014

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Rooted in What Matters...Your Health

At EHS, the mighty oak is our brand symbol.

Why? Because the oak tree – the most honored of all healing trees, thought to possess nurturing energy – is a symbol of vigor, stability, and sturdiness. Its very image conjures up a sense of courage, strength, and endurance. The most powerful of all trees, the oak stands strong against all forces. Her branches VɈLY WYV[LJ[PVU OLY KLLW YVV[Z [LHJO persistence, and her strong presence represents stable health, beauty, wisdom, and life itself.

,/: 0Z [OL ,ɉUNOHT Community’s Oak Tree The roots of the oak extend as far underground as its branches do above... ours do, too. EHS has cared for the ,ɉUNOHT JVTT\UP[` MVY `LHYZ PTWHJ[PUN the lives of our neighbors, friends, family members, and our community. As your partner in OLHS[O ^L W\[ `V\ HUK `V\Y MHTPSPLZ ÄYZ[ >L PU]LZ[ in people, technologies and facilities that allow you to access excellent healthcare, close to home.

We are rooted in what matters – YOU! We will stand strong for generations to come.

Y o u A lwAY s M At t e r

Watch for the Acorn...

5\NNL[Z VM /LHS[OJHYL >PZKVT ,/: 6ɈLYZ [V 6\Y *VTT\UP[` Every time you see the acorn, there will be a health tip available for you to read...little nuggets of healthy wisdom that fall from the EHS tree of healing, hope, and a healthy life.

Effingham Health System 459 Hwy 119 S. Springfield, GA 31329 (912) 754-6451 EffinghamHealth.org

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The Effingham Chamber Presents The Fifth Annual

September 26th & 27th

Friday Noon-11:00pm Saturday 9:00Am-11:00pm Freedom pArk (by Lowe’s)

The Effingham Chamber will host the fifth annual Effingham Oktoberfest Sept. 26th and 27th at Rincon’s Freedom Park by Lowe’s. Make plans now to come out and enjoy the Channelheimer’s Oompah Band, german and festival food, arts and crafts booths, children’s area, fun contests and non-stop musical entertainment.

For more information contact the Effingham Chamber of Commerce www.effinghamcounty.com

46 August/September 2014 04 2013 | Effingham M magazinE agazine

15

Years of

Award Winning Agents

View Our Listings Online! www.RinconColdwellBanker.com 5805 Hwy 21 S. • Rincon, GA 31326 912-826-0927 • 877-826-0926

A portion of all Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty proceeds are donated to local charities.

CONTRIBUTORS SUBSCRIBE Sherry Cook is a Tennessee native who has traveled the world thanks to her husband’s military career. Germany, South Korea, Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama are just a few of the places they have called home over the past 25 years. Sherry and her husband now reside in Rincon, along with two of their three children. She is currently focusing on completing the requirements for her BA in History with the University of Maryland.

Sherry Cook

Todd Wood is a visionary photographer, director, and artist with an insatiable hunger for continued education in photography, film, social media and social art. His vision has no boundries.

As a photographer, Todd has won numerous awards from The Georgia Press Association for his photojournalistic images in sports, sport news and features. As a journalist, he has covered the Super Bowl and has been on assignment for ESPN Magazine. He has also received awards from the Georgia Press Association for sports writing.

Today he strives to combine his photography, videography and social media prowess in hopes of creating a more positive and creative community.

Todd Wood

Make sure you never miss a copy of Effingham’s only full-color lifestyle magazine. Sign-up on-line at www.EffinghamMagazine.com

FOLLOW US on Facebook. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Effingham.You’ll find us at Effingham Magazine.

TWEET We’re on twitter!

INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram to see behind the scene photos from our articles! Tag your own Effingham photos with our tag #EffinghamMagazine!

WRITE US Stefanie is a freelance writer and blogger and has lived all over Georgia. Even though she is still fairly new to Effingham County, there is nowhere else she would rather be. She earned her degree in English Language and Literature from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently enjoying being a stay at home mom. Stefanie resides in Rincon with her husband and three children.

Stefanie Barnes

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

STAFF

Lea Allen

Write to us and tell us what you think.

Effingham Magazine welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com, or mail letters to P.O. Box 1742, Rincon, GA 31326. Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

Effingham Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea, or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Julie Hales at julie@ idpmagazines.com Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Effingham.

Lane Gallegos

DiAnna Jenkins

www.effinghammagazine.com

06 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

in this issue August/September 2014

features

10 16 22 28 32 36 40 44

Michael Floyd Powerboat Racer

Crissy Reddick A Passion For Horses

Josh Nelms Tearing Up The Track

10

Sam Valleroy SEHS Football Spotlight

DJ Kirkland ECHS Football Spotlight

Naomi Sapp SEHS Softball Spotlight

Morgan Duff ECHS Softball Spotlight

Update: Lea’s Journey

16

22

departments

specials

09

49

45 51 08 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

Publisher’s Page

Dining Section Daisy’s Coffee House

Real Estate Section

Let’s Do Business

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

Let’s Get This Party Started!

Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com DiAnna Jenkins account executive dianna@idpmagazines.com

As I sit here thinking of what to write about, it dawned on me that we have just completed an important milestone in the history of Effingham Magazine. This issue serves as the last issue of our eighth complete year!

Whoop! Whoop!

Now, on to our 8 Year Anniversary Issue…..and Party!

Did I just say 8 years????? Wow! Unbelievable!

This is exciting for me and all of the staff at Effingham Magazine.

We have a very exciting issue planned for our anniversary….it will be like no other issue we have ever done......hopefully, that is enough to keep you in suspense!

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER

Our Anniversary Issues are always my favorites. And, 8 years is surely to be my most favorite yet. These have been exciting years for me. I have met some wonderful folks, seen some beautiful things, had some once-in-a-lifetime experiences and have had the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful community! There is no place like Effingham County!

Effingham Magazine is proudly produced by:

And, then there is the PARTY! Yes, we will be having a 8 Year Anniversary party. We are in the process of working out all the details now. So, be checking our website and Facebook page in the next few weeks for the time and place.

We will also be hosting a Silent Auction that night to benefit Effingham’s very own United Way. This is one of the ways that we like giving back to our community. And, so many benefit from the wonderful agencies within this great organization.

108 International Drive Rincon, GA 3126 (912) 826-2760

Exciting things continue to happen in Effingham County…..and you can bet Effingham County will be a part of it all! We will continue to bring you best of this community….one issue at a time.

See you at our 8 Year Anniversary Party!

Circulation: Effingham Magazine is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 09

Michael Floyd

Powerboat Racing Is In His Blood Photography by TODD WOOD

T

he man’s boat is a bright racing yellow. Its low slung and sleek, with a cockpit making it look a little bit like a fighter jet, but mostly it looks like it ought to go faster than anybody in their right mind would want to go. The man says the boat will go 120 mph.

That’s fast on land. It’s insanely fast on water. The man who owns and drives the boat lives in Rincon. His name is Michael Floyd. His nickname is Hurricane Floyd.

By any measure you want to use, Michael Floyd is one of the country’s top powerboat racers. He’s leading the American Power Boat Association in points and has been a fixture in the sport of powerboat racing at various levels for nearly two decades.

How he got to where he is involves a lot of great stories, but the beginning was probably when he and some buddies saw the International Outboard Grand Prix tunnel boat races in Augusta in 1987. Then, he and friends like Bill Clary, Mark Oliver and Ernest Brown took trips over to South Carolina to see the pros race at places like Rocks Pond, Hardeeville and Beaufort, and one thing led to another.

“I began to meet some of the drivers and crew chiefs,” Floyd said, “I was working for Fort Howard (now Georgia Pacific) with a friend of mine, Bill Clary. Bill was storing his Hydrostream in my shop. I had a 15-foot Windya bass boat with an XR-4 Mercury V-6 on it. Bill had an Evinrude 200 on his. So every time we went to the river. the race was on to see who was the fastest.”

Yep, how’s that for cool. One of the country’s top powerboat racers got his start running a bass boat wide open on the Savannah River, racing others who did the same thing. They called it outlaw racing and there was quite a bit of it back then, probably still is.

“You can still go as fast as you want, but running side by side is against the law,” Floyd said.

The big thing back then was what they called the ‘Peanut Boil,’ an annual shindig which moved up and down the river to avoid what Floyd called ‘the law.’

