Wayne County Magazine - Summer 2019

Wayne County MAGAZINE

Home & Garden Arts & Culture Profiles

You Really Can Go

Home Again From Classmates to Community Leadership

Showcasing Wayne County’s Personality Where It All Comes TogetherShowcasing Your Community's Personality

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Shaun O’Quinn, RICP

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS ABOUT THE COVER:

Shauna Bullock Mattingly, Joy Burch Meeks, Miki Deal Thomaston, Jessica Floyd Oliver, Sherna Spearman Lott, and Jodi Riggins Ammons from the graduating class of 1995 are profiled in this issue as examples of a wide range of accomplishments and contributions that demonstrate “success.” Their backgrounds, interests, and reasons for returning to their hometown are different. Yet they all share high expectations for themselves, dedication, and leadership. And each woman readily gave credit to influential educators and other role models who gave them the tools and inspiration for later success. One educator they all agree that influenced them greatly is Melba Bennett Murphy (center). Story by Melba Bennett Murphy. Photography by Mattie Genaux Photography.

FEATURES

FEATURES

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YOU REALLY CAN GO HOME AGAIN

Select women from the WCHS Class of 1995 are making a significant impact in Wayne County after deciding to “go home again.”

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HOME & GAREDN

THE PLACE THEY LOVE COMING HOME TO

OUTDOOR LIVING IN THE SOUTH

CONTAINER GARDENING – DO’S AND DON’TS

Deidra and Edward Odum never imagined a converted red iron building as their home. Now, they can’t imagine living anywhere else.

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GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

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YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY DESERVE THE BEST

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LIFE ON THE ALTAMAHA RIVER

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

56 TAKE ME BACK TO WILDWOOD

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Clay Bethea, General Manager of Rayonier Advanced Materials, learned the meaning of “work ethic” growing up on a farm in Florida.

Susan Goehring shares her "farmers market inspired" recipe favorites.

In this new series on the Altamaha River, we'll explore historical places and families with close ties to the river through the years.

Luke Bryant’s family serves God a world away.

Wayne County Magazine

Ben Carter gives tips for maintaining your lawn

Garden expert Mark Deal on the elements of successful container gardens.

Patricia Garbutt knows that horses are special, and she knows that children can relate to them in a very special way.

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Veronica Mendoza CPTC Grad 2009 | Radiologic Technologist

Coastal Pines offers 40+ career paths in high demand career fields where high wage jobs are waiting for skilled employees.

Low cost or free tuition allows grads to invest in their dreams after college rather than student loan payments.

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Jesup

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FEATURES 63

SEARCHING HIGH AND LOW

Colonel Michael Smith is Wayne County’s own Renaissance Man.

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68 HOMEGROWN

IN WAYNE’S BACKYARD

Fresh produce supports the local economy, and it creates a community according to Debbie Pye.

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

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A SAMARITAN CROSS TO BEAR

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NO HOLDS BARRED

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SHOW ME THE LIVESTOCK!

SWEET SOUTHERN GOLD

UNCANNY CANNERY, WAYNE’S BEST HOMEMADE JAMS

Bill Tyre curates the cadillac of local honey –Tupelo.

Faye Martin’s recipes will fill your pantry with flavors of Summer all year long.

PROFILES

The City of Jesup takes over management of Cracker Williams Park and starts fresh renovations.

Thomas Martelle, local craftsman, is all about faith, family and woodwork.

WCHS offers students an opportunity to participate in a new sport -- wrestling.

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WORKING 9 TO 5

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A SAMARITAN CROSS TO BEAR

ART & CULTURE

Wayne County High School's Work-Based Learning Program hosts annual luncheon.

Thomas Martelle, local craftsman, is all about faith, family and woodwork.

83 CARING FOR OUR CORNER:

A 24K MAGIC MR. WAYNE COUNTY

Local Boys and Girls club hosts event fundraiser – Mr. Wayne County.

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INTERSTATE CREDIT UNION CEO AWARDED PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

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Stacie Branch was awarded as Professional of the Year by the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates.

Wayne County Magazine

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Showing swine is not merely a competition for aspiring livestock and agricultural leaders in Wayne County.

ART & CULTURE:

Profiling artists and events that enrich the culture of our community.

TRAVEL

109 A WALK IN HIS SHOES

Mallory NeSmith Travels to Israel.

TALK OF THE TOWN

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Spotlighting Wayne County’s People, Places, and Events

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Wayne County MAGAZINE

Publishers: John F. & Connie K. Riddle Showcase Publications, Inc. Creative Director: Stacey Nichols

Connie, Hux, Bowen, Ki, & John Riddle

LEGACY – SERVICE – COMMUNITY Many words can be used to describe Wayne County: legacy, service, and community are three that seem to stand out in this issue.

In our feature story, we profile the lives of six young leaders from the Wayne County High School Class of 1995 who found their way “back home again” and have found unique ways of serving in our community. In a new series on the mighty Altamaha River, you’ll read about one of the most historic, yet elusive, sites on the river – Old Fort James and a native son who was born there in 1831.

And, we’ve highlighted many professionals, volunteers, and personalities who are contributing to the character of Wayne County in many important ways.

Melba Bennett Murphy wrote the story on six friends who went from “classmates to community leaders” which she titled, “You Really Can Go Home Again.” In the story she writes, “Perhaps Chambers of Commerce need another marketing strategy – this one reminding the ‘best and brightest’ that communities like Wayne County hold opportunities for achievement and influence right here in their own backyard.” Perhaps she’s right! We are living evidence that “you can go home again” having moved back to Jesup in 2008 (John is a native, Connie is from a different, yet equally wonderful South Georgia town) though it may not have been the easiest transition professionally, it certainly has been the most rewarding for our family.

Compiling a magazine of this quality and length is very rewarding, though not an easy task. Many different people make it possible from writers, photographers, designers, and especially the advertisers! We encourage you to thank them in person for helping make Wayne County Magazine possible by visiting their business and “buying local!”

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest issue of Wayne County Magazine! And, when you’re done, share it with friends!

Connie &John Riddle

info@showcasepublicationsga.com

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Wayne County Magazine

Content Manager: Candice McKinley

Designers: Russ Hutto | Stacey Nichols Robin Harrison

Cover Photo: Mattie Genaux Photography

Contributing Photographers: Mattie Genaux Photography K. Lyn Photography Davontay Wilson Photography Candice McKinley John F. Riddle Dulaney Creative Mandy Davidson Kenny Nobles Photography Contributing Writers: Candee Harris | Derby Waters John F. Riddle | Susan Goehring Jade Brown | Melba Bennett Murphy Angel Harmon | Air Elliott Candice McKinley Wayne County Magazine is published bi-annually by Showcase Publications, Inc. For information on advertising or submitting articles or photography: (912)-424-8772 – P.O. Box 391 Jesup, GA 31598 info@showcasepublicationsga.com showcasepublicationsga.com Other magazines published by Showcase Publications, Inc.:

Valdosta Magazine / Okefenokee Living Jeff Davis Living / Emanuel County Living Brooks County Living / Mitchell County Living Traditions Highway Magazine & Travel Guide All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors and other changes without notice. The opinions expressed by the writers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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FROM OUR READERS...

We are excited to be starting a new feature to Wayne County Magazine-FROM OUR READERS. Please take a copy of Wayne County Magazine with you on your travels and take a picture holding it. We will share it with the readers in the next issue. It will be fun to see all the places our readers travel along with Wayne County Magazine. Letters from our readers are also encouraged and we look forward to receiving them. Pictures and/or letters can be sent to: info@showcasepublicationsga.com or mailed to: P.O. Box 391; Jesup, GA 31598

Monica O’Quinn, Jan Hediger, Congressman Buddy Carter and Edna Ruth Williamson attended the dedication of the Historical Harrington School located on St. Simons Island. Thank you for taking a copy of Wayne County Magazine with you.

While driving cross country to California, Bowen and John Riddle stopped at the Grand Canyon to get a picture with Wayne County Magazine- thanks guys!

SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Your Community Care Experts.

Duane P. Moores, M.D. Hematology & Oncology

Rafael Alba Yunen, M.D. Pulmonary Medicine

MAGAZINE

You Really Can Go

Home Again From Classmates to Community Leadership

WAYNE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Abraham Cheong, M.D. Hematology & Oncology

Wayne County Home & Garden Arts & Culture Profiles

Trust your care to specialists who understand your needs and know all about your community.

We’ve been here in Jesup for years building relationships and continuously expanding to better serve our patients.

When you or a loved one needs expert, compassionate care, turn to the dedicated doctors at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates. We’ll provide personalized care centered on your needs.

And, our strategic affiliation with Southeast Georgia Health System means you’ll have access to advanced technology and procedures close to home.

Susan Goehring and Jonathan Swift carried Wayne County Magazine with them on a recent trip to The Alamo. Thanks Susan and Jonathan!

Stephen A. Chitty IV, M.D. Pulmonary Medicine

Southeast Georgia Physician Associates 125 Peachtree Street, Jesup, GA 31545 Hematology & Oncology 912-588-1073 Pulmonary Medicine 912-466-5504 © 2019 SGHS

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Wayne County Magazine

Showcasing Wayne County’s Personality Where It All Comes Together

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Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Wayne County Magazine

You Really Can Go

Photo by Mattie Genaux Photography

Home Again From Classmates to Community Leadership

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STORY BY MELBA BENNETT MURPHY

eachers, who have taught for a decade or two, will tell you that not all graduating classes are created equal. Some have more than the average of talented athletes. Some classes have more than their share of mischief-makers. Some are loaded with personality and individuality, and some have a wealth of academically talented. In the first grade the future class of 1995 had already been labeled “The Mafia” and by third grade, teacher Gail Poppell recalls, “I knew instantly this self-named class of “Eager Beavers” were going to be dynamic, successful leaders in our community.” Fast forward twenty-four years and you’ll notice the disproportionate number of talented and civic-minded women from the Wayne County High School Class of 1995 who returned to their hometown to positions of leadership and influence.

Regardless of what author Thomas Wolfe asserted, you can go home again.

What makes this pattern more impressive is that it challenges demographic tendency, especially in smaller rural areas, of the most academically talented graduates permanently leaving their hometowns. Parents and teachers have done too effective a job encouraging young people to “study hard and apply yourself so you can go out in the

world and be successful.” There is almost a social stigma implied when an oft-heard remark at class reunions might be something like, “So you never left Wayne County.”

Perhaps Chambers of Commerce need another marketing strategy---this one reminding the “best and the brightest” that communities like Wayne County hold opportunities for achievement and influence right here in their own backyard.

Six females from the graduating class of 1995 are profiled as examples of a wide range of accomplishments and contributions that demonstrate “success.” Their backgrounds, interests, and reasons for returning to their hometown are different. Yet they all share high expectations for themselves, dedication, and leadership. With humility, each woman, when asked to share her story, was quick to add, “Don’t forget about so-in-so.” And each woman readily gave credit to influential educators and other role models who gave them the tools and inspiration for later success.

Not a comprehensive group, these select women of the Class of 1995, operating in unique areas, show mastery and success in their professions and serve as role models to making a positive, significant impact when you decide to “go home again.”

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Miki Deal Thomaston Athlete to Accomplished Engineer You don’t have to talk to Miki Deal Thomaston very long before you realize that the word “lackadaisical” is not in her vocabulary. She tackles a wide range of interests with conviction, passion, and critical thinking but with little interest in the personal spotlight or acclaim.

Miki credits her early accomplishments to a mom who “drove me everywhere and made me feel like I could juggle it all” and a father who “reminded me of the worth of all that I missed for the time spent in sports.”

In addition to her family, Thomaston credits the influence of educators, especially fifth grade teacher Sarah Paul who “expected no less than the best and pushed me without words.” Of her seventh-grade science teacher Rick Thomas, Thomaston said, “I could relate to Mr. Thomas’ teaching style but especially was impacted by the quiet, personal investment he made in his students.” One day Thomas casually asked Miki, “Did you ever think about going to Georgia Tech?” and the seed of a goal was planted.

Parents: Bev Deal and Mike Deal High School Activities: Softball, Tennis, Swimming, Student Council, FBLA, 4-H College Degree: Chemical Engineering, Georgia Tech Family: Husband Jody Thomaston Sons Jackson (8) and Greyson (5) Future Ambitions: “I’d like to have my own business, perhaps in public relations and governmental affairs.”

Community Goals: Bring the community together to do good things, such as better showcasing the Altamaha River.

Three words that describe me: “Driven, Compassionate, Hopeful” A guiding principal: “To leave the world a better place”

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Wayne County Magazine

In addition to her impressive academic achievements, in high school Miki aptly earned the superlative, “Most Athletic,” playing varsity tennis and softball, and swimming on the recreation team with classmate Shauna Bullock (Mattingly) and accruing MVP titles in softball, tennis and a national championship tournament . Miki remembers, “I would shuttle from one event to the other, often changing clothes or uniforms in the car. In swimming, particularly, I learned the correlation between hard work and accomplishment…that you get out of something proportionate to what you put into it.” Continuing her athletic achievements at LaGrange College, she was a walk-on who became Softball Player of the Conference her freshman year and All-ACC later at Georgia Tech.

Graduating with honors from Tech, Thomaston considered the oftgiven advice to “seek employment outside of Wayne County and South Georgia and move around in order to garner appreciation for your work and salary potential.“ Georgia Pacific had seven paper mills to choose from but Rayonier came to Miki with an unsolicited offer. Now in her 20th year with Rayonier, Miki appreciates that she hasn’t been pigeonholed in one area of the mill, working as process engineer, shift manager, area manager, and now serving as Manager in Technical Marketing.

With a demanding job and a family with young boys, Miki nevertheless pours herself into community service, coaching rec baseball, participating in Leadership Wayne, and Leadership Georgia. However, her heart is in her service to the local Boys and Girls Club. Miki reflects that, “I am most proud that I was Board Chair at the club’s toughest time and we persevered and succeeded.” Her accomplishments caught the attention of Governor Deal who in 2016 appointed her to the Board of the Department of Natural Resources. It is no wonder that she was recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the “40 under 40” leaders in the state as she is often the only female and/or the youngest member in any professional group.

Jodi Riggins Ammons Yellow Jacket Cheerleader to Cheering the Community On In 2013 Wayne County Yellow Jacket Football sponsored an Alumni Night and former cheerleaders, majorettes, and band members participated. Just before kickoff, as the band played the Fight Song and the alumnae cheerleaders enthusiastically ran onto the field, if looking closely, one might notice a grimace on the face of the 1994-95 cheerleading captain, who tore her ACL during her enthusiastic entrance but nevertheless cheered for the rest of the game.

Voted Best All-Around, Homecoming Queen, and Graduation Speaker, Jodi Riggins Ammons was the quintessential All-American Girl and still today remains one of the most fervent Yellow Jacket supporters. Becoming a success is not a surprise to those who went to school with her, but becoming a woman of influence back in her hometown may have surprised her. And yet success and leadership are in her DNA. Jodi cites her “Papa,” James Harper, as a major influence in her development. President of Harper Industries, the namesake for the Chamber of Commerce’s James Harper Distinguished Service Award and for the James Harper Free Enterprise Scholarship, much of Harper’s work was done out of the public eye, rescuing people and businesses.

“By watching him I saw his belief in service, in giving back, and qualities of patience, humility and generosity. I was deeply influenced by his belief that there was good in everyone and that, as people, we are more alike than we’re different.”

In high school Ammons credits her work in Student Council, including Co-Presidency for the Georgia Association of Student Councils, with giving her field experience in organizing, leading, and implementing a project at any level and in confidently speaking before any crowd. “I learned that the basic skills of leading people are the same, regardless of the stage, the group, or the community.”

At the University of Georgia Jodi majored in public relations and quickly acknowledged, “I was as prepared as any of my classmates with a good foundation in education and extracurricular experiences. I attribute that to the strength of the Wayne County public schools and continue to advocate for local education.”

Once considering PR work with the University of Georgia, after working for a year with Loran Smith’s Bulldog Club and an internship with the PR group bringing the Super Bowl to Atlanta, Jodi’s heart returned home…to a budding romance with her future husband and a Public Relations and Marketing position at Coastal Pines Technical College. The job represented a full familial circle. In high school she won an essay contest on “What a Technical College Would Do for Wayne County” and was invited to read that essay at the groundbreaking. Jodi adds, “My Papa was instrumental in bringing Coastal Pines to the county and my Mother today sits on its Foundation Board.”

Asked about her most rewarding local civic work, Jodi passionately talks about Leadership Wayne and the how it spurred her to local community action and leadership.

Jodi participated in the 2003 class under the old classroom format. Later, she and John Benner reworked the curriculum to focus on experiential learning and a leadership class project. “I am most excited to see participants come out of the class motivated as a group and ready to pour their talents into community affairs. They run for office, initiate new programs, exercise strong voices, and become agents of real change.” In 2010 Jodi became a graduate of Leadership Georgia and in 2017 served as local chair of Leadership Georgia’s Natural Resource Weekend Program in Wayne.

In 2017 Jodi was named Business Leader of the Year, recognizing her work to attract local business to the renovated Cherry Street City Center. In 2018 she began as Chair of the Chamber of Commerce inaugurating a year themed as “Leadership Begins in the Heart.” Like her grandfather, she contributes much behind the scenes to various community groups and projects.

Parents: Jiggs and Peggy Riggins High School Activities: Student Council, Drama, Cheerleader, Yearbook, Mock Trial, 4-H College Degree: Public Relations, University of Georgia Family: Husband Steve Ammons Sons Riggs (16) and Rhett (13) Personal Goal: “I want to be able to lie down each night knowing that I have done my best.”

Community Goal: To foster harmony and the unlimited potential if we put egos aside and findcommonality.

Three words that describe me: “Passionate, Compassionate, Harmonizer” A guiding principal: “Life’s most urgent question, is ‘what are you doing for others’?” MLK

Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Sherna Spearman Lott From Impressionable Student to Impressive Teacher “One hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

That quotation is attributed to Forest E. Witcraft, but its manifestation is found in a bubbly and enthusiastic first grade teacher at Martha Smith Elementary School.

Parents: Ernest and Kizzie Spearman High School Activities: Beta Club, Basketball, Band,SADD, FBLA, Class Representative College: B.S. in Ed, University of Georgia Family: Daughter Anyzia (19) and Son Elijah (16) Future Goals: Continue to mentor new teachers with excitement, concern, and effective guidance so that they never lose hope in our profession and its noble purpose.

Community Goals: “Promoting and enriching my school, I hope to serve as an informal but approachable leader who whom others can look to for knowledge, feedback, ideas, and participation.”

Three words that describe me: “Energetic, Positive, Authentic” A guiding principal: “Treat others the way you’d want to be treated if the tables were turned.”

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Wayne County Magazine

In addition to her supportive family, Sherna attributes early influence to Mrs. Ruth Merritt, her teacher at Orange Street School.

“She was tough and demanded that every student respect her and respect themselves.

She cared enough to expect no less than my best!” This approach to teaching would resurface in Sherna’s own classroom.

Preparing to leave high school, Lott considered some of the predominately black Atlanta Colleges, including Clark and Spelman. “For me, getting out in the world meant the opportunity to immerse myself into a more diverse culture where my minority status wasn’t my primary identity.”

Nevertheless, she ended up at the University of Georgia. Ironically, had Sherna been more acquiescent, she might have rejected UGA after a high school counselor, in spite of Lott’s success in gifted and honors classes, suggested that Sherna might be more “comfortable” at a community college. Looking back, Sherna says, “To my rebellious mind that in itself was an influence as it stiffened my resolve to succeed with an ‘I’ll show you’ mentality.”

When Lott walked across Sanford Stadium at graduation she was six months pregnant with her first child. The added challenge of impending parenthood had not diminished her commitment to finishing practice teaching and getting an education. For her, quitting was not an option. The same drive that led to 13 years perfect attendance in the Wayne County School System, served her well in this transitional phase.

