Effingham Magazine October/November 2023

136 Categories 10k+ Votes One Heck of a Celebration!

Patriot Pros Roofing: Integrity is Our Quality

When Matthew and Jamie Pratt founded Patriot Pros Roofing there were two values they knew they would never compromise— Quality and Integrity. They love helping people make the right decision on a very important asset, their homes. They do so with a relentless attention to detail and focus on providing the very best customer service.

“We approach every customer with a servant’s heart; eager to assist with honesty and integrity throughout the entire process,” Jamie Pratt says.

In addition to expert roofing services, Patriot Pros offers siding, windows, doors, gutters and

fencing services as well. This allows the team to continue their attention to detail and quality to their customers’ other home renovation needs and gives homeowners one source to call whenever they have a project that needs attention.

Matt and Jamie Pratt are Rincon residents and love serving the Effingham County community as well as the surrounding areas from Tybee Island to Hilton Head.

If you are looking for expert work and excellent service for roofing, siding windows, doors and more, give them a call: 912-665-3338 or visit patriotprosroofing.com

Dr. Hannah Kessler, Best Principal

Dr. Hannah Kessler, principal of Rincon Elementary, is a product of the Effingham County school system from start to finish; beginning at South Effingham Elementary and Ebenezer Elementary, and graduating from Effingham County High School in 2005. She received her bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctorate degrees in education from Georgia Southern University and returned to Effingham County to work at Rincon Elementary School.

How long have you been in education? What grades and subjects have you taught?

I have been in education for 13 years. I taught fifth grade for all subjects and was also a STEM teacher for a year.

What made you go into education?

Every doctor and astronaut was first a student. First inspired by my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Betty Jean Feruson, I wanted to be a teacher that intills in students the belief that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

Why did you go into administration? I wanted to have a larger impact and contribute to the tradition of excellence that

defines Effingham County School District; creating a culture of high expectations that lead to the future success of ALL students.

What do you enjoy most about being a principal?

I enjoy being able to pop into every classroom and see the learning from our smallest Bobcats (Pre-K) to the biggest (5th grade).

What do you enjoy most about working at Rincon Elementary?

Definitely the people. We're the largest elementary school in Effingham County, but we are such a tight knit group. It feels like a family.

What has been your proudest moment in your educational career?

One of my proudest moments was being recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2016. It always means more to me to be recognized by my peers for making an impact on students’ lives.

How do you feel about being named Best Principal?

I’m humbled. I believe that I am only as great as the people that surround me. I am forever grateful for my team at RES!

Best Principal

Melissa McBride Stille of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage, LLC

Are You Ready for Health Insurance Open Enrollment?

Melissa McBride Stille is a health insurance broker who has been in the health insurance industry for 15 years. As the sole proprietor of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage she is dedicated to presenting her clients with the best health care options available because, “I work for my clients, not the insurance company!”

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Oct 15 - Dec 7

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is when everyone with Medicare has to choose to either keep their current plan or enroll in a different one.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your insurance coverage and cost remain the same because they do not! Health and drug plans can change cost, coverage, and who is in their networks from year to year.

It’s tempting to keep what you have, even if you aren’t satisfied, because investigating new plans can be very confusing. That’s why working with a local agent is critical to obtaining the best outcome for your needs.

Working with Melissa—at no cost to you—will ensure that you: get the most benefits from your plan get the lowest drug cost get personal service all year whenever you need help or have questions

Melissa can explain the four parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) as well the difference between Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Plans. She can also assist with seeing if you qualify for Extra Help (federal prescription help), Medicaid or to eliminate the monthly $164.90 Medicare Part B Premium (2023

Melissa also works with Medicare recipients under 65, including those who have Medicare through Social Security Disability, because they too have to make the same decisions annually.

Local Trusted Agent

With so many health insurance companies trying to get your business, how do you know what to do? Their only goal is for you to change your plan.

“That’s how they make money. They do not have any special plans, so don’t be fooled,” says Melissa. “They can change your plan without a signature or without you knowing! All they need is your Medicare number, so do not give it

Melissa takes pride in helping you find the plan that fits YOUR needs and being there for you after open enrollment.

“When a client’s circumstances change, that can impact their health insurance, so keeping in touch is crucial,” she says. “I promise, as my client, you will hear from me. I care about each and every client and do a review of everyone’s health policies every year because there are so many changes annually. I like to simplify things and present you with your best options.”

If you have a question regarding your health insurance options, give Melissa a call or send her an email. Remember, there is NO COST because, “I work for my clients, not the insurance company!”

“I work for my clients, not the insurance company!”

CONTRIBUTORS

1. Leidy Lester is a freelance photographer from Bogota Colombia with 8 years experience. She has traveled and worked all over the United States. One of her proudest achievements is the work she did with models and highly experienced photographers in Las Vegas.

2. Erich Perez and his wife, Dr. Misty Seale are owners of iHeart Dental in Rincon. Erich’s other role is Founder and president of Kronos Media Productions and K&R Studios in Rincon. They specialize in videography and photography as well as sound and recording. Erich and his wife are avid Jeep enthusiasts and have 5 American Bulldogs. You can check them out at @gods.of.dogs on Instagram.

3. Stephen Prudhomme is a native of New Jersey who lived in Savannah and Rincon for 25 years before moving to Pikeville, TN, with his wife and son. He’s written sports, features, news and business for a number of newspapers and magazines over nearly 40 years and likes table tennis, Frisbee and running.

4. Cindy Reid has been a freelance writer for over 15 years. She has been published extensively in Effingham Magazine, Pooler Magazine, and other lifestyle magazines. A native of New York’s Hudson Valley, she embodies the saying “I wasn’t born in the South but I got here as soon as I could.” She can usually be found on a beach, a boat or at a pier at sunset.

5. Claire Sandow is a freelance graphic design and marketing professional who lives in Savannah with her husband, daughter and two cats. She is a graduate of Georgia College & State University, where she received a degree in Mass Communication. In her spare time, she enjoys pursuing her many hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, quilting and running.

6. Katrice Williams is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration Degree. She later decided to pursue her writing interests. Katrice appreciates the Lord Jesus Christ and the many blessings He has bestowed upon her. She loves spending time with her family.

7. Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic designer specializing in print design. With more than 16 years experience, Laura enjoys shaping stories through meaningful design. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband Keith and their three beautiful children, Alli, Matthew and Claire.

8. Mabel, morale officer, enjoys roaming the backyard at home, sitting for hours on the back porch and coming to the office to greet visitors and encourage the staff. Mabel loves getting treats and taking long naps in her mommy’s office in the afternoons.

Christie Wilson Director of Advertising

Jan Southern, DPA CEO/Publisher

Devin Hollingsworth Account Executive

Morris L. Southern Chief Operations Officer

Penny Redmond Distribution

Caitlin Ruth Account Executive

PUBLISHER Jan Southern Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com

912-318-8645

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Morris L. Southern Morris@JDelSURMarketing.com

CLIENT SERVICES

Christie Wilson, Director of Advertising Christie@JDelSURMarketing.com

Devin Hollingsworth, Account Executive Devin@JDelSURMarketing.com

Caitlin Ruth, Account Executive Caitlin@JDelSURMarketing.com

DESIGN

Laura Zielinski

DISTRIBUTION

Penny Redmond

Effingham Magazine is proudly produced by:

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

Best of Effingham

From all of us at Effingham Magazine, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to vote in the 2023 Best of Effingham Reader’s Choice Awards. Your show of support for these businesses, organizations and individuals in our area is remarkable and appreciated.

Nominations opened in July with the voting taking place throughout the month of August. The Effingham community responded with thousands of shares online and votes for the favorites from best pet sitter to best cosmetic dentist.

At J. DelSUR Marketing, the publishers of Effingham Magazine, we are so proud to support this community. We are committed to a focus on sharing the amazing stories of the people and organizations that make this such a lovely place to live, work and play.

