Wayne County Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

FASHION & Style

TREATING YOU LIKE AN INDIVIDUAL MAKES US A CROWD PLEASER

We're excited to announce that PrimeSouth Bank was voted Wayne County's Favorite Bank in The Press Sentinel's recent Best Of Wayne County poll. We call Wayne County our home, so your recognition makes us very proud. Thanks for voting us number one for 18 years. PrimeSouth Bank will always  place you as our first priority.

is the tablescape, styled by Robert Wynn of Razz Jackson Designs and Joe Roberson, that is featured in the “Fashion & Design” section on page 58. Photo by Miss Magnolia Soul Photography.

Left to right: J. Matthew Valosen, MD, Kyle Deuter, PA-C, Thomas P. Loumeau, MD, Brian T. Grisez, MD, J. Lex Kenerly, III, MD, G. Heath Denmark, PA-C, W. Scott Rowell, PA, T. Jordan Polander, MD

FROM THE Publish

The Future is BRIGHT!

We all love this time of the year when the weather gets warmer, flowers start to bloom, and the evenings become longer. Whether you enjoy working in your yard, watching spring school or recreational sports, or just relaxing on a cool evening, this time of year makes the future seem brighter.

One of the bright spots in this issue is our “Fashion & Style” section featuring the latest spring and summer fashions from local retailers showcased in a beautiful garden party se ing. There are delicious yet simple recipes and an article on how to style your own garden party.

Other features include the rich legacy of David’s Clothing celebrating 50 years in business, McKinley and MoRonica Ravenell and how they are helping make our community be er, and the Altamaha Cruisers Club and the causes they support.

Speaking of bright spots, there are uplifting stories on local students. Local twirlers performing on the world stage, the girls’ volleyball team making school history, a college basketball standout, and some high academic achievers are just a few who are excelling in different areas. And, of course, a beloved teacher, Tara McGahee Whi eker, who was recognized as the FBLA Advisor of the Year!

As always, we want to thank the advertises, writers, photographers, designers, and so many others who work with us on Wayne Magazine. We have a great team and appreciate everyone involved. It’s not possible without them!

We pray your spring and summer is full of fun, joy, and bright spots!

John & Connie Riddle info@showcasepublicationsga.com @waynemagazine

Editors and Publishers

John F. Riddle & Connie K. Riddle

Showcase Publications, Inc.

Creative Director

Robin Harrison

Caffeine Generated Graphics

Designers:

Robin Harrison, Russ Hu o

Cover Photography

Miss Magnolia Soul Photography

Contributing Photographers

Ma ie Genaux Photography

Miss Magnolia Soul Photography

Allen Allnoch / AHA! Photography

Brenda Purvis

John F. Riddle

AJ Henderson – Georgia Southern Athletics

Nancy Dent

Jenny Thomas Photography

Ma Boyd Photography

Jon Hu o

Bill Rhodes

Gene Bednarek

Steffany Wheeler

Contributing Writers:

Candee Harris

Melba Benne Murphy

John F. Riddle

Susan Goehring

Joy Bland Kenerly

Jan Hediger

Allen Allnoch

Cyle Augusta Lewis

Robert Wynn

Proofing/Editing

Allen Allnoch

Russ Hu o

WAYNE MAGAZINE is published bi-annually by Showcase Publications, Inc. For information on advertising, submitting articles, or photography: (912)-424-8772 P.O. Box 391 • Jesup, GA 31598 info@showcasepublicationsga.com Website: showcasepublicationsga.com

Other magazines published by Showcase Publications, Inc.: Valdosta Magazine / Okefenokee Living Je Davis Living / Emanuel County Living

All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every e ort 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.

One of the bright spots in our lives has been the addition of our first daughter-in-law, Katherine Sellers Riddle, who married our oldest son, Hux, last May in Savannah. (Bowen, Connie, Hux, Katherine, John, and Ki Riddle)

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CHOOSE SMART PHYSICAL THERAPY

SMaRT Physical Therapy has been servicing Wayne County since 2008. We are a local company, which does business locally.  We ask our community to always consider us when it comes to your Physical Therapy needs. We treat any joint related pains, post-surgical, vertigo (dizziness), balance, generalized weaknesses, and sports related injuries.   We develop programs for our local athletes, which has proven to reduce injuries and improve performance.  We take pride in our one-on-one treatment approach and do our best to focus on all request by our patients.  We take what is "not normal" and work to make it "normal" again.

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Story By Joy Bland Kenerly

THE FAB3

A Trio of Local Twirlers Has Qualified for the World Championship. Next Stop: Liverpool, England, Birthplace of the Beatles.

The race is on. Three national champion athletes are set to take their batons and their talent from Jesup to Liverpool. Mary Nell Moseley, Emily Anderson, and Emi Peel will represent their hometown and the USA at the first-ever International Baton Twirling Federation (ITBF) World Baton Twirling Championship and Nations Cup from August 4-13.

The three twirlers had only heard their parents and grandparents talk about the Beatles, but now they’re listen-

ing to the iconic songs themselves and ge ing excited about their adventure. They certainly plan to visit the Beatles Story exhibition and pose in front of the Abbey Road Mural that depicts the iconic London street and album cover.

Their bags aren’t yet packed, but their journeys to the UK began last summer with hard work and dreams of making the USA Team. To borrow the words of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, making the team and qualifying to compete

as individuals in Liverpool has been a “long and winding road.”

Moseley, Anderson, and Peel have been caught up in an exciting whirlwind of coast-to-coast national and international twirling travel, with lots more to come this year. These young athletes are among the best in the country after competing last summer in Eindhoven, The Netherlands at the 2022 WFNBTA World Baton Twirling Championships. Only four twirlers from Georgia competed on

USA Team members Emi Peel, Emily Anderson, and Mary Nell Moseley show off their smiles and patriotism in front of the American flag.

PHOTO BY JENNY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FAB3

that USA Team, and three were from Jesup. (The fourth, Jessica Morlan, 16, is from Thomson.)

The Jesup twirlers qualified for Eindhoven in July 2019, but due to Covid cancellations, the World Championships were postponed until 2022. All three proudly represented their country, the National Baton Twirling Association, their state, and their hometown, and all three brought home medals from the international event.

The Eindhoven competition was the first for Emily and Emi as members of the USA Team, and the second time Mary Nell had donned the red, white, and blue for her country. She competed on the USA Team in Norway in 2018 and brought home a bronze medal in Rhythmic Twirl.

The girls’ mothers – Felicia Moseley, Tina Anderson, and Carrie Peel – laugh as they recalled their hectic travel schedule last summer.

“We practically became expert travel agents,” Carrie says. “We were in Stockton, California one week and South Bend, Indiana the next, and then headed to The Netherlands the next. Covid cancellations and rebookings impacted all the major national qualifying events and the schedule. Everyone was just doing the best they could, and we acquired all kinds of new skills, like where to do laundry and leave your car for a week.”

Adds Tina, “We had separate bags packed and copies made of passports and important papers and vaccination records for international travel. And somehow, we had to train and practice all along the way. We laugh about it now. Definitely the craziest summer ever! But somehow we were all where we were supposed to be.”

Felicia Moseley remembers the fatigue of the intense schedule, but says the girls “didn’t miss a beat. I have to admit the moms were pre y exhausted when we all returned to the USA. But we were so, so happy. Just seeing their faces made it all worthwhile. It really was the stuff dreams are made of.”

Mary MoseleyNell

Mary Nell, 16, is the daughter of Brent and Felicia Moseley. She qualified for Liverpool in X-Strut at USTA Nationals in California and in Solo and Two Baton at NBTA Nationals in South Bend, Indiana. She won the NBTA Junior Twirl Off Two-Baton National Championship and placed third in both the Junior Miss Majore e of America Pageant and in the NBTA Grand National Solo competition.

She was Miss Majore e of America Solo winner and was the 16-yearold USTA Solo National Champion. She returned from the World Championships in Eindhoven with two Individual Gold Medals in Rhythmic Twirl and Two Baton and two Team Gold Medals with Wheaton Dance

Twirling and travel have provided countless hours of mother-daughter time for Felicia and Mary Nell Moseley, Carrie and Emi Peel, and Tina and Emily Anderson.

Photo by Jenny Thomas.

Here’s a look at each twirler’s accomplishments, goals and more:

PHOTO BY JENNY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Twirl Teams from Maryland. Mary Nell was selected as a 2022 Twirling Ambassador to Peru and traveled there in October to a end the International Festival of Springtime.

“I love my sport and my twirling friends from all over the country,” Mary Nell says. “I’ve been training and competing with Wheaton Twirling Teams in Maryland for three years, and those girls are amazing and are some of my best friends. I love traveling in the U.S. to twirling competitions and also ge ing to see the world. I’ve competed at Worlds

THE FAB3 Feature

in 2018 in Norway and in 2022 in The Netherlands. I’m just so thrilled to make it to Liverpool, England for my third time as a world team member.”

Mary Nell is a junior at Wayne County High School and is very involved at her school and in many organizations. She loved twirling under the Friday night lights as a feature twirler for the WCHS Yellow Jacket Marching Band, and she dreams of taking her batons onto a college field one day.

“I would love to twirl for the Redcoat Marching Band as a University of Geor-

gia feature twirler,” she says. “I will keep training and working hard academically to make my dreams come true.”

Mary Nell is coached by Juli Duda and Ann Kennedy of Maryland and Kathy Harris of Pennsylvania. She started her twirling career under Gina Jeffords of Jesup. She a ributes her success to all these coaches and many others who have supported her along the way.

“I love being from a small town where everyone is so supportive and encouraging. I’m counting down the months until we head to Liverpool,” she says.

Emily Anderson

Emily, 12, the daughter of Myron and Tina Anderson, had a dream come true in July when she was crowned PreTeen Miss Majore e of America at NBTA Nationals in South Bend, Indiana. She won the Miss Majore e of America Strut and Solo portions of the pageant to win the overall title. She also won the PreTeen Twirl-Offs in Solo, Strut, and Two Baton and placed second in the NBTA Grand National Solo competition. She won the 12-year-old Solo and Two-Baton National Championship at USTA Nationals in California.

Emily is qualified for Liverpool in Solo, Strut, Two Baton, Artistic Twirl, and Three Baton. She also competed with Wheaton Dance Twirl Teams from Maryland and won team national titles. At the WFNBTA World competition in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Emily brought home an Individual Gold Medal in X-Strut and a Silver Medal in Solo.

“I have been so blessed to make the World Team and win Miss Majore e of America this past summer,” Emily says. “I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without Christ who gives me strength.”

Emily a ributes her success to many who have helped her along her twirling journey: “Joy Kenerly, Lynice Williams Jackson, Lori Cobb, and Barb Neely were my very first coaches

I love my sport and my twirling friends from all over the country. I’ve been training and competing with Wheaton Twirling Teams in Maryland for three years, and those girls are amazing and are some of my best friends. — Mary Nell Moseley

PHOTO BY MATT BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

who got me started in twirling and competing. I am so grateful to coaches Kathy Harris, Sandi Rios, Corey Kinyon-Cruz, and my Wheaton coaches, Juli Duda and Ann Kennedy, for all they have done for me. It definitely takes a village, a lot of time and hard work.”

Emily is a seventh grader at Arthur Williams Middle School, where she is an AWMS majore e. “I love our community and all the support from my school,” she says. “My principal, Dr. Jeremy Foreman, and all the teachers have been my biggest cheerleaders, and that means a lot. While in England, when I’m not competing or practicing, I’m looking forward to seeing Abbey Road. My dad has had me listening to the Beatles since I was a baby. Two of my favorite songs of theirs are ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘Come Together.’ I also can’t wait to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. It is going to be so exciting, fun, and of course, educational.

“A ending Eindhoven this past summer has me even more excited about Liverpool,” Emily adds. “Being part of the USA Team is a dream come true, and it is so much fun being able to do what I love on the world stage.”

I love our community and all the support from my school. My principal, Dr. Jeremy Foreman, and all the teachers have been my biggest cheerleaders, and that means a lot.

— Emily Anderson

THE FAB3 Feature

Emi Peel

Emi Peel, 11, the daughter of Rick and Carrie Peel, was named the NBTA PreTeen Rhythmic Twirl National Champion and placed third overall in the PreTeen Miss Majore e of America pageant in South Bend, Indiana. Emi is the PreTeen Miss Majore e of America Modeling and Interview winner, and she also placed third in the NBTA Grand National Solo Competition. She is the NBTA 10-year-old National Solo and National X-Strut Champion.

In California at USTA Nationals, Emi was the Juvenile AAA PreTrials Gold Medalist, the IBTF Youth Elite X-Strut top qualifier, and the USTA 11-year-old National Artistic Twirl and USTA Strut Champion. She qualified for Liverpool in Solo, X-Strut, Artistic Twirl, and Two Baton. In Eindhoven, The Netherlands at the WFNBTA World Championships, Emi won an Individual Silver Medal in X-Strut.

“I’m super excited to twirl in Liverpool, England next summer,” Emi says. “I never would have imagined as a li le girl when I first started twirling that I would have the opportunity to travel the world as a USA Twirl Team member. I am so thankful for my amazing coaches, Mr. Dale White and PJ and Jonathan Burkin, all of Ohio, and I’ve loved training with the Show Twirlers competition twirling teams.

“I am also grateful to my two favorite local twirling supporters, Joy Kenerly and Lynice Williams Jackson, who first coached me, believed in me and made me love this sport. I am also grateful to Mrs. Lori Cobb, Barb Neely, and Kathy Harris, who taught me so much. In addition to twirling, I am thankful for my dance instructors, Angie Young and Abby Po s, and my competition dance family at Young A itudes Dance Center. I am also very thankful for my parents, two brothers, my grandparents, and the Wayne County community for supporting me in all of my twirling adventures.”

Emi is a sixth grader at Arthur Williams Middle School, where she enjoys being a cheerleader. She loves all of the support she receives from her teachers and friends.

“Walking out on the floor at Worlds was the most nervous I had ever been,” she remembers. “I think I was the youngest twirler who qualified to be there. But when I walked out to compete and got in my opening pose, I could hear my teammates cheering and chanting, ‘U.S.A … U.S.A.’ It was the greatest feeling in the world to hear them cheering for me, and it calmed my nerves and I gave the best performance I could give. I also loved ge ing to yell and cheer for them when they stepped out on the floor. I will never forget how my heart was beating out of my chest! It was just all amazing and a life experience I will cherish always.”

