Appling County Living Summer 2017

APPLING COUNTY Living

$3.50

I’ve Got the

Musicin me THE DYAL HOUSE | PINE FOREST GARDEN CLUB PEGGY MILES - A SERVANT LEADER | ARTS & CULTURE Showcasing Your Community's Personality

AROUND APPLING – SHOWCASING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

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FULGHAM

Drugs Ray Dixon, PharmD

YYr Neighbbhhd PHARMACY

and Mbe

34 North West Park Avenue Baxley, GA 31513 Phone: 912•367•2488 Fax: 912•366•0179

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Your Community's Personality FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA | 800082221124 Showcasing | IUFCU.ORG |

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ABOUT THE COVER:

Featured on the cover are members of the Appling Show Choir in Downtown Baxley. John F. Riddle took the cover photo and this photo. Special thanks to Karen Davis and Jeannie Morris for coordinating the photo shoot and for their assistance.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS FEATURES 28

And, of course, to our cover models and representatives from the Appling Show Choir Chris Norman, Bailee Butler, Cami Crosby, Spenser Ballard, Michael Davis, and Caroline Morris.

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A HERO AMONG US

William Lee "Billy" Lewis, 91, is a veteran of WWII and is one of the "Greatest Generation" that helped save the world.

He is a hero among us.

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I’VE GOT THE MUSIC IN ME

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BAXLEY’S BEAUTY – OUR CIVIC DUTY

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THE DYAL HOUSE – THE LEWIS HOME

The choral program in Appling County has had a profound impact on many students through the years including Karen Davis, a former participant, and current director.

The Pine Forest Garden Club celebrates its 65th anniversary.

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Appling County Living

It is known as the Dyal House, but it's the Lewises that have poured their passion into the house that has been their home since 1972.

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A SERVANT LEADER

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APPLING LEADS

Peggy Miles believes that serving is the best way to lead.

The Chamber's new leadership development program is creating leaders for the future.

Swain Funeral Home (Seated) David McLellan, Justin McLellan - Funeral Director, Wesley Swain - Funeral Director, Rick Brown (Standing) Mike Redwine, Wilbert Lynch, Kip Davis, Joy Mack, Angelisa Hodges, Karen Branch

““e home that service built” Serving our hometown since 1938 Offering traditional burials, cremation services, and pre-planning Contact us at 912-367-2242 1632 Hatch Parkway N. • Baxley, GA 31513

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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PROFILES 49

FARM TOUR CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE

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JUDY JOHNSON – AN ARTIST TO ALL

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THE FARMER’S MARKET

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AROUND APPLING

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ARTS & CULTURE

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THE DISH

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Appling County Living

Charles Davis and the late "Buster" Miles recognized for their lifetime contributions to agriculture.

Judy Johnson's latest endeavor to teach people to paint is "Spirits and Strokes."

A new state-of-the-art pavilion in Downtown Baxley is the place for fresh produce.

Baxley and Appling County offers its citizens many ways to be involved and have fun while providing visitors an exciting backdrop for their stay in Southeast Georgia.

The Arts Council of Appling County and the Caroline Miller House offers a variety of musical, dramatic, and literary programs throughout the year.

James Farmer - Setting A Summer Table.

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The annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

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It is our goal to offer the best possible care to you and your family!

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For an appointment, call toll free (866) 806-0800 or (912) 427-0800 | www.BJISG.com | www.Facebook.com/BJISG Showcasing Your Community's J. Lex Kenerly, III, MD • J. Matthew Valosen, MD • Thomas P. Loumeau, MD • Amber Aragon, MD • Monica Carrion-Jones, MDPersonality W. Scott Rowell, P.A. • W. Stephen Hutcheson, P.A.-C • Kyle Deuter, P.A.-C

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

APPLING COUNTY Living Editors and Publishers John F. & Connie K. Riddle Showcase Publications, Inc.

John F. Riddle

Connie K. Riddle

AROUND APPLING Baxley and Appling County have so much to offer residents and visitors alike, and this issue of Appling County Living is full of examples. A new section called, “Around Appling" features activities, events, and programs that show the extent of which this community goes to provide opportunities for citizens to get out and get involved! This issue also highlights heroes, artists, farmers, musicians, civic leaders, and more who are all a part of making this community so wonderful.

We have a special place in our hearts for Baxley and Appling County because Appling County Living was the first magazine we published.

Even though we publish seven magazines currently across South Georgia, we always enjoy coming back to Baxley and the great friends we have made here over the years.

Special thanks to Keri Crosby at the Chamber of Commerce for working diligently in pulling together so much of the information for this issue. Also to Pari Barzegari with the Arts Council for her assistance in gathering information for the Arts & Culture section.

We welcome our new advertisers and are very grateful for our past advertisers who make every issue possible. Be sure and read the Index of Advertisers on the last page for a complete list of advertiser's websites. We encourage you to visit them often and to shop local.

Now, sit back and enjoy the 2017 issue of Appling County Living. We’ll be seeing you “Around Appling!”

John & Connie Riddle

info@showcasepublicationsga.com

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Appling County Living

Art Director: Stacey Nichols

Designers: Stacey Nichols Russ Hutto Bob Self

Contributing Photographers: Studio T Photography Shutterly Perfect Photography John F. Riddle Baxley-Appling Chamber of Commerce Jeannie Morris Members of the Pine Forest Garden Club Helen Norman Maggie Yelton Pari Bargezari Cover Photo: John F. Riddle

Contributing Writers: John F. Riddle Karen Davis Shane Curry Keri Crosby Pari Barzegari James Farmer Members of the Pine Forest Garden Club Sales: John F. & Connie K. Riddle

Appling County Living is published annually by Showcase Publications, Inc. For information on advertising or submitting articles or photography: (912)-424-8772 – P.O. Box 391 Jesup, GA 31598 info@showcasepublicationsga.com showcasepublicationsga.com Other magazines published by Showcase Publications, Inc.: Valdosta Magazine Okefenokee Living / Jeff Davis Living Wayne County Magazine Brooks County Living Mitchell County Living All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

Advertising is subject to omission, errors and other changes without notice. The opinions expressed by the writers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

JOIN THE CHAMBER! EXPAND YOUR CUSTOMER BASE DEVELOP POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS GROW YOUR BUSINESS 2017-18 Program of Work Economic Vitality Initiatives Business Development e Chamber looks to establish a Chamber Ambassador program to p connect and engage members on a quarterly basis to ensure the Chamber is aware of business challenges and opportunities to unify the business community.

Education Bridge Programs rough a partnership with the Board of Education, the Chamber will work with local industry and business to promote local opportunities for students. We will gain knowledge and provide aid in creating a cutting edge program to bridge the gap between business and students.

Attraction Development rough creative initiatives, the Chamber will conceptualize local attractions, entertainment and opportunities that will make us a more appealing community for people of all ages.

GET INVOLVED! • Networking • Supporting Economic Growth • Access to Resources • Community Involvement • Credibility • Visibility

BAXLEY-APPLING COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 305 W. PARKER ST. • BAXLEY, GA 31513 (912) 367-7731 Showcasing Your Community's Personality chamberdirector@baxley.org

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This photo of Staff Sergeant William Lee “Billy” Lewis – B-17 Waist Gunner - 34th Bomber Group, hangs inconspicuously in his “command center” with a newspaper clipping stuck in the bottom of the frame with the headline, “Sgt. “Billy” Lewis Awarded Air Medal.”

Hero Among Us

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Appling County Living

STORY BYJOHN F. RIDDLE | PHOTOS BY SCOTT BEAHAN, SHUTTERLY PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY

Through it all, Billy maintained a sense of humor and a positive attitude. Like his note to Adolf Hitler on a bomb his crew dropped over Germany. He was also known for pulling pranks on his buddies. Betty says that didn't stop after the war. "When the grandkids came along, Billy became one of them and I had to make sure he was behaving too."

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oday, young men graduate from high school with plans for college, a technical school, or a job with dreams of success. Their minds are filled with thoughts of their next date, what movie they want to see that weekend, or chronicling their lives on the latest social media platform. They might be asking their parents to borrow a credit card for a weekend at the beach or new tires for their truck. In 1942, there was a different thought filling the minds of young men. And, Billy Lewis was one of them.

and three ways to kill a man.” After a week of school learning about the B-17 and low altitude flights just six miles up, he was sent to Lincoln, Nebraska, for gunnery school.

William Lee “Billy” Lewis, 91, was born in Baxley in 1925. In 1942, he turned 17. In many ways, he was a typical young man of the time interested in girls, cars, and thinking of his future.

And he did, in fact, ask his parents for something he wanted.

Something much different than what young men think about today. Something he could not do, by law, without his parent’s permission. Billy asked his parents for a letter of permission to volunteer to enlist in the United States Armed Forces to help defend our country during World War II. They agreed, and young Billy Lewis was off with thousands of other young men to a war half-way around the world.

They flew from Lincoln to a redistribution center at Goose Bay Labrador in Canada, where they were iced in for a week. When possible, trucks would arrive daily to pick up new recruits to replace the soldiers who had been killed that day. “We were known as replacements. As crewmen were killed we were sent in,” he explained. “It was cold. When we got there, we went into a Quonset hut. There were some soldiers around a small coal stove in the middle. They weren’t very talkative. We asked them where we should sleep. They pointed to mattresses rolled up on the floor and said, ‘"...take your pick - the guys who slept there didn't come back today'", Billy remembers vividly. It wasn’t long before Billy boarded one of those trucks not sure if his mattress would be taken by a new “replacement” too.

The Air Force was training young recruits to man the B-17 bombers that were leading the air campaign against the enemy.

Billy completed basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi before being sent to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he says he, “…learned to shoot a .50 caliber machine gun, how to use a parachute,

By that time, the US had invaded Normandy, France, and war was raging across Europe. That’s where Billy Lewis would see his first action. "A few weeks later an officer came in and said, ‘We're going to a big party on the other side of the world,'" Billy explained. And, he was off to war.

"We went to a briefing one morning, and they said, ‘…your target is Berlin’. We had eaten breakfast which most of us threw up then. Then we saw the Chaplain where he talked to Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Lewis was the inspiration for Gil Cohen’s “The Crewman”, which hangs in the National Museum for the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Savannah. It has been used in marketing campaigns for the museum including billboards.

His “window to the world” on the B-17 Bomber where he manned a machine gun and helped defended the “flying fortress” through 41 missions.

Lewis, (kneeling - bottom left), with his crew looking at a map as they prepare for a mission. Two of the original crew members had been killed in action by that time.

us and prayed for us. From there they were off to England,” he recalled.

Billy flew 41 missions over Europe as a left waist gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress with the mission of "…delivering the bombs," he explained. Each bomber was equipped with ten men. The crew included the pilot and co-pilot, the bombardier, a navigator who manned guns under attack, a flight engineer who manned the top turret when attacked, a radio operator, and four gunners who manned the ball turret, machine guns on each side of the plane, and one in the tail.

According to an article by C. Peter Chen titled, “B-17 Flying Fortress”, he writes, “…although these bombers were durable, to call them ‘fortresses’ was an exaggeration; thus the gunners served an important role in defense of these actually vulnerable bombers.”

Billy recalls how vulnerable they were when on one mission when, with hundreds of bombers in a formation, they encountered the very first jets that the Germans had built to defend against the bombing raids.

“The pilots in front of the formation radioed back to us and said, ‘We see bandits. Their tails are on fire, and there are no propellers’. We didn’t know what it was. It was tough to shoot 10

Appling County Living

them down. They could go as fast as 500 to 600 miles an hour.

They would assemble miles ahead of us and then fly into us wing-to-wing. We lost a lot of men that way.” Billy explained.

“The first time we went to Berlin we lost 61 bombers with ten men in each in just one mission.”

Billy was part of some vital missions aimed at strategically slowing the German's progress in the war. “One day they told us we were going to Norway. They told us the target was a reactor - a secret weapon the Germans were developing, and they had to be stopped. If Hitler got it before we did – he could win,” he said. “They were using the cold water coming out of the North Pole to cool it. Our job was to take out the reactor.

We were successful. We were told that we slowed their progress about eight months.”

When Billy began flying missions, the crews were promised that after 25 missions they could be discharged. That was increased to 35 missions as more crew members were lost.

Billy's crew had flown 41 missions before they were shot down over enemy lines.

“We went down just north of Frankfurt. It was everybody for themselves,” they knew they would be safer that way Billy explained. “We all started walking using our compasses. I found a windmill to hide in. Some got in a stack of hay. One of

our men made it through by hiding in a secret place under the bottom of a hay wagon because they knew the German guards would stick hay with bayonets where they thought American soldiers might hide. Eventually, I ended up in Brussels, Belgium. I was messed up,” he said. He made it to a railroad station one night. The next morning he had a fateful encounter.

soldiers where a rescue attempt was to be made. “They told us there would be an airplane coming over the trees and that the plane would drop down fast and taxi but it wouldn’t stop.

They‘ll open the doors, and they told us to run to the doors.

They will lift you up into the plane,” he explained. “It happened just as they said. They took us to England.”

“The next day a beautiful woman appeared in a leather jacket.

She looked at me and said ‘American?’ I said ‘yes.' She said ‘don't move.'" Billy remembers vividly as if it had just happened yesterday. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he didn't have anyone else to trust. “She brought back her husband who was a doctor. They moved me to a basement of a home in Brussels where they hid me in a hole in a stack of firewood and covered it up with wood.” While Billy did not know where he was exactly, he would soon find out. They knew the Germans would be looking for flyer pilots everywhere so they hid Billy in the last place they thought the Germans would think to look – in the basement of the local German headquarters. “In the afternoon I heard Germans talking. It wasn’t long before I saw German boots walking right past me. There were still German guards there!” he said.

Billy was able to come home after that mission. His aunt drove him from Atlanta to Baxley where friends and family had organized a surprise reception. “It was the funniest thing – there was a reception in the hotel for me. I wouldn’t take my cap off. My mother kept saying ‘Billy, take your cap off!’ I didn’t want to because I lost all of my hair as a result of flying at high altitudes,” he recalls.

At that point, Billy’s fate was in the hands of the “underground” who helped American soldiers escape. “One night they told me they were going to move us that night,” Billy said. They took him out into some woods with other American

After being in and out of hospitals for a while, he came back to Baxley in 1945. He worked with his Dad at Lewis Auto Wrecking Company. After that, he attended college briefly.

Before long Billy had settled in and was adjusting to the life,

After returning home, it took Billy a while, as it did most men after the war, to settle back into normal society. “You’ve been killing people for a few years, and then you come home, and everyone acts so normal,” he recalled – sometimes stopping in mid-sentence as if he were reliving those very moments. “I spent a lot of time by myself. I would spend a whole day in the woods,” he recalled.

Lewis after his 41st and final mission. He wrote on the back of the photo, “41 missions through hell.”

Inscribed on the front is, “Thank God it’s all over.”

Lewis in full uniform participating in a Veterans Day Parade in Raleigh, NC, in 2003 while visiting his daughter.

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These days, his outpost is in his backyard in a small building he calls the “command center” equipped with a phone, refrigerator, and prized possessions from the war including photos, bombing maps, and a few other items including a Nazi flag. Planes hang from the ceiling.

Armored helmets line the shelves. Local history classes have visited him there to learn more about WWII firsthand from a local hero.

Billy and Betty Lewis on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

he left in Baxley when he was seventeen and before long he had met the woman he wanted to marry.

“One day some of us guys were at the drugstore where everyone hung out. And there was this girl who came walking up the street with some other girls we knew. I asked my buddies, ‘who’s that girl?’ All they knew was her name was Betty,” he explained. “When she approached I said, ‘hey Betty how are you?’.

She said, ‘do I know you?’, I told her, ‘Yes we met last year,’” he continued with the devious smile of a young man. “Why don’t you invite me to your house tonight for a hamburger so we can talk some more?” he suggested to her.

She agreed. “Then I had to find out where she lived. My buddies didn't know either. I couldn’t ask her because then she would know I actually didn’t know her,” he laughed. They were married in 1953.

Tom Brokaw, in his book "The Greatest Generation," said of the young men and women who left all they knew to help defeat an axis of evil intent on defeating democracy and ruling the world, “It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.” William Lee “Billy” Lewis is part of that generation. He is a hero among us.

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Appling County Living

The Edwin I. Hatch

Energy Education Center To learn about electricity and the benefits of nuclear power, you are invited to tour Georgia’s first nuclear energy generating plant—visit the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant Energy Education Center today!

800-722-7774 Open Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

11036 Hatch Parkway North Baxley, GA 31513 Located off of US Highway 1

Closed holidays and weekends.

Please call in advance to schedule group tours.

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James M. Swain & Associates,

established in 1986, offers a variety of insurance coverage for any lifestyle and budget. We can handle all of your home and auto insurance needs. We are able to help you with all of your life and health insurance needs, as well.

• ALL LINES OF INSURANCE • REAL ESTATE

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JMS

Appling County Living

Our agency is also available to assist you with your real estate needs.

Whether buying or selling, our experience will be of value to you.

(Row 1): Hannah Courson, Emily Deen, Emma Britt, Cami Crosby, Carson Carter, Madison Hickox, Gracie Haynes (Row 2): Bailee Butler, McKenzie Todd, Kimbrell Higginbotham, Geavonna Starr, Meagan Shipes, Hannah Rentz (Row 3) Caroline Morris, Jahnae Nails, Kristen Robenolt, Mariah Cleland, Kayla Spainhoward, Alessandra Poblete, Jasmine Cooper, Nya Spearman, Lauren Haskin (Row 4) Cody Spikes, Jose Daniels, Will Courson, Joshua Ammons, Chris Clark, Matthew Sutton, Caleb Priest, Michael Davis, Gabriel Whitley, Carsen Morris (Row 5) Pierce Tanner, Coleman O’Quinn, Clay Mathews, Nathan Wildes, Bailey Griffin, Trenton Pate, Spencer Bullard, Chris Norman, Ethan Haynes, Stewart Magee (Row 6) Daniel Gonzalez, Tyler Ursery, Kevin Pham, Trevor Pate, Kolby Walls, H.J. Fordham, Grayson Branch, Samuel Gonzalez, Koby Stone (Not Pictured): Luis Reyes, Anna Edwards, Jennifer Shipes, Shelbi Weaver, Hannah Bennett, Blanca Espitia, Natalie Horton, Desmeon Nails, Bryce Peacock

I’ve Got the

Musicin me STORY BY KAREN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY JEANNIE MORRIS

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he choral program in Appling County has had a profound impact on many students throughout the years.

It has been the impetus for many students to become music majors. In fact, I am one of those students. I grew up in Baxley and was a part of the program from the beginning in 1979, starting in the fifth grade. After graduating from Auburn University, I returned to teach for seven years. After leaving the system to work at a church for eleven years, I came back in 2009 to continue the program.

The choral program and the "Appling Applause" show choir started in 1979 after HF Johnson and Earl Ammons, two school board members, attended a board of education conference where the Auburn University Singers provided the entertainment. They were both so impressed with the Auburn’s show choir that they Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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“Show choir helped me find myself. It gave me a voice. Show Choir is the people, the relationships, the family.

Show Choir helps you through the bad times and shows you the good times. Show Choir is everything to kids like me.” - Caroline Morris, current member

Bailey Griffin, Michael Davis, Caleb Priest

Gracie Haynes, Shelbi Weaver, Alessandra Poblete

wanted to try to begin a choral program and show choir in Appling County. They called Dr. Thomas R Smith, the director of Choral Activities at Auburn University, and asked him to recommend a choir director that could start a choral program and show choir in Appling County. He suggested Randy Barber who became the first chorus and show choir director. He served for eight years.

Many alumni from the program still have strong feelings about the positive experience they had as a part of the choral program. In fact, many of them contributed quotes for this story.

“Show choir has given me so many fun opportunities. It has also allowed me to grow in my confidence and ability, given me an opportunity to make new friends, and an opportunity to excel in music. My involvement has cultivated my talent and helped me be the best performer I can be.” - Gracie Haynes, current member, and two-time first place soloist at Region Literary Meet 16

Appling County Living

Today, there are 148 students involved in the high school program which consists of a Concert Choir, a Chorale, and a Show Choir. The Concert Choir is a combination of two classes that meet during the school day which anyone can join. The Chorale is an after school choir that meets one day a week.

Applause, the Show Choir which consists of 52 singers and dancers with 13 instrumentalists, competes throughout the year and performs for various community groups.

The department organizes various programs throughout the year. Appling Junction, a Hee-Haw type show using comedy and live entertainment, a performance in December showcasing all three groups, a Dinner Theatre, Baxley Bandstand, highlighting music from the 50’ to the 80’s, and a Spring Show where Applause and the chorus performs their competition music.

“Quartet was one of the most meaningful parts of high school to me. From perfecting our harmonies to winning the state championship to all the memories that came along with it. I will treasure it for the rest of my life.” - Joshua Ammons, Class of 2017

Chris Clark, Joshua Ammons, Nathan Wildes, Michael Davis

"Show choir taught me not to be afraid to do something different.

It taught me the true meaning of having someone's back. Certainly not least, I have a whole new level of respect for musicals."

- Brandon Williams (Class of 2010)

“I've always had a passion for singing and music. However, being a part of the show choir and chorus did nothing but strengthen that passion even more for me. Mrs. Karen Davis had a lot of influence on me.

Show choir was my favorite high school memory.” - Terrence Gibson, Jr. (Class of 2013) Choral Music Major at Columbus State University.

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Cami Crosby

“Being in the show choir at that time in my life helped me to grow in so many ways. The friends I made, the trips we took, and the director (Randy Barber) started all of us out wanting to be the best we could be.

Now, every time the show choir has a concert and sings "America, the Beautiful" at the end, I tear up, just remembering those precious moments of my life when I was in the ACCHS Show Choir.” - Tami Lamb Wainwright (Class of 1982)

Grace Haynes, Spencer Ballard

“The Appling County Choral Program has nurtured my passion for music and performance and has inspired me to continue doing what I love after graduation and into college.” - Geavonna Starr, current member 18

Appling County Living

“Because of show choir, I discovered who I wanted to be. I'm eternally grateful for this program and to watch it continually grow is a blessing." - Carmen Turner (Class of 2008), Choral Director - Lehigh Senior High School

Alessandra Poblete, Kolby Walls

ACHS Choral Program Performances Appling Junction Nov. 2 & 4 - 6:30pm Winter Concert Dec. 12 - 6:30pm Dinner Theatre Feb. 9 & 10 – 6:00pm Spring Concert Mar. 27 - 6:30pm

"My years in the show choir were the first time I experienced the sense of "family" outside of my biological family. Not only did we learn how to perform and put on a great show, we learned how to get along and treat one another with respect. We learned "life" lessons that have been a guiding force for me today, as a director of my own choral and show choir groups.” - Lawanda Mack Allen (Class of 1982) Choral Director, Langston Chapel Middle School

Baxley Bandstand Apr. 24 & 26 - 6:30pm All performances are at the ACHS Fine Arts Center

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Community Bank of Georgia, Inc. was incorporated in 2003 and opened to customers of Appling and surrounding counties in 2004. For the past 13 years Community Bank has been and continues to be the locally owned and operated Community Bank designed to serve the needs of residents and small to medium sized businesses within this growing economy and community.

Community Bank of Georgia operates as a fullservice community bank, offering sophisticated financial products while emphasizing prompt, personalized customer service.

Community Bank of Georgia is dedicated to serving our communities by providing a bank “314 years of highly experienced and qualified banking personnel to serve you!” that is focused on being a true community partner. Our standard is a long and continuing tradition of integrity, community involvement, and leadership that builds value for our shareholders, our employees, and the customers and clients we serve.

We fulfill our mission by serving the financial needs of our customers by being accessible, responsive, offering solutions, and building relationships

“One customer at a time!”

Let us help you with:

• Personal Accounts • Business Accounts • Mortgages • Farm Loans • Consumer Loans & Lines of Credit • Commercial Loans

Samantha Craven, Janine Hunter, Randy Hicks, Lloyd Gunter, Kelly Stone

Jim Poole, Savannah Market

(912) 367-1221

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communitybankga.com

Appling County Living

700 West Parker Street Baxley, GA 31513

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MEMBERS OF THE PINE FOREST GARDEN CLUB

Baxley’s Beauty Our Civic Duty The Pine Forest Garden Club, which is a member of the Garden Club of Georgia and the National Garden Club, celebrated its 65th year in April. This year a Tour of Homes is planned for December 10, 2017, with proceeds supporting the scholarship fund. Contact Judy Johnson at 912278-1953 for more information.

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Last year the club obtained grant funding and assistance from the City, County, and State Garden Club to restore and rededicate the Blue Star Memorial marker between the Library and City Hall. Pictured at the re-dedication ceremony are Lee Lewis, Appling County Manager, Deborage Hardage, Committee Chairman, Jan Thiese, State Marker Chairman, Hilda Rushing, Oleander District Director, Martha Price, President of Garden Club of Georgia, and Judy Johnson, President of Pine Forest Garden Club.Â

H

ave you ever noticed that the Knock-Out Pink Roses at the Appling County Courthouse are in the shape of a breast cancer ribbon? Perhaps you attended the re-dedication of the Blue Star Marker in May of 2015? Surely the planters have caught your eye when you’ve walked through the doors of the Pavilion? This is Pine Forest Garden Club in action!

In the 1950's Baxley boasted three garden clubs - Green Thumb, Cypress, and Pine Forest. Pine Forest Garden Club was federated in 1952 and is the only club still active. You may recognize the names of some of the founding members: Olga Baker, Merle Barnes, Margie Brown, Linda Highsmith, Dorothy Jenkins, Ruth Laws, Sarah Lewis,

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Appling County Living

Valeria Lewis, and Daisy Tillman.

As the ladies of the Pine Forest Club do now, early members focused on community beautification, service, and environmental concerns. At first, the emphasis was on floral arrangements, judging, and flower shows. Several members were active on the district, state and national levels. Sarah Lewis was chairman of the committee which redeveloped LeConte-Woodmanston Plantation and Botanical Garden near Midway. She was also a Director of our Oleander District and served as State Horticulture Chairman. The Oleander District continues to give the Sarah Lewis Award to the individual who has accomplished achievement in the field of horticulture. Nell Tuten accompanied Mrs. Lewis to the

On a tour of Moody Forest are Janean Twiggs, Elizabeth Dunn, Barbara Reynolds, Mary Louise Flowers, Robyn McGee, Caroline Ritchey (TNC Preserve Intern), Joy Connelley, Elaine Williams, Elaine Tuten, Wayne Ussery, Cindy Hatchett, and Fonda Ussery.

National Convention and led the devotion for the Oleander District. Dorothy Jenkins led a county recycling project on Zoar Road, where residents could drop off glass, plastic, and paper. The club also held Holiday Houses featuring Christmas and floral decorations.

Continuing the motto of our founders “Baxley’s Beauty – Our Civic Duty," in 2012 the pink roses at the courthouse were planted. Joyce Tillman, Mary Louise Flowers, Elizabeth Dunn and Pat McLean were instrumental in this project. The Garden Club of Georgia’s initiative, called Plant it Pink, highlights breast cancer awareness. Lee Lewis, County Manager and the grandson of Sarah Lewis, was invaluable in coordinating this beautification project and others with the garden club and the county commissioners.

Life Members of Garden Club of Georgia: Anna Lee Lightsey, Valeria Lewis (Founding Member of PFGC), and Mattie Hilton.

Under the recent leadership of Deborah Hardage, the club began many youth programs. The club initiated a scholarship program that rewards a high school senior planning to major in an agricultural related field. The club also sponsors youth poster and essay contests. Two high school students have won awards at the state level for their essays. Members work with the youth of the Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Picture Mayor Steve Rigdon signing a Proclamation declaring April 16-22 as Garden Week in Georgia.Â

Sara Lewis, founding member of Pine Forest Garden Club and Former President.

Cindy Hatchett, Judy Johnson, Susie Reed and Deborah Hardage maintaining Pavilion planter.

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Appling County Living

Nell Tuten receiving award at State Conference.

Briana Hayes receives an award from Cindy Hatchett as the 2016 3rd place essay winner for the state.

Christmas luncheon in Douglas.

county, raising awareness of environmental issues and teaching them the joy of gardening.

H. Arnold second grade ACPS class.

Currently, the Pine Forest Garden Club, led by Judy Johnson, Cindy Hatchett, Elizabeth Dunn and Sylvia Crosby, continue the rich traditions of the past, while adding programs that enrich and educate the youth of Appling County. Breaking ground on a children’s garden at the Primary School and planning a butterfly garden with Altamaha School are a top priority. The ladies of PFGC don't just work; they have fun! Recent field trips include Watermelon Creek Vineyard, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Moody Forest, and Danny’s Farm, where members learned and enjoyed comradery. Our members range from young adults to young-at-heart seniors.

The club is also participating in Community Wildlife Project, a backyard certification program promoting wildlife habitat, a joint effort between the Garden Club of Georgia and the Department of Natural Resources. At the club’s April 13, 2017, meeting, member Fonda Ussery, a Master Gardener, presented this program.

Pine Forest Garden Club members invite every interested person to attend its meetings and to join in their efforts as they continue to encourage others to beautify our community. The club meets every third Thursday at 2:00 pm in the Baxley First United Methodist Church banquet room from September through April, with a social meeting in May. Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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118 AZALEA ST., SUITE 1 & 2 • BAXLEY, GA 31315

V.H. McQuarie built the house in 1911. He sold it to J.E. Dyal in 1919 who sold it to his son, James Dyal, around 1957. Billy and Betty Lewis purchased the house in 1972.

The Lewises feel they are more caretakers than owners.

They have the original blueprints and photographs of the four owners prominently displayed.

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Appling County Living

THE

DYAL HOUSE

THE LEWIS HOME STORY BY JOHN F. RIDDLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT BEAHAN – SHUTTERLY PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY

It may always be known as the “Dyal House" for the owners who lived there for so long, but, it is the passion that the Lewis family have invested into the landmark white-columned house since 1972 which has made it their home.

J

eff Lewis was just a junior in high school when he and a friend walked up to the Dyal House and offered to buy it. Boots Dyal didn't take that offer but she did invite them in for a visit and a tour. That was all Jeff needed to go home and convince his parents, Billy and Betty Lewis, to make a much more serious offer that she could accept.

“The Dyal House had been for sale for a while. Boots Dyal was still living in it. She was a substitute teacher at the high school who I was very fond of. One afternoon, I asked my friend how much money he had in his pocket. Between the two of us, we had 54 cents. I convinced him to walk to the front door with me and offer to buy the House from Boots Dyal, but we told her we wanted a grand tour first. She took us through the House – it was cavernous," Jeff recalled.

Betty and Billy Lewis needed a larger home, but Betty had her sights on building a new house. "Mother wanted to build a house, but Daddy thought they would divorce over building a house," Jeff laughed. So on the same day of his whimsical offer to buy the Dyal House himself, he had a more serious discussion with his parents. “I called them to the kitchen that night and suggested we seriously consider buying the Dyal House. They said, ‘Jeff Lewis, you are stark raving mad!’”, he said. A few months later they were the new owners.

But, the decision didn't come easy. "I remember riding by Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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The “Little House”, as the family calls it, was originally a two-story barn. Farm animals occupied the first floor and hired help lived on the second. When James Dyal built the brick house, where Jeff now resides, he converted the barn into a home for his Mother-In-Law. Around 1957, he bought the Big House from his Father and sold the two smaller homes to Iris and Oliver Rogers. "It was one big property with two families. We used the same driveway and shared yards," Jeff explained. The compound was pieced back together in 1997 when the Lewises bought the two smaller homes from the Rogers family. The family wants offer the “Little House” as a bed-and-breakfast for tourists and industry executives in the future.

Betty and Billy have a wall of photographs in the upstairs hallway chronicling the Dyal House through the years. The display includes an original painting of the House commissioned by Jill as a present to her parents. They also have the blueprints of the Home displayed which were given to them by the daughter of the original owner, V.H. McQuarie.

Betty Lewis enjoys the breakfast room which overlooks the patio garden. “Many wonderful meals and fellowship have been shared at this table,” she said.

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Appling County Living

for months before we bought it wondering who in their right mind would want that house," Betty recalls. "But, I realized this was the only chance we were going to get for a bigger house. When we were looking at it for the last time before we bought it, Billy and I were sitting on the attic floor and he asked me if I could be happy here. I said yes. I lied," she deadpanned.

"The first time we went in it after the purchase, it was empty. We walked through thinking, ‘What have we done?' We left, and Mother went home to bed and stayed almost a week," Jeff recalled.

Jill’s former bedroom is one of five upstairs bedrooms. “As a 16 year old high school girl, living in our new home was fun and exciting. There was a tremendous amount of work to be done and I didn't relish that part at all! Years later, I married the love of my life, Scott Kirby in Baxley. I came down the front stairs and met Scott in the living room where we saw each other in our wedding clothes for the first time. After the service, we returned to the House for a lovely reception. The best years for me were when our son, David, and his cousins, experienced life in the House. The children brought an energy that was so very special for all of us. They would play all day and sometimes we would dress up for dinner - complete with menus - then pile into bed together for rest after being completely exhausted - only to do it all again the next day,” said Jill.

“It’s been a hell of a ride,” Betty Lewis says flatly.

“But, it’s been a lot of fun too due to the space. Lots of places for grandchildren to hide.” And she has enjoyed entertaining in the House as well. “What I’ve enjoyed the most is showing it to interested people. It’s a very joyous thing to do. It makes the work more bearable,” she explained.

Jeff agrees. “We’ve had big family reunions, wedding receptions, events for the Arts Council. We often think about the future and think it would be an excellent event facility. The only time the House makes sense is when it is full of people. The House really comes to life then," he explained.

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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John, Jill, Jeff, Betty, and Billy Lewis in front of their family home – the Dyal House.

"As a young teenager, I could not understand why my father would be interested in such a large and intimidating house. I was too young to understand that he had survived the Great Depression growing up dirt poor, served in WWII, and later worked night and day to start a business.

None of us knew the special relationship he already had with the House before we moved in. Edgar Dyal had befriended Daddy while he was recovering from the ravages of war in a Miami hospital. Daddy had also dated one of Edgar's daughters, Dorothy. Providing a special home for his family was part of his dream. The House was certainly special to him as it has been for us all as a family through the wonderful years of living in it, especially through the efforts of Mother making it truly home." – John Lewis

The Lewises feel a part of something bigger than just being the home’s occupants.

“We truly feel part of the history of the House. It has kind of molded who we are as a family. We’re more caretakers than owners. We feel like it is our responsibility to take care of it as it has taken care of us,” Jeff mused.

However, they also feel like they've lived life in a "fishbowl" being in such a high-profile place on such a busy street. When Betty became frustrated with a flower bed where she had trouble keeping anything in bloom she bought some fake yellow tulips to fill in the flower bed. They began getting compliments "…on those pretty tulips Betty had planted." "People would mention them to Billy, and he would go along with it. I did too.

I would go and pull weeds around the tulips and folks would ride by and call me to say how pretty the tulips were," she laughed.

Of all the ups and downs any family goes through in life and 32

Appling County Living

with the added responsibility of living in and maintaining such a big, old House steeped in history and full of interest from so many, Betty has concluded that living life in the Dyal House has been more positive than negative.

“The House has brought a lot of satisfaction and joy through the years. We've hosted lots of family gatherings. As with any home, we've shared losses and gains, and that makes any house a home. But, living and enduring life here – in this house – has been wonderful,” she said.

At a Christmas Open House they hosted for the Pine Forest Garden Club as a fundraiser a few years ago, Betty and Jeff worked for three months feverishly decorating the house and the other two houses on the property that were also on tour. During the tour, while the house was full, Betty and Jeff met in the downstairs hallway. They stopped for a moment's rest, and Betty, beaming from ear to ear, said to Jeff, "The house is really happy today."

In the end, the Lewises are happy too in the Dyal House, that they have made the Lewis home.

The front door opens into a foyer with a grand piano and a beautiful mantel. “The Dyal girls who grew up in the House said that the first Catholic services in Baxley were held in the foyer and living room. They used the mantel for the Altar and remember seeing nuns walking around in the front yard,” Jeff said. The Dyal sisters returned to the House for the first time since 1972. “Being together sharing memories was a happy and deeply emotional experience for us all.”

In the early 1950’s Edgar Dyal’s son, James, built the smaller brick home where Jeff now lives facing Fair Street. Jeff moved back to Baxley in 2009, the year after the family purchased the “Little House” and the brick house from the Rogers family. Jeff is an avid gardener and his yard was recently chosen as the “Garden of the Month” by the Pine Forest Garden Club.

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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A grand piano anchors one side of the room with a dining table on the opposite side. The framed art lining the walls are puzzles that he and his daughter have put together through the years.

J

eff has just celebrated 50 years as a church musician and a concert organist. The organ in Jeff’s music room was a gift from special friends David and Ann Litten. The Littens had donated the organ to a previous church where Jeff served. When the church decided to replace the organ, the Litten’s asked for it be returned to them. They then gifted the organ to Jeff which is now prominently displayed in his music room.

Jeff’s daughter’s room which the family refers to as the “happy room.”

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Appling County Living

The organ pipes, which are non-functioning, serve as a wonderful conversation piece and a teaching tool. They were brought from a previous home of Jeff’s in Augusta.

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Appling County Living

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“I want to see my community grow and have more for our children and grandchildren to want to come back here and raise a family.�

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Appling County Living

Photography by Studio T Photography

"She is dependable, trustworthy, and a great community servant. Our community is fortunate to have her." - Lewis Parker, Appling County Commission Chairman

a

servant leader Peggy Miles Believes That Serving is the Best Way to Lead STORY BY JOHN F. RIDDLE

T

he philosophy of “servant leadership” is ancient. Its history is documented in the writings of Lao-Tzu, who is believed to have lived in China between 570 and 490 BC. It is also found in many religious texts including the Gospel of Mark which is often quoted in discussions of servant leadership.

However, it is Robert K. Greenleaf who coined the phrase “servant leadership” in an essay first published in 1970. In that essay, Greenleaf said: “The servant-leader is servant first…It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”

It goes on to explain that, “A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.”

I'm not sure that Peggy Miles has ever heard of Lao-Tzu or if she has ever read Greenleaf's essay on servant leadership. I am, however, pretty confident that she is very familiar with the Gospel of Mark.

Regardless, Peggy Miles didn't need to be instructed on how to lead – to serve first. It is as crystal clear

to her as it was to Lao-Tzu, Saint Mark, and Robert Greenleaf as she lives the role of a “servant leader” in her community every day and in countless ways.

“You’ve got to think about leaving something for future generations,” Peggy stated as to her motivation for being so involved in making the community better for so long. “I want to see my community grow and have more for our children and grandchildren to want to come back here and raise a family.”

Peggy moved to Baxley in 1970 from Bacon County.

She initially became involved in the community in her role as manager of the local radio station in (year). “Some folks ask me why I’m still so involved. They teasingly say, ‘You’ve served your sentence.’ But, I really enjoy volunteering and helping others.”

Peggy has seen a lot of growth in the community since 1970. "When I came to Baxley the roof of the downtown theater was falling in. That has been torn down, and now new buildings occupy that space,”

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Even as Chairman of the Chamber Board, Peggy helped out checking people in at the Annual Chamber Banquet this year.

she recalls. “Improved streetscapes are another great improvement,” she pointed out as more recent improvements.

Community improvements are necessary to Peggy as a community and business leader, but it is the things she has done to make a difference in the lives of people that mean the most to her – especially the elderly.

“The elderly have a special place in my heart,” she said. She once received a call from someone with the local EMC about an older gentleman whose power was about to be disconnected. "They were about to turn off power at an old gentlemen's house in the middle of winter. They called me to see if there was any way I knew of to help. The man's wife had passed away, and he was living only on his social security that just wasn’t enough. He was heating the house with his oven which was running up his power bill.”

Peggy Miles and (name). Peggy was one of two who organized the United Way.

Peggy was able to get the man enough help to pay his power bill. But, she didn’t stop there. She involved the help of the local housing authority and personally helped the man move to an apartment in the housing authority with central heat and air. “Things like that are the most gratifying to me. To help someone who can’t help themselves,” she stated.

It was through that type of interaction with those in need that motivated her to help start two organizations to help those in need. The local food bank and the 24/7 House, a Christian-based recovery program to help people with addiction and reconnect them with their families, where she serves as Chairman of the Board.

“I saw the need for a food bank because I was made

"Community improvements are necessary to Peggy as a community and business leader, but it is the things she has done to make a difference in the lives of people that mean the most to her – especially the elderly."

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Appling County Living

Peggy encourages business growth and helped promote the national “Shop Small” campaign.

There is no job too small for Peggy pictured here at the Winter Wonderland.

“You’ve got to think about leaving something for future generations.”

aware of people who had no food, no fan in the Summer, and no heat in the Winter,” she explained. “The 24/7 House is very rewarding to me. And, it’s only by the grace of God that's it's not me with that type of need."

She was also one of two ladies who organized the United Way of Appling County 26 years ago. She as served on the board every year since – she is presently the Chief Financial Officer.

“The number of people the United Way helps in our community is amazing. We fund many different organizations including the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Christmas in Action, where, in April, volunteers help the elderly make needed home repairs that they can’t afford,” Peggy explained. The United Way is the biggest contributor to the Food Bank and Christmas in Action.

It is that type of service in the community that has earned her a reputation of someone who can make a difference in people’s lives. “Recently, a family called me whose home had burned.

I’m not really sure why they called me in particular – it’s commonplace now. It is a blessing to me to help them get back on their feet,” she explained.

In her current role as the Chair of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, she is focusing on areas of need that can help the entire community and how to motivate and engage a new cadre of leaders.

“One of the best things happening now is the new upgraded lodging for tourists, industry prospects, and business people visiting Baxley," citing the city's lack of a chain hotel or upscale "bed and breakfast." “We also need to attract more industry

with good-paying jobs for our citizens and continue with downtown revitalization. We have storefronts that are empty which make it less appealing for tourists to stop and shop,” she stated.

She wants to get more people involved in helping create positive solutions to the needs facing the community. One of the new programs that she feels is training volunteers and leaders to seek new ideas is Appling LEADS; the new leadership program started last year by the Chamber.

“The Appling LEADS program is helping make others aware of the needs our community faces and that it takes citizens to be involved to make it better. They’ve seen things in other communities and have said, ‘We can do that in Baxley.’”

Others recognize Peggy's service to the community and the difference she has – and still is- making. "She is dependable, trustworthy, and a great community servant. She is a ‘class act.'

Our community is fortunate to have her," stated Lewis Parker, Chairman of the Appling County Commission.

From Peggy’s point of view, there is but one suggestion she would make to those who wish to serve. “It takes work! If you want to help, and there are so many places that need help, choose your passion, immerse yourself in that, and make it better,” she explains.

Taking her advice to get involved, change people’s lives, and make the community a better place is a great way to get started. But words are not necessary – you don't even have to read ancient writings or recent essays on the subject.

Watching Peggy Miles live the role of “servant leader” says it all.

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Appling County Living

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"The primary purpose of Appling Leads is to identify, train, and inspire a network of emerging leaders, across all ages, races, business sectors, and backgrounds that will help foster business, civic, and economic growth within our community."

Appling Leads Creates Leaders for the Future Shaping the future of our community one leader at a time

COMPILED BY JOHN RIDDLE |PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY THE BAXLEY-APPLING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

W

hat is Leadership? Kevin Kruse, the Founder and CEO of LEADx.org and New York Times bestselling author, states, “Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal.” The overwhelming need for local communities to develop leaders for the future is growing.

Programs that develop a pipeline of leaders who are educated, motivated, and prepared to lead their communities into the future will be more prosperous and more capable of serving the diverse needs of their citizens.

As a vibrant and growing community, Baxley and Appling County recognizes the need to develop leaders. So, for the first time in 35 years, the Chamber spearheaded the effort to develop Appling Leads in 2016. Its primary purpose is to identify, train, and inspire a network of emerging leaders, across all ages, races, business sectors, and backgrounds that will help foster business, civic, and economic growth within our community.

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Appling County Living

"Appling Leads is an excellent way to see the collaborative effort from everyone in the community to build commerce and industry. This program allowed each individual to contribute their experiences and views while learning from others. Being a part of Appling Leads is an opportunity for future leaders of the community to better understand how their strengths can help Appling County grow,” explained participant Greg Hudgins, Georgia Power Local Manager.

Appling Leads, developed through a partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, is a nine-month program, students are pushed out of their comfort zone through intense discussions and activities involving issues that are facing our community.

“A key to better community development is becoming more involved in all aspects of your community, not just those familiar or comfortable to you. Appling LEADS has been a great opportunity for our class to learn about one another's visions

Leadership Class Graduation with Steve Rigdon, Mayor of Baxley, Lewis Parker, County Commission Chairman, Keri Crosby, Chamber Director, sponsors and representatives from the JW Fanning Institute for Leadership.

Mallory Harvey, Danita Hayes, Carrie Vanderver

Pam Williams, Steve Meguiar, Samantha Craven

Santina Fryer, Brenda Harris, Christy Brocato

Kevin Peacock, Vicky Escalante, Ray Dixon

“A key to better community development is becoming more involved in all aspects of your community, not just those familiar or comfortable to you.” – Carrie Vanderver Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Greg Hudgins, Ray Dixon, Christy Brocato, Samantha craven, Santina Fryer, Steve Meguiar

“Because of Appling Leads, I have a deeper connection to my community.”

– Santina Fryer

and methods to reach an accomplishment, as well as those of other leaders of Appling County,” explained participant Carrie Vanderver, a Regional Planner with the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission.

Leadership creates positive change in communities. This program helps develop knowledgeable, skilled, committed, and action-oriented leaders through a series of seven themed days including training sessions, information sharing, and trips. Visits to Plant Hatch, the Port of Savannah, the State Capital, local agriculture businesses are highlights of the program. Additionally, participation in legislative events such as the Okefenokee Occasion in Atlanta and the community’s local legislative reception help provide the participants a look at different ways Baxley and Appling County can grow and prosper.

“Appling Leads was a great opportunity for me to learn about local and state governments and the challenge they face bringing in new jobs and industry,” said Kevin Peacock.

Christ Brocato agreed. “This program is fantastic! I learned 46

Appling County Living

leadership, social, and team building skills while learning about the industry and economic composition of Appling County. It was about learning how our community grows and what it takes to be a leader in this community. Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world.’ The program helped us learn to be a change agent and to establish a vision for our community,” she stated.

Participants from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives enhance their existing leadership skills and gain a better understanding of themselves and their roles as community leaders so that they can ultimately impact community vitality.

“Because of Appling Leads, I have a deeper connection to my community. Appling Leads allows local community members from diverse backgrounds to come together to strengthen, grow and celebrate the place we call home,” stated Santina Fryer.

Vicky Escalante, a participant who works as a legal assistant at Johnson Floyd LLP, summed it up this way, “Appling Leads is

“Appling Leads was a great opportunity for me to learn about local and state governments and the challenges they face bringing in new jobs and industry.” - Kevin Peacock (standing) Kevin Peacock, Ray Dixon, Mallory Harvey, Pam Williams, Danita Hayes, Brenda Harris, Samantha Craven, Greg Hudgins. (sitting) Steve Meguiar, Carrie Vanderver, Santina Fryer, Vicky Escalante, Christy Brocato

Class in House Chambers during their visit to the State Capitol with State Representative Greg Morris.

creating leaders who can work together, despite our differences, to bring ideas together for the advancement of our community. The Appling Leads Class of 2017 is only the beginning of a giant leap into the future of Appling County,” Portions of the program are mandatory and the program days can be rigorous with participants missing work and family time. But, those participating are very grateful for the opportunity and seem to build strong working relationships with those

with whom they share the experience.

"Appling Leads has been an exciting journey! I am thankful to all who made this journey along with me but most of all I am thankful to those who invested in all of us and made this experience possible," stated Rev. Steve Meguiar, a three-year resident of Appling County.

For information on supporting or being part of the next Appling Leads class contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Established in 1999

Unforgettable gifts for those unforgettable occasions.

368 N Main St • Baxley, Georgia, GA 31513 • (912) 367-1071 48

Appling County Living

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YOUR GUIDE TO PEOPLE, PLACES, AND BUSINESSES IN APPLING COUNTY

Profiles Tobacco Field at Jerad Turner Farms which was featured on the 2017 Farm Tour.

"It used to take 30 people to plant 100 acres.

Now we can plant 400 acres with 8 people.

Farming has come a long way." - Jerad Turner Photo supplied by the Chamber of Commerce

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Celebrating our 1,000,000th Bale!

November 8, 2016

Serving Cotton & Peanut Producers in Souueast Geegia www.southeasterngin.com

912-366-0808 800-717-3446

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Appling County Living

3891 Highway 203 Surrency, GA 31563

A G R I C U LT U R E

P

Farm Tour Celebrates

Excellence in Agriculture Charles Davis, accepts one of the 2017 Excellence in Agriculture Awards from County Agent Shane Curry Charles Davis has been a major asset to the Agriculture Industry for over 40 years and is one of the charter members of the Piney Woods Cattleman’s Association where he has as served as Vice President since its inception. He is a Past President of the Appling County Young Farmers and was the Truck and Tractor Pull Awards/ Officer. He also helped for several years with the Sunbelt Expo Que Fest. From 1972 to 1999 he worked at Goldkist as a Spreader truck driver and warehouse person and was Manager of several stores before retiring. From 1999-2008 he was the Branch Farm Supply Manager. In 2008 he became co-owner and Manager of Appling Ag and is currently Manager and a salesman at CPS. He was born in June in 1954 in Appling Co. He went to Appling Co. High School and South Georgia College. He's the youngest of five children.

He and his wife Pamela have two children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He's a member of Satilla Baptist Church.

COMPILED BY JOHN RIDDLE WITH INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY KERI CROSBY AND SHANE CURRY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

T

he Chamber of Commerce and Appling County Extension office hosted the 2017 Farm Tour on Tuesday, April 25.

More than 50 interested citizens and students attended to learn more about agriculture in Appling County.

The agenda included a tour of the tobacco planting process at Jerad Turner’s farm which included learning about the new GPS technology used in planting with a view of the planting process utilizing the eight-row planter which plants at 1.5 miles per hour.

They also reviewed the harvesting, cooking, and bailing equip-

ment. Shane Curry, Appling County Extension Agent, spoke to the group about some of the challenges tobacco farmers face from drought to viruses to fungus and more.

At Jeffrey Turner’s peanut farm, participants learned about the equipment used for planting peanuts, tractor GPS, precision planters, the amount of seed it takes per acre, equipment costs and different problems facing peanut farmers each year.

Alan Miles hosted the group at his blueberry packing facility to Showcasing Your Community's Personality

51

Debbie Eason, Jimmie Ree Miles, Grady Miles, Scarlett Miles Copeland Henry Grady “Buster” Miles, Jr., who passed away April 1, was recognized as a 2017 Excellence in Agricultural Winner at the Farm Tour luncheon. Buster was an avid lover of agriculture since he was young which was embedded in him from six generations of farmers.

Buster’s journey in agriculture began with 200 acres of timber land at an early age of 15 years old, given to him by his Grandaddy Elzie.

He also worked on the family farm which produced peanuts, cotton, tobacco, and corn; while also tending hogs and cows. Buster and his family have continued their legacy in agricultural by owning and managing stockyards, a timber company, growing watermelons, and managing several hundred acres of pasture land that has cows and hogs, as well as, cotton, peanuts, and corn. Buster’s son, Grady Miles, accepted the award and was accompanied by his two sisters, Debbie Miles Eason and Scarlett Miles Copeland, and his mother, Jimmie Ree Miles.

show the intricacies of the packing process including how the leaves and small fruit are removed. The berries that are soft or not the right color are removed by a machine controlled by computer sensors, and that the final step is performed by hand to ensure only the finest blueberries are packed.

“The farm tour helps get the community to see and understand what happens on the farm and why we do some of the things we do. More and more people aren't growing up on farms and aren't involved with it, but it's important to understand basics about farming since every one of us depends 52

Appling County Living

on farming for food and fiber. Also, educating people on farm issues helps to persuade people away from believing false information,” explained Shane Curry, County Extension Agent.

After the tour, the group enjoyed lunch and helped honor the 2016 and 2017 Excellence in Agriculture award winners, Charles Davis and the late Buster Miles. The Excellence in Agriculture winners are selected by a committee each year.

Winners are chosen based on community involvement, help and promotion of agriculture, and impact on local farmers.

Loans for

&Homes

Land, Farms

912-367-7006

64 Heritage St. | Baxley, GA 31513 NMLS#619788

AgSouthFC.com

Loans for land, farms and homes

Pests? Mosquitoes? Termites?

912-367-2361

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Photography by Studio T Photography

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Appling County Living

ART

Artist All to

P

Judy Johnson

STORY BY PARI BARZEGARI |PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO T PHOTOGRAPHY AND PARI BARZEGARI

J

udy Johnson’s latest endeavor to encourage people to paint, no matter the skill level, is “Spirits and Strokes” where she teaches small groups how to paint with watercolor and acrylics in a relaxed setting. But, this is not Judy’s only effort to encourage the arts in Baxley. And, the arts is not Judy’s only area of involvement in the city she moved to in 1978.

Judy was a founding member and director of the Arts Council of Appling County (ACAC) where she has held many offices including President. She has been the coordinator for the bi-yearly art shows sponsored by the ACAC. She remains active primarily in the areas of set design for community productions and staging, but has also performed with her son, Doug, in Cinderella, where he played the prince and her his mother. She served two terms on the Georgia Humanities Council which promotes art, literature, drama, history and other cultural pursuits throughout Georgia, and provides grants to local communities for cultural and educational programs.

Judy taught art for thirty years, including the Junior High, Primary School, and High School. At the high school, she established the high school art club which assisted in many school and community activities. Judy and her students have represented Appling County well with their art having been displayed in such places as the Georgia National Fair at Perry, State Capitol Building, State Office buildings, Tri-County Fair, local art exhibits and numerous other venues. During her teaching career,

Judy was a member of the Georgia Association of Art Educators, serving as the district representative, and participated in exhibits and acted as an instructor at workshops in the state. She was also selected as Teacher of the Year at the Primary School and High School.

Judy was born in Memphis, Tennessee as the sixth (and last) child of William F. and Catherine S. Thomas. She grew up mostly in Memphis, with eight years as a farm girl in the Mississippi Delta, about 40 miles south of Memphis. She was educated in Catholic schools and graduated in 1975 from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) with a degree in Fine Arts. Later, she obtained an education specialist (6th year) degree from Georgia Southern University.

As a graduate student in the Arts program at the University of Georgia, she met her husband, Alex, who was a third-year law student. Judy received her master's degree from UGA and married in 1978, and moved to Baxley. Judy and Alex are proud parents and grandparents of two sons and three grandchildren.

Judy is a member of Baxley First United Methodist Church and is active in the R. W. McDonald Sunday School class, the Betty Childs Circle, and the United Methodist Women where she served as local vice-president and president. She is also an active member of the Pine Forest Garden Club, currently serving as president.

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Sprits and Strokes PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARI BARZEGARI

"I can't wait for the next one." A sentiment often heard this year following the Spirits and Strokes class at Dick’s Wings in Baxley.

How much fun can a group of budding, advancing, and the best of the best artists have? A lot.

Coming together for this event is fun and simple for everyone.

No matter the skill level, Judy Johnson, who started Sprits and Strokes to teach small groups how to paint with watercolor and acrylics, is a teacher to all.

“Art allows individuals to express themselves, releasing stress and providing a physical remembrance of plants, objects, places, animals, scenes and people who are important to the artist. The creative process involved in making art is healing and life-enhancing”, Judy said. “You can express feelings and feel totally in the present. Plus, being with others makes the experience more enjoyable. We can learn by looking at other artists at work, and share tips on mixing paints, shading, and composition.”

Some famous people have used art to enhance their life, including individuals such as Winston Churchill and George W. Bush! So, sign up for the next class! Enjoy getting together with others in the community. You’ll surprise yourself with your ability and can learn from each experience.

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Appling County Living

JohnsonFloyd LLP BUSINESS AND TRIAL LAWYERS

132 W. Parker St. Baxley, GA 31513 912-367-9000 www.jajlaw.com

General Business Practice Real Estate • Timber • Probate Business Transactions Creditor Bankruptcy • Litigation

Trial Practice

Personal Injury Domestic Relations Criminal Law • Immigration Se Habla Español

The Atkins Agency, Inc. Real Estate Sales Appraisals 929 Blackshear Highway Baxley, GA 31513 912-367-7701 atkinsag.com ANDALA SHELL 317 Plant Ave., Suite T Railroad Depot Waycross, Ga 31501 912.281.1995 andalashell@gmail.com

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CHAMBER

P

STORY BY KERI CROSBY | PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The

Farmer’s

Market A State-of-the-Art Pavilion in Downtown Baxley is the Place for Fresh Produce

F

armers have a new location in Baxley to sell their goods with the new Farmer's Market which opened recently in downtown. The market is the result of more than two years of collaboration between the Appling County Commission, the City of Baxley, and the Baxley-Appling County Board or Tourism. The state-of-the-art pavilion is equipped with HD technology package including a 20-foot screen, HD projector, Bose sound system, Cable connection, wireless internet, and HD connectivity.

"We are proud to be able to offer our local farmers a state of the art pavilion. The new Farmer's Market is a great step forward for our community as we strive to provide local farmers a place to sell their excess produce. Our new market also offers our citizens the opportunity to purchase locally grown produce," stated (WHO)?

The Farmer’s Market is open seasonally on Saturday mornings beginning in April each year.

For information on becoming a vendor contact the Chamber of Commerce at (912) 367-7731 or visit Baxley.org.

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Appling County Living

912-705-1109 289 E. Parker Street |Baxley, GA 31513

Carrying the

most popular

Men and Women's Clothing Lines and Tuxedo Rentals for Prom and Weddings

Come shop with us!

(912) 705-1494 24 Glendale Ave, Suite A Baxley, Georgia, GA 31513

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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May we be your

personal

family pharmacy?

Stan Smith, Rh.P - owner and Shemane Smith Ramay, R.Ph.

(912) 367-1155 M-F 9 am – 6 pm Sat 9 am – 1 pm

Stan’s Pharmacy 438 W. Parker Street Baxley, GA 31513 60

Appling County Living

T

his section provides information about activities and events for residents and visitors of Appling County, and ways to get involved and make a positive difference. There is plenty to do for entertainment from arts and culture, children’s events, and outdoor activities that highlight the community’s natural resources.

Photo by John F. Riddle

A

'Round Appling

A GUIDE TO EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN APPLING COUNTY Information provided by the Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Council, and Friends of Caroline Miller

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61

Visit Appling Welcome to our backyard! Baxley and Appling County have a great deal of fun outdoor activities and entertainment for all ages. Take a journey down the mighty Altamaha River on one of the annual canoe & kayak paddles or enjoy fishing or boating in one of two local lakes. The Moody Forest Nature Conservancy offers miles of walking/biking trails through the 4,400-acre wilderness. Join the 200 mile Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale, the second weekend in March, for new and old items alike. If it is heritage you are looking for, the Baxley Heritage Center has collected the history of Baxley and Appling County since 1818, when the county was incorporated, and before. Stop by the Caroline Miller house to see where the first Pulitzer Prize winner from Georgia wrote her legendary book, Lamb in his Bosom.

Whatever the occasion, you are sure to find a niche in Baxley and Appling County. Come play in our backyard.

The Altamaha River – One of the “Last Great Places” in the World There are many reasons to visit Appling County! One of the most wellknown is the Altamaha River. Meander down this 137-mile river, which winds its way from Lumber City to Darien, GA. Wildlife abounds on the banks of the Altamaha. This free-flowing waterway has been named as one of The "Last Great Places" left in the world by the Nature Conservancy. Accentuated by a multitude of creeks, sloughs, and oxbow lakes, these provide refuge for animals like alligators, wood ducks, wild turkey and whitetail deer. Take a trip down the wide winding river between rolling sandbars and beautiful towering trees to get in tune with the outdoors.

The Board of Tourism coordinates many activities that showcase the natural resources in the community. Two of the most popular are the “River Rat Run” is held in June, and the “Fall Canoe Paddle” held in September in memory of Linda Coleman Carson.

Altamaha River Fall Canoe Paddle – September 23, 2017 The event begins at Towns Bluff and ends 12 miles downriver at Deen's Landing with a lunch stop at Benton Lees Steakhouse. Lunch is included in the cost of registration. You can bring your canoe, kayak, boat, or jet-ski or you can rent canoes and kayaks at Altamaha River Expeditions. A shuttle service is provided but can fill up so if you go and intend to use the shuttle you should arrive early.

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Appling County Living

IF YOU GO… Date: September 23 Time: 8:00 am Photography by Eric Roundtree

Cost: $20 (pre-registration); $25 (on-site registration); children 10 & under – free

To Register: Visit Baxley.org or call the Chamber at 912-367-7731 For canoe and kayak rentals: Contact Altamaha River Expeditions

Come Play in Our Backyard Visit the Farmer’s Market (Saturday mornings beginning in April)

Take a journey down the mighty Altamaha River (Fall River Canoe Paddle – Sept. 23, 2017)

Shop Georgia’s longest yard sale (Peaches to the Beaches – March 9-10, 2018)

Tour the Caroline Miller House (Georgia’s first Pulitzer Prize Winner)

Baxley.org • 912-367-7731

“WE GROW INDUSTRY”

All American Space Solutions 2017: 115 New Jobs

Available building for sale or lease.

Claxton Poultry 2016: $30 Million Expansion Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Government Week

G

overnment week, sponsored by the City of Baxley in honor of Georgia Cities Week, is designed to educate middle school students on how local governments function. A different event is conducted for students of each grade. This year’s events included an essay contest for the 6th grade, brain bowl for the 7th grade, and mock city council meetings for 8th grade.

The Chamber of Commerce works in conjunction with the Appling County School System to make this program possible.

For more information about Georgia Cities Week or other events sponsored by the City of Baxley, please contact the Baxley-Appling County Chamber of Commerce at (912)367-7731 or chamber@baxley.org.

Essay Winners “If I were Mayor, I Would…”

Participants in the sixth grade “If I were Mayor, I would…” essay contest from Appling County Middle School wrote an essay describing their goals, ideas, and plans for the City of Baxley as if they were Mayor. Essay Contest Winners, along with their parents and teachers, were honored with a luncheon at City Hall held with the City Manager and Mayor of Baxley. “These three ladies did a great job reading their essays to the Mayor and City Council,” stated Mayor Rigdon who expressed his gratitude for their effort and congratulated Breia Deloach, Whitney Beecher, and Moranda Patel on being selected as the winners. Accompanying them are teachers Chelsey Jones, Sue Hayes, and Brooke Sikes.

Brain Bowl Jeff Baxley, City Manager, met with the entire seventh grade to discuss government on the local, state, and federal levels. He focused on city government and the governing bodies of Appling County. Following the lecture,

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Appling County Living

teachers selected three members from each seventh-grade team to participate in a "Brain Bowl" held at City Hall on May 11, 2017. This year Team 7-2 came from behind and won in the bonus round. The members of the winning Brain Bowl team were Ashton Fordham, April Johnson, and Anna Williams.

Mock City Council A mock city council meeting was conducted by each eighth-grade team for Georgia Cities Week at Baxley City Hall on May 9, 2017. Teachers and classmates elected mock city officials including a mayor, council members, city clerk, manager, attorney, and concerned citizens to participate. Students were provided with an agenda with real issues from the City of Baxley council meetings. During the mock city council meeting, students practiced parliamentary procedure and speaking skills.

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

65

John Spence, MD

Specialized care for diabetic wounds, pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, venous & arterial ulcers, trauma wounds, vasculitis, and other complex or nonhealing wounds. Hypebaric Oxygen Therapy available.

No Referral Necessary

912-277-2077 • www.meadowsregional.org 101 Harris Industrial Blvd., Suite E, Vidalia Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The place for all your Fuel & Petroleum needs!

MURRAY OIL SALES, INC.

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • RACING FUEL • METHANOL• NITROS

5775 Old Surrency Road • Surrency, GA 31563 • 912367-3392

66

Appling County Living

State Representatives Chad Nimmer (left) and Greg Morris (right) with Lewis Parker, County Commission Chair

Legislative Legislative Each year, Appling County hosts a local legislative reception for the state delegation representing Baxley and Appling County in the state legislature. This year, the reception was held in mid-October. The event is important to make the delegates aware of the needs facing the community and to continue developing close working relationships.

State Represenattive Chad Nimmer, Dale Atkins, Norma Cortes

State Representative Chad Nimmer with his son, JC Nimmer.

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Okefenokee Occasion For 27 years, communities from Southeast Georgia have hosted state legislators and leaders for a barbecue dinner in Atlanta at the Freight Depot. Dubbed the "Okefenokee Occasion," the event is an annual highlight during the opening days of each legislative session and provides an audience with the entire legislature in order to bring light to issues and challenges that affect rural areas of Georgia more than metro Atlanta.

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, House and Senate Leaders and many state Commissioners regularly attend the event.

Dale Atkins, Michelle Dunn, Sidney Wildes, Keri Crosby

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast The National Day of Prayer got off to a great start this year with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast hosted by the City of Baxley and Mayor Steve Rigdon. The event was held at First Baptist Church and drew a large crowd. The Men of First Baptist prepared the meal. The guest speaker was Retired U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kerry Steedley.

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Appling County Living

Mayor Steve Rigdon

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Front: Lewis Parker, Chairman, Sarah Boatwright, District 1, Daryl Edwards, District 3 Back: Lee Lewis, County Manager, Charlie Leggett, District 5, Theodore Wilkerson, District 2, Ronnie Rentz, District 4

69 Tippins Street • Baxley, GA 31513 • 912-367-8100

Baxley City of

“The Turpentine City”

912-367-8300 • 282 East Parker Street, Baxley, GA 31513 www.baxley.org Showcasing Your Community's Personality

69

Tree Trek Road Race The Tree Trek Road Race is an annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun-Run sponsored by the City of Baxley. More than 100 runners participated this year. The Chamber of Commerce coordinates the event which is held each Spring in March. Special thanks goes to Boy Scout Troop 472 who provided runners with a pancake breakfast after the race.

For details on participating in next year's race, usually held in March, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 367-7731.

New Health Department Building

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Appling County Living

New Health Department Building A new Health Department building opened in December, 2016. The staff of the health department serves an average of 40 families daily with routine healthcare services. Healthcare clinics are also offered on an as-needed basis.

The new health department replaces the old building which had been in operation since 1954.

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

71

Collins and Sons Tire Service, Inc.

Proudly Serving SouthEast Georgia

• All Major Brands • Tire Repairs • Vulcanizing Roadside Service • ATV and Farm Equipment Tires • Computer Balancing

56 Bay Street Baxley, Georgia 31513 912•367•2003

SARAH’S FLORIST

y shop d o B s ’ n Co u r so 1 2 8 4 h AtC h pA r k w Ay n o rt h B A x l e y, G A 3 15 1 3 p h o n e 912-3 67-4226

own ers: ti m othy An d suzAn n e Co u rso n

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Appling County Living

Bridal & BaBy registry A r o m At i q u e , t r A p p C A n d l e s , G u n d p l u s h , p u r s e s , j e w l e l r y, A n d m u C h m o r e .

2036 Hatch Parkway North | Baxley, ga 31513 Phone 912-367-4616 Owners: timothy, suzanne, and shyann Courson

Christmas In The Park

Christmas In The Park The Sixth Annual Christmas in the Park was held on November 30 at 6:00 p.m. in Water Works Park in downtown Baxley.

The official lighting of the City of Baxley Christmas Tree opened the event followed by local choirs and other groups providing musical entertainment and scripture readings celebrating Christmas.

The event, which has sponsored by the City of Baxley and the Chamber of Commerce, has become a Christmas holiday favorite in Baxley and is attended by hundreds of residents. For more information on next year’s event contact the Chamber of Commerce at 367-7731.

Cookout In The Park Cookout In The Park The Chamber of Commerce coordinates many activities throughout the year for the business community and residents. One of the more fun activities is the annual Cookout In The Park. Besides the fun and fellowship, a lot of good food is served up by chamber members who cook hotdogs and hamburgers for the community to enjoy. This family-oriented event also has inflatables for the children.

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Water Works Park Easter Egg Hunt

Water Works Park Easter Egg Hunt

Keri Crosby - Chamber of Commerce Director, Jeff Baxley, City Manager

Each year, the City of Baxley sponsors a community Easter Egg Hunt on the Saturday before Easter. Children gather in downtown Baxley at the Water Works Park to see the Easter bunny, take photos, and hunt more than 2000 eggs hidden all over the park. The lucky participant who finds the prize egg wins a real bunny. Refreshments include lemonade and cookies. "We appreciate the community's participation in this event, and a special thanks goes to the public works department for helping ensure that everything runs smoothly each year," said Jeff Baxley, City Manager.

The event is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce and is open to the public for children 12 and under. For information on next year’s event contact the Chamber of Commerce at 367-7731.

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Appling County Living

“If it doesn't say SOUTH, it's not us.”

BUSINESS HAS NO TIME FOR DOWN TIME.

• BUSINESS CLASS FIBER BASED PRODUCTS • GIGABIT FIBER NETWORK • ULTRAHIGHSPEED INTERNET INTERN • HOSTED PBX • POINTTOPOINT & SWITCHED ETHERNET

8772172842

WWW.ATC.CC FREE BUSINESS QUOTES Showcasing Your Community's Personality

75

PINELAND BANK Proudly Serving Baxley & Appling County

72 E. Parker St. Baxley, Ga. 31513 912-367-3658 www.pineland.bank FIND US ON FACEBOOK

DON'T JUST "WORKOUT"...LET US COACH YOU THROUGH A PROVEN PROGRAM TO "TRAIN FOR THE LIFE YOU WANT!" AFTER ALL, IF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ATHLETES IN THE WORLD NEED COACHING, WHY WOULDN'T YOU?

COME JOIN OUR FIT FAMILY! 912-237-5771 2730 BLACKSHEAR HWY • BAXLEY, GA. 31513

nuketownstr3ngth@gmail.com • FB- @NUK3TOWNSTRENGTH • www.crossfitnuketown.com 76

Appling County Living

Abundant Life

PHARMACY

Biggg TO SERVE YOU Beee!

912.367.8404

COME SEE US AT OUR NEW LOCATION! 117 N. MAIN STREET BAXLEY, GA 31513

Join the Chamber of Commerce on

a trip to CHINA! April 9-17, 2018

Discount Rate Starts At $2,399 Trip includes: Roundtrip international airfare • Chinese domestic airfare & tax • 5-Star hotel accommodations • 3 meals everyday • English guided tours • Entrance fees at tour attractions • All tax & travel insurance Contact Keri Crosby at the Chamber of Commerce (912-367- 7731 or visit baxley.org) for additional information

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Arts

& CULTURE

A

rts and Culture is alive in Baxley and Appling County with the various events, programs, and activities designed to enlighten and inspire residents to enjoy local talent and to attract visitors from the region.

(standing) Denise McClain, Jennifer Crosby, Sue Bass, JoAnne Switzer, Santina Fryer. (sitting) Cherie McCluney, Pari Barzegari, Steve McGuire, Chirsty Brocato, Helen Burkett Prencke. (middle) Jeff Vanderver.

ARTS COUNCIL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

T

he Arts Council of Appling County is a private, non-profit organization. Since its founding in 1999, the Arts Council has presented a variety of local musical, dramatic, and literary programs for Baxley, Appling County, and surrounding communities. Our musical events have spanned a variety of genres, such as jazz, gospel, bluegrass, opera, and country. Our dramatic presentations include children’s plays and dramatic adult-themed performances. Each year the Arts Council hosts an art show in one of the banks to exhibit our many local and talented artists. We are proud that these musical, dramatic, and visual arts events allow us to showcase our local and regional talent. The Arts Council also hosts many touring theatrical programs from the Springer Opera House, the State Theater of Georgia, and other production companies.

Follow us on Facebook (Arts Council of Appling County) for event updates and information on purchasing tickets.

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Appling County Living

Summer Concert Series – FREE EVENT July 14, 2017 (Fri.) - 7pm Aug. 11, 2017 (Fri.) – 7 pm Water Works Park Spirts and Strokes - $30 Aug. 8, 2017 – (Tues.) - 6:30pm Nov. 14, 2017 (Tues.) - 6:30pm Mar. 13, 2018 (Tues.) - 6:30pm Dick’s Wings Poetry Contest Sept. 13, 2017 – Deadline Sept. 15, 2017 – Winners Announced Winners invited to read at the Variety Show Winners Announced on 9.15.17 Winners invited to read at the Variety Show Fall Arts and Crafts Show Sept. 18 -29, 2017 Pineland Bank, Baxley

Rag/Rug Crocheting

Community Christmas - Free Event

Sept., 2017 – Tuesdays Taught by Barbara Baker

Dec. 15, 2017 – 7pm First United Methodist Church Canned Food Drive

Ballroom Comes To Baxley Oct. 21, 2017 - 12-4pm & 7-9pm First United Methodist Church In the Pines: Part Four $20 / $10 - Students Nov. 17-19, 2017 Times & location - TBD

THE CAROLINE MILLER HOUSE

Valentines Tea & Craft Feb. 10, 2018 Time & location - TBD Murder Mystery Dinner Feb. 22 – 24, 2018 - 6:30pm The Old Exchange Club

Kids Sidewalk Art & Egg Zibit Mar. 3, 2018 Time & location TBD 4th Annual Variety Show Mar. 23, 2018 - 7pm First United Methodist Church Spring Arts and Crafts Show Apr. 16-27, 2018 Time & location TBD

The Friends of Caroline Miller, Inc. (FOCM) serves a mission to preserve the legacy of Caroline Miller – the first Pulitzer Prize winning author from Georgia, educate the public and promote historical awareness through events, writings, celebrations, and more.

N

ew this year, FOCM will be hosting Tomato and Egg Club meetings on a quarterly basis throughout the year. Each club meeting will be reminiscent of ladies' homemaking clubs of the past. Through FOCM's research of the life of Caroline Pafford Miller in Appling County, they discovered that she was an active participant in the county's Tomato and Egg Club. Laughter-inducing scenes of the annual play, In the Pines, which recollects Miller's life and the lives of those which inspired her writing of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel A Lamb in His Bosom, paint a picture of Miller and other community women gathering together for fellowship, encouragement, and education. FOCM is looking forward to recreating this club atmosphere in the Appling County of today!

The theme of the first meeting on Tuesday, April 25, was “Green Cleaning.” A presentation by Appling County Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Becky Collins, educated participants about the importance of creating a healthier home, saving money, helping conserve natural resources, and information on selecting green cleaning products.

Afterward, participants made two green cleaning products to take home.

Refreshments and live music were also provided.

IF YOU GO… Dates: July 18 & Oct. 10 – additional quarterly meetings are being planned for 2018 Location: Caroline Miller House 96 Anthony St. – Baxley Tickets: $5.00 admission – at the door.

For more information contact Laurie Jo Upchurch at 912-278-0999.

Pickin’on the Porch Join Station #7 Band for Pickin’ on the Porch at the Caroline Miller House. For dates and times check the Caroline Miller House facebook page.

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LEWIS Battery & Electric Inc.

Est. 1947

New & Rebuilt: Starters, Alternators, Generators, Batteries Industrial Equip: Farm, H/D Truck, Domestic & Foreign

367-3614 Toll Free: (800) 905-3694 26 S.E. Park Ave. | Baxley, GA 31513 Home Health Care Equipment Sales & Rental Large Selection of Uniforms

We serve all of southeast Georgia.

We will bill Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance.

Our respiratory therapists are available 24 hours a day.

Our goal is to offer the highest standard of dental care to our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Dr. Hugh and staff work together to establish happiness, self-esteem, comfort and optimal dental health for each of our patients.

We strive to be efficient and encouraging while creating

beautiful smiles.

(912) 427-7072

107 Drennon Drive Jesup, GA 31545 www.jesupdentist.com

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Appling County Living

theDISH

Setting a Summer Table

BY JAMES FARMER | PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BYHELEN NORMAN AND MAGGIE YELTON

S

ummer time- when the livin’ is easy! Am I right?! I love to get outdoors this time of year and work in my yard and garden. Filling my home with fresh flower arrangements is truly a delight. However, Summer does not only bring fresh flowers. It also brings the outdoors inside or the inside outdoors- whichever you prefer! Summer means cookouts, tomato sandwiches, barbecues, picnics and fun times with family and friends.

We in the south, however, have a problem with the heat that bemoans us in the Summer time. So it is important to use those porches and get outdoors while you can. Two of my books, Porch Living and Dinner on the Grounds, are the perfect guides to living and dining outside.

Entertaining outside is one of my favorite things to do

because there is a comfort it brings- the cool night air, the fire flies, the children running in the yard, a glass of ice cold sweet tea or the feeling of the warm sunshine on your skin.

Setting the table outside should bring the same feeling- comfort. I like to use colorful napkins with fresh cut flowers.

Put your flowers in mason jars or mismatched vases. I am a sucker for china that has a floral pattern, and there is no better time to use floral china than the Summer. And, when it comes to food make it easy- pasta salads, fresh fruit, deviled eggs, BBQ sliders and end with a cool parfait. If children are around, make the food fun!

I hope you get outdoors this Summer! Invite your neighbors, family and friends over and enjoy dining on the grounds while you can. Happy Summer, y’all!

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Smoked Boston Butt with Steamer’s Sauce Serves 10

Barbeque in the Deep South means pork—smoked pork, usually a Boston butt. This cut of pork derives its name from, ironically, not the lower end of the pig but the higher—more specifically, the shoulder. Historically, the style of butchery common around Boston in the 1800s and later included the shoulder bone of the hog. These shoulders were then packed into “butts,” or barrels, for shipping and transport. The term Boston butt thus became synonymous with a pork shoulder.

8–12 pound Boston butt Seasonings of choice Salt and pepper

Pat the Boston butt dry with paper towels. Season meat to taste. This may include an array of spices, rubs and herbs or simply salt and pepper. Regardless of what seasonings are used, the smoke and natural flavor of this cut are the magical and delicious bits.

Wrap your seasoned shoulder in tin foil and smoke (in a smoker, grill, barbeque pit, fire pit, or oven) at a low 200- to

250-degree heat for about 8 to12 hours, depending on the size and weight of the pork. I use the formula 1 1⁄2 hours per pound at 225 degrees.

Once the meat is sufficiently cooked, (pink smoke rings have developed and the internal temperature of the meat is about 190–205 degrees), the pork may literally be pulled away from the bone and doused or dipped in barbeque sauce.

Picnic Parfaits with Granola Crumble and Berries Serves 10

I love raspberries and use them often. Blackberries, or even the wild plums on our land, are a fun addition. Whatever is in season will taste the best!

Apples, pears and pecans make delightful autumnal parfaits too.

1 large container Greek yogurt, vanilla or plain Honey

Fresh berries Basic Granola

Line a mesh strainer with a paper towel and place over a bowl. Stir yogurt, then pour into strainer and place in the fridge for 2 hours. This step ensures a firm parfait that isn’t runny.

Pour yogurt into a bowl and stir in honey to taste.

Layer yogurt mixture into small serving vessels with granola, or simply top yogurt with granola and berries.

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Pasta Salad à la Pepper Serves Serves 6–8

I suggest slightly undercooking your pasta so that it soaks up all the juices and flavors in this dish and doesn’t become too mushy. And if you’d like some extra heat, leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeño.

4 ounces dried whole wheat rotini pasta 1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon sugar 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 1⁄2 cups grape tomatoes, halved 1 cup finely chopped red onion 1 medium avocado, seeded, peeled, and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces 3⁄4 cup chopped yellow sweet pepper 3⁄4 cup chopped red sweet pepper 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped 6 bell peppers for serving (red, yellow, orange or a mix), tops removed and hollowed out

Cook pasta according to package directions but just to al dente; drain.

For the dressing, combine the lime juice, oil, sugar, salt, garlic powder, cumin and cayenne pepper in a blender. Cover and blend for about 30 seconds, or until well mixed. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, sweet peppers and jalapeño pepper.

Pour dressing over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat.

Serve in hollowed-out bell peppers.

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“Home - the difference between a home and a house is the tug of heartstrings and the longing to dwell there.

I

n James Farmer’s latest book, A Place to Call Home, he writes about his love and passion for curating spaces for friends who have become family. The book takes a reader on a journey through eleven homes across the country. Although all of the homes come in all different shapes and sizes, they all, now, have the elegant, yet cozy feel, that is the James Farmer style. Whether your home is in the city or on the coast or in the country, A Place to Call Home will bring inspiration for the beginners or for those who are ready for a change as well as nostalgia to the seasoned decorators.

We love and live in our homes – decorate them and fill them with our collections – physical and emotional ones. The longing is to always be there – to be in A Place to Call Home.” – James Farmer A Place to Call Home has over 200 pages of beautiful photos, stories and advice. This is the perfect book for any collection!

With the topics of his previous books ranging from cooking to planting to creating, A Place to Call Home focuses on interior design and entertaining making James the ultimate lifestyle expert- Southern style, of course

About James Farmer

Southern born and bred, James Farmer is a professional garden, floral and interior designer; cook; author and lifestyle expert. He is an editor-at- large for Southern Living and a frequent guest on television and radio. In addition, James Farmer is the author of the Wall Street Journal best-­‐selling garden book, A Time To Plant; Sip & Savor; Porch Living; Wreaths For All Seasons; A Time To Cook, Dinner on the Grounds, A Time to Celebrate and A Place to Call Home.

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APPLING COUNTY Living

Showcase

Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet The 2016 Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet was held in November at the Baxley Church of God. Awards were presented to:

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Citizen of the Year - Jeff Baxley Excellence in Agriculture - Henry Grady "Buster" Miles STAR Students - Cami Crosby (ACHS) & Ashby Nail (ACA) STAR Teachers - Wendy Powell (ACHS) & Melanie Claxton (ACA)

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Index of Advertisers

APPLING COUNTY Living 77 53 75 26, 27 63 35 77 77 80 69 5 48 63 BC 72 20 72 69 13 IFC 53 75 36 1 14 57 80 80 80 66 85 66 76 85 76 60 72 85 50 43 37 60 IBC 3 57 59 59 85 42

Abundant Life Pharmacy & Health Food Ag South Farm Credit, ACA Alma Telephone Company Ankle & Foot Associates Appling County Commissioners Appling Family Total Healthcare Appling Healthcare System Appling-Baxley Chamber of Commerce Armstrong Family Dentistry Baxley-Appling County Board of Tourism Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia Chele's Gifts City of Baxley Coastal Pines Technical College Collins & Sons Tire Commuity Bank of Georgia Courson's Body Shop Development Authority of Appling County Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Power Plant Fulgham Drugs Green Frog Pest Control Hospice of South Georgia Interfor Interstate Credit Union James M. Swain & Associates, Inc. Johnson Floyd,LLP Jones Medical Equipment Lawter, Inc. Lewis Battery Meadows Advanced Wound Care Center Miles Berry Farm Murray Oil Company Nuke Crossfit Nunez Pinestraw Pineland Bank Renasant Bank Sarah's Florist South Georgia Insurance Associates Southeastern Gin & Peanut Southern Eye Care Southern Metal Works Stan's Pharmacy Studio T Photography Swain Funeral Home The Atkins Agency The Cotton Exchange TL Gold Pawn & Gun Twin Communications Woody Folsom Automotive

Photography By Scott Beahan – Shutterly Perfect Photography

agsouthfc.com atcbroadband.com anklesandfeet.com/baxley baxley.org/pages/appling-county afthcpc.com ahcs.org baxley.org jesupdentist.com baxley.org/tourism bjisg.com baxley.org coastalpines.edu communitybankga.com baxley.org/development-authority southerncompany.com greenfrogpestsolutions.com hospicesoga.org nterfor.com iufcu.org swaininsurance.com; swainrealty.net jajlaw.com jonesmedicalga.ybsitecenter.net lawter.com meadowsregional.org/physicians/list/wound-care milesberryfarm.com crossfitnuketown.com nunezpinestraw.com pineland.bank renasantbank.com sgiainsurance.com southeasterngin.com southerneyecarepc.com southernmetalworksinc.com swainfuneralhomebaxley.com atkinsag.com twincommunications.net woodyfolsomchevroletolds.com

Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible!

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