In this issue we celebrate all the readers who voted for the Best of Effingham, all the organizations who won in their category, and our incredible sponsors.

CEO/Publisher Effingham Magazine

135 Goshen Rd Ext., Suite 251, Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 295-5406

EffinghamMagazine.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Write to us and tell us what you think. Effingham Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send all letters via email to Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

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 Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Effingham County will be considered.

CIRCULATION: Effingham Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed to more than 250 locations throughout the area, as well as mailed to thousands of homes. The full magazine is available online at EffinghamMagazine.com

Views expressed in editorial or advertising do not imply endorsement by J. DelSUR Marketing Group.

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

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Ashley Boyette – State Farm Kicklighter Law

Melissa Stille with Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage

Moncrief Square

Mo’ Southern Coffee

BRONZE SPONSORS

Effingham Smiles Family Dentistry

Jan Southern

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ABOUT THE COVER

Effingham Magazine celebrates all of the winners of the 2023 Best of Effingham awards! Our readers cast more than 10,000 votes in 136 categories to determine this year’s award recipients. See the full list of our 2023 winners on page 32.

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Features

12 HandiAcc, LCC

Making the inaccessible accessible

32 Best of Effingham 2023

See the full list of the places, people and things voted “Best” by our readers

35 Do You Really Know Your Company Brand?

Branding is more than just a logo and colors—it is the essence of your business

43 6 Small, Kind Gestures to Make a Big Impact Each Day

Kindness improves well-being and leads to more positive moods. Find six easy suggestions for adding more acts kindness to your day

46 It’s All Happening at the Ranch

Guyton attraction features domestic and exotic animals

58 Jimmy Rutland

Effecting generational change through home ownership

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Don’t forget to check out EffinghamMagazine.com for more content, more photos and more information about events and happenings around Effingham County.

Celeste Corbett

Best pet sitter in Effingham Departments

9 Publisher’s Thoughts

HANDIACC, LLC: MAKING THE INACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE

Story by Katrice Williams | Photos by Leidy Lester

Iwant to make everything accessible for people with disabilities,” Joshua Williams states. Joshua is the chief executive officer of HandiAcc, LLC.

Most individuals can freely enjoy simple pleasures such as dinner at a nice restaurant, browsing through a preferred clothing store or cheering on a favorite team at a football game. Joshua would like to freely experience those opportunities as well.

The 2020 Georgia Southern University graduate likes being an outgoing guy whenever possible. The NASCAR-loving college football enthusiast just happens to have a disability—cerebral palsy. As a result, Joshua uses a wheelchair for mobility, and he also endures some vision impairment.

A Disability is not Defining

Upon obtaining his degree, Joshua was denied about 100 jobs that he had applied for, and it was not because he did not meet any of the required skill sets. He felt the interviewers only saw the wheelchair and disability instead of him and the asset he could be to their business.

An Instrument for Change

Joshua’s mom Mitzi Proffitt has worked alongside the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) - Georgia for quite some time; the 501(c)(3) organization “helps parents of children with disabilities (ages 0-26) support their child's growth and development.”

Through PTI, Mitzi helped Joshua connect with a phenomenal program— Synergies Work—“a platform that connects disabled entrepreneurs with resources, networks, and communities” that help them in their professional endeavors. He was privileged to have an outstanding mentor while in the program. Joshua completed the eight-week entrepreneurial program and earned himself an entrepreneurial ribbon.

He decided to be an instrument of positive change, not just for himself, but for countless others. Alongside Mitzi, he began noting his overall experience as a customer at various establishments. When he visited them, he regarded the smallest of details, such as maneuverability challenges and overall accessibility, along

“They would look and stare at me. Even though I had the qualifications, they still would not hire me,” he says.

Joshua has never liked the stares. He also does not like to be referred to as a “special-needs” individual; he just lives with a disability … period. It in no way defines him—his character or his competence.

Joshua is one of many individuals across the globe living with some type of disabling impairment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “1.3 billion people (16% of the world’s population) experience significant disability.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that “approximately one in four adults (61 million people) in the United States reports living with at least one disability.”

It is surprising that there have been few improvements made in providing proper public accessibility for individuals with disabilities in an era of unprecedented intellect, innovation and ingenuity; that said, everything that appears to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines does not always provide proper accommodations for effective accessibility.

with how the staff treated him. Afterwards, the two informed each venue of the issues they noticed, and they recommended ways for them to become more accessible for those with disabilities.

“We would make certain suggestions like encouraging them to add yellow paint on the sidewalk outside so everyone could see whenever they were coming up the sidewalk so as not to fall off the curb. We might suggest a certain bush be trimmed so that a person in a wheelchair would not run into it, or we might suggest widening the aisles of a store. When Joshua would go to the counter to check out, he’d pay attention to how the staff would treat him,” Mitzi states. Joshua and Mitzi wanted to officially partner with some of the businesses to help implement the positive changes.

HandiAcc, LLC

In 2022, HandiAcc, LLC was born. HandiAcc’s mission is to educate businesses on how to be more accessible for people with disabilities; it’s all about good and necessary communication.

However, it goes far beyond helping those with more obvious disabilities.

Some recommendations are things businesses just don’t think about ... we want to help them help their community by making their business more accessible to all people.

“It can help elderly people who may move more slowly or even a person who has to use a walker,” Mitzi says.

The HandiAcc process is quite simple. To begin, Joshua and Mitzi contact various businesses—retailers, restaurants, pharmacies, etc; they then set up meetings with those who are interested in a HandiAcc presentation, or a “roll in.”

During the roll in, Joshua explains the purpose and benefits of partnering with HandiAcc. When a business contractually agrees to become a partner, he evaluates the location right from his wheelchair. He assesses the overall accessibility and also takes photos for a picture presentation and gives feedback and suggestions, outlining any modifications that should be made. He, too, does staff sensitivity training so that employees understand how to properly interact with disabled customers.

Joshua gives each business an overall review and rates it on a HandiAcc accessibility scale – i.e. 80% accessible (the higher the percentage, the more accessible the venue). Reviews and ratings are shared with the public on the HandiAcc website (handiacc.llc) or via Meta and Twitter. Joshua also does a follow-up evaluation with each business after a year.

“It’s just him having conversations with them; he’s basically consulting from his wheelchair. It’s from his perspective. Some recommendations are things businesses

just don’t think about. A lot are not even extremely expensive. We want to be a friend of the business. We want to help them help their community by making their business more accessible to all people,” Mitzi mentions.

HandiAcc services the entire state of Georgia. Over the past year, Joshua has secured business partnerships from the local Georgetown area all the way to North Georgia communities. HandiAcc’s first partnership was with none other than the Forest Heights

the lives of many individuals—those who desire to do much more in life but often find the challenges of inaccessibility to be overwhelming.

“They want to go to places and do things. In this day and time, they should never be unable to go into a place because there are only stairs but no ramp; that is unacceptable,” Mitzi says. Joshua wholeheartedly agrees.

“And that’s why I don’t go,” he remarks. Mitzi feels that such a lack of accommodations is both unfair and unreasonable.

“That is sad; it’s sad when they can’t experience things that should be for everybody,” she states.

Pharmacy team in Statesboro. Taking Joshua’s recommendations to heart, the pharmacy prudently made accessibility improvements.

What is more, on August 17, Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) agreed to partner with HandiAcc after first meeting with Joshua in July. AMS agreed to make appropriate changes to their facilities to improve accessibility.

“I was happy. I have a verbal agreement with Atlanta Motor Speedway,” Joshua states. AMS has asked Joshua to train their staff in 2024 and advocate for accessibility.

Joshua and Mitzi are confident that HandiAcc will make a positive difference in

Looking ahead, the team wants to grow the business. Continuous booms in commercialization resulting from the rapid growth in the local area and throughout the state forecast a promising future for HandiAcc. Developing sound relationships with local and statewide chambers of commerce can be beneficial.