“The Peanut Boil was the place to show off how fast your boat was to all the people that showed up for the music, fellowship and outlaw racing that went on at the sand bar,” Floyd said. “So Bill, Ernest and I would talk racing from the sand bar while we watched the pros go by outrunning each other.”

The pros were guys who had raced professionally, but were now in outlaw racing because it was more fun. Floyd adds, “The pros knew what to do to an outboard to make more horsepower, which is what Ernest, Bill and I wanted to know.”

By 1992, Floyd had sold his bass boat and motor and bought what he called a pleasure boat made from the mold used to make a popular racing boat at the time. It was a 19-foot-3-inch long STV – or Summerford Tunnel Vee with a 260 horsepower Mercury outboard, and Good lord would it move. He said, “I wanted to be the top dog at the Peanut Boil, and this was sure to be the boat and motor to do that. But it still wasn’t a racing boat.

Then Floyd’s buddies Clary and Joey Richardson bought a

10 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

Lee Craft F3/SST and started racing in the American Performance Racing (APR) circuit. Floyd went with them to a world championship race in Cypress Gardens in September of 1993 and got another bad case of the wants.

“I immediately had to have an F3/SST-60 tunnel boat,” he recalled, He got his first real race boat, a Furnal Flyer F3/SST60, when he went with his dad, Ronnie, and mom, Charlotte, to a pro race down in Sanford, Florida. The boat had a tunnel hull.

Floyd wanted to drive it.

“I had never driven a tunnel boat before the Sanford race,” Floyd recollected. “The wind was blowing. The weather was bad.

Under normal circumstances, Powerboat Super League would have cancelled the race.” But this wasn’t normal circumstances.

ESPN was there. Drivers from all over the world were there.

“The pressure was on to put on a race,” Floyd said.

The bigger F2/SST 120 boats raced and crashed and then ESPN got enough footage to call it a day. Floyd didn’t get to race, but he did get to run a few laps.

“My mother was very happy that the race was cancelled,” Floyd said. “We took the boat home and I began to test it at Ebenezer Landing to learn how to drive a tunnel hull.”

He learned.

The next year, Floyd ran races in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Ohio. He had sponsors and it was definitely a case of local boys making good. Mark Arrington and his dad, Harold, who own Harold’s Paint and Body in Rincon painted the boat and pitched in on repairs. They are still with Floyd today as a sponsor.

Brian Burns, owner of Burns Outboard Service in Rincon “was a tremendous help with the motors,” Floyd said. “Ernest Brown worked at Burns Outboard Service so we were always working on our F3/SST-60 motors and asking Brian questions.”

Vic Andrews owns the Interstate Batteries dealership in Effingham and was another sponsor.

The team was riding high after several races with Floyd holding the APBA lead going into Kansas and then there was a wreck.

Floyd got the boat fixed. It ran even faster.

And here maybe it’s time to back up a second, because the first time Floyd got hurt in a boat was back in 1993 when he put his STV in at Ebenezer Landing to go for a Sunday boat ride with his first wife and her sister. A dead battery led him to get a jump and then he decided to go for a ride to charge the battery.

“I ran the motor up to 8,300 rpm and got the boat up to 110 mph,” Floyd said. “But the battery was still weak so when I hit the power trim button to slow down, the electronic fuel ignition computer on the motor shut down, shutting off the motor.”

The boat lost power at 110 mph which threw Floyd “through the inside of the hull and through the outside of the hull,” he said. “I was wearing a Lifeline life jacket rated for use over 100 mph and a Bell helmet. The wreck still knocked me out.”

Eventually, friends got Floyd to Candler Hospital, where they

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 11

found he had a torn rotator and hurt his neck. “It took several weeks to get over the wreck,” Floyd said. It also cost $8,000 to fix the boat he’d initially bought for $20,000.The wreck was the impetus to get Floyd thinking he should race professionally if he was going to race at all.

“My thoughts at the time were, ‘if I wanted to go fast in a boat, I wanted the following things. 1.

A safety cell and harness so I could not get thrown out of the boat. 2. A factory race motor. 3. Some rules so we were all racing the same or similar equipment.”

Floyd still has the STV and he calls it his pleasure boat. But racing boats have gone from the F3/SST60 to today’s racing yellow fighter jet F2/SST-120 with the No. 75 and the Carey Hilliard’s sticker on it.

INJURIES Floyd missed some of 2012 and all of 2013 with an injury he incurred racing and then had to recover from surgery last year. This makes his comeback now all the more heartening, according to wife Ashley Jane Floyd.

“This year has been so special to all of us, because it is one thing to get hurt really badly, but getting back at it is a major accomplishment. How well he is doing on his comeback is astonishing to his family and the boat racing community,” she said. Indeed.

But then again, what else is a man hooked on speed and water to do? Since 1995, the man who goes by Hurricane has won points titles and races and done it on just about every level there is within the American Power Boat Association – which is basically to boat racing as NASCAR is to stock car racing.

Floyd has been small time, but he’s been mostly medium time and big time and now he’s back on top. He’s driven for folks like Jim DeUnger and Trent Hancock and he’s had national sponsors.

From 2004 to 2007, Hooters Power Boat Racing was Floyd’s sponsor and it was a big time deal. But Floyd said you had to do what they said or give them their money back.

For the last seven years, it’s been him in charge with sponsors Carey Hilliard’s Restaurants, Caniff Race Designs, Smith’s Front End, Quest Auto Parts of Springfield, Harold’s Paint and Body, Harbor’s Signs and Graphics and Hustler Trailers.

And ask the man who’s been there for him along the way and he’ll start with his mom “because she’s always supported me and wants me to succeed at life’s challenges.” And there’s his dad, “a river rat and a boater in his earlier days. He learned how to water ski in the Savannah River and spent a lot of free time in the river. I think he was a big influence on why I got started boating in the Savannah River.”

Heck, Floyd’s first paying job was at Ebenezer Retreat, just up the hill from Ebenezer Landing. “I used my first check to pay for a pair of water skis,” he said.

12 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

And his dad, Ronnie, helped him get the best boat he could and his grandfather Thomas Alexander “Ellie” Floyd, or Grandy, helped him get the motor and “that lit the fuse on my boat racing career.”

And nowadays, it’s wife Ashley Jane who Floyd calls his biggest supporter and she comes from racing stock. Her dad is Mike Tilton, an announcer for American Powerboat Racing and commentator for TV events through RMG’s Hydro Zone. Her mother is Janie Tilton, a race scorer for the big races. They have a family reunion at every race.

And there’s more worth telling: Floyd, who was born and raised here in Effingham, went to Rincon Baptist Kindergarten, Rincon Elementary and Effingham County High. He was raised on a farm with his family. He attended ABAC to study engineering.

These days, he still holds down a full time job at Georgia Pacific and has been doing it for 26 years.

He raced dirt bikes for a while at some point, but that wasn’t as much fun as racing boats.

And then there are those who work on Floyd’s crew. Those range from his brother, Mark, who has done every job on the team at one point or another and was a “very big part of the Hooters Championship in 2004.” Also folks like Craig Exley, Mark Oliver, Kenneth Finch, Christopher Lathroph and Jimmy Mitchell.

And then there’s Sam Haraway, Floyd’s crew chief and maybe the most important person in Floyd’s life other than his significant other. “We have a chemistry that works extremely well in boat racing,” Floyd said. “He has been crew chief on numerous world records, national championships and all kinds of boat racing accomplishments for some of the best drivers ever to compete in APBA. I feel extremely lucky to have him as my crew chief.”

So yessir, Floyd’s on a roll again these days – though that’s not why they call him the Hurricane.

“My first few years of boat racing were spent tearing up boats and motors and my equipment looked like it got caught in Hurricane Floyd,” he said. “But I am a fast learner. Breaking things cost more money.” No, this is not a sport for someone with empty pockets. But it’s also not life and death.

“I get wound up sometimes in the heat of the moment, but it’s important for everyone once in a while to stop and cool off, take a breather and put things in perspective,” he said. “Whatever happened that might get us upset ain’t the end of the world. This is fun we’re having.”

Floyd feels he might have four or five more years of racing left in him. He thinks fans should realize powerboat racing is like NASCAR on the water, only the track and weather can change from one lap to the next. And he hopes competitors respect him, most of all. “I hope they say I am a good hard racer who races, clean, fast and always near the front, but can keep it all in perspective. I don’t want them to say, ‘well, he was the fastest for two laps.’”

That’s not likely.