Emi looks forward to heading to Liverpool, ge ing another stamp on her passport, and collecting more gifts and keepsakes from twirlers from all over the world. She says she is now deciding what li le gifts she wants to take from America to the other international twirlers.

”I can’t wait to cheer on Emily and Mary Nell and Jessica and all my teammates from all over the country. It will be so fun to explore the hometown of The Beatles, and I want to tour England’s beautiful cathedrals and museums, and learn more about the culture of England.”

When I walked out to compete and got in my opening pose, I could hear my teammates cheering and chanting, ‘U.S.A … U.S.A.’ It was the greatest feeling in the world to hear them cheering for me, and it calmed my nerves and I gave the best performance I could give. — Emi Peel

PHOTO BY MATT BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

One Town, Three Stars

Many twirling enthusiasts from around the country, including those in both the NBTA and USTA twirling organizations, have noted how remarkable it is that these three superstars are all from Jesup.

“It’s so impressive that three of the best twirlers in the country are from a small town in Georgia,” says Jennifer Marcus Schwartz, a world champion twirler and now a renowned coach and judge. “I’m always excited to watch their grace, beauty, and pure talent on the competition floor, and every year they’ve taken the sport to the next level.

“Mary Nell, Emi, and Emily are also some of the sweetest athletes I’ve met,” Schwartz continues. “[They are] incredibly humble, kind, and gracious, just like all the wonderful people I’ve always encountered from Jesup. This city is really something special. It just has a special sparkle.” |WM

Writer's note: “My prayer for these girls is that their hearts stay humble and kind and down to earth while their batons and dreams keep flying high. Congratulations! You make Wayne County proud.” – Joy Bland Kennerly

PHOTO BY JENNY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE Ravenells

THIS DYNAMIC DUO MAKES A BIG IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY

Relocating to a new town can be a daunting experience. For McKinley and MoRonica Ravenell, their move to Wayne County was life-changing. Hailing from the small town of Eutawville, South Carolina, the couple moved to Jesup, from their prior home in Fernandina Beach, after McKinley received a promotion at RYAM. Despite their original apprehension about the move, they were embraced by the tightknit community and have since become integral to daily life in Wayne County.

STORY BY CYLE AUGUSTA LEWIS / PHOTO BY MATTIE GENAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Malik, McKinley, MoRonica, and Camaron Ravenell

The Ravenells grew up in families emphasizing hard work, honesty, and a strong relationship with God. MoRonica explained, “My dad taught me nothing in life is free; if you want something, you work for it. I started working as a young teen and purchased all the things I needed to keep my hair and nails looking good.” McKinley added, “As the oldest of four boys, the importance of honesty, hard work, and a good education were instilled in me at an early age.” This upbringing is reflected in their adult lives, as they excel in their careers, are involved parents, and dedicate their time to community action.

The move to Jesup was a big decision for the couple. While her husband was still working as the maintenance manager at RYAM in Fernandina Beach, the possibility of a job promotion meant a family move. MoRonica had heard stories of others who had relocated and struggled to acclimate. To see for themselves, McKinley and MoRonica decided to visit the area and its schools before making the decision. “We went to Jesup for a long day of meetings; at the end of the day, I still wasn’t sure we wanted to make a move – our two sons, Malik and Camaron, were established, and I didn’t want to uproot them.” Before the trip ended, they spoke with the late Dr. Jay Brinson, who assured them it was a great decision. Then they met with their realtor, Jaime Hickox. “She had such love in her eyes, and you could hear in her voice how much she loved this place – she really did sell us on Jesup and went above and beyond to help us find the perfect home.” MoRonica will never forget her realtor’s advice: “Make sure you get involved in the community. This is a family community, and everyone is like family.”

McKinley accepted the manager, pulp mill role at the Jesup plant and put his feet on the ground on January 9, 2017. He now serves as manager, production operations. McKinley said, “I initially came alone and waited for the family to follow at the close of the school year. As I settled in and got acclimated with my new job, I kept a small plaque on my desk that said, ‘If God brings us to it, He will bring us through it.’”

“Getting involved has allowed us to join arms with the wonderful people here and experience all that Wayne County has to o er.”

– McKinley Ravenell

The Ravenells take an active role in their church, Turning Point Worship Center.

McKinley serves as the board chair for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. He accepted the gavel from immediate past chair Alan Volskay in 2022.

MoRonica added, “I had peace and knew it was His will. I trusted God with our future. I couldn’t see it all, but I followed the steps laid out before me.” Once the family moved, they made Turning Point Worship Center their church home and got actively involved with their children’s education. McKinley added, “Camaron joined the band, and Malik tried his hand at basketball, soccer, and cross country.”

Recalling her conversation with their realtor about community involvement, MoRonica sat down with Kelly Shanklin, manager, o ce and public relations for

RYAM. “I remember my lunch with Kelly; she asked what I liked to do with my time and began sharing opportunities to get involved. She suggested I apply for the Leadership Wayne class, a program of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.” The program seeks out emerging leaders. Based on MoRonica’s past leadership in Fernandina, where she was active as a church secretary and treasurer, team development and assistant event chair for Relay for Life, and served as a YMCA campaign member, it was apparent she would be a great candidate. “Oh, boy, was I nervous, but I applied and was selected!” MoRonica was also recruited as an ambassador to find new businesses to join the Chamber, which became a gateway to further community involvement. She’s since accepted employment as the Chamber’s administrative assistant.

“After moving to Jesup, MoRonica and I could have just sat on the sidelines,” McKinley explained. “That is not how we are made – it’s not our DNA. We enjoy being involved in our communities and feel it is essential, especially while raising children.” MoRonica added, “Today's children are our future. We are setting an example and paving the way for them. When they graduate high school or college, they can return to Wayne County and work and raise their families. We want our children to have better opportunities than we have had. When we get older, it is the children that will be here setting goals and building up this community.”

MoRonica graduated from Leadership Wayne in the class of 2020 and McKinley two years later. He now serves as Chairman of

“In all my years of volunteering, I’ve never had the opportunities I have here. Wayne County is ripe with growth and potential.”

– MoRonica Ravenell

LEFT: MoRonica is active in many areas of the community including volunteering to read at local schools.

BELOW: MoRonica was chosen as Ambassador of the Year for the Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She’s the Ambassador Chair for the Chamber of Commerce after beginning her ambassador journey in 2019. MoRonica shared her passion for that role: “It’s important to motivate ambassadors and help them build rapport with individual businesses.” She added, “I love the outreach opportunities at Turning Point church, too. I love serving people because I never know when I might need someone to help me in return. This is a community, giving and receiving love and support.”

Kelly Shanklin exclaimed, “We are so pleased to have McKinley and MoRonica as a part of the Jesup community and RYAM team. Their entire family works to help make our community a better place. We are truly blessed to have the Ravenells in Jesup!”

One thing that drives the Ravenells to have an impact is their fresh perspective –they recognize what Jesup is, but they also

see what it can be. McKinley said, “The key to making Wayne County great is for each person to get involved. Don’t just sit on the sidelines. Join the team! If everyone works together and becomes engaged team members, Wayne County can be a place where we all come together, and that’s when good things get done.”

The Ravenells encourage anyone new to the community to pray and be led by God on where to get involved. MoRonica advises: “Attend meetings in the community to educate yourself on Wayne County and how you can get involved and look for a way to use your gifts and talents here.” MoRonica explains how Wayne County compares to other places she’s lived: “In all my years of volunteering, I’ve never had the opportunities I have here. Wayne County is ripe with growth and potential; we need more people to get involved and help us make things happen!”

Not only are the Ravenells happy to have made their home in Jesup, but Jesup is happy to have them. Mark Watson, Executive Director and CEO of Jesup Housing Authority/Wayne Housing Partners, said of the dynamic duo, “There aren’t many individuals and families that are as special to me as the Ravenells! Many serve in one area, be it church ministry, local community organizations, or sports and extracurriculars. Both McKinley and Mo serve with all of these entities. It’s easy to see they truly love our community

as much as our lifelong residents. More importantly, they love the people here. They are always the first to volunteer to help with projects that benefit others and are the last to leave when the work is completed. Wayne County is very lucky to have them.”

Wayne County Industrial Development Authority’s Executive Director, Dell Keith, added, “They are such an asset to Wayne County! Since their arrival, they’ve immersed themselves in community, volunteering for various organizations, being active in their church, and raising their two boys to be responsible, accountable young men. It’s always a pleasure to see young couples willing to make a di erence. The Ravenells embody that spirit.”

The move to Jesup marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Ravenell family. Though there were moments the decision felt like a leap of faith, it turned out to be a positive life-changing experience. The Ravenell story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and community involvement in shaping a fulfilled life.

McKinley concluded, “Our reality of being embraced by this community might have been much di erent if we didn’t choose to get involved. Getting involved has allowed us to join arms with the wonderful people here and experience all that Wayne County has to o er.”

Camaron and Malik are following in their parents’ footsteps as they volunteer at their church.

“They are always the first to volunteer to help with projects that benefit others and are the last to leave when the work is completed. Wayne County is very lucky to have them.”

– Mark Watson

CAUSES & CAMARADERIE

The Altamaha Cruisers Club Brings Together Area Automobile Enthusiasts while Benefi ing Local Charities

STORY BY ALLEN ALLNOCH / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLEN ALLNOCH / AHA! PHOTOGRAPHY

he cars of the Altamaha Cruisers Club are as varied and colorful as the members who drive them. Come to one of the club’s monthly “cruise-in” gatherings and you’re likely to see everything from mid-century American classics to ’60s- and ’70s-era muscle cars to British and German makes – and much more.

But it’s those friendly faces that really make the organization something special.

“It’s great to get together with a group of people – no politics, no grievances or anything –and just look at pre y cars and talk about cars,” says club president Warren Whidden. “For me, it’s a fellowship.”

There are no barriers to entry – anyone is welcome, regardless of their age or what vehicle they own. Longtime member Mary Lou Drury says the club’s open-door policy is by design.

Ralph Shaw, Wade Claxton, Joyce Shaw, Bill Lynn, Tim Becker, Michele Becker, Joyce Franks, Debra Richards, Randy Franks, Clark Stewart, Jane Clark, Billy Clark, Warren Whidden, Mark Burns, and David Elhric

CAUSES & CAMARADERIE

– Warren Whidden

LEFT: Club president Warren Whidden with his 1964 VW Karmann Ghia. BELOW: Bill Lynn (1955 Chevrolet B210) and financial secretary Randy Franks (1976 Pontiac Lemans Sport Coupe).

RIGHT: Wade Claxton, 1979 Chevrolet Corve e.

IT’S GREAT TO GET TOGETHER WITH A GROUP OF PEOPLE AND JUST LOOK AT PRETTY CARS AND TALK ABOUT CARS. IT’S A FELLOWSHIP.

“The bylaws have always been no drinking, no talking ugly, that kind of thing, because [the original members] wanted it to be something families could come out and enjoy,” Drury explains.

In fact, in the last decade, the club has expanded beyond its original moniker, the Altamaha Classic Cruisers. It dropped the “Classic” label in 2013 after members noticed an increasing presence of more modern vehicles.

“When we changed the name of the club, it was because we started embracing a lot of the newer hot rods,” says Wade Claxton, a past president of the club and owner of a 1979 Corve e. “There are a lot of new high-horsepower cars out there now.”

Indeed, out-of-town visitors often include young soldiers from nearby Fort Stewart driving modern-day muscle cars such as Dodge Chargers and Ford Mustangs. Members of a Mustang Club in Savannah are regular visitors as well.

“The younger folks are going to be the ones who will take over the club, slowly but surely,” says Whidden, who drives a 1964 Volkswagon Karmann Ghia. “We want to make them happy and welcome.”

The Altamaha Cruisers is the longest-running car club in Wayne County, dating to the late 1990s. Drury’s brother-in-law, Derwin, helped found it, along with George Utiss and several others. She ticks off a list of early members, including Claxton, Allan and Lynn Jones, Gary Moore, Kenneth Reddish, Billy Poppell, and Robby and Freddy Woods.

Besides fostering a family-friendly atmosphere, the 501(c) (3) organization makes a point of giving to charities from funds raised through donations, 50-50 drawings, and other income. Current benefactors are Fair Haven, Hospice of South Georgia, and Wayne County 4-H.

“The last few years, I think we’ve given them about $1,500 each,” Drury says. “The main purpose has never been to make money on it; whatever has been raised, it’s been for charities.”

Cruise-ins are held the first Saturday of every month at the Jesup Sonic, giving members and visitors the opportunity to show off their cars and talk about common interests.

Prizes are awarded and entertainment is provided, ranging from Claxton, a DJ, spinning tunes, to local and regional bands, and even an Elvis impersonator. Themed costumes are sometimes part of the fun.

The club also holds the annual Cool Rides Car Show at the Jesup Drive-In. The Covid pandemic prevented a show in 2020, but it resumed in 2021. Planning is underway for another show later this year.

Some Altamaha Cruisers members are hands-on enthusiasts who delight in restoration projects. Bill Lynn, for example, owns a stunning 1955 Chevrolet B210. He’s now at work on a 1968 Camaro, and that will be followed by a 1956 Chevy pickup. Both are sure to be conversation starters when they’re ready for display.

“I’ve always liked building cars,” Lynn says. “I guess we’re like a bunch of fishermen – you know, see who can lie the most about their cars. You meet some nice people who have the same interests.”

Tim Becker restored a 1979 Ford F-150 that he bought from its original owner in Jacksonville. His latest project is a 1975 Plymouth Duster. Becker’s teenage granddaughter, Aleah, helped him restore the pickup and has designs on eventually owning it herself.

“She helped me sand it down and paint it,” Becker recalls. “Then she said, ‘When you get older and you can’t drive anymore, can I have this truck?’

“She must think I’m old,” he adds with a laugh. “But yes, eventually I’m going to give it to her.”

Randy Franks and his wife, Joyce – who serve as club financial secretary and club secretary, respectively – both have eye-catching vehicles. Joyce’s 1980 Trans Am is a replica of the “Smokey and the Bandit” car driven by Burt Reynolds’ iconic character. Randy has a 1976 Pontiac Lemans Sport Coupe with an interesting back story.