Joshua appreciates his mom; she is always right by his side. Mitzi is grateful that her son has embraced a calling that he is truly passionate about.

“He loves what he does. He’s good at it because he lives it. We pray for our next customer because we figure that God is going to put us where we need to be,” she says. ■

Joshua and Mitzi are confident that HandiAcc will make a positive difference in the lives of many individuals— those who desire to do much more in life but often find the challenges of inaccessibility to be overwhelming.

Thompson and Partners Realty Team Brings Business Experience to Real Estate

Scott and Laura Thompson have owned several companies in Effingham County – all that have provided services to homeowners including heating and air, plumbing and electric.

Now the Guyton couple is putting all their years of knowledge into a new and exciting venture – Thompson and Partners Realty Team, brokered by Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners.

Scott and Laura are excited to build a local team of realtors to serve the community of Effingham County and beyond.

“It’s what we know,” says Scott. With the Hyundai plant coming and the other support businesses, there is an even greater need for more housing, and we want to help families find the best options for them.”

The Road to Real Estate

Scott’s road to real estate started, fittingly enough, on the road. He worked for his uncle’s wrecker and septic service, Rahn’s, after moving to Rincon in 1998.

In 2004, Scott opened Scotty’s Pottys,” a portable restroom company. A short time later, he started dating Laura, leading to a move to Guyton and wedding in 2006.

Shortly after, the Thompsons added the RooterMan Plumbers franchise to offer other services to their growing company. After selling “Scotty’s Pottys” in 2011, they focused on growing RooterMan.

They didn’t stop there. In 2017, responding to a need for a hardware store in Guyton, Scott opened Thompson Hardware and operated it for several years.

In 2018, Scott rebranded into Thompson & Thompson Service Group, adding HVAC services to accommodate clients seeking a one stop service business for all the home maintenance needs. The following year, he integrated RooterMan into the company and added electrical services.

The Thompsons sold their company in 2022, leaving behind their legacy of outstanding service and giving back to the community.

Laura served in numerous positions with the couple’s businesses, including as vice president of operations. When the pandemic impacted families around the country, she stepped back to focus on her own family and homeschooling the couples three children. Now she’s ready to return to a more active role in the family’s newest career venture. “I’m looking forward to working with the public again and being involved in the

community,” Laura said. “I enjoy helping people. We’ve been self-employed for 18 years and are building on that.”

Still passionate about serving their communities, they have teamed up in the real estate field becoming licensed realtors under the Keller Williams brand. Combining their business knowledge and their personal experience of purchasing several properties, they want to build a team of realtors focused on helping families turn a new home purchase into a positive experience.

Building on Integrity

Scott and Laura know this is a challenging time to get into real estate. The real estate market has been volatile over the past several years and finding affordable options is difficult for the average home buyer. Consequently, being a realtor is just as challenging these days.

“We hope that the integrity and reputation we built at our other companies

will set us apart,” Scott said. “We put people first and always have their best interests at heart. A lot of customers have followed us through our business ventures because they know that they can trust us.” Adds Laura Scott and Laura look forward to helping their community.

We wish the Thompson Realty Team the best in their new venture. We know they are committed to serving the community well and will give it 110% of their time and effort. Just as they have throughout their careers.

Scott: 912-663-5457

JSThompson@KW.com

Laura: 912-657-4152

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | October/November 2023 17

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SoldByTheThompsons.com

VOTED BEST HOSPICE ORGANIZATION (2022 & 2023) AND BEST HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY (2023)!

(912) 800-9288

804 Towne Park Drive Suite 200 Rincon, GA

Yawn’s Gym Yawn’s Gym

(912) 826-5008 (912) 826-5008

Yawn’s Fitness Center is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Karate classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm for ages 4 and up.

Hospice and Palliative Care are not places, but rather services that provide a philosophy of comfort care through a team of trained professionals. Care is provided wherever you call home (residential, assisted living, nursing home to name a few). Hospice is not a cure; our team focuses on comfort with maintaining quality of life and dignity when someone is diagnosed with an incurable illness. Our commitment is to honor and support our patients and families to live each day to the fullest possible.

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From outdoors To open doors.

Discover Port Wentworth #ChoosePortWentworth

You may know Port Wentworth, Georgia, as “Savannah’s Front Porch,” but we are so much more. Minutes away from a myriad of conveniences, services, and attractions, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Atlantic Ocean, and Tybee Island beaches—and even historic downtown Savannah—are right at our doorstep.

Live. Thrive.

OYSTER ROAST, BBQ & MUSIC FESTIVAL Experience.

Luxury Living and Southern Charm

Exciting Experiences and Activities

More Than Pest Control

Darrell Dasher grew up in the Sand Hill area, so managing the Rincon office of Yates-Astro really is “home” for him. He gives back to his hometown by officiating sports events for all age groups in and around Effingham County. His influence goes beyond our area through his involvement as a Shriner and a Mason. Shriner Hospitals for children never charge for their services, a blessing that is the result of the work of Darrell and many others. The Children’s Home in Macon is an outgrowth of his volunteer work as well.

Darrell considers it a form of “giving back” to his hometown by protecting area homes and businesses as a pest control professional with Yates-Astro. It is hometown people like Darrell Dasher who have made Yates-Astro, a family owned local business, the largest pest control provider in the region.

BEST ALTERATIONS Alterations by Carolyn

BEST ATTORNEY Martha Hall, Hall & Navarro

BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR S & P Automotive

BEST BANK Bank of Newington, Springfield

BEST BAR 108 Ale House

BEST BARBER SHOP Amy’s Vintage Barber Shop

BEST BATH AND BODY SHOP Ellen Claire Soapery

BEST BBQ Rusty Pig BBQ

BEST BREAKFAST Ally’s Bakery LLC

BEST BURGER 108 Ale House

You VOTED for the Best!

You told us the PLACES, PEOPLE and THINGS you love in the Effingham, and we’re so proud to share the winners of the 2023 BEST OF EFFINGHAM with you!

BEST BURRITO El Real Mexican Restaurant

BEST CAKES Ally’s Bakery LLC

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP Rincon Chevrolet

BEST CHARITY EVENT Catie’s Gathering

BEST CHICKEN WINGS 108 Ale House

BEST CHILDCARE The Learning Treehouse

BEST CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Hamby, Hamby Chiropractic & Wellness, Ltd.

BEST CLEANING SERVICE Sparkling Broom Cleaning Services

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Ally’s Bakery LLC

BEST COMMERCIAL CLEANING Diamond Carpet & Textile Services

BEST COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION/CLUB

Effingham YMCA - Fun Club

BEST COMPUTER REPAIR

Repower IT

BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Coastal Contracting LLC

BEST COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Effingham Dental Associates

BEST COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER

Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery - Dr. Greco

BEST CREDIT UNION

GeoVista Credit Union - Rincon

BEST DAY SPA

Rincon Day Spa

BEST DENTAL GROUP

iHeart Dental

BEST DENTIST

Dr. Misty Seal, iHeart Dental

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

Georgia Skin and Cancer Clinic

BEST DESSERT

All Things Chocolate and More

BEST DOCTOR

Dr. Joseph Ratchford

BEST DRY CLEANERS

Effingham Cleaners

BEST ELECTRICIAN SERVICE

Southeast Electric, LLC

BEST ESTHETIC SERVICE

Your Esthetics Fix Health & Beauty Studio LLC

BEST EXTERMINATOR/PEST CONTROL

Yates Astro Termite & Pest Control - Rincon

BEST FAMILY/WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

A Shot in Time Photography

BEST FENCING COMPANY

Low Country Fencing

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Trisha Boyette, Edward Jones

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM

Trisha Boyette, Edward Jones

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES

Bank of Newington Springfield

BEST FIREFIGHTER

Scott Stringer

BEST FITNESS CENTER

Empire Gym

BEST FITNESS TRAINER

Mary Cain, Empire Gym

BEST FLOORING COMPANY

Coastal Contracting LLC

BEST FLORIST SHOP

New Life Flowers and Gifts

BEST FOOD TRUCK

G’Ma’s Express

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Chick - Fil - A, Rincon

BEST FUNERAL HOME

Thomas C Strickland and Sons Funeral Home

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Wiley’s Home Center

BEST GARAGE DOOR COMPANY

Action Overhead Doors

BEST GARDEN SHOP

Ebenezer Rose Garden

BEST HAIR COLORIST

Morgan Stephens. The Beauty Box Salon

DO YOU REALLY KNOW YOUR COMPANY BRAND?