“I hope they say I am a good hard racer who races, clean, fast and always near the front, but can keep it all in perspective. I don’t want them to say, ‘well, he was the fastest for two laps.’ ”

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 13

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Crissy Reddick A PASSION FOR HORSES Story by STEFANIE BARNES Photography by TODD WOOD

16 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

C

rissy Reddick, a Rincon native, first realized her passion for riding and showing horses at a young age on a horse named CoCo that proved to be quite the challenge. “Every few steps the horse would rodeo buck and throw me off, but I was around 9 and didn’t care. I wasn’t scared,” Reddick recalls, “Finally my Dad decided we had to get me a new horse before that one killed me!” A challenging horse might be enough to deter a young child from jumping back in the saddle, but not Reddick. She has now been involved in the Paso Fino breed for over twenty years and is the proud owner of Golden Malibu Farm along with her husband, Bradford Reddick.

Not long after she began riding, her neighbor, Denton Rouse, noticed her passion for horses and invited her to work his horses on his Paso Fino farm. This particular breed of horse is known for its smooth ride with almost no up and down movement, which really attracted Reddick to the breed. “I started in high school riding multiple horses a day. Between marching band, chorus and working at the vet clinic I still found time to work his horses,” says Reddick. Her passion and love for working with Paso Finos began at her neighbor’s farm, but it didn’t end there.

She would eventually go on to showing horses for her neighbor and she credits him with allowing her a first chance in the show.

Throughout high school, Reddick continued to show horses for Rouse and when asked what drew her to this specific breed, she says, “I immediately noticed that this breed had a unique rhythmic and purposeful gait executed with style and pride.

They are an amazing and powerful breed that when gaiting over a hard surface has a steady, quick, consistent beat that sounds like a drum roll and the rider looks motionless as the horse is pounding or dancing beneath them.”

She also received a lot of help from other individuals as well. Cindy Griffeth, one of the greatest Paso Fino Trainer’s in Georgia, has always helped Reddick to perfect her ride. Gwynn Wright also took Reddick under her wing as well. “They practically raised me in the show world,” says Reddick, “We all still show together to this day.”

After graduating from South Effingham High School in 2000, Reddick finally saved up enough money to pay towards her very first show Paso Fino of her own - Indenpendencio De Coqui, or “Indy.” In the beginning, Reddick would prepare the horse daily for competition and enjoyed gaining experience when she could.

“I went from being excited just to make the cut and not placing to finally getting my first National Ribbon in 2001 as 4th Her most memorable moment with Indy was in 2004 receiving Reserve National Champion after competing in a class with 56 horses. “That same year we won Honorable Mention in the Open Division against mostly trainers and were the only nontrainer in the line-up. I remember everyone looking at me and wondering “Where did she come from?” It was awesome,” she says with a smile. Indy and Reddick won many awards together up until she retired him in 2010. His show career totaled nine different National placements and many other awards.

Another one of Reddick’s star horses, Santa Cruz’s Alegre or “Gumby”, was purchased in 2008 even though she knew the horse since he was a yearling. When asked where his nickname came from, Reddick tells the story while holding back laughter.

“He was really mischievous. One day at a show when he was a year old he was getting a bath and was tied to the wash rack. All of a sudden he flipped over the pole landing flat on the ground – still tied up! He hopped up and was fine but had a look on his face that said he would never try that again!”

Alegre was quite the show horse as well. In 2010 he was

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 17

National Champion Pleasure A/O Gelding and was Reddick’s first National championship. In fact, all four horses at Golden Malibu Farm has at least one National Championship or National Reserve under their belt. Alegre has also been on the Top Ten Gelding list for the past four years, which is a significant honor. In 2013, he was ranked number one on this list.

After Reddick and her husband welcomed their daughter Cayden into the world in August of 2011, she relied on help from family in order to maintain a schedule conducive to taking care of horses and her new little girl. She says multiple members on both sides of the family were always willing to help watch their precious little girl when she had to keep up the intense schedule of working the horses almost every day during the show season.

Without the help of her mother, Nancy Thompson who lives in Florida and visits weeks at a time, and their grandparents, Judy and Arnold Reddick who watch the little one during the day, she would have had a much harder time finding a way to juggle it all.

She always had great family support at the shows hearing the cheers from her husband, daughter, mother, sisters Pam Thompson and Jennifer Kippert and her father that was always her biggest fan.

“My dad was at every Nationals. He went to most of my regional shows, but he never missed Nationals,” says Reddick. Her father, Tim Thompson always supported her and it wasn’t just because it was something she enjoyed – he loved it too. “I remember he would tell me to call him when I was ready to saddle up and he would come sit out under the same tree every time and watch me ride. He loved it,” she says. Even when he began getting sick, he would make it to shows when he could, or watch the competition as it was streamed online.

Sadly, her father passed away in February 2013. Reddick had a hard time getting back into the show world after that missing her first usual Regional show. “It was hard to get back into it mentally at first, especially since he was always there. Finally I decided to give it my all for Dad. I wanted to see what we could do.” That year Reddick was very successful at Nationals. The first night at

18 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

the competition she had a dream and it never left her memory.

She recalls her dream with a bit of sadness and happiness, “I was home trimming the hedges and I saw my Dad walking up the driveway. I told him I thought he was sick and he said to me, ‘No I’m fine, I’m fine.’ He put his arms around me and said, ‘I’m so proud of you – go get ‘em.’ I know it was his way of telling me to go kick some butt – that or to go trim my hedges!” The dream of her Father was all she needed to motivate herself. “After that, it was my mission to win,” she says. That she did as she continued the week strong winning multiple National and Grand National Championships for the first time in her show career. With Gumby that week they won 3 National Championships, 1 Reserve National Championship and on the same day competing won 2 separate Grand National Championships, one being by unanimous decision by all 5 judges. Gumby ended up being the High Point Gelding of the National show and the High Point Horse of the National show, something Reddick has never been in the running for in the past.

Through all of her setbacks and victories, Reddick never stays down for long. A woman who will miss her college graduation from the University of Georgia to attend regionals, ride up to six months pregnant, and then return to the competition only five weeks after giving birth is a woman truly devoted to her passion.

Her advice to anyone interested in showing horses? “Never be intimidated. Don’t think that you can’t succeed because you don’t have the most expensive horse. We have a free horse that won us a championship, a horse that we paid $4,000 for that is now priceless due to his successes. Put in the time and develop that connection with your horse and it will pay off.”

Reddick will continue to show her Paso Finos in 2014 and hopes to bring home many more awards while sharing her love for the breed with others. She has been nominated for Amateur Owner of the year and will know the outcome of her nomination during Nationals this year. Surely, success will follow her and her horses and she will be able to ride yet another victory lap while raising her trophy in the air for her father because she knows that her biggest fan is always watching and cheering on his baby girl.

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Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 21

JOSH NELMS:

Tearing Up The Track Photos by TODD WOOD

22 August/September 2013 | Effingham Magazine

A

ccounts differ on who coined the phrase ‘nice guys finish last.’ Some say it was baseball Hall of Famer Leo Durocher. Others say it was somebody else.

Whoever it was, they never met Rincon’s Josh Nelms, who is, A) A nice guy and B) finishes first.

longer. And all this with his dad, Ed, as his crew chief, meaning the two of them could still be a team after all these years.

“We’re together a lot of hours in the shop, me and him getting ready to race every week,” Josh said. “It’s paid off and it’s nice to have that time.” a lot.

And at the same time, he has remained a nice guy who apNelms, 23, won the points title in the TNT Truck and Equipparently doesn’t take himself too seriously off the track. He sure ment Repair Pure Stock Division last season at Oglethorpe Speed- doesn’t seem to like to talk a lot about himself. Down to earth, way in only his second year at the Pooler half-mile dirt oval. With some call it. a current lead in the point standings, he’s on pace to win it again “Anyone that is around Josh for more than five minutes will this year. see he has a great personality,” said OSP marketing and promoIf you’re keeping track at home, that will be two championships tions head Randall Jenkins, the man who sends out press releases in three years. And the first year doesn’t really count because to area media. “Josh is a very level-headed person and is almost Nelms was a 20-year-old rookie, who prior to that, had spent the never upset, or at least he hides it well if he is. Anytime he is better part of his racing life going down drag strips as fast as he around, he is always smiling, a happy go lucky type.” could go, not in 70 mph circles on a dirt track.