“When Joyce and I married, we were headed off to school in Athens that same fall,” says Franks. “I had a new ’76 Lemans. After our first child came, we had to get a four-door car for a

ABOVE AND RIGHT: Tim and Michelle Becker plan to give their 1979 Ford F-150 to granddaughter Aleah one day. Inset photo courtesy of Tim and Michelle Becker.

CAUSES & CAMARADERIE

baby seat. So we traded for an ’82 Bonneville. About three years ago, I saw this car for sale online – same model, same interior, everything – in Orlando with only 18,000 original miles on it. So we went down and bought it.”

The club has held its monthly cruiseins in several locations over the years, including downtown Jesup, Hardee’s, and Sonic. The la er, Drury notes, “kind of goes along with old cars – it’s a throwback atmosphere with the carhops and the music.”

It was a cruise-in at Hardee’s that first caught Becker’s eye after and he and his wife, Michelle, moved to Jesup from New York in 2014.

“We had to go to Walmart one day and we looked over and saw this car show,” Becker remembers. “I said, ‘Let's go see the cars.’ Well, we went over there and Michelle bought a 50-50 ticket and won, which is kind of funny, and then we talked to Wade Claxton and he invited us to join.”

Just like that, the Beckers had a new group of friends, which Michelle now describes as “a family. We really enjoy each other’s company,” she says.

And that, of course, is the point.

“We are here to have a good time with our families and friends,” says Drury, who with her husband, DeWi , owns a 1963 Ford Fairlane Sports Coupe. “[DeWi ’s] health has go en to where

we're not able to go as often, but we still enjoy going out and seeing all the cars when we can.”

Adds Franks, “This is my bo om line about the car club: It’s something Joyce and I can do together, and we’ve really enjoyed that.” |WM

Cruise-ins are held the first Saturday of every month at Sonic on 1st Street in Jesup. Follow the Altamaha Cruisers Club’s Facebook page to keep up with the group’s events, including the date for the 2023 Cool Rides Car Show.

I GUESS WE’RE LIKE A BUNCH OF FISHERMEN –YOU KNOW, SEE WHO CAN LIE THE MOST ABOUT THEIR CARS. YOU MEET SOME NICE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME INTERESTS.

– Bill Lynn

TOP: The Jesup Sonic parking lot fills with cars and enthusiasts at the club’s monthly cruise-in gatherings. Photo by Tim Becker.

BOTTOM: DeWi and Mary Lou Drury with their 1963 Ford Fairlane Sports Coupe. Photo by Tim Becker.

Almost one wonderful year at ReJoyce Aesthetics & Wellness. Our name is a tribute to the late parents of Chasity Geiger-Royce & Janet Daniel.

Royce & Janet instilled the values necessary for Chasity to take the path least traveled into becoming the successful mom, wife, business owner, PA, injector, and friend she is. We are so thankful for Chasity and all of the knowledge, wit, and grit she possesses. Thank you so much for an amazing year! We are filled with gratitude of our rapidly growing ReJoyce family. Ready for many more years to come!

Pamela Bell, Patient Care Coordinator & Practice Manager; Chasity Geiger, Owner & MPAS, PA-C; Lindsey Ammons, RN

Chasity Geiger, Owner & MPAS, PA-C

“REJOYCE ALWAYS, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

NEUROTOXINS

BOTOX, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau. Relaxes the facial muscles to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

DERMAL FILLER

Juvederm and Restylane. Lifts, plumps, smooths and softens creases, as well as enhances facial contour.

BIOSTIMULATORS

Sculptra and Radiesse injections help to gradually replace lost collagen and elastin, renewing skin structure.

CHEMICAL PEELS

PCA, The Perfect Derma. Increases cell turnover to improve skin texture, dark spots and breakouts.

MICRONEEDLI NG

Skin Pen treatments create millions of controlled micro channels in the skin to elicit the body's natural wound healing response boosting collagen and elastin.

PRP

Vampire Facial, Vampire Facelift, Hair Restoration, 0-Shot, P-Shot. Platelet Rich Plasma treatments use blood cells to accelerate renewal and cellular growth.

EXOSOMES

Dermal fibroblast exosomes are stem cells that are responsible for connective tissue repair and renewal decreasing post-treatment systems

IV THERAPY

IV Hydration. Add a boost for energy, beauty, immunity, detox, muscle recovery, or PMS relief.

VITAMIN INJECTIONS

B12, Lipo, Biotin, Glutathione. Injections for energy, weight loss, beauty, antioxidants, and detox.

SEMAGLUTIDE

Medically supervised weight loss injections to improve glycemic control and reduce overall body fat.

NAD+

A naturally occurring coenzyme essential for cellular functions, cardiovascular and neurologic function

Medical & Aesthetic Skincare

A joyful face is always a beautiful face.

COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY, WE ARE…. YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPICE

HOSPICE OF SOUTH GEORGIA, INC.

Since the building of the current administrative facility in 2011, Hospice of South Georgia has been working diligently to bring Phase 2 of the building plans into fruition and the time has finally come. Phase 2 is to provide the community of Wayne County with an upscale, state of the art, hospice inpatient unit; featuring a 8-bed facility that will accommodate patients who are in need of GIP, respite, and end-of-life continuous care. Not only will the inpatient unit serve the folks of Wayne County but to anyone who meets hospice criteria and is under the care of Hospice of South Georgia, Inc.

Hospice of South Georgia’s goal continues to treat each person and family that we serve with the upmost respect and compassion through hope, dignity, and love. Hospice of South Georgia, Inc. has been serving Wayne and the surrounding counties of Southeast Georgia for over 20 years! We are your local not-for-profit hospice and we are here to serve you!

1625 Sunset Blvd.

Jesup, GA 31545

www.hospicesoga.org

912-588-0080 (24 Hours)

Story by MELBA MURPHY

FAITH, FAMILY & fash ns

50 Years OF DAVID’S CLOTHING AND THE FAMILY BEHIND ITS SUCCESS

David Bowen, a native of Pierce County, loved South Georgia. In the years 1960-1972, when he lived in Dothan, Alabama working for S.H. Kress & Company, he and his wife of 74 years, Lore a, dreamed of a return and of opening some type of retail store. In August of 1972, when David was 42 years old, that dream manifested itself with the opening of David’s Men Store on West Cherry Street. His grandson Ben Bowen comments, “At a time when Jesup had its fair share of established clothing stores, my grandfather had a dream and did not let the odds deter him.”

In 1976, David’s Men Store became David’s as the business expanded to the corner of NW Broad and W Cherry Streets in the Williamson shopping center and began selling women’s clothing. David’s daughter Jan Bowen (Faircloth) and long-time employee Pa y Wright became buyers for the ladies’ side.

In 1994 David’s moved to its present location, still on Cherry Street. Over the years, the business expanded to locations in Fernandina, Baxley, St. Marys, and Hinesville. The business expansions seemed to parallel

Jon & Tiffany (Bowen) Hu o, Suzanne & Larod Bowen, and Ben Bowen are the second and third generations to manage David’s Clothing.

Photo by Ma ie Genaux Photography .

Larod and Ben with just some of the over 20 brands of fashions the store carries.

“Retail has been the vehicle the Lord has used to supply for the family,” Larod says. He also credits the store’s success to “our loyal customer base.”

the expansion of the Bowen family. Jan married Rick Faircloth and now runs a Hinesville store. Son Larod married Suzanne Bailey, daughter of Austin and Frankie Bailey, in 1979, and their four children – Ben, Andrew, Lydia, and Tiffany – have all worked in the store. In 1993 Suzanne became the buyer for the ladies’ fashions, and in 1999 David retired from the clothing business and Larod became manager. Looking back on 50 years in retail clothing, Larod and Suzanne reflect on industry-specific challenges, especially in predicting the popularity of trends. When the men’s store opened in 1972, styles were polyester, pa ern pants, plaid sport coats, leisure suits, striped suits, and wide ties. The 1980s saw baggy sweaters, bomber jackets, Hawaiian shirts, slogan and logoed t-shirts, and the very popular athletic footwear. During the decade

when the store moved to its present location, new fashions included oversized clothing, turtlenecks, combat boots, baggy jeans, bright-colored track suits, and denim overalls.

“Around 1988, acid-washed jeans came out and I predicted that those would ‘never go over,’ Larod recounts with a smile. Even styles such as khaki pants and Dockers were somewhat revolutionary when first introduced. Distressed jeans went a step further in the 1990s with the advent of the sometimes debatable “ripped” look, a trend that emulated the rock-n-roll, hip-hop, and punk rock musical eras of the 1960s and 1970s. Suzanne, speaking on recent changes, says, “Five or six years ago it became popular to buy and wear sweatshirts almost year-round. I never thought I would sell a sweatshirt in the summer.”

“Love the Lord, work hard, and then work some more.”

– DAVID BOWEN

Today David’s offers clothing for men, women, and children, and Larod comments on the difference in selling to men and women. “Men’s fashion shows more consistency, while there is a much greater turnover in women’s apparel,” Larod comments. Suzanne adds that women will stay in the store longer, try on much more, and be open to different looks, while most men, older men particularly, know what they want and are “in and out” in no time.

One cultural change that clothing stores share with other retail stores is the rise of social media. Ben, today’s store manager and purchaser for men’s wear, remembers, “We advertised a certain t-shirt with a cigar on it and it was sold out in a day.” Larod and Suzanne’s son-in-law, Jon Hu o, husband to Tiffany, joined the business in 2017 and

helped launch David's website (davidsclothing. com). Jon manages their social media accounts, E-commerce, and shipping. .

Another style the store capitalized on was in Southern casual men’s wear, starting with the popular brand Southern Tide. Larod explains, “About 2007 this trend offered a wave of fashion that the big stores weren’t selling. This gave independent stores in small towns a shot in the arm during and after the recession.”

The challenges of clothing stores, as well as many other retail stores during this era, is in hiring and training salespeople. Throughout the years David’s has offered interesting opportunities, especially to young people. Today’s community-active adults, including Fannie Fuqua Shaw, Krystal Pearsey Ellis, Shelby Anderson, John Riddle, and

Suzanne and Tiffany share the role of purchasing for the ladies’ fashions. They shop four times a year at the Apparel Mart in Atlanta. Photos by Ma ie Genaux Photography.

“One tradition that my grandfather began that continues to this day is kneeling to pray at the end of each day and thanking God, no ma er the amount of sales.”

– BEN BOWEN

Photo by Jon Hu o

Juanita Holsey, learned the art of dealing with the public working in David’s.

With five decades of change and adaptation, one thing that hasn’t changed is the Christian commitment that pervades the Bowen family and ultimately their store. There were times when the family business was put on hold to serve a higher calling, as in 1987 when Larod, Suzanne, and their oldest three children went to Costa Rica as missionaries and later to Ecuador to work with Christ to the World Bible School.

After their return, David and Lore a went on a host of trips working with orphanages, building projects, evangelical teams, and relief work. Grandson Ben says, “One tradition that my grandfather began that continues to this day is kneeling to pray at the end of each day and thanking God, no ma er the amount of sales.” His father, Larod, adds, “We give all credit to the Lord” and what he refers to as “the undeniable faithfulness of God.”

An all-encompassing detail that’s integral to the operation and success of the business is that David’s is one of the few remaining multi-generational stores in Jesup and surrounding areas. In addition to the three generations operating the store, all of Larod and Suzanne’s children have worked in the store for extended periods of time. Today, Ben’s son and fourth-generation family employee, Lex, a 16-year-old, works in the store on Saturdays.

Years

Left and Above: The original David’s Clothing opened on Cherry Street in 1972. It moved to the corner of Cherry and Broad Streets until moving into the space it currently occupies. In July 2022 David’s celebrated its 50th anniversary. A proclamation was presented to the family by Jesup’s mayor during the celebration.

some point in their lives,

Working together has unique advantages and only a few challenges. Suzanne says, “We get to spend extended quality time with each other, even though everyone taking off at the same time for a vacation or family event is a problem.” Larod adds, “It is important not to let the business overwhelm your family time, and learning to communicate effectively in a management-employee role is a learning curve.”

Tiffany, who works closely with Suzanne as buyer for the ladies’ fashions, adds, “It’s a team effort for sure. But it seems very natural – this business has been our way of life and I love having a role in it now.”

Despite the loss of patriarch David Bowen in early March of 2023, Larod, Suzanne, Ben, and Tiffany smile when remembering his mantra: “Love the Lord, work hard,

then work some more.”|WM

and

“It’s a team effort for sure. But it seems very naturalthis business has been our way of life.”

Left: David & Lore a in the early days of David's Clothing.

Right: Four generations of Bowens have benefited from working in the family business. David (center) with his son Larod (left) and Larod’s son, Ben (right), holding a young Lex, who is now 16 and works parttime at David’s Clothing.

Left-to-right: Jon & Tiffany (Bowen) Hu o with their four children, Emma, Sera, Alina, and Truman. Sherry & Ben Bowen with their three boys, Reid, Jude, and Lex. Suzanne & Larod. Russ & Lydia (Bowen) Hu o with their three children, Liam, Rhys, and Ruby Kate. Andrew & Lindsay Bowen.

At

all of Larod and Suzanne’s children have worked in the family business. Now, the fourth generation of Bowens are old enough to learn the business. Lex, Ben’s oldest (16), works part-time.

THE GROVE carries one of the largest selections of landscaping trees and shrubs, fruit trees, and palms, as well as a wide variety of bedding plants. The garden center also focuses on Mexican pottery, wrought iron planters, and landscape lighting.

FASHION & Style

A Garden Party

Story by CONNIE & JOHN RIDDLE // Photography by MATTIE GENAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Spring is a great time for a garden party! The warmer temperatures and longer days are the perfect time to invite a few friends over to enjoy good food, great conversation, and to wear a new Spring outfit. We gathered a few community volunteers and business leaders to model the latest in Spring fashions for our “Fashion & Style” section.

In this section, you will not only find great additions for your Spring and Summer wardrobe from David’s Clothing, Mine & Yours Boutique, and Sugarbee’s Boutique, but also delicious recipes from food contributor Susan Goehring, as well as ideas for styling your own garden party by Robert Wynn with Razz Jackson Design.

Above: Chasity Geiger, Melissa Thomas, Jan Hediger, and Nancy Freeman in fashions from Mine & Yours Boutique.

FASHION Style

FASHIONS BY Mine & Yours Boutique

These ladies are dressed perfectly for a Spring garden party, a day at the office, or a board meeting in these classic fashions from Mine & Yours Boutique. And that’s good because they are busy running businesses, volunteering, and socializing. Chasity Geiger owns ReJoyce Wellness in downtown Jesup. Melissa Thomas is the co-owner of Your Family Hospice. Jan Hediger is a community volunteer active in several organizations. Nancy Freeman recently retired from full-time work at the Bone & Joint Institute and is enjoying more time volunteering and working on her golf game with the Pine Forest Lady Golfers.

ABOVE: Chasity Geiger, Melissa Thomas , Jan Hediger, Nancy Freeman

Chasity is dressed for success wearing this red sleeveless fit and flare dress from Spanx which easily transitions from a professional environment to social events.

Mel sa

Melissa is wearing the perfect jumpsuit, also from Spanx. This fi ed sleeveless jumpsuit is great with a jacket, with a blouse under it, or you can wear it like it is. The zipper back makes it easy to get in and out of.

Jan has on a beautiful long maxi dress by Crosby. The eyelet trim on the ruffled sleeves and hemline provides a touch of elegance, perfect for many occasions from family picnics to Easter Sunday. It’s also great for brides to wear at bridal showers.

Nancy is making a statement in this Emily McCarthy poppy dress. This collared shirt dress has pockets and would be great to dress up or wear with sneakers.

FASHION Style

Styling the Look - David's Clothing

CREATING YOUR OWN STYLE WITH ELEMENTS OF GREAT FASHION

Coastal Styles

FOR HIM:

This coastal garment dyed linen sport shirt and chambray casual shorts by Peter Millar are the perfect outfit for a classy casual look for guys. Accessorized with sandals by Olukai, clubmaster style sunglasses by Rayban, a woven stretch belt, and a Horween leather wallet by Hooks handcrafted in Kingsland, Ga.

FOR HER:

This crossover romper by Mustard Seed in lemon with “Gem” raffia heels by Matisse in natural make the perfect outfit for any occasion. These Timeless + simple earrings and necklace by Kristalize and sunglasses by Rayban complete this look.

This outfit could easily be styled to be more casual by adding comfortable flat sandals and replacing the gold jewelry with a simple headband. Adding a classic denim jacket would make it the perfect “girl next door” look for Spring or Summer.

FASHION Style

FASHIONS BY David’s Clothing and Mine & Yours Boutique

This family looks forward to well-deserved time off from the two businesses they own and manage. Thomas and April Banks own B&B Concrete and Banks Real Estate. Their son and daughter, Logan and Madi, work with Thomas at B&B Concrete. Madi also helps out at Banks Real Estate while earning a degree in business management at Coastal Pines Technical College. With them is Logan’s friend Madi Richardson, who works at Banks Real Estate and is studying cosmetology at CPTC.

Logan Banks, Madi Richardson, Thomas Banks, Madi & April Banks

Madi, April

[ FASHIONS BY MINE & YOUR BOUTIQUE ]

Madi Richardson is red-hot in this fit and flare dress from TECE. The puffy elbowlength sleeves give this dress an added touch. To complete her look, she is wearing gold woven platform sandals by Matisse.

April is cool and crisp in this linen-blend three-quarter-sleeve top in navy and white by Boho Chic with Navy Spanx dress pants.

Logan, Th as, Madi

Logan is wearing a performance long-sleeve sport shirt and T3 performance shorts by Southern Tide. His Authentic original shoes are by Sperry.

Thomas is in a performance polo by Southern Point and Harbour performance pants by Duck Head. His casual comfort slip-on is by Olukai.

Madi is in a full-length floral print maxi by Entro. This brightly colored maxi has a tropical look with its bold print and fun front cutout. Her look is complemented by cork platform wedges by Shu Shop that have clear straps for a beachy accent.

[ FASHIONS BY DAVID'S CLOTHING ]

FASHION Style

Styling the Look - Mine & Yours Boutique

CREATING YOUR OWN STYLE WITH ELEMENTS OF GREAT FASHION

FOR THE BRIDE

Calling all brides: Buddy Love has the perfect dress. This lace, openat-the-waist dress has the big puffy sleeves and a V-neck. Add the straw bag from Shiraleigh.

These new spring wedges are from Beach. The ankle-strap straw wedges are perfect with jeans, pants, and dresses.

CHIC INSPIRATION

Boho Chic is always elegant and classy. This spring floral print top is great to wear with jeans or dress pants. The ruffled detail down the front gives this the added touch of fashion. Spanx seamed wide leg perfect pant is a must-have for everyone. This rich navy color pairs beautifully with this top.

Beach makes the cutest shoes, and this open-toe slide is no exception.

The straw look is one of spring's biggest trends.

FASHION

Style

FASHIONS BY David’s Clothing and Sugarbee’s Boutique

Finding time to relax on a Spring afternoon as a family is a real treat for the Harris family. They are busy entrepreneurs and active parents, with three young children under 7 years old. Cale is the owner of Harris & Company accounting firm. Melanie is a busy mother keeping up with Kennedy’s dancing and twirling activities, Houston’s ball practice, and Sam, who is 2 years old.

ABOVE: Cale and Melanie with Sam (2), Houston (5) and Kennedy (7)

Mela e & Cale

[ FASHIONS BY DAVID'S CLOTHING ]

Melanie & Cale are dressed for date night or spending time with family. Cale is in a performance quick-dry, breathable polo by Fish Hippie. His shorts are a classic fit, quick dry and light weight by Duck Head. The leather hoof pick bridle belt by Hooks is handcrafted in Kingsland, Ga. His shoes are by Cole Haan.

Melanie is wearing a floral spring print babydoll style dress by Jodifl with tiered ruffles and sleeve ruffle details. Her Byron slingback platform sandals in cream by Matisse are perfect for all spring-colored outfits.

TהChild n

Houston & Sam are looking very dapper in outfits by Saltwater Boys Company. Houston is wearing the Flagler fishing shirt and teal Ponce Performance shorts. Sam is in a signature Pima navy polo and khaki Ponce Performance shorts.

Kennedy is so pre y in a Hayden Girls white flu er sleeve tiered eyelet dress and royal blue kno ed headband.

[ FASHIONS FROM SUGARBEE'S BOUTIQUE ]

FASHION Style

FASHIONS BY Mine & Yours, Sugarbee's Boutique, and David's Clothing

Garre and Karen Pye are experiencing extremes in their family life, with their oldest being in the military, having one graduating from high school, their youngest just a few months old, and 11 year-old twins in between. They both work in the medical field, making a difference in others’ lives daily. Garre is a physical therapist and owns Smart Physical Therapy and Karen is a registered nurse. Their family time is special with the addition of their first girl after having a house full of boys.

ABOVE: Sawyer (11), Kade (18), Karen, Amelia (3 months old), Garre , and Sam (11)

Ka n Amel

[ FASHIONS BY MINE & YOUR BOUTIQUE ]

Karen and Amelia coordinate perfectly. Karen has a dressy-causal look from Mine & Yours Boutique by Charlie B. This layered outfit pairs a linen-blend short-sleeve bu on-up shirt under a sweater vest, one of the ho est trends this season. Her fi ed crop pants have detailed fringe at the bo om of the hemline.

Amelia in Viverano Organics 100% organic co on muslin Wildflower cap sleeve dress with matching bloomers. She is also wearing Li le Royal Designs headwrap in stone, all from Sugarbee’s Boutique.

Sawyer is sporting a long-sleeve performance shirt by Southern Tide, shorts by Aftco, and sandals by Reef.

Kade is wearing a Rowe performance sport shirt with four-way stretch blend and wrinkle-resistant fabric and watershed tech shorts by Fish Hippie which are a quick-dry and stretch fabric. His sandals are by Southern Tide.

Garre ’s performance Ryder polo by Southern Tide has UV protection. The Long Drive performance pants are by Duck Head with a stretch, easy-care, and lightweight fabric. His knit belt is by Roostas and his Athleisure Comfort shoes are by Florsheim.

Sam is in a performance polo, slim fit jeans by Silver Jeans, and Vintage boots by Twisted X.

[ FASHIONS BY SUGARBEE'S BOUTIQUE ]

MTה[ FASHIONS BY DAVID'S CLOTHING ]

Styling the Look - Sugarbee's Boutique

STYLING YOUR CHILD WITH TIMELESS ELEMENTS OF FASHION

At Sugarbee’s Boutique we have seen trends come and go, but there are a few that we see sticking around for a while. Sleepers and outfits made of natural materials, such as bamboo and organic co on, have been a staple for new moms and moms to be. Genderneutral colors have also been a go-to for newborns and infants. Quality materials are a must for those active stages of a child’s life, whether it be matching sets for toddlers or coordinating sets for siblings. Bright, bold colors are always fun for the older kids. Don’t forget about accessories! Headbands or hats can help showcase your child’s personality, whether for babies, children, or tween clothing.

This Viverano Organics 100% organic co on Muslin Cars sleeveless bu on baby jumpsuit and the minipolka dot ruffle short baby romper are perfect for your li le ones with Li le Royal designs stone-colored headwear. Keep them warm with this Braxton Phoenix sage fringe quilt made from four layers of 100% muslin co on. Don’t forget the essentials like this ultra-soft Queen Maddyn detachable baby lovey and wood teether – and for fun consider a  Pearhead wooden toy car.

TIPS FOR STYLING YOUR LITTLE ONES

• Bamboo and organic co on is best for new babies and sensitive skin.

• Pick one size bigger. Prepare for the inevitable growth spurt of your child.

• Can’t go wrong with gender-neutral colors. Coordinating sets are easy to pull together and can help create a refined, balanced look.

• Choose comfort over style.

Baby & Children’s boutique offering apparel, accessories, and gifts.

130 SW Broad Street | Jesup, GA 912-385-2117

shopsugarbeesboutique.com

ABOVE: David’s Clothing offers many styles for men and women. For the ladies, this Bryon slingback platform sandal in cream by Matisse is perfect for all spring-colored outfits.

For the guys, Cole Haan loafers go great with shorts, slacks, or jeans. They should be a staple for every man’s wardrobe.

RIGHT: Details, details, details! The cropped pants from Mine & Yours Boutique feature a detailed fringe at the bottom of the hemline which is one of the biggest trends of the season. The pants pair nicely with the versatile sandal by Pierre Dumas that features a straw heel and stylish buckle around the ankle.

FASHION Style Stepping

Out

A stylish outfit does not end with beautiful clothes. One of the most essential elements in creating your style is the shoe you pair with it to give it that final “wow” factor. Shoes need to be functional and fashionable. Here are some options for stepping out in style.

ABOVE: Jelly silicone sandals for the girls and loafers for the boys look stylish with all outfits, whether dressy or casual. Sugarbee’s Boutique also offers a wide range of sunglasses from infants to the older kids along with purses and bows. Don’t forget these accessories when styling your young fashionista.

DESIGN Style

How to Style Your Own Garden Party

Story by ROBERT WYNN, RAZZ JACKSON DESIGNS

Styling by ROBERT WYNN AND JOE ROBERSON

Photography by MISS MAGNOLIA SOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

Robert Wynn of Razz Jackson

Designs styled an intimate tablescape with a garden party theme as inspiration for your seasonal gatherings, including tips and ideas on how to style your own.

Whether it’s a small celebration such as a birthday, anniversary, or Mother’s Day, or a more intimate dinner party for a few friends or just two of you, these ideas will help you make it beautiful and memorable. Styling a beautiful table, inside or out, makes a great gift idea, with more focus on the experience as the gift.

Tips

THE FLOWERS

Everything from the flower arrangement are flowers you can get from your yard.

• I used roses, ragweed, bo lebrush, hydrangeas, and magnolia for this arrangement, but use what you have available.

• For the greenery, use leathery leaf shrubs that won’t wilt as fast, such as camellia, ligistrum, or magnolia.

• Use a large bowl or something similar as the centerpiece. I used an old milk bucket for this centerpiece.

• To keep the flower in place, make a “pillow” out of chicken wire that will fit into the bo om of the container. Slide the stems into the chicken wire, which will hold the stems at the bo om and top. This makes the arranging easier and holds the flowers in place.

• I prefer to work from the bo om up on arrangements, starting with greenery, then the bigger flowers, and finally the filler flowers.

THE TABLESCAPE

You don’t have to spend a lot to make your tablescape look like a million bucks.

• The table is an old oak table pulled out of the shop. But any table will do. If it’s a metal table, that’s not very appealing: make it disappear by covering it with sheets, curtains, or some fabric – especially something vintage with colorful pa erns. Then layer it with another tablecloth bunched up around the middle.

• Layer the plates beginning with a charger, then 2-3 smaller plates. Use what you have or purchase cheap chargers (these were $1 each) with solid-color dinner plates and, if you have it, an heirloom salad plate with color and design.

• The old silver flatware is tied with raffia. The napkins are remnants of fabric that add a colorful touch. The milk glass adds to the vintage look.

• Small pots of ivy fill in around the center.

DESIGN Style

THE CHANDELIER

The chandelier adds an elegant touch. A plug has replaced the wires, making it portable and easy to use when and where you want it.

DRINK TABLE

I used another old wooden table as a drink station with more milk glass and antique plates for color with bo le brush and magnolia.

Robert Wynn Razz Jackson Designs

Susan-Lynn’s Sort-of-Homemade

Story by SUSAN GOEHRING // Photography by MATTIE GENAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Flowers by Razz Jackson Designs, LLC

FOOD Style

Garden Party Recipes

Photos by MATTIE GENAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

I’m

excited!! Once again, Connie and John had enough confidence (or no ready replacement) to allow me the honor of writing this food column. If this is your first exposure to my cooking, I hope you enjoy it; if you are an avid reader of Wayne Magazine, we all appreciate it.

I have lived in Wayne County since 1988, and over the years my late husband and I entertained a lot. While Ross was watching WWE, I was at the other end of the couch reading cookbooks and food magazines. While cooking new things can be both challenging – and fun – we oftentimes return to familiar recipes just because we know our audience – our guests, whether family, friends, or both.

In the early 2000s, The Food Network premiered “Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade.” Her methods involved taking a familiar recipe and tweaking it just enough to make something slightly different. (And she always included an adult beverage.) How many of us do the same thing with our go-to recipes? I have made deviled eggs for years, no recipe needed. The same goes for potato salad and similar dishes. But this time I have tried something completely different, and I’m pre y pleased with the results.