By Dr. Jan Southern,

In the 1800’s ranchers used a “brand” to identify their cattle from others. The “brand” was essentially a logo that distinguished one rancher from the other. That is why when we think of a logo, we think of “brand.” A logo is of course, very important. Companies such as Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola take painstaking care in selecting just the right imagery, fonts, and colors to create the visual elements of their brands and with great success.

This is just one aspect to their success, however. Those essential elements make up the visual identity of the company, but the brand is much broader and frankly, much more interesting.

David Olgilvy, a leading expert on advertising defined brand as “the intangible sum of a product’s attributes.” Further defined, the attributes of a brand are the culmination of experiences, feelings and perceptions of a company or organization. It is your values, motivations for being in business, the carefully crafted customer journey. It is created out of every interaction with a customer, in every Google review, every accumulated perception built over time and through all your customers, your employees and the community in which you operate.

This is not to say that a company’s logo and colors are not critically important in communicating a brand. They absolutely are. When you see a logo with colors, shapes and symbols, it is expected that these elements reflect the values and core identity of the company or product.

I had the opportunity to work with a new company in the logistics industry last year.

I am always excited to help a startup company because to me, it is a blank canvas with a world of possibilities. By the time they hired us they had already created the company name and the logo. The name had personal meaning to the

owner and the images and colors reflected in the new logo had more to do with that meaning than with the industry and their potential customers. This is a company whose primary clients are manufacturers and warehouses who needed trucking services. The logo was beautifully designed using delicate graphics and soft pastel colors. Not an image typically conjured up when thinking of the trucking industry. Could it work? Perhaps. But it would take extra effort for prospective customers to reconcile the disconnect of a dainty, more flowery image being aligned with their male-dominated, heavy equipment type company.

So, as a small business, you likely created your logo yourself and are now thinking, “What do I do now?” Not to

identity led us to believe. There was no visible sales associate. We looked around a few minutes before a woman came out from the back of the store and went straight behind the counter. She did not acknowledge us. When we were finished shopping, I went to the counter and inquired about the personal styling. She asked for my name, phone number and email and said the expert stylist would contact me. Two weeks passed before I realized I never got that call.

So other than their logo and colors –their visual identity – did the customer experience reflect what they told us about their brand? Were they customer focused? Did they give personal attention? My perception of that brand began with their logo, colors and other aesthetics, but it will be remembered a certain way based on my experience and interaction with the boutique itself.

It is a beautiful thing when all of the elements of a brand align to strengthen the overall identity of a company or product.

worry. Your customers are likely used to your visual identity, now, you have the opportunity to infuse more depth to the brand experience, creating even deeper connections with your customers, employees and community.

My sister and I went to a boutique while traveling recently. We looked up shopping destinations online before venturing out. This boutique’s logo and website were beautiful and had the same look and feel that appealed to my style. The social media posts for the boutique were all about friendly customer service and a personal touch. I was particularly interested in their offer of a personal stylist because well, let's face it, I could always use a style refresh. When we got to the store, it was not as elegant and pretty as their brand

So, remember, your company or product brand is not your logo. If you hear that a company is going to “rebrand,” it should mean they are changing the very essence of who they are and their strategy for how they do business. The brand is built out of all the interactions, experiences and memories your audience has with you.

Your logo and marketing materials should be reflective of how you want to be perceived and how you want to treat the people that come in contact with your products or services. Assessing the brand through all of these elements is what will make for a great brand strategy and a strong and sustainable company.

For more information on building a strong brand, visit JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406

BEST HAIR SALON

The Beauty Box Salon

BEST HAIR STYLIST

Morgan Stephens, The Beauty Box Salon

BEST HANDYMAN SERVICE

Brian Gay, Second to None

BEST HEALTH INSURANCE ADVISOR

Ashley Boyette State Farm

BEST HEARING HEALTHCARE

Carolina Health and Hearing

BEST HEATING AND COOLING Total Services Heating and Air Conditioning

BEST HOME BUILDERS Cypress Customs LLC

BEST HOME DÉCOR Wiley’s Home Center

BEST HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY SunCare Hospice

B EST HOSPICE ORGANIZATION SunCare Hospice

BEST IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES Hester Business Solutions

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

Ashley Boyette State Farm

BEST IT COMPANY Repower IT

BEST KIDS ACTIVITIES

Effingham YMCA - Fun Club

BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Captain Pete Hossalla

Effingham County Sheriff’s Office

BEST LAW FIRM Kicklighter Law

BEST LAWN CARE Grow it we Mow it

BEST LEARNING CENTER Start Smart Learning Center

BEST LIQUOR STORE The Local on Laurel

BEST LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGE Shop Small Support Local - Effingham

BEST LOCAL PHARMACY

Towne Pharmacy

BEST LUNCH RESTAURANT Ms. Jeans Restaurant

BEST MAKEUP ARTIST Whitney Lipe

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO Yawn’s Professional Karate

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST Bonnie Smith B Renewed

BEST MASSAGE THERAPY GROUP Rincon Day Spa

BEST MEDICAL GROUP Effingham Health System

BEST MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SERVICE Sweet Occasions Party Bus

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY Bank of Newington Springfield Office

BEST MORTGAGE LENDER Ivy Eilerman Bank South

BEST MOVIE THEATRE Mars Theatre

BEST MOVING COMPANY Wingman Junk Removal

BEST MUSEUM

Effingham Living History Museum

BEST NAIL SALON

Rincon Nails

BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Manna House Ministries

BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER

Sharita Lewis

BEST NUTRITION PRODUCTS STORE Crush Nutrition

BEST NUTRITIONIST

Nutrition Coach Kerri Dodson

BEST OBSTETRICIAN - GYNECOLOGIST

Dr. Gregory Davis, MD

BEST ORTHODONTICS GROUP Innovative Orthodontics

BEST ORTHODONTIST

Dr. Ashley Clayton, Innovative Orthodontics

BEST ORTHOPEDIC GROUP

Effingham Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT 108 Ale House

BEST PANCAKES Omelette Café

BEST PEDIATRICIAN

Dr. Bailey Alford, MD

BEST PET DAYCARE AND BOARDING Guyton Pet Lodge

BEST PET GROOMER Diva Dogs Pet Groomer

BEST PET SITTER/DOG WALKER

Celeste Corbit

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE

PetSense by Tractor Supply

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Embolden Photography–Alicja Colon

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Cynthia Morgan Bennett, PT

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE

Effingham Orthopedics

BEST PIZZA Stoner’s Pizza Joint – Guyton

BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP Compassion Christian Effingham Campus

BEST PLUMBING COMPANY

JB Plumbing

BEST PRINCIPAL Dr. Hannah Kessler, Rincon Elementary School

BEST PRINTING COMPANY Effingham Printing

BEST PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY DeWitt Insurance Agency

BEST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Coastal Contracting LLC

BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Southern Coastal Management

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Billie Jo Cape

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Sherman and Hemstreet Real Estate Co.Effingham Branch

BEST REMODELING COMPANY Moncrief Renovations

BEST RESTAURANT WAIT STAFF 108 Ale House

BEST ROOFING COMPANY

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BEST SCHOOL Springfield Elementary School