Reflecting on her return to Jesup, Sherna noted, “As my circle of college friends made plans to go into the urban business and professional world, I chose to come back to hometown Jesup where my parents

could help me juggle parenthood and work.

Supportive family and friends made it possible for me to set up my first classroom in Liberty County the same week I delivered my firstborn.” At the time, Sherna says she may have felt like coming back home after graduation was her only choice, but staying in Jesup “is the best decision I’ve made for the past 20 years.”

Lott acknowledges the impact of her student teaching experiences in the best and worst elementary schools around Clarke County, from her first exposure to students with head lice to stories of nannies and luxurious summer vacations. Experiencing these unfamiliar extremes educated her to the fact that every child did not have the same upbringing, experiences, or opportunities.

“This still shapes my approach to individual students as it is imperative that an effective educator be able to relate to eachof her or his students and their individuality. We all have a story, but some stories require that the reader turn a few more pages before discovering the plot.”

In my classroom there is no limit to what they believe they can do or what goals to which they aspire.” Sherna says she learned this from her teacher, Sarah Paul, who “believed in the smart girl that I was and in the potential I possessed!”

“I’m not in the world of big business. I’m in the business of making a difference in the world, one child at the time. I want my students as I’m educating them to never forget that I see them, I believe in them, and I love them.” Lott believes that teachers affect kids in so many ways beyond the material that they teach. “I feel that it is important for some of my students to see a teacher that looks like them, yet it’s equally important for my other students, in their early life, to encounter an impressionable adult who does not look like them. Sherna is proud that, “Every kid in this school knows me and with each kid that I interact, he or she feels visible and valued.”

Evidently Sherna’s influence and enthusiasm is contagious. Her daughter will graduate in two years from Valdosta State University with a teaching degree.

Joy Burch Meeks Farm Girl to Politico With conversing with Joy Burch Meeks, there is a quick realization that this modest and soft-spoken young lady, who grew up on a farm, later walked the halls of power in Washington, D.C. and served as a part of the machinery of national, state, and local government.

In high school, Joy Burch became very involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and credits Harriett Cooper and Elizabeth Dubberly as influential to her future avocations and the development of her business and professional skills. In state competitions she placed first in the Job Interview and now advises rising leaders to take a job interview once a year to hone and replenish their skills and identify their weaknesses.

Meeks also credits WCHS principal Larry Cooper for his continuing reminder that “the cream always rises to the top,” both an admonition and a motivation to not accept mediocrity but strive for excellence.” Even today Joy expounds on the importance of education and the idea that “tomorrow’s work force is sitting in today’s classroom.”

Entering Mercer University with an eye on a pre-med degree Joy discovered an interest and affinity for political science. During spring break her senior year she stayed with friends in Washington and interviewed with each of the Georgia Congressmen. This led to seven years work for Representative John Linder of Gwinnett County serving in roles including everything from staff assistant to Deputy Chief of Staff and to fundraising work with Linder’s Political Action Committee.

In Washington, Joy met her future husband, Steven Meeks, when he was working on legislative issues, including agriculture, with Congressman Saxby Chambliss. She laughingly recalls their first year of marriage when she lived in St. Simons while working with the Glynn County portal of UGA’s Archway Partnership and Steven was in Atlanta serving as Chambliss’ State Director.

For two people with such a breadth of national networks and connections, a major shift occurred in 2010 when Joy’s parents asked that the couple return to Wayne County to work in the family business. “Steven was ready to seize this opportunity having always been interested in the business side of agriculture. Returning to the farm, I learned to embrace a new perspective which led to an increased respect for farming and allowed me to become an authentic voice for farmers. While many young leaders were running away from Wayne County for opportunities, we found ourselves running to it.” Today Steven is Operational Manager and Joy serves as Chief Financial Officer for FMR Burch Farms.

Parents: Franklin and Maryann Burch High School Activities: President FBLA, SADD, 4-H, Student Council, Cheerleading, FHA College Degree: B.A. in Political Science, Mercer University Family: Husband State Representative Steven Meeks, Son John William (5)

Three words that describe me: “focused, positive, productive” A guiding principal: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

When State Representative Chad Nimmer announced that he was not seeking reelection, the political partnership that was the Meeks family prayerfully considered this new opportunity for service. Joy proudly relates that, “even after Steven left political life, he has always been the go-to guy for problem solving and troubleshooting.” Steven and Joy’s background, knowledge of political process and political skills complement each other well and in 2016 Steven was elected to District 178 of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Today Meeks exudes experience, knowledge, and connections garnered from an extensive and diverse resume, including Board Membership on the Jekyll IslandState Park Authority Board, the Coastal Pines Technical College, and the Okefenokee Boy Scouts of America. “The Chamber of Commerce is my passion, the hub for our community’s potential” and she served as Chairman of Governmental Affairs and then Board Chairperson in 2016-2017. A graduate of Leadership Georgia, in community work she observes that it is “important to not be complacent---to find a place for your passions and skills.”

Of her present circumstances, Meeks muses, “It’s an honor to be involved in something in which you’re working to leave things better for the next generation. I am blessed that my parents built a business that allows that.”

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Jessica Floyd Oliver Girl Scout to Global Adventurer “Though she be little, she is fierce.”

It is a wisp of a soft-spoken young woman who presides over a high school class and passes on her accumulated experience and the influence of her own education. Jessica Oliver attributes her inclination towards a teaching career in science to eighth grade teacher Rick Thomas, who not only taught content, but also extended the student’s interest with an astronomy night, and a lesson utilizing Jessica’s scuba gear to illustrate buoyancy. Even today she uses Thomas’ note-taking format as she teaches Physical Science to 9th graders and Environmental Science to 11th graders at Wayne County High School.

Another burning interest in her adult life, the outdoors, was fostered through Girl Scouts and troop leader Lori Hamilton. “Scouting provided the template for being an independent and accomplished female in a variety of situations. We camped, pitched tents, canoed, and hiked while learning to set and achieve goals, and volunteer in our community.”

Parents: Lisa Brackin and Dwayne Floyd High School Activities: Band, Track, Basketball, Tennis, Softball, Student Council College Degree: B.S. in Education, College of Coastal Georgia Family: Husband McKenzie Sons Max (19), Olin (17) and Grady (15)

In high school Jessica showed great diversity, playing flute in the band, running long distance cross-country and track, playing basketball, tennis, and softball and working after school at McDonald’s. She remembers her graduating class having about 32 students in the gifted problem, a factor that fostered competition but also mutual support and encouragement. The girls were especially bonded, “there would often be 12 to 15 at our spend-the-night parties.”

Oliver stayed home with her young children for ten years and then commuted to Brunswick and Coastal College to get a degree in education with a background in biology and horticulture. She would have been interested in a medical career but wasn’t willing to sacrifice the hours away from her young family.

Jessica started teaching at WCHS in 2012 and that first year, with the encouragement of Principal Jay Brinson, inaugurated the first STEM program at WCHS, an intense curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines ---- science, technology, engineering and mathematics --- in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. A club also meets after school with an Underwater Robotics Team meeting on Sundays. The group has taken over 20 field trips, including a trip to Warner Robbins to experience flight simulators, an overnight on Skidaway Island, and boat trips around Jekyll Island.

Three words that describe me: "Inquisitive, Adventurous, Family-oriented"

But, Oliver’s horizons don’t stop there. In 2015 she took 12 kids to Costa Rica where they rafted, zip-lined, explored the rain forest, a volcano, and hot springs, studied the biodiversity of the area and ate termites. In 2017 13 kids accompanied her to Australia and New Zealand for 14 days. Presently she is on a personal tour of Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and will leave June 30 taking students to Ecuador, the Galapagos, and the Amazon.

A guiding principal: “Exhibit passion for learning, teaching, helping, and inspiring others in my community and profession.”

Coming back to her hometown was a business decision for her husband, but you can’t say that Jessica is wasting her talents or her adventurous spirit. Teaching school, coaching basketball and tennis, inaugurating cutting-edge academic programs, and introducing students to the educational opportunities beyond our borders are just routine for this fierce female. Asked what her future ambitions include, she wistfully smiled and spoke of Antarctica and of the base camp to Mt. Everest. As Carl Sandburg once said, “Nothing happens… but first a dream.”

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Shauna Bullock Mattingly Quiet Competitor to Creative Counselor Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawkins once observed that, “Quiet people have the loudest minds.” The confirmation of his idea is in the unassuming and tranquil persona of Shauna Bullock Mattingly, licensed clinical social worker and innovator in holistic treatment of mental health. Shauna smiles when she remembers, “In 7th grade Jessica Oliver and I wrote stores about what we’d be when we grew up and in my story, I was going to be a psychologist.” After 17 years in social and clinical work and counseling, she considers her vocation a personal mission and life’s purpose, an extension of a God-given talent.

Looking back on the forces that molded her, Shauna speaks reverently of the high school chemistry teacher John Williams. “John and (his wife) Lynice were such a presence in my life, especially through band and twirling.

But, he also became a mentor to me and, like a second dad, a person I could always go to.”

Likewise, she gives credit to the tremendous impact of a relatively simple exercise in Jamie Denty’s English class. “The first ten minutes of class she urged us to take time to consider and reflect on what we were about to write or what we had read. Today I assign themes and patterns to the life of individuals and, like the evolution of a book, there is no information which is not pertinent to the end.” Learning to be mindful and contemplative before beginning a task shaped her future interactions with clients.

From middle school through college she worked as an accountant for her maternal grandfather, Billy Poppell, a well-known and well-respected local businessman and community leader. From him Mattingly learned a strong work ethic and a strong faith.

Later, her family would be the biggest pull to return to Wayne County. “My husband and I considered why we are really here in life and we wanted our children to know what it was like to grow up surrounded by family and that hands-on grandparental relationship..”

Later, clients reluctant to let her in the door for social services would acquiesce when Shauna revealed that she was Billy Poppell’s granddaughter.

Parents: Randy Bullock and Rhonda Poppell High School Activities: Majorette, Student Council, SADD,Beta Club, FBLA, College Degree: B.S. in Psychology Georgia Southern; MSW in Social Work from Savannah State Family: Husband Cameron Mattingly Son L.C. (8), Daughter Emree (11) Personal Goal: To continue Dr. Larry Bennett’s legacy in Mental health awareness and to serve,according to Matthew 25:40, “the least of these my brothers.”

After graduation from college, Shauna admits, “I took every job that I could” but her work with Claire Hicks and Jennifer Morris with the local hospice organization became a turning point in her approach to social work and counseling. “I thought that I was supposed to ‘do’ something in attending to our clients.

What I discovered that ‘being’ with someone and truly hearing their story is everything. In two hours of interaction, I was using less than 5 minutes of clinical expertise and the rest was ministering by mindful attention and letting love flow out to people.”

As Shauna considered the transition from individual to a group practice, she took into consideration the challenges of mental health programs in rural South Georgia, with a lack of services and lack of public information as to the potential resources. The idea for her business, Anchored in Wellness, came to her in a fast.

Her approach is an integrated and holistic orientation toward mental health, combining mind, body, and spirit in individual therapy, family counseling, emotional and spiritual counseling, and play therapy. Today, that model manifests itself to include a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a therapeutic masseuse, and a nutritionist.

As Mattingly explains, “In 2006, there was a lack of mental health resources in Jesup. I took on the initiative of developing a private practice to increase access to quality services.

As small business owner, I developed a reputation for providing effective clinical services in a structured private model. Ten years into this initiative, I saw the potential to effect more change by growing into a group model of care with more services offered to the community. This has resulted in positive business growth, an increase in services available in the community and it has also worked to remove some stigma regarding mental health treatment.

One client called Anchored in Wellness, “a welcoming, loving place to find peace and the tools to live a full life.” What really attests to its impact is that other groups and businesses are coming to her to copy her integrated model. And already that “loud mind” is

contemplating the future of her profession, with a clinic which could provide care without insurance and where the physical and mental health facilities would be found cooperatively under the same roof.

Shauna met her husband, Cameron Mattingly, in 1999. Today he is Coca Cola’s System Alignment Lead for the Global Military Business Team but he shares Shauna’s passion for service and affecting change.

They helped start a nonprofit organization, Sparrows House, to address the problem of homelessness locally. Add that commitment to her mission to promote mental health awareness under the umbrella of Family Connections. “Dr. Larry Bennett called me from his hospice bed and urged me to continue his work and advocacy in mental health in Wayne County.”

In 2017 Shauna spent some time writing down her spiritual testimony and that had an illuminating effect. “It totally changed my perspective. I realized all that I learned from others and how, in that same spirit, I could affect change in others. There is a thread in our relationships as we first learn and then teach or share.” No doubt that individuals and our community are tremendously impacted by her vision and her commitment.

Classmate Miki Deal shared that, “On the swim team, Shauna almost always beat me in practice and pushed me to do better."

It seems that same ability is working for Wayne County now.

Three words that describe me: “Daughter, Wife, Mother” A guiding principal: “Be kind to others. Love conquers all.”

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Wayne County Magazine

Heart

Getting to the

of the Matter

After several moves during their 30 years together, Clay and Sandra have settled nicely in to their South Georgia life.

STORY BY CANDEE HARRIS

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rowing up on a farm in Perry, Florida, Clay Bethea learned the meaning of “work ethic” at an early age. He got his first paid job – cropping tobacco for a neighbor - in the third grade!

However, that wasn’t his first job, just his first paid job. He already had a good grasp on the work ethic theory because his father, who was a pulp mill worker by day, farmed on the side, providing produce to local grocery stores, and his three children provided free labor for the family operation. Clay smiles as he fondly remembers those days of his mom, dad and siblings working together on their farm. They made for long hours, but that was never questioned, it was just what they did. And Clay will tell you that his upbringing is reflected in his strong life and work ethic today.

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Clay and Sandra Bethea have devoted their lives to serving the Lord, uplifting each other and raising their four children, Heather, Taylor, Douglas and Allison, to be the best they can be. Heather and Taylor added two more blessings to the Bethea family, son-in-law Micah and daughter-in-law, Sarah.

As Clay grew up, he began to set his sights on his future. He knew he wanted to be an engineer, and he knew it was going to be his responsibility to pay for college. So he decided to use his football talent for scholarship money at the University of Central Florida. He tried out for the Knights football team as a walk-on and received multiple scholarships to play linebacker. But unfortunately, he soon found out that there was, alas, a price to be paid.

He had to decide whether to play football or take his pre-engineering classes in order to earn his degree. He knew his career was at stake and made the decision to give up the scholarships and football. He transferred to Auburn University his sophomore year, co-oping for the rest of his college career and building houses on the side to earn money for his education. But that wasn’t the best part of moving to Auburn. While there, he found his church home and his future wife, Sandra. They married in 1989 while Clay was still in school.

Clay earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Auburn in 1990 and went on to earn his M.S. degree in 1992. After graduation, he accepted a job with Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tennessee, as a project engineer. In 1995, he went to work for Buckeye Technologies, which was later purchased by Georgia-Pacific. He spent 20 years with the company in various positions. As Utilities Operations Manager, he was responsible for day-to-day operations where, among other achievements, he developed a communication system that insured shift issues were clearly communicated to other shifts, streamlining operations and decreasing downtime.

After managing the company’s purchasing department for several 20

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years, Clay was promoted to Sustainability Business Manager where he worked with the corporate leadership team to explore new business opportunities. While in this position, some of his key achievements included development of major projects to reduce water, chemical and energy usages; development and implementation of a $20m Bio-Refinery Partnership with the University of Florida; work with Florida Public Service Commission to balance biomass rules for electrical production; collaboration with the Florida Legislature to improve climate change legislation; intervention to defeat legislation that disadvantaged the legacy biomass industry, and presentation of the legacy biomass industry to Florida Legislature, illustrating the balanced uses of biomass.

In 2016, Clay decided to make a career change and came to Rayonier with an opportunity for new challenges. Already familiar with Rayonier as a supplier for Eastman Chemicals, he was hired by then general manager, Jack Perrett, as Manager, Production Operations. When Perrett made a career change later that same year, Clay was promoted to General Manager of the Jesup plant.

As such, Clay is responsible for the mill’s day-to-day operations - providing resources needed to safely produce high quality products for Rayonier Advanced Materials’ customers that make a profit for the shareholder while at the same time overseeing that all regulations are met to ensure a safe and productive workplace and environment.

But as much as Clay enjoys his career, he will not hesitate to tell you that his heart is at home. Married now for 30 years, Clay and Sandra have devoted their lives to serving the Lord, uplifting each other and raising their four children to be the best they can

In his spare time, Clay enjoys outdoor activities including hunting and fishing.

Another favorite is spending time with his 77-year-old mom, Catherine, diving and spearfishing in the Gulf of Mexico!

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be. After obtaining his Master’s degree, they started their family in 1993 with the birth of their daughter, Heather. Son Taylor was born in 1995, and second son Douglas arrived in 1997. Baby girl Allison completed the Bethea family in 1999. Clay and Sandra have always made spending time together with their children a priority, developing a special bond that keeps them close at heart even when they are miles apart. And along the way, Heather and Taylor added two more blessings to the Bethea family, son-in-law Micah and daughter-in-law, Sarah.

When the kids were very young, Sandra expressed to Clay her desire to homeschool their children in order to provide an educational environment that promoted not only academic success but also allowed for time to develop the moral and family ideals they value. Their children grew and flourished over the years as they had the opportunity to experience the camaraderie of participating in local high school sports as well as numerous 4-H events. All four went on to college; three have graduated and begun their careers.

Currently, Heather is a registered nurse working at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Taylor has followed in his father’s footsteps as a mechanical engineer, working now with Neptune Technology Group in Tallassee, Alabama. Douglas just graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and is employed with Duracell in LaGrange, Georgia; and Allison is set to begin nursing school this fall at Southern Union in Opelika, Alabama. In addition to educational milestones, With their children now all grown, Clay and Sandra are now excited to begin the next chapter in their lives – as grandparents!

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Taylor and Sarah are expecting their first baby this summer, so Clay and Sandra plan to make Alabama their new favorite destination.

In his spare time, Clay talked about how he enjoys outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. While turkey hunting season is his declared favorite, he lamented that he usually doesn’t get to take advantage of it due to the mill shutdown that occurs during that same time. Another favorite is spending time with his 77-year-old mom, Catherine, diving and spearfishing in the Gulf of Mexico!

Clay is also a big advocate of community involvement. While in Perry, Florida, he served on the Taylor County Development Authority’s board of directors and served one four-year term as a county commissioner. When the time came to run for re-election, the family discussed it. Sandra gave him her support to do whatever he felt led to do. However, the children all echoed a big No! So he ended his political career then and there. He jokes that his claim to fame as a politician is “undefeated and unindicted”.

He currently serves on Wayne County’s Industrial Development Authority board of directors and the Chamber of Commerce’s executive board as Vice Chair of Community Development, responsible for the Leadership Wayne program that has molded so many local professionals into future leaders in our community and beyond.

After several moves during their 30 years together, Clay and Sandra have settled nicely in to their South Georgia life. They are happy to be in Wayne County, living life, making new friends and helping to make our community the best that it can be.

Coastal Medical EQUIPMENT & UNIFORMS

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YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Deserve the Best STORY BY SUSAN GOEHRING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN HUGHES

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Most people who know me well are aware that my favorite pastime is cooking and entertaining friends and family.

On more than one occasion, the food served to my guests has been given more attention and prep work than the hostess serving it –you can enjoy pretty and tasty food and a put together cook – but not always at the same time!

A recent Friday morning trip to the Wayne County Farmers Market inspired a salad composed of both beautiful and local ingredients. Suitable for family and friends, my new favorite Best Salad started with the gorgeous lettuces and greens grown at, and sold by, the Altamaha Area Boys and Girls Club. Local farmer Jim Dieveney, and his Club member crew, grow early spring crops including red and

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Wayne County Magazine

green romaine lettuces, buttercrisp, and baby dinosaur kale.