Nelm’s easy-going demeanor out of the car has translated into It’s also an even dozen individual race victories in two years what Jenkins called “a huge fan following …. most of them have ton a schedule of around 40 races. That’s not bad at all for a kid shirts with his team logo,” and Nelms translated again into “those who started out watching his father, Ed, running straight and fast fans are mostly my family,” and, in either case, they’re out there and hard on the old eighth-of-mile track at Savannah Dragway cheering for him on weekends at Oglethorpe. and then began drag racing himself. Or on the other hand, maybe “Racing is supposed to be fun, and I try not to forget that,” that’s a big part of why Nelms has seen so much success so early Nelms said. “Some people can take it to the point it’s no longer in his career. Racing is in his DNA. fun, but then why are they out here, it’s supposed to be fun.”

“I helped dad when I was Nelms says, “I try to race a kid and then kind of grew everybody the way I want to up around it,” Josh said. “It be raced, which is clean and just seems like I’ve always hard. I’ve got no problem had the itch to go fast.” losing to a better driver, but So they ran on strips I will go home and do my like the one at the Savanhomework and come back nah Dragway until it closed better.” down, and then somewhere Yep. The man is competibetween 2011 and 2012, or tive. You don’t win fans, or three years after Josh graduwin 12 races in two years, if ated from Effingham County you don’t care about winHigh School, the younger ning races. And when you Nelms decided he wanted care about winning races, to try going in circles on the you do what you have to do oval at Oglethorpe Speedway to win races. and, at first, all those left “I would much rather turns took some getting used someone race me clean and to. hard, but I’m not afraid of “Those first couple of tearing stuff up, either,” races, it was pretty tough,” Nelms said. he said. “I think it took half Jenkins put it this way. my rookie year to get a grasp “Josh is determined to give on it.” it his best each week and But Nelms, a components not settle for anything less technician at Gulfstream, than first place. He is one of figured it out pretty quick. those guys who races clean He made a run at the Street and when something does go Stock rookie of the year in wrong, he tends to take it to 2012. Then he became the heart and apologize even if it top driver in his division in were something he could not 2013 tooling a 1970s’ Camaro control.” with a 250-horsepower V-8 There are obviously around Oglethorpe. He also things Nelms can control.

“I would much rather someone occasionally drove tracks And that starts with his race me clean and hard, but I’m not in places like Waycross or team, which includes the Screven County, running people closest to him. “It’s afraid of tearing stuff up, either,” maybe 75-80 mph on those my wife Kelly, my dad, Ed, almost-half-mile ovals that who is my crew chief, and could be, like the one at Daniel and Speedy, who help Oglethorpe, just a little bit pit the car,” Nelms said. He

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 23

said his wife, his dad, his mom Debbie and his family are his biggest supporters. So it’s still a family thing.

But there are also Nelms’ sponsors, who help pay the freight for tires and parts and gas and all the rest. At tracks like Oglethorpe, racing can cost you money even if you’re good at it and win a lot.

Nelms estimated he shelled out around $5,000 last season on parts, even though he drives what in racing jargon are known as “grocery getters,” i.e., cars your mom could drive to the grocery store. That estimate of expenses, by the way, came from the receipts Nelms said he COULD find. By contrast, he probably won about $1,500.

That’s why racers have sponsors at any level, and why they’re so important at every level. Nelms’ sponsors are local businesses who are in it because they like racing and want to keep it going in the Coastal Empire: Keller’s Flea Market, Overhaulin Transmission, Djs Cleaning Service, DNA Designs and Karla’s Pics. “I couldn’t do it without them,” Nelms said.

They, on the other hand, are backing a winner. Not only is Nelms threatening to win back-to-back point titles, he’s also already set to move up to a higher division next year – and at Oglethorpe, that next highest division is Super Street Stocks. It’s the second-highest division at the track.

“I’ve already purchased the car,” Nelms said. “It’s got a bigger motor, it’s faster and lighter. I’ve just got to get the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted, and then we’ll start on next season.”

That’s what racing is all about, that little thing called preparation. “It’s dotting those I’s and crossing those T’s, and doing last minute checks, and then doing it again,” he said, so that there’s

24 August/September | Effingham Magazine

nothing left to chance, or at least as little left to chance as you can leave to chance and still win.

“Once we arrive at the track and get set up it’s all a matter of focusing on what it will take to get to the front,” Nelms said.

And that leads Nelms with prompting to describe what he said is the biggest misconception people have about racing at a track like Oglethorpe. “People think that just anybody can go do it and be successful. It takes a whole lot of work to get the front and run good,” he said.

Maybe that’s why Nelms, a fan of Kevin Harvick, is also a fan of local racers who show staying power while also racing clean and hard.

“In my current division, the people I have the most respect and most look forward running against are Don, Dan and Daniel Douglas,” Nelms said. “They have won countless races and multiple championships and it really feels like an accomplishment to be competitive with them.”

Respect the past, and go hard toward the future. Nelms naturally doesn’t know where he’ll be in 10 years as far as racing is concerned, just that he intends to still be out there behind the wheel going fast as he can and making the dirt fly.

“I don’t know how it’ll play out, but I will still be racing at some level,” he said. “Right now, I’m on a budget, but if someone wants to come out and put me in a car, I’d definitely listen. I want to take this as far as I can go.”

That could be pretty far indeed. Just don’t expect him to brag about it.

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South effingham high school MUSTANGS

The Determination of

Sam Valleroy

Story by STEFANIE BARNES Photos by TODD WOOD

S

eventeen year old Sam Valleroy is determined.

Determined to win, determined to play hard, and determined to succeed in all aspects of his life. The upcoming senior at South Effingham High School has a passion for football that has only grown since he began playing the sport at only nine years old.

Valleroy first discovered his love for football around 8 years ago while playing for the recreation department.

When asked what he loves most about the sport, he says, “Everything. I’ve loved it since I was a kid.” Currently playing tight end and defensive tackle, Valleroy loves what he does and can be seen wearing the number 87 on Friday nights this fall. “It’s a hybrid position. I get to be anywhere on the field. I get to block the guy, and I get to catch the ball. I get to do everything,” Sam says of his offensive position.

Starting Varsity since his sophomore year in high school, he is described by coaches as a “team player.” He was thrust into the starting tight end position his tenth grade year in a game against Statesboro where he was able to prove himself as a player and as a major contributor to the Mustangs team.

Since that year, Valleroy has grown as a player and continues to motivate himself. When asked who inpires him, Sam immediately answers, “Coach Revell. He has always pushed me.” Head coach Donnie Revell says, “Sam had set a goal after last year. He played well, but he didn’t live up to what he wanted and so he set a goal after football season and ever since that point he maintained that goal and maintained the work ethic to achieve it. He’s done extra work. He comes in the mornings, he

28 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

comes for weight class, and he stays after school. He’s gone to extra workouts and he has done all the drill work.

He does everything he can to achieve the goal he set for himself. And that’s a testament for all the other people out there that decide they want to do something or want to achieve something - it doesn’t just happen.”

Discovering a sport that you love and excel at can be a wonderful motivator to succeed in other aspects of life as well and he is living proof of that. Valleroy has been on the Honor Roll since he was in fifth grade and plans on keeping that record intact as he enters into his senior year. “It’s hard to balance my schedule between football and school and everything else,” says Valleroy. “I’ve learned to make a schedule for everything and keep up with it. That helps.”

Keeping up with his grades seems to be equally important as football to him, and it has certainly paid off.

Like most upcoming seniors, Valleroy has spent the summer visiting potential colleges.

He used his free time to familiarize himself with the campuses Wofford, Mercer, Kennesaw State, Army, and Harvard. During Army Football Camp this summer Sam received an award for being the best tight end at camp. He recently received a verbal offer from the Air Force to attend their school on a football scholarship under the conditions that he meets the same requirements that all of the other cadets do. His heart lies with the Air Force and their offer to play the game that he loves while studying a subject he loves as well.

While Valleroy is ecstatic at the opportunity to play football for the Air Force, he is also thrilled to attend a college where his potential major is offered – Aerospace Engineering. “He has wanted to be an aerospace engi-

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 29

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Dentistry at GoDley station neer since he was in the seventh grade at NASA Space Camp,” recalls his father, Joseph Valleroy. Sam specifically searched for colleges to attend that offered this degree so that he could pursue his academic dreams alongside his athletic dreams.

Valleroy has worked hard to maintain his success up to this point in his high school career. Commitment and hard work are contributors, but so are the people who have helped him develop other aspects of his life such as learning the importance of physical training, nutrition, and the value of sleep. He credits Sarah Davis and Scott Davis for helping reiterate all of the components he has learned in his football and academic careers on how to be a better football player and student.

Valleroy works hard during the summer to continue his commitment in reaching the goals he has set for himself during the upcoming school year. “We always tell Sam, if you’re giving football and academics one-hundred percent, you don’t have to have a job,” says Joseph Valleroy. That hasn’t stopped him from using his time wisely, even with his commitment to football and academics. When he isn’t at football practice he can be found making paracord bracelets with Operation Gratitude for deployed soldiers, on community mission trips (his most recent was to Gatlinburg, Tennessee), or helping out at the middle school football practice - giving back to a sport he loves.

As for this football season, Sam is expected to do great things.

“We are expecting huge things from him as a leader. Positionwise we moved him to defense and he has been willing to do that.

That’s what it’s about – being a team player. He hadn’t played much defensively but we are expecting him to do well. Obviously, offensively he had already established himself in that position and will be great,” says Coach Revell. “For me as a coach, to see a young man that sets goals for himself and is willing to work is amazing and he will do great things. I have a lot of kids that set goals but are they willing to do what it takes? Sam is.”

30 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

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effingham COUNTY high school REBELS

The Motivation of

DJ KIRKLAND

Story by Sherry cook Photos by TODD WOOD

F

ootball season is just around the corner, and very soon the devoted fans of Effingham County High School’s Rebel Football Team will be able to cheer them on during their 2014-15 season. Among the talented and determined athletes on the team this year you will find DJ Kirkland.

Douglas Eugene Kirkland, more commonly known as DJ, is a senior at ECHS. This will be the seventeen year-olds 4th year to play football for the Rebels. DJ is an extremely gifted and hard-working athlete, and his love of the game is evident when he is on the field. The 5’9” young man plays offensive guard for Effingham County and takes year to play football for the Rebels.

Football is a physically demanding sport and the players must stay fit and strong.

DJ and his teammates have to endure the high heat and humidity for their grueling summer practices. Weight lifting, passing skills, and conditioning exercises consume their vacation, but it is all worth it to them.

Being able to put on full pads and test their skills is something he looks forward to each season.

“I have been playing football since I was eight years old and I love it,” says the young offensive guard. “I love that feeling you get when you beat a team people said you couldn’t, and I even enjoy the hard work we put in during the summer and fall to win those games. But the thing I love the most about football is playing under the Friday night lights with my squad and winning!”

32 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

Family is very important to DJ, and he says his family members are always supportive of him in all of his endeavors. His father is Douglas Eugene Kirkland, Sr., and his sister, DeAndra, is an 8th grader at Effingham County Middle School. DJ says they come to as many games as possible throughout the season to cheer him on. He is also very close to his grandma and his cousin Robbie Garvin, who is also on the football Sophomore year in high school was tough for DJ and his entire family. His mother, Lindy Dionne Kirkland, died from cancer on December 27, 2012, during DJ’s Christmas break.

Handling such a loss was very difficult for DJ, and giving up would have been the easy route to take. Instead of giving up and quitting the sports he loved so much he thought of how his mother would have wanted him to keep working hard to achieve his dreams. He pushed himself out of respect for his mother. “Every time I got tired and felt like I couldn’t do something, I thought of how she fought to live and that motivated me to do what I do,” he says.

He also relied on what his coaches have taught him over the years. “They have always taught me to work hard, never quit no matter how hard things are, and to be a great leader and young man.”

DJ Kirkland is not only an outstanding athlete, but he is also a mentor and role model. The gifted young man is a member of HYPE Outreach Ministries. HYPE, which stands for Helping Young People Excel, is a group of role models investing their time to mentor and

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 33

develop young people in the community. They focus on the key areas of work, ethics, dignity, respect, and education. The organization is a great way for those involved to learn about giving back to the community through volunteer work.

On Sundays, DJ and his family attend church services at First Union Missionary Baptist Church.

He is an active member there and serves on the church Usher Board.

In 2013 Kirkland was selected to participate in the YMCA Christian Leadership Academy. The CLA is a seven month program that is designed to take 12 rising high school sophomores and juniors from Effingham County and train them in the skills of leadership done from a Christian perspective. The purpose of the CLA is to train today’s students to carry Christian leadership principles into the future world of family, education, church, government and business.

Effingham County football coach Buddy Holder says, “DJ is a great role model. We encourage other kids to follow in his footsteps.” He also speaks highly of the senior’s tremen-

dous work ethic and his volunteer activities. “He is a multi-talented athlete that has played football and baseball for the past four years, and he does great things for the community outside of school,” adds Coach Holder.

Academic achievements are also a priority for Kirkland, and he has managed to maintain a 90 GPA while participating in sports and other extracurricular activities.

He was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2014. His plans after graduation are to attend college at either Savannah State or Georgia Southern. “I plan to go to college and get a degree in sports management. I’m not sure if I am going to play a sport when I go to college,” he says. DJ says he will have to wait and see how the year plays out for him.

The Rebels are hoping for a winning season this year. “Our team is looking pretty good so far even though we lost a lot of good players last year,” says DJ. When they hit time on August 15th against Screven County, this offensive guard will be striving for a memorable last season.

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South effingham high school MUSTANGS

The Inspirationion of

NAOMI SAPP

Story by STEFANIE BARNES Photos by TODD WOOD

W

hen Naomi Sapp was just seven years old, she began playing softball for the Effingham County Recreation Department. At such a young age, no one could have ever predicted the success she would have in the sport, or how much of an impact it would have on her life ten years later.

Sapp, an upcoming senior at South Effingham High School, lives and breathes softball. Like many young ladies who develop a talent for the sport at an early age, she entered into the extremely competitive world of travel ball after two years of playing for the REC department.

Sapp played for the Angels organization founded by Ty Reitkovich for 8 years and credits much of her success to him. Randy Sapp (Naomi’s father) says, “He is the one who would make sure college scouts came out to the showcases to watch Naomi play. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for him.”

Sapp was ten years old and your typical right-handed batter. Because of her speed and talent her coaches wanted her to try her hand at becoming a left-handed slap hitter. One of the only people in the area that could teach her how to develop this particular skill was Mike Goulet. Sapp says, “I took lessons from him for many years. He helped me learn the techniques and my dad also watched videos on slapping to further my skills.”

While playing softball for South Effingham Middle School, Sapp met the woman who she says was an inspiration to her and one of the main reasons she has continued to develop a love of the game. Coach Jona Downs is a legend in her own right in Effingham County due to her stellar coaching record. “She always said, ‘if I’m not yelling at you then that means you can’t get any better than

36 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

what you are now’ and she was always yelling!” she says fondly. “I like a real tough coach. I don’t like someone that’s going to pat me on the back and say, ‘It’s going to be okay.’ That’s how she helped me decide that I really loved the sport and wanted to keep going with it. She never was easy on me and it was definitely a good thing.”

During eighth grade workouts, Sapp realized her love for lifting weights and working out. It made her stronger and even better at a sport that she was already playing so well. In the midst of her eighth grade workouts she was taken under the wing of another mentor – Coach Donnie Revell. She says, “Coach Revell always motivated me and supported me.”

When she was sixteen years old, Sapp began playing for the Angels Gold team and continued to play for Reitkovich. She excelled on a team comprised of girls much older than her. “Playing on a Gold team is pretty much the highest you can play,” she says when asked to explain the differences in travel ball teams. “It can be kind of confusing, there really is a lot involved!”

Both Sapp and her father agree that the successes and joy she has had while playing on travel teams would never have been possible without help from different members of the community. Sapp’s parents, Randy and Laurel, have always supported her desire to play travel ball no matter the cost. However, having members of the community step up to assist in sponsoring her talent has been a tremendous help and means the world to Sapp and her family. Sapp plays for her travel team year round, only taking time off to play high school ball in the fall months. While playing travel ball, Sapp’s teams had many successes, some of which include 10 and under WFC World Series Champions, 10 and under GRPA State Champions, as well as playing in the ASA Nationals for

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 37

12 and under, 16 and under, and 18 Gold. Sapp recently decided to finish up her travel ball career playing on the Georgia Thunder team, coached by Jeff Rainwater, with the girls she grew up playing with.

Returning to SEHS as a senior in the fall, she will begin working toward having her best year playing as a centerfielder for the Lady Mustangs yet, and that is no small feat. Playing under the guidance of Coach Chuck Smith, she was able to start in centerfield her freshman year and received an honorable mention at All-Region.

Her sophomore and junior years she made Savannah’s Best of Preps, AAAA All-Region, and led the team in hitting. Her junior year she also made Georgia’s Elite 80 and AAAA All-State.

When asked for her advice to any young girls hoping to play softball in college Sapp says, “Grades are a big factor. There is rarely such a thing as a full ride scholarship in sports – my SAT scores determine how much money I get toward my academic scholarship. I have already taken the SAT and ACT

twice.” Naomi is also a member of the National Honors society and a firm believer that her grades matter just as much as how well she can hit.

Coach Smith believes Sapp has been a huge asset to the team and will continue to be in her senior year at SEHS. “Naomi is a great girl. She bats lead off and is a table setter! She puts pressure on our opponents’ defense with her speed and she can place it five feet in front of the plate, or five feet behind the outfield fence,” says Coach Smith. “She is a hustler that always gives one-hundred percent. This is on the field, school, church, weight room and anything else that comes her way. Naomi is a great player, but most importantly – a great person.”

Sapp has verbally committed to attend Wingate University in North Carolina after her senior year on an athletic and academic scholarship.

She hopes to become a teacher and coach softball at the high school level.

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On The Sidelines of Friday Night Lights

How Optim Orthopedics is shining the light on concussion risk and keeping your kids safe.

Recent national attention on the National Football League and concussions debate has many parents of school-aged athletes wondering how safe their children really are on the field. And rightly so, as an estimated 4 to 5 million concussions occur annually, with increases emerging among middle school athletes.

Sports medicine physicians at Optim Orthopedics are fully aware of the risks of concussions while also understanding the value of the sport to players and communities, particularly here in the South.

That’s why they’ve assigned a small army of 21 full-time athletic trainers in 21 different primary schools across southern Georgia, including the entire Effingham County school system, to monitor athletes and perform free testing on each player to determine risk of injury from concussions. Optim’s Effingham County sports medicine program is led by Dr. David Palmer.

“I’ve practiced in Effingham County for the last 15 years, and I feel a real commitment to making sure that our young athletes are well cared for,” said Dr. Palmer. “This program, particularly at a time of increased concern around contact sports, seemed like a logical way for me to give back to a community that has given me so much.”

Since 2011, Optim physicians have conducted more than 4,803 free baseline tests on student athletes through an evaluation program called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing).

The data from these 4,803 tests suggest that approximately 6.1 percent of student athletes were suspected of having a concussion,

2.7 percent did not pass the firstImPACT screening test, and approximately 1 percent did not pass the subsequent second or third tests. Thanks to this program, Optim helped more than 136 student athletes identify their injuries, while preventing them from returning to the field of play and risking more harmful post concussion brain injuries, before they had recovered. In addition to the ImPACT testing, Optim holds annual sports medicine conferences to address ways to minimize common sports injuries, including ACL and meniscal tears, low back pain, sprains and fractures. Tracking data shows the frequency of these injuries has remained about the same each year among the 21 schools evaluated across South Georgia.

Optim sports medicine physicians know that injury is an inherent risk for any sport, at any age, and are committed to doing what they can to reduce that risk through free concussion testing and full-time athletic training support.More information and a full list of the schools involved in ImPACT testing through Optim can be found here: http://www.optimhealth.com/about/ sports-affiliations/.

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107 N. Columbia Avenue • Rincon, GA 31326 (Next to Bank of America) Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 39

effingham COUNTY high school REBELS

The Devotion of

MORGAN DUFF

Story by Sherry cook Photos by TODD WOOD

T

he Effingham County High School Lady Rebels Softball Team began their new season on August 7th. Morgan Elizabeth Duff, one of the seniors on the team this year, is looking forward to an exciting final season with her team.

Morgan has been playing ball for about twelve years. She says she started with t-ball when she was 4 or 5, and has loved it ever since then. “I love softball because it is challenging and I love competing,” says the 16 year-old athlete.

This driven athlete also played basketball and soccer during elementary and middle school, but decided to devote all of her time to softball once she entered high school.

The young Effingham County native attended elementary school in Springfield. Her parents are Dale and JoAnn Duff, and Morgan says they have always been extremely supportive and taken great pride in her athletic achievements. Duff has two older siblings; Shelby Duff Snooks and Dillon Duff.

Softball and school keep Morgan very busy, but when she has some free time she loves going to the lake. Church is another activity she enjoys and the young ball player and her family attend church at Rincon Baptist Temple.

Time for hobbies and extracurricular activities is very limited for Duff because she plays ball for two teams

40 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

throughout the year. This will be her 4th year on the Rebel Varsity team. During the off-season, she plays for the travel softball team Georgia Force-Pealor Atlanta. The months of August through July are filled with conditioning, practices, games and tournaments for Morgan. That leaves her only four months to rest.

Playing both high school and travel ball has allowed Morgan to experience some wonderful and exciting moments in her life. “I love competing with teams all over the United States,” says the seasoned ball player. “I get to meet new people from all over and that is pretty cool.” She has also received some outstanding awards for her talent.

Morgan’s area of expertise is pitching, but she also plays 2nd base and outfield when needed. Morgan was on the 1st Team All Region during her 9th year she was MVP, Pitcher of the Year, and 2nd.

Morgan believes her coaches have had a big part in her success as a softball player.

“My coaches have taught me to always have a good attitude, and they have given me many opportunities to better myself each year,” she says. “Their encouragement has allowed me to play to the best of my ability.” Rebel Coach Matt Huntley says, “Morgan has been on the varsity team for four years and she is a true leader. The rest of the team looks to her for guidance.” Of

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 41

course, she also credits her own hard work, determination, and experience for her success on the ball field.

Another driving force that pushed Morgan to stand out in softball is her sister, Shelby. She played for the Lady Rebel’s Softball Team as well, and even went on to play for Armstrong Atlantic State University on an academic and athletic scholarship. The Pirate’s softball team made it to the College World Series while she was on the team.

Morgan has had her share of accomplishments over the years as well as some bad luck. “The summer before my 10th grade year I broke my left leg while I was at a showcase in Atlanta. I had a stress fracture I didn’t know about and I had been playing on it for a few tournaments,” she says. This caused an intense crack in her tibia and due to it she missed a showcase and several tournaments during her travel season with Georgia Thunder. She was very disappointed because some colleges missed out on seeing her play. Duff also missed the majority of her high school season thanks to her broken leg.

Eventually she recovered and was able to pitch in the region tournament at the end of the season. The Rebel Team won the tournament, and Morgan made the All Region Team thanks to her performance there. “I wasn’t expecting that award and it was awesome because I began the season with an injury,” she says.

Next year Morgan will be attending Armstrong Atlantic where she plans to study radiation therapy and play ball. “I am so happy that I have verbally committed to play softball there for Coach Evans,” she says.

“He has watched me play since I was in 9th grade, and he even came to Atlanta recently to watch me play in a showcase.” Playing for a competitive college team like AASU is what this young lady has dreamed of for some time. “I can’t wait to go and be a part of the team there,” says Duff.

According to her high school coach, the Pirates will be getting a player that finds a way to keep her team in the game and lead them to victory.

New JohN WiNd designs Coming This Fall

Curiosity Shoppe Jewelers Jewelry, Collectables & Unique Gifts 210 N. Columbia Ave. (Hwy 21) Rincon, GA 31326 Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm

Pictured from L to R Caroline, John Wind, Shae

Thomas C. sTriCkland and sons Funeral homes

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Effingham Magazine | April/May 2014 43

Update:

Lea’s Journey

Pictured L-R Julie Hales, Anisa Grantham, Desmond Crone, Lea Allen,Clif Yawn and Matt Syno

T

Half Way Through!

he past six months have been amazing for Effingham Magazine’s very own Lea Allen. Starting her journey on January 21st of this year, she has now reached the six month mark, with astounding results. On July 21st, Lea had lost an unbelievable 70 pounds!

“I feel like a part of this journey has been learning things about myself that have driven my food addiction, things like people pleasing, feeling the need to do things to impress others. I have learned that the way that I think dictates the way that I feel. And, the way that I feel dictates my behavior,” shares Lea. Effingham Magazine was able to comprise a team, lovingly referred to as Lea’s Dream Team, to help her reach her goal of living a happier, healthier life.

Anisa Grantham of Rincon Recovery Resources has been a true inspiration to Lea along the way, and a sturdy backbone of knowledge. Anisa meets with Lea to address her food addiction and her emotional connections with food, as well as guiding her with nutrition and meal plans.

Matt Syno of Effingham Health System also offers Lea advice

44 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

on nutrition and healthy calorie intake. He tracks her body measurements, BMI, weight and hydration levels on a weekly basis.

Clif Yawn of Yawn’s Gym and Karate has played a vital role in Lea’s journey. He supplies the gym for Lea’s training, has helped her with her exercise routine and encourages her on a daily basis.

And last, but certainly not least, Desmond Crone, Lea’s personal trainer. He has shown tremendous dedication to helping Lea along her path. He works with her in the gym every morning, Monday through Friday. He has taught her proper work out techniques and the right combination of cardio and weights.

Effingham Magazine is very thankful to Lea’s “Dream Team.”

Each of these individuals have given their time and services to help her reach her goals.

“The transformation in Lea has been nothing short of amazing.

And, I am not just referring to the weight loss. The way she has grown as a person has been remarkable. Everyone in the office sees a tremendous difference. We are all so very proud of her,” states Lea’s boss, Julie Hales, publisher of Effingham Magazine.

dining guide

S

Story by SHERRY COOK • Photography by TODD WOOD

pringfield has a wonderful, new establishment called Daisy’s Coffee House. This charming and eclectic cafe is located on Laurel Street adjacent to the local antique shops and the newly opened Mars Theatre.

Dee Bankston is the owner of Daisy’s and a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Rincon. She and her husband, Jeremy, moved to the area in 2008 from Ohio. They have four kids and a dog named Daisy, which according to Dee is the “favorite child” and namesake for the business.

“The people in the community were very supportive of us and wanted us here from the very beginning,” says Dee when asked about how the business began. Dee thoroughly believes that God just kept dropping the right people in her lap all along the way, and she knew it was meant to happen. Providing great service and great food at a reasonable price was very important to Dee. Daisy’s opened in March 2014.

The neighboring shop owners have been very welcoming to Dee and her staff. As a matter of fact, most of the antiques in the place came from Cecile Baker’s shop, One of a Kind, located a couple of doors down from Daisy’s. Rustic Reclaims, owned by Richard Eilerman, has supplied her with a unique assortment of custom signs, doors, and shutters for the cafe. The brand of coffee that is served at Daisy’s, Jumping Goat, is roasted locally in Guyton

by Sharon Cobb. Luann Howe of Simply Catering bakes all the

sweets served at the coffee house.

The building that houses Daisy’s was built in the 1900’s and it used to be an old grocery store. Dee and her husband remodeled the building and she admits they got several of their ideas from Pinterest. The décor fits well with the neighboring antique and thrift stores. The Mason jar hanging lights, the galvanized tubs, the barn wood on the walls, and the washtub basin in the bathroom give the place a very unique quality that makes customers feel comfortable and at ease.

It took Dee and her husband six months to get the place up and running, but she said they enjoyed seeing how the community anticipated their opening. She said people would come by each day and peek in the windows to see what kind of progress they had made. “We love being a part of this wonderful community,” says Dee. Daisy’s offers its customers a wonderful breakfast and lunch menu. Whether it’s coffee and a muffin, a tasty salad, or soup and a sandwich that you are hungering for, you can find it at Daisy’s.

Dee says they have become known for their chicken salad. Julie Montgomery, the chef at Daisy’s, came up with the recipe and it has been a big success.

Hot and cold coffee drinks and smoothies are a big hit at Daisy’s. Dee says people love the Triple Pleasure Coffee, which is a flavor combination of hazelnut, chocolate and caramel. Three

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 45

yummy breakfast casseroles are currently on the menu. French Toast, Hashbrown and Sausage, and Egg, Sausage and Cheese are the available choices. A new soup is offered each day, and at the moment the two most popular are Lobster Bisque and Shrimp with Roasted Corn Chowder. If a sandwich is what you want you have the option of a wrap, croissant, white or wheat bread.

The coffee is delicious, the food is tasty, and the staff is friendly. Dee has five employees on staff and she says they work great together, and she is very proud of their outstanding customer service skills. She expects her staff to make every attempt to keep the customer happy.

Daisy’s Coffee House has a Facebook page, and there you can find some great customer reviews. One review reads, “So

far I have had the Taco Soup, Turkey Wrap, Tomato Basil Soup, Chicken Salad in a Wrap and the Potato Salad - I have not been disappointed one bit! Please pay them a visit.”

Another customer says, “Love this sweet restaurant. The food is excellent and the staff is the best! I will be back very soon!”

Dee says most people describe the place as “really comfortable” and this is exciting news to her. This is the type of place she was hoping to create in the local area, and she is so happy that her customers are enjoying the business. “We hope to be a part of the community for a long time,” says Dee. Daisy’s is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check them out on Facebook or come by and see them at 101 N. Laurel St.

Specialty Coffee Sandwiches • Soup Salads • Smoothies 912-754-0775

101 N. Laurel St., Springfield Monday-Friday 8am-3pm Saturday 9am-3pm

46 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

Dee Bankston, Owner

A neighborhood PlAce To KicK bAcK

dine in or take out

great menu including huge cheeseburgers and delicious Wings

Trivia on Thursday and saTurday nighTs

open 5 days a week

tuesday-saturday 3:00pm-2:00am

108 weisenbaker road, rincon

(912) 295-2285

Wednesday and friday

bingo

We are a 21 and up establishment.

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 47

Daisy’s Coffee House 101 N. Laurel St., Springfield, GA 31312 (912) 754-0775

Specialty Coffee Shop

ily owned business located in the heart of Rincon. They offer great service and even better food! Go by and give them a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Hours Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Seasons of Japan

Lucky’s Tavern Weisenbaker Road Rincon, GA 31326 (912)295-2285

This laid-back, neighborhood establishment is filled with locals, food and fun. The classic bar food menu is done well and served quickly by the friendly staff.

Have a fun night out with friends at Lucky’s Tavern in Rincon, GA Hours: Lunch – Until

El Real

Debbie’s on 4th 202 E. 4th Street Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 826-3378

Locally owned and operated, Debbie’s on 4th is a completing a life long dream.

It is a place were you can come and enjoy home cooking in a pleasant “homey” atmosphere.

Sat-Wed 7am-2:30pm Thur - Fri 7am-8pm

Seasons of Japan 455 Pooler Parkway Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-9383

Escape the fast food merry-go-round and step into the world of Japanese cuisine at Seasons of Japan! Seasons of Japan is a Japanese restaurant serving genuine Japanese and all Hibachi styles cuisines that are cooked to order.

Hours Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri 11am10pm, Sat 11am-9:30pm, Sun 11:30am8:30pm

El Real Mexican Restaurant 105 Weisenbaker Rd. Rincon,GA 31326 (912)826-3524

El Real Mexican Restaurant is a local fam-

Home Cooking

Lucky’s Tavern

To Advertise in the dining guide, or to find out how to get your restaurant, pub or bar listed please call Julie at (912)657-4120 or Dianna at (912)308-7408

The Best Mexican Food In Town $1.00 off every meal to EFACEC & GP Employees

In a Pleasant Homey Atmosphere (912) 826-3378 202 E. 4th Street Rincon, Georgia Sat-Wed 7am-2:30pm Thur-Fri 7am-8pm 48 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

Mon-Thurs.....11:00AM-10:00PM Fri-Sat..............11:00AM-10:30PM Sun...................11:00AM-10:00PM

105 Weisenbaker Rd. Rincon, GA 31326

(912)826-3524

Let’s Do Business...

In EFFINGHAM

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 49

Quarterdeck Quilts

Where inspiration welcomes creativity...

• Quality Quilting Fabrics • Notions • Patterns

• Threads • Stabilizers • Books • Buttons and more

Fun for quilters, sewist, and crafters at all levels of expertise.

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A quality brand for over 140 years

we offer classes - sign up at our website www.Qd-q.com 912-754-1865 • 490 Stillwell Road • Springfield, GA 31329 Wednesday - Friday 9am-5pm • Saturday 9am-3pm • Tuesday by Appointment Only

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• 24 Hour Service • Preventive Maintenance • New Sales & Installs • Service & Repairs • Commercial & Residential • FREE Estimates For Service Area

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183 Commerical Court, Rincon • (912)826-3505 50 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

www.effinghammagazine.com

effingham REAL ESTATE

This Home is Offered By:

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 julie@triplepowersales.com

5805 Highway 21 South Rincon, Ga. 912-826-0927 888-826-0928 912-826-5828 (fax) www.rinconcoldwellbanker.com

Effingham Magazine | June/July 2014 51

Heidt Burns Real Estate Consultants, Inc. Located at: 135 Goshen Ext. St. 120 Rincon, GA 31326

Contact us about these great properties!

912-826-2800 or visit our website

www.heidtburns.com

402 Church Street

118 Arbor Village Dr

Wonderful home in great neighborhood. Three bedroom, two bath, split floor plan, formal dining room, sun room, large master bath, privacy fenced yard and sprinkler system in front yard.

Call Pam Dumas for more information 912-656-5437

Wonderful home in historic Guyton. Corner lot, with fenced yard. New roof, AC, Water Heater, and several renovations.

Three bedrooms, two baths, wood Floors, 2 fireplaces, and cozy feel of this home make it perfect place for small family to settle down, conveniently located to Effingham County schools, and town. Call Scottie Starling 912-658-8642

354 Lake Tomacheechee

Well maintained home located in gated subdivision. This three bedroom, two bath home features quartz counter tops in kitchen and bathrooms, all updated fixtures, stainless appliances, new double oven, hood & microwave. Tank less hot water heater. Covered porch & covered BBQ area. Great for entertaining! Call Chris Heidt for details 912-661-1239

200 Blandford Way

211 Bayberry Lane

Nice family home in quiet subdivision. Split plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath, 1 half bath, large bonus room, two car garage and irrigation system in front and back yards. Call Kimberly Stalnaker 912-663-0982

This spacious home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, kitchen with keeping room, breakfast area, island and formal dining room.

Family room with fireplace and access to covered back porch.

Master is down stairs and features spa like bath. Beautiful hardwood and tile floors, custom cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless appliances. Spray foam Insulation, landscaped & Irrigation. Pool & pavilion in the future.

Call Kim Stalnaker 912-663-0982

3150 Midland Dr.

Permanent “staycation� in the unique home on a gorgeous 2.95 ac landscaped lot. Features: high ceilings, wall niches, in ground pool, screened porch, overlooks two ponds. Also stunning 2 BR pool house for potential income, or perfect for multi family . Close to Gulfstream. Must See! Call Ardra Hartz 912-220-2687

Sell Your Home WitH ConfidenCe UND

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Are You Ready To Move?

912.826.0927

DiAnna Jenkins (912) 308-7408

Julie Hales

Licensed in Georgia and South Carolina

(912) 657-4120

TriplePowerSales.com

Your Real Estate Team... Working For You! 52 August/September 2014 | Effingham Magazine

Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty and The Presnell Partners Real Estate Team welcome Ron Futch!

Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty and The Presnell Partners Real Estate Team in Rincon are excited to announce a new addition to their organization. Introducing Ron Futch!

Ron is an Effingham County native who graduated with honors from South Effingham High in 2000. After attending Armstrong Atlantic State University, Ron spent years working in the Residential New Home and Custom Homebuilding industry as a Quality Control Supervisor and Customer Service Manager. Ron also brings a ton of Sales Management and Marketing experience to the already considerably experienced and talented Presnell Partners Real Estate Team.

The Presnell Partners was started in 2006 when James Presnell of Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty was looking for ways to offer his unique approach to real estate to a broader audience, as well as provide a ton of in-house, turn-key real estate services not offered by many individual real estate agents. Jim has over 25 years of experience as a Realtor, as well as an impressive resume as current Broker of Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty, a Licensed Contractor, Developer and Advisor, as well as several designations. Jim also has won awards for being Top Producing Agent of the Year for several years. In 2006, Jim’s wife, Cindy and daughter, Katie joined Presnell Partners as Sales Assistants. Cindy has since acquired her Georgia Real Estate License and is now helping to accommodate buyers and sellers by listing and showing homes, and is pacing to reach the Savannah Area Realtor’s “Distinguished Sales Society,” an award given to those who excel in real estate sales in the Greater Savannah Area. Katie wears a multitude of hats, from Office Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, and Photographer, to Staging Director, Advertising Layout and Management, and Scheduler. “The key to running a successful real estate business is being driven, organized and efficient,” Jim insisted, “and having someone like Katie to keep those things in line has made a tremendous impact in those key areas.”

“The idea was to offer an all encompassing range of real estate services for free as an added benefit and convenience to our clients, which provides a relatively complete one-stop-shop to those who choose to market their home with our team,” says James. “We try to be on the cutting edge in terms of our profession, especially in this technological and social era. Real estate has changed; from the way it was marketed, found, negotiated, etc, but most real estate agents haven’t changed with it, and that’s exactly what we are trying to accomplish.” he continued. “The advantages of working with a team of professionals versus a single agent is flexibility, teamwork, idea sharing, having a more expansive network, not to mention the convenience that comes with having multiple professionals available to service our clients. It’s that availability and accessibility that has generated a phenomenal amount of referrals and allowed our team to excel in what was an otherwise slower real estate market.”

With so much time invested focusing on being the premier listing agents and offering a multitude of additional services, such as professional photography and staging to our home owners, The Presnell Partner’s challenge has been to focus on their potential home buyer clients. That’s where Ron comes in. “I urged Ron to pursue a career in real estate because it’s obvious that he is a great listener, his attention to detail is beyond impressive, and his desire to help people is probably his most recognizable trait,” says James. “We could talk about his sales, marketing and homebuilding experience all day long, but his ability to connect with people far exceeds his extremely impressive former accomplishments.” Jim says that Ron’s contributions, fresh perspective, and rare vision, after only four short weeks, has the already successful Presnell Partners looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what a real estate team could be. Stay tuned.

Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 53

Effingham Showcase Listings

3142 Little McCall Well maintained 3 bedroom country home with spacious rooms and large sun room can be sold with the amazing shop, outbuildings and approximately 10 acres for $325,000 or with all 60 acres for $570,000. 50 acres of the 60 acres may be sold without the house, shop and outbuildings for $250,000. The back 50 acres has two ponds, a wooded and cleared area.

Centrally located office in the heart of Rincon. This office condo is located in the Square at Towne Park West, a professional and medical office park. It is in great condition and has a functional layout. The buildings are brick on the outside & are well maintained. $139,000

Steffany Farmer Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Legacy 912.303.8018 Steffany.Team@SteffanyFarmer.com

Steffany Farmer Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Legacy 912.303.8018 Steffany.Team@SteffanyFarmer.com

613 Towne Park West

327 Moss Loop 200 Blandford Way This spacious home offers 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths, kitchen with breakfast area, keeping room, formal dining and a family room with fireplace. Master is down and features spa like bath. Hardwoods, granite & tile, Spray Foam Insulation, landscaped & Irrigation. Pool & pavilion in the future. Seller is GA Realtor.

Kim Stalnaker Heidt Burns Real Estate Consultants 912.663.0982 • 912.826.2800

Great Starter Home Charming 3br 2 full bath home located in Effingham. This stunning well maintained home features beautiful hardwood floors, high cathedral ceiling, and sprinkler system.

The home will sell with all kitchen appliances as well as the washer and dryer. Too many extras included for you to miss out on this amazing deal. This home is a must see, please call or text me to make an appointment.

Christopher Sparry 912-508-3259 • Chris.Sparry@gmail.com Keller Williams Realty 912-748-4600

5.19 acres of privacy, yet only minutes from Gulfstream and I-95. 3 Bedroom 3 bath Low Country Style home with stainless steel appliances, large kitchen with island, Hardwood, Carpet flooring, Homes features chair railing and loads of crown molding. Family room with wood burning fireplace, and more plus bonus and office with outside entrance. One of a kind!

Carrel Donnell 912-663-3416 Coldwell Banker Intercoastal 912-826-0927 www.southgahomesforsale.com

Experience Tranquility Beautiful 2 story home sitting on 9.66 acres of paradise.

3 bedrooms 2 1/2 baths; bonus upstairs, sunroom over looking the beautiful yard with spring fed creek. Outside storage building looks like an old cabin. This house is a must see with so many extras. $319,000 Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty (912) 826-0927 julie@triplepowersales.com

Your

EFFINGHAM CONNECTION

We stand for Integrity, Customer Service and Always the Lowest Price 9393 Abercorn Street Savannah, Georgia 31406

912.925.9393

www.danvadenchevrolet-cadillac.com Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 9:00 - 6:00 pm Tommy Arden General Manager

An Authorized GM Certified Pre-Owned Dealer

Barry Hallowell Sales Manager