BEST SOLAR COMPANY

Sundar Energy

BEST STEAK 108 Ale House

BEST STORAGE COMPANY 21 South Mini Storage

BEST TANNING SALON LUX Tanning Salon

BEST TATTOO ARTIST Ray Calico Tattoos High Rank Tattoo

BEST TATTOO SHOP Harley Ink

BEST TEACHER Amanda Sanders

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY A Dream Away Vacays

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT Moncrief Square

BEST URGENT CARE St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care

BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Michael Bailey, Effingham Animal Hospital

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC Effingham Animal Hospital

BEST VISION CARE Effingham Eye Care

BEST WEALTH MANAGEMENT COMPANY Edward Jones - Trisha Boyett

BEST WINDOW TREATMENT COMPANY Budget Blinds Statesboro and Pooler

BEST WORSHIP LEADER Juan Franco

A Special Thank You to our Sponsors

iHEART DENTAL: Your Number One Choice for Cosmetic Dentistry

We are thrilled and honored to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible community that has chosen Dr. Misty Seale and iHeart Dental as the number one cosmetic dentist and dental practice respectively! This incredible recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, patient care, and innovation in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

A Journey of Dedication

At iHeart Dental, our journey has been one of dedication. We embarked on this path with a vision to redefine smiles and transform lives through the artistry of cosmetic dentistry. Over the years, our team of skilled professionals has worked tirelessly to perfect our craft and provide our patients with the highest quality of care.

A Commitment to Excellence

Our commitment to excellence is at the core of everything we do. We continually strive to stay at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry by investing in state-of-theart technology, ongoing education, and staying updated with the latest trends and techniques. This commitment enables us

to deliver results that not only meet but exceed our patients’ expectations.

Gratitude to Our Patients

None of this would have been possible without the trust and support of our amazing patients. Each one of you has played a significant role in our journey, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude to you for choosing us as your dental care provider. Your smiles inspire us, and your satisfaction drives us to continuously raise the bar in cosmetic dentistry.

Our Dedicated Team

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A Promise for the Future

As we reflect on this remarkable achievement, we want to assure you that our commitment to your oral health and wellbeing remains unwavering. We will continue

to innovate, provide exceptional care, and offer personalized treatment plans to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Join Us in Celebrating

To celebrate this milestone, we invite you to our practice to have an opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, and learn more about the exciting advancements in cosmetic dentistry.

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for choosing Dr. Misty Seale and iHeart Dental as the number one cosmetic dentist and dental practice. Your trust and support are the cornerstones of our success, and we look forward to many more years of serving you and creating smiles that truly reflect the beauty within.

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6 Small, Kind Gestures to Make a Big Impact Each Day

Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. While these moments can have a monumental impact on the person on the receiving end, they often go unrecognized.

In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Experimental Psychology” found that performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being and leads to more positive moods. At the same time, many people underestimate the impact their kindness may have on themselves and others.

To help foster positive connection among friends, family and communities, which the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory revealed can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions, people should consider ways to weave moments of kindness into their daily lives.

Here are a few simple ways to show kindness:

Hold the Door for Strangers

It may seem small, but holding the door for someone who is entering or exiting a building after you is a brief way to offer a helping hand and set off a contagious string of goodwill.

Send a Thoughtful Surprise

Sending someone a favorite treat, book or even a photo memory can provide a positive boost to not only the recipient but the sender as well. To take this gesture one step further, have a gift delivered to a person you don’t know but may be in need of a thoughtful gesture – such as a basket to a soldier overseas or senior citizens in local nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Celebrate and Share Kindness Online

So much of the world is connected via social media. To build positive connections online, seek out digital spaces or services that emphasize and inspire kindness, such as the Starbucks Kindness Mobile AR experience. By combining the real world with augmented reality, the experience invites people to explore and share acts of kindness through notes inspired by real stories of kindness, photos, videos and Kindness Cards that can be shared on social media or by text message.

Look for Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering time to local organizations, such as nursing homes, homeless shelters or food pantries, is an engaging and personal way to help those in your community.

Be Kind to Your Mind

By practicing gratitude, compassion and kindness toward yourself, you can spark moments of kindness that are more genuine and intentional with others. Meditation practice, such as the free, guided collection from Starbucks and Headspace, invites calm and kindness, opening the door to cultivate a more considerate relationship with mind, body and world.

“Experiencing kindness in the world begins with cultivating kindness toward ourselves,” said Dora Kamau, mindfulness and meditation teacher at Headspace. “This week, try being kind to your mind and notice how this has a ripple effect on others and the world around you.”

Offer Words of Encouragement and Gratitude

Whether it be via a text, note or conversation in-person, words are a direct way to show kindness and help individuals feel seen, appreciated and respected. Depending on what the situation requires, providing a compliment or saying, “thank you,” can make a significant impact on someone’s day.

For more ideas to share a little kindness, visit stories.starbucks.com.

Sponsored by Starbucks

IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE RANCH

Guyton Attraction Features Domestic and Exotic Animals

Story by Stephen Prudhomme

Photography by Leidy Lester

When he was 14 years old and living in a rural area of Brazil, Gilvan Valim would saddle his horse and travel three hours to visit his uncle just to see his collection of birds. With every visit, there was always hope that maybe this time his uncle would give him a bird of his own.

Valim’s love of birds has not abated over the years, but his locale has changed. He is now in Guyton, where he and his wife, Shannon, have opened Hope Ranch, a 30-acre exotic and bird sanctuary. Hope Ranch is home to 2,500 birds (with more than 500 on display) and more than 200 mammals including monkeys, bison, cows, goats and large cats.

Due to zoning restrictions of a zoo in Effingham County, Hope Ranch is legally referred to as an agricultural support area. It took the couple a little more than two years to acquire the necessary federal, state and county permitting but finally, on August 1, they were allowed a soft opening.

“We’re offering guided educational tours as we try to get our feet wet and figure out how to bring the public through our facility,” the couple said. “We’ll add handicapped-accessible restrooms and are shooting for a fall grand opening.” Hope Ranch is governed by USDA as well as Georgia Game & Wildlife.

A lynx named Lisa proved to be the impetus for opening Hope Ranch. Amidst the growth of their farm, the Valims found Lisa was available for adoption. Since lynx are not allowed in Georgia due to licensing regulations, Lisa was to live in South Carolina at an upcoming zoo. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the South Carolina zoo did not open, and Lisa had no choice but to go home to Hope Ranch in Guyton.

“With heartfelt determination, we welcomed Lisa into her new home in Georgia and she began to flourish! It was then we realized Hope Ranch was destined to become more than just a haven for our farm animals. That prompted us to embark

on a journey toward establishing our ranch that we now know and love.”

Founded on a Love of Birds

Birds are an important part of Hope Ranch, and their presence can be traced to a boy in Brazil willing to go the distance on a horse or bike and an unexpected gift in the road.

Fascinated by his uncle’s birds as a youngster, Gilvan developed a growing love for them while hoping he could take one home. As it turns out, he took more than one home after a relative picked up a box of birds that had fallen off a truck that he was following. The birds were given to Gilvan as a gift and he was tasked with caring for them. Little did he know those

birds would start a lifetime passion that led to the establishment of Hope Ranch.

Having many species of birds, particularly pheasants and peacocks, inspired the idea to obtain different types of animals. Over the next several years, Gilvan and Shannon acquired a number of exotic and domestic animals as they built their collection of furry and feathered friends. The Valims said many species have been obtained from other breeders, auctions, and rescue situations.

Among the exotic animals are two patas monkeys that went bananas, so to speak, on Memorial Day of 2022. They left the ranch and were on the loose for several days, causing a scare in Effingham County

before they were discovered in a neighbor’s yard several miles away.