The Uncanny Cannery's Faye Martin usually has local Lanes Bridge lettuce along with custom jams and jellies. As the season progresses, the B&GC crops include tomatoes, beans, bell and hot peppers, broccoli, corn, delightful herbs and flowers and just about anything a home canner can put up. Additional vendors at the Market provide delightful specialty items such as preserves, artisan sourdough and other breads, cakes and cookies galore, berries (blue-, straw- and rasp-), Wayne County onions, tomatoes and peaches in season.

While appearing quite long and detailed, what follows is a blueprint for what I would consider one of the best meals I have served in a while. Appetizer, main course salad, and dessert recipes are included, with “good” and “better” alternatives for when you don't have time for the “best”!! Safe chopping and happy cooking!

Local home grown produce is available at the Wayne County Farmer's Market. Local supermarkets also have a good selection of produce and other specialty items needed for a quick meal.

Susan enjoys sharing her creative dishes with friends. Sharon Courson is a regular at Susan's table.

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BEST

APPETIZER MS. PATTY'S ARTICHOKE DIP 1 can (14-16 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped 1 can (4 oz) roasted and diced mild green chilis, drained 1 cup favorite mayonnaise (not salad dressing) 1 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan cheese (not the green can) Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, transfer to a baking/ serving dish. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and browned a little around the edges.

Can easily be doubled (or tripled) and is still quite tasty at room temperature. Serve with baguette slices, bagel chips, or raw veggies. Leftovers, if any, can be reheated in the microwave (and make a delightful filling for a weekend omelette).

BET TER APPETIZER Purchased dip or spread from grocer's deli counter Crackers or chips based on your family's choice Bagged baby carrots and celery sticks

GOOD APPETIZER

Cheese (sliced or cubed) and crackers 26

Wayne County Magazine

BEST SALAD Mix of fresh farmers' market lettuces (red & green romaine, buttercrisp, kale) 4 oz uncooked chicken breasts or tenders per serving planned 1 bottle KC Masterpiece Caribbean Jerk Marinade Fresh fruits of choice (naval oranges, grapefruit, red and green apples, purple, red and green seedless grapes, strawberries, blue berries and blackberries, mango, pineapple and peaches) Savory ingredients of choice (baby Vidalia onions and sweet red, yellow and orange bell peppers) Fruity vinaigrette salad dressing (love Sam's Members Mark Cherry) Shredded cheese of choice (mine is parmesan, but blue or feta are good too) Marinate uncooked chicken in a ziptop bag in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Smaller pieces (like tenders) will absorb more seasoning.

For the Best toppings, brush the wedged pineapple spears and vidalia onions (sliced thickly and run through with bamboo skewer) with addditional marinade, using a clean spoon or pastry brush.

BET TER SALAD

Prewashed lettuces and greens from your grocer's produce area (Spring Mix or tiny heads of mixed red and green in plastic clamshell) (even iceberg, if that's what your family prefers) Precut fruit of choice (for more variety, even a prepared fruit tray) One Rotisserie Chicken (your choice of seasoning) from your favorite deli, meat pulled off and chopped into bite-size pieces) 1 bottle KC Masterpiece Jerk Marinade (optional, add to chopped chicken) 1 bottle fruity vinaigrette salad dressing 8 oz pre-shredded cheese of choice (as above) Place toppings around greens as above, and allow your guests to customize their own salad from your many choices. Serve with warm bread and butter as desired.

Chop raw fruits and veggies into bite-size pieces and place each one into a separate serving bowl, so guests can choose only what they like. Not only will you not waste fruit, you will also avoid any possible allergy issues. Rinse and tear or cut greens into bite-size pieces (love my salad spinner). If they will sit in the refrigerator longer than 30 minutes, place the greens in unsealed ziptop bags with paper towels or cotton dish towels to absorb excess water.

Grill outside or cook chicken (and Best toppings) inside on a stovetop grill pan or George Foreman-type griddle. When chicken is cooked through (no pink) and pineapple and onion both have a little color, remove from pan and let cool. Chop coarsely into bite-size pieces and again, place each into a separate serving bowl.

When ready to serve, place greens in salad bowl, surrounded by smaller bowls of colorful toppings and chopped chicken. Allow each guest to compose a salad from the bounty of tasty and healthy choices, and prepare for compliments and recipe requests galore. Serve with croissants or rolls and softened butter.

GOOD SALAD

Prewashed bagged lettuce mixes from your favorite produce department Precut fresh fruit tray or frozen mixed fruit Precooked frozen chicken breasts (chopped) or fajita sliced chicken, thawed and warmed slightly on stovetop or in microwave, then patted dry.

Flavored marinade of choice (optional) Salad dressing of choice (fruity vinaigrette preferred) Shredded cheese of choice (there are some tasty mixed combos) Place toppings around greens as above, and allow your guests to customize their own salad. Serve with crackers or bread and butter as desired.

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BEST DESSERT I shouldn't really take credit for this recipe, but I will!! It's based on my recollection of a delightful griddled peach pound cake served at “Cargo” in downtown Brunswick years ago.

1 Sour Cream Pound Cake (available from multiple vendors at the Market) 1 stick butter (not margarine), softened 1 small jar “Uncanny Cannery” Peach Jam ¼ cup (or to taste) Peach Schnapps (or peach nectar, may omit) ½ Gallon BlueBell butter pecan ice cream (or homemade vanilla) Real whipped cream (homemade or canned) Chopped toasted pecans Ground cinnamon Thin jam to spooning consistency (think chocolate syrup) with peach schnapps. If omitted, warm slightly in microwave to spooning consistency.

Thickly slice pound cake and spread each side with softened butter. If you used a griddle pan or George Foreman-type grill, you're in luck. If you grilled outside, just use a large skillet. Brown cake slices on both side, and remove each piece to a separate serving plate. Top warm cake slice with one or two dips of ice cream, then spoon peach jam over top and down sides of ice cream. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle or two of ground cinnamon, and toasted pecans to taste. Eat – sharing not required!

BET TER DESSERT

Purchased pound cake (from bakery or freezer, many choices) ½ gallon ice cream of choice Topping of choice (chocolate or caramel sauce) Whipped cream Place sliced cake on serving plate. Top with scoops of ice cream, drizzle with topping and finish with whipped cream.

GOOD DESSERT

½ gallon ice cream of choice, toppings optional

For me, spending quality time with family and friends is way more important than what you are eating. The recipes listed above are just an example of things that are fairly simple to prepare, and probably take less time to make than it took me to type it out. Imagine a group of three or four of your (choose one – bestest, closest, oldest, craziest – you get my drift) girlfriends laughing and playing in the kitchen – cooking together. It would also work for a teenage girl's birthday party or slumber party entertainment. (One of my all time favorite food memories is a cupcake birthday party I donated as an auction item for a fundraiser. My kitchen had 10 or 12 delightful young ladies, in my aprons, blinging out their own chef hats, decorating cupcakes 28

Wayne County Magazine

to take home, stringing beaded bracelets, laughing and making treasured history together. Forgive me, Jules and Erica, but I don't ever see y'all without remembering that delightful day!)

Listen, y'all, use your good dishes, real glasses, silverware and cloth napkins (remember, once upon a time you picked them out!) or paper, plastic and Styrofoam. It's the people there that matter, really, not the place settings. (And I must admit, an adult beverage or two never hurts a good time!) Let me know if you want to make food memories that include me – I have apron, chef's knife and cutting board and I'm willing to cook in YOUR kitchen

MATERNITY • BABIES & CHILDREN • TEENS • FAMILY

912-856-4348 • www.kristenlynphotography.photos

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Wayne County Commissioners

serving you and working with you to make Wayne County the premier place to live, work, and play in Southeast Georgia.

Growing Wayne County by improving roads and transit, increasing public safety, enhancing the quality of life, capitalizing on the natural resources, and preparing for economic growth.

Commissioner Herchell Hires (District 1), Commissioner Kevin McCrary (District 2), Commissioner James Thomas (District 4), and Commissioner Ralph Hickox District 5). Not pictured is Commissioner Mike Roberts (District 3)

912-427-5900

341 East Walnut Street • Jesup, GA 31546 www.waynecountyga.us 30

Wayne County Magazine

LIFE ON THE ALTAMAHA RIVER-

OLD FORT JAMES

Photo by Kenny Nobles Photography

A series about life on the Altamaha and families with ties to the river

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STORY BY DERBY WATERS

ver heard of places in Wayne County such as Odessa, Dale’s Mill, Slover, Nesbitt, Redland, Tetlow? Most likely not because although these communities once were known entities, they have long been shelved in the historical past of this area of the state.

Also abandoned to those shelves is a place known as Fort James, an early garrison of soldiers sent to Wayne County to guard against frequent Indian crossings of the Altamaha River—the dividing line (in theory) that separated “Indian Country” from early settlers.

In fact, so little was known for so many years about this historical site, that the actual site itself was unknown and given to speculation among history buffs. The late Col. Stanley Wommack was one such history buff who searched for years to determine just

where the fort was located.

He studied the fort, perhaps more than any other person in the county, and came within yards of finding it. Then with some help from expert locator, archeologist and treasure finder Michael Smith, the site was found, complete with many artifacts to solidify its location. Many of those finds are now located in the Wayne County Heritage Center. Others are at Georgia Southern University, which conducted an extensive archeological dig at the site.

While Col. Wommack did not pinpoint the location, what he did find that eluded others was the most complete information about the early fort and that is the source for much of the information provided here.

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Replica of Fort James on the Altamaha River.

Photo by John Riddle

a five-square-mile tract located on the Altamaha River near Beard’s Bluff but on the western side of the river in what is now Wayne County.

The key to defending the colony was controlling the river’s shallow crossings, which had been in use for many years by the Creek Indians. In 1742, or soon thereafter, Oglethorpe ordered a stockade built and garrison to guard the crossing at what we now know as Beards Bluff in neighboring Long County. That garrison known as Fort Telfair has a bloody history of conflicts between the Indians and the soldiers.

According to an article by Margie Love, a columnist for the Liberty County Herald, “Although the importance of the crossing at Beards Bluff retained its importance, Fort Telfair did not. In 1796, the federal government began construction of another fort, Fort James, one mile upriver from Beards Bluff on the south side of the Altamaha. Fort James would remain an active frontier outpost well into the 1800s and was in use during the War of 1812.”

In a letter to Lieutenant Daniel Stewart, dated June 16, 1793, Major General James Jackson, who was Major General of the First Division of the Georgia Militia, wrote, “I am directed to cause a blockhouse to be built on the Altamaha in the vicinity of Beard’s Bluff.”

In July 1793, Jackson wrote to Georgia Governor Edward 32

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Telfair that he “…had fixed upon a spot of Doctor’s Creek about 13 miles from Captain Saunders toward Beard’s Bluff.

I mean to garrison it with Ways troops and have ordered a six-pounder (cannon) to be conveyed there for the purpose of alarming Captain Williams at Saint Savilla on the discovery of a trail as well as the Beard’s Bluff station and settlement. It is an intermediate station and I think the scouts will secure the country.”

That same month Jackson reported to Savannah that the blockhouse had been completed by Major Hammond and he had left Way’s troops in possession, and he believed it necessary to prepare for “general war.”

The fort was reported to be 125 feet square and 12 feet high with two blockhouses at a cost of 25 pounds for the labor. The U.S. War Department evidently believed it necessary to protect the state of Georgia along the Altamaha, and Secretary of War J. Knox ordered a small garrison to be placed at Fort James, another at St. Savilla and another at the head of the Turtle River in Glynn County.

Other correspondence of the era suggests that the fort was used as a clearing agent for Georgia for those passing from Creek lands to the South to the state of Georgia above the Altamaha.

An English-Scotsman named Timothy Barnard was an area interpreter who had a trading post in the area and a mail route.

That route was through Fort James connecting the coastal

areas of the state with settlers on the Chattahoochee River across modern Georgia.

Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, while at Fort James, had at his disposal several persons with varying abilities. In 1797 he reported the salaries of those there. Barnard named as an Assistant and Interpreter was paid $700; James Burgess, also an assistant and interpreter was paid $400; as was interpreter Alexander Cornell. Richard Thomas, ”Clerk to the Clerks” was paid $200.

A copy of a drawing of Fort James made by a soldier stationed there. He made it for his wife in Liberty County to show her where he was stationed.

Photo by John Riddle

One revealing incident reported in the history of the fort involved slavery. A letter from the Executive Department of Georgia in March 1799 commended Chehaw King for “returning a runaway Negro family to Fort James.”

The Indians had carried the family to the fort, but then the father escaped. The state was asking the Indians’ cooperation in finding and returning the father and wrote that it would provide a $50 reward if the slave was returned to Fort James. Apparently, no resolution to the situation was recorded.

Evidently at some time after the War of 1812, the fort fell into disrepair and eventually collapsed into obscurity.

So, what about that mysterious location? Well, it is located at the end of a long dirt road maintained by the county. But don’t bother with travelling there to examine the site. Several homes now occupy the land where the fort once stood.

Early on, Michael Smith and Col. Wommack located the site through their finds of buttons from the uniforms of soldiers found only at sites of forts of that period. They also unearthed bullets and coins and other artifacts at the site. Because of the historical significance of the fort, Smith contacted Georgia Southern University, and the archeological department went to the site to conduct an academic dig, unearthing a collection of finds. Some of those artifacts are now housed in the Wayne Heritage Center.

It is believed that Fort James was on a portion of land where the Clanton River Ranch is now located. Belonging to Billie and Nell Clanton. Billie’s great-grandfather, Alfred Cutherbert Strickland, was born at Fort James in 1831 (see related story on next page). And, others have suggested that the site unearthed is not that of Fort James but of Fort Ventura, another early historical fort on the river. Smith makes perhaps the most compelling case that the correct site of Fort James is that which he and Wommack found. His knowledge of early forts and the relics found on such sites is difficult to refute.

Locations along the river played an important role in the earliest history of this part of North America as England, Spain, France and Native Americans vied for control. Suffice it to say that Fort James is one of several significant historical sites along the Altamaha River as it makes its way through Wayne County.

Artifacts found by Michael Smith at the site of Fort James.

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The Strickland's ONE FAMILY'S LEGACY OF THE ALTAMAHA Alfred Cutherbert Strickland Born at Fort James on the Altamaha River in 1831

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lfred Cutherbert Strickland left a big legacy in Wayne County. While he didn't marry until he was almost 30 years old, he had 25 children with two wives. Eleven children with his first wife, Nancy F. Westberry, who died in 1880.

And, 14 children with his second wife, Mary Etta Dryden, who died in 1905. His parents were James Rayford Strickland (1794 - 1868) and Asenath Evors (1807 - 1892) who were also born in Georgia.

He fought in the Civil War and was wounded while a soldier with the Georgia Militia (4th Georgia Calvary Co. “E�).

He became a major land owner and is buried at Red Hill Baptist Church where he, with his wife Nancy Westberry, originally donated land for a cemetery.

Alfred Cutherbert Strickland

His descendants held the 99th annual Alfred Cutherbert Strickland family reunion in June 2019 and dedicated a new memorial on the site where he, his two wives, and a man servant are buried. The family will celebrate the 100th Alfred Cutherbert Strickland family reunion in June 2020.

Wayne County residents, along with family member from across the country, who attended the memorial dedication at Red Hill cemetery. More family members attended the reunion held afterward at Clanton River Ranch.

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THE

Altamaha

BY ALFRED COLQUITT STRICKLAND SON OF ALFRED CUTHERBERT STRICKLAND

This poem has been used in Georgia History classes to provide students with a glimpse of how life used to be on the Altamaha.

In childhood I played and romped in the shade Or piled up the sandbar sand In Spring days so green, mid the big river scene With flowers on every hand And summer as well, seems good now to tell The most beautiful place I saw Was the bluffs and the coves, wild ducks in great droves On the beautiful Altamaha And youth found me there, hunting squirrel and hare And sometimes a turkey or two With my pal and my gun, in the shade of the sun With little on the farm to do With hood and with net, we caught fish you bet No season was then ‘ginst the law But things how they change and yet not so strange Even there on the Altamaha

An obelisk stands in the back part of Red Hill Cemetery as part of the new memorial commissioned by the desendants of Alfred Cutherbert Strickland in 2019.

Well, my hair is now gray, but I think of the way That I build there my camp by the stream Where I caught the shad, a fish not so bad And suckers and cat fish and bream I cooked there and ate, with wood for my plate And filled up my most mighty maw And yet I can’t tell what I liked there so well Unless it was the Altamaha Now I drift with the flow and my tide getting low I can hardly somehow realize How my steps are not fast as there in the past I can scarcely keep tears from my eyes And how I do yearn for my strength to return To carry me back where I saw The childhood of life, its pleasures and strife As I bathed in the Altamaha

The four remaining grandchildren of Alfred Cutherbert Strickland: E.T. Strickland, Nancy Strickland Davis, Mildred Strickland Riddle, Shirley Strickland Graham.

Now since I am old and I have been bold To come back again to the spring And drink my fill as the waters do spill O’er the rocks while the music do ring Please promise me now that you will somehow Find a place ‘neath the wild plum and haw To rest my old bones when my spirit’s gone home In a grave by the Altamaha Showcasing Community's Personality Photo by Kenny NoblesYour Photography

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On A Wing And A Prayer Bryant family serves God a world away

“I would not be here if I were not called to be here. “It’s hard but it is worth it. The hardest part is being away from family,” said Luke

STORY BY DERBY WATERS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FAMILY

“A wing and a prayer.”

Joy and Luke Bryant can tell you all about both. In fact, they live by both.

It all began during a mission trip that Luke undertook back in 2000 and 2001. It was there in the Philippines that he met Joy who was teaching children at the mission school.

Together they returned to Texas, where they were married.

For the next seven years Luke worked in the aluminum manufacturing industry, but more and more he felt called to do mission work.

On their faith and prayers, they sold their home in 2008 and moved to South Carolina, where Luke began to learn aviation mechanics and started his pilot training. After completing flight school Luke joined Mission Aviation Fellowship

and moved back to Texas for more training. “We’re in hardto-reach countries—where there are no roads—to provide medical evacuation and serving communities,” Luke briefly explained. All volunteers, MAF members go where the board determines the greatest need exists. For Luke and Joy that meant a four-year assignment to Indonesia. “It’s been a great place to serve,” Luke explained during a two-month break to return to Jesup and a visit with his mother, Sandra Bryant.

He said that Indonesia is unique, with 260 million people scattered among its islands. Of those, 80 percent are Muslims. Inhabitants mostly belong to one of five major faiths but because so many people are isolated, there are hundreds of tribal religions and even more languages. “We live in a remote area,” Luke explained. “There is no infrastructure.

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Luke delivers bibles like these, translated in Yali, to spread the word of God through his mission work.

Mission Aviation Fellowship is an international Christian organization whose mission is to fly light aircraft, and to use other technologies to bring help and hope to people in some of the world’s poorest communities. Every four minutes a MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the world to assist missions, churches, aid and development agencies, and other local groups to transform lives and share the love of God. – From the Mission Aviation Fellowship website

It’s among mountains, some as high as 15,000 feet. My typical flight is just 15 to 20 minutes to an area that it would take maybe four days to hike to.”

He said it is the “hardest, most challenging flying in the world” with short, rough, mud, grass or gravel air strips literally carved out of the sides of mountains. It’s treacherous conditions and dangerous work.

“But MAF trains us well,” Luke offered.

He said that making conservative decisions is what keeps the MAF pilots safe. “The toughest part of the job is decision-making. Whether it would be better to attempt to make a flight or a landing on another day,” he explained. He said if the conditions are just too rough, it is difficult to know a community is in need but to decide to wait another day for deliveries. In fact, most of the flights of MAF are to deliver food, water, building supplies and other community needs.

Luke flies a Quest Kodiak airplane, which can carry up to 1,700 pounds of cargo or people. He said most of the lights are for medical evacuations for the indigenous people who live among the mountains. Most have rejected the Muslim faith but now because of transmigration more Muslims are moving into the area.

Joy said that most of the Muslims they know are “very nice.” She said their Muslim

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“The toughest part of the job is decision-making.

Whether it would be better to attempt to make a flight or a landing on another day.” –Luke Bryant

neighbors are all family oriented and take great care of all the children in the area. The couple said their daughter, Reagan, is free and safe to travel all around the community and that she is looked after. In addition to Reagan, 11, the family includes two boys, Caleb, 14, and Brett, who is now three-years-old.

The MAF effort in Papua, New Guinea where the Bryants live is the largest such program of the group.

It houses 10 airplanes in the town of Wamena. There the Fellowship volunteers live alongside missionaries from several nations including Germany and the Netherlands. In this city of some 40,000, Luke said there are maybe 100 westerners. They have their own community with its own school for grades 1-8, a soccer field and a small church, where 20 or so gather on Sunday to worship together.

While Luke is piloting in and out of some remote location or working on the MAF airplanes, Joy’s work is taking care of the family.

Luke and Joy said their daughter, Reagan, is free and safe to travel all around the community and that she is looked after. In addition to Reagan, 11, the family includes two boys, Caleb, 14, and Brett, who is now three-years-old.

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“We live in a remote area,” Luke explained.

“There is no infrastructure. It’s among mountains, some as high as 15,000 feet.

Both Luke and Joy believe the experience for their children is expanding their world view.

“They gain so much out of life—respect for people that children back here don’t get,” they said.

“I take care of the home and the kids,” she said. In addition, next year she will begin to home-school the children. “The hardest part is feeding my family,” she explained, saying that all meals are prepared from scratch. “It’s ‘can I get the items I need.’” She makes a trip to three different stores and an open-air market to find what is available. She finds fresh fruits and vegetable but basics such as butter are more difficult to find.

Wamena is the largest city in the world that is solely dependent on air flights to be supplied with all its needs. Supply flights come in from Sentani, the capitol city. When a cargo flight goes down, as happened just two weeks before the Bryants made the trip home, food and other commodities are difficult to find. Overnight the price of everything goes up.

And food is the largest expense for the family.

They stock up when they can, but sometimes they just go without. Like three months without mayonnaise and two years without saltine crackers. “We take it one year at a time,” Luke said. “God gives us the grace and blessings to stay.”

Mission Aviation Fellowship MAF began with several World War II pilots who had a vision for how aviation could be used to spread the Christian faith. After the War, Jim Truxton of the U.S., Murray Kendon in the United Kingdom, and Edwin Hartwig of Australia, with the support of like-minded Christians, founded missionary aviation agencies in their respective countries.

The U.S. organization was the first to take to the air, under the name Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship (CAMF), later known as Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). In 1946, pilot Betty Greene flew the first MAF aircraft on its inaugural flight, transporting two missionaries of Wycliffe Bible Translators to a remote jungle location in Mexico. Over the years, the organization expanded to serve many countries of Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Eurasia.

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Is it worth it? “Overall we would say ‘yes.’ We are not on this earth for us. We are here for Christ,” Luke said. “I would not be here if I were not called to be here. “It’s hard but it is worth it. The hardest part is being away from family,” he said.

So now, at home for a brief stay, the family tries to make the most of the things not available to them in Indonesia. They visit doctors and dentist. They buy all the supplies for when they go back, but they are limited to just two bags each.

They buy new clothes (“most of ours are all worn out”) and shoes. They pack up American spices and tools for Luke which he cannot get a world away.

A 1991 graduate of Wayne County High School, Luke graduated from Georgia Tech in 1996 and worked at Plant Hatch for three years after college. Meanwhile, Joy graduated from high school in Korea while her parents did mission work there. She then graduated from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkansas before beginning her mission work in the Philippines.

Soon the family will fly out of Savannah on a 40-hour trip back to their little home in Wamena. Of that, 28 hours will be spent in the air to take them to the other side of the planet—a long way from home.

“Jesup is home for me. It will always be home for me,” Luke said. But for now, he and his family are doing what he feels called to do—living on a wing and a prayer.

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The Place They Love Coming Home To

The foyer connects the original part of the building to the addition. It has both elegant details contrasted with mercury lamps and rustic tables that blend with the rest of the home.

"When someone walks into a foyer, it should represent the people who live there.

Many people forget that.

It describes us to a tee.

We're eclectic, rustic, and a little refined around the edges."

STORY BY JOHN RIDDLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTIE GENAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Deidra and Edward Odum Never Imagined Themselves Living in a Converted Red Iron Building as Their Home. Now, They Can’t Imagine Living Anywhere Else

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Deidra and Edward agreed that his Harley Davidson should be parked indoors.

Apparently, it stays in much better condition in the climate-controlled space.

Besides, it makes for a great conversation piece.

D

eidra Odum is known for her ability to make other people’s homes beautiful. So, one would assume her own home would be beautiful as well…which it is. But some of the main elements of this a-typical home may surprise you.

Deidra and her husband, Edward, live in a steel structure building they converted into a home. And, it is not filled with trendy design elements. Instead, it is reflective of their personal, homey style and designed for large family and friend gatherings. While it wasn't their "dream home" originally it has become the home they "fell in love with" and now they can't imagine living anywhere else.

The red iron building - not the typical steel structure - was initially built as a shop complete with a roll-up insulated door. But, after Deidra and Edward's house they were living in sold quickly, they needed a place to stay while designing and building a new home. “Edward said we need to fix up the building to live in it – we’re not going to rent. We fixed it up temporarily with plans to build a new house and never left,” Deidra explained.

After some initial renovations, they lived in the building for a year-and-a-half before deciding to stay and make it their permanent home. Deidra drew up the plans, and they hired Mark Westberry, a local contractor, to build it. The house is completely studded and insulated like a regular home. And, as you might imagine, it's sturdy with much higher wind ratings than a typical home built of wood.

The approximately 2,800 square foot structure now has two wings connected by a wide foyer. The original portion has one bedroom

and bathroom, and a kitchen-dining-den area. This area has the roll-up door leading onto a large covered patio overlooking a pond. The foyer leads to the addition with the master bedroom and Edward’s “man cave” which touts his love of motorcycle riding including a Harley Davidson slot machine and Route 66 signs.

It certainly feels like a home, but they left certain elements, like exposed metal spiral ductwork, cables originally used to square-up the building that are usually removed, metal ceilings, to create what Deidra calls a "farmhouse – industrial – rustic" feel. One such element is the roll-up door. “When we moved in, we found that we really liked that we could open the roll-up door and open up the indoors to the outdoors,” Deidra said. “It is everybody’s favorite part of the house. Guests can mingle inside and outside and not miss anything.”

The Odum’s home is unique for sure. But, not only because they have converted a steel structure into a home. It also has its own unique style – something Deidra believes every home should have.

“This style is my style – not what I usually do for all my customers,” Deidra emphasized. “I encourage customers to choose furnishings, finishes, and elements that reflect their own personal style. You should think about how you want to feel in each room of your home, even when choosing colors. Many people just follow trends and what’s ‘in style’ and don’t let their own personality show through in their home and furnishings.”

Deidra and Edward Odum may not have planned originally to convert a red iron building into their home. But now, it’s the place they love coming home to.

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The master bath has a rustic yet refined feel. The wood walls around the bathtub have the appearance of reclaimed wood with termite tracks hand prepared by Mark Westberry. The porcelain tile floor resembles reclaimed wood also.

Off the den is the master bedroom. “This is one of my favorite places in the house.

I love the warmth. The wallpaper on the feature wall was chosen not just for the colors but also for the size of the pattern which helps the room feel more open,�

Deidra said. Antique lamps are hand-blown seeded glass with burlap and trim shades.

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The original portion of the home (right) was built as a shop with a roll-up door. A foyer was added (center) to connect the new portion with a den and master bedroom.

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“You don’t have to start at the front door and go through the entire house with the same style.”

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Referred to as "Edward's Room," this den was added in the expansion. This room showcases Edward's love of riding, including Route 66 and Harley Davidson collectibles.

Two matching foyer tables with a unique mix of accessories matched with large, ornate framed mirrors greet visitors.

The mantle in the den was cut from a 100-year-old cypress tree with “live” edges from a 20-foot piece of wood. “Edward found the best piece and cut it out. The cypress shows knots and makes it more interesting,” Deidra said. The two mirrored doors hide access to electrical wires for the television and speakers.

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On a wall in the dining area is an example of how Deidra mixes styles to add character and uniqueness to her home. Here, she used an antique pineapple lamp with brass feet, Fitz & Floyd colorful ceramic roosters, and Italian pottery on the table with traditional oil prints in black and gold-gilded frames. A dramatic wall sconce helps to anchor the eclectic vignette.

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The kitchen is in the original part of the house and is an open to a dining area and den. Deidra's love of farmlife is found throughout the home in various paintings by local artists and other collectibles. A mix of barstools welcome guests, often her grandchildren. The cabinets have a mix of reed glass and solid reverse bead-board door fronts. The galvanized gooseneck light is repeated in other parts of the house.

Edward made the barn-door that separates the kitchen/dining/den area from the foyer connecting to the larger den and master bedroom.

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The den, off the kitchen, is where the roll-up door leads to a covered outside patio and view of the pond. This is also where Edward parks his Harley Davison

A covered patio is accessible from the kitchen/den area through the roll-up door. Off the patio swings surround a firepit overlooking the pond. A pair of roosters stand near the entrance to greet visitors.

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ARTICLE - LANDSCAPING

Outdoor Living in the South

STORY BY THE CARTER LANDSCAPING SERVICES

P

art of the benefit of living in our area is of course, the weather! Starting in early spring our living areas are greatly expanded by the ability to play, entertain and spend quality family time outside. A benefit for sure – but along with that benefit comes a certain amount of preparation and planning so that when the spring and summer months are in full swing, our outdoor living spaces are ready to meet the challenge. The key in preparing the lawn itself is the foundation. It does not have to be complicated or time consuming, just a few steps and your yard can be prepared.

1. To keep your lawn well-maintained throughout the year, you should nourish it with regular feedings. Two to four feedings a year provide the nutrients your lawn needs to look its best. It increases your lawn’s overall health and improves its ability to absorb nutrients and water. We recommend granular fertilizer in early spring and late summer with a summer application of

liquid Iron to insure a deep green color.

2. Post emergent liquid herbicide should be applied at least 3 times a year from April – October. This will deter turf weeds which detract from the beauty of your lawn and interfere with its overall health.

3. Pre-emergent liquid herbicide should be applied twice annually (early fall and late winter) to help prevent winter weed germination.

4. Insect activity can be controlled through application of insecticide as needed As you can see, preparing and maintaining the foundation of your summer entertaining scene doesn’t mean putting in hours of prep work. With a little planning and follow through there’s no limit to what can happen to transform the typical yard into a true outdoor living space.

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Home & Garden

Container Gardening STORY BY MARK DEAL

T

Do’s and Don’ts

he gardening concepts of today’s consumer have changed as the idea of gardening takes on new meaning and perspective.

The idea of gardening once involved working expansive acreage with a shovel, hoe or tiller, and backbreaking laborious toil to achieve a bountiful crop or luscious flowers for all to enjoy.

Some still find great pleasure and beneficial physical activity in the traditional methods of creating a planting space and following through to achieve a crop or bloom. Gardening is excellent healthy exercise for both mind and body.

The current trends are for somewhat smaller spaces of creative charm or even clustered containers to achieve a workable yet beautiful garden space. Container gardening is nothing new. Container gardening is an ancient skill which finds its roots in the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon’ approximately 604 B.C. Bonsai gardening and rooftop gardening all seemed to have paved the way for the current trends.

There are a few basic elements necessary for successful container gardening: a container, nutrient rich soil, some type of drainage material for the pots (gravel, rock, coarse mulch, etc...), available water supply, and a high-quality timed-release fertilizer. Each of these components is necessary for success.

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Container and Location: Containers may be quite versatile and made from many different products including clay, pottery, wood, stone, concrete, plastic, metal or composites. The makeup of the container is usually less important than the size. The container needs to be sized or proportioned to the area it will call home. The larger the container, the longer the plants will thrive before replacement or repotting.

I personally try to avoid metal or wood in the Deep South due to heat and rot. The wide array of containers, including variety of color and abstract sizes and shapes, makes container shopping almost an adventure.

Once you determine the location or spot of your container garden or grouping, you will need to note the available sunlight or shade an area receives so that you can make wise choices on which plants will perform well and endure the heat of the lower South.

There are many outstanding choices of plants but they must be given the proper growing conditions to achieve success and endurance.

Soil: Now to the ‘Most Important Factor’ of successful container gardening—the soil! Remembering that more plants are killed in Georgia by overwatering than lack of water provides key information to soil selection for your container.

Soil must be well drained and yet hold adequate water and nutrients for plant growth. Generally, peat lite soils are the best due to the lightweight characteristic and optimum moisture and nutrient holding capacity.

Plants: The huge selection of plants available to consumers is another adventure in shopping. This is where the local retailer or plant nursery is very helpful. The box stores, although good suppliers, do not always

carry plants that work best in your area. I always say, “What is pretty today may not be pretty tomorrow if planted in the wrong place.”

The options at this point are almost endless. Plants for color (and yes remember ‘Green is a Color’), edible plants, fragrant plants, pollinator plants, butterfly attracters…the options are endless.

One of the latest trends is mixing colorful plants and flowers with herbs and edibles to create lovely combination gardens. Another trend is to plant solitary varieties of plants in containers and use a variety of containers (size, shape and form) to create interest and creative conversation pieces.

Now you’re ready to plant!

Fill one-quarter of the container with the drainage material and then the remaining container space with soil, being careful not to pack it.

Aeration is the key to success. Packed soils do not breathe and plants don’t grow!

Whatever your choices, always remember plants in containers need fertilizer and water to maintain health and vigor. Constant watering is necessary in the Deep South because the heat and humidity leaches valuable nutrients. The regular application of a balanced fertilizer, both timed release and water-soluble, will reap rewards for you if used according to label recommendations. In addition to water and fertilizer, regular maintenance of your container plants will also be necessary. Pruning, trimming and even replacement may be required to keep your containers at their best.

No matter what your preference, always plant with a purpose!

Let’s get Gardening!

Mark Deal, Environmental Horticulture Instructor at Coastal Pines Technical College

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Accents are the

Y

“JEWELRY” OF EVERY ROOM

Your home should reflect who YOU are. Your style. Your interests. Your personality. Many people use the current

home décor trends as the “theme” of their home. That is okay, but, even then, take the opportunity to create your own style with accents and accessories. After all, they are the “jewelry” of every room. Here are a few tips to creating a style all your own.

Walls: Each wall is a blank canvas. You can

use walls to make a statement about your personal style. Create an accent wall using a bold color or let wallpaper become the main focal point in a room.

Floors: Look down…your floors are another

blank canvas. Flooring can be bold and interesting and become the main focal point.

Area rugs are an excellent way to add color and texture and may even be the pattern that anchors the room. Always choose the appropriate size of rugs for the area.

Choosing Colors: Colors effect mood and invoke feelings of contentment. Contrasting colors add spice. If you choose a neutral wall color, then be bold with your accessories.

Lighting: There should always be three types of lighting in a room: overhead lighting,

DEIDRA ODUM – Owner & Interior Designer, Designs By Deidra

direct lighting, and accent lighting. Choose light fixtures that complement the design style of your room. However, having a variety of styles in one room makes it more interesting.

Build a Theme: Build a theme to achieve a cohesive look. Themes may vary from room to room. For example, a coastal or beach theme can have varied accessories, but they need to have the same theme.

Accessories: Choose accessories that you love and that give you inspiration and happiness. It’s your home. Design for you.

Consider Symmetry: Balance is a very

key element in design. In a formal room, which tends to be more symmetrical, you might flank two chairs in front of a fireplace.

In a more casual room, you might create a balance using different items that do not match.

to an even grouping of a certain accessory depending on the space, placement of furniture, and other considerations.

So, go create a style all your own. Of course, if you decide you want help in creating your style or implementing your ideas Designs by Deidra is always ready to help!

DESIGNS

BY DEIDRA

Complete Interior Design & Flooring 156 W. Cherry St. Jesup, GA 31545

912-588-0144

Group in Odd Numbers: Generally, when grouping objects vary the size and height of items. This adds visual interest to your design. Most groupings need to be in odd numbers. However, the space may lend itself

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Wildwood Stables is celebrating more than 40 years of making a difference in the lives of children through their equestrian activities.

Take Me Back to

Wildwood STORY BY ANGEL HARMON

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Photo by K. Lyn Photography

I

Patricia began her horse-riding lessons at age 11 and was winning championships at an early age.

t isn’t exactly Hogwarts, but there is something magical about Wildwood Stables and its variety of programs, including Equine Assisted Therapy, riding lessons and an after-school instructional learning program. Here, the children not only ride horses but learn more about them and how to care for them. Wildwood Stables owner Patricia Garbutt knows that horses are special, and she knows that children can relate to them in a very special way.

Learning never stops when developing partnerships with the horses. Patricia is one passionate soul that loves to see people smiling who don’t always smile in their day-to-day life; to see people socialize, and to see friendships form. The Wildwood community here in Jesup is incredible, and it’s what keeps the kids coming back. “I start at age four because I can get them on a horse and teach them to trot, teach them balance and control,” she said. “There is no cap to learning...they build a connection with the horses.”

Patricia has taught many people throughout Jesup and surrounding counties about riding and developing horsemanship. She has touched the lives of many people. “I feel that all of the training will make the kids better riders and better people, just by the way they’re taught to develop a bond with the horses,” she shared. “Horses are peaceful animals with eyes that hold the wonders of life.

When I’m around [them], it brings me peace.”

She started riding and taking lessons at age 11 when she and her parents, Dr. Alvin and Betty Leaphart, moved to Sea Island, Georgia. It wasn’t until age 14 where she participated in her first showing in Washington, Georgia and ranked first place. When Patricia graduated from high school in 1960, she went to college at the University of Georgia to study Elementary Education. At the time, she’d had a horse of her own, Mar-Beth Jewel, that she continued to ride and was able to use for showings.

For 31 years, Patricia taught in the Wayne County school system while giving riding lessons at Wildwood Stables, which she started with her husband, Sonny Garbutt. It wasn’t until she retired that she was really able to focus on her dream of teaching and running the stable the way she wanted. Wildwood Stables is now home to about eight miniature horses and 30 saddlebreds.

Wildwood Stables owner Patricia Garbutt knows that horses are special, and she knows that children can relate to them in a very special way.

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Photo by K. Lyn Photography

Kylie Valosen enjoys riding lessons with Patricia and boards her horse, “Drae” at Wildwood Stables.

She gets a lot of community support from local businesses, and thanks to her friend, Ty Drury, she was able to partner with Pineland Behavioral Health Center for her therapeutic riding program which assists physically-disabled children. “We began the program in fall of 2014,” she said. “We had a trial run during summer school [that year]. It was so wonderful. We knew it would be a success!” Dr. Matthew and Cindy Valosen have also been huge supporters. They donated a saddle designed for a variety of special needs riders. “I am so thankful for the people in Wayne County and the support they have shown to me,” Patricia said.

The Valosen’s daughter, Kylie, enjoys riding lessons with Patricia and boards her horse, “Drae” at Wildwood Stables, along with several other riders. Drae’s official name is “On Dress Parade,” shortened to “Ondrae” or “Drae”. Matt and Cindy gifted their daughter with Drae when she turned 13 and was able to demonstrate the responsible caring for and maintenance of the horses at Wildwood. While many riders 58

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choose to show their horses in competitions, Kylie simply prefers the companionship of and caring for her horse. “I like to be at Wildwood everyday,” she said. “I want to learn as much as I can from Mrs. Patricia because I want to open my own stable one day.”

Other riders, such as Brianna Swenson and Isabella Garbutt have learned to ride from Patricia and have competed with their horses, Noel and Otis, respectively, in different horse shows throughout the region.

The different programs at Wildwood are widely popular and can be attributed in part to her unique style of teaching. Patricia believes that “it is important to be a good horseman and to do so, you have to be around the horses.” Just like people, each horse is different and has individual needs and its own personality. Her developmental training teaches them to go beyond the surface and dig into learning, knowing the ‘self,’ and the animal.

“They start with grooming the horse, and learning about them,”

Isabella Garbutt and Brianna Swenson (bottom) have learned to ride from Patricia and have competed with their horses, Noel and Otis, respectively, in different horse shows throughout the region.

Brianna Swenson riding Noel

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Wildwood Stables hosts a horse show each year for riders like Isabella Garbutt, and participants, and this year will mark its fifth annual show.

Patricia receives a lot of community support and has been able to partner with Pineland Behavioral Health Center for her therapeutic riding program which assists physically-disabled children.

it teaches the kids to care for the horses as she would. She shared that the horses are like kids, they all have their special care needs. Getting to know each horse that the children interact with helps them become better riders, Patricia says. “Riding and being with horses creates so many positive effects for all people.” By working with horses, Patricia is teaching people valuable life skills, including how to be a good listener, learning to set boundaries, learning how to trust and overcome fear, and how to be a good leader. “All of that is a part of life, it’s teaches them responsibility. I had to learn it all. If I just come in and hop on a horse, I gain nothing.”

Wildwood Stables hosts a show each year for the kids, and this will be its fifth year. Here, the children are recognized for their accomplishments amongst family and the community. “When we’re getting ready for the shows, we gain trust and understanding amongst each other. When they get into the ring, the kids and the horses learn each other,” she said. “Each child really gets a ribbon, but the announcer tells why each child deserves the ribbon. When they do good, and they get the accolades, they know it and it makes them feel good.”

Patricia and her riders have been successful throughout 60

Wayne County Magazine

different saddlebred and 4-H show circuits in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. “I’ve always thought that showing a horse is the ‘icing on the cake,’ meaning that one doesn’t have to show [a horse] to benefit from [them].” The stable continues to have young riders participating in showing horses, including her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Wildwood’s equine therapy isn’t limited to kids or those with special needs. It can help anyone! “Riding really helps with balance, problem-solving, understanding life and learning when or how to react to animals and people,” she said. “We would love to be able to reach more children.”

Her love for horses and children truly goes beyond the surface. “I’ve ridden all my life. It just gives me a thrill to share what I know with them,” she said. There’s magic that happens here.

Wildwood Stables celebrates more than 40 years of making a difference in the lives of children. For Patricia, there is no challenge too great. She said, “I don’t see challenges, because I meet them straight up. I take them head-on.”

2849 Savannah Highway • Jesup, GA 31545

912-427-8880 rrautosalesinc.com

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding .

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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“ To be the best version of themselves, people have sought out aesthetic treatments for centuries. It is undeniable that when we look and feel our best, we are also confident and empowered. That confidence helps us to be our best in every aspect of our lives.

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Aesthetic treatments can range from officebased procedures such as Botox and laser treatments to more extreme surgical options.

There is information overload on the internet and in magazines touting the latest and greatest aesthetic procedures. Do-it-yourself home versions are often promoted but do not yield professional results and can even be harmful.

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medical-grade skin care products. The goal is to blend the best of both worlds with procedures and expertise typically found only in a doctor’s office and a relaxing spa experience.

to understand what each available treatment can offer and to have realistic expectations. A medical spa should always offer consultations.

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WHO WILL BE PERFORMING MY TREATMENTS?

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WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT A MEDICAL SPA? Aesthetic technologies and formulations have advanced greatly in recent years and numerous comparable options exist. The menu of services offered at a medical spa will vary from one facility to another but generally includes treatments for acne, aging skin, sun damage, hair removal, body contouring, and more.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TREATMENTS I WILL NEED?

Quynhanh Pham, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

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Dr. Quynhanh Pham is a Board-Certified General Surgeon whose passion for aesthetics led her to pursue additional aesthetic medical training and open Magnolia Grove Medical Spa in 2018. We are proud members of the American Medical Spa Association. Dr. Pham and her team are dedicated to providing high quality aesthetic services that deliver results in a caring and relaxing hometown environment. Educating our patients is a top priority, and therefore, consultations for all services are always complimentary. Services offered at Magnolia Grove Medical Spa include chemical peels, DermaFrac, IPL, laser skin resurfacing, Botox, Juvederm, laser hair removal, CoolSculpting, tattoo removal, and more. All injectables and advanced laser treatments are performed by Dr. Pham. Contact us for questions or to schedule a service or consultation today.

Aesthetic medicine is as much of an art as it is a science. Knowledge is key to making any informed decision. Every patient has unique wants and needs and may even respond differently to the same treatment. It is important

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Michael Smith has been an active searcher with a metal detector since the early 1970s and is a renowned metal detector expert.

Photo by Mattie Genaux Photography

Searching

High and Low STORY BY DERBY WATERS

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nown to his friends as a man with many interests, Col. Michael Smith is Wayne County’s own Renaissance Man. A transplant to Wayne County, Michael is a native of Columbus, Georgia who found his way here in 1991. He transferred as a Physician’s Assistant at Jesup Federal Correctional Institute following long years of medical training and service to the United States as a soldier and later in medical capacities.

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Photo by Mattie Genaux Photography

But medicine is only one of a wide variety of interests and pursuits of a man who seems to have no limitations despite being legally blind—but that is another story.

Even as a youngster Michael displayed not only an interest but keen abilities in finding old things—bones, fossils, historical, geological and biological treasures. So naturally, one of his first degrees was that of geology from Emory University.

Then that was followed by pre-med studies at Emory and serving as a lead medic on an A-Team during the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Then it was back to the Medical College of Georgia for a degree as a Physician’s Assistant followed by the first ever Master’s in Correctional Medicine in the United States, which he earned at the University of Nebraska.

Michael has been an active searcher with a metal de­ tector since the early 1970s. (above) Owing to his visual limitation, he uses special equipment to examine a find. (left) Because of his renown in the hobby, he was featured in an English magazine as the Blind Searcher. a result of his friendship with Tony Wooten that began in 1998. (below) Now the two friends swap visits back and forth across the pond. This summer Tony visited Wayne County.

“When it came time for college, I was adamant about two things; I wanted to study medicine like my father, and I wanted to continue digging for treasure,” he recalls.

Michael has served as the Medical Director of the State Correctional Facility in Columbus, where he devised a system to score and treat HIV patients and set up many HIV protocols.

He also developed the statewide protocols for hypertension screening and treatment, for which he received the Governor’s Award. Michael set up orthopedic surgery with the Houston Clinic for state inmates, and sometimes he even scrubbed in with the surgeons.

Those accomplishments might fill a lifetime for one person, but the adventures and honors continued—and Michael has the documentation to support all the fantastic things he has been a part of. He worked for a while in the emergency department at Southeast Health Systems in Brunswick. And through the years he has had to contend with a worsening eye syndrome that by 1998 left him legally blind and forced him to retire from his medical work at Jesup FCI, though he continued for a few more years as a PA at Wayne Family Practice.

Always active with his geological interests, Michael has earned all sorts of honors for his many significant finds, his many published articles and his uncanny ability to just find things. As a teenager, his finds filled 14 cases at the Columbus Museum. Later he found the first dinosaur bone in Georgia dated to the Upper Cretaceous

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Michael and his wife, Sue, share a love of flowering trees and plants that provide some type of bloom throughout the years.

Photo by Mattie Genaux Photography

Period at 84 million years old. Then he found and named a new species of a cystoid—a 365-million-year-old sea creature that now resides in the Smithsonian museum. For this find, he was allowed to name the find and was presented an under-graduate Academy of Science award.

Then there is his discovery of San Miguel de Gualdape. Never heard of it? Well, it’s near Sunbury on the Georgia coast and is known as the first European settlement in what would become the United States. It dates back to 1526 and the Spanish explorer Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon. Michael’s location is substantiated by the coins and other artifacts he uncovered there. Dr. David Thomas, lead archeologist for the United States and the head curator of the American Museum of Natural History in New York visited the site and confirmed the findings as the most compelling for determining the location of the first settlement. Findings there include pottery of the Guale Indians who visited there to learn Christianity. Also found was a Spanish 4-real coin from the time of Ferdinand and Isabella.

Did we mention that Michael is a renowned expert in metal detectors? Just read the periodicals of this hobby and you will run into articles that he has written and articles written about him.

No doubt this expertise has enabled him to find countless metal artifacts ranging from pre-colonial finds in the United States and Celtic artifacts in England, to relics from the Colonial and Civil

War periods of U.S. history.

Because of his visual limitations one might assume that Michael has slowed down, but not so. With sophisticated equipment such as a Patriot virtual reality device to assist his sight, to enlarge printed and 3-D materials and to read for him, he continues to dig into the many areas of his interests and is near completing a book that will divulge some of the knowledge he has on how to hunt for treasure including coins, bottles, rocks, ceramic pieces and fossils, how to identify finds and preserve them. Already the author of more than 200 articles on medical, historical and treasure-finding topics, Michael’s book will be called the “Ultimate Treasure Hunting Book.”

Michael has been an active searcher with a metal detector since the early 1970s. Because of his renown in the hobby, he was referred to an English searcher looking for some help searching areas in the United States. That led to his friendship with Tony Wooten that began in 1998, and now the two friends swap visits back and forth across the pond. And it also led to many historic finds in England, where he is known as the Blind Searcher.

Michael says that one of the most important finds he has made through the years is a 1766 gold guinea with the Ephram Brasher countermark. Brasher was a colonial jeweler and coin-maker who was a neighbor of George Washington. Locally, it was known for Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Among his many talents, Michael plays the guitar and sings. While visiting the school for the blind in Florida each year he entertains others with visual impairments.

years that an early defensive bastion called Fort James was located in Wayne County somewhere along the Altamaha River. But no one had been able to locate it. Some few searchers say they may have been to the site but none provide evidence as did Michael.

When Michael inquired about historic near-by areas and learned of the mystery of the location of Fort James, he asked his friend, the late Col. Stanley Wommack, to show him the most-likely location thought to be near the old fort.

Wommack had done intensive research of the fort and had a fairly good idea of its location—but he just could not pinpoint the spot.

With his knowledge of the geographical requirements for such a fortification, Michael dismissed the site believed most likely to be the location. But near there, with the help of his metal detector and less than a couple of hours of searching, he began to find pewter buttons embossed with the U.S. eagle (issued from 1792 to 1798) that dated to the period of the fort and later became the first buttons on the uniforms of soldiers of the U.S. Army. Soon he was finding other metal objects from coins to bullets to belt buckles. After years of searching by others and all sorts of speculation, Fort James had been found!

Michael revealed the finds and the location to the geology department at Georgia Southern University and soon a major geological dig was underway at the site. Much of the items found there were taken to Georgia Southern, but many were kept and are on permanent display at the Wayne County Heritage Center, located in the small house next to the Red Caboose along the railroad tracks in Jesup.

Now severely visually limited, every few years Michael attends a school for the blind in West Palm Beach, Florida. While there he has created several wooden boxes, some of which he has used to house some of the artifacts found through the years. He does not like to keep the valuable relics in his home, so museums have been the repository of many of his finds.

In addition to all his other hobbies and abilities Michael likes to play his guitar. While at the school for the blind, he frequently plays for others attending. And he plays and sings for patients in nursing homes on occasions. Michael and his wife, Sue, live in a rural area of the county, and good friends and neighbors help him by driving for him when it comes time to visit Jesup or elsewhere. A look around reveals Michael’s interest in hunting and fishing, including a mounted nine-pound bass, a fox squirrel and a buck all from the family farm in Mississippi.

Gardening in his three-acre yard is among his main interests. He and Sue share a love of flowering trees and plants that provide some type of bloom throughout the years. Of particular interest are what they call unique “one-off” plants. They also enjoy birding in their backyard where they feed many species of birds and provide nesting for a hawk, a crow and a pileated woodpecker among others.

Photo by Mattie Genaux Photography

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The couple has two daughters, Nicole Holder who founded and operates Brookfield Academy in Valdosta; and Elizabeth Smith-Whitley, who lives in the Atlanta area and operates a high-end plumbing and lighting business. They also are the proud grandparents of Mary Catherine Stamey and Avery Holder.

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is not your average chamber.

Proudly serving all of Wayne County for over 70 years, we are working to create a positive impact on our community while securing a successful future of our businesses. With over 400 members, we pr provide many opportunities for growing your business while building meaningful connections. Join us and propel your business to the next level.

Jesup, GA - Incorporated in 1870

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce 261 W. Plum Street • Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 427-2028 • www.waynechamber.com

Screven, GA - Incorporated in 1959

e h t f o e HH

Odum, GA - Incorporated in 1907 Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Home

Grown

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ayne County’s very own Farmers Market is thriving with fresh-pick enthusiasts, who enjoy planting, seeding, growing, picking and/ or preparing fresh recipes from homegrown produce in the neighboring fields. The local market is inspiring residents to take an interest in the home-grown origins of their food and make better choices about what goes on their plates. In this issue of “Home Grown,” we’ll meet Wayne County Farmers Market Manager Debbie Pye, Tupelo honey producer Bill Tyre, and Faye Martin of Uncanny Cannery.

Beginning fifth season this year, the Wayne County Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce and preserved non-perishables.

Homegrown in Wayne’s Backyard STORY BY ANGEL HARMON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN RIDDLE

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ebbie Pye, manager of the local farmers market, not only believes that fresh produce supports the local economy, but it creates a community -- an abundance of vendors and customers who enjoy foods that are delicious, nutrient-dense, and healthy! Going into its fifth year, the Wayne County Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce and preserved nonperishables that are available from April to December.

Like many with green thumbs, agriculture has always been in Debbie’s background. But, her start with the market began when she and her aunt, Faye Martin partnered together to start ‘Uncanny Cannery’, a local fruit preserves and relish business.

“For about 3-4 years, we traveled to other markets selling jams, jellies, preserves, dressings, relishes, squash pickles and other ‘old-canned’ food that people don’t get anywhere anymore,” she said. They saw the success they’d had traveling and selling in different areas, and that experience helped prepare her for managing the Wayne Farmer’s Market.

Recently, Debbie, one of only 10 people chosen from across the state by the Georgia Farmers Market Association, completed a

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10-month fellowship through Cornell University. Not only did she earn a Farmers Market Management Certification, approved by top agricultural professors, but she was able to position herself to learn how to develop better strategies for managing the market. Debbie assures that “the farmers market impacts Jesup because it’s the only place where people can buy local.” She sees a lot of people come and go, traveling far and wide just to come here because of the variety of products offered. And the ease of location and space for parking is a plus! She shared that “there has to be a ratio of the types of products sold”, and that she prefers to go by the standards of Georgia Grown and the Farmers Market Coalition of what they recommend. However, not every vendor has their own farm.

“We have many vendors that come on a regular basis offering various local products such as baked goods, goat milk soap, lotions and skin care, and a Tupelo honey vendor,” she shared.

Only available on the first Saturday of each month, customers have access to a fresh organic grass-fed meat vendor with beef, chicken, lamb and goat. You can also find fresh eggs and locally grown hydroponic lettuce -- now that’s different! The Georgia

Wild Shrimp truck is there each weekend, along with handmade jewelry, wreaths, and other locally sourced homemakers.

“And we get seasonal produce as time goes on, including berries of all sorts,” Debbie said.

“Most people come to buy, but a lot of people will come to visit with each other and the vendors. It’s about supporting each other and the community.”

She mentioned that they advertise mainly through word-of-mouth, and still get a lot of foot traffic each week. Their biggest event is the Christmas Bazaar, held the first weekend in December, where more than 2000 or more people flock to shop and enjoy family time.

To help educate the community about what is offered, the farmer’s market hosts and provides community programs, such as Georgia Fresh for Less and the Power of Produce (PoP) Kids Club. Rayonier graciously sponsors our [PoP] Kids Club. Kids ages 4-12 can get a $2 coupon to shop the market. We had 1400 kids who get coupons last year, and approximately 4000 people total came through year-round because of the coupons,” Debbie shared. “The coupons really help out families in need.”

Georgia Fresh for Less is one program in particular that many people do not know about, that is solely funded by a private sponsor. It allows eligible families with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card to double their food purchases. It also doubles the revenue for vendors which helps our local economy.

For the last three years, Debbie and volunteers have hosted field trips for kids to teach and show them about agriculture. This past year, over 400 kids from various schools visited the market where hands-on activities were set up for planting and composting, with healthy snacks included.

The market is open Friday and Saturday each week. The vendor fee is only $15 per day, or $20 for Friday and Saturday, and it is required that the majority of products be sourced or produced locally. The market is open for event rentals year-round. Contact them and stay upto-date by following them on Facebook (Wayne County Farmers Market).

Wayne County Farmers Market Manager Debbie Pye recently completed a 10-month fellowship through Cornell University where she earned a Farmers Market Management Certification.

Wayne County Farmer's Market is a member of Georgia Grown, Farmers Market Coalition, and Georgia Farmers Market Association.

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Home

Grown

Bill Tyre started his honey business in 1974, after he and his wife, Nell, invested all of their savings into the business, buying their honey house and all of the equipment needed.

Sweet Southern Gold STORY BY ANGEL HARMON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN RIDDLE

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ure, we hate getting stung. But, it's the bees that are helping create sweet liquid gold right here in Wayne County. It’s known as the “Cadillac” of honey -- because it’s the most expensive, and it’s produced in the grotty swamps of the Altamaha River.

“Just try it,” is what second generation beekeeper, Bill Tyre said to me when I approached his Tupelo Honey booth at the Farmers Market. I had asked one question and as my eyes widened, I gained everything I wanted to know. Oh, how good it is!

colonies. Their son and daughter even worked the business, learning what they could. “My wife, my son and [his wife’s] aunt would extract the honey as I’d bring it in. They’d extract it faster than I can bring it in,” he laughed. “When we first started we’d have thousands of colonies in the summer.” But when the kids finished college, they decided that they didn’t want to work with the bees anymore. Bill realized that he and Nell had a lot of bees and no one to work them.

“So, I quit,” he said.

Bill started his business back in 1974, after he and his wife, Debra “Nell,” invested all of their savings into the business, buying their honey house and all of the equipment needed. He quickly expanded by buying other bee farms to gain more productivity with more

He later started back in the early 2000s, especially when he’d realized the price for great honey was becoming a rip-off. “When I got ready to go back into the business, I told my wife and she said she’d leave me,” he said, laughing. “You’d have to know her.”

Wayne County Magazine

“Just at the southern end of the county”, 24 bee hives nest, making honey in bountiful rations. Before the honey is actually produced, the bees are moved to the swamp for two weeks where they suck nectar from tupelo trees that bloom with ‘pompom-like’ flowers.

This honey is smooth, buttery, soft and vibrant in color. It is like no other, and there’s not much about tupelo that Bill doesn’t know.

A good hive of bees can produce 100 pounds of honey.

He said his bees “can produce about 150-250 pounds” of Tupelo Honey. Although its best in the first year or so, tupelo never goes bad. To keep the honey as pure as possible, Bill monitors the health of the blossoms and check the frames inside the hives regularly, pulling them out when they are heavy with honey. Holding an incomplete frame of honey in your hand is about the same as holding a watermelon -imagine what it’ll weigh once its complete.

The tupelo is amazing with food or as a sugar substitute -- I use it all the time! Why buy 20-ounce bottles for $100 from Savannah Bee Company, or luxury retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus when you can get it right here in Jesup for less than $20! You can find Bill and his Tupelo Honey at the Farmers Market each weekend.

You can whip it into a cream to spoon over dessert, or mix it a tangy sauce with a spicy kick to it. If you want it with a warm, flaky crescent (hmmm…), topped with Uncanny Cannery Habanero jam - to each its own!

However you prefer, it doesn’t disappoint. Nothing compares to Tupelo honey!

Tupelo plant, which produce small, nectar-filled light green and white flowers for two weeks each spring, rise out of swamps in the Altamaha River Basin.

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Home

Grown Faye Martin, owner of the Uncanny Cannery doesn’t have anything to prove because local residents say her homemade jams and jellies are infinitely better than most too-sweet, preservative-packed jars you’ll find in grocery stores.

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Uncanny Cannery, Wayne’s Best Homemade Jams

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STORY BY ANGEL HARMON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN RIDDLE

ne of the best parts of summer is the abundance of fresh fruit. If you're lucky enough to be inundated with so many berries, peaches, or peppers that you just don't know what to do with them, set some aside for jams, jellies and preserves - or just let Faye Martin, local preservative artisan of Uncanny Cannery, take the pressure off of you. With her recipes, you’ll be filling up your pantry with flavors of summer fruit all year long well into the cooler seasons.

“I do all my jellies locally. Most of the time I just use fresh fruit, but sometimes I use frozen. Nothing in the can. I’m finicky about who I purchase my fruit from; almost like organic,” she shared. “My brother grows all of my jalapeños, and he doesn’t spray them. I won’t use them if they’re sprayed.”

Faye doesn’t have anything to prove, as her homemade jams and jellies are infinitely better than most too-sweet, preservative-packed jars you’ll find in grocery stores. Her booth at the Farmers Market just makes you want to try them all! With bright colors of green mint, yellow ‘pearadise’, orange habaneros, red and purple-colored berry jams, you’re instantly drawn in.

“Everybody knows me, I do it for the fun. It keeps me busy,” Faye said. “It’s rewarding to see people come up and tell me how good my jellies are. They will stand there and be like, “If you’ve never bought any of her jellies; they’re off the chart!””

When Faye got started, “I was off from work for a while back in 1981, and I started doing all types of relishes and jellies.”

Later she partnered with her niece Debbie Pye, Farmers Market manager who became certified to make relishes, as she did the jams and jellies for Uncanny. They traveled to markets in Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, and in front of Wayne Memorial Hospital, before starting up in the current Jesup location.

“I’ve always gotten a good response, and always sold a lot of jelly. I got into the Habanero peppers when I went to Wilmington Island. They wanted a little more kick than the jalapeño peppers. So, I thought I’d tried four in a jar,” she said.

“Everyone loves the spice.”

ways, but it’s also time and labor intensive. “It takes about 3540 minutes to do each batch, if I have all of my stuff, which is about six or seven jars,” she said. And that’s not even a case!

“You wouldn’t believe the stories I hear. Some people say they cook with it, especially the habanero jam,” Faye expressed.

“I’ve always canned. I always try to do something different.”

To her, it is more satisfying to hear about people that are genuinely happy with her jams. She tries to offer a large variety, including all types of fruit and spices. “The Blackberry jelly is my favorite, it was my mama’s recipe,” she said.

Uncanny even offers low-sugar options. Using a half cup of stevia and two cups of sugar within a recipe, compared to what is normally used.

“I want to make it bigger, because a lot of people like it. I had one guy buy it, and he says, ‘I just wanted to let you know that I really liked your Blackberry Jam.’ He says it’s probably the best he’s ever eaten. He said he made some biscuits, grabbed a bowl, poured the jam in it and ate more than he should’ve,” she laughed.

Canning is something of a lost art in many households today.

But it’s one that is worth reviving according to Faye. “I don’t make much money off of it, but I love doing it.” You can catch her each week at the Farmers Market, or purchase her jams from Sugar and Spice Bakery, or Rick’s Meat market.

With bright colors of green mint, yellow ‘pearadise’, orange habaneros, red and purple-colored berry jams, you’re instantly drawn in to Faye Martin’s jellies and jams.

While at the market, Faye usually doesn’t sell out because she prepares and “does a lot of cooking to avoid that”. The shelf life is about three years. Over the years she’s made and canned lots of jams. For her, it’s actually very satisfying in many Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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PHONE 912-262-2723 • 912-262-2724 • FAX 877-244-5666 www.nephrologyofthegoldenisles.com

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Protecting and Enhancing The Environment Throughout time, people have used land and natural resources to improve and enrich human life.

Farmers extract nutrients from the land to grow food, and then they restore the land for future use. Likewise, Chemours extracts minerals and then returns the land to its pre-mining state while protecting and enhancing the environment.

We are proud to be a part of Wayne County.

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©2016 The Chemours Company. Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Chemours Company.”

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

“I love this program because I am a product of it. During my senior year in high school, WCHS’s Work-Based Learning Program helped me in deciding my career choices.”

– Judy Beaver

Profiles Judy Beaver, Work-Based Learning Director for Wayne County High School.

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EDUCATION

The students of the month for the 2018-2019 were also recognized at the 2018-2019 WBL luncheon.

Working

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9 5 to

STORY BY JADE BROWN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTIE GENAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

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Wayne County Magazine

Bone & Joint employees Sandra Sutton and Michelle Harmon with WBL student Julie Walker (center).

WBL students who earned the “Georgia Best At Work” distinction were recognized and awarded a certificate for the 2018-2019 school year.

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n April 9, 2019, the Wayne County High School WorkBased Learning Program held their annual luncheon to recognize participants in the program. In addition to acknowledging the student participants, the luncheon also serves to show appreciation to the businesses and employers who partner with the high school to ensure the program’s success.

Work-Based Learning /Youth Apprenticeship (WBL/YAP) is an opportunity offered to high school juniors and seniors that allows them to earn high school credits while working and gaining valuable skills that help them transition from student to adult. Mrs. Judy Beaver, WBL/YAP Coordinator, aids students in the entire process, beginning with providing opportunities for students to attend mock interviews to placing them in jobs associated with their career interests, to meeting with each student monthly to provide instruction on how to be successful in the work place. Mrs. Beaver, who has been teaching for 28 years, says, “I love this program because I am a product of it. During my senior year in high school, WCHS’s Work-Based Learning /Youth Apprenticeship Program helped me in deciding my career choices. This program is an asset to our

community because it provides invaluable training and learning experiences to approximately 100 students each year. Our program connects student’s career goals and classroom learning with a productive work environment.”

Currently, over 70 local businesses employ students from the WBL/ YAP program. In order to have a WBL/YAP student, employers must provide a mentor to the student, follow a defined training plan, adhere to state and federal regulations for student workers, and provide evaluations of the student’s performance. Though it is a bit more work for the employer, they understand that they are providing valuable experiences for the future of our community.

Air Elliott, co-owner of Nang’s Thai Restaurant, says, “Work Based Learning fills a vital need in our community and provides real world opportunities for our students to apply and refine skills they have learned in the classroom.”

For many students, the WBL/YAP experience is their first job experience. Baylee Chancellor, WCHS 2019 senior, worked at Wayne Memorial Hospital this year in the Human Resources Department Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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through WBL. She says she learned so much more than just how to do the job she was assigned to do. “Having my first job though WBL has taught me that you have to be your own person and learn to do things on your own.

It has taught me to work with others whether you get along with them or not, and it taught me the value of a dollar. When you start making your own money, it means more than if someone is just handing it out to you. I feel that my time in the program has greatly prepared me for my future.”

Melissa Blanton, owner of Mine & Yours Boutique, with Haley McKenzie, a WorkBased Learning student.

Work-Based Learning provides invaluable training and learning experiences to approximately 100 students each year. Over 70 local businesses employ students annually.

Judy Beaver, Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Wayne County High School is Georgia Department of Education’s “Work Based Learning Coordinator of the Year” for the Southeast Region.

At the luncheon, Dell Keith from the Industrial Development Authority spoke about the importance of ensuring students graduate from high school with the skills necessary for success in the workforce, such as time management, communication, and motivation.

The WBL/YAP program, he says, does an excellent job of developing these skills. Trey Elium, 2018 WCHS graduate and participant in the program, also spoke at the event. Elium has been out of high school for only one year and is already in a supervisory role at his work place. He attributes this to the leadership skills he learned as a participant in WBL/YAP. After the speakers, students who earned the “Georgia Best at Work” distinction were recognized and awarded their certificate. The students of the month for the 2018-2019 were also recognized.

Since the event, the WBL/YAP student of year has been announced. This year’s recipient, Taylor Arnett, worked at the Wayne County Extension Office, where she exemplified the qualities of a true leader. She was honored to have been chosen, “I was fortunate enough to get the WBL/YAP Student of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year, and I will forever be grateful for the experiences and memories I have made and the skills that I have learned from this opportunity.”

Students are currently being placed for the 2019-2020 school year in businesses around Wayne County. The new participants will certainly have similar positive experiences next year and, hopefully, for many years to come.

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COMMUNITY

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There was magic in the air this May, 24k magic to be exact, as 12 outstanding gentlemen of Wayne County competed for the title of Mr. Wayne County 2019.

Caring for our Corner: A 24k Magic Mr. Wayne County

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STORY BY AIR ELLIOT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVONTAY WILSON

uthor Stephen King once said, “Changing the world may seem impossible, but caring for your corner is surely a good place to start.”

One organization in Wayne County that cares for our corner is our Boys and Girls Club. Their mission is to “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Under the visionary leadership of current Executive Director, and Wayne County native, Shelby (Brown) Anderson, the Club has experienced a tremendous revival and growth. Facility and programming improvements have been underway for the past

eighteen months, with continued improvements taking place as funding allows. As well, Club members are making outstanding gains in the classroom, outperforming the district average in attendance, behavior, and academics.

Of the progress and positive outcomes, Anderson states, “I’m so proud of what our staff and Board volunteers have achieved over the past eighteen months, but, I know, with the outstanding partners we have in our community, that it’s only the beginning.”

At 7pm on Saturday, May 4, there was magic in the air, 24k magic to be exact, as 12 outstanding gentlemen Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Nick Child

Ben Doomes

Brandon Williams

of Wayne County prepared to compete for the title of Mr. Wayne County. In four short weeks the contestants went from agreeing to contribute their time and talents in support of a great cause, to waiting in the wings of the Wayne County High School auditorium for the beat to drop on their opening number. The theme was “A 24k Magic Mr. Wayne County” and each of the twelve contestants, representing some of our community’s finest in government, law enforcement, industry, business, education, first responders, and healthcare, were nothing short of solid gold. Through four phases of competition, including interview, outfit of choice, entertainment, and evening wear, the contestants showcased their personalities, hobbies, and talents, and treated the audience to an evening of pure fun and entertainment. More importantly, they showcased their hearts in giving of their time and talents to support the essential work of our Boys and Girls Club.

The evening concluded with Jamey Knight being crowned the new Mr. Wayne County and outfit of choice winner, and Derek Williams capturing the People’s Choice title and dominating the evening wear competition. The following contestants were runners-up and preliminary winners: Jeremy Dent, first runner-up; Derek Williams, 2nd runner up; Ben Doomes, third runner-up; Kevin Brigman, entertainment winner; and Miles Moseley, interview winner. Also competing were Nick Child, James “Boot” Thomas, Brandon Williams, Cody Williams, Jason Weaver, and Andrew Winalski. The real winner of the night, though, was the Boys and Girls Club and the children of Wayne County. When the totals for tickets sales, sponsorships, and People’s Choice donations were in, the 24k Magic Mr. Wayne County competition had raised a total just shy of $24,000. Upon learning how close the event came to reaching that symbolic number, the contestants personally pitched in to reach $24k. Indeed, these solid gold contestants and citizens didn’t just put on a show; they contributed to changing the world for the children of Wayne County.

Additionally, the Club concurrently held their annual $10k Raffle, drawing for the winner while awaiting the results of the judges’ scores. Wayne County High School senior and Big Man on Campus (the high school’s equivalent to Mr. Wayne County), Griffin Boykin, drew the winning ticket, which had been purchased by Kevin Brigman, contestant #12. Brigman said that he agreed to compete in Mr. Wayne County, “because the Boys and Girls Club is an amazing cause to support...giving kids an after school and summer program is wonderful, and beats them being home alone or out on the streets.” As well, Brigman said the competition provided him the opportunity to “fulfill a lifelong dream of performing stand-up comedy before a crowd, and winning that portion of the competition was such a thrill.” On winning the $10k Raffle, Brigman said that, “was pretty dang fun, too.” With the proceeds of the $10k Raffle included, the evening provided the Club with nearly $34,000 in much needed funding.

Instrumental to the fundraising success of the joint events was the camaraderie between all of the contestants. Contestant Nick Child said, “I was seriously out of my comfort zone, but because of these guys and the great cause, I enjoyed

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Contestant Jamey Knight was crowned the new Mr. Wayne County and outfit of choice winner, Derek Williams won People’s Choice and 2nd runner up; Runners-up and preliminary winners include Jeremy Dent, first runner-up; Ben Doomes, third runner-up; Kevin Brigman, entertainment winner; and Miles Moseley, interview winner.

Chris Hamilton

Miles Moseley

James Boot Thomas

Derek Williams

every minute of it.” Three of the contestants, Dent, Brigman, and Derek Williams, shared the special bond of being members of the WCHS Class of ‘99. The three, egged on by fellow contestant, Class of ‘97 graduate and current city of Screven mayor, Jason Weaver, challenged each other in the weeks leading up to the competition to raise the most money possible to claim bragging rights and the title of People’s Choice. Utilizing social media as an innovative and effective means of fundraising, the trio together raised nearly $20,000 of the total proceeds, with Williams raising $9,000 individually. Jeremy Dent, the contestant who led the charge on social media and creative fundraising, commented, “we raised a load of money for a great cause, and that is what is

important. I also made some new lifelong friends.”

Nick Ellis, who serves as the Chair-Elect of the Club’s Board of Directors and who co-chaired the competition with board member Chris Hamilton, said “this group of men made sacrifices and put in a lot of time preparing to compete, raising money, securing sponsors, and practicing for the event. I’m thankful for the friendships and new partnerships with the men who participated and with our community supporters. For me, seeing everyone’s efforts come together for such a positive outcome reinforced my belief that time sacrificed usually turns out to be time well-invested, especially when it’s for the young people of our community.”

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Stacie Branch, Interstate Credit Union Georgia Credit Union Affiliates - Professional of the Year

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he CEO of Interstate Unlimited Federal Credit Union, Stacie Branch, was awarded Professional of the Year by the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates on March 31, 2019. The state trade association for credit unions gives awards each year recognizing outstanding contributions to Georgia credit unions and their members. The Professional of the Year award honors credit union professionals who most embody the credit union mission.

Nominations are submitted by peers and chosen by GCUA's board of directors.

Stacie was nominated by IUFCU’s Senior Vice President Pam Leggett for her “effective and involved Leadership.” "She is very hands-on and keeps abreast of all branches and departments," Pam emphasized. "You may find her on the phone calling delinquent accounts, approving loans or working the call center. Her goal is to see Interstate, its members and its employees succeed in all aspects.”

Under Stacie’s leadership the credit union has grown from $13 million to just over $180 million in assets and has improved its technological offerings, adding services such as online and mobile banking, audio response, e-statements and more.

Interstate Credit Union was chartered in 1968 by a group of employees from Interstate Paper LLC in Riceboro, Georgia. “Originally, the company was only able to serve employees of Interstate Paper LLC and we did so from a shoebox at John and Emma Jean Boatwright’s house in Jesup. Since then, we have opened five branch locations in Jesup, Baxley Midway, Hazlehurst and Brunswick,” Stacie explained.

“To be recognized by my peers is very special to me,” Stacie said. “I am fortunate to work for a credit union that celebrated 50 years of ‘people helping people’ this past year. I am truly humbled by this award, and am excited for the future of Interstate Credit Union”.

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GOVERNMENT

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A breath of fresh air

STORY BY CANDICE MCKINLEY

The City of Jesup took over management and ownership of the park and its facilities in October of 2017. City officials including commissioners Todd Stanley, Bill Harvey, Don Darden, Shirlene Armstrong, Nick Harris and Mayor David Earl Keith, among others, have implemented significant improvements to the area since then.

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racker Williams Park has been a staple in downtown Jesup for well over half a century, and home to thousands of community events throughout the years. And, while the park remains a popular place for families with young children, many of the park’s resources, including the public pool, community center, concessions area, changing rooms, office spaces and more have been closed due to unclear jurisdictional issues and escalating maintenance costs. However, the City of Jesup has begun to change all of that.

After the initial maintenance to preserve the park and its facilities, the first phase of the plan includes improvements to the park.

Improvements already completed or underway involve building new playground equipment, benches, tables and covered areas, which are being built by city employees.

Jesup’s mayor and city council approached community designers at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government about creating a plan for Cracker Williams Park that would supplement the greater Jesup RSVP (Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan) and build on previous plans for the park. The plan calls for elements such as a new playground area with fencing, renovations to the community center and other facilities, and repairing and reopening the community swimming pool.

The City of Jesup took over management and ownership of the park and its facilities in October of 2017. After a visit with local officials in February of 2018, community design professionals from the Carl Vinson Institute took a photographic inventory of the issues on the grounds of Cracker Williams and compiled a list of maintenance repairs, from mild issues such as a lack of mulch beneath playground equipment to serious issues like shattered windows, broken doors and evidence of illegal trespassing. According to the plan, “by taking action to address these pressing maintenance and security issues now, the community can stem further decay, prevent potential harm to visitors, and begin to build the momentum necessary to move forward with plans to improve the park.”

TAKING ACTION Plans to improve the park are already underway. The City of Jesup government officials and staff involved in the implementation include mayor David Earl Keith, city manager Mike Deal, downtown development director Molly Hall, and city commissioners Shirlene Armstrong, Don Darden, Nick Harris, Stanley Todd, Ray House, and Bill Harvey. In addition, the City employee responsible for overseeing all of this work is David Bohannon, with the public works department.

After the initial maintenance to preserve the park and its facilities, the first phase of the plan includes improvements to the park. Improvements already completed or underway involve building new playground equipment, benches, tables and covered areas, which

are being built by city employees. The park will also feature new fencing, “jellybeans,” covered picnic areas and will be disability accessible, with special swings and other equipment. A quarter-mile walking path will also weave throughout the park grounds.

Improvements to the main community center building have also begun. A new roof and windows have been installed and the kitchens and bathrooms have been gutted and are being completely renovated, including disability access. The City Council budgeted $500,000 for the 2018-2019 fiscal year to renovate the park and community center. The park was completed in May and the community center is scheduled to be completed shortly afterward, though a specific date has not been named.

Another area of Cracker Williams that will see improvement is the community pool. The City intends to begin construction on the pool, now closed and filled with dirt, after it receives final approval for a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant. Officials hope to receive $100,000 with a city match of $100,000. The new pool will not be as deep as it originally was but it will be sanctioned to hold swim team events.

City commissioner and chairman for the project Bill Harvey said, “Everyone has been proactive in this process, including all the commissioners, the mayor and City Manager Mike Deal. I’ve been working closely with Stanley Todd and Shirlene Armstrong, and everyone we’ve worked with has been very interested and involved, across the board.” Together, Harvey, Todd and Armstrong have been spearheading the project.

Additional long-term improvements for Cracker Williams Park include large canopy oak trees, an expanded parking island, splash pad, tennis court resurfacing, picnic shelters and much more.

According to the plan, moving now to preserve, maintain, and rehabilitate the community facilities at the heart of Cracker Williams Park will preserve the investment of local citizens ad dedicates this special place to Jesup’s citizens for many years to come.

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A Samaritan

Cross to Bear STORY BY ANGEL HARMON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTIE GENAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

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CRAFTSMAN

Thomas Martelle is a man all about faith, family and woodwork, and how it all comes together provides an opportunity for one great life!

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his inspiration behind the cross making, he shared, “I’m a believer.

I just feel that a cross makes people feel good...A lot of the stuff I make, I sell. Most of the crosses…I just give them away to different people.”

Nothing can express purity of heart more than an act of kindness with no intent of praise. It lifts the spirit of the giver and the receiver alike. “I have two daughters, they each go to a different church than I go to, and I’ve given my daughters at least 25-30 [crosses] apiece to give to their [fellow] parishioners,” he said.

Martelle makes at least 30 crosses at time, taking about three hours total to complete them all. They are all carved and sanded from different wood gathered around town, oak pallets from the city shop and Murphy’s hardware store, then stained for a natural-looking finish. He also uses black walnut, pine and red or multi-colored cedar from a friend who brings the wood from Missouri.

“I can’t tell you how much money I spent buying wood that didn’t turn out too good,” he laughed. “I’m not a carpenter. Before I got the Shopsmith, I couldn’t hammer a nail without bending it. I couldn’t cut a 2x4 without a handsaw without cutting it crooked.

Having a good piece of equipment makes a difference.”

On occasion, he makes specialty crosses that stand about 14-inches high. “I have 3 nails that I mount to the cross,” he shared, for emphasis of the crucifixion of Christ. “I’ve made about 40 to 50 of them. Those I sell because I have to make enough money back to buy more materials.”

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eing kind. Being honest. Being humble. These are some of the most important values that Thomas Martelle is making a genuine effort to live by each day.

He may not have created the concept of committing random acts of kindness, but he is well-known for defining the spirit behind it.

Martelle is smitten with the idea of custom wooden wares, primarily for crafting a variety of crosses. “I do it as a hobby. I really really enjoy it. I used to do bigger jobs, but that’s getting a little tough now at my age, so I do mostly crafts…,” he shared.

Martelle worked as a woodworker in 1988 while in Florida, doing a little carving and painting. With very little knowledge and experience, “I went down to one of the big malls in Hollywood, Florida. And they had a machine there, the ‘Shopsmith’...everything-in-one,” he said. “It’s amazing, the work that you’re able to turn out with that piece of equipment, because it’s so accurate.”

It wasn’t until he and his family relocated to Jesup in 2002, where he expanded his work, selling custom and one-of-a-kind jewelry boxes, furniture, birdhouses and other unique pieces.

“I’ve done just about everything. One of the things I built and donated to several organizations so they can auction them off, is a 4-way stop light birdhouse,” he shared.

His most-favored piece, the cross, is what you’ll see when driving around town, hanging on car mirrors. When asked about

With the vitality of a much younger man than his 82 years shows, he currently spends his days working part-time with the city of Jesup, cutting grass, trimming hedges, and maintaining the grounds near the train post. He attends St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and has the support of his wife, Carol, and their two daughters, Laura Miller and Michelle Ray. As an Army Veteran, he’s also a member of the American Legion, where he assists with flagpole duty at veteran funerals. Martelle credits the military for saving his life, “... no telling where I would be or what kind of shape I would be in if I hadn’t joined the military. It was a lifesaver, and it taught me discipline.”

He’s a man all about faith, family and woodwork, and how it all comes together provides an opportunity for one great life! This is not only for himself, but for the lives of those he impacts with his gifts. The woodwork keeps him busy, but because of his humility and his servant attitude for cross-making, he’s able to continuously bless others daily.

Martelle makes at least 30 crosses at time, taking about three hours total to complete them all.

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NO HOLDS BARRED

STORY BY JADE BROWN PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM

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SPORTS

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We seek to instill a personal and communal set of values into these young men and women. Our program stresses accountability in every facet of their young lives. We seek to enhance their value of self-worth and self-confidence through sport.

In the fall of the 2019 school year, Wayne County High School (WCHS) offered students an opportunity to participate in a new sport never before offered at WCHS: wrestling.

David Poinsett, head wrestling coach, said that the athletic department wanted to offer something that would appeal to students who might not participate in traditional high school sports and something that would appeal to students from a variety of backgrounds.

Wrestling proved to be the right choice, as there were 46 students who participated in the program. “From a number standpoint that was a tremendous turnout for a first-year program and even more staggering when you look at the programs that offer wrestling in our area. We had one of the larger wrestling programs in the area,” explains Coach Poinsett.

The main focus of this first year was growth and development.

To begin with, the coaches knew they would need to start from scratch, teaching the athletes everything from what to wear,

to fundamentals of the sport. The team worked extensively on stretching, conditioning, and learning unfamiliar skills. Coach Poinsett and Assistant coach, Tim Pratt, decided early on that the best strategy they could implore would be to get the team to master a few fundamentals that would support their efforts to be competitive on the mat, rather than getting engrossed in trying to teach many different techniques.

Perhaps more important than the training regimen the team endured was each wrestler’s sheer desire. The desire to learn and grow, to compete, to win. Even now in the off-season, Coach Poinsett says that wrestlers are waiting at the door of the training facility after school wanting to get in to practice. On any given day, 15-17 students are choosing to come out to practice. No one is telling them to be there; they want to be there. Co-Captain, senior Brendan Wild, describes this desire as a sense of responsibility for both one’s self and one’s team. He says, “Wrestling is a sport that demands the best of an individual, instilling pride Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Will Cordero vs Charlton County 1st Win in Wayne County History

"Our long-range goal is to have individuals who go through our program to become good people who care about others and are servant leaders within our community"

and work ethic in those who truly give it their all.” Throughout the season, he says that the wrestlers learned to accept and take responsibility for their failures. As a senior participating in this inaugural season, he says, “this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for making our first year an exceptional one.”

Against all odds, at the very first competition of the season, Wayne County versus Charlton County, one of the senior wrestlers, William Cordero, won his match. From there, the team continued to experience success ending their season with a dual (team) championship record of 8-12-1. Additionally, the team sent three individual wrestlers in three weight divisions to the Individual State Championship Tournament: Co-Captain, Camren Ryals (126 lbs), Hayden Beasley (170 lbs), and Zane Mansfield (195 lbs). Coach Poinsett describes the feelings he had during the state tournament with pride, “Watching Camren Ryals, our 126-pound wrestler, at the State Individual Championships in Macon was one of the highlights of the season. There were 5,000 people there to watch his match, and other matches, in a 10-mat format on the floor of the coliseum. As he was stepping on the mat, Craig Cothern (Wayne County High Alumni), grabbed the microphone and announced to the whole coliseum that this was the first time in recent GHSA history that a first-year wrestling program placed a competitor in the state wres94

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tling championships (Ryals went 1-1 in the state tournament).

Next year holds more improvements for the program. A combined Arthur Williams and Martha Puckett Middle School Wrestling Program will be offered for the 2019-2020 school year. This will help to grow athletes in the fundamental skills of wrestling prior to coming to the high school program and will allow the high school program to focus on more advanced techniques. Additionally, the high school team has increased its strength of schedule for the upcoming season in an effort to be more prepared for the type of competition they saw at the state level.

Though winning matches is important to Coach Poinsett and Coach Pratt, it is not the focus of their program. They are seeking a much nobler purpose. Coach Poinsett says, “We seek to instill a personal and communal set of values into these young men and women. Our program stresses accountability in every facet of their young lives.

We seek to enhance their value of self-worth and self-confidence through sport. Competition wise we seek to be a group of individuals who win with humility and lose with grace. Our long-range goal is to have individuals who go through our program to become good people who care about others and are servant leaders within our community who recognize that giving back is more important than what they can get out of something.”

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Show Me the Livestock!

STORY BY ANGEL HARMON

Here in Wayne County, showing swine is not merely a competition, but a lifestyle to many aspiring livestock and agricultural leaders including, (front row) Landon Harper, Blake Chadwick, Karson Arnold, Morgan Boatright, Jada Dent, Kayle Arnold, Sadie Evans, Randy Harper; (back row) Savannah Beasley, Emily Beasley, Abby Gay, Dylan Dent, Desmond Sapp, Jaden Sapp, and Aubrey Evans.

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career path into Swine Reproduction.” Show students put forth hours of hard work, dedication and passion to be a part of the exhibition held annually in February. They even raise their own prize money for the livestock shows by getting donations and by selling pork chop plates.

The Wayne County Livestock Show promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports the youth, and showcases Southern heritage. “Showing and exhibiting livestock on a state and national level has broadened my knowledge in the livestock and agricultural industries tremendously,” said Dylan Dent, Wayne County FFA president. “Showing swine has ultimately geared my

“I enjoy winning belt buckles, platters and money,” said Beasley.

“I learned to never give up and hard work pays off.” In 2015, the Wayne County team started with 17 students and 25 shows. This past year, the number of participants may have slowly risen to 24, but the number of exhibitions has tripled to 75. On average, students spend about two hours per day throughout the year, prepping for shows by feeding, training, trimming, exercising and washing their hogs. The students spend about $800 per hog for shows, with over $60,000 invested for market hog projects last year alone.

While at showings, the students’ hogs are judged based on proving effective training in the ring, and physical appearance.

aising quality animals is a difficult task, taught with old-school wisdom and complex science. Here in Wayne County, showing swine is not merely a competition, but a lifestyle to many aspiring livestock and agricultural leaders. Twenty-four students from Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H joined forces to raise funds and collaborate on this past year’s local pig showing. “On show days, we are always working together as a county and cheering each other on,” said Emily Beasley, 5th grader at Odum Elementary School.

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AGRICULTURE

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2019 Georgia National Jr. Stock Show Showmanship winners Emily Beasley, Dylan Dent and Jada Dent.

Showmanship proves well when the right amount of time and effort is put into action. Karson Arnold, 5th grader at Odum Elementary won a class ribbon this year at the State 4-H and FFA show, that led to a grand victory at the Division show. “I spend a lot of time with my pigs, feeding and exercising them...Showing also requires time spent on their hair skin care so that the pig will look its best on show day,” said Karson.

Many would describe these youth development experiences as opportunity that promotes and teaches leadership and life skills, as proven by Jada Dent, Martha Puckett Middle School 4-H president.

She shared that showing livestock has taught her the importance of hard work and dedication. She said, “I would not be who I am today if it was not for my pigs and the infinite lessons they have taught me.”

Jada and Dylan are siblings that built a powerful bond because of the time spent training and raising swine. They both share similar thoughts about each other as far as growth, independence and stability within their ranks of 4-H. One thing that all of the participants could agree on, is that nothing is more fun than being at a livestock show with friends and family.

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Come see us at our new location!

JESUP

360 Peachtree Street Jesup, GA 31545 912.559.2071 Waycross 2003 Alice Street Waycross, GA 31501 912.285.0053

We treat several conditions, and take pride in our one-on-one approach to Physical Therapy. Just remember its your choice on where to go for your Physical Therapy needs. Give SMART a call!

Garrett Pye, PT, Certiied D.N. • Voted Wayne County's Favorite 2019

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We accept all major insurance, Medicare, Medicare HMOs & Worker’s Compensation

UNIVERSAL ELECTRIC COMPANY T.J. & Shirley Padgett, Owners

Electrical/HVAC Contractors Industrial and Commercial

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1923 East Cherry Street Jesup, GA 31546 universaloffice@uec-electric.com

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rtist Emily Hendrix loves painting family portraits of her loves ones, including this oil painting, entitled “Sweet Summertime,” which includes her daughter, Natalie.

The visual arts have been blooming this season! From the opening of the new Wayne County Arts Council building and opening reception of the Art and Soul art show to the colorful displays at the City of Jesup’s First Friday: Downtown Jesup Art Walk! Local artists have been hard at work to make our community a more vibrant and beautiful place to live. Also in this issue of Arts & Culture, Artist Emily Hendrix has been putting her art lessons from Dot Kenerly and Linda Kenerly Wasdin to good use and artist Candice McKinley opens up about what it means to stay motivated.

"Sweet Summertime" - oil painting by Emily Hendrix

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Arts

“Gathering Honey” – oil painting

by Emily Hendrix

& CULTURE

Artist Spotlight: Emily Hendrix STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CANDICE MCKINLEY

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hen friend Jenny Thomas said that Dot Kenerly could teach her how to paint, Emily Hendrix said that she just didn’t believe that.

“I couldn’t even draw a stick figure,” she said with conviction. Four years later, Emily’s work is now prominently displayed at her husband’s doctors office in Jesup. And, while there are figure paintings, none of them resemble sticks.

Thanks to Jenny’s introduction, Emily met the beloved local artist and teacher Dot Kenerly in 2015 when she came for her first lesson on D-Dot’s back porch.

“What do you think you can paint,” Dot inquired.

“I don’t know how to paint,” Emily replied.

“You just paint something,” Dot answered succinctly.

And so, Emily painted an egret in a hay field for her first painting. One of Dot’s techniques for her students was to have the student draw out a sketch of what they wanted to paint, cut it out and then position the cutout at different locations on the canvas until the student found a pleasing arrangement. Emily laughed as

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she described how different her painting turned out from the original concept.

“The painting was ugly—but it was the most fun I had ever had,” she said. “I wasn’t good. But I knew if I stuck with it, I’d get better.”

Emily now studies with Dot’s daughter, Linda Kenerly Wasdin, at Studio Red in downtown Jesup, after D-Dot’s passing in 2017. “[Emily] is extremely determined,” said Linda of her student. “If it doesn’t work, she starts over again. She sits quietly in her corner of the studio and sets her own challenges for herself.”

In addition, Emily’s mother and 13-yearold daughter also receive lessons from Linda, influenced by Emily’s love of the arts, and she now enjoys being able to teach her children about color relationships and other aspects of the arts. She says the best thing she ever did was marry her husband, Dr. Lance Hendrix…and the second best thing she ever did? Begin taking art lessons with Dot and Linda.

Emily has painted a variety of subjects, including several South Georgia landscape pieces. Her favorite subjects to paint currently are her family members and she is in the beginning stages of painting a new portrait of her children.

“My Fishing Buddy” – oil painting by Emily Hendrix

Emily studies each week under local artist Linda Wasdin at Studio Red in downtown Jesup.

“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”

–Vincent Van Gogh

Specializing in minimally invasive treatment of venous and arterial disorders. Wayne County’s choice for expert vascular care since 2006.

J. Sheppard Mondy III, MD, RVT, FACS 166 Memorial Drive Jesup, Georgia 31545

(912) 352-VEIN (8346) www.savannahvascular.com ww

welcome

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: Sunday Sunday School Morning Worship Evening Worship

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Wednesday Family Night Supper Choir Practice AWANA Youth Adult

5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:15 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM

Rev. Vann Dempsey, Pastor • Rev. Gary Johnson, Children/Administration • Rev. Mark Santana, Youth/Associate Pastor • Bruce Harris, Director of Music

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 415 East Cherry Street, Jesup, GA. 31546 | cbcjesup.org | (912) 427-2366 Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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YOUR MEDICAL HOME

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Gooey’s Pizza 912-427-0060 gooeyspizza.com

Angel’s Fine Dining 912-427-9123 angelsfinedining.com

Arts

I

& CULTURE

Maintaining Motivation

am a seeker. I like to research new concepts that will make me a better artist and human being. Most of the time this is a good thing, like when I learn something that I didn’t know. Other times, however, seeking is a distraction, a way I try to convince myself that what I think isn’t enough so I should borrow the ideas of someone “smarter.” I’ll admit--deep down, sometimes I fear that the expression of my authentic thoughts will become fodder for those with too much time on their hands. I have to remind myself that’s a mental distortion many people experience when faced with their own originality—and I made a choice long ago not to stand in another person’s shadow.

Recently, I had to redefine a fundamental question about my purpose:

Why am I an artist? ...and travel 80,000 leagues below the surface to face my toughest critic and reclaim my inspiration.

In the midst of a creative block, I’m still motivated to express myself—to be understood fulfills a human need. Over the years, I’ve learned to honor my thoughts and emotions, using them artistically to work through the “Big Questions” of human growth and potential. Artistic expression draws both the artist and the viewer out of our shells to have meaningful conversations we wouldn’t have felt comfortable having otherwise.

For my work, art is the motivation to uncover meaning. For the artist, there is meaning in the expression of a brush stroke. It’s not whatever, it’s a form of communication. On a fundamental level, I’m saying, it’s important to me to have this conversation with you because in this moment, we are alive, sharing something that makes this life meaningful. I can no longer have these meaningful discussions with my grandparents, they are both gone now. I can only hope that the discussions we did have were meaningful enough to understand one another while they were here.

There was a time when I felt that I didn’t have a voice. I thought “they” were wiser than me and that I never had enough information to have an informed opinion about the world. I discovered, through art, that I had ideas important enough for me to examine, even if no one else cared about them. I learned how to combine visual symbols on a canvas in order to express a complete thought. Interestingly, whatever “Big Question” I had been trying to understand was answered by the time the artwork was complete--I had internalized the lesson by tinkering with different elements until they expressed a statement of value—a truth. The Spirit is a masterful communicator. All the answers I’ll ever need can be found within. If that’s not a reason to stay motivated, I don’t know what is.

Lion Study #6 (2019) by artist Candice McKinley

“PUSH YOURSELF, BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO DO IT FOR YOU.”

Understanding that the answers are found within means asking the right questions to uncover them. I could come up with a Top 10 list of ways to stay motivated (sleeping for eight hours, exercising, etc…) but it has been my experience that lasting changes happen on a deeper level, by asking one’s self the right questions--questions that are personally meaningful.

Candice McKinley | Candiceartdesign.com

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ESTABLISHED 1972

Seated: Shirlene Armstrong, Commissioner District 1 David Earle Keith, Mayor Mike Deal, City Manager Standing: Mike Conner, City Attorney Nick Harris, Commissioner District 3 Don Darden, Commissioner District 2 Bill Harvey, Commissioner District 6 Rose Jackson, City Clerk Ray House, Commissioner District 5

CITY OF 912-427-1313 162 E. Cherry Street Jesup, GA 31545 www.jesupga.gov

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Arts

Artist: Laura Cooper

& CULTURE

First Friday

Art Walk Artist: Sydney Hardenstein

Artist: April Poppell

Artist: Giana Eden

Artists: The Bucket Ladies

Artist: Angel Thomas

Artist: Patti Feldman

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he City of Jesup’s First Friday: Downtown Jesup Art Walk added even more color to the alleyway beside Angel’s Fine Dining this June. The Art Walk consisted of a variety of art-related activities and art displays from locals Wayne County artists. The “mural maze” consisted of more than 20 local artist’s work on large-scale 8’x4’canvases lining the alleyway on Macon Street.

Artwork was also featured at The Berry Patch, Britches & Bows, Magnolia Grove Medical Spa and One Love Island & Soul Food.

Jesup Downtown Director Molly Hall said, “We are in love with the fabulous works of art by our amazing local artists!”

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“Global Impact - Local Pride” 2075 Sunset Blvd. • Jesup, GA 31545 912-588-2626 • www.NovaThin.com

Dr. Headley is a board-certified Family Physician and has served patients and their families in Wayne County since 2002.

Headley Family Medicine makes it possible for you and the people you care about to live longer, healthier lives!

Whether you or a family member is coping with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis, emphysema, diabetes, or the common cold, our emp staff, led by William Headley, MD, offers the best care and treatment for each patient. Our patients are able to rely on and trust the medical advice they provide.

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 825 S. 1st Street •Jesup, GA 31545

William V. Headley, Jr. MD FAAFP

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912-427-7400 www.jesupdoctor.com

Arts

& CULTURE

Art & Soul Antonia and Dr. Jeffery Harris

Artists Shellie Wasdin Brown and Linda Wasdin

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he Wayne County Arts Council opened the doors to its new location in April, followed by the much-anticipated opening reception of the “Art and Soul” art show. Artists from Wayne and the surrounding area displayed their work to the public for the two-day show. The artists were invited to participate in a fine art show designed to “encourage excellence in the visual arts and to showcase the work of dedicated local artists.”

The event was hosted by the Wayne County Arts Council and sponsored by the Georgia Council for the Arts, the City of Jesup, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Wayne Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jesup Downtown Development Authority and Rayonier Advanced Materials. The Wayne County Arts Council is now located at 192 W. Pine St. in Jesup.

Monica O'Quinn and Ronnie Ogden

Heidi Thomas and artist Angel Thomas

Angela Dulaney and Tahir Dulaney

Artist Nancy Lancy

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SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING INCOME TAX PREPARATION FINANCIAL CONSULTING G OVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING & AUDITING Chris & Cale Harris, Owners

(912) 427-3791 JESUP: 274 SW Broad Street P.O. Box 448 Jesup, GA 31598 Phone: (912) 427-3791 Fax: (912) 427-8760

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Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Rates may vary based on individual credit worthiness.

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Travel A walk in His shoes

STORY BY CANDICE MCKINLEY

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T R AV E L

The High Priest Caiaphas' House in Gallicantu. The Latin name “ Gallicantu” means “the rooster’s crow,” named for the disciple Peter’s three denials of Christ at this location and the rooster crowing twice.

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The Mount of Olives rises 250 feet above the Temple Mount, providing a great panoramic view of the old city of Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives is where Jesus and His disciples went after the Last Supper. The Garden of Gethsemane is also located at the foot of this mount.

Thorns of an Acacia tree. This is the " crown of thorns" Jesus wore during the crucifixion, and it is also thought to be the wood used to make the Ark of the Covenant.

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allory NeSmith had the opportunity of a lifetime recently when she traveled to Israel to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and His followers. The 11-day trip was “go, go, go” from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida hosted the event and Mallory and 66 other travelers explored holy sites in Nazareth, Galilee, Jericho, Jerusalem among others.

“It was an experience that is hard to put into words, even now,” Mallory said. Like many life-changing events, words cannot describe the emotional and spiritual experience of an awakening, or a shift in perception. It must be felt.

Only when another person has experienced the same event, can the two parties feel that what they have experienced has been understood by another person. “This trip pulled the curtain back and corrected the image I had of God, of Jesus Christ, and of myself,” said Mallory.

The Sea of Galilee. This is where Jesus is believed to have calmed a storm and walked on water. Due to winds that come off of hills to the East, this “sea” can quickly become transformed into a violent storm with 10-foot waves, recorded even recently. The Sea of Galilee is more accurately described as a lake and it is Israel’s most important dource of drinking water.

Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in the old city of Jerusalem. The original dome collapsed in 1015 and was rebuilt in 1022-23, and is, in its core, one of the oldest surviving works of Islamic architecture.

She made the 6,000-mile journey a personal one. Her husband, Chad, had already made the trek several years earlier when the couple’s children were very young so Mallory traveled in the company of fellow church-goers. “My favorite part was meeting and getting to know the people I was traveling with,” she said. The pastor-guides told the group not to miss out on the most holy part of the trip—the people they were traveling with and their companions in the experience. “I met a lot of people that I will be connected with for life,” she added.

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Caesarea Phillipi is the location of a large spring feeding into the Jordan River. The spring used to gush from a large iconic cave that people believed was a passageway in and out of Hell, giving it the nickname, the “gates of Hell.” Caesarea Phillipi is where Jesus said, “upon this rock, I will build my church.”

The Road to Jericho—the city of Jericho is considered one the world’s oldest inhabited cities, with references in the book of Genesis dating back five thousand years before the biblical Abraham. This is the road where the Good Samaritan parable took place.

Remnants of the original Solomon’s Temple are said to have been discovered on Temple Mount, including a few fragments of pottery, pips ad bone dating back some 2600 years ago. A secret Israeli archaeological dig in 2016 unearthed the first artefacts conclusively dated to Solomon’s Temple. The dig was done with the permission of the Islamic organization that controls the Dome of the Rock.

Image of a first-century manger, such as Jesus is believed to have been born in.

Garden Tomb is believed to be Jesus's empty tomb, located outside the city walls of Jerusalem.

Temple Mount is where Jesus is said to have responded in righteous anger after having witnessed His Father’s temple being transformed into a marketplace for sacrificial animals. The “wailing wall” (also known as the Western Wall) is part of the remaining structure of the Temple Mount from the time of the second temple.

Mallory NeSmith and fellow Eleven22 churchgoers at the Mount of Olives.

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Providing obedience and specialty training for Wayne and surrounding Counties.

912-294-0323 altamahacanineconsulting.com

Woman’s Only Personal Training Studio “Passionate, Professional, Proven, RESULTS!”

Cassy Langley, Owner

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roYal pools of Jesup Life is Better by the Pool Your pool and spa professionals

286 Lanes Bridge Road Jesup, Georgia 31545 (912) 385-2530 royalpoolsofjesup.com

Visit Wayne County Farmers Market

DARIO CRUZ

for the freshest vegetables and fruits as well as many other locally grown and homemade products including baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, plants and much, much more!

Tree Removal • Trimming, Vinyl Siding & Metal Rooong

Tree & Brush Removal Before & After

Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

(Subject to Change)

912-256-2332 533 North First Street • Jesup, GA 31545 114

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Free Estimates: 912-415-1008

Cell: 912-415-1482 • 428 White Star • Screven, GA 31560

TALK OF THETOWN S h o w c a s i n g W ay n e C o u n t y ’ s P e o p l e a n d E v e n t s

PrimeSouth Bank Recognized PrimeSouth Bank was recognized by the Coastal Area District Development Authority for winning the First Place SBA-504 Loans Award (Small Business Administration) and Second Place for the Greatest Economic Contribution for the region. Accepting the award on behalf of PrimeSouth are (L-R) Randy Teston, Curtis Tumlin, Cliff Knowlton, and Steve Stipe.

Wolfe Animal Hospital Building New Regional Animal Health Facility Wolfe Animal Hospital broke ground on their 11,000 square foot regional animal health facility on May 8, 2019. The facility will also include a full services pet spa as well as a doggy daycare and luxury pet boarding which will be located at 1313 West Cherry Street between Altamaha Nursing Home and the Georgia Forestry Commission.

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Chamber Celebrated its 10th Annual Taste of Wayne on Thursday, March 14, 2019

The Annual Taste of Wayne continued its streak of success with a night of great food, fellowship and fun while reaching a record high in attendance,” said Alan Volskay, Event Chair and Vice Chair of Special Projects for the Chamber. This year’s event, a black and gold masquerade theme, included fine dining from thirteen local restaurants, silent and live auctions, a cash raffle and live music. Attendees spent time networking, browsing and bidding on auction items and enjoying live music from local harpist, AmieeMarie Brubaker.

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Proceeds from the event help fund the services provided by the Chamber each year. “This event would not be possible without the participation from our local restaurants and the generous support of our sponsors and donors,” explained Deena Bennett, Executive Director. “We especially want to thank our presenting sponsor, NeSmith Chevrolet of Jesup, along with other exclusive sponsors Coastal Pines Technical College, Altamaha Federal Credit Union, Rayonier Advanced Materials, Marshland Credit Union, Chemours, Country Financial – Shaun O’Quinn and Murphy Builders Supply.”

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1. Heart’s Desire Bakery – “Best Bite” award 2. JaJe’s Place – “Cutting Edge” award 3. JaJe’s Place – “Judges’ Choice” award 4. One Love Caribbean Restaurant – “People’s Choice” award 5. Southern Weddings – “Best Tablescape” award 6. Watermelon Creek – “Silver Spoon” award 7. Steve & Jodi Ammons 8. Holly & Shaun O’Quinn 9. Adrienne Manning, Barbara Daniels, Harley Weaver, Jason Weaver, Mike & Michelle Hargrove 10. DJ Jones, Holly Jones, Ryan Jones, Morgan Jones, Leanna Westberry, Davis Westberry 11. Denise Hockingsmith, Marylynn Tinsley, Erin Franks & Janet Sullivan 12. Chad & Mallory NeSmith 13. Journee Jordan, Gracie Jordan 14. Molly Hall and Debbie Smith 15. John & Connie Riddle

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A Night to Shine

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urning Point Worship Center hosted the 2019 Night to Shine for Wayne and surrounding counties February 8 at the Coastal Pines Technical College in partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. The prom night experience included a red-carpet experience, limo rides, make up, shoe shine, photo booth with props, dinner, dancing, and the grand finale of each guest being crowned king or queen of the night.

The local committee set a budget of $20,000 for the event

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in an effort to provide a first class, VIP treatment for each special guest. Hundreds of volunteers from in and outside of Wayne County volunteered to assist with being a buddy for each special guest, security, decorations, registration, food, media, and various other needs. Some volunteers traveled from Texas and New York to be a part of the event to serve.

Turning Point has been selected to host Night to Shine again in February 2020. For more information, visit turningpoint.nighttoshine.com. Main photography by Mandy Davidson

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BBQ & Blues at the Market

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elebrating its fifth year in operation, the Wayne County Farmers Market’s 2019 season debuted in April! With local lettuce, kale, flowers, vegetable plants and more from the Boys and Girls Club Garden to baked goods at Penny’s Bakery and Heart’s Desire, Uncanny Cannery’s jams and jellies, fresh local honey, strawberries, blueberries and regional produce, it has been a huge success!

To keep all of these great products coming to the community, the market must remain financially sustainable, and the market’s board is working hard to do that. They wanted this year’s fundraising event, “BBQ & Blues” to be a fun occasion. And it was—an evening of fabulous food, awesome local music by Jeff Chandler and Ian Short, a silent auction with a wonderful variety

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of items, and a fun 50/50 raffle that netted the winner and the market over $200 each! The entire event was a great show of community support.

1. Erica Madray with puppy Elvis Nolan 2. Candee Harris and Janet Keith 3. Mark Watson, Alan Volskay, Zoe Smith, Debbie Smith, Jan Arwood 4. Charlee Madray 5. Nick Harris, Eddie Williams, Bill Harvey 6. Jeff Chandler and Ian Short

Gopher's offers delicious food, good conversations, and an inviting small town atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional tr Southern cuisine.

Catering Available

(912) 530-7516 | Fax: (912) 427-2429 1907 Sunset Blvd. | Jesup, Ga 31545

515 W JL Tyre Street • Screven, Georgia 31560 • (912) 579-2785

“Real Estate Is OO Only Business”

LOCALLY OWNED • LOCALLY INVESTED Brands you know & trust from people you know & trust Owners Shelsea & Glen Pond

912-256-REST www.magicmattressandhomefurniture.com In the plaza beside Walmart • 114 Allison St, Jesup GA 31545 Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Congressman Buddy Carter Reception

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reception to honor and thank Congressman Buddy Carter was held at The Bistro at the Historic Strand Theater in June. Eighteen hosts were instrumental in organizing the event organized by Ralph and Jamie Hickox with Susan Goehring coordinating the menu.

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1. Cary & Carmen Jones, Kelly Shanklin, Congressman Buddy Carter, Clay Bethea 2. Brian Griffis and Shaun O’Quinn 3. Ralph & Jamie Hickox 4. Missi Fountain, Jodi Ammons, Rindy Trapnell, Connie Riddle 5. Jeannie & Mike Long 6. State Representative Bill Werkheiser, Congressman Buddy Carter, State Representative Steven Meeks 7. Melanie Harris, Nell & Billie Clanton 8. Connie Riddle, Terri Brake, Congressman Buddy Carter, Kevin Brake

Full SSvice Landscape CCpany SSving Wayne CCnty and the GGden Isles

Our goal is to offer the highest standard of dental care to our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment.

Dr. Hugh and staff work together to establish happiness, self-esteem, comfort and optimal dental health for each of our patients. We strive to be efficient and encouraging while creating

beautiful smiles.

(912) 427-7072

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

1549 S. US Hwy 341 • Jesup, GA 31545 131 Newman Drive • Brunswick, GA 31520

912-530-6652 carterlandservices.com

Specializing in Therapeutic Massage & Neuromuscular Therapy Call today for your appointment!

Paula Walker, LMT • 912-294-2453 • lmtpaula@hotmail.com Jodie Quinn, LMT • 912-424-0768 • themassagecottage31545@gmail.com

192 E. Cherry Street • Jesup, GA 31545 themassagecottagega.com

912-427-3746

www.jesupproperty.com kathyanderson@jesupproperty.com Showcasing Your Community's Personality

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Daughters of the American Revolution Luncheon

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he ladies of the Altamaha Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution had the opportunity to enjoy author and guest speaker Pamela Bauer Mueller talk about Mary Musgrove during their April luncheon. Altamaha Chapter Regent Jan Hediger welcomed everyone to the event and introduced Mueller,

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who read An Angry Drum Echoed: Mary Musgrove, Queen of the Creeks. Mueller has won three Georgia Author of the Year titles, three Mom’s Choice and Children’s Choice gold medals, Independent Publisher Gold Book awards, and other national awards with Writer’s Digest and ForeWord magazines.

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1. Sybil Lynn & Helen Aberle 2. Julia Burch & Carmen Jones 3. Kimberly Jones, Dottie Yeomens, Barbara Pole, Barbara Sellers 4. Leslie Riggins, Noelle Pinaquy, Franceen Webb 5. Carter Morton & Jeff Fenn

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6. Deborah Feen, Mary Ogden, & Jacque Galloni 7. Julia Burch, Jan Hediger and Marcia Vincent 8. Leola Herrin 9.Monica O’Quinn and Miriam Murray 10. Alice Barnhill Walker, Nancy Kolar, Linda Williamson, Julia Burk, Helen Aberle 11. Julia &Jack Burk 12. Pamela Bauer Mueller 13. Monica O’Quinn, Leola Herrin, Jan Hediger, Pam Mueller, Julia Burch, Miriam Murray, Nancy Kolar

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MURPHY

BUILDERS SUPPLY “Buy Where the Builders Buy”

SSving Wayne CCnty ff Ovv 70 Yees for your coastal living real estate needs

(912) 269-3197

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

melinda@hcrega.com

ROBERT A. PUMPELLY, IV, MD

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(912) 427-9568 156 NE BROAD STREET • JESUP, GA 31546

Respecting People.

Impacting Business.

124 MEMORIAL DRIVE

JESUP, GA 31545

912-427-4413

Accepting New Patients

212 First Street • Jesup, GA

912.580.9874

TALK OF THETOWN

STEM STUDENTS TOUR RAYONIER Story by Kelly Shanklin In February, the Jesup plant hosted the local middle schools’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Clubs. A total of 29 students and three teachers from Martha Puckett Middle School and Arthur Williams Middle School experienced several different STEM stations, all representing various processes that occur within our organization.

The tour was organized into eight stations. Students saw an Ethers Demonstration with Dr. Sabornie Chatterjee and Dr. Larissa Fenn. An environmental color demonstration with Brian Mooney and Deborah Oder showed them how Rayonier tests for color in the discharge. They also got to see and touch an overview of RYAM products and customer products put together by Tonya Elium showing the students some of the consumer products they use everyday that have Rayonier pulp in them.

Wayne County Exchange Club 19th Annual Golf Tournament

Winners of the tournament are David Earl Keith, Dale Keith, Aiden and Greg Jones.

In May, the Wayne County Exchange Club held their 19th annual golf tournament. Proceeds from the event supported the Exchange Club’s focus on Child Abuse Prevention. “We appreciate all of our members who dedicated their time and effort to make this event a success. We are united in our efforts to invest in our children today for a brighter tomorrow for us all,” said Heather NeSmith, club president.

The next station highlighted the use of vibration equipment and the importance of proper lubrication with demonstrations

by Norris Fuller, Josh Runyon, Jose Martinez, Carey Surrency, and David Denison. At Station 5, we showed different chip types and tree differences with the help of Chris Carey who brought different kinds of chips and tree samples to see if the students could tell the difference. He briefly discussed how the different chips affect our final product.

Science can be safe and fun! In Station 6, with Susan Shinall and Dr. Priyanka Bhattacharya, we talked about Rayonier processes then there was an electrical demonstration with electricians Ray Davidson and Barry LaRoche. Ray and Barry brought electrical tools and equipment that they work with daily. Finally, the students saw Process Controls with Tim Albert. Tim highlighted the math behind finding the center of the finished roll with the plugging robot.

Rayonier is planning another tour this Fall and possibly including students from neighboring counties.

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Index 113

Altamaha Canine Consulting, LLC

108

Altamaha Federal Credit Union

altamahacanineconsulting.com

Angel's Fine Dining

123

Armstrong Family Dentistry

5

Bone & Joint Institure of South Georgia

104

Boykin Steel & Crane

101

Calvary Baptist Church

123

Carter Land Services

76

Chemours

104

City of Jesup

62

Magnolia Grove Medical Spa

113

Main Street Frame Shop

76

Mark Westberry Construction & Renovation

jesupdentist.com

54

Mattie Geneaux Photography

126

Melinda Lively Laager, Realtor

boykinsteel.com

82

Mine and Yours Boutique

cbcjesup.org

95

Misty's Pharmacy

126

Murphys Builders Supply

chemours.com

74

Nephrology of the Golden Isles

jesupga.gov

36

Nesmith Chevrolet

18

Partners Risk Services

1

Prime South Bank

61

R & R Auto & Camper Sales

bjisg.com

carterlandservices.com

23

Coastal Medial Equipment & Uniforms

86

Coastal Oral Surgery

3

Coastal Pines Technical College

114

Dario Cruz, Tree & Vinyl Siding

41

Rayonier Advanced Materials

55

Designs by Deidre

74

Dipreta Dermatology

106

EAM Corporation

121

Elite Pain Center

capesoralsurgery.com coastalpines.edu

7

Renue Plastic Surgery

dipretadermatology.com

126

Robert A. Pumpelly, IV, MD

novathin.com

114

Royal Swimming Pools

101

Savannah Vascular Institute

IFC

Shaun O'Quinn Country Financial

98

SMaRT Physical Therapy

tobefitmiss.com

BC

Southeast Georgia Health System

gaderm.com

123

The Massage Cottage

expresspros.com

126

Express Employment

81

Farmers Insurance, Barry Crocker

82

FitMiss Personal Training & Health Club

86

Georgia Dermatology

121

Gopher's BBQ

108

Harris & Company, P.C.

121

Harris Real Estate

123

Harrison Real Estate Agency, Inc.

magnoliagrovemedicalspa.com

angelsfinedining.com

altamaha.org

102

of Advertisers

genauxphotography.com

mistyspharmacy.com murphybuildersupply.com nephrologyofthegoldenisles.com nesmithjesup.com partnersrs.com primesouth.com rrautosalesinc.com rayonieram.com renuemd.com royalswimmingpools.com savannahvascular.com countryfinancial.com smartptga.com sghs.com themassagecottagega.com

113

Through Christ Fit

harriscocpas.com

75

Tim's Home Medical

harris-realty.net

98

Universal Electric

jesupproperty.com

30

Wayne County Board of Commissioners

timshomemedicaljesup.com waynecountyga.us

106

Headley Family Medicine

jesupdoctor.com

67

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce

9

Hospice of South Georgia

hospicesoga.org

114

Wayne County Farmers Market

10

Interstate Credit Union

iufcu.org

102

Wayne Family Practice

29

K. Lyn Photography

kristenlynphotography.photos

IBC

Wayne OB/GYN

81

Leah L. Jones, P.C.

121

Magic Mattress

waynechamber.com

waynefamilypractice.com jesupobgyn.com

magicmattressandhomefurniture.com

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

128

Wayne County Magazine

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1

Your Community Care Experts.

Trust your care to specialists who understand your needs and know all about your community.

We’ve been here in Jesup for years building relationships and continuously expanding to better serve our patients.

When you or a loved one needs expert, compassionate care, turn to the dedicated doctors at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates. We’ll provide personalized care centered on your needs.

And, our strategic affiliation with Southeast Georgia Health System means you’ll have access to advanced technology and procedures close to home.

Abraham Cheong, M.D. Hematology & Oncology

Duane P. Moores, M.D. Hematology & Oncology

Rafael Alba Yunen, M.D. Pulmonary Medicine

Stephen A. Chitty IV, M.D. Pulmonary Medicine

Southeast Georgia Physician Associates 125 Peachtree Street, Jesup, GA 31545 Hematology & Oncology 912-588-1073 Pulmonary Medicine 912-466-5504 © 2019 SGHS

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