Okefenokee Living Magazine - Spring 2021 by Showcase Publications

OKEFENOKEE L

Plus

ARTIST EMMA COLLINS HOME & GARDEN OKEFENOKEE SWAMP PARK

Young

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Entrepreneurs FOLLOWING THEIR PASSIONS

SPRING 2021

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Features 10 The Okefenokee Swamp

The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it is poised to advance the region’s ecological tourism.

19 Young Entrepreneurs

FOLLOWING THEIR PASSIONS

This group is proof that even in the worst of times it can be the best time to take a leap of faith and follow your passions.

29 Lisa 2.0

LISA MARTIN’S MIRACULOUS RECOVERY

One Woman’s Mission of Recovery, Faith, and Hope After COVID-19.

ON THE COVER

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

PHOTO BY CHRIS MONCUS PHOTOGRAPHY OKEFENOKEE SWAMP PARK

O L SPRING 2021

Roxy Sheffield graces the cover as one of the five young e ntrepreneurs featured in this issue. Photo shoot fashions provided by KJ Clothiers, styled by Kristen Boyett of Lott’s Furniture, photo by Joy Sumner Photography. Location – Downtown Waycross.

KJ CLOTHIER

began as a dream. As a little girl, I was blessed to grow up on a farm in South Georgia where my late grandfather began growing cotton, tobacco and peanuts. The agricultural industry has always meant so much to me, even more so now that I can fully understand the importance it plays in my career. Upon completing my core curriculum at Valdosta State University, I majored in Fashion Merchandising at the University of Georgia. Through the college of family and consumer sciences, I traveled to China on a summer study abroad trip where I learned so much about the manufacturing world of textiles, including the importance of cotton farming in the world of clothing manufacturing. During my time at UGA, I worked as a buyer and Wholesale Account Manager. My knowledge of the retail industry expanded far more than I could've imagined. Upon graduating, I continued my full time employment to further my growth in the industry. My dream was to own my own business and interact with customers by providing quality goods and offering the highest level of customer service. Today, I am blessed to do just that! I am the owner of KJ Clothier, a clothing and accessories store, and I hope to share my passion for clothing through the stores. I am privileged to be a part of the local businesses of the Golden Isles and Waycross. We would love to meet you if you are ever in the area!

~ Jaicee Brewton | Owner

Use Code OKEFENOKEE for 15% off online purchase at kjclothier.com

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Home & Garden 38 A Labor of Love

Ron & Lisa Batten’s dream home.

44 The Comeback of Color Kristen Boyett, Lott’s Furniture

46 Welcome to Our Porch

On John & Lisa Davis’s porch, wasting time is considered time well wasted.

50 Powerhouse Plants that Beat the Heat Harley Herrin, 1831 Garden Center

52 A Garden Oasis

It feels like you’re indoors in this garden pergola.

55 We Can Light Your Way

Crystal Herrin, Winteriors Design Center

Prof iles 37

65 A New Era

A “Q & A” with Lonnie Wilson, new president of Coastal Pines Technical College.

68 Hospice Satilla

Stronger together, stronger than ever.

Flying High

Gymnast Lauryn Latham earns national recognition.

73 I Can’t Talk - I’m Bird Watching Ann Gillis photographs the rare Summer Western Tanager.

74 Wayne Morgan’s Inspiration

Photographer remembers the teacher who inspired him.

77 Big Dawgs

McNeal, Sports & Wilson named to list of UGA’s Bulldog 100.

78 A First for These Bears

Pierce County High Bears wins the school’s first state football championship.

Arts & Culture 81 Emma Collins A lifelong love of art.

REGULAR features

61 4

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

61 The Dish 85 O’Round the Region 95 Chit Chat 98 Seens

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OKEFENOKEE L

Spring/Summer 2021 P UBLI SHERS: John F. & Connie K. Riddle Showcase Publications, Inc. C REATI V E DI RECTOR : Robin Harrison C OV ER P HOTO: Joy Sumner Photography DESI GNERS: Robin Harrison Russ Hutto

Joy Sumner, Kristen Boyett, Roxy Sheffield, Connie Riddle

Moving Forward!

pring and summer bring days filled with bright sunshine, flowers blooming, longer afternoons, and the enjoyment of being outside. We certainly enjoy these pleasures and are so thankful that life seems to be returning to normal. After more than a year of uncertainty, it is nice to see smiling faces and people, businesses, and organizations moving forward with activities and events. We’re moving forward too! We thought this was a great time to refresh the look of Okefenokee Living. You’ll notice that the magazine’s logo has been refreshed and the magazine-style and designs reimagined. We’ve also established new partnerships to help us promote Okefenokee Living magazine and its advertisers to an even broader audience.

C ONTRI BUTI NG P HOTOGR A P H E R S: Joy Sumner Photography Laramie’s Photography by Tristan Thrift Shutterly Perfect Portraiture Nathan McMillian Photos Chris Moncus Photography Coastal Pines Technical College Jennifer Johnson Carter Photography Brittany Powell Photography U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Bill Rhodes Wayne Morgan Gene Bednarek Ann Gillis C ONTRI BUTI NG WRI T E R S: Sheri Bashlor Sherri L. McLendon John Riddle Kristen Boyett Megan Piper White Matt Robinson-Aquirre Akeem Clayton

Style matters, but content matters more. This issue has both! In this issue, we revisit the Okefenokee Swamp Park, a great national treasure, and its growing economic impact on the region and beyond. Lisa Martin shares her miraculous story of recovery, faith, and hope after overcoming COVID-19 that gained national media coverage. And, moving forward requires young, energetic individuals who want to make a positive impact on their community. Waycross has been blessed with many of those, and we feature a few in our story on Young Entrepreneurs. You’ll also enjoy the unique places in the Home & Gardens section, more interesting people in Profiles and Art & Culture, exciting events in O’Round the Region, and so much more. We are thankful for the opportunity to move forward, but it’s only with the support of our advertisers who make each publication possible. We encourage you to visit them and “buy local.” We also thank the writers, photographers, and designers who work with us to bring such a high-quality magazine to the region. We pray you have a safe and wonderful summer, and we will be back in late fall with the next issue of Okefenokee Living, so send us your story suggestions and your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!

John & Connie Riddle info@showcasepublicationsga.com @okefenokeelivingmagazine

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Okefenokee Living is published semi-annually by Showcase Publications, Inc. (912) 559-2045 – P.O. Box 391 Jesup, GA 31598 www.showcasepublicationsga.com

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.

The next issue of Okefenokee Living will be published Fall 2021. To advertise, contact Connie Riddle (912) 424-8772 or criddle@showcasepublicationsga.com. To ensure you get a copy, purchase a subscription online at showcasepublicationsga.com or use the subscription form in the magazine.

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Division Manager Southeast Georgia Richard Lee was born and raised in Brantley County with a Waycross address in the Central Avenue area. After graduating from Brantley County High School, he graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Poultry Science in 1986. No matter where Richard landed, his heart was never far from home and he looked for a way to be closer to his large family where he felt a great support and connection. Opportunity called in the form of a small garbage company when Richard was hired by Jody Jackson in 1996 with the chance to manage the Southland Waste Systems division in Waycross. Richard returned home to what was a small operation at the time, running 2 garbage trucks per day. Over the next 21 years Richard was able to gain a reputation for good service and earn the trust of many local leaders. He saw the business blessed to grow from 2 trucks to 34 trucks servicing over 40,000 residential customers and thousands of business customers in an area that included Long, Glynn, Bacon, Pierce, Ware, Atkinson, Coffee, and Clinch Counties. Eventually, the small company was acquired by larger companies and Richard became part of a large corporate culture. In 2019, Richard was given the opportunity, with encouragement from business partner Wayne Musgrove, to open his own garbage company, Local Waste Services. Wayne, also a Brantley County native, and Richard wanted to return to small town, local values, and move away from the large corporate cultural that had become prevalent in most waste

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OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Wayne Musgrove, Operations Supervisor Waycross, Richard Lee, Division Manager Waycross. Wayne and Richard are Brantley County natives. Richard and Wayne live in the area they manage.

removal companies. They desired to return control of service, pricing, and customer interaction to a local level where customers would know who they were talking to when they called. After a very successful first year, they bid on the City of Waycross contract. At this time, Richard and Wayne merged with another small Georgia family company, Ryland Environmental. Ryland, founded in 2014, is owned and operated by Todd Yates and James Lanier of Dublin, Georgia. Managing Partner of Ryland Environmental, James Lanier, and Richard Lee had known each other for years and found they had the same passion for local, quality, customer service. The merger gave the combined company the resources and management team to handle municipal contracts such as Waycross and Tifton, while still maintaining its status as a small, family oriented, Georgia based company with local managers that live in the communities they serve. Richard and Wayne consider all their success and opportunities as blessings. They thoroughly enjoy managing Ryland Environmental and serving the citizens of Southeast Georgia. Their wish is to build a company with a legacy of quality service and fairness where customers are not just a number in a call center waiting que, but rather a real person that deserves local attention.

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THE

OK E F E NO KEE SWAMP

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH STORY BY SHERRI L. MCLENDON PHOTO COURTESY OF USFWS

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

PHOTO BY NATHAN MCMILLIAN PHOTOS

OKEFENOKEE REGION POISED TO ADVANCE ECOLOGICAL TOURISM ECONOMY

hen skeptical visitors first arrive at the Okefenokee Swamp, they are quickly astonished by the beauty and diversity of North America’s largest protected wetland. “What I see is a transition, where they recognize it’s a beautiful place,” says Josh Snead, interpretive ranger at Stephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo. Visitors later recall Spanish moss waving in the breeze; tall cypress trees reflected in blackwater; sightings of alligators, bobcats, foxes or black bears; or migratory birds, like the sand-hill crane. “Fictional swamps are often depicted as dirty, dark, murky places where monsters and malaria hide,” says Snead. By comparison, the Okefenokee is bright and full of life. When the world agrees, recognition follows. In 2017, a USA Today poll voted Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as the second most beautiful campground in the United States. In 2012, National Geographic recognized the Okefenokee Swamp as one of the Top 100 Most Beautiful Places on Earth. Additionally, the Refuge is designated as a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance, a significant global recognition.

SHOWCASING SHOWCASING THE THE REGION’S REGION’S PERSONALITY PERSONALITY

“The Okefenokee is a unique, intact, gorgeous ecosystem. People need to know how important it is.” - Kim Bednarek PHOTO COURTESY OF USFWS

As a result, the world was taken aback in April 2020, when the advocacy group, American Rivers (AR), named the Okefenokee Swamp - and the nearby “Wild and Scenic” Saint Mary’s River - to its list of the most endangered places in the world. AR attributed its decision to the threat they believe titanium mining poses to the waterways’ clean water, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. In 2021, even as the mining debate continues, and after more than 40 years, the 407,000 acre Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has now been added to the official register for United States nominations to the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) World Heritage List. As the most complete large freshwater wetland ecosystem remaining on the highly populated North American Coastal Plain, it is considered an irreplaceable world resource. “The Okefenokee is a unique, intact, gorgeous ecosystem,” says Kim Bednarek, Executive Director, Okefenokee Swamp Park & Okefenokee Adventures. “People need to know how important it is. When guests visit and experience the Okefenokee, they will want it conserved and want others to visit.”

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

OKEFENOKEE REGION: AT AN ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC CROSSROADS Bednarek believes the region may be at a crossroads from a natural resources perspective. The question? Whether to extract resources versus conserve them. “The Okefenokee has the potential to be a catalyst for regional economic development rooted in conservation,” says Bednarek. “When communities are vulnerable, they may make decisions that are not in their best interests. With support, they can think strategically to make the best long term, sustainable decisions for the future.” Ecological tourism, or eco-tourism, offers a unique opportunity to recast the Okefenokee Swamp as a significant economic driver within the regional economy, she says. “There’s an underdeveloped story about the swamp as the true anchor for economic development in this region,” says Bednarek. The numbers support Bednarek’s position. In 2019, five percent of overnight visitors to the state - and four percent of day visitors - indicated that eco-tourism was an activity of special interest, according to Ashley Barfield, Ph.D., director

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY GENE BEDNAREK (Except Photo of Dr. William Clark)

of tourism research with the Georgia Department of Economic Development. That means roughly 9% of Georgia’s overall $34.9 billion - or $3.14 billion - in travel spending derives from eco-tourism dollars. Equally compelling are the numbers in southeast Georgia’s Congressional District 1, which encompasses the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia’s Golden Isles, and historic Savannah. In all, as much as 29 percent of the region’s reported $3.2 billion travel spending may be attributed to eco-tourism, according to U.S. Travel data. “We know that the swamp has a major economic impact,” according to William Clark, chairman of the board of trustees for the nonprofit Okefenokee Swamp Park, and president of the Waycross Convention and Visitors Bureau. According to the most recent Banking on Nature report, published in 2018, the Okefenokee Swamp generates 753 local jobs, $17.2 million in employee income, $5.4 million in total tax revenues, $64.7 million in economic output, and recorded an impressive 724,000 visits across entrances. “Tourism dollars are the cleanest dollars received in any community,” Clark says. “We want to employ more people and raise the general tide of prosperity in Ware County and throughout the Okefenokee region.” Created after World War II in 1946, when U.S. 1 was the main thoroughfare between Maine and Miami, the Swamp Park board of trustees today plans to reinvigorate the future prospects for regional tourism. “We want to invite eco-tourism investment in Ware, Charlton, and Clinch counties so that the Okefenokee can achieve its potential,” says Bednarek.

Dr. William Clark, Chairman, Okefenokee Swamp Park Board of Trustees & President, Waycross-Ware County CVB

COLLECTIVE IMPACT: WAYCROSS, FOLKSTON AND FARGO ARE BETTER TOGETHER Today, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is a member of the new cooperative Okefenokee Partnership, working alongside its strategic partners, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, and Stephen C. Foster State Park. Together, the three agencies hope to enhance appreciation for the Okefenokee Swamp through education and marketing, increasing visitation SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

“The isolation is a part of the adventure. You can disconnect and embrace what the natural landscape can offer.” - Josh Snead

PHOTO BY NATHAN MCMILLIAN PHOTOS

“As the only national wildlife refuge that has both a state park and a non-profit within its borders, we are forming a model of public-private partnership that can help produce a new standard for how to cooperate and move things forward,” says Clark. “We are committed to develop a way to educate the travelling public on the importance of the maintenance and recovery of wetlands wherever they exist,” he says. PHOTO BY CHRIS MONCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

at each entrance, and growing the positive economic impact for south Georgia. Already, the group’s innovative partnership has yielded new recognition for the Okefenokee Swamp. First, the launch of a new website, www.visittheswamp.com, features visitor experiences at all three locations. A new permanent exhibit at the Port Wentworth (Savannah) Visitor Information Center opened in October to fanfare, later garnering recognition as one of the top five exhibits at the recent Travel Blazers conference. Forming impactful partnerships is a technique Bednarek calls “collective impact,” an intentional process of bringing disparate groups of people together to work and solve complex problems.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

COVID, RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITY IN THE OKEFENOKEE REGION Visitation at the Okefenokee also declined by about 25 percent during COVID, as groups and international guests cancelled their trips right at the peak of tourist season. “The Okefenokee Swamp is a destination,” says Susan Heisey, supervisory refuge ranger at the National Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, Folkston. “This is not the type of place that you jump off the interstate to visit.” Pre-COVID, the three swamp entrances would see visitors from all 50 states and over 46 different countries on a regular basis, says Heisey, who collates the “gold star” quality data for all three swamp entrances, counting visits as well as visitors.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MONCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

“On average, the Okefenokee would see 500,000-600,000 visits per year,” according to Heisey. “At minimum, we see about 250,000 distinct visitors in a year to the swamp as a whole.” Post-COVID, statewide recovery scenarios developed by Tourism Economics for Explore Georgia in September 2020 suggest that the rural and outdoor destinations, like the Okefenokee Swamp, are dramatically outperforming urban destinations for travel spending, both in the southeast and across the nation. “Recreationally, the Okefenokee is a really hot eco-tourism destination,” says Bednarek. “What we need to do is build up what people can do, and where they can stay, to complement their visit to the Okefenokee.” Destinations with a mix of local and out-of-town visitors will recover faster, along with destinations with recreation

PHOTO BY BILL RHODES

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge  North America’s largest protected wetland  Ranked by a USA Today poll as the second most beautiful campground in the United States (2017).  Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 100 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (2012).  On average, the Okefenokee has 500,000 - 600,000 visits per year representing all 50 states and over 46 different countries.

E V E R Y A L L I G AT O R L I F E H A S A S T O R Y For the first time, individuals with an interest in the conservation of the American alligator in the Okefenokee Swamp have an opportunity to get to know one firsthand. This, thanks to a new, one-of-a-kind sponsorship opportunity from the University System of Georgia. Adopters “sponsor” a real, live alligator, and help choose its official name. The alligator is caught, tagged, returned to its natural habitat, then followed with a GPS tracker for an entire year. Sponsors receive detailed monthly updates on the activities and movements of their alligator as it makes its way through the Great Swamp. They also receive photographs and tracking information and a one-of-a-kind painting made by their alligator. The sponsorship offers an opportunity to be part of groundbreaking new research into PHOTO BY BILL RHODES alligator behaviors, say Okefenokee Swamp Park experts. The research is conducted by Georgia Southern University master’s candidate Mark Hoog, an alligator research technician with the Brunswick station of the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at the University of Georgia. “Alligators are often misunderstood and persecuted,” says Hoog. “Not only will this project help us better protect the American alligator and its environment, but it will also allow me to teach people about alligators and why they are so important.” The sponsorship also covers expenses related to field research, and it is expected to contribute significantly to understandings of the behaviors, relationships, and habits of the American alligator. Learn more at https://gacoast.uga.edu/research/major-projects/alligator-research/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP PARK, VISIT okeswamp.org SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

W O R L D C L A S S S TA R G A Z I N G A M A Z E S I N FA R G O Five years ago, Fargo’s Stephen C. Foster State Park entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp was named Georgia’s first accredited gold tier International Dark Sky Park. Today, sky watchers and star gazers visit the location from all over the world. Little natural darkness remains in the eastern or southeastern United States, making the recognition particularly noteworthy, according to the International Dark Sky Association, headquartered in Tucson, Ariz. The Fargo location is uniquely well suited for viewing, due to consciously low light pollution from the nearby small town and its 300 residents. Pre-COVID, weekly programming at the park expanded to include night-time astronomy programs throughout the year. These, using 8- and 10- inch telescopes, are expected to resume when it’s safe to do so. The overwhelming favorite is “The Swamper’s Guide to the Galaxy,” according to Fargo rangers. “People love that program,” says Josh Snead, interpretive ranger at the park. We get to show off different things in the sky at certain times of the year.” On cloudless nights, it’s possible to view the moon’s craters, Venus, Mars, and the North Star, among other night sky wonders. Nighttime boat tours are also a great way to observe the stars from the natural environment, Snead says. “The experience is immersive; It feels and sounds like what night in the Swamp should feel like.” For more on world class Okefenokee stargazing, visit https://gastateparks.org/StephenCFoster.

PHOTOS BY BILL RHODES

opportunities that allow for social distancing, according to report findings. “I don’t think we’re going to see visitation go down in the future, says Heisey. “It’s only going to increase.” Eco-tourism needs to be a pillar of the region’s new economic development story, with the Okefenokee as the anchor, says Bednarek. “Communities can really embrace opportunities when there is an iconic location in your backyard,” says Heisey, citing examples of other gateway towns, such as Pigeon Forge, known as the “Gateway to the Smokies.” “There’s a whole market for tourism in these small towns that can be supported by an iconic location like the Okefenokee Swamp,” she says. Visitors often have an interest in the culture, stories, traditions, handicrafts, and lifeways of swamper families, many of whom remain in the region. As a result, they tend to seek out handmade or locally sourced souvenirs.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

“They like one-of-a-kind items that remind them of their Okefenokee experiences and allow them to contribute to the local community,” says Heisey. In neighboring Clinch county, the small town of Fargo with a population of 300, is decidedly off the beaten track. But that’s what visitors are looking for when they choose the Stephen C. Foster entrance to the state park, according to Snead. “The isolation is a part of the adventure,” he explains. “It’s what makes this a special wild place, removed from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and the busyness of life.” Removed is right. Cell phones don’t work in the cabins or campground, and there are no city lights to spoil the night sky with its internationally respected “Dark Sky Park” designation. “Here, you can really unwind and be a part of a place. You can disconnect and embrace what the natural landscape can offer.” Recently, the positive economic impact of travelers in and out of Fargo got the nod from Dollar General. The retailer sited one of its stores in the town, the only general store for 45 miles. It joins a Fargo restaurant, Joe Billy’s, a few outfitters, small motels, and campsites that serve park visitors. “Campers use the store to resupply,” says Snead. OL Writer Sherri L. McLendon is a descendant of Okefenokee pioneers Jake and Sinie Hurst Carter. She lives in Atlanta.

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OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Young Entrepreneurs

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FOLLOWING THEIR

O L

Roxy Sheffield

Derrick Sheffield

PASSIONS

story by JOHN RIDDLE / photo by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY ladies fashions provided by MEGAN’S BOUTIQUE

very community has its share of young entrepreneurs, but none are more passionate about their pursuits than the five featured here. Inspired by family, their desire to help others, and to leave their mark on the world, they have one thing in common: they recognized an opportunity and seized it. That is the very spirit of entrepreneurship. While there is no one-size-fits-all plan for starting your own business, a common theme from these new business owners is that fear cannot be an obstacle. They all found the courage to overcome their initial hesitations to pursue their dreams. They are proof that even in the worst of times – like in the middle of a worldwide pandemic – it can be the best time to take a leap of faith and follow your passions. SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Young Entrepreneurs

Roxy Sheffield FAITH FAMILY PRACTICE

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Roxy Sheffield pursues multiple interests simultaneously by maintaining a healthy balance of mind, body, and spirit. Leading by example, her deepest passion is helping others realize how to do the same.

story by JOHN RIDDLE photography by LARAMIE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

oxy Sheffield’s entrepreneurial journey is not as straightforward as others, especially those who pursue healthcare as a primary profession. Instead, she has explored many interests while maintaining a healthy balance of her faith, her family, and her practice. She feels her entire life has helped prepare her for striking out on her own. She credits her parents as her most significant role models for becoming an entrepreneur, though neither of them specifically owned their own business. “From a young age, they instilled in me that it was good to do things independently. They cultivated that independence and always encouraged me to do my best in all things.” Roxy said. She also credits them with her ability to manage multiple priorities at once, which is the biggest part of her success. “I think of how my parents took me from school to ball practice, then straight to choir practice at church, then home to practice more sports before dinner, homework, and bed. I was taught to be well-rounded and how to create a balance from a young age,” Roxy explained. Eventually, Roxy did follow her entrepreneurial yearnings but only when the timing was “perfect.” “After three moves, two children, and a decade of working for someone else, the timing was right,” Roxy

[

Best Advice:

“Go for it! Take the leap of faith. Even if you miss your mark, you’ll land on the stepping-stone that will lead you to another opportunity.”

explained. “Mountain-to-valley situations, season after season, is what truly molded me into a business-minded woman. I knew how I wanted things done. I was grounded in my most important relationships – with God and my husband – and I was ready to take a leap of faith.” That faith was the inspiration for the name of the medical practice she founded with business partner Bradley Page, Faith Family Practice, which opened in May 2020. Though she says she and Bradley are “polar opposites,” she feels they offer the perfect balance to provide the community with high-quality, faith-based healthcare that “helps patients on their journey to a healthier mind, body, and spirit.” Even before the launch of Faith Family Practice, Roxy started a blog (roxintheboxblog.com) covering her ideas and thoughts on topics varying from faith to fashion, including nutrition, lifestyle, travel, skincare, and even children’s clothing. More recently, she launched “ROXBOX,” a quarterly subscription box with items from locally owned businesses. “I use the blog and my ‘ROXBOX’ to co-promote local businesses and support our community,” Roxy explained. A social media influencer with more than 8,000 followers on her Instagram page, this is a valuable commodity to help promote products for local businesses. The latest venture in the Sheffield household is Sheffield Coffee Company, which Roxy says is all her husband’s idea. Nonetheless, it’s another new business in the family within one year of opening her medical practice. Roxy’s energy and zest for life stem from her “never look back” attitude. “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to do whatever it takes to make a dream a reality. Dream big and speak it into the universe. Write it down. Plan your work, then work your plan. And,

WEBSITE: faithfp.com SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram @roxyjsheffield / @faithfamilypractice Facebook @roxyjohnssheffield / @faithfamilypractice ADDRESS:

Faith Family Practice 2005 Pioneer Street, Waycross

]

most of all, never look back.” Besides her parents, Roxy credits others who have influenced her entrepreneurial spirit. “I believe I am a natural leader and have always wanted to do my own thing, but I respect the journey and all of those who helped me get to where I am,” she said. “My first job was in a men’s clothing store, The Squire Shop, in Carrollton, Georgia, where I attended college. The owner, April Brewer Nestor, was the greatest influence on me being able to dream big regardless of my age,” Roxy explained. “She owned a retail store at twenty-three, started her own clothing company, and now has a home renovation company. She is the epitome of the word ‘entrepreneur,’ and I am forever grateful for her influence.” Others include Dr. Rick and Tillie Lynch, who hired Roxy as a new Physician’s Assistant (PA) when she moved back to Waycross. “I was inspired by how they ran their business. They loved and took excellent care of thousands of patients for more than 40 years in this community,” Roxy said. Always striving to maintain a balance, Roxy insists that her greatest successes are her and Derrick’s two children, Dax (7) and Ramsey Jae (4). They are both models for The Beaufort Bonnet Company, the owner of which is another of Roxy’s role models. Roxy is paying it forward by raising her children to be well equipped to balance multiple priorities too, and, who knows, maybe they are the future next young entrepreneurs. The term “social media influencer” is described as someone who “has access to a large audience and can persuade others by virtue of their authenticity and reach.” That’s a great description of Roxy Sheffield, but she is not satisfied with only being an influencer herself. Her most profound passion is helping others do the same – in their own way – in their own space – and in their own time. OL SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Young Entrepreneurs A HOBBY THAT BECAME A PASSION With a minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Jason Thomas always thought he would be his own boss one day. What he didn’t know is that a business would develop from a woodworking hobby into building furniture that will last for generations.

Jason Thomas INGRAIN WOODWORKS

Story by PAM HART Photography by LARAMIE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

ason started out by doing small woodworking projects and furniture for his wife, Lindsey. While woodworking, Jason found that he lost track of time and troubles and found it a wonderful escape. When asked how he learned woodworking skills, Jason shares that it was in a rather unusual way, “As I attempted increasingly more difficult pieces, I reached out to friends and acquaintances that I met on Instagram. They were generous with advice and instruction.” Since starting woodworking in 2013, Jason has increased his skills to the point that he no longer just builds for family and friends. Word of mouth increased demand for his woodworking to the point that Jason started his own company, Ingrain Woodworks, and social media has taken it to another level. “I have a current lead time of around three months and I turn away projects that don’t require a certain skill level. I try to never do the same thing twice. I try to do a little something different on each piece so that it is unique.” Jason’s time is limited as he works full time at Stewart Candy Company as an Operations Analyst. When Jason’s not busy with work and family, he builds furniture from various types of wood such as hickory, maple, oak and heart pine and has even done incredible charcuterie boards out of cedar. Jason’s face lights up when he tells about coming across an old barn in Alma that was getting ready to be

torn down. Jason salvaged wood that was over a hundred years old from that barn, and he built two mantles in his own home and his kitchen table. Another unique project that he had was to build a table for Shannon Stewart made of aged wood pulled from the bottom of the Satilla River. Shannon says, “Jason did an incredible job on our table.” When commissioned to build a bar top for Sheffield Coffee Company, Jason actually stained the wood using coffee grains from Sheffield Coffee. Sheffield Coffee’s owner Derrick Sheffield says, “I knew I had chosen the right man for the project the moment I first met Jason. He arrived at the shop and immediately began picking my brain. He wanted to hear my goals, ideas, and visions. He wanted to know more ‘why’ than ‘what.’ He listened intently and then began weaving his passion with mine. He polished my ideas and made them better. For example, he took my desire for a boring wood bar top and turned it into a coffee stained ‘Shef’s Table.’ I am so thankful for the opportunity to have and showcase his work at Sheffield’s. And once you see his work for yourself, you too will realize his pursuit of excellence is second to none.” For another client, Alex Bell, Jason stained white oak a deep rich color emphasizing the grain in the oak and made a striking trestle table. Alex says, “Jason does phenomenal work. His attention to detail and creativity

ABOVE: Jason and his wife have a three-yearold daughter and a new addition, Hudson Grady. He built his daughter Sadie’s bed and his son’s crib, and numerous other pieces of furniture in their home. “I take great satisfaction in building for those nearest and dearest to me,” Jason says.

is unmatched. He is truly invested in his craft and in making his customer’s dreams a reality.” Another recent project involved building a live edge table for a client in Atlanta. The client became aware of Jason’s work from Bethany Strickland whose husband Steve owns a sawmill in Alma. Steve found a huge pine log at the mill and alerted Jason. Jason cut the live edge table from the pine as well as the bar top for Sheffield Coffee. Bethany says, “We recently took the custom table to our friends who had

[

it built for their new house on Lake Lanier. They were thrilled with it and it fit their space perfectly.” Jason credits his Dad as his inspiration for pursuing his dream of being an entrepreneur. “My Dad shaped me and my work ethic. He was someone that literally worked until his body couldn’t go anymore.” Jason seems to be much like his Dad. “My mind never stops turning. If I’m not thinking about my day job, I am thinking about my business. It’s not a choice for me, it’s something I just can’t turn off.” Overall, Jason enjoys building tables most. He explains, “Tables are where families gather, and it is meaningful to me to know that a family is gathered around something that I built especially for them. When I put my name on it, I want to make sure that it is heirloom quality and will last for generations.” OL SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @ingrainwoodwork Facebook: @ingrainwoodworks

Best Advice:

“Young entrepreneurs need to know that it’s not easy, and it’s not always fun. The biggest lessons I have learned is to use the “screw-ups” as a tool to grow. Don’t be quick to anger, and move forward.” SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

] 23

Young Entrepreneurs

Tera Blount & Jordan Harkleroad THE ROAD AND FORD AGENCY story by JOHN RIDDLE photo by LARAMIE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

SHARED PASSIONS – SHARED PARTNERSHIP With a shared passion for f ollowing in their family's f ootsteps, these two young women have merged their similar experiences, as well as their names, to create a b randing, marketing, and web design business.

jordan Harkleroad 24

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Tera Blount

ordan and Tera’s parents own their own businesses, and they’ve always known that they wanted to follow in their parent’s footsteps. Tera's family owns Crawford Jewelers, and Jordan's family owns Satilla Motors. While the family businesses are different, they have a shared passion for and understanding of what it takes for a small business to be successful. Having seen a family business grow and include multiple generations, Tera knows firsthand the importance of shopping local and the positive impact that can have on the community. “I also know the need for businesses to be able to compete with larger ones locally and online,” Tera explained. This is one of Road+Ford’s main goals for their clients. Jordan's father has a sticky note framed from when she was much younger that reads, "I will attend UGA and one day own my own business or marry a rich man." A funny family memory now, her ambition hasn’t wavered as she is pursuing the dream of her own business (while hedging her bets on the other.) Tera and Jordan share passions for design, creativity, and thinking outside the box. These two young women have merged their similar experiences and their names to create Road+Ford (merging parts of

Harkelroad and Crawford ). Their branding, marketing, and web design business helps small businesses develop who they are and what they do into a “living, breathing brand.” “Road+Ford partners with small businesses to deliver strategies to establish an authentic brand and grow an online presence that will leave a lasting connection with their audience,” Jordan explained. “Helping other entrepreneurs deepen their relationship with existing clients and broaden their customer base is at the heart of all that we do,” Tera added. They understand these strategies and goals from hands on experience as both Tera and Jordan continue to work within their family businesses while building their client base at Road+Ford. Jordan shares aspects of their growth, “It can be a process for customers in a smaller town to understand the return-on-investment (ROI) of marketing and why they should trust the process of implementing very specific marketing strategies." Tera agrees, adding, "One of our biggest challenges is having business owners trust us and invest in our process when two young professionals are trying to explain things a lot of our clients have no experience with yet." "Our biggest success is working so well together. I couldn't have asked for a better business partner," Jordan explained. "Tera and I are both passionate about the work that we do, and we each bring different skills to the table." Their different perspectives allow them to see various solutions to help build each client's brand. "One of our strengths is having two creative minds that allow us to collaborate and have different perspectives on designs and ideas,” Tera explains. Jordan and Tera are also unafraid of taking a leap of faith with a calculated confidence. They feel certain they can win clients with confidence in their ability to share their research and proven methods. This is something they encourage other young entrepreneurs to understand and embrace as well.