“It stirred quite a commotion on the unsuitability of wild monkeys in South Georgia,” said Shannon, describing the two primates, Mel and Jerry, as mischievous. “The escape was hard to miss due to the wide broadcast of the event. In these trying times, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Effingham County and our incredible local community for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, spanning countless hours, to ensure the safe return of Mel and Jerry back home.”

The Logistics of Running a Rescue Ranch

Opening a ranch such as theirs, the Valims said, requires a mixture of dedication, expertise, and thorough planning to ensure the well-being and welfare of the animals. It involves comprehensive knowledge of speciesspecific care, habitat design, safety protocols, veterinary support and more. Additionally, they had to obtain the necessary permits and licenses and follow the guidelines for animal care. “Needless to say, we have our hands full,” Shannon said.

While there are hundreds of animals, there’s basically one individual setting up the enclosures, cages and fencing—Gilvan. “He does it all,” said Shannon, who started working for Gilvan’s construction company in 2012. “He is a master craftsman.”

Educating children on animals in an area replicating their natural habitat and showing them the proper respect and care is what’s most important to the Guyton couple.

Given the emphasis on agricultural education in the area, the Valims said their ranch provides continuing education on farm animals while introducing youngsters to their wild brethren.

“We are so excited,” the Valims said. “We want to bring kids here, promote healthy care and enrichment of all our animals.”

A Group Effort

Handling a number of jobs at Hope Ranch is Kaylee Haro. She met the couple through their shared love of animals. “I have loved animals my entire life and was a lead veterinary technician and licensed wildlife rehabber in South Carolina prior to working with Hope Ranch,” Haro said. “Gilvan and Shannon used the vet clinic where I worked. They offered me a job to oversee the animals’ health, dietary needs, and enrichment program, working closely with our vet, Dr. Kayce Croy, at Faulkville Animal Hospital.”

Dr. Croy took on a big challenge with Hope Ranch when others did not even know where to begin to help. She jumped right in. Dr. Croy is their attending veterinarian for their domesticated as well as exotic animals.

Haro said, “little did I know with this opportunity I would be gaining more than a job but a family.” That family includes the animals, which remain Haro’s passion. It isn’t just making sure they aren’t sick, she said, but also ensuring all their needs are met. That includes diet, habitat, making toys/puzzles for them, and keeping their minds sound by keeping them engaged.

Another passion is educating visitors, especially children. “I love seeing kid's faces when they learn something new or get to hold or pet animals they've never seen before,” Haro said.

Feedback on the zoo has been positive since it opened for tours, according to Haro. Many visitors described it as an amazing experience and have inquired about annual passes. Others said they didn’t realize they had so many animals and can’t wait to return. A young girl recently posed the best question. “She was asking when are we going to get a unicorn,” said Haro with a laugh.

As the search for a unicorn continues, the Valims, unlike many of their animals, are not sitting on their haunches, the facility is continuing to grow everyday!

“We are currently building a reptile area, gift shop, huge playground, rock climbing wall, and a splash pad too! We eventually want to share a nighttime experience as many animals are nocturnal,” said Haro.

Troy Allen, chairman of the Effingham County Chamber Board, says they are excited to hear about this new venture in the county, noting a zoo in the local community will be a great tool for learning among young people.

“They will be able to experience exotic animals in a somewhat natural environment and learn from the zookeepers the history of these animals along with the education on the proper techniques to care for them,” Allen said. “This should be an exciting opportunity to bring the community together and also bring in more tourism to our area. Effingham County has much to share with others and by having a local zoo, we hope to be able to showcase more of our county. We welcome them to the county.”

Hope Ranch is located at 1381 George Hurst Dr. in Guyton 31312. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 per person and free for children 2 & under. ■

We’re offering guided educational tours as we try to get our feet wet and...we are shooting for a fall grand opening.

CREATING NOT JUST AN EVENT BUT AN EXPERIENCE

RUSTIC ELEGANCE | MODERN TOUCHES

Nestled in the heart of Effingham lies the charming Moncrief Square—located in downtown Springfield, GA, within walking distance of quaint restaurants and local shops. Our versatile space includes a barn, cottage, courtyard, and silo that lends itself to a wide variety of events, from intimate gatherings to the most lavish affairs.

BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE RINCON AND POOLER LOCATIONS

Welcome to the Badcock Home Furniture & More Rincon and Pooler store locations, where they love helping their customers make their house a home. “From your shopping experience to your delivery experience, we give our customers the best experience possible by delivering high quality products and putting our customers’ needs first,” says Jeremy Nease, owner of both stores.

Nease purchased the Rincon Badcock Home Furniture & More in 2011. He successfully grew the customer base, in fact it tripled in eight years, which led him to open his second store in 2019.

“We built the 15,600 square foot stand alone Pooler store from the ground up,” says Nease. “Both our stores are one stop shopping for everything you could need for your home, from recliners to mattresses. We have superior quality with extremely competitive prices ensuring you will get the best deal possible with us.”

For Every Room in the House

At Badcock it is easy to cost effectively transform your bedroom, living room, or dining room into a beautiful space you and your family will love. Their vast selection includes:

• Sofas (sectionals, sleepers), chairs, recliners

• Dining room sets, bar stools

• Bedroom suites, separate pieces, mattresses for all size beds

• Kitchen and laundry appliances

• TVs, computers, home theaters

• Rugs, lamps, wall decor, decorative pillows

Spring Savings

Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home! From new sofas to bright accent pieces, Badcock has it all. Revamp your living room or bring in new kitchen appliances. Create an inviting outdoor living space complete with a new grill (gas or charcoal)—and keep your yard beautiful with their selection of lawn equipment. And Nease says, “with the vast majority in stock, no waiting months here!”

Utilize your tax refund by investing in your home or take advantage of Badcock’s in-house financing. Badcock Home Furniture & More offers affordable payment plans just right for every customer. They make it stress free to apply for credit with in-house financing that works for you. Check it out and see how easy it is!

Winning Team

“Our team is here for you,” says Nease. “They all go above and beyond to give every customer the best possible outcome, from product selection to home delivery.”

The team is led by General Manager Bobby Heath, Theresa Davis, Rincon Store Manager and Dezi White, Pooler Store Manager.

“Our stores provide customers with the style of home furnishings they want, at prices they love, by friendly sales associates, in an atmosphere that allows them to picture the furniture in their own home,” says Nease. “Come in and check out our products in person.”

About W.S. Badcock Corporation

W.S. Badcock Corporation, a subsidiary of Franchise Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG), is a southeastern home furnishings company headquartered in Mulberry, Fla. Founded in 1904, its branded Badcock Home Furniture & More retail chain has grown to more than 380 corporate and associate dealer stores across eight states. Badcock carries a complete line of furniture, appliances, bedding, electronics, home office furnishing, accessories and seasonal items while offering payment plans just right for its customers.

For more information, visit www. badcock.com.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DEDICATES 23RD HOME IN EFFINGHAM COUNTY

Another family now has a safe and stable home thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County. The local affiliate of the national nonprofit organization dedicated a new home in Guyton on September 16, the 23rd home constructed in the county since the affiliate’s establishment in 1995. The home took about a year to build, with volunteers first being welcomed for construction in October 2022.

The home was built in partnership with new homeowner April Wise, who received her keys to the home at the dedication ceremony. April had previously applied for a Habitat home but did not meet all the requirements at the time. After trying again last year, she was accepted.

“I was so excited,” April says. “I called everybody.” Sharing the good news with friends and family was just the first step in the process. She then worked alongside volunteers from the community and local churches to build her home, part of the 250 hours of sweat equity required from each homeowner.

“I enjoyed going out there to help. You’re not only doing it because it’s yours; you’re also helping the community,” April says. “It’s a great feeling to know that you can look back in 15-20 years and know that you built this house.”

The homebuilding process is a learning experience for the partner family as they learn about the fundamentals of construction from more experienced volunteers, some of whom do this professionally.