My first taste of Rosalynn Carter’s Strawberry Cheese Ring was in 1985, at a women’s luncheon in Bristol, Tennessee. It was divine then – such unexpected flavors combined together. I feel my take on it now – with the pepper jack cheese and hot pepper bacon jam – is epic – but feel free to disagree!

Both deviled egg recipes are my tweaks to recipe book standards. I have no doubt that many of you will shy away from the Kimchee eggs. If enough of you ask, I will make a big batch for tasting purposes. Try it – you’ll like it!!

My second cheese option, Quickie “Homemade” Cheese Dip, starts with two containers of cheese spread. But that’s as far as my suggestions (and they are just that) go. Choose your family’s favorite flavors and spices and make it YOURS.

I sincerely hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have enjoyed creating them. I’d love to hear from you on Facebook, especially with pictures. And teach your kids to cook – special family times together.

Susan Goehring

Quickie “Homemade” Cheese Dip

• 2 11 oz containers of cheese spread or dip (generic or brand name)

• 12 oz finely shredded cheese of choice. (examples – gouda, pepper jack, Monterey jack, swiss)

• 1 tablespoon (or to taste) chopped canned jalapenos

• 1 tablespoon (or to taste) chopped canned pimentos

• 2 tablespoons (or to taste) mayonnaise or salad dressing

Mix softened cheeses and other ingredients in food processor or mixer until desired consistency. Other flavors can also be substituted (black or green olives, garlic, sweet or dill relish). Make it your own!!

“NOT” Rosalynn Carter's Strawberry Cheese Ring

• ½ lb sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated

• ½ lb pepper jack cheese, finely grated

• ¾-1 cup Hellmans' mayonaise (or as needed)

• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

• ½ cup finely chopped onion fresh ground pepper to taste dash chipotle or cayenne pepper, or to taste

• 12 oz jar strawberry preserves (I used Smuckers)

• 8 oz jar hot pepper bacon jam (available wherever specialty jams can be found, or mix warmed chopped bacon bits with red pepper jam)

Mix cheeses, mayo, chopped pecans and finely chopped onion. Add fresh ground pepper and chipotle/cayenne pepper to taste. Place in a ring mold or bowl, leaving space in the middle for the strawberry and bacon jam mixture.

Serve with crackers, bread sticks, or other dippers of choice.

FOOD Style

Garden Party Recipes

Raspberry Lemonade

• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

• lemon slices and fresh raspberries for garnish

Boil berries and sugar together in a small saucepan with one cup water for several minutes, until the berries disintegrate and the sugar dissolves. Pour the raspberry syrup through a strainer into a large pitcher. Stir in the lemon juice, keeping in mind that ice will further dilute the lemonade. Pour into glasses over ice, and garnish with lemon slice and skewered raspberry. May add raspberry vodka to taste for an adult beverage.

FOOD Style

Garden Party Recipes

Kimchi Deviled Eggs

A bit of kimchi and a candied bacon topping add a wonderful umami twist to a classic American appetizer.

• 1 dozen hard boiled eggs, halved and yolks in bowl

• ½ cup (or to taste) chopped Kimchi

• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions

• ¼ cup mayonnaise of choice salt and pepper to taste

Mash egg yolks in bowl. Add kimchi, green onions, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Fill egg whites evenly with yolks, then top with sprinkle of candied bacon.

Candied Bacon

• 3 T vegetable oil

• ½ pound bacon, minced

• 1 ½ T brown sugar

Warm oil in large skillet. Fry bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towel and let cool for approximately 30 minutes. Put back in skillet, toss with brown sugar until well coated.

Kimchi is a pickle-like Korean staple. It is made from fresh Napa cabbage, brined, then soaked in a fiery chiligarlic sauce. I admit I had my doubts – but they quickly went away. It is available in Asian markets and most major supermarkets and is worth searching out.

I confess to purchasing already cooked and peeled eggs strictly for convenience.

Yellow Jacket Pie

SERVES 6

(unless they are football players!)

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 chicken bouillon cube

1 beef bouillon cube

2 tbsp. water

1 cup shredded cheese (or more)

Instant Mashed Potatoes

Sour Cream

Butter

Salt/Pepper

Whipping Cream

Bacon Bits (real)

Cook and stir ground beef in a hot skillet until browned and crumbly (5-7 minutes). Drain and discard grease. Heat two tbsp water, add bouillon cubes and stir to dissolve. Stir into ground beef. Simmer until flavors blend, about two minutes. Add a little more water if too dry. Spread into bottom of a greased two-quart casserole dish.

Make instant mashed potatoes, adding cream instead of milk and a couple of tablespoons of sour cream. Mound on top of ground beef, sprinkle bacon bits on top. Top with shredded cheese.

Bake 20-30 minutes. |WM

Edna Ruth

BELOW: Jan Hediger, Melissa Blanton, Ben Bowen, Jennifer Speers, Stephanie Trusievitz, Susan Goehring. Photo by Ma ie Genaux Photography.

Arrangement by Razz Jackson

Designs.

Alexis Garrido, Peggy Hickey, Brittany Wilson Christina George, April Banks, Ricky Stringer Katherine Britt, Wynter Davis, Jessica Kramer

Left to right, Alexis Garrido, April Banks, Peggy Hickey.

Standing left to right Brittany Wilson, Wynter Davis, Ricky Stringer, Jessica Kramer, Christina George & Katherine Britt

Your Family Hospice (YFH) is based on a vision that Hospice is not about dying. YFH is about helping your loved ones live the best quality of life with dignity one day at a time when life expectancy is limited.

A comprehensive team approach through quality medical, emotional, spiritual and social support is what your family deserve;

allow Your Family Hospice to manage your loved ones symptoms and provide family with the support needed because…

“LIKE FAMILY; WE CARE”

Your Family Hospice (YFH) was Founded in 2018 by Florence Baggs and Melissa Thomas. Your Family Hospice is a locally owned and operated based out of Hinesville Ga. Both are local natives, Florence Baggs is from Ludiwici Ga and Melissa Thomas is from Jesup Ga. Both are Board Certified Nurse Practitioners with a combination of greater than 50 years of nursing experience and practicing medicine as Mid-level providers. Their Hospice team reflects and compliments the compassion and love Florence and Melissa provide to their patients and family.

YFH SERVICES 13 LOCAL COUNTIES TO INCLUDE WAYNE, LONG, LIBERTY, ETC. WE WOULD BE HONORED TO SERVE YOU!

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P PROFILES

YOUR GUIDE TO WAYNE COUNTY’S PEOPLE, PLACES, AND BUSINESSES

Small Farm BIG REWARDS

THE WORK OF RUNNING DENT FARMS IS NEVER-ENDING

AND SUPREMELY GRATIFYING

STORY BY ALLEN ALLNOCH

BY NANCY DENT

When Colby and Nancy Dent began married life together five years ago, they didn’t set out to make a living as farmers. Nancy worked as a hair stylist and Colby ran a pressure washing business that previously belonged to his new father-in-law. That’s still the case today. But through the power of old-fashioned hard work, word of mouth, and savvy social media use, their small farm operation in Odum has become a valuable source of food, both for their own family and for the local community.

ABOVE: Colby, Nancy, John Benne and Tilly Dent

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Dents have transitioned their poultry operation from a traditional coop to an egg-mobile that enables a more efficient, cleaner, and more sustainable method of raising chickens.

The Dents live on land that Colby’s grandfather and previous generations farmed, so growing their own food wasn’t a foreign concept.

“I’ve lived right here in the same area my whole life,” says Colby, a 2011 graduate of Wayne County High. “Growing up, we always put up corn, peas, okra, tomatoes. I kind of started doing that myself, just growing corn, and then okra, and then it grew into having a surplus, so we started selling some of it. I think it’s cool knowing that 100 years ago, on the very land we are tending, there was another Dent family doing some of the same things.”

Colby and Nancy, a 2013 WCHS graduate, have two young children, Tilly and John Benne . Rare is the day when the family doesn’t sit down to eat something the farm has produced.

“It’s the healthiest option, so why not?” Nancy says.

Farming also brings inherent teaching opportunities. Nancy says Tilly loves ge ing her hands dirty – “When she picks some-

thing, she just beams” – and Colby hopes the children eventually recognize the underlying implication that “life is not easy; you have to work hard.”

Officially known as Dent Farms, Colby and Nancy’s operation has grown in recent years with the addition of eggs. Nancy explains:

“We started off with 25 chickens. I said I just want to be able to go in my backyard and get some eggs, so Colby built me this cute li le coop. But with 25 eggs a day, we said, ‘We can’t eat that many,’ so I would give some away. Then people started saying, ‘I would buy my eggs every week from you.’ We had a local bakery reach out and say they wanted some. So we bought 200 more chickens. The demand just keeps growing, which we’re thankful for. Now we’ve ordered about 300 more.”

Customers come from Wayne County and points beyond, some even venturing from as far away as Saint Simons Island. “We have a pre y good customer base,” Colby says. “Now when they come to get one thing, they can get two or three other things, too.”

ABOVE AND RIGHT: Tilly loves to pick vegetables, and both Dent children are growing up with what Nancy describes as “countless lessons from the Lord through gardening.”

Colby enjoys the responsibility of maintaining a working farm. He says there’s never a time when he and Nancy can say to one another, “There is nothing we have to do.”

One of those customers is Susan Lane, who discovered Dent Farms through a Facebook ad.

“I am so thankful for Colby and Nancy and what they provide for our li le community,” Lane says. “In this day and time, being able to get farm-fresh products is a blessing. We regularly buy eggs, pasture-raised chicken and seasonal vegetables from them. It’s refreshing to see this young family working hard to provide for themselves and the community.”

Knowing their way around social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram has helped the Dents in multiple ways. Nancy shares tips, recipes and various lessons learned, and Colby gets ideas from fellow farmers around the country.

“I have a client who said, ‘I made the homemade chicken broth just like you did,’” Nancy says. “I love seeing people do things like that.”

Adds Colby: “I’m part of a group, Sweet Corn and Produce Kings, and I’ve met people all over the United States. People want to share. You can’t try to figure out everything by yourself.”

Colby is also quick to credit the local support network he and Nancy have at their disposal.

“We couldn’t do any of this without the help of our family,” he says. “I’ve called on my Uncle Donald Dent, who is my papa’s brother, a lot. If I have a problem, most likely he’s lived it. He’s been farming for 50 years.”

Another local expert is Wayne County Extension Coordinator Mark Frye, who Colby describes as “a great resource for anyone who wants to grow anything. We have seven acres, which is super small-time, but Mark has never not go en back to me when I call. He doesn’t care if it’s big or small, if you have a problem, he’s going to get to the bo om of it.”

Frye is just as impressed with the Dents as they are with him.

“It has been great working with Colby and Nancy,” Frye says. “I am really proud to see a young couple with the enthusiasm for farming and dedication that it takes to have a successful operation. They seem to enjoy the outdoor physical labor that it takes to run a small farm. They are dedicated to each task and work hard to make sure each job is done right and on time.”

Colby confesses that he once struggled to embrace the idea that he’s a farmer. But when he figured out that farming isn’t limited to those who plant thousands of acres of crops, he owned it. With that realization has come the knowledge that the work is unceasing.

“There’s never a time when we lie down at night and say to each other, there is nothing we have to do,” he says. “For some people, that would probably scare them to death, but I like it. We like the feeling of knowing that someone is counting on us.”

“It keeps us accountable and full of purpose,” Nancy adds.

As part of their long-term vision to make the farm more sustainable, the Dents have added two dairy heifers that are expected to calve in the fall. They plan to raise the calves to butcher and milk the cows to provide dairy products for their family. They also have added an egg-mobile, a movable enclosure that facilitates the raising of grass-fed chickens and is cleaner and more sustainable than a traditional coop.

Steps such as this are always taken deliberately and with careful thought, and Colby is adamant that the quality of Dent Farms products won’t suffer. “When I sell something, it comes through my hands,” he says. “I picked it, washed it, packaged it. There’s nothing that’s going to come off this farm that I wouldn’t eat with my own family.”

Another reason the Dents won’t grow too fast is they keep their priorities in order. Faith and family always will come first.

“I think the biggest challenges we face are making sure we are being the best we can be at so many different things: Christian, parent, spouse, friend, farmer, homesteader, hairdresser, pressure washer, business owner,” Colby says. “Some seasons are busier than others, and we are slowly learning to just enjoy the ride.” |WM

Learn more: Follow the Dents on Facebook at their Dent Farms page and on Instagram @dentfarms.

ABOVE: Nancy gets help pickling okra from Colby’s grandmother and her grandmother, both of whom “have taught me a lot.”

Mike Gordon, District 1; Kevin McCrary, District 2; Jamie Hickox, District 5; Tim Hopkins, District 3; James “Boot” Thomas, District 4

Heart A TEAM with

PASSION RUNS DEEP WITH THE LADY JACKET VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM

STORY BY JOHN RIDDLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA PURVIS

County sports history is full of stories about come-from-behind wins, stellar athletes, and legendary coaches in football, baseball, and even newer sports like soccer. But, in the few short years since the first women’s volleyball team was organized, it too is adding to the deep reservoir of sports records that defy odds and set new school records.

The sport was added to the athletic program at Wayne County High School in Fall, 2016. The tryouts a racted 27 girls; the final roster was narrowed down to 14 for that first team. The first year was a learning experience for sure. Only one of the new team members, who had moved from another school, had ever seen a volleyball match or played an organized game of volleyball. Resources for development outside of practice were practically non-existent. The team didn’t win a single game that first season.

“It was a unique experience for me as a coach, but the challenges came with a few positives. It was literally ‘ground zero’ for us and therefore, there were no egos, no jealousy, and no false pretenses on how the team believed it should work,” explained coach Kala Hobbs. “The girls worked hard even when the win-loss percentage didn’t reflect their efforts, and every player was a hundred percent invested.”

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Team members, coaches, parents and supporters of the WCHS volleyball program.

“For me, this season was

Not necessarily

of the winning season or the first volleyball

to advance to the playoffs, but because of what these girls and you as their families have done to ensure that it would happen this way. I want to say, ‘Thank you for creating that.’ I knew early on it was special, and I truly didn’t want it to end. In my mind, this group has set the standard for years to come and it will absolutely be the standard for exactly how a program should be.”

This group of girls wanted more from their experience than winning a volleyball game – they wanted to be a part of something, and those first team members laid a foundation for the volleyball program today.

The freshmen set a goal of making playoffs their senior year and went to work. The 13 girls who returned from that pilot season earned the first varsity win in program history. And, due to their hard work and perseverance, the team recorded their first winning season and the first birth into the state playoffs. The seniors reached their goal.

Building on that groundwork, the program has improved year after year since that 2016 inaugural season. The 2022 season saw 60 girls trying out, with 25 dressing out with the team. The team had 22 wins and 9 losses, se ing a school record with the most wins in a single season and the first season with 20 wins. And though it was the team’s fourth time advancing to state playoffs, it was the first time appearing in the “Sweet 16.”

Above The season was dedicated to Mrs. Brenda Purvis, whose granddaughter Kayle Arnold was a senior on the team this year. Coach Kala Hobbs recognized the parents and volunteers, like Brenda Purvis, who helped create the volleyball program.

peak.

because

team

Above Seniors: (Names coming)

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Coach Hobbs said there are many people who deserve credit for the program’s success. “There are so many people that have made the program so successful over the years, from our administration to community members, and the most supportive parents imaginable.”

She added that the team’s “demeanor” is something that has helped sustained the program.

“Volleyball provided an additional opportunity in our school for girls to belong to something that otherwise may not have happened. A new program was a humbling experience for me as it came with such innocent and pure excitement of just ge ing to play, something that a lot of athletes and coaches, including myself, sometimes lose sight of with the pressures to win, compete, and excel,” Hobbs said. “This demeaner is something that I continue to see in our program today and makes being part of the program such a meaningful experience.”

What the volleyball program has meant can best be understood by what the players themselves have to say about their experience.

“Being a part of WCHS Volleyball the past four years has given me friendships that I will never be able to let go of and memories that will last a lifetime. I am so thankful to have been a part of such an amazing sport. I will forever be thankful for the girls, the coaches, and the memories that I got to make these last four years,” explained Klaire Murray.

Kayle Arnold added, “WCHS volleyball has given me some of my best friends, best memories, and best life lessons I could ever imagine. I am so sad to be saying goodbye but so thankful to be able to say I was a part of this amazing team!” |WM

The 2022 varsity and junior varsity volleyball team members at the end-of-season banquet in December:

(seated) Carsyn Ward, Anna Harris, Ashley Johnson, Bella Godineaux, Klaire Murray, Kayle Arnold, Hannah Duke, Karli Keith, Sophie Fender (standing) junior varsity coach Christel Harris, Tristin Yawn Emma Kate Bookhardt, Macie McDuffie, Bailey Spradley, Alyssa Robinson, Hannah Wilkerson, Lucy Lewis, Addie Mullis, Adeline O’Neal, Kenadie Mercer, Gracie Falosen, head coach Kala Hobbs

“ BEING A PART OF WCHS VOLLEYBALL THE PAST FOUR YEARS HAS GIVEN ME FRIENDSHIPS THAT I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO LET GO OF AND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME. I AM SO THANKFUL TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF SUCH AN

– Klaire Murray amazing sport.

Tim's Home Medical

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

Tim Sloan, Owner

Co on Blue Co age

Odum Native Ste any Wheeler’s Famous Farmhouse Style Cottage in Alma

When Steffany Wheeler decided to build a new home, she had no idea it would become popular with people around the world and eventually be featured on the cover of a national magazine.

[ STORY BY JOHN RIDDLE ]

Steffany Wheeler, a Wayne County native who lived in Odum until she moved to Alma in 2018, has two children, Cooper and Connor Coley, and a step-son, Karsten Wheeler. She is married to Cameron Wheeler. Her mother, Sue Poppell, was married to the late Leland Poppell. Her biological father, Herbie O’Quinn, is also deceased. His parents, Peggy and Roger O’Quinn, still reside in Jesup. Photo by Ma ie Genaux Photography.

Photo provided by Steffany Wheeler

Co on Blue Co age is Steffany Wheeler’s dream home. It was built in 2018 on her husband’s family land in Alma. She knew she wanted her stepfather, a widely popular contractor and builder in the region, to build it, but he was very busy and contracted out for nearly two years. But in a fortuitous stroke of luck, Poppell had a cancellation and a 3- to 5-month window of time opened up in the middle of 2018, so they hurried up the process, made quick decisions, and used that time to build the home. It was one of the last Poppell would ever build – he died in 2019.

During the design process, Steffany looked on-line and at the homes Poppell

had built along the Georgia coast for ideas and inspiration. She decorated it herself.

“We took ideas for roof lines, dormers, and other elements from homes I love in Charleston and the low country. I knew we wanted a wrap-around porch,” she explained of the modern farm-house style co age with neutral colors and decorated with a minimalistic design.

During the planning and building process, Steffany also looked on social media for design and style ideas. That gave her the idea to start her own Instagram account for the new home, never knowing how popular it would become. “It went viral. People began following us

and reaching out from all over the world requesting the house plans and wanting me to share ideas,” she explained. Now the Instagram page has over 32,000 followers.

After a few years of growing in popularity, the social media buzz caught the a ention of the editor for Modern Farmhouse Style magazine, published by Dotdash Meredith, American’s largest digital and print publisher, with titles including magazines such as Be er Homes & Gardens and Southern Living.

“Someone called saying they were the editor of Modern Farmhouse Style and asked if I would be interested in having the house profiled in a national

“The Instagram page went viral. People began following us and reaching out from all over the world requesting the house plans and wanting me to share ideas.”

– Ste any Wheeler

Photo provided by Steffany Wheeler

DREAM HOME

magazine,” Steffany recalled. “I thought it was a hoax at first, but she identified herself and invited me to look her up online to verify who she was.” Steffany did just that and was fla ered that a national magazine would be interested in Co on Blue Co age.

Some time passed before she heard anything else. Then, a few months later, Steffany was notified that if she was still interested, her home would be featured in Modern Farmhouse Style magazine. It appeared in the Fall 2022 issue.

The photo shoot was arranged with a photographer from Iowa who also does work for Joanna Gaines and Magnolia magazine, another Dotdash Meredith title. A stylist was on site to style every photograph.

SSte any has her own interior design and decorating business, also known as Cotton Blue Cottage.

“My love for all things design and décor has been around for as long as I can remember. I grew up visiting work sites of my stepfather, who was a very skilled home builder with an eye for detail. I always looked forward to visiting the beautifully finished homes he would create. After my husband and I built our new home, my love for design grew into a hobby. I devoted every spare moment to creating and designing our home. I began sharing our cottage on social media and people seemed to love it! This encouraged me to start helping family, friends and friends of friends create beautiful spaces in their homes.

I combine traditional design with low country influence. My look is casual and coastal, relaxed yet refined. I like to blend heirloom pieces with modern lines and neutral colors. I love spaces that feel put together, yet livable.”

Cottonbluecottage.com / cottonbluecottage@gmail.com

“The photo shoot took three days to get the proper lighting in different areas of the home. It took an entire day just for the photo of the porch that appeared on the cover,” Steffany said. “All of the produce, pumpkins and other props –including the dog – were sourced locally.” The dog belongs to a family friend. Every detail was given great a ention. “The photographer and stylist were in communication with Dotdash Meredith’s corporate office in New York in real time. They were giving instructions to move a pumpkin or a pillow because there was dead space in a particular shot. It was amazing the amount of detail that went into capturing every photo,” Steffany explained.

All of the photos are now the property of Dotdash Meredith and is in their library of photos that could be used for other magazines in the future. “I never know when I might be in the grocery store check-out line and see our home featured in another magazine,” Steffany said. |WM

You can follow Co on Blue Co age on Instagram (@co onblueco age). Steffany, who has her own interior design/decorating business, is always making changes. The home will also be featured in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Okefenokee Living magazine, a regional magazine published by Showcase Publications, which also publishes Wayne Magazine among others.

Wheeler with her daughter, Connor Coley, and her mother, Sue Poppell. Photo provided by Steffany Wheeler.

Tara McGahee Whitteker

FBLA REGION 3 ADVISER OF THE YEAR

But Her Greatest Reward Is Watching Her Students SUCCEED

Tara McGahee Whi eker was chosen as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Adviser of the Year for Region 3 in Georgia, which includes Bryan, Chatham, Evans, Liberty, McIntosh, Ta nall, and Wayne counties. The announcement was made at the State Leadership conference held in Atlanta in March. The WCHS FBLA Chapter was also recognized as a Superior Gold Chapter of the year, which ranks them in the top 25 chapters in the state.

Tara has been a teacher for 26 years, with 18 of those years at Wayne County High School. When she moved back home in 2004, she became an FBLA co-adviser after working with FBLA in Augusta. This is her second time being chosen as Region 3’s Adviser of the Year. The first time was in 2020, but due to the pandemic, conferences were not held that year and there was never a public recognition.

“Mrs. Whi ,” as she is commonly and affectionately called by most of her students, is an institution at WCHS. She is beloved by her students for her a ention to them personally and her devotion to their success as students and, one day, professionals.

“One of the things that makes Mrs. Whi eker amazing is how much she cares for all students and how she always does everything she can for our organization,” wrote Emily Boatright, WCHS FBLA chapter president, in her le er of recommendation for Mrs. Whi . She described Mrs. Whi as “friendly, determined, and caring” and credited her as being one of the main reasons “our

FBLA program is continuing to thrive.”

Another student, Stephanie Tirado, now a college student, also recommended her, writing, “The thing that makes Mrs. Whi eker so great is her love for all students and her ability to put a smile on everyone’s face.” She continued, “She is kind, hardworking, and just an all-around great person. Always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and encourages you in every situation.”

The thing that motivates Mrs. Whi the most is “seeing the students become successful, seeing them flourish, and grow after helping point them in the right direction,” she says. She ingrains into the students the idea that they must learn to “flourish and make the best of all situations. ‘No’ is only the next opportunity,” she explained.

She believes the most important aspects of being involved in FBLA for students is “networking and learning to talk with anyone. It helps them overcome their fears in communicating with others, which is important in all aspects

of business and life,” she said. She also takes great joy in seeing the students involved in community service activities and how they feel after helping others in need.

Patrick Edwards, WCHS assistant principal and CTAE director, said, “Mrs. Whi eker’s enthusiasm and passion for the club has been contagious and has helped to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students.” She has also been a role model for members demonstrating the importance of leadership, teamwork, and professionalism.”

For her, being a role model is something she takes seriously and is one of the most important aspects of being a teacher and FBLA advisor. “A former student called to ask for my opinion about something she is working on in a college class and told me, ‘I want you to know what a strong impact you have made on me and I hope I can be like you one day.’”

For Mrs. Whi , that’s all the recognition she needs. |WM

The WCHS FBLA chapter was named a Superior Gold Chapter for the 2022-2023 school year and has consistently been recognized as a model program over the years. The Georgia FBLA is the largest in the nation.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHN RIDDLE

NICK ELLIS the Heart OF A

PUBLIC SERVANT

Long before he became a law enforcement officer, a minister, a mentor, or a community service volunteer, Nicholas Ellis was a wide-eyed li le boy growing up in Jesup. His mother, Donna, raised him and his two brothers, Jade Bunch and Christopher Ellis, in a single-parent home, working hard to provide for them and making sure they had the positive influences she knew they needed. In fact, her career as a detention officer in the Wayne County Sheriff ’s Office gave Nick his first glimpse into law enforcement. She introduced him to officers including John Carter, Perry Morgan, Curtis Hand and Bo Jackson, who became mentors to him. He was also blessed to have his grandparents, Wilbur and Barbara Morgan, to fill in the gaps when his mom was working. His grandfather often talked about politics with him, giving him some unexpected insight into his future.

As Nick talked about growing up, he described his high school career as a “process.” He admi ed he really did not want to be there. As a result, he suffered some setbacks. His wakeup call came the day his mom told him he wasn’t going to graduate. “At that point,” he said, “I finally understood that the time and effort put in by my teachers should be taken seriously.” When asked who his most influential educators were, he named several including Joe McPipkin, Joanne Roach, JoAnn Grove, Bonnie Gordon, Tara Whi eker, Leslie McGregor, Elizabeth Moseley, and Donna Sertich. “These educators took the time to help me realize my potential by being interested in my success.

They met me where I was at, built a personal connection and helped me stay on task, get assignments turned in and experience the satisfaction of being successful.” With their support, Nick graduated on time in 2006 and furthered his education at Columbia College and Coastal Pines Technical College.

In 2008, Nick began his law enforcement career with the Department of Juvenile Justice, se ing the stage for his calling to mentor young men. He transferred to the Jesup Police Department in 2010 and moved up the ranks as patrolman, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, where he currently serves as the Patrol/Administrative Division Commander. Nick was responsible for coordinating and teaching the Drug and

Bruce and Karen Harris; Nick Ellis; Governor Brian Kemp; Kisha Wesley, Nick’s first cousin who is from Wayne County; Angela Palm, director of legislative services for the Georgia School Board Association, on which Nick previously served.

STORY BY CANDEE HARRIS

Gang Awareness programs in Wayne County’s school system and is currently an adjunct instructor at the regional police academy.

Nick is a strong supporter of his fellow law enforcement officers and as such has served for several years as a representative on the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides legal, disciplinary, and other representation to member officers. The organization has been dubbed “The Voice of Law Enforcement Officers.” Always one to be involved, Nick accepted the opportunity to serve on their board, currently as President of the Atlantic Chapter, a position in which he represents law enforcement officers in 13 southeast counties. And in August 2022, he was nominated by one of his mentors, Joe Naia, and elected as Senior Vice President at the state level of the organization, which oversees all 24 chapters in Georgia.

His leadership in law enforcement also extends to service on the Georgia Board of Public Safety, to which he was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2020. This board is comprised of 16 board members who oversee the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Public Safety (the umbrella agency of the Georgia State Patrol, Capitol Police, and Motor Carrier Divisions), and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia.

Locally, Nick has served on several community-wide boards including two terms on the Wayne County School Board, where he has served as chair for eight years, Pineland Mental Health and Fairhaven, and he has worked in various booster clubs to raise money for students’ extra-curricular activities. He is also a graduate of Leadership Wayne, a program that prepares local potential leaders for future service in our community. And having the servant heart that he does, he has gone on to be a member of the program’s steering commi ee and a co-chair for a later class.

But the passion closest to Nick’s heart is mentoring people who need “that person” in their life to keep them on a

positive path – just as his high school mentors had done for him. He has channeled this passion through a ministry and a mentorship program for young men here in Wayne County. In 2009 he established “The Brotherhood,” an accountability group he leads to support and mentor young men, student athletes and others outside of school and church. His message is clear – learn the importance of God, school, and community. Become more responsible, respectable, contributing members of society.

This passion extended to yet another volunteer opportunity with the local Boys & Girls Club of the Altamaha Area and has secured his place in the organization’s history. He has served on their board of directors, and is currently the immediate past chairman. His concern for students during the pandemic led him to go to great lengths to keep the club’s gym open on weekends during that time, understanding how important it was to ensure that teens had a place to come to when the rest of the world was turned upside down. That effort earned him a nomination from local Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Shelby Anderson for induction in 2022 into the Georgia Boys & Girls Club’s Hall of Fame. Anderson praised his work during that tumultuous time and knew he deserved recognition for his efforts. “Nick has been a part of our organization for 16 years. His

leadership and impact continue to make such a difference as he truly cares for the children and youth of our community. Nick believes in serving others and by doing this, he has helped to build the BGCAA into what it is today. Inducting him into the Georgia Hall of Fame has been one of my proudest moments as executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.”

In 2023, Nick was again recognized for his leadership and community involvement when he was appointed by Governor Kemp to the State Board of Education. The appointment is a seven-year term so Nick will be busy for quite a while. Since state rules prohibit Nick from serving on any other state boards or the local school board, he had to resign from the Georgia Board of Public Safety in January.

“It’s an honor to be selected to serve in any state capacity. There is a lot of work to be done throughout the state. The biggest reward is to be serving Wayne County, not only on the local level, but representing our community on the state level also.”

Nick credits his family for supporting him and allowing him to spend so much time in public service. His wife is Krystal, who is the manager of 1st Franklin Financial, and their children are Amarrion (18), a senior, Dominique (17), a junior, and Kadence (9), who is in third grade. |WM

Nick was inducted into the Georgia Boy’s & Girl’s Club Hall of Fame in 2022

“Nick has been a part of our organization for 16 years. His leadership and impact continue to make such a difference as he truly cares for the children and youth of our community.”

SHELBY ANDERSON | Local Boys & Girls Club Executive Director

Before the Coin Toss

WCHS Football Team Gets a Healthy Portion of Food and Love Before Each Home Game

STORY BY JAN HEDIGER

Football fever runs deep in the South. Ardent supporters will tell you that there are four seasons here –Winter, Spring, Summer and Football – and for many, high school football season is the best season of all. There is something special, almost magical, about growing up in a small town where once a week for 120 minutes beneath the “Friday Night Lights,” pigskin pride binds together an entire community like family.

PHOTO BY MATTIE GENEAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

WCHS football team members with Bill Parker and Edna Ruth Williamson holding a “good luck” dish of “Yellow Jacket Pie.” See recipe on page 66.

(Judson Holly, Dub Jones, Parker, Williamson, Kylere West, Perry Simpson)

In Wayne County, and pre y much everywhere else in the south, the Friday night football tradition is as ingrained in our Southern culture as sweet tea, good manners and Sunday dinner after church. Football, perhaps, more than any other sport, has the power to bring people together, uniting them regardless of age, race, gender, politics or religion in a shared passion for the game and love for tradition. Enduring school traditions tied with memories of past team triumphs and ongoing, intense school rivalries are just some of the reasons passionate fans continue to pack high school stadiums every Friday night.

For the Wayne County Yellow Jackets football team, one tradition, the pre-game team meal, has become an important part of the Jackets’ game day routine. Since 2010, thanks to Edna Williamson, Bill Parker and a host of volunteers, the Jackets have been gathering weekly on Fridays at the First Baptist Church of Jesup to share a meal before each home game. The inspiration of First Baptist Youth Director, Parker Ogden, the plan for feeding the Yellow Jackets team almost didn’t happen. Needing help to continue the program, Ogden reached out to Williamson and Parker. After Ogden explained his dilemma, Williamson said, “We’ll do it,” and a tradition was born. Coordinating an event of this size and feeding 100 teenage boys and coaches isn’t simple, but Williamson and her commi ee work together as a well-

oiled machine to provide nutritious meals for the Jackets. For them, it’s more than fueling the team for the upcoming game – it’s a labor of love, building a lasting sense of community and tradition that feeds the soul as well as the body.

“We want to provide them with a quality meal for Friday’s game and the love of Christ that will carry them for the rest of the week,” says Parker. The meals are provided at no cost to the team or school and are 100 percent underwri en by donations from the church congregation and Jesup community. Williamson states, “Every year, before the season starts, Bill and I get up at church and say, alright y’all, we’re feeding the team again this season so we need help. The response is amazing and we always have what we need to feed the boys. We ask and God provides.”

Preparation for the dinners begins on Thursdays when Williamson and volunteer Imogene Landon, bake 200 brownies for the postgame bag lunches. After the brownies have baked, Williamson locks them up in the cooler, insuring that no poaching takes place. Early the next morning, Creston Groover, another volunteer, slices meat for the sub sandwiches that go into the bag lunches. Each bag has a sandwich, chips, condiment packets, a bo le of water and, of course, one of Williamson’s famous brownies. Volunteers work in an assembly line pu ing together well over 100 bags to be handed out to the team after the game. The boys are encouraged to take more than one bag to eat over the weekend or to share with their families.

Team meals always consist of a meat, salad, a starch, a vegetable, bread and water. The team goes through a gallon of ranch dressing at every meal and in the past, has had to be remind-

ABOVE LEFT Edna Ruth Williamson and Bill Parker enlist additional volunteers to help with each meal but are never too far removed from interacting with the players.

ABOVE RIGHT Volunteer Creston Groover leads a prayer before one of the pre-game meals.

“This church and the community’s LOVE AND GENEROSITY is beyond anything I’ve experienced. We are so humbled and grateful for all they do to support us.”

– COACH JAYBO SHAW

BELOW

Even the room gets decorated with team colors to make each meal more festive.

important as the food itself. Unlike in past years when total silence was demanded during the meals, Coach Jaybo Shaw prohibits the use of cell phones or ear pods during the meals, preferring that his team use the time to interact and talk with each other, strengthening their relationship as a team and connection with the coaches.

As long as they keep it to a “low roar,” Shaw says, “These dinners allow the kids the opportunity to be together, to sit with their friends and talk. It builds team unity and they get to bond with each other on and off the field.”

Additionally, eating the same food has become another Jackets pregame bonding ritual. After a big victory and subsequent winning streak, the players believe that Williamson’s Shepherd’s Pie is their lucky charm and it’s now served as a side at every meal (see recipe on page 66).

These pregame dinners have afforded the commi ee with the opportunity for spiritual outreach as well. Overhearing a team member say that he didn’t have a Bible and had to borrow his cousin’s, Williamson set about providing each player with a Bible of his own. After some research, the commi ee purchased a Bible wri en in a voice and level that the teenagers could relate to. The next year, two volunteers paid for Bibles that had each player’s name engraved on the front and contained a personal message inside from a male member of the church’s congregation.

A Cornell University study has found a significant correlation between sharing a meal with people who feel like family and higher team performance. The research found that eating together is vital to creating a team that performs more cooperatively socially, mentally, and physically. Perhaps, Williamson, Parker, the coaches and volunteers have long known that as much as it is important what the athletes eat, it is just as meaningful who they eat with.

ed that a salad is composed of more than bacon bits, cheese, croutons and dressing – le uce is required. After the blessing, the meal is presented buffet style with commi ee members serving the food. Seniors are always served first, then juniors, and so on. The need for a portion control policy was realized after one of the offensive linemen deposited a large amount of “Miss Edna’s baked spaghe i” on the 40-yard line in the middle of a game. Dessert, a cupcake, is served once a year in October to commemorate Williamson’s Halloween birthday.

While the pregame dinner is intended to provide energy for game play, other facets of the pregame tradition are just as

“This church and the community’s love and generosity is beyond anything I’ve experienced. We are so humbled and grateful for all they do to support us,” says Shaw. “Likewise, the players and coaches let us know that they appreciate us, too. They thank us over and over,” states Parker. Williamson adds, “Being able to provide theses meals for the boys is as rewarding for us as it is for them. They are all family and will always be my boys.”

Indeed, for the Jackets, the Friday pregame dinner tradition is a special opportunity to join together creating bonds that will be remembered long after the season is over. |WM

Star

Terren Ward’s Small Town Roots Have a Big Impact on the Court RISING

Cyle

“Coming from such a small town, everybody believed in me and still supports me to this day,” Terren Ward exclaimed. “Playing and growing up in Jesup really built up my confidence. Knowing I represent Wayne County in everything I do drives me to want to do be er on and off the court.”

Terren, a junior at Georgia Southern University, is quickly making a name for herself in college basketball. A Wayne County High School graduate, Ward was recently named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week for the fourth time, making her the player with the most career Sun Belt women’s basketball weekly awards. Her pride, however, is first and foremost in her team. She’s happy that her award “shines a light on the entire Georgia Southern women’s basketball program.”

Terren’s impressive stats on the court are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the game. As a senior Yellow Jacket at WCHS, she was a star player, earning 5A All-State honors, averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. She still holds the Wayne County record for most points and rebounds. Her skill and commitment to the game have only grown since then, and this honor points to more distinctions yet to come.

“It’s huge for the program,” said GSU women's basketball head coach Anita Howard. “Terren has set a few records for us already, being the first Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, winning the inaugural Sixth Woman of the Year award last year, and she was just honored as an All-Sun Belt Conference First Team selection –the first Eagle to do so since 2014. She's doing a lot, and when I recruited her, she took a chance on a program at the bo om of the conference. She saw the vision that she wanted for this program to help elevate us, and she’s done just that. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Terren yet.”

Now Ward has made history in college by becoming the first Lady Eagle to score 30+ points in consecutive games since 1991. She recently set a new career high with 40 points in a 99-86 win over Arkansas State,

becoming the first Eagle to score 40+ points in a contest since 1989. GSU Hall of Famer Phyle e Blake and Junnie Hughley are the only other GSU players to accomplish this feat.

Ward a ributes her success to her consistency and dedication to the game. She spends extra time in the gym working on different aspects of her game and always strives to be a be er player. Terren explained, “I think it’s just being consistent and staying late in the gym working on different crafts. I’m also striving to be that person who can step up and lead my team when I need to.”

Coach Howard also notes that she is a natural leader on the team, constantly working to improve her defensive intensity, rebounding, and assists. “It’s been a true progression with her. She came in as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed freshman who had big dreams. But she’s put in the work to slowly see those dreams come to fruition. She’s put in the work on the offensive end.

“Still, the thing I’m most impressed with is that she’s trying to be a be er rebounder, ge ing her teammates involved with assists, and then her defensive intensity. She’s leading us with steals right now. Her game right now is not just about scoring; it’s evolving. She’s put-

Story by

Lewis / Photos courtesy of GSU Basketball

ting in the work behind the scenes to reap the awards she’s receiving now.”

Ward, however, deflects that high praise back to her coaches: “At every level, my coaches have helped shape me, from AAU to high school to now – they all have impacted who I am.” Commitment to doing the work is something you learn, and Terren had great teachers pointing the way forward throughout her life.

Her hard work and dedication to the game are not only making her a star player but also elevating the entire Georgia Southern women’s basketball program. With her talent and drive, Ward will surely continue significantly impacting the college basketball scene well into the future.

As Terren’s career continues to unfold and competition takes her throughout the Southeast and its many Sun Belt Conference campuses, she knows her childhood community in Wayne County is in her corner, always keeping her grounded. |WM

“KNOWING I REPRESENT WAYNE COUNTY IN EVERYTHING I DO DRIVES ME TO WANT TO DO BETTER ON AND OFF THE COURT.” – Terren Ward

Jesup Campus Growing and Expanding to Better Serve the Community

The Wayne County community has been long time supporters of Coastal Pines Technical College. Whether that be investing in the college’s mission of workforce development, using our facilities for community events, or simply having a supportive word to say about the college, Wayne County is invested in Coastal Pines.

Polytech Center Upgraded to Better Support Community Needs

Because of the support of the local community, Coastal Pines has been able to make improvements over the last couple of years to better serve Wayne County. The C. Paul Scott Polytechnical Center recently underwent a facelift. With upgraded restrooms, new vinyl ooring and carpet, fresh paint, and renovated o ces for Coastal Pines Economic Development sta , the Polytechnical Center is ready for community and college use. The Polytechnical Center has a full conference center with over 5,720 square feet of rentable space that can be split into smaller rooms depending on community needs. Since its recent upgrades, the space has been utilized to host events by over 30 community partners, as well as internal college events.

Welding and Joining Lab Expanded

To better support the workforce of Wayne County, Coastal Pines is also undergoing a signi cant renovation in the Welding and Joining Lab. This project will convert the old Automotive Lab into a larger, more functional space for the Welding program. The current space has approximately 1500 sq ft of indoor space and 800 sq ft of outdoor space. After renovations are completed, the new and improved welding lab will almost double in size with 2200 sq ft of indoor lab space and 2400 sq ft of outdoor space. The expansions and upgrades of the current lab will allow the program to accommodate an extra 10 to 12 welding students.

The current Welding program runs a class of about 10 students. These students can graduate with several technical certi cates of credit or a diploma in as little as 10 weeks to 2 years. Students graduate with skills that prepare them for the workforce in Wayne County.

Students graduate with skills that prepare them for the workforce in Wayne County.

We're the Heart of We're the Heart of

Seated: Stanley Todd, Commissioner District 4; Ray House, Commissioner District 5; Bill Harvey, Commissioner District 6 Standing: Shirlene Armstrong, Commissioner District 1; Tim Cockfield, Commissioner District 3; Mayor Ralph A. Hickox, Jr.; Rose

no other place in the world like the Okefenokee”

WE WANT THE

TO KNOW! WORLD

CAMPAIGN TO SEEK WORLD HERITAGE SITE STATUS

LAUNCHED FOR THE OKEFENOKEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Those of us in the Okefenokee region agree with Francis Harper that “there is no other place in the world like the Okefenokee.” Now, there is an organized campaign to seek World Heritage Site status so that finally, the world will know too.

“There’s

~ FRANCIS HARPER

PHOTO BY BILL RHODES

“The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the crown jewels of the National Wildlife Refuge system. Unique ecologically and visited by people from all over the world, recognition as a World Heritage site is well justified and long overdue.”

- GEOFFREY L. HASKETT, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ASSOCIATION

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Okefenokee NWR), the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the Eastern United States, spans over 400,000 acres across the Georgia and Florida state lines and is known globally for its pristine wetlands and vast diversity of flora and fauna. Designated a National Natural Landmark and one of the Seven Wonders of Georgia, it boasts a wetland footprint in size and function very similar to what it would have been before European contact. The modern name Okefenokee was derived from a much older Muscogee (Creek) Nation word, Owaquaphenoga. Although this word probably means “shaking water in a low place” in the Muscogee language, it has come down to us today to mean “The Land of the Trembling Earth.” In 1937, recognizing its valuable scientific, educational and recreational importance, President Franklin Roosevelt established the Okefenokee Refuge. Later, in 1974, ensuring the continued protection of this unique ecosystem, the refuge’s interior lands were designated a National Wilderness Area and in 1986, the Okefenokee Refuge was designated a Wetland of International Importance.

In June 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with Okefenokee Swamp Park, Inc. (OSP), launched a public/private partnership to provide project management and financial resources to support Okefenokee’s bid for World Heritage Site status. The Okefenokee NWR was identified as a potential World Heritage Site in 1982 and, then in 2007, was

placed on the United States Tentative List where it has remained. Only one site may be nominated by the U.S. each year and it is the highest honor in the world for sites of cultural and ecological importance. Obtaining this status would not alter the ownership or management of the Okefenokee NWR in any way, nor would it impose any new rules or regulations.

“If inscribed, Okefenokee NWR would be the first site entirely managed by the National Wildlife Refuge System and the first natural site of its kind to be recognized as a World Heritage Site.”

- OKEFENOKEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE MANAGER, MICHAEL LUSK, OF THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Okefenokee World Heritage Bid

PHOTOS COURTESY OF USFWS

A World Heritage Site designation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is defined as a natural or man-made site recognized as being of “outstanding universal value” and if successful, this listing would enhance e orts to conserve the Okefenokee NWR and its vast ecological resources for years to come.

The process for being named to the World Heritage List, managed by UNESCO, is widely acknowledged to result in:

• Increased global visibility

• Growth in sustainable tourism and ensuing economic benefits for the region

• Increased capacity to protect and enhance wildlife and its habitat

• Ensured integrity of the ecological system

“The Okefenokee is more than ready for its chance at World Heritage status – it’s like no place else on Earth.”

– ELISE BENNETT, FLORIDA DIRECTOR AND ATTORNEY FOR THE CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

In September 2022, 33 national, state, and local organizations signed a letter asking the Secretary of the Interior to formally authorize the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s bid for World Heritage Site listing. Approval from the Interior

Department would kick o a years-long nomination process that would include documenting Okefenokee’s “outstanding universal value”.

Being nominated and eventually chosen as a World Heritage Site would solidify recognition of Okefenokee’s global significance and bring immense economic and conservation benefits to the Southeast. However, the process involves a three-to-four-year timeline with an estimated cost of $500,000. The majority of the expenses will be used to produce materials for review by the UNESCO committee that determines World Heritage awards.

“This is an opportunity to unite the communities of the Okefenokee and involve people in a meaningful way by supporting this collective e ort to bring universal recognition to one of the world’s great natural wonders, the Okefenokee.”

- KIM BEDNAREK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OKEFENOKEE SWAMP PARK

The Okefenokee Swamp Park and the National Wildlife Refuge are partnering to raise the $500,000 needed. To date, almost $100,000 has been raised through generous gifts from individuals, businesses, and partner organizations. We invite you to join the Okefenokee World Heritage Journey with a financial gift and/or consider o ering “in-kind” support by volunteering your time and e ort in various ways. Contributions may be made through our website: okefenokeeworldheritage.org. Your generosity will help us tell the world that there really is “no other place on earth like the Okefenokee.”

Okefenokeeworldheritage.org

Help us tell the world that there is “no other place on earth like the Okefenokee”

For more information and to contribute to the Okefenokee World Heritage Journey

Visit: Okefenokeewordheritage.org/GetInvolved or contact Kim Bednarek at kim.bednarek@okeswamp.org

PHOTO BY GENE BEDNAREK

PHOTO BY BILL RHODES

PHOTO BY BILL RHODES

TALK OF THE TOWN

Showcasing WAYNE County’s People and Events

CPTC Foundation's 8th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament to be held April 22, 2023

The 8th annual Sporting Clays Tournament will be hosted by the Dorechester Shooting Preserve in Midway. Registration and breakfast begin at 8 am. Flights begin at 9 am with 12 target stations and multiple target games before and after.

The tournament is a volunteer-driven fundraiser held for the CPTC Foundation for its scholarship program. Proceeds from the tournament help

students with costs associated with their program of choice at Coastal Pines Technical College. All students from any campus/program can apply for these funds.

For more information, contact Stephanie Roberts at 912-427-5835 or sroberts@ coastalpines.edu.

TALK OF THE TOWN

Showcasing WAYNE County’s People and Events

Harris Ace Hardware Grand Opening of New Building

Harris Ace Hardware recently finished construction on their new store located on Cherry Street in downtown Jesup. The new building was built on what was the parking lot for the original store. The original store was then demolished for a new parking lot. A grand-opening and ribbon cu ing was held on March 17.

The business has been a mainstay of the Jesup business community since opening in 1972. Colby Harris is the fourth generation of Harrises to run the family business. The Jesup location is one of four stores owned by the Harris family.

Family Heritage Since 1907

The Harris family has been a part of the Wayne County business community since 1907, when J.M. “Red” Harris opened a general store in K’ville. His son, John Henry, took over the business at the age of 16 when Red passed away. He began expanding the family’s business ventures and soon his brothers, Nick, Pierce, and J.P., joined the family business.

In 1972, one of their businesses, the Wayne Freezer locker, was converted into a hardware store and lumberyard by one of Red’s grandsons, Raymond Harris. That store, located in the same location as the new store, was the first Harris Ace Hardware and Building Supply.

Statistics show that only 3 to 4 percent of family businesses have a fourth generation or beyond actively managing the business. The family’s longevity and success in business was recognized when Harris Ace Hardware and Building Supply was chosen as the Georgia Family Business of the Year winner by the Cox Family Enterprise Center at the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University in 2008.

WCHS Wins Regional Literary Meet

For the first time in 32 years, Wayne County High School won the regional literary meet (region 3-AAAA) in early March. Individual results were: 1st place winners were Jace Cooksey in personal essay and international extemporane-

ous speaking; Kaylee Mixon in literary analysis essay; Zimil Jamsa in argumentative essay; Keyonna Sease in dramatic literary interpretation; Erika Middleton in domestic extemporaneous speaking; Ally Shanklin & Summer Eastwood won 2nd

place in duo literary interpretation. Three of the group, Jace Cooksey, Zimil Jamsa, and Erika Middleton, placed in state competition in late March as part of the largest delegation to state competition in recent years.

Experienced Specialists in Kidney Disease & Hypertension

WILLIAM GRUBB, MD

BRYAN KRULL, DO

RAFAEL DAVID RODRIGUEZ, MD

Left to right: Zimil Jamsa, Ally Shanklin, Kaylee Mixon, Jason Martin, Jace Cooksey, Keyonna Sease, Erika Middleton (not pictured Summer Eastwood)

Proceeds to benefit Hospice of South Georgia and their new inpatient hospice house

Market to Midnight Featuring Six Piece Suits

This event will feature The Six Piece Suits Band, food vending, dancing, a wonderful silent auction, and so much more. It’s going to be such an exciting night and a wonderful way to show your support for Hospice of South Georgia, Inc.

Saturday, August 26th, 2023 | 7:30pm - midnight Wayne County Farmers Market | Tickets are $15

9th Annual Ra e Run

Saturday, May 20th, 2023 | 8am - 2pm $20 per Bike $5 Per Passenger

For more information or to become a Sponsor, please contact Community Liaison Kylie McGregor at 912-588-0080 or Marketing Director Kaylee Jones at 912-424-3940.

It is South Georgia's only "Dessert Palace." Every dessert imaginable is available.

On February 8, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce held a Career Expo at Coastal Pines Technical College. The expo featured more than 30 local industries and businesses

with current job openings and offered on-site interviews. The event was a ended by approximately 150 jobseekers. Thank you to the companies who participated in the Career Expo!

TALK OF THE TOWN

BELOW: Chamber Staff and Volunteers (seated) MoRonica Ravenell, Kelly Shanklin, Connie Riddle (standing) Kara Lopez, Iman Johnson, Deena Benne , Mark Watson

SHINING STARS!

The Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and STAR student and teacher for Wayne County High School were named at the Chamber’s annual State of the Education luncheon in February. Presentations on the State

of Education were given by Lonnie Roberts, President of Coastal Pines Technical College, and Dr. Sean Kelly, Superintendent of Schools for Wayne County.

Zimil Jamsa, STAR Student, and Tanya Smith Henderson, STAR Teacher, were presented awards by Iman Johnson, Chamber vice chair for education.

Showcasing WAYNE County’s People and Events

Kimberly Harrison recognized Benjamin Thomas as WCHS Valedictorian and Kayle Arnold as WCHS Salutatorian.

Benjamin Thomas and Kayle Arnold with their parents, Robert & Kristy Arnold and Sabrina & Eddie Thomas.

150

Hinson Mosley Road Jesup, Georgia 31545 (912) 559-6497

Caroline Tripp

Cate

TALK OF THE TOWN

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor AT&T Georgia hosted the Annual Local Eggs & Issues Breakfast at Coastal Pine Technical College on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Presentations were

made by Senator Blake Tillery, Representative Buddy Deloach, and Representative Steven Meeks before they headed to Atlanta to begin the 2023 legislative session. The panel discussion was moderated by Creston Groover.

Nick & Candee Harris, Stanley Carter

Pam Legge , Karri Grantham, Sonya Royal, Stacie Branch

Patrick Edwards, Dr. Bre McDaniel, Kim Harrison, Keith & Virginia Higgins

Showcasing WAYNE County’s People and Events

TALK OF THE TOWN

Alan Volska, Joy Burch Meeks, Creston Groover

Iman Johnson and Angie Sturgill

Representative Steven Meeks, Representative Buddy DeLoach, Senator Blake Tillery

Brandi Hamilton, Mark Watson, Joy Surrency

Carter Morton & Miriam Murray

Wayne County Commissioners Kevin McCrary, Jamie Hickox, Mike Gordon, James Thomas, Tim Hopkins

MY DAUGHTER & ME 106 S Macon Street Jesup, GA 31545 912-559-2810 mydaughterandme31545

Come see us at our new location!

Cindy & Emily Hughes, Owners

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Pictured:

TALK OF THE TOWN

Market to Midnight Hospice

of South Georgia held its 1st Annual Market to Midnight at the Wayne County Farmers Market. A endees enjoyed a night of dancing, a silent auction, football, smiles, good food, and good times. Everyone had

a great time and money was raised to support hospice programs throughout the year. The date for the 2023 Market to Midnight will be Saturday, August 26 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.

1. Melissa & Shane Overstreet,Kelly & Austin Brake

2. Matthew & Lesleigh Beard

3. Starla Sutton, Justin Smith, Zachry Sutton, Tony Sutton, Mark & Gail McGregor

4. Amy Gordon, Katie Stephens, Kornner Stephens, Kaylee Jones

5. Joey Miller, Lesleigh Beard, Timmy Rozier, Matthew Beard

6. Lisa Dukes, Toni Ray, Renee Hutto

7. Dilecia Hodges, Wendy Cregor

8. Makala Owens, Lesleigh Beard, Kaylee Jones

Index of Advertisers

altamaha.org

ankleandfeet.com

jesupdentist.com

athomeofjesup.com

abanksrealestate.com

Bone & Joint Institue of South Georgia

Boykin Steel & Crane

David's Clothing

EAM Corporation

G&C Concrete Services, LLC

Georgia Dermatology

GNN Radio

Grant Lewis Towing & Recovery

Harris & Company

Harris Ace Hardware & Building Supply

Hospice of South Georgia

Interstate Credit Union

Jesup Premium Storage

Jones Prescription Shop

Leah L. Jones, P.C.

Lee's Meats

Mattie Genaux Photography

Mine & Yours

Miss Magnolia Soul Photography

Mobile Concrete

Murphy Builders Supply

My Daughter & Me

Nephrology & Hypertension Medical Associates

O'Quinn & Associates-Insurance & Financial Services

Partners Risk Insurance

Phillip Ward Appraisals

Prime South Bank

Razz Jackson Designs

Rejoyce Wellness

Robert A. Pumpelley, IV, MD

Royal Swimming Pools

RYAM

Signs by Kelli Johns

SMaRT Physical Therapy

Southeast Georgia Health System

Southern Background Services

Sugarbee's Boutique

The Grove Company

The Massage Cottage

Tim's Home Medical

Universal Electric

Watermelon Gumballs

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce

Wayne County Commissioners

Wayne County Farmers Market

Wayne Family Practice

Wayne OB/GYN

Your Family Hospice

bjisg.com

boykinsteel.com

centurionspine.com

jesupga.gov

coastalmedanduniforms.com

coastalpines.edu

davidsclothing.com

novathin.com

gaderm.com

gnnradio.org

harriscocpas.com

acehardware.com

hospicesoga.com

iufcu.org

jesupstorage.com

mygnp.com

leahjonespc.com

genauxphotography.com

shopmineandyours.com

missmagnoliasoul.com

mobile-concrete-inc-ga.hub.biz

murphybuilderssupply.com

nehrologyofthegoldenisles.com

quinninsures.com

partnersrs.com

primesouth.com

rejoycewellness.com

royalswimmingpools.com

rayonieram.com

signs-by-kelli-johns.business.site

smartpt.com

sghs.com

southernbackgrounds.com

sugarbeesboutique.com

themassagecottagega.com

timshomemedicaljesup.com

watermelongumballs.com

waynechamberga.com

waynecountyga.us

waynefamilypractice.com

jesupobgyn.com

your-famiyhospice.com

Photo by MISS MAGNOLIA SOUL PHOTOGRAPHY at the home of ROBERT WYNN, RAZZ JACKSON DESIGNS