[

Best Advice:

Make sure you're passionate about the services or products you are offering. If you love what you do, your work will show it.

“I would say not to be scared to fail or of what others might think. Some people may not take you seriously because of your youth as a young professional, but don’t let that discourage you because you can prove your value through meaningful strategies and deliverables over time,” Tera emphasized. They also understand the importance of promoting themselves and tapping into the network of support from family and friends. “One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is to jump on any opportunity to connect with someone new, whether virtually or in-person,” Jordan explained. “We’ve made many new and exciting business connections through our social media platforms that we would have otherwise never made because of geographical

]

separation. Social media is a powerful tool, and if utilized appropriately, it has the potential to make a huge difference in the success of your business.” While these young professionals are proud of their success and are striking out on their own, they are quick to recognize that the people who inspire them the most are the entrepreneurs they know the best. For Tera, it’s her mother, Kim, and father, Tim Blount, who passed away recently. For Jordan, it’s her father and grandfather, Thad and Irie Harkleroad. What a legacy to carry on as they follow in their footsteps. OL WEBSITE: roadandford.com SOCIAL MEDIA: @roadandford CONTACT INFO: roadandford@gmail.com

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Young Entrepreneurs

Derrick Sheffield

SHEFFIELD COFFEE COMPANY

SERVING RELATIONSHIPS WITH A SIDE OF COFFEE Driven by building relationships, Derrick Sheffield hopes his passion for serving people will spill over into everything he does and will help him exceed his customer’s expectations.

story by JOHN RIDDLE photography by LARAMIE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

errick Sheffield has an infectious personality that exudes energy and attracts people to him. These are excellent traits for the owner of a local coffee shop. The path to becoming an entrepreneur for this former investment analyst and financial advisor was launched when a fortuitous opportunity presented itself. He seized the opportunity to launch his own business, and he hasn’t looked back. Derrick says that for years people told him he should open his own business. Occasionally, he thought he might like to own a restaurant but, he says he “…never had the courage to take the leap.” That all changed in 2020 when a unique opportunity presented itself. "Many people close to me started telling me I should open a coffee shop. At first, I didn't pay much attention. But, after a while, the more I thought about it, the more interested I became. One afternoon, he, and his wife Roxy, rode past an old gas station on Plant Avenue, and he told her that if he were ever to open a coffee shop in Waycross, that old station was the only place he would consider. That was the end of it until two weeks later - when "fate" intervened. “A few weeks after I pointed out that location to Roxy, I received a phone call

from an unidentified number. It was Josh Sanders, who I had never spoken with before,” Derrick explained. “He told me that he had a small retail store in Waycross, and his customers kept telling him they should serve coffee but that his plate was full, and he couldn’t take that on. He said he had heard of us from others in the community and thought it might be a good fit. I laughed at first; then I asked him where his store was located. He gave me the address, and we hopped in the car and drove to the same old gas station that I had pointed out to Roxy two weeks earlier. The one location I said that if I ever opened a coffee shop, it would have to be in that spot." That “divine intervention” led to a step of faith by Derrick and Roxy to finally start his own business, Sheffield Coffee Company. “All it took was a good ‘kick in the pants’ from Jesus to make me open my own business.” Derrick credits many others for inspiring him over the years to be an entrepreneur, including at the top of the list his wife, Roxy Sheffield, also an entrepreneur. "Roxy has been my biggest inspiration and encouragement through the whole process," Derrick said. Others include James Rivers, a previous boss, Lovett Young, owner of the local Chick-fil-a, and Rodney Thrift. In their own ways, they all played a role over the years in encouraging Derrick and convincing him that no matter what he did, he would be successful.

[

Best Advice:

“Don’t let your fear steer you away from your dreams. Failure isn’t fatal, but the fear of it is. God placed the best things in life just on the other side of fear. You’ll never know what it’s like to fly if you’re too afraid to get off the ground.”

There are many benefits of owning your own business. For Derrick, the main benefit is derived from “doing what you know you’re designed to do.” Something he says he’s been trying to find for years. Another, he says, is the freedom and sense of accomplishment that comes from being a business owner. “I read that a business owner leaves his 9-to-5 job to work 24/7. That is 100% true. But it comes with a different level of desire and a totally different approach,” he explained. Derrick has remembered many encounters with others that have helped prepare him for this new venture. One is from a server in a restaurant who asked him a very poignant question that he hasn’t forgotten. The server asked Derrick, “When was the last time you went to a restaurant, and they met every one of your expectations?" Derrick thought carefully and told the server that his expectations are met with almost every meal at every restaurant. Then the server asked, “How many people do you tell about those experiences?” In that moment, Derrick realized that he never tells anyone about those experiences. “No one,” he replied. The

]

server smiled and said, “If you want people to talk about you and your service, you have to exceed expectations." Derrick knows that there are a lot of places that serve good coffee. His mission is a bit different. “I intend to offer the people of this community a real relationship with a side of coffee,” he said. “That might sound strange coming from the owner of a coffee shop, but I believe that if we get the relationships right, that love will spill over into everything we do.” One thing seems clear about Derrick's new venture. People will be talking about it because he intends to exceed their expectations. OL

WEBSITE: sheffieldcoffeeco.com SOCIAL MEDIA: @sheffieldcoffeeco ADDRESS:

Sheffield Coffee Company 1014 Plant Avenue, Waycross

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER

TRISTAN THRIFT

South Georgia Portrait Photographer Lifestyle, Portraiture and Senior

laramiesphotography.com | laramiesphotography@gmail.com

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

lisa 2.0

ONE WOMAN’S MISSION OF

RECOVERY, FAITH AND HOPE AFTER COVID-19

“Jesus, if I die, I really want to live with you.”

isa Martin pleaded silently to her Lord as she was wheeled into the emergency room at Memorial Satilla Hospital, Waycross, on September 27, 2020. Though her test for COVID-19 had returned “negative,” she was convinced she had the virus. A 49-year-old educational consultant with South Central Georgia Learning Resources Center and Georgia TAPP supervisor with Okefenokee RESA, Waycross, Martin was aware of COVID’s devastating impact, especially on educators. After receiving a reprieve from a recent cancer scare only weeks before, she took the threat of the virus very seriously.

Story by SHERRI L. MCLENDON, a freelance writer and lead content strategist with Professional Moneta Marketing, Atlanta. Photo by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

“I LOVE BEING OUTSIDE ON A GORGEOUS DAY with my family and dogs – those days that make me feel alive.”

– Lisa Martin

Photo by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY ABOVE: Harper Lee with Lisa and Jeff. Harper Lee, their only child who lives in Blackshear, ran

her father’s businesses while her mother was in the hospital.

ABOVE: Lisa Martin, pre-COVID, was

the picture of health.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Almost at once, she began to institute protective measures for herself and her family, sending out care packages of sanitizers and masks. But after her husband, Jeff, tested positive for the virus, Lisa took little comfort from learning the truth about her symptoms. She was right. The life-and-death struggle of the next 60 days remains blessedly blank. What she now knows has been chronicled by family and her medical team: 59 days on a ventilator, a tracheotomy, 40 days in an induced coma, a frontal lobe stroke, and severely damaged lungs. “I don’t have any memories from mid-September to December 11,” she explains, referencing the heavy sedatives and drugs that were necessary to combat the effects of the virus.

With the drugs came horrible hallucinations, enough to make her question whether she had glimpsed what Hell might be like. “Have I done enough, been good enough, am I going to Heaven?” she asked herself. Later, she would discuss it with her husband, a former minister who holds a doctorate of ministry in applied theology. During those blank days, Jeff would be at the forefront of the fight to save her life, researching treatments, consulting medical professionals, and advocating for her at every turn. “When I woke up, I was so happy to be alive and out of the hallucinations,” she says. So much so, that she didn’t care that she couldn’t yet walk, that her left side was paralyzed, that she could not talk or eat or brush her own teeth. Her situation was so critical, she required around the clock care and assistance with everything she did.

lisa 2.0

OPENING PAGE:

WAKING UP FROM HER COVID NIGHTMARE WAS ONLY PART OF HER MIRACLE, SHE BELIEVES. Since that time, she’s experienced a more subtle form of re-awakening in her capacity for faith, hope and joy. Her pathway, fraught with obstacles, has granted her with grace, courage and conviction to prevail in her heroic journey through the difficult healing process. “Recovery is hard. I didn’t just come home and sit home. Since the first of January, I have had five physical therapy sessions a week.” Nurses and therapists help her with a regimen of challenging physical exercises and endurance training. Most recently, she has begun pulmonary rehabilitation therapy with the Bacon County Pulmonary Rehab in Alma. “Though she’s not completely independent, she’s been able to advance fairly quickly,” says Amanda Manning, P.T.A., based out of Memorial Satilla Health, Waycross. “She started from scratch, started completely over. Lisa has really advanced her endurance level.” Personal goal setting and a daily agenda set Lisa apart from others, Manning says. “She’s adamant that she wants to do it by herself,” she says. “She wants to know “x” number of steps today, and how many more tomorrow.” The positivity, daily small victories and determined progress are a long way from the days when Manning worked on passive range motion with an incapacitated Lisa in the hospital. “COVID really hits hard, making many patients feel bad to the point that they’re depressed,” says Aris Cochon, M.D., Lisa’s primary care physician at TriMed Advance Health, Waycross.

Today, Lisa is grateful for the little things that keep her going. Daily activities, such as going for a walk with her hound dog, Birdie, in the parking lot of First Baptist Church next door to her house, has offered the companionship she’s needed.

LEFT:

Lisa has followed a tough regimen of challenging physical exercises, endurance training, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

ABOVE:

Lisa’s brother, Parker Ray, Decatur, with Lisa Martin on her first day out of the hospital, the first time he’d seen her or had a conversation with her in months. “She thrives when you put a goal in front of her, and she’ll do everything possible to accomplish it. All my life, she’s the most determined, focused, goal-oriented person I have ever met or will ever meet,” Parker said.

Many patients have a feeling of giving up. They refuse to get up or walk because they have trouble breathing, he says. Once a person falls ill, there’s no guarantee they’ll get better. They need to want to get better and want to get home.

ABOVE:

Lisa’s 50th birthday celebration was held on a parade-style float so that she could greet friends waving from their porches.

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

With Jeff & Lisa on Easter, 2021 are Lisa's father and mother, Howard & Faye Ray, and their children, Jack, Madison, Harper Lee and Natalie. The children make it a point to talk with Lisa frequently. They share texts, songs, and photos about their lives and their experience of Lisa’s COVID battle.

“Baby steps. You have to focus on the successes and not the setbacks. You have to make sure people don’t lose their hope, that they hang onto their successes. That’s the road to recovery: the positivity inside of you.” Lisa’s case is different, he says, due in no small part to “her inner strength to get up, her great family support, and the motivation to get better.” Jeff agrees, saying that in all parts of her life, Lisa always pushes to meet or exceed goals and get results. Her commitment to healing demonstrates this tendency, as well. “She’s just a fighter,” he says. The recovery process is one Lisa calls “learning as we go.” “Now, I wear a watch. I have to check my oxygen levels and heart rate multiple times a day. I take medicine three times a day, every day. Then there’s the neurologist, the pulmonologist, and other practitioners.” Lisa says. A lot of highly qualified medical providers have helped her do the work that comes with the extensive journey to recovery. Their efforts and her own continue to see results, she says.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

“What’s truly amazing and a miracle is that I am so strong and that I have recovered to the extent that I have,” Lisa says. Amazing, because she can walk, now, up to a mile. Parts of her body remain numb: her left pinky and ring finger, her bottom lip, and the tops of her feet and in her shins. “When I smile, I’m very self conscious now because I have a crooked smile,” she says. She has only recently begun to drive. She sees her continued healing as a blessing, because the issues are all nerve-related. One day they will wake up and her full mobility will be restored. Still, she celebrates the miracle. The family was told that if Lisa awoke, her mental capacity was unknowable. Yet, her reasoning and moods are intact. The stroke could have affected those, and it did not. Though she can’t taste food, that, too, will someday return. Her lost hair, which the former beauty queen describes as a “security blanket of confidence,” has regrown. There have also been compromises, like

wearing tennis shoes instead of dress shoes. At some point, the tissue in her lungs became so scarred with disease that doctors believed a double lung transplant was her only hope for a normal life. The oxygen she wears at night reminds her that once again, her progress defies the odds and that her lungs are healing themselves. Lisa remains committed to full recovery, steadily chipping away at reducing the medicines and supports she needs as she rebuilds her life and health. “I try not to think about how close I came to death, because every day is a gift, she says. “This is the new me. This is Lisa 2.0. I’m living each day not knowing what the future brings for me. I’m going to deal with the effects of COVID for the rest of my life.” No doubt, COVID has left telltale signs of its presence, low blood pressure and a racing heartbeat may be here to stay. Doctors are unsure what the future holds in terms of medications and long-term effects on her health and life span. “COVID does a number on people’s hearts,” she says. “Am I a ticking time bomb? Will I wake up in a year and find a delayed response from having COVID?” No-one really knows. Lisa’s four children, Madison, 27, and Jack, 19, both of Statesboro; Harper Lee, 25, Blackshear; Natalie, 22, Fitzgerald, were told that recovery was a long process. Lisa would likely not get better quickly. Harper Lee - who ran her father’s businesses while her mother was in

lisa 2.0

I try not to think about how close I came to death, because every day is a gift. THIS IS THE NEW ME. THIS IS LISA 2.0.” – Lisa Martin –

the hospital - says once her mother woke up, her unwavering focus has been on what she needs to do to get back on her feet. She describes her mother as “stubborn, in a good way,” with the ability to “power through obstacles” and finish anything she starts without regard for the odds. Hope and motivation are Lisa’s anchors during a time of uncertainty and daily hard work, says Harper Lee. Her mother has great strength, a belief in herself and the ability to persevere through a trauma like this one and see it through. “There will never be a pre-COVID normal,” Lisa says. “Even though I’m at home, I’m still in quarantine. If I get a cold, a stomach virus, anything, I will be back in the hospital. I couldn’t get the vaccine until I was 90 days negative, and then I had to wait until my body was strong enough.” The vaccine was essential to her ability to fight off the virus in the future, her pulmonologist said. Manning, however, has little doubt that Lisa’s strong faith, close-knit family, and Christian values have contributed to her recovery, providing the strong personal foundation that’s needed to push forward during the difficult recovery process. These days, Lisa appreciates her ever-increasing independence, afternoon walks with her daughter, Harper Lee, and her newfound ability to care for her four-legged friends: two Frenchies, a cockapoo, and a bloodhound named “Birdie,” who proved an important part of her early recovery: “My husband would bring her to visit every day, and she would sit on my feet,” Lisa recalls. “It gave me something to look forward to every single day. Petting her made me feel that life was a little more normal.”

lisa’s story TO DATE,

AND THE MIRACLE OF HER AWAKENING has been covered by more than 25 local and national media outlets, including Good Morning America, People Magazine, and Fox News. It has been chronicled across four continents, reaching tens of thousands of FaceBook™ followers and readers from North America, South America, Europe and Africa. She’s even been interviewed about her experience by the Brooklyn Archdiocese of the Catholic Church.

THE FAMILY NOW HAS A STRICT COVID PROTOCOL. “Now when people come to visit, we sit outside,” Lisa says. The experience has made her more grateful for the beauty of nature and God’s creation than she ever was pre-COVID. The children are tested before every overnight visit. Guests check their temperatures, use hand sanitizer, and wear masks and gloves. Even Jack had to wait to visit at least 14 days after his return from spring break. Now that their mother is home, the entire family has continued to work together as a team, dividing duties and beginning to make plans for the future. Though at first efforts were limited to the immediate family, Lisa’s siblings and parents have ensured that Lisa has the continued support that she needs. “They tell me how much they love me,” she says. “I know 100% that if I would have died, their world would have been broken in two. They tell me I’m the heart of the family.” The family agrees.

“The whole family, we give all praise to God, whenever she woke up, we couldn’t believe it after all she’d gone through,” says Madison. “She sees her recovery as a true miracle, witnessed, with positivity. A lot of people have been saved through her experience. She is an example that faith is strong and real.” Howard Ray, Lisa’s father, of Douglas, a retired superintendent of schools and university administrator, believes her recovery offers a spiritual message. “She is a miracle. The Lord is still in the healing business today, not just in the past.” Another miracle for Lisa is the realization of a lifelong dream: a Saint Simons Island beach house, now firmly at the center of a meaningful next phase in her life shared with Jeff, her children, and future grandchildren. Lisa calls the beach house their “recovery home.” Not only due to her recovery from COVID, but from the depression and general malaise that defined her life in the days before. Gratefully, the love she shares with Jeff has been renewed, as has their shared faith. “Now, there’s a greater appreciation for my wife,” Jeff says, explaining that he listens more and has more patience. The experience changed both of them for the better, inside and out. He describes it as a “test of faith that has led to thanksgiving and appreciation to God and Lisa.” “We get a do-over, and we’re really going to live,” Lisa says. “It’s up to us to sit still, pay attention, and to listen. I’m told a million times a day how much he loves me. He will randomly grab my hand and say, ‘I’m so glad you’re still with me.’” OL

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Under the

Gold DOME

State Representative Steven Meeks (R) – District 178 Serving portions of Appling, Brantley, Pierce, and Wayne Counties. Committee assignments include: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Intragovernmental Coordination

•

A UNIQUE SESSION: This past January, as we gathered in Atlanta to start the legislative session, our focus was on election reform, the state budget and serving our districts in ways that would make our communities stronger and safer. While our state and nation continue to recover, we face the continued uncertainty from the crippling effects of the coronavirus, we knew we must remain steadfast with our conservative budgeting forecasts all the while providing our healthcare and educational systems with the necessary resources to continue their herculean efforts to serve. The legislature was also extremely focused on assisting our small businesses to continue to adapt and succeed in this environment.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

State Senator Tyler Harper (R) – District 7 Serving Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Coffee, Irwin, Pierce, Ware, and parts of Charlton and Wilcox counties. Committee assignments include: Natural Resources & the Environment – Chairman, Public Safety – Vice Chairman, Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Rules

•

he General Assembly has only one constitutional duty each year – to pass a balanced budget. With the possibility of another suspended session, we focused early on amending the then current state budget. House Bill (HB) 81 is the spending plan for FY 2022, beginning on July 1, 2021. This coming year’s budget, $27.2 billion, is more than $1.3 billion over the current year’s budget. This is about a 5.2 percent increase. HB 81 includes funding for public education, mental health programs, nursing homes, transportation, rural investments, and economic incentives. Georgia received over $4.6 billion from the federal government through the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act.

It restores $577 million in school funding and gives an additional $38 million. The legislature is committed to ensure that every Georgia child, student, educator, and school staff member have the resources, training and tools that they need. Rural Georgia remains a focus of the legislature and Governor Kemp. More than 70% of economic development announcements have been for jobs in rural areas. We continue to work to create more opportunities for our children and grandchildren to return to rural Georgia to live, work and raise their families. Additionally, more than 120,000 homes and businesses in rural Georgia have increased access to broadband since passage of SB 2 in 2019.

Steven Meeks

Tyler Harper

steven.meeks@house.ga.gov

tyler.harper@senate.ga.gov

Capitol Address: 501-E Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334 / 404.656.0178

Capitol Address: 121-J State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 / 404.463.5263

District Address: P.O. Box 178 • Screven, GA 31560

District Address: P.O. Box 798 • Ocilla, GA 31774

Facebook @MeeksforStateHouse

Facebook @TylerHarperForGeorgia

State Representative

Election Reform It was imperative that the legislature make changes to Georgia’s voting laws to bolster confidence in the integrity of our election system. There is so much misinformation and blatant lies about this legislation. Let us share with you what SB 202 will do: •

•

Allows voting precincts to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. while mandating they stay open for a minimum of eight hours. Expands early voting access to 17 days (including at least two Saturdays and two optional Sundays). Keeps in place no-excuse absentee voting, allowing citizens to vote by mail for any reason, limiting the time to request an absentee ballot to a mere 67 days while also allowing them to be completed online. Replaces signature verification—a time-consuming process for election workers—with verification through a driver’s license ID, (which 97% of Georgia voters have) the last four digits of their social security number, (which 99.9% of Georgia voters have) or a voter identification card (which is free to obtain). If voters do not have access to any of those, they can still submit verification through a photocopy or digital picture of their current utility bill, bank statement,

•

State Senator

government check, paycheck, or other government document that includes their name and address. One of the most publicized features of the bill is the prohibition of the distribution of money, gifts, food, and drinks within 150ft of the polling place and 25ft of voters in line. The provision does not prohibit polling places from providing water and/or food to voters in line, it merely prohibits distribution by organizations to prevent electioneering. Codifies drop-boxes into Georgia law, stating there be one for every 100,000 registered voters or advance voting locations in a county.

Save The Date

REDISTRICTING We will meet again later in 2021 to address redrawing the boundaries of our state’s legislative and congressional districts. Georgia reported a resident population of 10,711,908 in the 2020 census data released earlier this month. This means that the average State House District size for the coming decade will be 59,511 citizens. The average Senate District size for the coming decade will be 191,284. After the 2010 census, the state house district size was 53,820 citizens. The state senate district size was 172,994. As a result of the census, the average district size for both the house and senate will increase nearly 11%. This will result in our maps looking very differently. We will keep you updated as we go through this process.

ANNUAL PIG PICKIN & POLITICKIN

ANNUAL PEANUTS, PINES & POLITICS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

Harper Hill 1469 Holt Road Wray, GA 31798

Mossy Pond Lodge 3099 Mayberry Road Patterson, GA 31557

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Cobblestone

Make Your Property Soar with RE/MAX Cobblestone! wendy@remaxcobblestone.com

Wendy Mattox / Realtor

IT'S A SELLER'S MARKET - SELLERS WANTED!

VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY

Virtual tours create an immediate, lasting connection to a property because you can experience it as if you were really there. The 3D experience offers a great way to view the details of the home before ever stepping inside. It makes it very easy for you to

explore that dream kitchen or perfect walkin closet and decide which homes work for you and which ones don’t.

You can also see the structural views of the home by viewing the home in dollhouse mode by a simple click of a button or tap of a finger. This allows a new way to see the full structure of the home quickly. The dollhouse view is exactly how it sounds; it shows you the entire home as if it were a dollhouse on your living room floor, offering a look into the full structure. Another feature that provides a “birdseye” view of the home you are potentially interested in is drone video. Wendy Mattox is a FAA – Certified Remote Pilot. She provides her clients unique views of the property and home that few others can.

RE/MAX Cobblestone offers technology that allows you to experience interior spaces from the comfort of your own home like never before. Whether you’re buying or selling – choose RE/MAX Cobblestone.

True or False?

FALSE

You need a 20% down payment to buy a home

Nearly 1 out of 3 current homeowners put down 5% or less

621 TEBEAU STREET • WAYCROSS // 912-281-7781 // WENDYMATTOX.COM

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Home IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS.

It’s where you spend time with the one’s you love most. Featured in this section are two homes and a garden space where the owners have invested great thought and detailed planning into their homes for the ones they love most. Also featured are tips from home and garden designers on how to make your home and garden even more beautiful.

HOME & GARDEN Photo of Ron and Lisa Batten’s home by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY Interior Design by KRISTEN BOYETT, LOTT’S FURNITURE

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

THE ENTRANCE:

The front doors, designed and installed by Ron, are made of 100% genuine Honduran Mahogany.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

HOME & GARDEN

A LABOR OF R O N A N D L I S A B AT T E N ’ S D R E A M H O M E story by JOHN RIDDLE / photography by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY

he home of Ron and Lisa Batten in Blackshear combines the best elements of a modern, open floor plan with classic design features and traditional southern touches. It is their dream home with great attention paid to every detail, especially the cabinetry. Ron is a master craftsman who owns Ron Dee Cabinets that specializes in custom builds for high-end homes. And, the detailed planning and meticulous craftsmanship show through in every room of the house. “I had been collecting house plans and images from magazines for years with the hopes of one day building again,” Lisa explained. “We took two house plans to a draftsman who Ron knows. He took our favorite elements from each plan and designed our dream home.” Those “must-have” elements included a big front porch, four bedrooms with walk-in closets and private bathrooms, as well as an upstairs and a downstairs laundry room. “I was determined that the girls were going to do their own laundry,” Lisa said. There are three bedrooms upstairs. The two front bedrooms, designed for their two oldest girls, Lexie and Bailey, mirror each other. “I wanted each of the girls to have the same design,” Lisa explained. Their youngest, Brooke, was born after construction began. Her favorite toys occupy the large bonus room above the garage, complete with a kitchenette and television that also serves as the girl’s hang-out space. One of the areas where the woman of the home traditionally has a long wish-list is the kitchen. Not in this house. “I let Ron have his way with the kitchen design. I knew he was the expert in that area. The only request I had was white cabinets,” Lisa explained. In fact, some of her favorite features are the hidden storage pop-outs and the pot filler at the range, which she didn’t think they needed but that Ron insisted on. “I’m so glad Ron didn’t listen to me and put them in any way.” ABOVE: Lexie, Bailey, Brooke, Lisa, and Ron Batten with Jasper, their Goldendoodle, and Mattie, their Maltese. SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

HOME & GARDEN

THE FOYER IS INVITING WITH A COZY BENCH AND A SERIES OF VINTAGE TURKISH RUGS. THE TONGUE-AND-GROOVE HEART PINE FLOORS WERE HAND SANDED WITH A CUSTOM STAIN AND SATIN FINISH TOPCOAT. THE COLOR PALETTE FOR THE INTERIOR DESIGN INCLUDES AQUA, NAVY, AND CORAL TO CONTRAST THE WARM FLOORS AND THE WHITE KITCHEN CABINETRY. For the interior design work, Lisa chose Kristen Boyett with Lott’s Furniture, who helped her develop a warm, inviting feel with the colors she loves. “Lisa wanted something to contrast the warm, heart pine floors. We chose a color palette including aqua, navy, and coral. These brighter tones add a fresh touch against the crisp white cabinetry and molding. It also highlights Ron’s beautiful woodwork,” Kristen explained. The furniture is very functional. The sectional and accent chairs allow for plenty of seating in the living room. A wool rug

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

provides a cozy floor space where Brooke loves to play with Maddie, one of the family’s dogs. “I wanted the great room to be a comfortable and cozy place with a splash of style. We needed enough seating for our family to spread out and relax,” Lisa explained. “This is our fourth set of furniture. I kept trying to give Ron a stand-alone recliner, but it just didn’t work. Kristen solved that issue by choosing a sectional with two wall-hugging recliners that do not interfere with the sofa table.” The bright white kitchen is the “command center” of the

“THE MOST USED AREA OF THE HOME IS PROBABLY THE KITCHEN. I LOVE PREPARING MEALS FOR THE FAMILY. WE GATHER AROUND THE ISLAND FOR MOST MEALS, BUT WE ALWAYS EAT IN THE DINING ROOM FOR LUNCH ON SUNDAY.”

THE KITCHEN:

The kitchen cabinetry is painted an Oyster white. The island is accented with a darkblue color hand-mixed by Ron. The cabinets feature a beaded face frame with inset doors and drawer fronts. There is an integrated sub-zero refrigerator and dishwasher. A breakfront, with glass doors and LED lighting, separates the kitchen from the great room.

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

THE DINING ROOM:

The dining room, off the foyer, features a table hand-crafted by Ron from 2-inch-thick quarter sawn white oak with a white painted table apron and legs. The custom draperies and skirted captain’s chairs with coordinating fabrics, and layered rugs were designed to soften all of the wood. The recessed china cabinet, also built by Ron in the same style as the kitchen cabinets, was another of Lisa’s requests. “I wanted the walking space around the dining table to be free and clear without having to walk around a piece of furniture such as a china cabinet. THE LIVING ROOM:

Varying styles of artwork and accessories highlight the color palette and keep the living room stylish yet comfortable. The expansive built-in bookshelves provide a place for family photographs trickled throughout the décor. A proud pair of native blue herons are perched above. Pillows are coordinated with each fabric. A sofa table softens the view from the kitchen.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

HOME & GARDEN

BOTTOM RIGHT:

The back porch opens to the living room for easy flow. Ron handcrafted the tongue-andgroove cypress porch ceilings with the help of his family.

home and is centrally located in the open floor plan. It boasts a large island where the family gathers around appetizers and hangs out while meals are being prepared. “The most used area of the home is probably the kitchen. We gather around the island for most meals, but we always eat in the dining room for lunch on Sunday,” Lisa said. The back porch is another favorite spot. “The back porch is where we enjoy coffee on the weekends. Ron also loves to sit out there and listen to the rain,” Lisa said. “When the weather is nice, we open the glass doors to the living room and listen to music from the speakers built into the back porch ceiling.” Lisa and Ron Batten’s home is a true labor of love both in the planning and installation. All of the cabinetry, interior moldings, trim, treads, stair railing, and even down to the porch handrail and newel posts were made by Ron and installed by him with Lisa’s help. The front doors, which he designed and constructed, consisted of fifty-plus hours of labor alone. “I had no idea there was so much work in constructing two doors,” Lisa deadpanned. With its full-length porches, spacious floor plan, and inviting flow, the home makes gathering and entertaining enjoyable, especially on holidays and special occasions. But, it’s everyday life in every room that reminds them of the main reason behind their labor of love - their family. OL

THEIR SPACIOUS HOME MAKES GATHERING AND ENTERTAINING ENJOYABLE, BUT, IT’S EVERYDAY LIFE IN EVERY ROOM THAT REMINDS THEM OF THE MAIN REASON BEHIND THEIR LABOR OF LOVE - THEIR FAMILY.

THE BACK PORCH:

The back porch opens to the living room for easy flow. Ron handcrafted the tongue-and-groove cypress porch ceilings with the help of his family. SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

HOME & GARDEN

COMEBACK OF story by KRISTEN BOYETT

color

Interior Designer, Lott’s Furniture / kboyett@lottsfurniture.com / 912-283-6350 photography by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY

here’s been an increase in more colorful interiors for a while. But, this year, with everyone looking forward to a healthier, happier future, it feels official… color is back in a big way! We’ve all found refuge in our homes over the past year which has given many a new perspective and appreciation for homelife. They’re seeking change and are ready to embrace colors that are soothing, vibrant, energetic, and uplifting. As a designer, I’m hearing a lot of requests like: “I just want this room to make me happy!”, “I want something totally different!”, and “I want this room to make a statement!” While there are many ways to refresh your space and many aspects to consider, your color palette takes the lead of the entire design concept! Whether you like a little or a lot, if you’re ready to step up your color game, I’m here to help. If you’re hesitant, here is the most important “rule of the rainbow”: THERE ARE NO RULES! But, there are a few important tips to consider:

• All white everything – the new farmhouse trend is much more modern and colorful. • Gray on gray has transformed into more blue on blue. • Traditional browns, used on leather sofas and chairs especially, are toned down to more camel and honey-toned versions.

Don’t use a color just because it feels current and popular. Certain hues may be everywhere you look, but that will pass in a few years. Trends change, so choose colors that truly speak to you and your aesthetic. Color itself is not a trend. Have confidence in decorating your home with colors that YOU choose!

CREATE YOUR UNIQUE PALETTE.

BALANCE WITH NEUTRALS. White, off-white, cream, beige, gray, taupe…definitely have their place in interior design, even in the most colorful spaces. I believe that neutral bones are the best foundation for any space. Choosing a neutral for the wall color or the largest piece of furniture in the room will provide the best base for adding color and pattern. For example, a blue sofa against soft white walls or a cream sofa against a bold blue wall – the balance and contrast are what make it work!

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• Everything from muted pastels to vibrant brights. • Reds, corals, and pinks pair nicely with all shades of blue. • Saturated earth tones (clay, mushroom, and muddy green) feel fresh again when used alongside crisp neutrals and metallics. • Moody, masculine tones like deep teal and blue-gray are bolder than ever and made more relevant with warm wood finishes and black metals. • Oversized pottery style lamps, vintage-inspired rugs, and printed accent chairs and pillows lead the way with major punches of color.

Say goodbye to:

STEER CLEAR OF TEMPORARY TRENDS.

We’re all drawn to certain colors or color combinations. Choose a color palette that is truly unique to your personality. Think of things that bring a smile to your face (places you’ve traveled, personal items and collections, the people and places you love) and pull your color inspiration from there! Incorporating those colors and mixing them with other tones and textures will transform your space with style and meaning.

The new wave of color:

A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. For livable, long-term color, just a few good pops will do. When refreshing what you already have, thoughtfully sprinkle in color with pillows, artwork, rugs, lamps, and accessories. When starting from scratch or redesigning, consider a pair of accent chairs in a fun, colorful print to go with your neutral sofa. In the dining room, paint the dining chairs around your wood table or use a bold rug. In the bedroom, swap out your matching nightstands for colored bedside chests.

KEEP THE FLOW. When bringing in color, be mindful of how your spaces flow from room to room. Keep things cohesive by staying within a simple palette and varying the tones and shades of a few colors. Don’t jump from one bold palette to another in the next room. The rooms don’t have to be the same, but they should “speak” to each other and feel connected. OL

Relax

IN STYLE

401 Mary Street | Waycross, GA | 912.283.6350 2110 Sadler Square | Fernandina Beach, FL | 904.261.6333

lottsfurniture.com

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

welcome TO OUR PORCH HOME & GARDEN

W H E R E WA S T I N G T I M E I S C O N S I D E R E D T I M E W E L L WA S T E D story by JOHN RIDDLE / photography by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY

hen John and Laura Davis decided to build their home, there was one area they knew they wouldn’t hold back on – a covered back porch. The 850 square foot area has motorized roll-up screens, an outdoor kitchen, granite countertops, wood ceilings, two televisions, four “Big Ass” ceiling fans, and a dining table and seating area furnished by Lott’s Furniture. “We wanted an area that was inviting, relaxing, and comfortable to entertain family and friends,” explained Laura. They enjoy the porch from morning until night. Many mornings, John will cook breakfast on his Blackstone Griddle for their children, and they eat at the counter. On pleasant evenings, they sit outside with a drink and watch television. “We enjoy cooking on the grill and eating on the porch, and often even if we don’t cook outside, we eat out there,” John said. “During football season, on Friday nights we listen to the Ware County Gator games, and on Saturdays, we invite friends over to grill and watch the Georgia Bulldogs.” The Davis’ best advice is to go big if you are thinking of adding or building a covered porch area. “Make it comfortable and inviting and big enough for everything you want to include so you won’t feel cramped.”

OPPOSITE PAGE MIDDLE: Laura & John Davis, their children, Matthew and Mary Rylie, with Laura’s mother, Carolyn Corbitt. OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: The sitting area, fully furnished

and accessorized by Lott’s Furniture, allows for ample seating and dining for large groups. The wood ceilings are a nice accent and help tie together all of the finishes.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Buffalo Chicken Dip

F R O M L A U R A D AV I S

2 Large Cans of Chicken - White Breast Chicken (Drained) 1 8 oz Package Cream Cheese 1/2 Cup Ranch Dressing 1/2 Cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese TOP: The six roll-up shades can be controlled separately or all together at once. Besides keeping the bugs out, it blocks the sun and wind when lowered and allows for a breeze and added light when raised.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon mixture into a shallow baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve with crackers or chips.

Ace is the place with the helpful hardware folks.

We know you shop here for your home and also your business. HELPING YOU is our top priority. Ace Hardware, where local is always better! 3271 US Highway 84 Blackshear, GA 31516 (912) 449-4726 14133 Cleveland Street E. Nahunta, GA 31553 (912) 462-7552 5909 2nd Street N. Folkston, GA 31537 (912) 496-7771 SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

HOME & GARDEN

P O W E R H O U S E P L A N T S T H AT

Beat the Heat story by HARLEY HERRIN 1831 Garden Center

a’ll, we all know how hot it gets here in the southeast. In order to keep our containers and seasonal beds looking topnotch, we need to make sure we are choosing plant material that thrives in the sizzling summer sun and continues to provide bountiful blooms all season long. In this article, we will address five of the most heat tolerant plants for the south. These plants thrive in the sun and tolerate periods of little water.

Lantana: Purslane: Purslane is a succulent type annual great for trailing down the side of a container or spilling over the edge of a hanging basket. It loves heat and blooms continuously throughout the day. It comes in several vibrant neon-colored blooming varieties that are sure to shine in the summer sun.

Angelonia: Angelonia is a fantastic upright annual that thrives in the heat. It is often used for height or filler in container arrangements. It makes a great backdrop to other sun-tolerant summer annuals and is often paired with Pentas and Alternanthera in seasonal color beds. It comes in shades of white, pinks, and purples. Its upright growth habit features spires of bell-shaped blooms that entice bees and butterflies to visit their beautiful blooms.

OO KK EE FE FE NN OO KK E E EL ILVI V IN IN GG

Lantana is an excellent performer for summer gardens. Its prolific bundles of blooms provide continuous color in a wide range of white, red, yellow, pinks, purples, and oranges. These heavy bloomers can take the heat. Newer varieties have a smaller, more compact growth habit making them great for containers and flower bed borders without sacrificing their heavy blooming abilities.

Vinca: Last but not least are Vincas. They are arguably the most popular summer annual of the south. Sometimes called Periwinkles, these little plants are TOUGH! Whether used in beds, borders, containers, or hanging baskets, you won’t be disappointed by these heavy blooming beauties! They THRIVE in the heat and humidity of summer with nonstop color.

Pentas: Pentas are excellent plants for peak summer season performance. Their large blooms create a landing pad for butterflies and bees. Like Angelonia, they make an ideal backdrop for other shorter growing annuals like Alternanthera, Vinca, or Lantana. They come in white and shades of pink and red. They do require minimal deadheading but it’s well worth it once you see the benefits of removing the spent blooms.

Any of these make a great addition to your summer gardens and will give you a top-notch bloom performance. Adding these to your beds, baskets, pots, or borders will ensure max color performance and loads of warm-season color!

r, e m m u S y Happ Y 'all! ...and thank you for growing with us! As we continue to grow, we look forward to providing even more resources to the community, planting advice, and even more variety.

1831 Knight Avenue Waycross, Georgia 31503

(912) 283-2862 www.1831gardencenter.com SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

HOME & GARDEN

a garden oasis

story by JOHN RIDDLE photography by LARAMIE’S PHOTOGRAPHY - TRISTAN THRIFT

I T F E E L S L I K E YO U ’ R E I N D O O R S IN THIS GARDEN PERGOLA

keem Clayton’s newest addition to the renovation of his grand old house on Carswell Avenue in Waycross is an English Garden. While the garden, newly planted, needs to mature (look for that in a future issue), his garden pergola is complete. Akeem shows how to bring the indoors outdoors with decorations of blue and white porcelain ginger jars, garden stools, vases, and pillows with coordinating fabrics in this dressed-up gazebo. All that’s needed is a pot of English tea and scones.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

A FEW TIPS TO MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE MORE COZY To create an outdoor oasis, design it as an extension of your living room. When you’re planning for the details, focus on comfort and relaxation. • Add furniture, an outdoor area rug, and plants to create a space where you can unwind. • Add pillows, baskets, ginger jars, and other pottery pieces to accent the outdoor space, the same way you would with your interior space. • For guests who may need an extra layer, store throws or lightweight blankets in oversized baskets. • If you’re planning on entertaining during the evening, add outdoor lighting such as hanging lanterns or cafe lights to create romantic ambient lighting.

Akeem Clayton, a native of Waycross, is the owner of Akeem Clayton Designs, an Atlanta-based creative agency specializing in floral design and décor solutions for weddings and events. SHOWCASING SHOWCASING THE THE REGION’S REGION’S PERSONALITY PERSONALITY

OKEFENOKEE DON'T MISS BEING A PART OF THE FALL 2021 ISSUE OF

The Okefenokee Region’s Premier Magazine Connie K. Riddle

(912) 424-8772

criddle@showcasepublicationsga.com showcasepublicationsga.com

PRESSURE WASHING • ROTTEN WOOD REPLACEMENT • TESTURED FINISHES • WOOD STAINING • ACOUSTICAL CEILING • DRYWALL REPAIR • FAUX FINISHES • MINOR CARPENTRY

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PAINTING “We are a professional painting company that has proudly served South Georgia for more than 35 years. We do residential and commercial / interior and exterior painting. Our objective is to provide quality craftsmanship, outstanding service, and professionalism to the local area. We look forward to protecting and beautifying homes and businesses in South Georgia for many years to come. We want delighted customers, not just satisfied!”

SCHEDULE A FREE NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATE TODAY! 54

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ligh t Y O U R HOME & GARDEN

WE CAN

WAY

story by CRYSTAL HERRIN / Winteriors Design Center

photography by SCOTT BEAHAN, SHUTTERLY PERFECT PORTRAITURE

t Winlectric, we are proud to present a more elegant side of home remodeling and design to the local community. We provide a diverse variety of lighting and plumbing choices for your home or office needs. Our selections will not only compliment your house but make it feel like home. We have light fixtures for all designs and desires. Whether you are feeling the need to upgrade that one light in your kitchen, bath, dining room, or a complete remodel, we are here for you every step of the journey. Maybe you would like that new pendant light for making your island stand out. We can light your way.

WE OFFER THE TOP DESIGNERS AND MANUFACTURERS HERE AT THE WIN FAMILY, SUCH AS:

We have selections that range from New Age, Americana, Contemporary, and Modern including the traditional from Farm House to Victorian decor. If sinks and faucets are getting on your nerves,

we also carry various styles of sinks and touchless faucets that can take any kitchen from looking old and dated to new and stylish. If you are not sure of what you are looking for, let the helpful staff at Winteriors help you along. We strive to take the hassle out of making so many choices. We ask a few short questions and start searching for you. Our main goal is to make our customers happy and feel satisfied with their choice. So the next time you need new lighting and/or plumbing accessories, think of Winteriors in the newly opened Waycross Winlectric building. We look forward to helping you improve the look and feel of your home. We are focused on seeing our customers get what they want as fast as they can get it. We are open to the public and look forward to seeing our new neighbors. OL

Maxim Lighting, American Standard, Kichler, Delta, Barclay, WAC Lighting, Generation Lighting, ELK, Moen, MTI, RH, Savoy House

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

CENTER Drs. Josh and Meredith Parmelee and Dr. Kristen Purdy Now accepting new patients. Business hours: Mon.-Thursday 8:30-5:30 Friday 8:30-4:00 Sat and Sun. Closed

1730 Brunswick Hwy. Waycross, GA 31501

912-283-9383

americaneyecarecenters.com

Your Partner for Success At Marsh & McLennan Agency, we believe that working with the right partner can make goals more achievable and the future less of an unknown. We work closely with our clients using many different markets to develop strategic insurance solutions to support you and your business in the moments that matter. Our Business Insurance Team (left to right): Ray Carter, Jacquie Music, Charles Benoit, Toni Atkinson, Philip Saussy, Marsha Howell

Our Private Client Services Team (left to right): Caitlin Martin, Gracianna Saylor, Shelia Lee, Summer Dixon, Annah Copeland

Talk to us about savings and coverage options for all your insurance needs!

912-283-6490

600 Memorial Drive (across from Wendy’s) • Waycross, GA 31501 • www.MarshMMA.com 56

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

ALL OF YOUR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NEEDS: OXYGEN • CPAP/BIPAP • POWER CHAIRS LIFE CHAIRS • SCOOTERS TIM SLOAN, OWNER

Summer Musgrove, Renee Coleman, Mike Manders, Brook Musgrove Tim’s Home Medical offers the OxyGo, a new-generation pulse dose oxygen concentrator that weighs only 4.8 pounds and can operate on electricity, DC current, or the external attached battery. The OxyGo can be used as both a portable and stationary concentrator.

NEW LOCATION:

WAYCROSS 532 Plant Avenue 912-342-7820 THREE ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:

650 Scranton Road; S-F Brunswick, GA 31520 912-261-4900 685 Kingsbay Road St. Mary’s, GA 31558 912-882-7227 918 South First Street Jesup, GA 31545 912-385-2591 Dear Friends let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows 57 God. SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY 1 John 4:7

Top Mistakes You're Making on Your Website AND HOW TO FIX THEM WRITTEN BY THE ROAD AND FORD AGENCY

Can a website make or break your brand? Absolutely. If you're not seeing traffic from your

THE SOLUTION

website or attracting the consumer you are targeting, it may be due to one of these common mistakes. One of the first mistakes businesses make is putting way too much thought into the copy on your site while forgetting to state your business's services and offerings. This creates confusion for visitors to your site and they are likely to exit the site.

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Think about the only information your client needs to know in order to spark interest. You should be able to convey your business and brand in one clear sentence. The rest of your copy should also be short and to the point. It's scary to delete text, but we promise it will be in your favor! Visitors want clear information as quickly as possible.

Another mistake is the navigation of the website. This doesn't mean the overall design has to be basic, but the performance should be fast and easy to navigate. The order and location of your tabs can play a big role in navigation for your client. Some businesses do need more tabs than others, but a website's About, Contact, and Services pages should always be easy to find.

THE SOLUTION Make sure the tabs are in order of importance and try adding drop-down menus to reduce clutter of tabs on the menu bar. One of the biggest mistakes we see is no clear branding and imagery on a website. Your brand style should be reflected on your site and attract your target audience. One of the first things a site visitor should see is your logo. It needs to be identifiable and memorable. Visitors will also pay more attention to images than anything else on your site. Images are proof of what your business does, has done, and can do.

THE SOLUTION If your company doesn't have quality images, take the time to invest in a photoshoot specifically for your website. A quick solution would be to use stock images until you have your own.

photo by LARAMIE’S PHOTOGRAPHY - TRISTAN THRIFT

PHOTO BY TRISTAN THRIFT OF LARAMIE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

Thank you for reading our advice! Our objective is to help small businesses become big brands. If you would like to inquire more with us about our services, book a free consultation with us today at roadandford@gmail.com or visit us at www.roadandford.com. @roadandford @roadandford

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Located at 2507 Plant Ave. | Suite D Waycross, GA 31501 on Hwy 84 in Flanders Shopping Center

912-284-1714

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

sh i D THE

FOOD AND RECIPES

“Nothing is better than going home to family, eating good food and relaxing.” Lisa Batten, whose home is featured in the Home Section, loves cooking for her family. We asked her to share some of the recipes she prepared for our photo shoot at her home. We’re glad we did. You will be too! Bon Appétit!

RECIPES ON FOLLOWING PAGES

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

sh i D THE

FOOD AND RECIPES

Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Sauce “This is one of our family favorites.” Ingredients: 1 whole beef tenderloin, trimmed 2 tbsp olive oil Jalapeno seasoning Steakhouse seasoning Salt and Pepper Hickory wood chips Sauce: 1/2 cup prepared horseradish 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup mayonnaise Directions: 1. Fill smoker water bowl halfway with water and place wood chips in the tray. Preheat smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Coat tenderloin with olive oil and season generously with jalapeno and steakhouse seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. 3. Make an aluminum foil boat to hold meat and all seasonings. Leave top of foil open to hold juices and seasoning around meat. Place directly on the smoker rack. 4. Smoke tenderloin for 1-1.5 hours, Check internal temperature (125 - 130 °F for medium rare – medium). If you smoke it longer, check temp. every 15 minutes. 5. Let meat rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Lemon Zest Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil Juice of 1 large lemon Zest of 1 large lemon 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese Pinch crushed red pepper Pinch black pepper Directions: Mix all ingredients well in a small mason jar. Enjoy.

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Key Lime Squares

10 Layer Fresh Fruit Parfait

Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 cup hot water 1 pkg. (3 oz.) lime flavor gelatin 1 cup cold water 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 4 medium sized limes, juiced (approx. 1/2 cup)

Makes approx. 4 servings/ tall glasses.

Topping Ingredients: 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cool whip 1 cup powdered sugar Zest of one lime (optional) Directions: 1. Reserve 1 tbsp. graham cracker crumbs. Mix remaining crumbs with butter; press onto bottom of plastic wrap-lined 9-inch square pan. 2. Add hot water to gelatin mix in small bowl; stir until completely dissolved, approx. 2 mins. Add cold water, stir until thickened, approx. another 2 mins. 3. Beat cream cheese in medium bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in milk, then lime juice. Add gelatin, mix well. Pour over crust. 4. Refrigerate 6 hours or until firm. 5. Mix cream cheese, cool whip, and powdered sugar together and add to top of key lime squares before serving. Sprinkle with lime zest and reserved graham cracker crumbs (optional) Tip: Can use sugar free gelatin and reduce powdered sugar to 1/2 cup, turns out just as good with less calories/carbs/sugar.

Ingredients: 1 cup each of: strawberries pineapple kiwi blueberries mango Fresh mint for garnish (optional) Cream Cheese Mousse Icing: 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cool whip 1 cup powdered sugar

Directions: 1. Wash and cut up fruit. Mix icing ingredients together in a small bowl. 2. Alternate layering fresh fruit (approx 4 tbsp.) with cream cheese mousse icing. Use pastry bag or zip lock with tip cut for an easy way of getting mousse into glass jars. 3. Garnish top with fresh mint. (optional) Tip: Can be used with any fresh fruit. Can reduce powdered sugar to 1/2 cup, turns out just as good with less calories/carbs/sugar. “This icing was my great grandmother’s recipe, it’s great for cakes with fresh fruit. I remember helping her make her famous blueberry cream cheese cake as a young girl.”

Watermelon Lemonade Ingredients: 2 Quarts Crystal Light Lemonade prepared 3 cups watermelon, cut into cubes Watermelon slices 2 lemons Directions: 1. Blend cubed watermelon in a blender and strain juice into bowl, yields approx 1.5 cups juice. 2, Add watermelon juice to prepared crystal light lemonade. 3. Pour watermelon lemonade into pitcher 1/2 full of ice. Tip: Prepare watermelon lemonade ahead of time and place into refrigerator to cool for several hours before pouring over ice so ice will not melt as quickly. 4. Cut lemon slices and place into pitcher before serving. Cut lemon and watermelon wedges to garnish tops of glasses. Serve immediately and enjoy. SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

2343 Bob Bowen Road Blackshear, GA 31516

912-449-6190

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

P PROFILES A NEW ERA LONNIE ROBERTS, NEW PRESIDENT OF CPTC, FEELS A SENSE OF OWNERSHIP Photos courtesy of CPTC A Q & A with the new president of Coastal Pines Technical College

onnie Roberts may be new to his role as President of Coastal Pines Technical College, but he is certainly not new to the institution itself or the area it serves. Roberts began his career with Altamaha Technical College (ATC) in 2001 as Director of Institutional Effectiveness (IE) and Library Services. He was promoted to VP Institutional Effectiveness and was Acting President of ATC from 2013-2014. Before becoming president, he was Provost at CPTC from 2014-2021. Before his work in secondary education, he worked in local government from 1981 – 2001 as county clerk and then county administrator for Jeff Davis County, Georgia. After twenty years in local government, he wanted a change. He found it in his first job with the technical college when he became director of IE. And, he hasn’t looked back. Now, he’s at the helm of the region’s technical college, which he had a hand in creating through a merger with two existing technical colleges. He sat down recently with Okefenokee Living Magazine to talk about his motivation and goals, and the challenges facing CPTC in the foreseeable future.

Lonnie Roberts, President, Coastal Pines Technical College SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Q. What

Lonnie with former CPTC president, Dr. Glen Deibert, and Governor Brian Kemp on Kemp’s recent visit to the CPTC campus in Baxley.

Q. What motivates you to serve as

Q. What are the most critical ways

President of CTPC? “While serving for a year as acting President at ATC, I worked very closely with Dr. Deibert at Okefenokee Technical College (OTC) to merge our two colleges to form Coastal Pines Technical College. Having such an integral hand in its creation and serving in a senior leadership position since the merger has created a sense of “ownership” in me. I have watched, and had an active role in, the growth and development of CPTC into the outstanding college that it is today.” Q. What do you feel is the most positive impact CPTC has on the lives of students and in the communities CPTC serves? “Workforce development. We prepare students to have the skills to graduate and go directly into the workforce in our communities. That has a great economic impact. It benefits the student, the community, and gives us a sense of pride knowing we have prepared these students.”

CPTC helps local businesses and industries through its economic development programs? “We offer customized training through our Economic Development Division. We tailor training that is specific to the needs of our business and industry partners. Additionally, through the TCSG Quick Start program, new or expanding businesses can receive free training for their employees.” Q. What are the top reasons you think a student should choose CPTC? “Marketable skills: We prepare students with the skills needed to go to work. Convenience: We have seven campuses within our 13-county service delivery area, plus additional adult education sites conveniently located close to home for our students. Cost: Through federal student aid, various grants/funding sources, the HOPE scholarship, and our CPTC Foundation, students can graduate debt-free.”

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are the niche programs that CPTC provides for its service area? “What we do here is all about having communicable relationships with our local business and industry partners. We cater our programs on each campus to meet the needs of our local workforce. Programs like nursing, timber harvesting operations, commercial fishing, naval apprentice, and railroad systems management that specifically feed into industries within the communities we serve.” Q. How has CPTC been negatively impacted by the pandemic? “We don’t have as many students on campus. We love to see our campuses busy with student life. Additionally, because we have had to limit the number of students in our lab settings at one time, it has put a strain on the “hands-on” learning that we typically offer. We have also had an increase in costs for supplies to keep up with the cleaning demands, as well as purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).” Q. Are there any positive changes that came about because of the pandemic that you see may be part of CPTC’s culture for the foreseeable future? “We have seen a strengthening of web accessibility for our students, which has also led us to make needed upgrades to technology and equipment for that purpose. Distance education is here to stay, and we plan to support it. And because we have had fewer students taking in-person courses, we have used this time to do some significant renovations and improvements on several campuses. Most recently, we have completed the renovation of the C. Paul Scott Polytechnical Building in Jesup and the auditorium in Waycross, which will be a major benefit to both those communities and us.”

Q. What are your goals as president in the next 3 – 5 years? “Continue aggressively advertising on social media. We must continue molding our advertising to fit the needs of the technology-driven student to find them where they are.” • “42% of CPTC’s population resides in Glynn and Camden counties. The remaining population is spread over 11 counties. We continually adjust academic program offerings to offer the appropriate program mix. We need to continue this process as we strategically plan new programs and brick and mortar space in the coastal counties where the most growth potential exists.” • “Develop key dual enrollment programs based upon the needs of local business and industry in each county. We have had success with this in the past, such as the Timber Harvesting Program and commercial fishing program. Once developed, these programs can expand to other counties and high schools based on those local needs.” - “Expand and strengthen online programs and services. COVID-19 demonstrated how quickly traditional face-to-face classes can •

Roberts with CPTC’s mascot, RayRay

become unworkable. We must continue a very robust and strong online program presence and work to make student services accessible online.” • “Develop an internal leadership program to identify and prepare future leaders. Colleges must prepare for future succession in leadership positions to provide stability as well as long-term success for CPTC.” • “Increase philanthropic support through our foundation and provide more student financial assistance.” Q. Regarding philanthropy, how vital is fundraising to CPTC? “Philanthropy in education is very important. State funds do not cover the full cost of education. Our students are often working in the field while they are with us to receive their education, and they need extra funds to help meet their financial needs. That is where our CPTC Foundation steps in. Through scholarships, we can meet our students’ needs where financial aid and other grants do not cover the full cost. Student scholarships are where the bulk of our Foundation dollars go, but there are times where the Foundation can assist with program equipment needs and other areas to help the college.” Q. What changes do you foresee in the future of learning and posthigh-school education in the future? “Constantly changing technology to meet the needs and demands of our students and business and industry clients. I also believe we will see an increase in cooperation between higher education institutions. There isn’t enough funding for every college to offer every program, so I think you will see colleges offering more collaborative program opportunities to students.”

P LONNIE ROBERTS

Q. How do you plan to capitalize on

CPTC’s strengths and mitigate CPTC’s weaknesses moving forward? “One strength of our college is our flexibility and ability to quickly respond to workforce needs and build programs to meet those needs. Another strength is our faculty and staff. I believe we have the best group of faculty and staff of any college. One of the things some may see as a weakness is our large service delivery area, but I feel like it is actually a strength for us. We have 13 different counties, each one with its unique strengths that create a vast resource we can draw upon. And combined, those 13 counties make Southeast Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family. OL

By The Numbers:

4,000 Student enrollment for Spring & Fall semesters

325

Number of faculty and staff at all campuses

99% Employment rate in the field

of study

94% Graduation rate 12+% Increase in Summer enrollment from 2020 to 2021

13 Counties served 7 Number of campuses

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

2019-2021 Board of Directors: (seated) Candice Moody Rice, Jeanette Hengeveld, Elon Gillis Galloway, Angela Manders (standing) Debra Golden, Brandi Waters, Rai B. Duane, Anna Wheeler, Deloris Gibson, Shannon Sewart, Laura, Morris, Tony Nelson, Tillie Lynch (not pictured) Dr. Donald Waters

HOSPICE SATILLA

STRONGER TOGETHER, STRONGER THAN EVER

ospice Satilla is a community-based hospice organization that has been serving the people of Ware, Pierce, Brantley, Charlton, Bacon, Atkinson, Clinch, and Coffee Counties since 1986. Their services include nursing care, physician services, social work services, spiritual support and counseling, home health aides, and trained volunteer support. The staff live and work in the communities that they serve, and they recognize the physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial needs of each patient. In Partnership with Alivia Care Hospice Satilla has recently partnered with Alivia Care of Georgia to increase the resources and services that are available to their patients and families. Alivia Care of Georgia is a like-minded non-profit organization committed to supporting and sustaining community-based, mission-driven hospices throughout Georgia. This partnership is a great opportunity to provide a higher level of care and resources for the local

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St o r y b y M E G A N W H I TE

communities served by Hospice Satilla. “Stronger together means supporting, not changing, the mission of our community treasure,” says Debra Golden, Hospice Satilla’s Executive Director. “Our mission has always been and will always be to help people live as fully and comfortably as possible when facing the end of their life, even when they can’t afford to pay us. For us, it has never been about being the biggest hospice provider. It has always been about caring for our friends, family, and neighbors by helping them live well. Through our affiliation with Alivia Care of Georgia, and in partnership with our sister agency, Hospice of the Golden Isles, we will continue to help our community live well for many years to come.”

Alivia Care of Georgia is led by Susan Ponder-Stansel, who is also President and CEO of Alivia Care, Inc. and has been a leader and advocate for non-profit hospice care for over 35 years. “We founded Alivia Care of Georgia to create an organization where high-quality non-profit hospices could join forces to share resources and work together to compete with their for-profit counterparts. We are so pleased to be able to work with Hospice of the Golden Isles and Hospice Satilla to develop Alivia Care of Georgia to support more people in more places as they face end-of-life care decisions.” Rai B. Duane, President of the Board of Directors and former Executive Director of Hospice Satilla, said, “Although Hospice Satilla is a

Mission: To provide leadership to s upport innovative care solutions through best-in-class services, collaborative partnerships, and strategic investments. Strategic Intent: To partner with community-based hospice providers in Georgia to create and strengthen care solutions through vision, leadership, investment, and advocacy. (Alivia Care of Georgia, a 501c3 subsidiary of Alivia Care, Inc)

strong, well-run hospice organization with quality-rated care and amazing community support, the board recognized changes were coming that would pose significant challenges for community-based hospices like ours. Affiliating with a larger organization to share resources and access additional support was essential to ensuring the long-term success of our community treasure.” In the Community The facilities of Hospice Satilla include the Hospice House, the Donald Waters Center for Caring, where patients can come for short-term or respite care and also a brand-new counseling and support center, the James Carl Jones, Jr. Family Center. This new center will offer many community programs including in-person grief support groups, grief education workshops, caregiver workshops and individual grief counseling. They have opportunities for individual volunteers or volunteer groups to support the mission of Hospice Satilla through companionship, office tasks, stocking the pantry available to patients and caregivers, providing birthday cakes and gifts, and to support the mission through donations as well. Hospice Satilla serves an average of 300 patients per year, as well as numerous caregivers and family members, and their classes and workshops are open to the community as a whole. A family member, Mary Howell, shares her testimony about her mother’s care. “When we brought my mama, Emma Dean Griffin, home from Jacksonville to Hospice Satilla in Waycross, we couldn’t have asked for better care or compassion for her and our family. We stayed with mama until her last breath. Mama’s brother and his pastor came and sang to her. Her nurse that night was so kind to us. He let my daughter, who is a nurse, listen to my mama’s heart as she was slowly going to be with Jesus. We will always be grateful and appreciative of Hospice Satilla. God bless each of the nurses and staff. They will always have a special place in our hearts.”

For Connie Taylor, the care provided for her mother, Mary Peacock, was invaluable. Connie says, “My experience was more than I would have hoped for. Amy Mock took such great care of my mom, and they shared a sweet bond. My wish for others who have terminal loved ones would be to not hesitate to start services. It gave us a great comfort to know help was only a phone call away. The counseling alone was invaluable to me.” In their Resources Hospice Satilla allows caregivers to have extraordinary support and care as patients live their last days to the fullest. They offer resources for caregivers in their counseling and workshops and also in the opportunity to have respite care. This is a time for patients to stay for a few days while their caregivers make arrangements for their care at home or while their caregivers have a break to rest and focus on their own well-being. The staff partners with families to care for them as a whole, not only the patients but also their caregivers. It is also one of the only hospices in the area that offers pediatric care and resources. One of which is their biannual camp, Camp Hope. Camp Hope is a grief camp for children ages 5-18 years old who have experienced a significant loss through the death of someone close to them. It’s held at the Lions Camp for the Blind and includes activities like therapeutic arts and crafts, horseback riding,

P HOSPICE SATILLA games, bounce houses and small group sessions conducted by certified counselors to help them deal with their loss. Hospice Satilla offers this camp as an opportunity for children to process their grief and to give them an outlet to express their feelings and emotions, and it’s made possible through community donations. In their Mission Death is a natural part of the life cycle, and Hospice Satilla wants to help families and patients make life meaningful until the very last day. They believe that through the personalized services of their specialized team, patients can live well, with dignity and grace, until the end of life. OL

To find out more about Hospice Satilla, to volunteer, to attend a class or to inquire about hospice services for a family member or loved one, please call 912-285-2340 or visit their website, hospicesatilla.com.

Rev. Mike Aldridge (Chaplain), Joe Gant (MSW, LPC), Suzanne Gay (MSW), Rev. Mike Lee (Chaplain), Misty Strickland (MSW, SocialSHOWCASING Services Director) THE REGION’S PERSONALITY 69

Restorative Dentistry Cerec Same Day Crowns Sedation Options Dental Implants Teeth Whitening Wisdom Teeth Removal

Dental Care Associates of Waycross William Keith Crummey, DMD 1601 Alice Street Waycross, Georgia 31501

Call 912.285.5967

The Right College. The Right Choice. The Right Place for You.

Your future success starts here. www.sgsc.edu Eight Bachelor Degree Programs NEW Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology Over 20 Associate Transfer Pathways Affordable Tuition l Small Class Sizes l Flexible Class Schedules Douglas l Waycross l Valdosta

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

OL AD Drafts

High

FLYING

P LARYN LATHAM

Perseverance & training has propelled local gymnast, Laryn Latham, to strive for excellence.

story by MATT ROBINSON-AQUIRRE / photography by LARAMIE’S PHOTOGRAPHY - TRISTAN THRIFT

t takes a high level of willpower and a lifetime of training to be called an elite gymnast. The level of determination and discipline necessary to push one's body beyond the limits of what one would think physically possible by the average person is something many do not possess. But an innate talent and self-determination alone do not a champion make. Training by a knowledgeable coach and support from loved ones is also key to being a successful athlete. Laryn Latham, the daughter of Andy and Rebecca Latham, received just that from her parents and her coaches and trainers at Southeastern Elite Gymnastics & Cheerleading in Waycross. Laryn has been training at Southeastern Elite since she was three years old. In 2020, at the Made In The USA Gymnastics

Invitational, Laryn was ranked in the top 20 nationally in her level and division. Laryn has performed admirably in three more meets since then and continues to strive for excellence in her athletic endeavors. “My gym, Southeastern Elite, has always felt like a home to me. I have been through all of my training there. When I started gymnastics, I worked with Tanya Peavey and Deana Bokor. They taught me how to work hard and also have fun also. As I advanced in training, I now work with Victoria Johnson and William Hutto. They also encourage me in so many ways, both at the gym and beyond,” Laryn said. The Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles has also been a source of inspiration to Laryn. "I

admire Simone Biles because she has so many skills named after her, and she keeps going and striving and never gives up. She doesn’t ever let anyone get in her way of achieving her dreams.” And it doesn’t sound like Laryn Latham is about to let anyone or anything get in the way of her dreams either. Laryn enjoys what she does and seems to thrive with the travel and competition. “What I like most about competing is the places we get to go. I love to travel, especially with my friends, family, and coaches. I also love making new friends from all over. And, I enjoy showing off my routine.” Laryn plans to attend college and compete at that level and beyond. There is little doubt with the perseverance she has shown that Laryn will find herself always flying high.

"If you aren't committed to training, conditioning, and practice, you aren't committed to being your best." - SIMONE BILES, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

JEFF DAVIS HOSPITAL WOUND CARE CENTER

Quality Compassionate Wound Care Close to Home We treat a variety of wounds including, but not limited to: • • • • • • • • •

Diabetic Foot Ulcers Pressure Ulcers Surgical Wounds Wound Infections Bone Infections Radiation Injuries Burns Venous Ulcers Post Radiation Injuries 1. Soft Tissue 2. Osteoradionecrosis (prior to tooth extraction)

Advanced Modalities Offered: • Bioengineered Tissue Alternatives • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy • Compression Therapy • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a treatment in which the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. The increased air pressure inside the chamber helps your blood carry more oxygen to the wound and promotes healing.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT (912) 699-4325 (HEAL) No Referral Needed

JEFF DAVIS WOUND AND HYPERBARIC CENTER 22 Hester Street Hazlehurst, GA 31539 (directly behind hospital)

MAKING EVERY MOMENT MATTER

888.615.1982 GHCHospice.com We Provide Care That Encompasses the Medical, Social, Emotional and Spiritual Aspects of Treatment Through our non-profit foundation, we strive to create an environment where our patients and families can continue to make memories together. The GHC Foundation donates 100% of the fundraised dollars back to our patients to help fulfill their last wishes.

THE GOLD STANDARD IN HOSPICE CARE Serving 23 Counties in Georgia and South Carolina 72

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

P ANN GILLIS

I Can’t Talk -

The Western Tanager is a medium-sized songbird with a thicker bill. Females are yellowish overall with dark wings marked by two wingbars.

nn Gillis is an avid bird watcher and long-time member of the Okefenokee Bird Club, so seeing a rare bird now and again is nothing new. But, when she looked through her window on December 30, 2020, and saw what she thought was a female Summer Tanager, she was excited. Ann grabbed her camera and got a photo. However, after posting it on Facebook she received a call informing her that the bird she saw was indeed rare, even rarer than she knew.

Ann Gillis

I’M BIRD WATCHING IT’S BEEN SAID THAT “YOU CAN DO WORSE THAN TO SPEND YOUR DAYS STARING AT BLUE JAYS.” ONE LOCAL BIRD WATCHER CAN ATTEST TO THAT ALL TOO WELL, ESPECIALLY AFTER A RARE SPOTTING OF A BIRD NOT KNOWN FOR FLYING WITH BLUE JAYS.

Story by JOHN RIDDLE / Photography by ANN GILLIS

“I received a call from Sheila Willis, Okefenokee Bird Club president, who informed me that the bird I photographed is a Western Tanager and is very rare for our area,” Ann said. “Sheila, who has kept records for the bird club for many years regarding who saw what type of bird, when and where, said no one that she was aware of has photographed a Western Tanager although a few have reported that they had seen one.” The club was founded in 1956. Ann verified many of the club’s members’ consensus that it was a Western Tanager with various field guides and eventually with Kenn Kaufman, an author of several field guides. “It is a Western Tanager and is really rare for Georgia,” Kenn wrote Ann, verifying that the bird’s natural habitat is much farther North and West of South Georgia. “It is way out of its natural territory, which is much

farther north than any other Tanager. Its normal breeding territory is northwest of a latitude of 60 Degrees into Canada’s northwest territories.” A quick internet search found multiple maps tracking the bird’s regular residency and breeding areas. None show the natural habitat for the Western Tanager east of Texas. Unlike the Scarlet Tanager, whose territory is predominately east of Texas. Though the Western Tanager does fly south for the winter to Mexico and even into South America. The last time Ann saw the Western Tanager was on February 25, 2021. While she is still excited about photographing such a rare bird and being the first in Okefenokee Bird Club to do so, she is now on to other sightings. On March 16th, she saw her first hummingbird of the season, so now, "...a new adventure begins.”

Territory of the Western Tanager

For more information on the Okefenokee Bird Club, contact Ann Gillis at ag31503@gmail.com. The Okefenokee Bird Club is an independent club and not associated with the National Audubon Society.

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Lewis Lane

A N I N S P I R AT I O N

Wayne Morgan Remembers the Teacher who Inspired Him “I had a teacher, Mrs. Carolyn Lewis, when I was in grammar school that picked me to be in her gifted class for some reason. I sure didn’t think I was smart enough to be in it, but being in her class required us to do all kinds of things along with the regular class work. The benefits far outweighed the extra work. Being in her class, we 74

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

P WAYNE MORGAN

were able to go on field trips such as going to look through her big ole telescope and see the stars, and several other places that I never would have been able to go. I would occasionally see her around Nahunta after I graduated from high school and after I started taking pictures. I went out to her house and sat with her a few times before she passed away and remember she always

told me that my photography was better than I realized and she was very proud of what I had accomplished. That meant a lot to me. This picture is one I took of the lane leading up to her house not too long after I started taking pictures. I have always called it Lewis Lane.” – WAYNE MORGAN, PHOTOGRAPHER

Mrs. Carolyn Lewis SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Helping People Afford Life for Over 75 years!

www.united1st-cu.org

3705 U.S. 84 East in Blackshear

3773 Second St. South in Folkston

Federally Insured by NCUA

2098 Brunswick Hwy in Waycross

1 7 2 0 R E Y N O L D S S T R E E T • WAYC R O S S , G A 3 1 5 0 1 • ( 9 1 2 ) 2 8 3 - 1 3 5 9 • E P C WAYC R O S S . C O M @ E L I T E P R I M A RYC A R E O F WAYC R O S s 76

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P MCNEAL, SPORTS & WILSON

BIG DAWGS McNeal, Sports & Wilson Named to UGA Alumni Association’s BULLDOG 100 LIST OF FASTEST-GROWING BUSINESSES Owned by UGA Alumni story by JOHN RIDDLE / photography by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY

ased in Waycross, McNeal, Sports & Wilson Risk Advisers has been named to the University of Georgia Alumni Association's 2021 Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastestgrowing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. UGA received 429 nominations for the 2021 list. The alumni association hosted the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration virtually on February 11, 2021. Dutch McNeal, Sam Sports, and Will Wilson, UGA graduates, are co-owners of McNeal, Sports & Wilson Risk Advisers. They work with business owners to control the issues that drive the cost of insurance. They also work with individuals to protect their personal assets. Dutch and Sam are natives of Blackshear, where they attended Pierce County High School. Will is from Waycross and is a Ware County High School alumnus. Dutch and Sam have been friends since high school and were in the

same fraternity at UGA. Will attended Valdosta State University, where he played baseball before transferring to UGA. While Dutch and Sam knew Will, they didn't become friends until he moved back to Waycross after college. Dutch and Sam both graduated from UGA in 2009 with degrees in Risk Management & Business and moved back home. Sam was selling life insurance products and, with the encouragement from Dutch’s dad, partnered with Dutch to purchase an existing insurance business in February 2010. After Will graduated in 2016, he worked for a different insurance business in Waycross before joining Dutch and Sam in 2018. While they didn’t all see themselves returning to their hometowns to live and work, they are all glad they did. "I used to think in college that I didn't want to move back home, but now, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Everywhere you go, you see a friendly face, and we're geographically close enough to bigger cities for business and pleasure without having the headache and expenses of living there," Dutch explained. They are also glad they had the opportunity of graduating from UGA's Terry College of Business, which they credit for much of their success. "We certainly would not be where we are today without the knowledge and experience we gained from the Terry College of Business," Dutch said. "It is a great honor to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing businesses' among UGA's proud alumni, and we are incredibly proud of our firm." However, he added an important caveat saying, "Our success would not have been possible without the support and relationships in our local communities." Bulldog 100 applicants are measured by their business’ compounded annual growth

rate during a three-year period. This year's list is based on submitted financial information for 2017-19. The 2021 Bulldog 100 includes companies from over two dozen industries, including agriculture, construction, health care, nonprofits, and software. Of the 100 businesses, 81 are located within the state of Georgia.

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

A First For T hese

BEARS 2020 AAA STATE CHAMPIONS

story by JOHN RIDDLE / photography by JENNIFER CARTER JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

n December 30, 2020, the Pierce County High School Bears knocked off the previously undefeated and #1 ranked Oconee County Warriors at Center Parc Stadium in Athens, Georgia, to win the Class 3A football championship. This was the first football state title and the first title game appearance in the school’s history. Pierce County Head Coach, Ryan Herring, stated publicly the week of the title game that the game would “probably come down to the last play.” His 78

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

premonitions were right. At the end of regulation play the game was tied 7-7 with both teams having scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Bears won in overtime on Pierce County’s first offensive play with a touchdown pass from quarterback Jermaine Brewton to running back DJ Bell making the final score 13-7. Pierce County finished the season with a 13-1 record. A season that will go down in history at Pierce County High School.

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

LOCAL BANKERS LOCAL FINANCING LOCAL BENEFITS

We’re Here for Our Community

from Start to Finish

(912) 283–0001 www.WBT.bank

WB&T is the proud financer of the new YMCA childcare facility in Waycross.

Satilla Bluffs Senior Care offers Residential Community Living, At Home Care, Memory Care, and Respite Care services. Call to schedule a tour today.

(912) 490-6500

georgialivingseniorcare.com/satilla-bluffs/

101 SATILLA BLUFFS DRIVE • BLACKSHEAR, GA 31516

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ARTS & CULTURE

Emma’s Palette

Filled with Hues of Blue and Memories Too

EMMA COLLINS IS LIVING A LEGACY THROUGH ART

Story by SHERI BASHLOR Photography by BRITTANY POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Emma Collins’s grandmother, Ruth, native to Germany, met her husband, Cecil Collins, when he was stationed in her home country while serving in the United States military. Sharing a common interest in art, they quickly fell in love with each other. After getting married and having five children, they settled in the small town of Waycross, Georgia. Together, they dreamed of owning their own art shop one day. In 1963, their dreams came true. Their art store, The Palette Shop, was the place in Waycross to purchase art supplies, custom frames, and art lessons. During this time, they helped form the Art Association of Waycross alongside other local artists in the area. After living their dream for 33 years, they closed the shop in 1996; Ruth continued teaching art lessons from her home.

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

Fast forward to March 13, 2021, and you will find The Palette Shop on Amelia Island. Sound familiar? It turns out Cecil and Ruth passed on their legacy of creative talents and influence to their granddaughter, Emma Collins. Emma’s art shop, a homage to her grandparents, wasn’t necessarily something she had always planned to do. In fact, it may have never happened without the recent pandemic forcing plenty of time at home to revisit her painting talents mixed in with some Divine Intervention. Inheriting artistic genes from both her mother’s and father’s sides of her family, Emma has been an artist for as long as she can remember. From an early age and throughout Emma’s life, Ruth taught her how to paint with acrylics, pastels, watercolors, and oils. During her school-age years, Emma developed her own artistry mixed in with the teachings of her grandmother. After high school, she enjoyed expanding her artistic talents to the beauty industry. That is when she began helping the local theater in Waycross by doing hair and makeup for the plays held in town; she also assisted in painting a sign for the city under the railroad tracks.

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Emma s Palette ’ SHE IS REMINDED DAILY OF THE FAMILY LEGACY SHE CONTINUES TO KEEP ALIVE BY THE TRIBUTE WALL WITH FRAMED ARTICLES OF HER GRANDPARENTS AND THEIR ARTISTIC SUCCESSES.

In 2015, Emma moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida, and traded her paintbrushes and drawing pads for makeup brushes and curling irons. Turning to hair and makeup as her new canvas, she opened up Emma Collins Beauty. Finding much success in the beauty industry, Emma has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Bride Magazine, and a tidy sum of blogs. She was also named the best makeup artist from Southern Weddings Magazine. Just as quickly as Emma’s career was accelerating, it suddenly came to a complete halt; COVID-19 came knocking and decided to stay for a while. Weddings were postponed. Everyone was encouraged to stay home. The event industry tanked as well as the need for hair and makeup. Many know all too well what this meant for Emma because, in reality, others were facing the same unknown, questions, fear of future financial insecurities, and boredom. If Emma can give the pandemic credit for anything, it would be the gift of time. Not knowing when the wedding industry would

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Emma s Palette ’

WITH HER MIND SPINNING, EMMA REALIZED SHE SHARED THE DREAMS OF OPENING AN ART STUDIO AS HER GRANDPARENTS ONCE DID IN THE ‘60S; AS A RESULT, THE PALETTE SHOP WAS BORN AGAIN.

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pick back up, she used this precious time to dust off her paintbrushes and begin her first complete art collection. Enter Divine Intervention. After some Instagram posts of Emma’s art collection, the owners of Cape House began showing interest. Cape House, located in Fernandina Beach, specializes in anything that makes a house a home; from furniture to lighting, accessories, and art, the store is a local favorite. With Emma’s first art collection having a coastal theme, it seemed like the perfect fit to take a leap of faith and begin selling her art in Cape House. The pieces started selling quickly. Emma’s confidence grew to help her realize that she could expand her career path to a broader audience and through different mediums and types of art. Emma then visited with some friends who had a shop of their own; irony wasn’t found when she learned there was an available vacant building next door. With her mind spinning, Emma realized she shared the dreams of opening an art studio as her grandparents once did in the ‘60s; as a result, The Palette Shop was born again. Making it into her own space, Emma’s art shop features live painting, an art gallery, a studio/event space, paint parties, and a place for her to create commissioned art pieces. She is reminded daily of the family legacy she continues to keep alive by the tribute wall with framed articles of her grandparents and their artistic successes. You may also find her sidekick, a French Bulldog named Skylar, with her in the studio. Emma defines her artistic style through her use of neutral colors and tones; she prefers using a heavy gel medium with acrylics to create texture as well as soft neutrals with calming blue hues that will compliment any home. The Palette Shop on Amelia Island not only showcases Emma’s art, but will also be the hosting place for many events to come as she continues to live the legacy first created many years ago. OL

d n u o d n R ’ u o O R ’ O WELCOME TO TERMINUS 201

THE REGION

The reimagining of an age-old event venue located in the heart of Downtown Waycross. Now booking 2021! WELCOME TO TERMINUS 201 Visit: www.Terminus201.com to schedule a tour today. The reimagining of an age-old event venue located in the heart of Downtown Waycross. Now booking 2021!

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Visit: www.Terminus201.com to schedule a tour today.

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

O’Round

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OKEFENOKEE FESTIVAL-50TH ANNIVERSARY Every year, Charlton County parties “swampstyle” at the annual Okefenokee Festival featuring a parade, arts and crafts, food vendors, kids’ entertainment and rides, and live music, and over 200 exhibitors. Vendor applications being accepted now. Email: dana@folkston.com Saturday, October 16 , 2021 Main Street - Downtown Folkston, GA Social media: @visitfolkston

WAYGREEN SUMMER FEAST Kick off your summer with our locally grown family at Gilliard Farms! Join us for a 5-course feast of farm fresh summer favorites cooked live by CheFarmer Matthew Raiford and Chef Matt Roher. Each course will feature locally sourced foods like farm grown fruits and veggies, Grilled Tri-Tip and a Whole Roasted Hog for a good old fashioned Pig Pickin! Proceeds benefit Waygreen, Inc. Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 5:30 pm Gilliard Farms - Brunswick, GA www.ticketstripe.com/summerfeast 86

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Wherever You’re Going & Whatever You’re Looking For Waycross is the Way To Go Located in the heart of Southeast Georgia, at the northern tip of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, ranked by National Geographic as one of the Top 100 Most Beautiful Places on Earth. A city filled with southern hospitality and charm. From the Historic Downtown district to the swamplands of the Okefenokee, there is something for everyone.

WAYCROSSTOURISM.COM / 912-287-2969 / TOURISM@WAYCROSSGA.COM 317 PENDELTON STREET, WAYCROSS, GA 31501 @SWAMPGEORGIA SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

BACK TO SCHOOL

BEAR BASH

PEP RALLY & LUAU SATURDAY AUGUST 7, 2021 8:00pm FEATURING:

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PIER CE COUNTY HIGH B ACK TO S CHOOL BEAR B ASH PEP RALLY & LUAU Saturday, August 7 - 8:00 pm Goldwasser Park, Downtown Alma, GA Live music featuring A1A Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show 88 O K E F E N O K E E L I V I N G

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DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE A wonderful evening dancing under the stars for daughters and their daddies! This event is limited to 200 attendees. Saturday, June 19 - 7:30 pm $15 Per Person Blackshear City Park, Blackshear, GA www.betterhometownblackshear.org GOLF

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Club Southeast Georgia’s Championship Golf Course For membership information Call 283-7400

1204 S. RIVER OAKS DR ., BL ACKSHEAR , GA 31516

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(912) 283-7400

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SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

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We are all about quality at Mossy Pond Retrievers. From the quality and care we provide our dogs, to the environment and facilities we offer our clients.

Well-rounded Retriever Training Specializing in Flushing & Retrieving

Our kennel is 8,400 square feet, offering our dogs plenty of private and clean space. It features state-ofthe-art, climate-controlled runs with electric wall panels that open and close. All kennels are completely covered keeping our dogs safe and sound from nature’s elements. Sitting on 1200 acres, Mossy Pond saw the opportunity to “practice like you play” and now offers duck, quail, and pheasant hunting. These hunts allow clients to come in and work alongside their dog’s trainer in a real-hunt situation. Not only is it a great time for the dogs but their owners as well. The hunts have since expanded beyond the dog clientele and are now being offered to any hunter.

Mossy Pond Retrievers was founded by Brad Arrington in 2003

"Whatever elements you’re going to have surrounding you when you’re working your dog - if it’s an obedience dog, and you want to teach him to go to his place board when company walks in, or a duck dog that you want to learn to get out of the duck boat and go straight to his stand to hunt - whether it’s for upland, flushing, or retrieving, practice like you play.” - Brad Arington 3099 Mayberry Road Patterson, GA 31577

912-288-1549

mossypondretrievers@yahoo.com SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

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GEOR GIA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL The Blueberry Capital of Georgia celebrates with arts and crafts, parade, street dance, entertainment, civil war encampment and enactment and food, and rides and games. Friday & Saturday, June 4 & 5, 2021 Goldwasser Park, Downtown Alma, GA Live Music – Groove Infusion – 7:00 pm Friday, June 4 BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL 5K & FUN RUN Saturday, June 5 Registration: Opens at 6:30 a.m. 5K Start: 8:00 a.m. 1 Mile: After 5K georgiablueberryfestival.org Social media: @georgiablueberryfestival

PECAN FESTIVAL Entertainment will include The Classic Car Show, Sound of Silver Band, Blue Diamond Dancers, local area bands, dancers and a performance show choir. There will be music throughout the day: classic rock, alternative, and country. Activities will include The Georgia State Pecan Pie Contest, Inflatables, Arts and Craft Vendors, Food Vendors, and other activities! Saturday, October 23, 2021 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Blackshear City Park, Blackshear, GA www.pecanfestivalofgeorgia.webs.com 92

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gooeyspizza.com Now offering on-line ordering

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Have Okefenokee Living delivered to your home bi-annually. Subscriptions are $15.00 and make a great gift for family and friends. Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: _______ Zip: _______________

Make checks payable to Showcase Publications and mail to: P.O. Box 391 Jesup, GA 31598 Or subscribe online at showcasepublicationsga.com

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SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY Wayne AD Drafts 93

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South Georgia Physicians Group 1406 Habersham Drive • Waycross, Georgia 31501 (912) 287-1130 Most major insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare accepted.

Waycross Office: 1921 Alice St. Ste B1 Waycross, GA 31501

912. 287.0139

GENERAL, SURGICAL & COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY Skin Cancer • Mole Removal • Skin Exams • Mohs Surgery Acne • Rashes • Warts • Botox

Jesup Office: 980 S. 1st St. Jesup, GA 31545

912.427.4267

Brunswick Office: 1111 Glynco Pkwy. Bldg. 1, Ste. 20 Brunswick, GA 31525

Dr. Richard James

912.262.1801 Dr. Matthew Lucas Douglas Office: 1380 W. Gordon St. Douglas, GA 31533

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1.800.283.0041 OKEFENOKEE LIVING

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O LChit Chat

NEW PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE WAYCROSS-WARE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

onathan Lupo, an experienced state and local economic developer, has been named President & CEO of the Way-

cross-Ware County Development Authority (WWDA). “The authority was looking for a professional in the economic development field to take us to the next level of creating and retaining jobs in our community,” said James Willis, Chair of the authority and Area Manager for Georgia Power. “Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts with him. He has worked in two different states, including Georgia, on the state economic development team as well as on the local level. He understands the needs of communities and has a grasp of rural areas as well.” Lupo most recently served as Director, Business Recruitment for the Douglas County Development Authority in Douglasville, Georgia. “To serve Waycross and Ware County as the economic development leader is

a tremendous opportunity for me and my family,” Lupo said. “I look forward to initiating meetings with local industries and businesses during my first few months on the ground. I want to learn more about their operations and how the authority can assist them.”

MANAV PATEL - RECIPIENT OF THE 2021 JULIAN & JAN HESTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

anav Patel, a senior at Ware County High School, was one of four students recently selected as a recipient of the Julian and Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship. The $1,000, state-wide scholarship is sponsored by the Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) and is funded by CBA and its membership. Patel was also selected as the recipient of the $500 Waycross Bank & Trust Julian and Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship. Patel was recommended for consideration of the larger, state scholarship by Russell Bates, President & CEO, Waycross Bank & Trust. Mr. Patel will graduate from Ware County High School in May 2021 and is ranked first in his graduating class of 346 students. With an impressive academic resume, he demonstrated not only rigorous coursework but also his ability to balance school with extracurricular activities. Patel is the Chairman of the Waycross Bank & Trust Junior Board of Directors, a Section Leader in the Golden Gator Marching Band, a title he has held since August 2017, is the sitting Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America, BETA Club President, and is a Model UN Captain. Patel is looking forward to attending Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall. Source: Waycross Bank & Trust

SARAH GOVE - NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PIERCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

he board of directors announced Sarah Gove as the new Executive Director of the Pierce County Chamber on May 4, 2021. Gove will succeed Angela Manders, executive director for seven years of the Pierce County Chamber, who resigned in April. Gove, the former news editor for The Blackshear Times, began her new role on May 18, 2021. “I’m excited to take on a new challenge

Trey Shields ( left) and Russell Bates (right) of WB&T with Manav Patel

and grateful to the Chamber board for giving me this opportunity,” Gove said. Manders provided a ringing endorsement stating, “This is an exciting time for the Chamber. The Board of Directors and I feel extremely confident in Sarah’s ability to honor our past successes while leading the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce into a new and promising future.” Manders was recently recognized with a new community award, the Unsung Hero Award, for her creative leadership of the Chamber during the last year. Source: The Blackshear Times

SHOWCASING THE REGION’S PERSONALITY

LEE HARDWARE AND BUILDING SUPPLY

VILLAGE LAKE SUITES - PERSONAL CARE HOME

Your one-stop for building materials, home improvement supplies, Facility Director: Lisa Taylor 912-287-9977

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT Our trained staff will supervise or administer your medications at the prescribed times.

SCHEDULING & APPOINTMENTS

Our staff will keep track of your appointments and arrange transportation as needed.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Daily assistance is available if you need help with dressing, grooming, bathing, emotional support, and more.

The Baptist Village Waycross Community also has a Skilled Nursing Facility and an Independent Living Community. The Healthcare Center provides services for individuals who need skilled nursing care. The Villas at Waycross offer independent living with a lifestyle where upkeep and repairs are the responsibility of someone else, giving you time to enjoy life.

www.baptistvillage.com Security/Fire Alarms Home Theater Medical Alert Systems Access Control CCTV/HD Cameras Systems VOIP Telephone Systems

2301 Knight Avenue | Waycross, GA 31503

OKEFENOKEE LIVING

Family Owned & Operated Since 1978

lawn and garden materials, Case knives, boots and more!

912-285-0287

621 Albany Avenue Waycross, GA 31501 leehardwareandbuilding.com

O LChit Chat

SGSC HAWKS – CHAMPIONS ON MULTIPLE LEVELS WAYCROSS -WARE CHAMBER PROMOTES PAIGE TAYLOR

aige Taylor was recently promoted to Executive Director of the Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce after serving as Membership Director since joining the chamber. The chamber had been without an executive director for some time. Paige was also recognized with the first ever GEM Award for her work during the transition and her dedication and service to the chamber and the community.

WEST FRAZIER DONATES TO SATILLA RIVERKEEPER

est Frazier, a diversified wood products company in Blackshear, made a $1,100 donation in December to the Satilla Riverkeeper organization. “Donations from corporations and local businesses help us continue to carry out our mission to protect, restore, and educate about the Satilla River,” stated Laura Early, executive director. The organization had to cancel most of its traditional fundraisers over the past year. For more information on the Satilla Riverkeeper organization visit satillariverkeeper.org.

he South Georgia State College Basketball Hawks finished the season flying high as they were the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) Tournament Champions, Region 17 Champions and Southeast District Champions. With a record of 23 wins and only four losses, Coach Cory Baldwin won his 300th game as Head Coach in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). This marked the third time in the school’s history the basketball team qualified for the national tournament with previous teams being in 1951 as South Georgia College Tigers, 2011 as Waycross College Swamp Foxes, and 2021 as South Georgia State College.

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CHAMBER BANQUET

he Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce held the 86th Annual Banquet on May 6, 2021. Awards were given to individuals and businesses for outstanding contributions to the community. The mission of the Chamber is to support the Waycross and Ware County business community as strong advocates for job creation by providing quality networking, meaningful services and business insight to help grow businesses and the economy. Congratulations to all the award winners. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11.

12. 13. 14. 15.

16. 17. 18. 19.

Ashley & Jonathan Lupo Rosa Douglas, Leonard Nurse, Linda Titus Brian Chapman, Danny Yarbrough Conner Selph, Lori Taylor Pam Taylor, Deana Mann, Paige Taylor, Carla King Candi Walker, Tanya & Jonathan Coleman Tommy Cox, David Eddies, Michael-Angelo James, Jack Lott David Hicks, Carmen Griffis, Pat Rios, Dusty Sweat, Lori Sanford, Marie Bowen, Alli Sweat Randy Sharpe Health Hero Award-Brenda Kirkland, Presented by Bert Smith Katherine Foss Education Award-Bert SmithPresented by Paige Coker Jack Lott Business Economic Development Award-Action Pact-Presented by Danny Yarbrough Business of the Year Award-Prime South BankPresented by Casey Hall Jack Williams Community Service Award-Christy Foreman-Presented by Jack Williams Paul Tang Heart of the Community AwardBrenda Rolison-Presented by Reba Smith McGregor Mayor Agricultural Award-Fel Lee & Sawyer Lee-Presented by Scout Carter Derrick Sheffield, Asod Brown Melissa King, Paige Taylor, Barry Parrish A.A. Karle Award Winner-Chris Karle-Presented by Barry Parrish Carrie Vanderver, Sawyer Lee, Lili Hester

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HOSPICE SATILLA’S SILVER BOWL GALA

he Silver Bowl Gala was a little different in 2020. Held last fall at the home of Jennifer Crummey, guests could either drive-through with their donation or tour the Crummey home and mingle with guests. Mini-cheese boards were offered to guests with the food boxed separately to take home and enjoy. The event encourages friends of Satilla Hospice to drop a donation in a silver punch bowl that are used for the not-for-profit hospice for patient services.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Candice Moody Rice, Laura Morris, Melissa King, Rai Duane Joyce Moody, Sheila Braddock Jeanette Stipe, Mystery Guest Roger and Terry Day Brenda Rolison, Sheila Walker Laurie Calvin Amiyah Elam, Grace Lee Tracy Saussy, Ann Crummey, Jennifer Crummey Cynthia Herrin, Beth McClelland, Vickie Vincent, Marilyn Waters

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CAMELLIA GARDEN CLUB

he Camellia Garden Club’s March social was hosted at the home of Mary Stewart Bishop. The topic for the month was “Three Ingredient Cocktails” presented by Katie Stewart. The Camellia Garden Club, in existence for 62 years, is comprised of women who seek to stimulate interest in cooperative gardening and to beautify the city of Waycross. The club’s monthly meetings are often held in member’s homes.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Robin Cauley, Clara Tapley, Brenda Rolison Angie Adams, Tess Aldridge, Leah McDonald Sarah Gibson, Chrissy Theis, Shannon Stewart, Leslie Cochran, Olivia Hopkins Kristen Boyett, Jessica Lee Leah McDonald, Katie Stewart, Tess Aldridge, Angie Adams Mary Stewart Bishop, Katie Stewart, Shelly Gay Mary Stewart Bishop Shannon Stewart, Sarah Gibson Rachel Walker, Anna Callahan, Jena Callahan

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Index

The front door of Akeem Clayton’s home on Carswell in Waycross. Photo by LARAMIE’S PHOTOGRAPHY - TRISTAN THRIFT

O L 104

51 56 IFC 96 5 96 17 60 70 94 76 64 49 94 72 93 56 72 18 3 28 96 45 88 60 90, 91 94 89 64 1 36 34, 35 58, 59 8, 9 80 96 34,35 94 70 IBC 57 76 BC 54 80 87 7

OF ADVERTISERS 1831 Garden Center American Eye Care Center Appling Healthcare Baptist Village Personal Care Home Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia Clark Eye Clinic Coastal Pines Technical College Crawford Jewelers Dental Care Associates Diversified Resources Elite Primary Care ESPN Coastal Farmers & Builders Ace Home Center Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center GHC Hospice Gooey’s Pizza J. Smith Lanier & Company Jeff Davis Wound Care Joy Sumner Photography KJ Clothiers Laramie’s Photography by Tristan Thrift Lee Hardware & Building Supply Lott’s Furniture Main Street Blackshear Megan’s Boutique Mossy Pond Retrievers Okefenoke EMC Okefenokee Country Club Pierce Timber Prime South Bank Remax Cobblestone Representative Steven Meeks Road + Ford Ryland Environmental, Inc. Satilla Bluffs Senior Care Security Blanket Senator Tyler Harper South Georgia Physicians Group South Georgia State College Southeast Georgia Health System Tim’s Home Medical United 1st Credit Union Walker Jones Walt Dykes, LLC Waycross Bank & Trust Waycross Convention & Visitors Bureau Winlectric

1831gardencenter.com americaneyecarecenters.com ahcs.org baptistvillage.com bjisg.com coastalpines.edu crawfordjewelers.com dentistwaycrossga.com diversifiedresources.net epcwaycross.com

gaderm.com ghchospice.com gooeyspizza.com jeffdavishospital.org joysumnerphotography.com kjclothier.com laramiesphotography.com leehardwareandbuilding.com lottsfurniture.com betterhometownblackshear.org mossypondretrievers.com oremc.com okefenokeecountryclub.com piercetimbercompany.com primesouth.com remax.com

rylandenvironmental.us georgialivingseniorcare.com yoursecurityblanket.com baconcountyhospital.com sgsc.edu sghs.com timshomemedical.com united1st-cu.org walkerjones.com waltdykesllc.com wbt.com waycrosstourism.com waycrosswinlectric.com

Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible! Support these businesses and buy local.

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Okefenokee Living Magazine - Spring 2021

Articles inside

Big Dawgs

Chit Chat

Wayne Morgan’s Inspiration

I Can’t Talk - I’m Bird Watching

Flying High

A New Era

The Dish

The Comeback of Color

Hospice Satilla

Welcome to Our Porch

A Labor of Love

Powerhouse Plants that Beat the Heat