“It meant so much to me that there were so many people that came out to get this home built for me and my children,” April says. “They’ve shown me things that I never would have known. They showed me how to cut the wood, how to measure it and how to use a nail gun. I enjoyed working with every single one of them.”

April isn’t the only one who will benefit from the stability provided by Habitat for Humanity’s pathway to attainable home ownership. Her two children, ages 13 and 9, are also excited to

move. “They’ve been asking every week, ‘Mama, when are we moving?’” April says.

Now that this home is complete, plans are in motion to build two more homes, one in Rincon and another in Guyton. Families who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply to be one of the next partners.

A common misconception about Habitat for Humanity is that homes are given for free, but that is not the case. Prospective homeowners must meet certain employment and income requirements, be able to make a 2 percent down payment and monthly mortgage payments, have a credit score of at least 640 and have less than $1000 in delinquent debt.

“Applying for a Habitat home can be challenging, but it’s worth the reward,” says Jimmy Rutland, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County. “We want to see families succeed in their goal of home ownership, and we are happy to advise applicants throughout the process.”

habitatec.org

| 3605 Hwy. 21 E. Rincon

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ASHLEY BOYETTE, STATE FARM INSURANCE

“We protect families and plan futures,” says Ashley Boyette, State Farm Insurance Agent. “My main focus is to make sure we protect what is important to you. From auto to home to life insurance, together we can take care of what matters most in your life.”

Taking care of her customers is what Ashley does best. She finds solutions and presents options that benefit you. She says life insurance is one such area, “Life insurance is where we can be a beacon of light during a time of trauma and loss by providing much needed funds when tragedy strikes.”

Life insurance proceeds can pay off debts that might otherwise leave your loved ones in a difficult position. Ashley can work with you to find a policy that ensures your family can stay in their home, something she is passionate about. “Spending as little as $20 a month buys peace of mind,” she says, “And we can settle the death claim within five days.” She welcomes small business owners and would love to help them offer a benefits package to their employees. And no need to worry about any fees because, “my services are completely free of charge, all day, everyday. An inquiry is

free. A quote is free,” says Ashley. “Give me the opportunity to serve you, and if it doesn’t fit now, we can talk again down the road and see if it fits later.”

Ashley is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and is a longtime Effingham County resident. “Come see me and take advantage of my local knowledge and our great customer service, where we treat all our customers like family.” Being local means Ashley sees her customers in town, at community events and while volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, the Rotary Club, and the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. She says, “I love all the opportunities that our small businesses offer, from yoga studios to restaurants. Our area is growing by leaps and bounds. And it is such a wonderful community to be part of with great opportunities and new people here everyday.”

Ashley Boyette’s State Farm Insurance is a customer focused office where the friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to serve you. Ashley says. “Give us the opportunity to earn your business. Call us today!”

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“My services are completely free of charge, all day, everyday. An inquiry is free. A quote is free,”

JIMMY RUTLAND

Effecting Generational Change Through Home Ownership

Story by Claire Sandow |

by Erich Perez

Photography

or nearly 20 years, Jimmy Rutland has shaped the futures of multiple families in Effingham County, first as a volunteer and currently as President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County.

Jimmy started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in 2004, encouraged by his peers in his men’s prayer group that still meets to this day. He has been involved in every build since then, spending many Saturdays on home construction sites. He was invited to join the board of directors in 2008 and assumed the role of executive director in 2010.

“I was looking for a career move. I had been working with a commercial construction company and [this role] fit in with what I did,” Jimmy says. “It’s interesting being in a job where you come to work every day and your motivation isn’t making a profit.”

When he worked in construction, Jimmy tracked projects from start to finish and became familiar with the logistics and costs required to ensure that a project stays on schedule.

Jimmy also worked in IT for many years, giving him experience that has helped him adapt to a changing technological landscape. From building personnel databases at AT&T to tracking donors at Habitat, his roles have evolved but some things stay the same. Social

media and online donation platforms allow Habitat for Humanity to reach a wider audience, but the personal relationships he has built are still essential for the mission.

“There are a lot of nonprofits in our community, and they are all trying to solicit money in the community for their missions,” Jimmy says. “We aren’t able to serve large numbers of people like a food pantry that gives out thousands of pounds of food, but the changes we make are generational.”

conditions. This gives them stability,” Jimmy says.

Because Habitat for Humanity strives to create stability for the people they serve, Jimmy has kept up with many of the partner families over the years.

“Some of them come by the office and I see some others regularly like when I’m out shopping. Some of them call when they have issues or questions, which we encourage fully.”

April Wise, the newest homeowner through Habitat for Humanity, benefited from Jimmy’s guidance to qualify for her home. She had applied previously but did not meet all the requirements, so she went back to the drawing board and was able to qualify on her second try.

Since the Effingham County affiliate’s establishment in 1995, they have strived to provide pathways to home ownership for families who struggle with substandard living conditions and saving for a large down payment while facing housing costs that eat up most of their income.

“Many of the families we serve, there’s upheaval. They move from place to place because of a rent increase or poor living

“Jimmy worked with me and told me exactly what I needed to do,” April says. “After I applied for the house the second time, he looked me dead in the eye and said ‘April, I’m very proud of you. You’ve come a very long way since the first time I met you.’ He’s a great man.”

Building a Team

As President and CEO, Jimmy is supported by a board of directors with 11 members who boast a variety of complementary skills and community relationships, but one thing is most

We aren’t able to serve large numbers of people like a food pantry that gives out thousands of pounds of food, but the changes we make are generational.

important: a passion for Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

“We operate differently than a lot of boards,” Jimmy says. “We spend our meeting time discussing the future, not the past. We focus on what we’re doing next.”

Jim Presnell, chairman of the board of directors, describes Jimmy as someone with a special connection to Effingham County. “He seems to know everyone and has a recollection or short story about all of them.”

Jimmy’s staff also thinks highly of him both professionally and personally.

“He always backs me up. You don’t often get that in a retail environment,” says ReStore manager Kait Rapp. “He has also supported me outside of work. He came to zoning committee meetings to speak on my behalf when I was working to build a tiny home. He did research, found

building codes for me…he’s an all-around awesome guy.”

Community Impact

Jimmy is native to Savannah but moved to Effingham County in 1991. He and his wife of 51 years raised four children, one of whom still lives in the area. They also have eight grandchildren and five of them live in Effingham County.

Outside of work, Jimmy stays busy with home renovations. He owns a 120-yearold farmhouse in Springfield, and there’s always a project to do to keep it in good condition.

Jimmy’s relationships have helped to build Habitat as a pillar of the community. He is a member of the Effingham County Exchange Club, a service organization that supports many local nonprofits and community groups.

“We want to participate in some of the growth of the county,” Jimmy says. “We hope to grow our financial support and our volunteer participation as more people come in.”

Volunteers like Connie Bazemore give of their time and talents because they believe in the mission of Habitat for Humanity in the same way that Jimmy does. Her church, Bible Lutheran Church in Rincon, was a major sponsor of the most recent home and several others before that. Connie originally met Jimmy through mutual friends and commiserates with him on the joys and challenges of the nonprofit realm.

“I worked for a nonprofit for 20 years, so I know they never have enough help and they never have enough money,” Connie says. “That’s why I chose [Habitat] to start volunteering.”

Dedicated to the Mission

Under Jimmy’s leadership Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County recently dedicated its 23rd home. The home—the third of four homes planned for 4th Street Extension in Guyton—took just over a year to build with the help of volunteers from all walks of life, including the new homeowner and her two children.

Every home dedication is special to Jimmy, but one from several years ago stands out specifically because it shows the positive impact that a stable home can provide. At this dedication, the homeowner’s child asked “Mommy, is this really our home now? I can have my own room for good?” to which her mother was able to respond, “We’re never going to have to move again.”

“Doing this job is extremely gratifying, putting families in homes and seeing their

reactions,” Jimmy says. “It’s the perfect example of why we do what we do.”

Now that this home is complete, Jimmy is looking forward to the next ones. Land has been set aside for two more homes in the county: one in Guyton and another in Rincon. They are looking for partner families who are prepared to take on the opportunity of attainable home ownership.

How to Help

Fundraising is also an ongoing project. “Revenue from the ReStore covers most of our overhead expenses, so our donation dollars can go straight into our construction projects,” Jimmy says. Donors can choose to contribute to a specific build or donate to the general fund, either as a one-time donation or as a recurring pledge.

Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County also conducts ongoing collections of aluminum to recycle. The scrap

aluminum is sold by the pound and the proceeds benefit Habitat’s ongoing construction costs. For participating, they also receive a grant from Habitat for Humanity International and Novelis. Aluminum cans can be dropped off at the bin in front of the ReStore.

Donations of gently used household appliances, furniture, tools and surplus building supplies are appreciated at the ReStore, which provides an affordable alternative to buying new. Volunteers are appreciated at the ReStore to help with loading and unloading, organizing and other tasks as needed.

Jimmy hopes that construction will begin on the next homes later this year. Volunteers will be welcomed on the build sites after the foundation is poured. Visit habitatec.org for volunteer sign-ups, making donations and keeping up with construction updates. ■

STONER'S PIZZA JOINT is a delivery and takeout focused concept featuring fresh, high-quality food prepared in-house daily with minimal production time, including proprietary recipes for the pizza dough, sauce, and cheese blend. Menu items include a variety of specialty pizzas, calzones, strombolis, sandwiches, hickory-smoked chicken wings made daily in-house, freshly prepared salads, and freshly baked desserts.

Best Pizza

Local owners Bob & Mary and their team want to say “thank you, Effingham!” for voting us Best Pizza!"

CELESTE CORBETT: BEST PET SITTER IN EFFINGHAM

When Celeste Corbett comes to the door, the pets inside can hardly contain their excitement. They know that she was not voted Best of Effingham’s Best Pet Sitter for nothing. She is their caregiver when their owners are away at work or on vacation and she is going to treat them as if they are her own pets—with lots of love, attention, and care.

Born near Rochester, NY, Celeste has lived in Effingham County since her granddaughter was born in 2001. She was living in Southwest Florida when she came to Georgia to help her daughter, Paula with the new baby and decided to stay. Celeste was a hair stylist for most of her career and even taught at Savannah Technical College before retiring in 2015.

Family is extremely important to Celeste, and she spends time with her grandchildren every chance she gets. She is also known to take an occasional cruise or simply go camping if it means seeing new sights and spending time with good friends and family. Her dog George is usually along for the ride going on every trip possible with Celeste.

Always an animal lover and with a special affinity toward dogs of all breeds and sizes, Celeste sort of fell into pet sitting. Her daughter’s friend needed a pet sitter when going on vacation, so Celeste volunteered for the week. She quickly

Celeste. We don’t worry at all. We know she is going to take the extra steps to make sure they are not just getting their basic needs met but are thriving and happy while we are away.”

Celeste loves all animals, including her cat clients. The cats light up when Celeste comes around. She feeds them, changes their litter boxes, and gives them a good scratch behind the ears if the cat will allow it. She knows they are comfortable in her presence even if they pretend to ignore her.

Pets miss their owners when they are not around. However, Celeste provides the much-needed care and attention during the time the owners are away. Celeste knows that pets are most comfortable in their own homes and are less stressed overall. She loves seeing the animals in their own environments and giving them a little love each day.

realized that she really enjoyed it, and a new side job was borne. Celeste enjoys spending time with the pets and loves knowing she is helping maintain the animals’ routines while their owners are out of town.

Jessica, a resident of Rincon, says “It gives me such peace of mind knowing my pets are in her care. They absolutely love

She knows she is fulfilling a need for the pet parents, and she can tell that her “clients” are happy when they wag their tails each time she comes to see them.

If you would like to learn more about Celeste Corbett, our Best Pet Sitter of Effingham, she can be found on Facebook or give her a call at (912) 856-9819.

Story by Jan Southern | Photography by Erich Perez

VOTED Best Construction Company (2022 & 2023), Best Flooring Company (2023), and Best Property Maintenance (2023)

Thank you Effingham! Thank you Effingham!

As a local, family-run business, we are honored to be chosen as Effingham’s Best Construction Company (2022 & 2023), Best Flooring Company (2023) and Best Property Maintenance (2023). Our mission is to always improve the communities, homes and businesses where our customers live and work. We never waver from our responsibility to deliver the highest quality remodeling, repairs, and above all, customer satisfaction.

As a local, family-run business, we are honored to be chosen as Pooler’s Best Construction Company, Remodeling Company, Plumber, and Electrician. Our mission is to always improve the communities, homes and businesses where our customers live and work. We never waver from our responsibility to deliver the highest quality remodeling, repairs, and above all, customer satisfaction.

As a local, family-run business, we are honored to be chosen as Pooler’s Best Construction Company, Remodeling Company, Plumber, and Electrician. Our mission is to always improve the communities, homes and businesses where our customers live and work. We never waver from our responsibility to deliver the highest quality remodeling, repairs, and above all, customer satisfaction.

As a local, family-run business, we are honored to be chosen as Pooler’s Best Construction Company, Remodeling Company, Plumber, and Electrician. Our mission is to always improve the communities, homes and businesses where our customers live and work. We never waver from our responsibility to deliver the highest quality remodeling, repairs, and above all, customer satisfaction.

Kicklighter Law Receives 2023 Best Law Firm Award in Effingham Magazine

Kicklighter Law is honored to be named “Best Law Firm” in Effingham Magazine’s “2023 Best of Effingham, Readers’ Choice Awards” issue. The firm is thankful for the recognition from the local community it has proudly served for decades.

Kicklighter Law is committed to protecting Georgia residents' rights and best interests. A compassionate and personalized approach drives Kicklighter Law forward with successful results and satisfied clients.

Kicklighter Law provides top-rated legal representation in various practice areas:

• Personal Injury

• Family Law

• Criminal Law

• Construction Litigation

• Bus Accidents

• Car Accidents

• Catastrophic Injuries

• Drunk Driver Accidents

• DUI

• Medical Malpractice

• Product Liability

• Psychiatric Abuse

• Slip and Fall Accidents

• Truck Accidents

• Water Contamination/Camp Lejeune

• Wrongful Death

Mickey Kicklighter, Esq. is a zealous advocate at Kicklighter Law. He has handled over 1,000 courtroom cases and more than 75 jury trials and�has successfully negotiated over 7,000 resolutions in other legal matters. Mickey’s excellence and dedication are the foundation of Kicklighter Law.

For more information, visit kicklighterlaw.com or call our office to speak with a member of the Kicklighter Law team.

Please thank these advertisers for contributing to our community and making this publication possible. If you want to be part of this list, email Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406.

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

The daughter of an Olympic swimmer, Angela swam competitively until a scoliosis surgery ended her career. Her two daughters both followed in the family’s footsteps, and when 11 year-old Nola developed signs that Angela feared might signal the onset of scoliosis, she brought her to St. Joseph’s/Candler.

WE’RE COMPETITIVE ABOUT PROVIDING THE BEST CARE.

Dr. Steven Greer, a musculoskeletal physician specializing in sports medicine, diagnosed Nola with a 2cm leg-length discrepancy. He understood how much competitive swimming meant to the family. Because his approach involves identifying noninvasive therapies to delay or prevent surgery whenever possible, his solution was relatively simple—Orthotics would give her the support she needed. Today Nola continues to pursue the sport she loves, as Dr. Greer continues to treat the entire family.

“My goal is to help patients get where they want to be in life with as minimal intervention as possible, whenever possible.” – Dr. Greer

– Steven Greer, M.D. – Musculoskeletal Specialist

WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER”